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Non GAA Discussion => General discussion => Topic started by: Donnellys Hollow on October 27, 2009, 05:26:16 PM

Title: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on October 27, 2009, 05:26:16 PM
39-man panel for Ireland's upcoming Guinness Series of internationals against Australia, Fiji and South Africa:

Tommy Bowe (Ospreys)
Neil Best (Northampton Saints)
Tony Buckley (Shannon/Munster)
Darren Cave (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
Tom Court (Malone/Ulster)
Sean Cronin (Buccaneers/Connacht)*
Leo Cullen (Blackrock College/Leinster)
Gordon D'Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster)
Gavin Duffy (Galwegians/Connacht)
Keith Earls (Young Munster/Munster)
Stephen Ferris (Dungannon/Ulster)
Luke Fitzgerald (Blackrock College/Leinster)
Jerry Flannery (Shannon/Munster)
John Fogarty (De La Salle Palmerston/Leinster)*
John Hayes (Bruff/Munster)
Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster)*
Jamie Heaslip (Naas/Leinster)
Chris Henry (Ballymena/Ulster)*
Marcus Horan (Shannon/Munster)
Shane Horgan (Boyne/Leinster)
Robert Kearney (UCD/Leinster)
Denis Leamy (Cork Constitution/Munster)
Fergus McFadden (UCD/Leinster)*
Donncha O'Callaghan (Cork Constitution/Munster)
Paul O'Connell (Young Munster/Munster)
Brian O'Driscoll (UCD/Leinster)
Ronan O'Gara (Cork Constitution/Munster)
Tomas O'Leary (Dolphin/Munster)
Sean O'Brien (Clontarf/Leinster)*
Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster)
Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster)
Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster)
Jonathan Sexton (St.Mary's College/Leinster)*
Peter Stringer (Shannon/Munster)
Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster)*
Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster)
David Wallace (Garryowen/Munster)
Paddy Wallace (Ballymena/Ulster)
Brett Wilkinson (Galwegians/Connacht)*

* Denotes uncapped player


Looks like the end of the road for Quinny, Girve and Mal O'Kelly. Good to see the likes of Cronin and O'Brien involved. Unlike O'Sullivan, Kidney doesn't appear to have any hesitation about giving the younger unproven talent a chance.

How does Gavin Duffy keep getting called up to these squads though?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - squad for the AIs announced
Post by: Eastern_Pride on October 27, 2009, 05:44:15 PM
Just looking at this squad I can see that he may throw in a good few uncapped players against the Fijians. Also interesting to see that Kevin McLaughlin didn't get in despite his fantastic form of late.
I think that Earls and Sexton(and maybe O'Brien) are also going to be thrown in at the deep end, Sexton especially if O'Gara dosen't get his act together...and yeah how is Gavin Duffy still there?

My team v Australia                                    My Team v Fiji

15. Kearney                                             15.Kearney
14. Bowe                                                14.Bowe
13. O'Driscoll                                            13.O'Driscoll
12.Fitzgerald                                            12.Earls
11.Earls                                                   11.Horgan
10. O'Gara/Sexton                                    10.Sexton         
9. O Leary                                                9.Stringer
1.Hayes                                                   8.Heaslip
2.Flannery                                                7.O'Brien
3.Healy                                                    6.Ferris
4.O'Callaghan                                            5.O'Connell
5.O'Connell                                               4.O'Callaghan
6.Ferris                                                     3.Buckley
7.Wallace                                                  2.Flannery
8.Heaslip                                                   1.Healy
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - squad for the AIs announced
Post by: screenexile on October 27, 2009, 05:50:11 PM
Surely Humphries should be in there... he's been in great form anytime I've seen him except for his ridiculous beard. He's young enough though and him and Sexton are going to have to carry us over the next 5 years at least!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - squad for the AIs announced
Post by: Eastern_Pride on October 27, 2009, 05:55:05 PM
Quote from: screenexile on October 27, 2009, 05:50:11 PM
Surely Humphries should be in there... he's been in great form anytime I've seen him except for his ridiculous beard. He's young enough though and him and Sexton are going to have to carry us over the next 5 years at least!
True a few notable omissions...as well as one or two questionable picks...Brett Wilkinson? Ah now....
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - squad for the AIs announced
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on October 27, 2009, 06:05:56 PM
Humphreys can't defend to save his life and the rest of his all round game doesn't make up for this weakness (unlike his older bro and ROG). I'd expect ROG to start both the Aus and SA tests with Johnny Sexton coming on around the hour mark.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - squad for the AIs announced
Post by: mc_grens on October 27, 2009, 06:45:02 PM
Duffy can play across the back line so he's good cover to have in your squad fir training purposes I'd have thought. Don't think he can realistically hope to make a matchday squad.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - squad for the AIs announced
Post by: Olaf on October 29, 2009, 07:34:05 PM
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on October 27, 2009, 06:05:56 PM
Humphreys can't defend to save his life and the rest of his all round game doesn't make up for this weakness (unlike his older bro and ROG). I'd expect ROG to start both the Aus and SA tests with Johnny Sexton coming on around the hour mark.

ROG should not be anywhere near the Irish team . His form has been in free fall for years. Sexton looks like the pick of teh no 10s and the sooner he (and others) are given game time in this position the better.

iHumph is playing well at the moment but can be  a   tad flakey( like his brother in his younger days) but still well ahead of ROG (and that includes his "all round game"). Inability/unwillingness to tackle does not seem to have been a hindrance to ROG getting picked regularly  over the last number of years.

IHumph unlucky not to make the squad  as was Falloon. Like the look of the flanker O'Brien from Leinster.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - squad for the AIs announced
Post by: Bord na Mona man on October 29, 2009, 09:16:04 PM
Australia and South Africa are very tough opposition to be trying out new players against.
When you need to usher in a changing of the guard at 1, 3 and 10, you'll be really throwing players in at the deep end against fairly brutish opposition.
For example, looking at how the Lions had big trouble at tighthead against a murderous South African front row, you'd have to be apprehensive over how Ireland will fare.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - squad for the AIs announced
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on October 30, 2009, 03:03:58 AM
Quote from: Olaf on October 29, 2009, 07:34:05 PM
iHumph is playing well at the moment but can be  a   tad flakey( like his brother in his younger days) but still well ahead of ROG (and that includes his "all round game"). Inability/unwillingness to tackle does not seem to have been a hindrance to ROG getting picked regularly  over the last number of years.

O'Gara hardly has an unwillingness to tackle. He simply lacks the basic technique to take down bigger men. In fairness to the guy, it doesn't stop him putting his body on the line.

Humphreys looks a decent player at provincial level but I for one am of the belief that he'd be badly exposed at international level. He's hardly a spring chicken at this stage and he's never really looked like establishing himself as a top class stand-off. O'Gara may be past his best but he still has the experience and big-match temperament. I know who I'd want over a last minute penalty to win a test match.

Johnny Sexton is the future but you wouldn't have picked him for the women's team this time last year. He should be given time to adapt to the international stage and not thrown in at the deep end like Cipriani was for England. He'll undoubtedly be our 10 for the next RWC but we have to be patient with him. International level is a huge step up from the Heineken Cup and I'd expect Kidney to rightly give preference to the experienced men while allowing the youngsters to develop gradually.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - squad for the AIs announced
Post by: Olaf on October 30, 2009, 10:35:28 AM
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on October 30, 2009, 03:03:58 AM
Quote from: Olaf on October 29, 2009, 07:34:05 PM
iHumph is playing well at the moment but can be  a   tad flakey( like his brother in his younger days) but still well ahead of ROG (and that includes his "all round game"). Inability/unwillingness to tackle does not seem to have been a hindrance to ROG getting picked regularly  over the last number of years.

O'Gara hardly has an unwillingness to tackle. He simply lacks the basic technique to take down bigger men. In fairness to the guy, it doesn't stop him putting his body on the line.

Humphreys looks a decent player at provincial level but I for one am of the belief that he'd be badly exposed at international level. He's hardly a spring chicken at this stage and he's never really looked like establishing himself as a top class stand-off. O'Gara may be past his best but he still has the experience and big-match temperament. I know who I'd want over a last minute penalty to win a test match.
Johnny Sexton is the future but you wouldn't have picked him for the women's team this time last year. He should be given time to adapt to the international stage and not thrown in at the deep end like Cipriani was for England. He'll undoubtedly be our 10 for the next RWC but we have to be patient with him. International level is a huge step up from the Heineken Cup and I'd expect Kidney to rightly give preference to the experienced men while allowing the youngsters to develop gradually.

Personally I would want Sexton or iHumph taking that penalty.

Ireland don't have any more time and IMO these guys should have been handed the no 10 shirt long before now. Ireland won the GS despite O'Gara not because of him. Whilst he knoceked over the drop goal his form throughout the 6 Nations  was woeful.

A breath of fresh air at half back is what Ireland have needed for a long time now.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - squad for the AIs announced
Post by: AFS on November 06, 2009, 01:25:37 AM
What's the craic with Marcus Horan and some sort of career threatening condition?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - squad for the AIs announced
Post by: screenexile on November 06, 2009, 03:13:46 AM
Quote from: AFS on November 06, 2009, 01:25:37 AM
What's the craic with Marcus Horan and some sort of career threatening condition?

Sounds fairly ominous but no point jumping to conclusions without having any official word on what's wrong.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2009/1105/1224258097420.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - squad for the AIs announced
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on November 10, 2009, 07:44:54 PM
Ireland 'A' v Tonga, Friday, 13 November, Ravenhill, 7:35pm

15. Gavin Duffy (Galwegians/Connacht)
14. Shane Horgan (Boyne/Leinster) Captain
13. Darren Cave (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
12. Fergus McFadden (Old Belvedere/Leinster)
11. Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster)

10. Ian Humphreys (Ballymena/Ulster)
9. Peter Stringer (Shannon/Munster)

1. Brett Wilkinson (Galwegians/Connacht)
2. A.N. Other
3. Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster)
4. Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster)
5. Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster)
6. Sean O'Brien (Clontarf/Leinster)
7. Neil Best (Northampton Saints)
8. Chris Henry (Ballymena/Ulster)

Replacements:

16. Denis Fogarty (Cork Constitution/Munster)
17. Bryan Young (Ballymena/Ulster)
18. Dan Tuohy (Ballymena/Ulster)
19. Kevin McLaughlin (UCD/Leinster)
20. Isaac Boss (Ballymena/Ulster)
21. Ian Keatley (Galwegians/Connacht)
22. Johne Murphy (Leicester Tigers)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - squad for the AIs announced
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 10, 2009, 07:58:06 PM
Nice looking team, good balance between youth and experience, interesting to see how Hump Jnr gets on, he's doing a lot of work on his defence.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - squad for the AIs announced
Post by: thewobbler on November 10, 2009, 08:44:08 PM
Can any of you Munster fans confirm or deny that ever since ROG made his Ireland debut, he has been available for every single Irish international match?

I don't recall Humphreys ever getting a clear run at it after O'Gara's emergence and the only time I can remember him not starting since Humph retired was when he was rested for The Pacific Islands many moons ago.

If I'm right, this must be some sort of record breaking achievement. How can a fly-half not pick up knocks?



Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - squad for the AIs announced
Post by: DuffleKing on November 10, 2009, 10:08:11 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on November 10, 2009, 08:44:08 PM
Can any of you Munster fans confirm or deny that ever since ROG made his Ireland debut, he has been available for every single Irish international match?

I don't recall Humphreys ever getting a clear run at it after O'Gara's emergence and the only time I can remember him not starting since Humph retired was when he was rested for The Pacific Islands many moons ago.

If I'm right, this must be some sort of record breaking achievement. How can a fly-half not pick up knocks?

By avoiding contact...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - squad for the AIs announced
Post by: Hoof Hearted on November 11, 2009, 01:35:40 PM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/irish/8353396.stm

Team named, Cian Healy and Paddy Wallace for Horan and Darcy, only 2 changes from Welsh match in March
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - squad for the AIs announced
Post by: whiskeysteve on November 11, 2009, 01:46:23 PM
wallace and o'gara. no prizes for guessing where the aussies will bomb down...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - squad for the AIs announced
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on November 11, 2009, 02:36:41 PM
No real shocks there. Inside centre was always going to be the position up for grabs and Deccie has rightly given the nod to Wallace. D'Arcy isn't going well at the moment and Wallace brings a bit more creativity to the midfield. It would have been a shame to break up that back three by shifting either Bowe or Fitzgerald inside.

Looking forward to seeing how Healy gets on at international level. Ferris against Elsom should be very interesting! Hope Cronin and Sexton get some game time from the bench.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - squad for the AIs announced
Post by: Gnevin on November 11, 2009, 02:40:05 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on November 11, 2009, 01:35:40 PM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/irish/8353396.stm

Team named, Cian Healy and Paddy Wallace for Horan and Darcy, only 2 changes from Welsh match in March


When will the young players get a chance if the management never play them
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - squad for the AIs announced
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 11, 2009, 02:53:31 PM
QuoteWhen will the young players get a chance if the management never play them

What young players deserve their chance that aren't in the match squad?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - squad for the AIs announced
Post by: AZOffaly on November 11, 2009, 03:53:41 PM
Quote from: DuffleKing on November 10, 2009, 10:08:11 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on November 10, 2009, 08:44:08 PM
Can any of you Munster fans confirm or deny that ever since ROG made his Ireland debut, he has been available for every single Irish international match?

I don't recall Humphreys ever getting a clear run at it after O'Gara's emergence and the only time I can remember him not starting since Humph retired was when he was rested for The Pacific Islands many moons ago.

If I'm right, this must be some sort of record breaking achievement. How can a fly-half not pick up knocks?

By avoiding contact...

To say O'Gara somehow chickens out of tackles is crazy. He's shit at it, but he's always trying to tackle. They usually just run straight over him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - squad for the AIs announced
Post by: DuffleKing on November 11, 2009, 04:19:14 PM

turning your ass and face away from the impact minimizes the risk of injury
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - squad for the AIs announced
Post by: Master Yoda on November 11, 2009, 04:36:12 PM
f**k sake it doesn't matter if he is afraid to tackle or if hes just shit at it, it results in the same thing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - squad for the AIs announced
Post by: AZOffaly on November 11, 2009, 04:54:16 PM
Quote from: Master Yoda on November 11, 2009, 04:36:12 PM
f**k sake it doesn't matter if he is afraid to tackle or if hes just shit at it, it results in the same thing.

It does matter. I'd prefer someone questions my ability rather than my character.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - squad for the AIs announced
Post by: Gnevin on November 11, 2009, 05:48:32 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 11, 2009, 02:53:31 PM
QuoteWhen will the young players get a chance if the management never play them

What young players deserve their chance that aren't in the match squad?

You hardly thing there will be a raft of changes do you? Not Kidney's style. Sexton will be lucky to start against Fiji.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - squad for the AIs announced
Post by: Olaf on November 11, 2009, 07:03:21 PM
Quote from: Gnevin on November 11, 2009, 05:48:32 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 11, 2009, 02:53:31 PM
QuoteWhen will the young players get a chance if the management never play them

What young players deserve their chance that aren't in the match squad?






You hardly thing there will be a raft of changes do you? Not Kidney's style. Sexton will be lucky to start against Fiji.

How then can you move this team forward.

Front row, second row and in paricular half backs are in need of change.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - squad for the AIs announced
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 11, 2009, 07:50:58 PM

QuoteYou hardly thing there will be a raft of changes do you? Not Kidney's style. Sexton will be lucky to start against Fiji.

It's hardly Dad's army - Kearney, Earls, Healy, Cronin, Ferris, Heaslip, Fitzgearld, O'Leary, Bowe and Sexton are all in the squad and are all 25 or younger, front row and 2nd row players don't hit their prime till there 30 plus. It's a very good squad, what more do expect?

O'Gara is the incumbent, this time last year I was watching Sexton struggle while playing AIL with Mary's, he is far from the 2nd coming. He will see action against Oz, start against Fiji and all going well he'll stake a claim for a start against SA.

We have issues at tight-head and openside and we'll never fill the vacum once BOD retires but Kidney is doing very very well as head coach and at the moment we are very lucky to have him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Australia, 15 November
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on November 11, 2009, 08:57:26 PM
Did people really expect wholesale changes from the Grand Slam team?

I don't think Sexton was ever going to be selected ahead of O'Gara for this match. People should remember how far Sexton has come in twelve months. As Dinny says, he couldn't kick snow off a rope this time last year and you wouldn't have put him in the in the women's team. He was hauled off against Castres at HT and Leinster had got in Holwell. Most people would have had Keatley ahead of him for Ireland. He will get twenty minutes on Sunday and the full game against Fiji to stake his claim.

The only one who I think is unlucky not to start is Leo Cullen. He's one of the most improved players in Irish rugby at the moment. I can understand why O'Callaghan was picked ahead of him though. He has the lineout experience and understanding with O'Connell, Flannery and Hayes (as lifter).

The strength in depth at the moment is good as the A team selection shows. If we could find ourselves a decent tight-head (Timmy Ryan perhaps?) we'd be in decent shape for the RWC in 2011.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Australia, 15 November
Post by: Aerlik on November 12, 2009, 06:58:49 AM
Please oh please oh please oh please let's win this one, if only to shut the blinkered Aussie commentators up.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Australia, 15 November
Post by: Bord na Mona man on November 12, 2009, 08:09:20 AM
Seems a sensible enough selection. It isn't a game that lends itself to experimentation.
New players need to be transitioned in without risking them getting any confidence set backs.
You have to give the benefit of the doubt to the last team that lined out also.

Ireland's best hope is to keep it hoofed at the Aussies all day and hope they make mistakes in their own territory.
It might also discourage them from committing lots of players close to the advantage line.
Maybe try and turn it into a penalty kicking competition, as I can't see Ireland breaking through Aussies lines easily.
From 9 to 15, Ireland have decent kickers, so we might as well use them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Australia, 15 November
Post by: Mario on November 12, 2009, 09:38:18 AM
The Austrailian Team was training in my gym yesterday, got one of them to spot for me  8)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Australia, 15 November
Post by: mackers on November 12, 2009, 10:43:05 AM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on November 12, 2009, 08:09:20 AM
Seems a sensible enough selection. It isn't a game that lends itself to experimentation.
New players need to be transitioned in without risking them getting any confidence set backs.
You have to give the benefit of the doubt to the last team that lined out also.

Ireland's best hope is to keep it hoofed at the Aussies all day and hope they make mistakes in their own territory.
It might also discourage them from committing lots of players close to the advantage line.
Maybe try and turn it into a penalty kicking competition, as I can't see Ireland breaking through Aussies lines easily.
From 9 to 15, Ireland have decent kickers, so we might as well use them.

You're probably right in how the tactics will go but it makes for a snoreathon!!! I was hoping to get a bit of value for my 90 euros...........
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Australia, 15 November
Post by: Gnevin on November 12, 2009, 12:00:00 PM
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on November 11, 2009, 08:57:26 PM


I don't think Sexton was ever going to be selected ahead of O'Gara for this match. People should remember how far Sexton has come in twelve months. As Dinny says, he couldn't kick snow off a rope this time last year and you wouldn't have put him in the in the women's team. He was hauled off against Castres at HT and Leinster had got in Holwell. Most people would have had Keatley ahead of him for Ireland. He will get twenty minutes on Sunday and the full game against Fiji to stake his claim.

Maybe so but the judges would of scored the last 2 rounds of Sexton V Rog in favour of Sexton by a country mile.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Australia, 15 November
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on November 12, 2009, 01:12:41 PM
Maybe so, but international level is still a big step up again from Heineken level, despite what Sky say. O'Gara has buckets of experience whereas Sexton's only Irish experience is with the A's. We should be looking to introduce Sexton gradually into the team rather than throwing him in at the deep end right away. Look at how England have hindered Cipriani's development by pitching him straight into the national side with little experience. Similar story with Andrew Trimble for ourselves.

Players have to be given time to feel their way in international rugby. Given the lack of options at 10 we have to make sure we don't rush Sexton. Look at how the likes of Tommy Bowe has benefitted from being gradually exposed to international rugby. He's unrecognisable from where he was three or four years ago.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Australia, 15 November
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on November 13, 2009, 04:59:18 PM
John Fogarty called into the senior squad as a precaution today. The brother will start for the A's tonight with Kyriacou brought onto the bench.

Got my tickets today. Pity there's no standing on the terrace because of that soccer lark tomorrow night  :(
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Australia, 15 November
Post by: Capt Pat on November 14, 2009, 10:44:48 AM
The rugby really is getting pretty poor to watch these days. France v South Africa last night was like rugby league with lots of kicking and not may tries. I won't be watching England v Argentina today, it would probably send you to sleep. They will probably make  a couple of rule changes before the next world cup to try and open up the game a bit and help New Zealand to win it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Australia, 15 November
Post by: INDIANA on November 14, 2009, 11:15:02 AM
thought france v Sa was a cracker personally. Never seen physicality like it before. The south african kicking game is being found out. they look tired anyway.

Ireland have a full team out - australia are experimental. If Ireland can't beat australia tomorrow they needn't bother travelling in 2011.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Australia, 15 November
Post by: Olaf on November 14, 2009, 12:03:16 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on November 14, 2009, 10:44:48 AM
The rugby really is getting pretty poor to watch these days. France v South Africa last night was like rugby league with lots of kicking and not may tries. I won't be watching England v Argentina today, it would probably send you to sleep. They will probably make  a couple of rule changes before the next world cup to try and open up the game a bit and help New Zealand to win it.

International rugby has got progressively harder to watch over the last few years.

IMO last year's Six Nations was woeful .

European rugby is far better to view but that may be partly due to the format of the competition
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Australia, 15 November
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on November 14, 2009, 01:31:01 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 14, 2009, 11:15:02 AM
thought france v Sa was a cracker personally. Never seen physicality like it before. The south african kicking game is being found out. they look tired anyway.

Ireland have a full team out - australia are experimental. If Ireland can't beat australia tomorrow they needn't bother travelling in 2011.

Australian team isn't that experimental. It's close to their top side these days bar the injured Stirling Mortlock in the centre and maybe Berrick Barnes.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Australia, 15 November
Post by: INDIANA on November 14, 2009, 01:34:31 PM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on November 14, 2009, 01:31:01 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 14, 2009, 11:15:02 AM
thought france v Sa was a cracker personally. Never seen physicality like it before. The south african kicking game is being found out. they look tired anyway.

Ireland have a full team out - australia are experimental. If Ireland can't beat australia tomorrow they needn't bother travelling in 2011.

Australian team isn't that experimental. It's close to their top side these days bar the injured Stirling Mortlock in the centre and maybe Berrick Barnes.
Inexperienced scrum half, second rows, number 7 and centres. Doesn't get anymore inexperienced then that. Its put up or shut up time from rugby people. This is  either a good Irish team or its not. And if it is they should win tomorrow. If they don't then it doesn't bode well in my view. This is literally the strongest lineup ireland could have named.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Australia, 15 November
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on November 14, 2009, 01:46:26 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 14, 2009, 01:34:31 PM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on November 14, 2009, 01:31:01 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 14, 2009, 11:15:02 AM
thought france v Sa was a cracker personally. Never seen physicality like it before. The south african kicking game is being found out. they look tired anyway.

Ireland have a full team out - australia are experimental. If Ireland can't beat australia tomorrow they needn't bother travelling in 2011.

Australian team isn't that experimental. It's close to their top side these days bar the injured Stirling Mortlock in the centre and maybe Berrick Barnes.
Inexperienced scrum half, second rows, number 7 and centres. Doesn't get anymore inexperienced then that. Its put up or shut up time from rugby people. This is  either a good Irish team or its not. And if it is they should win tomorrow. If they don't then it doesn't bode well in my view. This is literally the strongest lineup ireland could have named.

Relatively inexperienced maybe but still their first choice these days. Chisholm in the second row has 32 caps and Horwill has 21 so hardly greenhorns. Even Pocock has 13. It's not like they have a load of injuries. Deans is putting out what he believes is their best team at the moment bar the injured Mortlock.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Australia, 15 November
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on November 14, 2009, 01:52:54 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on November 14, 2009, 10:44:48 AM
The rugby really is getting pretty poor to watch these days. France v South Africa last night was like rugby league with lots of kicking and not may tries. I won't be watching England v Argentina today, it would probably send you to sleep. They will probably make  a couple of rule changes before the next world cup to try and open up the game a bit and help New Zealand to win it.

I thoroughly enjoyed it personally. The physicality was incredible and there were some great individual performaces on the French side. That loose-head prop had an amazing game! I'd predict that the soccer tonight will be like watching paint dry in comparison.

Ireland are well capable of beating this Australian team. We have a clear advantage in terms of experience but the fact that it is our first match of the season and there will be some rustiness is a worry. I don't think Australia were that impressive at Twickenham and if they haven't improved from that performance I'd be disappointed if we didn't beat them. They're in our World Cup group and we should be looking to lay down a marker now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Australia, 15 November
Post by: INDIANA on November 14, 2009, 01:58:27 PM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on November 14, 2009, 01:46:26 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 14, 2009, 01:34:31 PM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on November 14, 2009, 01:31:01 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 14, 2009, 11:15:02 AM
thought france v Sa was a cracker personally. Never seen physicality like it before. The south african kicking game is being found out. they look tired anyway.

Ireland have a full team out - australia are experimental. If Ireland can't beat australia tomorrow they needn't bother travelling in 2011.

Australian team isn't that experimental. It's close to their top side these days bar the injured Stirling Mortlock in the centre and maybe Berrick Barnes.
Inexperienced scrum half, second rows, number 7 and centres. Doesn't get anymore inexperienced then that. Its put up or shut up time from rugby people. This is  either a good Irish team or its not. And if it is they should win tomorrow. If they don't then it doesn't bode well in my view. This is literally the strongest lineup ireland could have named.

Relatively inexperienced maybe but still their first choice these days. Chisholm in the second row has 32 caps and Horwill has 21 so hardly greenhorns. Even Pocock has 13. It's not like they have a load of injuries. Deans is putting out what he believes is their best team at the moment bar the injured Mortlock.

13 caps at openside is still in nappies really at international level. The centres are totally and utterly inexperiecnded as well at this level. Realistically ireland should be winning this by 7-10 points. England were appalling last week- that has to be factored in to Oz's performance last week.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Australia, 15 November
Post by: Capt Pat on November 14, 2009, 02:53:21 PM
We don't have our first choice centre or loose head prop. The Aussies are close to full strength and their scrun half was their best player against England.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Australia, 15 November
Post by: Aerlik on November 14, 2009, 03:14:56 PM
What about that tackle by the Samoan (full?) back on the Welsh man?  And what's with the yellow shirts?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Australia, 15 November
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on November 14, 2009, 03:26:05 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on November 14, 2009, 02:53:21 PM
We don't have our first choice centre or loose head prop. The Aussies are close to full strength and their scrun half was their best player against England.

Who is our first choice inside centre though CP? D'Arcy's form has been quite patchy and Wallace is playing good stuff with Ulster. The twelve slot is definitely up for grabs for the 6N. It would be a shame to break up that back three to move one of them inside. If Cave or McFadden play well against Fiji and maintain good form into the New Year then even they could come into the reckoning. It would be great to see Earls get some gametime for Munster in the centre but with Mafi and De Villiers around, that looks unlikely. We'll always have the option of moving O'Driscoll inside if needs be.

I reckon Healy would be starting even if Marcus was fit.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Australia, 15 November
Post by: INDIANA on November 14, 2009, 03:41:48 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on November 14, 2009, 02:53:21 PM
We don't have our first choice centre or loose head prop. The Aussies are close to full strength and their scrun half was their best player against England.
scrum half who is 20 years of age. Ireland are Grand slam champions. I'm amazed how irish rugby fans don't demand the same standards they expect from their Gaa teams. Stop making excuses for them. If Ireland lose tomorrow it is a serious setback for them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Australia, 15 November
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on November 14, 2009, 03:48:11 PM
Looking at England's performance so far against a fairly experimental Argentina, we shouldn't be fearing this Australia team at all. Argentina have four amateurs playing for them and England haven't opened them up at all. They just shovel the ball wide from wing to wing and there's no variety at all in their midfield.

Ireland will ask much bigger questions of the Australia defence than England did. Their 3/4 line look good with ball in hand but how will they react if Ireland can get in behind them?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Australia, 15 November
Post by: Capt Pat on November 14, 2009, 05:38:07 PM
Give it a rest and change the record. It is a decent Aussie team that beat England at Twickenham last week and had a bit to spare. They are below full strength and so are we, but it is not a competitvie match so whoever wants it more will win. We are slight favourites but it is the first game of the season.

English fans were celebrating after the world cup draw when they had Scotland and Argentina in their group. I had a feeling at the time that they would not be too happy when reality hits home in the world cup in New Zealand. The southern hemisphere team Argentina will win that group and England and Scotland will battle it out for second place. They are going backwards with Wilkinson at this stage. They will not do what they did in France and get to the world cup final playing that way.

It was in fact possibly one of the worst draws they could have got.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Australia, 15 November
Post by: INDIANA on November 14, 2009, 06:07:19 PM
England will easily win that group. I'll put my money down now if you like. The likelihood is Johnson won't be there in 2 years.
England have plenty of injuries at present so I wouldn't be judging them at the moment. The biggest problem they have is Johnson and that is  a fact. He is not good enough to manage at that level and I don't think he will be there in 2 years.

Wilkinson was terrific last week on a shit team and is playing outstanding rugby in the top 14 at present. Wasn't good today but they were all poor. We'll know more about england in the 6 nations they are currently missing 8/9 first choice players. If Johnson still selects todays side in that scenario then I'll agree with you.

We are not below full strength why do you keep saying that? Healy would be starting anyway with his form this season. That is a full strength Irish team playing against an inexperienced Australian team missing their first choice centre partnership in Mortlock and barnes.
Stop making excuses for Ireland this is a must-win game. anything else is a setback. Thats the bottom line. Its amazing how Irish rugby fans despite having the best Irish team of alltime continually want to settle to being mediocre. Uniquely Irish I would have said.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Australia, 15 November
Post by: Capt Pat on November 15, 2009, 04:31:49 AM
I don't want your money. Banahan had a good game today for England. They were not missing 8 or 9 starters. They have very good strength in depth anyway unlike us. Paddy Wallace is not our first choice inside centre. He is Darcys stand in. If it was a world cup match and Horan was fit he would be playing. The Conteponi brothers were both missing for Argentina.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Australia, 15 November
Post by: Gnevin on November 15, 2009, 12:29:44 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 14, 2009, 06:07:19 PM
Uniquely Irish I would have said.
Yes it's Uniquely Irish to consider the Aussie won't be a push over and could win it.  ::)  I for one think we will win but can see how we could lose it will be a tight game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Australia, 15 November
Post by: INDIANA on November 15, 2009, 01:08:37 PM
Quote from: Gnevin on November 15, 2009, 12:29:44 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 14, 2009, 06:07:19 PM
Uniquely Irish I would have said.
Yes it's Uniquely Irish to consider the Aussie won't be a push over and could win it.  ::)  I for one think we will win but can see how we could lose it will be a tight game.

Its uniquely Irish to want to be underdogs going into a game where they are clear favourites.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Australia, 15 November
Post by: Bord na Mona man on November 15, 2009, 02:11:45 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 15, 2009, 01:08:37 PM
Quote from: Gnevin on November 15, 2009, 12:29:44 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 14, 2009, 06:07:19 PM
Uniquely Irish I would have said.
Yes it's Uniquely Irish to consider the Aussie won't be a push over and could win it.  ::)  I for one think we will win but can see how we could lose it will be a tight game.

Its uniquely Irish to want to be underdogs going into a game where they are clear favourites.
Hardly clear favourites now.
Ireland haven't played a serious game in 8 months and the front row is a made up of an inexperienced, injured and just back from being suspension player
Australia, although more experimental have a few really class players.
I'd say Declan Kidney would crawl over broken glass to get a back row and half back pairing as good as what the Aussies have.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Australia, 15 November
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 15, 2009, 02:43:26 PM
QuoteI'd say Declan Kidney would crawl over broken glass to get a back row and half back pairing as good as what the Aussies have.

Would differ there, think the Irish back-row is a far better unit and the Aussie half-backs weren't exactly setting the world alight in the tri-nations. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Australia, 15 November
Post by: INDIANA on November 15, 2009, 02:45:53 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 15, 2009, 02:43:26 PM
QuoteI'd say Declan Kidney would crawl over broken glass to get a back row and half back pairing as good as what the Aussies have.

Would differ there, think the Irish back-row is a far better unit and the Aussie half-backs weren't exactly setting the world alight in the tri-nations.

some sanity here at least.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Australia, 15 November
Post by: Bord na Mona man on November 15, 2009, 02:59:52 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 15, 2009, 02:43:26 PM
QuoteI'd say Declan Kidney would crawl over broken glass to get a back row and half back pairing as good as what the Aussies have.

Would differ there, think the Irish back-row is a far better unit and the Aussie half-backs weren't exactly setting the world alight in the tri-nations.
Pocock has 12 years on Wallace and is one for the future.
While Heaslip and Ferris had good seasons last year, I'd still take Rocky over Ferris and would still be suspect on how consistent Heaslip is.
Ferris's card should be marked at this stage and watch out for second season syndrome.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Australia, 15 November
Post by: Midman on November 15, 2009, 03:20:48 PM


any links for this one ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Australia, 15 November
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 15, 2009, 03:52:29 PM
QuotePocock has 12 years on Wallace and is one for the future.
While Heaslip and Ferris had good seasons last year, I'd still take Rocky over Ferris and would still be suspect on how consistent Heaslip is.
Ferris's card should be marked at this stage and watch out for second season syndrome.

Ferris is around alot longer than 1 season made his debut in 2006, back-row play is about working as a unit and experience is actually a big factor in that, Rocky is class no doubt but Heaslip is a lot more consistent and dynamic than Palu and Pocock is no George Smith.

Anyhow back to the game, Kaplan is ruining it, too whistle happy and too inconsistent. Ireland should play better in the 2nd half, if they can control territory they'll win this game, ROG imho is actually varying the game quite well. Would bring Reddan on with 20 to go to increase the tempo.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Australia, 15 November
Post by: Hoof Hearted on November 15, 2009, 04:47:23 PM
yes !!

for a while at the start of the second half it wasnt looking good, but that wasnt a bad result
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Australia, 15 November
Post by: Bord na Mona man on November 15, 2009, 04:58:54 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 15, 2009, 03:52:29 PM
QuotePocock has 12 years on Wallace and is one for the future.
While Heaslip and Ferris had good seasons last year, I'd still take Rocky over Ferris and would still be suspect on how consistent Heaslip is.
Ferris's card should be marked at this stage and watch out for second season syndrome.

Ferris is around alot longer than 1 season made his debut in 2006, back-row play is about working as a unit and experience is actually a big factor in that, Rocky is class no doubt but Heaslip is a lot more consistent and dynamic than Palu and Pocock is no George Smith.
Pocock didn't look too bad in the end  ;D and the Australian back row were comfortable winners at the breakdown.

I just didn't see how Ireland could have been classified as "clear favourites" against a talented Australian side.
Great guts to to snatch a draw in the end though!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Australia, 15 November
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 15, 2009, 05:35:17 PM
QuotePocock didn't look too bad in the end  ;D and the Australian back row were comfortable winners at the breakdown.

Just as well there's more to back-row play than the breakdown, Pocock had a great 1st half but his link play was poor and he brought no physicality sorry he's no George Smith in my opinion and Palu is just a big lump and about as dynamic as an Irish Trade Union.

Ireland anytime they got into the 22 looked like scoring but with a poor scrum and poor play from O'Leary they struggled to get that territory.

Tight Five

Weren't commiting themselves to the breakdown, scrum was poor but line-out worked really well. POC actually had a great game and Cian Healy can be impressed with his debut

5/10


Back-row

Aussies cleaned up at the breakdown particularly in the 1st half, Ferris and Wallace carried very well, Heaslip good in the line-out put with a struggling scrum was never going to impress

Half-Backs

TOL very poor and indecisive and his passing not up to scratch. ROG did well considering and justified his selection.

5/10

Midfield

Wallace tries hard but doesn't play the 2nd 5/8 role well enough and lacks physicality, 12 is now a problem position. BOD quiet game but always pops up, class act.

Back 3

Fitz looked sharp but starved off ball, Bowe is another class act but poor game for Kearney, poor kick in the build up to the 2nd Aussie try and should have tackled the ball to help prevent it.

6/10

6.5/10

Australia should have won but Ireland seem to be evolving their game so happy with the comeback and it was first game, big plus though is the way we came back, next two selection will be interesting
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Australia, 15 November
Post by: Bord na Mona man on November 15, 2009, 06:01:14 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 15, 2009, 05:35:17 PM
QuotePocock didn't look too bad in the end  ;D and the Australian back row were comfortable winners at the breakdown.

Just as well there's more to back-row play than the breakdown.
Aye, we're in bonus territory with Elsom's try and first half 40 metre break.
Re: Pocock, the issue was whether you'd take him over David Wallace rather than George Smith.

I'd take the Aussie back row, any day and every day.
You're more than welcome to the Irish one!  ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Australia, 15 November
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 15, 2009, 06:04:00 PM
Feck off, I can't back down now  ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Australia, 15 November
Post by: Bord na Mona man on November 15, 2009, 06:07:28 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 15, 2009, 06:04:00 PM
Feck off, I can't back down now  ;)
In fairness, if you'd mentioned the phrase "unseen work" I would have had to defer to your better judgement.   :D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Australia, 15 November
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on November 15, 2009, 06:57:42 PM
Hard to know what to make of that match. We were outplayed for long periods and yet if it wasn't for a very soft try within the first few minutes from an unforced error we could have won. We need to work on the scrum before the SA match. Healy had a superb game in the loose but we were pushed off our own ball far too often at the set piece. The Bull was undoubtedly a bit rusty after his suspension but the lack of options in the front row is a concern.

I thought ROG had a very good game. Kicked well bar one that went out on the full. O'Leary inside him didn't have a good game. Too ponderous at the base and made some very strange decisions. He needs to build his confidence back up after his injury because at the moment he doesn't look the player he was last year. I'd have liked to see Reddan introduced earlier. Bit disappointing that we didn't see more of the bench but I suppose Deccie didn't want to risk breaking the bit of momentum we had in the last ten minutes.

The team showed great heart to draw level but we'll have to improve. Hopefully we will with another match and the few more weeks in training to build the understanding.

I didn't have a ref-radio at the match and I thought some of Kaplan's calls were curious to say the least. There seemed to be no consistency in his decisions and both teams were constantly getting pinged at the breakdown. The IRB need to tweak the laws again because some of the stuff ain't that good to watch at the moment. No way did Palu deserve to get binned either. Thought it was a fair hit myself.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 20-20 Australia
Post by: screenexile on November 15, 2009, 07:13:29 PM
Really don't understand the hype about O'Leary. . . is it just his defensive capabilities is that why he's in there? His passing and decision making are slow and his box kicks are terrible.

I always liked Reddan as a player and don't understand why he hasn't been given more of a chance. Hopefully playing for Leinster will help propel him into the number 9 jersey for Ireland as I think he's more dynamic and creative than O'Leary and this is what we need in the bigger games! Maybe when the damage is done we can bring O'Leary in to close a game out but I would like to see Reddan get the majority of the game time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Australia, 15 November
Post by: Main Street on November 15, 2009, 07:15:34 PM
I was sort of half watching it until the last 25 mins caught my attention.
The Irish lads looked good  then and made it look simple enough to get over the line twice in the last 5 mins. I would have thought the Aussies would have defended their line with their lives.

Why is there so much hoofing garryowens in the game these days?  to a casual observer like me it looks awful.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 20-20 Australia
Post by: mc_grens on November 15, 2009, 07:25:12 PM
first impressions.

We're in deep shit in the front row.
George Smith lay all over the Irish side of the ball from when he came until the end.
Any kick in loose play is only as good as the chase- we just didn't chase.
ROG got away with being as bad as he has been all season.
Paddy Wallace is not dynamic enough.

Backs can still dig us out.
On the rare occasions we get quick ball we're class.
Lineout is solid.
Nice to see Fla and Ferris back.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 20-20 Australia
Post by: INDIANA on November 15, 2009, 07:32:27 PM
Pocock was really the only reason to watch the match in my view. Forgettable stuff but its not often you see a star being born but Pocock is the new Richie Mc Caw by the looks of it.
Ireland did the usual - happy to be underdogs but don't give us the favourites tag. Great last 20 though - at least they have bottle. But the reality is on your home patch against an inexperienced outfit you should be winning. Backrow is a major problem now. Front row will improve though.
Thought Paddy wallace did very well though. Fair play to him because I wasn't  a fan. Hard to know about 2 weeks. Either SA will raise themselves to beat us or else they are a busted flush due to tiredness. Hard to know.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 20-20 Australia
Post by: johnneycool on November 16, 2009, 12:13:17 PM
In a few phases prior to the Elsom try, why did O'Gara make a mad dash out of the defensive line, allowing the Aussie ball carrier an easy break on the Irish line? He must have been trying to intercept a pass which never came IMO and it looked awful.

Bowe has come on leaps and bounds in the last few years, maybe trimble needs a move away from Ulster as well!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 20-20 Australia
Post by: Canalman on November 16, 2009, 12:21:40 PM
The fawning towards O'Driscoll at the beginning of the game was OTT imo. "A National Treasure" he was called.......... come on ......The Ardagh Chalice, Book of Kells etc yes...... not a sportsman.
Great finish to the game........ hope Fitzgerald's injury is not too bad. Never good to see lads clutching their knee in agony.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Australia, 15 November
Post by: lynchbhoy on November 16, 2009, 12:31:18 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 15, 2009, 05:35:17 PM
Just as well there's more to back-row play than the breakdown, Pocock had a great 1st half but his link play was poor and he brought no physicality sorry he's no George Smith in my opinion and Palu is just a big lump and about as dynamic as an Irish Trade Union.
Ireland anytime they got into the 22 looked like scoring but with a poor scrum and poor play from O'Leary they struggled to get that territory.
Tight Five
Weren't commiting themselves to the breakdown, scrum was poor but line-out worked really well. POC actually had a great game and Cian Healy can be impressed with his debut
5/10
Back-row
Aussies cleaned up at the breakdown particularly in the 1st half, Ferris and Wallace carried very well, Heaslip good in the line-out put with a struggling scrum was never going to impress
Half-Backs
TOL very poor and indecisive and his passing not up to scratch. ROG did well considering and justified his selection.
5/10
Midfield
Wallace tries hard but doesn't play the 2nd 5/8 role well enough and lacks physicality, 12 is now a problem position. BOD quiet game but always pops up, class act.
Back 3
Fitz looked sharp but starved off ball, Bowe is another class act but poor game for Kearney, poor kick in the build up to the 2nd Aussie try and should have tackled the ball to help prevent it.
6/10
6.5/10
Australia should have won but Ireland seem to be evolving their game so happy with the comeback and it was first game, big plus though is the way we came back, next two selection will be interesting
would agree with all of that apart from you bieng a bit hard on Kearney imo.
Thought that oleary was woeful and would much prefer to see Redden on. OGara did well and centre partner for odriscoll is a big problem. I dont rate darcy and wallace as being good enough.
It might be a bit left field here but didnt Trimble not start out as a centre?
I always thought he was discarded a little too quickly!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 20-20 Australia
Post by: mc_grens on November 16, 2009, 12:39:26 PM
Trimbles hands are not good enough to play centre in my opinion.

D'Arcy is the best option when fit and in form.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 20-20 Australia
Post by: thewobbler on November 16, 2009, 12:39:35 PM
Trimble's off-loading isn't good enough for an international 12.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 20-20 Australia
Post by: lynchbhoy on November 16, 2009, 12:44:25 PM
oh well, thats Ireland fecked for an inside centre then as darcy survives on a massively overhyped reputation (lets face it for all his bravery , he's just too small as well as being too greedy - a prob that he has had during and since his schools cup days !)

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 20-20 Australia
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on November 16, 2009, 12:46:42 PM
Is Kevin Maggs still playing rugby with Bristol?!  :D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Australia, 15 November
Post by: Denn Forever on November 16, 2009, 12:49:46 PM
Quote from: Main Street on November 15, 2009, 07:15:34 PM

Why is there so much hoofing garryowens in the game these days?  to a casual observer like me it looks awful.

It is due to some rule changes so that it may not be advantagous to kick tto touch like before.

Hopefully some on on the board who is more au fait with rugby and how it should be played can explain.  Pretty please?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Australia, 15 November
Post by: Gnevin on November 16, 2009, 12:52:49 PM
Quote from: Denn Forever on November 16, 2009, 12:49:46 PM
Quote from: Main Street on November 15, 2009, 07:15:34 PM

Why is there so much hoofing garryowens in the game these days?  to a casual observer like me it looks awful.

It is due to some rule changes so that it may not be advantagous to kick tto touch like before.

Hopefully some on on the board who is more au fait with rugby and how it should be played can explain.  Pretty please?

Doe's rule where removed at the end of last season. Player just appear to have gotten use to kicking all the time even when opposition players can kick it out of the full if the ball is kick directly into the 22.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 20-20 Australia
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on November 16, 2009, 12:59:37 PM
There are many theories on why its so common I suppose. The Argentina team used it to great effect in the RWC in '07 and other teams seem to be following their lead to a certain extent. I'd guess that part of the thinking behind it is that you are better off without the ball outside your own half rather than having it inside your own 22, such is the mess at ruck-time where you are very likely to get pinged while still in possession. Also teams with a weak line-out would prefer to keep the ball in-field rather than going for touch.

In a way it suits Ireland at the moment. Traditionally Irish full-backs (Dick Spring excepted - butterfingers!) have always been good under the high ball. Our back three at the moment, Kearney in particular, are all very solid under garryowens. Its not pretty to watch though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 20-20 Australia
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 16, 2009, 01:01:10 PM
QuoteWhy is there so much hoofing garryowens in the game these days?  to a casual observer like me it looks awful.

Due to the law ammendment at ruck time teams are afraid of playing rugby in their own half in case they get turned over or give a penalty away hence they boot it down the pitch.


I suppose in Kearney's defence he did ship a big hit from Palu and looked quite dazed maybe semi-concussed.

Yep 12 is definitely a problem position but Sexton at 12 would allow you play wallace as he's very physical for a 10. Worth seeing how it goes against Fiji.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 20-20 Australia
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on November 16, 2009, 01:26:42 PM
Quote
IRB player of the year: Having scaled new heights over the past 12 months, it comes as no surprise to learn that Brian O'Driscoll has been shortlisted for the IRB player of the year. And the Grand Slam winning captain is joined on the select seven man panel by his Leinster and Ireland teammate Jamie Heaslip.


Although O'Driscoll has been shortlisted in the past, he has yet to claim the IRB accolade. In 2001 he lost out to Keith Wood and was overlooked again a year later when Fabien Galthie picked up the gong.

This year he will face competition from Heaslip, 2006 winner Richie McCaw, the South African duo of Francois Steyn and Fourie du Preez, Australia's Matt Giteau and Tom Croft of England.

The nominees were selected by an independent panel of judges that included Paul Wallace and Gavin Hastings. They watched over 60 hours of action from 46 matches, awarding points to the three players they thought stood out in each match.

The winner, together with the IRB Coach of the Year and IRB Team of the Year, will be announced on Sunday, Novmeber 29th.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 20-20 Australia
Post by: lynchbhoy on November 16, 2009, 03:09:46 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 16, 2009, 01:01:10 PM
QuoteWhy is there so much hoofing garryowens in the game these days?  to a casual observer like me it looks awful.

Due to the law ammendment at ruck time teams are afraid of playing rugby in their own half in case they get turned over or give a penalty away hence they boot it down the pitch.


I suppose in Kearney's defence he did ship a big hit from Palu and looked quite dazed maybe semi-concussed.

Yep 12 is definitely a problem position but Sexton at 12 would allow you play wallace as he's very physical for a 10. Worth seeing how it goes against Fiji.
its not a bad tactic if you can find touch in the opponents half if you have a v good lineout like Ireland have and can win a large proportion of opponents throw ins.


Was also wondering about sexton at first centre still havent seen wallace playing enough times and enough times playing well to merit a call for fly half.
Like Darcy prob great at iinterprovincial/club but not quite good enough for international.

aussies surprised me yesterday, didnt think they were up to much but they have a decent young team if not much cover in the squad.
France are the team to beat for the six nations though based on their perf v sa.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 20-20 Australia
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 16, 2009, 05:21:28 PM
oops meant Sexton at 10 and Wallace at 12, no rog  :-[
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 20-20 Australia
Post by: Bord na Mona man on November 16, 2009, 06:31:56 PM
Quote from: mc_grens on November 16, 2009, 12:39:26 PM
D'Arcy is the best option when fit and in form.
I think the days of D'Arcy being able to get around players, squeeze through impossible gaps, even from a standing start are behind him.
He is a better 13 than 12, the Kevin Maggs style crash stuff doesn't suit him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 20-20 Australia
Post by: Main Street on November 16, 2009, 08:16:48 PM
Tough news about Luke Fitzgerald, he ruptured his knee ligaments and estimated out for 4 to 6 months.

Made me shudder at the time just watching him awkwardly twist his knee when he fell/stumbled.


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 20-20 Australia
Post by: Declan on November 17, 2009, 02:40:27 PM

Sexton in at out-half to face Fiji
Tuesday, 17 November 2009 14:28

There are eight changes to the Ireland team that drew 20-20 with Australia to the side that will take on Fiji on Saturday at the RDS in the second game of the 2009 Guinness Series.

The game sees five changes to the backline and three in the pack.

Keith Earls, who replaced the injured Luke Fitzgerald against Australia, retains his place on the left wing with Shane Horgan coming in on the right wing for Tommy Bowe.

Gordon D'Arcy comes into the centre and there is a new halfback partnership with Jonathan Sexton earning his first cap at No 10 with Eoin Reddan starting at scrumhalf.

Tom Court starts the game at loosehead prop and Leo Cullen comes into the side to partner Paul O'Connell in the second row. There is one change to the back row with Denis Leamy replacing David Wallace.

The replacements include Andrew Trimble and the uncapped Sean O'Brien, both of whom were involved in the recent A game against Tonga in Ravenhill.

Tomas O'Leary, Paddy Wallace and Donncha O'Callaghan are also named among the replacements after starting against Australia with Tony Buckley and the uncapped Sean Cronin completing the bench.

Ireland XV and Replacements for Autumn International against Fiji at the RDS on Saturday, 21 November, kick-off 5.15pm.

15 Rob Kearney, 14 Shane Horgan, 13 Brian O'Driscoll (capt),
12 Gordon D'Arcy, 11 Keith Earls, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Eoin Reddan

1 Tom Court, 2 Jerry Flannery, 3 John Hayes, 4 Leo Cullen,
5 Paul O'Connell, 6 Stephen Ferris, 7 Denis Leamy, 8 Jamie Heaslip.

Replacements:
16 Sean Cronin
17 Tony Buckley
18 Donncha O'Callaghan
19 Sean O'Brien
20 Tomas O'Leary
21 Paddy Wallace
22 Andrew Trimble
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 20-20 Australia
Post by: lynchbhoy on November 17, 2009, 02:45:56 PM
a strange looking team, but they want to try diff things I suppose

btw - kevin maggs now player coach at rotherham this season i think
and
the hacks are calling for martin johnsons head now and some people are whispering the names of ian mcgheechan and sir clive woodward - some even suggest both could work together as coach and manager respectively!
So England could be back on track by the end of 2010 as johnson will prob not be sacked before the 6N
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Fiji, 21 November
Post by: Declan on November 18, 2009, 07:47:29 AM
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Rugby-Crossbar-Challenge-At-Saracens-Match-At-Wembley-Won-By-Amateur-Club-Hooker-Stuart-Tinner/Article/200911315456324?lpos=UK_News_Carousel_Region_4&lid=ARTICLE_15456324_Rugby_Crossbar_Challenge_At_Saracens_Match_At_Wembley_Won_By_Amateur_Club_Hooker_Stuart_Tinner (http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Rugby-Crossbar-Challenge-At-Saracens-Match-At-Wembley-Won-By-Amateur-Club-Hooker-Stuart-Tinner/Article/200911315456324?lpos=UK_News_Carousel_Region_4&lid=ARTICLE_15456324_Rugby_Crossbar_Challenge_At_Saracens_Match_At_Wembley_Won_By_Amateur_Club_Hooker_Stuart_Tinner)

I love his comment re the best day of his life!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Fiji, 21 November
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 18, 2009, 09:00:03 AM
Brillant, saw that last night  :D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Fiji, 21 November
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 21, 2009, 05:16:41 PM
This should be a bore fest, referee to favour Ireland and Ireland to win by 23pts plus
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Fiji, 21 November
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 21, 2009, 05:38:33 PM
10 - 0 after 20 mins, Earls is a smashing player
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Fiji, 21 November
Post by: muppet on November 21, 2009, 05:41:19 PM
Quote from: Declan on November 18, 2009, 07:47:29 AM
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Rugby-Crossbar-Challenge-At-Saracens-Match-At-Wembley-Won-By-Amateur-Club-Hooker-Stuart-Tinner/Article/200911315456324?lpos=UK_News_Carousel_Region_4&lid=ARTICLE_15456324_Rugby_Crossbar_Challenge_At_Saracens_Match_At_Wembley_Won_By_Amateur_Club_Hooker_Stuart_Tinner (http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Rugby-Crossbar-Challenge-At-Saracens-Match-At-Wembley-Won-By-Amateur-Club-Hooker-Stuart-Tinner/Article/200911315456324?lpos=UK_News_Carousel_Region_4&lid=ARTICLE_15456324_Rugby_Crossbar_Challenge_At_Saracens_Match_At_Wembley_Won_By_Amateur_Club_Hooker_Stuart_Tinner)

I love his comment re the best day of his life!

Yes, thankfully the second best day of his life wasn't broadcast on tv.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Fiji, 21 November
Post by: muppet on November 21, 2009, 05:59:22 PM
Sexton playing like Carter.

Don't tell him he's Irish.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Fiji, 21 November
Post by: orangeman on November 21, 2009, 06:01:03 PM
Sexton isn't afraid to run at them.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Fiji, 21 November
Post by: Celt_Man on November 21, 2009, 06:11:47 PM
Sexton s having a great opening 40 minutes... showing great confidence to run the ball as much as he is despite the conditions... scrum could be doing better
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Fiji, 21 November
Post by: ludermor on November 21, 2009, 06:20:05 PM
Looked like a terrible ijury to Leamy
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Fiji, 21 November
Post by: Celt_Man on November 21, 2009, 06:25:00 PM
Yea hopefully it doesn't turn out as nasty as it looks but wouldn't hold my breath
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Fiji, 21 November
Post by: trileacman on November 21, 2009, 09:17:51 PM
so O'gara or sexton for SA?

For me, O'Gara. he's the safer bet.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Fiji, 21 November
Post by: muppet on November 21, 2009, 09:26:44 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 21, 2009, 09:17:51 PM
so O'gara or sexton for SA?

For me, O'Gara. he's the safer bet.

They will start O'Gara but I would go for Sexton. Earls also did enough.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Fiji, 21 November
Post by: mc_grens on November 21, 2009, 09:27:04 PM
Fire in Sexton to see what he can do. We know what ROG is all about.

Sexton had a good start. Strike while the iron is hot, put him in against South Africa while his confidence is high.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Fiji, 21 November
Post by: screenexile on November 21, 2009, 09:30:58 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 21, 2009, 09:17:51 PM
so O'gara or sexton for SA?

For me, O'Gara. he's the safer bet.

Feck the safe bet give him a rattle we can't keep relying on ROG who quite frankly will not be the man to control this team through a World Cup! Sexton is the future and a start against South Africa will give us an idea if he can make the step up.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Fiji, 21 November
Post by: trileacman on November 22, 2009, 03:09:35 AM
Quote from: screenexile on November 21, 2009, 09:30:58 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 21, 2009, 09:17:51 PM
so O'gara or sexton for SA?

For me, O'Gara. he's the safer bet.

Feck the safe bet give him a rattle we can't keep relying on ROG who quite frankly will not be the man to control this team through a World Cup! Sexton is the future and a start against South Africa will give us an idea if he can make the step up.

Well we bitxhed for 6 years about having no cover at ten and for the first year that we do we decide to despense of Rog. I dont completely disagree with what your saying but showing Rog the door now ends his international career and leaves us with no cover at ten again, bar humphries.

Also playing him against SA is based upon the hope sexton's able to make the step up, if he doesnt and we give his confidence a huge knock, who do we turn to then for the 6 nations, with two banjaxed out halfs? Just take it canny with the lad, autumn internationals are nice to win, but are glorified freindlies none the less.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Fiji, 21 November
Post by: INDIANA on November 22, 2009, 11:27:35 AM
DK's selection policies mirror Eddies. Conservatism. ROG will start- put the mortgage on it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Fiji, 21 November
Post by: ludermor on November 22, 2009, 12:24:58 PM
http://www.fijirugby.com/pages.cfm/fru-news?newsid=europe-diary-day-14--sean-hurler

Not sure if this was posted earlier

Europe Diary Day 14 - Sean the hurler



20 November, 2009
The Irish weather is doing its utmost best to upset preparations for the Flying Fijians as the team struggled to find a training ground yesterday morning - the one intended for use was closed because of the wet and windy conditions.

However the boys' spirits remain high and during their lunchtime break the team was introduced to the Gaelic sport of hurling by Irish Fijian hurling star Seán Óg Ó hAilpín. It was an event organized by Fiji Rugby Union sponsor Digicel and despite being tired and worn out from their mornings exertions the players threw themselves into the hurling session with great aplomb.

Sean's heritage - mother Rotuman and father Irish - seems to have combined to produce a person who speaks like a Jamaican Rastafarian - his accent causing great mirth among the players.

In the afternoon it was back to the hard grind for the players, however there was a bit of release in the evening with the boys being treated to dinner out of the hotel. I think everyone appreciated getting out of the hotel confines for one night - even if it was only for a couple of hours.

However to be fair to the hotel – Radisson St. Helens< Dublin, I'd have to say that it's an absolutely brilliant hotel and as in Scotland everyone has looked after us extremely well.

At the hurling training session at lunch time Graham Dewes was introduced to Sean as also being a Rotuman. Sean looks at Graham and asks in perfect Rotuman - what island are you from? The rest of the team crack up laughing and poor Graham (being very much a kiwi Rotuman who's never learnt the language) is left scratching his head.

Sometimes we go right around the world only to be undone by one of our very own!

Take care all. Moce mada.


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Fiji, 21 November
Post by: trileacman on November 22, 2009, 02:43:58 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 21, 2009, 09:26:44 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 21, 2009, 09:17:51 PM
so O'gara or sexton for SA?

For me, O'Gara. he's the safer bet.

They will start O'Gara but I would go for Sexton. Earls also did enough.

I assumed earls position was guaranteed given fitzgeralds injury? ??? who were the other options?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Fiji, 21 November
Post by: tyroneboi on November 22, 2009, 03:25:22 PM
I too would go for Sexton because they will learn more about him in that game than any other. We all know what ROG brings to the team but its not as if this is a must win game against South Africa. We might as well see if Sexton is good enough now than wait until O'Gara has an injury and he has to be thrown in at the deep end come the 6 nations. If it was a World Cup game against South Africa then the tried and tested O'Gara would start no question or doubt about it but now is the time to have a little bit of experimentation.

My team would be Healy, Flannery, Hayes, DOC, POC, Ferris, Wallace, Heaslip, O'Leary, Sexton, Earls, Darcy, BOD, Bowe & Kearney. Though if Reddan and Cullen started I wouldnt be too displeased either.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Fiji, 21 November
Post by: Hoof Hearted on November 22, 2009, 03:33:46 PM
i agree with everything tyroneboi said there. makes perfect sense. you know what ROG brings, but against the world champions, it's a perfect game to see if Sexton can cut it. If he can, then if O'Gara starts the 1st 6 Nations match, he will be under bigger pressure than normal, and i then think we will see a better O'Gara. If he is under no pressure, he is too relaxed.

must shower now, after agreeing with a tyrone boy  :D :D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Fiji, 21 November
Post by: screenexile on November 22, 2009, 03:41:25 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on November 22, 2009, 03:33:46 PM
i agree with everything tyroneboi said there. makes perfect sense. you know what ROG brings, but against the world champions, it's a perfect game to see if Sexton can cut it. If he can, then if O'Gara starts the 1st 6 Nations match, he will be under bigger pressure than normal, and i then think we will see a better O'Gara. If he is under no pressure, he is too relaxed.

must shower now, after agreeing with a tyrone boy  :D :D

Yeah don't get me wrong I'm not saying we should ditch O'Gara but I think 2 years ahead of the World Cup is the time to be testing who will be his replacement. O'Gara will be at the World Cup no doubt but I don't think he is the one to lead us through that particular campaign... in fairness I have reservations about him doing it for the upcoming 6 nations. Yes he has a cool head and will be a good man to close a game out but I think Sexton is who we have to look to for creativity and invention to get us in those positions in the first place. Definitely has to get decent game time against SA either he should start or get a good half hour in I think.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Fiji, 21 November
Post by: ludermor on November 22, 2009, 05:46:55 PM
How many times has a young lad been thrown in at the deep end, had a disaster then had his confidence shattered? He may come through but whats the point in rushing him.  This time last year he was light years away from where he is now but he is riding the crest of wave now and hasnt had any real setback since he started to shine. Id give him some game time against SA but wouldnt start him, there are still a few games in the HC and if he is still flying then give his chance in the 6 nations
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Fiji, 21 November
Post by: INDIANA on November 22, 2009, 06:02:51 PM
Quote from: ludermor on November 22, 2009, 05:46:55 PM
How many times has a young lad been thrown in at the deep end, had a disaster then had his confidence shattered? He may come through but whats the point in rushing him.  This time last year he was light years away from where he is now but he is riding the crest of wave now and hasnt had any real setback since he started to shine. Id give him some game time against SA but wouldnt start him, there are still a few games in the HC and if he is still flying then give his chance in the 6 nations
why not start him in a test game as oppose to a 6 nations game?.Nothing at stake next week.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Fiji, 21 November
Post by: ludermor on November 22, 2009, 06:07:05 PM
Nothing at stake but that doesnt stop people having bad games
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Fiji, 21 November
Post by: muppet on November 22, 2009, 06:21:25 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 22, 2009, 02:43:58 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 21, 2009, 09:26:44 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 21, 2009, 09:17:51 PM
so O'gara or sexton for SA?

For me, O'Gara. he's the safer bet.

They will start O'Gara but I would go for Sexton. Earls also did enough.

I assumed earls position was guaranteed given fitzgeralds injury? ??? who were the other options?

The guy who was on the other wing yesterday?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Fiji, 21 November
Post by: INDIANA on November 22, 2009, 06:22:47 PM
Quote from: ludermor on November 22, 2009, 06:07:05 PM
Nothing at stake but that doesnt stop people having bad games

On that basis you'd never start anyone under 25. If you're good enough youre old enough and he's good enough. Needn't fear kidney has already said ROG is satrting.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Fiji, 21 November
Post by: ludermor on November 22, 2009, 07:14:23 PM
i dont mean it that drastic but you have to admit Sexton has come on a very long way in a year, id love him to keep progressing but do we need to put him in front of the wolrd champions?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Fiji, 21 November
Post by: Tankie on November 22, 2009, 09:15:09 PM
Sexton was great lastnight and watching him was worth the admittance fee....he better get some game time next week but i fear he will not get off the bench
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Fiji, 21 November
Post by: tyroneboi on November 22, 2009, 10:13:15 PM
He has already been thrown in at the deep end at the end of last season. From a club perspective it doesn't get any bigger than being put on against your big rivals in a European Cup semi final and then to kick the winning points in the final. I hope Kidney does start him or at least gives him 30 mins. Plus South Africa are at the end of a very tough season and in theory shouldn't be as formidable as they were a couple of months ago.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Fiji, 21 November
Post by: Tankie on November 24, 2009, 01:30:13 PM
Sexton at 10 - legend call
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Fiji, 21 November
Post by: Hoof Hearted on November 24, 2009, 01:33:56 PM

Fair fucks to Kidney, wouldnt have happened under Eddie

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Jonathan Sexton has usurped Ronan O'Gara for the Ireland number 10 jersey ahead of Saturday's eagerly-awaited clash with South Africa at Croke Park.

Coach Declan Kidney has gone for the young Leinster fly-half after his five-star showing last week against Fiji.

There are six changes from that game with Cian Healy, David Wallace, Donncha O'Callaghan, Tommy Bowe, Paddy Wallace, and Tomas O'Leary all returning.

Denis Leamy has overcome injury to be named amongst the replacements.

Also on the bench is Munster's Tony Buckley who gets in ahead of Ulster's Tom Court.

Peter Stringer gets the replacement scrum-half role instead of Eoin Reddan, and sits beside his long-time partner O'Gara.

Not since the retirement of Ulster's David Humphreys five years ago has O'Gara found himself under any pressure, and dropped.

While Sexton's inclusion will be called a shock, it was not totally unexpected that he got the call.



Cian Healy returns to the Ireland loose-head berth to face South Africa 
Since Humphreys's retirement, Ireland have had trouble finding cover for O'Gara, although Ulster's Paddy Wallace has proved a very able deputy when the need arose.

Sexton, though, showed no nerves during his international debut last week and produced a mature performance, including a 100 per cent kicking record.

Under the tutelage last season of Argentina great Felipe Contepomi, Sexton has become an astute on-field tactician with the added confidence to try something different and exciting.

Facing the Springboks will be the biggest test to date for the 24-year-old and one that will show whether he really is the real deal.

Kidney, meanwhile, has not tampered too much elsewhere.

He goes with Wallace as skipper Brian O'Driscoll's midfield partner after the Ulsterman had a fine game against the Wallabies two weeks ago.

As expected Cian Healy returns to the front row at Court's expense with Leo Cullen also giving way for the return of O'Callaghan.

Leamy is included in the replacements following what originally looked a serious ankle injury against Fiji. If he is forced out before the weekend, Leinster's Sean O'Brien will step in.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ireland: R Kearney; T Bowe, B O'Driscoll, P Wallace, K Earls; J Sexton, T O'Leary; C Healy, J Flannery, J Hayes, D O'Callaghan, P O'Connell; S Ferris, D Wallace, J Heaslip.
Replacements: S Cronin, T Buckley, L Cullen, D Leamy, P Stringer, R O'Gara, G D'Arcy.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Fiji, 21 November
Post by: AFS on November 24, 2009, 01:36:55 PM
Much/ any chance of picking up a ticket for this outside Croker on the day? Think I'll be about Dublin on Saturday and wouldn't mind heading.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Fiji, 21 November
Post by: Rossie11 on November 24, 2009, 02:23:39 PM
Huge shock he went for Sexton. Delighted though.
Best of luck to him
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Fiji, 21 November
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on November 24, 2009, 02:27:04 PM
Right decision to start Sexton. He has to be given a go at some stage against top class opposition and this is Ireland's last game before next year's 6 Nations. No harm in letting ROG know that his position isn't guaranteed anymore either.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Fiji, 21 November
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 24, 2009, 02:33:10 PM
What's Buckley doing on the bench?

Big test for Sexton, hope it goes well at least ROG can change the game of he comes on, great option to have.

Really fancy Ireland to win.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Fiji, 21 November
Post by: DuffleKing on November 24, 2009, 02:37:59 PM

Very very surprised but delighted he's gone with sexton. could be the making of him,

On an unrelated subject. How badly are we going to get it in the ass in the scrum?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Fiji, 21 November
Post by: Bord na Mona man on November 24, 2009, 02:54:35 PM
Surprised but very happy that Sexton got the nod.
Fingers crossed he has a good day, as we need someone to step up to the mark for the next World Cup.
Despite the mutterings of being conservative, Kidney isn't afraid of making the changes.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Fiji, 21 November
Post by: Bord na Mona man on November 24, 2009, 02:57:49 PM
Quote from: ludermor on November 22, 2009, 12:24:58 PM
Sean's heritage - mother Rotuman and father Irish - seems to have combined to produce a person who speaks like a Jamaican Rastafarian - his accent causing great mirth among the players.
Interestingly there is a strong theory that the Jamaican accent is derived from the Cork accent.
Thousands of slaves, prisoners and exiles from county Cork ended up in the Caribbean centuries ago.
There is definitely the same sort of intonation to them...mon!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Fiji, 21 November
Post by: ludermor on November 24, 2009, 03:18:05 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on November 24, 2009, 02:57:49 PM
Quote from: ludermor on November 22, 2009, 12:24:58 PM
Sean's heritage - mother Rotuman and father Irish - seems to have combined to produce a person who speaks like a Jamaican Rastafarian - his accent causing great mirth among the players.
Interestingly there is a strong theory that the Jamaican accent is derived from the Cork accent.
Thousands of slaves, prisoners and exiles from county Cork ended up in the Caribbean centuries ago.
There is definitely the same sort of intonation to them...mon!
Yeah there was a thead a while back about the slaves who got moved to barbados during Cromwells time ( think it was 'To Hell or Barbados')
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Fiji, 21 November
Post by: Celt_Man on November 24, 2009, 03:30:10 PM
Quote from: DuffleKing on November 24, 2009, 02:37:59 PM

Very very surprised but delighted he's gone with sexton. could be the making of him,

On an unrelated subject. How badly are we going to get it in the ass in the scrum?

While I'm not an expert on rugby, I'm pretty sure your idea of the scrum there isn't correct...

Good to see Kidney has the balls to make huge calls, surprised with the bench with Buckley and Stringer on it...  I believe Stringer had a fine game in the A match in Ravenhill a couple of weeks ago but thought Reddan done very well on Saturday in terrible conditions..

I wondered at the time, and I think Ryle might have mentioned in the coverage, when he put O'Leary on at scrum half with still 20 minutes to go against Fiji was Kidney having a look at the potential half back partnership for the 'Boks.   The reasoning was I would have thought Reddan would have got more than an hour
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Fiji, 21 November
Post by: muppet on November 24, 2009, 04:11:23 PM
Quote from: ludermor on November 24, 2009, 03:18:05 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on November 24, 2009, 02:57:49 PM
Quote from: ludermor on November 22, 2009, 12:24:58 PM
Sean's heritage - mother Rotuman and father Irish - seems to have combined to produce a person who speaks like a Jamaican Rastafarian - his accent causing great mirth among the players.
Interestingly there is a strong theory that the Jamaican accent is derived from the Cork accent.
Thousands of slaves, prisoners and exiles from county Cork ended up in the Caribbean centuries ago.
There is definitely the same sort of intonation to them...mon!
Yeah there was a thead a while back about the slaves who got moved to barbados during Cromwells time ( think it was 'To Hell or Barbados')

That's the name of the book.

Thread here: http://gaaboard.com/board/index.php?topic=13181.0 (http://gaaboard.com/board/index.php?topic=13181.0)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Fiji, 21 November
Post by: bcarrier on November 24, 2009, 04:28:54 PM
IMO Reddan had a shocker on Saturday. As much as Sexton played his way into the team Reddan played his way out. FWIW O'Leary isnt setting world alight either.

Glad to see Sexton given his chance. I hope he gets a decent platform.

Our backrow needs to up their game and you would have to be fearful for the front row - though the refs interpretation will be crucial there.

Looking forward to it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Fiji, 21 November
Post by: trileacman on November 24, 2009, 05:09:59 PM
Quote from: bcarrier on November 24, 2009, 04:28:54 PM
IMO Reddan had a shocker on Saturday. As much as Sexton played his way into the team Reddan played his way out. FWIW O'Leary isnt setting world alight either.

Glad to see Sexton given his chance. I hope he gets a decent platform.

Our backrow needs to up their game and you would have to be fearful for the front row - though the refs interpretation will be crucial there.

Looking forward to it.

Agreed, OL hasnt exactly played that well for Ireland of late. Suprised to see Kidney go for Sexton. O'Gara whilst not as good as Sexton, he was certainly not bad against a tough Austrailia.

It says alot about Kidney though this selection. Not his percieved conservatism or his differences from EOS but rather what he thinks this match is worth. It will be interesting to see what we thinks a 6 nations game is worth come Spring.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on November 24, 2009, 06:02:58 PM
Brave call by Deccie but probably the right one. Sexton isn't going to turn into an established international ten playing against the likes of Fiji.

Could be the kick up the arse ROG needs as well. He showed signs of coming back to form against Australia and it'll be interesting to see if he keeps that up in the remaining rounds of the Heineken. Could be an interesting 6N, I imagine they might share the ten jersey during it.

Looking forward to Saturday now. Confident we'll put up a good show and win by a score or two. Having Gert Smal in our coaching ranks could be a big advantage.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Fiji, 21 November
Post by: ludermor on November 24, 2009, 06:06:30 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 24, 2009, 04:11:23 PM
Quote from: ludermor on November 24, 2009, 03:18:05 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on November 24, 2009, 02:57:49 PM
Quote from: ludermor on November 22, 2009, 12:24:58 PM
Sean's heritage - mother Rotuman and father Irish - seems to have combined to produce a person who speaks like a Jamaican Rastafarian - his accent causing great mirth among the players.
Interestingly there is a strong theory that the Jamaican accent is derived from the Cork accent.
Thousands of slaves, prisoners and exiles from county Cork ended up in the Caribbean centuries ago.
There is definitely the same sort of intonation to them...mon!
Yeah there was a thead a while back about the slaves who got moved to barbados during Cromwells time ( think it was 'To Hell or Barbados')

That's the name of the book.

Thread here: http://gaaboard.com/board/index.php?topic=13181.0 (http://gaaboard.com/board/index.php?topic=13181.0)
Cheers Muppet
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: ludermor on November 24, 2009, 06:08:28 PM
Hope sexton has a stormer, it would be great to have genuine competition for O'Gara.
Really lookin gofrward to this game, ill have the hipflask ready for action. Many going to the game?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on November 26, 2009, 12:34:28 PM
Seán O'Brien called up onto the bench for Leamy. Hope he gets some time against the SA back-row. Class act this lad.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: orangeman on November 28, 2009, 02:14:47 PM
Kick off delayed by 5 minutes -


How do we think it'll go ??


Conditions are good.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: muppet on November 28, 2009, 02:22:58 PM
Quote from: orangeman on November 28, 2009, 02:14:47 PM
Kick off delayed by 5 minutes -


How do we think it'll go ??


Conditions are good.

No early try concession today please.

Expect a few scraps.

Then hopefully we win against lots of sin-binnings.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: comethekingdom on November 28, 2009, 02:39:50 PM
I've just put a wee bet on Paddy Power for us to win. I think the introduction of Sexton should be a great move! :)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: muppet on November 28, 2009, 02:45:20 PM
The amount of kicking is shocking.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: muppet on November 28, 2009, 02:49:38 PM
That's a good kick though! 3-0
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: orangeman on November 28, 2009, 02:49:47 PM
Great start by Ireland - soaking up the pressure. And landing the first 3 points.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: orangeman on November 28, 2009, 02:53:35 PM
The lads in the studio were talking about Nigel Owens being a homer of a ref. Isn't doing Ireland any harm so far.

South Africa according to Hook haven't been happy with reffing on this tour.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: muppet on November 28, 2009, 02:55:07 PM
Quote from: orangeman on November 28, 2009, 02:53:35 PM
The lads in the studio were talking about Nigel Owens being a homer of a ref. Isn't doing Ireland any harm so far.

South Africa according to Hook haven't been happy with reffing on this tour.

We are being killed in the scrum.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: muppet on November 28, 2009, 02:56:38 PM
Try Burger.

No scrum no hope.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: muppet on November 28, 2009, 03:00:05 PM
How does O'Driscoll do that?

Worst Irish scrum I've ever seen on half way and we get right up to the line.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: Square Ball on November 28, 2009, 03:00:30 PM
big chance here
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: orangeman on November 28, 2009, 03:00:54 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 28, 2009, 03:00:05 PM
How does O'Driscoll do that? Worst Irish scrum I've ever seen on half way and we get right up to the line.


Amazing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: comethekingdom on November 28, 2009, 03:07:19 PM
Paddy Wallace has hard luck with injuries.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: muppet on November 28, 2009, 03:08:19 PM
Our forwards doing well everywhere except the scrum.

Backs doing well also.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: muppet on November 28, 2009, 03:13:08 PM
6 - 10

Another good kick by Sexton
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: comethekingdom on November 28, 2009, 03:14:00 PM
Rodge will have bother getting the 10 shirt back off Sexton - Flawless so far with the boot.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: muppet on November 28, 2009, 03:15:45 PM
Quote from: comethekingdom on November 28, 2009, 03:14:00 PM
Rodge will have bother getting the 10 shirt back off Sexton - Flawless so far with the boot.

And he can recycle in contact which O'Gara can't.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: comethekingdom on November 28, 2009, 03:21:40 PM
Aye. About time Ireland had a no 10 that can take the ball into contact.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: orangeman on November 28, 2009, 03:23:21 PM
Quote from: comethekingdom on November 28, 2009, 03:14:00 PM
Rodge will have bother getting the 10 shirt back off Sexton - Flawless so far with the boot.


Dead eye dick - good player - O'Gara will be very worried.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on November 28, 2009, 03:28:02 PM
We're suffering at the scrum and we can't really get any momentum going at the moment.

South African defence is very solid and the second half will be a real scrap.

Johnny Sexton's kicking out of hand has been a bit patchy but that is understandable given that its really his first competitive international. Apart from that he has been quite accomplished. O'Leary has been poor enough again. His box-kicking has cost us a few times. I'd like to see Stringer given a go in the second half to mix things up a bit.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: muppet on November 28, 2009, 03:31:44 PM
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on November 28, 2009, 03:28:02 PM
We're suffering at the scrum and we can't really get any momentum going at the moment.

South African defence is very solid and the second half will be a real scrap.

Johnny Sexton's kicking out of hand has been a bit patchy but that is understandable given that its really his first competitive international. Apart from that he has been quite accomplished. O'Leary has been poor enough again. His box-kicking has cost us a few times. I'd like to see Stringer given a go in the second half to mix things up a bit.

O'Leary has made a couple of good breaks but takes the wrong option too often and the box kicking is terrible.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: Eastern_Pride on November 28, 2009, 03:34:17 PM
Anyone noticed SA lying all over the ball constantly, especially Morne Steyn which Owens is ignoring. All in all not bad Sexton has been solid.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on November 28, 2009, 03:35:30 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 28, 2009, 03:31:44 PM
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on November 28, 2009, 03:28:02 PM
We're suffering at the scrum and we can't really get any momentum going at the moment.

South African defence is very solid and the second half will be a real scrap.

Johnny Sexton's kicking out of hand has been a bit patchy but that is understandable given that its really his first competitive international. Apart from that he has been quite accomplished. O'Leary has been poor enough again. His box-kicking has cost us a few times. I'd like to see Stringer given a go in the second half to mix things up a bit.

O'Leary has made a couple of good breaks but takes the wrong option too often and the box kicking is terrible.

He has made two or three good snipes around the fringes but he has been getting isolated far too often.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: muppet on November 28, 2009, 03:36:42 PM
Ferris off.

O'Brien on wonder will Wallace go to 6?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: orangeman on November 28, 2009, 03:37:15 PM
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on November 26, 2009, 12:34:28 PM
Seán O'Brien called up onto the bench for Leamy. Hope he gets some time against the SA back-row. Class act this lad.


O'Brien on now for the injured Ferris.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: orangeman on November 28, 2009, 03:42:29 PM
Some woeful SA penalty kicks at goal - me hopes they'll regret them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: muppet on November 28, 2009, 03:46:08 PM
9 - 10 officials helping us out a bit. Another good kick from Jonny.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: orangeman on November 28, 2009, 03:46:57 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 28, 2009, 03:46:08 PM
9 - 10 officials helping us out a bit. Another good kick from Jonny.



SA not liking the reffing -


Immaculate is pretty apt alright.



Rob Kearney is some player.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: orangeman on November 28, 2009, 03:50:41 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 28, 2009, 03:46:08 PM
9 - 10 officials helping us out a bit. Another good kick from Jonny.



Officials are winning this game for Ireland.


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: muppet on November 28, 2009, 03:51:24 PM
Filthy from South Africa but the officials are picking it up.

12- 10
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: Schkite on November 28, 2009, 03:53:56 PM
Sexton putting on an exhibition of kicking here for only his 2nd cap, nerves of steel. We're lucky though that Steyn is having a nightmare with his kicking.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: tyroneboi on November 28, 2009, 03:56:28 PM
Quote from: orangeman on November 28, 2009, 03:50:41 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 28, 2009, 03:46:08 PM
9 - 10 officials helping us out a bit. Another good kick from Jonny.



Officials are winning this game for Ireland.

Wouldnt say that at all. South Africa are being indisciplined and the referee is righty clamping down on them.

Sexton has been solid as a rock so far, kicking from hand and the ground has been immaculate. He is the man in possession now and O'Gara is going to have a hell of a battle to take the jersey of him now but it may be a case of horses for courses come the 6N between the two men. Not his biggest fan but O'Leary has been good as well so far today.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: tyroneboi on November 28, 2009, 04:00:30 PM
O'Driscoll was immense there to get that penalty. The forwards are taking it on a little too much when we are within 5 metres of their try line in my opinion.

Poor kick - he is human after all!!

Still 12-10.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: muppet on November 28, 2009, 04:01:08 PM
Great passage of play especially from the forwards, crowd right behind them.

Jonny is human.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: orangeman on November 28, 2009, 04:01:36 PM
A rare miss there.


SA rattled big time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: muppet on November 28, 2009, 04:07:00 PM
15 - 10
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: Schkite on November 28, 2009, 04:07:05 PM
Great recovery by Sexton after his 1st miss, 5 point lead.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: Schkite on November 28, 2009, 04:09:21 PM
SA kickers continue to have a nightmare game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: muppet on November 28, 2009, 04:12:19 PM
South Africa are filthy bastards.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: tyroneboi on November 28, 2009, 04:12:24 PM
High tackle there no doubt about it. Bowe has developed into a fantastic international winger.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: orangeman on November 28, 2009, 04:12:36 PM
High tackle missed by Mr. Owens.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: Schkite on November 28, 2009, 04:14:09 PM
Thats two yellow cards SA should have got now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on November 28, 2009, 04:15:28 PM
How in the name of god did he miss the offside, never mind the high tackle? Owens is usually one of the better whistlers but he is having a bit of a mare today.

Kearney is immense under the high ball. My MOTM so far.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: muppet on November 28, 2009, 04:16:09 PM
Kearney has been immense. Hard to understand why South Africa keep kicking to him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: orangeman on November 28, 2009, 04:16:37 PM
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on November 28, 2009, 04:15:28 PM
How in the name of god did he miss the offside, never mind the high tackle? Owens is usually one of the better whistlers but he is having a bit of a mare today.

Kearney is immense under the high ball. My MOTM so far.
[/b]



No question - MOTM - It's like throwing buns to a bear !
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on November 28, 2009, 04:19:59 PM
Heaslip=Tarzan  ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: muppet on November 28, 2009, 04:22:26 PM
Heaslip had a great game and has become an outstanding international number 8.

Must win this line-out.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: muppet on November 28, 2009, 04:25:16 PM
Some decision from Owens.  >:(
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: orangeman on November 28, 2009, 04:26:13 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 28, 2009, 04:25:16 PM
Some decision from Owens.  >:(

Holding on I thought - one big scrum.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: muppet on November 28, 2009, 04:26:43 PM
Not happy with O'Leary's box kick when we had the ball with a minute to go.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: orangeman on November 28, 2009, 04:27:26 PM
All over - well done IRELAND.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v South Africa, 28 November
Post by: muppet on November 28, 2009, 04:27:43 PM
O'Driscoll wins the game by concussing himself, huge hit.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: stiffler on November 28, 2009, 04:28:24 PM
o'driscoll- legend
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on November 28, 2009, 04:28:44 PM
What a hit by O'Driscoll. Talk about putting your body on the line.

Great win especially considering the mess that was made of our scrum. Roll on the 6N
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: Schkite on November 28, 2009, 04:28:57 PM
Fantastic defence there by BOD at the death.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: orangeman on November 28, 2009, 04:31:57 PM
Ref is getting a bit of touch from Hook now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: FL/MAYO on November 28, 2009, 04:36:41 PM
Great win by Ireland, Kearney is a class player absolutely brilliant under the high ball. Another grind it out win for Ireland very similar to the way Munster used to play when Kidney was in charge.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: trileacman on November 28, 2009, 04:38:34 PM
Good a win as it was there's a major problem with the Sport. The Northern Hemisphere's best and southern Hemisphere's best serve up one try between them. Referee was a problemA great win but all in all a very poor match.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: Lecale2 on November 28, 2009, 04:38:50 PM
Great win alright. Looking forward to the 6 Nations.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: ziggysego on November 28, 2009, 04:43:25 PM
Well done Ireland. Ireland took a few heavy knocks today.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: muppet on November 28, 2009, 04:45:37 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 28, 2009, 04:38:34 PM
Good a win as it was there's a major problem with the Sport. The Northern Hemisphere's best and southern Hemisphere's best serve up one try between them. Referee was a problemA great win but all in all a very poor match.

The aerial ping pong is very annoying alright and needs to be dealt with.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: tyroneboi on November 28, 2009, 04:46:46 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 28, 2009, 04:38:34 PM
Good a win as it was there's a major problem with the Sport. The Northern Hemisphere's best and southern Hemisphere's best serve up one try between them. Referee was a problemA great win but all in all a very poor match.

There doesn't always have to be a try-fest to make it a great game. Personally I thought it was a good game with a high intensity from both sides throughout the game. Some of the hits were massive and there was always an edge to the game which is often missing in these Autumn internationals.

Agree with you that the lack of tries in the highest levels of the sport is a problem. Its hard to know what the solution to this would be though??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: SLIGONIAN on November 28, 2009, 04:46:59 PM
Absolutely delighted, Having met loads of South Africans out here im not one bit endeared to them but not going into it. But had to listen to there commentary, clowns.

Fair play to Sexton though, young lad did well but faded. Kearney is immense at high balls is right.

This Irish team is brilliant. Grand Slam again for the taking. Thought it was nice to see ROG smiling when Sexton got one of his kicks.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: muppet on November 28, 2009, 04:48:21 PM
Quote from: SLIGONIAN on November 28, 2009, 04:46:59 PM
Absolutely delighted, Having met loads of South Africans out here im not one bit endeared to them but not going into it. But had to listen to there commentary, clowns.

Fair play to Sexton though, young lad did well but faded. Kearney is immense at high balls is right.

This Irish team is brilliant. Grand Slam again for the taking. Thought it was nice to see ROG smiling when Sexton got one of his kicks.

It'll be between us and France, who play New Zealand tonight.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on November 28, 2009, 04:51:32 PM
Our record in Paris is abysmal but hopefully we can put that right next year. England will always be tough to beat at Twickenham no matter how bad some of their players are but the days of Irish players travelling with fear to London are long gone.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: orangeman on November 28, 2009, 04:55:22 PM
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on November 28, 2009, 04:51:32 PM
Our record in Paris is abysmal but hopefully we can put that right next year. England will always be tough to beat at Twickenham no matter how bad some of their players are but the days of Irish players travelling with fear to London are long gone.
[/b]


Definitely the glory years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: comethekingdom on November 28, 2009, 05:04:12 PM
Is France V New Zealand on telly tonite?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: muppet on November 28, 2009, 05:05:09 PM
Quote from: comethekingdom on November 28, 2009, 05:04:12 PM
Is France V New Zealand on telly tonite?

On RTE around 730.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: comethekingdom on November 28, 2009, 05:07:36 PM
Splendid!
Thanks Muppet
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: Main Street on November 28, 2009, 05:09:26 PM
Stalwart defense at the end from when the ball was inches away from the line.
Good to have Ireland still pushing their class around at the top.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: Shamrock Shore on November 28, 2009, 05:11:46 PM
Dour game but good result.

Best Irish rugby season ever has to be applauded.

Doubt if the Dricos and the O'Connells have gaaboard.com in their bookmarks, but, if they do, well done lads.


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: muppet on November 28, 2009, 05:45:52 PM
A South African perspective from http://www.rugby365.com/all_news/nbc/ireland/news/2082920.htm (http://www.rugby365.com/all_news/nbc/ireland/news/2082920.htm)

Sean O'Brien came on for Ferris not Leamy. Very harsh on our front row but from their point of view our scrum must have looked comical. D'Arcy did better than 5/10 I thought as well.

15 Rob Kearney:
He was solid under pressure, and oh so great under the high ball. As always electric on counter and some incredible touch finders.
8/10

14 Tommy Bowe:
Had a couple of runs, with one great switch - but few chances on attack. Solid under high ball.
6/10

13 Brian O'Driscoll (captain):
Produced an incredible break early on, showed his class and worming his way out of a attempted John Smit tackle. He did give a penalty away for off-the-ball tackle and a knock later, but then won a crucial penalty.
8/10

12 Paddy Wallace:
Left the field early with ankle injury - very little time to make an impact.
5/10

11 Keith Earls:
Good early run, then some good kick-and-chasing, but few chances on attack.
6/10

10 Jonathan Sexton:
What a find for Ireland. Even though he was well looked after by the Bok defenders, he produced some good touchfinders. And his goal-kicking was so much better than Steyn.
8/10

9 Tomas O'Leary:
Penalised for skew feed early, otherwise decent service. Nothing special.
6/10

8 Jamie Heaslip:
Good behind retreating scrum and as strong on the run. In the thick of things throughout the game
7/10

7 David Wallace:
As always a menace at the breakdown, and along with Heaslip kept the Bok loose forwards very busy.
7/10

6 Stephen Ferris:
Good link to backs, but replaced at half-time. Steady, rather than spectacular.
6/10

5 Paul O'Connell:
A good steal from Matfield and generally very solid in line-out. Lots of carries, showing good strength - but did give away a silly penalty. Overall, masterclass.
9/10

4 Donncha O'Callaghan:
Was working very hard at the breakdown and provided a physical presence, which South Africa seemed to lack.
7/10

3 John Hayes:
Gave away a penalty for offside, and under pressure in scrums - often collapsing. Worked hard outside the set pieces, but his basics lack.
4/10

2 Jerry Flannery:
Skew line-out throw and also struggle in scrums. Driven back too often with ball in hand and just not up to it.
4/10

1 Cian Healy:
Like the rest of his front row he was in trouble in scrums, and gave away a penalty. Provided little else.
4/10

Replacements:

16 Sean Cronin:
Not used.

17 Tony Buckley:
Not used.

18 Leo Cullen:
Not used.

19 Denis Leamy (on for Ferris at half-time):
Worked hard at the breakdown, often found at the bottom of rucks.
6/10

20 Peter Stringer:
Not used.

21 Ronan O'Gara:
Not used.

22 Gordon D'Arcy (on for Wallace - 21st min):
He was well looked after and showed little on attack. There's a reason why he plays off the bench.
5/10
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: tyroneboi on November 28, 2009, 05:52:02 PM
Those ratings were a biit harsh on D'Arcy as well I thought. He is definitely the best man to partner BOD in the middle. Lets hope he finds something like his best form come the 6 Nations.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: gawa316 on November 28, 2009, 06:09:02 PM
What's the craic with all the handlebar moustaches?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: SLIGONIAN on November 28, 2009, 06:16:25 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on November 28, 2009, 06:09:02 PM
What's the craic with all the handlebar moustaches?

The commentary said its to do with fundraising for Movember, a prostate cancer charity. Great cause and one that affects alot of people. Fair play to all. Basically I think it involves not shaving for the month or something like that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: muppet on November 28, 2009, 06:27:08 PM
Quote from: SLIGONIAN on November 28, 2009, 06:16:25 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on November 28, 2009, 06:09:02 PM
What's the craic with all the handlebar moustaches?

The commentary said its to do with fundraising for Movember, a prostate cancer charity. Great cause and one that affects alot of people. Fair play to all. Basically I think it involves not shaving for the month or something like that.

That's in the South, up North it is not washing for a month. Well supported too.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: trileacman on November 28, 2009, 07:01:16 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 28, 2009, 06:27:08 PM
Quote from: SLIGONIAN on November 28, 2009, 06:16:25 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on November 28, 2009, 06:09:02 PM
What's the craic with all the handlebar moustaches?

The commentary said its to do with fundraising for Movember, a prostate cancer charity. Great cause and one that affects alot of people. Fair play to all. Basically I think it involves not shaving for the month or something like that.

That's in the South, up North it is not washing for a month. Well supported too.

That's the traditional attempt. However the abundance of water in the South lately made such a commitment impossible for many so they dont shave instead.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: CountyGK on November 28, 2009, 07:15:57 PM
hi im simon ba
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: Hardy on November 28, 2009, 07:22:16 PM
Watched it on BBC (Ryle gives me a pain in my ryle Irish arse) and Butler and Mathews agreed it was the best refereeing performance of the Autumn series. So there y'are.

I don't agree with those who think there's too much kicking in the game. The more kicking the better in a game with "football" in its name, as far as I'm concerned. Especially since they've removed the stupidity that lets you gain from belting the ball off the field (except for penalties). Good positional kicking is interesting to watch, I think, though I don't get the persistent use of the box kick - concedes possession practically 100% of the time, for very little, if any, positional gain.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: muppet on November 28, 2009, 07:53:56 PM
Quote from: CountyGK on November 28, 2009, 07:15:57 PM
hi im simon ba

Hi welcome to the board. Something tells me you are from Roscommon?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: omagh_gael on November 28, 2009, 07:59:02 PM
Quote from: Hardy on November 28, 2009, 07:22:16 PM
Watched it on BBC (Ryle gives me a pain in my ryle Irish arse) and Butler and Mathews agreed it was the best refereeing performance of the Autumn series. So there y'are.

I don't agree with those who think there's too much kicking in the game. The more kicking the better in a game with "football" in its name, as far as I'm concerned. Especially since they've removed the stupidity that lets you gain from belting the ball off the field (except for penalties). Good positional kicking is interesting to watch, I think, though I don't get the persistent use of the box kick - concedes possession practically 100% of the time, for very little, if any, positional gain.

Interesting that George Hook gave him an awful bashing! A part from the glaring miss of the high tackle on Bowe and the offside that followed I didn't think he was too bad.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: Main Street on November 28, 2009, 08:42:25 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 28, 2009, 07:53:56 PM
Quote from: CountyGK on November 28, 2009, 07:15:57 PM
hi im simon ba

Hi welcome to the board. Something tells me you are from Roscommon?
Buggered unconscious just before he could finish the sentence.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: muppet on November 28, 2009, 08:43:18 PM
Quote from: Main Street on November 28, 2009, 08:42:25 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 28, 2009, 07:53:56 PM
Quote from: CountyGK on November 28, 2009, 07:15:57 PM
hi im simon ba

Hi welcome to the board. Something tells me you are from Roscommon?
Buggered unconscious just before he could finish the sentence.

Thanks for shearing that with us.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: muppet on November 28, 2009, 09:21:57 PM
(http://www.independent.ie/multimedia/archive/00425/Heaslip_g_425980t.jpg)

Typical Springbok tackle today. Ref unsighted so high tackle. Touch judges picked up a couple of these but missed most of them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: Hoof Hearted on November 28, 2009, 10:58:34 PM
good to see France getting beat tonight. not that i have anything great love for the all blacks, but i thought France were looking good recently. If Ireland can keep their heads and injury free, i have a feeling that that game in Paris on the 2nd weekend of the 6N could be a title decider. they are better then England and should win, even in Twickenham, and home advantage should see us home in the other 3.

Sportsmen in the UK get knighthoods and MBE's for fcuk all. Whats the equivelant down south. Whatever it is, BOD should get one. The most complete player of the last decade anywhere in the world. Hope he wins the IRB player of 2009 award shortly.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: 5 Sams on November 28, 2009, 11:01:19 PM
I'm a total philistine when it comes to the egg chasing lads but O'Driscoll's tackle at the end was unreal. Is he the best in the world in his position??? Every time I watch the team play he comes up with something special
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on November 28, 2009, 11:14:38 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on November 28, 2009, 10:58:34 PM
good to see France getting beat tonight. not that i have anything great love for the all blacks, but i thought France were looking good recently. If Ireland can keep their heads and injury free, i have a feeling that that game in Paris on the 2nd weekend of the 6N could be a title decider. they are better then England and should win, even in Twickenham, and home advantage should see us home in the other 3.

Sportsmen in the UK get knighthoods and MBE's for fcuk all. Whats the equivelant down south. Whatever it is, BOD should get one. The most complete player of the last decade anywhere in the world. Hope he wins the IRB player of 2009 award shortly.

McCaw won it.  :-\

Kidney won the coach of the year award though. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: CountyGK on November 29, 2009, 10:53:06 AM
lads sorry about that last nite, it wasnt me, it was one of my mates messin about hacking into my account!!

good win yesterday for ireland though, sexton very good from placed balls, any news on wallace's or ferris' injuries

and no, im not from roscommon!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: stephenite on November 29, 2009, 11:17:22 AM
Quote from: gawa316 on November 28, 2009, 06:09:02 PM
What's the craic with all the handlebar moustaches?

Probably charity fundraising for Movember
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: Gnevin on November 29, 2009, 11:23:34 AM
Quote from: 5 Sams on November 28, 2009, 11:01:19 PM
I'm a total philistine when it comes to the egg chasing lads but O'Driscoll's tackle at the end was unreal. Is he the best in the world in his position??? Every time I watch the team play he comes up with something special
No doubt he's the best 13 in the world .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: longrunsthefox on November 29, 2009, 11:27:36 AM
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on November 28, 2009, 11:14:38 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on November 28, 2009, 10:58:34 PM
good to see France getting beat tonight. not that i have anything great love for the all blacks, but i thought France were looking good recently. If Ireland can keep their heads and injury free, i have a feeling that that game in Paris on the 2nd weekend of the 6N could be a title decider. they are better then England and should win, even in Twickenham, and home advantage should see us home in the other 3.

Sportsmen in the UK get knighthoods and MBE's for fcuk all. Whats the equivelant down south. Whatever it is, BOD should get one. The most complete player of the last decade anywhere in the world. Hope he wins the IRB player of 2009 award shortly.

McCaw won it.  :-\

Kidney won the coach of the year award though.
[/quote

Have to agree with George Hook on that on about O'Driscoll-McCaw award...'Who-the-hell-cares?' Like the All Stars is a matter of opinion and often personal agendas and biases seem to come into it. As good as Irealnd are these days, I couldn't see them living with that All Black (and white) team... not yet anyway.   
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: CountyGK on November 29, 2009, 12:05:20 PM
heard some of the bbc analysts a few weeks back sayin that france would be favourites for the 6 nations, dallilageo said england would win it, others said wales as well, but ireland are surely favourites big time
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: Hoof Hearted on November 29, 2009, 12:49:23 PM
programme tomorrow night RTE1 9.35 about Irelands year. Should be the best programme of this nature for the last 60 odd years !!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: Gnevin on November 29, 2009, 01:10:53 PM
Quote from: CountyGK on November 29, 2009, 12:05:20 PM
heard some of the bbc analysts a few weeks back sayin that france would be favourites for the 6 nations, dallilageo said england would win it, others said wales as well, but ireland are surely favourites big time
Despite what we seen yesterday,they tend to blow hot and cold. France would be favourites ,their scrum against SA was massive and our record in Paris is just terrible.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: magickingdom on November 29, 2009, 04:27:37 PM
great achievement for ireland to go unbeaten thro 2009. hard to believe how low we were at the wc and the end of the e o sullivan era and now this. next to go unbeaten in a wc year!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: johnpower on November 29, 2009, 08:15:11 PM
Good win ,Dont have much time for some of this South African team after the Loins tour . Was offered a ticket but decided that as Ireland never win when I go to see them play (0 from 12 so far ) I would watch it on the telly
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 29, 2009, 10:54:47 PM
Solid performance if unspectacular, beat the Springbok at their own game, Kearney, Bowe and Earls all very comfortable under the high ball, all 3 have solid GAA backgrounds and it shows.

Not much to add that already been said expect I thought O'Leary was exceptional today in that he played like an extra flanker and made sure we won our own ball by hitting the ruck when he had to.

Kidney is a definitely a role model for any aspiring coach across any code and his subtle transformation of this team has been fantastic to behold.

Think I'll travel to the France game as that will be the title decider.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: trileacman on November 30, 2009, 01:07:17 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 29, 2009, 10:54:47 PM
Solid performance if unspectacular, beat the Springbok at their own game, Kearney, Bowe and Earls all very comfortable under the high ball, all 3 have solid GAA backgrounds and it shows.

Not much to add that already been said expect I thought O'Leary was exceptional today in that he played like an extra flanker and made sure we won our own ball by hitting the ruck when he had to.

Kidney is a definitely a role model for any aspiring coach across any code and his subtle transformation of this team has been fantastic to behold.

Think I'll travel to the France game as that will be the title decider.

Whilst Im aware of the other two's GAA background is that one about Earls true? Didnt realise he had much of a GAA background? ???
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: Gnevin on November 30, 2009, 08:57:05 AM
Injury setback for Leinster as Sexton suffers broken hand

   
Fly-half Jonathan Sexton played on against South Africa, despite breaking two fingers during the match.
IRELAND hero Jonathan Sexton proved to be as brave as he is skilful by playing out Saturday's thrilling 15-10 win over world champions South Africa with a broken hand.

The out-half contributed all of his side's points with five penalties at Croke Park and, despite breaking two fingers in his hand during the second half, was then part of Ireland's desperate defensive effort to keep out the Springboks as the visitors came in search of a winning score with the last play of the game.

Sexton had an X-ray on his hand after the match and will undergo further scans this week but looks certain to miss Leinster's back-to-back Heineken Cup pool clashes with the Scarlets next month.


However, Saturday's heroics capped a spectacular month for the 24-year-old who was man of the match on his international debut against Fiji a week earlier. Ireland coach Declan Kidney expressed his satisfaction that, with Ronan O'Gara also impressing in the draw with Australia, he now has access to two top-quality outside halves.

blessing

"Maybe if ROG was playing, we'd have won by more, who knows?" noted Kidney. "It's just a blessing to have an up-and-coming out-half and a world-class out-half, long may that continue."

Ireland's victory means they end the year unbeaten with nine victories and a draw from 10 matches while picking up their first Grand Slam in 61 years but it was their latest victims who picked up the IRB team of the year award following their Lions Series and Tri-Nations successes.

Ireland coach Kidney won the coach of the year award but his captain Brian O'Driscoll, despite Grand Slam and Heineken Cup glory for country and club, was surprisingly overlooked for the player of the year award in favour of New Zealand's captain Richie McCaw, who shone in the All Blacks' win over France on Saturday.

- Hugh Farrelly

Irish Independent

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/autumn-internationals/injury-setback-for-leinster-as-sexton-suffers-broken-hand-1958641.html

Not good for Leinster
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: deiseach on November 30, 2009, 09:06:35 AM
Quote from: Gnevin on November 29, 2009, 11:23:34 AM
Quote from: 5 Sams on November 28, 2009, 11:01:19 PM
I'm a total philistine when it comes to the egg chasing lads but O'Driscoll's tackle at the end was unreal. Is he the best in the world in his position??? Every time I watch the team play he comes up with something special
No doubt he's the best 13 in the world .

I'd go so far as to say he is the best centre I've ever seen. I remember against England last year Ireland were camped on their line and needed someone to get the hard yard so they threw the ball to O'Driscoll, shoulder injury and all, and there was only ever going to be one result. Some ladyboy.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: DuffleKing on November 30, 2009, 10:47:28 AM

Any links to game highlights lads?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: omagh_gael on November 30, 2009, 11:05:39 AM
Quote from: DuffleKing on November 30, 2009, 10:47:28 AM

Any links to game highlights lads?

Cant find any highlights but here's a link to the full game on iPlayer

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00p4qvx/Rugby_Union_2009_2010_Ireland_v_South_Africa/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: screenexile on November 30, 2009, 11:31:26 AM
You could have substituted those white jersies Ireland were wearing for red ones. I thought it was a real Munster performance. We were getting pummelled in the scrum but our defence held up well and with their backs against the wall a few times. Then when the opportunities presented themselves we took them. Reminded me of Munster's performance against Clermont Auvergne a few years ago where they pulled out a bonus point victory having struggled for long periods in the game.

Not a spectacular performance but a champions one in that we didn't play as well as we can but we still won the game.

Was very disappointed in South Africa. Steyn was WOEFUL and Kearney lapped up everything that was thrown at him. He has a real chance to establish himself as the best full back in the world with Byrne out. In fairness I think he is better than Byrne anyway but the next few months will confirm this.

I'm also impressed with how Kidney seems to encourage invention and that we do try and run the ball and play the rugby when other teams would be happy to boot ball down the pitch. Sexton has that youthful exuberance that ROG is lacking at this stage to try some things out of the ordinary and that should be encouraged.

We have a good kicking game, good lineout, good running game but the 2 things that worry me for the future are the breakdown and the scrum. Our play at the breakdown has improved but it needs to be taken to another level to compete with the Aussies and the All Blacks. Our scrum was destroyed at times and I think Healy and Flannery need some serious coaching over the next while and it's time to find a replacement for the Bull. I am a big Hayes fan and to me he has done every bit as much for Ireland as O'Driscoll or O'Gara but our scrum work is deteriorating and it needs improving very soon.

All in all I think we are in good shape for the 6N and as mentioned previously France is the main game for us providing we don't produce any horror shows (which don't tend to happen under Kidney). I am really looking forward to it and 2 Championships in a row would be a magnificent achievement!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: trileacman on November 30, 2009, 11:35:30 AM
Quote from: screenexile on November 30, 2009, 11:31:26 AM
Kearney lapped up everything that was thrown at him. He has a real chance to establish himself as the best full back in the world with Byrne out. In fairness I think he is better than Byrne anyway but the next few months will confirm this.

He's a poorer attacker than Byrne and scores alot less tries. As much as I want Kearny to be the best full back in the world I dont think he is as good as everyone makes out.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: screenexile on November 30, 2009, 11:50:07 AM
Quote from: trileacman on November 30, 2009, 11:35:30 AM
Quote from: screenexile on November 30, 2009, 11:31:26 AM
Kearney lapped up everything that was thrown at him. He has a real chance to establish himself as the best full back in the world with Byrne out. In fairness I think he is better than Byrne anyway but the next few months will confirm this.

He's a poorer attacker than Byrne and scores alot less tries. As much as I want Kearny to be the best full back in the world I dont think he is as good as everyone makes out.

Can't agree with that. Ireland on the whole score less tries than Wales did when they won their 2 Grand Slams. In proportion I would say Kearney will score just as many.

As for his attacking while Kearney wouldn't have the same pace as Byrne I think he's a great broken field runner on the counter attack and his finishing skills will improve immensely over the next few years. Remember Byrne has 6 years on him and didn't make his Wales debut until he was 25 and Kearney already has 2 International seasons behind him at 23. I firmly believe Kearney will establish himself this year!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: muppet on November 30, 2009, 11:50:53 AM
Quote from: trileacman on November 30, 2009, 11:35:30 AM
Quote from: screenexile on November 30, 2009, 11:31:26 AM
Kearney lapped up everything that was thrown at him. He has a real chance to establish himself as the best full back in the world with Byrne out. In fairness I think he is better than Byrne anyway but the next few months will confirm this.

He's a poorer attacker than Byrne and scores alot less tries. As much as I want Kearny to be the best full back in the world I dont think he is as good as everyone makes out.

Byrne is a better attacker but Kearney is as good a defender and there is no one better under the high ball which is sadly a huge part of today's game. Kearney is also 5 or 6 years younger.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: INDIANA on November 30, 2009, 11:55:22 AM
Quote from: trileacman on November 30, 2009, 11:35:30 AM
Quote from: screenexile on November 30, 2009, 11:31:26 AM
Kearney lapped up everything that was thrown at him. He has a real chance to establish himself as the best full back in the world with Byrne out. In fairness I think he is better than Byrne anyway but the next few months will confirm this.

He's a poorer attacker than Byrne and scores alot less tries. As much as I want Kearny to be the best full back in the world I dont think he is as good as everyone makes out.

absolutely spot on at last someone has it right. How dumb is de villers. After seeing kearney catch everything under the sun in the Lions tour he uses the same gameplan last saturday. I mean dense or what?

The aussies showed how to limit kearney- don't kick to him. Now he's still a very fine rugby player and one of our best but he not the world's best FB.
That is an insult to Lee Byrne and Muliana who gave a display last saturday night against France that was sublime. Kearney hasn't the gas or outside break to be the worlds best. He's about 3rd best which is no shame whatsoever.
The only Irish players who are the world's best are BOD and POC. And thats a fact. When they go we will then realise how good they were.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: orangeman on November 30, 2009, 12:01:21 PM
Odds on the Six Nations :


France 7/4 fav
Ireland 3/1
Wales 4/1
England 9/2
Scotland 20/1
Italy - any price you want.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: johnneycool on November 30, 2009, 12:13:27 PM
Good win for Ireland but major concerns about how easy the scrum was overwhelmed when South Africa got going especially when bull Hayes is on the way out. Young Healy will improve and probably got a good education on saturday which will stand by him. Is there no other young props out there who need a bit of game time?

Dan Carter gave a master class in Marseille and was probably closest to giving his colleague and captain Richie McCaw a run for IRB player of the year. Pity big Popie didn't get him signed for St Mary's a few year back  ;D

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on November 30, 2009, 12:29:29 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 30, 2009, 01:07:17 AM
Whilst Im aware of the other two's GAA background is that one about Earls true? Didnt realise he had much of a GAA background? ???

Earls played a bit of hurling and football when he was younger. Heard he played for the South Liberties club (JP McManus' colors), but could be wrong on that.

As for the Kearney/Byrne argument, both are similarish players. Neither are great front up tacklers but both have huge left boots. Kearney is more solid under the high ball and Byrne probably has the edge as a broken field runner. Kearney is six years younger than Byrne though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: gallsman on November 30, 2009, 01:14:55 PM
Quote from: CountyGK on November 29, 2009, 12:05:20 PM
heard some of the bbc analysts a few weeks back sayin that france would be favourites for the 6 nations, dallilageo said england would win it, others said wales as well, but ireland are surely favourites big time

France definitely favourites.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: gallsman on November 30, 2009, 01:20:17 PM
Quote from: deiseach on November 30, 2009, 09:06:35 AM
Quote from: Gnevin on November 29, 2009, 11:23:34 AM
Quote from: 5 Sams on November 28, 2009, 11:01:19 PM
I'm a total philistine when it comes to the egg chasing lads but O'Driscoll's tackle at the end was unreal. Is he the best in the world in his position??? Every time I watch the team play he comes up with something special
No doubt he's the best 13 in the world .

I'd go so far as to say he is the best centre I've ever seen. I remember against England last year Ireland were camped on their line and needed someone to get the hard yard so they threw the ball to O'Driscoll, shoulder injury and all, and there was only ever going to be one result. Some ladyboy.

Francis (much as I despise him) had a great article in the Tribune last week about the arrival of Pocock and the advent of the crucial "search and destroy" role for modern day flankers. Mentioned, quite rightly that Ireland had one of the best in the world at that particular role, but unfortunately he plays at 13!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: gallsman on November 30, 2009, 01:25:35 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 30, 2009, 11:55:22 AM
Quote from: trileacman on November 30, 2009, 11:35:30 AM
Quote from: screenexile on November 30, 2009, 11:31:26 AM
Kearney lapped up everything that was thrown at him. He has a real chance to establish himself as the best full back in the world with Byrne out. In fairness I think he is better than Byrne anyway but the next few months will confirm this.

He's a poorer attacker than Byrne and scores alot less tries. As much as I want Kearny to be the best full back in the world I dont think he is as good as everyone makes out.

absolutely spot on at last someone has it right. How dumb is de villers. After seeing kearney catch everything under the sun in the Lions tour he uses the same gameplan last saturday. I mean dense or what?

The aussies showed how to limit kearney- don't kick to him. Now he's still a very fine rugby player and one of our best but he not the world's best FB.
That is an insult to Lee Byrne and Muliana who gave a display last saturday night against France that was sublime. Kearney hasn't the gas or outside break to be the worlds best. He's about 3rd best which is no shame whatsoever.
The only Irish players who are the world's best are BOD and POC. And thats a fact. When they go we will then realise how good they were.

Much as I love POC, and even though Matfield was bested on Saturday, I'd still have either he or Chris Jack as the #1
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: muppet on November 30, 2009, 01:37:48 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 30, 2009, 11:55:22 AM
Quote from: trileacman on November 30, 2009, 11:35:30 AM
Quote from: screenexile on November 30, 2009, 11:31:26 AM
Kearney lapped up everything that was thrown at him. He has a real chance to establish himself as the best full back in the world with Byrne out. In fairness I think he is better than Byrne anyway but the next few months will confirm this.

He's a poorer attacker than Byrne and scores alot less tries. As much as I want Kearny to be the best full back in the world I dont think he is as good as everyone makes out.

absolutely spot on at last someone has it right. How dumb is de villers. After seeing kearney catch everything under the sun in the Lions tour he uses the same gameplan last saturday. I mean dense or what?

The aussies showed how to limit kearney- don't kick to him. Now he's still a very fine rugby player and one of our best but he not the world's best FB.
That is an insult to Lee Byrne and Muliana who gave a display last saturday night against France that was sublime. Kearney hasn't the gas or outside break to be the worlds best. He's about 3rd best which is no shame whatsoever.
The only Irish players who are the world's best are BOD and POC. And thats a fact. When they go we will then realise how good they were.

Do you understand the difference between a fact and an opinion?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: Rav67 on November 30, 2009, 01:59:58 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 30, 2009, 01:37:48 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 30, 2009, 11:55:22 AM
Quote from: trileacman on November 30, 2009, 11:35:30 AM
Quote from: screenexile on November 30, 2009, 11:31:26 AM
Kearney lapped up everything that was thrown at him. He has a real chance to establish himself as the best full back in the world with Byrne out. In fairness I think he is better than Byrne anyway but the next few months will confirm this.

He's a poorer attacker than Byrne and scores alot less tries. As much as I want Kearny to be the best full back in the world I dont think he is as good as everyone makes out.

Course he does.  What INDIANA says is fact and what everyone else says is opinion.

absolutely spot on at last someone has it right. How dumb is de villers. After seeing kearney catch everything under the sun in the Lions tour he uses the same gameplan last saturday. I mean dense or what?

The aussies showed how to limit kearney- don't kick to him. Now he's still a very fine rugby player and one of our best but he not the world's best FB.
That is an insult to Lee Byrne and Muliana who gave a display last saturday night against France that was sublime. Kearney hasn't the gas or outside break to be the worlds best. He's about 3rd best which is no shame whatsoever.
The only Irish players who are the world's best are BOD and POC. And thats a fact. When they go we will then realise how good they were.

Do you understand the difference between a fact and an opinion?

Course he does. What INDIANA says is fact and what everyone else says is opinion.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: trileacman on November 30, 2009, 03:13:57 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 30, 2009, 11:50:53 AM
Quote from: trileacman on November 30, 2009, 11:35:30 AM
Quote from: screenexile on November 30, 2009, 11:31:26 AM
Kearney lapped up everything that was thrown at him. He has a real chance to establish himself as the best full back in the world with Byrne out. In fairness I think he is better than Byrne anyway but the next few months will confirm this.

He's a poorer attacker than Byrne and scores alot less tries. As much as I want Kearny to be the best full back in the world I dont think he is as good as everyone makes out.

Byrne is a better attacker but Kearney is as good a defender and there is no one better under the high ball which is sadly a huge part of today's game. Kearney is also 5 or 6 years younger.
Don't really see how this is a major point. Yes it gives him time to develop into the worlds FB but doesnt aid the argument that now he is a better player. Agreed scoring alot less tries is a poor argument against Kearny but he is not as threatening an broken field runner as Byrne or Muiliana. Comparatively his open field running is probably not much higher a quality than Daiman Traille. He just looks better than him because he runs more porpuseful lines but in terms of outcome of these runs both would produce a very similar field position.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: trileacman on November 30, 2009, 03:19:28 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 30, 2009, 11:50:53 AM
Quote from: trileacman on November 30, 2009, 11:35:30 AM
Quote from: screenexile on November 30, 2009, 11:31:26 AM
Kearney lapped up everything that was thrown at him. He has a real chance to establish himself as the best full back in the world with Byrne out. In fairness I think he is better than Byrne anyway but the next few months will confirm this.

He's a poorer attacker than Byrne and scores alot less tries. As much as I want Kearny to be the best full back in the world I dont think he is as good as everyone makes out.

Byrne is a better attacker but Kearney is as good a defender and there is no one better under the high ball which is sadly a huge part of today's game. Kearney is also 5 or 6 years younger.

Byrne is noticeably a much better attacker than Kearney, much the same standard of defender, similar kicking lengths and only slightly less capable under the high ball compared to Kearney. It would not be considered a weak point in his repetoire. Overall (and i have absolutely no love for the Welsh) i would rate Byrne higher, but that's not to say Kearney cant make good on his promise. Kearney is also hamstrung by Kidneys tactics. Payne or Hurley were not attacking FB's and Kidney is shaping Kearney the same.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on November 30, 2009, 03:25:46 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 30, 2009, 11:55:22 AM
Quote from: trileacman on November 30, 2009, 11:35:30 AM
Quote from: screenexile on November 30, 2009, 11:31:26 AM
Kearney lapped up everything that was thrown at him. He has a real chance to establish himself as the best full back in the world with Byrne out. In fairness I think he is better than Byrne anyway but the next few months will confirm this.

He's a poorer attacker than Byrne and scores alot less tries. As much as I want Kearny to be the best full back in the world I dont think he is as good as everyone makes out.

absolutely spot on at last someone has it right. How dumb is de villers. After seeing kearney catch everything under the sun in the Lions tour he uses the same gameplan last saturday. I mean dense or what?

The aussies showed how to limit kearney- don't kick to him. Now he's still a very fine rugby player and one of our best but he not the world's best FB.
That is an insult to Lee Byrne and Muliana who gave a display last saturday night against France that was sublime. Kearney hasn't the gas or outside break to be the worlds best. He's about 3rd best which is no shame whatsoever.
The only Irish players who are the world's best are BOD and POC. And thats a fact. When they go we will then realise how good they were.

Actually many of the SH posters on the rugby sites rate Kearney ahead of Byrne and even Muliaina. Kearney has more often than not saved his best displays for the SH teams (Ireland's 2008 Summer tour, 2009 Lions tour, 2009 Autumn internationals) . Byrne hasn't to the same degree. And Muliaina despite finishing off a great score the last night hasn't been playing that well this year by his own high standards. Not saying Kearney is the best but he is very highly thought off in rugby circles down south.

They probably rate Kearney higher than they do POC to be honest. Mainly again because he tends to nearly always play well against the SH sides whereas POC has mixed the very good (the last day for example) with the not so good (2005 Lions tour). As great a player as he has been for Ireland I doubt you would find many SH rugby fans who rate him as the world's best in his position. They would say he's up there but behind the likes of Matfield, Botha, Thorn, etc.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: INDIANA on November 30, 2009, 04:00:04 PM
Just look at his international strike rate compared to Muliana. I mean how deluded are we in this country? He's an excellent player without an outside break in my opinion.

That can't make you the worlds best. He's not suddenly going to get pace that he doesn't have. If he had Keith Earls pace he'd be the best because he'd be able to break the line. But he rarely ever hits the line for Ireland or Leinster. Granted he kicks better than muliana and byrne but the best fullbacks are about strike-rate and hitting the line- that what distinguises the great from the very good.

Its like people saying Ciaran mc donald was the best forward of the modern era despite having only one foot.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: orangeman on November 30, 2009, 04:01:03 PM
I love how civilised rugby is.



Boks accuse Heaslip of gouging
Monday, 30 November 2009 15:45
South Africa have asked the match citing commisioner to investigate a claim that the finger of Ireland's Jamie Heaslip made contact with the eye area of Heinrich Brüssow during Saturday's test match.

The South Africans claim the incident happened in the first half of the Guinness November Series clash, which Ireland won by 15-10 thanks to five Jonathan Sexton penalty kicks.

The claim follows on from Schalk Burger's 8-week ban for gouging on Irish wing Luke Fitzgerald in the opening seconds of the second Lions Test this summer and is the latest instalment of 'bad blood' between the sides.

A refusal to share post-match drinks during the Lions tour, and the South Africans' failure to clap their opponents off the field on Saturday are among other recent rancourous incidents.
Match citing commisioner Douglas Hunter has noted the complaint and will investigage the incident and review video evidence, if any exists, before deciding whether to cite Heaslip.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: omagh_gael on November 30, 2009, 04:11:45 PM
To be fair OM I was absolutely abhorred By kerry's refusal to clap Tyrone of the field in sept 08 and don't even get me started on the après match drinks issue, terrible terrible form altogether!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on November 30, 2009, 04:32:51 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 30, 2009, 04:00:04 PM
Just look at his international strike rate compared to Muliana. I mean how deluded are we in this country? He's an excellent player without an outside break in my opinion.

In fairness comparing try scoring records isn't always the best way to assess a player's worth. BOD has 38 Irish tries. Had he played for the All-Blacks he could easily have near double that.

To suggest Kearney is up amongst the best in the world in his position is hardly delusion. Even the SH rugby fans who normally don't rate anything north of the equator almost universally sing his praises. He showed on the Lions tour and Ireland's 2008 Summer tour that he can counterattack as well as anyone when given his head and even the last day he made a couple of half breaks through midfield. He maybe doesn't quite have out and out pace but he is an elusive runner and all-round excellent footballer. Plus time is on his side to get even better.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: DuffleKing on November 30, 2009, 05:00:39 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 30, 2009, 04:00:04 PM
Just look at his international strike rate compared to Muliana. I mean how deluded are we in this country? He's an excellent player without an outside break in my opinion.

That can't make you the worlds best. He's not suddenly going to get pace that he doesn't have. If he had Keith Earls pace he'd be the best because he'd be able to break the line. But he rarely ever hits the line for Ireland or Leinster. Granted he kicks better than muliana and byrne but the best fullbacks are about strike-rate and hitting the line- that what distinguises the great from the very good.

Its like people saying Ciaran mc donald was the best forward of the modern era despite having only one foot.

Strike rate is not what distinguishes a full back. Give me a aerially competent full back who tackles perfectly and has top notch positional sense every day of the week. attacking capabilities are a bonus but not preferred over defensive qualities.

It's a bit like teams that select half backs for their football ability, ignoring their inability to defend
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: muppet on November 30, 2009, 05:58:59 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 30, 2009, 04:00:04 PM
Just look at his international strike rate compared to Muliana. I mean how deluded are we in this country? He's an excellent player without an outside break in my opinion.

That can't make you the worlds best. He's not suddenly going to get pace that he doesn't have. If he had Keith Earls pace he'd be the best because he'd be able to break the line. But he rarely ever hits the line for Ireland or Leinster. Granted he kicks better than muliana and byrne but the best fullbacks are about strike-rate and hitting the line- that what distinguises the great from the very good.

Its like people saying Ciaran mc donald was the best forward of the modern era despite having only one foot.

That's like saying Maradona can't be considered a great player because he had only one foot.  ::) 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: Bord na Mona man on November 30, 2009, 06:25:18 PM
I was keeping an eye on Lee Byrne in the 6 nations this year and he dropped a reasonable amount of high ball for someone renowned as a catcher. Personally I'd give Kearney the slight edge over him in that department. Both players have savage kicks and are good tacklers.
Kearney seems nimbler on his feet to evade challenges.

However in attack Byrne's timing in coming into the line is uncannily good. He has the knack of coming through in a straight line and taking the ball at full tilt.

If Kearney improves his finishing, he'll be some class act. Girvan Dempsey was a great finishing full back for someone not seen as a star player.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: Hardy on November 30, 2009, 07:47:16 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on November 30, 2009, 06:25:18 PM
Kearney seems nimbler on his feet to evade challenges.
You can't be talking like that, BnM - speak da lingo: He has a fine outside break.

QuoteHowever in attack Byrne's timing in coming into the line is uncannily good.
He hits the line well?

QuoteHe has the knack of coming through in a straight line and taking the ball at full tilt.
He runs good angles and purposeful lines.

Buck up your act there.

Anyway, I was wondering - with all the talk about the gaelic skills of Kearney and the others, why don't they catch the ball like footballers? Surely this should come naturally to them and would confer a huge (3 feet plus) advantage? I know it's an egg and not a ball, but the musclebound oafs (copyright Turk, I think) of Aussie Rules can manage it OK, so it shouldn't be too difficult for an evolved human being with opposable thumbs.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: brokencrossbar1 on November 30, 2009, 07:52:20 PM
Quote from: Hardy on November 30, 2009, 07:47:16 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on November 30, 2009, 06:25:18 PM
Kearney seems nimbler on his feet to evade challenges.
You can't be talking like that, BnM - speak da lingo: He has a fine outside break.

QuoteHowever in attack Byrne's timing in coming into the line is uncannily good.
He hits the line well?

QuoteHe has the knack of coming through in a straight line and taking the ball at full tilt.
He runs good angles and purposeful lines.

Buck up your act there.

Anyway, I was wondering - with all the talk about the gaelic skills of Kearney and the others, why don't they catch the ball like footballers? Surely this should come naturally to them and would confer a huge (3 feet plus) advantage? I know it's an egg and not a ball, but the musclebound oafs (copyright Turk, I think) of Aussie Rules can manage it OK, so it shouldn't be too difficult for an evolved human being with opposable thumbs.

Sure only Meath Rugby players would countenance doing something as mental as that :P
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: Hardy on November 30, 2009, 07:59:13 PM
Exactly - Horgan against England in Croke Park is the sort of thing I was thinking of.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: Bord na Mona man on November 30, 2009, 08:07:21 PM
Quote from: Hardy on November 30, 2009, 07:47:16 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on November 30, 2009, 06:25:18 PM
Kearney seems nimbler on his feet to evade challenges.
You can't be talking like that, BnM - speak da lingo: He has a fine outside break.

QuoteHowever in attack Byrne's timing in coming into the line is uncannily good.
He hits the line well?

QuoteHe has the knack of coming through in a straight line and taking the ball at full tilt.
He runs good angles and purposeful lines.

Buck up your act there.

Anyway, I was wondering - with all the talk about the gaelic skills of Kearney and the others, why don't they catch the ball like footballers? Surely this should come naturally to them and would confer a huge (3 feet plus) advantage? I know it's an egg and not a ball, but the musclebound oafs (copyright Turk, I think) of Aussie Rules can manage it OK, so it shouldn't be too difficult for an evolved human being with opposable thumbs.
Aye,
you'd be well advised not be sniping around the fringes and offloading your jargon around here.

I presume the overhead catch is riskier to execute with an egg and leaves the player more vulnerable to getting cleaved on returning to earth. The cradle style catch allows him to jump forwards with his knees up to protect himself and juggle if needs be.

The player is then free to recycle, run lines, go through the phases, attack the gain line and whatever other buzz phrases take his fancy!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: muppet on November 30, 2009, 08:09:07 PM
Quote from: Hardy on November 30, 2009, 07:59:13 PM
Exactly - Horgan against England in Croke Park is the sort of thing I was thinking of.

Horgan did it over a smaller winger.

Kearney has to land with the likes of Schalk Burger arriving at full tilt.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v352/lottieloo/jp/gyi0000682635_1735_sq_full-lnd.jpg)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: brokencrossbar1 on November 30, 2009, 08:15:42 PM
I presume the risk of a knock forward would make it a high risk strategy as well.  It would be grand to try it in the scenario that Horgan did it but I doubt that if a ball was coming down on top of Kearney's head straight in front of the post he would risk giving away a scrum for a knock forward or spilling it to the onrushing oppostion.  Game of percentages Hardy, that's what it is!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 30, 2009, 08:41:38 PM
One for the goys...

Tonight 9:35 RTE1

Last March Ireland ended a 61 year wait for Grand Slam glory and landed their first RBS 6 Nations. RTÉs cameras followed the drama unfolding from the low after the Autumn Internationals, to the revelations in Enfield and every second of action over the RBS 6 Nations tournament.

We hear from Paul OConnell, Brian ODriscoll, Tommy Bowe, Ronan OGara, and many more of the players on the concentration required and emotions they experienced on every step of their Grand Slam journey.

Declan Kidney and his backroom team disclose tactics and offer insight into the decisions and worries of management while Gerry Thornley and Conor OShea put this great achievement into perspective.

From the same team who made Reaching for Glory: Inside Irish Rugby 07, The Dubs and Brian Kerr documentaries Irelands Grand Slam journey 2009 offers never before seen on-field footage and reflective interviews with the Irish team & management
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: Myles Na G. on November 30, 2009, 09:10:23 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on November 30, 2009, 08:07:21 PM
Quote from: Hardy on November 30, 2009, 07:47:16 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on November 30, 2009, 06:25:18 PM
Kearney seems nimbler on his feet to evade challenges.
You can't be talking like that, BnM - speak da lingo: He has a fine outside break.

QuoteHowever in attack Byrne's timing in coming into the line is uncannily good.
He hits the line well?

QuoteHe has the knack of coming through in a straight line and taking the ball at full tilt.
He runs good angles and purposeful lines.

Buck up your act there.

Anyway, I was wondering - with all the talk about the gaelic skills of Kearney and the others, why don't they catch the ball like footballers? Surely this should come naturally to them and would confer a huge (3 feet plus) advantage? I know it's an egg and not a ball, but the musclebound oafs (copyright Turk, I think) of Aussie Rules can manage it OK, so it shouldn't be too difficult for an evolved human being with opposable thumbs.
Aye,
you'd be well advised not be sniping around the fringes and offloading your jargon around here.

I presume the overhead catch is riskier to execute with an egg and leaves the player more vulnerable to getting cleaved on returning to earth. The cradle style catch allows him to jump forwards with his knees up to protect himself and juggle if needs be.
The player is then free to recycle, run lines, go through the phases, attack the gain line and whatever other buzz phrases take his fancy!
Spot on. If you try and take the ball like a Gaelic player, you have to jump square on to the player coming at you, which means you're a soft target as you land. Catch it cradle style and you can take it with your shoulder facing the oncoming player. Less chance of getting absolutely cleaned, less chance of knocking on.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: INDIANA on November 30, 2009, 10:06:20 PM
Quote from: DuffleKing on November 30, 2009, 05:00:39 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 30, 2009, 04:00:04 PM
Just look at his international strike rate compared to Muliana. I mean how deluded are we in this country? He's an excellent player without an outside break in my opinion.

That can't make you the worlds best. He's not suddenly going to get pace that he doesn't have. If he had Keith Earls pace he'd be the best because he'd be able to break the line. But he rarely ever hits the line for Ireland or Leinster. Granted he kicks better than muliana and byrne but the best fullbacks are about strike-rate and hitting the line- that what distinguises the great from the very good.

Its like people saying Ciaran mc donald was the best forward of the modern era despite having only one foot.

Strike rate is not what distinguishes a full back. Give me a aerially competent full back who tackles perfectly and has top notch positional sense every day of the week. attacking capabilities are a bonus but not preferred over defensive qualities.

It's a bit like teams that select half backs for their football ability, ignoring their inability to defend

Spoken like a true nordie ;D Defence!

He has to seriously up his strike rate. and until he does he ain't the best in the world. A full back with no strike rate is like an attacking midfild soccer player who doesn't score goals.

Muliana has 25 tries in 78 caps- ie 1 per 3 games.

Kearney has 3 in 16 caps.

Christian Cullen had 46 in 58 caps

Geordan Murphy has 19 in 60 caps- considering EOS never started him thats a strike rate and a half. Pity about his defence.

To be the best in the world you have to tick all the boxes. ie no weaknesses. For me Muliana is well ahead of everybody.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: screenexile on November 30, 2009, 10:43:43 PM
Good programme. Wish there was more behind the scenes coverage but Kidney would prefer to keep that stuff as private as possible I would imagine.

Grat team and some good memories looked at from a different perspective. . . Forgot how hairy it was during that Wales game though jees that was tense stuff!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: INDIANA on December 01, 2009, 02:38:02 AM
thought it was pure cack. Jesus I've seen better club team documentaries.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: mackers on December 01, 2009, 10:35:58 AM
ROG has went up in my opinion over the last day or so.....always came across as the sulky type with a high opinion of himself, but the shot of him smiling as Sexton landed another penalty on Saturday and last night's tongue-in-cheek comment about Wallace giving away the last minute penalty against Wales (comparing it to his mistake for the Lions) showed him in a different light. It's great to see these players not taking the thing too serious and being able to laugh at themselves.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: Dinny Breen on December 01, 2009, 10:46:29 AM
Unlike the boards Mr Negative I ejnoyed the show, very NFL movies like. They all come across very well, never heard the Bull speak so much  :o
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: ludermor on December 01, 2009, 10:49:41 AM
Where was O'Callaghan? Not like him to be hiding when there is a camera about. Tommy Bowe is full of devilment!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: trileacman on December 01, 2009, 11:28:20 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on December 01, 2009, 10:46:29 AM
Unlike the boards Mr Negative I ejnoyed the show, very NFL movies like. They all come across very well, never heard the Bull speak so much  :o
He can speak?  :o :o
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: AbbeySider on December 01, 2009, 11:34:50 AM
I had to laugh hard when O Connell was remarking about Jamie Heaslip's finger celebration before he scored the try against Scotland.
O Connels was like "Ah he grounded the ball perfectly"
"luckily for him..." or something to that effect.

Got the impression that Heaslip would have been in trouble for the celebration if he didnt ground the ball...  :D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: INDIANA on December 01, 2009, 11:35:47 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on December 01, 2009, 10:46:29 AM
Unlike the boards Mr Negative I ejnoyed the show, very NFL movies like. They all come across very well, never heard the Bull speak so much  :o

Ah well better than being a cheerleader Dinny- I don't watch the Sound of Music too often- more of a Scarface man myself
Any documentary that contains the contains sizeable portions of the endless bleatings of Gerry Thornley tends to turn me off watching it. Nothing like the programme in 2007 for me which was an excellent programme.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: DuffleKing on December 01, 2009, 11:50:48 AM

Yip- i dont like thornley either
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: Dinny Breen on December 01, 2009, 11:57:00 AM
(http://images.paraorkut.com/img/pics/images/a/al_picino_as_scarface-7048.jpg)

Indiana on one of his off-days


For the record I like Thornley  :o
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: mackers on December 01, 2009, 01:38:03 PM
Quote from: DuffleKing on December 01, 2009, 11:50:48 AM

Yip- i dont like thornley either
Sounds like Ryle Nugent's brother..........two tossers!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on December 01, 2009, 02:40:10 PM
It was a decent enough watch but it wasn't as good as the version they had for the 2007 Six Nations. I suppose Kidney was never really going to allow such access to the dressing rooms though.

All the players came across particularly well but where were Donners and Flannery? The two biggest jokers on the team!

Funny story about Flannery and the night in Cardiff after the match - he was sh1tfaced standing outside the hotel and he started trying to smuggle a couple of hundred supporters into the team reception!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: muppet on December 01, 2009, 06:24:54 PM
Quote from: ludermor on December 01, 2009, 10:49:41 AM
Where was O'Callaghan? Not like him to be hiding when there is a camera about. Tommy Bowe is full of devilment!

Having a wash with greatness.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: Celt_Man on December 16, 2009, 03:36:42 PM

Bowe cited for dangerous tackle


Ireland and Ospreys star Tommy Bowe has been cited for a dangerous tackle on Viadana wing Kaine Robertson in the Heineken Cup Pool 3 match last weekend.

The ERC have confirmed that Citing Commissioner for the match Iain Goodall has questioned the challenge and Bowe must now wait for a hearing to be set to decide his fate.

Under the regulations, a dangerous tackle can be seen as lifting a player from the ground and either dropping or driving the opposing player on his head and/or upper body first into the ground, whilst the player's feet are off the ground.

Anyone see this tackle???  Also heard that contract negioations with Ospreys aren't going the best - his contract is up at the end of this season - and that Munster and Leinster are both courting him!!


Bowe's future to be decided


Ireland winger Tommy Bowe has opened talks on a new contract with the Ospreys.

The 25-year-old is one of the few members of the Irish squad who is playing overseas and Munster and Leinster are leading the chase for his signature to bring him home.

Bowe's current contract with the Welsh side runs out at the end of this season and they are understood to be very keen to keep him at Liberty Stadium.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: trileacman on December 23, 2009, 09:44:25 PM
http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2009/1223/leamyd.html (http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2009/1223/leamyd.html)

Serious knee injury blow for Leamy and Munster
Wednesday, 23 December 2009 13:14

Munster back-row Denis Leamy has been ruled out for 4-6 months with a serious knee injury.

The news is a severe blow for the Tipperary native, who was back to his very best form in Munster's epic 14-37 win over French Champions Perpignan in the Heineken Cup on Sunday.

The injury was sustained in the last play of the match, at the end of which Munster secured their crucial fourth try through New Zealand wing Doug Howlett.

Munster said that the 28-year-old, who has played with strapping on his right knee for most of 2009 having injured it playing against Llanelli in December last year, had a scan on Monday and was operated on in a Dublin clinic yesterday.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: trileacman on December 23, 2009, 09:53:01 PM
You would have to feel sorry for Leamy, plays his best match of the season and then gets told his years over. He must be a unlucky fella considering the other injuries and setbacks in his career.

I suspect Ronan goes to 7 and Wallace to 8. At what point does Mick O'driscoll come into the frame should someone else gets injured? And if Ronan's injured does that New Zealander Williams(? i think) come into play 8 and return Wallace to flanker or is the another possible combination?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: orangeman on December 23, 2009, 10:13:51 PM
Does anyone know what the nature of the knee injury is ???
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: Hoof Hearted on December 23, 2009, 11:42:47 PM
Quote from: orangeman on December 23, 2009, 10:13:51 PM
Does anyone know what the nature of the knee injury is ???

it's in his knee, and it's sore so it needs an operation. :)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: trileacman on December 24, 2009, 12:54:17 AM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on December 23, 2009, 11:42:47 PM
Quote from: orangeman on December 23, 2009, 10:13:51 PM
Does anyone know what the nature of the knee injury is ???

it's in his knee, and it's sore so it needs an operation. :)

I can tell you have read much on the subject, Doctor.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: screenexile on December 24, 2009, 10:22:05 AM
Quote from: trileacman on December 23, 2009, 09:53:01 PM
You would have to feel sorry for Leamy, plays his best match of the season and then gets told his years over. He must be a unlucky fella considering the other injuries and setbacks in his career.

I suspect Ronan goes to 7 and Wallace to 8. At what point does Mick O'driscoll come into the frame should someone else gets injured? And if Ronan's injured does that New Zealander Williams(? i think) come into play 8 and return Wallace to flanker or is the another possible combination?

Mick O'Driscoll comes in when DOC or POC get injured... other than that I'd agree with Ronan in and Wallace moving to 8.

Quote from: orangeman on December 23, 2009, 10:13:51 PM
Does anyone know what the nature of the knee injury is ???

I'd imagine it's an ACL injury which generally takes 6-8 months depending on speed of recovery.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: muppet on December 24, 2009, 03:54:39 PM
Quote from: trileacman on December 24, 2009, 12:54:17 AM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on December 23, 2009, 11:42:47 PM
Quote from: orangeman on December 23, 2009, 10:13:51 PM
Does anyone know what the nature of the knee injury is ???

it's in his knee, and it's sore so it needs an operation. :)

I can tell you have read much on the subject, Doctor.

I can confirm that he studied his medicine very carefully in Edinburgh.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: trileacman on December 24, 2009, 04:44:58 PM
Quote from: muppet on December 24, 2009, 03:54:39 PM
Quote from: trileacman on December 24, 2009, 12:54:17 AM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on December 23, 2009, 11:42:47 PM
Quote from: orangeman on December 23, 2009, 10:13:51 PM
Does anyone know what the nature of the knee injury is ???

it's in his knee, and it's sore so it needs an operation. :)

I can tell you have read much on the subject, Doctor.

I can confirm that he studied his medicine very carefully in Edinburgh.

Are you his mother??  :D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: Hoof Hearted on December 24, 2009, 07:28:31 PM
leave mother muppet alone, he took good care of me that weekend when i took too much medicine. Thats what your elders do ! Not sure of his exact age, but he remembers being in Ballina on the monday night the last time Sam was there :D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: Gnevin on January 01, 2010, 02:21:29 PM
So here's the big one! As voted for by you, by hundreds of emails, here is the Planet Rugby XV of 2009 - replete with bench.

15 Rob Kearney - Leaving aside a peculiar performance against the Scarlets in the Heineken Cup right at year's end where he trebled this year's spilled high ball count, Kearney has been fantastic. A siege gun boot has helped him through ELV issues, while once given the licence and freedom to roam and attack on the Lions tour he showed just what he can do. High point of the year was that try in the Lions' second Test.

14 Tommy Bowe - It's not often you become a folk hero and have songs made and sung about you. But such was Bowe's form on the Lions tour (on and off the field), that he became the focal point of much of the affection of the touring hordes. All together now: Tommy...Tommy Bo-oooowwwwe!'

13 BOD - It is a vast injustice that, in the year when he sealed his 100th cap for his country by sailing through a gap for a last-minute equalising try and led the Lions once again to victory with every sinew, Brian O'Driscoll missed out on the IRB Player of the Year award. But some scant consolation may come from the fact that he is the captain of this year's team...

12 Jamie Roberts - One of those who skipped the 'Newbies' list and made it straight into the senior XV, Roberts deservedly took the Lion of the Tour' gong for his destructive running power in the middle of the park.

11 Bryan Habana - This one was a close one, with Sitiveni Sivivatu less than 20 votes behind. But - and once again, probably courtesy of the Lions tour and his team's success - Habana clinched it on account of his ability to be a little more reliable at the back.

10 Matt Giteau - While Australia have floundered, Giteau's sparkling form - with on glaring exception - never let up. At times early in the year, it occasionally seemed like Giteau taking on the entire opposition. But once Australia did gel in that final game against Wales, we saw just how devastating Giteau's maverick talents can be.

9 Fourie du Preez - Our Player of the Year (when there's no sentimentality taken into account anyway), Du Preez is a shining example of how to execute a game-plan down to it's final crossed 't', as well as adding to it along the way.

8 Jamie Heaslip - An old school rumbler of a number eight who eschews video analysis and dieting for a heck of a lot of hard yards and work, Heaslip had a fantastic year.

7 Heinrich Brüssow - Pushed up from the 'Newbies' list after Schalk Burger's moments of injury/idiocy* and thrust into the limelights of a Lions tour, Brüssow is now South Africa's top openside in his own right. There can be no greater compliment than this fact: Brüssow so eclipsed Richie McCaw this year that the Kiwi did not get enough votes to even feature on the bench!

* - delete as applicable

6 Rocky Elsom - How many people can say they won a continental championship, headed to the other side of the world and became captain of a top eight country, all within a year? Rocky Elsom can...

5 Victor Matfield - The vote for second-row was a close-run thing between all the people vying for a spot to partner a man who is surely now deeply ensconced in South African rugby folklore.

4 Bakkies Botha - That race to partner Victor Matfield mentioned above? Bakkies won it by eight votes, the tightest call of the entire team.

3 Martin Castrogiovanni - Italy and Leicester's cornerstone had a comparatively quiet year, but his was the performance that helped dismantle an All Black scrum in Milan in November.

2 Bismarck du Plessis - Light years ahead of all others in this position, Du Plessis had hooker after hooker come his way and leave with tails between legs. And a couple of tighthead props for that matter. And we've not yetmentioned his line-out throwing.

1 Gethin Jenkins - The world's most athletic prop, with the ability to play either side of the scrum if need be. Could you ask for any more? Indicative of Jenkins' success was the number of South Africans who gave him the nod ahead of their very own 'Beast'.

The Bench - These were the players in their respective positions who garnered the second-highest number of votes - but for Smit, Robinson and Parisse, it was also a case of tallying up the total votes from the two positions people had voted them in for, which allowed us scope to factor in a degree of versatility to our pine-riders.

16 John Smit
17 Benn Robinson
18 Paul O'Connell
19 Sergio Parisse
20 Will Genia
21 Morne Steyn
22 Sitiveni Sivivatu

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,16016_5813357,00.html

4 Irish starters. Great year
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: Celt_Man on January 06, 2010, 12:56:23 PM

O'Driscoll named World Player of the Decade

Wednesday, 6 January 2010 12:16

Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll has been voted as Rugby World magazine's player of the decade.

The Leinster centre announced his arrival on the world stage in 2000 with a stunning hat-trick in Ireland's Six Nations victory over France in Paris.

O'Driscoll finished the decade captaining Ireland to their first Grand Slam in 61 years and playing an instrumental role in Leinster's long-awaited Heineken Cup triumph.

A three-time nominee for the International Rugby Board's world player of the year, O'Driscoll played on three Lions tours, including one as captain.

Rugby World team of the decade:

M Muliana (New Zealand); J Robinson (England), B O'Driscoll (Ireland), M Giteau (Australia), S Williams (Wales); D Carter (New Zealand), A Pichot (Argentina); G Jenkins (Wales), J Smit (South Africa), C Hayman (New Zealand), M Johnson (England, capt), V Matfield (South Africa), R Hill (England), R McCaw (New Zealand), S Parisse (Italy).

Replacements: R Roncero (Argentina), M Ledesma (Argentina), S Marconnet (France), JM Fernandez Lobbe (Argentina), F Du Preez (South Africa), J Wilkinson (England), Y Jauzion (France), JM Hernandez (Argentina).

Delighted to see O'Driscoll getting an "award" like this...  Also great to see Parisse being recognised for all his efforts, sometimes on his own, for Italy
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: muppet on January 06, 2010, 04:50:04 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on January 06, 2010, 12:56:23 PM

O'Driscoll named World Player of the Decade

Wednesday, 6 January 2010 12:16

Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll has been voted as Rugby World magazine's player of the decade.

The Leinster centre announced his arrival on the world stage in 2000 with a stunning hat-trick in Ireland's Six Nations victory over France in Paris.

O'Driscoll finished the decade captaining Ireland to their first Grand Slam in 61 years and playing an instrumental role in Leinster's long-awaited Heineken Cup triumph.

A three-time nominee for the International Rugby Board's world player of the year, O'Driscoll played on three Lions tours, including one as captain.

Rugby World team of the decade:

M Muliana (New Zealand); J Robinson (England), B O'Driscoll (Ireland), M Giteau (Australia), S Williams (Wales); D Carter (New Zealand), A Pichot (Argentina); G Jenkins (Wales), J Smit (South Africa), C Hayman (New Zealand), M Johnson (England, capt), V Matfield (South Africa), R Hill (England), R McCaw (New Zealand), S Parisse (Italy).

Replacements: R Roncero (Argentina), M Ledesma (Argentina), S Marconnet (France), JM Fernandez Lobbe (Argentina), F Du Preez (South Africa), J Wilkinson (England), Y Jauzion (France), JM Hernandez (Argentina).

Delighted to see O'Driscoll getting an "award" like this...  Also great to see Parisse being recognised for all his efforts, sometimes on his own, for Italy

Hard to argue with any of that. O'Connell was up against Matfield and Johnson both World Cup winners while the only other real candidate from these shores would have been Keith Wood who again was beaten a WC winner. Though on his day I would have Wood ahead of Smit.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: Declan on January 06, 2010, 04:54:19 PM
Heard Eamon Keane interviewing O'Driscoll's dad on Newstalk at lunchtime - He came across as some character and said although Brian had put the Kiwis assault on him behind him he would never forget the cover up.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: fingerbob on January 06, 2010, 05:55:43 PM
More argentinians than kiwis on the team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland 15-10 South Africa
Post by: Capt Pat on January 06, 2010, 07:04:33 PM
Keith Wood is maybe a pick for the previous decade, Smit is a very good player and the Captain of South Afirca but is not in Woods league. There are other hookers that could have got that spot. I would have gone for the Argentine hooker ahead of Smit, but Wood ahead of both.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: tyroneboi on January 19, 2010, 06:00:26 PM
Rory Best is named in Ireland's Six Nations squad


Ulster hooker Rory Best has been named in Ireland's extended 44-man squad for the RBS Six Nations Championship.

Best has not played this season because of a serious neck injury but has resumed contact training after making good progress in his rehabilitation.

Prop Marcus Horan also returns to the panel after his lengthy injury layoff.

The squad contains nine uncapped players, with Ulster pair Dan Tuohy and Declan Fitzpatrick the newest members to the squad for this season.

The other uncapped men are Leinster's Fergus McFadden, Kevin McLaughlin, Devin Toner and John Fogarty, Leicester wing Johne Murphy, Connacht prop Brett Wilkinson and Ulster number eight Chris Henry.

Shane Jennings is named in the squad after his return to playing.

Best was not expected to return to action until after the Six Nations series but may now make a comeback sooner than anticipated.

Munster prop Horan returns, having missed out on the autumn internationals after undergoing a routine medical procedure for a minor heart ailment.

The loosehead has not played for his province since the Heineken Cup win over Treviso in October but played 80 minutes for Shannon in their All-Ireland League match against Dolphin on Saturday.

Ireland are without injured duo Luke Fitzgerald and Denis Leamy.

   
The aim is to increase the competitiveness that we need for the Italy game

Declan Kidney

Ireland begin their campaign with a home game against Italy at Croke Park on Saturday 6 February.

Ireland A will play two international games in quick succession, against England Saxons on 31 January and Scotland A at Ravenhill on 5 February.

Irish coach Declan Kidney said his main consideration was "the opening game against Italy, followed by the A games and further down the line the Rugby World Cup".

"Building a squad has always been a priority for us and the work done during the first half of the season means there is a little more experience accumulated in the squad than we had a couple of months ago.

"While there were new players who gained vital experience during the autumn series, the goal is to keep that experience ticking over with all the players who need international level game time.

"The aim is to increase the competitiveness that we need for the Italy game.

"The provinces have all been in good form, making selection even more difficult, but we will need that for the big challenges that are ahead for the group over the next couple of weeks.

"The focus is very much on our game against Italy in a fortnight's time and we are preparing for that first challenge," said Kidney.

Ireland squad: Rory Best (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster), Isaac Boss (Ballymena/Ulster), Tommy Bowe (Ospreys), Tony Buckley (Shannon/Munster), Tom Court (Malone/Ulster), Sean Cronin (Buccaneers/Connacht), Leo Cullen (Blackrock College/Leinster), Gordon D'Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster), Ian Dowling (Shannon/Munster), Keith Earls (Young Munster/Munster), Stephen Ferris (Dungannon/Ulster), Declan Fitzpatrick (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster), Jerry Flannery (Shannon/Munster), John Fogarty (De La Salle Palmerston/Leinster), John Hayes (Bruff/Munster), Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster), Jamie Heaslip (Naas/Leinster), Chris Henry (Ballymena/Ulster), Marcus Horan (Shannon/Munster), Shane Horgan (Boyne/Leinster), Denis Hurley (Cork Constitution/Munster), Shane Jennings (St.Mary's College/Leinster), Robert Kearney (UCD/Leinster), Fergus McFadden (UCD/Leinster), Kevin McLaughlin (UCD/Leinster), Johne Murphy (Leicester), Donncha O'Callaghan (Cork Constitution/Munster), Paul O'Connell (Young Munster/Munster), Mick O'Driscoll (Cork Constitution/Munster) , Brian O'Driscoll (UCD/Leinster), Ronan O'Gara (Cork Constitution/Munster), Tomas O'Leary (Dolphin/Munster), Sean O'Brien (Clontarf/Leinster), Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster), Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster), Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster), Jonathan Sexton (St Mary's College/Leinster), Peter Stringer (Shannon/Munster), Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster), Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster), Dan Tuohy (Ballymena/Ulster), David Wallace (Garryowen/Munster), Paddy Wallace (Ballymena/Ulster), Brett Wilkinson (Galwegians/Connacht).
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: thewobbler on January 19, 2010, 09:28:10 PM
Ian Humphreys is a big omission. I can't really understand the need to pick four specialist scrum-halves, but only two specilaist fly-halves. If either fly-half gets hurt, surely it would be better (in a 44 man squad!) to have a playmaker ready to come into the matchday squad who is has worked with all the calls, routines and tactics.

The suspicious Ulster man in me would speculate that the inclusion of 4 scrum-halves is a wee arm around the shoulders of Stringer in case he feels left out, and the absence of fly-half cover is a big arm around sensitive Ronan's shoulders.


Good to see so many youngsters breaking into the main squad though, even if they'll nearly all be playing A rugby this season.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on January 19, 2010, 10:32:38 PM
I wish they would at least divide that big long list of names into backs and forwards. In fact I would expect them to break it down by position.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on January 19, 2010, 10:33:43 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on January 19, 2010, 09:28:10 PM
Ian Humphreys is a big omission. I can't really understand the need to pick four specialist scrum-halves, but only two specilaist fly-halves. If either fly-half gets hurt, surely it would be better (in a 44 man squad!) to have a playmaker ready to come into the matchday squad who is has worked with all the calls, routines and tactics.

The suspicious Ulster man in me would speculate that the inclusion of 4 scrum-halves is a wee arm around the shoulders of Stringer in case he feels left out, and the absence of fly-half cover is a big arm around sensitive Ronan's shoulders.


Good to see so many youngsters breaking into the main squad though, even if they'll nearly all be playing A rugby this season.

Those 2 are very delicate and need all the encouragement they can get.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 19, 2010, 10:40:31 PM
QuoteIsaac Boss (Ballymena/Ulster), Tony Buckley (Shannon/Munster), Leo Cullen (Blackrock College/Leinster), Ian Dowling (Shannon/Munster), John Fogarty (De La Salle Palmerston/Leinster), Marcus Horan (Shannon/Munster), Shane Horgan (Boyne/Leinster), Shane Jennings (St.Mary's College/Leinster),  Mick O'Driscoll (Cork Constitution/Munster) , Peter Stringer (Shannon/Munster)

Have had their day or just not good enough - tackle bag holders.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on January 19, 2010, 10:49:44 PM
Without Further ado

Ireland squad: Rory Best (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster), Isaac Boss (Ballymena/Ulster), Tommy Bowe (Ospreys), Tony Buckley (Shannon/Munster), Tom Court (Malone/Ulster), Sean Cronin (Buccaneers/Connacht), Leo Cullen (Blackrock College/Leinster), Gordon D'Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster), Ian Dowling (Shannon/Munster), Keith Earls (Young Munster/Munster), Stephen Ferris (Dungannon/Ulster), Declan Fitzpatrick (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster), Jerry Flannery (Shannon/Munster), John Fogarty (De La Salle Palmerston/Leinster), John Hayes (Bruff/Munster), Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster), Jamie Heaslip (Naas/Leinster), Chris Henry (Ballymena/Ulster), Marcus Horan (Shannon/Munster), Shane Horgan (Boyne/Leinster), Denis Hurley (Cork Constitution/Munster), Shane Jennings (St.Mary's College/Leinster), Robert Kearney (UCD/Leinster), Fergus McFadden (UCD/Leinster), Kevin McLaughlin (UCD/Leinster), Johne Murphy (Leicester), Donncha O'Callaghan (Cork Constitution/Munster), Paul O'Connell (Young Munster/Munster), Mick O'Driscoll (Cork Constitution/Munster) , Brian O'Driscoll (UCD/Leinster), Ronan O'Gara (Cork Constitution/Munster), Tomas O'Leary (Dolphin/Munster), Sean O'Brien (Clontarf/Leinster), Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster), Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster), Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster), Jonathan Sexton (St Mary's College/Leinster), Peter Stringer (Shannon/Munster), Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster), Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster), Dan Tuohy (Ballymena/Ulster), David Wallace (Garryowen/Munster), Paddy Wallace (Ballymena/Ulster), Brett Wilkinson (Galwegians/Connacht).

Fullback - Kearney, Dennis Hurley

Utility back - Paddy Wallace

Wing - Bowe, Earls, Horgan,Murphy, Dowling

Centre - O'Driscoll, Darcy, Trimble, Fergus McFadden

Outhalf - O'Gara, Sexton

Scrum half - O'Leary, Reddan, Stringer, Boss

Number -  8 Jamie Heaslip, Chris Henry

Openside - Dave Wallace, Jennings, O'Brien

Blindside - Ferris, McLaughlin , D Ryan

Second Row - O'Callagahan. O'Connell. Toner, Cullen, dan Touhy,

Tight head - Hayes, Buckley, Court, Ross

Hooker - Flannery, Fogarty, Cronin, Best

Loose head - Healy, Horan, Brett Wilkinson, Declan Fitzpatrick

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on January 19, 2010, 10:57:36 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 19, 2010, 10:40:31 PM
QuoteIsaac Boss (Ballymena/Ulster), Tony Buckley (Shannon/Munster), Leo Cullen (Blackrock College/Leinster), Ian Dowling (Shannon/Munster), John Fogarty (De La Salle Palmerston/Leinster), Marcus Horan (Shannon/Munster), Shane Horgan (Boyne/Leinster), Shane Jennings (St.Mary's College/Leinster),  Mick O'Driscoll (Cork Constitution/Munster) , Peter Stringer (Shannon/Munster)

Have had their day or just not good enough - tackle bag holders.

Add Paddy Wallace.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: thewobbler on January 19, 2010, 11:12:36 PM
Dinny - I can't believe you included Shane Jennings in your otherwise acceptable list of expendables. Granted you would watch a lot more Leinster than I would, but almost every time I've seen him play he has been worth watching. Anything in particular you don't like about his game?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: screenexile on January 19, 2010, 11:30:39 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on January 19, 2010, 10:57:36 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 19, 2010, 10:40:31 PM
QuoteIsaac Boss (Ballymena/Ulster), Tony Buckley (Shannon/Munster), Leo Cullen (Blackrock College/Leinster), Ian Dowling (Shannon/Munster), John Fogarty (De La Salle Palmerston/Leinster), Marcus Horan (Shannon/Munster), Shane Horgan (Boyne/Leinster), Shane Jennings (St.Mary's College/Leinster),  Mick O'Driscoll (Cork Constitution/Munster) , Peter Stringer (Shannon/Munster)

Have had their day or just not good enough - tackle bag holders.

Add Paddy Wallace.

Not a particular fan of his but he's the no.1 partner for BOD as far as Kidney is concerned and he's the 3rd choice out half should Sexton or O'Gara. . . certainly more than a tackle bag holder!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on January 20, 2010, 02:01:08 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on January 19, 2010, 11:12:36 PM
Dinny - I can't believe you included Shane Jennings in your otherwise acceptable list of expendables. Granted you would watch a lot more Leinster than I would, but almost every time I've seen him play he has been worth watching. Anything in particular you don't like about his game?

Jennings is a liability. Gives away far too many penalties. O'Brien is the future and he'll more than likely be Ireland's 7 come the next RWC.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 20, 2010, 07:40:50 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on January 19, 2010, 11:12:36 PM
Dinny - I can't believe you included Shane Jennings in your otherwise acceptable list of expendables. Granted you would watch a lot more Leinster than I would, but almost every time I've seen him play he has been worth watching. Anything in particular you don't like about his game?

DH summed it up there more or less. He's very committed but I don't think he has great rugby intelligence for a 7 and while he does a reasonable/good job for Leinster he's not in my opinion International class, whereas the raw potential in O'Brien is frightening, O'Brien and Ferris is the same backrow would put the fear of god into a lot of teams.

Wallace is a nice contrast to D'arcy, he's there because he can distribute, himself and O'Gara don't work to well together but he compliments Sexton nicely I think.

One to watch is Kevin McLaughlin, serious athlete and very talented.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Bord na Mona man on January 20, 2010, 08:56:45 AM
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on January 20, 2010, 02:01:08 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on January 19, 2010, 11:12:36 PM
Dinny - I can't believe you included Shane Jennings in your otherwise acceptable list of expendables. Granted you would watch a lot more Leinster than I would, but almost every time I've seen him play he has been worth watching. Anything in particular you don't like about his game?

Jennings is a liability. Gives away far too many penalties.
It seems to be occupational hazard for flankers who go digging for the ball. Jennings, Best and O'Concrete always gave away a good quota of penalties. Makes you realise what a priceless asset McCaw is for being able to rip, root and spoil and get away with it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: ludermor on January 20, 2010, 08:58:45 AM
And Brussow seems to have taken that art to a different level this year.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: ludermor on January 20, 2010, 01:12:35 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 19, 2010, 10:40:31 PM
QuoteIsaac Boss (Ballymena/Ulster), Tony Buckley (Shannon/Munster), Leo Cullen (Blackrock College/Leinster), Ian Dowling (Shannon/Munster), John Fogarty (De La Salle Palmerston/Leinster), Marcus Horan (Shannon/Munster), Shane Horgan (Boyne/Leinster), Shane Jennings (St.Mary's College/Leinster),  Mick O'Driscoll (Cork Constitution/Munster) , Peter Stringer (Shannon/Munster)

Have had their day or just not good enough - tackle bag holders.
Agree with the vast majority of them but just a couple of comments.
Cullen - who would you have as 2 first choice back up to to the incumbents?
Horan- While i have no problem with Healy taking over No1 i would like to have horan as back up for the next year or two.
Horgan - Have been very impressed with him this year, wouldnt mind him on the fringes if any injuries come up. Who would you have as back up to the wings?

There is some serious competion coming up in the back row places ( in pretty much all the provinces) which is great news  for the future.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: trileacman on January 20, 2010, 02:41:55 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 19, 2010, 10:40:31 PM
QuoteIsaac Boss (Ballymena/Ulster), Tony Buckley (Shannon/Munster), Leo Cullen (Blackrock College/Leinster), Ian Dowling (Shannon/Munster), John Fogarty (De La Salle Palmerston/Leinster), Marcus Horan (Shannon/Munster), Shane Horgan (Boyne/Leinster), Shane Jennings (St.Mary's College/Leinster),  Mick O'Driscoll (Cork Constitution/Munster) , Peter Stringer (Shannon/Munster)

Have had their day or just not good enough - tackle bag holders.

Horgan is playing beter than earls and should start. Fogarty could yet be useful but I understand what your saying and who else would you have in place of Cullen, sound cover, well liked and a good leader. Horan is also in that bracket, sound cover.

Finally the absence of eternal failure Trimble makes a mockery of your list as he is absolute p***.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: AZOffaly on January 20, 2010, 03:49:49 PM
Tony Buckley is a huge disappointment. He just hasn't developed. On another note, I think it's funny to read David Wallace (Garryowen/Munster), etc etc. I'd say some of these lads wouldn't even remember the last time they played for their club :D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: ludermor on January 20, 2010, 04:34:08 PM
I was thinking the same thing when i read that Horan played with his club at the weekend ( Shannon?). I wonder how many of the players he would have known? Would they much of a connection with the clubs these days.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 20, 2010, 04:47:26 PM
QuoteCullen - who would you have as 2 first choice back up to to the incumbents?

The odds of both being injured are very low but Donnacha Ryan, Devin Toner and Dan Touhy are the future and need to be developed. Toner will be beast, about 5/6 years away from his prime. If both incumbents were injured I would bring in Cullen for his experience alone.

QuoteHoran- While i have no problem with Healy taking over No1 i would like to have horan as back up for the next year or two.

I'll be honest be honest never a fan, I think he has a poor attitude, a poor work-rate and is an ok scrummager. Healy and Court are just better now.

QuoteHorgan - Have been very impressed with him this year, wouldnt mind him on the fringes if any injuries come up. Who would you have as back up to the wings?

He's having golden winter but he's had his time. Trimble, Hurley, Carr, Murphy all much younger and hungrier

QuoteFinally the absence of eternal failure Trimble makes a mockery of your list as he is absolute p***.

Really, have you seen him play this year?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on January 20, 2010, 04:59:37 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 19, 2010, 10:40:31 PM
QuoteIsaac Boss (Ballymena/Ulster), Tony Buckley (Shannon/Munster), Leo Cullen (Blackrock College/Leinster), Ian Dowling (Shannon/Munster), John Fogarty (De La Salle Palmerston/Leinster), Marcus Horan (Shannon/Munster), Shane Horgan (Boyne/Leinster), Shane Jennings (St.Mary's College/Leinster),  Mick O'Driscoll (Cork Constitution/Munster) , Peter Stringer (Shannon/Munster)

Have had their day or just not good enough - tackle bag holders.

Right Kidney is picking on form and in fairness to Boss he is playing well (scored a great try and was MOTM on Friday)

Buckley - point taken,

Cullen is playing great stuff with Leinster week in week and has been since he came back from his stint with Leicester,

Dowling - failed to make the Heinken Cup match day squad before Christmas but he is most likely named in the 44 man squad as he is probably a cert for a start for the A's.

John Fogerty - worth his place, has been solid for Leinster all season long

Horan - in fairness to Healy he really has staked a claim for the No. 1 jersey but it's not his yet, Horan still derserves his place and will see a start in the 6 nations

Horgan - pure class and has shown that big time in the past few months, it's gonna take some big performers to stop him from making the team

Jennings - Don't forget that he was having a great start to the season before his wee "break", very experienced player useful addition to any squad

O'Driscoll - hasn't seen much time this season and would be surprised if he was the 3rd choice second row in front of Cullen but he will be seen as a big figure and leader in the A dressing room hence he is in the squad from the start rather than calling him in later on

Stringer - Don't forget that match winning break against Scotland last year... enough said
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 20, 2010, 05:11:01 PM
Realistically not one of those players should start only Horan can make a case,if any of those other players start in the 6 Nations I'll be shocked and will run around naked on the board  ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: tyroneboi on January 20, 2010, 05:45:36 PM
Seen a fair bit of Northampton this season and thought Roger Wilson and Neil Best would have been worth a place in the squad? Up in Ulster have been impressed with Ian Humphreys and Darren Cave and surprised they weren't named in a squad of that size.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: ludermor on January 20, 2010, 06:43:13 PM
Fair enough points Dinny. Leinster have some serious talent coming thorugh in the pack alright and if Toner fulfills his potential he will be some operator.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Bord na Mona man on January 20, 2010, 07:09:47 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on January 20, 2010, 04:59:37 PM
Stringer - Don't forget that match winning break against Scotland last year... enough said
Nothing unusual sure. He makes a break like that every year!  ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on January 27, 2010, 09:38:54 PM
IRELAND 'A' Squad (v England Saxons, Recreation Ground, Sunday, January 31, kick-off 2pm):

Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster)
Isaac Boss (Ballymena/Ulster)
Tony Buckley (Shannon/Munster)
Ryan Caldwell (Dungannon/Ulster)
Darren Cave (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
Ian Dowling (Shannon/Munster)
John Fogarty (De La Salle Palmerston/Leinster)
Marcus Horan (Shannon/Munster)
Ian Humphreys (Ballymena/Ulster)
Denis Hurley (Cork Constitution/Munster)
Shane Jennings (St. Mary's College/Leinster)
Keith Matthews (Buccaneers/Connacht)
John Muldoon (Galwegians/Connacht)
Fergus McFadden (Old Belvedere/Leinster)
Johne Murphy (Leicester Tigers)
Mick O'Driscoll (Cork Constitution/Munster)
Sean O'Brien (Clontarf/Leinster)
Niall Ronan (Shannon/Munster)
Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster)
Peter Stringer (Shannon/Munster)
Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster)
Paddy Wallace (Ballymena/Ulster)

Strong squad. Match is live on Sky Sports 2.

Quote from: AZOffaly on January 20, 2010, 03:49:49 PM
Tony Buckley is a huge disappointment. He just hasn't developed.

Its a pity nobody got a hold of Buckley a few years ago and showed him how to scrummage. His size and strength would be invaluable at the ruck and he was always a fairly decent ball-carrier (remember the hand-off on Simon Shaw in Coventry a few years ago!). Being behind the Bull at Munster hasn't helped. Anytime he seemed to get a run of games it was at loose-head and he is more comfortable on the other side. Had he gone to Bath three or four years ago (like had been arranged) I've no doubt we'd have made an international prop out of him. Even if he'd been shipped off to Connacht for a season or two in his early twenties like Jerry Flannery, it would have done him the world of good. He's 29 now though and it looks like he'll never really make the impact that he could have.

Tight-head could be a big problem for Ireland if the Bull was ever to pick up an injury. Court is playing all his rugby at loose-head with BJ Botha around and Mike Ross is well down the pecking order at Leinster. For me, Timmy Ryan could well be the long-term solution. He is getting some matches at Toulon and I'm surprised he isn't in the Ireland setup yet. I think he'll go back to Munster in a year or two when the Bull decides to commit himself full time to the farming!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: INDIANA on February 02, 2010, 09:59:14 AM
Rumour has - Ferris, Horan and Best all out.

ROG ahead of Sexton
Trimble ahead of Earls
Mc laughlin instead of Ferris

Ferris is defintely out along with Horan and Best. ROG and Trimble are only rumours. Mc laughlin is almost certain to start .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: A Quinn Martin Production on February 02, 2010, 10:21:36 AM
From the BBC website.  "Wolfhounds" squad for match on Fri

Isaac Boss (Ballymena/Ulster), Nigel Brady (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster), Tony Buckley (Shannon/Munster), Ryan Caldwell (Dungannon/Ulster), Darren Cave (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster), Ian Dowling (Shannon/Munster), Chris Henry (Ballymena/Ulster), Marcus Horan (Shannon/Munster), Ian Humphreys (Ballymena/Ulster), Denis Hurley (Cork Constitution/Munster), Shane Jennings (St Mary's College/Leinster), Ian Keatley (Galwegians/Connacht). Keith Matthews (Buccaneers/Connacht), Fergus McFadden (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Johne Murphy (Leicester Tigers), Mick O'Driscoll (Cork Constitution/Munster), Niall Ronan (Shannon/Munster), Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster), Peter Stringer (Shannon/Munster) Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster)

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on February 02, 2010, 12:34:54 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on February 02, 2010, 09:59:14 AM
Rumour has - Ferris, Horan and Best all out.

ROG ahead of Sexton
Trimble ahead of Earls
Mc laughlin instead of Ferris

Ferris is defintely out along with Horan and Best. ROG and Trimble are only rumours. Mc laughlin is almost certain to start .

Fairly surprising if this is true. I'd have thought Sexton would have started on Saturday with ROG coming back in for Paris next weekend. Trimble/Earls was always a 50/50 call. I'd have had Earls but no complaints with Trimble. Again I'd have thought O'Brien would have been next in line in the backrow but perhaps Deccie thinks he is too similar to Wallace. McLoughlin is probably the nearest we have to Ferris with Leamy injured at the moment.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: INDIANA on February 02, 2010, 12:57:00 PM
A worse one DH is Wallace covering the bench and Sexton not even on it. Hope to christ thats bollox. Pretty sure Mc laughlin is in- that comes from someone who was watching the training. The rest we'll see in 30 mins.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: GaillimhIarthair on February 02, 2010, 01:40:51 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on February 02, 2010, 12:57:00 PM
A worse one DH is Wallace covering the bench and Sexton not even on it. Hope to christ thats bollox. Pretty sure Mc laughlin is in- that comes from someone who was watching the training. The rest we'll see in 30 mins.
Sexton is injured apparently.  Rog to start with Wallace on the bench I would imagine.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: INDIANA on February 02, 2010, 01:42:12 PM
Kevin McLaughlin is the one new cap named in the Ireland team to play Italy this Saturday in Croke Park. 
The 25 year old Leinster player will start his first international alongside David Wallace and Jamie Heaslip in the Ireland backrow in the opening game of the 2010 RBS 6 Nations Championship.

Andrew Trimble returns to the Ireland team after winning his last cap against England in Twickenham in March 2008 and he is named on the left wing.

Gordon D'Arcy renews his centre partnership with Brian O'Driscoll while Ronan O'Gara will earn his 94th cap, partnering Tomas O'Leary.

Jerry Flannery starts at hooker alongside John Hayes and Cian Healy while Rory Best is named in the replacements following his recovery from injury.

IRELAND Team & Replacements (v Italy, RBS 6 Nations Championship, Croke Park, Saturday February 6th, 2:30 p.m):

15 - Rob Kearney (UCD/Leinster)
14 - Tommy Bowe (Ospreys)
13 - Brian O'Driscoll (UCD/Leinster) (capt)
12 - Gordon D'Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster)
11 - Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster)
10 - Ronan O'Gara (Cork Constitution/Munster)
9 - Tomas O'Leary (Dolphin/Munster)
1 - Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster)
2 - Jerry Flannery (Shannon/Munster)
3 - John Hayes (Bruff/Munster)
4 - Donncha O'Callaghan (Cork Constitution/Munster)
5 - Paul O'Connell (Young Munster/Munster)
6 - Kevin McLaughlin (St. Mary's College/Leinster)
7 - David Wallace (Garryowen/Munster)
8 - Jamie Heaslip (Naas/Leinster)

Replacements:
16 - Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster)
17 - Tom Court (Malone/Ulster)
18 - Leo Cullen (Blackrock College/Leinster)
19 - Sean O'Brien (Clontarf/Leinster)
20 - Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster)
21 - Paddy Wallace (Ballymena/Ulster)
22 - Keith Earls (Young Munster/Munster)

Unavailable due to injury:
Jonathan Sexton (St. Mary's College/Leinster)
Stephen Ferris (Dungannon/Ulster)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Declan on February 02, 2010, 01:43:07 PM
O'Gara to pull the strings

Declan Kidney has pulled a few surprises out of his managerial cap with his team selection to face Italy in the Six Nations opener at Croke Park On Saturday. The manager has opted for the experience of Ronan O'Gara at outhalf instead of Jonathan Sexton, for whom there isn't even a place on the bench.
Cover for the Munster man comes in the shape of Paddy Wallace, while the Ulster player's provincial team-mate Andrew Trimble has been preferred to Keith Earls on the left wing.

As expected, Stephen Ferris misses out through injury and it's Leinster's Kevin McLaughlin who has been called in for his first cap instead of Leinster team-mate Seán O'Brien, who makes the bench.

Why Sexton has not even made the 22, after impressing hugely in the autumn and for Leinster since, is not yet clear. Form is unlikely to be the issue, so it may be the case that the St Mary's man has picked up an injury.

In the frontrow, Cian Healy gets the nod ahead of Marcus Horan, while Jerry Flannery has edged out Rory Best for the contentious hooker berth. John Hayes joins them.

The engine room as it were, is predictably comprised of Munster duo Paul O'Connell and Donncha O'Callaghan, while McLaughlin is joined in the backrow by number eight Jamie Heaslip and openside David Wallace.

Captain Brian O'Driscoll is back in tandem with Gordon D'Arcy in the centre and Rob Kearney is named at fullback.

Ireland (v Italy): Kearney; Bowe, O'Driscoll (capt), D'Arcy, Trimble; O'Gara, O'Leary; Healy, Flannery, Hayes; O'Callaghan, O'Connell, McLaughlin, D Wallace, Heaslip. Replacements : Best, Court, Cullen, O'Brien, Reddan, Wallace, Earls.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: screenexile on February 02, 2010, 01:58:59 PM
Couldn't really argue too much with that selection. If Sexton and Ferris are injured there's not much can be done.

I don't know much about McLaughlin but the consensus seems to be he is good enough to make the step up so fair play to him. Trimble in for Fitzgerald is maybe a contentious one but I saw him against Bath and though he was outstanding with his individual try being as good as I've witnessed this year!

I think we will struggle in the Scrum but that we will have too much for Italy. Against the other 4 teams I think we are weaker in the Scrum so we'll have to rely heavily on our Lineout and open play to get us through. The Grand Slam is definitely still on though and I'm looking forward to the Championship!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: ha ha derry on February 02, 2010, 02:06:47 PM
Paddy Wallace is a failed experiment.
Peter Stringer should start never mind not make the bench.
Shane Horgan will feel aggrieved v Trimble. Trimble is good in attack but a poor defender.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: J OGorman on February 02, 2010, 02:07:40 PM
1 - Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster)
2 - Jerry Flannery (Shannon/Munster)
3 - John Hayes (Bruff/Munster)
4 - Donncha O'Callaghan (Cork Constitution/Munster)
5 - Paul O'Connell (Young Munster/Munster)
6 - Kevin McLaughlin (St. Mary's College/Leinster)
7 - David Wallace (Garryowen/Munster)
8 - Jamie Heaslip (Naas/Leinster)

the Italians as always will be ferocious up front, but the current grand inning slam pack will be weaker than Scotland and Englands for example? Hows that?

Squad looks strong with competition for places everywhere..should be a mighty championship
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on February 02, 2010, 02:42:12 PM
Quote from: ha ha derry on February 02, 2010, 02:06:47 PM
Peter Stringer should start never mind not make the bench.

You obviously didn't see Stringer play in the A game at the weekend against the England Saxons. He was absolutely woeful.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on February 02, 2010, 02:42:39 PM
I know Ferris is injured but good to see McLaughlin getting a start, very much deserved after some great performances for Leinster.... 

I would expect Flannery and Best to get in around a half each - game time both badly need.  Also it would be good for Court to get on the field for at least 20 minutes - a full half would be better though, I'm sure the rest would stand to the Bull next week in the French game
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on February 02, 2010, 02:43:30 PM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on February 02, 2010, 02:42:12 PM
Quote from: ha ha derry on February 02, 2010, 02:06:47 PM
Peter Stringer should start never mind not make the bench.

You obviously didn't see Stringer play in the A game at the weekend against the England Saxons. He was absolutely woeful.

Didn't see the game but one of the lads did and said the same.  He was very disappointed with Stringer
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on February 02, 2010, 02:46:52 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on February 02, 2010, 02:43:30 PM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on February 02, 2010, 02:42:12 PM
Quote from: ha ha derry on February 02, 2010, 02:06:47 PM
Peter Stringer should start never mind not make the bench.

You obviously didn't see Stringer play in the A game at the weekend against the England Saxons. He was absolutely woeful.

Didn't see the game but one of the lads did and said the same.  He was very disappointed with Stringer

He was shockingly bad in fairness. He'll be doing well to even make the bench for Ireland A from now on.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on February 02, 2010, 02:48:42 PM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on February 02, 2010, 02:46:52 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on February 02, 2010, 02:43:30 PM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on February 02, 2010, 02:42:12 PM
Quote from: ha ha derry on February 02, 2010, 02:06:47 PM
Peter Stringer should start never mind not make the bench.

You obviously didn't see Stringer play in the A game at the weekend against the England Saxons. He was absolutely woeful.

Didn't see the game but one of the lads did and said the same.  He was very disappointed with Stringer

He was shockingly bad in fairness. He'll be doing well to even make the bench for Ireland A from now on.

And in fairness Boss is back showing some damn good form again... he was very good against Bath and Edinburgh in the 'Ken Cup
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: ha ha derry on February 02, 2010, 03:48:38 PM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on February 02, 2010, 02:42:12 PM
Quote from: ha ha derry on February 02, 2010, 02:06:47 PM
Peter Stringer should start never mind not make the bench.

You obviously didn't see Stringer play in the A game at the weekend against the England Saxons. He was absolutely woeful.

Who was playing outside him ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: screenexile on February 02, 2010, 04:48:57 PM
Quote from: ha ha derry on February 02, 2010, 03:48:38 PM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on February 02, 2010, 02:42:12 PM
Quote from: ha ha derry on February 02, 2010, 02:06:47 PM
Peter Stringer should start never mind not make the bench.

You obviously didn't see Stringer play in the A game at the weekend against the England Saxons. He was absolutely woeful.

Who was playing outside him ?

Paddy Wallace!

Have to say I'm no great fan but Kidney likes him and he is probably just shading it as the 3rd best Out Half (And Second best no. 12 Behind D'Arcy) we have at the minute ahead of Keatley and slightly ahead of Humphreys.

However I would expect Humphreys to push on this season and next to get himself in the squad for the World Cup with Paddy Wallace being a permanent backup at Centre.

As for Stringer well no he's just not up to it anymore. He was useful in his day but he's not getting any regular game time with Munster and he has fallen well behind O'Leary, Reddan and Boss in the pecking order. In saying that I've seen Reddan a couple of times recently and I haven't been that impressed. He needs to get his act together as on form he could overtake O'Leary and he will be vital to Leinster's hopes of retaining the Heineken!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on February 02, 2010, 04:52:23 PM
Quote from: ha ha derry on February 02, 2010, 03:48:38 PM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on February 02, 2010, 02:42:12 PM
Quote from: ha ha derry on February 02, 2010, 02:06:47 PM
Peter Stringer should start never mind not make the bench.

You obviously didn't see Stringer play in the A game at the weekend against the England Saxons. He was absolutely woeful.

Who was playing outside him ?

He could have had Dan Carter outside him and it wouldn't have mattered as his passes were going all over the shop. High, low, right, left and occasionly straight.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on February 02, 2010, 05:09:58 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 02, 2010, 04:48:57 PM
Quote from: ha ha derry on February 02, 2010, 03:48:38 PM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on February 02, 2010, 02:42:12 PM
Quote from: ha ha derry on February 02, 2010, 02:06:47 PM
Peter Stringer should start never mind not make the bench.

You obviously didn't see Stringer play in the A game at the weekend against the England Saxons. He was absolutely woeful.

Who was playing outside him ?

Paddy Wallace!

Have to say I'm no great fan but Kidney likes him and he is probably just shading it as the 3rd best Out Half (And Second best no. 12 Behind D'Arcy) we have at the minute ahead of Keatley and slightly ahead of Humphreys.

However I would expect Humphreys to push on this season and next to get himself in the squad for the World Cup with Paddy Wallace being a permanent backup at Centre.

As for Stringer well no he's just not up to it anymore. He was useful in his day but he's not getting any regular game time with Munster and he has fallen well behind O'Leary, Reddan and Boss in the pecking order. In saying that I've seen Reddan a couple of times recently and I haven't been that impressed. He needs to get his act together as on form he could overtake O'Leary and he will be vital to Leinster's hopes of retaining the Heineken!

I don't think Humphries will ever be too involved in the Ireland set-up under Kidney. He just doesn't seem to fancy him for whatever reason. O'Gara will still be around by the time the World Cup comes around. I'd say Keatley will probably go to Munster in a year or two to be groomed as his replacement. Warwick seems at home at full-back although hopefully Felix Jones can challenge him in the next few years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: trileacman on February 02, 2010, 05:33:12 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 02, 2010, 01:58:59 PM
Couldn't really argue too much with that selection. If Sexton and Ferris are injured there's not much can be done.

I don't know much about McLaughlin but the consensus seems to be he is good enough to make the step up so fair play to him. Trimble in for Fitzgerald is maybe a contentious one but I saw him against Bath and though he was outstanding with his individual try being as good as I've witnessed this year!

I think we will struggle in the Scrum but that we will have too much for Italy. Against the other 4 teams I think we are weaker in the Scrum so we'll have to rely heavily on our Lineout and open play to get us through. The Grand Slam is definitely still on though and I'm looking forward to the Championship!
Trimble shouldn't play. It was a Horgan/Earls toss up with Earls possibly shading it. Trimbles try was against bath. He's a stupid defender as opposed to a bad one and an average attacker with little pace. Watch Trimble's try on Youtube, Ulster's tight-head catches up with him at the end.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 02, 2010, 06:28:26 PM
It looks a sensible selection. Form gets rewarded by Kidney, with EOS it was often harder to get off the team than on it.
I don't believe Trimble and McLaughlin were even on the bench for the big November internationals, but they are worth their places having played well since.

The front row is in for a huge test. Flannery and Best are both recovering from lay offs. Hayes and Healy could be going through the reverse gears in the scrum.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: tyroneboi on February 02, 2010, 06:46:29 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 02, 2010, 05:33:12 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 02, 2010, 01:58:59 PM
Couldn't really argue too much with that selection. If Sexton and Ferris are injured there's not much can be done.

I don't know much about McLaughlin but the consensus seems to be he is good enough to make the step up so fair play to him. Trimble in for Fitzgerald is maybe a contentious one but I saw him against Bath and though he was outstanding with his individual try being as good as I've witnessed this year!

I think we will struggle in the Scrum but that we will have too much for Italy. Against the other 4 teams I think we are weaker in the Scrum so we'll have to rely heavily on our Lineout and open play to get us through. The Grand Slam is definitely still on though and I'm looking forward to the Championship!
Trimble shouldn't play. It was a Horgan/Earls toss up with Earls possibly shading it. Trimbles try was against bath. He's a stupid defender as opposed to a bad one and an average attacker with little pace. Watch Trimble's try on Youtube, Ulster's tight-head catches up with him at the end.

Does he bollix catch up with Trimble. Trimble wasn't going flat out as he got into Baths half because he was facing 2 or 3 defenders and then he turned on the gas towards the end to go round them plus Joe Mattock the Bath full back is no slouch either.

Trimble deserves to be on the starting line up though i would say it was close between him and Horgan. Haven't been impressed by Earls since the Autumn internationals and he has played most of his rugby in the centre this season anyway. Disappointed Ferris and Sexton weren't fit but should still have far too much for Italy on Saturday. Hopefully leaving the two lads out is just precautionary for the trip to Paris the following weekend.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: charlie stubbs on February 02, 2010, 07:29:42 PM
gal in work selling x2 tickets 4 cusack if any1 interested mail me
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on February 02, 2010, 07:36:53 PM


I can't wait for the Six Nations to begin



John Beattie


Another of my favourite rugby jokes - and these things happened in the olden days on Lions tours. Lions captain to referee: "Sir, who's put-in is it at the scrum?" Referee: "Ours."

But that's another diversion and this is your blog. Yeeeha, this time of year gives me one more delicious reason to live because the Six Nations tournament is here. Ever since I can remember, this time of year means watching the world's best tournament.

You have to understand that my generation stood on terraces accepting cans of beer from Welshmen who made it a week's trip to go to Murrayfield, or taking wine from smoky Frenchmen who smiled and laughed as their team kicked ours off the park.

But who is going to win? Come on, tell me who you think is going to win.

According to the International Rugby Board website, England has more than two million registered rugby players, France has a quarter of a million, Ireland 150,000, Italy 60,000, Wales 46,000, and Scotland 32,000. England have nearly four times as many rugby players as the rest of the Six Nations teams added together!

England first. If the team clicks, someone is going to get hammered. I don't understand why the current English side plays the ball so deep to the stand-off from broken play as they seem to go backwards. That said, I don't see a weakness in set piece, nor in attack.


My outsider's view is that skipper Steve Borthwick is a class act while, with Jonny Wilkinson and Martin Johnson around in albeit differing capacities, they have lots of experience. Plus, they have been training in Portugal, something Scotland, for instance, could never afford.

England are my tip to be joint winners this year, but only if they produce the badness that Johnson had as a player. And they have to overcome trips to Italy, Scotland and France.

Talking of France, you never know which team is going to turn up. However, they only have to travel to Scotland and Wales, so I think they will share the championship with England. The French have become predictable in how they play, though, with a search to take the ball right to each touchline copying English club rugby and Welsh international rugby.

You cannot overestimate the effect that Andy Robinson is having on Scotland. There are lots of options at wing - Evans, Lamonts and Daniellis - but some decisions to be made at back row and stand-off. England and France at home means it might just be mid-table.

I want Wales to do well. A real rugby country with a penchant for self-destruction and at times a lack of real grunt up front - but such a beautiful attacking game, using runners in wide channels. They have to go to Ireland and England.

Ireland have the experience of Brian O'Driscoll, the guile of Declan Kidney and enough gumption to beat anyone on their day - hardly a weak link - though they are starting to get a bit arrogant with their Grand Slam.

And the Italians? Rome is a horrible place to play. They even sold out the San Siro to play the All Blacks. One day Italian rugby will overtake Scottish and Welsh rugby, of that I am convinced. But not yet.

So it's England, France, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Italy.

What do you think and what is your best Five or Six Nations memory?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/johnbeattie/2010/01/i_cant_wait_for_the_six_nation.html


Anyone else think that Ireland are getting arrogant after last year or like me do you think John is talking out of his hole?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Onlooker on February 02, 2010, 08:23:14 PM
I would not argue with him about the arrogant bit, but I find it hard to believe that there are 150,000 rugby players in Ireland and only 46,000 in Wales.  If those figures are correct, our record against Wales is very poor.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on February 02, 2010, 08:46:04 PM
Quote from: Onlooker on February 02, 2010, 08:23:14 PM
I would not argue with him about the arrogant bit, but I find it hard to believe that there are 150,000 rugby players in Ireland and only 46,000 in Wales.  If those figures are correct, our record against Wales is very poor.

Those figures are not correct. Numbers from 2007.

Ireland

    * Adult Male Players: 21740
    * Women Players: 1756
    * Number of Secondary Schools Players: 23586
    * Number of Youth Players: 12472
    * Number of Mini Rugby Players: 10967
    * Primary School: 32209
    * TOTAL PLAYERS: 100974

So a 100,000 players but that's including teens, kids, women, etc. That was three years ago so numbers are probably a bit different by now. On the IRB website the big difference seems to be in children playing the game. 60,600 children in Ireland and 10,000 in Wales. Not sure how reliable those numbers are to be honest. In fairness though Ireland have fairly consistently got the better of Wales for the past 30 years. It was before that really when the Welsh had the upper hand.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Hoof Hearted on February 02, 2010, 09:20:01 PM
what examples of arrogance were there ? I didnt think they were too bad to be honest
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Olaf on February 02, 2010, 09:21:39 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 02, 2010, 05:33:12 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 02, 2010, 01:58:59 PM
Couldn't really argue too much with that selection. If Sexton and Ferris are injured there's not much can be done.

I don't know much about McLaughlin but the consensus seems to be he is good enough to make the step up so fair play to him. Trimble in for Fitzgerald is maybe a contentious one but I saw him against Bath and though he was outstanding with his individual try being as good as I've witnessed this year!

I think we will struggle in the Scrum but that we will have too much for Italy. Against the other 4 teams I think we are weaker in the Scrum so we'll have to rely heavily on our Lineout and open play to get us through. The Grand Slam is definitely still on though and I'm looking forward to the Championship!
Trimble shouldn't play. It was a Horgan/Earls toss up with Earls possibly shading it. Trimbles try was against bath. He's a stupid defender as opposed to a bad one and an average attacker with little pace.
[/i]

::)You are having a laugh I take it.

As with all of Ireland's game's last year it will be a victory but a poor game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Onlooker on February 02, 2010, 09:57:09 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on February 02, 2010, 09:20:01 PM
what examples of arrogance were there ? I didnt think they were too bad to be honest
If you were living in Munster and had to listen to the Bandwagoners here talking about the "liginds" of Munster Rugby, you would know where I was coming from.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Hoof Hearted on February 02, 2010, 10:07:49 PM
i suppose, it's like me working in Tyrone !
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: trileacman on February 02, 2010, 11:21:07 PM
Quote from: Olaf on February 02, 2010, 09:21:39 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 02, 2010, 05:33:12 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 02, 2010, 01:58:59 PM
Couldn't really argue too much with that selection. If Sexton and Ferris are injured there's not much can be done.

I don't know much about McLaughlin but the consensus seems to be he is good enough to make the step up so fair play to him. Trimble in for Fitzgerald is maybe a contentious one but I saw him against Bath and though he was outstanding with his individual try being as good as I've witnessed this year!

I think we will struggle in the Scrum but that we will have too much for Italy. Against the other 4 teams I think we are weaker in the Scrum so we'll have to rely heavily on our Lineout and open play to get us through. The Grand Slam is definitely still on though and I'm looking forward to the Championship!
Trimble shouldn't play. It was a Horgan/Earls toss up with Earls possibly shading it. Trimbles try was against bath. He's a stupid defender as opposed to a bad one and an average attacker with little pace.
[/i]

::)You are having a laugh I take it.

As with all of Ireland's game's last year it will be a victory but a poor game.
No I'm not. If you don't believe me wait for the match on Saturday or more likely the match in Paris to see him being exploited.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Onlooker on February 03, 2010, 10:53:09 AM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on February 02, 2010, 10:07:49 PM
i suppose, it's like me working in Tyrone !
The big difference is that I am from Munster!!.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: ha ha derry on February 03, 2010, 11:04:49 AM
Quote from: screenexile on February 02, 2010, 04:48:57 PM
Quote from: ha ha derry on February 02, 2010, 03:48:38 PM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on February 02, 2010, 02:42:12 PM
Quote from: ha ha derry on February 02, 2010, 02:06:47 PM
Peter Stringer should start never mind not make the bench.

You obviously didn't see Stringer play in the A game at the weekend against the England Saxons. He was absolutely woeful.


Who was playing outside him ?

Paddy Wallace!

Have to say I'm no great fan but Kidney likes him and he is probably just shading it as the 3rd best Out Half (And Second best no. 12 Behind D'Arcy) we have at the minute ahead of Keatley and slightly ahead of Humphreys.

However I would expect Humphreys to push on this season and next to get himself in the squad for the World Cup with Paddy Wallace being a permanent backup at Centre.

As for Stringer well no he's just not up to it anymore. He was useful in his day but he's not getting any regular game time with Munster and he has fallen well behind O'Leary, Reddan and Boss in the pecking order. In saying that I've seen Reddan a couple of times recently and I haven't been that impressed. He needs to get his act together as on form he could overtake O'Leary and he will be vital to Leinster's hopes of retaining the Heineken!

I just don,t rate Reddan at all. O,Leary plays too much like an extra back row forward, which Ireland don,t need. If you look at Stringers performances for Ireland in last years 6 Nations, he is the most capable of the three of bringing the backs into the game. IMO.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Olaf on February 03, 2010, 11:20:13 AM
Quote from: trileacman on February 02, 2010, 11:21:07 PM
Quote from: Olaf on February 02, 2010, 09:21:39 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 02, 2010, 05:33:12 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 02, 2010, 01:58:59 PM
Couldn't really argue too much with that selection. If Sexton and Ferris are injured there's not much can be done.

I don't know much about McLaughlin but the consensus seems to be he is good enough to make the step up so fair play to him. Trimble in for Fitzgerald is maybe a contentious one but I saw him against Bath and though he was outstanding with his individual try being as good as I've witnessed this year!

I think we will struggle in the Scrum but that we will have too much for Italy. Against the other 4 teams I think we are weaker in the Scrum so we'll have to rely heavily on our Lineout and open play to get us through. The Grand Slam is definitely still on though and I'm looking forward to the Championship!
Trimble shouldn't play. It was a Horgan/Earls toss up with Earls possibly shading it. Trimbles try was against bath. He's a stupid defender as opposed to a bad one and an average attacker with little pace.
[/i]

::)You are having a laugh I take it.

As with all of Ireland's game's last year it will be a victory but a poor game.
No I'm not. If you don't believe me wait for the match on Saturday or more likely the match in Paris to see him being exploited.

I italicised your comments about Trimble being "an average attacker with little pace". It was this portion of your post that I was taking issue with. The evidence this season and at the back end of last quite clearly shows otherwise. He has been Ulster's main attacking threat in a back-line that has shown a fair degree of inventiveness.

As for defence neither Earls (who was shakey on the Lions tour and for Munster) or Horgan are any better in this aspect.




Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: INDIANA on February 03, 2010, 12:18:19 PM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on February 02, 2010, 08:46:04 PM
Quote from: Onlooker on February 02, 2010, 08:23:14 PM
I would not argue with him about the arrogant bit, but I find it hard to believe that there are 150,000 rugby players in Ireland and only 46,000 in Wales.  If those figures are correct, our record against Wales is very poor.

Those figures are not correct. Numbers from 2007.

Ireland

    * Adult Male Players: 21740
    * Women Players: 1756
    * Number of Secondary Schools Players: 23586
    * Number of Youth Players: 12472
    * Number of Mini Rugby Players: 10967
    * Primary School: 32209
    * TOTAL PLAYERS: 100974

So a 100,000 players but that's including teens, kids, women, etc. That was three years ago so numbers are probably a bit different by now. On the IRB website the big difference seems to be in children playing the game. 60,600 children in Ireland and 10,000 in Wales. Not sure how reliable those numbers are to be honest. In fairness though Ireland have fairly consistently got the better of Wales for the past 30 years. It was before that really when the Welsh had the upper hand.

yep but there are 60,000 schools rugby players. 70% of them give up after school. Thats the problem rugby has here. Its become such a contact game that most lads unless you're going to be  apro- just pack it in altogether.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: thewobbler on February 03, 2010, 12:36:36 PM
Trimble will do fine. His offloading problems mean he won't play international centre again (barring an injury crisis), but he has the line-breaking ability and finishing prowess to be a useful wing at any level. I don't buy this theory that he is defensively weak. As well as being an imposing big lump of a lad, the lessons learned from his formative years in the middle make him a bit more solid in tackle and flexible in his technique than an out-an-out winger.

Good on Deccie with the team selection all round. It shows that players can play their way into his team from the wilderness. Plenty of useful options on the bench too.


As for the 6N overall, I've a feeling that 3 wins with a good scoring difference might take the title. England and France both have the backs to cause a rout, Scotland and Italy both have the packs to keep things respectable, while Wales and Ireland probably have the better balanced sides. Home advantage should prove crucial all round.


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 03, 2010, 07:11:40 PM
Quote from: ha ha derry on February 03, 2010, 11:04:49 AM
I just don,t rate Reddan at all. O,Leary plays too much like an extra back row forward, which Ireland don,t need. If you look at Stringers performances for Ireland in last years 6 Nations, he is the most capable of the three of bringing the backs into the game. IMO.
Stringer is very predictable to play against though. He will invariably fling the pass, unless a gap the width of the Shannon opens up. Opposition defenders can generally start drifting towards the next player.

At least O'Leary can make breaks and play a more ball-in-hand running game, as well as being physical.
That said O'Leary needs to cuts down on his tendency to hit meaningless half hit kicks straight to the opposition.
If you plan on giving the ball away, at least stick it behind players and gain territory.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on February 03, 2010, 09:33:10 PM
Trimbles try against Bath was fnatastic. Don't mind that joker who said the prop nearly caught him. Yes the prop was close to him near the end but the correct way of describing that situation was that Trimble didn't need him because he was so fast not "the prop nearly caught up with him because he was so slow" jaysus wept.

Stringer is so lucky he came along when he did and got all those caps. He is not half as good as O'Leary and Reddan.

I make France favorites for the 6 nations as they play England and Ireland at home and would be favourites for both games. that could give them the edge in the championship, but I remain quietly optimistic that Ireland can spring a shock in Paris if all the key players are fit. O'Leary, O'Driscoll, O'Connell, Wallace, Heaslip, Ferris etc.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Declan on February 04, 2010, 03:45:21 PM
Leinster lock Leo Cullen has replaced the injured Donncha O'Callaghan in the Ireland line-up for the RBS Six Nations opener against Italy on Saturday.
O'Callaghan was ruled out of the Croke Park game on Thursday morning because of a knee injury.
Munster's Donnacha Ryan takes Cullen's place on the bench and he is in line for a first Six Nations cap.
Ronan O'Gara returns at fly-half while Leinster flanker Kevin McLaughlin is the only new cap for the holders.
Jonathan Sexton, who starred at number 10 in the November win over world champions South Africa, was ruled out because of a dead leg injury.
McLaughlin replaces injured Ulster star Stephen Ferris, Andrew Trimble wins a place in the wing and Gordon D'Arcy is in at centre.
Trimble, who has been in sparking form for Ulster, is preferred to Keith Earls while D'Arcy has been picked ahead of Paddy Wallace to be Brian O'Driscoll's partner at centre.
Wallace is on the bench as cover for centre and fly-half, so Sexton, whose five penalties helped the Irish humble the Springboks in the autumn, is axed from the 22 altogether.
Ulster hooker Rory Best's inclusion as a replacement completes a remarkably quick comeback from neck surgery.
Best, who had not been expected to play rugby this season, was in the Ireland A side which lost to the England Saxons last Sunday.
O'Callaghan's knee injury prevented him from taking a full part in Monday's squad session but he was able to train at the RDS on Tuesday.
However, the Corkman's left knee was tested on Wednesday and it was decided to withdraw him from the squad.
Without the injured Ferris, a key performer in last year's first Grand Slam since 1948, Kidney went for 24-year-old McLaughlin ahead of fellow in-form Leinster back row Sean O'Brien.

Ferris sustained a knee injury while on Heineken Cup duty for Ulster against Bath 10 days ago and has not been risked with the crucial showdown against France looming on Saturday week.
"I would not say I am shocked. I felt like I had a chance coming into this week," said McLaughlin.
"It is a big step up for me this weekend but I will treat it like any other game, just get on with it and play my game on Saturday."

Ireland: R Kearney, T Bowe, B O'Driscoll, G D'Arcy, A Trimble, R O'Gara, T O'Leary; C Healy, J Flannery, J Hayes, L Cullen, P'Connell, K McLaughlin, D Wallace, J Heaslip.
Replacements: R Best, T Court, D Ryan, S O'Brien, E Reddan, P Wallace, K Earls.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: dec on February 04, 2010, 08:04:01 PM
For those of you in the US, BBC America is showing one live game each week, including 3 of the 5 Ireland games.

http://www.bbcamerica.com/content/394/match-schedule.jsp

    Wales vs. England     Saturday, February 6th at 12pm ET / 9am PT
    Ireland vs. France     Saturday, February 13th at 11:30am ET / 8:30am PT
    Ireland vs. England     Saturday, February 27th at 11am ET / 8am PT
    Wales vs. Ireland     Saturday, March 13th at 9:30am ET / 6:30am PT
    England vs. France     Saturday, March 20th at 2:45pm ET / 11:45am PT
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: gawa316 on February 05, 2010, 08:31:35 PM
Ireland A match on BBC website
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Declan on February 05, 2010, 09:59:16 PM
reland Wolfhounds (17) 34
Tries: Henry, McFadden 2, Boss, Murphy Cons: Humphreys 3 Pens: Humphreys
Scotland A (0) 19
Tries: Eddie, Robertson, Penalty Cons: Jackson 2

Ireland Wolfhounds held off a second-half fightback from Scotland A to win Friday's clash at Ravenhill.

Tries from Chris Henry and Fergus McFadden helped the Irish lead 17-0 at the break.

James Eddie and Mark Robertson scored third-quarter tries for Scotland but McFadden and Isaac Boss touchdowns kept Ireland 29-12 ahead.

Ireland's scrum creaked late on as the Scots were awarded a penalty try but Johne Murphy scored a late Irish try.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: AFS on February 06, 2010, 02:05:39 PM
I like this thread better than that shit dissident one.

Ireland by 13.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: muppet on February 06, 2010, 02:33:59 PM
Tom McGurk just seemed to imply Stephen Jones is possibly the worst rugby journalist in the world!!!!

Jones has called the Irish scrum the worst in the world. We must have the best 9-15 then.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: muppet on February 06, 2010, 02:48:46 PM
Brilliant try although if Trimble had offloaded it would have come earlier.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Hoof Hearted on February 06, 2010, 03:14:02 PM
this is turning into what exactly it should be - the best team in europe against the worst.

Rob Kearney just giving them 5 points there as i hit "post" :D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Declan on February 06, 2010, 03:17:52 PM
Trimble poor as well for that kick
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: thejuice on February 06, 2010, 03:19:09 PM
I won the prediction league last year at work, hoping to retain the tilte this year.

Had this game predicted to be a 24-13 win for Ireland. Can't happen now and I think Ireland are going to push on in the second but Im confident Italy might have one more unconverted try in them.

Itally are so feckin slow with the ball. They really look clueless in the line-out as well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: orangeman on February 06, 2010, 03:26:37 PM
Ireland going well.

Kearney giving out late Xmas present.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: muppet on February 06, 2010, 03:28:54 PM
Quote from: orangeman on February 06, 2010, 03:26:37 PM
Ireland going well.

Kearney giving out late Xmas present.

Hook is gas. After 20 minutes he was proclaiming Gower as the answer to Italy's outhalf problems.

At halftime when asked about McLaughlin he said 'too early to tell'.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Hoof Hearted on February 06, 2010, 03:29:35 PM
whats withe the italalians keeping the ball in the ruck for ages. its allowing the irish to set their lines and all italy end up doing is a box kick ! Strange
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: muppet on February 06, 2010, 03:31:43 PM
Cullen lucky not get yellow. If that happened O'Connell we'd be annoyed.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: thejuice on February 06, 2010, 03:39:49 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnoUlZnwYy4

- why?  ???
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: orangeman on February 06, 2010, 03:53:04 PM
Ireland not playing well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: muppet on February 06, 2010, 03:57:14 PM
Ireland playing pass the parcel. ???
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: orangeman on February 06, 2010, 03:58:35 PM
If they play like that against France 20 points won't save them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: muppet on February 06, 2010, 04:00:19 PM
Quote from: hardstation on February 06, 2010, 03:59:03 PM
Quote from: muppet on February 06, 2010, 03:57:14 PM
Ireland playing pass the parcel. ???
Does the winner get air?

Winner gets dinner in Fearon's house.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 06, 2010, 04:03:03 PM
Awful boring rugby, Italy with no ambition and with O'Gara at 10 Ireland were very limited in attack, Wallace might make a diff. Sexton needs to start against France if we are to win.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 06, 2010, 04:03:50 PM
Glad I had to work today too..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: muppet on February 06, 2010, 04:12:03 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 06, 2010, 04:03:03 PM
Awful boring rugby, Italy with no ambition and with O'Gara at 10 Ireland were very limited in attack, Wallace might make a diff. Sexton needs to start against France if we are to win.

O'Gara was one of the better ones today but I'd prefer Sexton also. Cullen won't survive if O'Callaghan is remotely fit. Rory Best needs more game time and of our backs only O'Driscoll & O'Leary were approaching adequate today.

Paddy Wallace showed that he is an important member of the squad.

Back row (Heaslip seems to have magnets in his hands) and O'Connell did well while the front row stood up well most of the time.

First game always likely to be rusty so not too bothered.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: takeyourownpath on February 06, 2010, 04:17:21 PM
slow as f**k, for the first game of the competition it wasn't TOO bad.
a win's a win!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 06, 2010, 04:17:55 PM
O'Gara was one of the better ones today

He did what he does very well, kicked the points and kicked for territory but our 1st phase attacked was impotent, Sexton takes the ball a lot flatter and creates more space. With less possession against France, we need to be more clinical.

Scrum was solid and looked much better though with Best and McCourt on.

O'Leary, the two 2nd rows and back-row all played well.

Not worried but at the same time not as confident about next week.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: orangeman on February 06, 2010, 04:18:31 PM
Italy were woeful today - Ireland will need to be better next week. Need to be more positive - no ambition out there today from either team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: magickingdom on February 06, 2010, 04:18:52 PM
ireland did what they had to but hard to watch. paris next week will be a different story
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: A Quinn Martin Production on February 06, 2010, 04:19:02 PM
Struggling to remember a 6N game that was worse...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on February 06, 2010, 04:19:22 PM
That was nearly as bad as last year's game against Italy. Very poor fare with far too much aimless kicking especially in the 2nd half. Very frustrating to see Kearney try and boot the leather off the ball time after time when he can counter-attack as good as anyone. Only positive was the Irish scrum went pretty well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: muppet on February 06, 2010, 04:24:16 PM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on February 06, 2010, 04:19:22 PM
That was nearly as bad as last year's game against Italy. Very poor fare with far too much aimless kicking especially in the 2nd half. Very frustrating to see Kearney try and boot the leather off the ball time after time when he can counter-attack as good as anyone. Only positive was the Irish scrum went pretty well.

We could have set our priority at scoring another try or two.

Kidney took off (forced or otherwise) O'Connell, Wallace & O'Connell before 70 minutes & emptied the bench before the end. It probably meant we finished without a flourish but hopefully will be better for it next week.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Hoof Hearted on February 06, 2010, 04:26:41 PM
exactly - bigger fish to fry in the next 2 away games. 3- 0 would have done against the italians
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: thewobbler on February 06, 2010, 04:30:36 PM
To be honest the only substitution that I found strange was Trimble. Of Ireland's back 3, he was the only one who looked remotely threatening or on form today.

The rest of the guys taken off were all tired or taken off for precautions.

Just a few thoughts. Paddy Wallace's cameo summed up everything that's limited about O'Gara's game. Italy won't get beat beaten by 20+ points by anyone this year - they're extremly professional and determined, and know how to shut things down. Cullen was a more than adept replacement for O'Callaghan. Court might just put the Bull pasture by the end of the season.

All told, considering it was basically a "B" team on the field for the last quarter, it wasn't a bad performance, just not particularly inspiring.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 06, 2010, 04:41:22 PM
Paris will be tough. Ireland usually get run ragged in the first 20 minutes.
Some of the recent scorelines have been air brushed a little by Ireland tacking on consolation scores at the end.

However the sort of average performance sets it up nicely to improve matters.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: turk on February 06, 2010, 09:14:02 PM
Ireland should beat France in Paris. Of course by the time the match takes place the media will have beaten down Ireland's chances by talking up the mammoth task ahead etc.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 06, 2010, 10:01:36 PM
Quote from: turk on February 06, 2010, 09:14:02 PM
Ireland should beat France in Paris. Of course by the time the match takes place the media will have beaten down Ireland's chances by talking up the mammoth task ahead etc.
In this case, the media would have good enough cause though.
History isn't on Ireland's side.

Ireland vs France results in Paris since the French left Colombes.

2008 Lost 26 - 21 Stade de France
2007 Lost 22 - 3 Stade de France (WC)
2006 Lost 43 - 31 Stade de France
2004 Lost 35 - 17 Stade de France
2002 Lost 44 - 5 Stade de France
2000 Won  27 - 25 Stade de France
1998 Lost 18 - 16 Stade de France
1996 Lost 45 - 10  Parc des Princes
1994 Lost 35 - 15 Parc des Princes
1992 Lost 44 - 12 Parc des Princes
1990 Lost 31 - 12 Parc des Princes
1988 Lost 25 - 6 Parc des Princes
1986 Lost 29 - 9 Parc des Princes
1984 Lost 25 - 12 Parc des Princes
1982 Lost 22 - 9 Parc des Princes
1980 Lost 19 - 18 Parc des Princes
1978 Lost 10 - 9 Parc des Princes
1976 Lost 26 - 3 Parc des Princes
1974 Lost 9 - 6 Parc des Princes
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: turk on February 06, 2010, 11:27:44 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on February 06, 2010, 10:01:36 PM
Quote from: turk on February 06, 2010, 09:14:02 PM
Ireland should beat France in Paris. Of course by the time the match takes place the media will have beaten down Ireland's chances by talking up the mammoth task ahead etc.
In this case, the media would have good enough cause though.
History isn't on Ireland's side.

Ireland vs France results in Paris since the French left Colombes.

2008 Lost 26 - 21 Stade de France
2007 Lost 22 - 3 Stade de France (WC)
2006 Lost 43 - 31 Stade de France
2004 Lost 35 - 17 Stade de France
2002 Lost 44 - 5 Stade de France
2000 Won  27 - 25 Stade de France
1998 Lost 18 - 16 Stade de France
1996 Lost 45 - 10  Parc des Princes
1994 Lost 35 - 15 Parc des Princes
1992 Lost 44 - 12 Parc des Princes
1990 Lost 31 - 12 Parc des Princes
1988 Lost 25 - 6 Parc des Princes
1986 Lost 29 - 9 Parc des Princes
1984 Lost 25 - 12 Parc des Princes
1982 Lost 22 - 9 Parc des Princes
1980 Lost 19 - 18 Parc des Princes
1978 Lost 10 - 9 Parc des Princes
1976 Lost 26 - 3 Parc des Princes
1974 Lost 9 - 6 Parc des Princes

Just because something happened before doesn't mean it will happen again! By your argument, uruguay would be going for their 19th straight world cup, limerick would be winning the all ireland football every year and preston north end would win the EPL yet again. Ridiculous!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Olaf on February 07, 2010, 08:15:15 AM
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on February 06, 2010, 04:19:02 PM
Struggling to remember a 6N game that was worse...

THe 6N has been poor for a number of years now. Rarely do you see a good game of rugby, Ireland were awful today agianst a dreadful Italian team and both were bereft of ideas behind the scrum.

Substitutions did shke it up a bit though and Ireland then became more inventive. Couldn't undertsand the subbing of Trimble though as he was the only back showing threat with ball in hand , which is what the game was crying out for ???

Aerial ping pong is now killing the 6Ns IMHO.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: A Quinn Martin Production on February 07, 2010, 09:14:23 AM
Quote from: Olaf on February 07, 2010, 08:15:15 AM
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on February 06, 2010, 04:19:02 PM
Struggling to remember a 6N game that was worse...

THe 6N has been poor for a number of years now. Rarely do you see a good game of rugby, Ireland were awful today agianst a dreadful Italian team and both were bereft of ideas behind the scrum.

Substitutions did shke it up a bit though and Ireland then became more inventive. Couldn't undertsand the subbing of Trimble though as he was the only back showing threat with ball in hand , which is what the game was crying out for ???

Aerial ping pong is now killing the 6Ns IMHO.

I don't really follow "club" rugby but from what I hear it's as bad.  Eng/Wal wasn't much better.  From a spectating point of view rugby is poor, the lawmakers will have to do something about the constant kicking.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Hardy on February 07, 2010, 12:03:59 PM
What's the problem with kicking the ball in a game called rugby football?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Dubh driocht on February 07, 2010, 10:26:29 PM
Was at my first ( and probably last) non-GAA game in Croke yesterday. Enjoyable, but not a patch on Newbridge today  ;).The forwards were good despite inconsistent refereeing- O'Connell and Cullen VG, David Wallace covered great ground and tackled like a demon.ROG was super but it was a privilege to see O'Driscoll, in my top ten of greatest living Irishmen.Will be an interesting comparison with the up and coming French centre Bastareaud next week- my money will still be on the Clontarf man. Italian fans were great, especially the guy with the Horse's head outside the Cusack afterwards ( ironically had watched the Godfather on Friday night for umpteenth time). We will need Ferris next week- any word on him ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: longrunsthefox on February 07, 2010, 10:27:35 PM
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on February 07, 2010, 09:14:23 AM
Quote from: Olaf on February 07, 2010, 08:15:15 AM
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on February 06, 2010, 04:19:02 PM
Struggling to remember a 6N game that was worse...

THe 6N has been poor for a number of years now. Rarely do you see a good game of rugby, Ireland were awful today agianst a dreadful Italian team and both were bereft of ideas behind the scrum.

Substitutions did shke it up a bit though and Ireland then became more inventive. Couldn't undertsand the subbing of Trimble though as he was the only back showing threat with ball in hand , which is what the game was crying out for ???

Aerial ping pong is now killing the 6Ns IMHO.

I don't really follow "club" rugby but from what I hear it's as bad.  Eng/Wal wasn't much better.  From a spectating point of view rugby is poor, the lawmakers will have to do something about the constant kicking.

Agreed-I hate it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Hardy on February 08, 2010, 09:35:01 AM
Any takers? What's wrong with kicking the ball in a game called rugby football?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: stephenite on February 08, 2010, 09:54:31 AM
Quote from: Hardy on February 08, 2010, 09:35:01 AM
Any takers? What's wrong with kicking the ball in a game called rugby football?

I'm not sure that there's anything wrong with it per se, but it has become a more prevalent tactic and it's shocking bad to watch.

I'd prefer to see more forwards mauing and rucking, setting the platform for the smaller lads to run through holes in the line.

But no more than Gaelic Football and it's sometime pecuilar brand of rugby league, there's no rules broken and the winners won't give a fcuk
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 08, 2010, 06:26:10 PM
Quote from: Hardy on February 08, 2010, 09:35:01 AM
Any takers? What's wrong with kicking the ball in a game called rugby football?
Better still, shoot for the posts instead of the corner flags.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjLjLiOCeXA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjLjLiOCeXA)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Italy, 6 February 2010
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 08, 2010, 06:28:46 PM
Quote from: Dubh driocht on February 07, 2010, 10:26:29 PM
We will need Ferris next week- any word on him ?
Yep, badly needed as the French back row can be destructive.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on February 08, 2010, 08:57:15 PM
Who will be blindside if Ferris does not make it? Quinlan is option number 1 I think, after that Jennings, Sean O'Brien. What about Neil Best still playing pretty well for Northampton I think. I would preferr best or Quinlan.  I do not think Mclaughlin is good enough at this point???

Cullen has to go, ok against the Italians. The lads were bieng very nice about him maybe keeping his place for the French game and will make Declan Kidney out to be a big meanie for dropping him if O'Callaghan is fit, but ye cannae change the laws of Physics Capatain.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on February 08, 2010, 09:14:27 PM
Quinny wasn't even among the 11 players called up today so that rules him out. Best seems to have fallen off the radar since the Churchill Cup too.

McLaughlin did ok on Saturday. Not sure I'd go with him in Paris though. O'Brien played at 6 against Souh Africa after Ferris went off injured and didn't look out of place. He's also a more dynamic ball-carrier than any of the other options. That will be needed to tie in Dusatoir and Harinordoquy who are capable of doing all sorts of damage if they're let loose. I must admit I've never been a fan of Jennings. He's a talented openside but I don't think he has the temperament needed. Always likely to give away a stupid penalty at the wrong time (think Welford Road when ROG kicked a last minute penalty to beat Leicester from half way).

Cullen had a great day at the lineout on Saturday but he isn't as prominent around the pitch as DOC. The Irish pack are going to have to carry ball and tie in the French back-row on Saturday to have any chance. With this in mind, I'd give DOC the nod if fit.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: GaillimhIarthair on February 09, 2010, 01:02:02 PM
IRELAND Team & Replacements (v France, RBS 6 Nations
Championship, Stade de France, February 13, kick-off
16:30 gmt):

15 - Rob Kearney (UCD/Leinster)
14 - Tommy Bowe (Ospreys)
13 - Brian O'Driscoll (UCD/Leinster) (capt)
12 - Gordon D'Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster)
11 - Keith Earls (Young Munster/Munster)
10 - Ronan O'Gara (Cork Constitution/Munster)
9 - Tomas O'Leary (Dolphin/Munster)

1 - Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster)
2 - Jerry Flannery (Shannon/Munster)
3 - John Hayes (Bruff/Munster)
4 - Leo Cullen (Blackrock College/Leinster)
5 - Paul O'Connell (Young Munster/Munster)
6 - A.N.Other
7 - David Wallace (Garryowen/Munster)
8 - Jamie Heaslip (Naas/Leinster)

Replacements:
Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster)
Tom Court (Malone/Ulster)
Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster)
Sean O'Brien (Clontarf/Leinster)
Kevin McLaughlin (St. Mary's College/Leinster)
Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster)
Jonathan Sexton (St. Mary's College/Leinster
Paddy Wallace (Ballymena/Ulster)
Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: muppet on February 09, 2010, 02:05:33 PM
O'Callaghan obviously isn't fit as he would definitely have started against the French. Other than that Earls for Trimble doesn't weaken anything, it probably improves the team actually.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: trileacman on February 09, 2010, 05:48:33 PM
Quote from: muppet on February 09, 2010, 02:05:33 PM
O'Callaghan obviously isn't fit as he would definitely have started against the French. Other than that Earls for Trimble doesn't weaken anything, it probably improves the team actually.
Be careful I was near crucified last week for suggesting Trimble didn't have it at this level.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on February 09, 2010, 06:23:01 PM
O'Callaghan didn't get fit on time so the irish pack willl have its work cut out for them. Cullen will get tossed around the place. At least Earls might add a bit of creativity and penetration to the backline. I thought he might have given Shane Horgan a place in the squad instead of Trimble.

What is with the 9 replacements, does everybody get a game and we are all winners or is this not a serious competition.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on February 10, 2010, 06:51:34 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 09, 2010, 06:23:01 PM
O'Callaghan didn't get fit on time so the irish pack willl have its work cut out for them. Cullen will get tossed around the place. At least Earls might add a bit of creativity and penetration to the backline. I thought he might have given Shane Horgan a place in the squad instead of Trimble.

What is with the 9 replacements, does everybody get a game and we are all winners or is this not a serious competition.

2 of the replacements will be taken out one way or another closer to the game.... but yes Declan Kidney just wants everyone to go out and enjoy themselves on Saturday with rugby being the real winner at the end of the day ::) ::)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 11, 2010, 08:46:18 AM
Confirmation of Ferris fitness expected today

Stephen Ferris is expected to be deemed fit to play in Ireland's crucial RBS 6 Nations match against France later today.

The Ulster flanker has been out of action since 23 January, when he injured his knee during his province's away victory against Bath in the Heineken Cup.

The injury meant Ferris was advised to be 'non-weight bearing' by medical staff for a week, but such is his importance to Declan Kidney's side that he has been given extra time to recover for Ireland's clash with France at the Stade de France on Saturday.

And a space in Declan Kidney's starting line-up was kept for Ferris when the Ireland team was announced on Tuesday. Ferris has been training with the squad this week and with no adverse developments yet reported, he is expected to be confirmed in the Ireland starting line-up at around 12.30pm today.

The final stage in Jonathan Sexton's recovery is also expected to be confirmed today. The Leinster out-half continued his recovery from a minor leg muscle tear by returning to goal kicking on Wednesday.

Sexton is in line to take a place on the bench for Ireland's trip to Paris although two substitutes will have to be taken out of the current line-up as nine, not including Ferris, have been named.

Of the backs, either Sexton, Paddy Wallace or Andrew Trimble will probably have to be taken out of the squad.

A decision will also have to be taken on the composition of the bench in the forwards. Kevin McLaughlin, who started against Italy, Sean O'Brien and Donnacha Ryan are the current lock and back-row cover but again, that will be probably add up to one too many.

Ryan is almost certain to be retained as he is the second row back-up and McLaughlin could be the man who finds himself left out if Ferris makes the starting line-up.

Ireland are due to fly out to Paris this afternoon.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 11, 2010, 08:57:27 AM
Good news about Ferris, so long as he isn't off the pace.
If Sexton is fit, a good test of his ability would be to come on in the last 20 minutes and try and get the backs moving with a running game.

I think Earls could be the secret attacking weapon. Still relatively unknown at international level, if he gets the ball to stick, he can cause problems. His defensive abilities will be tested by Clerc though.

Not gifting the French the traditional 20 or 30 point head start would be a help.  ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: ha ha derry on February 11, 2010, 09:54:27 AM
If Ferris is fit to start it,s a very formidable back row. I,ll go for an Ireland win.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: lynchbhoy on February 11, 2010, 10:05:30 AM
actually neil best is prob the only other decent exp replacement for ferris.
McLaughlin will prb be good , O'Brien better as an attacker than a defender, Jennings is good but hasnt got to the level where people thought he would get to (yet at least).
So strange that neil best is out in the wilderness. Prob because of the emergence of ferris.

I dont like a few selections in that team.
Against france they could be shown up.

i'd replace darcy, oleary,flannery and cullen
with
wallace , redden, best and ryan (though for a change we dont have much option at second row). Cullen is too indiciplined and could cost a win through kickable penalties.
As the french are not as good in second row or kicking prowess he might get away with not being as good as we usually have in our second row department.

If france dont self explode , I cant see us beating them with darcy's selfishness, olearys stupid box kicking and not feeding the backs, flannerys anonimity in the game and cullen giving away penalties.
I hope I am wrong though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: muppet on February 11, 2010, 01:19:55 PM
How about reversing the habit of decades and really attacking them in the 1st couple of scrums.

In the past they have done it to us and their early dominance in those games stemed from that. It is only later on after a period of damage limitation that we realise there is nothing to fear and then we start to play ourselves.

So this time 'front up' or whatever the rugby speak is right from the off.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on February 11, 2010, 02:05:04 PM
Quote from: lynchbhoy on February 11, 2010, 10:05:30 AM
actually neil best is prob the only other decent exp replacement for ferris.
McLaughlin will prb be good , O'Brien better as an attacker than a defender, Jennings is good but hasnt got to the level where people thought he would get to (yet at least).
So strange that neil best is out in the wilderness. Prob because of the emergence of ferris.

I dont like a few selections in that team.
Against france they could be shown up.

i'd replace darcy, oleary,flannery and cullen
with
wallace , redden, best and ryan (though for a change we dont have much option at second row). Cullen is too indiciplined and could cost a win through kickable penalties.
As the french are not as good in second row or kicking prowess he might get away with not being as good as we usually have in our second row department.

If france dont self explode , I cant see us beating them with darcy's selfishness, olearys stupid box kicking and not feeding the backs, flannerys anonimity in the game and cullen giving away penalties.
I hope I am wrong though.

Jaysus I think Cullen is grand with his discipline if anything an improvement - discipline wise - on O'Callaghan who can be wild at times
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: lynchbhoy on February 11, 2010, 02:49:09 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on February 11, 2010, 02:05:04 PM
Jaysus I think Cullen is grand with his discipline if anything an improvement - discipline wise - on O'Callaghan who can be wild at times
OCallaghan used to be a disaster in terms of giving away penalties etc, but in the last two seasons has stopped that - imo at least.
Cullen last sat was poor in th discipline stakes. A few petulent actions around rucks and that pushing in the lineout would give away penalties and possibly even a yellow card if he does it again on sat.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on February 11, 2010, 02:55:34 PM
Quote from: lynchbhoy on February 11, 2010, 02:49:09 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on February 11, 2010, 02:05:04 PM
Jaysus I think Cullen is grand with his discipline if anything an improvement - discipline wise - on O'Callaghan who can be wild at times
OCallaghan used to be a disaster in terms of giving away penalties etc, but in the last two seasons has stopped that - imo at least.
Cullen last sat was poor in th discipline stakes. A few petulent actions around rucks and that pushing in the lineout would give away penalties and possibly even a yellow card if he does it again on sat.

Well I didn't see the game on Saturday but heard Shane Byrne on the radio saying he was very impressed with Cullen as he got into the faces of the Italians whenever he could - which is exactly what was needed.

O'Callaghan has improved a fair bit in the last while but one dopey penalty sticks out from the match in Cardiff from last year... patting one of the Welsh boys on the head after they gave away a penalty and the ref immediately reversed his decision... it was funny though looking back at it now
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on February 11, 2010, 03:14:58 PM
2 out halves on the bench as cover for the backs, I would have preferred if he had included Trimble than Wallace.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on February 11, 2010, 03:17:23 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 11, 2010, 03:14:58 PM
2 out halves on the bench as cover for the backs, I would have preferred if he had included Trimble than Wallace.

Well Wallace isn't an out and out fly half - probably his versatility helped him get the nod
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on February 12, 2010, 02:27:14 PM
The Cheese Eating Surrender Monkeys are at it again...



France's Morgan Parra says Irish 'cheat every weekend'

RBS SIX NATIONS - FRANCE v IRELAND


Scrum-half Morgan Parra has become the latest France player to hit out at Grand Slam champions Ireland in advance of Saturday's Six Nations clash.

Lionel Nallet cast doubts on Ireland's credentials earlier this week and Parra claimed that Declan Kidney's side "cheat every weekend".

"They have a great defence. (They're) cheating, but intelligently cheating. It's very well done," said Parra.

"If we did the same thing, we would be punished each time."

Parra added that he while he respected the Irish team, he had "little admiration" for last year's Six Nations champions.

The Grand Slam champions are undefeated in their past 12 matches but Parra is convinced that run will be brought to an end on Saturday.

"The Irish have a great team, with a Munster spine, but I am not impressed. We can be (impressed) by certain players but not in general by their team.
   
We dissected the video very well. There's not a moment when they're not cheating.

France scrum-half Morgan Parra

"How many matches have they gone without defeat? Twelve, 13? Well fine, that will finish at 12 this Saturday."

Ireland have the added motivation of revenge as the country is still smarting at the way the Republic of Ireland football team was defeated by France in the World Cup play-offs following Thierry Henry's infamous handball.

Ireland back Keith Earls said recently they would not hesitate to cheat on Saturday but Parra hit back by insisting that Irish do so all the time.

"That won't be a surprise. They have experienced players who can do so.

"We dissected the video very well. There's not a moment when they're not cheating.

"They're the least penalised team in the tournament, which is very impressive."

On Thursday, lock Nallet dubbed the Irish as "effective" but was far from gushing in his description of Declan Kidney's side.

"Their game does not make me jump," said Nallet.

"They are a European reference since they last won the tournament. But we're here, too. I do not see them as the best in the world."

Nallet acknowledge that he is expecting a sterner test than that produced by Scotland last weekend as the French clinched a comprehensive 18-9 win at Murrayfield.

"It will be a big fight to deliver face as we face stronger opponents than the Scots, especially up front," added Nallet.

Should Ireland prevail against the Six Nations favourites at the Stade de France, it will be only their third successful visit to the French capital since 1952.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on February 12, 2010, 02:28:27 PM
You just know comments like that are gonna be stuck up on the Irish Dressing Room wall, not that any extra motivation is needed!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: lynchbhoy on February 12, 2010, 02:48:09 PM
Irish cheating ?
pot kettle and black mr parra !!!

then again EVERY team does - from forward passes, to closing too early in the line out, to messing with the binding an driving in scrum to being continually offside

the south africans are worst at it followed by the aussies (though Dinny will no doubt say NZ are the worst)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 12, 2010, 03:34:15 PM
If you can slow down the ball in rugby you are giving your team a chance to organise their defence, Ireland are very apt a this and it's very much a Munster strength, it's not cheating per se much more pushing the boundaries of the law, Ireland will have their homework done on the ref and will know exactly what they can get away with - Ireland are a well organised team and it's a massive strength. If we can take it to the French early in the game, play the corners and territory, frustrate them we'll win especially as I feel Kidney will bring on Sexton in the last 20 when the game is looser. If France though get their noses in front and we have chase early we don't have the fire power to compete. Rugby intelligence is the most important factor in a game like this, with the likes of POC, ROG and BOD all on the Paddock Ireland are Einstein compared to the French leaders.

NZ are masters at cheating by the way, McCaw been the best cheater in the world.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: Olaf on February 12, 2010, 04:06:41 PM
One thing that he is correct on is that Ireland are not very entertaining to watch and haven't been so for a while. Last week's game was woeful. Mind you , O'Gara aside ,the Irish do have more creativity in the backs when compared with the likes of Bastareaud and Jauzion . This was certainly never the case in the 80s/90s.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on February 12, 2010, 04:14:33 PM
Quote from: Olaf on February 12, 2010, 04:06:41 PM
One thing that he is correct on is that Ireland are not very entertaining to watch and haven't been so for a while. Last week's game was woeful. Mind you , O'Gara aside ,the Irish do have more creativity in the backs when compared with the likes of Bastareaud and Jauzion . This was certainly never the case in the 80s/90s.

Hmmm I thought that the 3 games in the Autumn were very entertaining!!  Granted I didn't see last week's game but by most accounts it wasn't a classic!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on February 12, 2010, 04:18:29 PM
Blackrock college lost against Gerards of Bray, 7-0 yesteday  which might be of interest to those who know what it means. I had a neice born today and that type of result might never happen again in her lifetime.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on February 12, 2010, 04:24:03 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 12, 2010, 04:18:29 PM
Blackrock college lost against Gerards of Bray, 7-0 yesteday  which might be of interest to those who know what it means. I had a neice born today and that type of result might never happen again in her lifetime.

I presume thats the Senior Cup?  I know feck all about it but enough to know that would be a shock at least going on history.  Are Blackrock out now?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: AZOffaly on February 12, 2010, 04:28:35 PM
I actually think O'Gara has a lovely flat pass/skip pass. The problem with him is that he is a lot deeper than say Sexton, so the opposition can get up very quick if he decides to spin it out. Of course being a bit deeper helps with his kicking.

I don't buy into it that he is some sort of black hole.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on February 12, 2010, 04:31:06 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 12, 2010, 04:28:35 PM
I actually think O'Gara has a lovely flat pass/skip pass. The problem with him is that he is a lot deeper than say Sexton, so the opposition can get up very quick if he decides to spin it out. Of course being a bit deeper helps with his kicking.

I don't buy into it that he is some sort of black hole.

ROG gives a great interview here.  Having read his autobiography recently he really is a open and honest fella and this interview backs it up

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/8512507.stm
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on February 12, 2010, 04:31:48 PM
Yup, back home in the castle crying into their dinners as if a relative had passed away. They really do have a castle.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: Olaf on February 12, 2010, 04:43:06 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 12, 2010, 04:28:35 PM
I actually think O'Gara has a lovely flat pass/skip pass. The problem with him is that he is a lot deeper than say Sexton, so the opposition can get up very quick if he decides to spin it out. Of course being a bit deeper helps with his kicking.

I don't buy into it that he is some sort of black hole.

If an OH who  lies deep and with defences so well organised these days you will not see an entertaining game of rugby.

The excitement (and therefore risk) now comes from quick ruck/set piece  ball delivered to an OH who takes it close to the gain line. The risk in O'Gara taking the ball close to the gain line is obviously too great for Ireland as he is too easily turned over and not evasive enough .

Whilst he was awful in last season's 6 Nations (notwithstanding the DG v Wales) his performances this year (2010) have not been bad , in that he has played to Ireland's game plan and kicked his goals.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on February 13, 2010, 04:06:17 PM
Jaysus less than half an hour to go.... and I can't wait

I'd love to see them Hit the hitter ie Bastareud like Munster did for Chabal against Sale a couple of years ago...

Come on Ireland
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: Zapatista on February 13, 2010, 04:22:46 PM
Only ever watched a handfull of rugby games in my life. Just got a few beers in and will sit and watch this one. Looking forward to it actuallly.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: Carmen Stateside on February 13, 2010, 04:37:18 PM
Any links for this online?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: Niall Quinn on February 13, 2010, 04:54:28 PM
Seems to be good quality on:

http://ilemi.com
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: orangeman on February 13, 2010, 05:00:09 PM
Gerry Flannery is cross about Thierry Henry.

Trapatoni will be looking about him !!!!   :D ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: muppet on February 13, 2010, 05:06:16 PM
Quote from: orangeman on February 13, 2010, 05:00:09 PM
Gerry Flannery is cross about Thierry Henry.

Trapatoni will be looking about him !!!!   :D ;D

He nearly cost us the match. Don't know what he was thinking.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: orangeman on February 13, 2010, 05:10:24 PM
Quote from: muppet on February 13, 2010, 05:06:16 PM
Quote from: orangeman on February 13, 2010, 05:00:09 PM
Gerry Flannery is cross about Thierry Henry.

Trapatoni will be looking about him !!!!   :D ;D

He nearly cost us the match. Don't know what he was thinking.

He must have been tinking about Henry and put the shoe in like a lot of Irish would have loved to have done with him at the time of the handball incident.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: The Worker on February 13, 2010, 05:12:08 PM
keek
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: Carmen Stateside on February 13, 2010, 05:21:35 PM
Quote from: Niall Quinn on February 13, 2010, 04:54:28 PM
Seems to be good quality on:

http://ilemi.com

Thanks.
Some defensive stand from the French there.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: Hoof Hearted on February 13, 2010, 05:24:46 PM
need a big second half here to hang on to our crown
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: Declan on February 13, 2010, 05:26:44 PM
Can see us getting a hiding in the second half.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on February 13, 2010, 05:27:56 PM
France have some lucky breaks to keep Ireland from crossing the line but Flannerys moment of madness cost us dearly...

I remain hopeful though
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: muppet on February 13, 2010, 05:28:15 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on February 13, 2010, 05:24:46 PM
need a big second half here to hang on to our crown

Indiscipline and the bounce of a couple of balls made all the difference. We are actually playing well. A bit of luck needed early in the 2nd half though. Some magic from say Earls would be nice...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: Niall Quinn on February 13, 2010, 05:28:58 PM
think we needed that try right on half time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: gerry on February 13, 2010, 05:40:48 PM
Poor show. France up for this game all week. Cannot see us turning this around to many silly mistakes happening
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: muppet on February 13, 2010, 05:52:49 PM
Quote from: gerry on February 13, 2010, 05:40:48 PM
Poor show. France up for this game all week. Cannot see us turning this around to many silly mistakes happening

Stupid mistakes everywhere.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: orangeman on February 13, 2010, 06:03:08 PM
The writing was on the wall last week  - this was coming. Now it's here - it can only get better.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on February 13, 2010, 07:45:02 PM
Too many mistakes when we would have had to play the perfect game to win. Healys yellow card and Flannerys reversal of the penalty were also devestating blows.

We were also outgunned physically, when kearney went off we put Wallace in for him with Earls at full back this made the team quite small in places and we saw Earls and wallace getting bullied by Basteraud. In addition O'Gara isn't the biggest and Cullen is a bit light weight for a secoond row. None of those players are anything approaching natural rugby athletes and when you have nearly a third of your team in that light weight camp you are going to need these players to deliver something else with their skills and with so many mistakes this never happened.

I disagree with the lads saying this team has reached its ceiling, I think the performance might have indicated that but we caught all the bad breaks while the French took theirs, I would call it a flat performance. There is an old half of the team and a young half of the team

Healy, Heaslip, Ferris, O'Leary, Sexton, Kearney, Bowe, earls and Fitgerald, Rory Best are the young half
and
Hayes, Flannery, O'Connell, O'Callaghan, Wallace, O'Gara, O'Driscoll, Darcy,  are the old half.

I think O'Connell and O'Callaghan might soldier on for a while and they will have to, but in terms of backs and back row players there is another fine generation already there. The feast followed by a famine scenario will not happen.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on February 13, 2010, 07:48:20 PM
Did anyone see Healys yellow card properly, i thought it was a bit harsh.

We made the French look a lot better than they are today, a little bit of luck for Darcy and just before halftime allied with Flannery not reversing that penalty would have taken us a long way in that match.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: muppet on February 13, 2010, 08:34:29 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 13, 2010, 07:48:20 PM
Did anyone see Healys yellow card properly, i thought it was a bit harsh.

We made the French look a lot better than they are today, a little bit of luck for Darcy and just before halftime allied with Flannery not reversing that penalty would have taken us a long way in that match.

Definite yellow card and should have been at least that for Flannery.

The try came from our back row of Ferris, O'Driscoll & Wallace while our other two back rowers Heaslip & Darcy did well.

Darcy usually plays well against France as they always double team O'Driscoll, but unfortunately he achieved nothing in terms of the scoreboard.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: tyroneboi on February 13, 2010, 09:56:21 PM
Thought having both Sexton and Wallace on the bench was a strange decision when the squad was announced but in hindsight it proved to be quite costly. Having to move D'Arcy from the centre was a move which had a negative effect on the teams defence and attack. I am just not convinced about Paddy Wallace playing inside centre at this level.

Be very interesting to see the team selection for the England match. Doesnt look good for Rob Kearney. Who will slot in at full back? Earls? Bowe maybe (would be my choice actually think it would give him a bit more freedom in an attacking sense)? O'Callaghan will probably come back into the pack even though i thought Cullen had a decent game. Can Healy play at 3 or is he an out and out 1? Not sure what other changes that can be made??

It was a great run the team was on and it was going to come to end an end at some point. Its not all doom and gloom and maybe this defeat will be good for the team in the long term.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: orangeman on February 13, 2010, 10:46:05 PM
Quote from: muppet on February 13, 2010, 08:34:29 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 13, 2010, 07:48:20 PM
Did anyone see Healys yellow card properly, i thought it was a bit harsh.

We made the French look a lot better than they are today, a little bit of luck for Darcy and just before halftime allied with Flannery not reversing that penalty would have taken us a long way in that match.

Definite yellow card and should have been at least that for Flannery.

The try came from our back row of Ferris, O'Driscoll & Wallace while our other two back rowers Heaslip & Darcy did well.

Darcy usually plays well against France as they always double team O'Driscoll, but unfortunately he achieved nothing in terms of the scoreboard.

Will Flannery be cited ??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on February 13, 2010, 11:34:28 PM
He should be but you never know they might not as they won the game and If Ireland don't cite any of their players, I mean why bother as it only takes a player away from Ireland when they are playing England and Wales might be against the interest of the French.

i have to say we were very unlucky today. If darcy had been at any other point on the goal line for the kick ahead instead of that post, it would have been 7 points to Ireland. It didn't happen followed by more bad luck when Tommy Bowe went up for a high ball with Harry nor the guy, Bowe just missed out and harry nor the guy made a big break by running into the empty space that Bowe would have been occupying which set up the attacking opportunity that caused Keen Healy to get yellow carded. Cian Healy shouldn't have grabbed the guy but because it was the 12 stone chap it looked worse than it might have been, they wouldn't have scored at that point so it wasn't necessary and maybe the yellow card was a little harsh.

The tackling on the second french try both for the initial break by Basteraud and the try by Jauzion was terrible, or should that be the positioning of the players as both players were just allowed run straight through, nobody was responsible for tackling them.

So over all a few key mistakes and bits of bad luck and indiscipline cost us a lot. We also need to get bigger and really can't afford to have so many of these amateur type physiques like O'Gara, Cullen and Wallace on the park at any one time.

This RTE player thing is great.
http://www.rte.ie/player/#v=1066450

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: Olaf on February 14, 2010, 12:04:02 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 13, 2010, 11:34:28 PM

i have to say we were very unlucky today.



So over all a few key mistakes and bits of bad luck and indiscipline cost us a lot. We also need to get bigger and really can't afford to have so many of these amateur type physiques like O'Gara, Cullen and Wallace on the park at any one time.



Ireland were most certainly not unlucky and were well beaten. The score-line is reflective of the match. France were much superior.

The only Irish players emerging with any credit from that game were Darcy, O'Connell and possibly Ferris.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: Declan on February 14, 2010, 12:28:25 AM
QuoteDarcy, O'Connell and possibly Ferris.

Thought Heaslip did OK as well
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on February 14, 2010, 11:00:04 AM
Irish rugby came back down to earth with a bang last night. We're nowhere near the level some of the journalists were telling us we were. If D'Arcy had got that try things might have been different but the French were worthy winners. It was men against boys at times.

I'd like to see a change at scrum half for Twickenham. O'Leary has looked poor since his injury. Far too ponderous and slow at the base and too many stupid pointless box kicks.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on February 14, 2010, 11:32:58 AM
Quote from: Olaf on February 14, 2010, 12:04:02 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 13, 2010, 11:34:28 PM

i have to say we were very unlucky today.



So over all a few key mistakes and bits of bad luck and indiscipline cost us a lot. We also need to get bigger and really can't afford to have so many of these amateur type physiques like O'Gara, Cullen and Wallace on the park at any one time.



Ireland were most certainly not unlucky and were well beaten. The score-line is reflective of the match. France were much superior.

The only Irish players emerging with any credit from that game were Darcy, O'Connell and possibly Ferris.

I suppose you could say that, but luck and timing play a big part in sport and yesterday was a prime example of that. If the post isn;t in Darcys way the whole story of the game changes imho.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: A Quinn Martin Production on February 14, 2010, 12:24:30 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 13, 2010, 11:34:28 PM
He should be but you never know they might not as they won the game and If Ireland don't cite any of their players, I mean why bother as it only takes a player away from Ireland when they are playing England and Wales might be against the interest of the French.

i have to say we were very unlucky today. If darcy had been at any other point on the goal line for the kick ahead instead of that post, it would have been 7 points to Ireland. It didn't happen followed by more bad luck when Tommy Bowe went up for a high ball with Harry nor the guy, Bowe just missed out and harry nor the guy made a big break by running into the empty space that Bowe would have been occupying which set up the attacking opportunity that caused Keen Healy to get yellow carded. Cian Healy shouldn't have grabbed the guy but because it was the 12 stone chap it looked worse than it might have been, they wouldn't have scored at that point so it wasn't necessary and maybe the yellow card was a little harsh.

The tackling on the second french try both for the initial break by Basteraud and the try by Jauzion was terrible, or should that be the positioning of the players as both players were just allowed run straight through, nobody was responsible for tackling them.

So over all a few key mistakes and bits of bad luck and indiscipline cost us a lot. We also need to get bigger and really can't afford to have so many of these amateur type physiques like O'Gara, Cullen and Wallace on the park at any one time.

This RTE player thing is great.
http://www.rte.ie/player/#v=1066450

Jaysus Pat what match were you watching?  We were hammered by a much better side.  The scoreline was about right.  Healy's was definitely yellow and as for Flannery...how the hell did he not get at the very least a yellow..if fact I thought he should have got the line.  It has been termed a moment of "madness", I thought it was a moment of pure viciousness.  You can imagine the furore if that had been Servat on Tommy Bowe or Earls...Big improvement needed or the Brits could put 30 points on us at Twickers!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 14, 2010, 12:52:34 PM
Luck had no part in that game, 3 positions are key in the modern game, Tight-head, scrum-half and out-half. In those three positions we were very poor. After the Italy game it was the right thing to start O'Gara it was the wrong decision to leave him on after 40 mins and I know Kearney's injury would have had a influence in that (The bench selection was completely off, one subsitution should not result in three changes to a team).

If it was me a would cull Hayes and O'Gara now completely from the squad, no room for sentiment and we will not win another 6 nations with either of those two in the side not to mention World Cups. Talking of World Cups I would use the remaing three games, the summer tour and autumn international to build a squad that can go and try and win the World Cup next year. It will be a harsh learning curve but the rewards could be massive. We have nothing to lose.

Getting back to the game, I talked previously about rugby intelligence and how Ireland had the edge, I suppose what didn't come into my reckoning was how stupid Cian Healy and Jerry Flannery are, Healy will never be the brightest that's just genetic but wtf was Flannery at, they shifted the whole dynamic of that game in France's favour, instead of making France chase the game, they gifted them the lead. France are front-runners, they don't like chasing games, the other moment of madness was O'Leary before half-time - any score before half-time is a good score - puts the tidiest seed of doubt in the oppositions mind and gives your our side a liitle belief.

Overall France deserved that margin of victory and I had a lot of man love for Harinordoquy, favourite French player since Olivier Magne.

My team to start against England

Horan
Best
Court
Ryan
O'Connell
Ferris
O'Brien
Heaslip
Reddan
Sexton
Trimble
Wallace
O'Driscoll
Bowe
Kearney


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on February 14, 2010, 01:03:50 PM
I still have to say if Darcy scores, the whole game changes, no irish scrum under pressure down to 7 men and resulting try, no need to not kick a penalty just before half time. No need for Jerry Flannery to be frustrated and lash out at the French man. Cian Healy yellow card, no Jauzin try. The French have to find their own way into the game which really they were not able to do until the last quarter.

Luck, timing, mistakes, and indiscipline all conspired against Ireland yesterday. It was not simply a case of france were great, Ireland were rubbish.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on February 14, 2010, 01:06:35 PM
Flannery obviously overreacted to the way Pallison challenged David Wallace for the ball.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 14, 2010, 01:12:08 PM
The dynamic of the game changes yes but you can't determine the swing. You can only deal with facts and the fact is Ireland deserved to be well beaten.

To be really critical why did D'Arcy kick the ball, he had a 1 v 1 and should have stepped of his left, plus where was the support? Wallace, Heaslip , Ferris? We didn't score that try because D'arcy made a poor decision and we don't have a natural 7 who should have been up his hole. Luck had no bearing at all.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Captain Scarlet on February 14, 2010, 01:55:12 PM
To be fair to Darcy there ha had made a fair burst and he does not have the big sidestep in the open spaces. Wouldn't be overly critical.
On one hand it's hard to start ripping into a team who have been so good for a sustained period but we were destroyed in Paris.
Healy's yellow may have stopped a try, and he is very inexperienced. Flannery has no excuse. That pen would have made it 3-3, instead France went down to cross the line. Tails up and then no stopping them, they were class. We killed ourselves at times too with some terrible knock ons.
O'Leary's ball was too slow, when Reddan arrived he sped it up.
As for physicality Earls, Wallace and O'Gara were milled afew times. Kidney got the bench wrong. Horgan coming on would at least bulked us up. Also there is a lad called Bob Casey who is captain of London Irish and he's 6'10". Guess what he is from Maynooth! We are allowed include him in a squad ahead of Munsters third choice second row.
Lads I'm very worried about the English match now. It's France's Grand Slam at this stage, serious bench as well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Rudi on February 14, 2010, 09:43:39 PM
Casey should be on the team, never mind the bench. P. Wallace  and R O Gara have no physicality. We have no options at scrum half. Trimble to start at 11, Earls at fullback, Wallace off the squad with Horgan to come in as cover.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: bcarrier on February 14, 2010, 09:56:36 PM
Strange game ..until harry made his burst upfield we were on top. no wholesale changes for me. SJ of sunday times article pinned on back of dressing room door and same team if available ( possibly Jon Sexton if fully fit - please no reddan) .

I was there and it was unbelievably cold - i know these guys are professional but it was scrape snow of seats/ numb fingers kinda day - a factor in number of handling errors. Why do rugby players not wear gloves ? Do gloves make it look like gouging when you arent ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Master Yoda on February 15, 2010, 09:22:30 AM
Quote from: Olaf on February 14, 2010, 12:04:02 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 13, 2010, 11:34:28 PM

i have to say we were very unlucky today.



So over all a few key mistakes and bits of bad luck and indiscipline cost us a lot. We also need to get bigger and really can't afford to have so many of these amateur type physiques like O'Gara, Cullen and Wallace on the park at any one time.



Ireland were most certainly not unlucky and were well beaten. The score-line is reflective of the match. France were much superior.

The only Irish players emerging with any credit from that game were Darcy, O'Connell and possibly Ferris.


Thought O'Connell was poor myself, knocked the ball on at least 3 times maybe 4.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Olaf on February 15, 2010, 10:20:43 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 14, 2010, 01:03:50 PM
I still have to say if Darcy scores, the whole game changes, no irish scrum under pressure down to 7 men and resulting try, no need to not kick a penalty just before half time. No need for Jerry Flannery to be frustrated and lash out at the French man. Cian Healy yellow card, no Jauzin try. The French have to find their own way into the game which really they were not able to do until the last quarter.

Luck, timing, mistakes, and indiscipline all conspired against Ireland yesterday. It was not simply a case of france were great, Ireland were rubbish.

Save for one scrum the Irish front row were mullered.

Yes there were plenty of mistakes and ill discilpline but Ireland were beaten by a much superior team in all facets of the game (save for the line-out). To say that luck conspired against Ireland in this game is pure fantasy.

Should be about 4/5 changes fro England game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: trileacman on February 15, 2010, 12:03:46 PM
Alot of over-reaction here. You'd think we got beat at home to Italy by 50 points. Re-watch the game before calling for 20 heads to roll. Watched the match yesterday as I was working during the live showing. First 15/20 minutes were great from an irish perspective and we were applying all the pressure. Kidney had called the game right and O'Gara's/BOD's kicks were pinning back the French into their half were they couldn't do any damage and where Irish pressure could produce mistakes. Admitedly as the game progressed and we were chasing the game the kicking strategy from Ireland was not productive.

As for Darcy, If you were to be critical you could say he kicked too early and a later kick would have facilitated a easier catch. However that's nit-picking and he was unlucky, lack of support didn't help, he shouldn't have been expected to finish it having made the initial break. I don't think he could have stepped as it would have slowed him down to much, meaning another french man would have caught him and also the defender was positioned well meaning it would have been harder.

The games turning point was the yellow card and the should have been red card. Flannery's actions have no justification and should have been red. In his defence he almost certainly didn't mean it as such a rash and unthinkable action only comes from a complete header. I think he decided to hack the ball when it was bouncing on the ground and at the point the frenchman collected the ball he somehow (and I don't know how) forgot to readjust and followed through. Actually trying to reason with that incident is pointless, scratch all that, could have been one of a thousands things.

I disagree with the wholesale changes argument as well. It would only cause to damage confidence, fracture the team and lead to a defeat. Their will be changes amongst those not fit to continue though. The front-row is the elephant in the room and everyone knows it. It should be shored up somehow until season's end. Easier said than done though. I don't like Reddan's play but I now realise I dislike O'Leary's more, he's a liabilty at scrum half and is blunting alot of our attacks. Ponderous at the ruck, poor box kicks and high/low passing out the outhalf is stifling our attacking game. A nice 4th back-rower he may be but he's not up for this. Having studied under KIdney however he will not be called ashore. We also need a Dempsey-esque fullback in the kicking era that is prevailing. Who is our choices at FB?? Any chance of Hurley to tide us over a few games?? Apart from that I don't think we played that bad on Sat. The yellow card was the kliller. Until that point we had conceeded no try to the French and we looked the most likely to score. It destroyed the game plan and after that point the game was effectively up.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: longrunsthefox on February 15, 2010, 12:50:18 PM
I didn't read all that Trillick man but got the jist of it and totally agree. I thought Hook and the gang and the general reaction to the defeat is so over the top. That is typical in this country, either hyping a team as world beaters or hammering them.. no middle ground, same in GAA.
Can't be a rubbish team overnight and I think they'll bounce back and win the Triple Crown. England were typically overhyped after Wales game and at home should have enough for Wales (cud be tough tho) and Scotland. Keep the faith! 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Maiden1 on February 15, 2010, 01:04:56 PM
Every time O'Gara gets the ball instead of passing it on he tries a sidestep to go through the other teams pack like he is Brian O'Driscoll.  He is neither fast enough or strong enough to do that.  He usually gets caught and lifted like a rag doll by a couple of 20 stone men and dumped on his ass about 10 meters back and the ball ripped out.  If he is to play he should stay out of the road and concentrate on kicking the ball into touch or between the posts.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: thewobbler on February 15, 2010, 01:27:31 PM
There's no need for wholesale changes, but looking at form, then Hayes and O'Leary must be due to the big chop out of the 22, while Bowe, O'Gara and Flannery might drop out of the team if their natural replacements are up for it. Take out the injured Kearney and that's 6 possible/probable changes. Gavin Duffy would be worth looking at for full-back. Given that a 6N title is effectively gone, I don't see the point in returning to Murphy or Dempsey.

If Paddy Wallace must be the replacement three-quarters, then I'd suggest that Boss should be on the bench to cover no.9, as he can at least fill in across the three-quarters as well.

I'd also suggest that a proper groundhog openside should be on the bench for those games when Wallace's attacking instincts are kept on the back foot. Jennings would be the best option.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: orangeman on February 15, 2010, 01:34:16 PM
No surprise here :


Ireland's Jerry Flannery has been cited for his lunge on Alexis Palisson in Saturday's RBS 6 Nations defeat by France.

Flannery could be facing a lengthy ban after appearing to kick at Palisson in the 23rd minute.
The Munster hooker escaped with a penalty but could have been sent off for a poor challenge on the France winger, who limped off with a dead leg shortly after.


The citing will be heard this week
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - France v Ireland, 13 February 2010
Post by: J OGorman on February 15, 2010, 01:41:22 PM
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on February 14, 2010, 11:00:04 AM
Irish rugby came back down to earth with a bang last night. We're nowhere near the level some of the journalists were telling us we were.

going unbeaten in 2009, winning the grand slam, drawing with Australia and beating the world champions told us were we are as a rugby team, not journalists. Paris is a hooer of a place to get a result, just ask any of the top southern hemisphere teams

roll on Twickers!!

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: screenexile on February 15, 2010, 02:08:16 PM
Was disappointed in the match. Save the lineout we were pretty much destroyed in every facet.

For a team with such superiority in the lineout AND France using the blitz, why did Ireland not utilise O'Gara as one of the best tactical kickers in the game and kick for touch the whole game. It was the only way we could survive. Also the lack of chip kicks annoyed me as well when it was evident the Scottish got a bit of success from it last week.

Other than that we made too many mistakes i.e. a criminal amount of knock ons. . . I would expect to see some changes to keep lads on their toes namely Healy, Flannery, Cullen, O'Leary, O'Gara and Earls making way for Horan, Best, O'Callaghan, Reddan, Sexton and Trimble.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on February 15, 2010, 02:14:28 PM
Quote from: J OGorman on February 15, 2010, 01:41:22 PM
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on February 14, 2010, 11:00:04 AM
Irish rugby came back down to earth with a bang last night. We're nowhere near the level some of the journalists were telling us we were.

going unbeaten in 2009, winning the grand slam, drawing with Australia and beating the world champions told us were we are as a rugby team, not journalists. Paris is a hooer of a place to get a result, just ask any of the top southern hemisphere teams

roll on Twickers!!



Yea I agree totally
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on February 15, 2010, 02:24:25 PM
Ireland were unlucky on Saturday.  Unlucky in the sense that when they were on top and had chances to score (especially in the first half) they didn't take them and luck had a good bit to do with it.  D'arcy's chip was desperatley unlucky - how many times have you seen the bounce just come up into the attackers hands instead it hit the post and the Frogs got away with it.  Same with the end of the first half, O'Connell knocked on when the line was at Ireland's mercy (when did that ever happen before)

Healy had to go for a professional foul and only for him being off the field Flannery would have certainly got a yellow too.  That was a big changing point in the game.  Ireland had a penalty in the middle of the field which was then reversed.  Had that remained in Ireland's favour, ROG kicks for the corner and with a powerful lineout we could have wound the clock down a brave bit in the right end of the pitch till Healy came on but sure it wasn't to be....

I wonder given his performances for the A's would Duffy be an option for full back?  And again since the lad plays (and plays well too) would Johne Murphy get a look in for the match day 22?   Would it be harsh to say that Earls looked very light on Saturday but I suppose he plays well in Heineken Cup and isn't too light there.

I am a wee bit disappointed about the leadership on saturday too.  We started to force the game far too much from poor positions too early in the second half.  Would a game play of 10 - 15 mins of kicking the corners and putting pressure on the French line out been a better option?  We'll never know.

I believe England didn't set the world alight yesterday in Rome, hard to know what way to take that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on February 15, 2010, 02:47:13 PM
Six Nations related - fairly funny too!!


Powell drives his way into police trouble


Wales forward Andy Powell was arrested after driving a golf buggy towards a motorway hours after defeating Scotland in a thrilling Six Nations match, sources revealed on Sunday.

Back row forward Powell, 28, was arrested with another 28-year-old man at a service station near junction 34 of the M4 motorway, close to the spa hotel in the Vale of Glamorgan where the Wales team were staying.

Inspector Tony McAlinden, of South Wales Police, said: 'I can confirm that two 28-year-old males were arrested on suspicion of taking and driving away a golf cart.

'One of the males subsequently failed a breathalyser.'

The identity of the other man is not known and police would not confirm who failed the breathalyser. The men did not drive the buggy on to the motorway.

Both men are from the Brecon area of mid Wales, police said.

The four-star Vale Hotel, Golf and Spa Resort in Hensol is the official hotel used by the Wales squad where they train and host press conferences.

The Welsh Rugby Union issued the following statement: 'The WRU is aware of a Police investigation into an incident involving the player Andy Powell and is monitoring its progress.

'The national squad views matters of player conduct extremely seriously. Members of the national squad management will formally speak to the player before any futher statement is issued.

'The WRU has advised the player on the opportunities he can consider for legal representation at this stage.'
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on February 15, 2010, 02:48:35 PM
And as expected he gets booted into touch from the squad....


Shamed Powell dumped from Welsh squad


Wales have dropped Andy Powell from their 35-man RBS 6 Nations squad with immediate effect.

Powell is due to appear in court next month charged with drink-driving after he was arrested with a golf buggy at motorway services.

Back row forward Powell, 28, was arrested early yesterday, hours after his team beat Scotland 31-24 at the Millennium Stadium.

Wales decided that Powell should be suspended from the squad for 'behaviour contrary to the squad's code of conduct'.

He was detained with another 28-year-old man at the service station near junction 33 of the M4 motorway, close to the spa hotel in the Vale of Glamorgan where his team were staying.

South Wales Police said Powell was charged with 'driving a mechanically propelled vehicle whilst unfit through drink'.

Alan Phillips, Wales' team manager, admitted his behaviour was unacceptable and gave no indication of when he would return to the squad.

'We take matters of player conduct extremely seriously and have been happy with the professionalism and discipline of this squad in general terms,' said Phillips.

'Andy knows he has misbehaved and is apologetic, but he also knows that he must take responsibility for his own actions and accept the repercussions.

'This kind of behaviour cannot be tolerated in a professional, elite sporting environment and we have acted quickly and incisively in order to leave no ambiguity over the dim view we take of this situation.

'The player has made his private apologies to the Welsh management team as well as apologising in a public statement and we have also asked him to apologise to the Vale Resort Hotel, before asking him to leave the squad.

'We will now leave the South Wales Police service to conclude the matter and we will be making no further public statements at this time.'

Wales have declined to call up a replacement for Powell, who has won 14 caps for his country and toured with the British Lions squad to South Africa.

He has played regional rugby for Cardiff Blues since 2005, after joining from the Llanelli Scarlets. He has also played for Beziers, Leicester and Newport.

He is due to appear at Cardiff Magistrates' Court on March 2.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: lynchbhoy on February 15, 2010, 03:39:18 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 14, 2010, 12:52:34 PM
Luck had no part in that game, 3 positions are key in the modern game, Tight-head, scrum-half and out-half. In those three positions we were very poor. After the Italy game it was the right thing to start O'Gara it was the wrong decision to leave him on after 40 mins and I know Kearney's injury would have had a influence in that (The bench selection was completely off, one subsitution should not result in three changes to a team).

If it was me a would cull Hayes and O'Gara now completely from the squad, no room for sentiment and we will not win another 6 nations with either of those two in the side not to mention World Cups. Talking of World Cups I would use the remaing three games, the summer tour and autumn international to build a squad that can go and try and win the World Cup next year. It will be a harsh learning curve but the rewards could be massive. We have nothing to lose.

Getting back to the game, I talked previously about rugby intelligence and how Ireland had the edge, I suppose what didn't come into my reckoning was how stupid Cian Healy and Jerry Flannery are, Healy will never be the brightest that's just genetic but wtf was Flannery at, they shifted the whole dynamic of that game in France's favour, instead of making France chase the game, they gifted them the lead. France are front-runners, they don't like chasing games, the other moment of madness was O'Leary before half-time - any score before half-time is a good score - puts the tidiest seed of doubt in the oppositions mind and gives your our side a liitle belief.

Overall France deserved that margin of victory and I had a lot of man love for Harinordoquy, favourite French player since Olivier Magne.

My team to start against England

Horan
Best
Court
Ryan
O'Connell
Ferris
O'Brien
Heaslip
Reddan
Sexton
Trimble
Wallace
O'Driscoll
Bowe
Kearney
would agree with that and I was thinking of a team almost exactly on those lines
only question would be ryan at second row...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Hound on February 15, 2010, 03:57:08 PM
Don't know how anyone could pick Wallace ahead of D'arcy.

Ryan needs to replace O'Callaghan at Munster before he becomes first choice for Ireland. My current ranking at lock is 1.O'Connell, 2. Casey, 3. Cullen, 4. O'Callaghan, 5. Ryan. But Casey is not getting a look in, so I'd definitely stick with Cullen who has been doing well.

To me, our scrum seemed to struggle more when Court was in. Albeit he'll only improve with games. I'd probably alternate Healy and Horan, playing Healy against the really strong front rows and Horan against the average ones.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 15, 2010, 04:43:15 PM
QuoteDon't know how anyone could pick Wallace ahead of D'arcy.

Because he's a better footballer than D'Arcy, D'Arcy is one dimensional, he has quick feet and stays on them long enough to give the backrow a target, he can't disribute and and he can't off-load. I'd never play O'Gara and Wallace but I think Sexton and Wallace have a nice blend, a 1st and 2nd 5/8.

Also Ryan is a better all round player than O'Callagahan, O'Callaghan is a road sweeper and every team needs them but with a WC in mind I'd blood Ryan now now. He should have left Munster a long time ago.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: screenexile on February 15, 2010, 04:52:27 PM
The great Wallace/D'Arcy debate!!

This time last year I'd have been a D'Arcy man every time but I'm starting to come round to Wallace. Yes D'Arcy is a blood and thunder Centre going head on at lads trying to make the hard yards and hard tackles which does tend to please the crowd but Wallace is a much more clever and skillfull player with some neat kicks and a good range of passing and offloading in the tackle which can sometimes create something out of nothing.

In my opinion both of them have their merits but I'd nearly use them in different situations. D'Arcy against Wales, Italy, England with maybe perceived weaker defences. Then I'd go with Wallace against the tighter ones like Scotland and France and look for him to do something different to get you into the game. Many arguments for both I'd say though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: trileacman on February 15, 2010, 04:53:36 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 15, 2010, 04:43:15 PM
QuoteDon't know how anyone could pick Wallace ahead of D'arcy.

Because he's a better footballer than D'Arcy, D'Arcy is one dimensional, he has quick feet and stays on them long enough to give the backrow a target, he can't disribute and and he can't off-load. I'd never play O'Gara and Wallace but I think Sexton and Wallace have a nice blend, a 1st and 2nd 5/8.

Also Ryan is a better all round player than O'Callagahan, O'Callaghan is a road sweeper and every team needs them but with a WC in mind I'd blood Ryan now now. He should have left Munster a long time ago.
Nice urgency!!  :D
Agreed with the comment about O'Gara Wallace. Wallace gets the best out of a back line I believe. I think our back 3 + BOD can cause problems and is a real threat. We are not Italy or England who are limited by what they can do out wide. We need a 12 who can help open the game up for us to exploit.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: trileacman on February 15, 2010, 04:59:21 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 15, 2010, 04:52:27 PM
The great Wallace/D'Arcy debate!!

This time last year I'd have been a D'Arcy man every time but I'm starting to come round to Wallace. Yes D'Arcy is a blood and thunder Centre going head on at lads trying to make the hard yards and hard tackles which does tend to please the crowd but Wallace is a much more clever and skillfull player with some neat kicks and a good range of passing and offloading in the tackle which can sometimes create something out of nothing.

In my opinion both of them have their merits but I'd nearly use them in different situations. D'Arcy against Wales, Italy, England with maybe perceived weaker defences. Then I'd go with Wallace against the tighter ones like Scotland and France and look for him to do something different to get you into the game. Many arguments for both I'd say though.
I had the opposite thinking last year about it but I never consider horses for courses.
My reasoning was that O Leary could, to a certain degree, cover both O'Gara and Wallace's defensive lapses whilst the O'Gara Wallace combination had the ability to unlock defence with good distrubution.
The flipside was a Stringer/Rog combination allowed us to spread it quick as well but Wallace couldn't be accomodated in such a weak defence an Darcy was required to beef it up. In effect it was a choice between playing Stringer and Darcy or O'leary and Wallace. Of course that has changed now but you could propose that Reddan is the new stringer.

Edit: I meant " but I never considered it as horses for courses"
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Olaf on February 15, 2010, 05:01:46 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 15, 2010, 04:43:15 PM
QuoteDon't know how anyone could pick Wallace ahead of D'arcy.

Because he's a better footballer than D'Arcy, D'Arcy is one dimensional, he has quick feet and stays on them long enough to give the backrow a target, he can't disribute and and he can't off-load. I'd never play O'Gara and Wallace but I think Sexton and Wallace have a nice blend, a 1st and 2nd 5/8.



There is merit in that argument and Wallace is a good footballer with a good defence (contrary to what some believe).

However D'arcy is a better attacking option and is just that bit more incisive.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 15, 2010, 05:27:59 PM
Yea I'd agree with horses for courses, International Rugby is about your squad and how you utilise it, that was an EOS failing and I hope Kidney doesn't fall into that trap.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Aaron Boone on February 15, 2010, 09:42:09 PM
The Triple Crown is still out there to be won:

England 23 times (last 03)
Wales 19 (last 08)
Ireland 10 (last 09)
Scotland 10 (last 1990 :-\)

 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Hound on February 16, 2010, 08:34:13 AM
While Wallace did nothing wrong on Saturday, I thought our back line looked a lot stronger when D'arcy was in at 12, but that may have been down to making 3 changes when Kearney went off.

What about full back if Kearney doesn't make it, and let's assume Geordan Murphy isn't fit enough either?

IMO Earls has proven time and again that he's not up to being a full back at Heineken Cup level, never mind international level.
Of course there is nobody else who has proven to be. Pity Felix Jones has been injured so much this year as he has lots of potential. Personally, I don't think Gavin Duffy is good enough.

Would any of Wallace, D'arcy, Sexton, Bowe be realistic options?  Playing any of them v England would be a gamble of course, but less of a gamble that throwing Earls in there again. My inclination would be to go for Sexton.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on February 16, 2010, 12:00:28 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 15, 2010, 02:08:16 PM
Was disappointed in the match. Save the lineout we were pretty much destroyed in every facet.

For a team with such superiority in the lineout AND France using the blitz, why did Ireland not utilise O'Gara as one of the best tactical kickers in the game and kick for touch the whole game. It was the only way we could survive. Also the lack of chip kicks annoyed me as well when it was evident the Scottish got a bit of success from it last week.


[/quot

Spot on. I have no idea why we played the way we did after going a few points down when plan A was working so well. It was luck and indiscipline that caused us to be 14 points down.

By the way the French or Parra would not have scored a try when Healy tugged him back. He was about to be tackled by the full back and would probably not have got a pass away. It was bloody stupird and costly.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on February 16, 2010, 12:14:03 PM
In relation to Wallace v Darcy and Cullen v O'Callaghan. All these lads are roughly speaking the same age and are coming to the end of their careers. wallace and O'Callaghan were on the under 19 world cup winning team with O'Driscoll. Wallace never really delivered on his potential and just hung around the Ulster set up going nowhere. O'Callaghan and darcy so were automatic selections in the Irish team for the best part of the last decade and rightly so given their abilities and the level of competition for places in centre and second row(bob casey excluded from that contest).

There has never really been any doubt that O'Callaghan and darcy were streets ahead of Cullen and Wallace. Now things have changed a little , Cullen and Wallace have mature a bit and are still hungry for Ireland caps. This won't change the fact that O'Callaghan and Darcy are in a different class to the 2 pretenders if they still have the motivation and are match fitness. You can't write them off just yet and need to think about what you are doing dropping them for mutton dressed up as lamb.

I would hope there are younger players coming through who it might be worth while giving game time to in the rest of the championship. At centre there are players like Cave from Ulster, Macken from Leinster who might well be up to it. In the second row there is Donnacha Ryand and Devin Toner. If it is of the future we are thinking then these players would be the ones I would be looking to.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: ha ha derry on February 16, 2010, 12:24:18 PM
I know i,m going to get laughed at again but O Leary is not the man for scrum half. At ruck time he,s usually stuck at the bottom pretending to be a back row forward, so providing slow ball. Then there,s his box kicking  :-\.
Reddan is not yer man either unless Ireland play an orangutang at out half.
Peter Stringer is aggressive, quick hands and gets the out half playing up on the line where he should be to bring the rest of the backs on to the ball at pace.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: thewobbler on February 16, 2010, 12:41:02 PM
Peter Stringer is a horribly limited, one-dimensional, out of form, and should never wear the Munster jersey again let alone the Irish one.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: turk on February 16, 2010, 12:49:42 PM
Quote from: Aaron Boone on February 15, 2010, 09:42:09 PM
The Triple Crown is still out there to be won:

England 23 times (last 03)
Wales 19 (last 08)
Ireland 10 (last 09)
Scotland 10 (last 1990 :-\ )



That sort of talk is just wrong!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: ha ha derry on February 16, 2010, 12:51:12 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 16, 2010, 12:41:02 PM
Peter Stringer is a horribly limited, one-dimensional, out of form, and should never wear the Munster jersey again let alone the Irish one.
In your opinion. Not the overwhelming opinion of a lot of Munster supporters.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on February 16, 2010, 12:52:50 PM
Stringer, Cullen and Wallace are not the solution. Time to turn over to a new page for Irish rugby.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on February 16, 2010, 01:10:08 PM
Anyone who saw Stringer play in the recent A internationals would not be advocating him for the first team. He was absolutely abysmal against the England Saxons and only a bit better against Scotland a week later. I don't think Reddan is the answer either. He seems too prone to making stupid decisions. The form scrum-half in Ireland is probably Isaac Boss. Has been playing consistently well for Ulster and played well both times after coming on in the two A games. Hard to see him being promoted from the bench of the A's to start for the first team though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: lynchbhoy on February 16, 2010, 01:49:49 PM
if redden could recapture the form he had with wasps then he would be the man. boss has looked v poor at international level in his fleeting appearances.
darcy for me is just too small, every year people run over him - last week no exception. He is game, but thats not enough.
Maybe cave should be promoted or bowe brought in from the wing
devan toner is too inexperienced yet, but the good news is that he punched a guy the other week so his aggression levels are improving... a couple of years away yet

I'd try wallace at full back
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on February 16, 2010, 02:26:43 PM
Quote from: lynchbhoy on February 16, 2010, 01:49:49 PM
if redden could recapture the form he had with wasps then he would be the man. boss has looked v poor at international level in his fleeting appearances.
darcy for me is just too small, every year people run over him - last week no exception. He is game, but thats not enough.
Maybe cave should be promoted or bowe brought in from the wing
devan toner is too inexperienced yet, but the good news is that he punched a guy the other week so his aggression levels are improving... a couple of years away yet

I'd try wallace at full back

Jaysus no keep one of the best wingers in the world in the past 12 months on the wing...  Don't think about moving him.

What about Duffy at full back?  Heard he was very impressive against England Saxons a couple of weeks ago
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: muppet on February 16, 2010, 02:53:46 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 16, 2010, 12:52:50 PM
Stringer, Cullen and Wallace are not the solution. Time to turn over to a new page for Irish rugby.

Agreed. Those 3 and Casey are at the wrong end of their careers. Casey almost certainly deserved more caps but that is the past. If O'Callaghan is fit he will play, if not time to look at younger guys.

There is a reason why O'Callaghan went on 2 Lions tours and made the test team in one of them. He is your bread and butter man but he is very experienced and is as good as we have at that role.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on February 16, 2010, 03:29:26 PM
Quote from: lynchbhoy on February 16, 2010, 01:49:49 PM
darcy for me is just too small, every year people run over him - last week no exception. He is game, but thats not enough.

D'Arcy has probably been Ireland's best player so far in the 6 Nations and is playing the best he has done for a while. Has come back brilliantly from a badly broken arm.

QuoteI'd try wallace at full back

Paddy Wallace is a 12 and a 10 in emergencies. I don't think he's played full-back since he was about 20 or 21 which was a long time ago. Granted he can kick fine but he would neither have the pace of the fielding ability to do much from full-back anymore.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on February 16, 2010, 04:06:46 PM
Very interesting article from the pen or keystrokes of brendan Cole from rte.ie - who I enjoy reading...  he really examines the whole tight 5 and compares the Irish thinking behind it to other nations and certainly has a few "outside the box" potential answers!!

http://www.rte.ie/ie/sportsixnations2010/entry/ireland
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: lynchbhoy on February 16, 2010, 04:13:40 PM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on February 16, 2010, 03:29:26 PM
Quote from: lynchbhoy on February 16, 2010, 01:49:49 PM
darcy for me is just too small, every year people run over him - last week no exception. He is game, but thats not enough.

D'Arcy has probably been Ireland's best player so far in the 6 Nations and is playing the best he has done for a while. Has come back brilliantly from a badly broken arm.

QuoteI'd try wallace at full back

Paddy Wallace is a 12 and a 10 in emergencies. I don't think he's played full-back since he was about 20 or 21 which was a long time ago. Granted he can kick fine but he would neither have the pace of the fielding ability to do much from full-back anymore.
just never thought darcy was good enough - always tought he was too small and while he makes a few good breaks, his tackling often leads to scores from opponents because he is just too small.
Also was way too selfish as a schools cup player and never lost that trait.

point taken about wallace - theres not much of a viable alternative at full back , I knew wallace had played thee years ago, didnt think it was quite that long ago though !
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 16, 2010, 07:31:36 PM
I had the dubious pleasure of being there on Saturday. The result is a welcome wake up call for Ireland and a reminder of where the team really stands.

I'm not sure how it looked on tv, but the biggest difference to me was the aggression and physicality of the French. The way they smashed Ireland at times reminded me of what they did to South Africa in November. They sufficiently rattled Ireland to induce some of the inexplicable basic errors that lead to the scores.

Another big problem was that Ireland were too often working off slow ball. O'Leary is not the snappiest of passers, but this was worsened by him seemingly waiting for other players to get into formation before delivering. Contrast this to the French mentality - they play off the cuff, take risks, improvise and invent as they go along. Ireland seem too concerned with implementing pre-meditated moves and patterns.

Ireland's lack of aggression at the breakdown doesn't help. Wallace and Heaslip in the back row are decent ball carriers and decent  operators in the loose, but they aren't brutish. That so much stock was placed on Ferris being fit beforehand, shows how Ireland are short in this regard. Ireland really need to do much better in slowing down the opposition ball and speeding up their own re-cycling.

The nature of the performance may prove a blessing for Ireland. Kidney now has a mandate to change the team around. He doesn't have to keep any unbeaten run going and Ireland are not contenders for this year's 6 Nations. Building for WC2011 now has to be the main aim. I remember England getting a similar shock in Paris back in 2002 when they reckoned they were they number 1 team in the world. 18 months later, they proved that beyond all doubt.

At this moment, Ireland's pack is too weak to play 10 man rugby and the team can't move the ball quickly enough and flat enough to play 15 man rugby. Looking at it another way, last year's Grand Slam was a good achievement because it came from grinding out results without playing much good rugby.

Kidney can now give players like Sexton, Ryan, Best, Court, O'Brien and an alternative scrum half a decent run with less pressure to go back to the "old reliables" if they don't perform straight away. As it stands Ireland wouldn't be at the races in the next WC with the 15 that started last weekend. I suspect Kidney probably knew that all along though and had a long term aim to phase certain players out of the team. That aspect of his job should be a bit easier now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: AZOffaly on February 16, 2010, 09:55:57 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on February 16, 2010, 07:31:36 PM

The nature of the performance may prove a blessing for Ireland. Kidney now has a mandate to change the team around. He doesn't have to keep any unbeaten run going and Ireland are not contenders for this year's 6 Nations. Building for WC2011 now has to be the main aim. I remember England getting a similar shock in Paris back in 2002 when they reckoned they were they number 1 team in the world. 18 months later, they proved that beyond all doubt.



I agree with nearly all of that post, but I can't understand the highlighted bit. How can one defeat spell the end of a championship bid entirely? Naturally France are favourites, but they are in Cardiff next, and that's not a gimme. They will also struggle with England, because they won't bully the English pack.

Ireland are 3rd favourites at the moment, but I don't think this championship will be won with a grand slam. If Ireland win in Twickenham next up, and Wales do the French in Cardiff, it's game on again with 4 teams with 1 defeat. That's not inconceivable.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Hoof Hearted on February 16, 2010, 10:10:05 PM
the next 3 games is the time to experiment definately. we cant defend our crown, so lets build on re-gaining it in 2011, along with winning the world cup (maybe im looking too much am i ? )
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 16, 2010, 10:16:42 PM
Posted earlier on that now is the time to rebuild as well. The WC is winnable imho.

Gavin Duffy is the only remaining full back in the squad, expect him to start. I rue Felix Jone's injury as well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Hoof Hearted on February 16, 2010, 10:28:00 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 16, 2010, 10:16:42 PM
Posted earlier on that now is the time to rebuild as well. The WC is winnable imho.

Gavin Duffy is the only remaining full back in the squad, expect him to start. I rue Felix Jone's injury as well.

i said that to someone at the weekend and got laughed out of the place ! it isn't that crazy a suggestion.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Onlooker on February 16, 2010, 10:30:13 PM
Come on lads.  Ireland have 2 chances of winning the World Cup (slim and none) and Slim has gone home.  For the World Cup we are quarter final material.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: muppet on February 16, 2010, 10:36:27 PM
Quote from: Onlooker on February 16, 2010, 10:30:13 PM
Come on lads.  Ireland have 2 chances of winning the World Cup (slim and none) and Slim has gone home.  For the World Cup we are quarter final material.

A Mick McMediocrity fan?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Hoof Hearted on February 16, 2010, 10:44:10 PM
Quote from: muppet on February 16, 2010, 10:36:27 PM
Quote from: Onlooker on February 16, 2010, 10:30:13 PM
Come on lads.  Ireland have 2 chances of winning the World Cup (slim and none) and Slim has gone home.  For the World Cup we are quarter final material.

A Mick McMediocrity fan?

No a Mayo fan. Same thing i suppose !
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on February 17, 2010, 12:00:47 AM
First up, we are still alive in this championship. This woolly thinking inflicted on us by the media that we are completely knocked out is totally false. IF wales beat France with a bit to spare and we beat England and then wales with a bit to spare, we are back in poll position with Scotland to play at home in the final game.

The world cup is winnable and it was the last time as well when we collapsed for an as of yet to be explained reason. we need to go into it positively an with our best experienced players like England had in 2003. Our chances are very good if we hit the ground running and play to the best of our ability while avoiding injuries.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: trileacman on February 17, 2010, 12:57:44 AM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on February 16, 2010, 10:10:05 PM
the next 3 games is the time to experiment definately. we cant defend our crown, so lets build on re-gaining it in 2011, along with winning the world cup (maybe im looking too much am i ? )
Away to England and at home to Wales?
Fcuk no!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 17, 2010, 07:49:32 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 16, 2010, 09:55:57 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on February 16, 2010, 07:31:36 PM

The nature of the performance may prove a blessing for Ireland. Kidney now has a mandate to change the team around. He doesn't have to keep any unbeaten run going and Ireland are not contenders for this year's 6 Nations. Building for WC2011 now has to be the main aim. I remember England getting a similar shock in Paris back in 2002 when they reckoned they were they number 1 team in the world. 18 months later, they proved that beyond all doubt.


I agree with nearly all of that post, but I can't understand the highlighted bit. How can one defeat spell the end of a championship bid entirely? Naturally France are favourites, but they are in Cardiff next, and that's not a gimme. They will also struggle with England, because they won't bully the English pack.

Ireland are 3rd favourites at the moment, but I don't think this championship will be won with a grand slam. If Ireland win in Twickenham next up, and Wales do the French in Cardiff, it's game on again with 4 teams with 1 defeat. That's not inconceivable.

Points difference is the biggest problem now.
France would have to do more than lose a game, they'd have to be whupped. Or else Ireland cutting lose and start scoring tries and winning big which is unlikely.
The French have England in Paris too, so really the mis-firing Welsh would be their biggest threat.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Olaf on February 17, 2010, 09:50:51 AM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on February 16, 2010, 07:31:36 PM
I had the dubious pleasure of being there on Saturday. The result is a welcome wake up call for Ireland and a reminder of where the team really stands.

I'm not sure how it looked on tv, but the biggest difference to me was the aggression and physicality of the French. The way they smashed Ireland at times reminded me of what they did to South Africa in November. They sufficiently rattled Ireland to induce some of the inexplicable basic errors that lead to the scores.

Another big problem was that Ireland were too often working off slow ball. O'Leary is not the snappiest of passers, but this was worsened by him seemingly waiting for other players to get into formation before delivering. Contrast this to the French mentality - they play off the cuff, take risks, improvise and invent as they go along. Ireland seem too concerned with implementing pre-meditated moves and patterns.

Ireland's lack of aggression at the breakdown doesn't help. Wallace and Heaslip in the back row are decent ball carriers and decent  operators in the loose, but they aren't brutish. That so much stock was placed on Ferris being fit beforehand, shows how Ireland are short in this regard. Ireland really need to do much better in slowing down the opposition ball and speeding up their own re-cycling.

The nature of the performance may prove a blessing for Ireland. Kidney now has a mandate to change the team around. He doesn't have to keep any unbeaten run going and Ireland are not contenders for this year's 6 Nations. Building for WC2011 now has to be the main aim. I remember England getting a similar shock in Paris back in 2002 when they reckoned they were they number 1 team in the world. 18 months later, they proved that beyond all doubt.

At this moment, Ireland's pack is too weak to play 10 man rugby and the team can't move the ball quickly enough and flat enough to play 15 man rugby. Looking at it another way, last year's Grand Slam was a good achievement because it came from grinding out results without playing much good rugby.

Kidney can now give players like Sexton, Ryan, Best, Court, O'Brien and an alternative scrum half a decent run with less pressure to go back to the "old reliables" if they don't perform straight away. As it stands Ireland wouldn't be at the races in the next WC with the 15 that started last weekend. I suspect Kidney probably knew that all along though and had a long term aim to phase certain players out of the team. That aspect of his job should be a bit easier now.

Spot on. It is a pity though that we have to wait for a comprehensive defeat before the management feel that they can move on this.

The evidence in a few positions (paricularly half backs and front row)  has been there for the last 3 years or so.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: muppet on February 17, 2010, 11:48:39 AM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on February 16, 2010, 10:44:10 PM
Quote from: muppet on February 16, 2010, 10:36:27 PM
Quote from: Onlooker on February 16, 2010, 10:30:13 PM
Come on lads.  Ireland have 2 chances of winning the World Cup (slim and none) and Slim has gone home.  For the World Cup we are quarter final material.

A Mick McMediocrity fan?

No a Mayo fan. Same thing i suppose !

Couldn't be a true Mayo fan, we always think it's our year, right up until we wake up some Monday morning in August or September.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on February 17, 2010, 12:08:27 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 17, 2010, 12:00:47 AM
First up, we are still alive in this championship. This woolly thinking inflicted on us by the media that we are completely knocked out is totally false. IF wales beat France with a bit to spare and we beat England and then wales with a bit to spare, we are back in poll position with Scotland to play at home in the final game.

Ireland have a chance if they win all their remaining games but it is very much an outside chance. France at most will lose one game and they still have Italy to play in Paris where they will likely rack up the points. And they already have a 37 point advantage over Ireland. That is too big a margin for Ireland to overcome to win the championship IMO.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on February 17, 2010, 12:25:09 PM
The Championship is still in the mix for Ireland definitely... France are the big favourites for it but still have to play Wales at home and England.   I do think Ireland will win their remaining games and Scotland have lost 3 of their starting backs last Saturday so I would be leaning towards a big winning margin there in the final game in Croke Park.  Out of our hands I know but in a sense the pressure will be off as in nothing to lose so I am looking forward to the last few games
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Hoof Hearted on February 17, 2010, 01:17:09 PM
Breaking News - Flannery banned for 6 weeks for kicking
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on February 17, 2010, 01:18:07 PM
As expected....  >:(

Flannery misses the rest of the Six Nations

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 13:14

Ireland hooker Jerry Flannery has been banned for six weeks for kicking France winger Alexis Palisson in last Saturday's RBS 6 Nations match in Paris, ruling him out of the remainder of the championship.


Flannery was fortunate only to concede a penalty after his wild swing connected with Palisson after the Montauban winger had picked up the ball.


Referee Wayne Barnes consulted his touch judge Stuart Terheege, who believed the challenge to be a 'shoulder charge', and so Flannery escaped a potential red card.


Best will obviously start now... Will Cronin or Fogarty make the bench now?  Either way it should provide them with good exprience
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: lynchbhoy on February 17, 2010, 01:24:08 PM
imo that will improve the Irish team (best starting at hooker that is)!

however if Best gets inj - could be a disaster for Ireland !
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 17, 2010, 02:13:35 PM
Quote from: lynchbhoy on February 17, 2010, 01:24:08 PM
imo that will improve the Irish team (best starting at hooker that is)!

however if Best gets inj - could be a disaster for Ireland !

I agree with you there, Flannery just hasn't been as dynamic this year, probably lack of game time. I rate Cronin very highly and think he'll be able to step up without any worries.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: orangeman on February 17, 2010, 02:14:39 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on February 17, 2010, 01:18:07 PM
As expected....  >:(

Flannery misses the rest of the Six Nations

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 13:14

Ireland hooker Jerry Flannery has been banned for six weeks for kicking France winger Alexis Palisson in last Saturday's RBS 6 Nations match in Paris, ruling him out of the remainder of the championship.


Flannery was fortunate only to concede a penalty after his wild swing connected with Palisson after the Montauban winger had picked up the ball.


Referee Wayne Barnes consulted his touch judge Stuart Terheege, who believed the challenge to be a 'shoulder charge', and so Flannery escaped a potential red card.


Best will obviously start now... Will Cronin or Fogarty make the bench now?  Either way it should provide them with good exprience



6 weeks - got away handy enough.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: trileacman on February 17, 2010, 02:21:34 PM
Ireland's Jerry Flannery will miss the rest of the RBS 6 Nations Championship after being suspended for six weeks for kicking France winger Alexis Palisson.

Flannery, who pleaded guilty and acknowledged the offence deserved a red card, has been banned until March 29, ruling him out of Ireland's fixtures against England, Wales and Scotland.

Wasnt a great action but at least fair play to him for that.

Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 17, 2010, 02:13:35 PM
Quote from: lynchbhoy on February 17, 2010, 01:24:08 PM
imo that will improve the Irish team (best starting at hooker that is)!

however if Best gets inj - could be a disaster for Ireland !

I agree with you there, Flannery just hasn't been as dynamic this year, probably lack of game time. I rate Cronin very highly and think he'll be able to step up without any worries.

I think Best is a mistake. He's a weakness in the lineout and will not improve the scrum enough to compensate. We can effectively kiss any superiority in the lineout we had goodbye. A bit more dynamic in the loose and the ruck than flannery but not enough in my opnion to be considered effective. Would love to see Cronin get his shot if he is as good as he is being made out. Have seen next to none of him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on February 17, 2010, 03:20:38 PM
Flannery could have got 6 months for that. Tommy Carr got a year for a lot less, similar tpye of kick.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: johnneycool on February 17, 2010, 03:46:06 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 17, 2010, 03:20:38 PM
Flannery could have got 6 months for that. Tommy Carr got a year for a lot less, similar tpye of kick.

What club did tommy Carr play rugby for?

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on February 17, 2010, 03:58:20 PM
Sorry it is just hard to let go of some of these things.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 17, 2010, 06:43:45 PM
Quote from: Onlooker on February 16, 2010, 10:30:13 PM
Come on lads.  Ireland have 2 chances of winning the World Cup (slim and none) and Slim has gone home.  For the World Cup we are quarter final material.
You don't have to be brilliant to make the semis or finals.
A middling Australian team got to extra time in the 2003 final - An Irish team with little ambition beyond edging out the Argies, were within a missed drop goal from beating them earlier in the tournament.
A not very brilliant England side got to the 2007 final only months after Ireland massacred them in Croke Park.

World Cup preparation should go in cycles. Ireland seem to hit into them like they are an unexpected speed bump between 6 nation tournaments.
Ireland can either go chasing a triple crown and an unlikely championship, or they can pull the plug on players who are unlikely to make an impact in 2011.

The choice now is to send players to a WC with almost two 6 nations campaigns under their belts, or make the changes at some future stage and have players on the starting 15 with only one campaign.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on February 17, 2010, 07:59:15 PM
The thing is we don't have high calibre players to be chopping and changing hoping to stumble across a winning formula. It doesn't work like that. What we have is an aging group of players that were or are potentially the best in the world or close to it when they play at the top of their game. O'Callaghan and Darcy fall into that category. Cullen and Wallace do not. That is not to say they are poor players or don't/won't have a role to play. Tom Court, Jennings, and others being mentioned to replace Hayes and Wallace won't take this team onto the next level either imho. We have to retain as much of our high quality players at their peak for the next world cup as we can.

It iis not all doom and gloom in terms of emerging players, Fitzgerald, Kearney, Bowe, Sexton, Earls and Trimble  are all good enough to play and compete at the highest level, as are Ferris and Heaslip in the backrow. O'Leary or Reddan are still overall a big upgrade at scrumhalf over Stringer. Just quit with the pick this guy, drop that guy rubbish, we are still in the 6 nations championship to win it or if not finish second and pick up a triple crown. We can not develop players to win a world cup by picking them to play against England. We need continuity and development, in the last game Earls was picked ahead of Horgan in part for development purposes, Ferris just back after injury and not at his best might have lost out to Quinlan if Kidney wasn't looking ahead.

We are in no way in a position to say f**k this for a game of marbles and start picking players from all over in the hope that one of them really steps up on the international stage and is all of a sudden a true star. That is what teams like Scotland have been doing for the last 10 years and going nowhere fast.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 17, 2010, 10:29:11 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 17, 2010, 07:59:15 PM
The thing is we don't have high calibre players to be chopping and changing hoping to stumble across a winning formula. It doesn't work like that. What we have is an aging group of players that were or are potentially the best in the world or close to it when they play at the top of their game. O'Callaghan and Darcy fall into that category. Cullen and Wallace do not. That is not to say they are poor players or don't/won't have a role to play. Tom Court, Jennings, and others being mentioned to replace Hayes and Wallace won't take this team onto the next level either imho. We have to retain as much of our high quality players at their peak for the next world cup as we can.

It iis not all doom and gloom in terms of emerging players, Fitzgerald, Kearney, Bowe, Sexton, Earls and Trimble  are all good enough to play and compete at the highest level, as are Ferris and Heaslip in the backrow. O'Leary or Reddan are still overall a big upgrade at scrumhalf over Stringer. Just quit with the pick this guy, drop that guy rubbish, we are still in the 6 nations championship to win it or if not finish second and pick up a triple crown. We can not develop players to win a world cup by picking them to play against England. We need continuity and development, in the last game Earls was picked ahead of Horgan in part for development purposes, Ferris just back after injury and not at his best might have lost out to Quinlan if Kidney wasn't looking ahead.

We are in no way in a position to say f**k this for a game of marbles and start picking players from all over in the hope that one of them really steps up on the international stage and is all of a sudden a true star. That is what teams like Scotland have been doing for the last 10 years and going nowhere fast.
I wouldn't suggest chopping for the sake of it.
8 or 9 of the current team would hold their own on what a World Cup winning team might resemble.
I would just rather Kidney starts now picking what his WC2011 team might be instead of waiting until next year.

For example John Hayes will be almost 38 come the World Cup. All the signs are that he is in a decline that won't be reversed, so why wait until summer time or next year to look for a replacement?

The same with O'Gara who has been in decline since early 2007 with good performances becoming rarer. Even at his peak he made little impact on Southern Hemisphere tours or World Cups. So why waste time going through a charade of  gradually phasing Sexton into the team, when all the indicators are that Sexton is a more realistic WC prospect?

David Wallace will be 35 next year and by keeping him in the side you are essentially banking he'll still have his bullet pace which is his main asset.

Roll the dice and you might come up with a better scrum half and 2nd row partner for O'Connell. If O'Leary, Cullen or O'Callaghan are still the best options, then so be it.
Leaving the team alone is just postponing the inevitable.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on February 18, 2010, 05:47:12 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on February 17, 2010, 10:29:11 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 17, 2010, 07:59:15 PM
The thing is we don't have high calibre players to be chopping and changing hoping to stumble across a winning formula. It doesn't work like that. What we have is an aging group of players that were or are potentially the best in the world or close to it when they play at the top of their game. O'Callaghan and Darcy fall into that category. Cullen and Wallace do not. That is not to say they are poor players or don't/won't have a role to play. Tom Court, Jennings, and others being mentioned to replace Hayes and Wallace won't take this team onto the next level either imho. We have to retain as much of our high quality players at their peak for the next world cup as we can.

It iis not all doom and gloom in terms of emerging players, Fitzgerald, Kearney, Bowe, Sexton, Earls and Trimble  are all good enough to play and compete at the highest level, as are Ferris and Heaslip in the backrow. O'Leary or Reddan are still overall a big upgrade at scrumhalf over Stringer. Just quit with the pick this guy, drop that guy rubbish, we are still in the 6 nations championship to win it or if not finish second and pick up a triple crown. We can not develop players to win a world cup by picking them to play against England. We need continuity and development, in the last game Earls was picked ahead of Horgan in part for development purposes, Ferris just back after injury and not at his best might have lost out to Quinlan if Kidney wasn't looking ahead.

We are in no way in a position to say f**k this for a game of marbles and start picking players from all over in the hope that one of them really steps up on the international stage and is all of a sudden a true star. That is what teams like Scotland have been doing for the last 10 years and going nowhere fast.
I wouldn't suggest chopping for the sake of it.
8 or 9 of the current team would hold their own on what a World Cup winning team might resemble.
I would just rather Kidney starts now picking what his WC2011 team might be instead of waiting until next year.

For example John Hayes will be almost 38 come the World Cup. All the signs are that he is in a decline that won't be reversed, so why wait until summer time or next year to look for a replacement?

The same with O'Gara who has been in decline since early 2007 with good performances becoming rarer. Even at his peak he made little impact on Southern Hemisphere tours or World Cups. So why waste time going through a charade of  gradually phasing Sexton into the team, when all the indicators are that Sexton is a more realistic WC prospect?

David Wallace will be 35 next year and by keeping him in the side you are essentially banking he'll still have his bullet pace which is his main asset.

Roll the dice and you might come up with a better scrum half and 2nd row partner for O'Connell. If O'Leary, Cullen or O'Callaghan are still the best options, then so be it.
Leaving the team alone is just postponing the inevitable.

That could be argue that the whole team did the same not just ROG.

and would Wallace's main assest really be his pace, thought it would be his work on the ground at rucks and getting over the gain line in those last few hard yards
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: tyroneboi on February 19, 2010, 06:45:18 PM
Bit of a public spat going on between Ronan O'Gara and Kevin Myers of the Irish Independent:

Kevin Myers original article:
http://www.independent.ie/opinion/columnists/kevin-myers/kevin-myers-its-an-irish-characteristic-we-are-comfortable--with-failure-its-a-familiar-condition-and-it-suits-us-2064681.html

ROG's response:
http://www.independent.ie/opinion/letters/ronan-ogara-why-i-refuse-to--be-scapegoated-by-kevin-myers-2070434.html

Edit: Just noticed there is a thread on this particular topic  :-[

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on February 19, 2010, 09:07:39 PM
David Wallace has been one of Irelands best players even though Eddie O'Sullivan wouldn't pick him for a couple of years and O'Connell, Wallace and even O'Gara get all the hype. Wallace deserves the spotlight an average enough performer like O'gara gets. So I would roll the dice with Wallace and hope he is still good enough in 18 months. He will be roughly the same age Neil Back was when he won his world cup with England and his main asset was his pace and his on the ground abiliity.

These guys like o'Driscoll and O'Connell and wallace and even O'Gara Hayes to a lesseer extent are a bit special and we should be doing everything we can to make sure they hang on till the next world cup. Of course that could mean not playing them in every game and trying out other players. If we get all these players to hang on it means we will be putting close to 15 world class performers out on the field as opposed to about 10 at the next world cup.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Hoof Hearted on February 23, 2010, 01:04:48 PM
Sexton in for O'Gara - dont know whole team yet
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on February 23, 2010, 01:15:38 PM

Jonathan Sexton handed Ireland start for England game


Jonathan Sexton will make his first Six Nations start in Saturday's clash against England after edging out Ronan O'Gara for Ireland's fly-half spot.

Sexton starred against South Africa in November but then sustained injury and O'Gara returned for the opening Six Nations games against Italy and France.

Geordan Murphy replaces injured Rob Kearney at full-back while Rory Best takes over from banned Jerry Flannery.

The other change sees fit-again Donncha O'Callaghan replacing Leo Cullen.

Cullen performed well against Italy and France but O'Callaghan returns to partner his Munster colleague Paul O'Connell at lock.

John Hayes will win his 100th Ireland cap in the Twickenham clash.

The 36-year-old will partner Best and Cian Healy in the front-row.

Tony Buckley replaces Tom Court in the replacements as prop cover although the Ulster player was troubled by injury last week.


With Ronan O'Gara on the bench, Paddy Wallace drops out of the Irish replacements.

Andrew Trimble returns to the Irish bench after being left out of the 22 man squad for the defeat in Paris.

The Ulster winger did start in Ireland's opening win over Italy.

The bench also includes Leo Cullen, Sean Cronin, Shane Jennings and Eoin Reddan.

Sexton's inclusion at fly-half is not a surprise after his impressive showing for Leinster in Saturday's Magners League win over the Scarlets.

The Leinster fly-half produced an impeccable display of place-kicking at the RDS and also scored a late try.

Murphy will earn his 64th Irish cap after making his last appearance as a replacement in the Grand Slam clinching win over Wales last March.

Ireland: G Murphy (Leicester), T Bowe (Ospreys), B O'Driscoll (Leinster) capt, G D'Arcy (Leinster), K Earls (Munster), J Sexton (Leinster), T O'Leary (Munster), C Healy (Leinster), Rory Best (Ulster), J Hayes (Munster), D O'Callaghan (Munster), P O'Connell (Munster), S Ferris (Ulster), D Wallace (Munster), J Heaslip (Leinster). Replacements: S Cronin (Connacht), T Buckley (Munster), L Cullen (Leinster), S Jennings (Leinster), E Reddan (Leinster), R O'Gara (Munster), A Trimble (Ulster)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on February 23, 2010, 01:20:33 PM
Cullen will feel very disappointed... Murphy was always gonna get the no. 15 jersey after a great performance at the weekend.  Thought Reddan would get in with Sexton as a duo but O'Leary probably deserves another shot after the ball coming to him in Paris was deseperately slow.   I wonder how bad Court's injury is - enough to prevent him being on the bench?? - because Buckley being named there ahead of him is a strange one.  Good chance that we will get a look at Cronin in a tough full blooded encounter.
Would like to see what impact Jennings has on the game when introduced and Wallace leaving the 22 must have been a tough enough call
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: magpie seanie on February 23, 2010, 01:28:14 PM
Cannot understand how O'Leary is still on that team. Good luck to Sexton receiving ball from him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: orangeman on February 23, 2010, 02:11:33 PM
A big challenge ahead for Ireland in Twickenham this weekend - question : why are Ireland favourites ( if only slight ) for this game ???
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Rossie11 on February 23, 2010, 02:11:44 PM
Earls is the lucky one for me. Horgan should be in there ahead of him.
Crazy that he didnt even make the bench given his form this season and his past
form V England

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on February 23, 2010, 02:35:46 PM
Quote from: orangeman on February 23, 2010, 02:11:33 PM
A big challenge ahead for Ireland in Twickenham this weekend - question : why are Ireland favourites ( if only slight ) for this game ???

Well they have beaten England 5 out of the last 6 times with many of the same players and are current Grand Slam holders for a few more weeks anyway. England do have home advantage though so you could probably call it evens.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on February 23, 2010, 02:38:15 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on February 23, 2010, 01:28:14 PM
Cannot understand how O'Leary is still on that team. Good luck to Sexton receiving ball from him.

Odds are the scum will be a better platform than last time out so that should improve the service to O'Leary firstly so we'll see how that works out then to Sexton
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: screenexile on February 23, 2010, 02:48:38 PM
Quote from: orangeman on February 23, 2010, 02:11:33 PM
A big challenge ahead for Ireland in Twickenham this weekend - question : why are Ireland favourites ( if only slight ) for this game ???

Ireland are GS Champions and comparing England's form with Ireland's this past year would have Ireland probably big favourites. However, given that it's Twickenham and Ireland's poor performance against France Ireland are still favourites but only slightly. Plus Ireland have only lost once in the last 5 years or something.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: mackers on February 23, 2010, 03:24:46 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on February 23, 2010, 02:38:15 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on February 23, 2010, 01:28:14 PM
Cannot understand how O'Leary is still on that team. Good luck to Sexton receiving ball from him.

Odds are the scum will be a better platform than last time out so that should improve the service to O'Leary firstly so we'll see how that works out then to Sexton
That may be the case but he needs to get the ball away quicker to Sexton from rucks, he takes a f**king age to get the ball away. There's no point having an out half who will stand flat and draw defences if the scrum half won't give him quick ball. I presume he's picked because he's more physical than Reddan which will be important against a back English back row.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: magpie seanie on February 23, 2010, 04:32:28 PM
Quote from: mackers on February 23, 2010, 03:24:46 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on February 23, 2010, 02:38:15 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on February 23, 2010, 01:28:14 PM
Cannot understand how O'Leary is still on that team. Good luck to Sexton receiving ball from him.

Odds are the scum will be a better platform than last time out so that should improve the service to O'Leary firstly so we'll see how that works out then to Sexton
That may be the case but he needs to get the ball away quicker to Sexton from rucks, he takes a f**king age to get the ball away. There's no point having an out half who will stand flat and draw defences if the scrum half won't give him quick ball. I presume he's picked because he's more physical than Reddan which will be important against a back English back row.

If he doesn't get the ball away quicker Sexton will be killed. O'Gara didn't sit deep just cos he felt like it. Reddan or even Stringer should have been picked to give Sexton a better chance of playing well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Main Street on February 23, 2010, 05:03:53 PM
A big day for Sexton and well deserved. He has a cultured finesse look about him, not unlike Tony Ward in his day.

Beating England in Twickenham is much more important than beating them in Dublin. This one is for all the Irish in exile.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 23, 2010, 05:16:18 PM
Pray to the heavens that neither Hayes or Healy get injured early doors.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 23, 2010, 06:48:10 PM
Logical enough selection. England will be trying to play a power game and won't be too concerned with getting it wide. So O'Leary will be kept busy tackling back row forwards. Reddan being smaller and lighter would be vulnerable.
Give O'Callaghan the start and see if he is up to pace of the game. Bring on Cullen if he isn't.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: trileacman on February 24, 2010, 11:01:34 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 23, 2010, 05:16:18 PM
Pray to the heavens that neither Hayes or Healy get injured early doors.
Oddly enough injury to one of them would be disasterous but injury to both would be a godsend as we could throw on an extra back row, get the best from tony buckleys game (ball in hand) and completely negate the effectiveness of any of the English front row.

The Rugby World council need to sort this out soon. The quicker we get to full 15 subs the better. it's now inevitable.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on February 24, 2010, 01:04:09 PM
15 subs??????

It is right for the props to have at 2 replacements maybe even 3 but anyone can play any other position on the team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: trileacman on February 24, 2010, 01:38:12 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 24, 2010, 01:04:09 PM
15 subs??????

It is right for the props to have at 2 replacements maybe even 3 but anyone can play any other position on the team.
What's your point here? Paddy Wallace can play second row? Denis Leamy can play scrum half? POC can play on the wing? BOD could play out-half and we could still aspire to win? ??? ???
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: thewobbler on February 24, 2010, 01:54:55 PM
I don't see why they would want to increase the number of replacements available.

The last 20 mins of one-sided games turns into a complete mess as it is when both managers empty their benches.

Throw in the financial side of it too. 15 replacements maybe isn't such a big issue for Ireland, but if the likes of Connacht had to cart another 8 bodies across Europe for all their away fixtures, that would add a considerable hole in their finances.


Trileacman, the point Pat was making is that if both your lock-forwards get crocked, then you've one on the bench, and someone from the back-row can fill in. This might necessitate a winger/centre coming into the back-row, but it's do-able. If you want to continue covering off disaster scenerios such as when everyone who can kick a ball gets hurt at once, meaning there's no cover for fly-half, well you might has well have 30 men on the bench then.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: lynchbhoy on February 24, 2010, 02:15:36 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on February 23, 2010, 06:48:10 PM
Logical enough selection. England will be trying to play a power game and won't be too concerned with getting it wide. So O'Leary will be kept busy tackling back row forwards. Reddan being smaller and lighter would be vulnerable.
Give O'Callaghan the start and see if he is up to pace of the game. Bring on Cullen if he isn't.
Reddan faced that kind of game week in week out when playing at wasps and did very well at it too
People didnt say that stringer was too small and he is even smaller than redden.

I agree with Magpie - Sexton will risk his life by being paired with one trick pony OLeary

cullen v unlucky to be dropped. Ogara is too to be honest - though I'm happy trying out sexton.
england will be no pushovers.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: A Quinn Martin Production on February 24, 2010, 03:42:18 PM
Latest Odds from Ladbrokes:

Eng 4/5
Ire Evens
Draw 18/1
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: trileacman on February 24, 2010, 04:27:51 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 24, 2010, 01:54:55 PM
I don't see why they would want to increase the number of replacements available.

The last 20 mins of one-sided games turns into a complete mess as it is when both managers empty their benches.

Throw in the financial side of it too. 15 replacements maybe isn't such a big issue for Ireland, but if the likes of Connacht had to cart another 8 bodies across Europe for all their away fixtures, that would add a considerable hole in their finances.


Trileacman, the point Pat was making is that if both your lock-forwards get crocked, then you've one on the bench, and someone from the back-row can fill in. This might necessitate a winger/centre coming into the back-row, but it's do-able. If you want to continue covering off disaster scenerios such as when everyone who can kick a ball gets hurt at once, meaning there's no cover for fly-half, well you might has well have 30 men on the bench then.
Point taken but who said it had to be in place for the challenge cup or the magners league. The 6 nations couid easily accomdate ten. Surely that would go some way to facilitating a more fair system. I'm sick of seeing games where an injury occurs and it calls for an entire reshuffle of the front 8 or back 5, changing many players into unfamilar positions and destroying a gameplan. Under the current system a team is punished severly for being unlucky enough to have one injury (or having a player taken out of it) but yet two injuries can cause the scrum to be declared void. The team in this situation benefits as they can throw on a 4th back-rower to power round the pitch and dominate the loose.

The crux of my argument is why should two injuries be a better thing than one?? ??? ??? (in the context of a front row)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: AZOffaly on February 24, 2010, 04:50:08 PM
Because then we'd be in uncontested scrums and we could bring on back rowers as an extra forward. One injury would be replaced by Buckley, two would leave no props left.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: turk on February 24, 2010, 05:38:48 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on February 23, 2010, 02:38:15 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on February 23, 2010, 01:28:14 PM
Cannot understand how O'Leary is still on that team. Good luck to Sexton receiving ball from him.

Odds are the scum will be a better platform than last time out so that should improve the service to O'Leary firstly so we'll see how that works out then to Sexton

That's harsh - the pack might struggle at some set pieces but they are doing their best
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on February 24, 2010, 05:40:32 PM
Quote from: turk on February 24, 2010, 05:38:48 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on February 23, 2010, 02:38:15 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on February 23, 2010, 01:28:14 PM
Cannot understand how O'Leary is still on that team. Good luck to Sexton receiving ball from him.

Odds are the scum will be a better platform than last time out so that should improve the service to O'Leary firstly so we'll see how that works out then to Sexton

That's harsh - the pack might struggle at some set pieces but they are doing their best

oops
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: trileacman on February 24, 2010, 06:35:54 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 24, 2010, 04:50:08 PM
Because then we'd be in uncontested scrums and we could bring on back rowers as an extra forward. One injury would be replaced by Buckley, two would leave no props left.
FFS I know that, look back there a page and that's my original point.

The issue at hand is the need for the full 15 or possibly 10 substitutions.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: NAG1 on February 26, 2010, 11:01:09 AM
Do you not think the games decend into enough of a farce around the hour mark with the running on of subs with making it more. Cant think of a worse idea for making the game any sort of spectical to watch.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Hoof Hearted on February 26, 2010, 07:20:04 PM
O'Driscoll didnt train today  - was feeling sick, supposed to be starting tomorrow though, but if you are sick one day, are you fit for international rugby the next ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: The Watcher Pat on February 26, 2010, 07:34:00 PM
Was in a Bookies in Lurgan looking at prices for this match.

They have Ireland 5/6 to win match and 1/1 plus a point. Work that out for yourself.

Better price for a point extra doesn't make any sense.

Too close to call so kept my hard earned in my pocket.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on February 27, 2010, 09:47:41 AM
He should be okl, he is a rugged character.

Wales 20 France 26

Yes it was on last night.

I missed the first 55 minutes. The Wales France match had an exciting finish almost like the Scottish match but the French kicked the ball straight out to end the game.

Roberts had a chance to put Hook away in the last 10 minutes but decided to go himself and Lee Byrne messed up 2 penalty kicks to touch in the last 20 minutes and those 3 mistakes really hurt the Welsh cause.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Midman on February 27, 2010, 03:54:02 PM


Any links for the game?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Square Ball on February 27, 2010, 04:03:55 PM
Quote from: Midman on February 27, 2010, 03:54:02 PM


Any links for the game?

where are you Midman?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Midman on February 27, 2010, 04:05:29 PM

Spain -  so RTEs no good :-(
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Square Ball on February 27, 2010, 04:07:55 PM
thast why I asked, do you have sopcast? if so myp2p.eu
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Square Ball on February 27, 2010, 04:08:30 PM
get into them!!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Hoof Hearted on February 27, 2010, 04:10:24 PM
great start, well set up by the pack turning it over, then sextons kick to Bowe - perfect. Except for conversion miss
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: screenexile on February 27, 2010, 04:39:00 PM
Doing well but O'Learys kicking has been poor! Other than that it's classic Munster. Let the other side punch themselves out and then hit them last 10. I'd like another score before the half though!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: carnaross on February 27, 2010, 05:27:10 PM
Is that brian moore going to be a pillock all his life? I'm assuming the video ref has access to the TV coverage and that, therefore, could be influenced by opinions voiced from there. I certainly couldn't see the ball being grounded.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Bogball XV on February 27, 2010, 05:33:19 PM
as that jonno penno was sailing wide, seanie o'leary was running back with hands out to each side in the style of a gaa umpire ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Harold Disgracey on February 27, 2010, 05:35:28 PM
I want to stick my boot down Brian Moore's throat.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: sandwiches_in_the_boot on February 27, 2010, 05:44:34 PM
Low lie............
(http://www.tonydelallo.com/files/Pictures/Ireland_seen_from_the_Keshcorran_caves_near_Carrowkeel.jpg)

;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Carmen Stateside on February 27, 2010, 05:55:51 PM
That was great veiwing.
Heaslip deserves motm, mountain of a man.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: norabeag on February 27, 2010, 06:03:33 PM
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on February 27, 2010, 05:35:28 PM
I want to stick my boot down Brian Moore's throat.
HAve just had that desire now for about 15 years.Horrible horrible jingoistic b*****x
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Schkite on February 27, 2010, 06:05:25 PM
POC on kneeing O'Driscoll in the head:

"Well I wanted to be captain for a little while today"  :D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Midman on February 27, 2010, 06:13:35 PM
Quote from: Square Ball on February 27, 2010, 04:07:55 PM
thast why I asked, do you have sopcast? if so myp2p.eu

Cheers lad, got sopcast and watched the match in glorious technicolor :-)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on February 27, 2010, 06:18:13 PM
Get in there....


The wheels are off the fecking chariot now   ;D ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 27, 2010, 06:25:08 PM
Just to turn the tables. Brave and plucky England, trying their hearts out. Played with guts, pride, passion and courage. Throwing everything they had at Ireland! Gave the Irish a real scare...  ;)

A master class in defensive play from Ireland. However Ireland made an amazing amount of errors with the little possession they had.
Still, its as good a way as any to beat England.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 27, 2010, 06:26:32 PM
Quote from: norabeag on February 27, 2010, 06:03:33 PM
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on February 27, 2010, 05:35:28 PM
I want to stick my boot down Brian Moore's throat.
HAve just had that desire now for about 15 years.Horrible horrible jingoistic b*****x
He was going nuts at the Danny Care vs TOL penalty turnaround.
O'Leary held onto the ball for about a fraction of a second before Care dumped him!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Square Ball on February 27, 2010, 06:34:31 PM
Quote from: Schkite on February 27, 2010, 06:05:25 PM
POC on kneeing O'Driscoll in the head:

"Well I wanted to be captain for a little while today"  :D

classic.

well what a game, thought those hatefull hoors were gonna steal it, not a big rugby fan but enjoy the 6 nations and while a win is a win to beat the Engerlish is well always v enjoyable
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on February 27, 2010, 06:58:59 PM
That's 6 times in the last 7 years we've beaten them.... some achievement!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on February 27, 2010, 07:31:27 PM
What ever about Brian Moore being pro english. I wish the Irish commentators would be pro Irish or at least fair to the Irish. The penalty turnaround was perfectly correct. Irish scrum and before the put in is taken the referee blows the whistle for an English penalty, Danny Care immediatelt tackles O'Leary to the ground, penalty Ireland and a possible yellow card. Then Haskell is the first man to intervene, again another possible yellow card for pushing O'Leary. It is then that Ferris charges in, but he is not the next man in like the Irish commentators said, that was in fact Haskell.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: EagleLord on February 27, 2010, 07:34:44 PM
Typical puke rugby from england. Good to see good attractive rugby winning out!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on February 27, 2010, 07:38:00 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 27, 2010, 07:31:27 PM
What ever about Brian Moore being pro english. I wish the Irish commentators would be pro Irish or at least fair to the Irish. The penalty turnaround was perfectly correct. Irish scrum and before the put in is taken the referee blows the whistle for an English penalty, Danny Care immediatelt tackles O'Leary to the ground, penalty Ireland and a possible yellow card. Then Haskell is the first man to intervene, again another possible yellow card for pushing O'Leary. It is then that Ferris charges in, but he is not the next man in like the Irish commentators said, that was in fact Haskell.

Couldn't agree more... exactly what I thought
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: thejuice on February 27, 2010, 07:45:51 PM
Not as much fun as it used to be, beating England used to be a big thing, feels forgetable already, wasnt a great game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: magpie seanie on February 27, 2010, 07:50:09 PM
Quote from: thejuice on February 27, 2010, 07:45:51 PM
Not as much fun as it used to be, beating England used to be a big thing, feels forgetable already, wasnt a great game.

Oh its still as much fun as ever. In fact, that one was sweeter than some of the hammerings we've dished out to them in recent times.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: orangeman on February 27, 2010, 07:54:21 PM
Did Martin Johnson make an eejit of himself in a TV interview afterwards by refusing to congratulate the Irish ???

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 27, 2010, 07:55:34 PM
Quote from: orangeman on February 27, 2010, 07:54:21 PM
Did Martin Johnson make an eejit of himself in a TV interview afterwards by refusing to congratulate the Irish ???
What did he say, or not say?
I wouldn't worry about a boor like Johnson.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: orangeman on February 27, 2010, 07:57:44 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on February 27, 2010, 07:55:34 PM
Quote from: orangeman on February 27, 2010, 07:54:21 PM
Did Martin Johnson make an eejit of himself in a TV interview afterwards by refusing to congratulate the Irish ???
What did he say, or not say?
I wouldn't worry about a boor like Johnson.


Apparently refused to congratulate the Irish on their win.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: tyronefan on February 27, 2010, 08:01:33 PM
what would you expect

thats the same p***k that made the President step of the red carpet
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: EagleLord on February 27, 2010, 08:06:04 PM
p***k. I still get mad when i see that footage. Hate the sight of him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Club Rossa on February 27, 2010, 08:08:04 PM
Great to stick it up them at Twickenham,especially with that hateful bollox Johnson over them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: blewuporstuffed on February 27, 2010, 08:11:50 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on February 27, 2010, 07:38:00 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 27, 2010, 07:31:27 PM
What ever about Brian Moore being pro english. I wish the Irish commentators would be pro Irish or at least fair to the Irish. The penalty turnaround was perfectly correct. Irish scrum and before the put in is taken the referee blows the whistle for an English penalty, Danny Care immediatelt tackles O'Leary to the ground, penalty Ireland and a possible yellow card. Then Haskell is the first man to intervene, again another possible yellow card for pushing O'Leary. It is then that Ferris charges in, but he is not the next man in like the Irish commentators said, that was in fact Haskell.

Couldn't agree more... exactly what I thought
Jees Brian moore is an obnoxious gobshite
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: orangeman on February 27, 2010, 08:19:30 PM
Quote from: tyronefan on February 27, 2010, 08:01:33 PM
what would you expect

thats the same p***k that made the President step of the red carpet


His colleagues would have been the boyos who used to stop us going to GAA matches, take us out of cars and generally be as obnoxious as he is now. Leopards and spots.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Farrandeelin on February 27, 2010, 08:21:52 PM
Quote from: EagleLord on February 27, 2010, 08:06:04 PM
p***k. I still get mad when i see that footage. Hate the sight of him.

I still get mad whenever I see his gorilla/ape/chimpanzee/monkey/orangutan head. Delighted Ireland won today, and I'm not a rugby man by any means but it's always nice to beat that shower...always.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Main Street on February 27, 2010, 08:30:13 PM
Quote from: thejuice on February 27, 2010, 07:45:51 PM
Not as much fun as it used to be, beating England used to be a big thing, feels forgetable already, wasnt a great game.
This one is for the exiles.
An exile can never get enough of that
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: AFS on February 27, 2010, 08:34:21 PM
Might be on my own here, but I don't mind Moore. He was 100% on the England try, which was a very good spot. He did go off a bit about the reversed penalty, but he probably called the ref out as much, if not more often, about penalties not given to Ireland as ones not given to England over the course of the game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: screenexile on February 27, 2010, 08:35:43 PM
Quote from: orangeman on February 27, 2010, 07:54:21 PM
Did Martin Johnson make an eejit of himself in a TV interview afterwards by refusing to congratulate the Irish ???

Was that the RTE intewrview? I just watched the BBC one and think he spoke honestly enough and I wouldn't say he has to congratulate us if he doesn't feel like it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: gawa316 on February 27, 2010, 08:36:47 PM
Quote from: AFS on February 27, 2010, 08:34:21 PM
Might be on my own here, but I don't mind Moore. He was 100% on the England try, which was a very good spot. He did go off a bit about the reversed penalty, but he probably called the ref out as much, if not more often, about penalties not given to Ireland as ones not given to England over the course of the game.

Have to say did like him slaggin Drogba in the 1st half
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: orangeman on February 27, 2010, 08:37:04 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 27, 2010, 08:35:43 PM
Quote from: orangeman on February 27, 2010, 07:54:21 PM
Did Martin Johnson make an eejit of himself in a TV interview afterwards by refusing to congratulate the Irish ???

Was that the RTE intewrview? I just watched the BBC one and think he spoke honestly enough and I wouldn't say he has to congratulate us if he doesn't feel like it.


RTE
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: tyronefan on February 27, 2010, 08:38:32 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 27, 2010, 08:35:43 PM
Quote from: orangeman on February 27, 2010, 07:54:21 PM
Did Martin Johnson make an eejit of himself in a TV interview afterwards by refusing to congratulate the Irish ???

Was that the RTE intewrview? I just watched the BBC one and think he spoke honestly enough and I wouldn't say he has to congratulate us if he doesn't feel like it.


doesnt have to but would just be manners

then again he has proven in the past he doesnt have any
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: screenexile on February 27, 2010, 08:39:48 PM
Quote from: orangeman on February 27, 2010, 08:37:04 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 27, 2010, 08:35:43 PM
Quote from: orangeman on February 27, 2010, 07:54:21 PM
Did Martin Johnson make an eejit of himself in a TV interview afterwards by refusing to congratulate the Irish ???

Was that the RTE intewrview? I just watched the BBC one and think he spoke honestly enough and I wouldn't say he has to congratulate us if he doesn't feel like it.


RTE

Feck I'd love to see that now. . . he was alright on BBC but if he was actin the dick with Tracey then he's a w**ker!

Declan Kidney is a legend. Lording O'Gara and Hayes in all his interviews he really seems to know how to keep everyone happy. Hope O'Driscoll is ok for the next day!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: screenexile on February 27, 2010, 08:43:32 PM
http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/sixnations/2010/0227/england_ireland.html

Did they cut some out of this orangeman?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: orangeman on February 27, 2010, 08:46:30 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 27, 2010, 08:43:32 PM
http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/sixnations/2010/0227/england_ireland.html

Did they cut some out of this orangeman?

Must have.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on February 27, 2010, 08:54:56 PM
Quote from: Main Street on February 27, 2010, 08:30:13 PM
Quote from: thejuice on February 27, 2010, 07:45:51 PM
Not as much fun as it used to be, beating England used to be a big thing, feels forgetable already, wasnt a great game.
This one is for the exiles.
An exile can never get enough of that

Aye was just thinking that there... Must be a huge day for all the Irish over there... even more so when we stuff them!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: comeontheredhands on February 27, 2010, 10:30:19 PM
was that Miley from GlenRoes brother who came on as sub
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Bogball XV on February 28, 2010, 01:15:40 AM
Quote from: screenexile on February 27, 2010, 08:43:32 PM
http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/sixnations/2010/0227/england_ireland.html

Did they cut some out of this orangeman?
don't think so, i saw the interview at the time and thought nothing of it, it was only when it went back to studio that the boys started giving out that he hadn't congratulated the irish - i'd agree with screen, if he doesn't want, he doesn't have to, it's no big deal either way?  Unless of course I missed him refusing to congratulate them?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Aerlik on February 28, 2010, 02:31:52 AM
Quote from: comeontheredhands on February 27, 2010, 10:30:19 PM
was that Miley from GlenRoes brother who came on as sub

I thought that too, watching the game in the Irish Club over here.  Not just any but EVERY win over the tans is to be relished, and especially by us exiles both in England and in other foreign countries.  We didn't have much to celebrate between 86 and 95 when I was living there.

There's a doco on ABC here about the demise of neanderthal man and some scientists' belief that rather than kill them off, Homo Sapiens actually interbred with them; well, Johnson is as prevalent an example of proof that that is more fact than theory.  What an ugly hoor.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Hedley Lamarr on February 28, 2010, 10:17:37 AM
Any win over England is to be relished, but especially at Twickenham......I've been there too often in the 80's when we were stuffed and had to endure "swing low".
Johnson was a great player/captain but does not appear to have much in the way of manners or grace.
Another Triple Crown?  Here's hoping.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on February 28, 2010, 10:52:28 AM
I have to say you really have to be critical of the way France and England play the game, not an ounce of creativity between them these days. France relied on 2 interceptions against the Welsh to score a try at all and the English player was obviously held up over the line. No proof he had the ball down at all.

In their games against Ireland the French relied on sin binnnings and missed tackles to make any impact on the try line. While against the Welsh the English made hay when the Welsh were down to 14 men and a late interception try. With 1 try against the Italians. Look at what the Irish and Welsh can do, score late great tries from anywhere at any time. The English and French are going to get some surprise when they go to play Argentina and South Africa in the world cup and find out who the real masters of 10 man power rugby are. That is before considering New Zealand at home, thy need to wise up a bit and Johnson does not seem to be the man.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on February 28, 2010, 11:08:23 AM
Eventually on to the game itself.

A well deserved victory by Ireland, 3 tries to nil tells its own story. Engalnd didn't threaten the Irish try line apart from a couple of occasions and their line out was put under a lot of pressure. Even benefitting from a couple of penalties given to monye one for sticking his boot into Jamie Heaslips chest and the other for backing into tommy Bow couldn't save them. Heaslip, Bowe, Ferris, Murphy Earls Sexton,(not goal kicking) all had good games. Good to see more of the younger generation being mentioned as the key performers.

Tony Buckley helped steady the scrum when he came in and might get a chance ahead of Hayes soon enough. There has been a lot of criticism of Buckleys game but I certainly don't think we would be taking a step back putting him into the tighthead spot for future games.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: nrico2006 on February 28, 2010, 11:54:55 AM
Capt pat England scored a try did.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: 13aside on February 28, 2010, 12:05:37 PM
well done to ireland yesterday for their great win against england at twickenham in a gruelling encounter,spoke to a well informed rugby supporter and in his opnion buckley is simply too tall for a tight-head prop-any views? 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: thejuice on February 28, 2010, 01:20:30 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on February 27, 2010, 08:54:56 PM
Quote from: Main Street on February 27, 2010, 08:30:13 PM
Quote from: thejuice on February 27, 2010, 07:45:51 PM
Not as much fun as it used to be, beating England used to be a big thing, feels forgetable already, wasnt a great game.
This one is for the exiles.
An exile can never get enough of that

Aye was just thinking that there... Must be a huge day for all the Irish over there... even more so when we stuff them!!

Really? I've been living in England these last 7 years.

It was great in 2004 as they were world champions as was beating them in Croke Park but they are only a pale shadow of that team now. English fans are aware of this that their team are not what they used to be nor where they should be given the resources and tradition they have. Beating them now feels no different to beating Wales, Scotland or anyone else for me.

Mind you it was generally Englands tactics that made it a poor game to watch.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on February 28, 2010, 03:06:25 PM
Buckley is no taller than John Hayes. Where it may create a problem is the comparison between Buckley and Healy, I do not think it would be good for the hooker to be binding with a guy of 5ft 10 on one side and 6ft 7 on the other. All the things they are saying about Buckley are a repeat of the same things they were saying about Hayes 100 caps ago.

Yes England may have scored a try yesterday but nobody knos for sure.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 28, 2010, 03:28:48 PM
Yep, he's about the same height as John Hayes, though looks much bulkier. Unfortunately Hayes really looks in decline,

If Buckley's scrummaging is as poor as claimed, then Hayes must now be in a really bad way.
Buckley looks decent in open play. He made one very good turnover when Ireland were on the back foot late on.
Giving Buckley or Court a start is not such a huge punt given the pressure the scrum has been under lately.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: DuffleKing on February 28, 2010, 05:53:15 PM

Buckley has to be seriously looked at. the only way to get the bull to the world cup next year is as an impact sub for the last 20, when packs are tiring. for that to work, someone has to start.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 28, 2010, 05:59:35 PM
A half-dead John Hayes is still a better scrummager that Tony Buckley, if he was to start we would get maimed in the scrums. It's his bread and butter and quite frankly he's shit at it. Any Munster fan would tell you the same.

Now he did ok yesterday but until Munster get a scrum doctor in I just can't see him improving enough. Mike Ross and Tom Court are better scrummagers imho.

Tight-head determines how your scrum goes, only out-halfs get paid more in the professional game in England.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: thewobbler on February 28, 2010, 06:07:05 PM
Hayes has got 100 caps for two reasons, one is a lack of outstanding Irish props over the past decade, but the other and more pertinent being that both management and the media have been unwilling to give any other props the chance to break through properly during that time.

He is a decent, honest player, but even at his peak five years ago he was miles behind every other six nations tighthead.

So while I thank him for service to his country, I am actually looking forward to seeing the scrummaging and dynamism of the Irish pack improving, simply be his long overdue replacement.

If Kidney is even considering him for the world cup, it shows just how every manager has weaknesses.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: AZOffaly on February 28, 2010, 06:13:04 PM
Jaysus Wobbler, you have a real set against the Munster lads. O'Gara, O'Leary and Hayes have all been slated by you :D

Munster must be dog lucky to be competitive with weaklings like that around the place....

I do think Hayes is one of the worst scrummagers at tight head, but as Dinny says, Buckley is far worse.

Buckley is more dynamic around the loose, but Hayes is a monster at the lineout. His strength is immense there, and that will be missed when he goes. He is also first tackler a lot of the time around the rucks. Buckley is good for the odd big clearout defensively or offensively at ruck time, but his basics are far behind Hayes.

Hayes has been a fantastic servant for IReland and Munster, and is a sound man too. He'll be missed when he goes, but that time is obviously getting ever closer. Buckley needs to seriously get his act together, and Laurie Fisher at Munster is not the man to coach him. I wonder would the Claw come in there?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: thewobbler on February 28, 2010, 06:24:21 PM
You're probably right AZ, there's a bias in there I can't get rid of.

The Munster are the greatest team ever sh1te really does rile me, and while I can appreciate the brilliance of some of their players over the past decade - POC, DOC, Wallace, Leamy and Quinlan in particular - I'd also think that in the shape of Foley, Stringer and O'Gara, they've produced the three most overrated and uninspiring recurring international players of the time.

Hayes falls somewhere in between - he has largely been the best tighthead of the decade in Ireland, but his number of average to poor games in a green shirt are now readily glossed over by the "great servant" and "bull of a man" stuff.

Last thing on him, his fans always bring this lineout stuff into the equation. I've never ever heard another prop being recommended for his lineout abilities. This creates a quandary for me. Either he is the greatest lineout lifter in the history of the game and should be feted as such, or maybe it's worth considering that the only people in the world who care so much about lineout lifting abilities tend to wear red shirts, are impossible to understand, and will furiously claim they were there when the All Blacks got beaten.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on February 28, 2010, 06:37:57 PM
That Munster set , O'Gara, Stringer, Foley, Hayes, Flannery and the others drove this Irish team to its highest ever levels for the best part of a decade. Not all of them were the best in the world but collectively they were not far off it.

Hayes did ok in the scrum considering the French and English scrums he has played against 20 times or more in the 6 nations. There was nobody else to pick. Buckley will be fine in future if he can get over the ranting and raving of critics like Wobbler he certainly won't be a step back.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 28, 2010, 06:41:13 PM
QuoteThat Munster set , O'Gara, Stringer, Foley, Hayes, Flannery and the others drove this Irish team to its highest ever levels for the best part of a decade. Not all of them were the best in the world but collectively they were not far off it.

Pass me a bucket

QuoteBuckley will be fine in future

No he won't, he's an awful scrummager period.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on February 28, 2010, 07:31:10 PM
Bit harsh on the Bull there Wobbler. I can't think of any other realistic options at tight-head in the last decade. Paul Wallace was plagued by injuries when Hayes was starting off and both the Leinster and Ulster teams have had mostly foreign props during that period - BJ Botha, CJ Van Der Linde, Stan Wright, Will Green, Robbie Kempson. Court has played most of his rugby at loose-head over the last few years and Mike Ross is well down the pecking order at Leinster. Its a pity Buckley didn't go to Bath a few years ago because his game would have benefitted from playing week in, week out. I still think Timmy Ryan at Toulon could be the long term solution at three.

Good gritty performance yesterday. The defense was superb. To only miss one tackle over eighty minutes is some going. Huge improvement from Paris. Thought Geordie Murphy was excellent at full-back considering how little rugby he has played this season. Earls showed his promise with one or two great breaks. I hope the rumours of Riki Flutey going to Munster aren't true because I think he'll benefit hugely from nailing down a position in the centre.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: highorlow on February 28, 2010, 07:49:15 PM
Was it just my brain / imagination or did I hear correct during the match yesterday one of our lads saying "english pricks" and it was heard on the TV?

Did anyone else here this and confirm that i did hear it?

It was in the first half, i'd say about a half hour into the game? I thought i was imagining it and then in the 2nd half you could hear the players clear enough through the ref's mic ....
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on February 28, 2010, 08:19:06 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 28, 2010, 06:41:13 PM
QuoteThat Munster set , O'Gara, Stringer, Foley, Hayes, Flannery and the others drove this Irish team to its highest ever levels for the best part of a decade. Not all of them were the best in the world but collectively they were not far off it.

Pass me a bucket

[

Somebody  had an awful hard time of it the last 10 years with a very successful Munster rugby team. I meant collectively O'Connell, O'Callaghan, Leamy and Wallace and at international level O'Driscoll and Darcy in the mix as well.

When is Leamy coming back?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: cookstownblue on March 03, 2010, 04:38:10 PM
Met Geordan murphy, in a pub in London Sunday night, must have been pretty late, and a guy comes up to him,
"Gordon, great game yesterday, well done Gordan!"
To which he replies,
"Gordan? Me name's not f**kin Gordon, Call me Gordon again and I'll F**k yee down them stairs!"

lol I laughed! He prob gets this a lot!

Real nice guy too, he was full of banter ( and jaigermeister)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - England v Ireland, 27 February 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on March 08, 2010, 04:34:37 PM
Looks like Kearney  will be grand for Saturday



Rob Kearney came through a full session with Ireland today but is not guaranteed to slot straight back into the first XV against Wales.

Kearney completed a full session in Greystones today prior to tomorrow's selection announcement for Saturday's RBS 6 Nations clash with Wales.

Captain and centre Brian O'Driscoll and number eight Jamie Heaslip all took a full part in the session.

But Kearney is not guaranteed to come straight back into the starting line-up having missed the match against England with Geordan Murphy impressing in his absence.

Speaking to RTÉ Sport's Michael Corcoran, Ireland attack coach Alan Gaffney said:' 'Rob Kearney trained today and came through the whole session. It looks like he'll be okay. We've got to go through the selection process.

'Obviously Geordan played very, very well against England and he played extremely well on the weekend (for Leicester) against London Irish, which we kept a close eye on.'

But Kearney is available and his speedy recovery may play a role in the selection debate, while Ireland will have a full deck to select from in the other positions.

Gaffney added: 'Kearns is back and he hasn't been out for that long since he got hurt in the first 20 minutes against France. Everybody else is available apart from the long-term injuries.'

O'Driscoll was forced off in the final quarter of the 16-20 victory against England after being struck on the head by Paul O'Connell's knee.

Gaffney added that O'Driscoll has 'recovered well' from the blow, which clearly staggered him.

O'Driscoll subsequently described England centre and Lions team-mate Riki Flutey as 'the villain of the piece' for his part in the clash.

The Ireland captain wrote in his IRFU blog: 'As for the blame game, I'm beginning to come round to the suggestion that Riki Flutey is the villain of the piece.

'If he had not tripped me, I think I would have collected the chip ahead comfortably and not found myself scrambling around unaware that I was about to become road-kill.'

O'Driscoll was also the victim of a late hit by Flutey when Ireland beat England last year.

Heaslip completed 80-minutes against England but was seen to be limping in the aftermath of the game but he has now made a full recovery and is available for selection.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Wales 13 March 2010
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on March 09, 2010, 01:33:48 PM
Team unchanged from Twickenham. Kearney replaces Trimble on the bench.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Wales 13 March 2010
Post by: AZOffaly on March 09, 2010, 01:45:06 PM
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on March 09, 2010, 01:33:48 PM
Team unchanged from Twickenham. Kearney replaces Trimble on the bench.

Delighted for Geordan Murphy. Kearney will be back obviously, but Murphy did nothing wrong at Twickenham, so it's right that he retains his place.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Wales 13 March 2010
Post by: Aghdavoyle on March 09, 2010, 02:02:58 PM

Haven't seen murphy other than the england game since he returned from injury. He dropped one dolly in that one. how has he been playing and particularly, how has he been tackling?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Wales 13 March 2010
Post by: Archie Mitchell on March 13, 2010, 02:41:59 PM
Always great to see big John Hayes show so much emotion during the anthems.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Wales 13 March 2010
Post by: AidyMac on March 13, 2010, 02:48:36 PM
stuck at work

anyone got a link to the game?

cheers

sorry - found a link on rte
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Wales 13 March 2010
Post by: Hoof Hearted on March 13, 2010, 03:33:43 PM
poor start by both teams, but yet again in this tournament, it shows that you cant afford to be a man down at this level. Ireland scored 2 tries when Lee Byrne was sin-binned. Good tries by Earls and O'Leary.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Wales 13 March 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on March 13, 2010, 05:01:24 PM
Just back from the game. It was a strangely muted atmosphere at this game, double agent Lee Byrne won it for us with the sin binning and penalty in the second half. Nice performances from O'Leary and Earls amongst others.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Wales 13 March 2010
Post by: Premier Emperor on March 13, 2010, 05:15:38 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on March 13, 2010, 05:01:24 PM
Just back from the game. It was a strangely muted atmosphere at this game, double agent Lee Byrne won it for us with the sin binning and penalty in the second half.
He must be from Wicklow with a name like that!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Wales 13 March 2010
Post by: thewobbler on March 13, 2010, 06:07:52 PM
That was impressive enough from Ireland today. Patient, committed and clinical.

Sexton had on off-game yet our backs still look much livelier for his presence than they normally do with ROG pulling the strings.

O'Leary was very good, even if some of his passing was dreadful. I would have usurped him for man of the match though by any of Wallace, O'Connell, Earls, and even Rory Best - whose defensive effort was superb. In fairness, it's nice to have that many contenders for MotM.


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Wales 13 March 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on March 14, 2010, 12:55:48 AM
With the missed kicks of Sexton and a lot of balls kicked straight into touch by the Irish team and a lot of very handy penalties given to the Welsh today I though it was a very poot effort by Wales to be 15 points behind at the end. they were never really at the races today. The Irish team is stronger than ever as of this moment in time. Stronger than it was last year and just had a bad day at the office against the French. Some players are aging though and the world cup can not come soon enough.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Wales 13 March 2010
Post by: mackers on March 14, 2010, 10:15:22 AM
Ireland seem to be happy to trust their defence and hit teams on the break. O'Leary should be to stop box-kicking cause he can't do it, always too long but that aside he played well. Thought Rory Best was MOTM myself. As an aside, I've noticed that ROG belts out the anthem but NEVER sings Ireland's Call, good number of the players sing the anthem and not Ireland's Call.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Wales 13 March 2010
Post by: gallsman on March 14, 2010, 10:38:57 AM
Good win considering how little ball we had. Great to see a killer instinct in some of our play at long last. Several outstanding displays as mentioned above. BOD didn't have the greatest of days on his century what with penalties, missed tackles and poor kicks, but considering the guy's achievements and standing, I think he can be allowed one bad day!

On a more serious note, Sexton remains to convince that he's the real deal. Yesterday had some flashes of ability with the drop goal, but both his place kicking and from hand were very poor. I've discussed this with a few people and they've said "he's young" or "he needs time" but it's not as if the guy is a baby, he's nearly 25. I think he's very much the "next best" after O'Gara instead of a true replacement. For all the depth in several positions Ireland ave these days, with a lot more promising players at the various under-age levels, we've a shocking lack of out-halves.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on March 14, 2010, 07:19:49 PM
Sexton kicked well last year, but this year he has gone back to what he was like when he first came on the Leinster team as a goal kicker. He needs to get refocused at his goal kicking. At this point in time he should be dropped. Kicking the ball straight into touch is not good enough at this level either. I do expect him to be Irelands first choice outhalf in the world cup in 18 months
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 14, 2010, 08:29:15 PM
QuoteAt this point in time he should be dropped

For who? an out half who can't tackle, can't break and gets turned over regularly. Irelands backplay is a lot more clinical with Sexton at the helm.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: slow corner back on March 14, 2010, 08:36:44 PM
I am not a rugby player at all and could well be talking nonsense but how hard would it be to coach goalkicking to a talented out half? While we are at it why dont Rob Kearney and possibly one of the wings take a little coaching too to give Ireland some options at place kicking time. I noticed in yesterdays game for one long range penalty wales had a choice of Jones, Hook or Halfpenny to take it. Do Irish coaches always rely on the out half to take the kicks?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: thewobbler on March 14, 2010, 08:48:23 PM
QuoteI am not a rugby player at all and could well be talking nonsense but how hard would it be to coach goalkicking to a talented out half? While we are at it why dont Rob Kearney and possibly one of the wings take a little coaching too to give Ireland some options at place kicking time. I noticed in yesterdays game for one long range penalty wales had a choice of Jones, Hook or Halfpenny to take it. Do Irish coaches always rely on the out half to take the kicks?
There are two poor flaws in what you are saying.

The simpler one is that although Wales might have appear to have a choice of Jones, Hook or Halfpenny for their long-range kicks, the reality is that Halfpenny is a poorish kicker in terms of accuracy, and only comes into the reckoning because Jones doesn't have a long boot, while kicking consistency has always been a problem for the otherwise prodigious Hook. So for long-range kicks they tend to all look at each other, work out who is the most confident then generally watch as the incumbent fails miserably.


Regarding coaching people to goal kick - the major problem here is that you can't really coach length of kick. Undoubtedly you can add yards to your kicking length by improving technique, but this is something that happens through years of practice, not weeks or months.

And when you bring angles into the equatation, even most conversions require the ability to clear a 10ft bar from 30 yards. Out-halves, who have played a kicking role since they were nippers and as such tend to have a strong kicking leg, mostly just have to worry about accuracy. Which has to make them a better better 95 times out of 100 than a winger who has spent the last 15 years developing muscles to make him run quicker.   




Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Wales 13 March 2010
Post by: Bord na Mona man on March 14, 2010, 08:51:41 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 14, 2010, 10:38:57 AM
On a more serious note, Sexton remains to convince that he's the real deal. Yesterday had some flashes of ability with the drop goal, but both his place kicking and from hand were very poor. I've discussed this with a few people and they've said "he's young" or "he needs time" but it's not as if the guy is a baby, he's nearly 25. I think he's very much the "next best" after O'Gara instead of a true replacement. For all the depth in several positions Ireland ave these days, with a lot more promising players at the various under-age levels, we've a shocking lack of out-halves.
Sexton may not be the real deal, but he is a better all round player than O'Gara.
He offers more of a threat with ball in hand. He can distribute running forward, make breaks, commit tacklers to create space for others, offload in the tackle and also tackle himself.

It isn't coincidence that in the last two 2 games, Ireland have run in 6 decent tries with good thinking from Sexton being a feature in many of them.

While Sexton can operate flatter, O'Gara is forced to sit too deep in the pocket because of his lack of abilities in the contact area and his propensity to turn it over in contact. While he brings good tactical kicking and a safe flat pass (though usually away from the gain line), his game doesn't have enough dimensions to it to succeed against the top 4 teams in World rugby. He is fairly consistent and has served Ireland well to a point, but his record on the big stage is not good.
If you don't believe me, then look at he how he has performed on World Cups, Lions tours, Southern Hemisphere Tours and trips to Paris. 

WC2011 won't buck the trend. At least with Sexton, though he is certainly far from perfect he has more to his overall game. He stuck over the first 11 kicks for Ireland without missing one, so I wouldn't be too worried that his kicking is flawed.

Declan Kidney will dish out the platitudes about how great it is to have two great fly halves, but his mind is already made up. His stated his ambition is for Ireland to evolve towards more of a running game, instead of just kicking it all the time. ROG will be thrown a few appearances to keep him fresh, but Sexton has the jersey long term.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Bord na Mona man on March 14, 2010, 08:53:48 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 14, 2010, 08:29:15 PM
QuoteAt this point in time he should be dropped

For who? an out half who can't tackle, can't break and gets turned over regularly. Irelands backplay is a lot more clinical with Sexton at the helm.
Put a lot more succinctly than I could put it  ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on March 14, 2010, 09:58:11 PM
Look lads if he deson't kick the goals, he can't be on the team it is as simple as that. It is something he will have to deal with and I think he will. Nobody else has stepped up to the plate to do the job from other positions so it is O'gara or Sexton and if one of them is not doing the business then the other gets their place in the team. Sexton looks like he might be the better all round prospect but if he doesn't do the simple things like easy kicks at goal and a kick going straight into touch then that is not good to the team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: thewobbler on March 14, 2010, 10:41:32 PM
Capt Pat, I refer you to the last World Cup, when ROG could neither kick a goal nor find touch, despite being a 50+ capped international.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: ha ha derry on March 15, 2010, 08:12:51 AM
With the six nations all but over Sexton can count himself lucky to be ahead in the race for the No 10 shirt. He was at best average.
Against England it was noticeable the look of relief on the forwards demeanour when O Gara took to the field. The forwards seem to trust him. This kind of trust takes time to earn.
I still think the problem lies at scrum half, ( I know O LEARY was man of the match against the worst pack Ireland have played against this year) poor passing and box kicks against better opposition will be costly.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: orangeman on March 15, 2010, 10:17:19 AM
O'Gara has been there done that etc etc - Sexton might never reach those dizzy heights.

I'd stick with the tried and tested for now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: AZOffaly on March 15, 2010, 10:49:33 AM
Nah, can't agree with some of this. I have great time for ROG, and I appreciate him more than most on here (Wobbler, that means you :D) but this is the time to blood Sexton seriously. Give him game time. He is the heir apparent, and his overall game means he is not severely handicapping the side at all, in fact he does look good with the ball in hand, and he is a far better tackler.

His kicking from hand and from the tee will get better as he gets comfortable in his surrounds. But you won't solve that problem by dropping him. After the French defeat, it was obvious that this was the opportunity to give him his head. Dropping him now when there's no real need to would be damaging for him. (Might be great for Munster if he got the heebie jeebies, but for Ireland in the bigger picture we need him confident and playing well)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: thewobbler on March 15, 2010, 11:03:14 AM
He's a poor player AZ and you know it :)

Seriously though, look at the Irish backline heading to the World Cup. Bowe and Kearney would have serious claims to be considered in the best team in the world. Earls and Fitzgerald are intelligent, athletic and prolific and have a year of growing ahead of them. BOD, Murphy and D'Arcy may have their best years behind them, but they can read and run lines as well as anyone. O'Leary is a flyer. Handicapping that backline with a fly-half who is only effective in the pocket would be madness.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: AZOffaly on March 15, 2010, 11:20:55 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 15, 2010, 11:03:14 AM
He's a poor player AZ and you know it :)

Seriously though, look at the Irish backline heading to the World Cup. Bowe and Kearney would have serious claims to be considered in the best team in the world. Earls and Fitzgerald are intelligent, athletic and prolific and have a year of growing ahead of them. BOD, Murphy and D'Arcy may have their best years behind them, but they can read and run lines as well as anyone. O'Leary is a flyer. Handicapping that backline with a fly-half who is only effective in the pocket would be madness.

Not arguing with that. I suppose the only thing is that during games, or even starting certain games, where the game plan is based on field position rather than releasing the backs, then O'Gara is probably better at the moment. But Sexton will be grand at that as well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Wales 13 March 2010
Post by: The Subbie on March 15, 2010, 11:35:27 AM
Quote from: mackers on March 14, 2010, 10:15:22 AM
As an aside, I've noticed that ROG belts out the anthem but NEVER sings Ireland's Call, good number of the players sing the anthem and not Ireland's Call.

Heard a good one in the pub on Sat when the teams ran out a lad in the bar said he was away to put a few bets on and would be back when the eurovision before the game was over ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: johnneycool on March 15, 2010, 11:47:05 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 14, 2010, 10:41:32 PM
Capt Pat, I refer you to the last World Cup, when ROG could neither kick a goal nor find touch, despite being a 50+ capped international.

Sexton will improve with the more gametime he gets now, O'Gara will only get worse as he's peaked a few years back.

Kidney has to keep the World cup as his main target and work to get 20 odd lads up to scratch for that. O'Gara and Hayes shouldn't be part of that, well maybe O'Gara from the bench if I'm being kind.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: AZOffaly on March 15, 2010, 11:51:24 AM
O'Gara will be in the World Cup squad unless he gets tired of being backup and retires from Ireland (not beyond the realms of possibility). If you could combine Sexton's tackling and offensive positioning with O'Gara's field management and goal kicking (normally) you'd have a hell of an out half.

As I said, Sexton contributes more in an all round sense to this Ireland team, and should be the first choice #10. But if Sexton has a bad day, or gets hurt, I don't think the forwards would mind ROG coming on. The backs might be disappointed mind you.

Still not a bad option to have.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Hound on March 15, 2010, 12:53:12 PM
I wonder will Kidney shake things up a bit next week, just to keep players on their toes?

Maybe O'Gara and Kearney will both start, maybe Trimble too if Darce is anything less than 100%. Jennings, Cullen and Buckley might also have a shout of a start (in that order). If Sexton doesn't start I reckon Kidney will give him a good 20 minutes anyway.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on March 15, 2010, 02:19:53 PM
Sexton is a handy player but he is not the second coming of Christ. The reality is there is nobody else to take the goal kicks, so until Sexton gets his head back in that game he is off the team. The same would be true the other way round with O'Gara. There is a triple crown on the line next week which is something more important than the ego and confidence of the outhalf.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: johnneycool on March 15, 2010, 03:28:33 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on March 15, 2010, 02:19:53 PM
Sexton is a handy player but he is not the second coming of Christ. The reality is there is nobody else to take the goal kicks, so until Sexton gets his head back in that game he is off the team. The same would be true the other way round with O'Gara. There is a triple crown on the line next week which is something more important than the ego and confidence of the outhalf.

Does anyone other than Ireland give a f**k for this triple crown shite?

Would i be right in saying they didn't even have a trophy for it until a few years back?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: AZOffaly on March 15, 2010, 03:31:43 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on March 15, 2010, 03:28:33 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on March 15, 2010, 02:19:53 PM
Sexton is a handy player but he is not the second coming of Christ. The reality is there is nobody else to take the goal kicks, so until Sexton gets his head back in that game he is off the team. The same would be true the other way round with O'Gara. There is a triple crown on the line next week which is something more important than the ego and confidence of the outhalf.

Does anyone other than Ireland give a f**k for this triple crown shite?

Would i be right in saying they didn't even have a trophy for it until a few years back?

I think it's a historical throwback from when it was the 4 nations. Then a triple crown was a de facto Grand Slam. Then France came in and spoiled everything :D

There was no trophy for it until the late 90s I think, or maybe even later. Then they robbed the Wimbledon Women's Singles trophy and awarded it to Ireland.

In fairness I think, for historical reasons, the Scots, Welsh and English (probably in that order) still care about it. It's a tangible version of local 'bragging rights'.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Hardy on March 15, 2010, 03:46:00 PM
Think of it as a bit like the O'Byrne Shield.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Caid on March 15, 2010, 04:48:48 PM
Bit of a long shot I know but if anyone has any spare tickets (reasonably priced ones) for the match at the weekend would you should me an email (b1461402@qub.ac.uk)

Cheers
Caid
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: passedit on March 15, 2010, 04:53:25 PM
Quote from: Hardy on March 15, 2010, 03:46:00 PM
Think of it as a bit like the O'Byrne Shield.

That'd be the Calcutta Cup.

Treated with due respect by messrs Jeffrey and Richards back in the day.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: highorlow on March 15, 2010, 07:08:53 PM
Great win for Munster on Saturday.

Good warm up for the HC.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: trileacman on March 15, 2010, 10:29:52 PM
Alot of shite being posted on here. Firstly Kearny is not or nowhere near the Worlds best FB. Off hand I can think of Byrne and now poitranaud being better. That's not even considering Southern Hemisphere sides. Murphy's two displays have been superior to alot of Kearny's rugby in the past year and he should now be given the Full back shirt in my opinion.

Kearny has no attacking threat compared with any other world class full back and is only considered so highly because of his capable hands and strong boot which we all love coz it minds us of a GAA midfielder or FB.

Interesting to see the Sexton apolygists out in force. Had ROG produced these kicking displays the same men would have been twisting the knife in no time. But anyway we are going down this road so we'll have to stick with him. He does get the best out of the backs and aids the defence.

George Hook is also right. The triple crown is a losers trophy and means shite all. However we still have to win this match and cant afford to piss about with the team too much, starting trimble would be dabbling with defeat, he's an awful centre. The only change I would believe in making is starting Mushy to see if he can scrummage. We are now 12 months from a WC and we have an embarassment of a scrum. If Mushy is the way forward (which he isn't) then we need to bleed him quickly.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: ludermor on March 15, 2010, 11:03:36 PM
On current form Byrne is cack! And Poitranaud is still flakey as f**k. Kearney hasnt been great for the last 6 months but i wouldnt write off all his last years form when he was superb.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on March 15, 2010, 11:13:12 PM
Quote from: trileacman on March 15, 2010, 10:29:52 PM
Alot of shite being posted on here. Firstly Kearny is not or nowhere near the Worlds best FB. Off hand I can think of Byrne and now poitranaud being better. That's not even considering Southern Hemisphere sides. Murphy's two displays have been superior to alot of Kearny's rugby in the past year and he should now be given the Full back shirt in my opinion.

Kearny has no attacking threat compared with any other world class full back and is only considered so highly because of his capable hands and strong boot which we all love coz it minds us of a GAA midfielder or FB.

Kearney's current form is only middling but you must not have seen him play last season at all if you think he has no attacking threat. Poitrenaud is currently playing fairly well but is always an accident waiting to happen and it will happen. Byrne's current form is much like Kearney's. Middling at best.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on March 16, 2010, 12:31:41 AM
Quote from: trileacman on March 15, 2010, 10:29:52 PM
Alot of shite being posted on here. .


Aint that the truth.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: screenexile on March 16, 2010, 12:58:28 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on March 16, 2010, 12:31:41 AM
Quote from: trileacman on March 15, 2010, 10:29:52 PM
Alot of shite being posted on here. .


Aint that the truth.

Sexton's shit. . . NO O'Gara's shite!! NO!! Kearney's shite! O'Leary's shite, Stringers shite, Hayes is shite, our scrum is shite, O'Callaghan's shite too and so is Trimble and Paddy Wallace, Murphy's shite as is Reddan and our whole scrum. . .

f**k me it's a wonder that we win a match at all!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: ha ha derry on March 16, 2010, 09:06:29 AM
Quote from: screenexile on March 16, 2010, 12:58:28 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on March 16, 2010, 12:31:41 AM
Quote from: trileacman on March 15, 2010, 10:29:52 PM
Alot of shite being posted on here. .


Aint that the truth.


Sexton's shit. . . NO O'Gara's shite!! NO!! Kearney's shite! O'Leary's shite, Stringers shite, Hayes is shite, our scrum is shite, O'Callaghan's shite too and so is Trimble and Paddy Wallace, Murphy's shite as is Reddan and our whole scrum. . .

f**k me it's a wonder that we win a match at all!!!


:D :D :D :D

It used to be better craic when every ten or so matches Ireland would win one.  ::)
Seriously though Declan Kidney knows what he is doing and will have the best available squad ready for the world cup.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Hound on March 16, 2010, 12:29:07 PM
No change!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: ludermor on March 17, 2010, 07:23:46 PM
Quote from: Caid on March 15, 2010, 04:48:48 PM
Bit of a long shot I know but if anyone has any spare tickets (reasonably priced ones) for the match at the weekend would you should me an email (b1461402@qub.ac.uk)

Cheers
Caid
Caid i sent you a mail
Title: Johnno drops Johnny
Post by: Aghdavoyle on March 17, 2010, 09:52:10 PM

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12333_6032457,00.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Declan on March 19, 2010, 12:14:02 PM
Not strictly related to the International scene but heard a story this morning from a pal who is involved at club level. It related to the sending off off a Clongowes player in the Senior Cup semi-final against St Mary's for eye gouging. He was reported and under the laws had to appear before the Leinster Branch disciplinary committee who decided to take no further action. Apparently the player was accompanied to the hearing by the school principal and also a Senior Counsel who indicated that if anything was done about suspensions etc before the final then they would all end up on in court. In other words this lad is playing in the final come what may. Anyway the outcome was that he did play.
A lot of clubs in particular very unhappy about the stance taken by the Leinster Branch given the French incidents this year in the H cup and how dangerous it is but they basically backed down under threat. What's more interesting from my perspective is the complete lack of coverage of it in the mainstream media. Should I be surprised??? 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: ludermor on March 19, 2010, 12:30:39 PM
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2010/0312/1224266110474.html

The times had reported it but is doesnt seem to have got widespread coverage ( that say a dirty french player would have got!)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on March 19, 2010, 02:18:38 PM
Tipperary did the same trick for the All Ireland minor hurling final with an actual trip to the high court a few years back. Not for eye gouging but it still seems very unfair that teenagers use barristers to get away with these suspensions.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on March 19, 2010, 02:22:36 PM
Aye I think I read about that in the Sunday Independent, maybe Hook might have mentioned it in his column
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: leenie on March 19, 2010, 06:22:17 PM
wonder what would be a good bet to put on... try and salvage something out of the week!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: orangeman on March 19, 2010, 06:32:24 PM
Quote from: leenie on March 19, 2010, 06:22:17 PM
wonder what would be a good bet to put on... try and salvage something out of the week!


Scotland plus 14.5 points.  Evens.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: muppet on March 19, 2010, 06:37:49 PM
Quote from: leenie on March 19, 2010, 06:22:17 PM
wonder what would be a good bet to put on... try and salvage something out of the week!

John Hayes to bawl his eyes out during the National Anthem 1/8
Mary Harney to become the first Minister to go grazing on Croke Park 2/1
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Aerlik on March 20, 2010, 12:39:17 PM
Could someone please let me know of an internet link, if available, to watch the game.  Thanks.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: anportmorforjfc on March 20, 2010, 05:13:28 PM
Ireland have dropped the ball about 5 times so far. Reminding me of the world cup games in 2007 ::)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: thewobbler on March 20, 2010, 05:17:09 PM
Another welcome nail in the coffin of O'Gara's international career :)

Tremendous work by Sexton.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Schkite on March 20, 2010, 05:52:30 PM
Great work for the try no doubt, but his kicking nightmare continues, another missed right in front of the posts. Hopefully he can land his next one as we'll need him on song to get back in front against Scotland who've done well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on March 20, 2010, 05:56:46 PM
In trouble here.... lineout giving a bit of bother unlike other days... scrum in trouble too.  Unreal amount of errors too.  But I still feel a few of those back line moves are 1 or 2 passes away from cutting the Scots defence up
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Main Street on March 20, 2010, 06:06:17 PM
Too easy for Scotland.
Bring ROG on.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Schkite on March 20, 2010, 06:07:01 PM
Another bad miss, his confidence just seems to be shot, we'll see ROG soon, 10 points behind and we need points on the board quick.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: trileacman on March 20, 2010, 06:12:13 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 20, 2010, 05:17:09 PM
Another welcome nail in the coffin of O'Gara's international career :)

Tremendous work by Sexton.

:D :D :D :D :D :D
Good to see the sexton apolygists out in force.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Main Street on March 20, 2010, 06:27:36 PM
ROG rules  OK.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Bogball XV on March 20, 2010, 06:36:32 PM
what's the point in having a game clock when they don't stop it half the time, took nearly 2 mins for that penalty
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Schkite on March 20, 2010, 06:42:09 PM
Thon fcuker Parks taking his time alright.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: DirtyDozen12 on March 20, 2010, 06:43:31 PM
Quote from: Schkite on March 20, 2010, 06:42:09 PM
Thon fcuker Parks taking his time alright.

Some kick, let the tears begin  :'( :'(
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Schkite on March 20, 2010, 06:45:02 PM
Great kick alright, under big pressure and loud boos to be fair. Can't say they didn't deserve it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Main Street on March 20, 2010, 06:45:13 PM
Parks is doing exactly what O'Gara would do in the same circumstances.

Well done to Scotland, a well deserved victory
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: tyroneboi on March 20, 2010, 06:46:19 PM
Can't really have any arguments with that result.

Lost the first and last match at Croke Park.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on March 20, 2010, 06:47:52 PM
Line out was a disaster... Was Best to blame for all those crooked throws?  No confidence in Cronin obviously that he didn't come on
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Hedley Lamarr on March 20, 2010, 06:57:07 PM
Hard luck today, if we had won it would have been 5th Triple Crown in 7 years....not bad for a team with a small squad to pick from.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on March 20, 2010, 07:06:11 PM
Very poor performance. Set-piece went to pot altogether. If you have a weak scrum you better have a good lineout to make up for it and the lineout malfunctioned completely. Ireland seemed to start too casually as well. The first 20 minutes they were throwing the ball about like it was a game of sevens and while they did score a good try they also spilled a lot of ball. Sexton really needs to sort out his place kicking. He's left a lot of points on the field during the 6 Nations. Pity as in general play he's done well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: rosnarun on March 20, 2010, 07:07:10 PM
WELL DONE TO THE IRFU MINOR SLAM AND DOUBLE CROWN CHAMPIONS 2010
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on March 20, 2010, 07:13:55 PM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on March 20, 2010, 07:06:11 PM
Very poor performance. Set-piece went to pot altogether. If you have a weak scrum you better have a good lineout to make up for it and the lineout malfunctioned completely. Ireland seemed to start too casually as well. The first 20 minutes they were throwing the ball about like it was a game of sevens and while they did score a good try they also spilled a lot of ball. Sexton really needs to sort out his place kicking. He's left a lot of points on the field during the 6 Nations. Pity as in general play he's done well.

Completely agree with all that
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Bogball XV on March 20, 2010, 07:28:29 PM
Quote from: Main Street on March 20, 2010, 06:45:13 PM
Parks is doing exactly what O'Gara would do in the same circumstances.

Well done to Scotland, a well deserved victory
agree, but since they have a clock, why don't they stop it under these circumstances - it's obvious that some players take longer at certain stages of the game, so they could easily put a stop to this.  It's possible that in the past the ref would have added time for this sort of time wasting, but obviously he doesn't anymore.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Main Street on March 20, 2010, 07:30:33 PM
90 seconds alloted to a kick.

Did Rog have a perfect penalty record 11/11?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on March 20, 2010, 07:36:35 PM
Quote from: Main Street on March 20, 2010, 07:30:33 PM
90 seconds alloted to a kick.

One minute.

QuoteThe kicker must take the kick within one minute from the time the kicker has indicated an intention to kick.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Farrandeelin on March 20, 2010, 07:57:34 PM
Quote from: rosnarun on March 20, 2010, 07:07:10 PM
WELL DONE TO THE IRFU MINOR SLAM AND DOUBLE CROWN CHAMPIONS 2010

:D :D :D :D

Couldn't have put it any better myself ros!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Bogball XV on March 20, 2010, 08:00:07 PM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on March 20, 2010, 07:36:35 PM
Quote from: Main Street on March 20, 2010, 07:30:33 PM
90 seconds alloted to a kick.

One minute.

QuoteThe kicker must take the kick within one minute from the time the kicker has indicated an intention to kick.
so, if more than one minute elapses, what is the ref supposed to do (if he's applying the letter of the law).  Ireland were awful today btw and have frequently played on the edges of fairness etc, so I'm not blaming the ref for todays defeat.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Main Street on March 20, 2010, 08:03:18 PM
A period of one minute between the indication of intention to kick at goal and the actual kick is well inside the zone of "undue delay".

So 90 seconds is grand, it's on the edge. :)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Bord na Mona man on March 20, 2010, 08:23:45 PM
Another kick in the arse.
Ireland need to go back to basics a little.
You need to earn the right to fling the ball around the place and try the fancy stuff. Against England and Wales they got away with being casual with the ball because they got a few handy tries without going through the phases.

Ireland still need to work like the underdog, regardless of the opposition.
They should have kept the lineouts short and tight and put the ball up the jumper for a while when Scotland looked like getting a foothold in the game.
The team played like they were entitled to run in tries without much groundwork.

At least they have a few months to sort out the scrum.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: tyroneboi on March 20, 2010, 08:46:41 PM
With all this talk of the Irish scrum being pretty poor, what exactly is the problem? I only ask because I am no expert with the scrum and don't know the ins and outs of it. Is is purely down to the front row? Is it technique? Or is it a combination of things? It just goes to show how important the set piece is in rugby. To a certain extent you can get away with having an off day with one of the lineout or scrum but when the two are going wrong it is very hard to win a match at any level never mind at international level.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Declan on March 20, 2010, 09:03:13 PM
Golden Generation certainly blew it today. Really disappointing and very few good things at all happened. Remember this Scottish team lost to Italy.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on March 20, 2010, 09:11:43 PM
Quote from: Declan on March 20, 2010, 09:03:13 PM
Remember this Scottish team lost to Italy.

True but they did beat Australia last November and probably should have beaten both Wales and England this year. They are very well organised and gritty and if you are a bit off your game against them like Ireland were today it can cost you.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Main Street on March 20, 2010, 09:20:52 PM
What exactly does John Hayes do, apart from the scrum?
I was trying to follow his progress, but got quickly bored as he trotted from one place to the next around the fringes.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: muppet on March 20, 2010, 09:38:04 PM
Quote from: Main Street on March 20, 2010, 09:20:52 PM
What exactly does John Hayes do, apart from the scrum?
I was trying to follow his progress, but got quickly bored as he trotted from one place to the next around the fringes.

He is the reason O'Connell dominates in the air.

It looked to me that we decided to go for it from the start. Loads of tries was the plan. We showed lots of flair for 20 minutes as the Scots sat back, watched our exciting but error ridden play do nothing to the scoreboard and they took their limited opportunities. Once they had a lead to defend they grew into a performance very few people thought they had in them.

They deserved their win but we got it wrong from the off. You go after the big score only when you have the game won.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Lamh Dhearg Alba on March 20, 2010, 10:08:02 PM
Quote from: Declan on March 20, 2010, 09:03:13 PM
Golden Generation certainly blew it today. Really disappointing and very few good things at all happened. Remember this Scottish team lost to Italy.

True but they gave France a decent test and should have beaten Wales and England. In truth should have beaten Italy as well, just failed to put their chances away and were caught when the Italians broke away for a late try. 1 point from 4 games didnt reflect Scotland's season going into the game today. If Ireland did indeed go into the match expecting to win and to be able to throw it around and run up a big score then they hadnt done their homework. Doubt that was the case though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: longrunsthefox on March 20, 2010, 10:27:40 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 20, 2010, 05:17:09 PM
Another welcome nail in the coffin of O'Gara's international career :)

Tremendous work by Sexton.

Just home from game... You are kidding? Sexton lost Ireland the game with his missed penalties. Very frustrating and kicked away nine points against England as well but they got away with it that time.
Ireland were very flat for a lot of the game though like maybe believed could win when they decided to turn it on... after all Italy beat Scotland.
Anyway Croke Park and rugby no more... had my reservations about it at the time but it was good and the sky didn't fall in. Will be near impossible to get tickets in future as well. was reading the GAA made equivalent of £222,000 a week since they first opened Croke Park... how's that for apples Michael Greenan?     
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: stephenite on March 20, 2010, 10:55:30 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 20, 2010, 05:17:09 PM
Another welcome nail in the coffin of O'Gara's international career :)

Tremendous work by Sexton.

It appears Sexton doesn't have the experience to cope at this level, at leaset yet. O'Gara will be hanging around for his 100 caps I think.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on March 20, 2010, 10:57:54 PM
Quote from: stephenite on March 20, 2010, 10:55:30 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 20, 2010, 05:17:09 PM
Another welcome nail in the coffin of O'Gara's international career :)

Tremendous work by Sexton.

It appears Sexton doesn't have the experience to cope at this level, at leaset yet. O'Gara will be hanging around for his 100 caps I think.

Yea I reckon he'll get another 2 games as well!!  :D :D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Hound on March 20, 2010, 11:16:07 PM
Kidney rightly fooked up with his changes (or lack thereof).

Dead right to bring on O'Gara when he did, but it should have been D'Arcy who left the field. He was starting to struggle with his injury and Sexton was playing far better than Darce anyway.

O'Connell has had a mediocre 6 Nations and that was probably his worst performance (maybe ever in the green jersey). If O'Callaghan had played as bad as POC did, then Cullen would certainly have been brought on, but Kidney didnt have the balls to take O'Connell off. Likewise Wallace should have been taken off.

Also Buckley should have been brought on much earlier. And the excuse of not bringing on Cronin coz of his lack of experience is just nonsense. How the hell do you get expericence when you don't play? Cronin is a super player in the loose - and the lineout or scrum couldnt have got any worse with him there.

I put that loss down to Kidney. He's a fantastic Plan A coach, the best in the northern hemisphere. But thinking on his feet during a game to come up with Plan B is a skill he doesnt have.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: stephenite on March 20, 2010, 11:20:19 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on March 20, 2010, 10:57:54 PM
Quote from: stephenite on March 20, 2010, 10:55:30 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 20, 2010, 05:17:09 PM
Another welcome nail in the coffin of O'Gara's international career :)

Tremendous work by Sexton.

It appears Sexton doesn't have the experience to cope at this level, at leaset yet. O'Gara will be hanging around for his 100 caps I think.

Yea I reckon he'll get another 2 games as well!!  :D :D

Thought yesterday was his 90th cap :-\
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on March 20, 2010, 11:27:31 PM
Quote from: stephenite on March 20, 2010, 11:20:19 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on March 20, 2010, 10:57:54 PM
Quote from: stephenite on March 20, 2010, 10:55:30 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 20, 2010, 05:17:09 PM
Another welcome nail in the coffin of O'Gara's international career :)

Tremendous work by Sexton.

It appears Sexton doesn't have the experience to cope at this level, at leaset yet. O'Gara will be hanging around for his 100 caps I think.

Yea I reckon he'll get another 2 games as well!!  :D :D

Thought yesterday was his 90th cap :-\
Nope today was his 98th... barring injury he'll make the ton on the summer tour
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on March 21, 2010, 12:36:09 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on March 15, 2010, 02:19:53 PM
Sexton is a handy player but he is not the second coming of Christ. The reality is there is nobody else to take the goal kicks, so until Sexton gets his head back in that game he is off the team. The same would be true the other way round with O'Gara. There is a triple crown on the line next week which is something more important than the ego and confidence of the outhalf.

Well said Capt Pat. Sextons kicking will come round but we will never get that triple crown back.

I hate to say I told you so lads. Rory Bests line out throwing and complacency were the other key factors. The silver lining in the cloud of complacency, it is that the Irish have lost interest in winning meaningless triple crowns, it is the 6 nations championship and grand slams that count.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: longrunsthefox on March 21, 2010, 12:39:52 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on March 21, 2010, 12:36:09 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on March 15, 2010, 02:19:53 PM
Sexton is a handy player but he is not the second coming of Christ. The reality is there is nobody else to take the goal kicks, so until Sexton gets his head back in that game he is off the team. The same would be true the other way round with O'Gara. There is a triple crown on the line next week which is something more important than the ego and confidence of the outhalf.

Well said Capt Pat. Sextons kicking will come round but we will never get that triple crown back.

I hate to say I told you so lads. Rory Bests line out throwing and complacency were the other key factors. The silver lining in the cloud of complacency, it is that the Irish have lost interest in winning meaningless triple crowns, it is the 6 nations championship and grand slams that count.

I can't agree with that about the triple crown... ain't the top prize but I am sure they really wanted to win it. I think the complaceny was more to do with the opposition rather than the prize at stake.  The supporters were certainly very disapointed and not that long ago triple crowns were very hard to come by
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on March 21, 2010, 01:01:19 AM
O' Driscoll has done very little in this 6 nations championship, hopefully he is just sparing himself for the world cup in les than 18 months. Heaslip Earls and Bowe have continued to develop into world class performers, while Rob Kearney too a step back but like Sextons goal kicking I expect that is only temporary. After the success of last year with grand slams and European Cups and Lions tours I think the Irish team has gone off the boil but it is far from finished.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on March 21, 2010, 01:06:58 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on March 21, 2010, 01:01:19 AM
O' Driscoll has done very little in this 6 nations championship, hopefully he is just sparing himself for the world cup in les than 18 months. Heaslip Earls and Bowe have continued to develop into world class performers, while Rob Kearney too a step back but like Sextons goal kicking I expect that is only temporary. After the success of last year with grand slams and European Cups and Lions tours I think the Irish team has gone off the boil but it is far from finished.

Silly statment to begin with but that apart would agree with the rest of it
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on March 21, 2010, 01:07:42 AM
By his own high standards should have been included.

Keep Sexton for the test against the All Blacks and hope his kicking improves, he gives us a chance of beating them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 21, 2010, 09:19:20 AM
I find out-half debates after a game like that tedious, you could have had Dan Carter playing 10 yesterday and Ireland would have still lost because the attitude, work-rate and committment of the players was all wrong. The Scottish back-row were immense and man for man outplayer their Irish counter-parts. We were also dominated at collision time.

I'd expect massive changes for the Summer but Kidney needs to address his loyalty to players and his replacement policy. Best, Hayes and D'Arcy were awful awful yesterday and should have been replaced, it was a joke to see Buckley come on with 1 minute to go. It's no surprise to see younger hungry players like Earls and Bowe thrive and older players look disinterested at times.

Our leaders BOD and POC have had poor 6 nations, enivitable after a Lions Tour I suppose. We're at a cross-roads and it's now time to Kidney to give us direction and a road-map of the future and he needs to develop new leaders.

I love Croke Park for football and hurling but it's too big for rugby, you spend more time looking at the big screens than the game and I'm looking forward to the return to Lansdowne Road.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Hardy on March 21, 2010, 09:30:54 AM
I find it a bit disrespectful to Scotland that all the analyses of their win point to deficiencies in Ireland's performance. Scotland were superb and while I know feck all about rugby tactics, it seemed to me that Robinson was a move ahead of Kidney at every stage of the game.

Whatever about what rugby people seem to have to call scrum time and line out time etc. (where the hell did that come out of?) I thought the biggest factor was that we were out-thought at think time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: CiKe on March 21, 2010, 02:21:29 PM
I'd disgaree with Dinny to an extent although he knows a lot more about rugby than me. Fly half has to be able to do the bread and butter. Sexton currently can't do it consistently, and to my mind as much as anything that contributed to Ireland flinging the ball about with a bit more abandon than usual. They don't trust him to land them and were too anxious in looking for tries. If O'Gara had played we'd have played a more patient game. Impossible to say whether we would have won or not

A long way to go, but at this stage what way do people think we are looking for WC? With Fitzgerald to come back I'd be very surprised if Darcy was in the match day 22, though not quite sure what our best way of reshuffling the backs are.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: INDIANA on March 21, 2010, 05:59:47 PM
Quote from: CiKe on March 21, 2010, 02:21:29 PM
I'd disgaree with Dinny to an extent although he knows a lot more about rugby than me. Fly half has to be able to do the bread and butter. Sexton currently can't do it consistently, and to my mind as much as anything that contributed to Ireland flinging the ball about with a bit more abandon than usual. They don't trust him to land them and were too anxious in looking for tries. If O'Gara had played we'd have played a more patient game. Impossible to say whether we would have won or not

A long way to go, but at this stage what way do people think we are looking for WC? With Fitzgerald to come back I'd be very surprised if Darcy was in the match day 22, though not quite sure what our best way of reshuffling the backs are.

Same as ever. A Quarter final exit. that was made clear yesterday. When it comes to the crunch this team can't cash the chips.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on March 21, 2010, 06:14:30 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on March 21, 2010, 05:59:47 PM
Quote from: CiKe on March 21, 2010, 02:21:29 PM
I'd disgaree with Dinny to an extent although he knows a lot more about rugby than me. Fly half has to be able to do the bread and butter. Sexton currently can't do it consistently, and to my mind as much as anything that contributed to Ireland flinging the ball about with a bit more abandon than usual. They don't trust him to land them and were too anxious in looking for tries. If O'Gara had played we'd have played a more patient game. Impossible to say whether we would have won or not

A long way to go, but at this stage what way do people think we are looking for WC? With Fitzgerald to come back I'd be very surprised if Darcy was in the match day 22, though not quite sure what our best way of reshuffling the backs are.

Same as ever. A Quarter final exit. that was made clear yesterday. When it comes to the crunch this team can't cash the chips.

In response to that statement please explain Grand Slam match last year in Cardiff and to a less extent, final few minutes of Autumn Internationals against Australia
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 21, 2010, 07:07:04 PM
QuoteI'd disgaree with Dinny to an extent although he knows a lot more about rugby than me. Fly half has to be able to do the bread and butter. Sexton currently can't do it consistently, and to my mind as much as anything that contributed to Ireland flinging the ball about with a bit more abandon than usual. They don't trust him to land them and were too anxious in looking for tries. If O'Gara had played we'd have played a more patient game. Impossible to say whether we would have won or not

Cike, your opinion is as valid as mine, I would just look for different things, team work-rate is something I value very highly, if a team is not looking for work and they weren't yesterday they will struggle no matter who is playing 10.

Now I've seen Sexton over the years and personally do not believe he's the 2nd coming but O'Gara is at the end his career and Sexton who only this season has become 1st choice at Leinster and that has been interrupted by injury so he hasn't had clear run to build confidence and rhythm. Ireland though need to evolve from the structured inspired rugby of the last 5 years and Sexton general play and defence puts him in pole position he just needs experience which would make the bread and butter stuff a lot easier.

Ireland at the moment need instrutions from the side-line and it's all rugby by numbers with very little heads up rugby been played only BOD seems to have that licence and our forwards seem to have it all coached out of them.

Anyhow, I'm sure Kidney is aware of that and our next 6/7 matches will be all about new players and a new style. Expect to see a new Tight-head, 2nd-Row and 7 up front, badly need a new 7. BOD to move inside to 12 with Earls at 13 and a couple of young guns to break through, maybe Conway, Fleix Jones, Nevin Spenc even McFadden.

Congrats to the U20s who won their 6 nations title by the way, back boned by Leinster as always  ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on March 21, 2010, 07:16:01 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 21, 2010, 07:07:04 PM
Congrats to the U20s who won their 6 nations title by the way, back boned by Leinster as always  ;)

Indeed, a fact that got very much overlooked over the the weekend, a great achievement which bodes well (hopefully) for the future
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: trileacman on March 21, 2010, 07:19:48 PM
After the six nations you do get a feeling we are back to square 1.Had a real SN '07 feel to this championship.

Rory Best came and did what he does best, destroy the Irish lineout. We now have to go back to flannery.
Sexton has be measured and found wanting. I attribute the final defeat to him. He only gives the team one direction and is no good during a losing battle. ROG had to rescue the English game following his preformance and unfortunately the game was to far gone for ROG to do it again.
If you watched the French match you'll have seen Trinh-Duc play a defensive game, electing to kick away possession despite having the more potent attacking backline. He did this because he wanted to win and he knew how to protect a lead and play safe. Sexton has not displayed such qualities. Qualities that ROG has in spades. The points kicking scenario doesnt bother me as much as Sexton's lack of control. ROG knows when to kick and when to run, he relieves pressure and his style brings the more dominant Irish line-out (usually) to the fore and gets the forwards more involved. Sexton justs runs the play time and again irrespective of the situation or scoreline. It's hero or zero rugby. Sexton can still become a good international fly-half but he remains some way off and until such time he's not ready to lead this team from fly-half.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 21, 2010, 07:34:34 PM
Sorry did I miss something and O'Gara was fantastic against France or was it as I actually remember an ineptitude display and trhe worst 10 performance of the 6 nations.

O'Gara was a great servant but time does not stand still so whether you agree or this agree Sexton is there to stay hopefully McKinney or Keatly can step up but when you seem such talented players such as Stauton and Andy Dunne fail to make it, you have to wonder we're they going to come from.  7,9 and 10 - that is where Ireland are stuggling to develop talent.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: INDIANA on March 21, 2010, 07:43:11 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on March 21, 2010, 06:14:30 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on March 21, 2010, 05:59:47 PM
Quote from: CiKe on March 21, 2010, 02:21:29 PM
I'd disgaree with Dinny to an extent although he knows a lot more about rugby than me. Fly half has to be able to do the bread and butter. Sexton currently can't do it consistently, and to my mind as much as anything that contributed to Ireland flinging the ball about with a bit more abandon than usual. They don't trust him to land them and were too anxious in looking for tries. If O'Gara had played we'd have played a more patient game. Impossible to say whether we would have won or not

A long way to go, but at this stage what way do people think we are looking for WC? With Fitzgerald to come back I'd be very surprised if Darcy was in the match day 22, though not quite sure what our best way of reshuffling the backs are.

Same as ever. A Quarter final exit. that was made clear yesterday. When it comes to the crunch this team can't cash the chips.

In response to that statement please explain Grand Slam match last year in Cardiff and to a less extent, final few minutes of Autumn Internationals against Australia

Easily done. You're all talking about beating Australia in a high octane pressure game in the SH where we haven't won since the 70's in the 2011 WC.
We have no scrum and a lineout that cracks when put under serious pressure. We also have an ageing team. People are expecting miracles from guys in their mid 30's who have been to the well so often now its unfair to keep expecting miracles from them.
I think we've missed our cycle with this team. I'd be far more confident of doing well in 2015.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on March 21, 2010, 07:46:04 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on March 21, 2010, 07:43:11 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on March 21, 2010, 06:14:30 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on March 21, 2010, 05:59:47 PM
Same as ever. A Quarter final exit. that was made clear yesterday. When it comes to the crunch this team can't cash the chips.

In response to that statement please explain Grand Slam match last year in Cardiff and to a less extent, final few minutes of Autumn Internationals against Australia

Easily done. You're all talking about beating Australia in a high octane pressure game in the SH where we haven't won since the 70's in the 2011 WC.
We have no scrum and a lineout that cracks when put under serious pressure. We also have an ageing team. People are expecting miracles from guys in their mid 30's who have been to the well so often now its unfair to keep expecting miracles from them.
I think we've missed our cycle with this team. I'd be far more confident of doing well in 2015.

That's why I said to a lesser extent, with THAT match in Cardiff last year being the prime example of Ireland taking care of business when the chips are down
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on March 21, 2010, 07:53:00 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on March 21, 2010, 07:16:01 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 21, 2010, 07:07:04 PM
Congrats to the U20s who won their 6 nations title by the way, back boned by Leinster as always  ;)

Indeed, a fact that got very much overlooked over the the weekend, a great achievement which bodes well (hopefully) for the future

Two Connacht lads on the team as well which is nice.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 21, 2010, 08:11:24 PM
QuoteTwo Connacht lads on the team as well which is nice.

Easily could have been more, youths rugby in Connacht is very strong at the moment so hopefully that will start to bear fruit.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Main Street on March 21, 2010, 08:32:44 PM
By the time of the WC, Sexton should be well established.
As much as Sexton deserved a run out in this series, it was foolish for some to already dismiss O'Gara as a has been for us.
There is much I don't understand about the game of rugby but I just can't see what Hayes offers now to the team that somebody else couldn't.



Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: magickingdom on March 21, 2010, 08:36:25 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on March 21, 2010, 08:29:46 PM
Shutter island is creepy and dark and I can understand people not being into that type of movie, it probably got worse before the end in terms of darkness and creepiness. I did think it was entertaining and I have seen it twice, it reallly does grab your attention. It is a must see movie. I am surprised you could not get through the whole thing, did you download it. You should have gone to the cinema.

couldnt agree more...

it was also a horror for johnny sexton to make his 6 nations debut against england in twickenham, i think kidney has damaged his confidence big time by doing that and we paid the price yesterday
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on March 21, 2010, 08:39:04 PM
You are right about Hayes good Buckley bad, there is no real difference between them now. John Hayes is Tony Buckley with 100 caps. In the same way people are talking about Sexton getting experienceI thnk Buckley should be given the chance to develop.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on March 21, 2010, 09:05:57 PM
Tomas O'Leary was the standout scrumhalf in the 6 Nations in terms of fantasy points in the Irish Times League. This is not a true measure of a players value but does tell you that he got things done during the 6 nations.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 21, 2010, 09:17:10 PM
And the Hask, would have brought in Parra two weeks alas made a balls of my transfers in the first week...poor management from me..

Those Derry feckers will be happy too...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Bord na Mona man on March 21, 2010, 09:55:45 PM
Quote from: trileacman on March 21, 2010, 07:19:48 PM

If you watched the French match you'll have seen Trinh-Duc play a defensive game, electing to kick away possession despite having the more potent attacking backline. He did this because he wanted to win and he knew how to protect a lead and play safe. Sexton has not displayed such qualities. Qualities that ROG has in spades. The points kicking scenario doesnt bother me as much as Sexton's lack of control. ROG knows when to kick and when to run, he relieves pressure and his style brings the more dominant Irish line-out (usually) to the fore and gets the forwards more involved. Sexton justs runs the play time and again irrespective of the situation or scoreline. It's hero or zero rugby. Sexton can still become a good international fly-half but he remains some way off and until such time he's not ready to lead this team from fly-half.
That's certainly not how I remembered the French game!
According to scrum.com Trinh-Duc carried the ball 83 metres while O'Gara ran 0 metres (forward I presume) with it.
http://www.scrum.com/sixnations/rugby/match/94947.html
He certainly knew when not to run with it anyway!   ;)

The French game also featured Ireland going through loads of phases and not making inroads in the French 22, some of this was down to O'Gara being too deep when receiving the ball and distributed it without ever fixing a French defender in the tackle. Meaning that the first thing the next Irish player had to do was make up lost yards and beat a spare defender.

Sexton's goal kicking problems may have created a confidence crisis for him. The best option might now be to play him at 12 and leave O'Gara at 10 to take the goal and tactical responsibilities.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Bord na Mona man on March 21, 2010, 09:58:30 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on March 21, 2010, 08:39:04 PM
You are right about Hayes good Buckley bad, there is no real difference between them now. John Hayes is Tony Buckley with 100 caps. In the same way people are talking about Sexton getting experienceI thnk Buckley should be given the chance to develop.
Buckley looks decent enough in open play. He could deliver a turnover or too and generally cause hassle.
I'd chance him for Ireland and see if he can learn how to scrum.
He couldn't make it much worse...

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: mc_grens on March 21, 2010, 10:32:05 PM
Surely alot of the woes suffered by both 10's in this championship have to be linked to a pack which has more often than not been on the back foot?

We've had poor possesion, a wobbly scrum, and most of our tries have cone through individual brilliance in midfield and the back 3.

We're in trouble at 7 with Wally starting to show his age against quality opposition, we're fucked in the front row, and we're strangely static and lacking in impact at the breakdown.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: trileacman on March 21, 2010, 11:41:53 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on March 21, 2010, 09:55:45 PM
Quote from: trileacman on March 21, 2010, 07:19:48 PM

If you watched the French match you'll have seen Trinh-Duc play a defensive game, electing to kick away possession despite having the more potent attacking backline. He did this because he wanted to win and he knew how to protect a lead and play safe. Sexton has not displayed such qualities. Qualities that ROG has in spades. The points kicking scenario doesnt bother me as much as Sexton's lack of control. ROG knows when to kick and when to run, he relieves pressure and his style brings the more dominant Irish line-out (usually) to the fore and gets the forwards more involved. Sexton justs runs the play time and again irrespective of the situation or scoreline. It's hero or zero rugby. Sexton can still become a good international fly-half but he remains some way off and until such time he's not ready to lead this team from fly-half.
That's certainly not how I remembered the French game!
According to scrum.com Trinh-Duc carried the ball 83 metres while O'Gara ran 0 metres (forward I presume) with it.
http://www.scrum.com/sixnations/rugby/match/94947.html
He certainly knew when not to run with it anyway!   ;)

The French game also featured Ireland going through loads of phases and not making inroads in the French 22, some of this was down to O'Gara being too deep when receiving the ball and distributed it without ever fixing a French defender in the tackle. Meaning that the first thing the next Irish player had to do was make up lost yards and beat a spare defender.

Sexton's goal kicking problems may have created a confidence crisis for him. The best option might now be to play him at 12 and leave O'Gara at 10 to take the goal and tactical responsibilities.
I was talking about the England-French match but I'm glad you brought up the French game. I think Kidney got the tactics spot on in the French game and he was undone by two moments of madness, Flannery and Healy. Ireland were defending well and showing a decent cutting edge, creating some good chances. Also Rog's style may have stifled our attacking game (compared to Sexton) but his kicking was also stifing the French attack, peging them back into area's of the field were they coudn't attack at will, keeping the ball out of Jauzion's hands and giving Poitrenaud ball from which he couldn't counter attack. Say we had been able to play Sexton, an open game against the French and alot of knock-on scrums (as seen yesterday) would have led to a massacre.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: trileacman on March 21, 2010, 11:57:38 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 21, 2010, 07:34:34 PM
Sorry did I miss something and O'Gara was fantastic against France or was it as I actually remember an ineptitude display and trhe worst 10 performance of the 6 nations.

O'Gara was a great servant but time does not stand still so whether you agree or this agree Sexton is there to stay hopefully McKinney or Keatly can step up but when you seem such talented players such as Stauton and Andy Dunne fail to make it, you have to wonder we're they going to come from.  7,9 and 10 - that is where Ireland are stuggling to develop talent.
The worst ten preformance of the 6 nations? Did you watch much of it? Rog was worse than Wilkinson or Gower? If ROG was such a liablity why did he have to be parachuted in twice against England and Scotland to win the match? We on one six nations match with Sexton at the helm. One. And here you are lambasting ROG for being the outhalf during the defeat to the champions. IMO Sexton is being foisted upon this team and whilst I think he should be given his chance he has clearly been found wanting.
"Time does not stand still". A Shakespeare quote is no reason to play your second best outhalf in international rugby. I don't see why people should consider Sexton's "development" more important than the fortunes of the Irish side. The way I see it now is the team thought they were getting a new out-half but instead we've been sold a second 3/4. Sexton needs to go back to leinster, sort out his game and return when he's ready to take on all the roles of an international fly-half.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 22, 2010, 10:19:10 AM
You extoll his virtues yet fail to recognsce his limitations which were so apparent in the French game, beating France in Paris is the bench mark we set ourselves, O'Gara has never delivered that and has never delivered in a World Cup, short-term pain is worth a lot more than short-term success.

People seem to want Sexton to fail, a mind-set I'll never understand.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: INDIANA on March 22, 2010, 11:04:00 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 22, 2010, 10:19:10 AM
You extoll his virtues yet fail to recognsce his limitations which were so apparent in the French game, beating France in Paris is the bench mark we set ourselves, O'Gara has never delivered that and has never delivered in a World Cup, short-term pain is worth a lot more than short-term success.

People seem to want Sexton to fail, a mind-set I'll never understand.

Saw some Irish fans booing his goalkicks and saw others booing ROG's kicks. And some rugby fans look down on GAA fans. :D.

I have never attended a sporting occasion like Saturday where fans boo their own player. Unbelievable. It was actually quite disgusting.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Olaf on March 22, 2010, 11:53:05 AM
Quote from: INDIANA on March 22, 2010, 11:04:00 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 22, 2010, 10:19:10 AM
You extoll his virtues yet fail to recognsce his limitations which were so apparent in the French game, beating France in Paris is the bench mark we set ourselves, O'Gara has never delivered that and has never delivered in a World Cup, short-term pain is worth a lot more than short-term success.

People seem to want Sexton to fail, a mind-set I'll never understand.

Saw some Irish fans booing his goalkicks and saw others booing ROG's kicks. And some rugby fans look down on GAA fans. :D.

I have never attended a sporting occasion like Saturday where fans boo their own player. Unbelievable. It was actually quite disgusting.

Booing of Parks' when taking the  winning kick was bad form too. Very uncommon at any rugby match. Fans let themselves down.

Scotland fully  deserved it and any other result would have been a travesty IMHO.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: bingobus on March 22, 2010, 11:59:13 AM
Quote from: INDIANA on March 22, 2010, 11:04:00 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 22, 2010, 10:19:10 AM
You extoll his virtues yet fail to recognsce his limitations which were so apparent in the French game, beating France in Paris is the bench mark we set ourselves, O'Gara has never delivered that and has never delivered in a World Cup, short-term pain is worth a lot more than short-term success.

People seem to want Sexton to fail, a mind-set I'll never understand.

Saw some Irish fans booing his goalkicks and saw others booing ROG's kicks. And some rugby fans look down on GAA fans. :D.

I have never attended a sporting occasion like Saturday where fans boo their own player. Unbelievable. It was actually quite disgusting.

Surely not. Rugby fans are all brillant, fun, loyal, sporting and one of a kind.

Must have been nasty soccer fans that got in by mistake.

Ireland looked like a team that just expected to turn up and win without too much effort. When Scotland met them head on, they couldn't raise there game enough to pull out a win. Very surprising display from a kidney team. Maybe the players are already in Heineken cup mode.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: INDIANA on March 22, 2010, 12:10:14 PM
Quote from: bingobus on March 22, 2010, 11:59:13 AM
Quote from: INDIANA on March 22, 2010, 11:04:00 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 22, 2010, 10:19:10 AM
You extoll his virtues yet fail to recognsce his limitations which were so apparent in the French game, beating France in Paris is the bench mark we set ourselves, O'Gara has never delivered that and has never delivered in a World Cup, short-term pain is worth a lot more than short-term success.

People seem to want Sexton to fail, a mind-set I'll never understand.

Saw some Irish fans booing his goalkicks and saw others booing ROG's kicks. And some rugby fans look down on GAA fans. :D.

I have never attended a sporting occasion like Saturday where fans boo their own player. Unbelievable. It was actually quite disgusting.

Surely not. Rugby fans are all brillant, fun, loyal, sporting and one of a kind.

Must have been nasty soccer fans that got in by mistake.

Ireland looked like a team that just expected to turn up and win without too much effort. When Scotland met them head on, they couldn't raise there game enough to pull out a win. Very surprising display from a kidney team. Maybe the players are already in Heineken cup mode.
Typical of the Leinster v munster rivalry at the moment. Like a crowd of kids. They'd want someone from the other province to miss even if it meant their country losing. Comical. But quite disgusing as well.
I was astonished at how many people sang Irealnds call with gusto yet didn't sing Amhran na Bhfiann. The scottish fans thought this was hilarious.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: longrunsthefox on March 22, 2010, 12:13:36 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on March 22, 2010, 11:04:00 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 22, 2010, 10:19:10 AM
You extoll his virtues yet fail to recognsce his limitations which were so apparent in the French game, beating France in Paris is the bench mark we set ourselves, O'Gara has never delivered that and has never delivered in a World Cup, short-term pain is worth a lot more than short-term success.

People seem to want Sexton to fail, a mind-set I'll never understand.

Saw some Irish fans booing his goalkicks and saw others booing ROG's kicks. And some rugby fans look down on GAA fans. :D.

I have never attended a sporting occasion like Saturday where fans boo their own player. Unbelievable. It was actually quite disgusting.

I was at the game and didn't hear any Irish supporters booing ROG's or Johny Sexton's kicks. Certainly not in the vicinity  of the lower Cusack. Maybe it was a few Scottish supporters. If it is true, that is the pits and can't be considered as Irish supporters. That is something I have never encountered in any sport... booing as they take a free kick though I have heard 'supporters' boo their own players in GAA
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: johnneycool on March 22, 2010, 12:14:11 PM
Scotland have improved and were unlucky/stupid in some of their games this year whereas Ireland have tread water and maybe the pack/scrum is probably the worst in the 6N's
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Olaf on March 22, 2010, 12:22:59 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on March 22, 2010, 12:14:11 PM
Scotland have improved and were unlucky/stupid in some of their games this year whereas Ireland have tread water and maybe the pack/scrum is probably the worst in the 6N's

Very true. Man for man (maybe apart from the respective wingers) every Scottish player was  better than their Irish counter-part.

Never thought that I'd be in a position where I was actually thinking it may be a good idea to bring on O'Gara. The manner of the  substitution was comical.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Main Street on March 22, 2010, 12:44:39 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 22, 2010, 10:19:10 AM
You extoll his virtues yet fail to recognsce his limitations which were so apparent in the French game, beating France in Paris is the bench mark we set ourselves, O'Gara has never delivered that and has never delivered in a World Cup, short-term pain is worth a lot more than short-term success.

People seem to want Sexton to fail, a mind-set I'll never understand.

O'Gara was a part of a winning side in Paris.

He is 33? now and still (as we could clearly see) has an invaluable contribution to make from the bench.
If Johnny surpasses  O'Gara's performances for Ireland, he will indeed be regarded as a superb player.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 22, 2010, 01:06:05 PM
He started and failed to deliver, Humphrey's brought that good ship home. Out-half play has evolved, if it was just about kicking your points and playing the corners well then O'Gara is your man, he is a liability in defence, has no break and is poor of his left. I have no problem with him been part of a squad but he should not start any game Ireland needs to move forward and O'Gara needs to guide Sexton, not compete with him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: mc_grens on March 22, 2010, 01:33:19 PM
I'm a huge ROG fan, but we must think of the future. This whole situation is very similar to when Stephen Larkham came into the Australian side. He had very similar strengths and weaknesses to Johnny Sexton.

They kept the faith, he worked on his game, and the Aussies ended up with one of the greatest Out Halves of all time.

Sexton is young, and he'll learn. But we must give him a chance to do that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Olaf on March 22, 2010, 02:28:04 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 22, 2010, 01:06:05 PM
He started and failed to deliver, Humphrey's brought that good ship home. Out-half play has evolved, if it was just about kicking your points and playing the corners well then O'Gara is your man, but he should not start any game Ireland needs to move forward and O'Gara needs to guide Sexton, not compete with him.

In reality that is all that he has ever been able to do. Sometimes he does it well , sometimes not.(more common in recent years)

To start any game with O'Gara at this stage is a hugely regressive step.

That said, sexton's place kicking at the moment is tosh.





Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Main Street on March 22, 2010, 02:29:19 PM
I hope Johnny uses his time well to listens and learn from O'Gara  :)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: INDIANA on March 22, 2010, 04:18:31 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 22, 2010, 01:06:05 PM
He started and failed to deliver, Humphrey's brought that good ship home. Out-half play has evolved, if it was just about kicking your points and playing the corners well then O'Gara is your man, he is a liability in defence, has no break and is poor of his left. I have no problem with him been part of a squad but he should not start any game Ireland needs to move forward and O'Gara needs to guide Sexton, not compete with him.
I would have agreed with you up to last weekend. But ROG will start against NZ. You can put your house on it. You have to kick your goals at this level and thus ROG will get the nod. Sexton has miles more to his game but until he kicks his goals ROG will start for the next few games. I have no doubts on that with Kidney picking the team. Parks is incredibly limited but he can kick and thats why Ruairi Jackson isn't starting for Scotland.

The manner of the substitiute was a disgrace- heart went out to Sexton. It was absolutely embarrassing for the chap. Showed the panic on the line as well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on March 22, 2010, 06:52:04 PM
Ahh sure Saturday's match didn't really matter anyway...  ;)

Ireland still fifth in IRB World Rankings

Ireland remain in fifth place in the IRB World Rankings despite their RBS 6 Nations defeat to Scotland on Saturday.

Declan Kidney's men are still the second highest ranked European team in the IRB rankings despite suffering their second loss of the tournament.

They were also beaten in their Round Two clash against France.

France, crowned Grand Slam Champions on Saturday, are still fourth in the table but are just .13 of a point behind third ranked nation Australia.

Southern Hemisphere giants New Zealand and South Africa are still ranked first and second.

England (7), Wales (8) and Italy (11) remain unchanged while Scotland's victory over Ireland liftss them above Fiji and from 10th into 9th.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: AZOffaly on March 22, 2010, 07:52:12 PM
I think we're codding ourselves with all this talk of building for WC 2011, as if we have a chance of winning it, or even reaching a final/semi final.

At the moment I think Ireland will be the 7th best team in the World Cup, as New Zealand, South Africa and France are on a different planet to Ireland when it comes to the big games.

I also think the likes of Australia, Wales and England will put in bigger WC performances than ourselves.

I hope I'm wrong, but I think the rugby media are so desperate for us to be successful, especially on the back of Leinster and Munster's exploits that they talk us up to be a lot more than we actually are, which is on an international stage just not good enough. Fair enough we have O'Driscoll, who is a bona fide legend, but how many other Irish players would get into a World Cup 'best of' team? Don't give me Rob Kearney or Tommy Bowe. They're grand and good players, but not truly top class. Also, Paulie is a ligind for Munster and at an Irish 6 Nations level, but put him alongside the likes of Botha and he pales into the background.

Our pack in general is not in the top 7 or 8 in the world in my opinion, and we don't have a back row that can truly compete with the worlds best. Harinordoquay (sp?), Burger, McCaw, Deusetoir and others must smile to themselves when they are compared to Ferris, Wallace and even Heaslip (who I do rate, but strikes me as a lad who needs a rocket up the backside). The Scottish back row is a far better unit, and while I have great, great time for Wallace, he is not a 7. He's a powerful ball carrier, but he's not a 7.

I think this Irish team is getting the best out of itself at the moment, which puts it comfortably in second place in the Northern Hemisphere now, but closer to England Wales and Scotland than they are to France. However with O'Connell, Wallace, O'Gara, O'Driscoll, Flannery, Hayes, O'Callaghan, D'Arcy all bubbling just below or over the 30 year old mark, with tonnes of caps between them, do we really think we'll be better in 18 months time, or worse? My money is on the latter.

The Heinekein Cup has masked a lot in that Munster's pack, for example, rarely gets obliterated but it occasionaly does. And that's a club level. When 5 or 6 of that pack are playing for Ireland against the pick of France, or God help us, South Africa or New Zealand, they just do not have the strength, mobility or dynamism of the really top packs.

Rocky Elsom, Trevor Halsted, Shaun Payne, Rua Tipoki and co have been instrumental in winning HECs for Leinster and Munster, none of them are Irish qualified.

Munster, Leinster and Ulster are very competitive at club level, and I think would be competitive against clubs from down under as well, but that does not map to the International stage. Essentially 4 clubs with the pick of the country, plus a few strategic additions have every right to be competitive.

I cannot see Irish rugby mixing it with the big boys at WC11, even if the likes of Fitzgerald, Healy, Sexton, Earls, Kearney, Bowe and co continue to develop, because I don't think our pack will ever be physical enough to really stand up to the heat of a World Cup kitchen.

Our backs are promising, but they are the spoilers, go faster stripes and spotlights on a Porsche. If the engine is a Mondeo, the car is still going to be beaten when it hits the race track.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on March 22, 2010, 07:56:55 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 22, 2010, 07:52:12 PM
I think we're codding ourselves with all this talk of building for WC 2011, as if we have a chance of winning it, or even reaching a final/semi final.

At the moment I think Ireland will be the 7th best team in the World Cup, as New Zealand, South Africa and France are on a different planet to Ireland when it comes to the big games.

I also think the likes of Australia, Wales and England will put in bigger WC performances than ourselves.

I hope I'm wrong, but I think the rugby media are so desperate for us to be successful, especially on the back of Leinster and Munster's exploits that they talk us up to be a lot more than we actually are, which is on an international stage just not good enough. Fair enough we have O'Driscoll, who is a bona fide legend, but how many other Irish players would get into a World Cup 'best of' team? Don't give me Rob Kearney or Tommy Bowe. They're grand and good players, but not truly top class. Also, Paulie is a ligind for Munster and at an Irish 6 Nations level, but put him alongside the likes of Botha and he pales into the background.

Our pack in general is not in the top 7 or 8 in the world in my opinion, and we don't have a back row that can truly compete with the worlds best. Harinordoquay (sp?), Burger, McCaw, Deusetoir and others must smile to themselves when they are compared to Ferris, Wallace and even Heaslip (who I do rate, but strikes me as a lad who needs a rocket up the backside). The Scottish back row is a far better unit, and while I have great, great time for Wallace, he is not a 7. He's a powerful ball carrier, but he's not a 7.

I think this Irish team is getting the best out of itself at the moment, which puts it comfortably in second place in the Northern Hemisphere now, but closer to England Wales and Scotland than they are to France. However with O'Connell, Wallace, O'Gara, O'Driscoll, Flannery, Hayes, O'Callaghan, D'Arcy all bubbling just below or over the 30 year old mark, with tonnes of caps between them, do we really think we'll be better in 18 months time, or worse? My money is on the latter.

The Heinekein Cup has masked a lot in that Munster's pack, for example, rarely gets obliterated but it occasionaly does. And that's a club level. When 5 or 6 of that pack are playing for Ireland against the pick of France, or God help us, South Africa or New Zealand, they just do not have the strength, mobility or dynamism of the really top packs.

Rocky Elsom, Trevor Halsted, Shaun Payne, Rua Tipoki and co have been instrumental in winning HECs for Leinster and Munster, none of them are Irish qualified.

Munster, Leinster and Ulster are very competitive at club level, and I think would be competitive against clubs from down under as well, but that does not map to the International stage. Essentially 4 clubs with the pick of the country, plus a few strategic additions have every right to be competitive.

I cannot see Irish rugby mixing it with the big boys at WC11, even if the likes of Fitzgerald, Healy, Sexton, Earls, Kearney, Bowe and co continue to develop, because I don't think our pack will ever be physical enough to really stand up to the heat of a World Cup kitchen.

Our backs are promising, but they are the spoilers, go faster stripes and spotlights on a Porsche. If the engine is a Mondeo, the car is still going to be beaten when it hits the race track.

Right so, how many Welsh and English players would make a world XV then?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on March 22, 2010, 08:17:58 PM
I would have to be a bit more optimistic than that AZ. I still think the core of the team will be good to go in 18 months. Maybe not Hayes and Wallace, put Buckley and Leamy in there in their places and the team gets a good bit younger. Look at the England team that won the world cup, it had a huge amount of experience. I would keep Hayes and Wallace for the bench or squad, wallace could still make a big impact off the bench.

We look to have more wings centres and full backs coming through from the unfer 20s and other sources. we could literally replace all of saturdays back 5 in the back in 18 months and not be at much of a loss.

The big question is where are the big quality forwards going to come from? Donacha Ryan, Devin Toner will maybe be good enough. Ferris Heaslip and Healy will be around for a while as well. Throw in Buckley and Leamy to complete a pack that could all be there at the next world cup. We are stil short a hooker and some of the big men of the quality of O'Callaghan and O'Connell in the second row. It is the front 5 that looks the weakest with Healy good around the park but not so good in the tight and Buckley questionable. We really need another O'Connell or Keith Wood type to emerge, and they do not seem to be coming through. leadership combined with ability like that is important to a team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: AZOffaly on March 22, 2010, 08:38:06 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on March 22, 2010, 07:56:55 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 22, 2010, 07:52:12 PM
I think we're codding ourselves with all this talk of building for WC 2011, as if we have a chance of winning it, or even reaching a final/semi final.

At the moment I think Ireland will be the 7th best team in the World Cup, as New Zealand, South Africa and France are on a different planet to Ireland when it comes to the big games.

I also think the likes of Australia, Wales and England will put in bigger WC performances than ourselves.

I hope I'm wrong, but I think the rugby media are so desperate for us to be successful, especially on the back of Leinster and Munster's exploits that they talk us up to be a lot more than we actually are, which is on an international stage just not good enough. Fair enough we have O'Driscoll, who is a bona fide legend, but how many other Irish players would get into a World Cup 'best of' team? Don't give me Rob Kearney or Tommy Bowe. They're grand and good players, but not truly top class. Also, Paulie is a ligind for Munster and at an Irish 6 Nations level, but put him alongside the likes of Botha and he pales into the background.

Our pack in general is not in the top 7 or 8 in the world in my opinion, and we don't have a back row that can truly compete with the worlds best. Harinordoquay (sp?), Burger, McCaw, Deusetoir and others must smile to themselves when they are compared to Ferris, Wallace and even Heaslip (who I do rate, but strikes me as a lad who needs a rocket up the backside). The Scottish back row is a far better unit, and while I have great, great time for Wallace, he is not a 7. He's a powerful ball carrier, but he's not a 7.

I think this Irish team is getting the best out of itself at the moment, which puts it comfortably in second place in the Northern Hemisphere now, but closer to England Wales and Scotland than they are to France. However with O'Connell, Wallace, O'Gara, O'Driscoll, Flannery, Hayes, O'Callaghan, D'Arcy all bubbling just below or over the 30 year old mark, with tonnes of caps between them, do we really think we'll be better in 18 months time, or worse? My money is on the latter.

The Heinekein Cup has masked a lot in that Munster's pack, for example, rarely gets obliterated but it occasionaly does. And that's a club level. When 5 or 6 of that pack are playing for Ireland against the pick of France, or God help us, South Africa or New Zealand, they just do not have the strength, mobility or dynamism of the really top packs.

Rocky Elsom, Trevor Halsted, Shaun Payne, Rua Tipoki and co have been instrumental in winning HECs for Leinster and Munster, none of them are Irish qualified.

Munster, Leinster and Ulster are very competitive at club level, and I think would be competitive against clubs from down under as well, but that does not map to the International stage. Essentially 4 clubs with the pick of the country, plus a few strategic additions have every right to be competitive.

I cannot see Irish rugby mixing it with the big boys at WC11, even if the likes of Fitzgerald, Healy, Sexton, Earls, Kearney, Bowe and co continue to develop, because I don't think our pack will ever be physical enough to really stand up to the heat of a World Cup kitchen.

Our backs are promising, but they are the spoilers, go faster stripes and spotlights on a Porsche. If the engine is a Mondeo, the car is still going to be beaten when it hits the race track.

Right so, how many Welsh and English players would make a world XV then?

Not many, if any. But I have ourselves, England and Wales battling for 5th, 6th and 7th (maybe throw Argentina in there as well). That's where I see us being at the moment (probably 5th now, but heading south).
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: INDIANA on March 22, 2010, 08:43:00 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on March 22, 2010, 08:17:58 PM
I would have to be a bit more optimistic than that AZ. I still think the core of the team will be good to go in 18 months. Maybe not Hayes and Wallace, put Buckley and Leamy in there in their places and the team gets a good bit younger. Look at the England team that won the world cup, it had a huge amount of experience. I would keep Hayes and Wallace for the bench or squad, wallace could still make a big impact off the bench.

We look to have more wings centres and full backs coming through from the unfer 20s and other sources. we could literally replace all of saturdays back 5 in the back in 18 months and not be at much of a loss.

The big question is where are the big quality forwards going to come from? Donacha Ryan, Devin Toner will maybe be good enough. Ferris Heaslip and Healy will be around for a while as well. Throw in Buckley and Leamy to complete a pack that could all be there at the next world cup. We are stil short a hooker and some of the big men of the quality of O'Callaghan and O'Connell in the second row. It is the front 5 that looks the weakest with Healy good around the park but not so good in the tight and Buckley questionable. We really need another O'Connell or Keith Wood type to emerge, and they do not seem to be coming through. leadership combined with ability like that is important to a team.

I think AZ is absolutely spot on. We are codding ourselves. This team is at the end of its cycle. I can't see us beating an Aussie team that will be peaking in 18mths. Just look at the Aussie's age profile. Perfect for 18mths. 2007 was this teams peak in terms of WC cycles.

Its like anything in sport the Aussies always get it right. They couldn't scummage- they now have made sure they can with the best scrum in the world.
We've known we can't scrummage for 2-3 years now and we've sat on our arses. Thats the difference. signing NIQ props at provincial level is an example of that. Why did the IRFU allow Leinster to sign Ross to provide central heating? He was better off at Harlequins because he was playing regularly. Ross can lock the scrum he can't do anything else but he can at least do that. He is by far the best tighthead available yet he'll never get a game for Leinster.
Donncha Ryan must be about 27 now- why wasn't he told to move to get gametime elsewhere? Toner is not international standard. Rebuild job beckons soon enough. We'll make the quarter finals but I can't see making a  semi.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: INDIANA on March 22, 2010, 08:48:42 PM
Irish players to get make a world 15?

Tommy Bowe.


and I'll argue that till the cows come home with anyone. No one else period.

english players - none

Welsh-

Gethin Jenkins

Scotland- hard to make a case. Euan Murray on current form would make the shortlist.

That above indicates the value of a current triple crown. this is the worst English team in history. Wales have the worst pack in their history. Scotland have a limited 10 man game with an excellent backrow unit. Note the emphasis on unit rather than individuals
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on March 22, 2010, 08:58:00 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on March 22, 2010, 08:48:42 PM
Irish players to get make a world 15?

Tommy Bowe.


and I'll argue that till the cows come home with anyone. No one else period.

english players - none

Welsh-

Gethin Jenkins

Scotland- hard to make a case. Euan Murray on current form would make the shortlist.

That above indicates the value of a current triple crown. this is the worst English team in history. Wales have the worst pack in their history. Scotland have a limited 10 man game with an excellent backrow unit. Note the emphasis on unit rather than individuals

yea I think I'd agree with that.  Don't think I'll bother making predictions about the World Cup for another 12 months at least too!!!  :-\ :-\
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: AZOffaly on March 22, 2010, 09:01:18 PM
Where would you play Bowe in a World XV INDIANA? I can't pick him ahead of Clerc or Habana to start with. I'd pick O'Driscoll for his defensive work as much as his line break at this stage, but the new enforcement of the tackle rule will hurt him more than most because he is so good at making the tackle and squirming around onto his feet to rob the ball, all in one movement.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: muppet on March 22, 2010, 09:07:58 PM
The 2 great under performers in this 6N were ourselves and Wales. Also interesting to note that 3 of France's last 4 Grand Slams came after Lions tours.

No surprise really since we both made up most of the Lions squad and it has been a long season. Some of our players will come back to themselves after a break (I'm thinking O'Connell in particular but also O'Driscoll, Keanrey and the back row). Oddly enough they might all benefit with an early exit from the HC.

Bowe is the one guy to stay fit and hold his form all the way through. He would easily made a world XV with probably O'Driscoll the only other shout.

As someone who always wants O'Callaghan starting I give a nod to his battling performance on Sat. If Leo Cullen should have come on (and maybe he should) it was for 5 and not 4. Of course the Scottish game would be more up O'Callaghan's street than say the Babas style we tried to play at the start.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: INDIANA on March 22, 2010, 09:50:49 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 22, 2010, 09:01:18 PM
Where would you play Bowe in a World XV INDIANA? I can't pick him ahead of Clerc or Habana to start with. I'd pick O'Driscoll for his defensive work as much as his line break at this stage, but the new enforcement of the tackle rule will hurt him more than most because he is so good at making the tackle and squirming around onto his feet to rob the ball, all in one movement.
Bowe is ahead of Clerc on current form AZ. I'm judging BOD on this year not last year.
In his defence with our gameplan this year its impossible for centres to look good. But you have a point what other 13's are out there?

Best centres at the minute  jauzion at 12 and probably BOD on reflection at 13. But i'd love to have Giteau in the team somewhere.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Main Street on March 22, 2010, 10:21:27 PM
Has the talk been in the press about building for the world cup with some expectation or hope?
I haven't noticed any loose talk here.
England do better at the WC than Ireland, I think that leaves Ireland in the bunch scrapping for 6th place.
At best, a quarter final.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on March 23, 2010, 12:02:31 PM
Quote from: muppet on March 22, 2010, 09:07:58 PM
The 2 great under performers in this 6N were ourselves and Wales. Also interesting to note that 3 of France's last 4 Grand Slams came after Lions tours.

No surprise really since we both made up most of the Lions squad and it has been a long season. Some of our players will come back to themselves after a break (I'm thinking O'Connell in particular but also O'Driscoll, Keanrey and the back row). Oddly enough they might all benefit with an early exit from the HC.

Bowe is the one guy to stay fit and hold his form all the way through. He would easily made a world XV with probably O'Driscoll the only other shout.

As someone who always wants O'Callaghan starting I give a nod to his battling performance on Sat. If Leo Cullen should have come on (and maybe he should) it was for 5 and not 4. Of course the Scottish game would be more up O'Callaghan's street than say the Babas style we tried to play at the start.

That's a very interesting statistic Muppet... would put a few things in a different light so

Oh and for all the boys who are predicting Ireland's position or performance at the 2011 World Cup some 18 months away, looking to the short term future any chance for the Lotto numbers for tomorrow night??  ::)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Schkite on March 25, 2010, 06:12:01 PM
Congrats to Tommy Bowe on winning the 6 nations Player of the Tournament.

http://www.rbs6nations.com/en/16484.php

In fairness it really should have gone to a French player but I suppose with 4 of the 6 nominees being French the vote was split. Well done Tommy anyway!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on March 25, 2010, 06:58:21 PM
Quote from: Schkite on March 25, 2010, 06:12:01 PM
Congrats to Tommy Bowe on winning the 6 nations Player of the Tournament.

http://www.rbs6nations.com/en/16484.php

In fairness it really should have gone to a French player but I suppose with 4 of the 6 nominees being French the vote was split. Well done Tommy anyway!

Knew it was coming, didn't Ryle Nugent say that Bowe was well ahead in the public votes before the last round of games anyway.  Fair play anyway Tommy ya Monaghan fooker  ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Hoof Hearted on March 25, 2010, 07:52:02 PM
i see your copying me on the signature front celt man  :D
Im keeping mine until i regain the title
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 25, 2010, 08:52:32 PM
It will be mine some day  >:(
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Capt Pat on March 26, 2010, 01:03:17 AM
Luke fitzgerald won't be back until next season, not back to his best until the end of next season. At least that is perfect timing for the world cup.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Celt_Man on March 26, 2010, 01:47:54 AM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on March 25, 2010, 07:52:02 PM
i see your copying me on the signature front celt man  :D
Im keeping mine until i regain the title

Ahh you're living in the past man... the title is mine!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: ballinaman on March 26, 2010, 02:51:58 AM
Got my ticket for the north terrace for Ireland V All Blacks on June 12th in New Plymouth. Session will be had if anyone is going.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Never beat the deeler on March 26, 2010, 04:06:56 AM
Quote from: ballinaman on March 26, 2010, 02:51:58 AM
Got my ticket for the north terrace for Ireland V All Blacks on June 12th in New Plymouth. Session will be had if anyone is going.

Its on my birthday. Was thinking of going down.... Won't rule it out yet ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: Farrandeelin on March 27, 2010, 11:27:51 AM
Em but Ballina and Crossmolina don't mix too well!!! ;)

On a more serious note? Maybe there has been a discussion on this before but why should the Munster v Leinster rugby match be a special event to allow pubs open their doors on Good Friday? If there is a thread on this already please let me know. I was out last night and am tired this morning.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread - Ireland v Scotland 20 March 2010
Post by: trileacman on March 27, 2010, 01:18:23 PM
Quote from: ballinaman on March 26, 2010, 02:51:58 AM
Got my ticket for the north terrace for Ireland V All Blacks on June 12th in New Plymouth. Session will be had if anyone is going.

How much is flights for a job like that?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on April 10, 2010, 02:50:25 PM
Well done Connacht. Into the Challenge Cup semi-final after beating Bourgoin in Galway
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on April 14, 2010, 06:16:13 PM
Serious win for Connacht.... highlights of the game here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jQH2vQ6i6g&feature=player_embedded
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on June 03, 2010, 04:02:52 PM
Big blow having Earls out for the summer but hopefully someone like Duffy will take this chance to impress



Keith Earls ruled out of Irish summer tour
Thursday, 3 June 2010 14:51

Keith Earls has been ruled out of the Ireland rugby squad for the summer tour to New Zealand and Australia.

Earls has been suffering from a persistent groin injury and following his participation in the training camp in Limerick this week he has been ruled out of the tour.

Connacht's Gavin Duffy, who was been named in the Ireland XV for the game against the Barbarians in Thomond Park on Friday night, will now travel with the squad to New Zealand in place of Earls.

Earls joins Paul O'Connell, Rory Best and Kevin McLaughlin on the list of players who have been forced to withdraw from the tour.

Further Test regulars Stephen Ferris, Denis Leamy and Luke Fitzgerald did not make it into the original 33-man squad named last month because of injury problems.

Ireland squad for the 2010 Summer Tour in New Zealand and Australia from 4-26 June:

Backs: Tommy Bowe, Gordon D'Arcy, Gavin Duffy, Shane Horgan,
Rob Kearney, Fergus McFadden, Geordan Murphy, Brian O'Driscoll,
Ronan O'Gara, Tomas O'Leary, Eoin Reddan, Jonathan Sexton,
Peter Stringer, Andrew Trimble, Paddy Wallace

Forwards: Tony Buckley, Tom Court, Sean Cronin, Jerry Flannery,
John Fogarty, John Hayes, Cian Healy, Jamie Heaslip, Chris Henry,
Marcus Horan, Shane Jennings, John Muldoon, Donncha O'Callaghan, Mick O'Driscoll, Ed O'Donoghue, Niall Ronan,
Dan Tuohy, David Wallace
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on June 03, 2010, 04:05:13 PM
Irish team to face the Baa-Baas tomorrow.  Good to see Muldoon, Cronin and Duffy getting the place their performances with Connacht deserved...

McFadden too, he was unlucky to be injured for the HC semi final after doing so well with Leinster during the Six Nations


Ireland XV V Barbarians, Mastercard Challenge international at Thomond Park, Friday, 7.45pm:

15 Robert Kearney, 4 Shane Horgan, 13 Gavin Duffy, 12 Fergus McFadden, 11 Andrew Trimble, 10 Ronan O'Gara (cpt), 9 Peter Stringer, 1 Marcus Horan, 2 Sean Cronin, 3 Tony Buckley, 4 Ed O'Donoghue, 5 Dan Tuohy, 6 John Muldoon, 7 Niall Ronan, 8 Chris Henry.

Replacements: 16 Jerry Flannery, 17 Tom Court, 18 Mick O'Driscoll, 19 David Wallace, 20 Tomas O'Leary, 21 Jonathan Sexton, 22 Paddy Wallace.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on June 08, 2010, 08:42:16 AM

Ireland team to play All Blacks

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Ronan O'Gara has won the battle for the Ireland No.10 shirt for Saturday's one-off Test against New Zealand in New Plymouth.

O'Gara was forced to watch from the bench as Leinster's Jonathan Sexton started the final three games of the RBS Six Nations.

However the Munsterman returned to skipper the Irish in the friendly loss to the Barbarians - and he will now keep his place and line up opposite Dan Carter.

Sexton, who has only recently returned from a broken jaw, will have to settle for a place on the bench alongside uncapped duo John Fogartyand Dan Tuohy.

John Muldoon, who was the man of the match against the Barbarians, wins just his third cap for Ireland as he partners Jamie Heaslip and David Wallace in the front row.

Muldoon's Connacht team-mate Sean Cronin will also collectns his third cap when the hooker packs down with Cian Healy and John Hayesin the front row.

Coach Declan Kidney is able to include skipper Brian O'Driscoll, Gordon D'Arcy, Tommy Bowe and Donncha O'Callaghan for the clash, while the vastly experience Mick O'Driscoll replaces the sidelined Paul O'Connellin the second row.

Ireland: 15 Rob Kearney (Leinster), 14 Tommy Bowe (Ospreys), 13 Brian O'Driscoll (Leinster, capt), 12 Gordon D'Arcy (Leinster), 11 Andrew Trimble (Ulster), 10 Ronan O'Gara (Munster), 9 Tomas O'Leary (Munster), 1 Cian Healy (Leinster), 2 Sean Cronin (Connacht), 3 John Hayes (Munster), 4 Donncha O'Callaghan (Munster), 5 Mick O'Driscoll (Munster), 6 John Muldoon (Connacht), 7 David Wallace (Munster), 8 Jamie Heaslip (Leinster).
Replacements: 16 John Fogarty (Leinster), 17 Tony Buckley (Munster), 18 Dan Tuohy (Ulster), 19 Shane Jennings (Leinster), 20 Eoin Reddan (Leinster), 21 Jonathan Sexton (Leinster), 22 Geordan Murphy (Leicester).
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on June 08, 2010, 09:33:42 AM
Apart from the absence of O'Connell it is a pretty good team. Muldoon looked good against the barbarians and Trimble gets a chance to impress again.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on June 08, 2010, 10:13:57 AM
Would Geordan Murphy not be worth a place, maybe on the wing ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on June 08, 2010, 10:51:29 AM
QuoteApart from the absence of O'Connell it is a pretty good team. Muldoon looked good against the barbarians and Trimble gets a chance to impress again.

Rubbish, it's an awful team, that pack will be destroyed. NZ by 20pts plus.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on June 08, 2010, 11:00:34 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 08, 2010, 10:51:29 AM
QuoteApart from the absence of O'Connell it is a pretty good team. Muldoon looked good against the barbarians and Trimble gets a chance to impress again.

Rubbish, it's an awful team, that pack will be destroyed. NZ by 20pts plus.

I think you're being harsh there Dinny, even with POC, Ferris and Flannery our pack would still get destroyed!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on June 08, 2010, 11:11:33 AM
Harsh, I think not, only Heaslip would make the All-Black side but if Flannery/Best, POC and Ferris were available at least we'd have parity in the line-outs and ball-carrying and our scrum wouldn't have been destroyed like it will on Sunday especially against not a particularly great NZ pack. I mean for the love of God Mick O'Driscoll!!!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mc_grens on June 08, 2010, 11:31:12 AM
I'm usually an optimist.

On this occasion, however, I have to agree with Dinny. We're gonna get annihilated.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyroneboi on June 08, 2010, 12:28:52 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 08, 2010, 11:11:33 AM
Harsh, I think not, only Heaslip would make the All-Black side but if Flannery/Best, POC and Ferris were available at least we'd have parity in the line-outs and ball-carrying and our scrum wouldn't have been destroyed like it will on Sunday especially against not a particularly great NZ pack. I mean for the love of God Mick O'Driscoll!!!!!

How has this man got so many Irish caps? Always seems to be in the squad no matter what. People talk about our lack of props but 2nd row options are severely limited as well. The pack will be destroyed on Saturday of that there is no doubt. Lets just hope we put in a decent performance and confidence doesn't get drained heading into the Autumn internationals.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Olaf on June 08, 2010, 04:21:41 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 08, 2010, 10:51:29 AM
QuoteApart from the absence of O'Connell it is a pretty good team. Muldoon looked good against the barbarians and Trimble gets a chance to impress again.

Rubbish, it's an awful team, that pack will be destroyed. NZ by 20pts plus.

Is Sexton injured? I see he is on the bench??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on June 11, 2010, 07:00:16 PM
Anyone have any links to the All-Blacks match in the morning?  Fecking dyin to see it but have no sky... sickener
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on June 11, 2010, 08:16:24 PM
http://www.justin.tv/twomint02 (http://www.justin.tv/twomint02)

He normally shows all rugby else try

http://www.iraqgoals.net/?p=117 (http://www.iraqgoals.net/?p=117)

or else sopcast
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on June 11, 2010, 09:32:16 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on June 11, 2010, 07:00:16 PM
Anyone have any links to the All-Blacks match in the morning?  Fecking dyin to see it but have no sky... sickener

i will have it on. If you leave Cavan at 6 you should make it for KO.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on June 11, 2010, 10:01:09 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 11, 2010, 08:16:24 PM
http://www.justin.tv/twomint02 (http://www.justin.tv/twomint02)

He normally shows all rugby else try

http://www.iraqgoals.net/?p=117 (http://www.iraqgoals.net/?p=117)

or else sopcast

Cheers boss
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on June 11, 2010, 10:50:28 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 11, 2010, 09:32:16 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on June 11, 2010, 07:00:16 PM
Anyone have any links to the All-Blacks match in the morning?  Fecking dyin to see it but have no sky... sickener

i will have it on. If you leave Cavan at 6 you should make it for KO.

What's for breakfast so?!?!  ;D ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on June 11, 2010, 10:54:57 PM
tennants or red wine ?

As a man who regularly posts on rugby, GAA and soccer threads, would tomorrow not be a perfect day

8.30 - Local Bar
8.35 - Ireland v All Blacks
10.30 - England v Aus
1.00 - Lunch
2.00 - France v SA
4.00 - Tea
5.15 - Cavan v Fermanagh
7.30 - England v USA
9.30 - Whatever your fit for !
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyroneboi on June 11, 2010, 11:28:29 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 11, 2010, 10:54:57 PM
tennants or red wine ?

As a man who regularly posts on rugby, GAA and soccer threads, would tomorrow not be a perfect day

8.30 - Local Bar
8.35 - Ireland v All Blacks
10.30 - England v Aus
1.00 - Lunch
2.00 - France v SA
4.00 - Tea
5.15 - Cavan v Fermanagh
7.30 - England v USA
9.30 - Whatever your fit for !

Slighly ruins it for me to be honest but otherwise should be another great weekend of sport.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on June 11, 2010, 11:30:08 PM
forgot about the argies, messi, tevez and maradona et al
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on June 11, 2010, 11:36:11 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 11, 2010, 10:54:57 PM
tennants or red wine ?

As a man who regularly posts on rugby, GAA and soccer threads, would tomorrow not be a perfect day

8.30 - Local Bar
8.35 - Ireland v All Blacks
10.30 - England v Aus
1.00 - Lunch
2.00 - France v SA
4.00 - Tea
5.15 - Cavan v Fermanagh
7.30 - England v USA
9.30 - Whatever your fit for !

have to squeeze in an Under 10s gaelic game and shopping  >:( >:( during all that too
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on June 11, 2010, 11:38:58 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on June 11, 2010, 11:36:11 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 11, 2010, 10:54:57 PM
tennants or red wine ?

As a man who regularly posts on rugby, GAA and soccer threads, would tomorrow not be a perfect day

8.30 - Local Bar
8.35 - Ireland v All Blacks
10.30 - England v Aus
1.00 - Lunch
2.00 - France v SA
4.00 - Tea
5.15 - Cavan v Fermanagh
7.30 - England v USA
9.30 - Whatever your fit for !

have to squeeze in an Under 10s gaelic game and shopping  >:( >:( during all that too

i thought you were older than that. wont post anymore in case i get arrested !!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on June 11, 2010, 11:42:04 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 11, 2010, 11:38:58 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on June 11, 2010, 11:36:11 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 11, 2010, 10:54:57 PM
tennants or red wine ?

As a man who regularly posts on rugby, GAA and soccer threads, would tomorrow not be a perfect day

8.30 - Local Bar
8.35 - Ireland v All Blacks
10.30 - England v Aus
1.00 - Lunch
2.00 - France v SA
4.00 - Tea
5.15 - Cavan v Fermanagh
7.30 - England v USA
9.30 - Whatever your fit for !

have to squeeze in an Under 10s gaelic game and shopping  >:( >:( during all that too

i thought you were older than that. wont post anymore in case i get arrested !!!!

:D :D :D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: youbetterbelieveit on June 12, 2010, 08:09:48 AM
Lads, anybody got a link for the rugby game?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: FermGael on June 12, 2010, 08:34:59 AM
http://www.iraqgoals.net/9166-new-zealand-vs-ireland-.html (http://www.iraqgoals.net/9166-new-zealand-vs-ireland-.html)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: FermGael on June 12, 2010, 08:53:38 AM
Kearney gifts them a try and Healslip just been sent off after 15 minutes for a deliberate knee to the head.
Whats the record score the All Blacks have put up against Ireland??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: BennyHarp on June 12, 2010, 08:58:18 AM
What was heaslip playing at? Just a matter of keeping the score down now!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: FermGael on June 12, 2010, 08:59:27 AM
Rush of blood to the head Benny.  Very, very stupid
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: stephenite on June 12, 2010, 09:00:24 AM
23 minutes gone, game over
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: FermGael on June 12, 2010, 09:02:02 AM
And know we are down to 13.  Yellow card for O'Gara
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: stephenite on June 12, 2010, 09:03:41 AM
This could be fairly embarrassing
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: FermGael on June 12, 2010, 09:05:21 AM
If it's only fairly embarrasing they will be doing well
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: BennyHarp on June 12, 2010, 09:06:38 AM
I think I'm going to go back to bed! Can't watch this anymore!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: stephenite on June 12, 2010, 09:13:22 AM
Quote from: BennyHarp on June 12, 2010, 09:06:38 AM
I think I'm going to go back to bed! Can't watch this anymore!

38-0 and 34 minutes gone
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Aerlik on June 12, 2010, 09:14:52 AM
Logged in and logged out after 30 secs.  Ah well, the Aussies are playing the Poms in Perth tonight..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: BennyHarp on June 12, 2010, 09:15:42 AM
The comebacks on!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: stephenite on June 12, 2010, 09:16:02 AM
38-7; can we do it?


Can we f**k
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: BennyHarp on June 12, 2010, 09:17:31 AM
If we can get three more tries before half time we could have a chance :)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Schkite on June 12, 2010, 09:29:02 AM
What the fcuk was Heaslip playing at?

New Zealand awesome though, even with a full team they'd be up by 15-20.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: youbetterbelieveit on June 12, 2010, 09:32:28 AM
Jeez, even if Ireland had a full team out I dont think they would be close, as they are playing very poorly. Just knew it wasnt our day when you have Kearney fcuk up in the first ten minutes.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: FermGael on June 12, 2010, 09:36:42 AM
Jesus, too dreadful passes in a row from O'Leary on there 22 gives away a try
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on June 12, 2010, 09:46:56 AM
Should've stayed in bed. Idiotic out of Heaslip with NZ about to be penalised on their own line.

This could be Ireland's tour of hell like the Brian Ashton tour of in the late nineties. Too many injuries to be competitive against the Southern Hemisphere. Only positive I can take from it is that Buckley has done well. Offers more around the field than the Bull.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: BennyHarp on June 12, 2010, 09:53:03 AM
At least they are showing a bit if fight now!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Geoff Tipps on June 12, 2010, 09:53:24 AM
Is that Mark Robson commentating on Sky?? Can someone tell him it's Tuohy not Chewie  ???
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on June 12, 2010, 09:57:50 AM
robson is a twat !
Celt Man, you're lucky you didnt get to see this !
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on June 12, 2010, 09:59:49 AM
Only losing the second half by 7 with a man down.

Well, you have to look for something.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on June 12, 2010, 10:01:45 AM
Glad I stayed in bed for this one. I knew we wouldn't win without a full strength team but this is ridiculous.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on June 12, 2010, 10:09:23 AM
Some great play by Ireland in the second half to salvage a lot in pride and confidence. Probably the first time Ireland ever scored 4 tries against NZ, never mind in one half. You might assume the All-Blacks were not at full throttle, but still ...

Buckley Ireland's MOM?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: FermGael on June 12, 2010, 10:13:55 AM
Buckley has been unreal.  A turning point in his career??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: J OGorman on June 12, 2010, 10:26:06 AM
Buckley was motm. Other positives were odriscoll, d'arcy, trimble and murphy when he came on. 4 tries and poss trimble's for a 5. Heaslip should hang his head in shame, let so many folk down with us on the nz line. Hard lesson.

NZ were amazing to watch @ time, Carter and their 'reserve' full back were a class apart

And to Hoof Hearted...I worked with Mark Robson for a few years, an absolute gent..yer a mighty big man dissin a decent bloke with yer nickname on an internet forum
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Myles Na G. on June 12, 2010, 10:41:05 AM
Great from Buckley and Trimble. Too many basic errors and missed tackles, even before Heaslip took the head staggers.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on June 12, 2010, 11:02:36 AM
I didn't see the game but from what I am hearing there seems to be a lot of complacency in this Irish team. Trimble and Buckley were the best because they are good players who have been overlooked for selection and are motivated. This is why we lost a game against Scotland in Croke Park, why Rob Kearney is playing poorly and still getting his game ahead of Murphy.

It is a dip in form and there needs to be a bit of a shake up to get things kick started. The grand slam is dead and gone and any players trading on being a part of that team need to go out and prove it again.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on June 12, 2010, 11:10:55 AM
Quote from: J OGorman on June 12, 2010, 10:26:06 AM
Buckley was motm. Other positives were odriscoll, d'arcy, trimble and murphy when he came on. 4 tries and poss trimble's for a 5. Heaslip should hang his head in shame, let so many folk down with us on the nz line. Hard lesson.

NZ were amazing to watch @ time, Carter and their 'reserve' full back were a class apart

And to Hoof Hearted...I worked with Mark Robson for a few years, an absolute gent..yer a mighty big man dissin a decent bloke with yer nickname on an internet forum

maybe he is JOG but i hate his commentary. And although Hoof Hearted is very obviously not my name, i dont hide annon behind a nickname or a keyboard like most. My name is out there.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GBXII on June 12, 2010, 11:16:22 AM
He is a very annoying commentator in fairness. Heaslip fairly ruined any chance of a competitive game though I would say the All Blacks were always going to win. Decent second half from Ireland though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on June 12, 2010, 12:23:59 PM
Quote from: Geoff Tipps on June 12, 2010, 09:53:24 AM
Is that Mark Robson commentating on Sky?? Can someone tell him it's Tuohy not Chewie  ???

Chewie would make a great number 8!!! I wonder is he qualified for Ireland.

(http://andysmlblog.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/bdd_chewbacca1.jpg)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magickingdom on June 12, 2010, 12:25:44 PM
rugby is played at a different level in the southern hemisphere
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyroneboi on June 12, 2010, 12:47:31 PM
How long a ban is Heaslip likely to get? Who is likely to fill the number 8 shirt now?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ludermor on June 12, 2010, 02:04:57 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 12, 2010, 11:10:55 AM
Quote from: J OGorman on June 12, 2010, 10:26:06 AM
Buckley was motm. Other positives were odriscoll, d'arcy, trimble and murphy when he came on. 4 tries and poss trimble's for a 5. Heaslip should hang his head in shame, let so many folk down with us on the nz line. Hard lesson.

NZ were amazing to watch @ time, Carter and their 'reserve' full back were a class apart

And to Hoof Hearted...I worked with Mark Robson for a few years, an absolute gent..yer a mighty big man dissin a decent bloke with yer nickname on an internet forum

maybe he is JOG but i hate his commentary. And although Hoof Hearted is very obviously not my name, i dont hide annon behind a nickname or a keyboard like most. My name is out there.
And your name is???????
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: stephenite on June 12, 2010, 02:26:54 PM
Quote from: ludermor on June 12, 2010, 02:04:57 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 12, 2010, 11:10:55 AM
Quote from: J OGorman on June 12, 2010, 10:26:06 AM
Buckley was motm. Other positives were odriscoll, d'arcy, trimble and murphy when he came on. 4 tries and poss trimble's for a 5. Heaslip should hang his head in shame, let so many folk down with us on the nz line. Hard lesson.

NZ were amazing to watch @ time, Carter and their 'reserve' full back were a class apart

And to Hoof Hearted...I worked with Mark Robson for a few years, an absolute gent..yer a mighty big man dissin a decent bloke with yer nickname on an internet forum

maybe he is JOG but i hate his commentary. And although Hoof Hearted is very obviously not my name, i dont hide annon behind a nickname or a keyboard like most. My name is out there.
And your name is???????

Probably one of John/Joe/James/Jimmy/Jacinta/Jerimah/Jesus/ O'Gorman.

It's not anon though :D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on June 12, 2010, 02:35:04 PM
Realistically Ireland are never going to do well playing in the Southern Hemisphere at the end of the season.
Too many injuries and fatigue.

Great to see Buckley do so well. He offers dimensions in open play that Hayes doesn't.
If you are to criticise Buckley's scrummaging, then bear in mind that Irish scrum is now a busted flush with Hayes propping. At least Buckley has scope to improve.

Start Sexton, Murphy and maybe Reddan against Australia and see how it goes.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Eastern_Pride on June 12, 2010, 03:05:45 PM
What in the name of jaysus just happened down in New Zealand? Thats not on, conceding near on 70 points should be left to the group stages of the World Cup to teams like Romania and Portugal. I know we were missing a whole other team of players but 38 points???
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on June 12, 2010, 04:08:21 PM
Quote from: Eastern_Pride on June 12, 2010, 03:05:45 PM
What in the name of jaysus just happened down in New Zealand? Thats not on, conceding near on 70 points should be left to the group stages of the World Cup to teams like Romania and Portugal. I know we were missing a whole other team of players but 38 points???

Playing with only 14 men for 50 minutes of the game and then down to 13 for another ten would be hard against any team but against the best team in the world... that explains your 38 points

Second half performance seemed to be very commendable according to the Kiwi commendators (I caught the last 15 minutes of the game)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Eastern_Pride on June 12, 2010, 04:21:21 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on June 12, 2010, 04:08:21 PM
Quote from: Eastern_Pride on June 12, 2010, 03:05:45 PM
What in the name of jaysus just happened down in New Zealand? Thats not on, conceding near on 70 points should be left to the group stages of the World Cup to teams like Romania and Portugal. I know we were missing a whole other team of players but 38 points???

Playing with only 14 men for 50 minutes of the game and then down to 13 for another ten would be hard against any team but against the best team in the world... that explains your 38 points

Second half performance seemed to be very commendable according to the Kiwi commendators (I caught the last 15 minutes of the game)
At the time i had only caught the score now. Seeing that score now would caome as a bit of a shock in all fairness.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on June 12, 2010, 04:50:09 PM
Only watched a re-run now...

Positives

Buckely and Trimble, Mushy might have a future after all

Negatives

O'Gara settled the out-half debate not that there should have been any debate at all, he was woeful today and Sexton is simply miles ahead of him, I'd have Humph junior ahead of him.

Is there a worse scrum half in International rugby than O'Leary?

Jamie Jamie Jamie, you dumb twat.

Rob Kearney, stop believing the hype and start delivering, Murphy much much sharper and should be starting..

Is Declan Kidney Eddie Mark II?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on June 12, 2010, 05:31:53 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 12, 2010, 04:50:09 PM
Jamie Jamie Jamie, you dumb t**t.

Can I propose gurrier?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Eastern_Pride on June 12, 2010, 05:35:16 PM
Quote from: Hardy on June 12, 2010, 05:31:53 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 12, 2010, 04:50:09 PM
Jamie Jamie Jamie, you dumb t**t.

Can I propose gurrier?
Troglodyte perhaps?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on June 12, 2010, 05:40:17 PM
Quote from: Hardy on June 12, 2010, 05:31:53 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 12, 2010, 04:50:09 PM
Jamie Jamie Jamie, you dumb t**t.

Can I propose gurrier?

No surprise that a Meathman has brought up that word, I haven't heard it used since 1999...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on June 12, 2010, 05:59:09 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 12, 2010, 05:40:17 PM
Quote from: Hardy on June 12, 2010, 05:31:53 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 12, 2010, 04:50:09 PM
Jamie Jamie Jamie, you dumb t**t.

Can I propose gurrier?

No surprise that a Meathman has brought up that word, I haven't heard it used since 1999...

I'm stumped, Dinny. You'll have to elaborate.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on June 12, 2010, 06:08:36 PM
When Meath were football Kingpins, they had as you know a reputation for hard football and were ofter refered to as gurriers (undeserved)down here in Kildare , 1999 been the year of Meaths's last All-Ireland. Heaslip wasn't even acting the gurrier he was just been stupid...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on June 12, 2010, 06:17:50 PM
OK.

Anyway, my point was that I'd characterise sticking your knee into somebody's head (twice), especially while he's helpless to prevent it, as more than an act of stupidity. "I was just being stupid, yer honour" wouldn't cut much ice in a courtroom, which is where a civilian would end up if he did something like that. And if it was a GAA player who did it and it ended up on the evening news (as it most likely would), "stupid" is not what they'd be calling it either.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on June 12, 2010, 06:26:57 PM
Did he connect with the head though?

If he did I'd agree with you but I didn't think he did.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on June 12, 2010, 06:32:38 PM
By the way it was completely out of character for Jamie Heaslip and if a civilian did end up in court for something similar I'm sure his character witness testamonies would be taken ito consideration before any sentence is given out.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on June 12, 2010, 06:36:36 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 12, 2010, 06:26:57 PM
Did he connect with the head though?

If he did I'd agree with you but I didn't think he did.

He did dinny. He caught Mc Caw on the top of the head in the first one and missed the 2nd time because Healy got in the way. Stop making excuses for him. He should be dropped regardless of suspension. Less time spent in Krysle and a bit more time spent training might be appropriate for the Leinster element of our rugby team

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on June 12, 2010, 06:43:35 PM
I'm not making excuses for anyone, If he did connect well then he deserves all he gets and more but it was of character period. I saw it once this afternoon and I didn't think he connected.

QuoteLess time spent in Krysle and a bit more time spent training might be appropriate for the Leinster element of our rugby team

That's right lets deny young sports stars the right to have a social life or any life at all. Stupid and irrelevant comment.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on June 12, 2010, 06:55:22 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 12, 2010, 06:43:35 PM
I'm not making excuses for anyone, If he did connect well then he deserves all he gets and more but it was of character period. I saw it once this afternoon and I didn't think he connected.

QuoteLess time spent in Krysle and a bit more time spent training might be appropriate for the Leinster element of our rugby team

That's right lets deny young sports stars the right to have a social life or any life at all. Stupid and irrelevant comment.

Its not a stupid comment. Its right on the money. I've seen it myself countless times at this stage.They may as well buy shares in the place for the amount of time they spend in there. I doubt very much you'll find French professional rugby players out and about as much as the Leinster lads. If its not there its Bucks on Leeson Street. They know the cameras will be at the venues and so invite the publicity. meanwhile I see other leinster players out in other places to avoid all that shite.

They get paid huge 6 figure salaries to be professionals. if they can't manage then they can join the 9-5 brigade like the rest of us and see how they like it. I'm staggered by the social life of some of them as professioanl athletes.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on June 12, 2010, 09:06:52 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on June 12, 2010, 06:36:36 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 12, 2010, 06:26:57 PM
Did he connect with the head though?

If he did I'd agree with you but I didn't think he did.

He did dinny. He caught Mc Caw on the top of the head in the first one and missed the 2nd time because Healy got in the way. Stop making excuses for him. He should be dropped regardless of suspension. Less time spent in Krysle and a bit more time spent training might be appropriate for the Leinster element of our rugby team

oh for fooks sake... what absolute nonsense Heaslip is an absolute star and in my opinion, such as it is, he will be a Irish Captain in the future. 

I haven't seen it yet but from what I have read - not on here mind you - it sounded like a rush of blood to the head.  Interesting to read that McCraw was involved - want to see what happened beforehand.  That's not to excuse what he did, he put Ireland in a terrible situation and this red card will always be a strain on his career - he will have to work hard to try and make up for it
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on June 12, 2010, 10:10:25 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 12, 2010, 06:26:57 PM
Did he connect with the head though?

If he did I'd agree with you but I didn't think he did.

http://www.skysport.co.nz/Default.aspx?tabid=68&cid=2552 8

33 seconds in. Clear as day. Take a long close look Dinny. Up there with Clohessy a few years back.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on June 12, 2010, 11:48:12 PM
I'd nearly go as far as to say it was worse than the Claw's stamp on Roumat all those years ago.

You can kind of understand a player doing something like that out of fustration (not to defend it of course) if they were getting hockeyed by fifty points. However, Ireland were camped on the NZ line at the time and were only 10-0 down on the scoreboard with very little possession or territory in the opening 15 mins. McCaw was about to be pinged for lying all over the ball. Worst case scenario it would have been an easy three points in front of the posts. It could have easily been ten minutes in the bin for McCaw and a great chance of seven points for Ireland. I'm not saying Ireland would've won the game but Heaslip's brainless action cost his teamates any small chance they might have had.

I'd like to defend the guy because he's from Kildare but you have to call a spade a spade - it was a trampish act (albeit out of character). If he wants to be a future Irish captain he'd want to take a serious look at himself.

If Paul Galvin were to commit a similar act tomorrow afternoon there'd be WWIII on here and in the media.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on June 13, 2010, 02:35:23 AM
Its actually still far from clear but the ref was close and he saw it not once but twice so will have to respect that. I have known Jamie since he was a toddler so pretty disappointed that he can let himself down like that but I will reiterate that it is completely out of character. He deserves a lengthy ban though although he probably won't get one and that will be my last comment on this incident.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on June 13, 2010, 03:46:24 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 13, 2010, 02:35:23 AM
Its actually still far from clear but the ref was close and he saw it not once but twice so will have to respect that. I have known Jamie since he was a toddler so pretty disappointed that he can let himself down like that but I will reiterate that it is completely out of character. He deserves a lengthy ban though although he probably won't get one and that will be my last comment on this incident.

Very out of character however this is a sport that is all about whether you are caught or not. Unlike the Gaa  ;D

It certainly cost us any competitive chance in the game but then again were are only there for revenue purposes. O'Driscoll & Carter will play in the autumn series unless they are missing a limb or dead. Jamie will be back by then..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on June 13, 2010, 04:47:04 AM
Heaslip lost the head. Simple as that. As sportsmen and people in general do on occasion. It had precisely nothing to do with his social habits. Himself and Harinordoquy have been miles ahead of any other number 8's in NH rugby over the past 18 months. He saw McCaw killing the ball as he does every game and just lost the rag. Completely out of character but still beyond stupid to take the law into your hands like that in front of the ref.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyroneboi on June 13, 2010, 11:19:08 AM
Heaslip got a 5 week ban - thought it would have been a bit longer.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 13aside on June 13, 2010, 11:29:01 AM
what coaching manual or which coach encouraged that idiotic behaviour(clearly none)-no excuses deserves a ban and sacrificed the teams chances(however remote)with his own childish behaviour
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on June 13, 2010, 05:50:41 PM
Just a couple of things that are annoying me about this tour.

If you keep taking Mick O'Driscoll along in squads, eventually you will have to play him. And he will be exposed. Deccie really should know better. O'Driscoll isn't versatile, he is substandard.

Also, the All Blacks simply love to see O'Gara. It's like Christmas Day for them. So for the love of God just don't even consider him for these matches.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on June 18, 2010, 08:44:49 AM
8-0 down to the Maori after 6 minutes.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on June 18, 2010, 08:51:30 AM
Another Maori try, 13th minute, behind the posts.
:o
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on June 18, 2010, 08:55:12 AM
15-3
Sexton penalty.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on June 18, 2010, 09:14:26 AM
18-15. Five Sexton penalties. Maori on a warning about offside indiscipline. Next man goes.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on June 18, 2010, 09:20:18 AM
18-18 half time.

Ireland running everything at them and their defence under pressure yielding penalties. Our defence frighteningly porous when they run at us.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on June 18, 2010, 09:25:30 AM
Good game though, nice that Ireland didn't panic, Chris Henry having a big game as is Sexton and Wallace. Just keep the ball and we'll get the penalties. 'Galway' man Gavin Duffy doing well too, nice to see young Rys Ruddock doing ok and not looking out of his dept.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on June 18, 2010, 09:30:21 AM
Paddy Wallace try, first minute!

Sexton converts.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on June 18, 2010, 09:30:54 AM
peach of a score too
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on June 18, 2010, 09:31:46 AM
Yes - beautiful break by G. Murphy.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on June 18, 2010, 09:40:15 AM
21-25 - Maori penalty.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on June 18, 2010, 09:53:50 AM
"EE-on" Reddan replaced by Stringer, according to NZ commentator.

Still 21-25, 62 mins.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on June 18, 2010, 09:54:42 AM
NZ Maoris means they are not the All Blacks?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on June 18, 2010, 09:55:16 AM
26-25 Maori try. Tissue paper Irish tackling.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on June 18, 2010, 09:56:02 AM
Maybe but credit to the Maori some try..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on June 18, 2010, 09:56:53 AM
28-25

Don't know how they select the Maori team, except I presume they have to be Maori.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on June 18, 2010, 09:59:38 AM
28-28 - great kick from halfway, but dodgy penalty decision? Stringer completely missing at ruck, Maori just walked through and picked it up.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on June 18, 2010, 10:01:51 AM
It was dodgy but poor old Stringer was at the bottom of the previous ruck.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on June 18, 2010, 10:03:27 AM
Distracted and misssed that - wondered where he was
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on June 18, 2010, 10:06:18 AM
31-28 - penalty in font of posts - Ronan handling the ball off the feet.

8 mins to go. Penalty Ireland 35 yds out, slightly left.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on June 18, 2010, 10:08:20 AM
Missed it! First miss of the game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on June 18, 2010, 10:14:35 AM
Maori 31- Ireland 28, final score.

Entertaining game. Overall good performance from the second string, I thought.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on June 18, 2010, 10:17:11 AM
Yep enjoyed, bad start did it in the end, Maori wanted it more too, thought the Irish subsitutions brought too much disruption but obviously Kidney has one eye on next week. Good performance from the second string, need to cap Ruddock asap, not bad for a 19 year old.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on June 18, 2010, 11:23:34 AM
Definite improvement on last week.

I'd start Geordan Murphy, Paddy Wallace, Sexton, Reddan and Horan again next week.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on June 18, 2010, 11:47:35 AM
The Maoris showed their mettle at the end.
At least the NZ commentators were calling it a famous victory.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on June 26, 2010, 11:35:50 AM
Good game at the minute v Aus. 12-8 up, sexton has 4 from 4. Bad mistake for Aus try, but other than that playing very well. Half hour gone
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: FermGael on June 26, 2010, 11:50:07 AM
any links??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on June 26, 2010, 12:03:03 PM
Sky Sports 1 ;)

Aus 16-15 up at HT. They got a try in injury time
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on June 26, 2010, 12:26:54 PM
22-15 to Aus. 15 mins to go.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on June 26, 2010, 12:36:21 PM
Poor performance against an Aussie team there for the taking... knock ons, missed tackles, fumbles and missed touches all over the show!!

Also why are we not challenging their lineout?? Very frustrating!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on June 26, 2010, 12:39:57 PM
Quote from: screenexile on June 26, 2010, 12:36:21 PM
Poor performance against an Aussie team there for the taking... knock ons, missed tackles, fumbles and missed touches all over the show!!

Also why are we not challenging their lineout?? Very frustrating!!!

and thats just Brian O'Driscoll !
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on June 26, 2010, 01:38:50 PM
Were there any new caps, Ruddock and others? How did they get on?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Eastern_Pride on June 26, 2010, 05:06:00 PM
Even taking into account the disastrous misfortunes we have encountered, this tour was an unmitigated disaster.
O'Driscoll was mysteriously human today and the losses of major players really showed against a depleted New Zealand "team" and a poor Australia outfit.

The successes of 2009 are well and truly over.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyroneboi on June 26, 2010, 05:17:20 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 26, 2010, 01:38:50 PM
Were there any new caps, Ruddock and others? How did they get on?

Ruddock got capped today so thats him an Irishman for life now!!

Back to the drawing board big style now for Ireland. I actually don't really see where they do go now. Quarter finals is probably the best we can hope for at the world cup next year. Kearney is seriously out of form but will never be dropped even though Murphy was very good towards the end of the season for Leicester. Ditto for O'Leary have never been a fan and this tour didnt change my mind on that. Sexton did prove that he is an international class kicker and showed that his kicking form in the 6N was a blip and should be first choice number 10 for the forseeable future. The pack is an entirely different kettle of fish and I dont even know were you would start with it! When Mick O'Driscoll is your 3rd choice lock then you know you are in serious bother.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on June 27, 2010, 10:41:04 AM
The world cup is in New Zealand, so advantage All Blacks and the other southern hemisphere teams. The All black under 20s just won the world cup by a country mile so they have a lot of talent coming through as well.

While it is unlikely that we win it I am sure this Ireland team has a big world cup in them, the only thing I am worried about is that Sexton doesn't get the wobbles with the kicking as he had for a lot of this season. O'Driscoll is looking forward to this and will play well at the next world cup as well as O'Connell and O'Callaghan who will all be at the end of the line. We have some potentially excellent young players, Heaslip, Ferris, Earls, Kearney, Sexton, Fitzgerald. There are a lot of playmakers there. I do worry a bit about the lack of power up front especially in the front row and after the world cup.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on June 29, 2010, 09:44:39 PM
Saw a quick 5 minute highlights of the match there yesterday... seemed to be doing rightly but let in 2 fecking brutally soft tries.  Can't afford to shot yourself in the foot (twice) when you're playing down under but I suppose it isn't all bad when you consider we have 3rd and 4th choice players playing in some positions.  Only time will tell how valuable the experience of this tour will be to some of the newer caps and on the flip side, how much this tour will have drained some of the more established players... long 12 month season ??? since the Lions' tour
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 05, 2010, 02:58:59 PM
Team for SA
Saturday 6th Nov.

15. Rob Kearney
14. Tommy Bowe
13. Brian O'Driscoll
12. Gordon Darcy
11. Luke Fitzgerald
10. Jonathan Sexton
9. Eoin Reddan
8. Jamie Heaslip
7. David Wallace
6. Stephen Ferris
5. Mick O'Driscoll
4. Donncha O'Callaghan
3. Tony Buckley
2. Rory Best
1. Cian Healy

Weak looking front 5 but the SA are also suffering numerous injury woes. That front row is diabolical. Two men who can't scrummage and a hooker who can't throw. I can see our set pieces going to pot. They are 3 brilliant players in open play but that won't save us! Nice shape to the backs but I dont think Reddan, Kearny or D'arcy are up to it this weather.

The boks:

Gio Aplon; Bjorn Basson, Zane Kirchner, Jean de Villiers/Patrick Lambie, Bryan Habana; Morne Steyn, Ruan Pienaar; Pierre Spies, Juan Smith, Deon Stegmann; Victor Matfield (capt), Bakkies Botha; Jannie du Plessis, Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira

Strong front row, bodes badly for us. Two great locks but a weakened back row from the SA. The backs are a mish-mash, De Villiers made it late but even so I think there won't be much cohesion from that unit. Logic would tell you that the SA will keep it tight and rely on the pack to take them through it. Kirchner is a FB so perhaps we could target him in the tackle and defensive line.

I expect a tight, poor match with alot of kicking from the boks on tour. Ireland might sneak it if they avoid pack confrontations and get some change form a untested SA backline.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 05, 2010, 03:10:25 PM
I really like the look of Ireland from 6-15. Heaslip, Wallace and Ferris are awesome players on their day and having a lot of the Leinster players plus the very impressive Tommy Bowe in the back line should make for good play in that sector.

On the down side the front five is questionable to say the least going up against the best forwards in the world from South Africa. We could be badly outgunned in the second row wit hMatfield and Bakkies Botha going up against Mick O'Driscoll and O'Callaghan. The front row might be ok if Buckley scrummages well.

The weather forecast on the BBC website for tomorrow is good, so I will go for an Irish win.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyroneboi on November 05, 2010, 03:54:50 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on November 05, 2010, 03:10:25 PM
I really like the look of Ireland from 6-15. Heaslip, Wallace and Ferris are awesome players on their day and having a lot of the Leinster players plus the very impressive Tommy Bowe in the back line should make for good play in that sector.

On the down side the front five is questionable to say the least going up against the best forwards in the world from South Africa. We could be badly outgunned in the second row wit hMatfield and Bakkies Botha going up against Mick O'Driscoll and O'Callaghan. The front row might be ok if Buckley scrummages well.

The weather forecast on the BBC website for tomorrow is good, so I will go for an Irish win.

Yeah agree with this - those positions more or less pick themselves these days with only maybe O'Leary or O'Gara having a chance of getting picked there before the World Cup. Though O'Leary will probably come into the team ahead of Reddan when he returns from injury. Irish backs are certainly better than SA but unfortunately its vice versa for the forwards. I am looking forward to the battle between Habana and Bowe and hopefully BOD is close to 100% because that SA midfield looks very weak. I would like to have seen Sean O'Brien in the 22 instead of Leamy. If we can get the scrum or lineout winning our own ball then I think we will win by about 7 or so otherwise it could be a huge anti climax for the opening rugby test at the Aviva. Im also glad its not a sell out as the IRFU has made an absolute balls of their ticketing and prices for these Autumn internationals. They are living on a different planet to the fans.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 05, 2010, 08:30:30 PM
Quote from: tyroneboi on November 05, 2010, 03:54:50 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on November 05, 2010, 03:10:25 PM
I really like the look of Ireland from 6-15. Heaslip, Wallace and Ferris are awesome players on their day and having a lot of the Leinster players plus the very impressive Tommy Bowe in the back line should make for good play in that sector.

On the down side the front five is questionable to say the least going up against the best forwards in the world from South Africa. We could be badly outgunned in the second row wit hMatfield and Bakkies Botha going up against Mick O'Driscoll and O'Callaghan. The front row might be ok if Buckley scrummages well.

The weather forecast on the BBC website for tomorrow is good, so I will go for an Irish win.

Yeah agree with this - those positions more or less pick themselves these days with only maybe O'Leary or O'Gara having a chance of getting picked there before the World Cup. Though O'Leary will probably come into the team ahead of Reddan when he returns from injury. Irish backs are certainly better than SA but unfortunately its vice versa for the forwards. I am looking forward to the battle between Habana and Bowe and hopefully BOD is close to 100% because that SA midfield looks very weak. I would like to have seen Sean O'Brien in the 22 instead of Leamy. If we can get the scrum or lineout winning our own ball then I think we will win by about 7 or so otherwise it could be a huge anti climax for the opening rugby test at the Aviva. Im also glad its not a sell out as the IRFU has made an absolute balls of their ticketing and prices for these Autumn internationals. They are living on a different planet to the fans.
There is nothing outstanding about positions 6-15. Reddan and Sexton are inferior to the SA half-backs.

A big if there.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 05, 2010, 08:41:39 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 05, 2010, 08:30:30 PM
There is nothing outstanding about positions 6-15. Reddan and Sexton are inferior to the SA half-backs.

Heaslip, BOD and Bowe on form are as good as anyone.

Ferris, Wallace, Kearney, Fitzgerald and D'Arcy have never let us down and are capable of delivering in any game.

Reddan should be fine and Sexton really adds to our back play regardless of who his opposite number is.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 05, 2010, 08:47:52 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 05, 2010, 08:41:39 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 05, 2010, 08:30:30 PM
There is nothing outstanding about positions 6-15. Reddan and Sexton are inferior to the SA half-backs.

Heaslip, BOD and Bowe on form are as good as anyone.

Ferris, Wallace, Kearney, Fitzgerald and D'Arcy have never let us down and are capable of delivering in any game.

Reddan should be fine and Sexton really adds to our back play regardless of who his opposite number is.
Scotland and England games last year? He adds to our back play but is to the detriment of controlling the game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 05, 2010, 08:49:58 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 05, 2010, 08:47:52 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 05, 2010, 08:41:39 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 05, 2010, 08:30:30 PM
There is nothing outstanding about positions 6-15. Reddan and Sexton are inferior to the SA half-backs.

Heaslip, BOD and Bowe on form are as good as anyone.

Ferris, Wallace, Kearney, Fitzgerald and D'Arcy have never let us down and are capable of delivering in any game.

Reddan should be fine and Sexton really adds to our back play regardless of who his opposite number is.
Scotland and England games last year? He adds to our back play but is to the detriment of controlling the game.

England game the previous year?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyroneboi on November 05, 2010, 10:01:20 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 05, 2010, 08:30:30 PM
Quote from: tyroneboi on November 05, 2010, 03:54:50 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on November 05, 2010, 03:10:25 PM
I really like the look of Ireland from 6-15. Heaslip, Wallace and Ferris are awesome players on their day and having a lot of the Leinster players plus the very impressive Tommy Bowe in the back line should make for good play in that sector.

On the down side the front five is questionable to say the least going up against the best forwards in the world from South Africa. We could be badly outgunned in the second row wit hMatfield and Bakkies Botha going up against Mick O'Driscoll and O'Callaghan. The front row might be ok if Buckley scrummages well.

The weather forecast on the BBC website for tomorrow is good, so I will go for an Irish win.

Yeah agree with this - those positions more or less pick themselves these days with only maybe O'Leary or O'Gara having a chance of getting picked there before the World Cup. Though O'Leary will probably come into the team ahead of Reddan when he returns from injury. Irish backs are certainly better than SA but unfortunately its vice versa for the forwards. I am looking forward to the battle between Habana and Bowe and hopefully BOD is close to 100% because that SA midfield looks very weak. I would like to have seen Sean O'Brien in the 22 instead of Leamy. If we can get the scrum or lineout winning our own ball then I think we will win by about 7 or so otherwise it could be a huge anti climax for the opening rugby test at the Aviva. Im also glad its not a sell out as the IRFU has made an absolute balls of their ticketing and prices for these Autumn internationals. They are living on a different planet to the fans.
There is nothing outstanding about positions 6-15. Reddan and Sexton are inferior to the SA half-backs.

A big if there.

Really?? Piennar is lucky to be getting a game at 9 and Steyn whilst being an outstanding kicker is much of a muchness to Sexton IMO. I would take Irelands 9-15 over the one South Africa are putting out tomorrow any day of the week.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on November 05, 2010, 10:07:19 PM
true but id take sa's 1-6 any day over ours.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyroneboi on November 05, 2010, 10:25:25 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 05, 2010, 10:07:19 PM
true but id take sa's 1-6 any day over ours.

Our front five are in for a tough day tomorrow no doubt particularly in the lineout where there is no better than Botha and Matfield.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 06, 2010, 10:20:29 AM
I take it no-one on this thread actually watched the tri-nations this year where the SA front were hardly the world beaters many seem to think they are. Only Botha in the row when not suspended showed any sort of form. Of course the selection of Mick O'Driscoll and Tony Buckely in the Irish team beggars belief but shows how shallow the Irish talent pool really is considering the alternatives.

I'm heading up today quietly confident we'll win if we do well at the breakdown, forget your scrums and line-outs it's on the deck that this game will be won or lost (generally there is at least 4 times as many rucks as line-outs and scrums put together). Shocked that O'Brien hasn't been selected in the starting XV never mind the squad.

If the weather holds up expect quite an open game and Ireland to win by 5-10 points...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on November 06, 2010, 01:04:15 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 05, 2010, 08:47:52 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 05, 2010, 08:41:39 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 05, 2010, 08:30:30 PM
There is nothing outstanding about positions 6-15. Reddan and Sexton are inferior to the SA half-backs.

Heaslip, BOD and Bowe on form are as good as anyone.

Ferris, Wallace, Kearney, Fitzgerald and D'Arcy have never let us down and are capable of delivering in any game.

Reddan should be fine and Sexton really adds to our back play regardless of who his opposite number is.
Scotland and England games last year? He adds to our back play but is to the detriment of controlling the game.
"Controlling the game" in rugby seems to be a euphemism for sitting deep in the pocket with the comfort of more time and space to kick away the ball.

I can't see Ireland getting to the last 4 in the World Cup, with a game plan of kicking for the corners and hoping to steal line outs.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on November 06, 2010, 01:06:34 PM
A big test for Buckley against the Beast. Ireland badly need him to pass it though, as having to go back to playing Hayes would be a serious set back.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on November 06, 2010, 01:09:04 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 06, 2010, 10:20:29 AM
I take it no-one on this thread actually watched the tri-nations this year where the SA front were hardly the world beaters many seem to think they are. Only Botha in the row when not suspended showed any sort of form. Of course the selection of Mick O'Driscoll and Tony Buckely in the Irish team beggars belief but shows how shallow the Irish talent pool really is considering the alternatives.

I'm heading up today quietly confident we'll win if we do well at the breakdown, forget your scrums and line-outs it's on the deck that this game will be won or lost (generally there is at least 4 times as many rucks as line-outs and scrums put together). Shocked that O'Brien hasn't been selected in the starting XV never mind the squad.

If the weather holds up expect quite an open game and Ireland to win by 5-10 points...

Really and truely if we cant beat this boks team we neddn't bother travelling to the WC. Thats the bottom line.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CiKe on November 06, 2010, 01:23:02 PM
for me game will be won and lost in the back row. SA 1-5 over ours definitely, our 9-15, probably. 6-8 is key with Juan Smith and Ferris the pick of the battles - Ferris is up against it. Don't know much about Stegman to be honest, Heaslip I'd take over Spies most of the time, though if he gets going he can be impressive
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on November 06, 2010, 05:30:42 PM
Arra FFS! BBC taking the RTÉ commentary so no escaping that annoying little hoor Nugent. I hope this is not a long term arrangement.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: FermGael on November 06, 2010, 05:51:20 PM
What would happen if there is an attempted drop goal, its short but it takes a freak bounce and bounces over??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 06, 2010, 06:08:27 PM
Quote from: tyroneboi on November 05, 2010, 10:01:20 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 05, 2010, 08:30:30 PM
Quote from: tyroneboi on November 05, 2010, 03:54:50 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on November 05, 2010, 03:10:25 PM
I really like the look of Ireland from 6-15. Heaslip, Wallace and Ferris are awesome players on their day and having a lot of the Leinster players plus the very impressive Tommy Bowe in the back line should make for good play in that sector.

On the down side the front five is questionable to say the least going up against the best forwards in the world from South Africa. We could be badly outgunned in the second row wit hMatfield and Bakkies Botha going up against Mick O'Driscoll and O'Callaghan. The front row might be ok if Buckley scrummages well.

The weather forecast on the BBC website for tomorrow is good, so I will go for an Irish win.

Yeah agree with this - those positions more or less pick themselves these days with only maybe O'Leary or O'Gara having a chance of getting picked there before the World Cup. Though O'Leary will probably come into the team ahead of Reddan when he returns from injury. Irish backs are certainly better than SA but unfortunately its vice versa for the forwards. I am looking forward to the battle between Habana and Bowe and hopefully BOD is close to 100% because that SA midfield looks very weak. I would like to have seen Sean O'Brien in the 22 instead of Leamy. If we can get the scrum or lineout winning our own ball then I think we will win by about 7 or so otherwise it could be a huge anti climax for the opening rugby test at the Aviva. Im also glad its not a sell out as the IRFU has made an absolute balls of their ticketing and prices for these Autumn internationals. They are living on a different planet to the fans.
There is nothing outstanding about positions 6-15. Reddan and Sexton are inferior to the SA half-backs.

A big if there.

Really?? Piennar is lucky to be getting a game at 9 and Steyn whilst being an outstanding kicker is much of a muchness to Sexton IMO. I would take Irelands 9-15 over the one South Africa are putting out tomorrow any day of the week.

30 minutes gone. I'd take every SA player bar BOD at the minute. Ireland making Gio Aplan look like a good FB.
Sexton is dirt, no game control at all. Flaky kicker too.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 06, 2010, 06:09:44 PM
A poor enough start from Ireland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: orangeman on November 06, 2010, 06:11:46 PM
lot of empty seats
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 06, 2010, 06:25:05 PM
Between moving to a smaller stadium and not selling all the tickets they have cut the attendance from last year in 2.

I won't let them use the weather as an excuse as it wasn't that bad before and at kick off time. At last years match I sat in freezing fog and coukd hardly see half the game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 06, 2010, 06:45:33 PM
Absolutely Brutal from Ireland . . . we are in for a long long season I reckon!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 06, 2010, 06:59:18 PM
If Ferris could have held onto that ball, it would be all square.

Now the south african rookie misses a bad kick.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 06, 2010, 07:01:17 PM
Aplon did well there but I think Kearney sold himself out there. 14 points in it now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on November 06, 2010, 07:04:29 PM
At last something to cheer about
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 06, 2010, 07:06:18 PM
A good try by Bowe makes Aplon look bad. 7 points in it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ross4life on November 06, 2010, 07:06:42 PM
Ronan O'Gara showed his class with that pass.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Declan on November 06, 2010, 07:08:57 PM
Hope it's only because it's the first game but we are brutal and that is the worst south African side I have seen
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: orangeman on November 06, 2010, 07:11:18 PM
Aplon is rubbish.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ross4life on November 06, 2010, 07:11:26 PM
Lucky try but who cares? difficult kick here now
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Croí na hÉireann on November 06, 2010, 07:12:53 PM
Brutal game, set up for a good finish now though
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 06, 2010, 07:13:41 PM
We should have kicked the peno, but now we have a try.  Aplon is falling apart.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: orangeman on November 06, 2010, 07:13:52 PM
Some 2nd half.


S Africa have conspired to make a game of it by making fundamental errors and giving Ireland easy points.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: orangeman on November 06, 2010, 07:14:33 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on November 06, 2010, 07:13:41 PM
We should have kicked the peno, but now we have a try. Aplon is falling apart.
[/b]


New Zealand will love him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 06, 2010, 07:16:54 PM
Don't contest the rolling mauls. There is no need.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: orangeman on November 06, 2010, 07:18:28 PM
Better 2nd half.

S Africa were going through the motions.


Poor crowd for the opening game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ross4life on November 06, 2010, 07:19:21 PM
Deserved win for SA but with O' Driscoll, O'Gara,Stringer, O' Connell all around 32/33 how are these guys going to be replaced?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on November 06, 2010, 07:21:55 PM
Too many empty seats... No lineout, don't know enough about it to blame Best as thrower or the jumpers... no many knock-ons, forward passess and just unforced errors in general... great character to come back fighting at the end
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 06, 2010, 07:22:47 PM
Quote from: Declan on November 06, 2010, 07:08:57 PM
Hope it's only because it's the first game but we are brutal and that is the worst south African side I have seen

We beat a much worse South African team before the last world cup.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 06, 2010, 07:26:55 PM
A very disjointed performance from Ireland. Best while he is a good scrummager is usually at the heart of bad Irish line out performances. Sexton and Reddan were very disappointing as a club half back pairing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mc_grens on November 06, 2010, 08:02:35 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on November 06, 2010, 07:26:55 PM
A very disjointed performance from Ireland. Best while he is a good scrummager is usually at the heart of bad Irish line out performances. Sexton and Reddan were very disappointing as a club half back pairing.

I don't like these two as a pairing at all, never have. I think Reddan's ponderous delivery holds Sexton back from being able to use his considerable ability to unlock the potential of the back-line, and unlike O'Gara, Sexton doesnt yet have a top drawer territorial kicking game to fall back on.

I know Leinster have been successful with them in place, but as good as the Heineken Cup is as a spectacle it's still not Test Rugby.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on November 06, 2010, 08:18:33 PM
Sexton def not up to scratch yet and I'm not sure he ever will be. He's 25 - compare him to someone like Francois Steyn.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on November 06, 2010, 08:31:53 PM
Quote from: gallsman on November 06, 2010, 08:18:33 PM
Sexton def not up to scratch yet and I'm not sure he ever will be. He's 25 - compare him to someone like Francois Steyn.

Bit of a difference. Steyn is a full-back. Plus he's mainly known for his enormous boot than anything else.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on November 06, 2010, 08:53:52 PM
Very disappointing peformance.

Front five were blown away. Best couldn't hit a cows arse with a banjo - can't understand why Cronin wasn't given a run. The lineout couldn't have got any worse and at least Cronin would add a bit of dynamism around the park. Only Ferris from the pack could be satisfied with his performance.

Half-backs were poor but they were up against it behind a beaten pack. Stringer is still the best 9 around which is very worrying. Serious questions still remain over whether Sexton has the temperament for international rugby. ROG really hit the ground running when he came on and will now start v the ABs.

Darcy is another who is under pressure - move BOD to 12 and bring in Earls at 13? It's a pity James Downey wasn't selected in the squad because he offers something different to the centres we currently have.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: orangeman on November 06, 2010, 08:55:00 PM
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on November 06, 2010, 08:53:52 PM
Very disappointing peformance.

Front five were blown away. Best couldn't hit a cows arse with a banjo - can't understand why Cronin wasn't given a run. The lineout couldn't have got any worse and at least Cronin would add a bit of dynamism around the park. Only Ferris from the pack could be satisfied with his performance.

Half-backs were poor but they were up against it behind a beaten pack. Stringer is still the best 9 around which is very worrying. Serious questions still remain over whether Sexton has the temperament for international rugby. ROG really hit the ground running when he came on and will now start v the ABs.

Darcy is another who is under pressure - move BOD to 12 and bring in Earls at 13? It's a pity James Downey wasn't selected in the squad because he offers something different to the centres we currently have.


Class.   :D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CiKe on November 06, 2010, 10:19:38 PM
There is a difference but truth be told Sexton aint up to it. James O'Connor, Quade Cooper, Will Genia etc, all much younger than Sexton and twice the players. Having watched Lambie in the Currie Cup quite a bit he is probably better than Sexton and five years younger, though horrendous first kick today.

Personally I don't understand the tactics. Sure, conditions were not ideal but if you are going to kick the ball so much, you should play O'Gara. That isn't going to win us many games against the big boys, but in this respect Sexton probably isn't even top level European club class never mind international test class. The game has progressed beyond kicking for territory but Ireland don't see to have realised that, or are incapable of adapting.

On that performance we may well finish 5th in the 6 nations, and I shudder to think what the All Blacks will do to us.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 06, 2010, 11:47:04 PM
Seriously anyone blaming Sexton hasn't a clue, the days of a 10 sitting in the pocket and kicking the ball away are long gone...

Ireland were beaten as predicted by a few of the lads here because the front 5 are shite and were beaten up a stick in the set piece and in work rate around the paddock, they lay the platform all Reddan got was horrible slow ball, you cannot make a silk purse out of a sows ear...

The golden period is dead, we don't have the players to adapt to the new law changes, what you saw today is our short term future....
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mc_grens on November 07, 2010, 09:35:15 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 06, 2010, 11:47:04 PM
Seriously anyone playing Sexton hasn't a clue, the days of a 10 sitting in the pocket and kicking the ball away are long gone...

Ireland were beaten as predicted by a few of the lads here because the front 5 are shite and were beaten up a stick in the set piece and in work rate around the paddock, they lay the platform all Reddan got was horrible slow ball, you cannot make a silk purse out of a sows ear...

The golden period is dead, we don't have the players to adapt to the new law changes, what you saw today is our short term future....

Absolutely agree... Anyone want to buy my world cup tickets?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CiKe on November 07, 2010, 11:56:24 AM
Dinny, to be clear I wasn't blaming Sexton he had no platform whatsoever from the pack. Agree with you that the game has changed (and SA have not adapted either in the same way the Wallabies or Kiwis have) and hence he is far and away our best option, but still very far from world class in my opinion. He wasn't the root of the problem but his performance can't escape criticism. He missed and easy penalty at an early stage and his restarts were crap, but i presume just kicking it back to the Boks was management's game-plan as opposed to his own decision making.

I thought I had read the weather was to be better, hence expected more from our backs in spite of front five being clearly inferior, but with the rain lashing it down was always going to be more difficult, though still thought our backs handling left a lot to be desired.

Mick O'Driscoll has been good servant to Munster but if he is in WC squad then I think that is a barometer of where are expectations should be. Darcy still holds up well defensively but IMHO offers close to zero attacking threat these days.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 07, 2010, 12:19:21 PM
I only defend Sexton when I believe he is been harshly criticised and by the way I agree he is not world class maybe not international class but he is our best option unfortunately, forget about O'Gara's cameo in the last 15 there is a myriad of reasons why he did well instead look at his last international starts when he has been woeful.

Stringer (not his biggest fan) should start, the new law interpratations suit him to a tee and it's now all about quick ball and his organisation is excellent he brought that sense of urgency that was badly missed yesterday.

As for the front five, we don't have them, O'Callaghan is now past it, O'Driscoll should not be there period, Best not the same since his injury and the less said about Healy and Buckly the better. Only Flannery and O'Connell would improve the tight 5. I do hold high hopes for Devin Toner but he is 2/3 years from physical maturity. Sean O'Brien should be picked on merit and I'd put it up to Heaslip by giving Leamy a shot.

D'Arcy is not playing well and neither is BOD, the form Irish back is Johne Murphy and Earls has the rawest talent. The backline I'd pick against Samoa is Stringer, Sexton, Bowe, Murphy, O'Driscoll, Earls and Fitzgearld. Rob Kearney's head is up his hole on and off the pitch, his rate of regression is frightening...

And finally Alan Gaffney as backs coach is bringing nothing to the table, his coaching is all about exploiting perceived defensive weaknesses, as long he remains do not expect our backline to function...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 07, 2010, 12:23:30 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 06, 2010, 11:47:04 PM
Seriously anyone blaming Sexton hasn't a clue, the days of a 10 sitting in the pocket and kicking the ball away are long gone...

Ireland were beaten as predicted by a few of the lads here because the front 5 are shite and were beaten up a stick in the set piece and in work rate around the paddock, they lay the platform all Reddan got was horrible slow ball, you cannot make a silk purse out of a sows ear...

The golden period is dead, we don't have the players to adapt to the new law changes, what you saw today is our short term future....


+ 1.

The front 5 were mopped up. Tony Buckley has been doing reasonably well for Munster, but he's never going to be a great srummager. Micko is a great servant for Munster, but when he plays it's because someone is injured. Donnacha O'Callaghan is a great wingman for Paulie, but he is not a #1 lock.

Irish rugby is going to go into a down period now, and the provinces, particulary Munster have to be held responsible. Leinster have unearthed a few reasonable (although not as good as advertised) players for Ireland like Kearney, Fitzgerald, Sexton etc. Munster have Keith Earls and nothing else Loyalty is great, but Munster have fallen into the Kerry GAA trap from 1987, which is a pack of 8 forwards all nearing or over 30 with big miles on the clock Now Varley (a good player) and the like are coming in and being exposed because of lack of game time.

The first choice Munster pack at this stage, in a big European game, is probably Horan, Flannery, Hayes, O'Callaghan, O'Connell, Quinlan, Wallace, Leamy. Ireland needs Munster to be producing more young, hungry, ignorant forwards, but you cant do that if you're not playing them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on November 07, 2010, 12:35:42 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 07, 2010, 12:19:21 PM
I only defend Sexton when I believe he is been harshly criticised and by the way I agree he is not world class maybe not international class but he is our best option unfortunately, forget about O'Gara's cameo in the last 15 there is a myriad of reasons why he did well instead look at his last international starts when he has been woeful.

Stringer (not his biggest fan) should start, the new law interpratations suit him to a tee and it's now all about quick ball and his organisation is excellent he brought that sense of urgency that was badly missed yesterday.

As for the front five, we don't have them, O'Callaghan is now past it, O'Driscoll should not be there period, Best not the same since his injury and the less said about Healy and Buckly the better. Only Flannery and O'Connell would improve the tight 5. I do hold high hopes for Devin Toner but he is 2/3 years from physical maturity. Sean O'Brien should be picked on merit and I'd put it up to Heaslip by giving Leamy a shot.

D'Arcy is not playing well and neither is BOD, the form Irish back is Johne Murphy and Earls has the rawest talent. The backline I'd pick against Samoa is Stringer, Sexton, Bowe, Murphy, O'Driscoll, Earls and Fitzgearld. Rob Kearney's head is up his hole on and off the pitch, his rate of regression is frightening...

And finally Alan Gaffney as backs coach is bringing nothing to the table, his coaching is all about exploiting perceived defensive weaknesses, as long he remains do not expect our backline to function...

Johnny Murphy is not remotely international standard. Good provincial player and thats it.

Sexton does not control games at this level well enough. I agree on the basis of progression he should be playing but its up to him to start producing the goods. He's under pressure bigtime from O Gara who is playing out of his skin.

Kearney isnt, never was and never will be a world class player. His reputation is simply built on SA kicking to him one year and making him look great. The sooner he's dropped the better

We're in big trouble. Are supposed great players are only great when playing poor teams. Bar BOD, POC and Bowe what world class players do we have?
Heaslip is great until he's playing southern hemisphere opposition. Pierre Spies drove him back at least 12 yards at one stage in the loose.

Time to look at Fitz in the centre. Hasnt the gas for thw wing but a really skilled footballer who has bulked up a lot. Hed at least bring creativity to the centres.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on November 07, 2010, 12:58:44 PM
What has changed in the rules or the interpretation of the rules that now favour keeping the ball, over what we saw last year with lumping the ball regularly into the opposition half?

Should there not be hearty congratulation to O'Gara, not just for his performance as replacement yesterday but also for reaching the milestone of 100 caps?  And with many top class performances littered throughout those 100 caps.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CiKe on November 07, 2010, 01:17:44 PM
Things do need to be jigged in the backline. I agree that the new rules suit Stringer perfectly, but only if we are going to have the backs to capitalise on it. Agree with Indiana about Kearney (seem to recall you banging on about this back during the Lions tour as well). He looks great under a high ball and has a thumping boot, but doesn't offer remotely near the running threat of the best full backs. If you aren't to play Fitzgerald there then he is the best we have and unfortunately I think we need Fitzgerald in the centre.

For me should be:

9 Stringer
10 Sexton
11 Bowe
12 Fitzgerald
13 O'Driscoll
14 Earls
15 Kearney

If we had another wing I'd like to see BOD moved inside to 12 with Earls outside him and Fitzgerald at full back, but I don't think we do. Whatever way you look at things, Kidney needs to shake things up a bit, as they are very stale.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on November 07, 2010, 01:27:03 PM
I can't understand why Geordan Murphy was discarded. He's got a raw deal all of his career from various international managements. Fionn Carr should also have been looked at especially when you consider that Horgan and Gavin Duffy were included in the initial squad.

How bad is Felix Jones' injury? Looked like he was going to make the Munster 15 shirt his own in the early weeks of the season.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on November 07, 2010, 01:36:30 PM
Quote from: CiKe on November 07, 2010, 01:17:44 PM
Things do need to be jigged in the backline. I agree that the new rules suit Stringer perfectly, but only if we are going to have the backs to capitalise on it. Agree with Indiana about Kearney (seem to recall you banging on about this back during the Lions tour as well). He looks great under a high ball and has a thumping boot, but doesn't offer remotely near the running threat of the best full backs. If you aren't to play Fitzgerald there then he is the best we have and unfortunately I think we need Fitzgerald in the centre.

For me should be:

9 Stringer
10 Sexton
11 Bowe
12 Fitzgerald
13 O'Driscoll
14 Earls
15 Kearney

If we had another wing I'd like to see BOD moved inside to 12 with Earls outside him and Fitzgerald at full back, but I don't think we do. Whatever way you look at things, Kidney needs to shake things up a bit, as they are very stale.

I did say that about Kearney and was shot down. He could have been world class in my view but never developed certain aspects of his game.
Namely his passing off his left hand and his counter attacking. Defenisvely very suspect. Murphy got pilloried for missing a few tackles yet Kearney misses a lot more and gets away with it.
Unfortunately he's more famous on the celebrity pages now due to his looks then his talent as a rugby player. Looks fade, being a great player never does. Pity because its actually too late for him to change his style of play now. He may try to do so but you dont develop counter attacking tendencies at 24.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 07, 2010, 01:38:37 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 06, 2010, 11:47:04 PM
Seriously anyone blaming Sexton hasn't a clue, the days of a 10 sitting in the pocket and kicking the ball away are long gone...

Ireland were beaten as predicted by a few of the lads here because the front 5 are shite and were beaten up a stick in the set piece and in work rate around the paddock, they lay the platform all Reddan got was horrible slow ball, you cannot make a silk purse out of a sows ear...

The golden period is dead, we don't have the players to adapt to the new law changes, what you saw today is our short term future....
Sorry but I have to call bullshit on that one.

Sexton has to shoulder some of the blame yesterday. Yes we were destroyed in the set piece but where was the continuity or calm provided by the half-back pairings. When did sexton set the tempo or reply to pressure. Missed the first kick to settle the nerves and contributed little all day. The contrast between himself and Rog was shocking. Thats undeniable. Its now the 3rd time in 1 year ROG has been parachuted in to save a match when Sexton is floundering. When will people learn?

I know what the reply will be now. "We were playing behind a beaten pack, Sexton can't be blamed". The first part is true and hence why i put this match down as a defeat but Ireland were diabolical with Sexton in charge. Also pack dominance is not the be all end all in rugby union. If so Italy would have won every 6 nations since its inception followed closely by England.

And now for all the "end is nigh" shite which is being poured out all-ready. FFS just because you couldn't call it right doesn't mean we are at the end of the road. Firstly ROG must play and Best must be disposed of. Hey presto, we have a out-half and a line-out. Kearny is now just Dempsey mark 2 and D'Arcy is a smaller version of Kevin Maggs. Huge room for improvement in these positions, and between Fitzgerald and Earls lies a certain solution. In what form I'm not so sure. David Wallace was very ineffective the other night as well, We must now seriously consider putting him out to pasture.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CiKe on November 07, 2010, 01:45:20 PM
God I'd forgotten all about Murphy. More of a threat as a runner and a better off loader, is good under the high ball as well (although this is now of decreasing necessity with posession the order of the day). Not amazing defensively sure, but Kearney isn't great in this respect - witness his positioning for Aplon's try yesterday (great line sure, but Kearney sold himself very easily)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 07, 2010, 01:47:55 PM
Quote from: Main Street on November 07, 2010, 12:58:44 PM
What has changed in the rules or the interpretation of the rules that now favour keeping the ball, over what we saw last year with lumping the ball regularly into the opposition half?

Should there not be hearty congratulation to O'Gara, not just for his performance as replacement yesterday but also for reaching the milestone of 100 caps?  And with many top class performances littered throughout those 100 caps.

You forget that ROG is from Munster and this rugby thread belongs to the D4 worshippers.
Secondly ROG did not reach our aspirations of World domination in rugby and so must not be attributed with any praise. i.e he is a scape goat.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on November 07, 2010, 01:54:32 PM
O Gara might have done this and done that in his career, but he has been a complete and utter disappointment in each World Cup appearance. If we are building towards a World Cup, it can't be done by giving him an armchair ride there, for history tells you he will disappoint.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 07, 2010, 02:06:57 PM
Sexton has 9 caps after yesterday.

It took David Humphreys a lot of tests to become the number one after Elwood.
It took Ronan O'Gara a hell of a lot of tests to become number one after Humphreys.

Sexton doesn't even have the provincial experience those guys had thanks to Contepomi among others. I think given a season or two injury free at Leinster as the main man he will hopefully become an international 10. But I agree that the World Cup might come too soon for him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on November 07, 2010, 02:46:38 PM
I don't understand the agenda against certain players who have represented Ireland with distinction, whether it be Robbie Keane or O'Gara.

Isn't 25 a good age for the top fly half in Ireland to lay his claim on the starting team? though Johnny looks about 21. Is it not a very desirable situation for the coach to have Sexton just about ready, with O'Gara chomping at the bit on the sidelines, still able to come on and play his part with guile and accuracy?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on November 07, 2010, 04:44:13 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 07, 2010, 01:38:37 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 06, 2010, 11:47:04 PM
Seriously anyone blaming Sexton hasn't a clue, the days of a 10 sitting in the pocket and kicking the ball away are long gone...

Ireland were beaten as predicted by a few of the lads here because the front 5 are shite and were beaten up a stick in the set piece and in work rate around the paddock, they lay the platform all Reddan got was horrible slow ball, you cannot make a silk purse out of a sows ear...

The golden period is dead, we don't have the players to adapt to the new law changes, what you saw today is our short term future....
Sorry but I have to call bullshit on that one.

Sexton has to shoulder some of the blame yesterday. Yes we were destroyed in the set piece but where was the continuity or calm provided by the half-back pairings. When did sexton set the tempo or reply to pressure. Missed the first kick to settle the nerves and contributed little all day. The contrast between himself and Rog was shocking. Thats undeniable. Its now the 3rd time in 1 year ROG has been parachuted in to save a match when Sexton is floundering. When will people learn?

I know what the reply will be now. "We were playing behind a beaten pack, Sexton can't be blamed". The first part is true and hence why i put this match down as a defeat but Ireland were diabolical with Sexton in charge. Also pack dominance is not the be all end all in rugby union. If so Italy would have won every 6 nations since its inception followed closely by England.

And now for all the "end is nigh" shite which is being poured out all-ready. FFS just because you couldn't call it right doesn't mean we are at the end of the road. Firstly ROG must play and Best must be disposed of. Hey presto, we have a out-half and a line-out. Kearny is now just Dempsey mark 2 and D'Arcy is a smaller version of Kevin Maggs. Huge room for improvement in these positions, and between Fitzgerald and Earls lies a certain solution. In what form I'm not so sure. David Wallace was very ineffective the other night as well, We must now seriously consider putting him out to pasture.

Dan Carter would have struggled playing with Eoin Reddan yesterday.
Fact. Thats a glaring ommision in your analysis. Anyone who has played the game which I can only deduce you havent knows that an outhalf will struggle to play beside a scrum half playing as poorly as Reddan did yesterday.
ROG got to play with Stringer yesterday- another thing missing from the  above

I'd like to see Sexton play with Stringer and then make a judgment call.

The bottom line Ireland have 4 very average scrumhalves. Very average. England have a brilliant young player in Youngs. Oz have Genea, France have Parra, Yachvilli etc. New Zealands young scrum half was excellent yesterday against England. They nearly fell apart yesterday when he was taken off.
We have no-one in that class at9 . End of story. But Stringer can pass the ball. The rest of them cant
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 07, 2010, 05:32:40 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 07, 2010, 04:44:13 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 07, 2010, 01:38:37 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 06, 2010, 11:47:04 PM
Seriously anyone blaming Sexton hasn't a clue, the days of a 10 sitting in the pocket and kicking the ball away are long gone...

The golden period is dead, we don't have the players to adapt to the new law changes, what you saw today is our short term future....
Sorry but I have to call bullshit on that one.
And now for all the "end is nigh" shite which is being poured out all-ready. FFS just because you couldn't call it right doesn't mean we are at the end of the road. Firstly ROG must play and Best must be disposed of. Hey presto, we have a out-half and a line-out. Kearny is now just Dempsey mark 2 and D'Arcy is a smaller version of Kevin Maggs. Huge room for improvement in these positions, and between Fitzgerald and Earls lies a certain solution. In what form I'm not so sure. David Wallace was very ineffective the other night as well, We must now seriously consider putting him out to pasture.

Dan Carter would have struggled playing with Eoin Reddan yesterday.
Fact. Thats a glaring ommision in your analysis. Anyone who has played the game which I can only deduce you havent knows that an outhalf will struggle to play beside a scrum half playing as poorly as Reddan did yesterday.
ROG got to play with Stringer yesterday- another thing missing from the  above.

I'd like to see Sexton play with Stringer and then make a judgment call.

The bottom line Ireland have 4 very average scrumhalves. Very average. England have a brilliant young player in Youngs. Oz have Genea, France have Parra, Yachvilli etc. New Zealands young scrum half was excellent yesterday against England. They nearly fell apart yesterday when he was taken off.
We have no-one in that class at 9. End of story. But Stringer can pass the ball. The rest of them cant
Fair points except for the fact that I have played the game. Secondly my opinion of Sexton is formed not only by yesterday but also by performances when playing with O'Leary.
Secondly you talk about having a "excellent" scrum-half. Scrum-half's cannot be all things to all men. Parra is a passer and kicker, Irish scrum-half's over you something else. O'Leary's a defender, Stringer a passer and Reddan a tester at the fringes (normally). Yachvilli was never an exceptional outhalf and I believe you are letting the point scoring ability of Parra colour your judgement.

You tailor your game as your resources demand. That is what half a SA team did yesterday. Irelands 9s would suffice but the game must be tailored to suit or exploit the strengths. Thats all other nations do. Parra is a relatively poor tackler, see a couple of weeks ago, but france don't rely on him defensively.

Anyway some good news. Seems changes are abound in our problem area. Court did well in the scrum when he came on. But how much of that is attributed to freshness?

http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2010/1107/buckleyt_kearneyr_ireland.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on November 07, 2010, 06:44:12 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 07, 2010, 05:32:40 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 07, 2010, 04:44:13 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 07, 2010, 01:38:37 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 06, 2010, 11:47:04 PM
Seriously anyone blaming Sexton hasn't a clue, the days of a 10 sitting in the pocket and kicking the ball away are long gone...

The golden period is dead, we don't have the players to adapt to the new law changes, what you saw today is our short term future....
Sorry but I have to call bullshit on that one.
And now for all the "end is nigh" shite which is being poured out all-ready. FFS just because you couldn't call it right doesn't mean we are at the end of the road. Firstly ROG must play and Best must be disposed of. Hey presto, we have a out-half and a line-out. Kearny is now just Dempsey mark 2 and D'Arcy is a smaller version of Kevin Maggs. Huge room for improvement in these positions, and between Fitzgerald and Earls lies a certain solution. In what form I'm not so sure. David Wallace was very ineffective the other night as well, We must now seriously consider putting him out to pasture.

Dan Carter would have struggled playing with Eoin Reddan yesterday.
Fact. Thats a glaring ommision in your analysis. Anyone who has played the game which I can only deduce you havent knows that an outhalf will struggle to play beside a scrum half playing as poorly as Reddan did yesterday.
ROG got to play with Stringer yesterday- another thing missing from the  above.

I'd like to see Sexton play with Stringer and then make a judgment call.

The bottom line Ireland have 4 very average scrumhalves. Very average. England have a brilliant young player in Youngs. Oz have Genea, France have Parra, Yachvilli etc. New Zealands young scrum half was excellent yesterday against England. They nearly fell apart yesterday when he was taken off.
We have no-one in that class at 9. End of story. But Stringer can pass the ball. The rest of them cant
Fair points except for the fact that I have played the game. Secondly my opinion of Sexton is formed not only by yesterday but also by performances when playing with O'Leary.
Secondly you talk about having a "excellent" scrum-half. Scrum-half's cannot be all things to all men. Parra is a passer and kicker, Irish scrum-half's over you something else. O'Leary's a defender, Stringer a passer and Reddan a tester at the fringes (normally). Yachvilli was never an exceptional outhalf and I believe you are letting the point scoring ability of Parra colour your judgement.

You tailor your game as your resources demand. That is what half a SA team did yesterday. Irelands 9s would suffice but the game must be tailored to suit or exploit the strengths. Thats all other nations do. Parra is a relatively poor tackler, see a couple of weeks ago, but france don't rely on him defensively.

Anyway some good news. Seems changes are abound in our problem area. Court did well in the scrum when he came on. But how much of that is attributed to freshness?

http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2010/1107/buckleyt_kearneyr_ireland.html
yachvilli is everything at scrum half- an outrageously talented player in my view. I think Parra is excellent. Hes an adequate tackler but excellent at most facets of the game. I would gladly swop some TOL's defensive abilities for a good passing technique. With the new laws I see TOL struggling.

Court is a better option then Healy at present. Dunno what to do with tighhead. Ross is the form player and should have started yesterday but i dont think the all blacks will suit him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 07, 2010, 07:02:58 PM
QuoteSexton has to shoulder some of the blame yesterday. Yes we were destroyed in the set piece but where was the continuity or calm provided by the half-back pairings. When did sexton set the tempo or reply to pressure. Missed the first kick to settle the nerves and contributed little all day. The contrast between himself and Rog was shocking. Thats undeniable. Its now the 3rd time in 1 year ROG has been parachuted in to save a match when Sexton is floundering. When will people learn?

To ignore the failings of the front five is just ignorance, to ignore the failings of Reddan is just ignorance, to put forward the claims of man who has studied the opposition with all the analysis available for 60 minutes is just ignorance, to ignore the South African replacement policty is just ignorance, to claim a D4 agenda is yet further ignorance, to compare D'Arcy to Kevin Maggs is ignorance, in fact I just find your post ignorant.

Now answer me these questions...

1. How does an out-half set the tempo in a game of rugby?
2. If O'Gara is so good how come he probably gave the worst display from an Irish 10 in living memory in NZ?
3. What is the role of a Hooker in the line-out, what is the role of the lifters and what is the role of the jumper, the line-out is about team work, co-ordination, timing, power and communication. We failed on all accounts not just the throwing, replace Best with who Sean Cronin?
4. Do you understand what slow ball is and why it can kill any continuity?
5. Finally O'Gara missed the kick that mattered, did he choke as usual?


Finally Sexton was poor but he has better defence than O'Gara, better hands, more physical in contact, he does not have O'Gara's 100 caps of experience. A 15 minute cameo in game that was lost where we had to play catch-up rugby is not his 2nd coming. Rugby has progressed in the last 2 years, we have stood still and with such a conservative coach at the helm do not expect us to move forward anytime soon.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Declan on November 08, 2010, 08:29:40 AM
http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/it-affects-every-facet-of-your-life-it-takes-from-you-im-a-different-person-when-this-is-bad-2410819.html (http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/it-affects-every-facet-of-your-life-it-takes-from-you-im-a-different-person-when-this-is-bad-2410819.html)

Scary interview from Fogarty here. I'm amazed this hasn't got more attention
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 08, 2010, 09:44:04 AM
Know his in-laws well, very sad for him and unfortunately I believe this will come more common place in the next few years, Phil Vickery in England has to retire as well. The collisions in rugby are becoming more and more fearsome even as junior level.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 08, 2010, 09:46:17 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 08, 2010, 09:44:04 AM
Know his in-laws well, very sad for him and unfortunately I believe this will come more common place in the next few years, Phil Vickery in England has to retire as well. The collisions in rugby are becoming more and more fearsome even as junior level.

Is there an argument to wearing the shoulder pads and neck supports that the American Footballers wear?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 08, 2010, 10:48:44 AM
I think there is AZ, I was at an Academy game a few months and the verocity and agression at the breakdown was frightening and these were just young lads all under 20.

Only yesterday I was coaching at a game where one of the opposition was stretchered off with a neck injury and brought to hospital.

It needs to be addressed particularly at a professional level.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 08, 2010, 10:51:04 AM
How many of the neck injuries are 'collision' injuries that padding and braces would help, versus injuries caused by things like scrums collapsing etc?

I've certainly noticed a lot of ferocity at breakdown time, but the scrum is still the area that seems most prone to people hurting their necks or spines.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 08, 2010, 11:11:01 AM
It's a combination of both the scrum is really about attrition and wear and tear which weakens the neck, props will be involved in most of the rucks as well, hitting hard, sealing off - your generally pillar and post defence - even picking and driving leaves their necks exposed.

They are the most vulnerable but in time I believe every player is at risk, some of the collsions at Saturdays game were frightening.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 08, 2010, 11:49:09 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 08, 2010, 11:11:01 AM
It's a combination of both the scrum is really about attrition and wear and tear which weakens the neck, props will be involved in most of the rucks as well, hitting hard, sealing off - your generally pillar and post defence - even picking and driving leaves their necks exposed.

They are the most vulnerable but in time I believe every player is at risk, some of the collsions at Saturdays game were frightening.

I made the same observation to my brother watching the Wales Australia game. Some of the tackles and ruck clearouts were just unreal in terms of pace, power and impact.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bcarrier on November 08, 2010, 12:42:35 PM
Whether it is laws or not in my view Stringer has improved his game . Sexton and Stringer should be given some game together .

Remember reading something last year about trying out Ferris as a lock..any views on that ..we seen to have a few more back row options ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 08, 2010, 01:13:21 PM
Quote from: bcarrier on November 08, 2010, 12:42:35 PM
Whether it is laws or not in my view Stringer has improved his game . Sexton and Stringer should be given some game together .

Remember reading something last year about trying out Ferris as a lock..any views on that ..we seen to have a few more back row options ?

Yea Stringer deserves his shot, his form has been excellent in his limited appearances with Munster and Ireland, would be interesting to see how Sexton gets on with the quicker delivery.

Ferris is too good at six, our second row options are awful, can't see any light at the end of tunnel the injury to O'Connell and the retirement of O'Kelly has really hit home, just shows how good O'Kelly was, it's only now that he's gone that we miss him. Maybe someone Andrew Browne from Connacht deserves a shot, always impresses me when I see him play...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 08, 2010, 01:14:29 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 08, 2010, 01:13:21 PM
Quote from: bcarrier on November 08, 2010, 12:42:35 PM
Whether it is laws or not in my view Stringer has improved his game . Sexton and Stringer should be given some game together .

Remember reading something last year about trying out Ferris as a lock..any views on that ..we seen to have a few more back row options ?

Yea Stringer deserves his shot, his form has been excellent in his limited appearances with Munster and Ireland, would be interesting to see how Sexton gets on with the quicker delivery.

Ferris is too good at six, our second row options are awful, can't see any light at the end of tunnel the injury to O'Connell and the retirement of O'Kelly has really hit home, just shows how good O'Kelly was, it's only now that he's gone that we miss him. Maybe someone Andrew Browne from Connacht deserves a shot, always impresses me when I see him play...

What about Devin Toner Dinny? How far away is he from being ready physically? He's a bit beanpolish.

Another thing that's hitting home is the criminal neglect of Bob Casey.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 08, 2010, 01:24:04 PM
He's 6' 11' or something ridiculous like, just turned 24 as well, tight 5 players really aren't at their prime till there late 20s early 30s in my opinion,  just look at how good Martin Johnson or John Eales were in their latter years. Anyhow Toner is a hookers dream, even Jackman could hit him but I'd say he's two years from been a guaranteed starter at Leinster, Nathan Hines though is bringing him along brilliantly and he's been very good for Leinster this year. Maybe we can't wait not if our line-out keeps functioning as it is...

As for big bad Bob, love his Irish Times article and he's been treated very harshly because he plays in England, no other reason, he scrummages well, shrewd line-out operator and provides leadership and a lilywhite to boot. Always thought himself and O'Connell would be a good partnership...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lynchbhoy on November 08, 2010, 01:27:54 PM
Toner is now where casey was before he went to England to play.
Poor Bob was badly overlooked by Ireland , worse than Trevor Brennan was !
Bob could still do a job - def better than ryan or o'driscoll and imo way better than leo cullen.
Toner is 6' 10"  - though his uncle used to tell me that he was 7'.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on November 08, 2010, 01:30:04 PM
Hard to believe that Casey was involved as far back as the 1999 RWC. To think of some of the dross that got their chance ahead of him down the years - Matt McCullagh and Ryan Caldwell stand out.

It always seems to be the flourbags that get the raw deal - Geordan Murphy, Trevor Brennan, Bob Casey. Fergus McFadden, Johne Murphy and Fionn Carr have no chance so!  :D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 08, 2010, 01:32:57 PM
The Trevor Brennan story was cat. 'Send us a video and we'll take a look at you'. He played for Toulouse for f**k's sake.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyroneboi on November 08, 2010, 02:14:07 PM
Is that true AZ? Was that under the management of steady eddie? Reminds me of when Mick McCarthy I think it was told Denis Irwin he would have to prove himself to him! Geordan Murphy has always been an outcast when it comes to Irish selection. The guy is captain of one of the most successful clubs in Europe and has won everything at club level.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 08, 2010, 02:31:41 PM
Quote from: tyroneboi on November 08, 2010, 02:14:07 PM
Is that true AZ? Was that under the management of steady eddie? Reminds me of when Mick McCarthy I think it was told Denis Irwin he would have to prove himself to him! Geordan Murphy has always been an outcast when it comes to Irish selection. The guy is captain of one of the most successful clubs in Europe and has won everything at club level.

I'm sure it was true. Dinny might confirm. Eddie O'Sullivan's time it was I think.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on November 08, 2010, 07:44:53 PM
The only memory I have of Trevor playing for Ireland was that WC game against Australia at Lansdowne rd when one Aussie held him while another rained punches against his face and afair, the ref only sin binned Trevor.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on November 08, 2010, 08:27:06 PM
An interesting tribute to OGara  by an out and critic of his,  Stephen Jones,  when O'Gara won his 90th cap onMarch 2009
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/rugby_union/article5803958.ece?token=null&offset=0&page=1 (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/rugby_union/article5803958.ece?token=null&offset=0&page=1)

'for a whole chunk of his career I did not rate Ronan O'Gara.
My low rating was based on what I saw as an unambitious young player who lay as deep as Davy Jones's locker and who often seemed to be happy to kick just enough penalty goals to ensure that the score for Munster or Ireland was one point more than the opposition. I have seen games where his defence was poor, where he could have expanded and did not, or failed to kill off a game and then found his team beaten. I also felt that when he did try to run the ball he looked thoroughly uncomfortable.
That was then. These days I find him a masterly operator. There is no shortage of outstanding fly halves around but I would take him on the Lions tour. His range of kicks is vast and, in a sense, old-fashioned. So few fly halves these days can drop kicks on the head of a shaky defender to land at the same time as the chasers, even long punting is a lost art that he retains. He is also a man you would back for that knee-knocking late place kick to win. Last season against Wasps at Thomond Park it was as if he had the match on a length of string, so uncanny was his anticipation.

He is also playing far flatter and I recall with delight the way he orchestrated a display of attacking by the Irish backs against Australia two seasons ago that has rarely been equalled. He still makes errors but his experience and well of self-belief seem to shrug them off where once they haunted him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on November 08, 2010, 08:39:51 PM
Just going back to Saturday. This time last year Ireland got an undeserved draw against Australia after an equally shaky performance and there was little complaint. Two years ago they were easily beaten by New Zealand. This is also the first serious outing for months, so its too early to judge.

Had Ireland a fit O'Connell (or Cullen) and Flannery, the line out would probably have held up. They might even have put pressure on the South African line out.

I think Kidney is being ambitious with the style of play. There is a lot more emphasis on running the ball and moving it through the hands. Resulting in an increase in the amount of handling errors. Not helped by the weather conditions of course.

Ireland won a Grand Slam in 2009 by being the team that kicked more than anyone else. They forced tries by patiently grinding their way to the line.

In 2010 Kidney has changed tack a little. He probably lost the Triple Crown against Scotland last spring by having the team attempting to run in tries at every opportunity. Instead of engaging in the preliminaries of pack warfare and territorial kicking.

Whether this a coach naively wanting to win beautifully, or a wise head who reckons that Ireland need to evolve their style to actually seriously put it up to the Southern Hemisphere teams is another matter.
At the moment, Ireland wouldn't be a match for the French or the Welsh when it comes to running the ball though.

On the team selection. I'd give Stringer another shot at the big time. He may be a bit one-dimensional, but his snappy pass is definitely a huge asset at the moment.

I think Darcy at 12 doesn't have the vision and hands to bring other players into the game. While Ryle Nugent may love his dancing feet, he tends to dance into opponents and go to ground.
His best ever season for Ireland was in 2004 (world player of the year nominee, 6 nations player of the tournament) when he was 13 and O'Driscoll was at 12 feeding him ball and creating space for him.
Ireland could switch back to this, but perhaps it is time to try Sexton at 12. He can distribute better than D'arcy and may benefit from not having the pressure of making the tactical calls and play making at 10.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Joxer on November 09, 2010, 02:26:42 PM
QuoteIreland head coach Delcan Kidney has made 10 personnel changes and one positional change to his team to face Samoa in the Guinness Series this Saturday.


Devin Toner will win his first cap for Ireland in the second row this Saturday, as one of the 11 changes to the starting team from the side that played against South Africa.


Toner will be partnered by the experienced Donncha O'Callaghan in the engine room and they will be supporting a new front row of Tom Court, Sean Cronin and John Hayes, who are all selected to start.


Denis Leamy and Sean O'Brien are called into the backrow with Jamie Heaslip retaining the number 8 position. Stephen Ferris and David Wallace make way in the backrow.


Luke Fitzgerald is the one positional switch in the team, he moves from wing to full back, with Andrew Trimble coming into the vacant left-wing position.


Paddy Wallace comes into the team at inside centre to partner captain Brian O'Driscoll, with Gordon D'Arcy dropping out of the starting XV.


Ronan O'Gara and Peter Stringer come into the side as the new half-back combination following their excellent substitute appearances against South Africa.


Declan Kidney will announce the replacements later this week.

Ireland team to play Samoa in the Guinness Series 2010, Aviva Stadium, 13 November, kick-off 14:30.


15 Luke Fitzgerald (Blackrock College/Leinster)
14 Tommy Bowe (Ospreys)
13 Brian O'Driscoll (captain, UCD/Leinster)
12 Paddy Wallace (Ballymena/Ulster)
11 Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster)
10 Ronan O'Gara (Cork Constitution/Munster)
9 Peter Stringer (Shannon/Munster)
1 Tom Court (Malone/Ulster)
2 Sean Cronin (Buccaneers/Connacht)
3 John Hayes (Bruff/Munster)
4 Donncha O'Callaghan (Cork Constitution/Munster)
5 Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster)
6 Denis Leamy (Cork Constitution/Munster)
7 Sean O'Brien (St.Mary's College/Leinster)
8 Jamie Heaslip (Naas/Leinster)


Replacements:
To be confirmed later in the week.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lynchbhoy on November 09, 2010, 05:09:06 PM
almost the team i'd like to see play with only Earls on somewhere in the back line at the expense of Wallace and Ferris on instead of leamy.
OK Toner isnt up to it yet, but I am delighted for him to win his first cap.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on November 09, 2010, 09:49:01 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on November 08, 2010, 08:39:51 PM
Just going back to Saturday. This time last year Ireland got an undeserved draw against Australia after an equally shaky performance and there was little complaint. Two years ago they were easily beaten by New Zealand. This is also the first serious outing for months, so its too early to judge.

Had Ireland a fit O'Connell (or Cullen) and Flannery, the line out would probably have held up. They might even have put pressure on the South African line out.

I think Kidney is being ambitious with the style of play. There is a lot more emphasis on running the ball and moving it through the hands. Resulting in an increase in the amount of handling errors. Not helped by the weather conditions of course.

Ireland won a Grand Slam in 2009 by being the team that kicked more than anyone else. They forced tries by patiently grinding their way to the line.

In 2010 Kidney has changed tack a little. He probably lost the Triple Crown against Scotland last spring by having the team attempting to run in tries at every opportunity. Instead of engaging in the preliminaries of pack warfare and territorial kicking.

Whether this a coach naively wanting to win beautifully, or a wise head who reckons that Ireland need to evolve their style to actually seriously put it up to the Southern Hemisphere teams is another matter.
At the moment, Ireland wouldn't be a match for the French or the Welsh when it comes to running the ball though.

On the team selection. I'd give Stringer another shot at the big time. He may be a bit one-dimensional, but his snappy pass is definitely a huge asset at the moment.

I think Darcy at 12 doesn't have the vision and hands to bring other players into the game. While Ryle Nugent may love his dancing feet, he tends to dance into opponents and go to ground.
His best ever season for Ireland was in 2004 (world player of the year nominee, 6 nations player of the tournament) when he was 13 and O'Driscoll was at 12 feeding him ball and creating space for him.
Ireland could switch back to this, but perhaps it is time to try Sexton at 12. He can distribute better than D'arcy and may benefit from not having the pressure of making the tactical calls and play making at 10.



1- Ireland are trying to play a more ambitous style of rugby with the wrong tactics. There is no counter attacking form the back 3. Anyone who thinks that the full back running the ball back tucked under one arm into contact is counter attacking can never have played the game. Kearney did this on 6 occasions on Saturday.

2- Ireland are trying to play ambitious rugby with the wrong personnel. thats a failure of management. I dont want to hear about they did in the past as a coaches. We're talking about the here and now. And the tactics and selection were miles off last week.

3- This is not too soon to judge. That was crap last Saturday. A resume. We were playing against a South African team at loggerhards with the coach, knackered after a long season and who never moved the ball beyond 12. And we still couldnt win.

4- The facts are we have little in the way of strength in depth and we simply cant match the Southern Hemisphere. The question this year wil we beat Scotland and Wales? I cant see us beating England and France. England are 2 centres short of a bloody good team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyroneboi on November 09, 2010, 10:44:19 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 09, 2010, 09:49:01 PM
1- Ireland are trying to play a more ambitous style of rugby with the wrong tactics. There is no counter attacking form the back 3. Anyone who thinks that the full back running the ball back tucked under one arm into contact is counter attacking can never have played the game. Kearney did this on 6 occasions on Saturday.

2- Ireland are trying to play ambitious rugby with the wrong personnel. thats a failure of management. I dont want to hear about they did in the past as a coaches. We're talking about the here and now. And the tactics and selection were miles off last week.

3- This is not too soon to judge. That was crap last Saturday. A resume. We were playing against a South African team at loggerhards with the coach, knackered after a long season and who never moved the ball beyond 12. And we still couldnt win.

4- The facts are we have little in the way of strength in depth and we simply cant match the Southern Hemisphere. The question this year wil we beat Scotland and Wales? I cant see us beating England and France. England are 2 centres short of a bloody good team.

I would agree with what your saying there. Kearney was a fantastic full back under the high ball when teams kicked the leather out of the ball but that isnt happening anymore. I think Fitz can offer more of a threat from a counter attacking perspective at full back than Kearney. I think a centre partnership of BOD at 12 and Bowe at 13 could be worth looking at maybe against Argentina but i doubt it will happen. Strength in depth is a major problem as demonstrated with Mick O'Driscoll coming in for O'Connell last week. I said in a previous post during the summer internationals if Mick O'Driscoll is our 3rd choice lock then we are in serious bother. I often think (and its more than likely pure rubbish) that young kids playing now dont see the front 5 positions being as glamorous as the 6-15 positions and thats part of the problem. They would rather be a Heaslip or a BOD than a John Hayes.

You are right in what you are saying about England being a few players short of being a good team. Centres as you say is a problem for them (Delon Armitage at 13 could be awesome) but i still dont think they have their back row balance right just yet. With a more experienced coach than Johnston they could be contenders for the RWC next year.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on November 09, 2010, 10:57:51 PM
Quote from: tyroneboi on November 09, 2010, 10:44:19 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 09, 2010, 09:49:01 PM
1- Ireland are trying to play a more ambitous style of rugby with the wrong tactics. There is no counter attacking form the back 3. Anyone who thinks that the full back running the ball back tucked under one arm into contact is counter attacking can never have played the game. Kearney did this on 6 occasions on Saturday.

2- Ireland are trying to play ambitious rugby with the wrong personnel. thats a failure of management. I dont want to hear about they did in the past as a coaches. We're talking about the here and now. And the tactics and selection were miles off last week.

3- This is not too soon to judge. That was crap last Saturday. A resume. We were playing against a South African team at loggerhards with the coach, knackered after a long season and who never moved the ball beyond 12. And we still couldnt win.

4- The facts are we have little in the way of strength in depth and we simply cant match the Southern Hemisphere. The question this year wil we beat Scotland and Wales? I cant see us beating England and France. England are 2 centres short of a bloody good team.

I would agree with what your saying there. Kearney was a fantastic full back under the high ball when teams kicked the leather out of the ball but that isnt happening anymore. I think Fitz can offer more of a threat from a counter attacking perspective at full back than Kearney. I think a centre partnership of BOD at 12 and Bowe at 13 could be worth looking at maybe against Argentina but i doubt it will happen. Strength in depth is a major problem as demonstrated with Mick O'Driscoll coming in for O'Connell last week. I said in a previous post during the summer internationals if Mick O'Driscoll is our 3rd choice lock then we are in serious bother. I often think (and its more than likely pure rubbish) that young kids playing now dont see the front 5 positions being as glamorous as the 6-15 positions and thats part of the problem. They would rather be a Heaslip or a BOD than a John Hayes.

You are right in what you are saying about England being a few players short of being a good team. Centres as you say is a problem for them (Delon Armitage at 13 could be awesome) but i still dont think they have their back row balance right just yet. With a more experienced coach than Johnston they could be contenders for the RWC next year.
With johnson and andrews behind the scenes they have no chance I agree. With the right coaching ticket they would be very formidable. In my opinion.

Buckley has to start delivering or else start using younger TH's. Ross has to play at some point to see. What harm? He's in great form

I like the team for Saturday. The opposition are poor but at least Kidney has acknowledged his errors and picked on form this week.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on November 10, 2010, 10:56:46 AM
Quote from: tyroneboi on November 09, 2010, 10:44:19 PM
Strength in depth is a major problem as demonstrated with Mick O'Driscoll coming in for O'Connell last week. I said in a previous post during the summer internationals if Mick O'Driscoll is our 3rd choice lock then we are in serious bother.

Not to mentioned that the hugely overrated O'Callaghan is our 2nd choice! He's been getting away with inept performances for years, and its always excused by his supposed great partnership with POC or his supposed great unseen work. When is he ever a man of the match contender? I seriously can't remember him ever even been mentioned as a contender in any Irish or Munster match.

I see Toner interviewed in the Irish Times today saying he'll do the calling for the lineout on Saturday because he has more experience at it than O'Callaghan. This is Toner's first international cap and he's started only 4 or 5 Heineken Cup games. O'Callaghan has 64 Irish caps and probably around 100 Munster caps. I know there's more to lock play than just winning your lineouts but still its a telling indication of how much O'Callaghan has been carried over the years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 10, 2010, 11:50:18 AM
Quote from: Hound on November 10, 2010, 10:56:46 AM
Quote from: tyroneboi on November 09, 2010, 10:44:19 PM
Strength in depth is a major problem as demonstrated with Mick O'Driscoll coming in for O'Connell last week. I said in a previous post during the summer internationals if Mick O'Driscoll is our 3rd choice lock then we are in serious bother.

Not to mentioned that the hugely overrated O'Callaghan is our 2nd choice! He's been getting away with inept performances for years, and its always excused by his supposed great partnership with POC or his supposed great unseen work. When is he ever a man of the match contender? I seriously can't remember him ever even been mentioned as a contender in any Irish or Munster match.

I see Toner interviewed in the Irish Times today saying he'll do the calling for the lineout on Saturday because he has more experience at it than O'Callaghan. This is Toner's first international cap and he's started only 4 or 5 Heineken Cup games. O'Callaghan has 64 Irish caps and probably around 100 Munster caps. I know there's more to lock play than just winning your lineouts but still its a telling indication of how much O'Callaghan has been carried over the years.
I can recall one munster match (HC) of real importance when he was simply outstanding in the absence of POC. MOTM that day as far as I can recall. Can't remember the match or the opposition though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 10, 2010, 01:17:05 PM
In terms of the first choice Ireland team does anyone else agree that Ireland need Keith Earls on the pitch? Preferably at outside centre with O'Driscoll moving to inside centre or have them both play left and right centre. The Darcy and O'Driscoll partnership at this stage is beginning to slow down and Earls can make breaks for fun.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 10, 2010, 06:29:19 PM
Quote from: Hound on November 10, 2010, 10:56:46 AM
Quote from: tyroneboi on November 09, 2010, 10:44:19 PM
Strength in depth is a major problem as demonstrated with Mick O'Driscoll coming in for O'Connell last week. I said in a previous post during the summer internationals if Mick O'Driscoll is our 3rd choice lock then we are in serious bother.

Not to mentioned that the hugely overrated O'Callaghan is our 2nd choice! He's been getting away with inept performances for years, and its always excused by his supposed great partnership with POC or his supposed great unseen work. When is he ever a man of the match contender? I seriously can't remember him ever even been mentioned as a contender in any Irish or Munster match.

I see Toner interviewed in the Irish Times today saying he'll do the calling for the lineout on Saturday because he has more experience at it than O'Callaghan. This is Toner's first international cap and he's started only 4 or 5 Heineken Cup games. O'Callaghan has 64 Irish caps and probably around 100 Munster caps. I know there's more to lock play than just winning your lineouts but still its a telling indication of how much O'Callaghan has been carried over the years.

Think you are being very harsh on DOC. He is involved in every ruck, maul, scrap and battle in any match I watch. With O'Connell, Heaslip and other exotic options at the glamorous end of the line-out he is rarely used for Ireland or Munster. But please point to a front of the line lock that massacres him on a regular basis.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 13, 2010, 04:49:20 PM
Missed this match. How'd it go?? Not good by all accounts.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 13, 2010, 06:32:29 PM
Almost a carbon copy of last weeks game. We conceded penalties for dropping our own scrum in the first half. Rte missed the second Irish try. Missed a good game between South Africa and Wales to watch it.

We still won and only lost by a couple of points last week, but we need to improve a lot to avoid being destryed by the All Blacks.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyroneboi on November 13, 2010, 07:20:42 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on November 13, 2010, 06:32:29 PM
Almost a carbon copy of last weeks game. We conceded penalties for dropping our own scrum in the first half. Rte missed the second Irish try. Missed a good game between South Africa and Wales to watch it.

We still won and only lost by a couple of points last week, but we need to improve a lot to avoid being destryed by the All Blacks.

Fearing the worst for next weekend. They looked in 2nd or 3rd gear against the Scots and still won 49-3. If the ABs keep this form up then noone will get near them next year at the RWC. But suppose thats always been their problem in that they always play very well between world cups and not when it matter most.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hedley Lamarr on November 13, 2010, 07:39:56 PM
Get the Xmas money...back the All Blacks minus the h'cap 8)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 13, 2010, 09:56:25 PM
Watched the England game instead of that muck we were involved with. . . .I have a feeling that my first Irish Rugby experience next week will be a sobering one but I am still very excited to see the ABs.

Anyway England are shaping up to be a decent side. Their performance today was immense, it's like the more we regress the more they progress. They look like they could do damage in the 6N and possibly mount a challenge for the WC too. I have no idea where we go from here to be honest. With nothing of any significance breaking through it looks like we will struggle for a while!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on November 13, 2010, 10:06:50 PM
Agree screenexile, i watch a lot of rugby, especially the English Premiership and Heineken Cup so i'm very familiar with all these players. Chris Ashton is a player that a lot of people wont have heard of but he is a class act, the try he scored today from near his own try line was amazing. Will be one of the top of players in this years 6N along with his Northampton clubmates courtney Lawes and Ben Foden. Throw in Ben Youngs from Leicester into that mix too.

Yer man Foden goes out with your doll from The Saturdays, Una Healy, from Tipp i think, no wonder he is always running about grinning from ear to ear !!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 13, 2010, 10:15:01 PM
In fairness the Australian scrum is nothing short of disastrous and that is the bedrock of a teams challenge. They are a good team and can get away with it some times but until they sort out that area of the team they will always be in danger of getting pushed aside by the top teams.

I didn't see the game, Was the Aussie scrum pushed around the place?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on November 13, 2010, 10:19:55 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on November 13, 2010, 10:15:01 PM
In fairness the Australian scrum is nothing short of disastrous and that is the bedrock of a teams challenge. They are a good team and can get away with it some times but until they sort out that area of the team they will always be in danger of getting pushed aside by the top teams.

I didn't see the game, Was the Aussie scrum pushed around the place?

no more than the irish front row was.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on November 14, 2010, 12:39:38 AM
What a load of shite today... scrum was embarrassing at times... and for those who thought O'Gara was the answer...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on November 14, 2010, 05:53:33 AM
Quote from: Celt_Man on November 14, 2010, 12:39:38 AM
What a load of shite today... scrum was embarrassing at times... and for those who thought O'Gara was the answer...

I am an O'Gara fan but our problems are not at 10. Luckily we have 2 good 10's. We have nothing in the front 5 and a blind man or a man like me who knows feck all about rugby can see that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on November 14, 2010, 12:00:00 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on November 13, 2010, 10:06:50 PM
Agree screenexile, i watch a lot of rugby, especially the English Premiership and Heineken Cup so i'm very familiar with all these players. Chris Ashton is a player that a lot of people wont have heard of but he is a class act, the try he scored today from near his own try line was amazing. Will be one of the top of players in this years 6N along with his Northampton clubmates courtney Lawes and Ben Foden. Throw in Ben Youngs from Leicester into that mix too.

Yer man Foden goes out with your doll from The Saturdays, Una Healy, from Tipp i think, no wonder he is always running about grinning from ear to ear !!

Thye wont trouble the top 2 until they find some centres. However they will muller us in the 6 Nations.

No point in lamenting how bad we were yesterday. Its all been said
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on November 14, 2010, 02:08:51 PM
At least a New Zealand cakewalk and Scotland and a bad Irish show gives Ireland the ideal run into next week.

Its time to get back to basics. Forget about golden generations, complex gameplans, forensic analysis. We need to go back to the old Irish ways of the amateur days - boot, bite, bollock. Tear into the New Zealanders from the off. Hoof and chase, every dropping garryowen accompanied by a hale of flying Irish fists and boots. Fly into an early lead and run out of steam in the second half. At least the crowd would get their money's worth.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on November 16, 2010, 07:08:14 PM
Looking forward to Munster v the aussies tonight.  would expect a big performance from Australia having been beat at the weekend and surprisely Munster have a great record in this fixture - think it's 3 wins and a draw out of 5 games.  Live on RTÉ Two from half 7
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on November 16, 2010, 08:18:32 PM
Strong(ish) looking Munster line-up
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on November 16, 2010, 08:20:03 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on November 16, 2010, 08:18:32 PM
Strong(ish) looking Munster line-up

Same about the Aussie... Brutal conditions but great start so far... Munster doing well against a gale!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on November 16, 2010, 08:24:24 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on November 16, 2010, 08:20:03 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on November 16, 2010, 08:18:32 PM
Strong(ish) looking Munster line-up

Same about the Aussie... Brutal conditions but great start so far... Munster doing well against a gale!!

aye Munsters kicks are coming straight back to them, and even past them !!


ah, bad footballing skills there from Earls denied him a try

BTW celt man, your signature is a bit out-dated :D :D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on November 16, 2010, 08:38:30 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on November 16, 2010, 08:24:24 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on November 16, 2010, 08:20:03 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on November 16, 2010, 08:18:32 PM
Strong(ish) looking Munster line-up

Same about the Aussie... Brutal conditions but great start so far... Munster doing well against a gale!!

aye Munsters kicks are coming straight back to them, and even past them !!


ah, bad footballing skills there from Earls denied him a try

BTW celt man, your signature is a bit out-dated :D :D

Ahh looking at the replays, he was unlucky - the ball hopped up just as he kicked it headin for the line....

Great terriority and pressue from Munster here...

Ha!!  ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on November 16, 2010, 08:46:11 PM
It could all kick off here yet....
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on November 16, 2010, 09:07:03 PM
10 times better than Ireland /Samoa this one ! Earls looking good. Munster 9-6 up

Quote from: Celt_Man on November 16, 2010, 08:46:11 PM
It could all kick off here yet....

did you see the clip before the match about the 1992 victory against Australia ! Some scrapping there
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on November 16, 2010, 09:24:34 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on November 16, 2010, 09:07:03 PM
10 times better than Ireland /Samoa this one ! Earls looking good. Munster 9-6 up

Quote from: Celt_Man on November 16, 2010, 08:46:11 PM
It could all kick off here yet....

did you see the clip before the match about the 1992 victory against Australia ! Some scrapping there

Aye some great digs thrown!!  ;D

It's all Munster here by the way - they are camped in the Aussie half
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: comethekingdom on November 16, 2010, 09:32:33 PM
Mighty Stuff!!  15 - 6 to the reds!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 16, 2010, 09:37:55 PM
Earls should play for Ireland and Warwick for Australia on the basis of this. Earls is Irelands best running back at this stage.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CiKe on November 16, 2010, 09:40:06 PM
Not watching the game but Warwick must be having a stormer if he was to be getting into that Aussie back line! I rate the guy, but surely that is over the top?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyroneboi on November 16, 2010, 09:47:46 PM
What is the story with Warwick? Has he played for Australia before or could he qualify for Ireland through residency?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CiKe on November 16, 2010, 09:48:56 PM
U21's and sevens i think
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bcarrier on November 16, 2010, 10:23:53 PM
Nagle could be the new supplier of pyjamas to Superman  ;). Badly needed.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Real Laoislad on November 16, 2010, 11:16:47 PM
Was this a bit like the Irish soccer 'B' team beating Brazil's 'D' team?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyroneboi on November 16, 2010, 11:18:29 PM
Aye that more or less sums it up RLL!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on November 16, 2010, 11:22:59 PM
Quote from: tyroneboi on November 16, 2010, 09:47:46 PM
What is the story with Warwick? Has he played for Australia before or could he qualify for Ireland through residency?

He played 7's for Australia so can't. He does qualify through residency now alright otherwise. Wife is Irish as well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 17, 2010, 12:09:11 AM
Warwick could certainly play on that Australia B team.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on November 17, 2010, 12:16:20 AM
Fairly certain Australia only select home based players like New Zealand and Wales - think South Africa have relaxed a good bit on this too
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on November 17, 2010, 12:34:22 AM
Quote from: Celt_Man on November 17, 2010, 12:16:20 AM
Fairly certain Australia only select home based players like New Zealand and Wales - think South Africa have relaxed a good bit on this too

I don't think the Welsh ever employed such a policy. Stephen Jones was definitely still getting capped when he was at Montferrand. Ditto Gareth Thomas with Toulouse, Colin Charvis with Newcastle and Rob Howley with Wasps.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on November 17, 2010, 01:23:23 AM
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on November 17, 2010, 12:34:22 AM
Quote from: Celt_Man on November 17, 2010, 12:16:20 AM
Fairly certain Australia only select home based players like New Zealand and Wales - think South Africa have relaxed a good bit on this too

I don't think the Welsh ever employed such a policy. Stephen Jones was definitely still getting capped when he was at Montferrand. Ditto Gareth Thomas with Toulouse, Colin Charvis with Newcastle and Rob Howley with Wasps.

Na they didn't in the past but fairly certain they have brought it in in the last couple of seasons
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AFS on November 17, 2010, 11:52:09 AM
Quote from: Celt_Man on November 17, 2010, 01:23:23 AM
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on November 17, 2010, 12:34:22 AM
Quote from: Celt_Man on November 17, 2010, 12:16:20 AM
Fairly certain Australia only select home based players like New Zealand and Wales - think South Africa have relaxed a good bit on this too

I don't think the Welsh ever employed such a policy. Stephen Jones was definitely still getting capped when he was at Montferrand. Ditto Gareth Thomas with Toulouse, Colin Charvis with Newcastle and Rob Howley with Wasps.

Na they didn't in the past but fairly certain they have brought it in in the last couple of seasons

Saturday, 13 November 2010
Wales 25-29 South Africa

Wales: Lee Byrne (Ospreys); George North (Scarlets), Tom Shanklin (Blues), James Hook (Ospreys), Shane Williams (Ospreys); Stephen Jones (Scarlets), Mike Phillips (Ospreys); Paul James (Ospreys), Matthew Rees (Scarlets, capt), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Bradley Davies (Blues), Andy Powell (London Wasps), Martyn Williams (Blues), Jonathan Thomas (Ospreys).
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 17, 2010, 12:08:53 PM
Good performance from Munster but that was the most disgracedly half-arsed performance by Australia I have ever seen. Jesus they were poor IMO. If the BBBC were over that match i'd say the aussies would be docked wages. Shocking.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on November 17, 2010, 01:08:32 PM
Quote from: AFS on November 17, 2010, 11:52:09 AM
Quote from: Celt_Man on November 17, 2010, 01:23:23 AM
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on November 17, 2010, 12:34:22 AM
Quote from: Celt_Man on November 17, 2010, 12:16:20 AM
Fairly certain Australia only select home based players like New Zealand and Wales - think South Africa have relaxed a good bit on this too

I don't think the Welsh ever employed such a policy. Stephen Jones was definitely still getting capped when he was at Montferrand. Ditto Gareth Thomas with Toulouse, Colin Charvis with Newcastle and Rob Howley with Wasps.

Na they didn't in the past but fairly certain they have brought it in in the last couple of seasons

Saturday, 13 November 2010
Wales 25-29 South Africa

Wales: Lee Byrne (Ospreys); George North (Scarlets), Tom Shanklin (Blues), James Hook (Ospreys), Shane Williams (Ospreys); Stephen Jones (Scarlets), Mike Phillips (Ospreys); Paul James (Ospreys), Matthew Rees (Scarlets, capt), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Bradley Davies (Blues), Andy Powell (London Wasps), Martyn Williams (Blues), Jonathan Thomas (Ospreys).

I stand correctly... Reckon they must have changed it again  ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyroneboi on November 17, 2010, 01:16:13 PM
I think the Warren Gatland prefers and encourages his players to play in Wales. Dwayne Peel is probably the best example of this as he is overlooked quite a lot in terms of selection since he moved to Sale a few years ago. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyroneboi on November 18, 2010, 01:17:17 PM
Ireland Team (to play New Zealand, Guinness Series 2010, Aviva Stadium, November 20th, 17:30)

15 - Robert Kearney (UCD/Leinster)
14 - Tommy Bowe (Ospreys)
13 - Brian O'Driscoll (UCD/Leinster) Captain
12 - Gordon D'Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster)
11 - Luke Fitzgerald (Blackrcok College/Leinster)
10 - Jonathan Sexton (St.Mary's College/Leinster)
9 - Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster)
1 - Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster)
2 - Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster)
3 - Tom Court (Malone/Ulster)
4 - Donncha O'Callaghan (Cork Constitution/Munster)
5 - Mick O'Driscoll (Cork Constitution/Munster)
6 - Stephen Ferris (Dungannon/Ulster)
7 - David Wallace (Garryowen/Munster)
8 - Jamie Heaslip (Naas/Leinster)

Replacements:

16 - Sean Cronin (Buccaneers/Connacht)
17 - John Hayes (Bruff/Munster)
18 - Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster)
19 - Denis Leamy (Cork Constitution/Munster)
20 - Peter Stringer (Shannon/Munster)
21 - Ronan O'Gara (Cork Constitution/Munster)
22 - Keith Earls (Thomond/Munster)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Joxer on November 18, 2010, 01:32:31 PM
Quote from: tyroneboi on November 18, 2010, 01:17:17 PM
Ireland Team (to play New Zealand, Guinness Series 2010, Aviva Stadium, November 20th, 17:30)

15 - Robert Kearney (UCD/Leinster)
14 - Tommy Bowe (Ospreys)
13 - Brian O'Driscoll (UCD/Leinster) Captain
12 - Gordon D'Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster)
11 - Luke Fitzgerald (Blackrcok College/Leinster)
10 - Jonathan Sexton (St.Mary's College/Leinster)
9 - Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster)
1 - Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster)
2 - Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster)
3 - Tom Court (Malone/Ulster)
4 - Donncha O'Callaghan (Cork Constitution/Munster)
5 - Mick O'Driscoll (Cork Constitution/Munster)
6 - Stephen Ferris (Dungannon/Ulster)
7 - David Wallace (Garryowen/Munster)
8 - Jamie Heaslip (Naas/Leinster)

Replacements:

16 - Sean Cronin (Buccaneers/Connacht)
17 - John Hayes (Bruff/Munster)
18 - Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster)
19 - Denis Leamy (Cork Constitution/Munster)
20 - Peter Stringer (Shannon/Munster)
21 - Ronan O'Gara (Cork Constitution/Munster)
22 - Keith Earls (Thomond/Munster)

The words 'cleaned out' come to mind!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 18, 2010, 01:55:57 PM
Mick O'Driscoll  :o
Rob Kearney  :o
Cian Healey  :o
Eoin Reddan  :o
David Wallace  :o
Rory Best  :o
Donncha O'Callaghan  :o
Gordon D'Arcy  :o
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 18, 2010, 02:33:17 PM
This could get ugly quickly. cue Sexton getting mauled, and ROG coming on for 15 minutes and scoring a try or something to make it 45-5
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lynchbhoy on November 18, 2010, 02:46:42 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 18, 2010, 01:55:57 PM
Mick O'Driscoll  :o
Rob Kearney  :o
Cian Healey  :o
Eoin Reddan  :o
David Wallace  :o
Rory Best  :o
Donncha O'Callaghan  :o
Gordon D'Arcy  :o
gad to see you have at last joined up in the 'darcy is no longer good enough ' gang...

while I used to think reddan was the answer when he was at wasps - he has not been good enough since then.
wallace too old, o'callaghan has not recaptured the ferocity and dynamism of his early 20's and
mick o driscoll ?
as for healy, kearney and best- we dont have better in their positions i'd have thought?
luke fitzgeralds kicking and complete lack of skill at kicking a ball last weekend completely shocked me. Uless that was just a bad day, I wouldnt want to see him at FB again !
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 18, 2010, 02:50:21 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 18, 2010, 01:55:57 PM
Mick O'Driscoll  :o
Rob Kearney  :o
Cian Healey  :o
Eoin Reddan  :o
David Wallace  :o
Rory Best  :o
Donncha O'Callaghan  :o
Gordon D'Arcy  :o

Who do you want to play instead of these guys. They are the best we have at this time almost.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: BarryBreensBandage on November 18, 2010, 03:24:25 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on November 18, 2010, 02:50:21 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 18, 2010, 01:55:57 PM
Mick O'Driscoll  :o
Rob Kearney  :o
Cian Healey  :o
Eoin Reddan  :o
David Wallace  :o
Rory Best  :o
Donncha O'Callaghan  :o
Gordon D'Arcy  :o

With this line-up, am surprised that John Hayes isn't starting!
And that Ollie Campbell isn't at no. 10!

Who do you want to play instead of these guys. They are the best we have at this time almost.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 18, 2010, 03:36:54 PM
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on November 18, 2010, 03:24:25 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on November 18, 2010, 02:50:21 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 18, 2010, 01:55:57 PM
Mick O'Driscoll  :o
Rob Kearney  :o
Cian Healey  :o
Eoin Reddan  :o
David Wallace  :o
Rory Best  :o
Donncha O'Callaghan  :o
Gordon D'Arcy  :o

With this line-up, am surprised that John Hayes isn't starting!
And that Ollie Campbell isn't at no. 10!

Who do you want to play instead of these guys. They are the best we have at this time almost.

O'Callaghan and Wallace never let us down. If O'Connell was beside Donncha we wouldn't be too worried about our locks. But Mick O'Driscoll is a man who never made it at Munster and is hardly the future either. Why?

I think D'Arcy is picked to tackle his direct opponent. I'd love to see BOD move in and pick Earls or put Earls at 15. Healy and Best are at a similar level to the alternatives.

I'd like to have seen Stringer on with Sexton though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on November 18, 2010, 03:43:01 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on November 18, 2010, 02:50:21 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 18, 2010, 01:55:57 PM
Mick O'Driscoll  :o
Rob Kearney  :o
Cian Healey  :o
Eoin Reddan  :o
David Wallace  :o
Rory Best  :o
Donncha O'Callaghan  :o
Gordon D'Arcy  :o

Who do you want to play instead of these guys. They are the best we have at this time almost.

Mick O'Driscoll - Toner and Tuohy are better long-term options. Not sure what's happened to Tuohy though? He looked useful on the summer tour.

Rob Kearney - He's turned into a clone of Girvan Dempsey. Safe and solid under a high ball but very little other than kick and chase going forward. Geordan Murphy is a better footballer and counter-attacker. He can't tackle to save his life but Kearney is hardly Brian Lima either.

Cian Healy - He's gone backwards in the last twelve months but we've very little else in the front row. Maybe try Court at loose-head and give either Hagan or Ross a try at tight-head. The scrum can't get any worse in fairness.

Eoin Reddan - Another position where we're woefully short. Stringer is the best out of all our options here which is a huge concern. Getting desperate here but maybe Frank Murphy is worth a shot?

David Wallace - Top class player but his form is declining which is understandable with age. O'Brien hardly set the world alight last weekend though.

Rory Best - Cronin's darts are no worse than his so why do we not start with the player that will offer more around the park?

Donncha O'Callaghan - A solid workhorse but needs a more dynamic player alongside him to lead the lineout. O'Connell can't get back quick enough.

Gordon Darcy - Hasn't played well for Ireland for a long time. Moving O'Driscoll to 12 and bringing in Earls or shifting either Bowe or Fitzgerald to 13 would be my preferred option. I still reckon Kidney missed a trick by not selecting James Downey in the squad. He's playing well for the best club side in England and he offers a ball-carrying presence in the centre that Ireland haven't had since Kevin Maggs and Rob Henderson. All our options in the centre at the moment are too similar.

It looks like the golden generation is over. The 6N could turn into a horror show for Ireland unless O'Connell returns and the likes of BOD, Sexton, Kearney etc hit form. Scotland and Italy are the only two teams I'd fancy us to beat at the moment and both of those games will be away from home.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mackers on November 18, 2010, 03:49:19 PM
Rory Best can't hit the townland he was reared in with his throws but I presume he's in as he is an excellent scrummager.
I agree with DH, the golden generation is over. I'd take a 20 point beating, if offered, in a heartbeat.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 18, 2010, 04:24:51 PM
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on November 18, 2010, 03:43:01 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on November 18, 2010, 02:50:21 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 18, 2010, 01:55:57 PM
Mick O'Driscoll  :o
Rob Kearney  :o
Cian Healey  :o
Eoin Reddan  :o
David Wallace  :o
Rory Best  :o
Donncha O'Callaghan  :o
Gordon D'Arcy  :o

Who do you want to play instead of these guys. They are the best we have at this time almost.

Mick O'Driscoll - Toner and Tuohy are better long-term options. Not sure what's happened to Tuohy though? He looked useful on the summer tour.

Rob Kearney - He's turned into a clone of Girvan Dempsey. Safe and solid under a high ball but very little other than kick and chase going forward. Geordan Murphy is a better footballer and counter-attacker. He can't tackle to save his life but Kearney is hardly Brian Lima either.

Cian Healy - He's gone backwards in the last twelve months but we've very little else in the front row. Maybe try Court at loose-head and give either Hagan or Ross a try at tight-head. The scrum can't get any worse in fairness.

Eoin Reddan - Another position where we're woefully short. Stringer is the best out of all our options here which is a huge concern. Getting desperate here but maybe Frank Murphy is worth a shot?

David Wallace - Top class player but his form is declining which is understandable with age. O'Brien hardly set the world alight last weekend though.

Rory Best - Cronin's darts are no worse than his so why do we not start with the player that will offer more around the park?

Donncha O'Callaghan - A solid workhorse but needs a more dynamic player alongside him to lead the lineout. O'Connell can't get back quick enough.

Gordon Darcy - Hasn't played well for Ireland for a long time. Moving O'Driscoll to 12 and bringing in Earls or shifting either Bowe or Fitzgerald to 13 would be my preferred option. I still reckon Kidney missed a trick by not selecting James Downey in the squad. He's playing well for the best club side in England and he offers a ball-carrying presence in the centre that Ireland haven't had since Kevin Maggs and Rob Henderson. All our options in the centre at the moment are too similar.

It looks like the golden generation is over. The 6N could turn into a horror show for Ireland unless O'Connell returns and the likes of BOD, Sexton, Kearney etc hit form. Scotland and Italy are the only two teams I'd fancy us to beat at the moment and both of those games will be away from home.

DH, on the button.

In my opinion Kidney has wasted a great opportunity to blood young players and try different combinations against the best. Why I admire Declan Kidney for his achievements he has stood still as a coach and is letting us all down.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyroneboi on November 18, 2010, 05:17:45 PM
Its getting like the end of Eddie O'Sullivans time where the team is more or less set in stone and the only time it changes is through injury. Saturday is going to be a long 80 mins. The ABs will take a 25-30 point lead then clear their bench with Carter and McCaw et all being taken off. Disappointing selection overall but there aren't many alternatives which ultimately is the most depressing thing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: DuffleKing on November 18, 2010, 05:20:06 PM

What's the story with Geordan Murphy?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on November 18, 2010, 05:25:41 PM
Eddie O'Sullivan blew this crop's only chance of making an impact at a World Cup in '07. Had Kidney that group of players back then I think we'd have at least one more Grand Slam and we certainly wouldn't have been humiliated by France and Argentina..

In fairness to Kidney, it's hard for him to justify bringing in the likes of Toner, Ross, Donncha Ryan etc when they're not first choice with the provincial teams. There's too many average enough overseas players plying their trade in Ireland at the moment that are stunting the development of young Irish talent. Any players that do go abroad in search of first team action seem to be forgotten about then - Trevor Brennan, Bob Casey, Timmy Ryan, James Downey etc.

Mick O'Driscoll was rarely considered when he was playing week in week out at a high level with Perpignan. He then comes home to sit on the Munster bench and suddenly he's back in the Ireland squad......
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on November 18, 2010, 10:39:34 PM
Toner does start at lock this season for leinster. Its a poor call.

I can understand his persistence with Healy. Healy is in nappies in prop terms and he has to learn

Kearney I cant- Been found out.

Heaslip is also playing like a drain at present.

Dont get the Reddan thing. Paul Marshall looks class for Ulster but he cant start for them. Thin on the ground here

Fitz should be in the centre. move BOD to 12.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on November 18, 2010, 11:13:03 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 18, 2010, 10:39:34 PM
Toner does start at lock this season for leinster. Its a poor call.

Would he not be behind Hines and Cullen if they were both fully fit?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on November 18, 2010, 11:29:07 PM
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on November 18, 2010, 05:25:41 PM
......Any players that do go abroad in search of first team action seem to be forgotten about then - Trevor Brennan, Bob Casey, Timmy Ryan, James Downey etc.

Mick O'Driscoll was rarely considered when he was playing week in week out at a high level with Perpignan. He then comes home to sit on the Munster bench and suddenly he's back in the Ireland squad......
Re the exclusion of foreign based players, is that not a semi-official IRFU line which the coach is "persuaded" to tow in line with?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deargdoom on November 19, 2010, 12:24:37 AM
Quote from: Main Street on November 18, 2010, 11:29:07 PM
Re the exclusion of foreign based players, is that not a semi-official IRFU line which the coach is "persuaded" to tow in line with?

Seems that way. Sure when Bowe signed for the Ospreys, O'Sullivan told him he was throwing away his chance of an Ireland career (even though Eddie had left him out of the 07 world cup squad)...last laugh and all that...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 19, 2010, 09:45:02 AM
robbed from leinsterfans.com

(http://i.imgur.com/lvgsk.jpg)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on November 19, 2010, 10:20:57 AM
Fuckin' Sexton! Stephen Ferris may talk this match up a lot but I'd be surprise if Ireland keep this to 25 points, weather permitting.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 19, 2010, 10:21:52 AM
Anybody going to this tomorrow? The girlfriend got me tickets and I am looking forward to seeing the stadium and watching the All Blacks. . . I wish I was more optimistic of us putting up a half decent fight though!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 19, 2010, 10:27:58 AM
I will be going for my sins, looking forward to watching New Zealand not so much Ireland  :'(
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 19, 2010, 12:48:27 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 05, 2010, 02:58:59 PM
Team for SA
Saturday 6th Nov.

15. Rob Kearney
14. Tommy Bowe
13. Brian O'Driscoll
12. Gordon Darcy
11. Luke Fitzgerald
10. Jonathan Sexton
9. Eoin Reddan
8. Jamie Heaslip
7. David Wallace
6. Stephen Ferris
5. Mick O'Driscoll
4. Donncha O'Callaghan
3. Tony Buckley
2. Rory Best
1. Cian Healy

Weak looking front 5 but the SA are also suffering numerous injury woes. That front row is diabolical. Two men who can't scrummage and a hooker who can't throw. I can see our set pieces going to pot. They are 3 brilliant players in open play but that won't save us! Nice shape to the backs but I dont think Reddan, Kearny or D'arcy are up to it this weather.

The boks:

Gio Aplon; Bjorn Basson, Zane Kirchner, Jean de Villiers/Patrick Lambie, Bryan Habana; Morne Steyn, Ruan Pienaar; Pierre Spies, Juan Smith, Deon Stegmann; Victor Matfield (capt), Bakkies Botha; Jannie du Plessis, Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira

Strong front row, bodes badly for us. Two great locks but a weakened back row from the SA. The backs are a mish-mash, De Villiers made it late but even so I think there won't be much cohesion from that unit. Logic would tell you that the SA will keep it tight and rely on the pack to take them through it. Kirchner is a FB so perhaps we could target him in the tackle and defensive line.

I expect a tight, poor match with alot of kicking from the boks on tour. Ireland might sneak it if they avoid pack confrontations and get some change form a untested SA backline.


Quote from: Capt Pat on November 05, 2010, 03:10:25 PM
I really like the look of Ireland from 6-15. Heaslip, Wallace and Ferris are awesome players on their day and having a lot of the Leinster players plus the very impressive Tommy Bowe in the back line should make for good play in that sector.
On the down side the front five is questionable to say the least going up against the best forwards in the world from South Africa. We could be badly outgunned in the second row wit hMatfield and Bakkies Botha going up against Mick O'Driscoll and O'Callaghan. The front row might be ok if Buckley scrummages well.
The weather forecast on the BBC website for tomorrow is good, so I will go for an Irish win.

Quote from: muppet on November 05, 2010, 08:41:39 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 05, 2010, 08:30:30 PM
There is nothing outstanding about positions 6-15. Reddan and Sexton are inferior to the SA half-backs.

Heaslip, BOD and Bowe on form are as good as anyone.

Ferris, Wallace, Kearney, Fitzgerald and D'Arcy have never let us down and are capable of delivering in any game.

Reddan should be fine and Sexton really adds to our back play regardless of who his opposite number is.

Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 06, 2010, 10:20:29 AM
I take it no-one on this thread actually watched the tri-nations this year where the SA front were hardly the world beaters many seem to think they are. Only Botha in the row when not suspended showed any sort of form. Of course the selection of Mick O'Driscoll and Tony Buckely in the Irish team beggars belief but shows how shallow the Irish talent pool really is considering the alternatives.

I'm heading up today quietly confident we'll win if we do well at the breakdown, forget your scrums and line-outs it's on the deck that this game will be won or lost (generally there is at least 4 times as many rucks as line-outs and scrums put together). Shocked that O'Brien hasn't been selected in the starting XV never mind the squad.

If the weather holds up expect quite an open game and Ireland to win by 5-10 points...

These are all opinions of the games pre-Guinness series, oh the shades of optimism!!  :D
Seriously though, as people got caught up in our reputations at that time we are now caught in a pessimistic circle. Talk of "keeping it to 40 points" and "getting hammered" is nonsense. I don't expect ireland to win but its not out of the question. The only thing is its too soon for a turnaround of that proportion. The AB's have a great pack in terms of open play but in traditional terms they are not great and we will break even with most of them bar McCaw. Ireland are at home and have the backs to the wall facing a wall of undue criticism, I would imagine a kidney team to come out fighting.

We will lose but I'll be surprised if its by more than 12 points. With ROG starting we would definitely lose but within 7 i would say. With the baby on the pitch it guarantees NZ scores so i would say 12 will be closer the mark. The only chance of a lesser tally is if Sexton lives up to his greatly undeserved reputation as a point-scorer/creator.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on November 19, 2010, 01:19:31 PM
It would appear that Kidney is prepared to give a big vote of confidence to Sexton and that Sexton will be the player for the World Cup. Why should Ireland not look to this game and use it to develop a budding talent like Sexton?
If he fails to make the grade then O'Gara is all primed up to come on and perform to his proven high professional standards.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 19, 2010, 02:41:55 PM
QuoteWith ROG starting we would definitely lose but within 7 i would say.

:D

Not a hope in hell, he's not called speed bump for no reason. O'Gara played against NZ in the summer and after Heaslip was our worst player on the pitch, need I remind you what the score line was?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on November 19, 2010, 04:35:26 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 19, 2010, 02:41:55 PM
QuoteWith ROG starting we would definitely lose but within 7 i would say.

:D

Not a hope in hell, he's not called speed bump for no reason. O'Gara played against NZ in the summer and after Heaslip was our worst player on the pitch, need I remind you what the score line was?

Yeah, Rog was poor v Samoa. You can't be affording to be missing touch with pens, not to mention having two kicks blocked down. A great asset to have on the bench though, when the opposition is getting tired.

But it'll be very difficult for Sexton to shine if our scrum and line-out are in in trouble again.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 19, 2010, 04:42:48 PM
I agree that Sexton is the way to go in this game but the other decisions baffle me. Seriously if we have to rely on Mick O'Driscoll we are in big trouble.

I think we need Kearney out of FB and need Earls in as I think he has to play in the World Cup. He is an explosive player who can make things happen and I think he could do damage against the ABs.

Other than that well we all know we have zero strength in depth and where maybe you would want to drop Heaslip and Wallace to give them a kick up the arse they'd be laughing their heads off with what would be replacing them!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyroneboi on November 19, 2010, 04:54:22 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 19, 2010, 12:48:27 PM

These are all opinions of the games pre-Guinness series, oh the shades of optimism!!  :D
Seriously though, as people got caught up in our reputations at that time we are now caught in a pessimistic circle. Talk of "keeping it to 40 points" and "getting hammered" is nonsense. I don't expect ireland to win but its not out of the question. The only thing is its too soon for a turnaround of that proportion. The AB's have a great pack in terms of open play but in traditional terms they are not great and we will break even with most of them bar McCaw. Ireland are at home and have the backs to the wall facing a wall of undue criticism, I would imagine a kidney team to come out fighting.

We will lose but I'll be surprised if its by more than 12 points. With ROG starting we would definitely lose but within 7 i would say. With the baby on the pitch it guarantees NZ scores so i would say 12 will be closer the mark. The only chance of a lesser tally is if Sexton lives up to his greatly undeserved reputation as a point-scorer/creator.

How does Sexton playing guarantee scores to NZ? 10 is at the very bottom of our list of problems if you could even call it a problem position.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on November 19, 2010, 04:58:47 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 19, 2010, 04:42:48 PM
Seriously if we have to rely on Mick O'Driscoll we are in big trouble.

Kidney's treatment of Cullen is scandalous. Back fully fit, 2 games under his belt and still not getting a look in. He's so much better than O'Driscoll its hard to quantify.

And even with Toner we'd be guaranteed to win our line-out ball. NZ lineout isnt as good as the Boks, but they'll be licking their lips.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CiKe on November 19, 2010, 07:04:15 PM
Quote from: Hound on November 19, 2010, 04:58:47 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 19, 2010, 04:42:48 PM
Seriously if we have to rely on Mick O'Driscoll we are in big trouble.

Kidney's treatment of Cullen is scandalous. Back fully fit, 2 games under his belt and still not getting a look in. He's so much better than O'Driscoll its hard to quantify.

And even with Toner we'd be guaranteed to win our line-out ball. NZ lineout isnt as good as the Boks, but they'll be licking their lips.

No more so than Irish mgmt's treatment of other players past and present unfortunately. Totally agree though, should not be in the squad - he aint going to get a single minute in the WC, so what is the point. We have regressed so much and have very little running threat in the back line bar Bowe. Fitzgerald doesn't have the out and out speed of the better wingers and O'Driscoll can break the line with good lines, only problem is if is more than 15 yards out, he doesn't have the gas and our support play has been poor. Earls is far from the finished article but for God's sake given him a chance.

I really do fear for us. That front five is muck and NZ are going to have an awful lot of posession. I can see us being kept to 10-12 points, NZ to score minimum 3 tries, so I'd say we will be lucky to keep it to 20 points.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: maggie on November 19, 2010, 07:37:50 PM
Anyone recommend a good pub in the city for 4 ladies(with a somewhat limited grasp of the exact rules) to watch the game? Would u better going close to the stadium??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: anglocelt39 on November 19, 2010, 07:47:57 PM
7,000 tickets unsold as of tonight, walks ups tomorrow can only get in if they buy a ticket to the following weeks fixture against Argentina. when it comes to incompetence you have to hand it out, our IRFU blazers would give the government and the financial regulator a good run for it. Hope the christ less than 20k turn up at the Argentina match, that's what it seems to take to get through to the skulls of this lot.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: anglocelt39 on November 19, 2010, 07:49:53 PM
Quote from: maggie on November 19, 2010, 07:37:50 PM
Anyone recommend a good pub in the city for 4 ladies(with a somewhat limited grasp of the exact rules) to watch the game? Would u better going close to the stadium??


contact the IRFU and ask where the management committee is getting together for a few pre game tonics, you'll lower the average age and raise the knowledge level of the game by the sounds of things...........
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on November 19, 2010, 08:04:56 PM
Quote from: anglocelt39 on November 19, 2010, 07:47:57 PM
7,000 tickets unsold as of tonight, walks ups tomorrow can only get in if they buy a ticket to the following weeks fixture against Argentina. when it comes to incompetence you have to hand it out, our IRFU blazers would give the government and the financial regulator a good run for it. Hope the christ less than 20k turn up at the Argentina match, that's what it seems to take to get through to the skulls of this lot.

(http://implied.facepalm.de/facepalm_implied.jpg)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 19, 2010, 08:20:41 PM
Quote from: anglocelt39 on November 19, 2010, 07:47:57 PM
7,000 tickets unsold as of tonight, walks ups tomorrow can only get in if they buy a ticket to the following weeks fixture against Argentina. when it comes to incompetence you have to hand it out, our IRFU blazers would give the government and the financial regulator a good run for it. Hope the christ less than 20k turn up at the Argentina match, that's what it seems to take to get through to the skulls of this lot.

That is hard to beleive but it is probabl true. How much are the combined tickets?

It is not for the IRFU to worry about the price of tickets when the stadium is already paid for, still it will help keep the riff raff out. No need to worry about the 30,000 fans who got into Croker that would be disappointed at not getting a ticket for the new landsdowne, even less reason to worry about the 37,000 who can't afford the ticket price.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on November 19, 2010, 08:21:03 PM
I think some of the dire predictions of defeat here are a sign that people are reeling from the state of the economy and the IMF being called in!
Ireland should be competitive. I'd expect most of the players being rounded on here to raise their game also.

One or two selections are possibly for debate, but it is close to Ireland's strongest team. The last thing you do against New Zealand is start experimenting madly. The Samoa game showed what happens with a load of changes made.

A bit of cold, rain and wind (dunno how it affects Aviva) may ensure the game isn't a high scoring feast of running rugby.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on November 19, 2010, 08:24:17 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on November 19, 2010, 08:20:41 PM
Quote from: anglocelt39 on November 19, 2010, 07:47:57 PM
7,000 tickets unsold as of tonight, walks ups tomorrow can only get in if they buy a ticket to the following weeks fixture against Argentina. when it comes to incompetence you have to hand it out, our IRFU blazers would give the government and the financial regulator a good run for it. Hope the christ less than 20k turn up at the Argentina match, that's what it seems to take to get through to the skulls of this lot.

That is hard to beleive but it is probabl true. How much are the combined tickets?

It is not for the IRFU to worry about the price of tickets when the stadium is already paid for, still it will help keep the riff raff out. No need to worry about the 30,000 fans who got into Croker that would be disappointed at not getting a ticket for the new landsdowne, even less reason to worry about the 37,000 who can't afford the ticket price.
Combined tickets are €190. I think the stadium is far from paid for, but there is also the issue of paying the wages of a lot of professional players.

Personally, I'll be giving those sort of prices a wide berth. An away trip would be far better value.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: caughtredhanded on November 19, 2010, 08:25:56 PM
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElMEi_TlPmM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElMEi_TlPmM)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on November 19, 2010, 08:34:12 PM
Quote from: caughtredhanded on November 19, 2010, 08:25:56 PM
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElMEi_TlPmM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElMEi_TlPmM)
That must be the Munster edition of the ad with all the shots of blue collar workers like sailors, cleaners and firemen.
The one that gets shown in Leinster has shots of surgeons in the Blackrock clinic, barristers in the Law Library and stock brokers at their trading desks.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: caughtredhanded on November 19, 2010, 09:19:58 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on November 19, 2010, 08:34:12 PM
Quote from: caughtredhanded on November 19, 2010, 08:25:56 PM
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElMEi_TlPmM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElMEi_TlPmM)
That must be the Munster edition of the ad with all the shots of blue collar workers like sailors, cleaners and firemen.
The one that gets shown in Leinster has shots of surgeons in the Blackrock clinic, barristers in the Law Library and stock brokers at their trading desks.

and don't forget shots of the 'goys' putting down a few 'heinos' in Kielys  ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyroneboi on November 19, 2010, 09:27:01 PM
Ah well it could be worse . . . we could be Welsh supporters! Very poor performance from them tonight.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 20, 2010, 05:48:48 PM
New zealand are handed 3 points by the ref. They lead 6-3
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 20, 2010, 06:00:12 PM
Good goal kicking from Sexton, 6-6
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 20, 2010, 06:02:41 PM
Time for another penalty for New Zealand says the ref.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 20, 2010, 06:07:47 PM
......but the touch judge is cheering for Ireland and Ferris scores from a forward pass.
Ireland-13-9 all blacks
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 20, 2010, 06:10:10 PM
The ref is fuming and immediately awards New Zealand a penalty.

13-12
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 20, 2010, 06:14:17 PM
Boric try for NZ,

13-19
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: orangeman on November 20, 2010, 06:15:39 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on November 20, 2010, 06:14:17 PM
Boric try for NZ,

13-19


Ireland only themselves to blame  - they just can't hold the ball in the tackle. That lastest spill in the tackle has just cost them 7 points.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: orangeman on November 20, 2010, 06:16:26 PM
Ireland were up 4 and in a few minutes were down by 6.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 20, 2010, 06:35:36 PM
Now its 31 16 to the all blacks. At least Ireland tried but I am disappointed with this collapse.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Maguire01 on November 20, 2010, 06:38:52 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on November 20, 2010, 06:35:36 PM
Now its 31 16 to the all blacks. At least Ireland tried but I am disappointed with this collapse.
?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 20, 2010, 06:39:45 PM
Carters kicking is killing us. Any other kicke would have missed at least a couple. He is seven out of seven. Heaslip should have passed to Earls on the breakaway.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Don Johnson on November 20, 2010, 07:26:05 PM
Quote from: orangeman on November 20, 2010, 06:16:26 PM
Ireland were up 4 and in a few minutes were down by 6.

How do you come up with this insight?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 20, 2010, 07:42:43 PM
Graham Henry, New Zealands answer to Eddie O'Sullivan.

A good coach not a great coach with great players.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: SHEEDY on November 20, 2010, 07:45:53 PM
some of the all blacks play was outstanding. they never panic and simply blew ireland away at times. the haka still has to be one of the best spectacles in world sport.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on November 21, 2010, 11:27:50 AM
Good to see Ireland back playing with a bit of passion but we were still completely outclassed.

It's vital that both O'Connell and Flannery are back for the 6N. The lineout was poor again. Peter Stringer is still the best option at 9 which must be a big concern with so few games left before the World Cup.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on November 21, 2010, 11:30:16 AM
A 20 point defeat for Ireland but it wasn't a bad effort. New Zealand did play some exceptional stuff at times. They powered over the advantage line so often and at times it needed 2 Irish players to stop each black shirt. They also have a remarkable ability to offload in the tackle which meant the pressure was unrelenting.

Obviously New Zealand look to be ahead of the rest. Australia and South Africa are certainly not overly impressive. If they fail at the World Cup, they might look back to this game as when they peaked.

Ireland must get credit for having a real cut at the game. They came out to play and moved the ball well. Some of the moves were decent enough. If Keith Earls had just been a couple of inches further in from the line and scored that late try, the tally would have stood at 3 tries each and maybe New Zealand wouldn't got their last try at the death.

Unfortunately Ireland lost the game in the few minutes either side of half time when they conceded 21 points. Also for a couple of these tries, Irish players mistakenly moved in to tackle someone else's man. But this is what being under constant pressure does to teams.

Decent showings by most of the team, though Wallace, Kearney and Fitzgerald didn't get going. From what I saw of Stringer and Sexton together, they are the best combo to get the backs moving. If Sean Cronin shaves his head and improves his throwing he could be the next Keith Wood. Court did all right at tight head and really John Hayes should be down to 4th choice now.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on November 21, 2010, 12:28:10 PM
Another heroic epic of failure I suppose. Never ceases to amaze me that a GAA team will be slated here but highly piad full time professionals making the most basic mistakes will be given a free pass here.

Spade a spade time.

- We have no scrum. The fact is we cant survive against good scrums. Smals is supposed to be this forwards guru yet he cant teach our lads to survic ein the scrum? What a waste fo money

- DOC is under serious pressure now from Toner. I thought Ferris played great. An absolute wrecking ball. His form for Ireland has been poor enough recently but that was great. Heaslip played well. His first ever good game against top 2 oppoistion. However the NZ backrow still beat us off the park. Read is so good its not funny. I think he's better then Parisse. We're in real trouble at 7 unless Wallace rediscovers himself. Jury out on O Brien. Looks a 6 to me. Hard to think of another up and coming number 7

- Sexton played well as did Reddan and Stringer did great when he came on. No issues there. Reddna needed that after the last days shambles.

- Centres played very well. Best games for a long, long time.

- Back 3 offered little bar Bowe. Kearney just isnt the counterattacker we need there and unless Kidney embraces this we'll struggle. Fitz is totally off the boil as well and shouldnt be starting at present.

Overall it was a decent effort. But we lost by 20 points. Shouldnt lose sight of that. We're still miles off where we should be.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 21, 2010, 12:50:01 PM
That is right Indianan, an average, average performance from Ireland which was an improvement on the mediocre displays of the last 2 weeks. The All Blacks of yesterday are very good but just about beatable if we had played our best game and Dan Carter had missed a couple of kicks.

Even Brendan O'Connor on his show was buying into it being a good performance and how well the team had played and how good it made everyone feel?????? What is he on.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 21, 2010, 02:41:12 PM
Wallace's form was disappointing. I was looking forward to the clash between him and McCaw but he made some basic mistakes with the ball in hand and never really got into it. I was very surprised to see Tom Court being taken off, it looked to me like Healy was the man under pressure but I admit I know feck all about scrums.

Kearney seemed to be a turnover waiting to happen and although I criticise Mick O'Driscoll he did ok but he is no nearer being a starter. DOC did fine I thought despite the almost predictable criticism but Toner could move ahead of him.

I was delighted with Ferris and Heaslip taking the game to the All Blacks. At least it gave us something to cheer about in a depressing week for Ireland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 21, 2010, 03:58:08 PM
I said it before the game but Keith Earls is Ireland best playmaking running back at the minute and should start for Ireland. O'Driscoll while still easily worth his place on the team doesn't perform that role as well as he used to. I would drop Darcy and move O'Driscoll to inside centre. I would make that move because I think outside centre is the best place to put your best attacking creative back to maximise their potential. Also moving O'Driscoll inside closer to the action would also be of benefit to his talents.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on November 21, 2010, 07:12:40 PM
I enjoyed the game on the box. Those All Blacks have a hyper level of aggressive physicality mixed with top rugby skill in their game, along with Dan Carter.
Good kicking from Sexton, pity he choked under mild pressure on that last conversion attempt.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on November 21, 2010, 07:19:20 PM
Quote from: Main Street on November 21, 2010, 07:12:40 PM
I enjoyed the game on the box. Those All Blacks have a hyper level of aggressive physicality mixed with top rugby skill in their game, along with Dan Carter.
Good kicking from Sexton, pity he choked under mild pressure on that last conversion attempt.

choked

it was hardly a pressure kick for christs sake. the match was already over
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 21, 2010, 08:40:07 PM
Very good Minder, you caught one fish...

Earls is not a creative player in the sense of a play-maker, he is actually quite limited in that department but he does create space with direct running and his ability to get over the gain-line. I'd like to see a BOD/Earls axis, interchangeable during the game.

As for the game, restarts restarts restarts, massively important set-piece that we made a balls off and the one we did win after the try Sexton should have pinged it back instead we ran it, got turned over and that lead to try before half-time, poor rugby intelligence from Sexton...

The performance was better but overall questions marks remain over Kidney and his team although Les Kiss can be proud of the defensive effort.  If we want to progress as a team I think the following need to moved on - Wallace (very poor yesterday, I watched him closely and his work-rate has fallen off), MOD (much improved but just not international class), Reddan (again just not international class), D'Arcy (very good in his prime but center play has moved on) and John Hayes (great servant but Boxer out of Animal Farm keeps coming to mind). Kearney and Fitzgerald are young enough and I like what's happening under Schmidt so they will improve and find some form again, not sure if Kidney can bring us forward as a coach but he deserves time but Gaffney needs to be let go (his whole philosophy is about finding weakness in opposition defence and trying to exploit it, this leads to paralysis of analysis). I wouldn't be surprised if the game plan which was more attack orientated was player driven.

Anyhow I think if we take short-term pain in the 6 nations - continue to develop O'Brien, Ruddock, Toner, Earls, Healy, Cronin, Sexton and Court. If we do this we'll develop strength in dept and create competition. We won't win the World Cup but we'll be very competitive and going forward we'll be in positive position heading into the 6 nations for the following three years..

Alas we need a scrum-half from somewhere anywhere....

Stephen Ferris was a beast yesterday, our best player by a mile....

Finally New Zealand, not the biggest but very very fit probably the fittest professional team in any support I have ever seen. Think their peaking too early though..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyroneboi on November 21, 2010, 08:58:40 PM
We definitely need to find a scrum half but unfortunately at the World Cup its going to be one from Reddan, O'Leary or Strings (who will be pushing the arse of 34 by then). It just shows what a difference a good scrum half can make to a team. Look at Ben Youngs at England he is a fantastic 9 and South Africa without Du Preez are a totally different team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on November 21, 2010, 09:00:20 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 21, 2010, 08:40:07 PM
Very good Minder, you caught one fish...

Earls is not a creative player in the sense of a play-maker, he is actually quite limited in that department but he does create space with direct running and his ability to get over the gain-line. I'd like to see a BOD/Earls axis, interchangeable during the game.

As for the game, restarts restarts restarts, massively important set-piece that we made a balls off and the one we did win after the try Sexton should have pinged it back instead we ran it, got turned over and that lead to try before half-time, poor rugby intelligence from Sexton...

The performance was better but overall questions marks remain over Kidney and his team although Les Kiss can be proud of the defensive effort.  If we want to progress as a team I think the following need to moved on - Wallace (very poor yesterday, I watched him closely and his work-rate has fallen off), MOD (much improved but just not international class), Reddan (again just not international class), D'Arcy (very good in his prime but center play has moved on) and John Hayes (great servant but Boxer out of Animal Farm keeps coming to mind). Kearney and Fitzgerald are young enough and I like what's happening under Schmidt so they will improve and find some form again, not sure if Kidney can bring us forward as a coach but he deserves time but Gaffney needs to be let go (his whole philosophy is about finding weakness in opposition defence and trying to exploit it, this leads to paralysis of analysis). I wouldn't be surprised if the game plan which was more attack orientated was player driven.

Anyhow I think if we take short-term pain in the 6 nations - continue to develop O'Brien, Ruddock, Toner, Earls, Healy, Cronin, Sexton and Court. If we do this we'll develop strength in dept and create competition. We won't win the World Cup but we'll be very competitive and going forward we'll be in positive position heading into the 6 nations for the following three years..

Alas we need a scrum-half from somewhere anywhere....

Stephen Ferris was a beast yesterday, our best player by a mile....

Finally New Zealand, not the biggest but very very fit probably the fittest professional team in any support I have ever seen. Think their peaking too early though..
how you can question others and convieniently ignore the back 3 is beyond me.
the back 3 is our single biggest problem in my view.
the personnel has to change
how can ayone be competitive with no scrum and no counter attacking thyreat?
Fitzgerlad is out for 6 weeks. Best is out for 6 weeks and kearney has cartilage damage and is likley to face an op.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyroneboi on November 21, 2010, 09:04:24 PM
Dont forget though that Fitzgerald is only back from a career threatening knee injury so I think come the 6 nations he should be coming back into the form we know he is capable of. Bowe on the other wing is in the top 5 wings in the world no question about that. I do agree though that full back is a bit of a problem but hoping Kearney is going through a period of bad form and he will come out of it sooner rather than later.

Who do you think should be in the back 3?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on November 21, 2010, 09:08:16 PM
Quote from: tyroneboi on November 21, 2010, 09:04:24 PM
Dont forget though that Fitzgerald is only back from a career threatening knee injury so I think come the 6 nations he should be coming back into the form we know he is capable of. Bowe on the other wing is in the top 5 wings in the world no question about that. I do agree though that full back is a bit of a problem but hoping Kearney is going through a period of bad form and he will come out of it sooner rather than later.

Who do you think should be in the back 3?
Kearney offers no counter attacking threat. So he cant play 15. Only can be considered as a winger. Might actually make a good winger- but hes not a 15. Fitz is out for 6 weeks with medial ligament damage and kearney is out too so it has to change now.

15- fitzgerald- 14 bowe and 11 earls. or 15-muphy 14 bowe and 11 earls.
Id consider kearney for earls slot but not for 15
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 21, 2010, 09:11:31 PM
I said Fitz and Kearney are young and can improve and I think they will under Schmidt but you are dead right on the counter attack threat, non-existent but counter attack is not just about the back three, it's about the whole team working hard to get into support positions and form a second line of attack. Kidney's teams have never had the threat even though he had Christian Cullen at his disposal...

The scrum can improved but Healy and Court need regular games at this level. The set-piece can always be improved it's the unstructured part of our game that needs the work, apart from BOD, O'Gara and Bowe our heads up rugby is just not good enough...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyroneboi on November 21, 2010, 09:15:29 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 21, 2010, 09:08:16 PM
Quote from: tyroneboi on November 21, 2010, 09:04:24 PM
Dont forget though that Fitzgerald is only back from a career threatening knee injury so I think come the 6 nations he should be coming back into the form we know he is capable of. Bowe on the other wing is in the top 5 wings in the world no question about that. I do agree though that full back is a bit of a problem but hoping Kearney is going through a period of bad form and he will come out of it sooner rather than later.

Who do you think should be in the back 3?
Kearney offers no counter attacking threat. So he cant play 15. Only can be considered as a winger. Might actually make a good winger- but hes not a 15. Fitz is out for 6 weeks with medial ligament damage and kearney is out too so it has to change now.

15- fitzgerald- 14 bowe and 11 earls. or 15-muphy 14 bowe and 11 earls.
Id consider kearney for earls slot but not for 15

Theres the answer there to who should play full back but I'd say there is as much chance of me or you starting at full back at the world cup as murphy has! It amazes me that someone who plays and is noe captain at one of the top clubs in Europe can just be more or less discarded like he has been by this management and the previous management in favour of people like Girvan Demspey!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on November 21, 2010, 09:37:27 PM
counter attacking just isnt in our nature. Its coached out of them at schools level. Kearney is a prime example. Played 15 for Clongowes and was trained to simply kick when it weas pretty obvious he could be trained to be a very good counter attacker. But i cant see it at this stage of his career. Because he doesnt carry the ball in two hands. Kidney isnt capable of playing that type of game. Goes against his nature.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on November 21, 2010, 10:10:30 PM
When is Felix Jones due back?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 22, 2010, 12:37:34 PM
Was at the game on Saturday and for my first experience of Irish Rugby and the new Aviva I was extremely impressed. The atmosphere and the stadium itself were both fantastic and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.

As for the game itself well I was also suitably impressed. People here have to remember that New Zealand have been playing constant rugby together for over 2 months and are at the end of their season. . . allied to that they are the best team in the world at the minute and what exactly was the best people could hope for??

All I wanted was a semblance of a gameplan and honesty of effort from the players and I think we got that. To be fair to the lads and Kidney they have stated that they have been practising playing with ball in hand since they got together but up until now the conditions have not allowed for it. Yes there were a few errors on Saturday but that is to be expected when playing the All Blacks.

We scored 2 tries and had the possibility for 3 more which against the All Blacks is no bad going. Yes our Scrum is muck and the sooner Mick O'Driscoll is off the more restarts we'll hold on to but I really didn't think we did that badly. I'm quite looking forward to the 6N now as I believe we will be able to compete with France and England who for me have to be the 2 favourites.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: nrico2006 on November 22, 2010, 12:43:32 PM
Why is it every time Ireland play New Zealand it is acceptable to lose because 'they are the best team in the world'.  Why are they always classed as the best when they have one World Cup to their name, and that was a long time ago.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on November 22, 2010, 01:39:57 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on November 22, 2010, 12:43:32 PM
Why is it every time Ireland play New Zealand it is acceptable to lose because 'they are the best team in the world'.  Why are they always classed as the best when they have one World Cup to their name, and that was a long time ago.

Because as I said above people are happy to slate amateur Gaa players but give the Golden Generation a pass. The fact that some of them after 10 years of being a professional still havent mastered the basics doesnt seem to register.
We lost by 3 conveted tries. thats a hiding. End of story.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 22, 2010, 01:53:53 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on November 22, 2010, 12:43:32 PM
Why is it every time Ireland play New Zealand it is acceptable to lose because 'they are the best team in the world'.  Why are they always classed as the best when they have one World Cup to their name, and that was a long time ago.

http://www.irb.com/rankings/full.html

Quote from: INDIANA on November 22, 2010, 01:39:57 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on November 22, 2010, 12:43:32 PM
Why is it every time Ireland play New Zealand it is acceptable to lose because 'they are the best team in the world'.  Why are they always classed as the best when they have one World Cup to their name, and that was a long time ago.

Because as I said above people are happy to slate amateur Gaa players but give the Golden Generation a pass. The fact that some of them after 10 years of being a professional still havent mastered the basics doesnt seem to register.
We lost by 3 conveted tries. thats a hiding. End of story.

You are missing the point Indiana. People slate their county team because they blindly believe that they are good enough to achieve something with Mayo and Dublin being the prime examples. Along with that County teams are often given the 'they're not fit enough' or the 'they don't show enough pride in the jersey' nonsense. Individuals are smart, people are stupid.

In regard to the current Irish team we are old, play a lesser brand of Rugby in the Heineken cup compare to Super 14, have more sporting distractions than people in NZ where the overwhelming majority play Rugby . . . allied to that NZ are currently the best team in the world and we are 7th, it puts our performance into context. Everyone on that team gave what they had for the 80 minutes, yes mistakes were made and ultimately we do not have the same calibre of player as NZ but it was there for all to see that Ireland went out to play their best game and hold nothing back. I will not slate anyone for doing that!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on November 22, 2010, 02:03:21 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 22, 2010, 01:53:53 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on November 22, 2010, 12:43:32 PM
Why is it every time Ireland play New Zealand it is acceptable to lose because 'they are the best team in the world'.  Why are they always classed as the best when they have one World Cup to their name, and that was a long time ago.

http://www.irb.com/rankings/full.html

Quote from: INDIANA on November 22, 2010, 01:39:57 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on November 22, 2010, 12:43:32 PM
Why is it every time Ireland play New Zealand it is acceptable to lose because 'they are the best team in the world'.  Why are they always classed as the best when they have one World Cup to their name, and that was a long time ago.

Because as I said above people are happy to slate amateur Gaa players but give the Golden Generation a pass. The fact that some of them after 10 years of being a professional still havent mastered the basics doesnt seem to register.
We lost by 3 conveted tries. thats a hiding. End of story.

You are missing the point Indiana. People slate their county team because they blindly believe that they are good enough to achieve something with Mayo and Dublin being the prime examples. Along with that County teams are often given the 'they're not fit enough' or the 'they don't show enough pride in the jersey' nonsense. Individuals are smart, people are stupid.

In regard to the current Irish team we are old, play a lesser brand of Rugby in the Heineken cup compare to Super 14, have more sporting distractions than people in NZ where the overwhelming majority play Rugby . . . allied to that NZ are currently the best team in the world and we are 7th, it puts our performance into context. Everyone on that team gave what they had for the 80 minutes, yes mistakes were made and ultimately we do not have the same calibre of player as NZ but it was there for all to see that Ireland went out to play their best game and hold nothing back. I will not slate anyone for doing that!!!

Just to point out australia have more sports to compete with- have less players then we do and can still beat NZ. As I said we just make excuses.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: nrico2006 on November 22, 2010, 02:24:33 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 22, 2010, 01:53:53 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on November 22, 2010, 12:43:32 PM
Why is it every time Ireland play New Zealand it is acceptable to lose because 'they are the best team in the world'.  Why are they always classed as the best when they have one World Cup to their name, and that was a long time ago.

http://www.irb.com/rankings/full.html

Quote from: INDIANA on November 22, 2010, 01:39:57 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on November 22, 2010, 12:43:32 PM
Why is it every time Ireland play New Zealand it is acceptable to lose because 'they are the best team in the world'.  Why are they always classed as the best when they have one World Cup to their name, and that was a long time ago.

Because as I said above people are happy to slate amateur Gaa players but give the Golden Generation a pass. The fact that some of them after 10 years of being a professional still havent mastered the basics doesnt seem to register.
We lost by 3 conveted tries. thats a hiding. End of story.

You are missing the point Indiana. People slate their county team because they blindly believe that they are good enough to achieve something with Mayo and Dublin being the prime examples. Along with that County teams are often given the 'they're not fit enough' or the 'they don't show enough pride in the jersey' nonsense. Individuals are smart, people are stupid.

In regard to the current Irish team we are old, play a lesser brand of Rugby in the Heineken cup compare to Super 14, have more sporting distractions than people in NZ where the overwhelming majority play Rugby . . . allied to that NZ are currently the best team in the world and we are 7th, it puts our performance into context. Everyone on that team gave what they had for the 80 minutes, yes mistakes were made and ultimately we do not have the same calibre of player as NZ but it was there for all to see that Ireland went out to play their best game and hold nothing back. I will not slate anyone for doing that!!!

Rankings hardly count for much in most sports these days as points are awarded for all sorts of different type of games.  The best team in any sport is the team that holds the major titles, which New Zealand have not had had since 1987. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 22, 2010, 02:47:24 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on November 22, 2010, 02:24:33 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 22, 2010, 01:53:53 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on November 22, 2010, 12:43:32 PM
Why is it every time Ireland play New Zealand it is acceptable to lose because 'they are the best team in the world'.  Why are they always classed as the best when they have one World Cup to their name, and that was a long time ago.

http://www.irb.com/rankings/full.html

Quote from: INDIANA on November 22, 2010, 01:39:57 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on November 22, 2010, 12:43:32 PM
Why is it every time Ireland play New Zealand it is acceptable to lose because 'they are the best team in the world'.  Why are they always classed as the best when they have one World Cup to their name, and that was a long time ago.

Because as I said above people are happy to slate amateur Gaa players but give the Golden Generation a pass. The fact that some of them after 10 years of being a professional still havent mastered the basics doesnt seem to register.
We lost by 3 conveted tries. thats a hiding. End of story.

You are missing the point Indiana. People slate their county team because they blindly believe that they are good enough to achieve something with Mayo and Dublin being the prime examples. Along with that County teams are often given the 'they're not fit enough' or the 'they don't show enough pride in the jersey' nonsense. Individuals are smart, people are stupid.

In regard to the current Irish team we are old, play a lesser brand of Rugby in the Heineken cup compare to Super 14, have more sporting distractions than people in NZ where the overwhelming majority play Rugby . . . allied to that NZ are currently the best team in the world and we are 7th, it puts our performance into context. Everyone on that team gave what they had for the 80 minutes, yes mistakes were made and ultimately we do not have the same calibre of player as NZ but it was there for all to see that Ireland went out to play their best game and hold nothing back. I will not slate anyone for doing that!!!

Rankings hardly count for much in most sports these days as points are awarded for all sorts of different type of games.  The best team in any sport is the team that holds the major titles, which New Zealand have not had had since 1987.

That assumption may work in the Premier League and in the GAA but the Rugby World Cup is every 4 years and New Zealand are the current Tri-Nations Championsh which would be a much more accurate barometer for success than the World Cup 4 years ago.

I'm not having a go Indiana but where did you get the figures for Australia having less Rugby players than we do? I do not doubt that yes they do have more competing sports but for a county with a population of 21 odd million and our 6 million I would have thought their playing population would be more than ours.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on November 22, 2010, 03:03:05 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 22, 2010, 02:47:24 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on November 22, 2010, 02:24:33 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 22, 2010, 01:53:53 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on November 22, 2010, 12:43:32 PM
Why is it every time Ireland play New Zealand it is acceptable to lose because 'they are the best team in the world'.  Why are they always classed as the best when they have one World Cup to their name, and that was a long time ago.

http://www.irb.com/rankings/full.html

Quote from: INDIANA on November 22, 2010, 01:39:57 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on November 22, 2010, 12:43:32 PM
Why is it every time Ireland play New Zealand it is acceptable to lose because 'they are the best team in the world'.  Why are they always classed as the best when they have one World Cup to their name, and that was a long time ago.

Because as I said above people are happy to slate amateur Gaa players but give the Golden Generation a pass. The fact that some of them after 10 years of being a professional still havent mastered the basics doesnt seem to register.
We lost by 3 conveted tries. thats a hiding. End of story.

You are missing the point Indiana. People slate their county team because they blindly believe that they are good enough to achieve something with Mayo and Dublin being the prime examples. Along with that County teams are often given the 'they're not fit enough' or the 'they don't show enough pride in the jersey' nonsense. Individuals are smart, people are stupid.

In regard to the current Irish team we are old, play a lesser brand of Rugby in the Heineken cup compare to Super 14, have more sporting distractions than people in NZ where the overwhelming majority play Rugby . . . allied to that NZ are currently the best team in the world and we are 7th, it puts our performance into context. Everyone on that team gave what they had for the 80 minutes, yes mistakes were made and ultimately we do not have the same calibre of player as NZ but it was there for all to see that Ireland went out to play their best game and hold nothing back. I will not slate anyone for doing that!!!

Rankings hardly count for much in most sports these days as points are awarded for all sorts of different type of games.  The best team in any sport is the team that holds the major titles, which New Zealand have not had had since 1987.

That assumption may work in the Premier League and in the GAA but the Rugby World Cup is every 4 years and New Zealand are the current Tri-Nations Championsh which would be a much more accurate barometer for success than the World Cup 4 years ago.

I'm not having a go Indiana but where did you get the figures for Australia having less Rugby players than we do? I do not doubt that yes they do have more competing sports but for a county with a population of 21 odd million and our 6 million I would have thought their playing population would be more than ours.
RU is a poor 4th behind aussie rules, rugby league and soccer. Evcen cricket in some states is more popular. They have more amateur players- way more. But roughly similar professional numbers. think its about 140k in total but I dont believe that from living there. Same way they say we have 60,000 players- again a statistic I dont believe.
We should have done miles better then we did in the last 10 years. And the reason the Irish riugby team doesnt is because we accept failure too easily.
Watched the game with a new zealander. Had a pint afterwards with him. I thought Kaino had a great game myself. However my NZ friend thought he was disticntly average because he knocked on twice and missed a tackle.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 22, 2010, 03:40:47 PM
I'd hate to get facts in the way of an arguement but according to the latest IRB figures

Australia has 39,380 senior players to chose from Ireland has 25,440 but amazingly NZ only has 27,374 players to choose from...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on November 22, 2010, 03:48:05 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 22, 2010, 03:40:47 PM
I'd hate to get facts in the way of an arguement but according to the latest IRB figures

Australia has 39,380 senior players to chose from Ireland has 25,440 but amazingly NZ only has 27,374 players to choose from...
Wow. The Australian Institute of Sport should do PR for Brian Cowen. ;D

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on November 22, 2010, 04:25:10 PM
http://www.irb.com/rankings/full.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: BarryBreensBandage on November 22, 2010, 08:11:45 PM
In agreeing with a lot of posts here, I think that the defeat arose from the fact that Ireland were trying to play a brand of Rugby that they have tried maybe once or twice over the past 18 months, where they have consistently reverted to the Munster/O'Gara kick and ruck style of game to steam roller opponents.

If that is the way they are going to play at the WC they might as well play the whole Munster team, at least there would be some cohesion.

My question is, why do Ireland choose to play the kicking game when it is so obvious that they are more than capable of playing an open game like Saturday on every occasion? They would become used to playing this style of Rugby, and, and hopefully we reach a point were we can beat the All Blacks, because if we keep reverting to kick and hope, we never will.

The last time I seen Ireland playing Rugby as open as Saturday was on the tour of the US last year. It was also the style of Rugby that won the Grand Slam.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on November 22, 2010, 08:16:36 PM
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on November 22, 2010, 08:11:45 PM
In agreeing with a lot of posts here, I think that the defeat arose from the fact that Ireland were trying to play a brand of Rugby that they have tried maybe once or twice over the past 18 months, where they have consistently reverted to the Munster/O'Gara kick and ruck style of game to steam roller opponents.

If that is the way they are going to play at the WC they might as well play the whole Munster team, at least there would be some cohesion.

My question is, why do Ireland choose to play the kicking game when it is so obvious that they are more than capable of playing an open game like Saturday on every occasion? They would become used to playing this style of Rugby, and, and hopefully we reach a point were we can beat the All Blacks, because if we keep reverting to kick and hope, we never will.

The last time I seen Ireland playing Rugby as open as Saturday was on the tour of the US last year. It was also the style of Rugby that won the Grand Slam.

we're not actually able to imlement it though. On the 6th phase or therabouts we completely lose our attacking shape. The problem is it could take beyond the WC to get good using that style of play because we've left it too bloody late.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: anglocelt39 on November 22, 2010, 08:23:05 PM
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on November 22, 2010, 08:11:45 PM
In agreeing with a lot of posts here, I think that the defeat arose from the fact that Ireland were trying to play a brand of Rugby that they have tried maybe once or twice over the past 18 months, where they have consistently reverted to the Munster/O'Gara kick and ruck style of game to steam roller opponents.

If that is the way they are going to play at the WC they might as well play the whole Munster team, at least there would be some cohesion.
My question is, why do Ireland choose to play the kicking game when it is so obvious that they are more than capable of playing an open game like Saturday on every occasion? They would become used to playing this style of Rugby, and, and hopefully we reach a point were we can beat the All Blacks, because if we keep reverting to kick and hope, we never will.

The last time I seen Ireland playing Rugby as open as Saturday was on the tour of the US last year. It was also the style of Rugby that won the Grand Slam.


think a fair whack of the Munster team would have Irish eligibility issues. Regarding numbers playing the game in New Zealand, anybody know how the Islanders that the Kiwis seem to be able to draw on at will figure in those stats?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: BarryBreensBandage on November 22, 2010, 08:59:09 PM
Quote from: anglocelt39 on November 22, 2010, 08:23:05 PM
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on November 22, 2010, 08:11:45 PM
In agreeing with a lot of posts here, I think that the defeat arose from the fact that Ireland were trying to play a brand of Rugby that they have tried maybe once or twice over the past 18 months, where they have consistently reverted to the Munster/O'Gara kick and ruck style of game to steam roller opponents.

If that is the way they are going to play at the WC they might as well play the whole Munster team, at least there would be some cohesion.
My question is, why do Ireland choose to play the kicking game when it is so obvious that they are more than capable of playing an open game like Saturday on every occasion? They would become used to playing this style of Rugby, and, and hopefully we reach a point were we can beat the All Blacks, because if we keep reverting to kick and hope, we never will.

The last time I seen Ireland playing Rugby as open as Saturday was on the tour of the US last year. It was also the style of Rugby that won the Grand Slam.


think a fair whack of the Munster team would have Irish eligibility issues. Regarding numbers playing the game in New Zealand, anybody know how the Islanders that the Kiwis seem to be able to draw on at will figure in those stats?

I realise that anglocelt, just trying to make the point.

I thought Philip Matthews spelt it out during BBC's excellent coverage of the match when he said that it was as if Ireland had woken up and realised that this is the way Rugby is played now, where possession is key.

Scotland beat South Africa by retaining the ball instead of kicking it back to the opposition.

And I agree with you, Indiana, it may be too late to revert to for the WC, but at least we could give it a shot in the 6 Nations - better to burn out than to fade away.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Joxer on November 26, 2010, 01:58:39 PM
Ireland team to play Argentina, Guinness Series 2010, Aviva Stadium, Sunday 28 November, 2.30pm:

15 - Geordan Murphy (Leicester)
14 - Tommy Bowe (Ospreys)
13 - Brian O'Driscoll (UCD/Leinster) captain
12 - Gordon D'Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster)
11 - Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster)
10 - Jonathan Sexton (St.Mary's College/Leinster)
9 - Peter Stringer (Shannon/Munster)
1 - Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster)
2 - Sean Cronin (Buccaneers/Connacht)
3 - Tony Buckley (Shannon/Munster)
4 - Donncha O'Callaghan (Cork Constitution/Munster)
5 - Mick O'Driscoll (Cork Constitution/Munster)
6 - Stephen Ferris (Dungannon/Ulster)
7 - David Wallace (Garryowen/Munster)
8 - Jamie Heaslip (Naas/Leinster)

Replacements:

16 - Damien Varley (Garryowen/Munster)
17 - Tom Court (Malone/Ulster)
18 - Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster)
19 - Denis Leamy (Cork Constitution/Munster)
20 - Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster
21 - Ronan O'Gara (Cork Constitution/Munster)
22 - Keith Earls (Thomond/Munster)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyroneboi on November 26, 2010, 09:29:26 PM
I would like to have seen Tom Court keep his place, Sean O'Brien given a go and possibly Earls but apart from that there wasnt many more you could make a case for. Hopefully Geordan Murphy has a good game. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on November 26, 2010, 09:59:31 PM
I love watching G Murphy play. He has been one of the most consistent players in the English Premiership as last 10 years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 27, 2010, 12:16:32 PM
POC makes his return for Young Munster, a bit to go on the conditioning side as he looks bolloxed but great news for him and Ireland..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_l60L7rd6c&feature=player_embedded (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_l60L7rd6c&feature=player_embedded)

Hoof Hearted, I always felt that only Brian O'Driscoll was more talented than Murphy, I think if he played for Leinster or Munster he'd have more caps and his defensive flaws wouldn't have been used as a stick to beat him with...delighted to see him there and hopefully he can make the jersey his own, if even he is a Naas bollox   ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyroneboi on November 29, 2010, 12:03:53 AM
What did you guys make of all the rugby this weekend? Very impressed by Australia and South Africa while New Zealand were never in trouble against Wales. I only seen the 1st half of the Ireland game but seemed to play well in patches. Sexton seems to have gained a lot of confidence from starting in 3 of the 4 games. Stringer played well which is good but at the same time worrying that we are still reliant on a 9 who made his debut 10 years ago. 6 nations will be interesting with Frances horror show against the Aussies and the English were disappointing as well. I still think we will beat England at the Aviva and you really don't know what the French will be at come February.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on November 29, 2010, 12:18:38 AM
Quote from: tyroneboi on November 29, 2010, 12:03:53 AM
What did you guys make of all the rugby this weekend? Very impressed by Australia and South Africa while New Zealand were never in trouble against Wales. I only seen the 1st half of the Ireland game but seemed to play well in patches. Sexton seems to have gained a lot of confidence from starting in 3 of the 4 games. Stringer played well which is good but at the same time worrying that we are still reliant on a 9 who made his debut 10 years ago. 6 nations will be interesting with Frances horror show against the Aussies and the English were disappointing as well. I still think we will beat England at the Aviva and you really don't know what the French will be at come February.

2nd half was dire mate. Probably the worst 40 of the Autumn Series. Just too many knock ons, poor lineouts, poor restarts and aimless kicking to call today a good performance. Poor argentinian team. Top 4 would put 50 on them.
Team prefers playing without the ball which goes against the law changes. 6 Nations will be tight. We'll beat Italy and we could technically beat everyone else by a few points or lose them all by the same. It really is that tight.
NH rugby is mired in medicority. You could win the 6nations and still get hosed by australia in the World Cup.
The problem with the French result is that either Liveroment will get the sack or be forced to pick his best team. Last night team has about 5 of the best players in France playing. I think England will beat us. They are closer to the SH teams then we are.

Australia were majestic. Yes French were poor but it was the ruthless efficiency that impressed me. And the way that 30 points wasnt enough. They kept going -wanting to bury them. We never do that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Declan on November 29, 2010, 11:38:27 AM
Australia second half performance was the best rugby I've ever seen.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on November 29, 2010, 12:18:34 PM
Quote from: Declan on November 29, 2010, 11:38:27 AM
Australia second half performance was the best rugby I've ever seen.

France raised the white flag long before the end though. As they sometimes do when things don't go their way. Australia then put on a load of garbage time points. In fairness France aren't as bad as they looked that night and Australia aren't as good.

6 Nations looks very open. England looked like they were getting somewhere after the Australia game but were well beaten over the weekend by South Africa. France have had a very poor series but you'd imagine they will be better. Ireland, Wales and Scotland have all been up and down.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on December 27, 2010, 09:50:03 PM
Would think that Alan Quinlan broke his arm/elbow in Munster's win over Connacht today.  Looked nasty, hopefully he isn't too badly injured and out for too long

By the way, two entertaining games today...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: DuffleKing on December 27, 2010, 10:02:14 PM

Haven't had time to see any rugby this season lads - where are we in finding a front row for the world cup?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on December 28, 2010, 11:45:33 AM
Quote from: Celt_Man on December 27, 2010, 09:50:03 PM
Would think that Alan Quinlan broke his arm/elbow in Munster's win over Connacht today.  Looked nasty, hopefully he isn't too badly injured and out for too long

By the way, two entertaining games today...

dislocated the elbow

The Connacht game was awful, absolute terrible ref Munster somewhat fortunate to win - they have serious scrum issues.

QuoteHaven't had time to see any rugby this season lads - where are we in finding a front row for the world cup?

Healy, Court and Ross should be the props with Varley, Cronin and maybe Best as the hooker.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on January 03, 2011, 12:27:21 AM
Time to have a look ahead to the 6 nations and world cup and give a few opinions about how it might work out quite well for Ireland, the pros and cons etc.

Remember the big hoopla leading up to the last world cup for a couple of years before it and how Ireland had a great chance of winning it before performing terribly, well its time to wind up that band wagon again about Ireland having a potentially great team with the ability to beat anyone on their day. Here is why I beleive we might do well, it is of course all about playing resources.

LEts start with the starting 15 from the last world cup v a possible starting 15 for this world cup

15 Dempsey                15 Rob Kearney
14 Trimble                  14 Bowe
13 O'Driscoll                13 O'Driscoll 
12 Darcy                     12 Darcy
11 Hickey                    11 Fitzgerald/Earls
10 O'Gara                    10 Sexton   
9 Stringer                     9 O'Leary
8 Leamy                       8 Heaslip   
7 Wallace                     7 O'Brien/Wallace
6 Easterby                    6 Ferris
5 O'Connell                   5 O'Connell
4 O'Callaghan                4 O'Callaghan
3 Hayes                        3 Buckley/Ross /Hayes
2 Best                          2 Best/Varley/Flannery 
1 Horan                        1 Healy/Court/ Horan

15 - Starting at the top Lions full back Robe Kearney against the legend that never was Girv the swerve. Assuming Kearney gets his form back and he will this is a big upgrade at a position that can be very important depending on the way a game goes

14 - Tommy Bowe, one of the best wingers in the world against Trimble or Horgan, no contest here another big improvement.

13 - Old O'Driscoll v Young O'Driscoll. Ok this is where we missed the boat at the last world cup. We had the best centre in the world in his prime and he didn't get a chance because the whole team was so poor. Now a more experienced player, he has lost a step or 2 of pace. NOt as good any more.

12 - Darcy if he makes it to the tournament will start at inside centre, a very strong player for Ireland over the years is losing pace as well, we  really have to hope that the experience of thes centres is what makes them a strong partnership in New Zealand.  Has taken a step back.

11 - Hickey was a good international winger and a hard act to follow, but with the talents of Fitzgerald or Earls in this position Ireland might even have a better player playing in this position at the next world cup

10 - Sexton can do things that O'Gara never could like move a back line and run with the ball in hand and not get blown away in the tackle. His kicking game is of a similar level and this position looks to be an upgrade at the next tournament.

9 - Tomas O'Leary at his best is a huge improvement over the quick passing but limited Stringer. O'Learys stronger physique and ability to break, kick, score and create tries and tackle are a big improvement over what Stringer brought to the team. Overall The half back pairing of O'Leary and Sexton could be a massive upgrade over O'Gara and Stringer and a big tournament for the half backs is one of the main reasons for optimism for this team

8 - Heaslip is one of the best 8s in the world, maybe only Parisse and Read are better, I would rather have Heaslip ahead of those 2.  Leamy is/was a good player and we still have him so this position will be much stronger.

7 - Sean O'Brien/ Wallace hasn't been capped for Ireland yes because Dave Wallace is so good and so now is O'Brien. This position is better as we have both Wallace and O'Brien.

6 - Ferris is a powerful 6, Easterby was a good and consistent player for us, but Ferris is a step up in power and ability especially in ball carrying and tackling. Overall the backrow is a lot better and we didn't think we would be saying that after the last world cup.

5 & 4 O'Callaghan and O'Connell. Getting older but still a great pair for Ireland, won't suffer as much as the centre pairing will from getting older, no change between world cups in this position.

3 Buckley against Hayes. Both poor in the scrum, Buckley is better rumbling around the park, Hayes a better line out jumper. No change in talent levels between 07 and 11 teams

2 - Best, Vlarley, Flannery. We have to hope that Flannery and or Best can stay fit for this tournament so we have an experienced player at this key position. No real change in talent levels.

1 Healy against Horan. Healy is even better around the park than Hoan was which is a help to the team. They will both be around so this position will be stronger.

I think it jumps off the page that the 2011 team everything going well will be a stronger team than the 07 team especially from numbers 6-15.There is a lot of attacking backline talent and a lot of good ball carriers in the back row. THe second row shuld remanin solid.

This brings us to the front row of the scrum and scrummaging . The way the game is reffed now we ahve to be able to scrummage solidly or we are going nowhere. We ill be blown out of the game by the refs and powerful French, Argentinian. English, SOuth African scrums if we get to play them and we should at some point in the tournament. We have to hope that buckley and Mike Ross can improve their games and hold down that tightend side of the scrum or that the refs go easy on us. The other thing is the hooker position and line out throwing we need Flannery fit to throw the ball in as he is the only consistent thrower.

So looking forward, we play the English and French at home in the 6 Nations so the tournament is winnable and I will predict that we will win it. Not saying we will get a grand slam but there is reason for optimism. I would like to see how the 6 nations and tri nations goes  and see who turns up fit and in for,before making my final world cup predictions. So for now I will predict a New Zealand win with Ireland not having too many problems in the group this time  with only Italy  to overcome to get a quarterfinal and Australia to win the group. Someohw and with the decision makers at 8,9 and 10 having big tournaments we will make the semi finals.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on January 03, 2011, 02:31:10 PM
good write-up. when you see it broken down like that, maybe it's not as doom and gloom as i thought. I would take a grand slam and a semi spot at the WC for 2011.

More than likely 3 or 4 wins in the 6N and a beaten 1/4 finalist, although i hope im wrong
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on January 04, 2011, 12:07:00 PM
THis is how I think the squad of 30 players will shape up. I am trying to work out if that is the way the squad is done or will they take extra props, hookers, scrum halves, fly halves etc?

15 Kearney, Geordan Murphy
14 Bowe, Horgan
13 O'Driscoll, Earls
12 Darcy, Fitzgerald
11 Hickey, Trimble
10 Sexton, O'Gara
9 O'Leary, Reddan
8, Heaslip, Leamy
7 Wallace, O'Brien
6 Ferris, Jennings
5 O'Connell, Toner
4 O'Callaghan, Donacha Ryan
3 Buckley, Ross
2 Best, Flannery
1 Healy, Court
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 04, 2011, 12:21:25 PM
CP,

You don't pick a rugby squad based on 2 per position as many positions are inter-changable. You'll need to name 3 scrum-halfs and 3 Hookers and probably 5 props.

Shane Horgan won't be going and I can't see Denis Hickie coming out of retirement.

My own squad if selected in the morning would be

Props

Ross, Court, Healy, Fitzpatrick and Buckley

Hookers

Best, Cronin, Varley

2nd Rows

O'Connell, Cullen, Toner, Tuohy

Back-Rows

Heaslip, O'Brien, Leamy, Ferris, Jennings

Scrum-Halfs

Stringer, Reddan, Boss

Out-Halfs

O'Gara. Sexton

Centres

Wallace, O'Driscoll, D'Arcy, McFadden

Back 3

G Murphy, Bowe, Earls, j Murphy.


Fitzgearld/Kearney/Flannery/O'Callaghan/O'Leary really need to be playing and showing some form to be considered.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyroneboi on January 04, 2011, 01:40:45 PM
I would safely say Kidney has 90% of his squad already picked at this stage and as shown in the Autumn internationals form in the domestic leagues etc will count for very little. Having said that I would still be very confident of a decent showing at the World Cup. Quarter final is the minimum expectation but with South Africa the likely quarter final game then you just never know. I have a sneaky feeling about the upcoming six nations that another grand slam is on the way. England and France at home you would always be confident despite a ropey enough record against the French. The 3 away games are very winnable. In fact for once I am going to put my money where my mouth is and put a few of my hard earned pounds on Ireland @ 13/2 for the grand slam!! New year and i am full of optimism!!!!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: erne bhoy on January 04, 2011, 02:38:39 PM
does anyone know much about the young no. 9 for ulster paul/luke marshall? only saw him there recently in the two televised magners league games over the holidays and although you can't read much into a very brief cameo against leinster and a game against a somewhat limited munster outfit i thought he looked very lively, one for the future perhaps?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 04, 2011, 03:06:09 PM
Paul Marshall is highly rated by Ulster supporters, he's a bit of a slow burner in that he's now I think 25 but I like him howvever his progress has been stunted a little by the signing of Pienaar. In my opinion Ulster's bets half-back pairing is Marshall at 9 and Pienaar at 10. But if he continues thsl progess he could be contesting for a 6 nations spot next year.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on January 04, 2011, 04:01:24 PM
I was listening to five live one night and they'd a rugby talk in with Matt Dawson hosting along with Brian Moore and Keith Wood just after the first spate of autumn internationals. After the England love in, I think they'd just beaten Australia they came round to talking about Ireland and in particular the pack and lack of real options at prop.

Wood reckons a lot of the current Irish props aren't getting much game time due to foreign imports in the provinces and rattled off the starting props for the provinces and not too many were Irish. I think he said big Buckley wasn't a starter for Munster, don't know myself but it seems strange than the IRFU who ultimately pick up the tap for the provinces wages don't put some sort of restriction on new signings or is the onus for the provinces to win that Irish talent is left by the wayside or have to take a chance in the English leagues to get games??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: fingerbob on January 04, 2011, 04:14:38 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 04, 2011, 03:06:09 PM
Paul Marshall is highly rated by Ulster supporters, he's a bit of a slow burner in that he's now I think 25 but I like him howvever his progress has been stunted a little by the signing of Pienaar. In my opinion Ulster's bets half-back pairing is Marshall at 9 and Pienaar at 10. But if he continues thsl progess he could be contesting for a 6 nations spot next year.

I think he was referring to Luke Marshall, 19 year old who I think was fly half against munster the other night.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on January 05, 2011, 01:50:39 AM
Thankfully the world cup isn't in the morning and I expect the cream to rise to the top by October.  Hickey should have been Fitzgerald with Wallace  at inside centre. I would take tomas o leary on his own ahead of the other 3 scrum halves. Donacha ryan plays second row and blind side,making him a good squad player. Cronin will go as hooker number 3. I am unsure about scrumhalf number 3 and prop number 5. Cut Horgan, Jennings and Trimble to make room.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on January 05, 2011, 03:57:17 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 04, 2011, 12:21:25 PM
CP,

You don't pick a rugby squad based on 2 per position as many positions are inter-changable. You'll need to name 3 scrum-halfs and 3 Hookers and probably 5 props.

Shane Horgan won't be going and I can't see Denis Hickie coming out of retirement.

My own squad if selected in the morning would be

Props

Ross, Court, Healy, Fitzpatrick and Buckley

Hookers

Best, Cronin, Varley

2nd Rows

O'Connell, Cullen, Toner, Tuohy

Back-Rows

Heaslip, O'Brien, Leamy, Ferris, Jennings

Scrum-Halfs

Stringer, Reddan, Boss

Out-Halfs

O'Gara. Sexton

Centres

Wallace, O'Driscoll, D'Arcy, McFadden

Back 3

G Murphy, Bowe, Earls, j Murphy.


Fitzgearld/Kearney/Flannery/O'Callaghan/O'Leary really need to be playing and showing some form to be considered.

Dinny you have got to be having a laugh:

No Horan at all, no Flannery, no O'Callaghan (definitely a wind-up I think Cullen has an infinite number of stunning sisters or something), Wallace (fair enough a World Cup too far but no obvious replacement), O'Leary will travel even if Stringer is the man we need there.

As for your back choices, all I'll say is, I'm a Gaa man, and 'no comprende'. Bowe and Earls: Yes. The Murphys? Not a hope.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 05, 2011, 09:30:31 AM
Muppet did you miss this line

"My own squad if selected in the morning would be"


John E Murphy has been Munsters most consistent back this season and can play in any of the outside backs position.
Jerry Flannery is injured again and has no form.
Donnacha O'Callaghan in my opinion has had his poorest season in Munster shirt and his abdication of responsibilty in the autumn internationals galled me. Leo Cullen since returning from injury has been excellent for Leinster and Touhy is a very promising hard-nosed talent.
Marcus Horan will not/should not go to the World Cup.
O'Leary needs to start showing form most right minded Munster fans want Stringer starting for their province I don't see why it should be different for our country.
Geodan Murphy imho is the only Irish Full back capable of exploiting the new law interprations certainly miles ahead of  Rob 'Will I just kick it up in the air or just smash into the 1st tackler' Kearney.

All open to changes but if the World Cup was tomorrow that is the squad I'd bring...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on January 05, 2011, 04:36:37 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 05, 2011, 09:30:31 AM
Muppet did you miss this line

"My own squad if selected in the morning would be"


John E Murphy has been Munsters most consistent back this season and can play in any of the outside backs position.Jerry Flannery is injured again and has no form.
Donnacha O'Callaghan in my opinion has had his poorest season in Munster shirt and his abdication of responsibilty in the autumn internationals galled me. Leo Cullen since returning from injury has been excellent for Leinster and Touhy is a very promising hard-nosed talent.
Marcus Horan will not/should not go to the World Cup.
O'Leary needs to start showing form most right minded Munster fans want Stringer starting for their province I don't see why it should be different for our country.
Geodan Murphy imho is the only Irish Full back capable of exploiting the new law interprations certainly miles ahead of  Rob 'Will I just kick it up in the air or just smash into the 1st tackler' Kearney.

All open to changes but if the World Cup was tomorrow that is the squad I'd bring...

Agree of Murphy - he was in serious form even at the early stages of the Magners' League before the Autumn Internationals - thought himself and Fionn Carr (the other on-form Irish at that point in time) were very unlucky not to have been called into the Irish squad.  You would feel that the pair would have greatly benefitted from the experience of training in the Irish Camp

Murphy has kept up his form since then while I'm not sure Carr has - although I haven't seen as much as Connacht as Munster
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on January 05, 2011, 05:18:26 PM
Cian Healy staying in Ireland for another couple of years....  Hopefully they can get Heaslip and Sexton to do the same soon

http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/newsroom/6434.php

Healy extends deal with Leinster and Ireland...

The IRFU is pleased to announce the signing of another international contract with Cian Healy signing a new deal that will see him continue to play in Ireland with Leinster for another two seasons up to 2013...

The IRFU are currently in the process of contracting Ireland based players and Healy's new contract comes on the back of those recently awarded to Donncha O'Callaghan and Ronan O'Gara with Munster.
Healy has represented Ireland at Schools, under 19, under 20, A and full international level and at only 23 has already won 13 caps for Ireland. He made his Leinster debut in the Magners League in 2007 and has appeared for his hometown province on 68 occasions.

Cian Healy said, "I am delighted to have my new contract signed as it means I can continue to concentrate on playing for my home province and improving my game further. It has been a good couple of weeks for us and so I just want to focus on playing well for Leinster to keep me firmly in the plans of Declan and the national team."

Leinster Coach Joe Schmidt said, "Cian is a strong and dynamic ball-carrying loosehead and it was great to see his efforts rewarded with two tries in the recent Heineken Cup win over ASM Clermont Auvergne. Cian has been impressive progressing through the Leinster Academy, into the Leinster Senior team and onto the Ireland International side. At just 23, there is obviously still plenty of scope for further development which promises real benefit for both Leinster and Irish rugby."

IRFU Chief Executive Philip Browne said, "We began the process of contracting players as early as the summer and while it is something that can take time to complete, this is nothing new and we are progressing through the majority of those contracts that are coming to an end this season or early next season. With a fixture list of potentially over 40 matches per season and with even more games in overseas leagues where we would have no influence on the game time for Irish players, it is vital that we continue to work to retain players to play within Ireland in the provinces. It's only in this way that we can continue to have a positive influence on their development and in particular to ensure that our international players are best equipped to contribute to the further success of Irish rugby at international level and also at provincial level."

Ireland Coach Declan Kidney said, "For a young player like Cian who has progressed really well over the last 18 months this is good news as it allows him to continue to develop as a player in Ireland. He has approached every challenge with the same hard working attitude and if he continues to do this he can become an even better player."

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on January 06, 2011, 05:42:29 PM
Still a long way out to be picking a World Cup squad but I'm sure Kidney has a fairly good idea of at least 25 names before facing into the 6N. The last remaining seats on the plane will go to who is in form and who is injury free come mid August.

Starting XV in bold:

Props - Buckley, Court, Healy, Horan, Ross

Probably too late at this stage for Hagan or Timmy Ryan to stake a claim. Hopefully Ross will get a run during the 6N. He's not as good as Buckley around the field but he's far superior in the tight. Buckley should have been allowed go to Bath a few years ago where he'd have got regular games instead of stagnating behind Hayes at Munster.

Hookers - Best, Cronin, Flannery

This selection will be very injury dependent. Hopefully Flannery will be fit because the lineout struggles without him. Best is solid around the field and is probably the best scrummager of the three but his darts are poor. Cronin would be a good option for the bench because he is a great ball carrier but his throwing is also erratic. Varley will go as third choice if Flannery misses out.

Second Row - Cullen, O'Callaghan, O'Connell, Toner

O'Callaghan always seems to struggle without O'Connell alongside him so it's probably unfair to judge him on the last six months. Cullen's form has been good though and he deserves the nod at this stage. O'Callaghan looks like the kind of player that could do with a kick up the hole every so often and he may pick it up again if he's dropped for the 6N. He's probably a better player coming off the bench anyway. Toner should edge out O'Driscoll, Tuohy and Donncha Ryan.

Back Row - Ferris, Heaslip, Leamy, O'Brien, Wallace

Our strongest area. Ferris and Heaslip are certs to start and O'Brien is the form man. He'll hopefully start in the 6N. Leamy will travel if injury free. While I accept the argument that Jennings is a natural 7 I'd still expect Wallace to get the nod ahead of him mainly due to his experience. Kidney and Jennings have had their differences in the past and he still has a tendency to concede silly penalties.

Scrum Half - O'Leary, Reddan, Stringer

From our strongest area to probably our weakest. All of the options have glaring deficiencies in their games. O'Leary is the most physical and will keep opposing back rows honest but he's very slow and ponderous at getting the ball away from the ruck and he kicks a crazy amount of ball away. We know Stringer won't make any sniping breaks but he is the best passer of the ball. Reddan is more of a compromise between the two but he hasn't performed well for Ireland for a long time.

Out Half - O'Gara, Sexton

Simple choice really. Very doubtful anyone else (Humphreys/Keatley) will travel with Paddy Wallace obviously preferred as third choice 10.

Centres - Darcy, McFadden, O'Driscoll, Wallace

O'Driscoll is a cert but who will partner him is up for debate. Darcy has been mediocre for a number of years and could be vulnerable. McFadden is in great form and he covers a number of positions as well as being a decent goal kicker. Moving O'Driscoll to 12 and trying someone like Earls outside him might also be worth a look. Wallace will definitely travel as cover at 10.

Back 3 - Bowe, Earls, Fitzgerald, Kearney

I wouldn't agree with this decision but I don't think Geordan Murphy will travel especially if we bring five props. Fitzgerald will go if injury free because he also covers the centre and full-back. Kearney needs a good kick up the hole because his form before his injury was abysmal. I'd have Murphy ahead of him for the 15 shirt but I don't think Kidney sees it that way.

It all hinges on the Australia match which I think is the second match in the pool. Lose that one badly and the Italy match could suddenly become very tricky. I do think we'll get out of the group but it looks like a respectable defeat to South Africa in the quarters is the best we can expect. If we could somehow manage to sneak past the Wallabies in Auckland we would most likely have Wales in the quarters which would be very winnable especially looking at their pool games which will probably be a lot more attritional than ours. Unlikely though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on January 06, 2011, 06:50:16 PM
Having read that about Cian Healey I can't help but think that the central contract maybe hinders a lot of our players. As mentioned previously Buckley could have done some amount of improving if he had gone to England. Likewise I think that Cian Healy could learn a lot had he been shipped to Wales, France or England. I think that in areas where we are weak it would not do any harm to ship lads off for a while to get them some experience.

In Tommy Bowe's case he was already a superb winger and if anything his stint at the Ospreys has turned him into one of the best in the world. Yes I agree with having central contracts to a point but for positions where we are weak such as Scrum Half, Front row I don't see the harm in letting a few lads head off to try and improve themselves!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on January 07, 2011, 09:44:59 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on January 05, 2011, 01:50:39 AM
Thankfully the world cup isn't in the morning and I expect the cream to rise to the top by October.  Hickey should have been Fitzgerald with Wallace  at inside centre. I would take tomas o leary on his own ahead of the other 3 scrum halves. Donacha ryan plays second row and blind side,making him a good squad player. Cronin will go as hooker number 3. I am unsure about scrumhalf number 3 and prop number 5. Cut Horgan, Jennings and Trimble to make room.

Donncha Ryan is nowhere near good enough to play blind side at international level - so no point making the squad player comment. He either makes it as a second row, or he doesnt make it. I think he has huge potential, but he'll need to play alongside O'Connell to develop. Hopefully that will happen with Munster sooner rather than later as O'Callaghan is finally being found out.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lynchbhoy on January 07, 2011, 11:55:27 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 04, 2011, 12:21:25 PM
My own squad if selected in the morning would be
Props
Ross, Court, Healy, Fitzpatrick and Buckley
Hookers
Best, Cronin, Varley
2nd Rows
o'Connell, Cullen, Toner, Tuohy
Back-Rows
Heaslip, O'Brien, Leamy, Ferris, Jennings
Scrum-Halfs
Stringer, Reddan, Boss
Out-Halfs
O'Gara. Sexton
Centres
Wallace, O'Driscoll, D'Arcy, McFadden
Back 3
G Murphy, Bowe, Earls, j Murphy.

Fitzgearld/Kearney/Flannery/O'Callaghan/O'Leary really need to be playing and showing some form to be considered.
I'd agree with almost all of that but would rather have Fitzgerald or even Trimble in there at the expense of d'arcy
and while i'm a big fan, I am not sure i'd pick Toner ahead of o'callaghan's experience and understanding with oconnell.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on January 08, 2011, 08:07:34 PM
O'Callaghan playing superb stuff tonight unlike his partner O'Driscoll.

3-3 after 33 mins with Munster making lots of mistakes. Ref a pain in the arse at scrum time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: comethekingdom on January 08, 2011, 10:13:39 PM
Quote from: muppet on January 08, 2011, 08:07:34 PM
O'Callaghan playing superb stuff tonight unlike his partner O'Driscoll.

3-3 after 33 mins with Munster making lots of mistakes. Ref a pain in the arse at scrum time.

That ref should have been kicked up the road out of Cork tonight. He was cat !
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: comethekingdom on January 08, 2011, 10:42:37 PM
Quote from: hardstation on January 08, 2011, 10:20:01 PM
So should the commentator. "The wind is blowing towards <some woman> Kearney's cottage" as yer man takes a kick.

Ah right.
Ah....... Bring back Fred Cogley and Jim Sherwin !!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thejuice on January 15, 2011, 08:23:31 PM
Is there a good site that does a 6 nations fantasy league?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on January 15, 2011, 08:53:27 PM
Quote from: thejuice on January 15, 2011, 08:23:31 PM
Is there a good site that does a 6 nations fantasy league?

irish times has been the one thats been played on here as last 3 years, they should have one going in the next 2 weeks
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thejuice on January 15, 2011, 09:07:47 PM
grand, i must set one up for work, cheers
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on January 19, 2011, 01:25:16 PM
No room for O'Leary in Ireland squad

Rugby: Tomás O'Leary has been dropped from the Ireland squad for the forthcoming Six Nations campaign. The Munster scrumhalf has not been included in Declan Kidney's 32-man panel and has instead been demoted to the Irish Wolfhounds panel.

With O'Leary making way, Eoin Reddan and Peter Stringer will contest the number nine jersey for the opening clash in Italy on February 5th.

Tony Buckley's fall from grace has seen the prop discarded by the management team but his Munster teammate John Hayes has been retained in the first team squad. Buckley had been Kidney's first choice at the start of the autumn internationals but has now fallen out of favour even at provincial level.

After a string of impressive performances for Leinster, Mike Ross could now be in line to add to his meagre tally of just two caps. Despite concerns over his availability, Jerry Flannery is included but Rory Best and Sean Cronin do provide Kidney with options.

Those are thin on the ground at fullback where Gavin Duffy's return from an injury sees him included as the only recognised number 15 in the squad. Luke Fitzgerald may be Kidney's preferred option while Keith Earls also has limited experience in the position.

Mike McCarthy is the only uncapped player in the squad, the 29-year-old backrow player rewarded for some eye-catching displays in the Magners League.


"As always, the selection of the squad is never an easy one, but certainly the level of competition in each position is probably as great as it has ever been over the last two years," Kidney said this afternoon. "Players have been really pushing their performances for their provinces, so that level of competition can only be good.

"That translates into more competition for each place in the squad, and then for the first selection against Italy, which can only be a good thing coming into the championship. As we know from last year and every other time we have faced Italy, they represent a greater threat every year.

"The addition of their teams in the Magners League is building their experience, and I think that will have an even greater influence on their national side for the championship. The key for us is to work hard in setting the foundations for the tournament in our first week in camp, and our only focus will be on that opening game against Italy."



Ireland squad

Backs: Tommy Bowe (Ospreys), Gordon D'Arcy (Landowne - Leinster), Gavin Duffy (Galwegians - Connacht), Keith Earls (Thomond - Munster), Luke Fitzgerald (Blackrock - Leinster), Shane Horgan (Boyne - Leinster), Ronan O' Gara (Cork Constitution - Munster), Brian O'Driscoll (UCD - Leinster), Eoin Reddan (Landowne - Leinster), Jonathan Sexton (St. Mary's College - Leinster), Peter Stringer (Shannon - Munster), Andrew Trimble (Ballymena - Ulster), Paddy Wallace (Ballymena - Ulster)

Forwards: Rory Best (Banbridge - Ulster), Tom Court (Malone - Ulster), Sean Cronin (Buccaneers - Connacht), Leo Cullen (Blackrock - Leinster), Stephen Ferris (Dungannon - Ulster), Jerry Flannery (Shannon - Munster), John Hayes (Bruff - Munster), Cian Healy (Clontarf - Leinster), Jamie Heaslip (Naas - Leinster), Shane Jennings (St. Mary's College - Leinster), Denis Leamy (Cork Constitution - Munster), Mike McCarthy (Buccaneers - Connacht), Donncha O'Callaghan (Cork Constitution - Munster), Paul O'Connell (Young Munster - Munster), Sean O'Brien (Clontarf - Leinster), Mick O'Driscoll (Cork Constitution - Munster), Michael Ross (Clontarf - Leinster), Rhys Ruddock (St. Mary's College - Leinster), David Wallace (Garryowen - Munster)

Ireland Wolfhounds

Backs: Isaac Boss (Terenure College - Leinster), Ian Humphreys (Ballymena - Ulster), Denis Hurley (Cork Constitution - Munster), Keith Matthews (Buccaneers - Connacht), Fergus McFadden(Old Belvedere - Leinster), Johne Murphy (Young Munster - Munster), Niall O'Connor (Belfast Harlequins - Ulster), Tomas O'Leary (Dolphin - Munster), Eoin O'Malley (Old Belvedere - Leinster), A.N. Other

Forwards: Nigel Brady (Dungannon - Ulster), Tony Buckley (Shannon - Munster), Willie Faloon (Ballynahinch - Ulster), Jamie Hagan (Galway Corinthians - Connacht), Chris Henry (Ballymena - Ulster), Kevin McLaughlin (St. Mary's College - Leinster), Dominic Ryan (Lansdowne - Leinster), Donnacha Ryan (Shannon - Munster), Devin Toner (Lansdowne - Leinster), Dan Tuohy (Ballymena - Ulster), Damien Varley (Garryowen - Munster), Brett Wilkinson (Galwegians - Connacht)

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on January 19, 2011, 01:44:29 PM
They're all maybe getting a bit long in the tooth now, but Ulster players I'd high hopes for a few years back were Neil McMillan, Roger Wilson and Paul Shields. And Neil Best, obviously.

I heard Shields retired from injury. Has anyone idea if the others are even still alive? McMillan in particular - he looked a proper openside if Ulster ever produced one.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Joxer on January 19, 2011, 04:16:04 PM
From RTE.ie

Declan Kidney has announced a 32 man squad for the forthcoming RBS 6 Nations with Connacht's Mike McCarthy getting his first call-up to international duty.

McCarthy was capped for Brian Ashton's England at the U-21 World Cup in 2002.

Luke Fitzgerald and Rory Best return after suffering injuries during the Guinness series in November.

Speaking about the squad, Declan Kidney said: 'As always the selection of the squad is never an easy one but certainly the level of competition in each position is probably as great as it has ever been over the last two years.

'Players have been really pushing their performances for their provinces, so that level of competition can only be good.

'That translates into more competition for each place in the squad and then for the first selection against Italy, which can only be a good thing coming into the championship.'


Ireland Squad for RBS 6 Nations Championship:

Backs:
Tommy Bowe, Gordon D'Arcy, Gavin Duffy, Keith Earls, Luke Fitzgerald, Shane Horgan, Ronan O' Gara, Brian O'Driscoll,
Eoin Reddan, Jonathan Sexton, Peter Stringer, Andrew Trimble,
Paddy Wallace.

Forwards:
Rory Best, Tom Court, Sean Cronin, Leo Cullen, Stephen Ferris,
Jerry Flannery, John Hayes, Cian Healy, Jamie Heaslip, Shane Jennings, Denis Leamy, Mike McCarthy, Donncha O'Callaghan,
Paul O'Connell, Sean O'Brien, Mick O'Driscoll, Michael Ross,
Rhys Ruddock, David Wallace.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Geoff Tipps on January 19, 2011, 04:41:11 PM
Quote from: Joxer on January 19, 2011, 04:16:04 PM
From RTE.ie

Declan Kidney has announced a 32 man squad for the forthcoming RBS 6 Nations with Connacht's Mike McCarthy getting his first call-up to international duty.

McCarthy was capped for Brian Ashton's England at the U-21 World Cup in 2002.

Luke Fitzgerald and Rory Best return after suffering injuries during the Guinness series in November.

Speaking about the squad, Declan Kidney said: 'As always the selection of the squad is never an easy one but certainly the level of competition in each position is probably as great as it has ever been over the last two years.

'Players have been really pushing their performances for their provinces, so that level of competition can only be good.

'That translates into more competition for each place in the squad and then for the first selection against Italy, which can only be a good thing coming into the championship.'


Ireland Squad for RBS 6 Nations Championship:

Backs:
Tommy Bowe, Gordon D'Arcy, Gavin Duffy, Keith Earls, Luke Fitzgerald, Shane Horgan, Ronan O' Gara, Brian O'Driscoll,
Eoin Reddan, Jonathan Sexton, Peter Stringer, Andrew Trimble,
Paddy Wallace.

Forwards:
Rory Best, Tom Court, Sean Cronin, Leo Cullen, Stephen Ferris,
Jerry Flannery, John Hayes, Cian Healy, Jamie Heaslip, Shane Jennings, Denis Leamy, Mike McCarthy, Donncha O'Callaghan,
Paul O'Connell, Sean O'Brien, Mick O'Driscoll, Michael Ross,
Rhys Ruddock, David Wallace.

O'Leary and Buckley are the big omissions.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on January 19, 2011, 07:05:14 PM
What is the story with Tomas O Leary. He didn't get to start for munster at the weekend either.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on January 20, 2011, 03:32:43 PM
For any of you in the States, BBC America is showing 6 games live this year, including two Ireland games. BBC America Live Match Broadcasts (http://www.bbcamerica.com/content/394/match-schedule.jsp)

    Scotland vs. France
    At the Stade de France located in Saint Denis (Paris), France.
    Saturday, February 5th at 12pm ET / 9am PT
    Pre-show begins at 11:30am ET / 8:30am PT

    Wales vs. Scotland
    At Murrayfield Stadium located in Edinburgh, Scotland.
    Saturday, February 12th at 12pm ET / 9am PT
    Pre-show begins at 11:30am ET / 8:30am PT

    France vs. England
    At Twickenham Stadium located in Twickenham, London, England.
    Saturday, February 26th at 12pm ET / 9am PT
    Pre-show begins at 11:30am ET / 8:30am PT

    Ireland vs. Wales
    At Millennium Stadium located in Cardiff, Wales.
    Saturday, March 12th at 12pm ET / 9am PT
    Pre-show begins at 11:30am ET / 8:30am PT

    Scotland vs. England
    Calcutta Cup match at Twickenham Stadium located in Twickenham, London, England.
    Sunday, March 13th at 11am ET / 8am PT
    Pre-show begins at 10:30am ET / 7:30am PT

    England vs. Ireland
    Millennium Trophy match at Aviva Stadium located in Dublin, Ireland.
    Saturday, March 19th at 1pm ET / 10am PT
    Pre-show begins at 12:30pm ET / 9:30am PT
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on January 26, 2011, 12:35:32 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on January 19, 2011, 01:44:29 PM
They're all maybe getting a bit long in the tooth now, but Ulster players I'd high hopes for a few years back were Neil McMillan, Roger Wilson and Paul Shields. And Neil Best, obviously.

I heard Shields retired from injury. Has anyone idea if the others are even still alive? McMillan in particular - he looked a proper openside if Ulster ever produced one.

Roger Wilson is currently doing the business for Northamption Saints in the Heinken Cup and Premiership
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on January 28, 2011, 12:01:41 PM
I notice Englad have a South African flanker Hendre Fourie playing for them. Is he any good?

What will the Ireland team be next week with all the injuries? A quick guess from me is.

Healy
Cronin
Ross
O'Connell
O'Callaghan
Ferris/Leamy
Wallace
O'Brien
Reddan
Sexton
Fitzgerald
Darcy
O'Driscoll
McFadden
Earls
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on January 28, 2011, 01:33:54 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on January 28, 2011, 12:01:41 PM
I notice Englad have a South African flanker Hendre Fourie playing for them. Is he any good?

What will the Ireland team be next week with all the injuries? A quick guess from me is.

Healy
Cronin
Ross
O'Connell
O'Callaghan
Ferris/Leamy
Wallace
O'Brien
Reddan
Sexton
Fitzgerald
Darcy
O'Driscoll
McFadden
Earls

With all the injuries you could be right but while we might scrape past Italy that team would probably struggle for the rest of the games.

Front row is experimental at this level while they hopefully do well, especially with Ross there, he is still new to International rugby. I'd love to see him really succeed because we need him to. Court has done well enough to have a shot though.

O'Connell hasn't played in a year, hopefully O'Callaghan's form improve with the return of his partner. I would have like to see someone new tried here (not Cullen) but with so many missing now is not the time. O'Connell has shown serious signs of rustiness ofter injury in the past and he's not getting any younger either.

I'd be praying Ferris makes it or at least misses only the Italy game. Heaslip is a huge loss although O'Brien is the form player it is still a step up for him. Wally is coming to the end of a great career and is showing signs of it, but with so many missing he is needed.

Funny to say it but Fitzgerald and Earls would be the two main worries despite their obvious potential neither is in form for different reasons. Hopefully that changes quickly. Is Gavin Duffy in with half a shout to start here?

Would he be the first former Mayo Minor to start in the 5/6 Nations if he does?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on February 01, 2011, 01:36:54 PM
Ireland Team (to play Italy, RBS 6 Nations Championship, Stadio Flaminio, Rome on Saturday, February 5th, 15:30)

15 - Luke Fitzgerald (Blackrock College/Leinster)
14 - Fergus McFadden (Old Belvedere/Leinster)
13 - Brian O'Driscoll (UCD/Leinster) Captain
12 - Gordon D'Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster)
11 - Keith Earls (Thomond/Munster)
10 - Jonathan Sexton (St. Mary's College/Leinster)
9 - Tomas O'Leary (Dolphin/Munster)
1 - Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster)
2 - Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster)
3 - Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster)
4 - Donncha O'Callaghan (Cork Constitution/Munster)
5 - Paul O'Connell (Young Munster/Munster)
6 - Denis Leamy (Cork Constitution/Munster)
7 - David Wallace (Garryowen/Munster)
8 - Sean O'Brien (Clontarf/Leinster)

Replacements:
16 - Sean Cronin (Buccaneers/Connacht)
17 - Tom Court (Malone/Ulster)
18 - Leo Cullen (Blackrock College/Leinster)
19 - Shane Jennings (St.Mary's College/Leinster)
20 - Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster)
21 - Ronan O'Gara (Cork Constitution/Munster)
22 - Paddy Wallace (Ballymena/Ulster)



Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on February 01, 2011, 01:40:21 PM
Team to play Italy
15 - Luke Fitzgerald (Blackrock College/Leinster); 14 - Fergus McFadden (Old Belvedere/Leinster); 13 - Brian O'Driscoll (UCD/Leinster) Captain; 12 - Gordon D'Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster); 11 - Keith Earls (Thomond/Munster); 10 - Jonathan Sexton (St. Mary's College/Leinster); 9 - Tomas O'Leary (Dolphin/Munster); 1 - Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster); 2 - Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster); 3 - Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster); 4 - Donncha O'Callaghan (Cork Constitution/Munster); 5 - Paul O'Connell (Young Munster/Munster); 6 - Denis Leamy (Cork Constitution/Munster); 7 - David Wallace (Garryowen/Munster); 8 - Sean O'Brien (Clontarf/Leinster)

Replacements: 16 - Sean Cronin (Buccaneers/Connacht); 17 - Tom Court (Malone/Ulster); 18 - Leo Cullen (Blackrock College/Leinster); 19 - Shane Jennings (St.Mary's College/Leinster); 20 - Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster); 21 - Ronan O'Gara (Cork Constitution/Munster); 22 - Paddy Wallace (Ballymena/Ulster)

Interesting to see O'Leary flew in for the No. 9 Jersey, No Duffy in the squad - he would have to be disappointed. Cronin will get a good run I reckon, hopefully so too will Cullen and Jennings.

Great to see the form players there McFadden and Ross, maybe Healy to lesser extend
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 01, 2011, 01:49:59 PM
O'Leary, Fitzgearld and O'Callaghan should not be in the squad never mind starting. Best and Wallace should not be starting but worth a place on the bench.

Very disappointed and Kidney is really just Eddie mark II
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 01, 2011, 01:54:18 PM
I'd have thunk that with O'Gara to cover Sexton, and the wings to cover the centres, then Paddy Wallace is the least useful replacement back he could have picked. If Fitzgerald goes to pieces at full back, then it's over to Earls, and the whole back line gets turned inside out.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 01, 2011, 01:56:31 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 01, 2011, 01:49:59 PM
O'Leary, Fitzgearld and O'Callaghan should not be in the squad never mind starting. Best and Wallace should not be starting but worth a place on the bench.

Very disappointed and Kidney is really just Eddie mark II

Only two relative newcomers to the pack and if Heaslip and Ferris had been fit even O'Brien might not have been picked. I was arguing for at least some experience to be retained but that is ridiculous.

At least the back 3 are likely to have a cut.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Joxer on February 01, 2011, 02:28:34 PM
Quote from: muppet on February 01, 2011, 01:56:31 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 01, 2011, 01:49:59 PM
O'Leary, Fitzgearld and O'Callaghan should not be in the squad never mind starting. Best and Wallace should not be starting but worth a place on the bench.

Very disappointed and Kidney is really just Eddie mark II

Only two relative newcomers to the pack and if Heaslip and Ferris had been fit even O'Brien might not have been picked. I was arguing for at least some experience to be retained but that is ridiculous.

At least the back 3 are likely to have a cut.

Leo Cullen must be rightly pissed off!  What does he have to do to get a start?  O'Callaghans discipline alone shouldnt even warrent him a place on the squad at the minute!

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 01, 2011, 02:46:44 PM
Quote from: Joxer on February 01, 2011, 02:28:34 PM
Quote from: muppet on February 01, 2011, 01:56:31 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 01, 2011, 01:49:59 PM
O'Leary, Fitzgearld and O'Callaghan should not be in the squad never mind starting. Best and Wallace should not be starting but worth a place on the bench.

Very disappointed and Kidney is really just Eddie mark II

Only two relative newcomers to the pack and if Heaslip and Ferris had been fit even O'Brien might not have been picked. I was arguing for at least some experience to be retained but that is ridiculous.

At least the back 3 are likely to have a cut.

Leo Cullen must be rightly pissed off!  What does he have to do to get a start?  O'Callaghans discipline alone shouldnt even warrent him a place on the squad at the minute!

Why because he got a yellow card recently? Cullen got two in a month last year. Cullen is also 33. Hardly the future. That debate is long over.

We should be arguing about O'Callaghan versus some new blood. I am a fan of O'Callaghan but at this stage I couldn't argue against trying some new player beside POC.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 01, 2011, 02:51:57 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 01, 2011, 01:49:59 PM
O'Leary, Fitzgearld and O'Callaghan should not be in the squad never mind starting. Best and Wallace should not be starting but worth a place on the bench.

Very disappointed and Kidney is really just Eddie mark II

What do you suggest o wise one?

Suppose Sexton deserves a chance here but mark my words he will f**k it up yet.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Joxer on February 01, 2011, 02:52:59 PM
Quote from: muppet on February 01, 2011, 02:46:44 PM
Quote from: Joxer on February 01, 2011, 02:28:34 PM
Quote from: muppet on February 01, 2011, 01:56:31 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 01, 2011, 01:49:59 PM
O'Leary, Fitzgearld and O'Callaghan should not be in the squad never mind starting. Best and Wallace should not be starting but worth a place on the bench.

Very disappointed and Kidney is really just Eddie mark II

Only two relative newcomers to the pack and if Heaslip and Ferris had been fit even O'Brien might not have been picked. I was arguing for at least some experience to be retained but that is ridiculous.

At least the back 3 are likely to have a cut.

Leo Cullen must be rightly pissed off!  What does he have to do to get a start?  O'Callaghans discipline alone shouldnt even warrent him a place on the squad at the minute!

Why because he got a yellow card recently? Cullen got two in a month last year. Cullen is also 33. Hardly the future. That debate is long over.

We should be arguing about O'Callaghan versus some new blood. I am a fan of O'Callaghan but at this stage I couldn't argue against trying some new player beside POC.

What about Dan Tuohy or Donnacha Ryan Muppet?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 01, 2011, 03:00:47 PM
Quote from: Joxer on February 01, 2011, 02:52:59 PM
Quote from: muppet on February 01, 2011, 02:46:44 PM
Quote from: Joxer on February 01, 2011, 02:28:34 PM
Quote from: muppet on February 01, 2011, 01:56:31 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 01, 2011, 01:49:59 PM
O'Leary, Fitzgearld and O'Callaghan should not be in the squad never mind starting. Best and Wallace should not be starting but worth a place on the bench.

Very disappointed and Kidney is really just Eddie mark II

Only two relative newcomers to the pack and if Heaslip and Ferris had been fit even O'Brien might not have been picked. I was arguing for at least some experience to be retained but that is ridiculous.

At least the back 3 are likely to have a cut.

Leo Cullen must be rightly pissed off!  What does he have to do to get a start?  O'Callaghans discipline alone shouldnt even warrent him a place on the squad at the minute!

Why because he got a yellow card recently? Cullen got two in a month last year. Cullen is also 33. Hardly the future. That debate is long over.

We should be arguing about O'Callaghan versus some new blood. I am a fan of O'Callaghan but at this stage I couldn't argue against trying some new player beside POC.

What about Dan Tuohy or Donnacha Ryan Muppet?

Yea why not? Ryan maybe or Toner but the latter needs more beef.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 01, 2011, 05:00:55 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 01, 2011, 02:51:57 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 01, 2011, 01:49:59 PM
O'Leary, Fitzgearld and O'Callaghan should not be in the squad never mind starting. Best and Wallace should not be starting but worth a place on the bench.

Very disappointed and Kidney is really just Eddie mark II

What do you suggest o wise one?


Scrum half - any of Reddan, Boss or Stringer
2nd row - Touhy would be my 1st choice but he's actually injured, then Cullen, Toner, Browne, Casey, Willie John, Galway, the large stick out in my backyard.
Full-back - Earls or D'arcy from Ulster

This team has not been picked on form
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AFS on February 01, 2011, 05:09:50 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 01, 2011, 05:00:55 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 01, 2011, 02:51:57 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 01, 2011, 01:49:59 PM
O'Leary, Fitzgearld and O'Callaghan should not be in the squad never mind starting. Best and Wallace should not be starting but worth a place on the bench.

Very disappointed and Kidney is really just Eddie mark II

What do you suggest o wise one?


Scrum half - any of Reddan, Boss or Stringer
2nd row - Touhy would be my 1st choice but he's actually injured, then Cullen, Toner, Browne, Casey, Willie John, Galway, the large stick out in my backyard.
Full-back - Earls or D'arcy from Ulster

This team has not been picked on form

Thought he was Australian. Is he qualified to play for Ireland?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on February 01, 2011, 05:14:26 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 01, 2011, 05:00:55 PM
2nd row - Touhy would be my 1st choice but he's actually injured, then Cullen, Toner, Browne, Casey, Willie John, Galway, the large stick out in my backyard.

Paddy Johns? The Barnhall Bruiser? Franno? Willie Heff?  ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 01, 2011, 07:40:16 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 01, 2011, 05:00:55 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 01, 2011, 02:51:57 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 01, 2011, 01:49:59 PM
O'Leary, Fitzgearld and O'Callaghan should not be in the squad never mind starting. Best and Wallace should not be starting but worth a place on the bench.

Very disappointed and Kidney is really just Eddie mark II

What do you suggest o wise one?


Scrum half - any of Reddan, Boss or Stringer
2nd row - Touhy would be my 1st choice but he's actually injured, then Cullen, Toner, Browne, Casey, Willie John, Galway, the large stick out in my backyard.
Full-back - Earls or D'arcy from Ulster

This team has not been picked on form

Ah right your having a laugh. That's grand thought you were being serious the first time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GaillimhIarthair on February 01, 2011, 08:24:14 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on February 01, 2011, 01:36:54 PM
Ireland Team (to play Italy, RBS 6 Nations Championship, Stadio Flaminio, Rome on Saturday, February 5th, 15:30)

15 - Luke Fitzgerald (Blackrock College/Leinster)
14 - Fergus McFadden (Old Belvedere/Leinster)
13 - Brian O'Driscoll (UCD/Leinster) Captain
12 - Gordon D'Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster)
11 - Keith Earls (Thomond/Munster)
10 - Jonathan Sexton (St. Mary's College/Leinster)
9 - Tomas O'Leary (Dolphin/Munster)
1 - Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster)
2 - Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster)
3 - Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster)
4 - Donncha O'Callaghan (Cork Constitution/Munster)
5 - Paul O'Connell (Young Munster/Munster)
6 - Denis Leamy (Cork Constitution/Munster)
7 - David Wallace (Garryowen/Munster)
8 - Sean O'Brien (Clontarf/Leinster)

Replacements:
16 - Sean Cronin (Buccaneers/Connacht)
17 - Tom Court (Malone/Ulster)
18 - Leo Cullen (Blackrock College/Leinster)
19 - Shane Jennings (St.Mary's College/Leinster)
20 - Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster)
21 - Ronan O'Gara (Cork Constitution/Munster)
22 - Paddy Wallace (Ballymena/Ulster)
Disappointing selection to be honest -

15     Luke Fitz in no form at the minute, should have been Gavin Duffy (Fit, solid and ideal for Italy)
9      O'Leary is very lucky here, should have been either Stringer or Redden
2      I would have picked Cronin (Conn hat on but I think he deserved the start)
4      Should be Cullen, end of story.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 01, 2011, 09:00:59 PM
Seriously lads who do you want in the team? Right now Kearney,  bowe, murphy,  trimble, ferris, heaslip, flannery and Buckley are injured, when they get fit again the team,squad is  a whole lot better, but right now this is about as good as it gets
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 05, 2011, 12:18:14 PM
Italy 19
Ireland 34

That is my prediction.

France 34
Scotland 12

No bother for the French to go from losing by 60 to the Aussies and then whack the Scots.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 05, 2011, 02:00:30 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 05, 2011, 12:18:14 PM
Italy 19
Ireland 34

That is my prediction.

France 34
Scotland 12

No bother for the French to go from losing by 60 to the Aussies and then whack the Scots.

A crap Scots team can beat a good French team. That is one of the quirks of 6 Nations rugby.

Only a very good Irish team can beat even a poor French team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 05, 2011, 02:49:19 PM
Lots and lots of mistakes.

Our scrum and line out not going too well but early days yet.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: anportmorforjfc on February 05, 2011, 02:57:29 PM
Quote from: muppet on February 05, 2011, 02:49:19 PM
Lots and lots of mistakes.

Our scrum and line out not going too well but early days yet.

Its a mess so far!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ross4life on February 05, 2011, 03:02:01 PM
Maybe that score will settle us down now?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 05, 2011, 03:15:44 PM
Some tackle by Sexton on the lock.  ;D
Lifted him and drove him back 5 yards (with a little help from Wallace).
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 05, 2011, 03:19:15 PM
This is absolute rubbish.

No go forward ball from the pack or the centres, O'Leary needs to be taken off now, everything bad is stemming from his awful delivery.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 05, 2011, 03:46:51 PM
Jebus O'Driscoll has been bad off his left hand while D'Arcy has been poor but in fairness there have been some decent performances. Earls and the two locks for example.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: anportmorforjfc on February 05, 2011, 03:48:15 PM
D'Arcy can't seem to howl onto anything.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 05, 2011, 03:51:29 PM
D'Arcy, Wallace, O'Callaghan off and Wallace, Jennings and Cullen on please!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 05, 2011, 03:52:09 PM
Quote from: anportmorforjfc on February 05, 2011, 03:48:15 PM
D'Arcy can't seem to howl onto anything.

O'Leary will be off shortly.

He is so slow with the pass that Parisse is tackling him before he even looks.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 05, 2011, 03:53:37 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 05, 2011, 03:51:29 PM
D'Arcy, Wallace, O'Callaghan off and Wallace, Jennings and Cullen on please!!!

Are you even watching the match?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on February 05, 2011, 03:53:59 PM
O'Callaghan has done ok in fairness.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 05, 2011, 03:54:52 PM
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on February 05, 2011, 03:53:59 PM
O'Callaghan has done ok in fairness.

He even had two offloads, thereby increasing his international offload count to two.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 05, 2011, 03:57:04 PM
Meh we're not even challenging in the lineout I hate to see that! Him or O'Connell I dont really mind bur we need a change in there!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 05, 2011, 03:57:23 PM
Reddan on, 60 minutes to late although there was a case for Stringer too.

Wallace has had a mixed bag but will probably make way shortly.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 05, 2011, 03:58:19 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 05, 2011, 03:57:04 PM
Meh we're not even challenging in the lineout I hate to see that! Him or O'Connell I dont really mind bur we need a change in there!

Missing Healsip in that regard.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: anportmorforjfc on February 05, 2011, 03:59:12 PM
i'm getting worried :-X
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 05, 2011, 04:00:01 PM
Quote from: anportmorforjfc on February 05, 2011, 03:59:12 PM
i'm getting worried :-X

danger here.......
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 05, 2011, 04:01:06 PM
We just did the equivalent of taking on a striker and bringing on a defensive midfielder!!! Cant believe theyve taken Sexton off . . . VERY worried
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 05, 2011, 04:01:56 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 05, 2011, 04:01:06 PM
We just did the equivalent of taking on a striker and bringing on a defensive midfielder!!! Cant believe theyve taken Sexton off . . . VERY worried

Cant believe that either. They will target him in this phase but I think this fuggin ref will give a penalty try here.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on February 05, 2011, 04:02:22 PM
Healy under pressure. Should have brought Tom Court on.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 05, 2011, 04:03:34 PM
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on February 05, 2011, 04:02:22 PM
Healy under pressure. Should have brought Tom Court on.

Reddan brought down Parisse to save O'Gara there.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mc_grens on February 05, 2011, 04:04:18 PM
Thank God for that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 05, 2011, 04:05:22 PM
Quote from: mc_grens on February 05, 2011, 04:04:18 PM
Thank God for that.

Ross did well in fairness.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 05, 2011, 04:06:03 PM
We need a score though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ross4life on February 05, 2011, 04:06:40 PM
This game won't live long in the memory! we need another score to get over the line.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 05, 2011, 04:07:16 PM
Now we will do well to hang on.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on February 05, 2011, 04:07:46 PM
Useless.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: anportmorforjfc on February 05, 2011, 04:09:51 PM
Pathetic!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on February 05, 2011, 04:10:06 PM
No more than they deserve
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on February 05, 2011, 04:10:32 PM
Fair play to Italy, great defensive performance - Ireland have been shite today
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 05, 2011, 04:12:20 PM
Drop Goalllll!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on February 05, 2011, 04:13:13 PM
Tactical masterstroke from Kidney!  ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on February 05, 2011, 04:14:08 PM
There is another score in this game!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 05, 2011, 04:14:23 PM
Quote from: muppet on February 05, 2011, 04:01:56 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 05, 2011, 04:01:06 PM
We just did the equivalent of taking on a striker and bringing on a defensive midfielder!!! Cant believe theyve taken Sexton off . . . VERY worried

Cant believe that either. They will target him in this phase but I think this fuggin ref will give a penalty try here.

Still amazed he brought him on maybe he was afraid Sexton would keep trying to play out of his 22.

Looks a good call now though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ross4life on February 05, 2011, 04:15:31 PM
O'Gara to the rescue lucky lucky Ireland!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on February 05, 2011, 04:15:44 PM
Quote from: Estimator on February 05, 2011, 04:14:08 PM
There is another score in this game!

Maybe not
  :-[
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 05, 2011, 04:15:56 PM
Sexton is the man but O'Gara is the master.

Lucky escape.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: haze on February 05, 2011, 04:24:49 PM
Quote from: muppet on February 05, 2011, 04:15:56 PM
Sexton is the man but O'Gara is the master.

Well put.
He seems to take pleasure from being in the most pressurised of situations

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 05, 2011, 04:28:38 PM
Who got man of the match?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 05, 2011, 04:30:24 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 01, 2011, 02:51:57 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 01, 2011, 01:49:59 PM
O'Leary, Fitzgearld and O'Callaghan should not be in the squad never mind starting. Best and Wallace should not be starting but worth a place on the bench.

Very disappointed and Kidney is really just Eddie mark II

What do you suggest o wise one?

Suppose Sexton deserves a chance here but mark my words he will f**k it up yet.
Quote from: muppet on February 05, 2011, 04:15:56 PM
Sexton is the man but O'Gara is the master.

Lucky escape.

Persisting with the pretender Sexton is going to cost us trophies, O'Gara is the real Mc Coy.

Best Irishmen was O'Callaghan by quite a distance, Earls, BOD and O'Connell next. Fitzgerald was a mixed bag but managed well step up from his usual displays for Leinster.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on February 05, 2011, 04:30:44 PM
Disappointed for Italy, with a bit more nous maybe they could have gained a better position to drop a deserved winner.




Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 05, 2011, 04:35:18 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 05, 2011, 04:28:38 PM
Who got man of the match?

Following Toby Flood being given it yesterday, a even worse decision was given today, think it was Sean O'Brien, purely on reputation. I'd say SeaBass will get it during the next match after a 5 minute cameo where he knocks on twice and gets sinbinned.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 05, 2011, 04:40:20 PM
Quote from: Main Street on February 05, 2011, 04:30:44 PM
Disappointed for Italy, with a bit more nous maybe they could have gained a better position to drop a deserved winner.

Italy are in the era of moral victories (Ireland v Australia 1991?) but their day will come. They are mass producing good forwards (Mauro Bergamaso wasn't even playing) and will eventually figure out back play.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 05, 2011, 04:44:00 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 05, 2011, 04:30:24 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 01, 2011, 02:51:57 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 01, 2011, 01:49:59 PM
O'Leary, Fitzgearld and O'Callaghan should not be in the squad never mind starting. Best and Wallace should not be starting but worth a place on the bench.

Very disappointed and Kidney is really just Eddie mark II

What do you suggest o wise one?

Suppose Sexton deserves a chance here but mark my words he will f**k it up yet.
Quote from: muppet on February 05, 2011, 04:15:56 PM
Sexton is the man but O'Gara is the master.

Lucky escape.

Persisting with the pretender Sexton is going to cost us trophies, O'Gara is the real Mc Coy.

Best Irishmen was O'Callaghan by quite a distance, Earls, BOD and O'Connell next. Fitzgerald was a mixed bag but managed well step up from his usual displays for Leinster.

What? Sexton did not put a foot wrong and if we are to compete with thebetter teams Sexton is the man.

I think bringing on O'Gara signalled that we were happy to hold on to a slender 4 point lead and that notion permeated the whole team and was part of why we let the Italians in. Sexton would not have missed that last kick either! Sexton is the future and O'Gara the past!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on February 05, 2011, 04:48:59 PM
The problem is not at 10. It's at 9. Stringer is still the man to get the backs moving.

Court (for Healy), Stringer and Paddy Wallace to start against the French for me.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 05, 2011, 04:50:06 PM
Italy really should have gone through a few more phases to get the ball closer for the last drop goal attempt.
They had gained yards with each phase before that and shouldn't have rushed it.

Again too many mistakes from Ireland, they probably need to slow it down and be more patient.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 05, 2011, 04:51:21 PM
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on February 05, 2011, 04:48:59 PM
The problem is not at 10. It's at 9. Stringer is still the man to get the backs moving.

Court (for Healy), Stringer and Paddy Wallace to start against the French for me.

Yes to all of that.

RTE panel getting a bit annoying.

They whinge about who was cleaning out (I'd like to see the stats but Donncha would be close to top) and Pope asked did we even win one of their line-outs? I'll let some one else answer that
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 05, 2011, 05:03:55 PM
Wallace, O'Leary and D'Arcy were just awful

O'Callagahan and Fitzgearld who I wouldn't have selected both did well.

McFadden was solid but Earls was very poor, his decision making was awful, pure and simple you do not kick the ball in the oppostion 22

Sexton did well with that fish inside of him, surprised he was changed but ROG nailed the kick so no problem there

Leamy was playing well but brought the Munster indiscipline to an Irish shirt unacceptable and nearly cost us the game, game by-passed POC and I thought O'Brien was quiet and didn't bring enough physicality

Front 3 had their hands full but worked hard but Healy struggled at scrum time but we expected that.

BOD is BOD but passing was poor, in fact Ireland's execution of the basics was below an acceptable level.

Need changes next week but we got away with the win and will take that.

Italy are just anti-rugby and happy with moral victories
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sammymaguire on February 05, 2011, 05:07:37 PM
D'arcy should have not come on after half time, jaysus he was tarra bad today, could Kidney not see that at all?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 05, 2011, 05:09:38 PM
What was Leamys offense for the yellow card? I thought he was
Ok
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 05, 2011, 05:14:15 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 05, 2011, 05:03:55 PM
Sexton did well with that fish inside of him, surprised he was changed but ROG nailed the kick so no problem there

Sexton did well I thought. His tackling is fantastic and he will hold his place.

O'Gara is a great option off the bench to close out a game (which was the plan when he came on) and of course to go and get the drop goal when you need it.

D'Arcy, Wallace and O'Leary will be under pressure but Kidney doesn't do dramatic changes.

Love to see Ferris and Heaslip back for the French but certainly Heaslip and maybe Ferris look unlikely to play. BOD did well as usual but his missed pass to McFadden, which would have been a certain try, nearly cost us the game.

I thought O'Connell did well early on for a man who hasn't played much. Ran out of steam in the second half alright. Rory Best was very anonymous too although it must have been hard work in that front row.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 05, 2011, 05:14:48 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 05, 2011, 05:09:38 PM
What was Leamys offense for the yellow card? I thought he was
Ok

He made no effort to roll away and ripped the ball away when he was on the ground, stupid stupid stupid.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 05, 2011, 05:25:03 PM
POC was poor in the loose but been out for so long it was to be expected.

Scrum-half needs to change, D'Arcy was woeful, can't possibly justify his inclusion next week

Court for Healy and Jennings for Wallace as he will be needed against the French.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 05, 2011, 05:54:39 PM
Time to go back to basics. Whatever Healy offers in the loose, he isn't doing the bread and butter stuff like scrummaging well enough.

I'd still keep Darcy in. The first priority against the French is to defend well. Paddy Wallace at 12 would get smashed too easily. Darcy's dropping of routine balls is hopefully just one off bad day, rather a fundamental weakness.

If Kidney heeded the calls from here and put Stringer, O'Gara and Wallace at 9, 10 and 12 the French would have a bonanza with such defensively weak channels.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 05, 2011, 05:57:41 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on February 05, 2011, 05:54:39 PM
Time to go back to basics. Whatever Healy offers in the loose, he isn't doing the bread and butter stuff like scrummaging well enough.

I'd still keep Darcy in. The first priority against the French is to defend well. Paddy Wallace at 12 would get smashed too easily. Darcy's dropping of routine balls is hopefully just one off bad day, rather a fundamental weakness.

If Kidney heeded the calls from here and put Stringer, O'Gara and Wallace at 9, 10 and 12 the French would have a bonanza with such defensively weak channels.

Healy got zero assistance in the scrums from Wallace at key times, we had no 8 man scrum, very disappointing but watching the french get a penalty try I'd definitely pick Court.

Reddan will start and Sexton will start allowing us to play Wallace at 12.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 05, 2011, 06:21:13 PM
Okay time to take the game into perspective and also to study the current French performance.
First of all Healy needs to be out, not dynamic in the loose today, abysmal in the scrum.
Also Best offered nothing needs changed. Cronin handles and will run well against France.

Watching the France game here, it appears that they will let men run and alot of Scotlands big, hard, runners are gaining ground, hence I think we should favour our Wallace, Heaslip, O'Brien and Ferris. Also it will favour our backs as the French seem to be allowing alot of latitude to the Scots backs.

Our back division should consist of:
Stringer
         Sexton
                 D'Arcy     BOD
McFadden         Fitz          Earls

We have no other choices at 11, 14 or 15 so I think we are stuck with the incumbents and they are all reasonably talented. D'Arcy survives the axe on rep alone. He must produce come Sat, if not P Wallace should be parachuted in immediately. Sexton to spread it and mix, try the French at their own game.

The forwards should be:

Court       Cronin       Ross
   DOC            POC/Cullen
Wallace              O'Brien
          Heaslip

Cronin, Wallace, Heaslip, O'Brien all selected on their ball-carrying ability, run hard at the French and pick holes. DOC was our best lock today, Cullen could partner him if its though POC isn't producing. I think Heaslip may be back (??) but we need something to change it up at the back row. Jennings is not the man for this match. There is no change out of the rucks anymore and the best Scotsmen today are big, strong ball carrying back rowers. As I right a second bull over try by Kelly Brown

The French scrum is based on early engagement, their jumping the gun alot against Scotland and the Scots and your english ref are slow to call it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 05, 2011, 06:25:18 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 05, 2011, 05:57:41 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on February 05, 2011, 05:54:39 PM
Time to go back to basics. Whatever Healy offers in the loose, he isn't doing the bread and butter stuff like scrummaging well enough.

I'd still keep Darcy in. The first priority against the French is to defend well. Paddy Wallace at 12 would get smashed too easily. Darcy's dropping of routine balls is hopefully just one off bad day, rather a fundamental weakness.

If Kidney heeded the calls from here and put Stringer, O'Gara and Wallace at 9, 10 and 12 the French would have a bonanza with such defensively weak channels.

Healy got zero assistance in the scrums from Wallace at key times, we had no 8 man scrum, very disappointing but watching the french get a penalty try I'd definitely pick Court.

Reddan will start and Sexton will start allowing us to play Wallace at 12.
Thats the first I've heard of it. Watching the French game now don't hear James Barclay being blamed for their collapsing scrum. I didnt hear anyone singing Zanni's praise for his scrummaging display against the Irish either.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 05, 2011, 06:45:56 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 05, 2011, 06:25:18 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 05, 2011, 05:57:41 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on February 05, 2011, 05:54:39 PM
Time to go back to basics. Whatever Healy offers in the loose, he isn't doing the bread and butter stuff like scrummaging well enough.

I'd still keep Darcy in. The first priority against the French is to defend well. Paddy Wallace at 12 would get smashed too easily. Darcy's dropping of routine balls is hopefully just one off bad day, rather a fundamental weakness.

If Kidney heeded the calls from here and put Stringer, O'Gara and Wallace at 9, 10 and 12 the French would have a bonanza with such defensively weak channels.

Healy got zero assistance in the scrums from Wallace at key times, we had no 8 man scrum, very disappointing but watching the french get a penalty try I'd definitely pick Court.

Reddan will start and Sexton will start allowing us to play Wallace at 12.
Thats the first I've heard of it. Watching the French game now don't hear James Barclay being blamed for their collapsing scrum. I didnt hear anyone singing Zanni's praise for his scrummaging display against the Irish either.

Most top sides use an 8 man scrum and when you have a loose head like Healy up against the best THP in Europe you need your wing-forward with a full shoulder and ideally a power bind where he binds under the prop. Wallace was like a meercat and no use in the scrum today. Healy was poor but he got no assitance plus Italy's LH got away with a lot, dropping his bind and not driving straight.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 05, 2011, 06:47:50 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 05, 2011, 06:45:56 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 05, 2011, 06:25:18 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 05, 2011, 05:57:41 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on February 05, 2011, 05:54:39 PM
Time to go back to basics. Whatever Healy offers in the loose, he isn't doing the bread and butter stuff like scrummaging well enough.

I'd still keep Darcy in. The first priority against the French is to defend well. Paddy Wallace at 12 would get smashed too easily. Darcy's dropping of routine balls is hopefully just one off bad day, rather a fundamental weakness.

If Kidney heeded the calls from here and put Stringer, O'Gara and Wallace at 9, 10 and 12 the French would have a bonanza with such defensively weak channels.

Healy got zero assistance in the scrums from Wallace at key times, we had no 8 man scrum, very disappointing but watching the french get a penalty try I'd definitely pick Court.

Reddan will start and Sexton will start allowing us to play Wallace at 12.
Thats the first I've heard of it. Watching the French game now don't hear James Barclay being blamed for their collapsing scrum. I didnt hear anyone singing Zanni's praise for his scrummaging display against the Irish either.

Most top sides use an 8 man scrum and when you have a loose head like Healy up against the best THP in Europe you need your wing-forward with a full shoulder and ideally a power bind where he binds under the prop. Wallace was like a meercat and no use in the scrum today. Healy was poor but he got no assitance plus Italy's LH got away with a lot, dropping his bind and not driving straight.

Should that not be Leamy?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 05, 2011, 06:50:27 PM
He got assistance from Leamy I thought but Wallace nope..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 05, 2011, 07:27:49 PM
We were missing four pf our best p'ayers today. Ferris bowe, kearney and heaslip. So stop the fantasy football manager games. Until that quartet recovee their fitness, we really don't have all that much room for manouver.

My main thoughts are for the recovery timetables for those 4 players  apart from that the room for improvement is limitrd to little more rhan tactical changes.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 05, 2011, 07:29:54 PM
Kearney is not one of our best players.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 05, 2011, 07:41:59 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 05, 2011, 07:29:54 PM
Kearney is not one of our best players.
Definitely.

I think that although we were missing players could we not have expected better than that from our squad? Ferris and Heaslip were the only players in central positions that we were missing, we had a full selection at half backs and centre and it was here where we were at our most disappointing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on February 05, 2011, 09:02:59 PM
Murphy is a bigger loss than Kearney. Kearney hasn't played well since the Autumn of '09.

We have problems at 9 & 12 and have had for some time. All of our scrum halves have their limitations: O'Leary has great pace and is a good defender but he's too ponderous at the base, and his passing and kicking lets him down. Boss is a similar player and he blows hot and cold. Reddan doesn't have too many glaring weaknesses but he's not spectacular at any aspect of the game either. Stringer will provide the quickest and most accurate service to the backs but he won't draw in the opposition back rows because he's never been a threat sniping around the fringes.

D'Arcy has been living off past achievements for a number of years. The fact that he has played alongside O'Driscoll for so many years may explain why Kidney is so reluctant to drop him (similar story with O'Callaghan/O'Connell).

Team I'd like to see next weekend (not that I think there'll be many changes):

15 Fitzgerald - solid enough today despite poor club form
14 McFadden
13 O'Driscoll
12 P Wallace
11 Earls - would prefer to see him tried in the centre but he's needed on the wing due to all the injuries
10 Sexton - played ok today and deserves another chance with a better 9 inside him
9 Stringer
1 Court - does the basics better than Healy and deserves a chance in his preferred position
2 Cronin - his darts can be hit and miss but Best was hardly Jocky Wilson today and he's not as good around the park
3 Ross
4 Cullen - O'Callaghan had a good game today but he could offer good impact off the bench and he always plays better after getting a kick up the arse
5 O'Connell
6 Leamy
7 Faloon - Wallace has been a fantastic player but he's not an 80 min man anymore, not a fan of Jennings and Faloon has been in great form
8 O'Brien
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 05, 2011, 09:33:51 PM
Kidney will only make one or two changes barring a reutrning player such as Ferris.

I don't think Court has done much wrong but don't see Kidney picking him sadly. I'd love to see Cronin on but the wont happen either. It'll be the same front 5 barring a major shock.

The only likely changes Kidney could make might be Stringer and Paddy Wallace but I wouldn't be stunned to see the same 15 again, which would be ludicrous.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on February 05, 2011, 09:38:47 PM
did you see the French scrum tonight ? Scotland were a stone per man heavier in the 8 and they were destroyed. We will have our work cut out !
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CiKe on February 05, 2011, 09:55:57 PM
Thought DOC was the best of our lot, much more prominent than usual, and this was evidenced with POC going off - that can't have happened too many times. He usually lacks discipline but today the stupidity award fell to Leamy which is no surprise either. His most prominent contributions were giving away that penalty and whinging at every scrum and looking to the touch judge instead of getting on with it.

I hope to God Ferris is back for next weak. O'Brien was ok, generally made yards but not stand out. Wallace didn't contribute much. However we need ball carriers next week as the French defence is poor and they play a very expansive game - there will be gaps to exploit. That said I don't think it matters what team we put out, we'll be beaten easily enough, our basic skills just aren't up to scratch.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on February 06, 2011, 04:22:46 PM
Quote from: CiKe on February 05, 2011, 09:55:57 PM
Thought DOC was the best of our lot, much more prominent than usual, and this was evidenced with POC going off - that can't have happened too many times. He usually lacks discipline but today the stupidity award fell to Leamy which is no surprise either. His most prominent contributions were giving away that penalty and whinging at every scrum and looking to the touch judge instead of getting on with it.

I hope to God Ferris is back for next weak. O'Brien was ok, generally made yards but not stand out. Wallace didn't contribute much. However we need ball carriers next week as the French defence is poor and they play a very expansive game - there will be gaps to exploit. That said I don't think it matters what team we put out, we'll be beaten easily enough, our basic skills just aren't up to scratch.

Ferris is officially out for next week.

Bowe has little or no chance

Heaslip has a 40% chance of playing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 06, 2011, 05:41:34 PM
A fast and open game doesn't necessarily suit Stephen Ferris anyway. His stamina isn't the best and it wouldn't suit him if French uncork the champagne and start recycling it quickly, offloading and continually changing the point of attack.

Ireland would need him back for the England game which will be the sort of ugly, smash-em-up encounter that he excels in.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on February 06, 2011, 06:47:27 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on February 06, 2011, 05:41:34 PM
A fast and open game doesn't necessarily suit Stephen Ferris anyway. His stamina isn't the best and it wouldn't suit him if French uncork the champagne and start recycling it quickly, offloading and continually changing the point of attack.

Ireland would need him back for the England game which will be the sort of ugly, smash-em-up encounter that he excels in.

Couldnt agree less. I couldnt adequately describe how a big a loss he is next week. Did you see his try versus new zealand? He hasnt got great offloading skills but Christ can he carry the ball. And thats what we need next week. We got smashed in the contact zone yesterday in his abscence. he's the only natural power athlete in Irish rugby aside from Wallace. To play a fast game you need someone who can clear rucks. And he's the best we have at it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyroneboi on February 06, 2011, 07:40:35 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on February 06, 2011, 06:47:27 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on February 06, 2011, 05:41:34 PM
A fast and open game doesn't necessarily suit Stephen Ferris anyway. His stamina isn't the best and it wouldn't suit him if French uncork the champagne and start recycling it quickly, offloading and continually changing the point of attack.

Ireland would need him back for the England game which will be the sort of ugly, smash-em-up encounter that he excels in.

Couldnt agree less. I couldnt adequately describe how a big a loss he is next week. Did you see his try versus new zealand? He hasnt got great offloading skills but Christ can he carry the ball. And thats what we need next week. We got smashed in the contact zone yesterday in his abscence. he's the only natural power athlete in Irish rugby aside from Wallace. To play a fast game you need someone who can clear rucks. And he's the best we have at it.

And i couldn't agree more with that! Massive loss as he was in great form in the past couple of weeks particularly in Europe.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 06, 2011, 09:23:14 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on February 06, 2011, 06:47:27 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on February 06, 2011, 05:41:34 PM
A fast and open game doesn't necessarily suit Stephen Ferris anyway. His stamina isn't the best and it wouldn't suit him if French uncork the champagne and start recycling it quickly, offloading and continually changing the point of attack.

Ireland would need him back for the England game which will be the sort of ugly, smash-em-up encounter that he excels in.

Couldnt agree less. I couldnt adequately describe how a big a loss he is next week. Did you see his try versus new zealand? He hasnt got great offloading skills but Christ can he carry the ball. And thats what we need next week. We got smashed in the contact zone yesterday in his abscence. he's the only natural power athlete in Irish rugby aside from Wallace. To play a fast game you need someone who can clear rucks. And he's the best we have at it.
Yes in a physical forward smashfest game like the Italian one Ferris would have been in his element.
France will be different, I suspect his lack of puff will mean he won't be covering grass to arrive at the breakdown.
Look at how he performed last year in Paris against the same opposition for hints. The French forwards don't traditionally lie down and wait for rucks to be cleared out.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on February 07, 2011, 10:04:53 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on February 06, 2011, 09:23:14 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on February 06, 2011, 06:47:27 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on February 06, 2011, 05:41:34 PM
A fast and open game doesn't necessarily suit Stephen Ferris anyway. His stamina isn't the best and it wouldn't suit him if French uncork the champagne and start recycling it quickly, offloading and continually changing the point of attack.

Ireland would need him back for the England game which will be the sort of ugly, smash-em-up encounter that he excels in.

Couldnt agree less. I couldnt adequately describe how a big a loss he is next week. Did you see his try versus new zealand? He hasnt got great offloading skills but Christ can he carry the ball. And thats what we need next week. We got smashed in the contact zone yesterday in his abscence. he's the only natural power athlete in Irish rugby aside from Wallace. To play a fast game you need someone who can clear rucks. And he's the best we have at it.
Yes in a physical forward smashfest game like the Italian one Ferris would have been in his element.
France will be different, I suspect his lack of puff will mean he won't be covering grass to arrive at the breakdown.
Look at how he performed last year in Paris against the same opposition for hints. The French forwards don't traditionally lie down and wait for rucks to be cleared out.

they usually smash the contact zone at pace. Hence the reason they generate quick ball. I dont buy this fast game wont suit Ferris. Seems to me fast games suit him best.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 07, 2011, 10:33:48 PM
Anyone read O'Gara's interview with the BBC?? What a tool!

From what I could see he wasn't sent on to win the match but more to make sure we didn't lose it and I have no doubt in my mind Sexton would have scored that Drop Goal. Seriously O'Gara is deluded if he thinks he's a better player than Sexton in todays game!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on February 09, 2011, 12:32:54 AM
Quote from: screenexile on February 07, 2011, 10:33:48 PM
Anyone read O'Gara's interview with the BBC?? What a tool!

From what I could see he wasn't sent on to win the match but more to make sure we didn't lose it and I have no doubt in my mind Sexton would have scored that Drop Goal. Seriously O'Gara is deluded if he thinks he's a better player than Sexton in todays game!

Aye very annoyed with O'Gara with his interview - no need for his shit-stirring attitude...

He wasn't sent on to win the bloody game and he shouldn't try and portray it as such
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Puckoon on February 09, 2011, 01:02:00 AM
Can anyone post this interview - I couldnt find it earlier.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on February 09, 2011, 02:03:05 AM
Not with the BBC but same difference

http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/sixnations/2011/0206/ireland_ogarar.html

O'Gara: Experience was key to Ireland win
Sunday 6 February 2011

Ronan O'Gara may no longer be first choice fly-half but he insists his expertise was needed to guide Ireland when RBS 6 Nations disaster beckoned.

Ireland scraped home 13-11 at the Stadio Flaminio yesterday with O'Gara landing the winning drop goal two minutes from time, denying Italy a first tournament victory in the fixture.

It is the type of cameo from the bench O'Gara is making his speciality since seeing rival Jonathan Sexton claim the number 10 jersey for himself.

While acknowledging Sexton enjoyed an accomplished afternoon, O'Gara believes his own nous was key in preventing the Six Nations' greatest upset since Italy joined the championship in 2000.

'At that stage in the game you go at it and don't think too much, you just do your job,' said the Munster half-back.

'The ability to do that comes with experience. As a youngster you don't understand that.

'I was told that once but it's when you get in my position - and I've been lucky to steer the Ireland and Munster ship for 10 years - that you understand it.

'Then someone like Jonny comes in and he's really good but to continue the analogy, when the ship hits choppy waters you bring someone in.

'Jonny played well, but I got backed to come on and try to win the game. It's important to have two fellas fighting it out because we can offer a lot going forward.'

Italy allowed opponents rated 1/8 favourites to wriggle off the hook having done the hard work in fashioning a superb 76th-minute try for full-back Luke McLean.

Leading 11-10, and with Ireland flanker Denis Leamy in the sin-bin, they just needed to collect the restart and run down the clock.

Instead they immediately surrendered possession, enabling O'Gara to strike, before making a hash with their own drop goal attempt at the death.

For O'Gara the nail-biting conclusion evoked memories of the 2007 World Cup pool clash with Georgia, which Ireland won 14-10 after surviving a desperate late assault by the heavy underdogs.

'We were leading when Jonny went off and then Italy scored...it was looking like Georgia again and I was thinking "no, don't do this",' he said.

'It was experience that was the difference between the sides at the end. It was important that when the gun was put to our heads we found another gear.

'Had Mirco Bergamasco kicked the conversion I like to think there was a try in us.

'It would have been an almighty kick in the balls for us if we'd lost and it was important we got out of the hole.

'I was very fresh when I came onto the pitch. We had plenty of time and I felt relaxed. It sums up my mood at the moment.

'I've been really excited and confident in camp during the last two weeks, which is unlike me!'

The coming week's inquest into what went wrong should be brief given Ireland were clearly placed in such a precarious position by their abysmal finishing.

Dominating territory and possession, especially in the third quarter, they butchered chance after chance with Brian O'Driscoll, Gordon D'Arcy and Keith Earls among the culprits.

When O'Driscoll crossed in the 44th minute, Ireland looked ready to begin the demolition process.

Instead they repeatedly floundered at the crucial moment and Italy, inspired by their magnificent captain Sergio Parisse, clung on courageously.

By the time O'Gara appeared with 15 minutes to go, the realisation that Italy could yet prevail gripped the Azzurri - and the Stadio Flaminio.

'We made a lot of handling errors in ideal conditions for rugby and they seemed to add up,' said O'Gara.

'Add them all up and they probably equate to 20 minutes less pressure on them.

'At times it was very intense and there were nearly some cracking tries scored, but at this level nearly isn't good enough.

'Experience tells you that playing Italy fourth or fifth in the competition is the time to build a score.

'They're probably disappointed they didn't get the win.'

Adding a conspiratorial element to the afternoon was the revelation by Italy coach Nick Mallett that referee Romain Poite had written to the Italian Rugby Federation apologising for the way he refereed prop Martin Castrogiovanni at the scrum in the fixture last year.

Poite was in charge again yesterday and Ireland were hammered 13-5 on the penalty count, with many of them occurring at the set-piece.

The Irish camp will review the video before deciding whether to pursue the matter further via official channels.

Head coach Declan Kidney reported a clean bill of health following the encounter and could be lifted by the return of Jamie Heaslip from an ankle injury in time for France on Sunday.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: J OGorman on February 09, 2011, 11:22:11 AM
Quote from: Celt_Man on February 09, 2011, 12:32:54 AM
Quote from: screenexile on February 07, 2011, 10:33:48 PM
Anyone read O'Gara's interview with the BBC?? What a tool!

From what I could see he wasn't sent on to win the match but more to make sure we didn't lose it and I have no doubt in my mind Sexton would have scored that Drop Goal. Seriously O'Gara is deluded if he thinks he's a better player than Sexton in todays game!

Aye very annoyed with O'Gara with his interview - no need for his shit-stirring attitude...

He wasn't sent on to win the bloody game and he shouldn't try and portray it as such

of course he was sent on to win the game, as he has for ireland and munster so many times
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on February 09, 2011, 11:28:18 AM
Isn't every player sent on to the field to win the match no matter what sport they are playing?

I don't see the issue here in what O'Gara says  ???
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 09, 2011, 11:52:26 AM
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on February 09, 2011, 11:28:18 AM
Isn't every player sent on to the field to win the match no matter what sport they are playing?

I don't see the issue here in what O'Gara says  ???

Yes and when United are 3 up and send on Darren Gibson or Anderson for the last 15 minutes they are doing it to win the game??

No they are doing it to protect a lead. While I would have had no problems with O'Gara coming on had we been winning the game comfortably I think it was a negative move on Kidney's part and had we needed a try O'Gara was not going to be the man to get it for us.

O'Gara should only be used on blustery days, when we're cruising or if we need a drop goal last kick of the game!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on February 09, 2011, 12:10:16 PM
It's not as if O'Gara is a clone of Paul Burke or Eric Elwood. The guy is far from just a kicking 10. His flat passing has created many a try for Ireland and Munster down the years.

As I've said before, our problems do not lie at 10. Peter Stringer's continued omission from the squad is baffling.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: J OGorman on February 09, 2011, 12:20:04 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 09, 2011, 11:52:26 AM
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on February 09, 2011, 11:28:18 AM
Isn't every player sent on to the field to win the match no matter what sport they are playing?

I don't see the issue here in what O'Gara says  ???

Yes and when United are 3 up and send on Darren Gibson or Anderson for the last 15 minutes they are doing it to win the game??

No they are doing it to protect a lead. While I would have had no problems with O'Gara coming on had we been winning the game comfortably I think it was a negative move on Kidney's part and had we needed a try O'Gara was not going to be the man to get it for us.

O'Gara should only be used on blustery days, when we're cruising or if we need a drop goal last kick of the game!!

Im not sure were to start with your post. Ireland were not well in the lead. We were trailing the Italians away from home in the first game of the championships. O'Gara was sprung off the bench to win the bloody game (which he has done many times before for club and country) and low and behold, he had the nerve to kick the winning points.

Youve no doubt in your mind Sexton would have kicked it..do you? If i had to call on any player to hit a 3 pointer in the last few minutes of a test, it would be O'Gara (and Kidney must feel the same)

How can you say it was a negative move? It was a play Kidney had to make if we were to win the game..he made the call, we won the game and move on to hopefully win again on Sunday
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 09, 2011, 12:21:52 PM
Quote from: J OGorman on February 09, 2011, 12:20:04 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 09, 2011, 11:52:26 AM
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on February 09, 2011, 11:28:18 AM
Isn't every player sent on to the field to win the match no matter what sport they are playing?

I don't see the issue here in what O'Gara says  ???

Yes and when United are 3 up and send on Darren Gibson or Anderson for the last 15 minutes they are doing it to win the game??

No they are doing it to protect a lead. While I would have had no problems with O'Gara coming on had we been winning the game comfortably I think it was a negative move on Kidney's part and had we needed a try O'Gara was not going to be the man to get it for us.

O'Gara should only be used on blustery days, when we're cruising or if we need a drop goal last kick of the game!!

Im not sure were to start with your post. Ireland were not well in the lead. We were trailing the Italians away from home in the first game of the championships. O'Gara was sprung off the bench to win the bloody game (which he has done many times before for club and country) and low and behold, he had the nerve to kick the winning points.

Youve no doubt in your mind Sexton would have kicked it..do you? If i had to call on any player to hit a 3 pointer in the last few minutes of a test, it would be O'Gara (and Kidney must feel the same)

How can you say it was a negative move? It was a play Kidney had to make if we were to win the game..he made the call, we won the game and move on to hopefully win again on Sunday

Ireland were not behind when O'Gara came on. He was on when Italy scored their try.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 09, 2011, 12:29:33 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 09, 2011, 12:21:52 PM
Quote from: J OGorman on February 09, 2011, 12:20:04 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 09, 2011, 11:52:26 AM
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on February 09, 2011, 11:28:18 AM
Isn't every player sent on to the field to win the match no matter what sport they are playing?

I don't see the issue here in what O'Gara says  ???

Yes and when United are 3 up and send on Darren Gibson or Anderson for the last 15 minutes they are doing it to win the game??

No they are doing it to protect a lead. While I would have had no problems with O'Gara coming on had we been winning the game comfortably I think it was a negative move on Kidney's part and had we needed a try O'Gara was not going to be the man to get it for us.

O'Gara should only be used on blustery days, when we're cruising or if we need a drop goal last kick of the game!!

Im not sure were to start with your post. Ireland were not well in the lead. We were trailing the Italians away from home in the first game of the championships. O'Gara was sprung off the bench to win the bloody game (which he has done many times before for club and country) and low and behold, he had the nerve to kick the winning points.

Youve no doubt in your mind Sexton would have kicked it..do you? If i had to call on any player to hit a 3 pointer in the last few minutes of a test, it would be O'Gara (and Kidney must feel the same)

How can you say it was a negative move? It was a play Kidney had to make if we were to win the game..he made the call, we won the game and move on to hopefully win again on Sunday

Ireland were not behind when O'Gara came on. He was on when Italy scored their try.

Correct Ireland were ahead. In fact during that long spell of Italian pressure before the try, when our scrum held up, the concern was that Italy would turn the scrum and set Parisse on O'Gara (Sexton wouldn't have been a worry in this regard). It actually happened but Reddan, of all people ,came to the rescue and helped O'Gara stop Parrisse.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on February 09, 2011, 12:55:50 PM
Look we weren't losing when O'Gara was sent on so to say he was brought on to try and win the game is twisting the truth a wee bit in my eyes and for him to say that and try to get one up/over on Sexton is a bit disappointing.

Be that as it may, I had complete confidence in O'Gara coming off the bench and doing the business - in the same way I would have had complete confidence in Sexton doing the same if he had of been left on.

In my eyes I think O'Gara is playing a little bit of mind games through that interview with Sexton and that is a pity... 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 09, 2011, 01:08:31 PM
I think O'Gara is, as is his wont, reinforcing the fact that he thinks he is a bloody good player still. I'm not sure if it's a deliberate knock on Sexton per se but more of a reminder of what he considers his own strength to be, as opposed to what Sexton's strength is. O'Gara knows deep down that Sexton is a better tackler, runner and passer, and he just wants to emphasise that he still thinks he is a better 'game manager' and has more experience.

A poorly judged article I'd say, but hardly O'Gara's first.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 09, 2011, 01:11:03 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on February 09, 2011, 12:55:50 PM
Look we weren't losing when O'Gara was sent on so to say he was brought on to try and win the game is twisting the truth a wee bit in my eyes and for him to say that and try to get one up/over on Sexton is a bit disappointing.

Be that as it may, I had complete confidence in O'Gara coming off the bench and doing the business - in the same way I would have had complete confidence in Sexton doing the same if he had of been left on.

In my eyes I think O'Gara is playing a little bit of mind games through that interview with Sexton and that is a pity... 

Totally agree with that. . . it's what I was trying to say only more articulate. Thanks Celt man.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on February 09, 2011, 01:23:45 PM
The Ireland team to play France in the first RBS 6 Nations Championship game at Aviva Stadium has been named.

Share Ireland Coach Declan Kidney has made one change to the team that started against Italy last Saturday with Jamie Heaslip named at Number 8.
Sean O'Brien moves to blindside and Denis Leamy is named in the replacements in place of Shane Jennings. David Wallace completes the back row.


IRELAND Team & Replacements (v France, 2011 RBS 6 Nations Championship, Aviva Stadium, Sunday, February 13, kick-off 3..00pm):

15 - Luke Fitzgerald (Blackrock College/Leinster)
14 - Fergus McFadden (Old Belvedere/Leinster)
13 - Brian O'Driscoll (UCD/Leinster) (capt)
12 - Gordon D'Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster)
11 - Keith Earls (Thomond/Munster)
10 - Jonathan Sexton (St. Mary's College/Leinster)
9 - Tomas O'Leary (Dolphin/Munster)
1 - Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster)
2 - Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster)
3 - Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster)
4 - Donncha O'Callaghan (Cork Constitution/Munster)
5 - Paul O'Connell (Young Munster/Munster)
6 - Sean O'Brien (Clontarf/Leinster)
7 - David Wallace (Garryowen/Munster)
8 - Jamie Heaslip (Naas/Leinster)

Replacements:
16 - Sean Cronin (Buccaneers/Connacht)
17 - Tom Court (Malone/Ulster)
18 - Leo Cullen (Blackrock College/Leinster)
19 - Denis Leamy (Cork Constitution/Munster)
20 - Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster)
21 - Ronan O'Gara (Cork Constitution/Munster)
22 - Paddy Wallace (Ballymena/Ulster)

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 09, 2011, 01:26:20 PM
Disappointed Cronin isn't starting.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 09, 2011, 01:35:45 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 09, 2011, 01:26:20 PM
Disappointed Cronin isn't starting.

O'Leary???? Ffs.

Jebus Kidney is even more conservative than O'Sullivan. We should be thankful Leamy got a yellow last week otherwise O'Brien probably wouldn't have made it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 09, 2011, 02:21:22 PM
I'm actually fearful about what could happen to us on Sunday!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 09, 2011, 02:28:30 PM
Quote from: muppet on February 09, 2011, 01:35:45 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 09, 2011, 01:26:20 PM
Disappointed Cronin isn't starting.

O'Leary???? Ffs.

Jebus Kidney is even more conservative than O'Sullivan. We should be thankful Leamy got a yellow last week otherwise O'Brien probably wouldn't have made it.

Is O'Brien not more of a 7? I'm disappointed it's not Leamy, O'Brien and Heaslip. I don't think Wally is able for the french back rows any more. Oh yeah, and of course I'm disappointed that Stringer isn't playing, as I think our forwards are going to be going backwards anyway, and whatever chance Stringer has of getting the ball away, O'Leary will have none.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on February 09, 2011, 04:45:22 PM
I'm not a man that watches rugby an awful lot but its as plain as the nose on your face that we can not get the ball wide to our dangerous backs unless Stringer is at scrum half - no matter who is at 10. If he persists with picking o'Leary we should just stick Leamy and a few more back rows in the team and leave out the wingers.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 09, 2011, 04:59:11 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on February 09, 2011, 04:45:22 PM
I'm not a man that watches rugby an awful lot but its as plain as the nose on your face that we can not get the ball wide to our dangerous backs unless Stringer is at scrum half - no matter who is at 10. If he persists with picking o'Leary we should just stick Leamy and a few more back rows in the team and leave out the wingers.

The argument of having a physical number 9 like O'Leary is weakened by the presence of a 10 who can tackle backrows, like Sexton. If O'Gara started there would be some excuse. I agree with Seanie and think that Sexton would seriously benefit from the Stringer delivery.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 09, 2011, 05:19:24 PM
The retention of D'Arcy is a blow to the morale of the squad imho, it gives a clear message no matter how poor the incumbents play they will be selected, similar with the selection of O'Leary and Wallace. I think Leamy also should be ahead of Wallace with SOB moving to 7.

Also I see nothing wrong with ROGs comments he was brought on to close out the game and he acknowledges he had the experience to win it but it would have been a pattern they would have deployed over and over in training so credit to the whole team for execution.

But the optimist in me thinks we can still win it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 09, 2011, 05:22:54 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 09, 2011, 05:19:24 PM
But the optimist in me thinks we can still win it.

That is the beauty of sport.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lynchbhoy on February 09, 2011, 05:42:11 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 09, 2011, 05:19:24 PM
The retention of D'Arcy is a blow to the morale of the squad imho, it gives a clear message no matter how poor the incumbents play they will be selected, similar with the selection of O'Leary and Wallace. I think Leamy also should be ahead of Wallace with SOB moving to 7.

Also I see nothing wrong with ROGs comments he was brought on to close out the game and he acknowledges he had the experience to win it but it would have been a pattern they would have deployed over and over in training so credit to the whole team for execution.

But the optimist in me thinks we can still win it.
fully agree - apart from the last line - though Ireland will up their game against better teams like france.

darcy  :(
oleary and wallace :-\

Ireland seem to have the same malaise as England. Great players but a coach that is picking lesser players.
though kidney is better than that fool johnson - he will cost england the six nations. only the natural talent of the england side won them through last weekend. playing well below the level of what they are capable of.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 09, 2011, 07:20:10 PM
Re: Darcy.
The French like to use big physical centres who tend to prefer to go through players rather than around them.
I think the likes of Traille, Jauzion, Rougerie are all about 6 foot 4.
Remember yer man Bastareaud who trampled O'Driscoll for sport last year was about 18 stone.

The French are brilliant at inventing things from the chaos that these crash runs cause.
Paddy Wallace would end up bandaged up like a mummy after 80 minutes of trying to tackle their centres.
Darcy dropped a few balls in attack the last day, but is a better tackler.

The O'Leary one is harder to explain, but maybe he has more in the tank.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on February 09, 2011, 07:53:19 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 09, 2011, 05:19:24 PM
The retention of D'Arcy is a blow to the morale of the squad imho, it gives a clear message no matter how poor the incumbents play they will be selected, similar with the selection of O'Leary and Wallace.

D'Arcy was dreadful last weekend but in general he has played very well this season so deserves a chance to show that the Italy game was just an aberration.

O'Leary on the other hand was almost as bad and doesn't even have any decent form this season to speak of either for Ireland or Munster. I know Reddan is equally as flaky but at least he is not playing quite as badly as O'Leary has been and while you know what you will get with Stringer at least he moves the ball quickly and doesn't constantly get caught at the back of the ruck by tacklers like O'Leary did against Italy.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 09, 2011, 08:24:09 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 09, 2011, 05:19:24 PM
The retention of D'Arcy is a blow to the morale of the squad imho, it gives a clear message no matter how poor the incumbents play they will be selected, similar with the selection of O'Leary and Wallace. I think Leamy also should be ahead of Wallace with SOB moving to 7.

Also I see nothing wrong with ROGs comments he was brought on to close out the game and he acknowledges he had the experience to win it but it would have been a pattern they would have deployed over and over in training so credit to the whole team for execution.

But the optimist in me thinks we can still win it.
Agree with all of that bar the first and last remark. O'Leary's selection put an end to any hope of success. D'Arcy played poorly the last day and in our current injury crisis I don't think we have many viable options and he was on form prior to Italy so maybe we should give him a chance.

O'Leary however, I mean, Kidney what the f**k? He's just back from injury, he's slow and his physical presence is not required in a 6-10 axis including O'Brien, Heaslip and Sexton. Stringer is the best option, and should have been tried to open up one of the best 10-13 axis in the HC.

I held out some belief for us, even with our injuries, but this team is the last nail in the coffin. I though Kidney was smart/man enough to see the problems at Scrum half. I haven't even mentioned our problems at tighthead, hooker and lock.

Kidney sat and watched Ireland nearly get defeated by Italy and his solution to one of the worst Irish performances of recent times was to send basically the same team out to face the defending champions, France. Where is the logic to that?

France meanwhile took a winning team and made it stronger with the addition of the best attacking FB around.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on February 11, 2011, 09:08:37 AM
http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/22194.php

should keep a few boys happy !
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 12, 2011, 05:32:16 PM
That was some kick by byrne into the face of southwell.. Now a high tackle by byrne???
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 12, 2011, 06:00:18 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 12, 2011, 05:32:16 PM
That was some kick by byrne into the face of southwell.. Now a high tackle by byrne???
Southwell got a bad touch, blood pissing from him. Wouldn't be suprised if Southwell had a punctured cheek or a ripped lip.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thejuice on February 13, 2011, 03:22:30 PM
So far so good, thought we were in for a tanking.

France still dangerous and know how to spoil our parties.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 13, 2011, 03:28:38 PM
Apart from O'Leary's passing, and his kicking, he's having a great game. Jaysus.  ::)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: anportmorforjfc on February 13, 2011, 03:29:17 PM
i wish O'Leary had of been injured!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on February 13, 2011, 03:30:10 PM
O'Leary is having another shocker!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 13, 2011, 03:41:55 PM
In fairness that's what he is there for. He's strong. If only he could pass and kick.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 13, 2011, 03:52:48 PM
O'Leary half way to making us eat our words!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyroneboi on February 13, 2011, 04:02:41 PM
Bests darts have been decent enough today. Some of O'Learys kicking has been totally shocking for an international player.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thejuice on February 13, 2011, 04:08:17 PM
too many penalties.

France probably win this without crossing our tryline  :-[
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thejuice on February 13, 2011, 04:13:22 PM
why would they boo Chaval?? What has he ever done? Unless its the French booing him   ???
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thejuice on February 13, 2011, 04:13:54 PM
Quote from: thejuice on February 13, 2011, 04:08:17 PM

France probably win this without crossing our tryline  :-[

or maybe not,
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on February 13, 2011, 04:16:11 PM
Missed tackle by D'arcy. Simple try to give away.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyroneboi on February 13, 2011, 04:26:54 PM
Could O'Leary be any slower in getting the fuckin ball away?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ross4life on February 13, 2011, 04:31:21 PM
Why ohh why is O'Gara not starting these games!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyroneboi on February 13, 2011, 04:37:38 PM
Quote from: ross4life on February 13, 2011, 04:31:21 PM
Why ohh why is O'Gara not starting these games!

Great kicker but he totally fucked up that last try and got lucky with the deflection!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 13, 2011, 05:30:46 PM
Great seat by the press box for me. We had the winning of that gsme, mistakes and decision making cost us. We also gave away too many penalties in front of the posts. A lot of people around me were cursing the ref. Was he that bad he seemed to let a lot of forward passes go.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 13, 2011, 05:40:30 PM
I thought Best missed a few key throws. He needs to improve in that area.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 13, 2011, 05:46:58 PM
Couple of posters here (AZ &/or Dinny?) have been calling for Mike Ross for a few years even before he came to Leinster. They were right, we did very well against the french scrum and it is down to him.

Unlucky to lose in the end but I am afraid that was the 2nd place play off. England will fancy their chances against both of those teams. But to end on a positive note it was a much improved performance, still some errors but also a lot of great stuff played.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on February 13, 2011, 06:03:22 PM
Well better than last week but still way too many basic errors from Ireland. They played most of the rugby. Scored 3 tries to 1 but silly mistakes kept the scoreboard ticking over for France. Missed a huge chance right at the death to win it. Had Cronin held the ball he may well have crashed over. Had they spun it wide they surely would have scored. O'Leary and D'Arcy again didn't have good games for the 2nd week on the trot. Their spots might be in danger. Hopefully Ferris and Bowe might be back for the next game. Looking like England will be coming to Dublin for the last game hoping to pick up the Grand Slam.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 13, 2011, 07:02:49 PM
England shouldnt get too carried away. They havent played a good team yet? Ashton will be well shadowed in future.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on February 13, 2011, 08:05:23 PM
Hard to believe Ireland lost that match. They gifted France points on countless occasions. To outscore them 3 tries to 1 and still lose is not good enough. I argued that we needed changes at hooker, scrum-half and inside centre after the Italy match. I saw nothing today to change my mind. Best is too hit and miss with his darts and adds little in the loose. O'Leary does have some good qualities but he has a tendency to do stupid things at the wrong time - his pointless kick out on the full today being a prime example. I don't think D'Arcy has had a good game for Ireland in a long time. He's been living off his reputation for too long and one of the younger lads deserve a go in the centre.

We still do have a lot of players to come back which is encouraging but France were there for the taking.

It was my first visit to the new ground today. Must admit I was a bit underwhelmed. It's a pity they couldn't have included a decent terrace there.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 13, 2011, 08:15:33 PM
QuoteGreat seat by the press box for me.

Same here.

Anyhow - we saw two sides to the loyalty card today, Wallace I thought repaid Kidney's faith with a good performance but O'Leary and D'Arcy showed why they shouldn't have been selected. O'Leary is just too slow getting to the rucks and then tends to be ponderous allowing the defence reorganise and missing a front up tackle like D'Arcy did is unforgivable at Junior level, in fact his decision making today was not at the acquired standard.

But we lost the game because of poor discipline in the 1st half, too many unforced errors and simply did not retain possession very frustrating because we should have won.

Alan Gaffney is ruining our back line attack, his whole philosophy is about looking too exploit opposition weaknesses with video analysis and not playing heads up, the fundamental difference between Leinster and Ireland.

The Scotland selection will be interesting, supporters are losing faith in Kidney such is the fickle nature of sport, if he picks the same team we will simply be on a road to nowhere...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 13, 2011, 08:20:24 PM
Before I forget sending on Cronin with minutes left on the clock and Cullen with less than a minute was a disgrace.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Go home ref on February 13, 2011, 08:25:10 PM
Had France -2 backed lovely stuff
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 13, 2011, 08:59:34 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 13, 2011, 08:20:24 PM
Before I forget sending on Cronin with minutes left on the clock and Cullen with less than a minute was a disgrace.
To be fair I think he wanted Cronin on to throw the lineout from ROG's penalty and the switch just didn't go through quick enough.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on February 13, 2011, 09:45:17 PM
Fed up watching this team with all the knock-ons and giving away penalties.
Week in week f**king out thats all you get
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 13, 2011, 09:50:57 PM
Now that we might have a tighthead to anchor the scrum, maybe we could have a hooker to throw the ball straight to our players in the lineout. Get our priorities correct in that regard, a scrummaging hooker is not as ,important as good lineout throwing.

I know what you mean about being underwhelmed by the stadium but the aesthetics from where I sat near the press box today today made the stadium look good.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: FermPundit on February 13, 2011, 10:34:11 PM
Rory Best's lack of accuracy at the line out has been there all season, even for Ulster. Nigel Brady looks a very far better option even when Best is available. I'm not sure what has happened him. Gordon D'Arcy was disappointing against Italy and he wasn't much better today. His missed tackle was criminal in the lead up to the French try. I'm not sure what changes will be made for the Scotland game. Maybe Earls to centre with D'Arcy missing out and Tommy Bowe returning to the wing if he is fit to play.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 13, 2011, 11:25:34 PM
Quote from: FermPundit on February 13, 2011, 10:34:11 PM
Rory Best's lack of accuracy at the line out has been there forever, even for Ulster. Nigel Brady looks a very far better option even when Best is available. I'm not sure what has happened him. Gordon D'Arcy was disappointing against Italy and he wasn't much better today. His missed tackle was criminal in the lead up to the French try. I'm not sure what changes will be made for the Scotland game. Maybe Earls to centre with D'Arcy missing out and Tommy Bowe returning to the wing if he is fit to play.
Fixed that for you.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on February 14, 2011, 12:11:35 AM
Is Sexton the rugby equivalent of Floyd Patterson - a fine rugby player but cursed with a glass jaw?
His careless play after receiving a few whacks, cost the team 5 points out there.
Has he got the mettle to survive at this level of physicality?






Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Olaf on February 14, 2011, 09:53:33 AM
Quote from: Main Street on February 14, 2011, 12:11:35 AM
Is Sexton the rugby equivalent of Floyd Patterson - a fine rugby player but cursed with a glass jaw?
His careless play after receiving a few whacks, cost the team 5 points out there.
Has he got the mettle to survive at this level of physicality?

He made a few good  tackles and brings a bit of steel to the defence of the inside backs.He has the attributes to be a good international out-half.  He varies his game well but sometimes seems a bit hurried in his play and over complicates back moves. Patience will come with time.

O'Gara has survived (except for a couple of "bruisings" on Lions Tours) without getting involved in the physical aspects of the game for 10+ years now.

D'Arcy, whilst having had good performances over the years for Ireland  has been really poor and Kidney must really have no faith in Wallace whatsoever in not bringing him on yesterday. His supposed weakness in defence is a fallacy IMHO. I have seen him miss one tackle this year which unfortunately led to try. His handling and general awareness on the pitch is far superior to D'Arcy at the moment.

Earls hasn't impressed and doesn't go looking for the ball. I think that he is a good footballer with gas but maybe a bit lightweight at this level. Hasn't really found his feet at international level.




Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on February 14, 2011, 10:36:44 AM
What's with this booing of opposing players? Is rugby the new soccer?

Can the people who know here explain that decision where O'Gara missed touch with his penalty and the French player knocked it forward? Now we're playing advantage, right? Scrum if no advantage. Then a French player plays it while offside. Penalty given. Why does it not go back to the scrum? Does a penalty offence while playing advantage override the original decision?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on February 14, 2011, 10:51:31 AM
Quote from: Hardy on February 14, 2011, 10:36:44 AM
What's with this booing of opposing players? Is rugby the new soccer?

Can the people who know here explain that decision where O'Gara missed touch with his penalty and the French player knocked it forward? Now we're playing advantage, right? Scrum if no advantage. Then a French player plays it while offside. Penalty given. Why does it not go back to the scrum? Does a penalty offence while playing advantage override the original decision?

Was wondering that myself unless the ref believed the french lad played the ball in a cynical attempt to prevent any advantage accruing to Ireland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Olaf on February 14, 2011, 11:23:11 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 14, 2011, 10:51:31 AM
Quote from: Hardy on February 14, 2011, 10:36:44 AM
What's with this booing of opposing players? Is rugby the new soccer?

Can the people who know here explain that decision where O'Gara missed touch with his penalty and the French player knocked it forward? Now we're playing advantage, right? Scrum if no advantage. Then a French player plays it while offside. Penalty given. Why does it not go back to the scrum? Does a penalty offence while playing advantage override the original decision?

Was wondering that myself unless the ref believed the french lad played the ball in a cynical attempt to prevent any advantage accruing to Ireland.

Should have been a scrum for original offence.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mackers on February 14, 2011, 11:30:05 AM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on February 13, 2011, 09:45:17 PM
Fed up watching this team with all the knock-ons and giving away penalties.
Week in week f**king out thats all you get
The penalty count was very frustrating especially as the vast majority were needless, that's to say that we weren't under any real pressure of conceding tries for any of them.

Is it not fair to say that Kidney is trying to get them to play more expansive rugby? A tactic that the Southern Hemisphere teams are going with and what we need to do if we're going to compete at the World Cup. These knock ons are annoying at this point but if the expansive style is persevered with they should be eliminated by the World Cup. One option to cut out the knock ons would be to play more conservatively but I don't think any of us want that.

I'd be a glass half full man myself and would be encouraged about the way we are trying to evolve our game plan with the World Cup in mind.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 14, 2011, 11:35:56 AM
Quote from: Hardy on February 14, 2011, 10:36:44 AM
What's with this booing of opposing players? Is rugby the new soccer?

Can the people who know here explain that decision where O'Gara missed touch with his penalty and the French player knocked it forward? Now we're playing advantage, right? Scrum if no advantage. Then a French player plays it while offside. Penalty given. Why does it not go back to the scrum? Does a penalty offence while playing advantage override the original decision?

I know the ref was booed but didn't notice any players.

As for your question, if the ref deemed the player played the ball deliberately it is a penalty, if he thought it was accidental it would have been a scrum, school boy error from the French really.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 14, 2011, 11:38:25 AM
Unless Kidney has muddled up his principles enough to risk World Cup progess against an outside chance of a Triple Crown, then the next 3 games must be used foremost  to blood and test players. I'm not talking wholesale changes - aside from the penalty count, Ireland were the better team yesterday. But, it must be time to work out if:

- Cronin is capable of keeping composure at this level.
- The team would actually miss D'Arcy's contributions, or would be better off without his mistakes. Trimble, Earls or Bowe might be better options at 13.
- There is merit in getting Shane Jennings involved as a scrapper no.7 instead of Wallace against some opponents, if not all.
- Paddy Wallace is capable of delivering at either OH or centre at international level. If not, Ian Humphreys should get some game time as a specialist OH as cover for the WC.
- Leo Cullen and DOC can work as a lock partnership, so that POC might actually get a rest during the WC.
- Tomas O'Leary has got compromising photos of Kidney.

I'd be thinking that if Kidney put out 10-12 of his first team in each of the remaining games, and allowed 3-5 players the opportunity to shine amongst the experienced regulars, it would only serve us well in this important of years.



Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 14, 2011, 07:09:50 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 14, 2011, 11:35:56 AM
Quote from: Hardy on February 14, 2011, 10:36:44 AM
What's with this booing of opposing players? Is rugby the new soccer?

Can the people who know here explain that decision where O'Gara missed touch with his penalty and the French player knocked it forward? Now we're playing advantage, right? Scrum if no advantage. Then a French player plays it while offside. Penalty given. Why does it not go back to the scrum? Does a penalty offence while playing advantage override the original decision?

I know the ref was booed but didn't notice any players.
Chabal got booed when he cam on and when he got the ball.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on February 14, 2011, 07:17:24 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on February 14, 2011, 07:09:50 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 14, 2011, 11:35:56 AM
Quote from: Hardy on February 14, 2011, 10:36:44 AM
What's with this booing of opposing players? Is rugby the new soccer?

Can the people who know here explain that decision where O'Gara missed touch with his penalty and the French player knocked it forward? Now we're playing advantage, right? Scrum if no advantage. Then a French player plays it while offside. Penalty given. Why does it not go back to the scrum? Does a penalty offence while playing advantage override the original decision?

I know the ref was booed but didn't notice any players.
Chabal got booed when he cam on and when he got the ball.

Chabal was not getting booed by the Irish supporters. That's some noise the French crowd make to salute him.

I thought the same every time he touched the ball in Croke Park two years ago but it's not the case.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 14, 2011, 07:19:45 PM
Quote from: mackers on February 14, 2011, 11:30:05 AM
Is it not fair to say that Kidney is trying to get them to play more expansive rugby? A tactic that the Southern Hemisphere teams are going with and what we need to do if we're going to compete at the World Cup. These knock ons are annoying at this point but if the expansive style is persevered with they should be eliminated by the World Cup. One option to cut out the knock ons would be to play more conservatively but I don't think any of us want that.

I'd be a glass half full man myself and would be encouraged about the way we are trying to evolve our game plan with the World Cup in mind.
Yep, I think if Ireland had used the same gameplan as two years ago, they would have won.
Back then, O'Leary, O'Gara and Kearney kicked everything that came their way deep into the French half. The French being...the French spent the day running it back again from every angle and occasionally ballsed up.

Kidney is adamant he is sticking to the running game, so we should at least give it a chance to play out I suppose.
A few players look a bit out of their comfort zone and we'll see how they adapt.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on February 14, 2011, 07:28:32 PM
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on February 14, 2011, 07:17:24 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on February 14, 2011, 07:09:50 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 14, 2011, 11:35:56 AM
Quote from: Hardy on February 14, 2011, 10:36:44 AM
What's with this booing of opposing players? Is rugby the new soccer?

Can the people who know here explain that decision where O'Gara missed touch with his penalty and the French player knocked it forward? Now we're playing advantage, right? Scrum if no advantage. Then a French player plays it while offside. Penalty given. Why does it not go back to the scrum? Does a penalty offence while playing advantage override the original decision?

I know the ref was booed but didn't notice any players.
Chabal got booed when he cam on and when he got the ball.

Chabal was not getting booed by the Irish supporters. That's some noise the French crowd make to salute him.

I thought the same every time he touched the ball in Croke Park two years ago but it's not the case.

That's good to know and makes sense - couldn't figure out what he'd ever done to be the only (rugby) player to be singled out for abuse at Lansdowne Road.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Myles Na G. on February 14, 2011, 09:46:13 PM
Quote from: mackers on February 14, 2011, 11:30:05 AM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on February 13, 2011, 09:45:17 PM
Fed up watching this team with all the knock-ons and giving away penalties.
Week in week f**king out thats all you get
The penalty count was very frustrating especially as the vast majority were needless, that's to say that we weren't under any real pressure of conceding tries for any of them.

Is it not fair to say that Kidney is trying to get them to play more expansive rugby? A tactic that the Southern Hemisphere teams are going with and what we need to do if we're going to compete at the World Cup. These knock ons are annoying at this point but if the expansive style is persevered with they should be eliminated by the World Cup. One option to cut out the knock ons would be to play more conservatively but I don't think any of us want that. I'd be a glass half full man myself and would be encouraged about the way we are trying to evolve our game plan with the World Cup in mind.
Agree with that. Would rather see Ireland make mistakes trying to play the right kind of game, than see us sneak a win playing a limited, pick and drive style. Hopefully the unforced errors will be cut out against the Scots.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 18, 2011, 09:12:05 PM
Jaysus lads, what's happening down in Thomond Park tonight? Are Edinburgh's scrum that bad? It's years since I saw a Munster front row dominate in the scrum, but they are shoving Edinburgh down the Ennis Road at times.

Buckley's playing too, is he only deciding to play now that he's gotten the move to Sale?

The Munster tight 5 is Du Preez, Varley, Buckley, Donnacha Ryan and Micko

Munster still only winning by 3 and not playing that well other than that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 18, 2011, 09:39:45 PM

Munster will have 2  international tightheads playing for other teams next year, add in sean cronin and you can see why munster are heading downhill.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 18, 2011, 09:44:11 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 18, 2011, 09:39:45 PM

Munster will have 2  international tightheads playing for other teams next year, add in sean cronin and you can see why munster are heading downhill.

True. I'm hopeful a new forwards coach might bring that back as a strong point. Cronin is a loss, but Varley can play a bit as well. I'd have liked Ross to come to Munster alright, but I don't count Buckley as an international tight head.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Puckoon on February 18, 2011, 10:20:28 PM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/8512507.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/8512507.stm)

Keith Wood interviews ROG.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mayogodhelpus@gmail.com on February 18, 2011, 10:22:55 PM
http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2011/0218/connacht_glasgow.html (http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2011/0218/connacht_glasgow.html)

Connacht 37-8 Glasgow
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on February 18, 2011, 11:15:21 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 18, 2011, 09:39:45 PM

Munster will have 2  international tightheads playing for other teams next year, add in sean cronin and you can see why munster are heading downhill.

ehh Cronin plays for Connacht...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on February 18, 2011, 11:16:52 PM
Quote from: Puckoon on February 18, 2011, 10:20:28 PM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/8512507.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/8512507.stm)

Keith Wood interviews ROG.

Twas from last year but not a bad auld interview all the same
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 21, 2011, 02:39:57 PM
http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/sixnations/2011/0221/ireland_trimblea.html (http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/sixnations/2011/0221/ireland_trimblea.html)

Ireland squad additions:
Andrew Trimble
Mick O'Driscoll
Donnacha Ryan
Gavin Duffy
Denis Hurley
Tony Buckley
Rhys Ruddock
Tommy Bowe

I have been vocal enough on the Donncha O'Callaghan v Leo Cullen debate but seriously, calling up Mick O'Driscoll again? Ryan is a good call but why can't we let go of players who didn't make it at their peak? Are there not other potentially good young locks around worthy of a look?

POC, DOC and Leo will deservedly go to the WC but please can we bring at least one young player with them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 21, 2011, 03:03:28 PM
I get the impression from reading the papers that O'Gara is going to be recalled.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Olaf on February 22, 2011, 11:07:35 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 21, 2011, 03:03:28 PM
I get the impression from reading the papers that O'Gara is going to be recalled.
He won't.

D'Arcy to be dropped ...McFadden to centre and Bowe and Trimble on wings. Pack to stay the same.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on February 23, 2011, 01:17:58 PM
Irish team to play Scotland being annouced now

http://www.irishrugby.ie/matchdaytv/play/media/id/7486
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on February 23, 2011, 01:20:24 PM
15 Fitzgerald
14 Bowe
13 O'Driscoll
12 D'arcy
11 Earls
10 O'Gara
9 Reddan
1 Healy
2 Best
3 Ross
4 O'Callaghan
5 O'Connell
6 O'Brien
7 Wallace
8 Heaslip

Replacements: 16 Cronin; 17 Court; 18 Cullen; 19 Leamy; 20 Stringer; 21 Sexton; 22 Wallace
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 23, 2011, 01:21:48 PM
Good shout Dinny.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on February 23, 2011, 01:26:28 PM
Cullen should start one Six Nations game this season and so should Toner if he is to be an option in the WC.  McFadden very unlucky not to get a spot on the bench in place of Wallace - he can play Fly half and kick goals as well...

Would like to see Sexton and Reddan get some game time together before an inevitable half-back swap around the 60 minute mark. 

Again looking to World Cup, would McLaughlin not be worth a shout on the bench in place of Denis "Penalty-Count" Leamy
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 23, 2011, 02:52:55 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on February 23, 2011, 01:20:24 PM
15 Fitzgerald
14 Bowe
13 O'Driscoll
12 D'arcy
11 Earls
10 O'Gara
9 Reddan
1 Healy
2 Best
3 Ross
4 O'Callaghan
5 O'Connell
6 O'Brien
7 Wallace
8 Heaslip

Replacements: 16 Cronin; 17 Court; 18 Cullen; 19 Leamy; 20 Stringer; 21 Sexton; 22 Wallace

Grand Slam or not, I am beginning to lose faith in Kidney. D'Arcy starts and Sexton dropped?

With O'Gara starting it looks like we are going to kick for the corners and this is after outscoring France 3 tries to one (D'Arcy's gift).
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Joxer on February 23, 2011, 03:00:52 PM
Quote from: muppet on February 23, 2011, 02:52:55 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on February 23, 2011, 01:20:24 PM
15 Fitzgerald
14 Bowe
13 O'Driscoll
12 D'arcy
11 Earls
10 O'Gara
9 Reddan
1 Healy
2 Best
3 Ross
4 O'Callaghan
5 O'Connell
6 O'Brien
7 Wallace
8 Heaslip

Replacements: 16 Cronin; 17 Court; 18 Cullen; 19 Leamy; 20 Stringer; 21 Sexton; 22 Wallace

Grand Slam or not, I am beginning to lose faith in Kidney. D'Arcy starts and Sexton dropped?

With O'Gara starting it looks like we are going to kick for the corners and this is after outscoring France 3 tries to one (D'Arcy's gift).

Looking like the old scenario of boys cant play themselves off the team instead of getting on it.  D'arcy decision is shocking.  McFadden out in a great shift against the French and is the type of player we should be bringing on not dropping altogether.  What would the average age of that team be? 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on February 23, 2011, 03:22:23 PM
How badly does D'Arcy have to play before he's dropped?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 23, 2011, 03:43:30 PM
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on February 23, 2011, 03:22:23 PM
How badly does D'Arcy have to play before he's dropped?

By the law of averages he is due a good game which, when it arrives, will be used a justification for picking him. He has been a great player for us but I think he would actually benefit from being dropped for a game or two.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: stew on February 23, 2011, 04:47:57 PM
Quote from: muppet on February 23, 2011, 03:43:30 PM
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on February 23, 2011, 03:22:23 PM
How badly does D'Arcy have to play before he's dropped?

By the law of averages he is due a good game which, when it arrives, will be used a justification for picking him. He has been a great player for us but I think he would actually benefit from being dropped for a game or two.

o'connell is worse that d'arcy
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 23, 2011, 05:01:17 PM
Quote from: stew on February 23, 2011, 04:47:57 PM
Quote from: muppet on February 23, 2011, 03:43:30 PM
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on February 23, 2011, 03:22:23 PM
How badly does D'Arcy have to play before he's dropped?

By the law of averages he is due a good game which, when it arrives, will be used a justification for picking him. He has been a great player for us but I think he would actually benefit from being dropped for a game or two.

o'connell is worse that d'arcy

Dunno, Pauli is probably a better line-out operator than D'Arcy.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 23, 2011, 05:21:22 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 23, 2011, 01:21:48 PM
Good shout Dinny.

I had an inkling the Tuesday after the France game when I read the times and a few other papers since when all the talk was about territory and playing for position, so fully expected it. I think ROG has done well coming on but Sexton hasn't done anything wrong to step down, you could argue ROG has done enough in his cameo's to deserve a start and I'd have no issue with that as I think competition is healthy and very important. However this logic is flipped on it's head when Kidney then leaves D'Arcy in the team despite two awful performances. Very disappointed for McFadden as well, has done better than Earls imho but Bowe is our best winger.

Actually just really disappointed with that team and fully expect Scoltand to win by 8 - 11 points.


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 23, 2011, 05:25:14 PM
I have much the same sentiments as you Dinny but I can't see Scotland winning this one especially with the injuries they have in the backline . . . they will create nothing and it will be an AWFUL game and we'll win it by 6.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CiKe on February 23, 2011, 06:14:17 PM
Faith in Kidney is gone at this stage, would echo sentiments of many about D'Arcy. Good to see Bowe back, but Kidney has made zero attempt to build a squad. I've no issues with DOC starting or Reddan but Stringer's head must be spinning, he's in out back in again and if O'Leary had made it, would have been dumped again no doubt... Along with Cullen I'd be surprised if he weren't more thana little f*cked off with their treatment.

Anyone close to the squad know what morale is like at all? To have guys busting their chops and never given a chance due to some people been undroppable can't be good I would imagine.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on February 26, 2011, 12:48:45 PM
Ireland should win pulling up, by a comfortable 6,7 or 8 points.

How come the hooker is always the lineout thrower? If the hooker isn't up to scratch, is there no other player who can do it?


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on February 26, 2011, 03:05:33 PM
How in the name of jaysus did the Video Ref not award Italy a try there??????? Terrible decision

Good open exciting game all the same - 3 trys already in opening 20 mintues
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on February 26, 2011, 03:17:39 PM
Quote from: Main Street on February 26, 2011, 12:48:45 PM
Ireland should win pulling up, by a comfortable 6,7 or 8 points.

How come the hooker is always the lineout thrower? If the hooker isn't up to scratch, is there no other player who can do it?

good question that. Like Golf, Rugby is a game steeped in traditions and rules so my guess is that always been tradition and a rule so wont be changed. No doubt some of the experts will correct me


http://jottingsonrugby.com/2010/09/15/rugby-line-out/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 26, 2011, 03:29:02 PM
I don't understand why ROG is back. There's 5-6 world cup positions that need to be sorted, but Deccie is experimenting with one that doesn't need sorted.

Hookers don't have to throw line ball in. The French used to give the honour to their scrumhalf. But for most of the world, hookers practice the skill from an early age, and logic says therefore should be better at it than the rest of their team. Also, if you look at the attacking platform a good lineout can provide, you need your taller men in the line and your more skilful men coming off it. That leaves your front row to do the throwing and lifting.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 26, 2011, 03:44:17 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 26, 2011, 03:29:02 PM
I don't understand why ROG is back. There's 5-6 world cup positions that need to be sorted, but Deccie is experimenting with one that doesn't need sorted.

Hookers don't have to throw line ball in. The French used to give the honour to their scrumhalf. But for most of the world, hookers practice the skill from an early age, and logic says therefore should be better at it than the rest of their team. Also, if you look at the attacking platform a good lineout can provide, you need your taller men in the line and your more skilful men coming off it. That leaves your front row to do the throwing and lifting.

Jees the Italians are giving it a fair lash fair play to them I hope they can do it!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: DuffleKing on February 26, 2011, 04:15:54 PM

In theory, a taller man should be more accurate.

Maybe we've finally found Mick O'Driscoll's calling?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on February 26, 2011, 04:28:56 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 26, 2011, 03:29:02 PM
I don't understand why ROG is back. There's 5-6 world cup positions that need to be sorted, but Deccie is experimenting with one that doesn't need sorted.
You should be able to understand the coachs' reasonings re selecting O'Gara, you just might not agree with them.




Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 26, 2011, 04:52:49 PM
BBC made a bad call hiring Serge Betsen!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Denn Forever on February 26, 2011, 05:30:09 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on February 26, 2011, 03:17:39 PM
Quote from: Main Street on February 26, 2011, 12:48:45 PM
Ireland should win pulling up, by a comfortable 6,7 or 8 points.

How come the hooker is always the lineout thrower? If the hooker isn't up to scratch, is there no other player who can do it?

good question that. Like Golf, Rugby is a game steeped in traditions and rules so my guess is that always been tradition and a rule so wont be changed. No doubt some of the experts will correct me


http://jottingsonrugby.com/2010/09/15/rugby-line-out/

Don't think it is a rule.  Hooker usually one of the shorter men on the team, so wouldn't be in the lineout. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on February 26, 2011, 06:01:30 PM
But what skill does it take to throw the ball in accurately according to the call?
It does appear to be the preserve of the Hooker to do this job, regardless of his ability to do it, to the required standard.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 26, 2011, 07:00:38 PM
f**king cheese eating surrender monkeys!!!  >:( >:( >:(

sorry I mean:

f**king singes capitulards mangeurs de fromage! >: (>: (>: (
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on February 26, 2011, 09:54:28 PM
england result keeps our season alive. We beat Scotland, Wales and then deny the English a grand slam would be sweet. It would only be a triple crown but i would celebrate it like 2009 !!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 26, 2011, 09:56:54 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on February 26, 2011, 09:54:28 PM
england result keeps our season alive. We beat Scotland, Wales and then deny the English a grand slam would be sweet. It would only be a triple crown but i would celebrate it like 2009 !!

You'd celebrate tying your shoe-laces!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 26, 2011, 10:11:54 PM
But the very real possibility is that England beat us and we hand them the Grand Slam. If they do I will never support them again. I hate to say it but I hate those English c***ts too much to see us hand them any kind of victory.

Even if we win they will probably take home the championship that day so it will never be good.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on February 26, 2011, 10:12:18 PM
Quote from: muppet on February 26, 2011, 09:56:54 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on February 26, 2011, 09:54:28 PM
england result keeps our season alive. We beat Scotland, Wales and then deny the English a grand slam would be sweet. It would only be a triple crown but i would celebrate it like 2009 !!

You'd celebrate tying your shoe-laces!

Like myself if tying your shoeslaces, annoyed England - I'd celebrate too surely!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 26, 2011, 10:12:51 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on February 26, 2011, 10:12:18 PM
Quote from: muppet on February 26, 2011, 09:56:54 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on February 26, 2011, 09:54:28 PM
england result keeps our season alive. We beat Scotland, Wales and then deny the English a grand slam would be sweet. It would only be a triple crown but i would celebrate it like 2009 !!

You'd celebrate tying your shoe-laces!

Like myself if tying your shoeslaces, annoyed England - I'd celebrate too surely!!

Every little bit helps.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on February 26, 2011, 10:15:08 PM
Quote from: muppet on February 26, 2011, 09:56:54 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on February 26, 2011, 09:54:28 PM
england result keeps our season alive. We beat Scotland, Wales and then deny the English a grand slam would be sweet. It would only be a triple crown but i would celebrate it like 2009 !!

You'd celebrate tying your shoe-laces!

between Mayo, Castlebar Mitchells, Arsenal etc etc.... celebrating has been at a premium lately for you lad
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 26, 2011, 10:16:10 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on February 26, 2011, 10:15:08 PM
Quote from: muppet on February 26, 2011, 09:56:54 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on February 26, 2011, 09:54:28 PM
england result keeps our season alive. We beat Scotland, Wales and then deny the English a grand slam would be sweet. It would only be a triple crown but i would celebrate it like 2009 !!

You'd celebrate tying your shoe-laces!

between Mayo, Castlebar Mitchells, Arsenal etc etc.... celebrating has been at a premium lately for you lad

Some great days at quarter-finals and semis alright.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 27, 2011, 03:41:52 PM
o gara shouldnthave gone on his own on the scots 5yard line.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 27, 2011, 05:18:41 PM
Well we got the win. Same story as last week, too many penalties, 3 tries to nil and we only win by 3 points. We missed Kearney under the high ball.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 28, 2011, 10:54:06 AM
Having reflected on the game it was pretty average stuff. We had the beating of them fairly handy but we got destroyed in the lineout and also in the penalty count. Robinson has a point in his post match interview as it is ridiculous how we didn't get a sin binning with 14 offences and they managed to get one for 3.

Plus points were O'Brien who had a good 2nd half, Reddan who I thought was excellent and also our scrum which seemed to do pretty well.

Best we can hope for at this stage is the Triple Crown and to beat England which is a realistic possiblity but we will need Sexton on for the majority of the game to do that I think.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 28, 2011, 11:15:16 AM
Quote from: screenexile on February 28, 2011, 10:54:06 AM
Having reflected on the game it was pretty average stuff. We had the beating of them fairly handy but we got destroyed in the lineout and also in the penalty count. Robinson has a point in his post match interview as it is ridiculous how we didn't get a sin binning with 14 offences and they managed to get one for 3.

Plus points were O'Brien who had a good 2nd half, Reddan who I thought was excellent and also our scrum which seemed to do pretty well.

Best we can hope for at this stage is the Triple Crown and to beat England which is a realistic possiblity but we will need Sexton on for the majority of the game to do that I think.

Average at best. Our line out is a real concern at this point, and even when we went to the front for O'Callaghan, we weren't able to connect. A big change from a few years ago. Maybe Paulie needs to start calling more balls on himself in the centre as well, but I'd say Best's darts are a cause for concern there. O'Connell made 3 vital interventions near the end to preserve the win, pouncing on a turnover ball, stealing a lineout from the Scots and forcing another turnover as well. Good to see him finishing a game well.

I thought the pack did reasonably well apart from that. The scrum was encouraging whenever they could stay bound, but the IRB are going to have to look at that area, it's a mess. Reddan was only middling I thought. Took the wrong option too often, but I do prefer him to O'Leary at this level. At least his delivery is a small bit quicker.

Sean O'Brien was very good with ball in hand, and I thought the whole back row were good, with Wallace's legs creaking near the end. Also Heaslip faded a bit.

I thought O'Gara was good, but he had a comfy ride all day in fairness. His goal kicking from distance is starting to fail him, but he is accurate and he is good out of hand. He's not as bad a passer as he's made out to be at times, and it was good to see him score a Jonny Sexton type try, hand off and all. Sexton is obviously the future, and more rounded out half especially defensively, but O'Gara still has a lot to offer.

Rest of the backs were okay, Earls had a few minutes where he was excellent, popped up all over the place, but other than that was largely quiet. O'Driscoll and D'Arcy quiet as well, and Tommy Bowe and Luke Fitzgerald only showed flashes too.

All in all, good to get the win, but we are a long way off where we were 2 years ago.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on February 28, 2011, 11:26:51 AM
The need to denigrate O'Gara  to promote Sexton and vice versa is a tiresome exercise in flagwaving.
Fly-half is one of the strongest positions on that team and it looks to me that Kidney is bringing Sexton on very nicely. Sexton has a task ahead to claim that position as his own and will surely do that.

It was a strange game, Ireland should have dominated it totally on the scoreline and yet Scotland looked hard done by at the end.That O'Brien lad rocks!





Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: DuffleKing on February 28, 2011, 03:52:28 PM

Is there anywhere to see highlights of the game from yesterday?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AFS on February 28, 2011, 03:55:45 PM
Quote from: DuffleKing on February 28, 2011, 03:52:28 PM

Is there anywhere to see highlights of the game from yesterday?

BBC and/ or RTE iPlayers maybe?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on March 01, 2011, 07:50:11 AM
Rte has the full game on its website.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on March 08, 2011, 01:34:37 PM
same team as Scotland game i think
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GaillimhIarthair on March 08, 2011, 01:42:18 PM
The Ireland team to play Wales in the RBS 6 Nations Championship game at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, March 12th has been named.

Share Ireland coach Declan Kidney has named an unchanged starting XV and replacements bench for Ireland's fourth game of the Championship.

Ireland flanker David Wallace will win his 70th cap when he lines out alongside Jamie Heaslip and Sean O'Brien in the back row. It will also be his 40th appearance in the Championship.

IRELAND Team & Replacements (v Wales, 2011 RBS 6 Nations Championship, Millennium Stadium, Sunday, March 12, kick-off 5.00pm):

15 - Luke Fitzgerald (Blackrock College/Leinster)
14 - Tommy Bowe (Ospreys)
13 - Brian O'Driscoll (UCD/Leinster) (capt)
12 - Gordon D'Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster)
11 - Keith Earls (Thomond/Munster)
10 - Ronan O'Gara (Cork Constitution/Munster)
9 - Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster)
1 - Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster)
2 - Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster)
3 - Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster)
4 - Donncha O'Callaghan (Cork Constitution/Munster)
5 - Paul O'Connell (Young Munster/Munster)
6 - Sean O'Brien (Clontarf/Leinster)
7 - David Wallace (Garryowen/Munster)
8 - Jamie Heaslip (Naas/Leinster)

Replacements:
16 - Sean Cronin (Buccaneers/Connacht)
17 - Tom Court (Malone/Ulster)
18 - Leo Cullen (Blackrock College/Leinster)
19 - Denis Leamy (Cork Constitution/Munster)
20 - Peter Stringer (Shannon/Munster)
21 - Jonathan Sexton (St. Mary's College/Leinster)
22 - Paddy Wallace (Ballymena/Ulster)

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Groucho on March 11, 2011, 07:00:28 PM
Did I hear the sports reporter say that Ireland haven't lost at the Arms park since 1983? Some record :)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on March 11, 2011, 07:46:51 PM
Quote from: Groucho on March 11, 2011, 07:00:28 PM
Did I hear the sports reporter say that Ireland haven't lost at the Arms park since 1983? Some record :)

Ireland lost at the MS in 2005 but yeah they've only lost once in Wales in 28 years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thejuice on March 12, 2011, 04:07:43 PM
C'mon Italy!!! WOuld be great if they can sneak it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on March 12, 2011, 04:08:38 PM
Quote from: thejuice on March 12, 2011, 04:07:43 PM
C'mon Italy!!! WOuld be great if they can sneak it.

just logged on to post something on this, that would be some result, 2 mins to go
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thejuice on March 12, 2011, 04:15:16 PM
Great stuff!!


Italia chiamò!


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Denn Forever on March 12, 2011, 04:16:52 PM
Wow.

Come on Scotland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 12, 2011, 04:41:04 PM
FORZA AZZURRI
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Aaron Boone on March 12, 2011, 05:00:26 PM
Odds at kick off:

Wales 5/6
Ireland 11/10

Draw 20/1
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on March 12, 2011, 05:02:35 PM
Bergamasco kept his head well after missing those early kicks. We will still beat them in the world cup.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 12, 2011, 06:18:50 PM
Awful call by the touch judge!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ONeill on March 12, 2011, 06:31:43 PM
Not often mistakes like that happen. Poor penalty miss too.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Aaron Boone on March 12, 2011, 06:32:52 PM
Sexton's introduction on 55' upset the applecart a bit. Bad kick to touch led to the dodgy try.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ONeill on March 12, 2011, 06:40:20 PM
Possession. Last chance now. 76 mins.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ONeill on March 12, 2011, 06:46:25 PM
Feck it. Why'd he step in?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on March 12, 2011, 06:47:12 PM
Balls to that.

Guys with no confidence in their kickers and that's why they didn't score a try at the end.

Sexton just can't be relied on in these games it seems.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on March 12, 2011, 06:53:37 PM
Poor performance from Ireland. Wales were better on the day. Paddy Wallace messed up at the end.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on March 12, 2011, 07:36:03 PM
Utterly brainless rugby from both sides. Touchjudge should definitely get demoted for making such a horrendous error. He turned his back to the ball once it went into the stands and then bluffed to the ref when asked was it the correct ball. Real amateur hour stuff. Paddy Wallace then should have passed to Earls for the guaranteed try at the very end. Take the points of offer and worry about the kick after. Add in Sexton missing a penalty from nearly straight in front of the posts and you've got a 13 point turnaround there.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 12, 2011, 07:48:59 PM
All this talk of having 2 quality flyhalves and today we didn't even have feckin 1!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rocky Mc Guigan on March 12, 2011, 07:51:49 PM
Must be first time BBC1 and BBC 2 showed Dad's Army on both channels at same time on a Saturday night
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 12, 2011, 08:29:45 PM
I think Kidney will use the awful decision from the touch judge as a means of deflection, unfortunately we are now stuck with the man who learned nothing from the last years of the EOS debacle.

Forget about singling out players O'Gara, Wallace, Sexton, Fitzgearld whoever, the collective team effort was not good enough and our displays are reflecting poor coaching. The coaches decide this awful game plan of kicking the ball into the oppo half hoping they'll run it back and we'll force the error, penalty etc. Wales simply countered it by doing the same hence you ended up with an awful game played by two sides worried about making mistakes rather than expressing themselves. Wales and Ireland refelected the current nature of their set-ups where the rugby is coached out of them.

Ireland will not progess where it's harder to get into the squad than get out it.

I want Ireland to play with passion, heads up, attacking rugby and not the muck be served up by Kidney and his coaches. Tear up the game plan, freshen up the starting XV because as it stands we are nothing heading into a World Cup.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on March 12, 2011, 08:41:03 PM
Brilliant last 10 minutes at Rome. What a day for Italian rugby fans.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Aaron Boone on March 12, 2011, 08:52:15 PM
Kidney touchy & prickly in RTE interview after.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 12, 2011, 10:09:47 PM
Sexton - does not and will never have the quality required in these games. O'Gara was poor today. He'd still have put that penalty over.

Wallace - twice in two visits to Cardiff he's done his best to f**k things up!

Ball decision - crap, but shouldn't mask how poor Ireland were.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on March 13, 2011, 06:48:59 PM
The Sexton/O'Gara problem was turned from a healthy one into a disaster by playing them the wrong way around. Start Sexton and then bring O'Gara on to close it out, not the other way round.

As for the rest people will talk about changes but there are only really a few sore thumbs. D'Arcy did ok but he has had a bad Championship and we are getting nothing from our centre partnership in attack. Time to try Bowe at 13, with Drico moving to 12 or play them as left and right. Fitzgerald needs a move to the wing or a break.

Stringer made a few too many mistakes so Reddan should become number one ulthough Kidney will pick  O'Leary which will stop any back play (remember Sexton usually is judged on O'Leary's service).

Ferris will come in when fit probably for Wallace but we have too many similar players here even if they are great ball-carriers. Front row probably deserves to stick as a unit as at least they are improving.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on March 16, 2011, 07:26:14 AM
O'Leary Out (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/irish/9424077.stm)
O'Leary will not feature against England, with Reddan the only other injury worry.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on March 16, 2011, 01:24:14 PM
Twitter: Rugby team selection ; Sexton in at out half, in place of O Gara. Earls to fullback in place of Fitzgerald. Trimble to start on the wing.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Groucho on March 16, 2011, 07:28:43 PM
Quote from: muppet on March 16, 2011, 01:24:14 PM
Twitter: Rugby team selection ; Sexton in at out half, in place of O Gara. Earls to fullback in place of Fitzgerald. Trimble to start on the wing.

England centres will run right through him >:(
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on March 16, 2011, 07:44:12 PM
Quote from: Groucho on March 16, 2011, 07:28:43 PM
Quote from: muppet on March 16, 2011, 01:24:14 PM
Twitter: Rugby team selection ; Sexton in at out half, in place of O Gara. Earls to fullback in place of Fitzgerald. Trimble to start on the wing.

England centres will run right through him >:(

As against O'Gara?  ???
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on March 16, 2011, 08:37:09 PM
I'm not surprised the Fitzgerald has gone. He didn't look comfortable at full back.
Earls is capable of dropping balls too back there, however Flood and Foden are unlikely to deliver the sort of bombs that Hook and Byrne did last weekend.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: DuffleKing on March 16, 2011, 08:59:08 PM
Quote from: Groucho on March 16, 2011, 07:28:43 PM
Quote from: muppet on March 16, 2011, 01:24:14 PM
Twitter: Rugby team selection ; Sexton in at out half, in place of O Gara. Earls to fullback in place of Fitzgerald. Trimble to start on the wing.

England centres will run right through him >:(

Eh? Sextpn is way better defensively that rog
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 16, 2011, 09:04:03 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on March 16, 2011, 08:37:09 PM
I'm not surprised the Fitzgerald has gone. He didn't look comfortable at full back.
Earls is capable of dropping balls too back there, however Flood and Foden are unlikely to deliver the sort of bombs that Hook and Byrne did last weekend.

It's a bit puzzling alright. I'm assuming that the kicking game is being discarded, because not only would ROG be a better bet than sexton, but Earls is a poor kicker as well. I cannot understand the loyalty to D'ARcy, but with they could have had Bowe to full back, Earls to the Centre and Trimble in on the wing, with McFadden on the other wing.

I can only assume that they are hoping for a lot of counter attack running, because otherwise we are going to see a lot of poor kicking.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 16, 2011, 10:53:52 PM
I don't think anyone knows the kind of game Ireland are going to play on Saturday least of all the Irish. The whole out-half debacle has really hurt Ireland I am assuming Sexton is in because Toby Flood tends to attack the 10/12 channel with a trail runner off him and Sexton is a very good defender.

The dropping of Fitzgerald yet the persistence with D'Arcy and Wallace is truly bizarre. There is no squad competition and it was interesting to hear Frankie Sheehan echo my sentiments on the radio early. If it's coming out of Munster then Kidney must be feeling the heat....
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on March 16, 2011, 11:10:52 PM
BOD is busy on twitter tonight.

This one from Dustin the Turkey caught my eye:


@DustinOfficial
Dustin The Turkey
@BrianODriscoll I'll back ya up there Dricco, your mot IS a top cook....the amount of top notch breakies she cooked me up back in the day;-)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on March 17, 2011, 12:52:44 AM
Quote from: muppet on March 16, 2011, 07:44:12 PM
Quote from: Groucho on March 16, 2011, 07:28:43 PM
Quote from: muppet on March 16, 2011, 01:24:14 PM
Twitter: Rugby team selection ; Sexton in at out half, in place of O Gara. Earls to fullback in place of Fitzgerald. Trimble to start on the wing.

England centres will run right through him >:(

As against O'Gara?  ???
Strange enough but against Scotland I thought O'Gara did well in all parts of his game except in his traditional strength, his kicking from hand. He made a few tough tackles, managing to turn over guys twice his size and his distribution was decent.

I hope those rugby boys aren't going to let England do the grand slam in Dublin. That would be some humiliation to live down.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 18, 2011, 02:20:13 PM
I'm in Germany at the minute and there are Irish bars in town where I could watch the match but would prefer to watch from the confort of my living room. Anyone know any good streams that are likely to be available?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on March 18, 2011, 03:44:23 PM
You'll find plenty here, but you'll have to try a few to get a good one:

http://www.myp2p.eu/index.php?part=sports
and
http://www.justin.tv/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thejuice on March 19, 2011, 05:06:39 PM
good start, a right statement of intent with that scrum
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thejuice on March 19, 2011, 05:09:36 PM
is the stadium finished?? looks like theres loads of scaffolding still up.

3-0 to us.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thejuice on March 19, 2011, 05:24:23 PM
Only a few knock ons have stopped us from getting more points. but so far so good anyway.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on March 19, 2011, 05:33:44 PM
yes.........keep her fuckin lit lads, 14-0 and all over them. Superb so far.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mayogodhelpus@gmail.com on March 19, 2011, 05:34:59 PM
Someone needs to tighten the screws on that chariot, its coming apart at a shocking rate  :D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on March 19, 2011, 05:36:28 PM
Quote from: mayogodhelpus@gmail.com on March 19, 2011, 05:34:59 PM
Someone needs to tighten the screws on that chariot, its coming apart at a shocking rate  :D

we are capable of keeping it together with our errors, like so, there is a pen just given away
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thejuice on March 19, 2011, 05:40:58 PM
might sneak out to the pub for the second half, there's a big rugby pub nearby which is always rammed with English fans.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyroneboi on March 19, 2011, 05:45:21 PM
Jeez where has this performance come from?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mayogodhelpus@gmail.com on March 19, 2011, 05:47:40 PM
Good stuff lads, English Chariot meets Irish Stone Wall thats got some pace.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on March 19, 2011, 05:49:29 PM
Quote from: thejuice on March 19, 2011, 05:40:58 PM
might sneak out to the pub for the second half, there's a big rugby pub nearby which is always rammed with English fans.

good idea, i wonder would it look bad if i took my sons with me, aged 2 and 9 months ! Or leave them on their own !


Quote from: tyroneboi on March 19, 2011, 05:45:21 PM
Jeez where has this performance come from?


it was threatening, we just had to keep the errors down. If we kept the errors out of the french and wales matches this would have been a grand slam decider

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ross4life on March 19, 2011, 05:51:34 PM
Great performance from the Irish in that 1st half i wonder can they keep it going for the next 40mins?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 19, 2011, 06:13:48 PM
Slack. "Put the 2 points on now, it's Jonny Wilkinson with the conversion!" :D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mayogodhelpus@gmail.com on March 19, 2011, 06:14:35 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 19, 2011, 06:13:48 PM
Slack. "Put the 2 points on now, it's Jonny Wilkinson with the conversion!" :D

:D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mayogodhelpus@gmail.com on March 19, 2011, 06:16:33 PM
Ireland getting very sloppy now
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ross4life on March 19, 2011, 06:32:58 PM
24-8 Pitch cutting up badly with all that rain, 8mins left the guys on BBC are very sombre
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on March 19, 2011, 06:36:19 PM
Quote from: ross4life on March 19, 2011, 06:32:58 PM
24-8 Pitch cutting up badly with all that rain, 8mins left the guys on BBC are very sombre

shocking pity of the c***ts
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mayogodhelpus@gmail.com on March 19, 2011, 06:37:20 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on March 19, 2011, 06:36:19 PM
Quote from: ross4life on March 19, 2011, 06:32:58 PM
24-8 Pitch cutting up badly with all that rain, 8mins left the guys on BBC are very sombre

shocking pity of the c***ts

Think the two ponies pulling the chariot have passed away.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on March 19, 2011, 07:02:44 PM
Those rugby fans who resisted touting their tickets, had a good time.
I thought captain O'Driscoll was just perfection personified out there but I wouldn't begrudge Sexton the motm, the kid did good.
Kidney trumped the critics.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on March 19, 2011, 07:25:21 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on March 19, 2011, 06:36:19 PM
Quote from: ross4life on March 19, 2011, 06:32:58 PM
24-8 Pitch cutting up badly with all that rain, 8mins left the guys on BBC are very sombre

shocking pity of the c***ts

What a load of shite. The BBC commentators were hugely complimentary to Ireland. Lose the cringe lads.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on March 19, 2011, 07:56:40 PM
England were not at the races today. From my vantage point it looked like they didnt try.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on March 19, 2011, 08:01:23 PM
Of course England tried. Things didn't go their way and they couldn't make it happen against a team who were on their game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: haze on March 19, 2011, 08:08:06 PM
Quote from: Hardy on March 19, 2011, 07:25:21 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on March 19, 2011, 06:36:19 PM
Quote from: ross4life on March 19, 2011, 06:32:58 PM
24-8 Pitch cutting up badly with all that rain, 8mins left the guys on BBC are very sombre
shocking pity of the c***ts
What a load of shite. The BBC commentators were hugely complimentary to Ireland. Lose the cringe lads.

Agree. Jesus its the rte panel that are hard work to watch afterwards with their petty arguing. As much as I can't stand Brian Moore and sometimes Guscott at least they are not as annoying as listening to Hook. When you watch the BBC you get a bit of balance. Hook should be retired to grass..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Uladh on March 19, 2011, 08:16:39 PM
If ireland had beaten the welsh narrowly would they have been close to england at the top of the table?
Also,b just caught the tail end of it but heard the bbc reporting trouble in both the welsh and french dressing rooms before kick off. Anyone catch that?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: under the bar on March 19, 2011, 08:31:20 PM
Why did O'Driscoll say Ireland lost the 2nd half when they outscored England 7-5??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 19, 2011, 08:39:15 PM
Found one of the few Irish pubs in Bonn just in time to catch the game. Tremendous stuff altogether. Would drive you f**king mental that they can't perform like that consistently. Not the biggest fan of Sexton, but he was absolutely outstanding today. What was that pillock Ashton mouthing at him for after he knocked over the penalty after Ashton wrapped him round the neck? Was great to see O'Gara winding him up as well. Not a hint of a swallow dive today!

Only downside was the incredibly gracious English guy sitting behind me. Made it very difficult to dislike him and abuse his countrymen for 80 minutes. I managed though!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 19, 2011, 11:13:37 PM
Hopefullly the Sexton doubters have left the building... sensational today!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Orangemac on March 19, 2011, 11:24:29 PM
Sexton was great today but Heaslip was immense. Put his head in everywhere, will be sore tomorrow.

Even though he was reasonably quiet BOD is still the man. Has Ireland produced a more talented consistent world class sportsman?

Pick up for the try and finish fantastic.

Great to see misery spread over Johnson's face at the end. Pay back for 2003.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on March 19, 2011, 11:37:23 PM
The Irish team cranked up the aggression, intensity and concentrated on getting the basics right.
Since winning the Grand Slam there may have been too much focus on trying out the fancy stuff and the grunt work has been neglected.

I stuck with the BBC as their commentary is more level headed. As with the cricket a couple of weeks ago, the English seemed gracious about it. Brian Moore was more poodle than the bulldog of old and both Inverdale and Guscott didn't seem too bothered.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Aerlik on March 19, 2011, 11:45:25 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on March 19, 2011, 07:56:40 PM
England were not at the races today.

What?  The chariot races?   :D :D

Feckin good stuff.  Never happier than when defeating tha hoors ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 20, 2011, 12:14:57 AM
Quote from: hardstation on March 19, 2011, 11:47:02 PM
There is none worse than Jonathan Davies for completely biased commentary although I like him and Wales.
There is none worse than Brian Moore for completely biased commentary although I don't like him and England.

Hard not to like Davies. Seems like a civil chap.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on March 20, 2011, 12:25:05 AM
Quote from: Aerlik on March 19, 2011, 11:45:25 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on March 19, 2011, 07:56:40 PM
England were not at the races today.

What?  The chariot races?   :D :D

Feckin good stuff.  Never happier than when defeating tha hoors ;)

at last, someone talking sense. whether it's Rugby,Cricket, Football, Judo, Synchronised Swimming or Darts a victory over the scum is brilliant.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gold on March 20, 2011, 12:26:59 AM
Quote from: Orangemac on March 19, 2011, 11:24:29 PM
Sexton was great today but Heaslip was immense. Put his head in everywhere, will be sore tomorrow.

Even though he was reasonably quiet BOD is still the man. Has Ireland produced a more talented consistent world class sportsman?

Pick up for the try and finish fantastic.

Great to see misery spread over Johnson's face at the end. Pay back for 2003.

Unreal sportman

Did you see his 25 tries shown after the game on RTE?

The amount of tries he scored by picking up a low, bouncing ball full tilt is astonishing
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CiKe on March 20, 2011, 12:31:50 AM
Quote from: hardstation on March 20, 2011, 12:18:12 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 20, 2011, 12:14:57 AM
Quote from: hardstation on March 19, 2011, 11:47:02 PM
There is none worse than Jonathan Davies for completely biased commentary although I like him and Wales.
There is none worse than Brian Moore for completely biased commentary although I don't like him and England.

Hard not to like Davies. Seems like a civil chap.
Moore is nowhere near as bad as Davies. Wales were being tanked tonight and he was going mental over decisions that didn't matter a fcuk.

Don't think Moore is anywhere as bad as he used to be. Seems to have come on. On occasion would still drive yo crazy,  bt dont think so one eyed as before.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gold on March 20, 2011, 12:47:52 AM
Davies is as biased as they come--but doesnt bother me i think it's a laugh
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on March 20, 2011, 12:51:04 AM
How long did it take the BBC or Rte to notice O driscolls try was disallowed in the first half? Nobody around me in the stadium noticed for quite a while and the guy on setanta took an age to notice too.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Overthebar! on March 20, 2011, 12:59:33 AM
great game today.haven't enjoyed a match as much in a while. everyone played out of their skins. o'brien very impressive as was sexton and trimble but mom for me was heaslip.

The clip of the 25 tries was great-unreal sports man. How is has kept it going at this level for so long is amazing. be hard shoes to fill once he retires, hopefully can pick up some proper silverware before then!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on March 20, 2011, 02:05:26 AM
You don't mind Davies being biased and whining, because he's Welsh after all and its a form of small man syndrome.

Though it may also give us a glimpse of what the English make of Irish one-upmanship.
"Yes, well done again Paddy on beating us at cheese rolling, but really we're not as bothered as you want us to be..."
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: stephenite on March 20, 2011, 09:04:47 AM
Hopefully Earls will be left at full back when the others return, that's his best position
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Club Rossa on March 20, 2011, 10:57:56 AM
You would never get sick of beating England at anytime but it's all the sweeter when Martin Johnson is over them,the big cnut.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gold on March 20, 2011, 11:13:41 AM
Quote from: Club Rossa on March 20, 2011, 10:57:56 AM
You would never get sick of beating England at anytime but it's all the sweeter when Martin Johnson is over them,the big cnut.

True, he looks and acts like someone who back in the day would've been one of the one's burning us out, killin our kids, takin our land or else been above in Scotland, chasin after William Wallace!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Club Rossa on March 20, 2011, 11:19:21 AM
It's not the image i had of him Gold,but the more i think of it you're right :D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on March 20, 2011, 11:20:03 AM
We should have built a collosseum instead of a rugby stadium. Tigers versus pantomime villiains.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mayogodhelpus@gmail.com on March 20, 2011, 11:36:20 AM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on March 20, 2011, 02:05:26 AM

Though it may also give us a glimpse of what the English make of Irish one-upmanship.
"Yes, well done again Paddy on beating us at cheese rolling, but really we're not as bothered as you want us to be..."

The German's feal the exact same about the English. The German's don't give a flying f**k about head to heads with England in sport, for some reason they love beating the Dutch.

The Australian's think the world gives a f**k about swimming.

Most countries do it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on March 20, 2011, 12:03:48 PM
I didn't understand that motm award. If ever there was a no brainer award, it was for O'Driscoll's performance. If ever a captain rose to highest standards of inspiration, skill and graft,  it was all appropriately encapsulated in O'Driscoll's game yesterday.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on March 20, 2011, 12:13:10 PM
what a match, what a performance!  It was threatening to happening for a good while, with playing in fits and bursts...  They bossed the breakdown, had far fewer errors, a lower penalty count and lorded it in the scrum - a fine day's work by any standard..

You really couldn't get tired of beating that shower either! ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 20, 2011, 01:16:25 PM
Great result great performance but in one off games Ireland have always historically been able to produce the annoying part for me is how we have dropped off in consistency of performance. Highlighted by our best performance following our worst. I think we need a change on the coaching ticket, I'd remove Gaffney and bring in in Schmidt as our attack coach in a consultancy role. World Cup squad will be interesting and thee of Kearney, Trimble, Fitzgerald, McFadden and G Murphy could miss out...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Aerlik on March 20, 2011, 01:31:22 PM
Quote from: Gold on March 20, 2011, 11:13:41 AM

True, he looks and acts like someone who back in the day would've been one of the one's burning us out, killin our kids, takin our land or else been above in Scotland, chasin after William Wallace!

Earlier than that, don't you think?  He looks like one chromosome away from feckin neanderthal
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on March 20, 2011, 01:49:57 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 20, 2011, 01:16:25 PM
World Cup squad will be interesting and thee of Kearney, Trimble, Fitzgerald, McFadden and G Murphy could miss out...
and Paddy Wallace gets picked over them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on March 20, 2011, 01:57:20 PM
Doesn't take long for the cup to be half empty.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on March 20, 2011, 02:06:33 PM
Quote from: Main Street on March 20, 2011, 01:57:20 PM
Doesn't take long for the cup to be half empty.

Ahh but in fairness the likes of McFadden can cover every position from 10 to 15 and he isn't on the bench.  Wallace can cover 12 or 10 but O'Gara is on the bench - it didn't make a lick of sense.

Have to say Trimble's selection certainly raised my eyebrow but he had a heck of a game - gives a physical presence and didn't waste the ball yesterday at all

Any word on Murphy's injury?  And Kearney for that matter too?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on March 20, 2011, 03:31:13 PM
Kearney isnt going to miss out.

My world cup squad today is. Assuming 5 props 3 hookers and 3 scrum halves

props
Ross
Healy
Buckley
Court
Horan/Hayes/?
Hookers
Best
Flannery
Cronin
Second row
O connell
O Callaghan
Cullen
Donacha Ryan- can play both second row and number 6 to a decent level. Maybe the only player who can do it.
Back Row
Heaslip
Ferris
O Brien
Leamy
Wallace

Scrum halves
O Leary
Reddan
Boss - No Stringer in this squad game. In a squeeze both Boss and O Leary could stand on the wing Stringer who I dont fancy as a starting scrum half can not.
Out half
Sexton
O Gara

centres
Darcy
O Driscoll
Wallace - third outhalf
Back 3
Kearney
Bowe
Earls
Fitzgerald
Murphy

Very unlucky to miss out

Toner

McFadden - can he play fly half
Trimble
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on March 20, 2011, 04:09:34 PM
I thought Trimble looked alright out there, is he not good enough to make the squad?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on March 20, 2011, 04:31:33 PM
Quote from: Main Street on March 20, 2011, 04:09:34 PM
I thought Trimble looked alright out there, is he not good enough to make the squad?

Trimble will definitely be in the WC squad. As yesterday showed there is always a place for a big physical wing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 20, 2011, 04:35:53 PM
Trimble was excellent yesterday. He's much better in the centre than on the wing too.

He gets put down a lot but always forces his way back into a squad.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on March 20, 2011, 05:15:24 PM
I like Trimble but I like other players more.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on March 20, 2011, 06:24:07 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on March 20, 2011, 03:31:13 PM
Very unlucky to miss out

Toner

McFadden - can he play fly half
Trimble

Trimble will be there I reckon anyway and I'm nearly 100% sure that McFadden played out-half for Ireland A in the Churchill Cup win in '09 - perhaps Player of the Tournament as well???
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on March 20, 2011, 07:05:58 PM
Maybe we only need 4 props which gives us an extra back to choose. The 2007 squad had only 4 props 3 scrum halves and 3 hookers.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on March 20, 2011, 07:16:17 PM
Seeing as you can replace injured players at anytime, there isn't any real need for an abundance of cover for specialist positions.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Declan on March 21, 2011, 08:27:46 AM
Impressive stuff but one performances are no good. It's consistency that makes teams great. O'Driscoll is a once off and I hope everyone appeciates him while we still have him cos we'll not see his like again.

Has anyone ever heard Johnson speak about that red carpet incident? This pantomime villian stuff is tiresome and any time I've heard him talk I've been impressed with him 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: stephenite on March 21, 2011, 08:34:46 AM
I read an interview somewhere last week where Johnson said it wasn't about being disrespectful it was about not backing down and setting the tone for the game, not giving an inch etc.
I don't mind him-he seems an intelligent, focused guy who's sole aim is to win. His comments remind of McGeeney somewhat
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 21, 2011, 09:33:05 AM
I also like Martin Johnson but I always like hard-nosed straight talkers, Shaun Edwards is another coach I'd have great time for.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on March 21, 2011, 10:47:00 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 21, 2011, 09:33:05 AM
I also like Martin Johnson but I always like hard-nosed straight talkers, Shaun Edwards is another coach I'd have great time for.

Hateful hoor, but you'd have him in your team all the same.

what's the story with Edwards and Wales, was he suspended or something, ditto the French lad, Traille?? Did he have a box at a coach or something?

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Brick Tamlin on March 21, 2011, 11:09:48 AM
Great win for ireland, should have won by more and really rubbed their noses in it.
That win fairly put the 'Divin Swallow' shite out of Ashton and co...was it him too that was having verbals with sexton over an early conversion attempt?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 21, 2011, 11:24:08 AM
Love this... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNzpBJzCOGI&feature=player_embedded (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNzpBJzCOGI&feature=player_embedded)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on March 21, 2011, 11:45:41 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 21, 2011, 11:24:08 AM
Love this...

In what way?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 21, 2011, 11:47:46 AM
Sorry, I should have said 'I love this'.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Declan on March 21, 2011, 12:12:27 PM
Quotewhat's the story with Edwards and Wales, was he suspended or something,

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/six-nations/other-news/wales-assistant-coach-suspended-over-irish-folk-song-bustup-2587740.html (http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/six-nations/other-news/wales-assistant-coach-suspended-over-irish-folk-song-bustup-2587740.html)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: DuffleKing on March 21, 2011, 12:34:29 PM
Quote from: Declan on March 21, 2011, 12:12:27 PM
Quotewhat's the story with Edwards and Wales, was he suspended or something,

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/six-nations/other-news/wales-assistant-coach-suspended-over-irish-folk-song-bustup-2587740.html (http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/six-nations/other-news/wales-assistant-coach-suspended-over-irish-folk-song-bustup-2587740.html)

That is odd stuff. Connolly is from Monaghan, right?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on March 21, 2011, 01:27:33 PM
Quote from: DuffleKing on March 21, 2011, 12:34:29 PM
Quote from: Declan on March 21, 2011, 12:12:27 PM
Quotewhat's the story with Edwards and Wales, was he suspended or something,

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/six-nations/other-news/wales-assistant-coach-suspended-over-irish-folk-song-bustup-2587740.html (http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/six-nations/other-news/wales-assistant-coach-suspended-over-irish-folk-song-bustup-2587740.html)

That is odd stuff. Connolly is from Monaghan, right?

Edwards must have taken exception to a rousing rendition of Sean South from Garryowen.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 21, 2011, 02:45:57 PM
Quote from: Brick Tamlin on March 21, 2011, 11:09:48 AM
Great win for ireland, should have won by more and really rubbed their noses in it.
That win fairly put the 'Divin Swallow' shite out of Ashton and co...was it him too that was having verbals with sexton over an early conversion attempt?

I wondered about this as well at first, but having watched it again, it was apparent that as soon a he realised that kick was going over, Sexton stood there, pointed at him with his arm outstretched and said something. The camera cut to them running out and Ashton snarling back at him.

There was a great bit in the ruck that followed that high tackle. O'Brien tossed someone, Wood maybe, out of the way (not a spear as he didn't drive him into the ground) and stood there protecting the ball. Youngs came flying at him from behind the English players. O'Brien tensed his shoulder and stuck out a forearm and Youngs went crashing backwards. Raised forearm was probably illegal, but so was Horgan on Strettle years ago and I enjoyed that one too!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: passedit on March 21, 2011, 03:54:16 PM
That was my first visit to the 'Aviva' and whilst I obviously enjoyed the result, I was none too impressed with the new stadium. toilet facilities were a disaster in the south stand, the concourse was way too narrow and as for the walkway under the DART, well thon's an accident waiting to happen if I ever saw one.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on March 29, 2011, 07:01:32 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-12892601 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-12892601)

Ben Foden arrested in criminal damage inquiry

Foden has won 15 caps for England
England rugby player Ben Foden has been arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ludermor on March 29, 2011, 07:11:05 PM
Jasus Muppet you have turned into an awful gossip.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on April 03, 2011, 03:09:13 PM
http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2011/0403/oconnellp_munster.html (http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2011/0403/oconnellp_munster.html)

O'Connell likely to miss remainder of season

Sunday, 3 April 2011 13:36
Paul O'Connell is unlikely to play for Munster again this season as a result of the ankle injury picked up during the province's win over Leinster at Thomond Park on Saturday night.

O'Connell was withdrawn six minutes into the second half against Leinster, after landing badly from a line-out.

The captain has not suffered a break, but doctors have to wait for bad swelling to reduce before a final examination is possible.

It appears likely that O'Connell has either snapped his Achilles tendon or damaged his ankle ligaments. The Munster captain will travel to Dublin on Monday for further medical examination.

Munster will face Brive away in the quarter-finals of the Amlin Challenge Cup next Saturday afternoon, a game O'Connell is sure to miss. Mick O'Driscoll is likely to deputise in the second row.

If he has snapped his Achilles he would probably miss the World Cup at the very least. Hopefully not that bad.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on April 13, 2011, 01:54:30 PM
Alan Quinlan has announced he will retire at the end of the season.

Always thought he was criminally under utilised by successive Irish managements (likewise Trevor Brennan and Bob Casey). He was very unfortunate to pick up the shoulder injury in the 2003 World Cup but O'Sullivan always favoured Simon Easterby over him when he was fit. He was past his peak by the time Kidney took over. Ireland's loss was Munster's gain.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on April 13, 2011, 01:59:07 PM
Quinlan was excellent for Munster but lacked pace and intelligence for the international game. Easterby was streets ahead of him and it was an easy selection for EOS.

Quinlan though will go well in the media or coaching, very good speaker and motivator.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on April 24, 2011, 04:12:36 PM
Aussie wing Drew Mitchell is out of the world cup after doing his cruciate ligament while playing for the Waratahs. He was in good form this season as well. He was Australias version of Cueto, not as good as Ashton but we will not have to worry about him now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on April 24, 2011, 04:16:51 PM
From watching several Leinster games recently, would Shane Horgan not be worth his place in Kidney's WC squad ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on April 24, 2011, 06:46:37 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on April 24, 2011, 04:16:51 PM
From watching several Leinster games recently, would Shane Horgan not be worth his place in Kidney's WC squad ?

Yes I have always liked Horgan. He can play in the centre and on the wing. Heis big and experienced and is as good as ever. The trouble is who does he replace?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on April 24, 2011, 07:02:15 PM
He can't play in the centre.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on April 24, 2011, 08:50:16 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on April 24, 2011, 06:46:37 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on April 24, 2011, 04:16:51 PM
From watching several Leinster games recently, would Shane Horgan not be worth his place in Kidney's WC squad ?

Yes I have always liked Horgan. He can play in the centre and on the wing. Heis big and experienced and is as good as ever. The trouble is who does he replace?

he probably wouldnt replace anyone on the starting XV, but he would be a good man to come on
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on April 24, 2011, 10:30:41 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on April 24, 2011, 07:02:15 PM
He can't play in the centre.

He can try and god lives a trier. Players like Horgan need to be versatile if they are going to make the world cup squad and if he cant't play centre he probably won't make it. Would you bring him along Dinny?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on April 25, 2011, 09:54:21 AM
He's the form winger in Ireland, so definitely. He however cannot play centre, you would only bring him to play and not for squad cover. Fitzgerald is looking like he'll miss out.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on April 26, 2011, 12:10:06 PM
Gerry Thornly has named his WC Squad in the IT this morning, I have noticed Gerry has sadly become just a mouth piece for the IRFU. Only injuries will change this squad

BACKS (Back five, 5) – Earls, Bowe, Trimble, Fitzgerald, Kearney. (Midfield, 3) – O'Driscoll, D'Arcy, P Wallace. (Outhalves, 2) – Sexton, O'Gara. (Scrumhalves, 3) – Reddan, O'Leary, Stringer.

FORWARDS (Hookers, 3) Best, Cronin, Flannery. (Props, 5) Healy, Ross, Court, Horan, Buckley. (Locks, 3) – O'Connell, O'Callaghan, Cullen. (Backrow, 6) – Heaslip, D Wallace, O'Brien, Ferris, Leamy, McLaughlin.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on April 26, 2011, 05:33:08 PM
He must have got that straight from Kidney. That is the squad Kidney would pick tomorrow. Maybe not Horan but the rest are Kidneys current favourites.

I would take Geordan Murphy instead of Trimble or Fitzgerald. I think he is a genuine class act and has delivered on his potential unlike Fitzgerald.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ballinaman on April 27, 2011, 06:13:54 PM
This has to be a joke....


http://www.espnscrum.com/scrum/rugby/story/138937.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Overthebar! on April 30, 2011, 02:34:51 PM
Munster getting no luck against Harlequins here today. should be an interesting last 15 mins or so.
Looking forward to the Leinster game afterwards. be good to see them do it!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on April 30, 2011, 05:10:39 PM
This Leinster match is absolutely fantastic!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on April 30, 2011, 05:23:16 PM
Hopefully the myth that we need O'Gara to kick points for Ireland has been put to bed. Sexton flawless today!

Some game and a lot of plus points for Ireland and Leinster. Heaslip, O'Brien, Ross and Healy were all immense! Well played Leinster and best of luck to themin the final ... would like to see them beat Northampton as I hate that clown Ashton and would love to see him steamrollered!

Also is it possible we saw Kidneys replacement earlier today? O'Shea seems to have his head screwed on and definitely did a number on Munster today!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CiKe on April 30, 2011, 05:49:11 PM
Quote from: screenexile on April 30, 2011, 05:23:16 PM
Hopefully the myth that we need O'Gara to kick points for Ireland has been put to bed. Sexton flawless today!

Some game and a lot of plus points for Ireland and Leinster. Heaslip, O'Brien, Ross and Healy were all immense! Well played Leinster and best of luck to themin the final ... would like to see them beat Northampton as I hate that clown Ashton and would love to see him steamrollered!

Also is it possible we saw Kidneys replacement earlier today? O'Shea seems to have his head screwed on and definitely did a number on Munster today!!

Was having this discussion in the pub, thought McGahan's replacement perhaps myself - and maybe Schmidt for Kidney!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Shamrock Shore on April 30, 2011, 06:06:33 PM
Great game! Gripping and exciting. Leinster will be hard beaten in final.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on April 30, 2011, 09:34:31 PM
Have had my seat booked for 2011 H Cup Final 11 months ago, 3rd final in 4 years ( have seen Munster + Leinster victories so far ). Hope my lucky omen continues.

Agree with you screenexile, hope that bollix Ashton fucks up a swallow dive, and i never thought about O'Shea until you mentioned it, great spot, would be worth considering. I wonder if any of them quins have Irish blood, they are a good outfit.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Overthebar! on April 30, 2011, 10:42:51 PM
few of the experts reckon that is munster done now? what do yous reckon? quins were very impressive today. game plan was spot on too

Really enjoyed the leinster game, was just another level. today would have done sextons confidence wonders, almost flawless game. Heaslips turnover at the end was immense as was his whole game. everyone played well in fairness and to think they won without BOD for ten mins. hopefully they can win the thing!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on June 01, 2011, 11:37:17 AM
Quote from: Overthebar! on April 30, 2011, 10:42:51 PM
few of the experts reckon that is munster done now? what do yous reckon? quins were very impressive today. game plan was spot on too

Really enjoyed the leinster game, was just another level. today would have done sextons confidence wonders, almost flawless game. Heaslips turnover at the end was immense as was his whole game. everyone played well in fairness and to think they won without BOD for ten mins. hopefully they can win the thing!

The old Munster team is done but there is a new one emerging. They are in transition.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on June 01, 2011, 11:52:49 AM
On to another Munster player that I hadn't really heard of before. Tommy Hayes brother of John Hayes plays for Exeter Chiefs in the Aviva premiership. He was player of the month in November. He is the captain of Exeter and was made captain of ESPNs premiership team of the season. That team was picked by Austin Healy and Ben Kay. Kay was a second row and would know what he is talking about.

I caught a few glimpses of him on youtube, not enough there to say too much but just pick up enough info about him to think he could be a dark horse to make the Irish world cup squad. While not huge for a second row at 17 stone and 6ft 4 inches he has some pace and maybe could contend for the fourth second row spot with a possiblity of playing blind side as well.

It is quite an achievement to get on a team of the season as a second row in England with all the players they have at that position.

Another player playing for Exeter is ulster man Garret Steenson at fly half. I also saw him listed on a different team of the season with Hayes. He might deserve some consideration as well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on June 01, 2011, 03:25:08 PM
Bump before it goes off the front page
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on June 01, 2011, 03:50:11 PM
Doubt Hayes will get a look in - let's be honest as a general rule he is playing in the wrong country to be considered
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on June 01, 2011, 05:04:43 PM
That is true but I think Kidney will be selecting a big squad to prepare for the world cup so he will have a large enough squad to begin with. He can include a lot of fringe players. Or is he doing what the French did and announcing the 30 early.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on June 01, 2011, 05:12:31 PM
Well in fairness there are a few lads who still deserve a good look... Fionn Carr would be top of that list in my opinion
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ardtole on June 01, 2011, 05:20:21 PM
How did Connacht qualify for the heineken cup next year, I thought Ireland was only entitled to 3 entrants and these were picked on the league positions in the magners league.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ludermor on June 01, 2011, 05:31:18 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on June 01, 2011, 03:50:11 PM
Doubt Hayes will get a look in - let's be honest as a general rule he is playing in the wrong country to be considered
I would be amazed if he got even a mention, look at the chance Casey has been given the last few years!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on June 01, 2011, 05:39:10 PM
Quote from: ardtole on June 01, 2011, 05:20:21 PM
How did Connacht qualify for the heineken cup next year, I thought Ireland was only entitled to 3 entrants and these were picked on the league positions in the magners league.

I presume it's because there is a place reserved in the Heinken Cup for the winners of the previous year so Leinster are in on that basis and don't need to take up the place they receive from Magners' League Qualification.  So there is a spare place going for an Irish team....

Same would have happened if Munster had of won the Challenge Cup.

Can anyone correct me on that??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on June 01, 2011, 05:42:38 PM
Quote from: ardtole on June 01, 2011, 05:20:21 PM
How did Connacht qualify for the heineken cup next year, I thought Ireland was only entitled to 3 entrants and these were picked on the league positions in the magners league.

Leinster winning the Heineken cup gave an extra spot to the Magners League or Ireland. I am not sure which but either way Connacht got the spot. Stade Francais missed out on the spot that went to Connacht. They are now close to bankriptcy.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on June 01, 2011, 06:03:21 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on June 01, 2011, 05:39:10 PM
Quote from: ardtole on June 01, 2011, 05:20:21 PM
How did Connacht qualify for the heineken cup next year, I thought Ireland was only entitled to 3 entrants and these were picked on the league positions in the magners league.

I presume it's because there is a place reserved in the Heinken Cup for the winners of the previous year so Leinster are in on that basis and don't need to take up the place they receive from Magners' League Qualification.  So there is a spare place going for an Irish team....

Same would have happened if Munster had of won the Challenge Cup.

Can anyone correct me on that??

You are correct.

Tom Hayes is actually a converted 2nd row from number 8. Good player but not international class imho.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on June 01, 2011, 06:41:01 PM
He can cover the back row as well then. I think he is what you call a late bloomer, I would be taking a look at him before the world cup if I was Kidney.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on June 01, 2011, 08:00:47 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 01, 2011, 06:41:01 PM
He can cover the back row as well then. I think he is what you call a late bloomer, I would be taking a look at him before the world cup if I was Kidney.

If it wasn't WC year their would be merit in that but the World Cup squad will have a core 25 players already picked, these guys will be on specific conditioning programs for the last year with the WC in mind, very little room for bolters. Don't be surprised if Conor Murray, by far the form scrum-half in Ireland doesn't even make warm-up International squad.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ardtole on June 03, 2011, 09:39:07 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 01, 2011, 06:03:21 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on June 01, 2011, 05:39:10 PM
Quote from: ardtole on June 01, 2011, 05:20:21 PM
How did Connacht qualify for the heineken cup next year, I thought Ireland was only entitled to 3 entrants and these were picked on the league positions in the magners league.

I presume it's because there is a place reserved in the Heinken Cup for the winners of the previous year so Leinster are in on that basis and don't need to take up the place they receive from Magners' League Qualification.  So there is a spare place going for an Irish team....

Same would have happened if Munster had of won the Challenge Cup.

Can anyone correct me on that??

You are correct.

Tom Hayes is actually a converted 2nd row from number 8. Good player but not international class imho.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ardtole on June 03, 2011, 09:40:41 PM
Quote from: ardtole on June 03, 2011, 09:39:07 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 01, 2011, 06:03:21 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on June 01, 2011, 05:39:10 PM
Quote from: ardtole on June 01, 2011, 05:20:21 PM
How did Connacht qualify for the heineken cup next year, I thought Ireland was only entitled to 3 entrants and these were picked on the league positions in the magners league.

I presume it's because there is a place reserved in the Heinken Cup for the winners of the previous year so Leinster are in on that basis and don't need to take up the place they receive from Magners' League Qualification.  So there is a spare place going for an Irish team....


Why didnt they get in before when leinster and munster won the heineken cup before
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on August 20, 2011, 06:21:09 PM
Some bad mistakes from Ireland in this game. O Leary and Earls have made a few. I am more annoyed with O Learys kick setting up the drop goal than the interception try. At 26-8 down and under pressure it was unrerstandable that he tried to force the pass. That kick should have been down the sideline and into open country for Earls to chase.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on August 20, 2011, 06:25:13 PM
O'Leary and Earls have been terrible. Between them I think they've been directly responsible for 16 French points. Maybe they don't fancy the long flight down under.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on November 04, 2011, 08:37:12 PM
Leinster v Munster in the Aviva on TG4 now if anyone's interested

Keith earls carried off after 30 seconds !!

5-3 to Sexton v O'Gara - almost HT

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 04, 2011, 09:41:10 PM
Leinster win 24-19. Banal stuff.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Declan on November 05, 2011, 02:16:27 PM
QuoteBanal stuff

Brutal not Banal!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 07, 2011, 03:30:05 PM
http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/rugby/2011/1107/1224307195139.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter (http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/rugby/2011/1107/1224307195139.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter)

Brian O'Driscoll out for 6 months.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 07, 2011, 05:27:12 PM
Well at least he got the world cup out of it. I will be glad to have him back at the top of his game for as long as possible. However on the plus side the timing is right to bring somebody else into the outside centre position at national level and maybe more importantly at Leinster where they have the players McFadden, Fitzgerald, macken and Conway who might be good at the position.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 07, 2011, 05:27:59 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on November 07, 2011, 05:27:12 PM
Well at least he got the world cup out of it. I will be glad to have him back at the top of his game for as long as possible. However on the plus side the timing is right to bring somebody else into the outside centre position at national level and maybe more importantly at Leinster where they have the players McFadden, Fitzgerald, macken and Conway who might be good at the position.

O'Malley?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 07, 2011, 05:49:23 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 07, 2011, 05:27:59 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on November 07, 2011, 05:27:12 PM
Well at least he got the world cup out of it. I will be glad to have him back at the top of his game for as long as possible. However on the plus side the timing is right to bring somebody else into the outside centre position at national level and maybe more importantly at Leinster where they have the players McFadden, Fitzgerald, macken and Conway who might be good at the position.

O'Malley?

I suppose so but he is certainly no ODriscoll. I wonder if O Malley might be better at inside centre.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on November 07, 2011, 05:57:18 PM
Was wondering if this injury is a by-product of the spear tackle some years ago from them NZ tramps?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 26, 2011, 10:03:09 PM
Watching Munster tonight Archer at tight head has been good enough and Zebon on the wing has the athleticism to make an impact and has looked like breaking away from the pack at times tonight.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on November 26, 2011, 10:15:12 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on November 26, 2011, 10:03:09 PM
Watching Munster tonight Archer at tight head has been good enough and Zebon on the wing has the athleticism to make an impact and has looked like breaking away from the pack at times tonight.

is the magners league a bit of a joke ? they all had to play without their World cup players, then they had the H Cup, now they play players that no one ever heard of !! When does this comp become serious ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 26, 2011, 10:43:07 PM
In about 10 years. It is still a relatively new competition but is becoming more competitive.

Some of the so called unknowns were quite impressive tonight.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 26, 2011, 10:45:46 PM
Trouble down 't pit

Sir, – It is over. I have to say goodbye. No more will I admire Paul O'Connell flying through the air to secure the ball. No more shouting at Doug Howlett or Keith as they race up the pitch to score. No more will I see Peter Stringer hand-tapping a larger player or Sean O Brien once more crossing the gain line. It is sad. I feel like shedding a tear.
My TV will be silent in future mainly because the highlights will be shown on TG4 instead of RTÉ 2. I have tried everything, including turning off the commentary in Irish which grates on the nerves and spoils our enjoyment of the game. Sky Sports is very expensive.
After 45 years of watching the game and five years playing, I cannot watch rugby any more. Instead I will have to take up push penny, knitting or tiddlywinks as a hobby. Goodbye lads, I will miss you, but I wish you all the best in the Heineken Cup. I will be with you in spirit, if not in person. I thank you for many hours of enjoyment before this catastrophe befell us. Thank you very much TG4. – Yours, etc,
JOHN GLYNN,
Orwell Park,
Dublin 14.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: cicfada on November 26, 2011, 10:51:12 PM
What  an idiot!!  Giving up watching rugby because  he can't understand the Irish on the TG4 coverage! Good luck to you too pal!! I am sure rugby misses your loyalty down the years!!
Title: B'fhéidir
Post by: drici on November 26, 2011, 10:58:08 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 26, 2011, 10:45:46 PM
Trouble down 't pit

Sir, – It is over. I have to say goodbye. No more will I admire Paul O'Connell flying through the air to secure the ball. No more shouting at Doug Howlett or Keith as they race up the pitch to score. No more will I see Peter Stringer hand-tapping a larger player or Sean O Brien once more crossing the gain line. It is sad. I feel like shedding a tear.
My TV will be silent in future mainly because the highlights will be shown on TG4 instead of RTÉ 2. I have tried everything, including turning off the commentary in Irish which grates on the nerves and spoils our enjoyment of the game. Sky Sports is very expensive.
After 45 years of watching the game and five years playing, I cannot watch rugby any more. Instead I will have to take up push penny, knitting or tiddlywinks as a hobby. Goodbye lads, I will miss you, but I wish you all the best in the Heineken Cup. I will be with you in spirit, if not in person. I thank you for many hours of enjoyment before this catastrophe befell us. Thank you very much TG4. – Yours, etc,
JOHN GLYNN,
Orwell Park,
Dublin 14.


John Glynn is a middle-aged, unhealthy character, based loosely on Orwell's own frail body, an underling of the ruling oligarchy, The Party. The Party has taken early 20th century totalitarianism to new depths, with each person subjected to 24 hour surveillance, where people's very thoughts are controlled to ensure purity of the oligarchical system in place. Figurehead of the system is the omnipresent and omnipotent Big Brother.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on November 26, 2011, 11:03:47 PM
Ospreys v Munster is live on RTE next Sat evening, you might want to re think your position
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thejuice on November 27, 2011, 12:10:54 AM
Always thought it was Múnha not Cúige Mumhan, but there you go. TG4 know more than I do.

Was at the Barbarians Vs Australia game. Pure shite but a good day drinking
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 27, 2011, 11:03:55 AM
I hope you didn't pay 100 quid for a ticket to a game like that. It better have been a complimentart ticket. No point paying to see a non contest.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thejuice on November 27, 2011, 01:51:38 PM
ticket was free thank god
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on November 27, 2011, 01:52:53 PM
are you for the "Help for Heroes" match next Saturday ? It' s for a good cause  :)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thejuice on November 27, 2011, 01:59:41 PM
I'm afraid not.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 28, 2011, 04:50:44 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on November 26, 2011, 10:15:12 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on November 26, 2011, 10:03:09 PM
Watching Munster tonight Archer at tight head has been good enough and Zebon on the wing has the athleticism to make an impact and has looked like breaking away from the pack at times tonight.

is the magners league a bit of a joke ? they all had to play without their World cup players, then they had the H Cup, now they play players that no one ever heard of !! When does this comp become serious ?

It's important for development purposes. Leinster have been very good at this in the past. Munster used to play the old guys, now they are starting to blood newbies as well. I was inside there on Saturday, and it was good to see a young Munster team playing decent stuff. They made a lot of mistakes, but the scrum was solid, they turned ball over, and scored a few nice tries. Good to see Luke O'Dea and Simon Zebo (not Zebon) scoring too. Chambers tried to do the fancy stuff too often, but overall I was happy with the performance and the result.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 29, 2011, 12:21:18 AM
That was a typing mistake on the spelling of Zebo. I think he should be included on the wing against the Scarlets in the heino. He would match up well with opposite George North.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on March 21, 2012, 04:08:08 PM
On the cards but still sad to hear...

Flannery retires from rugby, O'Leary set to move to London Irish at end of season

Munster and Ireland hooker Jerry Flannery has announced his retirement from all rugby with immediate effect, while Tomás O'Leary is to leave the province for the Aviva Premiership club London Irish.

Grand Slam and two-time Heineken Cup winner Flannery announced the decision before Munster training at the University of Limerick this morning.

O'Leary, who was recently linked with French Top 14 club Perpignan, is to join London Irish on a three-year deal at the end of the season.

Conor Murray has been the number one scrum-half at Munster this season, while Duncan Williams recently signed a contract extension with Munster and Peter Stringer is due to return in May.

Despite missing out on selection in Ireland's last Rugby World Cup squad, O'Leary was called up for the final two games in the RBS 6 Nations by head coach Declan Kidney after an injury to Murray.

He had 30-minute appearances off the bench in the win over Scotland and last Saturday's heavy defeat to England.

Flannery's announcement brings an end to a highly decorated and successful career.

Capped 41 times by Ireland, the 33-year-old was a member of the Rugby World Cup squad that travelled to New Zealand five months ago but had to return home after a calf injury flared up.

The has troubled the player for two years. He rehabilitated from that but has struggled with a back problem this season.

Known for his superb lineout throw and ball-carrying, the St Munchin's graduate and Shannon clubman joined Connacht in 2001 before moving to Munster in 2003.

He played in four of the five matches when Ireland won the RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam in 2009 and was also a key player in Munster's Heineken Cup victories in 2006 and 2008.

He also won the Triple Crown with Ireland in 2006, was a member of Ireland's 2007 Rugby World Cup squad and toured South Africa with the Lions in 2009.

He was also an influential member of Shannon's 2002 All-Ireland League winning side. He is the owner of a pub in Limerick.

Flannery told munsterrugby.ie: "I'm very sad to have to announce my immediate retirement from rugby due to injury. Since my injury at the 2011 World Cup, I've struggled to regain the level of fitness required to play at this level and after consulting with the medical staff at Munster and at Ireland I am announcing my retirement with immediate effect.

"I would like to thank all the medical staff who have worked so hard on my behalf and shown great patience in dealing with me. I feel incredibly privileged to have played with so many great players with Munster and with Ireland.

To train hard and win trophies for Munster and Ireland alongside some of my best friends has been an amazing experience.

"I'm incredibly grateful for all the opportunities rugby has given me to date and I would like to thank all my friends, family, coaches and teammates for their support along the way.

"Finally I would like to thank all the Munster and Irish rugby fans who I have been so proud to represent over the the course of my career, your level of support has been amazing and i can never thank you all enough. It's been emotional!"

Commenting on Flannery's decision, Munster Chief Executive Garrett Fitzgerald said: "I have known Jerry since his time playing rugby with St Munchin's. At that stage, he was identified as a future Munster and Ireland player and he has delivered in no uncertain manner.

"His attitude and approach always meant that he was destined for success as was proven with his selection for the Lions in 2009, his contribution to Ireland's 2009 Grand Slam success and winning two Heineken Cup medals with Munster.

"An example to all young players in what hard work and dedication can achieve and more so in how he has remained positive through adversity when it would have been easy to seek pity.

"I know he will continue to contribute to rugby in Munster and I wish him well in his future career and business."

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 21, 2012, 04:13:40 PM
It is sad to hear, and he's had a dog time with injuries. He was a lad that got a lot of joint and muscle type injuries and I always thought (even though Sports Scientists will probably shoot me for saying it) that his body was just not strong enough to take the muscle that he was putting on, and the type of collisions he was in. He had a huge muscle mass, but I think his wiring, his ligaments, tendons, cartilage, bones etc were not at the same physiological level.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 21, 2012, 04:56:17 PM
Remember him from his Galwegians days, had a mate there and we couldn't believe the amount of extra training he did (hours spent throwing at the goal-post whilst lying on his back). His commitment and attitude was brilliant, a great servant and a testament to hard work and never been afraid to put his body on the line..



His hair was very important to him though... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32YCTsKKljE)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on March 21, 2012, 05:19:38 PM
Great thrower, best technique of any no.2 iv'e seen. Heard he was great craic too, more so than any of the other rugby lads who were all a bit serious.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_ixoDI7Lfk (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_ixoDI7Lfk)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HsleEP7p4A (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HsleEP7p4A)

Two of his greatest moments.  ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: orangeman on March 21, 2012, 11:17:23 PM
Flannery was one scary boy. I'd have hated to be in a scrum with him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on March 22, 2012, 03:24:34 PM
Quote from: orangeman on March 21, 2012, 11:17:23 PM
Flannery was one scary boy. I'd have hated to be in a scrum with him.

Sad to see anyone overcome by injury, but it seems all too common in the world of professional rugby.

He took up the mantle of the slightly mad hooker image from Keith Wood, but a better line out thrower.

I wonder if London Irish are wondering about their new signing after Saturdays debacle??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on March 27, 2012, 04:42:08 PM
Dirty bastard...  Not long enough

England's Dylan Hartley has been banned for eight weeks after been found guilty of biting Ireland's Stephen Ferris at Twickenham

England's Dylan Hartley has been suspended for eight weeks after he was cited for biting the finger of flanker Stephen Ferris during the 30-9 RBS 6 Nations victory over Ireland on St Patrick's Day.

The Northampton hooker was found guilty of committing an act "contrary to good sportsmanship", following a formal complaint by Ferris.

A statement released from the IRB confirmed the ban, stating: "Dylan Hartley, England Hooker, was today suspended for 8 weeks for biting an opponent contrary to IRB Law 10.4(m) "acts contrary to good sportsmanship."

Hartley will be available for England's summer tour to South Africa after the disciplinary hearing suspended him for eight weeks.

The Six Nations hearing upheld the citing and issued a ban that will force him to miss the remainder of Northampton's season but enable him to play in the first Test against the Springboks on 9 June.

The statement continued: "The Disciplinary Committee considered the available evidence before them and listened to the player, his legal representative, as well as Jim Mallinder (Director of Rugby, Northampton) and Graham Rowntree (Forwards Coach, England). The Disciplinary Committee also listened to the evidence of Stephen Ferris by video link.

"The Disciplinary Committee, in upholding the citing for foul play, decided that the offence merited a low entry point in the IRB's table of sanctions and allowed mitigation of four weeks.

"Dylan Hartley's period of suspension ends on 13 May 2012, and he is free to play on 14 May 2012. He has the right of appeal."

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Denn Forever on March 27, 2012, 05:14:25 PM
Would this not be classed as "the dark arts of the front row" that was eulogised in times passed?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 27, 2012, 05:14:39 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on March 27, 2012, 04:42:08 PM
Dirty b**tard...  Not long enough

England's Dylan Hartley has been banned for eight weeks after been found guilty of biting Ireland's Stephen Ferris at Twickenham

England's Dylan Hartley has been suspended for eight weeks after he was cited for biting the finger of flanker Stephen Ferris during the 30-9 RBS 6 Nations victory over Ireland on St Patrick's Day.

The Northampton hooker was found guilty of committing an act "contrary to good sportsmanship", following a formal complaint by Ferris.

A statement released from the IRB confirmed the ban, stating: "Dylan Hartley, England Hooker, was today suspended for 8 weeks for biting an opponent contrary to IRB Law 10.4(m) "acts contrary to good sportsmanship."

Hartley will be available for England's summer tour to South Africa after the disciplinary hearing suspended him for eight weeks.

The Six Nations hearing upheld the citing and issued a ban that will force him to miss the remainder of Northampton's season but enable him to play in the first Test against the Springboks on 9 June.

The statement continued: "The Disciplinary Committee considered the available evidence before them and listened to the player, his legal representative, as well as Jim Mallinder (Director of Rugby, Northampton) and Graham Rowntree (Forwards Coach, England). The Disciplinary Committee also listened to the evidence of Stephen Ferris by video link.

"The Disciplinary Committee, in upholding the citing for foul play, decided that the offence merited a low entry point in the IRB's table of sanctions and allowed mitigation of four weeks.

"Dylan Hartley's period of suspension ends on 13 May 2012, and he is free to play on 14 May 2012. He has the right of appeal."



What a sc**bag! How can this only be 8 weeks? Surely biting should carry a lengthier ban than that it's one of the lowest things somebody can do and highly dangerous!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on March 27, 2012, 06:33:10 PM
I don't usually subscribe to the persecution complex but can you imagine the media hoopla if this had happened on a GAA pitch? Joe Duffy's lines would be in meltdown, The Irish Times letters page would be overflowing into Social and Personal and Presbyterian Notes and Ryan Tubridy would be asking his guest to comment on it randomly in the middle of their dissertations on the X Factor.

Never mind - more fuel for the pub debates the next time Galvin pulls someone's hair or the like.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Declan on March 27, 2012, 06:58:38 PM
QuoteI don't usually subscribe to the persecution complex but can you imagine the media hoopla if this had happened on a GAA pitch

Exactly what I was thinking - An English mate of mine says Hartley is actually a Kiwi??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ludermor on March 27, 2012, 07:28:39 PM
According to Wiki he moved from NZ when he was 14.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 28, 2012, 12:28:37 PM
Quote from: Hardy on March 27, 2012, 06:33:10 PM
I don't usually subscribe to the persecution complex but can you imagine the media hoopla if this had happened on a GAA pitch? Joe Duffy's lines would be in meltdown, The Irish Times letters page would be overflowing into Social and Personal and Presbyterian Notes and Ryan Tubridy would be asking his guest to comment on it randomly in the middle of their dissertations on the X Factor.

Never mind - more fuel for the pub debates the next time Galvin pulls someone's hair or the like.

Hardy, let me tell about a worse case. Eoin Collins a former Leinster development officer played an AIL game for Boyne(Drogheda) Rugby Club against Highfield (Cork) Rugby Club just after Christmas and after an incident in a maul where Eoin was allegedly gouged he lost the sight in one of his eyes. Boyne tried to cite the player but due to a mix up ended up citing the wrong player. So far no one has been found guilty of this hideous act and the rugby media coverage has been a disgrace and very much head in the sand. You can only imagine what would be said if this was on a GAA pitch.

http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/rugby/2012/0127/1224310845296.html (http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/rugby/2012/0127/1224310845296.html)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 28, 2012, 12:36:39 PM
Shane Horgan retired now as well. Great servant

http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/newsroom/9717.php (http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/newsroom/9717.php)

Favourite Try

Winning Try against England 2006 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DINPoJWOXw4)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on March 28, 2012, 01:04:45 PM
Just beat me to it....   A terrific servant and a geunine nice guy, having met him once - he even bought me a drink!

Shane Horgan has announced his retirement from rugby due to a long-term knee injury

http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2012/0328/315343-horgan-announces-immediate-retirement/

Leinster, Ireland and British & Irish Lions legend Shane Horgan has announced his retirement from rugby due to a long-term knee injury.

Educated in St. Mary's Diocesan School in Drogheda, Horgan represented his native Meath at Minor football level before joining Lansdowne FC upon leaving school.

Boyne right-winger Horgan, 33, won his first Leinster cap against Ulster in August 1998 and he went on to win a brace of Celtic League and Heineken Cup honours over the next 13 years.

He made 87 Heineken Cup appearances (scoring 27 tries) and was the first Leinster player to reach the double century cap mark. He made the last of his 207 Leinster appearances (in which he scored 71 tries and 1 drop goal) in the 2011 Grand Final in Thomond Park.

For Ireland, Horgan won the first of his 65 caps against Scotland in February 2000 (where he went on to score 21 career tries) and he was selected for both the 2003 and 2007 Rugby World Cups where he would in total make 8 appearances (scoring 2 tries). In all he was a part of three Triple Crown winning sides.

Commenting on the announcement, Horgan said: "Every professional sportsman realises that at some point their career will come to an end.

"I have been extremely fortunate to have played regularly for my province and with Ireland since my debut with Leinster in 1998 and while I am disappointed that injury has forced me to retire now, I know I have been very lucky to have had such a long and largely injury-free career."

"The support and expertise of the medical and fitness teams in Leinster and Ireland through the years has been first class. Their help, especially through the course of this injury, has been incredible.

"It has been a tremendous honour to represent my province and my country. When you first start playing sport that is the ultimate ambition but few people are lucky enough to realise it. I am just so grateful that I was given that opportunity.

"I am equally fortunate to have played at a time when Leinster and Ireland experienced such great success and alongside a group of players with unprecedented talent and ambition.

"I want to thank the IRFU and Leinster, my playing colleagues and friends in the game and the many people who helped to shape and influence my career at different points over the last 14 years.

"I would also like to thank Lansdowne FC and my home club of Boyne RFC for their continuous support since I started playing the game.

"My family has always been my principal guiding influence and support, so public acknowledgment today is but a small element of the appreciation I owe them.

"To perform at the top of any professional sport players need good coaches and Ireland has been well served during my time with the National squad.

"At Leinster, to have played under Mike Ruddock, Matt Williams, Michael Cheika and, as it turned out for the last season of my career, Joe Schmidt, represents the kind of good fortune that only "lucky" players get.

"My final expression of thanks is to the supporters of both Ireland and Leinster with whom I have shared some special days that I will never forget."

Leinster Rugby Chief Executive Michael Dawson said: "It is a sad day whenever a player has to retire prematurely, but Shane can look back on his long career with great pride.

"He was an integral part of both the Leinster and Ireland teams for a sustained period of time and his selection for the 2005 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand - where he earned three caps - was a high accolade which was richly deserved.

"For many supporters, Shane will be remembered for his outstanding feats on the international stage and it is somewhat fitting that his playing career finished on a high when he was invited by club captain Leo Cullen to join himself and Gordon D'Arcy on the winner's podium to receive the Heineken Cup trophy in the Millennium Stadium last year. That gesture summed up the high esteem in which Shane was held and continues to be held by his peers."

Leinster Coach Joe Schmidt added: "As one of the longest serving players in the professional age, Shane will no doubt go down as one of the greats of Leinster and Irish rugby.

"He was a strong leader within the group whose contribution off the field mirrored his many feats on it.

"It was great to be involved with Shane last season where his performances contributed so much to the success of the team. It was fitting that his final season culminated in a second Heineken Cup success.

"The last year has been a frustrating one for Shane with knee surgery and long periods of rehabilitation. Unfortunately, despite his best efforts, he has been unable to regain full fitness.

"It is a testament to Shane that his professionalism and influence have continued to impact positively on the group during this season.

"A born winner and resilient competitor, Shane's retirement will no doubt leave a void in the group, but I know that his legacy of excellence and athleticism will continue to inspire future generations and we wish him all the best in the future."

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Declan on March 28, 2012, 01:10:23 PM
Best of luck Shaggy
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Smokin Joe on March 28, 2012, 01:20:57 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 28, 2012, 12:36:39 PM


Favourite Try

Winning Try against England 2006 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DINPoJWOXw4)

I had a massive bet on Ireland in that game.  From memory we were about 6/4 or 2/1 (I made us favourites).  I let some yelp out of me when he went over the line.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 28, 2012, 03:17:27 PM
That was fairly adventurous stuff from O'Gara there!!! Had nearly forgot about that Try it was an absolute clinker and as good a finish in the corner as you're ever likely to see!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on March 28, 2012, 03:26:50 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 28, 2012, 12:28:37 PM
Quote from: Hardy on March 27, 2012, 06:33:10 PM
I don't usually subscribe to the persecution complex but can you imagine the media hoopla if this had happened on a GAA pitch? Joe Duffy's lines would be in meltdown, The Irish Times letters page would be overflowing into Social and Personal and Presbyterian Notes and Ryan Tubridy would be asking his guest to comment on it randomly in the middle of their dissertations on the X Factor.

Never mind - more fuel for the pub debates the next time Galvin pulls someone's hair or the like.

Hardy, let me tell about a worse case. Eoin Collins a former Leinster development officer played an AIL game for Boyne(Drogheda) Rugby Club against Highfield (Cork) Rugby Club just after Christmas and after an incident in a maul where Eoin was allegedly gouged he lost the sight in one of his eyes. Boyne tried to cite the player but due to a mix up ended up citing the wrong player. So far no one has been found guilty of this hideous act and the rugby media coverage has been a disgrace and very much head in the sand. You can only imagine what would be said if this was on a GAA pitch.

http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/rugby/2012/0127/1224310845296.html (http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/rugby/2012/0127/1224310845296.html)

Yes - I knew about this from my rugby contacts down here and it is much worse. The only media mention of it I've seen is that short piece in the IT you posted, which kinda makes the point OK.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thejuice on March 28, 2012, 03:48:22 PM
Eoin is a local lad and would have played football with our club when he was younger.

Its sickening to your stomach to hear these things happening. It's a pity they can't find the perpetrator and worse still that he hasn't the decency to come forward.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on April 06, 2012, 10:25:02 AM
Bejaysus - out of action for 4 months, big loss for the tour to New Zealand

Tommy Bowe may miss Ireland's summer tour

http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2012/0406/316351-bowe-out-of-action-for-up-to-four-months/

Tommy Bowe has played his last game for the Ospreys and could miss Ireland's tour to New Zealand this summer.

The Ospreys have announced that 28-year-old Bowe will undergo surgery in Ireland today for the removal of a haematoma that has pushed into his kidney and caused raised blood pressure.

Bowe, who will rejoin Ulster next term after four years playing in Wales, has been ruled out for the remainder of this season, and the Ospreys say he could face four months sidelined.

"Having discovered he was suffering from high blood pressure earlier this year, he has been put through a number of medical tests to identify the cause of the problem," the Ospreys said in a statement.

"These tests have shown that he has, in the past, suffered a haematoma that is pushing into his left kidney, with further tests indicating that this is the reason for the raised blood pressure.

"After considerable consultation with specialists in both Ireland and Wales, Tommy has opted to go down the route of surgical removal of the haematoma in an effort to solve the problem.

"He is being operated on in Ireland today, before returning to Wales post-op to convalesce.

"Because of the surgery, he will not be able to play any further part for the Ospreys this season, ahead of his return to Ulster for next season.

"Recovery time post-operation is unclear, but he could be sidelined for up to four months."

Bowe, a 2009 British and Irish Lion in South Africa, added: "Obviously, this news unfortunately means that I won't get to wear the Ospreys shirt again.

"But it is important that I get this problem sorted as soon as possible.

"Hopefully, the Ospreys will have a home (RaboDirect PRO12) semi-final and final in May so that I can still get down to the Liberty Stadium to say farewell and a big thank you to the supporters."

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on June 04, 2012, 07:52:02 PM
Great performance by the u20s beating South Africa in the World Cup this evening. That Hanrahan lad from Currow looks a good prospect.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: omagh_gael on June 04, 2012, 08:56:27 PM
What sort of standing would that SA team be in world U-20 rugby DH? It was a very enjoyable game, fair play to the lads. SA lads seemed pissed that the ref didn't let them take that scrum at the end.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on June 04, 2012, 10:13:33 PM
The southern hemisphere teams have bossed this level of the game over the years and beating the saffers at home is a great result as it would be at senior level. We didn't even have our best team starting today. Layden and McGrath at scrum half are better imho.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on June 05, 2012, 01:02:53 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 04, 2012, 10:13:33 PM
The southern hemisphere teams have bossed this level of the game over the years and beating the saffers at home is a great result as it would be at senior level. We didn't even have our best team starting today. Layden and McGrath at scrum half are better imho.

Layden broke his leg in the run up to this tournament so is not available. Marmion was picked ahead of McGrath for his physicality against a huge SA backrow. Also Paddy Jackson was pulled by Ulster who wanted him to get in a full pre-season with the senior setup.
  Great win for the U20's especially since our pack bossed South Africa all through the game.Also we destroyed them at the break down despite the ref trying his best to make sure the hosts came back in the second half. Special metion for the Irish backrow of Cogan, Gilsenan and Conan. Also Henderson , Furlong and Scannel will be senior internationals before long.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on June 05, 2012, 01:18:12 PM
anyone got the team to hand? I know the fly half was a Kerryman, but what was the breakdown of the rest?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: the Deel Rover on June 05, 2012, 01:36:56 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 05, 2012, 01:18:12 PM
anyone got the team to hand? I know the fly half was a Kerryman, but what was the breakdown of the rest?

Peter Nelson (Dungannon/Ulster); Barry Daly (UCD/Leinster), Chris Farrell (Dungannon/Ulster), Foster Horan (Lansdowne/Leinster), Sam Coghlan Murray (UCD/Leinster); JJ Hanrahan (UL Bohemians/Munster), Kieran Marmion (Corinthians/Connacht); Des Merrey (Clontarf/Leinster), Niall Scannell (Dolphin/Munster) (capt), Tadhg Furlong (Clontarf/Leinster), Tadhg Beirne (Lansdowne/Leinster), Iain Henderson (Queen's University/Ulster), Jordan Coghlan (UCD/Leinster), Conor Gilsenan (UCD/Mullingar/Leinster), Jack Conan (Old Belvedere/Leinster).
Replacements used: Luke McGrath (UCD/Leinster) for Marmion (57 mins), Aaron Conneely (Corinthians/Connacht) for Gilsenan (58-64, blood sub), James Rael (Garryowen/Munster) for Scannell (64), Mikey Sherlock (Clontarf/Leinster) for Coghlan Murray (67), Alan O'Connor (UCD/Leinster) for Beirne (71), Peter Reilly (Lansdowne/Leinster) for Merrey (73). Not used: Jack Cawley (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Jack Carty
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on June 05, 2012, 01:38:35 PM
Still very Leinster dominated. They are some set up. Good to see a few Munster lads starting to drip through though. A few years ago there wasn't even 1 on the panel.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on June 05, 2012, 02:48:13 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 05, 2012, 01:38:35 PM
Still very Leinster dominated. They are some set up. Good to see a few Munster lads starting to drip through though. A few years ago there wasn't even 1 on the panel.
Leinster have the biggest schools pick which is still where the majority of U20's and future senior internationals come bar a couple i.e Sean O'Brien and Steven Ferris. Connacht had Shane layden, Daniel Qualter, Jack Carty , Aaron Conneely and Connor Finn who all played a part in this years six nations with Layden, Finn, Conneely and Qualter starting most games. Layden is the best of these scoring 3 trys in 5 games and would have been a definite starter but for injury and is an oustanding attacking full back whereas Nelson is a more solid if less spectacular player. I think Qulater is injured also and I don't know about Finn.Connacht also had a clean sweep in this years u20 interpros which bodes well for the future.
While Scannell , Hanrahan and Rael are all excellent prospects it's a pretty poor showing from Munster that they cannot at least match Connacht for producing underage internationals over the last couple of years considering their advantage in numbers of schools players and the funding they have by comparison. It looks to me that they have been hit hardest by the criminal neglect of the club game by the IRFU which is where they traditionally developed and harderened their players like O Connel , Hayes , David Wallace and Quinlan.
Quote from: the Deel Rover on June 05, 2012, 01:36:56 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 05, 2012, 01:18:12 PM
anyone got the team to hand? I know the fly half was a Kerryman, but what was the breakdown of the rest?

Peter Nelson (Dungannon/Ulster); Barry Daly (UCD/Leinster), Chris Farrell (Dungannon/Ulster), Foster Horan (Lansdowne/Leinster), Sam Coghlan Murray (UCD/Leinster); JJ Hanrahan (UL Bohemians/Munster), Kieran Marmion (Corinthians/Connacht); Des Merrey (Clontarf/Leinster), Niall Scannell (Dolphin/Munster) (capt), Tadhg Furlong (Clontarf/Leinster), Tadhg Beirne (Lansdowne/Leinster), Iain Henderson (Queen's University/Ulster), Jordan Coghlan (UCD/Leinster), Conor Gilsenan (UCD/Mullingar/Leinster), Jack Conan (Old Belvedere/Leinster).
Replacements used: Luke McGrath (UCD/Leinster) for Marmion (57 mins), Aaron Conneely (Corinthians/Connacht) for Gilsenan (58-64, blood sub), James Rael (Garryowen/Munster) for Scannell (64), Mikey Sherlock (Clontarf/Leinster) for Coghlan Murray (67), Alan O'Connor (UCD/Leinster) for Beirne (71), Peter Reilly (Lansdowne/Leinster) for Merrey (73). Not used: Jack Cawley (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Jack Carty


You forgot Jack Carty (Buccaners/Connacht) of Rosscommon minor fame Deel or was it on purpose ;). Either way you'll have the Rossies after you for that one!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: the Deel Rover on June 05, 2012, 02:51:44 PM
 ;D Christ no Crete Boom didn't do it on purpose just copied and pasted . Life is bad enough without getting the rossies vexed and angry.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on June 05, 2012, 02:55:51 PM
Quote from: the Deel Rover on June 05, 2012, 02:51:44 PM
;D Christ no Crete Boom didn't do it on purpose just copied and pasted . Life is bad enough without getting the rossies vexed and angry.

Ah sure if they do see the mistake Deel , just get Lar and Jinxy to throw a couple of post up on the Ballagh thread and they'll soon forget about it ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on June 06, 2012, 03:26:28 PM
 Well this Saturday we turn up for our traditional hammering by the All Blacks and with quite a few injuries at the end of a long World Cup year. I'd love for Drico to get one victory against them down there just so the kiwis would finally admit he's one of the best to have ever played the game. What's worse is there is an extra test thrown in this time which could be painful if we ship a couple of big defeats in the first two.
  While I would have taken some more young blood down south this time to freshen things up at the end of a mammoth season Deccie isn't one for risks, so from what's in the squad this is how I'd like to see the them line out:

15.Kearney , 14. Trimble , 13. Earls , 12. Drico , 11. Zebo, 10. Sexton , 9. Murray, 8. O'Mahony, 7. O' Brien , 6. McLaughlin, 5. Ryan/Touhy 4. McCarthy , 3. Ross , 2. Best , 1. Healy.

One thing I can Guarantee is this team will not be picked or anything like it but I'll explain my logic anyway. I'm going for Zebo on the wing cause he's a natural winger (more so than Earls or McFadden) and this is the best place to find out a bit more about him, not at 25 against Canada or Western Soma in meaningless autumn international! Gone for Earls at outside centre for his eye for a break and speed over the first 5 yards and his form in the six nations dispelled any defensive worries I had about him. Drico at 12 cause he still has enough pace to match his guile and football brain plus his defence on the ground here would see a lot of turnovers. Also he played 12 against the All Blacks in 2002 in Dunedin and cut them open in game we nearly won!
Sexton and Murray pick themselves and before anyone says anything about Reddin's quicker service (it's a myth) just look at any game where he's under pressure, he's either swallowed up in the tackle or takes five steps before he passes the ball. Just because he runs around the field like mad thing doesn't mean he provides quicker service! In the back row I've gone for physicality, form and Ball carriers. A couple of seasons ago I would have had Heaslip as one of the first on my team sheet but his form this season has been patchy at best and O Mahony has been barnstorming all season so I'd let Jamie rest for this one. Kevin McLaughlin, well every team needs a player like him , apart from his work rate I'd love to see his stats on close in ball carries under pressure. The man's a beast to get over the gain line and set up go forward attacking ball for O'Brien etc.. Also he is an excellent line out performer and along with O'Mahony would give us options both on attack and defense out of touch. Donnacha Ryan is the form Irish second row this season and turning into a real leader but Touhy is snapping at his heels so either would  do for me in the number 5 shirt. Mike McCarthy has been a top performer for Connacht for two seasons now and is a top defender round the ruck. Also he is a specialist scrummag-er on the tight-head side of the second row which could be important if Ross doesn't make it. The front row if fit are our best on balance at the moment so I stick with the three amigos as long as they are healthy.
Overall I think this team would go close but sure we'll probably never know 8)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on June 06, 2012, 03:55:08 PM
Quote from: Crete Boom on June 05, 2012, 01:02:53 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 04, 2012, 10:13:33 PM
The southern hemisphere teams have bossed this level of the game over the years and beating the saffers at home is a great result as it would be at senior level. We didn't even have our best team starting today. Layden and McGrath at scrum half are better imho.

Layden broke his leg in the run up to this tournament so is not available. Marmion was picked ahead of McGrath for his physicality against a huge SA backrow. Also Paddy Jackson was pulled by Ulster who wanted him to get in a full pre-season with the senior setup.
  Great win for the U20's especially since our pack bossed South Africa all through the game.Also we destroyed them at the break down despite the ref trying his best to make sure the hosts came back in the second half. Special metion for the Irish backrow of Cogan, Gilsenan and Conan. Also Henderson , Furlong and Scannel will be senior internationals before long.

Stumbled across this game the other night, trying to avoid jubilee pish. Was a great game and must be something to look forward to as the Irish scrum held its own even when under immense pressure at the end.  Hanranhan was outhalf and I thought he played on the wing or centre in the six nations equivalent, but if Jackson was missing then it made sense. He's a funny run up to the penalties but was pinging them over.
SA looked pretty pissed off at the end. Good to see.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on June 06, 2012, 04:10:14 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on June 06, 2012, 03:55:08 PM
Quote from: Crete Boom on June 05, 2012, 01:02:53 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 04, 2012, 10:13:33 PM

Stumbled across this game the other night, trying to avoid jubilee pish. Was a great game and must be something to look forward to as the Irish scrum held its own even when under immense pressure at the end.  Hanranhan was outhalf and I thought he played on the wing or centre in the six nations equivalent, but if Jackson was missing then it made sense. He's a funny run up to the penalties but was pinging them over.
SA looked pretty pissed off at the end. Good to see.

JJ Hanrahan was a top outhalf at schools level and plays outhalf for munster at u20 level. The main reason he was moved to 12 is because Jackson was the incumbent from last year and a top prospect too and Hanrahan was equally adept at no 12 which gives you a whole other option with a playmaker at inside center as well as 10 ala the All Blacks. He does have a funny kicking style but remember Dominguez for Italy, use to take one and a half steps then bang the ball over from all angles and distances.
It's a serious front row we have at this level and to think Furlong(tighthead) was injured all season and Merry (loosehead) played for him all through the six nations where we held oru own too even putting the french on their arse in a few scrums!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on June 07, 2012, 09:41:08 AM
Quote from: Crete Boom on June 06, 2012, 04:10:14 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on June 06, 2012, 03:55:08 PM
Quote from: Crete Boom on June 05, 2012, 01:02:53 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 04, 2012, 10:13:33 PM

Stumbled across this game the other night, trying to avoid jubilee pish. Was a great game and must be something to look forward to as the Irish scrum held its own even when under immense pressure at the end.  Hanranhan was outhalf and I thought he played on the wing or centre in the six nations equivalent, but if Jackson was missing then it made sense. He's a funny run up to the penalties but was pinging them over.
SA looked pretty pissed off at the end. Good to see.

JJ Hanrahan was a top outhalf at schools level and plays outhalf for munster at u20 level. The main reason he was moved to 12 is because Jackson was the incumbent from last year and a top prospect too and Hanrahan was equally adept at no 12 which gives you a whole other option with a playmaker at inside center as well as 10 ala the All Blacks. He does have a funny kicking style but remember Dominguez for Italy, use to take one and a half steps then bang the ball over from all angles and distances.
It's a serious front row we have at this level and to think Furlong(tighthead) was injured all season and Merry (loosehead) played for him all through the six nations where we held oru own too even putting the french on their arse in a few scrums!

Ross out for Saturday, will the scrum be backpedaling like it was in Twickenham??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on June 07, 2012, 10:20:46 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on June 07, 2012, 09:41:08 AM

Ross out for Saturday, will the scrum be backpedaling like it was in Twickenham??

We could be under pressure  johnney but the signs were Ross wouldn't make it anyway.Also New Zealand wouldn't be as fearsome as France or Argentina at scrum-time. I hope Declan Fitzpatrick has a good day and from what I have seen of him he's a good scrumm-ager but I would worry about him in general play and lifting at line-out time. Pretty good team from Kidney although I think Drico and Earls will swap positions and would still think we should have gone for McCarthy at no.4 if Ross was out. Delighted to see Ronan Loughney get on the bench and hope he gets on the field. Even though he grew up in Galway he reminds me every time I meet him he's a Mayo man come summer time with his mother a member of a famous Kiltane GAA family!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on June 07, 2012, 11:22:44 AM
I'm hoping to have time to watch this at Saturday morning time. That's if I make getting up time after bottle of plonk time at Friday nighttime time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on June 07, 2012, 11:46:50 AM
Quotehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwP9HFASqzQ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwP9HFASqzQ)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on June 08, 2012, 06:17:33 PM
U 20 World Cup , Ireland 12 England 3 with half an hour gone. Marmion and Hanrahan with trys for Ireland and Hanrahan with a conversion. Good start for Ireland with the pack and Henderson in paticular taking the game to England. Ireland playing some great rugby in terrible conditions.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyroneboi on June 08, 2012, 06:34:01 PM
Quote from: Crete Boom on June 08, 2012, 06:17:33 PM
U 20 World Cup , Ireland 12 England 3 with half an hour gone. Marmion and Hanrahan with trys for Ireland and Hanrahan with a conversion. Good start for Ireland with the pack and Henderson in paticular taking the game to England. Ireland playing some great rugby in terrible conditions.

Holy ghost that pitch is in seriously awful condition!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on June 08, 2012, 06:40:50 PM
15-3 at the half but Irealnd have lost Gilsenan their openside flanker. He is out of the tournament I assume. We have outclassed the English in the first half but the declining conditions are making a mess of the game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: shark on June 08, 2012, 06:47:00 PM
Gilsenan is going to be a huge loss. Big second half ahead if them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on June 08, 2012, 06:58:16 PM
It seems they're only using two stadiums to accommodate 30 matches over two and a half weeks. That's never going to work. Look at the state of this pitch after four and a half matches.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on June 08, 2012, 08:32:27 PM
That was downhill all the way in the second half. 20-15 to England in the end. We missed our openside and made a few too many errors and misseed kicks.

Wales beat the All Blacks as well the other day.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on June 09, 2012, 08:56:16 AM
There's a decent quality stream here for the game against NZ (Dan Carter +14)
http://fancystreems.com/default.asp@pageId=59.php (http://fancystreems.com/default.asp@pageId=59.php)

The 3rd link is the one, I think.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on June 09, 2012, 09:16:26 AM
Oh My God time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on June 09, 2012, 09:39:05 AM
They might be in a different stratosphere when it comes to rugby football but their level of wit is pitiful:

(http://cdn.balls.ie/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Au7wuauCIAAC90T.jpg)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on June 09, 2012, 09:41:41 AM
A player can head the ball forward and it's not a knock on?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on June 09, 2012, 09:46:52 AM
You should never annoy the NZers by scoring a try.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on June 09, 2012, 09:57:19 AM
Quote from: Main Street on June 09, 2012, 09:41:41 AM
A player can head the ball forward and it's not a knock on?

T'is only a knock on if your hand knocks the ball forward!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on June 09, 2012, 09:59:06 AM
The iconic image of the Irish rugby team - player receiving the ball standing still and standing with his legs a yard apart, swaying from one side to the other as he wonders what to do next while the opposition gobbles him up.

New Zealand seem to have momentum even when they're going backwards.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on June 09, 2012, 10:20:12 AM
Bit of a baptism of fire for some of the new bunch. Will hopefully stand to them but that, as always, was an utter demolition job.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on June 09, 2012, 10:20:28 AM
My stream has dropped out, or has the Irish coach thrown in the towel?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CorkMan on June 09, 2012, 12:25:12 PM
Didn't see it. Was Zebo any good?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on June 09, 2012, 05:40:38 PM
Quote from: CorkMan on June 09, 2012, 12:25:12 PM
Didn't see it. Was Zebo any good?

Thought he was reasonably good, defensively he was sound which alot of people use as a point against him. BOD, bar a try saving tackle, was poor IMO.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on June 09, 2012, 07:34:52 PM
Quote from: trileacman on June 09, 2012, 05:40:38 PM
Quote from: CorkMan on June 09, 2012, 12:25:12 PM
Didn't see it. Was Zebo any good?

Thought he was reasonably good, defensively he was sound which alot of people use as a point against him. BOD, bar a try saving tackle, was poor IMO.

I thought he was caught out badly for the last Try. NZ were simply awesome they just ran straight through Ireland and all we could do was run up try a sidestep and then fall over. Main plus point for me was Fitzpatrick who held up well in the Scrum.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CiKe on June 09, 2012, 08:11:33 PM
Quote from: screenexile on June 09, 2012, 07:34:52 PM
Quote from: trileacman on June 09, 2012, 05:40:38 PM
Quote from: CorkMan on June 09, 2012, 12:25:12 PM
Didn't see it. Was Zebo any good?

Thought he was reasonably good, defensively he was sound which alot of people use as a point against him. BOD, bar a try saving tackle, was poor IMO.

I thought he was caught out badly for the last Try. NZ were simply awesome they just ran straight through Ireland and all we could do was run up try a sidestep and then fall over. Main plus point for me was Fitzpatrick who held up well in the Scrum.

Agreed, we had decent possession but did feck all with it, just no cutting edge at all. I wouldn't know much but thought we combatted well at the breakdown. Started well in first 15mins and threw the ball about, before inexplicably started to kick ball back to them. Talk about stupid. Sexton should be shot for his restarts. I'm not sure if this is tactics or just poor bloody execution because he has been doing them same thing since he started for Ireland and I have complained since then. If they are tactics as designated by mgmt, then they should be ignored as is just plain stupid giving the ball back to a team like NZ with no possibility of competing at all.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on June 10, 2012, 12:04:01 AM
Just watched the best 3 teams in the UK take on the southern Hem teams, and we weren't even close !

Wales were within a point at one stage, but never really looked like winning.

The All blacks were playing their 1st game since winning the WC in Oct, have a new manager and some new players. Ireland were playing their 6th game since then, same manager, and got whipped by 32 points. Sweet Jesus !

england were just england - boring as f**k. injury time try took the gloss off.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on June 10, 2012, 02:31:11 AM
We were missing 4 important players maybe our 4 best players. That hurt us a lot. We don't have the strength in depth to be competitive without key players like O'Connell and Ross.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Myles Na G. on June 10, 2012, 08:57:17 AM
Quote from: CiKe on June 09, 2012, 08:11:33 PM
Quote from: screenexile on June 09, 2012, 07:34:52 PM
Quote from: trileacman on June 09, 2012, 05:40:38 PM
Quote from: CorkMan on June 09, 2012, 12:25:12 PM
Didn't see it. Was Zebo any good?

Thought he was reasonably good, defensively he was sound which alot of people use as a point against him. BOD, bar a try saving tackle, was poor IMO.

I thought he was caught out badly for the last Try. NZ were simply awesome they just ran straight through Ireland and all we could do was run up try a sidestep and then fall over. Main plus point for me was Fitzpatrick who held up well in the Scrum.

Agreed, we had decent possession but did feck all with it, just no cutting edge at all. I wouldn't know much but thought we combatted well at the breakdown. Started well in first 15mins and threw the ball about, before inexplicably started to kick ball back to them. Talk about stupid. Sexton should be shot for his restarts. I'm not sure if this is tactics or just poor bloody execution because he has been doing them same thing since he started for Ireland and I have complained since then. If they are tactics as designated by mgmt, then they should be ignored as is just plain stupid giving the ball back to a team like NZ with no possibility of competing at all.
Murray's box kicks were just as bad.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on June 10, 2012, 10:25:14 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 10, 2012, 02:31:11 AM
We were missing 4 important players maybe our 4 best players. That hurt us a lot. We don't have the strength in depth to be competitive without key players like O'Connell and Ross.
I suspect that Carter and the All Black's 4th team choice, would give that Irish team the runaround.

Those mexican waves really rubbed the salt in  ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CiKe on June 10, 2012, 10:28:28 AM
Quote from: Myles Na G. on June 10, 2012, 08:57:17 AM
Quote from: CiKe on June 09, 2012, 08:11:33 PM
Quote from: screenexile on June 09, 2012, 07:34:52 PM
Quote from: trileacman on June 09, 2012, 05:40:38 PM
Quote from: CorkMan on June 09, 2012, 12:25:12 PM
Didn't see it. Was Zebo any good?

Thought he was reasonably good, defensively he was sound which alot of people use as a point against him. BOD, bar a try saving tackle, was poor IMO.

I thought he was caught out badly for the last Try. NZ were simply awesome they just ran straight through Ireland and all we could do was run up try a sidestep and then fall over. Main plus point for me was Fitzpatrick who held up well in the Scrum.

Agreed, we had decent possession but did feck all with it, just no cutting edge at all. I wouldn't know much but thought we combatted well at the breakdown. Started well in first 15mins and threw the ball about, before inexplicably started to kick ball back to them. Talk about stupid. Sexton should be shot for his restarts. I'm not sure if this is tactics or just poor bloody execution because he has been doing them same thing since he started for Ireland and I have complained since then. If they are tactics as designated by mgmt, then they should be ignored as is just plain stupid giving the ball back to a team like NZ with no possibility of competing at all.
Murray's box kicks were just as bad.

Good point, not sure how I forgot them, were driving me spare during the game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on June 10, 2012, 11:14:01 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 10, 2012, 02:31:11 AM
We were missing 4 important players maybe our 4 best players. That hurt us a lot. We don't have the strength in depth to be competitive without key players like O'Connell and Ross.

even with them its a 25 point defeat. This is a level we arent capable of competing at.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Keyser soze on June 10, 2012, 11:31:41 AM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 10, 2012, 12:04:01 AM
Just watched the best 3 teams in the UK take on the southern Hem teams, and we weren't even close !

Wales were within a point at one stage, but never really looked like winning.

The All blacks were playing their 1st game since winning the WC in Oct, have a new manager and some new players. Ireland were playing their 6th game since then, same manager, and got whipped by 32 points. Sweet Jesus !

england were just england - boring as f**k. injury time try took the gloss off.

Have you started playing for the other team????
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on June 10, 2012, 12:19:11 PM
Quote from: Keyser soze on June 10, 2012, 11:31:41 AM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 10, 2012, 12:04:01 AM
Just watched the best 3 teams in the UK take on the southern Hem teams, and we weren't even close !

Wales were within a point at one stage, but never really looked like winning.

The All blacks were playing their 1st game since winning the WC in Oct, have a new manager and some new players. Ireland were playing their 6th game since then, same manager, and got whipped by 32 points. Sweet Jesus !

england were just england - boring as f**k. injury time try took the gloss off.

Have you started playing for the other team????


:D :) :)

i was on to my 3rd bottle or wine at that stage, wasnt thinking straight !
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on June 11, 2012, 09:44:54 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 08, 2012, 08:32:27 PM
That was downhill all the way in the second half. 20-15 to England in the end. We missed our openside and made a few too many errors and misseed kicks.

Wales beat the All Blacks as well the other day.

There's something about the way England play that bores the bejaysus out of me, they truly are only interested in crash bang wallop rugby and pick bull elephants accordingly.

The Irish U-20's tried to play a bit in the driving rain and bog of a pitch but naivety undid them with the lad getting sin binned trying to stop what was an inevitable push over try. The penalty try was given and Ireland a man down, proceeded to concede another try quickly after and then never got up the pitch to get the scores to get back in the lead.

A bit like the hurling, the U-20/21 stuff is better to watch IMO.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: J OGorman on June 11, 2012, 12:20:46 PM
we needy drop the rabbits in the headlights routine when playing New Zealand and The South Sea Islander's Select. BOD was saying how huge of a task it was in an interview leading up to the 1st Test. Balls to that. Get out there and play them at their own game, not some tactical game to somehow stop NZ & TSSIS. it was 5 tries to one. Surely if we took the game to them, attempted to play on the front foot, had men confident to collect the ball running from deep, and not standing static (incase the ball is turned over) and play with a bit of confidence we'd prob not fair any worse. And missed tackles, O'Brien wouldnt miss tackles like that in the 6 nations, no hooer would be pushing by him.. all in all, a bad weekend of sporting results
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on June 16, 2012, 08:50:59 AM
Crap 1st 5 minutes - great next 5 !!

7-0 up - Conor Murray try
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on June 16, 2012, 08:53:35 AM
Only 65 more minutes to hold out!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on June 16, 2012, 09:20:49 AM
Well we've won the first half anyway.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on June 16, 2012, 09:22:29 AM
conceding penalties is going to be our downfall again !
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on June 16, 2012, 09:23:21 AM
Interesting! Giving away lots of penalties away though and that last one from McFadden after a turnover was daft - lucky Carter came up short. Hope for the best, fear the worst!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: J OGorman on June 16, 2012, 09:41:32 AM
@ least we're taking the game to new zealand and the south sea island select. Canny ask for more!!

CMTF!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on June 16, 2012, 10:09:54 AM
19-19 now -never ever will have a better chance to beat the AB's !!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on June 16, 2012, 10:10:32 AM
This is some Gladiator shit going on here . . . 19 all with 10 left!! COYBIG!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on June 16, 2012, 10:10:51 AM
G'wan te fcuk Ireland!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on June 16, 2012, 10:14:38 AM
a win here and the 4-0 defeat by spain will be forgot about !!
chance to take the lead here - Go on Johnny
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: J OGorman on June 16, 2012, 10:14:53 AM
CMTF!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: DuffleKing on June 16, 2012, 10:19:11 AM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 16, 2012, 10:14:38 AM
a win here and the 4-0 defeat by spain will be forgot about !!
chance to take the lead here - Go on Johnny


Would it mean we could still qualify?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on June 16, 2012, 10:25:03 AM
Devastating... The lads deserved better than that!! Well played
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: J OGorman on June 16, 2012, 10:25:43 AM
A cruel mistress...jesus, gutted for the players. Massive effort. Ahhhhhhh
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on June 16, 2012, 10:28:02 AM
Quote from: DuffleKing on June 16, 2012, 10:19:11 AM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 16, 2012, 10:14:38 AM
a win here and the 4-0 defeat by spain will be forgot about !!
chance to take the lead here - Go on Johnny


Would it mean we could still qualify?

:) :) very good.

Quote from: screenexile on June 16, 2012, 10:25:03 AM
Devastating... The lads deserved better than that!! Well played

Devasting alright. Sporting pride restored in the country anyway after the last 7 days
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: orangeman on June 16, 2012, 10:28:29 AM
Some effort there.


Cruel finish.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CiKe on June 16, 2012, 10:28:41 AM
Heartbreaking. Not an expert so not sure if green tinted glasses but thought that was dodgy decision on the wheeled scrum which directly cost us in the end.

Our kicking this week was top notch but just a few small handling errors cost us in the end. Great great effort and restores pride after last week, though they will obviously be devastated.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on June 16, 2012, 10:29:18 AM
Will we ever beat them? Cracking effort.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on June 16, 2012, 10:30:31 AM
Heartbreaking, absolutely gutted. Phenomenal improvement from last week.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on June 16, 2012, 10:31:57 AM
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on June 16, 2012, 10:29:18 AM
Will we ever beat them? Cracking effort.

yes, next week  :P
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: everymanaman on June 16, 2012, 10:53:33 AM
Game turned on the harsh decision to award New Zealand a penalty for wheeling the scrum. Welsh t***er
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on June 16, 2012, 11:01:59 AM
Quote from: everymanaman on June 16, 2012, 10:53:33 AM
Game turned on the harsh decision to award New Zealand a penalty for wheeling the scrum. Welsh t***er

Thought it was a fair enough decision to tell the truth. Key moment for me was deciding to go for the points after the Dagg binning. Carter's effort from the end of the first half came up similarly short. Hindsight is great though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on June 16, 2012, 11:13:44 AM
Referees to the rescue for the all blacks today. 2 questionable decisions on the bounce. One for the scrum and to top things off giving them a penalty from the same scrum. O gara should have taken the ling range peno as well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on June 16, 2012, 01:54:02 PM
The wheel scrum decision was awful. Why would Ireland wheel a scrum that they were dominant in for the previous 30 minutes? I'm certainly no expert in front row play but plenty of international props have popped up on twitter since saying it was a ridiculous decision.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Olaf on June 16, 2012, 02:16:43 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 16, 2012, 11:13:44 AM
Referees to the rescue for the all blacks today. 2 questionable decisions on the bounce. One for the scrum and to top things off giving them a penalty from the same scrum. O gara should have taken the ling range peno as well.

Couldn't fathom Owen's decision for the scrum penalty?? Was he trying to say that the back row wheeled it round? Strange one.

O'Gara wouldn't have had the range for the penalty and Sexton has a bigger boot (was also kicking well all day)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: everymanaman on June 17, 2012, 07:24:56 PM
Couple of serious errors by the referee in the last ten minutes- wonder if he knows this fellow.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_qQkvZYVr8&feature=fvsr
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on June 18, 2012, 01:33:21 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 16, 2012, 11:13:44 AM
O gara should have taken the ling range peno as well.

If Sexton and Carter couldnt reach from that distance, O'Gara would have had no hope. He wouldnt have even attempted it (which can be a good thing)

Quote from: gallsman on June 16, 2012, 11:01:59 AM
Thought it was a fair enough decision to tell the truth. Key moment for me was deciding to go for the points after the Dagg binning. Carter's effort from the end of the first half came up similarly short. Hindsight is great though.

But after the missed penalty, we retrieved the 21 drop out, so were in a very similar position to what we would have been in with a kick to touch and a lineout. Unfortunately knocked it on though and then came "the scrum"!

Toland in the Times today has a detailed analysis of why the ref was wrong to give the pen to NZ. But Owens was on twitter, telling people to ignore Paul Wallace (who was on Sky Sports and said it was a poor decision) because he's doesnt know the rules. Owens said the legs of the Ireland back 5 were going around rather than straight through, so he had no doubt Ireland were trying to wheel the scrum deliberately and illegally. 

Although I doubt Owens is one who'd ever admit to making a mistake. I think with plenty of scrums you could make an argmument for giving a penalty either way because of all the little things that are going on by so many people.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on June 20, 2012, 10:06:51 PM
Munster have signed CJ Stander a South African backrow forward from the Blue Bulls. He is 22 and a good player by all accounts. Similar in build to Leamy who had to retire.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ludermor on June 23, 2012, 08:27:19 AM
any streams for this match?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on June 23, 2012, 08:55:37 AM
Quote from: ludermor on June 23, 2012, 08:27:19 AM
any streams for this match?


You probably don't want to watch any more . . . I expected some kind of backlash but this looks like it could be a cricket score!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Shamrock Shore on June 23, 2012, 09:00:56 AM
Oh dear  :-\

21-0 after 20 minutes. Turning off the wireless now
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on June 23, 2012, 09:01:43 AM
http://atdhe.tw/watch.php?id=327454

26-0.

We really have to improve on kickoffs. The All Blacks are clsiming all the restarts.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on June 23, 2012, 09:25:24 AM
You should never annoy the NZers by nearly drawing with them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on June 23, 2012, 09:33:31 AM
Last week was our chance. Mentally Ireland are already on the plane home. This second half could get very ugly indeed.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Shamrock Shore on June 23, 2012, 10:09:41 AM
NZ show no mercy. 51-0. I assume we r lucky to get the '0'!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on June 23, 2012, 10:28:32 AM
Result 60-0. Couldn't watch it. Just switched over to the stream once in a while to see the score. Every time I did it was replaying a NZ try.

Our international sports representatives (bar the racing men) have been embarrassing the country now for the whole month of June.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on June 23, 2012, 11:11:07 AM
Quote from: Hardy on June 23, 2012, 10:28:32 AM
Result 60-0. Couldn't watch it. Just switched over to the stream once in a while to see the score. Every time I did it was replaying a NZ try.

Our international sports representatives (bar the racing men) have been embarrassing the country now for the whole month of June.

thats a wee bit harsh, i thought we were great last week in the 2nd test. Another "glorious defeat" of which Roy Keane wouldnt approve of, but credit where credit is due.

Carlow could have made it a worse June for ye  ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on June 23, 2012, 11:16:40 AM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 23, 2012, 11:11:07 AM
Quote from: Hardy on June 23, 2012, 10:28:32 AM
Result 60-0. Couldn't watch it. Just switched over to the stream once in a while to see the score. Every time I did it was replaying a NZ try.

Our international sports representatives (bar the racing men) have been embarrassing the country now for the whole month of June.

thats a wee bit harsh, i thought we were great last week in the 2nd test. Another "glorious defeat" of which Roy Keane wouldnt approve of, but credit where credit is due.

Carlow could have made it a worse June for ye  ;)

Not harsh enough, I'd argue. What excuse can there be for a professional team to lose 60-0? That's just a spectacular failure to do your job, no matter how you look at it. At least the soccer supporters didn't tarnish the reputation of the country which, I gather, may be more than can be said for the ruggerites.

(Carlow would have done us a favour. Kildare will finish the job next week.)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: anglocelt39 on June 23, 2012, 04:40:57 PM
Quote from: Hardy on June 23, 2012, 11:16:40 AM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 23, 2012, 11:11:07 AM
Quote from: Hardy on June 23, 2012, 10:28:32 AM
Result 60-0. Couldn't watch it. Just switched over to the stream once in a while to see the score. Every time I did it was replaying a NZ try.

Our international sports representatives (bar the racing men) have been embarrassing the country now for the whole month of June.

thats a wee bit harsh, i thought we were great last week in the 2nd test. Another "glorious defeat" of which Roy Keane wouldnt approve of, but credit where credit is due.

Carlow could have made it a worse June for ye  ;)

Not harsh enough, I'd argue. What excuse can there be for a professional team to lose 60-0? That's just a spectacular failure to do your job, no matter how you look at it. At least the soccer supporters didn't tarnish the reputation of the country which, I gather, may be more than can be said for the ruggerites.

(Carlow would have done us a favour. Kildare will finish the job next week.)


Can see both sides of the argument but all in all would tend to agree that it's not acceptable for a professional team to be shipping that sort of a tanking. It's a bit like a junior GAA side that's being decimated by emigration taking a total hammering altoghether, now there are no such excuses in the Irish rugby professional setup
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Declan on June 23, 2012, 06:26:22 PM
QuoteWhat excuse can there be for a professional team to lose 60-0? That's just a spectacular failure to do your job, no matter how you look at it.

Agreed - an absolute disgrace
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: DuffleKing on June 23, 2012, 07:18:27 PM
What happened with the ruggerites?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tubberman on June 23, 2012, 07:24:38 PM
Quote from: Hardy on June 23, 2012, 11:16:40 AM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 23, 2012, 11:11:07 AM
Quote from: Hardy on June 23, 2012, 10:28:32 AM
Result 60-0. Couldn't watch it. Just switched over to the stream once in a while to see the score. Every time I did it was replaying a NZ try.

Our international sports representatives (bar the racing men) have been embarrassing the country now for the whole month of June.

thats a wee bit harsh, i thought we were great last week in the 2nd test. Another "glorious defeat" of which Roy Keane wouldnt approve of, but credit where credit is due.

Carlow could have made it a worse June for ye  ;)

Not harsh enough, I'd argue. What excuse can there be for a professional team to lose 60-0? That's just a spectacular failure to do your job, no matter how you look at it. At least the soccer supporters didn't tarnish the reputation of the country which, I gather, may be more than can be said for the ruggerites.

(Carlow would have done us a favour. Kildare will finish the job next week.)

Cad a tharla?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on June 23, 2012, 07:42:46 PM
mother of jaysus... only heard the final scoreline now...

Would Kidney's position ever come into question because of that result??

I know it won't but Ireland are 8th (I think) there is no way they should lose a game by 60 points equally they shouldn't go a whole game without scoring

A serious shake-up required if nothing else??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on June 23, 2012, 08:58:52 PM
A game that in the grand scheme of things didn't matter a f**k. Heineken Cup medal in the back pocket, these lads had visions of lying on the beach in the Caribbean relaxing after 40+ weeks of professional rugby. Sure O'Brien and Rory Best fucked off home 2 weeks ago ta get started on the silage and could you blame them?

Once again a few arseholes see a tanking scoreline and all of a sudden are rugby experts and feel obliged to stick the boot in. Disgrace, embarassment, blah, blah. Sure the next match you line out so. It wouldn't be so bad but the same men will be singing form high heaven when Leinster win another HC or Ireland beat the English or get a triple Crown.

As for Kidney, he isn't the man to take this team forward but he can't be blamed for the performance of a team of players who have HC medals and 6 nation medals. He picked as strong a team as he could, even omitting the players he is most criticised for playing, (DOC, D'Arcy). The side had only two changes from the team that team that came so close to beating the All-Blacks in the last test, hardly the mark of acute mismanagement.

What's the opposite of jumping on the bandwagon? Spitting on the hearse?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Orangemac on June 23, 2012, 11:37:02 PM
Would it be cynical to suggest New Zealand didn't want to hammer Ireland last week as their was a 3rd test coming up and they wanted to keep a bit of interest alive?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on June 24, 2012, 02:22:32 AM
Quote from: Orangemac on June 23, 2012, 11:37:02 PM
Would it be cynical to suggest New Zealand didn't want to hammer Ireland last week as their was a 3rd test coming up and they wanted to keep a bit of interest alive?

I think it would be. . . New Zealand pride was hurt last week after Ireland running them close. It really isn't supposed to happen!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: haranguerer on June 24, 2012, 02:29:16 AM
Quote from: Hardy on June 23, 2012, 11:16:40 AM
What excuse can there be for a professional team to lose 60-0? That's just a spectacular failure to do your job, no matter how you look at it.

Wtf? Werent the other team professional too??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on June 24, 2012, 02:55:42 AM
Ireland were missing their best players on this tour. Ferris, Bowe and O'Connell. They were missing Ross the anchor of the scrum in the first test and Heaslip today. BOD may be past his best.

O Connell and Ferris would have taken the forward play up a notch.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on June 24, 2012, 01:19:50 PM
Quote from: trileacman on June 23, 2012, 08:58:52 PM
Once again a few arseholes see a tanking scoreline and all of a sudden are rugby experts and feel obliged to stick the boot in.

Oh, you want to have a name-calling game. OK.

Once again an opinionated t**ser sees an opportunity to present himself as an expert, exasperated at the uninformed opinions of us mere rabble. That's even if it means defending the indefensible position that a loss of record proportions in the history of the game, incurred by people who get paid to ensure this doesn't happen, represents something other than a spectacular failure to do that job.

Your turn.

Quote from: haranguerer on June 24, 2012, 02:29:16 AM
Quote from: Hardy on June 23, 2012, 11:16:40 AM
What excuse can there be for a professional team to lose 60-0? That's just a spectacular failure to do your job, no matter how you look at it.

Wtf? Werent the other team professional too??

Er, yes. They won 60-0. Fire away and defend a 60-0 defeat and expecting to get paid for it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on June 24, 2012, 01:48:02 PM
Quote from: Tubberman on June 23, 2012, 07:24:38 PM
Quote from: Hardy on June 23, 2012, 11:16:40 AM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 23, 2012, 11:11:07 AM
Quote from: Hardy on June 23, 2012, 10:28:32 AM
Result 60-0. Couldn't watch it. Just switched over to the stream once in a while to see the score. Every time I did it was replaying a NZ try.

Our international sports representatives (bar the racing men) have been embarrassing the country now for the whole month of June.

thats a wee bit harsh, i thought we were great last week in the 2nd test. Another "glorious defeat" of which Roy Keane wouldnt approve of, but credit where credit is due.

Carlow could have made it a worse June for ye  ;)

Not harsh enough, I'd argue. What excuse can there be for a professional team to lose 60-0? That's just a spectacular failure to do your job, no matter how you look at it. At least the soccer supporters didn't tarnish the reputation of the country which, I gather, may be more than can be said for the ruggerites.

(Carlow would have done us a favour. Kildare will finish the job next week.)

Cad a tharla?

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2012/0619/1224318196069.html (http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2012/0619/1224318196069.html)


On the other hand, commenting on the behaviour of a few people in a crowd of 40,000 may be a bit over the top and if the NZ cops hadn't issued a statement we probably would have heard nothing about it. It does seem, though, to be part of an emerging pattern of loutish carry-on by a proportion of our emigrants in the Southern hemisphere, as commented on here before and as I've had confirmed first hand from Perth.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on June 24, 2012, 02:02:31 PM
Quote from: Hardy on June 24, 2012, 01:19:50 PM
Quote from: trileacman on June 23, 2012, 08:58:52 PM
Once again a few arseholes see a tanking scoreline and all of a sudden are rugby experts and feel obliged to stick the boot in.

Oh, you want to have a name-calling game. OK.

Once again an opinionated t**ser sees an opportunity to present himself as an expert, exasperated at the uninformed opinions of us mere rabble. That's even if it means defending the indefensible position that a loss of record proportions in the history of the game, incurred by people who get paid to ensure this doesn't happen, represents something other than a spectacular failure to do that job.

Your turn.
/quote]

Right since you feel your money is being wasted you may go out and employ a few new players. Try an ad in the Sindo. Or you can try increasing the pay of the players, since the idea that the fact the players are paid should dictate that they should play to your perceived standards.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on June 24, 2012, 02:19:19 PM
Quote from: trileacman on June 24, 2012, 02:02:31 PM
Quote from: Hardy on June 24, 2012, 01:19:50 PM
Quote from: trileacman on June 23, 2012, 08:58:52 PM
Once again a few arseholes see a tanking scoreline and all of a sudden are rugby experts and feel obliged to stick the boot in.

Oh, you want to have a name-calling game. OK.

Once again an opinionated t**ser sees an opportunity to present himself as an expert, exasperated at the uninformed opinions of us mere rabble. That's even if it means defending the indefensible position that a loss of record proportions in the history of the game, incurred by people who get paid to ensure this doesn't happen, represents something other than a spectacular failure to do that job.

Your turn.
/quote]

Right since you feel your money is being wasted you may go out and employ a few new players. Try an ad in the Sindo. Or you can try increasing the pay of the players, since the idea that the fact the players are paid should dictate that they should play to your perceived standards.

That's a bit more civilised anyway. But complete nonsense. Are you reasoning that I'm entitled to express my opinion on the performance of professional players and management only if I'm paying their wages myself?

Go ahead and defend 60-0 - the biggest defeat ever suffered by Ireland either as amateurs or professionals - and how these lads earned their money yesterday. At least the captain had the good grace to express his embarrassment even if gung-ho supporters won't.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on June 24, 2012, 03:04:24 PM
Quote from: Hardy on June 24, 2012, 02:19:19 PM
Quote from: trileacman on June 24, 2012, 02:02:31 PM
Quote from: Hardy on June 24, 2012, 01:19:50 PM
Quote from: trileacman on June 23, 2012, 08:58:52 PM
Once again a few arseholes see a tanking scoreline and all of a sudden are rugby experts and feel obliged to stick the boot in.

Oh, you want to have a name-calling game. OK.

Once again an opinionated t**ser sees an opportunity to present himself as an expert, exasperated at the uninformed opinions of us mere rabble. That's even if it means defending the indefensible position that a loss of record proportions in the history of the game, incurred by people who get paid to ensure this doesn't happen, represents something other than a spectacular failure to do that job.

Your turn.
/quote]

Right since you feel your money is being wasted you may go out and employ a few new players. Try an ad in the Sindo. Or you can try increasing the pay of the players, since the idea that the fact the players are paid should dictate that they should play to your perceived standards.

That's a bit more civilised anyway. But complete nonsense. Are you reasoning that I'm entitled to express my opinion on the performance of professional players and management only if I'm paying their wages myself?

Go ahead and defend 60-0 - the biggest defeat ever suffered by Ireland either as amateurs or professionals - and how these lads earned their money yesterday. At least the captain had the good grace to express his embarrassment even if gung-ho supporters won't.

You are describing these players as pure mercenaries and your only consideration seems to be that these players were paid to play badly the last day rather than them playing badly. That is an unfair and untrue assessment. These players went to NZ because they want to play rugby, not for the smell of a euro.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on June 24, 2012, 03:52:38 PM
Quote from: trileacman on June 24, 2012, 03:04:24 PM
Quote from: Hardy on June 24, 2012, 02:19:19 PM
Quote from: trileacman on June 24, 2012, 02:02:31 PM
Quote from: Hardy on June 24, 2012, 01:19:50 PM
Quote from: trileacman on June 23, 2012, 08:58:52 PM
Once again a few arseholes see a tanking scoreline and all of a sudden are rugby experts and feel obliged to stick the boot in.

Oh, you want to have a name-calling game. OK.

Once again an opinionated t**ser sees an opportunity to present himself as an expert, exasperated at the uninformed opinions of us mere rabble. That's even if it means defending the indefensible position that a loss of record proportions in the history of the game, incurred by people who get paid to ensure this doesn't happen, represents something other than a spectacular failure to do that job.

Your turn.
/quote]

Right since you feel your money is being wasted you may go out and employ a few new players. Try an ad in the Sindo. Or you can try increasing the pay of the players, since the idea that the fact the players are paid should dictate that they should play to your perceived standards.

That's a bit more civilised anyway. But complete nonsense. Are you reasoning that I'm entitled to express my opinion on the performance of professional players and management only if I'm paying their wages myself?

Go ahead and defend 60-0 - the biggest defeat ever suffered by Ireland either as amateurs or professionals - and how these lads earned their money yesterday. At least the captain had the good grace to express his embarrassment even if gung-ho supporters won't.

You are describing these players as pure mercenaries and your only consideration seems to be that these players were paid to play badly the last day rather than them playing badly. That is an unfair and untrue assessment. These players went to NZ because they want to play rugby, not for the smell of a euro.

Where did I describe them as such? You're making that up. I'm saying they and the management failed to do the job they were paid for. As professionals, they have to accept that 60-0 is an unacceptable performance. I don't think that's an unreasonable statement. Do you think 60-0 is acceptable?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on June 24, 2012, 03:59:22 PM
QuoteYou are describing these players as pure mercenaries and your only consideration seems to be that these players were paid to play badly the last day rather than them playing badly. That is an unfair and untrue assessment. These players went to NZ because they want to play rugby, not for the smell of a euro.

How bloody naive is that statement highlighted. They were in NZ because the healthy contracts they are on dictates that is where they go, they are there because they are bloody well paid to be there. I didn't see the game but with Kidney as coach Ireland are a complete shambles, he should do the honourable thing and tender his resignation. Ireland are simply going backwards under his tenure.

Some stats doing the rounds.

2008-2009 – won 11 of 13 games (Including 3 vs. Canda(2) and USA)


2009-2010 – won 4 of 10 games (Including 1 vs. Fiji


2010-2011 – won 5 of 9 games (1v. Samoa)


2011-2012 – won 6 of 17 games (2 vs. Usa and Russia)

41% since 09 against all
37% against top opposition in the lifetime of his tenure
35% against all in 2011-2012 falling to 26% when you exclude Russia and the US
25% against top opposition since 09
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on June 24, 2012, 05:39:29 PM
In that period we also won a grand slam and won a group at the world cup including beating a southern hemisphere team in a competitive game in the southern hemisphere. We were also unlucky in a number of those defeats to say the least notably against the All Blacks a week ago and Wales in the 6 nations.

There was a draw against France in Paris as well during the last six nations.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on June 24, 2012, 06:04:23 PM
The problems go deeper than Kidney. If anything, provincial success gives a somewhat false picture of where Irish rugby stands. It's all well and good to say Leinster and now Ulster with Munster before them were regularly beating the top English and French teams in the ERC but that is not necessarily going to guarantee a good international team. The English and especially the French clubs place more stock in their domestic league than the provinces do in the Celtic League. Their pool of players is also spread over more teams.

The NIQs like Langford, Halstead, Jim Williams, Howlett, Elsom, Contepomi and Nacewa were hugely influential in the success of the provinces but many of these players hinder the development of young Irish talent. There are too many young lads plying their trade in the A teams for Leinster, Ulster and Munster. This is where Connacht could be utilised a lot more as a sort of a development team. It would benefit the young players to get regular competitive matches and the influx of talent would benefit Connacht.

We're too slow to introduce young talent because of the way provincial rugby is structured. Wales are blooding players at a very young age - look at North, Cuthbert, Halfpenny etc. Most of the Irish lads who are talked of as future internationals are older than them. Rhys Ruddock would be one exception who made his Irish debut two years ago but he has only featured very sparingly for Leinster since. Players in their early 20s need regular competitve matches to accelerate their development and this doesn't happen at the moment.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on June 25, 2012, 07:53:17 AM
It's amazing that when Ireland won the grand slam it was down to our structures and now that we are pretty rubbish it's the provinces fault.

4 weeks ago Kidney told the Irish public that NZ was no place for experimentation and then put out a team which included 4 players (POM, DF, SZ and DT) who had 1 test start between them and untried combinations all over the pitch. During the first test it was pretty obvious both wingers were having a nightmare but with no Trimble to call upon, that was one example that had shown that he made a complete balls of the match squad selection. It's hard to see what direction we are taking under Kidney, he has Les Kiss and Mark Tainton doing the attack as well as defence and kicking and the result is our attack and defence has both suffered. The stats are damning and we are simply not progressing as a team, Ireland are going nowhere under Kidney, that much has been pretty obvious for the last 2 years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on June 25, 2012, 09:55:16 AM
I think Kidney is similar to a lot of GAA coaches/managers. His impact is largely psychological, and when he comes through he gets a good spirit going, makes the team believe they are in with a right chance, and gets them to have a lash. When you add decent players to that you get Heineken Cups and Grand Slams, at least while the quest is a live one. However, I think he plateaus, and we saw in Munster that he is not a great tactical brain or even a visionary. He neglected the academy, which is only recovering now after McGahan put a lot of work into it, and when other teams matched Munster's passion (sorry Dinny), the paucity in ideas that is ingrained became obvious.

Kidney is a great lad to come in and get lads going, a lá Paidi. When that wears off, sometimes the emporer is clad by Mother Nature.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on June 25, 2012, 05:10:42 PM
Ireland move up one place to 7th in the rankings... WTF ???
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on June 25, 2012, 05:18:37 PM
Kidney is a genius.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on June 25, 2012, 05:21:43 PM
Turns out you don't need to win game to move up the rankings...

As a Cavan man I vote this system should be used in the GAA...

Cavan would become a Top 12 team instantly in the football and take our place at the very top in the Hurling!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on September 01, 2012, 09:42:22 PM
Celtic League started this weekend -Munster hve a left winger called Luke O'Dea who might be worth keeping an eye on. They are hanging on here though - 5 up with 5 to play !
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Declan on September 12, 2012, 02:34:40 PM
Interesting development in the UK - http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/rugby/2012/0912/1224323936277.html (http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/rugby/2012/0912/1224323936277.html)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LeoMc on September 12, 2012, 02:38:44 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on June 25, 2012, 05:21:43 PM
Turns out you don't need to win game to move up the rankings...

As a Cavan man I vote this system should be used in the GAA...

Cavan would become a Top 12 team instantly in the football and take our place at the very top in the Hurling!!
Are your best hurlers not in Straffen?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on October 10, 2012, 09:37:00 PM
Documentary on now on TG4 about Connacht Rugby - The West's Awake
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on October 10, 2012, 11:19:20 PM
I see Earls is out for Munster at the weekend.

I saw Shane Monahan in the highlights reel for Gloucester v Bath at the weekend. He is a former Leinster academy winger. He looked very good from what I saw. Is there any chance of an international call up.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on October 11, 2012, 09:30:34 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on October 10, 2012, 11:19:20 PM
I see Earls is out for Munster at the weekend.

I saw Shane Monahan in the highlights reel for Gloucester v Bath at the weekend. He is a former Leinster academy winger. He looked very good from what I saw. Is there any chance of an international call up.

No not while he is playing overseas.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 06, 2012, 02:47:08 PM
Probable Irish team for the weekend

15. Zebo
14. Bowe
13. Earls
12. D'Arcy
11. Trimble
10. Sexton (capt)
9. Murray

1. Healy
2. Strauss
3. Ross
4. Ryan
5. POC
6. POM
7. Henry
8. Heaslip
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 06, 2012, 03:54:19 PM
Zebo fullback? Interesting. He is good under a high ball, and he can kick, and we all know he has pace and can come into the line.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 06, 2012, 03:55:27 PM
Sexton captain? With Paul O'C on the team? Also I'd have thought Heaslip would be ahead in that particular pecking order.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 06, 2012, 04:05:45 PM
I would have Heaslip as captain as well, he is undefeated as Leinster captain but he has a personality that isn't what you would call embracing. Sexton is a bit narky for my liking and has enough responsibilities. Zebo seemingly has never played full-back professionally.

It's a fairly weak looking team regardless, think we will be beat but would love to see Henderson get a run, next big thing in Irish rugby.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 06, 2012, 04:12:22 PM
What's the story with this lad that's been brought in at prop? Is he in the squad? Where did he come from, and how is he eligible? Agree re Sexton. Not so much about the narkiness, but I think he has enough on his plate responsibility wise. I've never seen Zebo at full back, but I suppose on paper he would have the tools. Not sure about his tackling though, especially when he doesn't have the touch line to help him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 06, 2012, 04:23:18 PM
Bent is a bit of a Micko signing, Irish Passport Holder, played professionally in NZ for Taranaki, scouted about a year ago by Leinster but parachuted straight into the Irish set-up I assume on the recommendation on Greg Feek, Leinster and Irish scrum coach.

THP is a problem position and the provinces have too many non-Irish eligible playing in that position, my preference would have been for John Andress THP for Worcester Warriors in the AP. He's playing week in week out but like Ross before him is been ignored because he doesn't play in Ireland and all that goes with that (getting him released etc)

Personally I have no problem with Bent if he gets a game but some awful whinging going on about it and the Strauss selection.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 06, 2012, 07:44:03 PM
The thing is, the  team won't function without cover at tighthead prop. Some refs won't let a team play without a good one. They hand the game to the team with the best props. Not the way things should be imho but they want the scrum reffed properly. Look what happened when Mike Ross went off injured against the English?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 06, 2012, 08:17:30 PM
Who is missing from the Springbok starting 15 again?

Ireland are without Ferris, Kearney, Best and O'Driscoll.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 06, 2012, 09:48:03 PM
Ireland havent the biggest pick for players, 4 provinces is not enough, All players in England playing in the premiership that could qualify for Ireland shout be looked at. Bob Casey and Trevor Brennan were ignored when they played aboard. As for players for other countries playing for us, whats the problem, so what if we pick up an odd south African, New Zealander etc, New Zealand got their pick of the south sea islands, England playing 3/4 South African, 2 New Zealander and a Samoan, in a country with a population of 60million and 12 high level rugby teams. if they are good enough take them. We have very little cover in the front row and some decent South Africans would shore up that area.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: NAG1 on November 09, 2012, 02:06:37 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on November 06, 2012, 09:48:03 PM
Ireland havent the biggest pick for players, 4 provinces is not enough, All players in England playing in the premiership that could qualify for Ireland shout be looked at. Bob Casey and Trevor Brennan were ignored when they played aboard. As for players for other countries playing for us, whats the problem, so what if we pick up an odd south African, New Zealander etc, New Zealand got their pick of the south sea islands, England playing 3/4 South African, 2 New Zealander and a Samoan, in a country with a population of 60million and 12 high level rugby teams. if they are good enough take them. We have very little cover in the front row and some decent South Africans would shore up that area.

They would fit in well singing Ireland's Call as it would mean as much to them as it does to the rest of us  >:(

Heading to the game at the weekend, tickets in the south stand never been to the Aviva yet just wondered what the vista will be like?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CiKe on November 10, 2012, 02:42:19 PM
Hijacking this thread a bit, but anyone have a link for the France Australia game? Just sat down on sofa with a bottle of wine to wath the Wales game and a feast of sport ahead of me if can see the France game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gerry on November 10, 2012, 03:20:50 PM
http://www.vipboxsports.eu/rugby/100207/1/ireland-vs-south-africa-live-stream-online.html (http://www.vipboxsports.eu/rugby/100207/1/ireland-vs-south-africa-live-stream-online.html)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on November 10, 2012, 03:24:15 PM
Quote from: CiKe on November 10, 2012, 02:42:19 PM
Hijacking this thread a bit, but anyone have a link for the France Australia game? Just sat down on sofa with a bottle of wine to wath the Wales game and a feast of sport ahead of me if can see the France game.

http://mypremium.tv/ (http://mypremium.tv/) - select ESPN
http://www.vipboxsports.eu/sports/rugby.html (http://www.vipboxsports.eu/sports/rugby.html)
http://www.wiziwig.tv/competition.php?part=sports&discipline=rugby (http://www.wiziwig.tv/competition.php?part=sports&discipline=rugby)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CiKe on November 10, 2012, 03:26:22 PM
Quote from: gerry on November 10, 2012, 03:20:50 PM
http://www.vipboxsports.eu/rugby/100207/1/ireland-vs-south-africa-live-stream-online.html (http://www.vipboxsports.eu/rugby/100207/1/ireland-vs-south-africa-live-stream-online.html)

Thanks Gerry/Hardy
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Myles Na G. on November 10, 2012, 03:29:11 PM
Quote from: NAG1 on November 09, 2012, 02:06:37 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on November 06, 2012, 09:48:03 PM
Ireland havent the biggest pick for players, 4 provinces is not enough, All players in England playing in the premiership that could qualify for Ireland shout be looked at. Bob Casey and Trevor Brennan were ignored when they played aboard. As for players for other countries playing for us, whats the problem, so what if we pick up an odd south African, New Zealander etc, New Zealand got their pick of the south sea islands, England playing 3/4 South African, 2 New Zealander and a Samoan, in a country with a population of 60million and 12 high level rugby teams. if they are good enough take them. We have very little cover in the front row and some decent South Africans would shore up that area.

They would fit in well singing Ireland's Call as it would mean as much to them as it does to the rest of us  >:(

Heading to the game at the weekend, tickets in the south stand never been to the Aviva yet just wondered what the vista will be like?
[/b]
Nice with a few chips  ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 10, 2012, 05:26:26 PM
South african anthem = shite.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GAA_Talk on November 10, 2012, 05:33:39 PM
Very bad choice of colours of jerseys for television viewing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: michaelg on November 10, 2012, 05:54:00 PM
Quote from: NAG1 on November 09, 2012, 02:06:37 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on November 06, 2012, 09:48:03 PM
Ireland havent the biggest pick for players, 4 provinces is not enough, All players in England playing in the premiership that could qualify for Ireland shout be looked at. Bob Casey and Trevor Brennan were ignored when they played aboard. As for players for other countries playing for us, whats the problem, so what if we pick up an odd south African, New Zealander etc, New Zealand got their pick of the south sea islands, England playing 3/4 South African, 2 New Zealander and a Samoan, in a country with a population of 60million and 12 high level rugby teams. if they are good enough take them. We have very little cover in the front row and some decent South Africans would shore up that area.

They would fit in well singing Ireland's Call as it would mean as much to them as it does to the rest of us  >:(

Heading to the game at the weekend, tickets in the south stand never been to the Aviva yet just wondered what the vista will be like?
Speak for yourself.  For Ulster players and supporters from a Unionist background, it is spot on.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 10, 2012, 05:57:30 PM
Money talks. One of the few times Ireland can justify wearing the new kit to sell it. Pity it's a black kit which means it almost clashes with the boks anyway.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 10, 2012, 06:11:09 PM
McCarthy the most surprising performer so far. Brilliant. Zebo has been excellent as has O Mahoney, Sexton and Bowe.

South Africa = shite. A crowd of sneaky f**kers, typical to see them in the Mead colours.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CiKe on November 10, 2012, 07:22:20 PM
What a crap game. McCarthy played very well.

Zero creativity in the midfield, ball way too slow.Still don't see what Conor Murray offers whatsoever. I used complain about O'Leary and his boxkicks but he's not much better and doesn't just seem to be slow but almost deliberately slow. Useless.

Bent held up the scrum well when he came on.

Opportunity missed.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on November 10, 2012, 07:32:15 PM
Hard to credit that Ireland were only a missed Sexton penalty from winning that game.
I guess the SA half time talk was 'if we decide to play a bit, we can win this game'.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 10, 2012, 07:43:35 PM
Quote from: CiKe on November 10, 2012, 07:22:20 PM
What a crap game. McCarthy played very well.

Zero creativity in the midfield, ball way too slow.Still don't see what Conor Murray offers whatsoever. I used complain about O'Leary and his boxkicks but he's not much better and doesn't just seem to be slow but almost deliberately slow. Useless.

Bent held up the scrum well when he came on.

Opportunity missed.

Amazing what happens when you reward form.

Still Kidney is just seeing out his contract but one thing is for certain Les Kiss is no attack coach, lets pass the ball 15 meters behind gain line and invite that aggressive hard nose defence on to us, we were rubbish tactically.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 10, 2012, 08:15:26 PM
We are never going to beat a team like South Africa without our best players. However it was a solid effort. Mike mccarthy has a future. Zebo will have a bigger impact in more open games. A pity we were missing most of our best players.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyroneboi on November 10, 2012, 08:38:22 PM
Quote from: CiKe on November 10, 2012, 07:22:20 PM
What a crap game. McCarthy played very well.

Zero creativity in the midfield, ball way too slow.Still don't see what Conor Murray offers whatsoever. I used complain about O'Leary and his boxkicks but he's not much better and doesn't just seem to be slow but almost deliberately slow. Useless.

Bent held up the scrum well when he came on.

Opportunity missed.

100% agree with that - his kicking is absolutely atrocious and his general play isn't much better. He tries to be like a physical Mike Phillips type scrum half but is nowhere near good enough to play like that (when Phillips is at this best). Bowe and Zebo were the bright sparks in the backs but as CiKe says the creativity or lack of in midfield kills the team. After the way Argentina played today we are going to be up against it in 2 weeks time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: here comes 6 on November 10, 2012, 09:05:17 PM
Ive said it before on this  thread and i'll say it again....... Time to go KIDNEY
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on November 10, 2012, 09:28:12 PM
Murray may be limited but i thought reddan was worse.

Still struggling against the big powerful teams in the pack.
Thought earls done well but darcy has his best days behind him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CiKe on November 10, 2012, 09:54:53 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on November 10, 2012, 09:28:12 PM
Murray may be limited but i thought reddan was worse.

Still struggling against the big powerful teams in the pack.
Thought earls done well but darcy has his best days behind him.

Was it Reddan who tried the little chip over the top at the end when we had to hold on to possession to have any chance? Height of stupidity. Even if it wasn't, you're right he wasn't great.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on November 10, 2012, 10:12:08 PM
Quote from: CiKe on November 10, 2012, 09:54:53 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on November 10, 2012, 09:28:12 PM
Murray may be limited but i thought reddan was worse.

Still struggling against the big powerful teams in the pack.
Thought earls done well but darcy has his best days behind him.

Was it Reddan who tried the little chip over the top at the end when we had to hold on to possession to have any chance? Height of stupidity. Even if it wasn't, you're right he wasn't great.

That was ROG.

Just need to face facts. We should stick to GAA.

We're better at it. Bar the odd 6 nations truimph we cant make a dent against SH teams.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on November 10, 2012, 10:26:46 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 10, 2012, 06:11:09 PM
McCarthy the most surprising performer so far. Brilliant. Zebo has been excellent as has O Mahoney, Sexton and Bowe.

South Africa = shite. A crowd of sneaky f**kers, typical to see them in the Mead colours.

That is so intelligent on so many levels.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on November 10, 2012, 10:27:53 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 10, 2012, 10:12:08 PM
Quote from: CiKe on November 10, 2012, 09:54:53 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on November 10, 2012, 09:28:12 PM
Murray may be limited but i thought reddan was worse.

Still struggling against the big powerful teams in the pack.
Thought earls done well but darcy has his best days behind him.

Was it Reddan who tried the little chip over the top at the end when we had to hold on to possession to have any chance? Height of stupidity. Even if it wasn't, you're right he wasn't great.

That was ROG.

Just need to face facts. We should stick to GAA.

We're better at it. Bar the odd 6 nations truimph we cant make a dent against SH teams.

Thought it was Reddan. Whatever, it was the stupidest thing I've seen on a football field this year.

Well, apart from Marty Morrissey.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on November 10, 2012, 10:37:24 PM
Richardt Strauss belting out Ammrán na bhFiann. Fair play. Níos Gaelach ná na Gaeil iad féin.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CiKe on November 10, 2012, 11:41:13 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 10, 2012, 10:12:08 PM
Quote from: CiKe on November 10, 2012, 09:54:53 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on November 10, 2012, 09:28:12 PM
Murray may be limited but i thought reddan was worse.

Still struggling against the big powerful teams in the pack.
Thought earls done well but darcy has his best days behind him.

Was it Reddan who tried the little chip over the top at the end when we had to hold on to possession to have any chance? Height of stupidity. Even if it wasn't, you're right he wasn't great.

That was ROG.

Just need to face facts. We should stick to GAA.

We're better at it. Bar the odd 6 nations truimph we cant make a dent against SH teams.
/

Rog? Seriously? Christ you'd think he'd have known better at least.

Don't think we'll beat Argentina based on the respective performances although Wales were unusually dreadul.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on November 10, 2012, 11:49:03 PM
Quote from: CiKe on November 10, 2012, 11:41:13 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 10, 2012, 10:12:08 PM
Quote from: CiKe on November 10, 2012, 09:54:53 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on November 10, 2012, 09:28:12 PM
Murray may be limited but i thought reddan was worse.

Still struggling against the big powerful teams in the pack.
Thought earls done well but darcy has his best days behind him.

Was it Reddan who tried the little chip over the top at the end when we had to hold on to possession to have any chance? Height of stupidity. Even if it wasn't, you're right he wasn't great.

That was ROG.

Just need to face facts. We should stick to GAA.

We're better at it. Bar the odd 6 nations truimph we cant make a dent against SH teams.
/

Rog? Seriously? Christ you'd think he'd have known better at least.

Don't think we'll beat Argentina based on the respective performances although Wales were unusually dreadul.

argies are up to 7th now. they may not push themselves too hard. have to remember the argies will play the best 3 teams in the world every year regularly from now on. you could see the improvement now even though wales were crap
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ballinaman on November 11, 2012, 02:43:21 PM
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/11/09/article-2230601-15EFB342000005DC-179_964x654.jpg)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 12, 2012, 12:41:02 AM
As someone said previously Mike McCarthy was given his place on form and rewarded it with a good performance.

D'Arcy, Earls, Trimble and Murray should all be dropped after that pish they served up on Saturday. McFadden to FB, Zebo to the wing and get Marshall, Cave and Gilroy in the squad. Ulster are the team playing the best Rugby atm so these lads should get a shot!!

Kidneys doing my nut at this stage!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: NAG1 on November 12, 2012, 08:59:41 AM
Quote from: screenexile on November 12, 2012, 12:41:02 AM
As someone said previously Mike McCarthy was given his place on form and rewarded it with a good performance.

D'Arcy, Earls, Trimble and Murray should all be dropped after that pish they served up on Saturday. McFadden to FB, Zebo to the wing and get Marshall, Cave and Gilroy in the squad. Ulster are the team playing the best Rugby atm so these lads should get a shot!!

Kidneys doing my nut at this stage!!

Horrendus
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on November 12, 2012, 09:02:58 AM
I may be corrected but I thought Earls was possibly the only one to make a break the whole game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on November 12, 2012, 10:09:17 AM
Quote from: screenexile on November 12, 2012, 12:41:02 AM
As someone said previously Mike McCarthy was given his place on form and rewarded it with a good performance.

D'Arcy, Earls, Trimble and Murray should all be dropped after that pish they served up on Saturday. McFadden to FB, Zebo to the wing and get Marshall, Cave and Gilroy in the squad. Ulster are the team playing the best Rugby atm so these lads should get a shot!!

Kidneys doing my nut at this stage!!

1- Gilroy doesnt start for Ulster. Trimble is selected ahead of him so by that token Mark Anscombe is wrong too.

2- Mc Fadden has never played full back bar a few sporadic occasions for Leinster. Madness.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on November 12, 2012, 10:51:55 AM
Had O'Driscoll, Kearney, O'Connell, Ferris and O'Brien been fit, Kidney would no doubt have picked them all and served up the same old reheated dish. Ireland would have won by a handful of points instead of losing by a handful.

At least the injuries forced him to give other fellas a run. The occasional urgency about ranking points aside, the Autumn fixtures are nothing but challenge matches anyway. They should be treated as such in terms of trying out players. Obviously nobody official is going to admit as much, as stadiums need to be sold out to fill up the salary war chest.

Good to see young lads like 30 year old Mike McCarthy show promise!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on November 12, 2012, 11:11:06 AM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on November 12, 2012, 10:51:55 AM
Had O'Driscoll, Kearney, O'Connell, Ferris and O'Brien been fit, Kidney would no doubt have picked them all and served up the same old reheated dish. Ireland would have won by a handful of points instead of losing by a handful.

At least the injuries forced him to give other fellas a run. The occasional urgency about ranking points aside, the Autumn fixtures are nothing but challenge matches anyway. They should be treated as such in terms of trying out players. Obviously nobody official is going to admit as much, as stadiums need to be sold out to fill up the salary war chest.

Good to see young lads like 30 year old Mike McCarthy show promise!

If we go into the 3rd seeded pot for 2015. We can stay at home.

If Scotland beat SA and we lose to the Argies we are in serious shit. Scotland beat SA in 2010 in Murrayfield.

We are no closer to replacing BOD or POC then we were 10 years ago
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 12, 2012, 11:26:34 AM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 12, 2012, 10:09:17 AM
Quote from: screenexile on November 12, 2012, 12:41:02 AM
As someone said previously Mike McCarthy was given his place on form and rewarded it with a good performance.

D'Arcy, Earls, Trimble and Murray should all be dropped after that pish they served up on Saturday. McFadden to FB, Zebo to the wing and get Marshall, Cave and Gilroy in the squad. Ulster are the team playing the best Rugby atm so these lads should get a shot!!

Kidneys doing my nut at this stage!!

1- Gilroy doesnt start for Ulster. Trimble is selected ahead of him so by that token Mark Anscombe is wrong too.

2- Mc Fadden has never played full back bar a few sporadic occasions for Leinster. Madness.

Gilroy is playing well at the minute in the Rabo and will be 24 by the next world cup where Trimble and Bowe will both be 31. He will be an Ireland player in the future so why not blood him now? Trimble was poor yesterday and Gilroy would have given us a good running option.

As for McFadden that is fair enough but he is more experienced than Zebo and his handful of games for Leinster at FB is more than Zebo has had. As well as that it is only a stop gap until Kearney is back anyway.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on November 12, 2012, 11:28:09 AM
Gordon Darcy. Can anyone suggest an explanation?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 12, 2012, 11:31:17 AM
Quote from: Hardy on November 12, 2012, 11:28:09 AM
Gordon Darcy. Can anyone suggest an explanation?

I can find no earthly reason as to why he is there!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on November 12, 2012, 11:51:42 AM
Quote from: screenexile on November 12, 2012, 11:26:34 AM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 12, 2012, 10:09:17 AM
Quote from: screenexile on November 12, 2012, 12:41:02 AM
As someone said previously Mike McCarthy was given his place on form and rewarded it with a good performance.

D'Arcy, Earls, Trimble and Murray should all be dropped after that pish they served up on Saturday. McFadden to FB, Zebo to the wing and get Marshall, Cave and Gilroy in the squad. Ulster are the team playing the best Rugby atm so these lads should get a shot!!

Kidneys doing my nut at this stage!!

1- Gilroy doesnt start for Ulster. Trimble is selected ahead of him so by that token Mark Anscombe is wrong too.

2- Mc Fadden has never played full back bar a few sporadic occasions for Leinster. Madness.

Gilroy is playing well at the minute in the Rabo and will be 24 by the next world cup where Trimble and Bowe will both be 31. He will be an Ireland player in the future so why not blood him now? Trimble was poor yesterday and Gilroy would have given us a good running option.

As for McFadden that is fair enough but he is more experienced than Zebo and his handful of games for Leinster at FB is more than Zebo has had. As well as that it is only a stop gap until Kearney is back anyway.

You cant justify a player playing international rugby when he doesnt start in the HEC. Its like putting a guy into a county team when he doesnt start for his club team. As I said it must mean Anscombe is wrong as well. If Jared Payne wasnt there then maybe we wouldnt have the problem.

Mc Fadden hasnt nailed a place down on the Leinster team yet regularly either. He still cant get in ahead of Darcy for Leinster at 12. So its hard for Kidney to play him anywhere else except the wing.

I'm not mad about Kidney as international coach but his hands are tied to a degree when a lot of foreign players fill up key positions at provincial level.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on November 12, 2012, 12:10:07 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 12, 2012, 11:11:06 AM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on November 12, 2012, 10:51:55 AM
At least the injuries forced him to give other fellas a run. The occasional urgency about ranking points aside, the Autumn fixtures are nothing but challenge matches anyway. They should be treated as such in terms of trying out players. Obviously nobody official is going to admit as much, as stadiums need to be sold out to fill up the salary

If we go into the 3rd seeded pot for 2015. We can stay at home.

If Scotland beat SA and we lose to the Argies we are in serious shit. Scotland beat SA in 2010 in Murrayfield.
Scotland beating SA is unlikely for starters, but not completely implausible.

Either way, it wouldn't be necessarily a disaster if Ireland were 3rd seeds. The 2nd seed in Ireland's group would then be someone like Scotland, Argentina or Wales.

Formidable opponents, yes. But let's not start cowering Scooby Doo style at their might just yet!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Canalman on November 12, 2012, 01:26:04 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on November 12, 2012, 12:10:07 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 12, 2012, 11:11:06 AM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on November 12, 2012, 10:51:55 AM
At least the injuries forced him to give other fellas a run. The occasional urgency about ranking points aside, the Autumn fixtures are nothing but challenge matches anyway. They should be treated as such in terms of trying out players. Obviously nobody official is going to admit as much, as stadiums need to be sold out to fill up the salary



If we go into the 3rd seeded pot for 2015. We can stay at home.

If Scotland beat SA and we lose to the Argies we are in serious shit. Scotland beat SA in 2010 in Murrayfield.
Scotland beating SA is unlikely for starters, but not completely implausible.

Either way, it wouldn't be necessarily a disaster if Ireland were 3rd seeds. The 2nd seed in Ireland's group would then be someone like Scotland, Argentina or Wales.

Formidable opponents, yes. But let's not start cowering Scooby Doo style at their might just yet!

In all fairness for a country that has never got past the 1/4 finals of what is basically a "9 team and the rest minnows competition" I think all help in seeding is required. We are not really a Scrappy Doo team at the WCs so far.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on November 12, 2012, 01:43:02 PM
I don't like to do the whole over exaggeration thing, and the game was almost certainly lost at the time.

But if a youngster (say Paddy Jackson) did what O'Gara did with that chip in injury time on Saturday, he'd be sent out to roost for a year or two to learn composure. Why our most capped, most experienced out half should avoid such treatment is beyond me.

Midfield looks like it's going to be the undoing of Ireland for the next few years. While other nations seem to be able to grow mobile giants on trees, our midfield options appear to be getting smaller, lighter and entirely unsuitable for international rugby. It's why D'Arcy (bless him) is still around; at least we aren't wasting time pretending he's going to be a player with him.

BOD was always going to leave behind huge shoes to fill. They're now comically huge shoes.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 12, 2012, 01:55:54 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on November 12, 2012, 01:43:02 PM
I don't like to do the whole over exaggeration thing, and the game was almost certainly lost at the time.

But if a youngster (say Paddy Jackson) did what O'Gara did with that chip in injury time on Saturday, he'd be sent out to roost for a year or two to learn composure. Why our most capped, most experienced out half should avoid such treatment is beyond me.

Midfield looks like it's going to be the undoing of Ireland for the next few years. While other nations seem to be able to grow mobile giants on trees, our midfield options appear to be getting smaller, lighter and entirely unsuitable for international rugby. It's why D'Arcy (bless him) is still around; at least we aren't wasting time pretending he's going to be a player with him.

BOD was always going to leave behind huge shoes to fill. They're now comically huge shoes.

I thought it was stupid as well but you have to take the rough with the smooth I guess . . .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eqg5B4XY8-o
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 12, 2012, 02:37:35 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 12, 2012, 01:55:54 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on November 12, 2012, 01:43:02 PM
I don't like to do the whole over exaggeration thing, and the game was almost certainly lost at the time.

But if a youngster (say Paddy Jackson) did what O'Gara did with that chip in injury time on Saturday, he'd be sent out to roost for a year or two to learn composure. Why our most capped, most experienced out half should avoid such treatment is beyond me.

Midfield looks like it's going to be the undoing of Ireland for the next few years. While other nations seem to be able to grow mobile giants on trees, our midfield options appear to be getting smaller, lighter and entirely unsuitable for international rugby. It's why D'Arcy (bless him) is still around; at least we aren't wasting time pretending he's going to be a player with him.

BOD was always going to leave behind huge shoes to fill. They're now comically huge shoes.

I thought it was stupid as well but you have to take the rough with the smooth I guess . . .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eqg5B4XY8-o
Someone like O'Driscoll might come along every 40 years. Like Dermot Earley in Roscommon
Maybe Irish rugby supporters need to start thinking like Roscommon fans...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on November 12, 2012, 03:01:17 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 12, 2012, 01:55:54 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on November 12, 2012, 01:43:02 PM
I don't like to do the whole over exaggeration thing, and the game was almost certainly lost at the time.

But if a youngster (say Paddy Jackson) did what O'Gara did with that chip in injury time on Saturday, he'd be sent out to roost for a year or two to learn composure. Why our most capped, most experienced out half should avoid such treatment is beyond me.

Midfield looks like it's going to be the undoing of Ireland for the next few years. While other nations seem to be able to grow mobile giants on trees, our midfield options appear to be getting smaller, lighter and entirely unsuitable for international rugby. It's why D'Arcy (bless him) is still around; at least we aren't wasting time pretending he's going to be a player with him.

BOD was always going to leave behind huge shoes to fill. They're now comically huge shoes.

I thought it was stupid as well but you have to take the rough with the smooth I guess . . .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eqg5B4XY8-o

Christ Almighty! The day was going bad enough and then you inflict Royle Neegent on me!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on November 13, 2012, 10:03:33 AM
Quote from: screenexile on November 12, 2012, 01:55:54 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on November 12, 2012, 01:43:02 PM
I don't like to do the whole over exaggeration thing, and the game was almost certainly lost at the time.

But if a youngster (say Paddy Jackson) did what O'Gara did with that chip in injury time on Saturday, he'd be sent out to roost for a year or two to learn composure. Why our most capped, most experienced out half should avoid such treatment is beyond me.

Midfield looks like it's going to be the undoing of Ireland for the next few years. While other nations seem to be able to grow mobile giants on trees, our midfield options appear to be getting smaller, lighter and entirely unsuitable for international rugby. It's why D'Arcy (bless him) is still around; at least we aren't wasting time pretending he's going to be a player with him.

BOD was always going to leave behind huge shoes to fill. They're now comically huge shoes.

I thought it was stupid as well but you have to take the rough with the smooth I guess . . .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eqg5B4XY8-o

The smooth was in 2006, its now 2012, time to say thanks to ROG and D'Arcy and let the replacements find their own way even if we do pick up the odd tanking on the way.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on November 13, 2012, 11:32:31 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on November 13, 2012, 10:03:33 AM
Quote from: screenexile on November 12, 2012, 01:55:54 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on November 12, 2012, 01:43:02 PM
I don't like to do the whole over exaggeration thing, and the game was almost certainly lost at the time.

But if a youngster (say Paddy Jackson) did what O'Gara did with that chip in injury time on Saturday, he'd be sent out to roost for a year or two to learn composure. Why our most capped, most experienced out half should avoid such treatment is beyond me.

Midfield looks like it's going to be the undoing of Ireland for the next few years. While other nations seem to be able to grow mobile giants on trees, our midfield options appear to be getting smaller, lighter and entirely unsuitable for international rugby. It's why D'Arcy (bless him) is still around; at least we aren't wasting time pretending he's going to be a player with him.

BOD was always going to leave behind huge shoes to fill. They're now comically huge shoes.

I thought it was stupid as well but you have to take the rough with the smooth I guess . . .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eqg5B4XY8-o

The smooth was in 2006, its now 2012, time to say thanks to ROG and D'Arcy and let the replacements find their own way even if we do pick up the odd tanking on the way.

Thats what will happen but we're going to pick up serious hidings against SH opposition. The players coming through just arent as good in most areas unfortunately.

We're lucky that the 6 Nations is such a poor standard at present that we should be able to pick up 3 wins and maybe a 4th against England. Only France look good at present. The rest like ourselves would drown in the Rugby Championship.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on November 13, 2012, 01:59:06 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on November 13, 2012, 10:03:33 AM
The smooth was in 2006, its now 2012, time to say thanks to ROG and D'Arcy and let the replacements find their own way even if we do pick up the odd tanking on the way.

This time last year I thought D'Arcy was finished. He did put in the odd big performances during the season, but mostly he was mediocre.

This season though he's started really well for Leinster. And he was clearly Ireland's best centre on Saturday.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 13, 2012, 02:02:54 PM
Quote from: Hound on November 13, 2012, 01:59:06 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on November 13, 2012, 10:03:33 AM
The smooth was in 2006, its now 2012, time to say thanks to ROG and D'Arcy and let the replacements find their own way even if we do pick up the odd tanking on the way.

This time last year I thought D'Arcy was finished. He did put in the odd big performances during the season, but mostly he was mediocre.

This season though he's started really well for Leinster. And he was clearly Ireland's best centre on Saturday.

;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Declan on November 13, 2012, 04:34:15 PM
Provincial rivlary boils over!!

LEINSTER rugby star John Cooney has decided against pressing charges after he was the victim of a nightclub assault.

The scrum-half was punched in the face by a provincial rival during a fracas.

However, he has decided not to make any complaint to gardai about the alleged incident which occurred last Sunday.

Cooney (22) required medical treatment after he was hit by a "random punch" in a southside Dublin club.

The alleged assailant is a current Connacht rugby star.

Cooney was part of the Leinster squad that travelled to Swansea to take on the Ospreys on November 4, before the international break, where they lost.

The players not involved in Declan Kidney's plans were given the week off and Cooney and a few friends went socialising in south Dublin.

"It wasn't even a row, he was punched. Thankfully he's fine," a Leinster spokesperson said.

"It occurred nine days ago after the Ospreys game, the squad who weren't involved in international duty had the week off and it's obviously one of these things that happens. It's unfortunate but the most important thing is that he's fine and he reported for training with the rest of them yesterday.

"It's not very nice when it happens. It wasn't a row, fisticuffs, guards anything like that. It was just a random punch and he was just the poor unfortunate at the end of it.

"There are no criminal charges going to be pressed."

Connacht rugby chief executive Tom Sears admitted that he was aware of the alleged incident but had not received any complaints.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 13, 2012, 07:40:06 PM
Who threw the punch?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 15, 2012, 11:58:34 PM
Interesting team named for the Fiji match but it's all too little to late. As a long time defender of Kidney I have to admit he is just seeing out his contract as Dinny suggests. The national side are a team bereft of original ideas and in the face of poor organisation they are descending into a mob. O'Gara, Trimble and D'Arcy are long since past their best. To see us push a 10 to centre whilst numerous younger men sit at home in the provinces is disappointing. We should be looking to develop Madigan, McFadden, Jackson, Cave amongst others to fill these rolls, even at the risk of some poor performances. Particularly discouraging is the use of McFadden as a winger instead of attempting to make a player of him in the centre, a role he has to skill set, and more importantly the physique, to fill.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on November 16, 2012, 12:27:58 AM
Quote from: trileacman on November 15, 2012, 11:58:34 PM
Interesting team named for the Fiji match but it's all too little to late. As a long time defender of Kidney I have to admit he is just seeing out his contract as Dinny suggests. The national side are a team bereft of original ideas and in the face of poor organisation they are descending into a mob. O'Gara, Trimble and D'Arcy are long since past their best. To see us push a 10 to centre whilst numerous younger men sit at home in the provinces is disappointing. We should be looking to develop Madigan, McFadden, Jackson, Cave amongst others to fill these rolls, even at the risk of some poor performances. Particularly discouraging is the use of McFadden as a winger instead of attempting to make a player of him in the centre, a role he has to skill set, and more importantly the physique, to fill.

Why does Schimdt never pick Mc Fadden in preference to Darcy at 12?

Some very lazy analysis here.  I'm not a fan of Kidney but you cant blame him for that one. You cant just start at inside level at international unless you play there on a regualr basis at club level.

You could also question why Luke Marshall is playing as he rarely starts at provincial level. Except that he is a natural centre.

Mark Anscombe started Trimble ahead of Gilroy? Again how can Kidney pick a guy who is benching at provincial level.

Madigan is suffering from the fact he's a 10 who will never play ahead of Sexton bar injury. He's probably got the Lions 10 at outhalf. An impossible task for a kid.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CornerBackNo2 on November 16, 2012, 12:33:25 AM
Ulster's Chris Farrell is a promising young centre coming through. He is only 19 and made his senior debut last season. Starred for Ireland u20s in World Cup. Unfortunately he tore the ACL during pre-season/the start of the season and will be out for the majority of the year. If he can regain full fitness and push on from where he left off he can be one for the future. A beast of a man too - approx 6'5 and strong
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: DuffleKing on November 16, 2012, 12:44:20 AM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 12, 2012, 11:11:06 AM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on November 12, 2012, 10:51:55 AM
Had O'Driscoll, Kearney, O'Connell, Ferris and O'Brien been fit, Kidney would no doubt have picked them all and served up the same old reheated dish. Ireland would have won by a handful of points instead of losing by a handful.

At least the injuries forced him to give other fellas a run. The occasional urgency about ranking points aside, the Autumn fixtures are nothing but challenge matches anyway. They should be treated as such in terms of trying out players. Obviously nobody official is going to admit as much, as stadiums need to be sold out to fill up the salary war chest.

Good to see young lads like 30 year old Mike McCarthy show promise!

If we go into the 3rd seeded pot for 2015. We can stay at home.

If Scotland beat SA and we lose to the Argies we are in serious shit. Scotland beat SA in 2010 in Murrayfield.

We are no closer to replacing BOD or POC then we were 10 years ago

You are a little ray of sunshine to every thread you post in
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 17, 2012, 05:53:25 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 16, 2012, 12:27:58 AM
Quote from: trileacman on November 15, 2012, 11:58:34 PM
Interesting team named for the Fiji match but it's all too little to late. As a long time defender of Kidney I have to admit he is just seeing out his contract as Dinny suggests. The national side are a team bereft of original ideas and in the face of poor organisation they are descending into a mob. O'Gara, Trimble and D'Arcy are long since past their best. To see us push a 10 to centre whilst numerous younger men sit at home in the provinces is disappointing. We should be looking to develop Madigan, McFadden, Jackson, Cave amongst others to fill these rolls, even at the risk of some poor performances. Particularly discouraging is the use of McFadden as a winger instead of attempting to make a player of him in the centre, a role he has to skill set, and more importantly the physique, to fill.

Why does Schimdt never pick Mc Fadden in preference to Darcy at 12?

Some very lazy analysis here.  I'm not a fan of Kidney but you cant blame him for that one. You cant just start at inside level at international unless you play there on a regualr basis at club level.

You could also question why Luke Marshall is playing as he rarely starts at provincial level. Except that he is a natural centre.

Mark Anscombe started Trimble ahead of Gilroy? Again how can Kidney pick a guy who is benching at provincial level.

Madigan is suffering from the fact he's a 10 who will never play ahead of Sexton bar injury. He's probably got the Lions 10 at outhalf. An impossible task for a kid.

Your second sting centres + McFadden are doing very well. Ref is riding Fiji out of it though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on November 17, 2012, 05:58:54 PM
Ulster are giving Fiji an awful hiding here.

Wonder how they'd fare against the Argies?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 17, 2012, 09:53:04 PM
Surely Gilroys performance today places him ahead of Trimble for next week!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on November 17, 2012, 10:09:53 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 17, 2012, 09:53:04 PM
Surely Gilroys performance today places him ahead of Trimble for next week!!!

I don't think I've ever seen Bowe or Gilroy play left wing. Though I'm usually wrong about such things. To my never-having-played-the-game eyes, it shouldn't be any different, but there must be a fee reasons why players tend to end up specialising on one side.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: whitegoodman on November 17, 2012, 10:30:50 PM
Gilroy played left wing all of last season with Trimble on the right.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on November 17, 2012, 11:14:29 PM
Quote from: whitegoodman on November 17, 2012, 10:30:50 PM
Gilroy played left wing all of last season with Trimble on the right.

... must pay more attention.

The signing if Bowe was most odd if a full Irish international, in his prime, is already playing that position.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dubh driocht on November 18, 2012, 05:37:28 PM
As my fellow Down men are on here, you might already know that Gilroy ( from a non-GAA Tradition!) joined St Pauls Holywood at the age of 15 because he had some mates who played and he wanted to improve his ball-handling skills. He duly helped them to an East Down B championship final win over Bredagh AET. I actually think bringing back Tommy was a statement of intent; as this week has shown, Ulster need cover all over the field (narrow victory today maintains the 100%).
Delighted to see so many Ulster men playing for Ireland.Important to remain in the second tier for seeding purposes.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 22, 2012, 01:35:11 PM
Quotebbc.co.uk


Craig Gilroy wins place in Ireland team to face Argentina
AUTUMN INTERNATIONAL - IRELAND V ARGENTINA

    Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
    Date: Saturday, 24 November
    Kick-off: 1400 GMT

Coverage: Live on BBC Two/HD and Online, commentary on Radio Ulster, text commentary on BBC Sport website.

Craig Gilroy will win his first full cap after being chosen ahead of Ulster team-mate Andrew Trimble for Ireland's important Test match against Argentina.

Gilroy has been rewarded with the left-wing berth after his dazzling three-try performance in last weekend's uncapped international against Fiji.

It is the only change from Ireland's 16-12 defeat by South Africa at the Aviva Stadium on 10 November.

Jonathan Sexton has been passed fit to take his place at fly-half.

The Leinster number 10 was a late withdrawal from Ireland's replacements for the Fiji game in Limerick because of slight groin problem.

However, Irish management said that had merely been a precaution.

The game with Argentina has added significance as the winners will secure a place in the top eight of the IRB rankings which are used to determine the seedings for the 2015 World Cup.

The losers will slip into the third tier of seeds for the 3 December draw and face the possibility of being selected in a pool containing two major nations.

Ireland: S Zebo; T Bowe, K Earls, G D'Arcy, C Gilroy; J Sexton, C Murray; C Healy, R Strauss, M Ross; D Ryan, M McCarthy; P O'Mahony, C Henry, J Heaslip (capt).

Replacements: S Cronin, D Kilcoyne, M Bent, D O'Callaghan, I Henderson, E Reddan, R O'Gara , F McFadden.

Jesus does anyone who wants to break into the team have to score a hat trick of tries??

At the minute I think it's 50/50 for the weekend.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on November 22, 2012, 03:50:29 PM
Great to see Gilroy getting his first proper Cap. His clubmate Andrew Trimble didn't even make the 24 man match day squad. Surpised to see Darcy included.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on November 22, 2012, 04:06:20 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 22, 2012, 01:35:11 PM
Quotebbc.co.uk


Craig Gilroy wins place in Ireland team to face Argentina
AUTUMN INTERNATIONAL - IRELAND V ARGENTINA

    Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
    Date: Saturday, 24 November
    Kick-off: 1400 GMT

Coverage: Live on BBC Two/HD and Online, commentary on Radio Ulster, text commentary on BBC Sport website.

Craig Gilroy will win his first full cap after being chosen ahead of Ulster team-mate Andrew Trimble for Ireland's important Test match against Argentina.

Gilroy has been rewarded with the left-wing berth after his dazzling three-try performance in last weekend's uncapped international against Fiji.

It is the only change from Ireland's 16-12 defeat by South Africa at the Aviva Stadium on 10 November.

Jonathan Sexton has been passed fit to take his place at fly-half.

The Leinster number 10 was a late withdrawal from Ireland's replacements for the Fiji game in Limerick because of slight groin problem.

However, Irish management said that had merely been a precaution.

The game with Argentina has added significance as the winners will secure a place in the top eight of the IRB rankings which are used to determine the seedings for the 2015 World Cup.

The losers will slip into the third tier of seeds for the 3 December draw and face the possibility of being selected in a pool containing two major nations.

Ireland: S Zebo; T Bowe, K Earls, G D'Arcy, C Gilroy; J Sexton, C Murray; C Healy, R Strauss, M Ross; D Ryan, M McCarthy; P O'Mahony, C Henry, J Heaslip (capt).

Replacements: S Cronin, D Kilcoyne, M Bent, D O'Callaghan, I Henderson, E Reddan, R O'Gara , F McFadden.

Jesus does anyone who wants to break into the team have to score a hat trick of tries??

At the minute I think it's 50/50 for the weekend.

Well at least it's close to our best team available at the moment although if it was me picking the team I would have found a place for in the 22 for Shane Jennings although I have to say Chris Henry is having a great season so far and his robust style will suit the game against the Argies. Still think Kidney could have chanced Marshall at 12 for this one even though he hasn't started a Heineken cup game any time I have seen him he looks top notch and I wouldn't be surprised if he forces his way in for the six nations. Connor Murray isn't playing his best at the moment but Reddan just doesn't cut it at international level and particularly struggles when the pack is under pressure although he is a very good impact replacement when the game opens up. Kieran Marmion and Luke McGrath will be Murray's main rivals next year anyway with Paul Marshall being unlucky that he has probably the best 9 in the world ahead of him at Ulster. Definitely would have Jackson on the bench instead of Rog as well.
    My main worry is the likes of Sexton , Murray and Earls don't look to have any confidence in the attacking game we are trying to play and the coaches seem to have a ultra conservative and out of date straight ahead running game as our default setting. With Zebo Bowe and Gilroy as our back three any coach worth his salt would use this trio to counter at all times especially with a kick only outhalf like Fernandez likely to start for the Pumas. Sadly I don't think we even have a counter attack plan for our back three or if we do we don't use it! Up front we have to be smarter at the breakdown and get Healy, Strauss and O' Mahony to take up the hard yards with the ball in close and move Heaslip , Ryan and McCarthy further out to punch holes in their midfield.
  One last think Ireland ,quick , quick and quicker ruck ball to put our midfield and back three in space rather than shuffling up slowly from deep to be smashed by the waiting Puma backs. Sadly our clear-outs at ruck time look more like drunks leaning against a wall on a Saturday night so I can't see us scoring much apart from penalties or from a set piece move. Worryingly I fancy Argentina to sneak this one by a score.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on November 22, 2012, 04:21:43 PM
O Gara was taking about retiring from International level a year ago. He was a brillant player, but its time to look at other alternatives at this stage. Kidney is probaly a bit too loyal to him at this stage, possibly Darcy aswell although he is a few years younger.

There is lots of very good alternatives for back up for Sexton, Paddy Jackson obviously being one. He is still 20, so lots of time to develop. I think Ian Madigan is a very good player and Ian Keately from Munster.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on November 22, 2012, 04:56:04 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 22, 2012, 04:21:43 PM
O Gara was taking about retiring from International level a year ago. He was a brillant player, but its time to look at other alternatives at this stage. Kidney is probaly a bit too loyal to him at this stage, possibly Darcy aswell although he is a few years younger.

There is lots of very good alternatives for back up for Sexton, Paddy Jackson obviously being one. He is still 20, so lots of time to develop. I think Ian Madigan is a very good player and Ian Keately from Munster.

Agree 100% O Gara has been one of the greatest (at his peak) that Munster or Ireland ever produced but as you said he is well past his prime now. Madigan is a superb instinctive attacking 10 while Keatly is more of an all rounder in terms of tactical  play and a running game but Paddy Jackson is first choice at Ulster and he dominates a game from 10 in a way that all the best outhalfs do although this is much easier when you are first choice in a team that's bang on form! This is why I have him ahead of the other two but that could all change come the six nations and it's good for Ireland to have these choices.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on November 23, 2012, 10:55:46 AM
Delighted to see Gilroy get a run. He looks a really exciting talent. Albeit I think the praise he got for a hat-trick against Fiji was ridiculously over the top. For example I think McFadden would have finished all 3 of Gilroy's trys, but I'm not so sure Gilroy would have finished either of McFadden's (I'm not even sure McFadden actually finished one of them!!). So if I was McFadden I'd certainly be disappoinited that Gilroy has leap frogged him based on Fiji.

The real star of the Fiji match for me was Marshall at centre. Earls on the wing with D'arcy & Marshall at centre might have been an option, although a brand new centre partnership with 2 guys who usually operate at 12 might have been a step too far (I still think that defensively it'd be better than Darce-Earls).

But overall as I said at the start, Gilroy will bring some excitement to the table.  Its great that there's a lot riding on this game, should lead to a good atmosphere.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 23, 2012, 11:07:07 AM
Quote from: Hound on November 23, 2012, 10:55:46 AM
Delighted to see Gilroy get a run. He looks a really exciting talent. Albeit I think the praise he got for a hat-trick against Fiji was ridiculously over the top. For example I think McFadden would have finished all 3 of Gilroy's trys, but I'm not so sure Gilroy would have finished either of McFadden's (I'm not even sure McFadden actually finished one of them!!). So if I was McFadden I'd certainly be disappoinited that Gilroy has leap frogged him based on Fiji.

The real star of the Fiji match for me was Marshall at centre. Earls on the wing with D'arcy & Marshall at centre might have been an option, although a brand new centre partnership with 2 guys who usually operate at 12 might have been a step too far (I still think that defensively it'd be better than Darce-Earls).

But overall as I said at the start, Gilroy will bring some excitement to the table.  Its great that there's a lot riding on this game, should lead to a good atmosphere.

Def agree that Marshall was very impressive against Fiji. Looked the real deal and thought he deserved a chance this weekend. Glad to see gilroy in as he is a born finisher. Think Hernandez will target him aerially though. I don't rate McFadden at all, think he engages contact too often when the pass/offload is on. Seemed very greedy against Fiji!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mick999 on November 23, 2012, 12:54:37 PM

[/quote]

Glad to see gilroy in as he is a born finisher.
[/quote]

Even as a young fella :)

On the stroke of half time St Paul's got the games most telling score when corner forward Craig Gilroy goaled to leave the half time score St Paul's 3-5 Bredagh 1-3.

http://www.downgaa.net/downgaa/clubs/stpauls/news/2004/august_u16_wintitle.htm
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on November 24, 2012, 02:40:06 PM
This is going rather well!!

Back 3 especially Gliroy looked sharp
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tubberman on November 24, 2012, 02:44:19 PM
Quote from: mick999 on November 23, 2012, 12:54:37 PM


Glad to see gilroy in as he is a born finisher.
[/quote]

Even as a young fella :)

On the stroke of half time St Paul's got the games most telling score when corner forward Craig Gilroy goaled to leave the half time score St Paul's 3-5 Bredagh 1-3.

http://www.downgaa.net/downgaa/clubs/stpauls/news/2004/august_u16_wintitle.htm
[/quote]

Is he of that persuasion? Noticed he wasn't singing Amhrán na bhFiann and just assumed he was unionist.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 24, 2012, 02:49:28 PM
Mr Hook, back tracking as always from his initial analysis, tuh tuh
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tubberman on November 24, 2012, 02:56:53 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on November 24, 2012, 02:49:28 PM
Mr Hook, back tracking as always from his initial analysis, tuh tuh

Saw the headline in his Indo column today and didn't even bother reading it. He's lost himself in his quest to be controversial.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AQMP on November 24, 2012, 04:44:53 PM
Quote from: Tubberman on November 24, 2012, 02:44:19 PM
Quote from: mick999 on November 23, 2012, 12:54:37 PM


Glad to see gilroy in as he is a born finisher.

Even as a young fella :)

On the stroke of half time St Paul's got the games most telling score when corner forward Craig Gilroy goaled to leave the half time score St Paul's 3-5 Bredagh 1-3.

http://www.downgaa.net/downgaa/clubs/stpauls/news/2004/august_u16_wintitle.htm
[/quote]

Is he of that persuasion? Noticed he wasn't singing Amhrán na bhFiann and just assumed he was unionist.
[/quote]

Let's say, he's not from a "traditional GAA background".  Ireland looked good today though the Argies didn't turn up.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 24, 2012, 05:15:03 PM
Quote from: AQMP on November 24, 2012, 04:44:53 PM

Let's say, he's not from a "traditional GAA background".  Ireland looked good today though the Argies didn't turn up.

He's from Fermanagh?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 24, 2012, 05:16:54 PM
All Blacks jersey is manky with a sponsor. Pity.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Orior on November 24, 2012, 07:38:12 PM
How long do the kickers have for free kicks?

Sexton seems to take a lifetime.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Armaghgeddon on November 24, 2012, 07:40:43 PM
Quote from: Orior on November 24, 2012, 07:38:12 PM
How long do the kickers have for free kicks?

Sexton seems to take a lifetime.

Doesn't matter the clock stops.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on November 24, 2012, 07:42:06 PM
Quote from: Armaghgeddon on November 24, 2012, 07:40:43 PM
Quote from: Orior on November 24, 2012, 07:38:12 PM
How long do the kickers have for free kicks?

Sexton seems to take a lifetime.

Doesn't matter the clock stops.

Thought you only had a minute for a conversion
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 24, 2012, 07:45:28 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on November 24, 2012, 07:42:06 PM
Quote from: Armaghgeddon on November 24, 2012, 07:40:43 PM
Quote from: Orior on November 24, 2012, 07:38:12 PM
How long do the kickers have for free kicks?

Sexton seems to take a lifetime.

Doesn't matter the clock stops.

Thought you only had a minute for a conversion
You do. in the past Stringer came running out to lift one if im remember correctly.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 24, 2012, 07:57:13 PM
So is Gilroy a star of the future at international level.?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 24, 2012, 07:58:31 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on November 24, 2012, 07:57:13 PM
So is Gilroy a star of the future at international level.?

Nah, he's the next Paul McShane, have a fantastic debut and be shite forever more.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 24, 2012, 08:00:27 PM
(http://img.rasset.ie/0006af73-642.jpg)

Cracker
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on November 24, 2012, 08:06:08 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 24, 2012, 07:45:28 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on November 24, 2012, 07:42:06 PM
Quote from: Armaghgeddon on November 24, 2012, 07:40:43 PM
Quote from: Orior on November 24, 2012, 07:38:12 PM
How long do the kickers have for free kicks?

Sexton seems to take a lifetime.

Doesn't matter the clock stops.

Thought you only had a minute for a conversion
You do. in the past Stringer came running out to lift one if im remember correctly.
Stringer (playing for the Barbarians) ran out and picked up the ball on Australia's James O'Connor because the kicker had moved towards the ball, therefore was judged to have started his run up to the kick.
I thought it was a 90 seconds that a kicker had from the try being awarded to the conversion being struck?
Sexton is slow, even for the gimmes. But it's all about routine. At that level, kickers would be trying to control adrenaline, heart rate and all the stuff that wouldn't affect the average club kicker.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 24, 2012, 08:15:23 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on November 24, 2012, 08:06:08 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 24, 2012, 07:45:28 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on November 24, 2012, 07:42:06 PM
Quote from: Armaghgeddon on November 24, 2012, 07:40:43 PM
Quote from: Orior on November 24, 2012, 07:38:12 PM
How long do the kickers have for free kicks?

Sexton seems to take a lifetime.

Doesn't matter the clock stops.

Thought you only had a minute for a conversion
You do. in the past Stringer came running out to lift one if im remember correctly.
Stringer (playing for the Barbarians) ran out and picked up the ball on Australia's James O'Connor because the kicker had moved towards the ball, therefore was judged to have started his run up to the kick.
I thought it was a 90 seconds that a kicker had from the try being awarded to the conversion being struck?
Sexton is slow, even for the gimmes. But it's all about routine. At that level, kickers would be trying to control adrenaline, heart rate and all the stuff that wouldn't affect the average club kicker.

I was playing a match last night and the ref said it "you have a minute" to the kicker on a conversion. You're right about Stringer.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AQMP on November 24, 2012, 09:30:57 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 24, 2012, 05:15:03 PM
Quote from: AQMP on November 24, 2012, 04:44:53 PM

Let's say, he's not from a "traditional GAA background".  Ireland looked good today though the Argies didn't turn up.

He's from Fermanagh?

Londondown ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on November 25, 2012, 11:24:01 AM
Stoke City fc would have beaten that Argentinian team yesterday.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 27, 2012, 01:29:12 PM
Some stadium the Japanese are building for the World Cup in 2019...

(http://www.jpnsport.com/en/img/winner_work_img_1.jpg)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 27, 2012, 01:32:03 PM
The latest article from Matt Williams in IT sums up the Irish team currently for me anyway

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2012/1126/1224327094319.html (http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2012/1126/1224327094319.html)


Quote
We are allowing administrators, coaches and players to perform well below acceptable standards and get away with it

This November produced a good win against the Pumas and sixth position on the IRB rankings. That is well below what this Irish team is capable of and below what we should all accept from the administration of the national team.

The Springbok match was one of the worst games of rugby I have had the misfortune to watch. The Boks were under manned and as badly prepared as I have ever seen them. They are rarely in such a poor state and were ready to be taken.

In what has become a trademark of the past three seasons, the national team's systems, that deliver the athlete to the ball in both attack and defence, were almost unobservable. If Ireland had a plan on how they were going to go forward and attack the Boks, I could not see it.

What could be observed and has been observable for many games is that, whatever it is the coaches were attempting to do, the players did not do it. Players and coaches carry the responsibility for executing a game plan. It was not executed against the Boks.

We soldiered on to Limerick.

The decision to declare the Fiji game a "non cap match" because of an external commercial contract is without precedent in world rugby.

Fantastic sponsors

Have you ever heard of men representing their country being denied recognition of their achievements because of a sponsor's contract? I am sure Aviva, who are fantastic sponsors of rugby, did not want their name sullied as the big corporate bad guy in denying Test caps to the excellent young Irish players who performed so well in Limerick. But that is the unfair reality for Aviva Insurance.

I say unfair, because the responsibility lies with the IRFU. When the original contract for the naming rights of Lansdowne Road was being negotiated, the IRFU should have demanded that every two seasons a 'tier two' international be played outside of Dublin.

Did the IRFU actually sign a contract that said they could never play international matches in Limerick or Belfast? Unbelievable.

As Kerry Packer once said, to the board of directors of a company he was about to make a takeover offer to: "there is a little bit of the whore in all of us, gentlemen. What is your price?" Asked the same question, the IRFU pitched low. The decision was made to play the Fiji game in Limerick, because the costs of staging the game at Lansdowne Road were high. The IRFU needed a big crowd to cover costs.

With full knowledge that the players would be denied caps the IRFU moved the game to Thomond Park. They allowed the price of an Irish cap to be set by their sponsor. Kerry Packer was right.

Pathetic. To those involved, hang your heads in shame.

One day I hope the Irish rugby community will be given the opportunity to apologise to Fijian rugby for the insult. The proud Fijian people are worthy of an international cap against Ireland every time we play. We, the Irish, of all peoples, should be aware of valuing and supporting others cultures.

Then we come to the team we like least to play, the Pumas. This Argentinian side were both well prepared and battle-hardened. Yet Ireland dominated from the start. They were energetic, aggressive and creative. Gone was the disorganised Irish performance we viewed against the Boks.

It was great to watch Ireland comprehensibly outplay the Pumas. It was the type of performance we all know this Ireland team is capable of producing on a regular basis.

The team played exceptionally well. Congratulations to all involved. But the question remains. Why has the national team played so poorly on so many occasions, yet once every season they are capable of such excellence?

Intensity

Since winning the Grand Slam in 2009 I can identify only two other performances that were equivalent in intensity and execution to the Pumas match. Defeating England in the last game of the Six Nations Championship in 2010 and smashing Australia in the pool stages of the World Cup, were top shelf performances.

Why only these three great wins over such a long time period? There are comfort zones across the entire Ireland team set up. We are allowing administrators, coaches and players to perform well below acceptable standards.

Sixth on the IRB rankings is below this team's capability and drastically under what we, the Irish rugby community, should demand from such talented players and coaches.

The performances of administrators, coaches and players during November are a microcosm of the problems within this national team structure. Good people, under- performing, and getting away with it because they are good people.

There is a need for some ruthless leadership to simply state to all involved: "You are capable of much better performances and I will demand it of you, and hold you accountable for your actions." Ask the Fijians, and they will say that type of leadership is sadly lacking in Ireland. But then the Fijians don't count. They are not even worthy of a cap.

Everyone involved with the national team will claim responsibility for the good win against the Pumas. As for the rest of November and being sixth on the IRB rankings, well that will be someone else's fault.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Declan on November 28, 2012, 02:18:25 PM
Former rugby star David Tweed found guilty of 10 charges of child sex abuse

By Lesley Anne McKeown
Wednesday November 28 2012
FORMER Irish rugby international David Tweed has been convicted of child sex abuse charges.

He was found guilty of nine counts of indecent assault and one gross indecency charge.

The railway supervisor, who is also a Ballymena councillor, stood trial at Antrim Crown Court.

He was facing 14 counts of sexually abusing two young girls over an eight-year period from 1988.

The jury of 10 women and two men are continuing their deliberations on three other charges.

Tweed was cleared of one count of indecent assault yesterday.

Judge Alistair Devlin, who has been presiding over the three-week trial, said the jurors had spent just over eight hours considering their verdicts.

He added: "A number of other counts remain. You have had just under eight hours to carry out your deliberations. As far as the remaining counts are concerned is there any prospect of reaching a majority verdict."

The jury foreman said she believed they could reach a majority verdict - on which 10 or more members were agreed - on the three other charges if they were given more time.

Mr Tweed, a father of four who also has two step children, had consistently denied anything improper had happened with the girls, who are now adults.

This was the second time Mr Tweed faced child sex abuse allegations.

In 2009 a jury took one hour to unanimously find him not guilty of 10 counts of sex abuse against two different young girls.

Tweed, who was wearing a dark suit, striped shirt and blue tie, appeared nervous as the clerk of the court read out each of the charges and asked the jury foreman if they had agreed a majority verdict. He stood in the dock with his hands clasped tightly and took a couple of deep breaths. As the guilty verdicts were returned he shook his head and sighed deeply.

None of the victims, who had given evidence during the trial, were in the courtroom as the verdicts were given. However friends and family members of the victims wept - one woman ran outside in tears.

Earlier in this trial Judge Devlin had told the jury it was desirable but not imperative to reach a unanimous or majority verdict and told them he could use discretion to discharge them without a decision.

He said: "Hitherto you appear to be having some difficulties in reaching a unanimous or majority verdict in respect of some or all of the charges."

Tweed was capped four times for Ireland. He made his debut against France in the 1995 Five Nations competition and played in the Rugby World Cup in South Africa.

He was also a prominent Ulster Rugby star with more than 30 appearances for the team during the 1980s and 1990s.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Denn Forever on December 01, 2012, 02:03:15 PM
Not really about Irish Rubgy, but surely the best ticket would be to see the All Blacks vs The barbarians?  It doesn't seem to happen very often (last on 2009) but would be any good?  Doubt it would live up to the 1973 meeting.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXBIXqvNfwA
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on December 01, 2012, 02:18:43 PM
Quote from: Denn Forever on December 01, 2012, 02:03:15 PM
Not really about Irish Rubgy, but surely the best ticket would be to see the All Blacks vs The barbarians?  It doesn't seem to happen very often (last on 2009) but would be any good?  Doubt it would live up to the 1973 meeting.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXBIXqvNfwA

Lifting in the lineout butchered the game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on December 01, 2012, 05:01:24 PM
http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/international/2012/1201/356272-england-v-new-zealand/

Hell of a story.


Is this true?  "The All Blacks had not lost in 20 matches. They had not lost an autumn Test for a decade, since England beat them 31-18 in November 2002."

"The absence of Toby Flood through injury left them without a single 50-cap player. England had fewer caps in their entire starting line-up than New Zealand had in their front row."

The chariot could be rampant in the next 6 nations.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ludermor on December 03, 2012, 03:23:30 PM
Draw made for the World Cup, could have been a lot worse!
Pool A will be tasty with the likeihood of Fiji being the Oceania 1 team

Pool A: Play-off winner, Oceania 1, Wales, England & Australia
Pool B: Americas 2, Asia 1, Scotland, Samoa & South Africa
Pool C: Africa 1, Europe 1, Tonga, Argentina & New Zealand
Pool D: Europe 2, Americas 1, Italy, Ireland & France
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on December 03, 2012, 05:37:35 PM
Quote from: ludermor on December 03, 2012, 03:23:30 PM
Draw made for the World Cup, could have been a lot worse!
Pool A will be tasty with the likeihood of Fiji being the Oceania 1 team

Pool A: Play-off winner, Oceania 1, Wales, England & Australia
Pool B: Americas 2, Asia 1, Scotland, Samoa & South Africa
Pool C: Africa 1, Europe 1, Tonga, Argentina & New Zealand
Pool D: Europe 2, Americas 1, Italy, Ireland & France


QF1: Winner Pool B v Runner-up Pool A
QF2: Winner Pool C v Runner-up Pool D
QF3: Winner Pool A v Runner-up Pool B
QF4: Winner Pool D v Runner-up Pool C

SF1: Winner QF1 v Winner QF2
SF2: Winner QF3 v Winner QF4

So, finish second in the group and lose to the All Blacks in the Q/F
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ludermor on December 03, 2012, 05:42:42 PM
Quote from: dec on December 03, 2012, 05:37:35 PM
Quote from: ludermor on December 03, 2012, 03:23:30 PM
Draw made for the World Cup, could have been a lot worse!
Pool A will be tasty with the likeihood of Fiji being the Oceania 1 team

Pool A: Play-off winner, Oceania 1, Wales, England & Australia
Pool B: Americas 2, Asia 1, Scotland, Samoa & South Africa
Pool C: Africa 1, Europe 1, Tonga, Argentina & New Zealand
Pool D: Europe 2, Americas 1, Italy, Ireland & France


QF1: Winner Pool B v Runner-up Pool A
QF2: Winner Pool C v Runner-up Pool D
QF3: Winner Pool A v Runner-up Pool B
QF4: Winner Pool D v Runner-up Pool C

SF1: Winner QF1 v Winner QF2
SF2: Winner QF3 v Winner QF4

So, finish second in the group and lose to the All Blacks in the Q/F
If we arent good enough to beat France in the group stage then we wont deserve to get past the Q/F!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on December 03, 2012, 06:07:44 PM
England, Wales and Australia looks competitive.
We should be ok with the Italians again and need to beat France to avoid the all blacks.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on December 03, 2012, 06:53:03 PM
Meh, this is all speculation, France could be in a major breakdown by that stage and Italy could be a form team. The Aussies could have gone to shit and England/Wales the reigning 6 nations 1/2. A greater influence on our success at that tournament will be how we develop in the coming 18 months.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: highorlow on January 10, 2013, 11:04:02 AM
Great article again by Quinny in today's times,

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2013/0109/1224328602068.html?via=mr

FROM THE BLINDSIDE: I really don't know why the former Ireland coach is being ignored, writes ALAN QUINLAN

When any club in any sport is appointing a new manager, the one thing they need is for it to go smoothly. Even if the process takes a while, you can say you're just making sure you appoint the right man. What you can't afford is to look like you're having difficulty in getting who you want or to have people think that you're ignoring somebody who is an obvious fit. All you're doing there is making life difficult for whoever it is that eventually gets the job. Unfortunately, Connacht are now in the position where both these things are the case.

First off, it's very bad form for Sean Holley to come out and say he's turned the job down. What was he doing going for it if he didn't want it? Now it's just an embarrassment to Connacht that he has publicly said it's not for him. Connacht should have either locked him down or made him keep the whole thing to himself.

On its own, the Holley thing looks bad enough for Connacht. But alongside it, there's the Eddie O'Sullivan issue. Here's a guy with more experience than Holley, an Irish coach who only lives half an hour away who is keen on getting involved. Yet he doesn't even get so much as a foot in the door for an interview. The truth is, he'd probably have a far better chance if he sent in his CV with no name on the top of it.

Ups and downs

I played under Eddie for Ireland on and off for five or six years. By the end, I got on very well with him but it took us a long time to get there. Most players had their ups and downs with him. Me, I had downs and downs. From the start, he didn't really understand me and I didn't really understand him. I wasn't one of the main players in the squad and that made him very hard to get to know.

I was coming from a provincial environment where there was an intimacy between the head coach and the players that got the best out of me.

Declan Kidney was as much a mentor to me as a coach, whereas Eddie was a guy who you were a bit wary of when you met him. He was all about discipline and the gameplan. It wasn't his style to go for the personal touch.

In the beginning, I didn't have any great problem with that. Every coach has a different approach and I respected the way he went about things. You could see that he was an excellent coach with a phenomenal rugby brain. If players needed somebody who they could talk to, we had Declan and Niall O'Donovan there. I was totally comfortable with both of them so it wasn't such a big deal that Eddie kept his distance and concentrated on the rugby.

It became clear fairly early on though that he had a problem with me. Looking back, I can see why. I wasn't the easiest player to coach, not the way Eddie liked to coach. He wanted players to really focus for every minute of training. He didn't like players trying too many things off the cuff and he really didn't have time for lads who wanted to mess about a bit. He wanted players who were robotic in a way and who would learn his gameplan and carry it out to the letter.

Annoyed at me

I definitely frustrated him by going off and doing my own thing sometimes. There would be the odd time where I'd break way from a pre-designed pattern, just to change it up a bit. I was playing well for Munster and I felt that one of my strengths was sometimes doing the unexpected and catching the opposition napping. But Eddie wanted things done the way he wanted them done. He'd get annoyed at me then and tell me to stick to the plan.

When you hear people say about Eddie that he lacked the personal touch, this is where it became a problem. I was used to having coaches that I could sit down with and chat to and get to know. I knew I wasn't always the easiest player to handle but if a coach sat me down and explained what they were after and what I could do for them, I usually came through for them. Eddie's approach came as a bit of a shock to me.

Things came to a head on a tour to New Zealand in 2002. Keith Wood was captain and he had a good chat with me ahead of that tour, coming off the back of losing the Heineken Cup final. He said that I was in with a serious chance of playing in the Test side. I thought it was a bit strange that Woody had the chat with me and not Eddie but either way, it was good to hear and it gave me real confidence that I'd get into the team. As it happened, I got injured in a warm-up game and missed the first Test but I recovered to make the bench for the second one.

I got the call to warm up in the second half. This was my first time playing the All Blacks and I was mad to go on and make an impression.

I did that anyway – 60 seconds later, I was in the sinbin for a stamp on Norm Maxwell. I remember sitting on the sideline and the picture I had in my head was of Eddie sitting up in the coaches' box behind me with steam coming out of his ears. I really don't help myself sometimes.

I was very low after the game. We had been 19-8 down when I got binned and we were 40-8 down by the time I came back on. We got on the team bus to head for the function and Eddie still hadn't spoken to me. I was waiting on the dressing down that I knew was coming. As soon as I got off the bus, he pulled me aside and tore into me. There was a fair bit of finger-wagging, all of it deserved I suppose.

Lifted my spirits

Two things happened afterwards that made it harder for me to get my head around him. After the function, we all went to a nightclub and I was still feeling down in the dumps after what I'd done. I was sitting in the corner nursing a beer in the fairly small hours and Eddie came over and said, "Look, cheer up. It's not the end of the world." I was sitting there thinking that my Ireland career was over but he lifted my spirits with just a few words. That meant the world to me.

But then, a couple of months later, we had to play World Cup qualifiers against Romania and Georgia. The week before the Romania game, I was called up to his room. I had trained pretty well and I figured I was going to get a bit of a pep-talk about the future and about what he wanted from me in these qualifiers. Instead, I got another rollicking for what had happened against New Zealand and then he told me that as a disciplinary action, I was being omitted from the squad to play Romania. I accepted the punishment but I still went away not sure where I stood with him. What happened to it not being the end of the world?

From that point on, we sort of kept our distance from each other. Niall O'Donovan kept the peace between us – every once in a while he'd come to me and go, "Look, you're driving Eddie mad – will you stick to the gameplan and don't be going off on your own?"

But there was still a bit of nervous tension there between me and him. As I say, I didn't understand why he wanted it that way. But I still respected him as a coach.

Funny enough, as the years went by and as I lost my place in the team to Simon Easterby, Eddie and I started getting along far better. We actually had a good chat after the 2003 World Cup that cleared the air between us. When Simon came in and started performing consistently, he was always ahead of me in the pecking order and I knew exactly why – Eddie loved consistency because it allowed him to plan without having to worry.

Frustrating

I was dying to get back into the team and yet Eddie and I were getting on really well and had no issues. By then, I think he saw me as a good guy to have around the squad and a good weapon to have off the bench or to fill in if there was an injury in the backrow. That was a period where there was great success under him and it was harder to get out of the Irish team than to get into it. It ended badly with the World Cup in 2007 but even though that tournament was frustrating for me, I didn't hold it against him.

With the review that came after that World Cup, I think Eddie knew he had to change his approach. He couldn't go on keeping his distance from people. He's a very intelligent man and when I've met him since he left the Ireland job the following spring, I've noticed a change in him. He much more relaxed these days.

You wouldn't call him cuddly but he's definitely easier in himself. I met him during the World Cup in New Zealand when he was over the United States team and I could see that he was more in tune with what his players needed. And obviously, his rugby knowledge is still top-notch.

So why wouldn't Connacht try to get him involved? It will be a terrible shame if someone with his credentials is lost to the game. Maybe there's something going on in the background that hasn't been made public – maybe the IRFU themselves aren't keen to bring him back for whatever reason.

But there's no doubt in my mind that he's a better fit for Connacht than somebody like Pat Lam, who looks like he's going to be the one.

As I've said before, I have no problem with our provincial coaches not being Irish, just as long whoever comes in is clearly the best man for the job. I don't think that's the situation in this case.


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 22, 2013, 12:44:17 AM
I see Enda Mc Nulty is part of the backroom team for the forthcoming 6 nations. Seems to be doing well. Fair played to him!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Declan on January 22, 2013, 11:36:28 AM
Surprised none of our rugger experts have expressed an opinion on Kidney's decision to take the captaincy from O'Driscoll.
Seems a strange one to me
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 22, 2013, 12:04:34 PM
Quote from: Declan on January 22, 2013, 11:36:28 AM
Surprised none of our rugger experts have expressed an opinion on Kidney's decision to take the captaincy from O'Driscoll.
Seems a strange one to me

I actually think it's something Kidney got spot on. Widely recognised that O'Driscoll is close to retirement, Heaslip did well as captain in the AI and it's bringing that forward to the 6N. Simple succession planning no?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Declan on January 22, 2013, 12:30:40 PM
Why not wait till he's retired?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Onion Bag on January 22, 2013, 02:16:05 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 22, 2013, 12:44:17 AM
I see Enda Mc Nulty is part of the backroom team for the forthcoming 6 nations. Seems to be doing well. Fair played to him!

Congrats to Enda and all the best in your new role, top man
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 22, 2013, 03:21:48 PM
Quote from: Declan on January 22, 2013, 12:30:40 PM
Why not wait till he's retired?

Because that is sentimental - he's powers are on the wane and is he really the best 13 in Ireland at the moment? Time stands still for no man as they say - having him in the squad makes the transition easier, also just because he is no longer named captain doesn't mean he can't lead on and off the pitch.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Olaf on January 22, 2013, 04:44:51 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 22, 2013, 03:21:48 PM
Quote from: Declan on January 22, 2013, 12:30:40 PM
Why not wait till he's retired?

Because that is sentimental - he's powers are on the wane and is he really the best 13 in Ireland at the moment? Time stands still for no man as they say - having him in the squad makes the transition easier, also just because he is no longer named captain doesn't mean he can't lead on and off the pitch.

Probably not but his will to win and commitment keeps him in the squad, just. He is not the player he was but you do see the odd glimpse of class now and again. The best rugby player that I have seen play the game in the last 30 years.

My concern is that if he keeps playing the game in the same way that he has during his career he could get seriously injured. The injuries have slowed him down a bit too. Luke Marshall and to a lesser degree Darren Cave are pushing him close now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on January 22, 2013, 04:48:52 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 22, 2013, 03:21:48 PM
Quote from: Declan on January 22, 2013, 12:30:40 PM
Why not wait till he's retired?

Because that is sentimental - he's powers are on the wane and is he really the best 13 in Ireland at the moment? Time stands still for no man as they say - having him in the squad makes the transition easier, also just because he is no longer named captain doesn't mean he can't lead on and off the pitch.
What stumped me was Kidney's rationale - allowing Brian to concentrate on his own game or similar nonsense.

I can only think the real rationale is that he doesn't see O'Driscoll as a certain starter, so this makes it easier to drop him, or to take him off with 15-20 minutes to go. The latter also probably being a reason why Best didnt get the nod as captain, as I think your captain should ideally be on the pitch for the last quarter as often there can be crucial decisions to be made.

Personally I still think BOD is a fair distance ahead of Earls (I don't think Kidney rates any of the Ulster lads as potential starters in the centre), so I would have kept him on as captain for the 6N rather than create this disruption. But its up to the manager to pick the team and his centre and wing combinations will be very interesting given we've quite a few playing quite well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on January 22, 2013, 05:20:43 PM
Quote from: Hound on January 22, 2013, 04:48:52 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 22, 2013, 03:21:48 PM
Quote from: Declan on January 22, 2013, 12:30:40 PM
Why not wait till he's retired?

Because that is sentimental - he's powers are on the wane and is he really the best 13 in Ireland at the moment? Time stands still for no man as they say - having him in the squad makes the transition easier, also just because he is no longer named captain doesn't mean he can't lead on and off the pitch.
What stumped me was Kidney's rationale - allowing Brian to concentrate on his own game or similar nonsense.

I can only think the real rationale is that he doesn't see O'Driscoll as a certain starter, so this makes it easier to drop him, or to take him off with 15-20 minutes to go. The latter also probably being a reason why Best didnt get the nod as captain, as I think your captain should ideally be on the pitch for the last quarter as often there can be crucial decisions to be made.

Personally I still think BOD is a fair distance ahead of Earls (I don't think Kidney rates any of the Ulster lads as potential starters in the centre), so I would have kept him on as captain for the 6N rather than create this disruption. But its up to the manager to pick the team and his centre and wing combinations will be very interesting given we've quite a few playing quite well.

Agreed. I don't see too many Irish centres being spoken of as possible Lions.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on January 22, 2013, 08:45:20 PM
Quote from: Hound on January 22, 2013, 04:48:52 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 22, 2013, 03:21:48 PM
Quote from: Declan on January 22, 2013, 12:30:40 PM
Why not wait till he's retired?

Because that is sentimental - he's powers are on the wane and is he really the best 13 in Ireland at the moment? Time stands still for no man as they say - having him in the squad makes the transition easier, also just because he is no longer named captain doesn't mean he can't lead on and off the pitch.
What stumped me was Kidney's rationale - allowing Brian to concentrate on his own game or similar nonsense.

I can only think the real rationale is that he doesn't see O'Driscoll as a certain starter, so this makes it easier to drop him, or to take him off with 15-20 minutes to go. The latter also probably being a reason why Best didnt get the nod as captain, as I think your captain should ideally be on the pitch for the last quarter as often there can be crucial decisions to be made.

Personally I still think BOD is a fair distance ahead of Earls (I don't think Kidney rates any of the Ulster lads as potential starters in the centre), so I would have kept him on as captain for the 6N rather than create this disruption. But its up to the manager to pick the team and his centre and wing combinations will be very interesting given we've quite a few playing quite well.

Alot of bull talked lads. Kidney is hardly gonna say "we're putting Brian to stud" so I couldn't give a f**k what "rationale" he feeds a load of news vultures. Likewise it's no disruption not to have BOD with the armband, he'll be a leader on the pitch with or without it. Did O'Connell need a fancy title of "forwards captain" for all those years he marshalled the pack?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: camanchero on January 23, 2013, 04:34:20 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 22, 2013, 12:04:34 PM
Quote from: Declan on January 22, 2013, 11:36:28 AM
Surprised none of our rugger experts have expressed an opinion on Kidney's decision to take the captaincy from O'Driscoll.
Seems a strange one to me

I actually think it's something Kidney got spot on. Widely recognised that O'Driscoll is close to retirement, Heaslip did well as captain in the AI and it's bringing that forward to the 6N. Simple succession planning no?
completely agree. Will ODriscoll last the 6N without getting inj. might bebetter coming on with slower tired defenders and the opportunity to go through the gaps and score- thats what he is best at , even if he has lost a bit of pace.
for me it was either Sexton , Heaslip or potentially Ryan as captain and only Heaslip has the exp.
slightly wary of it upsetting his game though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ballinaman on January 25, 2013, 01:16:40 PM
Sexton on his way to France next season.

http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/newsroom/10923.php
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Declan on January 25, 2013, 01:38:11 PM
That's the way in a professional game. Talent follows the money
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on January 25, 2013, 01:46:47 PM
Quote from: Declan on January 25, 2013, 01:38:11 PM
That's the way in a professional game. Talent follows the money

He'll be a better player for it IMO. Getting exposed to better competition week in week out.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 25, 2013, 01:53:25 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on January 25, 2013, 01:46:47 PM
Quote from: Declan on January 25, 2013, 01:38:11 PM
That's the way in a professional game. Talent follows the money

He'll be a better player for it IMO. Getting exposed to better competition week in week out.

That's a total myth. Name me one player that has improved when going to France? At one stage Lee Byrne was in the top 2 full backs in the world before he went. It didn't improve Mike Phillips nor will it improve Jamie Roberts. I would put the recent demise of Wales down to the fact their top players are spread throughout the French league. It is a long and punishing season where players get burnt out. I fear this could be the beginning of an exodus of top Irish players!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: the Deel Rover on January 25, 2013, 02:03:20 PM
Quote from: Declan on January 25, 2013, 01:38:11 PM
That's the way in a professional game. Talent follows the money

Hard to blame him. Rugby players careers are short enough and anything could happen injury wise, so in fairness it would be hard to turn down a million euro per annum deal. Good luck to him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 25, 2013, 02:10:15 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 25, 2013, 01:53:25 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on January 25, 2013, 01:46:47 PM
Quote from: Declan on January 25, 2013, 01:38:11 PM
That's the way in a professional game. Talent follows the money

He'll be a better player for it IMO. Getting exposed to better competition week in week out.

That's a total myth. Name me one player that has improved when going to France? At one stage Lee Byrne was in the top 2 full backs in the world before he went. It didn't improve Mike Phillips nor will it improve Jamie Roberts. I would put the recent demise of Wales down to the fact their top players are spread throughout the French league. It is a long and punishing season where players get burnt out. I fear this could be the beginning of an exodus of top Irish players!

Mick O'Driscoll, Trevor Brennan of the top of my head.

That is the myth - French clubs have massive squads and rotate regularly.

I think it's a great move for Sexton, that type of financial security is fantastic. I think he will become a better player for it too. Remember watching him 4 years ago playing for St Marys, didn't think he'd come to much..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 25, 2013, 02:15:51 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 25, 2013, 02:10:15 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 25, 2013, 01:53:25 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on January 25, 2013, 01:46:47 PM
Quote from: Declan on January 25, 2013, 01:38:11 PM
That's the way in a professional game. Talent follows the money

He'll be a better player for it IMO. Getting exposed to better competition week in week out.

That's a total myth. Name me one player that has improved when going to France? At one stage Lee Byrne was in the top 2 full backs in the world before he went. It didn't improve Mike Phillips nor will it improve Jamie Roberts. I would put the recent demise of Wales down to the fact their top players are spread throughout the French league. It is a long and punishing season where players get burnt out. I fear this could be the beginning of an exodus of top Irish players!

Mick O'Driscoll, Trevor Brennan of the top of my head.

That is the myth - French clubs have massive squads and rotate regularly.

I think it's a great move for Sexton, that type of financial security is fantastic. I think he will become a better player for it too. Remember watching him 4 years ago playing for St Marys, didn't think he'd come to much..


I know those two would be quoted! Were they both at the peak of their careers when they went?? Also neither were regulars on the international stage!

He won't even be playing Heineken Cup next year. If he had joined Clermont or Toulouse I could understand it was purely for rugby reasons!

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on January 25, 2013, 02:23:47 PM
What about Johnny Wilkinson, he was at his peak when he went after a coming back from serious injury,and his form got him back into the England side.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bingo on January 25, 2013, 02:28:16 PM
I see twitter is saying two year deal with 750,000 per annum. Massive if true.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 25, 2013, 02:29:42 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on January 25, 2013, 02:23:47 PM
What about Johnny Wilkinson, he was at his peak when he went after a coming back from serious injury,and his form got him back into the England side.

How many tests has Wilkinson started since joining Toulon? Look fair play to the lad, none of us would turn down the money. I'm just saying I don't believe playing in France will improve him as a player and I do believe if 5/6 top Irish players join him it will have a detrimental effect on the Irish teams performances!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on January 25, 2013, 02:34:40 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 25, 2013, 02:29:42 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on January 25, 2013, 02:23:47 PM
What about Johnny Wilkinson, he was at his peak when he went after a coming back from serious injury,and his form got him back into the England side.

How many tests has Wilkinson started since joining Toulon? Look fair play to the lad, none of us would turn down the money. I'm just saying I don't believe playing in France will improve him as a player and I do believe if 5/6 top Irish players join him it will have a detrimental effect on the Irish teams performances!

Well he retired from International in December 2011 Walter. He came off the bench in each of the 6 nations games in 2011. I think he had lost his place due to Injury, missed the 2010 test games through Injury.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 25, 2013, 02:35:44 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on January 25, 2013, 02:34:40 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 25, 2013, 02:29:42 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on January 25, 2013, 02:23:47 PM
What about Johnny Wilkinson, he was at his peak when he went after a coming back from serious injury,and his form got him back into the England side.

How many tests has Wilkinson started since joining Toulon? Look fair play to the lad, none of us would turn down the money. I'm just saying I don't believe playing in France will improve him as a player and I do believe if 5/6 top Irish players join him it will have a detrimental effect on the Irish teams performances!

Well he retired from International in December 2011 Walter. He came off the bench in each of the 6 nations games in 2011. I think he had lost his place due to Injury, missed the 2010 test games through Injury.

I think it's more a case of a top player getting over injury rather than the French league making him better!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 25, 2013, 02:36:11 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 25, 2013, 02:15:51 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 25, 2013, 02:10:15 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 25, 2013, 01:53:25 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on January 25, 2013, 01:46:47 PM
Quote from: Declan on January 25, 2013, 01:38:11 PM
That's the way in a professional game. Talent follows the money

He'll be a better player for it IMO. Getting exposed to better competition week in week out.

That's a total myth. Name me one player that has improved when going to France? At one stage Lee Byrne was in the top 2 full backs in the world before he went. It didn't improve Mike Phillips nor will it improve Jamie Roberts. I would put the recent demise of Wales down to the fact their top players are spread throughout the French league. It is a long and punishing season where players get burnt out. I fear this could be the beginning of an exodus of top Irish players!

Mick O'Driscoll, Trevor Brennan of the top of my head.

That is the myth - French clubs have massive squads and rotate regularly.

I think it's a great move for Sexton, that type of financial security is fantastic. I think he will become a better player for it too. Remember watching him 4 years ago playing for St Marys, didn't think he'd come to much..


I know those two would be quoted! Were they both at the peak of their careers when they went?? Also neither were regulars on the international stage!

He won't even be playing Heineken Cup next year. If he had joined Clermont or Toulouse I could understand it was purely for rugby reasons!

Trevor was 28, Mick was 25. Pretty much at coming into peak territory there. What Damien Brown, Andrew Farley? John Fogarty, Dave McGowan and David McGowan have all cut professional careers over there. Delon Armitage has been brilliant since he moved to France, player of the year last year. That list can go on and on. Rob Andrew in the 80s spent time in France and became a better player for it.

Welsh players are notorious home birds and struggle to embrace foreign culture. Sexton will become a better player for the experience, the question is will Ireland select him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on January 25, 2013, 02:36:18 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 25, 2013, 02:29:42 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on January 25, 2013, 02:23:47 PM
What about Johnny Wilkinson, he was at his peak when he went after a coming back from serious injury,and his form got him back into the England side.

How many tests has Wilkinson started since joining Toulon? Look fair play to the lad, none of us would turn down the money. I'm just saying I don't believe playing in France will improve him as a player and I do believe if 5/6 top Irish players join him it will have a detrimental effect on the Irish teams performances!

Wilko going to France for a swan song is hardly the same thing as Sexton going as he peaks.

It's a closed-minded view to say the only place to progress is at home. You might get certain dispensations from regular duty being a contracted player in Ireland, but you are still only working with one club coach, playing one club system, playing with one set of club players. Learning and perfecting your skill could do with a bit of variety.

I've no doubt Paul Marshall's rise a scrum half is directly related to watching and learning from Pienaar - but a first choice player probably isn't going to get that bonus by staying loyal.

NZ, Aus and SA are always in the top 5 teams in the world, and they an do so with players flung all across the world.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: the Deel Rover on January 25, 2013, 02:43:17 PM
Quote from: Bingo on January 25, 2013, 02:28:16 PM
I see twitter is saying two year deal with 750,000 per annum. Massive if true.

According to the indo it's €1million per annum Bingo.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 25, 2013, 02:43:26 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on January 25, 2013, 02:36:18 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 25, 2013, 02:29:42 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on January 25, 2013, 02:23:47 PM
What about Johnny Wilkinson, he was at his peak when he went after a coming back from serious injury,and his form got him back into the England side.

How many tests has Wilkinson started since joining Toulon? Look fair play to the lad, none of us would turn down the money. I'm just saying I don't believe playing in France will improve him as a player and I do believe if 5/6 top Irish players join him it will have a detrimental effect on the Irish teams performances!

Wilko going to France for a swan song is hardly the same thing as Sexton going as he peaks.

It's a closed-minded view to say the only place to progress is at home. You might get certain dispensations from regular duty being a contracted player in Ireland, but you are still only working with one club coach, playing one club system, playing with one set of club players. Learning and perfecting your skill could do with a bit of variety.

I've no doubt Paul Marshall's rise a scrum half is directly related to watching and learning from Pienaar - but a first choice player probably isn't going to get that bonus by staying loyal.

NZ, Aus and SA are always in the top 5 teams in the world, and they an do so with players flung all across the world.

I take all your points on board lads but I still worry that this is the start of things to come. Heaslip and Kearney could follow suit. However I suppose on the plus side it will give younger players a chance. It could be a case of not many Heineken cups coming to Ireland in the next few years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on January 25, 2013, 02:43:45 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 25, 2013, 01:53:25 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on January 25, 2013, 01:46:47 PM
Quote from: Declan on January 25, 2013, 01:38:11 PM
That's the way in a professional game. Talent follows the money

He'll be a better player for it IMO. Getting exposed to better competition week in week out.

That's a total myth. Name me one player that has improved when going to France? At one stage Lee Byrne was in the top 2 full backs in the world before he went. It didn't improve Mike Phillips nor will it improve Jamie Roberts. I would put the recent demise of Wales down to the fact their top players are spread throughout the French league. It is a long and punishing season where players get burnt out. I fear this could be the beginning of an exodus of top Irish players!

I suppose I'd Thomas Bowe in mind when I wrote that. He was a bitsy International in and out of the team, took himself off to Wales and actually got a bit of ball to work with and he improved vastly over there and Ireland reaped the rewards.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Denn Forever on January 25, 2013, 02:46:25 PM
Isn't the Heinekin cup not stopping in the near future or is it just that sponsors are changing?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 25, 2013, 02:48:35 PM
Tommy Bowe is a classic example of lad that done good and I always admired Murphy for staying loyal to Leicester as they gave him a chance as a young lad! Due to distances quite a few South Africans do well in Europe however I wouldn't say it's the case with kiwis and Aussies. NZ have that home based rule and I'm not ure how great the Aussie set up is!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on January 25, 2013, 02:48:46 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on January 25, 2013, 02:36:18 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 25, 2013, 02:29:42 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on January 25, 2013, 02:23:47 PM
What about Johnny Wilkinson, he was at his peak when he went after a coming back from serious injury,and his form got him back into the England side.

How many tests has Wilkinson started since joining Toulon? Look fair play to the lad, none of us would turn down the money. I'm just saying I don't believe playing in France will improve him as a player and I do believe if 5/6 top Irish players join him it will have a detrimental effect on the Irish teams performances!

Wilko going to France for a swan song is hardly the same thing as Sexton going as he peaks.

It's a closed-minded view to say the only place to progress is at home. You might get certain dispensations from regular duty being a contracted player in Ireland, but you are still only working with one club coach, playing one club system, playing with one set of club players. Learning and perfecting your skill could do with a bit of variety.

I've no doubt Paul Marshall's rise a scrum half is directly related to watching and learning from Pienaar - but a first choice player probably isn't going to get that bonus by staying loyal.

NZ, Aus and SA are always in the top 5 teams in the world, and they an do so with players flung all across the world.

Is there much difference in 2 years, Sexton will be 28 this year, He would be in his peak by now. Wilkinson was just gone 30 when he went. Whatever about his injuries problems that would still be in his peak. Look at O Gara still playing International's he will be 36 this.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on January 25, 2013, 03:33:01 PM
All ROG's bone crunching tackles haven't taken much of a toll on him in all fairness.  :o
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on January 25, 2013, 06:08:05 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 25, 2013, 02:48:35 PM
Tommy Bowe is a classic example of lad that done good and I always admired Murphy for staying loyal to Leicester as they gave him a chance as a young lad! Due to distances quite a few South Africans do well in Europe however I wouldn't say it's the case with kiwis and Aussies. NZ have that home based rule and I'm not ure how great the Aussie set up is!

How'd that Elsom lad get on over here?

I wonder how many will follow Sexton. There are reasons other than rugby to go. Tax and pensions would be worth a look.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on January 25, 2013, 07:32:14 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 25, 2013, 01:53:25 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on January 25, 2013, 01:46:47 PM
Quote from: Declan on January 25, 2013, 01:38:11 PM
That's the way in a professional game. Talent follows the money

He'll be a better player for it IMO. Getting exposed to better competition week in week out.

That's a total myth. Name me one player that has improved when going to France? At one stage Lee Byrne was in the top 2 full backs in the world before he went. It didn't improve Mike Phillips nor will it improve Jamie Roberts. I would put the recent demise of Wales down to the fact their top players are spread throughout the French league. It is a long and punishing season where players get burnt out. I fear this could be the beginning of an exodus of top Irish players!

Watched Byrne lately against Leinster and I think he is still among the top full backs in the world.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on January 25, 2013, 07:57:55 PM
No qualms with Sexton's move, fair fucks, but he's being seriously overvalued and the IRFU realised that (+ they couldn't afford him). Must be some money in the French leagues.

Too much scare-mongering here, any right minded Frenchman would realise Heaslip is over-rated. The French have enough dumb, bullock number 8's without him. If they were looking for talent they'll move for Marshall/ Gilroy/ Zebo/ Madigan/ Ryan /O'Mahoney /Healy, young exciting players. Wouldn't be so worried about the exodus YET. I'm surprised they didn't move for Bowe, a proven traveller of considerable size and speed. You can't teach men to grow.

Wasn't Byrne, Hook and Phillips all in France last year during Wales 6N success? That's all shite comparing them to us, the Welsh sides have done sweet f**k all in the Heineken Cup but are a hugely successful international side. Their recent demise is due to loss of players (and management) to injury not the French clubs.

By such thinking I could suggest a player exodus could initiate a successful upturn in the Irish international team's fortunes. Did a number of the All-Blacks not have spells in France prior to their World Cup win (Carter/ Sonny Bill)?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on January 25, 2013, 08:38:46 PM
Can't blame the lad for looking after the financial side of things.
Potentially €1 million extra in earnings is a lot of wonga considering how many years he'll have to spend as a wage slave after retirement.

The occasional top Irish players leaving is a lot less harmful than an over reliance on imports anyway.
Sexton got his proper run at the big time when Contepomi got injured against Munster in 2009, now hopefully the door will open for someone like Ian Madigan to fill his shoes.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on January 26, 2013, 07:40:43 AM
"An exceptional deal for an exceptional player" as Philip Browne of the IRFU put it.

He's probably the biggest shoe-in for the Lions out there, he's the best 10 in the Northern Hemisphere.

Racing are currently 8th or 9th in Top14. Next year I've no doubt they'll be top 4, it'll be money well spent
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on January 29, 2013, 01:28:22 PM
In an article published on the 17th Jan, Jamie Heaslip was expecting to hand the Ireland Captaincy back to Brian O'Driscoll.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/heaslip-happy-to-hand-the-captaincy-back-to-odriscoll-3355811.html (http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/heaslip-happy-to-hand-the-captaincy-back-to-odriscoll-3355811.html)

Later on the 17th Jan Heaslip was appointed Captain, O'Driscoll expressed his 'disappointment' at losing the Captaincy:

http://www.espnscrum.com/six-nations-2013/rugby/story/175777.html (http://www.espnscrum.com/six-nations-2013/rugby/story/175777.html)

We now know that in Sexton's negotiations he was looking for parity with Heaslip's contract.

Earlier on the 14 Jan we know Sexton was talking to Racing Metro but even Racing didn't sound confident:

http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/sport/sexton-linked-with-move-to-racing-metro-581142.html (http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/sport/sexton-linked-with-move-to-racing-metro-581142.html)

Rob Kearney came out in recent days and said Sexton was 'upset' by the IRFU negotiations:

http://www.balls.ie/rugby/rob-kearney-johnny-sexton-was-upset-by-irfu-negotiations/#sthash.Fxxrt1bT.dpbs (http://www.balls.ie/rugby/rob-kearney-johnny-sexton-was-upset-by-irfu-negotiations/#sthash.Fxxrt1bT.dpbs)

I am beginning the think that to justify paying Heaslip more than Sexton they made the hurried decision to promote Heaslip to Captain. This managed to annoy much of Irish rugby by hurriedly demoting O'Driscoll without him (apparently) being prepared for it. A proper heads up is a courtesy O'Driscoll deserved at a minimum. Meanwhile Sexton, who obviously didn't want to go to France, saw through this farce and just walked.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 29, 2013, 02:03:58 PM
Irish team in full to play Wales

15 Rob Kearney 14 Craig Gilroy 13 Brian O'Driscoll 12 Gordon D'Arcy 11 Simon Zebo 10 Jonathan Sexton 9 Conor Murray 1Cian Healy 2 Rory Best 3 Mike Ross 4 Mike McCarthy 5 Donnacha Ryan 6 Peter O'Mahony 7 Sean O'Brien 8 Jamie Heaslip.

Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin 17 David Kilcoyne 18 Declan Fitzpatrick 19 Donncha O'Callaghan 20 Chris Henry 21 Eoin Reddan 22 Ronan O'Gara 23 Keith Earls

O'Mahony over Henry is a shocking decision - the best 7 in Ireland shafted ahead of a guy who is barely Heineken Cup standard and has done nothing of note on the International stage.

Wales have Warburton and Tipuric, 2 out and out groundhogs - we are going to struggle at the breakdown - what is the point of having Gilroy and Zebo when both thrive on quick ball and space.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 29, 2013, 02:07:05 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 29, 2013, 02:03:58 PM
Irish team in full to play Wales

15 Rob Kearney 14 Craig Gilroy 13 Brian O'Driscoll 12 Gordon D'Arcy 11 Simon Zebo 10 Jonathan Sexton 9 Conor Murray 1Cian Healy 2 Rory Best 3 Mike Ross 4 Mike McCarthy 5 Donnacha Ryan 6 Peter O'Mahony 7 Sean O'Brien 8 Jamie Heaslip.

Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin 17 David Kilcoyne 18 Declan Fitzpatrick 19 Donncha O'Callaghan 20 Chris Henry 21 Eoin Reddan 22 Ronan O'Gara 23 Keith Earls

O'Mahony over Henry is a shocking decision - the best 7 in Ireland shafted ahead of a guy who is barely Heineken Cup standard and has done nothing of note on the International stage.

Wales have Warburton and Tipuric, 2 out and out groundhogs - we are going to struggle at the breakdown - what is the point of having Gilroy and Zebo when both thrive on quick ball and space.

Surprised myself at the back row choice. I'm not sure about this O'Mahoney lad. Would Munster fans rate him highly? Is he considered a decent ball carrier in the Ferris role? Not sure if he is that physically powerful. Excited by the back 3!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Olaf on January 29, 2013, 02:13:31 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 29, 2013, 02:03:58 PM
Irish team in full to play Wales

15 Rob Kearney 14 Craig Gilroy 13 Brian O'Driscoll 12 Gordon D'Arcy 11 Simon Zebo 10 Jonathan Sexton 9 Conor Murray 1Cian Healy 2 Rory Best 3 Mike Ross 4 Mike McCarthy 5 Donnacha Ryan 6 Peter O'Mahony 7 Sean O'Brien 8 Jamie Heaslip.

Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin 17 David Kilcoyne 18 Declan Fitzpatrick 19 Donncha O'Callaghan 20 Chris Henry 21 Eoin Reddan 22 Ronan O'Gara 23 Keith Earls

O'Mahony over Henry is a shocking decision - the best 7 in Ireland shafted ahead of a guy who is barely Heineken Cup standard and has done nothing of note on the International stage. Wales have Warburton and Tipuric, 2 out and out groundhogs - we are going to struggle at the breakdown - what is the point of having Gilroy and Zebo when both thrive on quick ball and space.

The Ulster quota system. It's been going for years. Preferably two and  three at most notwithstanding what is going on in the Rabo or Heiniken Cup. 

Quite remarkable that Trimble left out of 33 too. Reddan, O'Gara and O'Callaghan should not be anywhere near it but selection is predictable .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on January 29, 2013, 02:20:10 PM
Quote from: Olaf on January 29, 2013, 02:13:31 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 29, 2013, 02:03:58 PM
Irish team in full to play Wales

15 Rob Kearney 14 Craig Gilroy 13 Brian O'Driscoll 12 Gordon D'Arcy 11 Simon Zebo 10 Jonathan Sexton 9 Conor Murray 1Cian Healy 2 Rory Best 3 Mike Ross 4 Mike McCarthy 5 Donnacha Ryan 6 Peter O'Mahony 7 Sean O'Brien 8 Jamie Heaslip.

Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin 17 David Kilcoyne 18 Declan Fitzpatrick 19 Donncha O'Callaghan 20 Chris Henry 21 Eoin Reddan 22 Ronan O'Gara 23 Keith Earls

O'Mahony over Henry is a shocking decision - the best 7 in Ireland shafted ahead of a guy who is barely Heineken Cup standard and has done nothing of note on the International stage. Wales have Warburton and Tipuric, 2 out and out groundhogs - we are going to struggle at the breakdown - what is the point of having Gilroy and Zebo when both thrive on quick ball and space.

The Ulster quota system. It's been going for years. Preferably two and  three at most notwithstanding what is going on in the Rabo or Heiniken Cup. 

Quite remarkable that Trimble left out of 33 too. Reddan, O'Gara and O'Callaghan should not be anywhere near it but selection is predictable .

Is Keith Earls covering most of the back positions on his own? I know they can move Sexton to 12 with O'Gara coming on but that is surely an emergency tactic.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on January 29, 2013, 02:37:35 PM
Quote from: Olaf on January 29, 2013, 02:13:31 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 29, 2013, 02:03:58 PM
Irish team in full to play Wales

15 Rob Kearney 14 Craig Gilroy 13 Brian O'Driscoll 12 Gordon D'Arcy 11 Simon Zebo 10 Jonathan Sexton 9 Conor Murray 1Cian Healy 2 Rory Best 3 Mike Ross 4 Mike McCarthy 5 Donnacha Ryan 6 Peter O'Mahony 7 Sean O'Brien 8 Jamie Heaslip.

Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin 17 David Kilcoyne 18 Declan Fitzpatrick 19 Donncha O'Callaghan 20 Chris Henry 21 Eoin Reddan 22 Ronan O'Gara 23 Keith Earls

O'Mahony over Henry is a shocking decision - the best 7 in Ireland shafted ahead of a guy who is barely Heineken Cup standard and has done nothing of note on the International stage. Wales have Warburton and Tipuric, 2 out and out groundhogs - we are going to struggle at the breakdown - what is the point of having Gilroy and Zebo when both thrive on quick ball and space.

The Ulster quota system. It's been going for years. Preferably two and  three at most notwithstanding what is going on in the Rabo or Heiniken Cup. 

Quite remarkable that Trimble left out of 33 too. Reddan, O'Gara and O'Callaghan should not be anywhere near it but selection is predictable .
I agree with you on Trimble, I wouldn't on the quota bit.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 29, 2013, 02:39:18 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on January 29, 2013, 02:37:35 PM
Quote from: Olaf on January 29, 2013, 02:13:31 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 29, 2013, 02:03:58 PM
Irish team in full to play Wales

15 Rob Kearney 14 Craig Gilroy 13 Brian O'Driscoll 12 Gordon D'Arcy 11 Simon Zebo 10 Jonathan Sexton 9 Conor Murray 1Cian Healy 2 Rory Best 3 Mike Ross 4 Mike McCarthy 5 Donnacha Ryan 6 Peter O'Mahony 7 Sean O'Brien 8 Jamie Heaslip.

Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin 17 David Kilcoyne 18 Declan Fitzpatrick 19 Donncha O'Callaghan 20 Chris Henry 21 Eoin Reddan 22 Ronan O'Gara 23 Keith Earls

O'Mahony over Henry is a shocking decision - the best 7 in Ireland shafted ahead of a guy who is barely Heineken Cup standard and has done nothing of note on the International stage. Wales have Warburton and Tipuric, 2 out and out groundhogs - we are going to struggle at the breakdown - what is the point of having Gilroy and Zebo when both thrive on quick ball and space.

The Ulster quota system. It's been going for years. Preferably two and  three at most notwithstanding what is going on in the Rabo or Heiniken Cup. 

Quite remarkable that Trimble left out of 33 too. Reddan, O'Gara and O'Callaghan should not be anywhere near it but selection is predictable .
I agree with you on Trimble, I wouldn't on the quota bit.

Think it's a bit tongue and cheek with the quota. Ulster fans tend to feel hard done by, by Irish selections. I think they may have a case over the non selection of Henry!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on January 29, 2013, 02:42:20 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 29, 2013, 02:39:18 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on January 29, 2013, 02:37:35 PM
Quote from: Olaf on January 29, 2013, 02:13:31 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 29, 2013, 02:03:58 PM
Irish team in full to play Wales

15 Rob Kearney 14 Craig Gilroy 13 Brian O'Driscoll 12 Gordon D'Arcy 11 Simon Zebo 10 Jonathan Sexton 9 Conor Murray 1Cian Healy 2 Rory Best 3 Mike Ross 4 Mike McCarthy 5 Donnacha Ryan 6 Peter O'Mahony 7 Sean O'Brien 8 Jamie Heaslip.

Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin 17 David Kilcoyne 18 Declan Fitzpatrick 19 Donncha O'Callaghan 20 Chris Henry 21 Eoin Reddan 22 Ronan O'Gara 23 Keith Earls

O'Mahony over Henry is a shocking decision - the best 7 in Ireland shafted ahead of a guy who is barely Heineken Cup standard and has done nothing of note on the International stage. Wales have Warburton and Tipuric, 2 out and out groundhogs - we are going to struggle at the breakdown - what is the point of having Gilroy and Zebo when both thrive on quick ball and space.

The Ulster quota system. It's been going for years. Preferably two and  three at most notwithstanding what is going on in the Rabo or Heiniken Cup. 

Quite remarkable that Trimble left out of 33 too. Reddan, O'Gara and O'Callaghan should not be anywhere near it but selection is predictable .
I agree with you on Trimble, I wouldn't on the quota bit.

Think it's a bit tongue and cheek with the quota. Ulster fans tend to feel hard done by, by Irish selections. I think they may have a case over the non selection of Henry!
I haven't seen enough of O'Mahony though to comment, but given Ulster's run and they way he's been playing you could be right. Though i seem to remember Henry being pulverised by Wales last year or was it the year before.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Olaf on January 29, 2013, 03:00:59 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on January 29, 2013, 02:42:20 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 29, 2013, 02:39:18 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on January 29, 2013, 02:37:35 PM
Quote from: Olaf on January 29, 2013, 02:13:31 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 29, 2013, 02:03:58 PM
Irish team in full to play Wales

15 Rob Kearney 14 Craig Gilroy 13 Brian O'Driscoll 12 Gordon D'Arcy 11 Simon Zebo 10 Jonathan Sexton 9 Conor Murray 1Cian Healy 2 Rory Best 3 Mike Ross 4 Mike McCarthy 5 Donnacha Ryan 6 Peter O'Mahony 7 Sean O'Brien 8 Jamie Heaslip.

Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin 17 David Kilcoyne 18 Declan Fitzpatrick 19 Donncha O'Callaghan 20 Chris Henry 21 Eoin Reddan 22 Ronan O'Gara 23 Keith Earls

O'Mahony over Henry is a shocking decision - the best 7 in Ireland shafted ahead of a guy who is barely Heineken Cup standard and has done nothing of note on the International stage. Wales have Warburton and Tipuric, 2 out and out groundhogs - we are going to struggle at the breakdown - what is the point of having Gilroy and Zebo when both thrive on quick ball and space.

The Ulster quota system. It's been going for years. Preferably two and  three at most notwithstanding what is going on in the Rabo or Heiniken Cup. 

Quite remarkable that Trimble left out of 33 too. Reddan, O'Gara and O'Callaghan should not be anywhere near it but selection is predictable .
I agree with you on Trimble, I wouldn't on the quota bit.

Think it's a bit tongue and cheek with the quota. Ulster fans tend to feel hard done by, by Irish selections. I think they may have a case over the non selection of Henry!
I haven't seen enough of O'Mahony though to comment, but given Ulster's run and they way he's been playing you could be right. Though i seem to remember Henry being pulverised by Wales last year or was it the year before.
O'Mahoney isn't HC or international standard IMHO. Henry has consisitently been the best back row in Ireland this year without question. It is a shocking decision but depressingly predictable.

Im terms of Ulster representation Henderson, Paul Marshall , Cave , Court and Trimble can feel very hard done by in not getting into the match day 22. Kidney does not pick on form that is crystal clear and seems loathe to put trust in many Ulster players for 6 Nations games,
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 29, 2013, 03:11:46 PM
Quote from: Olaf on January 29, 2013, 03:00:59 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on January 29, 2013, 02:42:20 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 29, 2013, 02:39:18 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on January 29, 2013, 02:37:35 PM
Quote from: Olaf on January 29, 2013, 02:13:31 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 29, 2013, 02:03:58 PM
Irish team in full to play Wales

15 Rob Kearney 14 Craig Gilroy 13 Brian O'Driscoll 12 Gordon D'Arcy 11 Simon Zebo 10 Jonathan Sexton 9 Conor Murray 1Cian Healy 2 Rory Best 3 Mike Ross 4 Mike McCarthy 5 Donnacha Ryan 6 Peter O'Mahony 7 Sean O'Brien 8 Jamie Heaslip.

Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin 17 David Kilcoyne 18 Declan Fitzpatrick 19 Donncha O'Callaghan 20 Chris Henry 21 Eoin Reddan 22 Ronan O'Gara 23 Keith Earls

O'Mahony over Henry is a shocking decision - the best 7 in Ireland shafted ahead of a guy who is barely Heineken Cup standard and has done nothing of note on the International stage. Wales have Warburton and Tipuric, 2 out and out groundhogs - we are going to struggle at the breakdown - what is the point of having Gilroy and Zebo when both thrive on quick ball and space.

The Ulster quota system. It's been going for years. Preferably two and  three at most notwithstanding what is going on in the Rabo or Heiniken Cup. 

Quite remarkable that Trimble left out of 33 too. Reddan, O'Gara and O'Callaghan should not be anywhere near it but selection is predictable .
I agree with you on Trimble, I wouldn't on the quota bit.

Think it's a bit tongue and cheek with the quota. Ulster fans tend to feel hard done by, by Irish selections. I think they may have a case over the non selection of Henry!
I haven't seen enough of O'Mahony though to comment, but given Ulster's run and they way he's been playing you could be right. Though i seem to remember Henry being pulverised by Wales last year or was it the year before.
O'Mahoney isn't HC or international standard IMHO. Henry has consisitently been the best back row in Ireland this year without question. It is a shocking decision but depressingly predictable.

Im terms of Ulster representation Henderson, Paul Marshall , Cave , Court and Trimble can feel very hard done by in not getting into the match day 22. Kidney does not pick on form that is crystal clear and seems loathe to put trust in many Ulster players for 6 Nations games,

I don't know above Cave, he just seems to lack pace and could get exploited in the outside channel which is difficult to defend. Trimbles physicality could have been an option against North this weekend but I'm glad he went for Gilroy. I really like Iain Henderson who can cover 2nd and back row. I just can't see why O'Callaghan continually gets selected!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: galwayman on January 29, 2013, 03:15:42 PM
I agree that Henry should start definitely.

But as regards Andrew Trimble. Seriously he has had more than enough chances. He is solid and physical but nothing more than that. He lacks the class required of an international wing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Olaf on January 29, 2013, 03:25:12 PM
Quote from: galwayman on January 29, 2013, 03:15:42 PM
I agree that Henry should start definitely.

But as regards Andrew Trimble. Seriously he has had more than enough chances. He is solid and physical but nothing more than that. He lacks the class required of an international wing.

He's not a "footballer" (never has been) and is somewhat typical of many  modern day backs - big, powerful, direct and fast.  When Gilroy was dancing around everyone a couple of months ago and putting the pressure on him re Ulster  it was noticeable that Trimble put in a few great performances and save for a poor attempt at a tackle v Northampton has been consisitently good over the last few weeks.

It appears that you have to put in a few startling performances for Ulster  if you are looking to get recognised in the Irish set up (Gilroy) whilst a few workmanlike performances for Munster gets you there (O'Mahoney)
         
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on January 29, 2013, 03:40:12 PM
Henry should definitely be ahead of POM.

On the other hand Gilroy v Earls must have been a close call - Gilroy has done very little since his explosion onto the Irish scene, but at least Kidney has still rewarded him for that. Earls is the best finisher, but I think his move from wing to centre will cost him not only an Irish place, but a Lions place. He'll be a good man off the bench though.

Glad he picked Kilcoyne and Fitzpatrick on the bench.

Henderson's not ready to be an international lock just yet. One more year on the bench for DOC, then Henderson takes over (at least I hope his moulded more as a 2nd row than a back row over the next few years).

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on January 29, 2013, 03:54:27 PM
Quote from: Hound on January 29, 2013, 03:40:12 PM
Henry should definitely be ahead of POM.

On the other hand Gilroy v Earls must have been a close call - Gilroy has done very little since his explosion onto the Irish scene, but at least Kidney has still rewarded him for that. Earls is the best finisher, but I think his move from wing to centre will cost him not only an Irish place, but a Lions place. He'll be a good man off the bench though.

Glad he picked Kilcoyne and Fitzpatrick on the bench.

Henderson's not ready to be an international lock just yet. One more year on the bench for DOC, then Henderson takes over (at least I hope his moulded more as a 2nd row than a back row over the next few years).

Earls hasn't done anything to justify a Lions shirt in a long time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: NAG1 on January 29, 2013, 04:19:54 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 29, 2013, 03:11:46 PM
Quote from: Olaf on January 29, 2013, 03:00:59 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on January 29, 2013, 02:42:20 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 29, 2013, 02:39:18 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on January 29, 2013, 02:37:35 PM
Quote from: Olaf on January 29, 2013, 02:13:31 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 29, 2013, 02:03:58 PM
Irish team in full to play Wales

15 Rob Kearney 14 Craig Gilroy 13 Brian O'Driscoll 12 Gordon D'Arcy 11 Simon Zebo 10 Jonathan Sexton 9 Conor Murray 1Cian Healy 2 Rory Best 3 Mike Ross 4 Mike McCarthy 5 Donnacha Ryan 6 Peter O'Mahony 7 Sean O'Brien 8 Jamie Heaslip.

Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin 17 David Kilcoyne 18 Declan Fitzpatrick 19 Donncha O'Callaghan 20 Chris Henry 21 Eoin Reddan 22 Ronan O'Gara 23 Keith Earls

O'Mahony over Henry is a shocking decision - the best 7 in Ireland shafted ahead of a guy who is barely Heineken Cup standard and has done nothing of note on the International stage. Wales have Warburton and Tipuric, 2 out and out groundhogs - we are going to struggle at the breakdown - what is the point of having Gilroy and Zebo when both thrive on quick ball and space.

The Ulster quota system. It's been going for years. Preferably two and  three at most notwithstanding what is going on in the Rabo or Heiniken Cup. 

Quite remarkable that Trimble left out of 33 too. Reddan, O'Gara and O'Callaghan should not be anywhere near it but selection is predictable .
I agree with you on Trimble, I wouldn't on the quota bit.

Think it's a bit tongue and cheek with the quota. Ulster fans tend to feel hard done by, by Irish selections. I think they may have a case over the non selection of Henry!
I haven't seen enough of O'Mahony though to comment, but given Ulster's run and they way he's been playing you could be right. Though i seem to remember Henry being pulverised by Wales last year or was it the year before.
O'Mahoney isn't HC or international standard IMHO. Henry has consisitently been the best back row in Ireland this year without question. It is a shocking decision but depressingly predictable.

Im terms of Ulster representation Henderson, Paul Marshall , Cave , Court and Trimble can feel very hard done by in not getting into the match day 22. Kidney does not pick on form that is crystal clear and seems loathe to put trust in many Ulster players for 6 Nations games,

I don't know above Cave, he just seems to lack pace and could get exploited in the outside channel which is difficult to defend. Trimbles physicality could have been an option against North this weekend but I'm glad he went for Gilroy. I really like Iain Henderson who can cover 2nd and back row. I just can't see why O'Callaghan continually gets selected!

If you take a look at the tackle counts for Munster turn overs at the break down etc DOC is always up there at the very top level. I know Ulster were weakened in their recent encounter but her was up there with any player on either team for effectiveness.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on January 29, 2013, 05:14:49 PM
Quote from: screenexile on January 29, 2013, 03:54:27 PM
Quote from: Hound on January 29, 2013, 03:40:12 PM
Henry should definitely be ahead of POM.

On the other hand Gilroy v Earls must have been a close call - Gilroy has done very little since his explosion onto the Irish scene, but at least Kidney has still rewarded him for that. Earls is the best finisher, but I think his move from wing to centre will cost him not only an Irish place, but a Lions place. He'll be a good man off the bench though.

Glad he picked Kilcoyne and Fitzpatrick on the bench.

Henderson's not ready to be an international lock just yet. One more year on the bench for DOC, then Henderson takes over (at least I hope his moulded more as a 2nd row than a back row over the next few years).

Earls hasn't done anything to justify a Lions shirt in a long time.
His try scoring record when playing wing for Ireland is excellent.  If he'd continued in that position I think he'd be a very strong contender. I rate him as the best finisher we have. But this outside centre malarky is hugely misguided and I'm waiting for the penny to drop for Penney.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on January 29, 2013, 05:18:13 PM
     Decent enough team and I probably agree with most of the selections apart from a few mainly on the replacement bench! I would have gone for Henderson on the bench personally as I think he's the next O'Connell in the making although I'm glad Declan Fitzpatrick got the nod because we need someone who can lock the scrum if Ross goes down injured. Tough call on Court at loose-head but it's nip and tuck between him and Kilcoyne and I have a funny feeling Tom might get the nod on the bench for the England and France games when having such a destructive scrummag-er (at loose-head only) to bring on in the secondhalf will be really important while Kilcoyne being a better ball carrier will be more important against Wales to ramp up the physical pressure in the second half as we won't beat Wales in a fast loose wide type of game so destructive close in ball carries will do more damage. Also Wales like ourselves  don't have a top notch tight-head replacement prop so they rely on Adam Jones like we do on Ross so Jones will tire in the second half.

If Paul Marshall wasn't battling for the no. 9 spot with probably one of the best 9's in the world at Ulster I'm sure he would be pushing for a green shirt at this stage but unfortunately for Ireland that is the case and I do believe Reddan is very good impact sub at this level but I have my doubts about him as a starter, but his days and Marshall's could be numbered anyway with Marmion's progress at Connacht and Luke McGrath's probably arrival into the mix in Leinster next year. Issac Boss wouldn't look out of place on the bench as well although he is very similar in style to Murray.

At 7 I would have been happy with either O' Mahony or Henry. A few posters (I would guess they are mostly Ulster men) seem a bit peeved at O' Mahony's selection but there is some sound logic behind this. They are almost identical except in a few key areas , Henry is the better link player like a traditional 7 while O' Mahony is a much more abrasive ball carrier especially the hard yards in the tight , Henry is better poacher on the deck while O'Mahony is better at choke tackling and smother tackles that knock back the opposing carrier and what i believe is the clincher for this match is O' Mahony is a much better Lineout jumper especially on opposition ball.   
Wales are missing three of their first choice secondrows so Ireland want to deny them as much primary ball as possible so O' Mahony gets the nod to give us four strong lineout options. Also while it might seem Ulster get a raw deal on selection to their supporters I can remember when they dominated Ireland selections right up to the late 90's (just ask Mick Galwey) when maybe a few more from the south and the west deserved a shot so it seems these things go in cycle's!!

With Trimble I just think he has never really settled at international level and could never raise his game to the level he can with Ulster in the Heineken cup where as Keith Earls can seem to step it up when injury free and he seems to  play with more freedom at international level. To those who say he is not an International class centre all I would have to do is point you to last years six nations where he was one of our few consistent performers and showed real class at outside centre with some marvelous breaks from behind a pack that seemed to go backwards more than forwards last year. With Darren cave (the Fiji match apart) he hasn't impressed in his outings with the wolfhounds and he looks a little lost at international level but I wouldn't give up on him just yet and I think the tour in the summer could be the making or the breaking of him but he's a good way off an Ireland staring spot yet.

  All in all I would hope we can win this weekend  but they key is to get a stranglehold on possession and be very physical ( I'd like us to maul the ball from the lineout at every opportunity) when we have it to wear the welsh down and traditionally their heads drop if they aren't allowed to get their high tempo off the cuff attacking game going early. So for me I hope for Ireland by a score , maybe something like 25-21 or there abouts.

(p.s Declan use our bench smartly for once like Henry , O' Callahan and Kilcoyne in for the last 30 with Fitzpatrick and Cronin for the last 20, leave Sexton on unless he is injured or having a shocker and no putting on a player for the last 2 mins please!!!!!)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 29, 2013, 05:20:42 PM
Quote from: Hound on January 29, 2013, 05:14:49 PM
Quote from: screenexile on January 29, 2013, 03:54:27 PM
Quote from: Hound on January 29, 2013, 03:40:12 PM
Henry should definitely be ahead of POM.

On the other hand Gilroy v Earls must have been a close call - Gilroy has done very little since his explosion onto the Irish scene, but at least Kidney has still rewarded him for that. Earls is the best finisher, but I think his move from wing to centre will cost him not only an Irish place, but a Lions place. He'll be a good man off the bench though.

Glad he picked Kilcoyne and Fitzpatrick on the bench.

Henderson's not ready to be an international lock just yet. One more year on the bench for DOC, then Henderson takes over (at least I hope his moulded more as a 2nd row than a back row over the next few years).

Earls hasn't done anything to justify a Lions shirt in a long time.
His try scoring record when playing wing for Ireland is excellent.  If he'd continued in that position I think he'd be a very strong contender. I rate him as the best finisher we have. But this outside centre malarky is hugely misguided and I'm waiting for the penny to drop for Penney.

Agree that Earls is a victim of his versatility as such. I worry that we aren't developing centres for 2015. I'm really excited about the propect of Jordan Coughlan turning from back row to inside centre. Pacey and robust player in the Jamie Roberts kind of role!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on January 29, 2013, 05:34:08 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 29, 2013, 05:20:42 PM
Quote from: Hound on January 29, 2013, 05:14:49 PM
Quote from: screenexile on January 29, 2013, 03:54:27 PM
Quote from: Hound on January 29, 2013, 03:40:12 PM
Henry should definitely be ahead of POM.

On the other hand Gilroy v Earls must have been a close call - Gilroy has done very little since his explosion onto the Irish scene, but at least Kidney has still rewarded him for that. Earls is the best finisher, but I think his move from wing to centre will cost him not only an Irish place, but a Lions place. He'll be a good man off the bench though.

Glad he picked Kilcoyne and Fitzpatrick on the bench.

Henderson's not ready to be an international lock just yet. One more year on the bench for DOC, then Henderson takes over (at least I hope his moulded more as a 2nd row than a back row over the next few years).

Earls hasn't done anything to justify a Lions shirt in a long time.
His try scoring record when playing wing for Ireland is excellent.  If he'd continued in that position I think he'd be a very strong contender. I rate him as the best finisher we have. But this outside centre malarky is hugely misguided and I'm waiting for the penny to drop for Penney.

Agree that Earls is a victim of his versatility as such. I worry that we aren't developing centres for 2015. I'm really excited about the propect of Jordan Coughlan turning from back row to inside centre. Pacey and robust player in the Jamie Roberts kind of role!

+1 I also think this is a great move and the boy certainly has the natural talent and pace to make a go of it with Leinster still have Gilsenan and Coogan coming through as backrows so no loss there. In Connacht it's common knowledge that no. 13 is where Robbie Henshaw is going to end up and while it's hard on Eoin Griffin it's a perfect fit for Henshaw and it'll be good to have top quality competition in the squad. Smart for Connacht too with Shane Layden coming back from injury and Gavin Duffy they have more than enough talent at 15 for the forsee-able future
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on February 02, 2013, 03:31:21 PM
Brian O'Driscoll......He has't gone away you know!

Feck the blood pressure, after that!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AQMP on February 02, 2013, 03:35:01 PM
As Nugent or O'Shea said, a match that had everything this is great about the game of rugby.  Brilliant viewing.  Eng v Sco is going to seem very tame after that!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 02, 2013, 03:43:58 PM
I'm exhausted after that. I'd imagine D'arcy won't be fit for next week. I pray Ross is ok!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: yellowcard on February 02, 2013, 04:37:12 PM
Brutal intensity today, O'Driscoll added to his legend and Zebos skill with the boot executed at that speed was unreal. Sets up an almighty battle with England next week. Win that and there could be the possibility of a Grand Slam.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 02, 2013, 07:44:32 PM
Hands up. I never saw anything in Peter O'Mahony until today, he was superb. Defence wins cups and Irelands 2nd half defensive performance was real bodies on the line stuff. Looking forward to the Aviva next week.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 02, 2013, 07:53:40 PM
Best game of rugby I've seen in some time. Made the England-Scotland game look like a flat balloon in terms of intensity.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 02, 2013, 08:35:33 PM
Bit of humble pie to be doled out to a few posters tonight. O'Mahoney was outstanding, carried brilliantly, like I haven't seen him do before. Zebo is a gem, Gilroy is everything Trimble will never be, a stepper, good catcher, fast whilst also being agile.
BOD - it's all been said.
Sexton top - looks a Lion ten.
Murray - a better day/wasn't over-shadowed by the best 9 in the competition.
Heaslip/ Ryan/ Best - did all the hidden work, Best avoiding penalties for a change.
Healy - a great pro, if Sexton is worth 750grand, Healy is worth damn close to it. Would consider him one of the worlds best tightheads, up there with Zwarcvilli.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 02, 2013, 08:45:16 PM
Apart from the obviously worry surrounding Ross I would be concerned about the prospect of Earls playing at 13 against England. No doubt he is a wonderful talent but i just don't think he is suited to it defensively as was shown in the Cuthbert try. Perhaps giving Darren Cave the nod is an option. Ok he might not be blessed with huge pace but he will defend the outside channel well which will be tested no doubt by the return of Tuilagi.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 02, 2013, 09:28:09 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 02, 2013, 08:45:16 PM
Apart from the obviously worry surrounding Ross I would be concerned about the prospect of Earls playing at 13 against England. No doubt he is a wonderful talent but i just don't think he is suited to it defensively as was shown in the Cuthbert try. Perhaps giving Darren Cave the nod is an option. Ok he might not be blessed with huge pace but he will defend the outside channel well which will be tested no doubt by the return of Tuilagi.

I'd give O'Driscoll one last chance.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 02, 2013, 09:29:35 PM
Will BOD not move to inside centre if D'Arcy can't make it?? Perhaps Fitzgerald is an option for 12.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 02, 2013, 09:30:59 PM
Paddy Wallace is your man.

I'm not even joking.

But it'll end up being Earls.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CiKe on February 02, 2013, 09:55:17 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 02, 2013, 08:35:33 PM
Bit of humble pie to be doled out to a few posters tonight. O'Mahoney was outstanding, carried brilliantly, like I haven't seen him do before. Zebo is a gem, Gilroy is everything Trimble will never be, a stepper, good catcher, fast whilst also being agile.
BOD - it's all been said.
Sexton top - looks a Lion ten.
Murray - a better day/wasn't over-shadowed by the best 9 in the competition.
Heaslip/ Ryan/ Best - did all the hidden work, Best avoiding penalties for a change.
Healy - a great pro, if Sexton is worth 750grand, Healy is worth damn close to it. Would consider him one of the worlds best tightheads, up there with Zwarcvilli.

Except he's a loose-head but suspect is a typo - you're right though, he is phenomenal. O'Brien gave away some silly penalties but his tackle count was fantastic. McCarthy also had some tackles, must have been all the dirty stuff as I never saw him!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 02, 2013, 10:09:16 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 02, 2013, 09:30:59 PM
Paddy Wallace is your man.

I'm not even joking.

But it'll end up being Earls.
Wallace can't defend. Is McFadden out?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Olly on February 02, 2013, 10:27:43 PM
England beat Scotland 76-0 in women's rugby. A couple of dodgy decisions.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 02, 2013, 10:32:04 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 02, 2013, 10:09:16 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 02, 2013, 09:30:59 PM
Paddy Wallace is your man.

I'm not even joking.

But it'll end up being Earls.
Wallace can't defend. Is McFadden out?

Jeez not Mc Fadden!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 02, 2013, 11:59:13 PM
Ireland held a 27 point lead early in the 2nd half and perhaps had a chance to really go and build up a healthy points difference.
The overall winners could be decided by it, which generally means Ireland get edged out.
On the other hand, by giving Wales a fill up, they could kick on and cause real problems for France and England.

Ireland played 20 minutes with 14 men and only lost the 2nd half by 12 points. Which indicates a decent defensive shift at least. Especially as Wales have a backline with several smash artists who often force you to commit more than one player to the tackle.

Despite how it ended, it's good to finally beat the Welsh after 3 straight defeats. Especially as Cardiff 2011 and Dublin 2012 were games that Ireland left behind - dodgy tries, spear tackles etc.

The lack of cover for Darcy and Ross could be the biggest swing factor for England next week.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on February 03, 2013, 12:01:59 AM
I thought you lot (rugby aficionados) couldn't stand D'arcy being in the team and would be glad to be shod of him.
It was a great team performance today.
I though Sexton looked supremely confident out there, more so than any other time in an Irish shirt. It's just priceless to have that level of perfection in the team, converting the difficult kicks, to put the game a score too far for the Welsh.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 03, 2013, 12:41:06 AM
Quote from: Main Street on February 03, 2013, 12:01:59 AM
I thought you lot (rugby aficionados) couldn't stand D'arcy being in the team and would be glad to be shod of him.
It was a great team performance today.
I though Sexton looked supremely confident out there, more so than any other time in an Irish shirt. It's just priceless to have that level of perfection in the team, converting the difficult kicks, to put the game a score too far for the Welsh.
He missed a handy drop goal in front of the posts, glad to be rid of him, the frogs can have him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on February 03, 2013, 08:00:20 AM
Quote from: trileacman on February 03, 2013, 12:41:06 AM
Quote from: Main Street on February 03, 2013, 12:01:59 AM
I thought you lot (rugby aficionados) couldn't stand D'arcy being in the team and would be glad to be shod of him.
It was a great team performance today.
I though Sexton looked supremely confident out there, more so than any other time in an Irish shirt. It's just priceless to have that level of perfection in the team, converting the difficult kicks, to put the game a score too far for the Welsh.
He missed a handy drop goal in front of the posts, glad to be rid of him, the frogs can have him.
;D
True enough, Zebo could have backheeled that one over the bar.
We'll see how Sexton does in a green shirt with a last gasp drop goal attempt from 40m out, to win the game.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Denn Forever on February 03, 2013, 01:54:27 PM
Well that was exciting yesterday.  Fair play to both sides.

But should we be worried?  7 points vs 18 in the second half.

What will we do when O'Driscoll retires?  Anyone else coming through?

It was good fun though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 03, 2013, 05:36:29 PM
Italy 23-18 France

Great result for the Azzurri
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Canalman on February 03, 2013, 06:21:29 PM
Elephant in the Parlour time here................. but once again Ireland will run amok in a between World Cup cycle while other teams experiment and discard the old. Italy beating France.............would it happen in the WC or in a WC year?

Someone told me last year that Ireland have NEVER won a knockout game in the WC.


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 03, 2013, 06:40:48 PM
Quote from: Canalman on February 03, 2013, 06:21:29 PM
Elephant in the Parlour time here................. but once again Ireland will run amok in a between World Cup cycle while other teams experiment and discard the old. Italy beating France.............would it happen in the WC or in a WC year?

Someone told me last year that Ireland have NEVER won a knockout game in the WC.
Never got as far as the semis. Very poor really.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on February 04, 2013, 09:29:08 AM
Thought Rory Best was man of the match personally.

Sexton was excellent, all three of the back row immense, and both wingers more than justified their selection. Had a feeling Drico would put in a big performance against the perceived Lions 13.

Don't think Ross is too serious, but if D'Arcy doesnt make it there'll be a very big selection decision for Kidney.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: NAG1 on February 04, 2013, 09:34:59 AM
How does Keith Earls still make this squad?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on February 04, 2013, 10:03:52 AM
If only kidney had as big a selection for the centre role as he does for the back row he'd be laughing.

Ferris as good as he is may have to wait to get a start again, whereas D'Arcy's worth was only shown up when he went off, for Earls who seemed to be too keen and made basic errors for the Cuthbert try.

Thought Sexton finally came out of the shadow of ROG on saturday, his kicking was good, hopefully consistency will follow in the England game and beyond. He's a better tackler and maybe ROG will now realize the young pretender has taken over and move on, he'd a damn good innings.

England are very much the crash bang wallop team that Wales were in the second half so Ireland will need more ball and in better positions than they had in the second half. Hopefully Ross will shake off that calf injury as the Irish scrum needs to get a bit of pride back after being pushed about badly in Twickenham last year.



Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: haze on February 04, 2013, 10:11:49 AM
Quote from: NAG1 on February 04, 2013, 09:34:59 AM
How does Keith Earls still make this squad?

Ex - Lion, 35 caps, 12 tries (our top scorer in last world cup with 5) and offers cover to wing (easily his best position), outside centre and full back. Plus Tommy Bowe is missing. You'd swear he was useless. If Keith Earls played wing instead of either of Zebo or Gilroy we would not have noticed any difference.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 04, 2013, 10:23:26 AM
Someone mentioned before about us calling for D'Arcy's head all the time but the man really offers nothing going forward anymore. Yes his defensive play is good but surely Cave and Marshall are good defensively and can offer something going forward. (Earls does not offer us much defensively either)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 04, 2013, 01:14:44 PM
Quote from: haze on February 04, 2013, 10:11:49 AM
Quote from: NAG1 on February 04, 2013, 09:34:59 AM
How does Keith Earls still make this squad?

Ex - Lion, 35 caps, 12 tries (our top scorer in last world cup with 5) and offers cover to wing (easily his best position), outside centre and full back. Plus Tommy Bowe is missing. You'd swear he was useless. If Keith Earls played wing instead of either of Zebo or Gilroy we would not have noticed any difference.

He's definitely got value as a replacement in that he can step in competently anywhere from 11-15. This is something I've favoured since a Twickenham match a decade ago. Rob Henderson was the replacement for the three quarters, and when Murphy went off hurt, David Humphreys ended up playing full-back for 40 minutes, which among other things ended up with a one-on-one with Steve Thompson. Horrific stuff.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on February 04, 2013, 04:39:59 PM
Quote from: NAG1 on February 04, 2013, 09:34:59 AM
How does Keith Earls still make this squad?

He could actually make a very decent international wing but management and himself seem determined to turn him into BOD's long-term successor at 13. Not sure that will work out given the way he defends at times.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 04, 2013, 05:33:17 PM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on February 04, 2013, 04:39:59 PM
Quote from: NAG1 on February 04, 2013, 09:34:59 AM
How does Keith Earls still make this squad?

He could actually make a very decent international wing but management and himself seem determined to turn him into BOD's long-term successor at 13. Not sure that will work out given the way he defends at times.

Irish and province management have succeeded in the current dearth of quality centres by f**king about and throwing centres onto the wings and wings to centre. Trimble has been shuffled back and forward the same as Earls, leaving neither able to command either position. Meanwhile McFadden is shuffled around the back positions, leaving his long-term prospects at this level to exist only as utility back destined forever to warm benchs, the same could be said of Fitzgerald who's pace and passing could have developed him into a top class centre but was forced out to the wing as a young so as to accommodate his inclusion into Leinster sides. That leaves Ulster as the only side bothered to develop centres and that's were the future now lies. Munster/Leinster have indulged in the BOD/D'Arcy or a south pacific pairing and they are now paying the price for it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AFS on February 04, 2013, 09:14:13 PM
Quote from: Canalman on February 03, 2013, 06:21:29 PM
Elephant in the Parlour time here................. but once again Ireland will run amok in a between World Cup cycle while other teams experiment and discard the old. Italy beating France.............would it happen in the WC or in a WC year?

Someone told me last year that Ireland have NEVER won a knockout game in the WC.

Yes. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/9417508.stm)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Declan on February 08, 2013, 01:15:15 PM
(http://sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/307485_10152571840950441_248776104_n.jpg)

Feckin Brits ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AQMP on February 08, 2013, 01:40:25 PM
We'll claim anyone ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CorkMan on February 08, 2013, 01:45:26 PM
Irish team to play England on Sunday:
1. Cian Healy
2. Rory Best
3. Mike Ross
4. Mike McCarthy
5. Donnacha Ryan
6. Peter O'Mahony
7. Sean O'Brien
8. Jamie Heaslip (Capt.)

9. Conor Murray
10. Jonathan Sexton
11. Simon Zebo
12. Gordon D'arcy
13. Brian O'Driscoll
14. Craig Gilroy
15. Rob Kearney

Replacements: 16. Sean Cronin 17. Dave Kilcoyne 18. Declan Fitzpatrick 19. Donncha O'Cllaghan 20. Chris Henry 21. Eoin Reddan 22. Ronan O'Gara 23. Keith Earls


Unchanged team from the last match. Thank go D'arcy is fit. I was having nightmares about Earls startin in the centre.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on February 08, 2013, 08:05:16 PM
Disgraceful tackle there in the U-20 game against England there, way worst that the the spear tackle on brian O`D against New Zealand, Straight red, no surprise!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on February 08, 2013, 09:37:04 PM
Good overcomes evil in the end

Or are we allowed to express such things in the Rugby thread?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ApresMatch on February 08, 2013, 11:11:11 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 03, 2013, 06:40:48 PM
Quote from: Canalman on February 03, 2013, 06:21:29 PM
Elephant in the Parlour time here................. but once again Ireland will run amok in a between World Cup cycle while other teams experiment and discard the old. Italy beating France.............would it happen in the WC or in a WC year?

Someone told me last year that Ireland have NEVER won a knockout game in the WC.
Never got as far as the semis. Very poor really.

Think Italy beat them two years ago in a World Cup year, but I may be wrong!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on February 09, 2013, 05:19:45 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/21341167

Women's Six Nations: England thrashed by Ireland

Reigning champions England suffered a surprise 25-0 defeat by Ireland in the women's Six Nations, their first loss in the competition since 2009.

Alison Millar scored three tries for Ireland, with a fourth by Niamh Briggs.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Asal Mor on February 10, 2013, 10:23:13 AM
Are Ireland a good bet today at even money?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 10, 2013, 10:41:45 AM
Quote from: Asal Mor on February 10, 2013, 10:23:13 AM
Are Ireland a good bet today at even money?

Ireland are never a good bet under Kidney, too inconsistent.

This will get you in the mood..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibtTEpRG9hE&feature=player_embedded (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibtTEpRG9hE&feature=player_embedded)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 10, 2013, 11:10:26 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 10, 2013, 10:41:45 AM
Quote from: Asal Mor on February 10, 2013, 10:23:13 AM
Are Ireland a good bet today at even money?

Ireland are never a good bet under Kidney, too inconsistent.

This will get you in the mood..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibtTEpRG9hE&feature=player_embedded (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibtTEpRG9hE&feature=player_embedded)

Too tight to call, Ireland were great last week for 45 minutes, Wales were crap and for the last 35 mins they were great, they also blew France's chances of winning the 6 Nations and Scotland hammered Italy. This match decides the Triple Crown and the 6 Nations. If Ireland can produce the same game for 80 mins then they should win, the crowd needs to be vocal from the start (not they won't be)

Hard to take on Englands form from last week, Scotland haven't won in a few years against England away from Murrayfield and not in great form. England were on top all over the field but still managed to give away scores. I'll leave this one out of my acc today. Might back BOD to score try at anytime instead
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Asal Mor on February 10, 2013, 12:02:37 PM
Cheers boys. I'll keep it small so.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 10, 2013, 12:07:12 PM
I hear it's a wet day down in Dublin. I'd expect that to suit England who will look for a forward battle and 10 man rugby!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on February 10, 2013, 12:12:48 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 10, 2013, 10:41:45 AM
Quote from: Asal Mor on February 10, 2013, 10:23:13 AM
Are Ireland a good bet today at even money?

Ireland are never a good bet under Kidney, too inconsistent.

This will get you in the mood..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibtTEpRG9hE&feature=player_embedded (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibtTEpRG9hE&feature=player_embedded)
There's a short snip in the beginning of that, from the best one, when Ireland came from behind at Twickenham 1972 to clinch it in injury time with a brilliant try from Kevin Flynn.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AG7h2H7dL08 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AG7h2H7dL08)

I expect the O'Driscoll, D'arcy, Sexton axis of excellence, to carry the day.
The 'axis of excellence' are not my words, btw :)
though could have been the 'axis of England's destruction'.






Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AQMP on February 10, 2013, 12:24:27 PM
Quote from: Main Street on February 10, 2013, 12:12:48 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 10, 2013, 10:41:45 AM
Quote from: Asal Mor on February 10, 2013, 10:23:13 AM
Are Ireland a good bet today at even money?

Ireland are never a good bet under Kidney, too inconsistent.

This will get you in the mood..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibtTEpRG9hE&feature=player_embedded (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibtTEpRG9hE&feature=player_embedded)
There's a short snip in the beginning of that, from the best one, when Ireland came from behind at Twickenham 1972 to clinch it in injury time with a brilliant try from Kevin Flynn.
https://www.youtube.com/watch? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AG7h2H7dL08)v=AG7h2H7dL08[/url]

I expect the O'Driscoll, D'arcy, Sexton axis of excellence, to carry the day.
The 'axis of excellence' are not my words, btw :)
though could have been the 'axis of England's destruction'.

I well remember me Da going absolutely crazy in our house when Flynn went over for that try.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 10, 2013, 02:23:40 PM
Quote from: Asal Mor on February 10, 2013, 12:02:37 PM
Cheers boys. I'll keep it small so.

Went with 1-5 point win for both teams, 10/3 fair enough price (if it comes up!!)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 10, 2013, 03:37:14 PM
Oh dear.

Our only back left on the bench is Reddan? After 31 mins.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CiKe on February 10, 2013, 03:49:11 PM
Toland talked about England winning if they recycled in 5 seconds. They're doing that generally speaking and couple with our handling errors, we are properly up against it in the second half.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Shamrock Shore on February 10, 2013, 03:51:42 PM
Dreadful stuff.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Declan on February 10, 2013, 03:54:56 PM
Basic errors from Ireland ruining our chances
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 10, 2013, 04:14:21 PM
What a catch by Best.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 10, 2013, 04:32:45 PM
Cat stuff altogether.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 10, 2013, 04:37:33 PM
Hopefully the last time we see ROG in an Irish shirt. Not good enough.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on February 10, 2013, 04:40:30 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 10, 2013, 04:37:33 PM
Hopefully the last time we see ROG in an Irish shirt. Not good enough.
Sexton going off lost this game for us.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ardal on February 10, 2013, 04:41:56 PM
It's not yet over ehhhhhhhh
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 10, 2013, 04:48:08 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 10, 2013, 04:37:33 PM
Hopefully the last time we see ROG in an Irish shirt. Not good enough.

Kidney picked him. 2 years to a World Cup. Kidney needs to go.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CiKe on February 10, 2013, 04:48:50 PM
Better team won. Basic mistakes cost us far too often. I fear first half last week was fluke, rather than sign of things to come.

Tough luck to lose Sexton and Zebo, particularly so early on but we never looked like were going to win it. Feel bad for O'Driscoll, should be the happiest day of his life, hope this doesn't cast too much of a shadow on it for him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Declan on February 10, 2013, 04:49:41 PM
That last line out summed up our performance. Basic errors cost us dearly
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 10, 2013, 04:50:42 PM
A turgid affair.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: yellowcard on February 10, 2013, 05:01:47 PM
McGurk doing his best to wind up Hook in the studio and getting the reaction he wants. I think it would be fair to say that they can't stand each other.

Very poor match today, 80 minutes of aimless kicking and bish bosh bang.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AQMP on February 10, 2013, 05:13:47 PM
Awful stuff.  Like the second half last week dreadful out of hand kicking by Ireland.  Even in those conditions the number of knock-ons was incredible.  England made fewer mistakes and were the better team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: cadence on February 10, 2013, 05:25:16 PM
our front 5 stood up, but not a lot ireland can take out of that one. need to learn how to handle pressure. murray and heaslip were worst offenders, with heaslip stealing the dishonour i thought.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 10, 2013, 05:32:14 PM
Quote from: cadence on February 10, 2013, 05:25:16 PM
our front 5 stood up, but not a lot ireland can take out of that one. need to learn how to handle pressure. murray and heaslip were worst offenders, with heaslip stealing the dishonour i thought.
Heaslip was always an odd choice for captain. He's not consistent enough to warrant being an automatic pick.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 10, 2013, 06:30:49 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 10, 2013, 05:32:14 PM
Quote from: cadence on February 10, 2013, 05:25:16 PM
our front 5 stood up, but not a lot ireland can take out of that one. need to learn how to handle pressure. murray and heaslip were worst offenders, with heaslip stealing the dishonour i thought.
Heaslip was always an odd choice for captain. He's not consistent enough to warrant being an automatic pick.

Making him captain may cost him his Lions place.

Agree on the front 5. In fairness the flankers were good too.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 10, 2013, 06:41:40 PM
Awful game to watch today. Basic errors by both sides and England made fewer of them. They are no great shakes and their policy of playing a low error count style of rugby will only take them so far. Fancy Wales to beat them in Cardiff anyway!

It's an important few weeks for Kidney. Does he be conservative and play O'Gara or will he be bold and give Madigan/Jackson a run? Would love to see the likes of Luke Marshall given a run to give him valuable experience. I just hope Deccie doesn't leave us in a position like he did with Munster!! If he was to be replaced who would you want to see? Personally I would love to see Schmidt.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 10, 2013, 06:53:12 PM
Least enjoyable game of rugby that I have been at since 1999 when Ireland lost to France 9-10 and just as wet.

Johnny Sexton's injury has probably just cost Kidney his job.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 10, 2013, 06:57:30 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 10, 2013, 06:53:12 PM
Least enjoyable game of rugby that I have been at since 1999 when Ireland lost to France 9-10 and just as wet.

Johnny Sexton's injury has probably just cost Kidney his job.

Definitely will if he starts ROG. Drico can be forgiven for any numbers of reasons, Heaslip was very poor but there is no legislation for all of the errors, passing to Mike Ross in our 22 and the early injuries.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 10, 2013, 07:10:16 PM
England's defence was immense. They closed down the space and refused to let Ireland play. England played the weather conditions better than we did, how Kidney didn't realise that the weather was going to play a part was beyond me. England won this game the in 8 minutes, the last eight minutes of the sin bin. At the time I thought the kick at goal was a good call but really cost Ireland the game.

Not lost but need to win rest of games and hope more players don't join the injury list, I'd say Healy will be cited so out for next couple of games me thinks, he was out of order, not once but a couple of times during that game
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 10, 2013, 07:38:08 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 10, 2013, 07:10:16 PM
I'd say Healy will be cited so out for next couple of games me thinks, he was out of order, not once but a couple of times during that game

(http://prem0.hiboox.com/images/0613/diapo511d6d7f452c182b8baa21e7465ed6fc.gif)

Idiot, could be 4-6 weeks.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 10, 2013, 07:43:59 PM
That last penalty attempt was the wrong option. It meant we were playing for a draw??? There wasn't enough time to win the game kicking penalties. It should have been kicked to the corner.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on February 10, 2013, 07:48:06 PM
Rugby is a game where some players do brainless things.
Healy should get the full penalty for that stamp.
No provocation, nothing, just a pure act of dangerous thuggery.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mouview on February 10, 2013, 07:50:02 PM
BOD, D'Arcy, ROG all now very near the end. Gilroy struggled to impose himself also. Good thing about the Irish international rugby team is that they provide tempting investment opportunities - England at 4/6 early in the game were good value me thinks.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on February 10, 2013, 10:59:40 PM
ROG kicked 2 very good penalties and will be disappointed with the one he missed but from open play I thought he was shocking - so of his kicking was desperate, gave the chase no chance...

Madigan or Jackson have to be looked at?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyroneboi on February 10, 2013, 11:19:37 PM
Unfortunately Madigan couldn't be any further from the type of player Kidney likes!! It will be ROG in for the remainder me thinks.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on February 11, 2013, 08:43:43 AM
Quote from: tyroneboi on February 10, 2013, 11:19:37 PM
Unfortunately Madigan couldn't be any further from the type of player Kidney likes!! It will be ROG in for the remainder me thinks.

You're probably right and that's the dread as Sexton will be out for at least the next two games with his hamstring if not longer. ROG is now a poor back up, I'd have thought Jackson was still very raw for this level, less so Madigan, but there's nothing to lose now, mid table respectability, but at least try more new blood for the world cup Declan please.

Zebo out for 10 weeks with a broken bone in his foot as well. Will trimble get a recall?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 11, 2013, 09:10:07 AM
Quote from: tyroneboi on February 10, 2013, 11:19:37 PM
Unfortunately Madigan couldn't be any further from the type of player Kidney likes!! It will be ROG in for the remainder me thinks.

I've never been O'Gara's greatest fan. But I could always appreciate that his ice cool veneer more than made up for his inability to break a tackle, and that he was an obvious weak point in any defensive line.

But his decision-making these days is somewhere between poor and awful, and that veneer is very much gone.  Persisting with him in any form at international level is basically two fingers up to to every up and coming fly-half in the country. It shouldn't be allowed to happen.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: nrico2006 on February 11, 2013, 09:15:39 AM
Why do Ireland even bother with the Rugby, only are a few decent teams in the world and Ireland rarely beat them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: highorlow on February 11, 2013, 09:27:24 AM
QuoteBut his decision-making these days is somewhere between poor and awful, and that veneer is very much gone.

Easy to say that but when you have lads like Ross beside him with their hands on their hips all afternoon it doesn't help ROG's decision making.

No man in the 2nd half willing to take on the ball.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Canalman on February 11, 2013, 09:34:09 AM
Actually found the commentary by RTE comical. Akin to the commentary on a state funeral towards the end.
As for the game I thought Ireland played well enough but that England were just slightly the better team all over. No shame in that.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 11, 2013, 09:38:18 AM
Quote from: nrico2006 on February 11, 2013, 09:15:39 AM
Why do Ireland even bother with the Rugby, only are a few decent teams in the world and Ireland rarely beat them.

You know what your probably right. We should just quit and ban all youngsters from playing it  ::)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 11, 2013, 10:39:59 AM
O'Gara was shocking but then why was in the squad? Who picks him? Who has a history of failing in succession planning first with Munster and now with Ireland?

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bingo on February 11, 2013, 10:56:31 AM
The BBC panel had it right, was it a great game or a terrible game. They agreed it was a both. If you win those type of games, its great, lose and its terrible. Ireland just made the mistakes first and more regular, which handed England the scores at the right times. Also the changes had a negative affect on Ireland.

O'Gara isn't the future but you can't see Kidney been bold enough to change him.

Also, felt the crowds jeering of the English kicker was out of place when he was on penalties.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 11, 2013, 10:57:49 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 11, 2013, 10:39:59 AM
O'Gara was shocking but then why was in the squad? Who picks him? Who has a history of failing in succession planning first with Munster and now with Ireland?
I assume there are selectors and not just Kidney? Does Kidney have the final say and can he overrule selectors? Can it all be laid at his door?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on February 11, 2013, 11:03:28 AM
How careless is it to tear his hamstring  when doing some basic running  in the first few minutes?
You'd have to question Sexton's physical fragility or who ever has been responsible for his fitness.
Wasn't it last year he picked up a strain doing a few practice kicks?

Farrell's ability to knock over those long range penalties in the rain, was one major factor out there yesterday.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on February 11, 2013, 11:29:33 AM
Quote from: nrico2006 on February 11, 2013, 09:15:39 AM
Why do Ireland even bother with the Rugby, only are a few decent teams in the world and Ireland rarely beat them.

Why do Ireland even bother with the soccer? There's only a few properly good teams in the world and Ireland never beat them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 11, 2013, 11:31:54 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 11, 2013, 10:57:49 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 11, 2013, 10:39:59 AM
O'Gara was shocking but then why was in the squad? Who picks him? Who has a history of failing in succession planning first with Munster and now with Ireland?
I assume there are selectors and not just Kidney? Does Kidney have the final say and can he overrule selectors? Can it all be laid at his door?

Kidney picks the squad, selectors done away with soon after the advent of professionalism.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Declan on February 11, 2013, 11:54:03 AM
QuoteHow careless is it to tear his hamstring  when doing some basic running  in the first few minutes?

You can tear your hammer for a number of reasons but I reckon for a professional sportman carelessness is not one of those
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on February 11, 2013, 02:50:27 PM
Kidney has shown a little bit more adventure in his selection this year with the two young wingers. He might be slower to do that at out half, but I think he'll at least consider it.

A problem is that each of Jackson, Madigan and Keatley are pretty similar abilitywise. All now better than O'Gara in my opinion, but who to choose? If the media jumped on one bandwagon, I think Kidney would follow. But the media still has a great love for O'Gara. Ryle Nugent was practically cheering as he came on. And there was practically no mention of his woeful display in the commentary or the after match analysis.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: highorlow on February 11, 2013, 03:17:14 PM
Not sure if ROG's criticism here is fully warranted and it might be worthwhile for lads to have a look at the match again. Our half backs were not making themselves available.

The English backroom team had their homework done and were able to stay offside during the whole match knowing the new ref wouldn't pull them up on it. ROG was swallowed up due to this.

Granted some of his kicks went astray (he had a mighty kick with his left foot though) but I don't believe this merits him to be kicked off the squad and in particular when it is based on one average game.

People tend to forget quickly how many games he has won for us with a last minute dropgoal or penalty. Grand Slam anyone?

If they went for the corner that time and mauled in a try and ROG had got the conversion all the slight errors would not be even mentioned today.

I think it was a poor decision and if BOD or POC were in charge it would have been a kick to the corner!


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 11, 2013, 03:44:55 PM
Not only us but pretty much most non-RTE commentators

Taken from the excellent Whiff of Cordite Rugby Blog - http://whiffofcordite.com/2013/02/11/dereliction-of-duty/ (http://whiffofcordite.com/2013/02/11/dereliction-of-duty/)

QuoteJust so we're clear, the once great O'Gara turned in an awful display.  In conditions which could comfortably described as 'O'Gara-friendly', his kicking from hand was woefully inaccurate, with his penalties down the line scarcely gaining more than 15 metres.  His passing was similarly abject and his management of the game – so fabled down the years – was dreadful.  He fared better with the placed boot, knocking over two difficult penalties but missing a third, which would have reduced the deficit to three points.  Ultimately, it was sad to see a great, even legendary player reduced to such a shabby level, and underlines the danger of players hanging on for too long.  The old adage of the boxer taking on one too many fights sprang to mind.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: fearglasmor on February 11, 2013, 06:31:26 PM
What do any of you lads that know a bit about rugby think of George Hooks punditry.

I played the game as a juvenile but wouldnt claim to know anything about it. So I always follow John Giles take on punditry that a good pundit should be able to explain the details of a game to the likes of me and add to their enjoyment of any game. I think Most pundits do this, Conor O'Shea especially. But all Hook seems to do is come out with over the top sound bites that create a bit of faux controversy and he adds nothing to my understanding or enjpyment of the game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 11, 2013, 06:52:32 PM
Quote from: fearglasmor on February 11, 2013, 06:31:26 PM
What do any of you lads that know a bit about rugby think of George Hooks punditry.

I played the game as a juvenile but wouldnt claim to know anything about it. So I always follow John Giles take on punditry that a good pundit should be able to explain the details of a game to the likes of me and add to their enjoyment of any game. I think Most pundits do this, Conor O'Shea especially. But all Hook seems to do is come out with over the top sound bites that create a bit of faux controversy and he adds nothing to my understanding or enjoyment of the game.

Whatever about Hook, I have no time for John Giles.

"A strong header, good defending, tight midfield," Apart from Barcelona he has absolutely no time for a team who try to play football. Also all goals result form a mistake somewhere in the build-up that means, irrespective of the quality of the goal it can always be 100% blamed on some lad who was out of position/slipped/missed a tackle.

The annoying thing is he reiterates the same tired old position, to the point where it is almost impossible to distinguish an apres match sketch from the real thing.

To be fair to Hook he at least expresses a strong opinion on the subject and doesn't languish on the fence like Brent Pope, talking up all those around them. Ala Pat Spillane or Brolly he can be wrong quite a bit but at least he speaks his mind and doesn't reiterate the tired old expletives of post match managers comments "We were happy with the win, lots to work, they are a good side, put it up to us again, looking forward, to next week" etc
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 11, 2013, 07:02:41 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 11, 2013, 06:52:32 PM
Quote from: fearglasmor on February 11, 2013, 06:31:26 PM
What do any of you lads that know a bit about rugby think of George Hooks punditry.

I played the game as a juvenile but wouldnt claim to know anything about it. So I always follow John Giles take on punditry that a good pundit should be able to explain the details of a game to the likes of me and add to their enjoyment of any game. I think Most pundits do this, Conor O'Shea especially. But all Hook seems to do is come out with over the top sound bites that create a bit of faux controversy and he adds nothing to my understanding or enjoyment of the game.

Whatever about Hook, I have no time for John Giles.

"A strong header, good defending, tight midfield," Apart from Barcelona he has absolutely no time for a team who try to play football. Also all goals result form a mistake somewhere in the build-up that means, irrespective of the quality of the goal it can always be 100% blamed on some lad who was out of position/slipped/missed a tackle.

The annoying thing is he reiterates the same tired old position, to the point where it is almost impossible to distinguish an apres match sketch from the real thing.

To be fair to Hook he at least expresses a strong opinion on the subject and doesn't languish on the fence like Brent Pope, talking up all those around them. Ala Pat Spillane or Brolly he can be wrong quite a bit but at least he speaks his mind and doesn't reiterate the tired old expletives of post match managers comments "We were happy with the win, lots to work, they are a good side, put it up to us again, looking forward, to next week" etc

100% agree. Can't listen to Giles. So bloody negative!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: michaelg on February 11, 2013, 07:04:47 PM
Quote from: Bingo on February 11, 2013, 10:56:31 AM
The BBC panel had it right, was it a great game or a terrible game. They agreed it was a both. If you win those type of games, its great, lose and its terrible. Ireland just made the mistakes first and more regular, which handed England the scores at the right times. Also the changes had a negative affect on Ireland.

O'Gara isn't the future but you can't see Kidney been bold enough to change him.

Also, felt the crowds jeering of the English kicker was out of place when he was on penalties.
Was disappointed by that also.  In fairness though, quite a lot of the jeering seemed to be in response to the Engloid fans singing that hateful chariots shite.
By no means an expert, but I felt that the scrum half Murray was dreadful.  Really laboured, slow ball from him throughout the match.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Worker on February 11, 2013, 07:11:36 PM
Thought gilroy was poor throughout.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on February 12, 2013, 08:43:41 AM
Quote from: The Worker on February 11, 2013, 07:11:36 PM
Thought gilroy was poor throughout.

I can only think of about three times Gilroy got the ball in hand and it was inside his own 22, hard to be a miracle worker from there, plus a wet shite pitch is never going to suit a small lad who depends on quick changes in direction to beat his opponent.

You'd have half a dozen in the poor category before Gilroy IMO.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Canalman on February 12, 2013, 09:24:46 AM
Quote from: michaelg on February 11, 2013, 07:04:47 PM
Quote from: Bingo on February 11, 2013, 10:56:31 AM
The BBC panel had it right, was it a great game or a terrible game. They agreed it was a both. If you win those type of games, its great, lose and its terrible. Ireland just made the mistakes first and more regular, which handed England the scores at the right times. Also the changes had a negative affect on Ireland.

O'Gara isn't the future but you can't see Kidney been bold enough to change him.

Also, felt the crowds jeering of the English kicker was out of place when he was on penalties.
Was disappointed by that also.  In fairness though, quite a lot of the jeering seemed to be in response to the Engloid fans singing that hateful chariots shite.
By no means an expert, but I felt that the scrum half Murray was dreadful.  Really laboured, slow ball from him throughout the match.

Just curious but how exactly is the "Sweet Chariots" song/ hymn so "hateful"? How did it cause the booing of the kicker?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on February 12, 2013, 09:44:50 AM
Quote from: Canalman on February 12, 2013, 09:24:46 AM
Quote from: michaelg on February 11, 2013, 07:04:47 PM
Quote from: Bingo on February 11, 2013, 10:56:31 AM
The BBC panel had it right, was it a great game or a terrible game. They agreed it was a both. If you win those type of games, its great, lose and its terrible. Ireland just made the mistakes first and more regular, which handed England the scores at the right times. Also the changes had a negative affect on Ireland.

O'Gara isn't the future but you can't see Kidney been bold enough to change him.

Also, felt the crowds jeering of the English kicker was out of place when he was on penalties.
Was disappointed by that also.  In fairness though, quite a lot of the jeering seemed to be in response to the Engloid fans singing that hateful chariots shite.
By no means an expert, but I felt that the scrum half Murray was dreadful.  Really laboured, slow ball from him throughout the match.

Just curious but how exactly is the "Sweet Chariots" song/ hymn so "hateful"? How did it cause the booing of the kicker?
Wouldnt be a fan of "Sweet Chariots" myself.
The Welsh sang "Sweet Chariots" when they beat us in Cardiff to clinch a grand slam a few years back. It was a different version. I preferred it.

The "respect the kicker" is whole load of nonsense. Respect the opposition before the match and after the match is what really matters. But whether its a wall of silence or a wall of noise, the home crowd should do their best to intimidate the kicker. Likewise the hooker, but he gets a lot less sympathy for some reason when a cacophony of noise tries to upset him. In my experience the home crowds at Toulouse and Munster are the best at intimidating oppostion and officials. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 12, 2013, 09:48:36 AM
Quote from: Hound on February 12, 2013, 09:44:50 AM
Quote from: Canalman on February 12, 2013, 09:24:46 AM
Quote from: michaelg on February 11, 2013, 07:04:47 PM
Quote from: Bingo on February 11, 2013, 10:56:31 AM
The BBC panel had it right, was it a great game or a terrible game. They agreed it was a both. If you win those type of games, its great, lose and its terrible. Ireland just made the mistakes first and more regular, which handed England the scores at the right times. Also the changes had a negative affect on Ireland.

O'Gara isn't the future but you can't see Kidney been bold enough to change him.

Also, felt the crowds jeering of the English kicker was out of place when he was on penalties.
Was disappointed by that also.  In fairness though, quite a lot of the jeering seemed to be in response to the Engloid fans singing that hateful chariots shite.
By no means an expert, but I felt that the scrum half Murray was dreadful.  Really laboured, slow ball from him throughout the match.

Just curious but how exactly is the "Sweet Chariots" song/ hymn so "hateful"? How did it cause the booing of the kicker?
Wouldnt be a fan of "Sweet Chariots" myself.
The Welsh sang "Sweet Chariots" when they beat us in Cardiff to clinch a grand slam a few years back. It was a different version. I preferred it.

The "respect the kicker" is whole load of nonsense. Respect the opposition before the match and after the match is what really matters. But whether its a wall of silence or a wall of noise, the home crowd should do their best to intimidate the kicker. Likewise the hooker, but he gets a lot less sympathy for some reason when a cacophony of noise tries to upset him. In my experience the home crowds at Toulouse and Munster are the best at intimidating oppostion and officials.

Probably the same one I heard the Scots singing. Does it involve the insertion of a chariot in an orifice?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on February 12, 2013, 09:52:07 AM
Quote from: muppet on February 12, 2013, 09:48:36 AM
Quote from: Hound on February 12, 2013, 09:44:50 AM
Quote from: Canalman on February 12, 2013, 09:24:46 AM
Quote from: michaelg on February 11, 2013, 07:04:47 PM
Quote from: Bingo on February 11, 2013, 10:56:31 AM
The BBC panel had it right, was it a great game or a terrible game. They agreed it was a both. If you win those type of games, its great, lose and its terrible. Ireland just made the mistakes first and more regular, which handed England the scores at the right times. Also the changes had a negative affect on Ireland.

O'Gara isn't the future but you can't see Kidney been bold enough to change him.

Also, felt the crowds jeering of the English kicker was out of place when he was on penalties.
Was disappointed by that also.  In fairness though, quite a lot of the jeering seemed to be in response to the Engloid fans singing that hateful chariots shite.
By no means an expert, but I felt that the scrum half Murray was dreadful.  Really laboured, slow ball from him throughout the match.

Just curious but how exactly is the "Sweet Chariots" song/ hymn so "hateful"? How did it cause the booing of the kicker?
Wouldnt be a fan of "Sweet Chariots" myself.
The Welsh sang "Sweet Chariots" when they beat us in Cardiff to clinch a grand slam a few years back. It was a different version. I preferred it.

The "respect the kicker" is whole load of nonsense. Respect the opposition before the match and after the match is what really matters. But whether its a wall of silence or a wall of noise, the home crowd should do their best to intimidate the kicker. Likewise the hooker, but he gets a lot less sympathy for some reason when a cacophony of noise tries to upset him. In my experience the home crowds at Toulouse and Munster are the best at intimidating oppostion and officials.

Probably the same one I heard the Scots singing. Does it involve the insertion of a chariot in an orifice?
That's the one!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Premier Emperor on February 12, 2013, 09:55:39 AM
How come the kicker is respected down in Thomond Park but not up in Dublin?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 12, 2013, 10:22:19 AM
Quote from: Premier Emperor on February 12, 2013, 09:55:39 AM
How come the kicker is respected down in Thomond Park but not up in Dublin?

Respected in Belfast as well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mouview on February 12, 2013, 10:32:23 AM
Scotland currently at 6/4 with PPs to beat Ireland must be the bet of the month. A resurgent team against a tired looking one shorn of mainstays such as Sexton, McCarthy, Zebo, possibly BOD and Cian Healy. As I said earlier, the one thing this Irish team does give you is great investment opportunities.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 12, 2013, 11:40:14 AM
Quote from: fearglasmor on February 11, 2013, 06:31:26 PM
What do any of you lads that know a bit about rugby think of George Hooks punditry.

I played the game as a juvenile but wouldnt claim to know anything about it. So I always follow John Giles take on punditry that a good pundit should be able to explain the details of a game to the likes of me and add to their enjoyment of any game. I think Most pundits do this, Conor O'Shea especially. But all Hook seems to do is come out with over the top sound bites that create a bit of faux controversy and he adds nothing to my understanding or enjpyment of the game.
The rugby panel has gone the way of the RTE football panel.
Too many football analysis sessions get taken over by the Spillane vs. Brolly, Kerry vs. Ulster oneupmanship sideshow.

In rugby George Hook with his old-school oafery and McGurk with his non-stop interruptions has started to dominate.
It sticks out even moreso now that there is a new generation of pundits like O'Shea and Horgan from the professional era where the game is now forensically dissected.

I wouldn't absolve Giles from it either. All to often he starts his analysis of a random World Cup or European Championship game with "Well, I don't know much about them Bill". Happy enough that a few generic clichés about "moral courage" and "taking every game on its merits" will cover most bases.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on February 12, 2013, 03:53:25 PM
Quote from: Premier Emperor on February 12, 2013, 09:55:39 AM
How come the kicker is respected down in Thomond Park but not up in Dublin?
Respect my hole. There's been games in Thomond when Shane Geraghty and Jonny Sexton (for two examples) have been barracked from the first whistle to the final whistle every time they got the ball, apart from kicking at goal.

You really think the silence is out of respect? Then why the vitriol at other times? Why does the oppostion hooker get no respect when throwing in a ball to a lineout?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 12, 2013, 04:07:41 PM
Hound, kickers at Thomond Park get silence when they are kicking for goal, and yes, that is out of respect. Other times they, along with others, get dogs abuse. The opposition hooker gets noise to try and disrupt the throw, absolutely, but as that is a 'contested' play, it's to help the defensive lineout. If you think there's another reason for the silence for the kicker, you're reading too much into it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Olaf on February 12, 2013, 04:26:06 PM
.

The "respect the kicker" is whole load of nonsense. Respect the opposition before the match and after the match is what really matters. But whether its a wall of silence or a wall of noise, the home crowd should do their best to intimidate the kicker. Likewise the hooker, but he gets a lot less sympathy for some reason when a cacophony of noise tries to upset him. In my experience the home crowds at Toulouse and Munster are the best at intimidating oppostion and officials.
[/quote]

Silence for a place kicker should always be observed.

In the amateur era it was always respected , not so much in the professional era. Bad form for crowds to boo a place kicker. Not on.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on February 12, 2013, 04:29:22 PM
You have to remember Hound is a Dub. (Smiley)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on February 12, 2013, 04:51:32 PM
Quote from: Olaf on February 12, 2013, 04:26:06 PM
.

The "respect the kicker" is whole load of nonsense. Respect the opposition before the match and after the match is what really matters. But whether its a wall of silence or a wall of noise, the home crowd should do their best to intimidate the kicker. Likewise the hooker, but he gets a lot less sympathy for some reason when a cacophony of noise tries to upset him. In my experience the home crowds at Toulouse and Munster are the best at intimidating oppostion and officials.

Silence for a place kicker should always be observed.

In the amateur era it was always respected , not so much in the professional era. Bad form for crowds to boo a place kicker. Not on.
[/quote]

I'd strongly disagree as the only grounds I remember it being always silent were Thomond and Doradoyle.Whereas you might have a lull in noise as the kicker lined up the kick they was plenty of castcalls and booing as soon as he started his run up be it the Musgrave , Ravenhill , Templeville Road , the Sportsground or wherever. I think you might be looking at the amateur era crowds through some rose tinted glasses ( or Guinness filled pint glasses as it would have been then) there Olaf :).
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 12, 2013, 05:36:20 PM
Love the revisionism, silence for the kickers is an IRISH tradition and is still observed at the RDS, Sportsground etc and every senior and junior rugby ground in Ireland.

The problem with Sunday was that every time Farrell went to kick a rendition of 'Sweet Chariot' started up and the response of the Irish support was to drown it out with boos and whistles.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on February 12, 2013, 05:42:22 PM
A load of hypocritical shite. You can have someone screaming obscenities at an opposition player one moment, but being silent for the kick at goal the next, and its showing respect?! Me ballix. Munster fans show less respect for opponents than any other province. Silence for the kicker doesn't alter that. They're not as bad as the Toulouse fans, but it means they create fantastic atmospheres in their matches
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: haze on February 12, 2013, 07:44:35 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 12, 2013, 05:36:20 PM
Love the revisionism, silence for the kickers is an IRISH tradition and is still observed at the RDS, Sportsground etc and every senior and junior rugby ground in Ireland.

The problem with Sunday was that every time Farrell went to kick a rendition of 'Sweet Chariot' started up and the response of the Irish support was to drown it out with boos and whistles.

Agreed. Farrell was respected on Sunday

The bigger issue is the atmosphere in the Aviva followers is not remotely close to what it was in Landsdowne - maybe some revisionism at play here on my part and there are other factors at play but for me the Munster/Leinster rivalry is affecting it big time. Last three times I have had to listen to petty squabbling between so called Munster/Leinster fans. Against Argentina 3 lads behind me moaned incessantly when Fields of Athenry was sung. Clowns


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on February 12, 2013, 07:51:36 PM
Article today on balls.ie on the current atmosphere at the Aviva actually.

Quote
What The Hell Has Happened To The Atmosphere At Ireland Home Matches?

    Posted on:February 11, 2013
    Author:Cian Tracey
   
Irish rugby fans long standing tradition of being one of the most respectful and passionate is increasingly worsening game by game.

The main gripe I have with Ireland supporters at the moment is their insistent need to boo and jeer opposition place kickers. Irish rugby grounds have always been ones that withhold the respectful tradition of staying silent for the opposition's kicker. Yesterday at the Aviva, Owen Farrell had six attempts at goal and for each one he was subject to mindless jeering from what seems to be a current crop of supporters who don't understand the traditions of Irish rugby.

Any supporter who thinks that booing and hurling insults at the opposition is going to put them off their game is sadly mistaken. Kickers are subject to the same treatment all around the world. What once made Irish rugby special was the eerie silence that descended upon Lansdowne Road (and other grounds around the country) while an opposing player lined up a kick. This is always going to have a longer lasting effect than shouting or whistling.

If the English fans had turned around and handed out the same treatment to Ronan O'Gara yesterday, the home supporters would have cried foul. Instead, they remained respectfully silent for Ireland's three place kicks.

The same treatment was dished out to Morgan Parra last December when Leinster played Clermont Auvergne but like Farrell, he effortlessly slotted the majority of his kicks, despite the 'hostile' treatment from partisan home crowd.

Thomond Park has continued its long standing tradition of observing silence for the kickers, despite the rise of a seemingly younger generation of supporters who might have been ignorant to what has gone before them. The decision to allocate school children in a designated area of the ground is one that is regularly questioned amongst the terraces by rugby fans. During the Heineken Cup pool clash between Munster and Edinburgh in October, the majority of the crowd remained quiet but behind the goal there were a few cries from squeaking voices.

The obvious solution seems to be to get rid of this designated school children zone. Perhaps the youngsters could learn a thing or two from spending time amongst the supporters responsible for this tradition.

That day in Thomond Park, the stadium announcer politely informed the ignorant of Munster's long standing tradition. On neither occasion on my last two trips to the Aviva Stadium did the stadium announcer try and encourage the home support to observe silence for kickers. He was probably more concerned with preparing the obscene music that is played after a home score, which brings me onto my next gripe.

When did Irish rugby attempt to generate an atmosphere at our home ground straight of an American sporting event? And who was responsible for this nonsensical decision?

That Dropkick Murphy's from the Departed has earned the title of the most annoying song of the last decade. As Ireland ran out on to the pitch yesterday to this pointless music, you couldn't help but feel it took something special away from the atmosphere.

Irish rugby has now unfortunately gone down the road of playing this ridiculous music after each time they score, much in the same vein as is seen on a Saturday afternoon across English soccer grounds. This has to stop. And soon.

But what was worse yesterday was the decision to repeatedly play a loud drum noise to entice a unified 'Ireland' roar at the end of the beat. Any rugby supporter that needs encouragement from a PA system to shout for their team should stay at home on the couch where they belong. It's another sure sign of taking the game away from its roots. If the younger generation are growing up with this as the norm, what state will Irish rugby support be in ten years' time?

Since Irish rugby has moved back to the redeveloped Lansdowne Road, it has far from been a fortress. From Ireland's fourteen games played at the Aviva stadium, they have won just six times. It is a damning statistic that highlights Ireland's apparent lack of home advantage.

With a packed house in attendance yesterday, it was the away supporters that were the loudest. The only times during the game that the Irish fans made themselves heard was when they whistled and jeered to drown out the cries of 'Swing Low' and when they did similar in their foolish attempts to put Farrell off his place kicks.

With the direction Irish support has been going in the last few years, is it any wonder that away teams don't fear their trip to Dublin anymore?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: michaelg on February 12, 2013, 09:29:37 PM
Quote from: Canalman on February 12, 2013, 09:24:46 AM
Quote from: michaelg on February 11, 2013, 07:04:47 PM
Quote from: Bingo on February 11, 2013, 10:56:31 AM
The BBC panel had it right, was it a great game or a terrible game. They agreed it was a both. If you win those type of games, its great, lose and its terrible. Ireland just made the mistakes first and more regular, which handed England the scores at the right times. Also the changes had a negative affect on Ireland.

O'Gara isn't the future but you can't see Kidney been bold enough to change him.

Also, felt the crowds jeering of the English kicker was out of place when he was on penalties.
Was disappointed by that also.  In fairness though, quite a lot of the jeering seemed to be in response to the Engloid fans singing that hateful chariots shite.
By no means an expert, but I felt that the scrum half Murray was dreadful.  Really laboured, slow ball from him throughout the match.

Just curious but how exactly is the "Sweet Chariots" song/ hymn so "hateful"? How did it cause the booing of the kicker?
Hateful was a bit strong.  Annoying would be more appropriate.  Point I was making was that the jeering seemed to be aimed initially at the English fans' attempts to Chariots going, as opposed to booing the kicker. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 13, 2013, 11:02:26 AM
Quote from: Hound on February 12, 2013, 05:42:22 PM
A load of hypocritical shite. You can have someone screaming obscenities at an opposition player one moment, but being silent for the kick at goal the next, and its showing respect?! Me ballix. Munster fans show less respect for opponents than any other province. Silence for the kicker doesn't alter that. They're not as bad as the Toulouse fans, but it means they create fantastic atmospheres in their matches

Have to disagree Hound. I'm there every match, and from my perspective the silence for the kicker is born out of respect.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on February 13, 2013, 11:10:21 AM
Quote from: haze on February 12, 2013, 07:44:35 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 12, 2013, 05:36:20 PM
Love the revisionism, silence for the kickers is an IRISH tradition and is still observed at the RDS, Sportsground etc and every senior and junior rugby ground in Ireland.

The problem with Sunday was that every time Farrell went to kick a rendition of 'Sweet Chariot' started up and the response of the Irish support was to drown it out with boos and whistles.

Agreed. Farrell was respected on Sunday

The bigger issue is the atmosphere in the Aviva followers is not remotely close to what it was in Landsdowne - maybe some revisionism at play here on my part and there are other factors at play but for me the Munster/Leinster rivalry is affecting it big time. Last three times I have had to listen to petty squabbling between so called Munster/Leinster fans. Against Argentina 3 lads behind me moaned incessantly when Fields of Athenry was sung. Clowns

I'd agree with that. I go to the odd international when I get the chance and the amount of Leinster/Munster crap you'd hear has reached ridiculous levels recently. It was never an issue during the nineties and the atmosphere was way better even though we were competing for the wooden spoon annually.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Canalman on February 13, 2013, 11:25:44 AM
From talking to some Leinster fans I know the "Ladyboys" jibe spat in their faces over many years by Munster fans didn't go down well at all. Might explain some of the lingering bitterness.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on February 13, 2013, 11:40:29 AM
Quote from: Canalman on February 13, 2013, 11:25:44 AM
From talking to some Leinster fans I know the "Ladyboys" jibe spat in their faces over many years by Munster fans didn't go down well at all. Might explain some of the lingering bitterness.

Both sides are as bad as each other. I was sat behind two idiots who kept referring to Keith Earls and Conor Murray as a turnips at the last international I attended.

Professionalism and the Heineken Cup has been fantastic for Irish rugby in many ways but the provinces have grown so powerful now that they might be starting to hinder the national team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 13, 2013, 11:42:58 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 12, 2013, 05:36:20 PM
Love the revisionism, silence for the kickers is an IRISH tradition and is still observed at the RDS, Sportsground etc and every senior and junior rugby ground in Ireland.

The problem with Sunday was that every time Farrell went to kick a rendition of 'Sweet Chariot' started up and the response of the Irish support was to drown it out with boos and whistles.

I agree with this by the way. I meant to say that, I've heard silence for kickers at every Leinster and Connacht match as well. I do find you get young lads whistling etc, probably because they've seen it elsewhere, but generally they get told to cop on by fans nearby. I've also seen drunk idiots in Thomond Park roaring at a kicker but they generally get shut up quickly too.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 13, 2013, 11:45:51 AM
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on February 13, 2013, 11:40:29 AM
Quote from: Canalman on February 13, 2013, 11:25:44 AM
From talking to some Leinster fans I know the "Ladyboys" jibe spat in their faces over many years by Munster fans didn't go down well at all. Might explain some of the lingering bitterness.

Both sides are as bad as each other. I was sat behind two idiots who kept referring to Keith Earls and Conor Murray as a turnips at the last international I attended.

Professionalism and the Heineken Cup has been fantastic for Irish rugby in many ways but the provinces have grown so powerful now that they might be starting to hinder the national team.

Sure Dinny calls Munster Turnips, that's just slagging. The Ladyboys jibe died for me back in 2006 when Leinster put up a fierce resistance to an unstoppable Munster tide, and only for Contempomi missing kicks and a couple of strange tries (O'Gara's breakaway and Halsted's intercept) the score would have been a lot tighter. My respect for Leinster grew hugely that day. There was always the suspicion they weren't as 'up for it' in other years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 13, 2013, 12:30:15 PM
The Leinster/Munster rivalry was ongoing in the amateur era also.
Very often the claim in Munster (Limerick anyway – Cork rugby being more middle class) was that when it came to Irish team selections, the doctor from Dublin got unfairly picked ahead of the Limerick binman.
It was difficult to prove due to the club structures at the time. The advent of the All Ireland league in the early 90s gave greater clarity on it though.
From the off Munster teams dominated and I would say they particularly enjoyed going up to Dublin to lord it over the blue bloods.
I'm guessing the big clubs in Leinster thought they were better than they actually were and may also have lacked the same motivational point to prove.

In motivational terms it came full circle. By the 2009 Heineken Cup semi in Croke Park, Leinster had the point to prove with all the ladyboy jibes and duly did so.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on February 14, 2013, 09:12:20 AM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on February 12, 2013, 07:51:36 PM
Article today on balls.ie on the current atmosphere at the Aviva actually.

What The Hell Has Happened To The Atmosphere At Ireland Home Matches?

Alan Quinlan went a bit further in the IT yesterday, saying the fans had let the poor players down:

QuoteWhy were the crowd still eating chips when the chips were down for Ireland? (http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2013/0213/1224329981475.html)

ALAN QUINLAN

On Sunday morning, I woke up at seven and the first thing I thought about was the game against England. Three o'clock couldn't come quick enough. I went on Twitter to gauge what people were saying about it. I read the papers. I wasn't doing it as a rugby analyst or even as an ex-player – I was doing it as a supporter.

I was really looking forward to going to the stadium and getting a feel of the atmosphere.

I presumed it would be electric. Why wouldn't it be? With France losing a second home game on Saturday, we couldn't have asked for better:England in the Aviva with a chance to take a huge step towards winning the competition outright and maybe start thinking about a Grand Slam.

But it didn't turn out that way at all. And look, before I get into it, I know there are loads of reasons why it didn't and I totally understand them.

A Sunday afternoon kick-off will always bring a different atmosphere to a Saturday tea-time one. The weather was miserable and some people would have been cold and wet for long spells of the game.

Above all, Ireland didn't play well – or weren't allowed to by a really professional and well-drilled England team.

I'm not arguing with any of that. But I'd love somebody to explain to me what any of it has to do with the stadium being half-empty as the Ireland team ran out on the pitch.

I'm talking about 10 minutes before the game kicked-off, when nobody knew how the day would pan out. Nobody had dropped a ball yet or knocked on or pulled up injured. Surely at that point, every Irish supporter must have been full of hope and raring to go?

So where were they? I looked around as the teams came out of the tunnel and the amount of empty seats was baffling to me.

Why wouldn't you want to be there to have the place shaking as Jamie Heaslip led the team out? This is England at home, a game you only get to see every two years.

Every half-interested sports fan in the country would have snapped your arm off for a ticket. So why not be in your seat in time to welcome the team?

New stadium

There's no doubt the new stadium has changed what it means to be a supporter. In the old Lansdowne Road (and in the old Thomond Park), the terracing meant people had to get in early to get a good spot. So you regularly had a decent enough crowd in a half an hour before the game.

They stood and watched the teams warm up and got the atmosphere bubbling up the closer it got to kick-off.

I'm not saying this happened all the time – there's nothing more boring than someone who goes on about how it was all better in the old days – but I guarantee you an England game in those circumstances would have had the old Lansdowne Road buzzing 20 minutes before the game.

As it was, you could almost have counted the people who were in their seats during the warm-up. That's down to the make-up of the stadium, no question about it.

People will hang on as long as they can to get a last pint in at the bar, to get a bit of food or a coffee, or whatever. They're in the stadium alright, just not in the seats. They can watch the teams come out on one of the wall TVs all over the place.

Overall, everything possible is done to distract people from going to their seat, purely so they will spend more money. The stadium is a business after all and it needs a revenue stream.

Maybe I'm a bit naive and maybe I'm hoping for too much here. But I don't really get the mentality of somebody who has spent a fortune on a ticket to go and see a game like this but isn't there to relish the atmosphere 10 minutes before the game.

And I'm not talking about the prawn sandwich crowd here – I mean the ordinary Joe Soaps with normal stand tickets. I couldn't understand why the stadium wasn't jammed to the roof in time for the anthems.

In fairness, they were mostly in for the kick-off but as soon as the initial roar died down the stadium was very quiet. Again, I know the Sunday afternoon is a factor here. And of course the team didn't exactly set the world alight from the beginning. The amount of handling errors was obviously costly because it meant the ball kept getting turned over but it also killed any chance of building up intensity or momentum in the crowd.

Problems

When I wrote before about the problems there had been in Thomond Park with some people just turning up to be entertained, I had plenty of fellas pulling me aside and saying the players had to take some responsibility here. Their point was you can't expect supporters just to blindly roar their team on if what they're seeing out on the pitch isn't up to scratch. I see what they mean but I don't think it totally stands up – in fact, that sort of thinking releases the supporters from any responsibility.

You might argue that just buying the ticket is your only responsibility as a fan but I don't believe that and what's more, the Ireland supporters at the game on Sunday didn't believe that.

The reason you know they didn't is the noise they made every time the England supporters started singing Swing Low, Sweet Chariot. It was met with boos and whistles each time and then a bit of a roar from the Ireland fans before it all settled down again.

To me, it seemed like the Ireland supporters knew they were supposed to be getting involved and they were annoyed at the England fans who were showing them up. You shouldn't have to wait for the opposition's fans to get going before you react.

The worst thing I saw on Sunday, though, came at the start of the second half. I was working for RTÉ Radio and we were on air all the way through half-time. So once we handed back to the commentary team, I took the chance to head off to the toilet.

Blown away

When I came out to go back to my seat the game was back on and running but I was blown away by what I saw. There were hundreds of people just milling around, standing there having a drink and watching the game on the screens. They weren't queuing for a pint or for food, they were just standing there looking up at the TV.

I couldn't believe it. Why would you bother making the effort to go to the stadium if all you were going to do was stand there and watch it on TV?

Ireland were 6-0 down but they were starting to come back. They had won that first scrum penalty and were starting to build a bit of momentum. I found it a totally unreal situation that the game was going on just through the gangway to their right and yet people were in no rush to get back to their seats. Instead they were just chatting away, not a bother on them.

I actually got pretty angry about it. You go to a sporting occasion because of what's happening on the pitch. In a game like this one, where the tide was against Ireland but they were coming back into it how can you just be casually sipping at a drink or picking away at a bag of chips? Why not bring them to your seat? At least then when something happens, you can be a part of it.

If you go to a game, you have to try and get behind your team. It can't just be entertainment or a social occasion – those things have to be secondary, especially on a day when the whole Six Nations could possibly be up for grabs. That was the case on Sunday but it never really felt like it.

I'd love to say it was all down to the weather or the timing or the players but anybody who was in that stadium on Sunday knows there was more to it. They know in their heart and soul that the crowd just didn't play its part.

You can't blame the players for not being in your seat as the team walks out and being 6-0 down while playing poorly is no excuse for waiting 10 minutes after half-time to rejoin the action.

Handling errors

On a wet day, players are going to make handling errors. Ireland made enough to last them a lifetime on Sunday and England made hardly any.

I thought those two scrums at the start of the second half looked like being a turning point but it just never happened because England were so good at keeping Ireland pushed back and under wraps. We're very quick to criticise the Irish team and I don't think England have got enough credit for the way they played on Sunday. They shut Ireland down from start to finish.

But as good as they were, I'd say they were pleasantly surprised by how easy they found it to silence the crowd. This wasn't a win they had to dig out in a hostile atmosphere.

Given the circumstances and what was at stake, that's a sad indictment of the home crowd.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 14, 2013, 10:50:19 AM
The new Lansdowne stadium does what it was designed to do and that is make loads of money for it's owners. There were many reasons for shit atmosphere on Sunday.

1. Rugby Internationals always been primarily a social occasion due mainly to the fact we were shit, I started going to Internationals in 1988 and I don't think I even saw 10 wins in the following 10 years but they were always hugely enjoyable and you would take your place on the death trap of your choice aka as North, East or South Terrace, the stands were for the allickadoos, a good 40-60 mins before KO and wouldn't/couldn't leave till 10/15 mins after the game finished. Terraces  bring a better atmosphere, just look at any GAA ground or even the Bundesliga.
2. Ref links (guilty myself here), video screens, music all kill natural atmosphere.
3. The event junkie, England V Ireland will always attract this kind and ticket pricing is still an issue.
4. Corporate hospitality. Corporate Tours.
5. Identity - this is where the Provincial rivalry is a problem - I have a pain in my hole seeing supporters going to Ireland games wearing their provincial jersey/hat/jacket whatever - It is a clear sign that that supporter is Province then country, these are the type that will bitch endlessly during the game about Houdini Heaslip, Radge or whatever player they feel is playing instead of someone from their province.
6. Ireland played shit, knockons kill your flow and your momentum and drains the supporters of any positive energy replaced instead by groans and moans.
7. The weather was absolutely shit, cold wet and miserable and just sucked the life out of you.

Still I'll go to the French game and hope that we get a good game and we'll be talking about rugby rather than how poor the atmosphere was.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: camanchero on February 14, 2013, 12:23:47 PM
Dinny, new all seater stadiums have been the death knell for atmosphere in stadiums.
There is a different in day and night between the old Celtic atmosphere at league games and the current Post 1998 atmosphere.
OK the CL games they have a big vocal crowd, but up until the new Green brigade was formed, it was getting more like a church (or epl game) year on year.
not as bad now, but still nowhere near what it was like when the jungle was there and up until the only the new stands behind the goals were there.
Reports from fans from english sides say the atmosphere is nosediving in similar fashion - due to taylor report and all seater more expensive stadia.
Dont talk about atmosphere at Derry GAA matches.
Rugby seems to be following on the soccer model. crowds less vocal and for all the reasons you have mentioned.

however I also say that an overhyped team that delivers feck all doesnt help. we used to hate England for this and we are as bad ourselves now for this.
I feared we were lucky that the welsh had no invention and imo four bad mistakes that Ireland fantastically capitalised upon gave the half time lead. After that when wales got their act together defensively, we had no invention of our own to break through them - likewise in the first half save for the mistakes they made. Wales were dire and their scores should have never been conceeded.
I feared the worst against england going into the game. while imo this 6N is wide open given the rebuilding that engerland, france and wales are doing - We should be actually winning more comfortably. The weather played its part on sunday, but we show a massive lack of invention. The centres are too old and too much is expected of young and for now, overhyped wingers. Poor selections and bad execution allied with too many unenforced errors have cost the side.

I also think the refs are poor so far. so many offsides and forward passes not blown. Do wales even know what a backward pass looks like?

I admire how you didnt say anything about Quinlan - I know you see red when his name comes up!
Was kinda looking forward to what you would reply with!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 14, 2013, 02:19:26 PM
Quote from: camanchero on February 14, 2013, 12:23:47 PM
I admire how you didnt say anything about Quinlan - I know you see red when his name comes up!
Was kinda looking forward to what you would reply with!

While never a fan of him as a player, another over-hyped Munster Ligind and a serial cheat I actually find his analysis alongside Shane Horgan as pretty refreshing and insightful. His article certainly stirred debate but sometimes I wonder do players think that the fans are actually there to see them only and not for the actually occasion and opportunity to support your country.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on February 14, 2013, 04:59:54 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 14, 2013, 02:19:26 PM
Quote from: camanchero on February 14, 2013, 12:23:47 PM
I admire how you didnt say anything about Quinlan - I know you see red when his name comes up!
Was kinda looking forward to what you would reply with!

While never a fan of him as a player, another over-hyped Munster Ligind and a serial cheat I actually find his analysis alongside Shane Horgan as pretty refreshing and insightful. His article certainly stirred debate but sometimes I wonder do players think that the fans are actually there to see them only and not for the actually occasion and opportunity to support your country.

Not convinced about Quinlan as an analyst. Was poor last night on Newstalk for one and I haven't been particularly impressed with his Times articles

But I suppose I start from the point that I think he's a bit of a dope. His career littered with dopey moments – most notably eye gouging in full view of the ref and costing himself a Lions tour.

So I sit down to read his analysis of the England match - and then he spends most of it moaning about the "fans"

"I got angry...." That was pretty self-centered! He might as well have said "Unless you care as much as I do about Ireland then you shouldn't be going to games".

Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 14, 2013, 10:50:19 AM
The new Lansdowne stadium does what it was designed to do and that is make loads of money for it's owners. There were many reasons for shit atmosphere on Sunday.

6. Ireland played shit, knockons kill your flow and your momentum and drains the supporters of any positive energy replaced instead by groans and moans.
7. The weather was absolutely shit, cold wet and miserable and just sucked the life out of you.


The last two are the real reason in my view. I remember the England game 2 years ago being a good atmosphere.

The main thing that killed the atmosphere was the error ridden performance. The vast majority were in for the anthems. The roar for the 1st scrum in particular was great.

But 0 points in the 1st half and  44 seconds in opponents 22 in the 2nd half – yeah, that's really going to get a wet and cold crowd to roar their head off watching that rubbish!?!?

If one of our second half penalties had been just out of Rog's range and he'd been capable of hitting a decent kick into their 22 for an attacking line-out, then there's no doubt the place would have shook with excitement (until we dropped it anyway), but it just didnt happen for us.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Declan on February 15, 2013, 04:32:22 PM
Darcy now out for the rest of the 6 nations. We have a real era changing season I feel now with O'Driscoll, D'Arcy, O'Connell, O'Gara, O'Callaghan finished at international level. Kidney gone as well I'd speculate.
Time for the young guns to step up but I reckon that we'll be back in our natural position fighting with Scotland/Italy for the bottom places and yoyoing between 8-12 in the world rankings for the foreseeable future
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 15, 2013, 04:33:40 PM
Quote from: Declan on February 15, 2013, 04:32:22 PM
Darcy now out for the rest of the 6 nations. We have a real era changing season I feel now with O'Driscoll, D'Arcy, O'Connell, O'Gara, O'Callaghan finished at international level.
Anyone with an apostrophe in their name basically!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 15, 2013, 07:51:38 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on February 15, 2013, 04:33:40 PM
Quote from: Declan on February 15, 2013, 04:32:22 PM
Darcy now out for the rest of the 6 nations. We have a real era changing season I feel now with O'Driscoll, D'Arcy, O'Connell, O'Gara, O'Callaghan finished at international level.
Anyone with an apostrophe in their name basically!

K'idney?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 20, 2013, 11:26:15 AM
Finally a gutsy call by Kidney . . . he faffed around long enough on the O'Gara/Sexton problem but I think he's showing a bit of ambition throwing young Jackson in at the deep end. It's exactly what we need another young lad coming along to challenge Sexton.

He needs a big game though!!

http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/six-nations/2013/0220/368664-jackson-set-to-replace-sexton-at-out-half/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 20, 2013, 11:31:26 AM
Big call by Kidney, but this should appease the critics. Easily recognisable as our best pairing at 10-12 in the absence of Sexton/Darcy, I don't rate Keatley and Madigan is far too inexperienced to play as a 6 nations ten. Calls for him to be included in the side are hysterical.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on February 20, 2013, 02:30:02 PM
 Best team we can put out at the moment and good calls from Kidney. I've faith in Jackson and Marshall and as Keith Wood as often said young players are never ready for international level until you pick them so if you don't pick them you never know!!
The main thing I'll be hoping for is good performances form Jackson, Marshall , Court, Earls and O' Mahoney. Even if we lose narrowly to Scotland as long as these lads go well along with some of our more experienced players I'll be happy.
My main worry is the likes of Hook and any other old school analysts will blame everything on the young lads if we lose which is a possibility given what looks like a lack of belief in our gameplan or even worse the absence of a coherent gameplan.
Tom Court deserves a start and should do well against Geoff Cross and it'll be a huge confidence boost to a young team if we gain early dominance in the scrum. I am a bit worried about having Toner and Henderson on the bench as I think Henderson and Tommy O' Donnell would give a better balance as they would cover secondrow , blindside and openside as opposed to having essentially one specialist  secondrow and one flanker/secondrow. I have to say I am looking forward to this one now.
The nightmare scenario is that we loose badly to Scotland and revert back to the old reliables i.e O' Gara at 10 , Earls and McFadden at 12 and 11 both out of position for a lame defeat at home to France. Do okay in this one and we can set this young team up for a morale boosting tilt at a mentally damaged France (after a possible hammering by England) and really start developing depth to our Squad. Now if only we could have a proper Irish gameplan for this team? (who's job is that anyway ;D)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on February 20, 2013, 03:02:17 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 20, 2013, 11:31:26 AM
Big call by Kidney, but this should appease the critics. Easily recognisable as our best pairing at 10-12 in the absence of Sexton/Darcy, I don't rate Keatley and Madigan is far too inexperienced to play as a 6 nations ten. Calls for him to be included in the side are hysterical.

Madigan is probably as experienced as Jackson is. In fact I'm guessing he's played a lot more for Leinster than Jackson has for Ulster.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 20, 2013, 03:35:37 PM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on February 20, 2013, 03:02:17 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 20, 2013, 11:31:26 AM
Big call by Kidney, but this should appease the critics. Easily recognisable as our best pairing at 10-12 in the absence of Sexton/Darcy, I don't rate Keatley and Madigan is far too inexperienced to play as a 6 nations ten. Calls for him to be included in the side are hysterical.

Madigan is probably as experienced as Jackson is. In fact I'm guessing he's played a lot more for Leinster than Jackson has for Ulster.

A direct comparison, Madigan's time at 10 v Jacksons time at 10 in provincial and national colours. Alot of Madigans "experience" is as a utility back or as a sub in the closing minutes. That is not the same experience as being the first choice out-half.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on February 20, 2013, 04:17:17 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 20, 2013, 03:35:37 PM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on February 20, 2013, 03:02:17 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 20, 2013, 11:31:26 AM
Big call by Kidney, but this should appease the critics. Easily recognisable as our best pairing at 10-12 in the absence of Sexton/Darcy, I don't rate Keatley and Madigan is far too inexperienced to play as a 6 nations ten. Calls for him to be included in the side are hysterical.

Madigan is probably as experienced as Jackson is. In fact I'm guessing he's played a lot more for Leinster than Jackson has for Ulster.

A direct comparison, Madigan's time at 10 v Jacksons time at 10 in provincial and national colours. Alot of Madigans "experience" is as a utility back or as a sub in the closing minutes. That is not the same experience as being the first choice out-half.

Well Jackson doesn't have to compete with Sexton but considering Madigan is 2 years older I'd say there is little enough difference in the minutes they have both played at 10 for their provinces. Jackson only has 31 caps for Ulster compared to Madigan's 70 for Leinster. The experience thing doesn't really stack up although you could argue that one is better than the other.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 20, 2013, 05:57:54 PM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on February 20, 2013, 04:17:17 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 20, 2013, 03:35:37 PM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on February 20, 2013, 03:02:17 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 20, 2013, 11:31:26 AM
Big call by Kidney, but this should appease the critics. Easily recognisable as our best pairing at 10-12 in the absence of Sexton/Darcy, I don't rate Keatley and Madigan is far too inexperienced to play as a 6 nations ten. Calls for him to be included in the side are hysterical.

Madigan is probably as experienced as Jackson is. In fact I'm guessing he's played a lot more for Leinster than Jackson has for Ulster.

A direct comparison, Madigan's time at 10 v Jacksons time at 10 in provincial and national colours. Alot of Madigans "experience" is as a utility back or as a sub in the closing minutes. That is not the same experience as being the first choice out-half.

Well Jackson doesn't have to compete with Sexton.

Whataboutery, sure I could say Jackson has to compete with Pienaar. However that's an unreasonable argument and so is the Sexton/Madigan thing. It doesn't matter who is ahead of him at Leinster, the fact is Jackson has more top-level Heineken Cup and international experience than Madigan. If Jackson was 2nd choice to Jesus Christ at Ulster I'd say the same about him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on February 20, 2013, 06:21:55 PM
If that was to be O'Gara's last substitute performance for Ireland, it was a pity that it was such a sad swan song from one of Ireland's greatest players of the last last decade. Not so long ago he would have found touch effortlessly while blindfolded, instead of those inexplicably awful efforts he made in the game against England.
There's just a chorus of 'fxxk off away from the squad'.
I suppose that's how quite a few Irish rugby fans are, provincial and petty (chip eaters).
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: theticklemister on February 20, 2013, 06:26:19 PM
Quote from: Main Street on February 20, 2013, 06:21:55 PM
If that was to be O'Gara's last substitute performance for Ireland, it was a pity that it was such a sad swan song from one of Ireland's greatest players of the last last decade. Not so long ago he would have found touch effortlessly while blindfolded, instead of those inexplicably awful efforts he made in the game against England.
There's just a chorus of 'fxxk off away from the squad'.
I suppose that's how quite a few Irish rugby fans are, provincial and petty (chip eaters).

O'Gara has been great for Ireland. By naming him in the squad again however merley shows Kidney has no belief in Madigan or Keatly. Surly these boys need to be inducted now instead of later.O'Gara can serve no more purpose.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 20, 2013, 07:07:32 PM
Quote from: theticklemister on February 20, 2013, 06:26:19 PM
Quote from: Main Street on February 20, 2013, 06:21:55 PM
If that was to be O'Gara's last substitute performance for Ireland, it was a pity that it was such a sad swan song from one of Ireland's greatest players of the last last decade. Not so long ago he would have found touch effortlessly while blindfolded, instead of those inexplicably awful efforts he made in the game against England.
There's just a chorus of 'fxxk off away from the squad'.
I suppose that's how quite a few Irish rugby fans are, provincial and petty (chip eaters).

O'Gara has been great for Ireland. By naming him in the squad again however merley shows Kidney has no belief in Madigan or Keatly. Surly these boys need to be inducted now instead of later.O'Gara can serve no more purpose.

I'd disagree, bleed in Jackson whilst there is experienced back up to cover for a meltdown at fly-half. We should be able to beat the Scots even with O'Gara at ten. He's still a decent fly-half at the closing stages of HC rugby.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 20, 2013, 07:50:24 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 20, 2013, 07:07:32 PM
Quote from: theticklemister on February 20, 2013, 06:26:19 PM
Quote from: Main Street on February 20, 2013, 06:21:55 PM
If that was to be O'Gara's last substitute performance for Ireland, it was a pity that it was such a sad swan song from one of Ireland's greatest players of the last last decade. Not so long ago he would have found touch effortlessly while blindfolded, instead of those inexplicably awful efforts he made in the game against England.
There's just a chorus of 'fxxk off away from the squad'.
I suppose that's how quite a few Irish rugby fans are, provincial and petty (chip eaters).

O'Gara has been great for Ireland. By naming him in the squad again however merley shows Kidney has no belief in Madigan or Keatly. Surly these boys need to be inducted now instead of later.O'Gara can serve no more purpose.

I'd disagree, bleed in Jackson whilst there is experienced back up to cover for a meltdown at fly-half. We should be able to beat the Scots even with O'Gara at ten. He's still a decent fly-half at the closing stages of HC rugby.

I agree, start the young lad although I might have gone for Madigan but both are unproven so it is a tight call.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 20, 2013, 09:15:49 PM
I'd have thought that when Ulster let Ian Humphreys move along, it showed an immense faith in young Jackson's ability for the present, let alone the future.

He could freeze (it's not that long ago since all Irish backs seemed to freeze), but the tools are definitely there. To be honest I wish ROG was nowhere near the scene as it provides another bank of pressure.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on February 21, 2013, 08:35:00 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 20, 2013, 09:15:49 PM
I'd have thought that when Ulster let Ian Humphreys move along, it showed an immense faith in young Jackson's ability for the present, let alone the future.

He could freeze (it's not that long ago since all Irish backs seemed to freeze), but the tools are definitely there. To be honest I wish ROG was nowhere near the scene as it provides another bank of pressure.

In this instance I don't think ROG's presence on the bench is additional pressure on Jackson, if anything it'll be the opposite.
In Sextons early days a No.10, ROG still fancied his chances at first choice and the odd substitution and not getting a start may have affected Sexton's confidence. Now Sexton is first choice, ROG is a backup at best and with Jacksons inclusion there should be no doubt in anyones mind and especially ROG's that his days in the Irish jersey are numbered possibly to the end of this 6N's campaign and Kidney is looking for a younger understudy to Sexton.

Only the likes of Hook who like to be controversial for the sake of it could criticise this call. If it wasn't Jackson and was Madigan, he'd have wanted Keatly or Jackson, it's just the way the grumpy bollox is and he's given far too much airtime.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on February 21, 2013, 09:08:04 AM
Sexton has been for some time now the best No.10 available, even with that Kidney pissed about switching them both, leading to a lack of confidence in Sexton's play at times. O'Gara is in his mid 30's, he has never been able to ship a tackle, but when the game gets loose in the last 10 he could still do a job. O'Gara has been a great servant to Irish Rugby and to drop him completely when he is still first choice at Munster would be wrong. That said looking to the next world cup it's time to get Jackson more international game time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Olaf on February 21, 2013, 12:24:08 PM
Quote from: Main Street on February 20, 2013, 06:21:55 PM
If that was to be O'Gara's last substitute performance for Ireland, it was a pity that it was such a sad swan song from one of Ireland's greatest players of the last last decade. Not so long ago he would have found touch effortlessly while blindfolded, instead of those inexplicably awful efforts he made in the game against England.
There's just a chorus of 'fxxk off away from the squad'.
I suppose that's how quite a few Irish rugby fans are, provincial and petty (chip eaters).

..or objective and wanting the best for Irish rugby. O'Gara should be nowhere near that squad . His prescence over the last couple of years has held back the international development of young Irish out-halves , Sexton notwithstanding.

In the past he could kick well , nothing more. Nowadays he can't seem to do that . He therefore can bring nothing that could benefit this Irish team.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on February 24, 2013, 02:14:55 PM
Marhall making more inroads in attack in the 1st 10 mins the Darcy has managed in 10 years !"
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CiKe on February 24, 2013, 02:25:36 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on February 24, 2013, 02:14:55 PM
Marhall making more inroads in attack in the 1st 10 mins the Darcy has managed in 10 years !"

ha, was thinking similar, if not 10 years then since he won player of the tournament anyway... some very good tackles and clearouts at the ruck as well...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 24, 2013, 02:26:41 PM
That run sums up why Earls is a winger. Brilliant break but had no idea where O'Driscoll was.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on February 24, 2013, 03:00:09 PM
Quote from: muppet on February 24, 2013, 02:26:41 PM
That run sums up why Earls is a winger. Brilliant break but had no idea where O'Driscoll was.

greed hoor, he knew f**king rightly !
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: yellowcard on February 24, 2013, 03:13:28 PM
Intensity levels way lower than 1st 2 games. Jackson has been poor, time for O Gara I think.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 24, 2013, 03:14:16 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on February 24, 2013, 03:13:28 PM
Intensity levels way lower than 1st 2 games. Jackson has been poor, time for O Gara I think.

Fire and frying pan.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Geoff Tipps on February 24, 2013, 03:20:39 PM
Hard to win a game with no lineout, no scrum and no kicker.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on February 24, 2013, 03:25:58 PM
Jaysus Rugby is a shite game
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Shamrock Shore on February 24, 2013, 03:28:19 PM
Rope-a-dope rugby  :-\
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CiKe on February 24, 2013, 03:30:41 PM
WTF was that???? Kidney has just lost his job and O'Gara will never play again...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 24, 2013, 03:30:57 PM
Brutal.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 24, 2013, 03:31:10 PM
Can we sub Kidney?

Please??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 24, 2013, 03:32:06 PM
Game over I think!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 24, 2013, 03:32:28 PM
Very poor stuff. Jackson 1/4 and no scrum. You couldn't really begrudge Scotland either.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Shamrock Shore on February 24, 2013, 03:32:43 PM
Was ROG thinking he was playing football?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 24, 2013, 03:40:40 PM
O'Gara again. At Marshall's head ffs when the break was on.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 24, 2013, 03:40:57 PM
80% possession they had according to the BBC.
Scotland's first back to back wins in 12 years.

Very poor really.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 24, 2013, 03:43:08 PM
If kidney gets the road it'll be a blessing in disguise. How in earth did Redden not start?? Everyone knows to beat Scotland you have to play with pace!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CiKe on February 24, 2013, 03:43:50 PM
Quote from: CiKe on February 24, 2013, 03:30:41 PM
WTF was that???? Kidney has just lost his job and O'Gara will never play again...

Jackson may not play again either until he substantially improves his kicking or they have someone else kicking...

Fair play to Scotland, unbelievable they won that, we just weren't clinical. Marshall made great breaks but should have had a try off the second one. Great break by Earls as well but obviously wrong selfish decision. Fact we went for tries from kickable penalties in first half just shows lack of faith in Jackson from the guys around him - that couldn't be good for his confidence as just builds the pressure on him....
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 24, 2013, 03:47:01 PM
Court, Jackson and especially O'Gara were the coaches call and he got it wrong.

I also think the Heaslip captaincy was a bad call.

I don't know what was wrong with Rory Best, never seen him play like that. He is normally a contender for MOM.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 24, 2013, 03:50:06 PM
Apart from Jackson's goal-kicking his all round game was pretty good, his goal-kicking will improve. Ireland lost today because of Kidney and failure to execute in the red zone and the senior players need to take responsibility for that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 24, 2013, 03:53:39 PM
Scotland used to do this to us all of the time. I can't think of any line breaks they made & I can think of a few Irish ones, but they still beat us.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CiKe on February 24, 2013, 04:09:24 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 24, 2013, 03:50:06 PM
Apart from Jackson's goal-kicking his all round game was pretty good, his goal-kicking will improve. Ireland lost today because of Kidney and failure to execute in the red zone and the senior players need to take responsibility for that.

He was ok Dinny, no better.  He dropped first ball and missed kick to touch - was not just his goal-kicking. An international team should not be playing with a kicker who the team (or at least the captain) have no faith in. Will he get better? No doubt, kind of a chicken and egg situation but I'd be tempted to have Madigan involved.

Did O'Driscoll want to go for the penalty at the end? He seemed to be taking control of things nd then suddenly remembered he wasn't the captain any more.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 24, 2013, 04:15:24 PM
Quote from: CiKe on February 24, 2013, 04:09:24 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 24, 2013, 03:50:06 PM
Apart from Jackson's goal-kicking his all round game was pretty good, his goal-kicking will improve. Ireland lost today because of Kidney and failure to execute in the red zone and the senior players need to take responsibility for that.

He was ok Dinny, no better.  He dropped first ball and missed kick to touch - was not just his goal-kicking. An international team should not be playing with a kicker who the team (or at least the captain) have no faith in. Will he get better? No doubt, kind of a chicken and egg situation but I'd be tempted to have Madigan involved.

Did O'Driscoll want to go for the penalty at the end? He seemed to be taking control of things nd then suddenly remembered he wasn't the captain any more.

It's easy to isolate a coupe of errors, they weren't a reflection of his whole game - how about his defence, how many line-breaks did we have today. 77% possession and territory who do who think controls that. We lost because of poor performances from the senior players Best, Ryan, O'Callaghan, BOD and Kearney and the worst cameo of all time from ROG - horrendous.

Madigan is not the answer yet, needs a full season as Leinster number 1 out-half and has never kicked in a pressure situation.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 24, 2013, 04:18:41 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 24, 2013, 04:15:24 PM
Quote from: CiKe on February 24, 2013, 04:09:24 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 24, 2013, 03:50:06 PM
Apart from Jackson's goal-kicking his all round game was pretty good, his goal-kicking will improve. Ireland lost today because of Kidney and failure to execute in the red zone and the senior players need to take responsibility for that.

He was ok Dinny, no better.  He dropped first ball and missed kick to touch - was not just his goal-kicking. An international team should not be playing with a kicker who the team (or at least the captain) have no faith in. Will he get better? No doubt, kind of a chicken and egg situation but I'd be tempted to have Madigan involved.

Did O'Driscoll want to go for the penalty at the end? He seemed to be taking control of things nd then suddenly remembered he wasn't the captain any more.

It's easy to isolate a coupe of errors, they weren't a reflection of his whole game - how about his defence, how many line-breaks did we have today. 77% possession and territory who do who think controls that. We lost because of poor performances from the senior players Best, Ryan, O'Callaghan, BOD and Kearney and the worst cameo of all time from ROG - horrendous.

Madigan is not the answer yet, needs a full season as Leinster number 1 out-half and has never kicked in a pressure situation.

It is not as if he was demanding inclusion after his last cameo.

Kidney has left us without a proper understudy to Sexton and when Johnny's hamstring went, so did Kidney's job.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on February 24, 2013, 04:34:21 PM
He should have gone with McFadden on the wing to take the pressure off Jackson's goal kicking but Kidney cannot take all the blame. The experienced campaigners let Ireland down. Best had his worst game ever at international level, Heaslip is a poor captain and both Earls and Kearney butchered some good attacking opportunities. Too many of these players have been built up by the rugby media and are immune from criticism. That was a very limited Scottish side albeit an organised one. Any decent international team should be beating them comfortably. Ireland look like they are entering a period of transition for the next few years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 24, 2013, 05:01:19 PM
It was a bit like watching Waterford hurlers or Galway footballers. Longish period of change ahead.
But you would expect a bit more from professionals all the same. Those Leinster players should have the skill and execution to be capable of beating Scotland. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 24, 2013, 05:38:37 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 24, 2013, 05:01:19 PM
It was a bit like watching Waterford hurlers or Galway footballers. Longish period of change ahead.
But you would expect a bit more from professionals all the same. Those Leinster players should have the skill and execution to be capable of beating Scotland.

Yea those damn Leinster players.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on February 24, 2013, 05:47:26 PM
(http://www.pictureshack.us/images/60660_rogwtf.gif)

One of the stranger decisions I've seen on a sporting field.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on February 24, 2013, 06:42:43 PM
oh my sweet jaysus... what a utter mess...

And O'Gara almost looked like he was trying to kick pass the ball to one of his team mates a lá GAA style
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 24, 2013, 06:53:14 PM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on February 24, 2013, 05:47:26 PM
(http://www.pictureshack.us/images/60660_rogwtf.gif)

One of the stranger decisions I've seen on a sporting field.

I think that counts as Scotland's only line break.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Aaron Boone on February 24, 2013, 07:13:09 PM
Could've would've should've kind of day.

Scotland the Brave.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 24, 2013, 07:15:16 PM
From twitter:

Frankie Boyle Verified account
‏@frankieboyle
Flower of Scotland is actually about a gay Scottish warrior's love for his stepbrother
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 24, 2013, 07:25:41 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 24, 2013, 05:38:37 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 24, 2013, 05:01:19 PM
It was a bit like watching Waterford hurlers or Galway footballers. Longish period of change ahead.
But you would expect a bit more from professionals all the same. Those Leinster players should have the skill and execution to be capable of beating Scotland.

Yea those damn Leinster players.
Luke Fitzgerald came to a summer camp my young fella was at last year and he was so cool but he seemed to drop the cool at a key moment today.  But those Wicklow footballers are all the same I suppose.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on February 24, 2013, 07:40:27 PM
It was a bit like Barcelona against Chelsea last season in the CL. Barca dominated and had 70% possesion in both legs, but didn't put Chelsea away when it mattered.

Heaslip is too much of a loose canon for a captain.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Stall the Bailer on February 24, 2013, 07:55:28 PM
Only seen the second half, Scotland looked to have a good scrum, lineout, defence and kicker.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: highorlow on February 24, 2013, 08:28:55 PM
QuoteIt was a bit like Barcelona against Chelsea last season in the CL. Barca dominated and had 70% possesion in both legs, but didn't put Chelsea away when it mattered.

Heaslip is too much of a loose canon for a captain.

That's the great thing about our national games, the best teams always win.

The match today proves that Rugby is just Hyperbole. As a poster stated earlier these players are over hyped. That was sinful what Earls was at, clearly going for solo glory.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 24, 2013, 09:16:56 PM
I think Earls didn't see O'Driscoll inside him. We didn't deserve to win because we didn't make or take the chances.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 24, 2013, 10:17:20 PM
Quote from: highorlow on February 24, 2013, 08:28:55 PM
QuoteIt was a bit like Barcelona against Chelsea last season in the CL. Barca dominated and had 70% possesion in both legs, but didn't put Chelsea away when it mattered.

Heaslip is too much of a loose canon for a captain.

That's the great thing about our national games, the best teams always win.

They don't really. Limerick and Waterford hurlers didn't win any all Irelands over the last 15 years.
Rugby is like GAA - the old firm teams  win more than the others. Ireland won a single Grand Slam with that team they had from 2000-2010.
Kerry or Kilkenny or France would win at least 4 where Armagh or Wexford or Ireland would be happy to  win 1.

Seb Coe on the attitude :

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/9b3762c0-21e6-11e2-9ffd-00144feabdc0.html#ixzz2LrEDj8XU

His reaction after winning an Olympic title in 1980 was to set out to win another one. To make his point, he rather scornfully recalls the open-top bus-ride that was awarded to the England cricket team, after they finally won an Ashes series against Australia in 2005. "The Australians wouldn't give their guys an open-top bus-ride around Melbourne after winning the Ashes. They'd go, 'f**k that – we're going to win it again in two years' time.' "
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on February 24, 2013, 10:27:56 PM
Tony Ward said that Jackson was kicking good with his practice penalties before the game. His real time kicking was atrocious and he probably would have missed those 2 penalties from the 25, that were kicked into the corner. There's no question that Scotland deserved that win, regardless of the possession stats.
The mistakes are now at contagious level, affecting most aspects of Ireland's game and players. In that context, all the new/newish caps should get a free pass from censure.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 24, 2013, 11:07:24 PM
It's been written a few times already, but the lack of leadership today in a team with 1,000 odd caps was shocking.

I doubt Rory Best will play as badly again in his life, but there's a few of his counterparts who look done. ROG is easy pickings (and rightly so), but Heaslip and O'Driscoll were miles off it today. Kearney too. While I hope Gilroy was injured, for replacing him with a player of literally half his ability makes no sense on any other level.

Jackson wasn't great, but wasn't bad either. It's amazing how nobody in the Irish team can kick a dead ball apart from our fly halves.

Kidney had a very very poor day today.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: moysider on February 25, 2013, 12:10:28 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 24, 2013, 09:16:56 PM
I think Earls didn't see O'Driscoll inside him. We didn't deserve to win because we didn't make or take the chances.

What's worse? Not seeing him or seeing him and choosing not to pass?

That was as good a chance as you get at this level. O Driscoll was irate.

Marshall had a chance to put Gilroy in earlier but Gilroy, in fairness had overrun a bit and the pass would have been forward anyway if it stuck. Without doing any more today - with a shite scrum and great Scottish pressure on our lineout - we still should have walked in 2 more tries and won this match.

Still, that would only have been papering over cracks that need to be properly filled.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 25, 2013, 12:19:29 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 24, 2013, 11:07:24 PM
It's been written a few times already, but the lack of leadership today in a team with 1,000 odd caps was shocking.

I doubt Rory Best will play as badly again in his life, but there's a few of his counterparts who look done. ROG is easy pickings (and rightly so), but Heaslip and O'Driscoll were miles off it today. Kearney too. While I hope Gilroy was injured, for replacing him with a player of literally half his ability makes no sense on any other level.

Jackson wasn't great, but wasn't bad either. It's amazing how nobody in the Irish team can kick a dead ball apart from our fly halves.

Kidney had a very very poor day today.

I've seen Best's decision making and line out throwing collapse in previous occasions, mark my word he will be found out again some day, a good all-round hooker but a poor thrower, as O'Shea once said, a pie-chucker.

Heaslip is a lame duck player, an excellent prospect on his arrival into Irish rugby who has slid into mediocrity. Compare to any of the other 8's in the competition and you'll see his true worth, France have two 8's who are superior, Italy 1, Wales 1 and seemingly now Scotland who in Denton could potentially have two.

Marshall is a fine prospect. Baptism of fire for Jackson but he'll get over it. Had a average debut as a 21 year old but outclassed a seasoned pro12 veteran in Ruaridh Jackson who is simply atrocious. Keep the faith.

Thought Kelly Brown was very good today, bar typical Scottish indiscipline. Visser was shambolic, huge disappointment for a player I rated highly.

Earls, ROG and Sean O'Brien made some shocking errors, O'Brien in particular has faded since his initial breakthrough year in the HC and should be worried about his place. The other two simply shouldn't be playing.

Shocking decision making by Ireland, first penalty should have been kicked by a right-footed player. Second could have been stuck in the corner as it didn't suit Jackson on his right foot.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 25, 2013, 12:21:50 AM
Quote from: moysider on February 25, 2013, 12:10:28 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 24, 2013, 09:16:56 PM
I think Earls didn't see O'Driscoll inside him. We didn't deserve to win because we didn't make or take the chances.

What's worse? Not seeing him or seeing him and choosing not to pass?

That was as good a chance as you get at this level. O Driscoll was irate.

Marshall had a chance to put Gilroy in earlier but Gilroy, in fairness had overrun a bit and the pass would have been forward anyway if it stuck. Without doing any more today - with a shite scrum and great Scottish pressure on our lineout - we still should have walked in 2 more tries and won this match.

Still, that would only have been papering over cracks that need to be properly filled.

Meh, its a two way street between over running a pass and holding the pass to long. Marshall was as suspect as Gilroy, you shouldn't expect your supporting players to check their runs on an open field break at full pelt.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: NAG1 on February 25, 2013, 09:17:56 AM
Do we now see any of the Irish players making it onto the Lions team? Hard to pick even one at the minute.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 25, 2013, 09:52:32 AM
Quote from: trileacman on February 25, 2013, 12:19:29 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 24, 2013, 11:07:24 PM
It's been written a few times already, but the lack of leadership today in a team with 1,000 odd caps was shocking.

I doubt Rory Best will play as badly again in his life, but there's a few of his counterparts who look done. ROG is easy pickings (and rightly so), but Heaslip and O'Driscoll were miles off it today. Kearney too. While I hope Gilroy was injured, for replacing him with a player of literally half his ability makes no sense on any other level.

Jackson wasn't great, but wasn't bad either. It's amazing how nobody in the Irish team can kick a dead ball apart from our fly halves.

Kidney had a very very poor day today.

I've seen Best's decision making and line out throwing collapse in previous occasions, mark my word he will be found out again some day, a good all-round hooker but a poor thrower, as O'Shea once said, a pie-chucker.

Heaslip is a lame duck player, an excellent prospect on his arrival into Irish rugby who has slid into mediocrity. Compare to any of the other 8's in the competition and you'll see his true worth, France have two 8's who are superior, Italy 1, Wales 1 and seemingly now Scotland who in Denton could potentially have two.

Marshall is a fine prospect. Baptism of fire for Jackson but he'll get over it. Had a average debut as a 21 year old but outclassed a seasoned pro12 veteran in Ruaridh Jackson who is simply atrocious. Keep the faith.

Thought Kelly Brown was very good today, bar typical Scottish indiscipline. Visser was shambolic, huge disappointment for a player I rated highly.

Earls, ROG and Sean O'Brien made some shocking errors, O'Brien in particular has faded since his initial breakthrough year in the HC and should be worried about his place. The other two simply shouldn't be playing.

Shocking decision making by Ireland, first penalty should have been kicked by a right-footed player. Second could have been stuck in the corner as it didn't suit Jackson on his right foot.

On the money there trileacman!! I hope Jackson isnt made a scapegoat over this. We've seen how the English media have hyped up then destroyed young players confidence. Matthew Tait springs to mind!! I was watching BBC and never caught the RTE post game analysis. Did Hook hammer Jackson?? Thought our back row was very poor yesterday. Not a fan of O'Mahony at all, offers very little except getting involved in petty fights!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: highorlow on February 25, 2013, 09:58:09 AM
QuoteLimerick and Waterford hurlers didn't win any all Irelands over the last 15 years.

and?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on February 25, 2013, 10:05:18 AM
Hook didn't hammer Jackson directly, moreso a dig at Kidney for not having Madigan start instead. He wasn't advocating ROG at all and even derided his 15 minute cameo where things went from bad to worse.

I thought it was a bit harsh on RTÉ's analysis saying that the turning point in the game was jacksons missed kick to touch, jez this was an error ridden Irish performance and even then one bit of quality to make the most of the several line breaks would have in all likelihood ended up in a victory.

Kidney is now paying for his sins on not giving new blood a go a few years back and now his hand is forced with lack of experience in key positions, Luke Marshall should have had more run outs in the green and is now a good option in one of the centre positions but it may be too late for Kidney as I can't see him in charge beyond this 6N's campaign.

Would Conor O'Shea be mad enough to take the role on?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: NAG1 on February 25, 2013, 10:14:49 AM
Quote from: highorlow on February 25, 2013, 09:58:09 AM
QuoteLimerick and Waterford hurlers didn't win any all Irelands over the last 15 years.

and?

They werent being paid a Kings ransom to get their basics correct, but they did so on more occasions than not.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on February 25, 2013, 10:17:59 AM
Quote from: highorlow on February 25, 2013, 09:58:09 AM
QuoteLimerick and Waterford hurlers didn't win any all Irelands over the last 15 years.

and?

The best team doesn't always win. I don't think Wexford were better than Limerick in the second half of the 1990's, yet Wexford won an All-Ireland and Limerick did not.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on February 25, 2013, 10:20:03 AM
It's going to be interesting watching the nouveau Irish rugby supporters adjusting to the reality of us being mediocre, at best. One Grand Slam in 61 years was no accident. Roll on 2070!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 25, 2013, 10:24:40 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 25, 2013, 10:05:18 AM
Hook didn't hammer Jackson directly, moreso a dig at Kidney for not having Madigan start instead. He wasn't advocating ROG at all and even derided his 15 minute cameo where things went from bad to worse.

I thought it was a bit harsh on RTÉ's analysis saying that the turning point in the game was jacksons missed kick to touch, jez this was an error ridden Irish performance and even then one bit of quality to make the most of the several line breaks would have in all likelihood ended up in a victory.

Kidney is now paying for his sins on not giving new blood a go a few years back and now his hand is forced with lack of experience in key positions, Luke Marshall should have had more run outs in the green and is now a good option in one of the centre positions but it may be too late for Kidney as I can't see him in charge beyond this 6N's campaign.

Would Conor O'Shea be mad enough to take the role on?

Its funny that RTE said that was the turning point. BBC said that it swung when Kearney opted to take the ball into contact, resulting in a penalty when there was oceans of space to kick into! Regarding O'Shea, he is someone I really like and is doing great work with Harlequins. Mark Mc Call is also doing well at Saracens but perhaps both a few years off. Thats not to say I wouldnt be happy if either got the call. For me though I think Joe Schmidt is the man to replace Kidney!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: NAG1 on February 25, 2013, 10:26:48 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 25, 2013, 10:24:40 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 25, 2013, 10:05:18 AM
Hook didn't hammer Jackson directly, moreso a dig at Kidney for not having Madigan start instead. He wasn't advocating ROG at all and even derided his 15 minute cameo where things went from bad to worse.

I thought it was a bit harsh on RTÉ's analysis saying that the turning point in the game was jacksons missed kick to touch, jez this was an error ridden Irish performance and even then one bit of quality to make the most of the several line breaks would have in all likelihood ended up in a victory.

Kidney is now paying for his sins on not giving new blood a go a few years back and now his hand is forced with lack of experience in key positions, Luke Marshall should have had more run outs in the green and is now a good option in one of the centre positions but it may be too late for Kidney as I can't see him in charge beyond this 6N's campaign.

Would Conor O'Shea be mad enough to take the role on?

Its funny that RTE said that was the turning point. BBC said that it swung when Kearney opted to take the ball into contact, resulting in a penalty when there was oceans of space to kick into! Regarding O'Shea, he is someone I really like and is doing great work with Harlequins. Mark Mc Call is also doing well at Saracens but perhaps both a few years off. Thats not to say I wouldnt be happy if either got the call. For me though I think Joe Schmidt is the man to replace Kidney!

Dont think it would matter who the coach is, the simple fact is that the players are not there to work with. Even if you go on size alone they are miles off.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: camanchero on February 25, 2013, 10:30:33 AM
very annoying game. I cant stand the jocks in rugby. on a par with south africa for thuggery and just plain dirt (gamesmanship).
before you say kiwi's Dinny, two words- findley calder.
You could add david sole and reel off a load more too...

anyhow. Irelands problem is the same as was present in the wales and english games. no invention or idea on how to break through the opponents defensive line.
its all too static and attacks with ball linear. Easy to defend.
We were luck that wales more or less self destructed in the first half and we posess great opportunists that can finish when presented with a chance (Odriscoll, zebo, and the two young ulster lads). England are still finding their feet and were there for the taking.
imo the attack coach is more to blam than kidney, but the buck stops with kidney.

OGara caught in two minds as most of often are when playing footballand he did neither and got caught out badly. I dont blame him.
its a poor enough Irish performand and execution. lacking invention and playing too slowly.
a lot of these players are not as good as people make them out to be.
marshall was good and shows what we have been lacking from centre by playing darcy.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 25, 2013, 10:37:10 AM
Quote from: NAG1 on February 25, 2013, 10:26:48 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 25, 2013, 10:24:40 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 25, 2013, 10:05:18 AM
Hook didn't hammer Jackson directly, moreso a dig at Kidney for not having Madigan start instead. He wasn't advocating ROG at all and even derided his 15 minute cameo where things went from bad to worse.

I thought it was a bit harsh on RTÉ's analysis saying that the turning point in the game was jacksons missed kick to touch, jez this was an error ridden Irish performance and even then one bit of quality to make the most of the several line breaks would have in all likelihood ended up in a victory.

Kidney is now paying for his sins on not giving new blood a go a few years back and now his hand is forced with lack of experience in key positions, Luke Marshall should have had more run outs in the green and is now a good option in one of the centre positions but it may be too late for Kidney as I can't see him in charge beyond this 6N's campaign.

Would Conor O'Shea be mad enough to take the role on?

Its funny that RTE said that was the turning point. BBC said that it swung when Kearney opted to take the ball into contact, resulting in a penalty when there was oceans of space to kick into! Regarding O'Shea, he is someone I really like and is doing great work with Harlequins. Mark Mc Call is also doing well at Saracens but perhaps both a few years off. Thats not to say I wouldnt be happy if either got the call. For me though I think Joe Schmidt is the man to replace Kidney!

Dont think it would matter who the coach is, the simple fact is that the players are not there to work with. Even if you go on size alone they are miles off.
I still think a first XV with Sexton, Bowe, Ferris, Healy and O'Connell back in it, is enough for any coach to make a bit of hay.

I honestly think though that Irish coaches like to make a lack of depth a bigger thing than it is.

John Hayes, a substandard scrummager, was given 30 caps too many simply because they didn't trust anyone else.

David Wallace was a brilliant player, but not in his final few seasons.

O'Connell and O'Callaghan, while a top class partnership for a number of years, were never challenged for their positions, because nobody else was given a chance.

Heaslip has been no.8 for the best part of a decade, and is now the captain, even though he offers nothing outstanding in that role. He's just a safe, boring bet.

Gordon D'Arcy, the least attack-minded 12 in Ireland, has had no challengers to his jersey, because none have been allowed until yesterday.

I'm not encouraging a wholesale change policy, but playing for the Irish rugby team is definitely one of those honours that's harder to get than to get rid of.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 25, 2013, 10:39:42 AM
Quote from: NAG1 on February 25, 2013, 10:26:48 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 25, 2013, 10:24:40 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 25, 2013, 10:05:18 AM
Hook didn't hammer Jackson directly, moreso a dig at Kidney for not having Madigan start instead. He wasn't advocating ROG at all and even derided his 15 minute cameo where things went from bad to worse.

I thought it was a bit harsh on RTÉ's analysis saying that the turning point in the game was jacksons missed kick to touch, jez this was an error ridden Irish performance and even then one bit of quality to make the most of the several line breaks would have in all likelihood ended up in a victory.

Kidney is now paying for his sins on not giving new blood a go a few years back and now his hand is forced with lack of experience in key positions, Luke Marshall should have had more run outs in the green and is now a good option in one of the centre positions but it may be too late for Kidney as I can't see him in charge beyond this 6N's campaign.

Would Conor O'Shea be mad enough to take the role on?

Its funny that RTE said that was the turning point. BBC said that it swung when Kearney opted to take the ball into contact, resulting in a penalty when there was oceans of space to kick into! Regarding O'Shea, he is someone I really like and is doing great work with Harlequins. Mark Mc Call is also doing well at Saracens but perhaps both a few years off. Thats not to say I wouldnt be happy if either got the call. For me though I think Joe Schmidt is the man to replace Kidney!

Dont think it would matter who the coach is, the simple fact is that the players are not there to work with. Even if you go on size alone they are miles off.

I would agree with you on conditioning. We are no where near the level England/Wales and France are at however our results at U20, U18 and Schools level suggests that we do indeed have the young players coming through. It is Deccie and previous to that Eddies reluctance to bring through youth that is currently holding us back. Take yesterday for example, would Ian Henderson really have done any worse than O'Callaghan?!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on February 25, 2013, 11:16:52 AM
Why would Sexton not have been named Captain, prior to his injury?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 25, 2013, 11:22:15 AM
Quote from: trileacman on February 25, 2013, 12:21:50 AM
Quote from: moysider on February 25, 2013, 12:10:28 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 24, 2013, 09:16:56 PM
I think Earls didn't see O'Driscoll inside him. We didn't deserve to win because we didn't make or take the chances.

What's worse? Not seeing him or seeing him and choosing not to pass?

That was as good a chance as you get at this level. O Driscoll was irate.

Marshall had a chance to put Gilroy in earlier but Gilroy, in fairness had overrun a bit and the pass would have been forward anyway if it stuck. Without doing any more today - with a shite scrum and great Scottish pressure on our lineout - we still should have walked in 2 more tries and won this match.

Still, that would only have been papering over cracks that need to be properly filled.

Meh, its a two way street between over running a pass and holding the pass to long. Marshall was as suspect as Gilroy, you shouldn't expect your supporting players to check their runs on an open field break at full pelt.

No but Gilroy's support line was awful he was running away from the ball towards space, he needs to funnel in so he is there to take the pass or secure the ruck.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: NAG1 on February 25, 2013, 11:39:16 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 25, 2013, 11:22:15 AM
Quote from: trileacman on February 25, 2013, 12:21:50 AM
Quote from: moysider on February 25, 2013, 12:10:28 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 24, 2013, 09:16:56 PM
I think Earls didn't see O'Driscoll inside him. We didn't deserve to win because we didn't make or take the chances.

What's worse? Not seeing him or seeing him and choosing not to pass?

That was as good a chance as you get at this level. O Driscoll was irate.

Marshall had a chance to put Gilroy in earlier but Gilroy, in fairness had overrun a bit and the pass would have been forward anyway if it stuck. Without doing any more today - with a shite scrum and great Scottish pressure on our lineout - we still should have walked in 2 more tries and won this match.

Still, that would only have been papering over cracks that need to be properly filled.

Meh, its a two way street between over running a pass and holding the pass to long. Marshall was as suspect as Gilroy, you shouldn't expect your supporting players to check their runs on an open field break at full pelt.

No but Gilroy's support line was awful he was running away from the ball towards space, he needs to funnel in so he is there to take the pass or secure the ruck.

Gilroy's line was fine the execution of the pass was woeful, waited too long to play the pass trying to commit the defender and couldn't execute under the pressure. It was a 3-4 yard pop pass?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on February 25, 2013, 12:24:38 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 25, 2013, 10:05:18 AM
I thought it was a bit harsh on RTÉ's analysis saying that the turning point in the game was jacksons missed kick to touch, jez this was an error ridden Irish performance and even then one bit of quality to make the most of the several line breaks would have in all likelihood ended up in a victory.
There was a 'turning point mistake a minute' in that game, effected by most every player.

Wasn't there a game (I forget which one) where Shane Byrne had a nightmare like Best, with his throw-ins to the line?
Unlike Shane, at least Best did get it  together at some stage.

Is there any debate about the scrum-half position?
I thought Murray has somewhat improved from last year.


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Canalman on February 25, 2013, 12:29:39 PM
Think SB's  game was during the Lion's tour.........could be wrong though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on February 25, 2013, 12:33:52 PM
Over the weekend I heard a RTE commentary on a try being scored, as TOUCHDOWN !!!

but it wasn't from one of the 2 regulars.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 25, 2013, 12:47:52 PM
Quote from: NAG1 on February 25, 2013, 11:39:16 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 25, 2013, 11:22:15 AM
Quote from: trileacman on February 25, 2013, 12:21:50 AM
Quote from: moysider on February 25, 2013, 12:10:28 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 24, 2013, 09:16:56 PM
I think Earls didn't see O'Driscoll inside him. We didn't deserve to win because we didn't make or take the chances.

What's worse? Not seeing him or seeing him and choosing not to pass?

That was as good a chance as you get at this level. O Driscoll was irate.

Marshall had a chance to put Gilroy in earlier but Gilroy, in fairness had overrun a bit and the pass would have been forward anyway if it stuck. Without doing any more today - with a shite scrum and great Scottish pressure on our lineout - we still should have walked in 2 more tries and won this match.

Still, that would only have been papering over cracks that need to be properly filled.

Meh, its a two way street between over running a pass and holding the pass to long. Marshall was as suspect as Gilroy, you shouldn't expect your supporting players to check their runs on an open field break at full pelt.

No but Gilroy's support line was awful he was running away from the ball towards space, he needs to funnel in so he is there to take the pass or secure the ruck.

Gilroy's line was fine the execution of the pass was woeful, waited too long to play the pass trying to commit the defender and couldn't execute under the pressure. It was a 3-4 yard pop pass?

Ignore the execution of the pass, Gilroy never changed his angle of support he needs to be coming towards the ball and the ball carrier. It's a fundamental in support play. It was an 8-10m pass, and if Gilroy was running the right line he would have been looking to gather the pass at  6-8m from the carrier.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsGzU4dryzs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsGzU4dryzs)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: NAG1 on February 25, 2013, 01:00:25 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 25, 2013, 12:47:52 PM
Quote from: NAG1 on February 25, 2013, 11:39:16 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 25, 2013, 11:22:15 AM
Quote from: trileacman on February 25, 2013, 12:21:50 AM
Quote from: moysider on February 25, 2013, 12:10:28 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 24, 2013, 09:16:56 PM
I think Earls didn't see O'Driscoll inside him. We didn't deserve to win because we didn't make or take the chances.

What's worse? Not seeing him or seeing him and choosing not to pass?

That was as good a chance as you get at this level. O Driscoll was irate.

Marshall had a chance to put Gilroy in earlier but Gilroy, in fairness had overrun a bit and the pass would have been forward anyway if it stuck. Without doing any more today - with a shite scrum and great Scottish pressure on our lineout - we still should have walked in 2 more tries and won this match.

Still, that would only have been papering over cracks that need to be properly filled.

Meh, its a two way street between over running a pass and holding the pass to long. Marshall was as suspect as Gilroy, you shouldn't expect your supporting players to check their runs on an open field break at full pelt.

No but Gilroy's support line was awful he was running away from the ball towards space, he needs to funnel in so he is there to take the pass or secure the ruck.

Gilroy's line was fine the execution of the pass was woeful, waited too long to play the pass trying to commit the defender and couldn't execute under the pressure. It was a 3-4 yard pop pass?

Ignore the execution of the pass, Gilroy never changed his angle of support he needs to be coming towards the ball and the ball carrier. It's a fundamental in support play. It was an 8-10m pass, and if Gilroy was running the right line he would have been looking to gather the pass at  6-8m from the carrier.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsGzU4dryzs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsGzU4dryzs)

OK slightly more than 3-4 yards, but the fact remains someone who is at this level should be able to pass the ball over that distance at pace and with completion, Gilroy is entitled to think that the player is capable of making such a basic pass, while continuing his run to make best use of the space ahead, no to be worried about cutting in incase the other guy is useless and cant make the pass or that he is going to go into contact and he needs to be there to support the break down. The pass was on and it should have been made, simple.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on February 25, 2013, 01:54:45 PM
Quote from: deiseach on February 25, 2013, 10:20:03 AM
It's going to be interesting watching the nouveau Irish rugby supporters adjusting to the reality of us being mediocre, at best. One Grand Slam in 61 years was no accident. Roll on 2070!

In fairness Ireland have by far the worst injury list in the 6 Nations at present with half the first team out injured or suspended in Healy's case and a few more handy bench options also out injured.  Despite that they could have and maybe should have won the last two games against England and Scotland. Certainly yesterday they practically threw away a game they should have had almost wrapped up at half-time. Kidney's time is up but he has been a dealt a tough hand recently even if he hasn't helped himself by clinging onto some old campaigners who are well over the hill now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on February 25, 2013, 02:16:36 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 25, 2013, 12:19:29 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 24, 2013, 11:07:24 PM
It's been written a few times already, but the lack of leadership today in a team with 1,000 odd caps was shocking.

I doubt Rory Best will play as badly again in his life, but there's a few of his counterparts who look done. ROG is easy pickings (and rightly so), but Heaslip and O'Driscoll were miles off it today. Kearney too. While I hope Gilroy was injured, for replacing him with a player of literally half his ability makes no sense on any other level.

Jackson wasn't great, but wasn't bad either. It's amazing how nobody in the Irish team can kick a dead ball apart from our fly halves.

Kidney had a very very poor day today.

Earls, ROG and Sean O'Brien made some shocking errors, O'Brien in particular has faded since his initial breakthrough year in the HC and should be worried about his place. The other two simply shouldn't be playing.

O'Brien has been one of the few Irish players to maintain his reputation during the 6 Nations and he's been Ireland's best backrower by a mile (admittedly the competition had been Heaslip and O'Mahoney who have been fairly average). He's putting up huge tackling and carrying numbers, he's making by far the most yards and he's won some turnovers. Only black mark against him is that he's given away some penalties but again his fellow backrowers have conceded just as many if not more.

He's about the last player that needs replacing on the Ireland team because if he's not there I'm not sure who's going to carry the ball effectively amongst those forwards. Especially with Healy and Ferris missing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 25, 2013, 02:20:06 PM
Quote from: highorlow on February 25, 2013, 09:58:09 AM
QuoteLimerick and Waterford hurlers didn't win any all Irelands over the last 15 years.

and?
2 of the best teams and they didn't win anything. Someone upthread said in GAA the best teams always win.
They don't.  Luck and balls and history are just as important in GAA as in rugby. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Canalman on February 25, 2013, 03:00:37 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 25, 2013, 02:20:06 PM
Quote from: highorlow on February 25, 2013, 09:58:09 AM
QuoteLimerick and Waterford hurlers didn't win any all Irelands over the last 15 years.

and?
2 of the best teams and they didn't win anything. Someone upthread said in GAA the best teams always win.
They don't.  Luck and balls and history are just as important in GAA as in rugby.

Have massive respect for both counties but have to say that imvho that neither county were ever the "best team" during any one of the championship seasons for the last 15 years. Close maybe (especially Waterford)  but not the best . In my opinion anyway.

Now the Limerick team of the mid 1990s is a different beast. A team that really should have won an AI.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 25, 2013, 03:08:29 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 25, 2013, 10:24:40 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 25, 2013, 10:05:18 AM
Hook didn't hammer Jackson directly, moreso a dig at Kidney for not having Madigan start instead. He wasn't advocating ROG at all and even derided his 15 minute cameo where things went from bad to worse.

I thought it was a bit harsh on RTÉ's analysis saying that the turning point in the game was jacksons missed kick to touch, jez this was an error ridden Irish performance and even then one bit of quality to make the most of the several line breaks would have in all likelihood ended up in a victory.

Kidney is now paying for his sins on not giving new blood a go a few years back and now his hand is forced with lack of experience in key positions, Luke Marshall should have had more run outs in the green and is now a good option in one of the centre positions but it may be too late for Kidney as I can't see him in charge beyond this 6N's campaign.

Would Conor O'Shea be mad enough to take the role on?

Its funny that RTE said that was the turning point. BBC said that it swung when Kearney opted to take the ball into contact, resulting in a penalty when there was oceans of space to kick into! Regarding O'Shea, he is someone I really like and is doing great work with Harlequins. Mark Mc Call is also doing well at Saracens but perhaps both a few years off. Thats not to say I wouldnt be happy if either got the call. For me though I think Joe Schmidt is the man to replace Kidney!

Kearney received the ball from the kick when Jackson's penalty missed touch. It was practically the same piece of action and instead of an Irish line out inside their 22, it was a Scottish penalty around half way. IIRC it started with Jackson and finished with Kearney.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on February 25, 2013, 03:23:15 PM
Would the IRFU have enough sway with Ulster to insist that Jackson takes over kicking duties from Ruan Pineaar as is being suggested by Tony Ward in some paper or other?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: NAG1 on February 25, 2013, 03:26:09 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 25, 2013, 03:23:15 PM
Would the IRFU have enough sway with Ulster to insist that Jackson takes over kicking duties from Ruan Pineaar as is being suggested by Tony Ward in some paper or other?

No  ;)

But the South African's do have enough sway to dictate to Ulster where to play Ruan in their team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 25, 2013, 03:40:08 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 25, 2013, 03:23:15 PM
Would the IRFU have enough sway with Ulster to insist that Jackson takes over kicking duties from Ruan Pineaar as is being suggested by Tony Ward in some paper or other?
It's got to be better for the health of Irish rugby that Ulster progress as far as possible in the Heineken Cup. Handicapping them wouldn't do any favours.

I'd guess that the only time David Humphreys didn't kick in his career was when Simon Mason was playing alongside him. It wasn't that Humphreys was a poor goal kicker then (though he did get more consistent with age), just that Mason was an exceptionally talented kicker. It's something similar now.

I've mentioned it above, but the notion the fly-halves must be the kickers has become a strange Irish thing. Granted, by nature they tend to have a bigger kick than most players, but scan just the Six Nations this year and Wales, France and Scotland have moved goal kicking duties around the team. Indeed, Scotland almost have an aversion to having a goal kicking stand off.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Craigyhill Terror on February 25, 2013, 04:33:56 PM
Quote from: NAG1 on February 25, 2013, 03:26:09 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 25, 2013, 03:23:15 PM
Would the IRFU have enough sway with Ulster to insist that Jackson takes over kicking duties from Ruan Pineaar as is being suggested by Tony Ward in some paper or other?

No  ;)

But the South African's do have enough sway to dictate to Ulster where to play Ruan in their team.

You mean at scrum-half, by far his best position? Ulster must be disgusted they have to do that
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rosnarun on February 25, 2013, 04:42:56 PM
hard to say the better team lost because they of a poor kicker . who would say the same about A wales when stephen Jones missed a sitter to gift an outplayed  Ireland a grandslam?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on February 25, 2013, 05:20:17 PM
Quote from: rosnarun on February 25, 2013, 04:42:56 PM
hard to say the better team lost because they of a poor kicker . who would say the same about A wales when stephen Jones missed a sitter to gift an outplayed  Ireland a grandslam?

I don't recall Ireland being outplayed in that game in the slightest. It was a close game with Wales going ahead first, Ireland coming back, Wales ahead again before O'Gara's drop goal put Ireland ahead late on. Indeed Ireland scored 2 tries to Wales' 0 that day.

Jones' kick was hardly a sitter either. He was almost on the half-way line.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 25, 2013, 05:27:56 PM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on February 25, 2013, 05:20:17 PM
Quote from: rosnarun on February 25, 2013, 04:42:56 PM
hard to say the better team lost because they of a poor kicker . who would say the same about A wales when stephen Jones missed a sitter to gift an outplayed  Ireland a grandslam?

I don't recall Ireland being outplayed in that game in the slightest. It was a close game with Wales going ahead first, Ireland coming back, Wales ahead again before O'Gara's drop goal put Ireland ahead late on. Indeed Ireland scored 2 tries to Wales' 0 that day.

Jones' kick was hardly a sitter either. He was almost on the half-way line.

Henson was the man to hit that one. In the past Jones had let the hairdo hit the long range ones.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7YjAfBETjc (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7YjAfBETjc)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on February 26, 2013, 12:56:53 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on February 25, 2013, 11:16:52 AM
Why would Sexton not have been named Captain, prior to his injury?

Well for one thing, the IRFU would have been obliged to offer him a better contract - but hopefully that's not the reason!

I agree that on the face of it he'd make a good captain, but very few out halves are made captain. I can't remember the last time any of the big 5 in the North and the big 3 in the south had an out half as their long term captain (although I may be forgetting an obvious one). For a position where leadership is often a common characteristic, they seem to be made captains rarely enough.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on February 26, 2013, 01:02:47 PM
Quote from: Hound on February 26, 2013, 12:56:53 PM
I agree that on the face of it he'd make a good captain, but very few out halves are made captain. I can't remember the last time any of the big 5 in the North and the big 3 in the south had an out half as their long term captain (although I may be forgetting an obvious one). For a position where leadership is often a common characteristic, they seem to be made captains rarely enough.

I can't think of many offhand either. Michael Lynagh is one, although he only got the job after Nick Farr-Jones had retired. Perhaps because an outhalf has a licence to be spontaneous it doesn't sit well with the idea of a sober, sensible captain. Any captain who tried the stunt O'Gara attempted against Scotland wouldn't be captain for long!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 26, 2013, 01:03:10 PM
Gerry Thornleys take on Sunday...

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2013/0226/1224330517913.html

Conor O'Shea now favourite to replace Kidney...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2013/feb/25/conor-oshea-ireland-declan-kidney
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 26, 2013, 05:19:30 PM
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2013/feb/26/six-nations-oshea-ireland-job


Doesn't want it. Need to stop thinking of Ireland as a primo job. I think Schmidt will hold out for a Southern Hempishere job, don't think he would touch Ireland, keen to get back to his own NZ too.

I'd say Michael Bradley could end up with the job or else some ex Ulster-man. O'Shea (kinda) and Schmidt especially are overqualified for a mid-ranking international job.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Premier Emperor on February 26, 2013, 05:41:34 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 24, 2013, 05:01:19 PM
Those Leinster players should have the skill and execution to be capable of beating Scotland.
The golden era of Irish rugby was when it was backboned by Munster players.
More recently Leinster and now Ulster are supplying the bulk of them team and they have gone to sh1te.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on February 27, 2013, 08:44:52 AM
Quote from: Premier Emperor on February 26, 2013, 05:41:34 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 24, 2013, 05:01:19 PM
Those Leinster players should have the skill and execution to be capable of beating Scotland.
The golden era of Irish rugby was when it was backboned by Munster players.
More recently Leinster and now Ulster are supplying the bulk of them team and they have gone to sh1te.

Yep, Oh how Tipps finest son, Denis Leamy is missed, hands like feet that man!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Declan on February 27, 2013, 09:23:34 AM
Had a chuckle at this:

Ross O'Carroll-Kelly ‏@RossOCK
A new low. I was telling children on the way out of 'Alone It Stands' at the Olympia last night: "It didn't happen. It's just made up."
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Premier Emperor on February 27, 2013, 09:54:57 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 27, 2013, 08:44:52 AM
Quote from: Premier Emperor on February 26, 2013, 05:41:34 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 24, 2013, 05:01:19 PM
Those Leinster players should have the skill and execution to be capable of beating Scotland.
The golden era of Irish rugby was when it was backboned by Munster players.
More recently Leinster and now Ulster are supplying the bulk of them team and they have gone to sh1te.

Yep, Oh how Tipps finest son, Denis Leamy is missed, hands like feet that man!
He'd do much better than Jamie Feetslip at the moment.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 27, 2013, 10:19:43 AM
Quote from: trileacman on February 26, 2013, 05:19:30 PM
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2013/feb/26/six-nations-oshea-ireland-job


Doesn't want it. Need to stop thinking of Ireland as a primo job. I think Schmidt will hold out for a Southern Hempishere job, don't think he would touch Ireland, keen to get back to his own NZ too.

I'd say Michael Bradley could end up with the job or else some ex Ulster-man. O'Shea (kinda) and Schmidt especially are overqualified for a mid-ranking international job.

Agree about Schmidt but not necessarily on O'Shea. You can see from the way Conor talks on RTE, that he is passionate about his country doing well. If you feel that he has he sights on a 'bigger job', namely England then he is going to have to wait a few years as Lancaster could be around for a while!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on February 27, 2013, 10:24:37 AM
Would the Irish job pay better than the Harlequins gig he has at the minute?

O'Shea is shrewd and knows Ireland will be rebuilding for another few years and he may wait until then to work with talented but more mature players when Gilroy, Zebo etc get a few more international games under their belts.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 27, 2013, 10:28:43 AM
I feel it would be just too big an opportunity to turn down. With his experience from being head at the RFU Academy I feel he could be best suited! Sometimes there is less pressure during a rebuilding phase than when these players hit their peak!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 27, 2013, 10:46:15 AM
Quote from: Premier Emperor on February 27, 2013, 09:54:57 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 27, 2013, 08:44:52 AM
Quote from: Premier Emperor on February 26, 2013, 05:41:34 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 24, 2013, 05:01:19 PM
Those Leinster players should have the skill and execution to be capable of beating Scotland.
The golden era of Irish rugby was when it was backboned by Munster players.
More recently Leinster and now Ulster are supplying the bulk of them team and they have gone to sh1te.

Yep, Oh how Tipps finest son, Denis Leamy is missed, hands like feet that man!
He'd do much better than Jamie Feetslip at the moment.

Heaslip has come in for a lot a flack but his performance levels have been ok, he suffers from lack of competition. I think the real elephant in the back row as highlighted before the 6 Nations is Peter O'Mahony. In the last two games, he has carried 13 times for a total of 32 meters. He has made 5 tackles and taken 6 line outs. In the entire 6 Nations, he has passed the ball twice. 5 tackles for a 6 is just awful.  Henderson should start ahead of him the next day.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on February 27, 2013, 11:14:09 AM
Quote from: rosnarun on February 25, 2013, 04:42:56 PM
hard to say the better team lost because they of a poor kicker . who would say the same about A wales when stephen Jones missed a sitter to gift an outplayed  Ireland a grandslam?

Well good to see your total lack of knowledge stretches from all things Mayo football  to Irish Rugby. That's a consistency that poor old Declan Kidney could only dream about!! ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on February 27, 2013, 11:27:41 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 27, 2013, 10:46:15 AM
Quote from: Premier Emperor on February 27, 2013, 09:54:57 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 27, 2013, 08:44:52 AM
Quote from: Premier Emperor on February 26, 2013, 05:41:34 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 24, 2013, 05:01:19 PM
Those Leinster players should have the skill and execution to be capable of beating Scotland.
The golden era of Irish rugby was when it was backboned by Munster players.
More recently Leinster and now Ulster are supplying the bulk of them team and they have gone to sh1te.

Yep, Oh how Tipps finest son, Denis Leamy is missed, hands like feet that man!
He'd do much better than Jamie Feetslip at the moment.

Heaslip has come in for a lot a flack but his performance levels have been ok, he suffers from lack of competition. I think the real elephant in the back row as highlighted before the 6 Nations is Peter O'Mahony. In the last two games, he has carried 13 times for a total of 32 meters. He has made 5 tackles and taken 6 line outs. In the entire 6 Nations, he has passed the ball twice. 5 tackles for a 6 is just awful.  Henderson should start ahead of him the next day.

A bit harsh on O' Mahoney there Dinny. Stats never tell the true story just look at the overall team stats for Ireland v Scotland! O' Mahony carries might be short in meters but he takes on the grunt carries in close to the ruck to keep continuity of attacking play with O' Brien being asked to take on the bulk of the line break carries. This is obviously a team strategy and Heaslip also suffers from this strategy as well. I do agree Henderson should be in the team but in the secondrow which is his best position (just watch any Ireland U20's match from the last two years) and it's where you will see him play once Ferris is fully fit again for Ulster.O'Mahony's  work with Donnacha Ryan, Heaslip and Ross on clear outs at ruck time is immense and he was up there for MOTM in the Welsh game before he went off injured! I would agrue he has performed just as well in playing terms as Heaslip so far and personally I wouldn't drop either of them as I think our problems lie elswhere in the team and with our gameplan.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 27, 2013, 11:35:06 AM
Trust me as a back-row you live and die by tackles made and missed, it is your primary role in particular your 6.  Heaslip has made 30 tackles, O'Brien 28. You bracket him with Healy and Ryan in the great unseen work category yet they have made 27 and 26 tackles, that's 27 tackles in two games for Healy. Number of tackles made is a clear marker for work-rate something O'Mahony lacks. World class scuffler but below average work-rate for an International player.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 27, 2013, 01:05:03 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 27, 2013, 10:46:15 AM
Quote from: Premier Emperor on February 27, 2013, 09:54:57 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 27, 2013, 08:44:52 AM
Quote from: Premier Emperor on February 26, 2013, 05:41:34 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 24, 2013, 05:01:19 PM
Those Leinster players should have the skill and execution to be capable of beating Scotland.
The golden era of Irish rugby was when it was backboned by Munster players.
More recently Leinster and now Ulster are supplying the bulk of them team and they have gone to sh1te.

Yep, Oh how Tipps finest son, Denis Leamy is missed, hands like feet that man!
He'd do much better than Jamie Feetslip at the moment.

Heaslip has come in for a lot a flack but his performance levels have been ok, he suffers from lack of competition. I think the real elephant in the back row as highlighted before the 6 Nations is Peter O'Mahony. In the last two games, he has carried 13 times for a total of 32 meters. He has made 5 tackles and taken 6 line outs. In the entire 6 Nations, he has passed the ball twice. 5 tackles for a 6 is just awful.  Henderson should start ahead of him the next day.

I think Heaslip has been very poor this year Dinny. His 2 dropped balls, lack of conviction in the Scotland game, his lack of carries and giving away penalties at bad times makes me think he shouldn't be Captain and concentrate on his own game.

Unfortunately Hook was correct in one thing he said Plans A, B and C are give the ball to Sean O'Brien and aside from that our other lads are not performing in terms of carries or else it's a call from Kidney.

On the next manager issue I can't see O'Shea coming in. I think he would want to finish what he has started with Quins and get himself the experience necessary to take the next step as an International manager.

If we can't get the likes of Schmidt/Cheika then I think Ruddock has to be up there. A proven International manager who has based himself in Ireland and looked after the youth setup surely he has to be the man to lead the transition!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on February 27, 2013, 03:06:46 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 27, 2013, 10:28:43 AM
Sometimes there is less pressure during a rebuilding phase than when these players hit their peak!

You wouldn't think so, given the pressure on Kidney at present. Maybe it's that Declan doesn't realise it's a rebuilding phase.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 27, 2013, 03:16:31 PM
Quote from: Hardy on February 27, 2013, 03:06:46 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 27, 2013, 10:28:43 AM
Sometimes there is less pressure during a rebuilding phase than when these players hit their peak!

You wouldn't think so, given the pressure on Kidney at present. Maybe it's that Declan doesn't realise it's a rebuilding phase.

I think its time the IRFU realise a rebuilding phase is required.

Quote from: screenexile on February 27, 2013, 01:05:03 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 27, 2013, 10:46:15 AM
Quote from: Premier Emperor on February 27, 2013, 09:54:57 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 27, 2013, 08:44:52 AM
Quote from: Premier Emperor on February 26, 2013, 05:41:34 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 24, 2013, 05:01:19 PM
Those Leinster players should have the skill and execution to be capable of beating Scotland.
The golden era of Irish rugby was when it was backboned by Munster players.
More recently Leinster and now Ulster are supplying the bulk of them team and they have gone to sh1te.

Yep, Oh how Tipps finest son, Denis Leamy is missed, hands like feet that man!
He'd do much better than Jamie Feetslip at the moment.

Heaslip has come in for a lot a flack but his performance levels have been ok, he suffers from lack of competition. I think the real elephant in the back row as highlighted before the 6 Nations is Peter O'Mahony. In the last two games, he has carried 13 times for a total of 32 meters. He has made 5 tackles and taken 6 line outs. In the entire 6 Nations, he has passed the ball twice. 5 tackles for a 6 is just awful.  Henderson should start ahead of him the next day.

I think Heaslip has been very poor this year Dinny. His 2 dropped balls, lack of conviction in the Scotland game, his lack of carries and giving away penalties at bad times makes me think he shouldn't be Captain and concentrate on his own game.

Unfortunately Hook was correct in one thing he said Plans A, B and C are give the ball to Sean O'Brien and aside from that our other lads are not performing in terms of carries or else it's a call from Kidney.

On the next manager issue I can't see O'Shea coming in. I think he would want to finish what he has started with Quins and get himself the experience necessary to take the next step as an International manager.

If we can't get the likes of Schmidt/Cheika then I think Ruddock has to be up there. A proven International manager who has based himself in Ireland and looked after the youth setup surely he has to be the man to lead the transition!

Good call on Ruddock. Never really thought about him. Did Cheika not fall out badly with the senior Leinster players or am I imagining things?? Do Leinster fans on the board feel their policy of bringing through young players is working? I cant help but think of the likes of Macken, Conway, Jordi Murphy, Jack Mc Grath to name but a few have struggled to make the step up. Could it be a case whereby like any successful team youth policy is put on the back burner. If so should the IRFU distribute players equally across the 4 teams in order to maximise game time??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 27, 2013, 03:41:07 PM
Quote from: Hardy on February 27, 2013, 03:06:46 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 27, 2013, 10:28:43 AM
Sometimes there is less pressure during a rebuilding phase than when these players hit their peak!

You wouldn't think so, given the pressure on Kidney at present. Maybe it's that Declan doesn't realise it's a rebuilding phase.
didn't he bring a meitheal of new players in ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on February 27, 2013, 03:45:18 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 27, 2013, 03:41:07 PM
Quote from: Hardy on February 27, 2013, 03:06:46 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 27, 2013, 10:28:43 AM
Sometimes there is less pressure during a rebuilding phase than when these players hit their peak!

You wouldn't think so, given the pressure on Kidney at present. Maybe it's that Declan doesn't realise it's a rebuilding phase.
didn't he bring a meitheal of new players in ?

Because injuries forced him into it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 27, 2013, 03:50:40 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 27, 2013, 03:45:18 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 27, 2013, 03:41:07 PM
Quote from: Hardy on February 27, 2013, 03:06:46 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 27, 2013, 10:28:43 AM
Sometimes there is less pressure during a rebuilding phase than when these players hit their peak!

You wouldn't think so, given the pressure on Kidney at present. Maybe it's that Declan doesn't realise it's a rebuilding phase.
didn't he bring a meitheal of new players in ?

Because injuries forced him into it.
I hope it isn't Sean Boylan syndrome
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: highorlow on February 27, 2013, 04:44:08 PM
It's Jay-Z's fault.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 27, 2013, 04:52:05 PM
Quote from: highorlow on February 27, 2013, 04:44:08 PM
It's Jay-Z's fault.
Jaysus
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on February 27, 2013, 05:02:47 PM
Healy got the all clear for France. Finally some good news.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 27, 2013, 10:50:44 PM
Quote from: Hound on February 27, 2013, 05:02:47 PM
Healy got the all clear for France. Finally some good news.

Shouldn't have. If an English player did what he done and only got one match suspension I'd be livid. ERC fucked up the dates though. A premeditated and dangerous action, it's sets a dangerous precedent if that is only worth one match.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 28, 2013, 12:01:40 AM
Quote from: trileacman on February 27, 2013, 10:50:44 PM
Quote from: Hound on February 27, 2013, 05:02:47 PM
Healy got the all clear for France. Finally some good news.

Shouldn't have. If an English player did what he done and only got one match suspension I'd be livid. ERC fucked up the dates though. A premeditated and dangerous action, it's sets a dangerous precedent if that is only worth one match.

I agree it looked shocking, but Keith Wood's analysis of it on BBC was very interesting (to a non-rugby type like me). He said the stamp was slightly forward, which it was, but if it had been vertical (straight down) or with any rearward angle it would have been completely legal. He reckoned yellow card at the time and then end of the matter.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on February 28, 2013, 10:02:59 AM
Quote from: trileacman on February 27, 2013, 10:50:44 PM
Quote from: Hound on February 27, 2013, 05:02:47 PM
Healy got the all clear for France. Finally some good news.

Shouldn't have. If an English player did what he done and only got one match suspension I'd be livid. ERC fucked up the dates though. A premeditated and dangerous action, it's sets a dangerous precedent if that is only worth one match.
Absolute nonsense. Looked a lot worse than it actually was. Deserved a ban alright, but what he got was fair. The bit about not starting it for a week was bull and correctly overturned.

The English player involved (Dan Cole I think it was) gave evidence that he suffered no cuts or bruises as a result of the incident.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on February 28, 2013, 10:08:57 AM
Not an expert on Rugby by any means, but I have a number of thoughts or questions on this. Firstly why would the Captain insist that a youngster starting his first 6 nations match kick to the posts from an acute angle on his weaker side, why not kick for touch. Why then when presented with kickable penalties from the other side kick for touch when you know your lineup is shite and Rory Best couldn't have hit a dart board from 2 feet the way he was throwing. Why not develop and carry 2 or 3 kickers as other teams do and indeed other codes, (maybe Aaron Kernan could be drafted to take the left footers!) to take longer kicks and from left and right. Sexton is a leader on the pitch both vocally and the way he plays, why would his position stop him being captain, Rory Best is a leader even if he did have an off day, or is he too Ulster Proddy to captain Ireland? And finally the flack that Jackson has taken is unfair. I remember occasions when O'Gara missed easier kicks. Jackson was handed a difficult job on Sunday and one his Captain proceeded to make more difficult.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 28, 2013, 10:58:29 AM
Quote from: Applesisapples on February 28, 2013, 10:08:57 AM
Not an expert on Rugby by any means, but I have a number of thoughts or questions on this. Firstly why would the Captain insist that a youngster starting his first 6 nations match kick to the posts from an acute angle on his weaker side, why not kick for touch. Why then when presented with kickable penalties from the other side kick for touch when you know your lineup is shite and Rory Best couldn't have hit a dart board from 2 feet the way he was throwing. Why not develop and carry 2 or 3 kickers as other teams do and indeed other codes, (maybe Aaron Kernan could be drafted to take the left footers!) to take longer kicks and from left and right. Sexton is a leader on the pitch both vocally and the way he plays, why would his position stop him being captain, Rory Best is a leader even if he did have an off day, or is he too Ulster Proddy to captain Ireland? And finally the flack that Jackson has taken is unfair. I remember occasions when O'Gara missed easier kicks. Jackson was handed a difficult job on Sunday and one his Captain proceeded to make more difficult.

Not an expert on Rugby by any means, but I have a number of thoughts or questions on this.

Firstly why would the Captain insist that a youngster starting his first 6 nations match kick to the posts from an acute angle on his weaker side, why not kick for touch.

He's an international place kicker. Nobody has 100% accuracy from kicking, but it's generally accepted that at the start of matches and in close matches, you take every kick at goal you can get.


Why then when presented with kickable penalties from the other side kick for touch when you know your lineup is shite and Rory Best couldn't have hit a dart board from 2 feet the way he was throwing.

Mainly because the captain had lost confidence  in his kicking ability. As for Rory Best, his throwing improved immeasurably over the course of the game, and he has been a key part of a strong irish line-out for a number of years.


Why not develop and carry 2 or 3 kickers as other teams do and indeed other codes, (maybe Aaron Kernan could be drafted to take the left footers!) to take longer kicks and from left and right.

If they haven't developed as reliable kickers by the time they become internationals, they're not going to do it when they are internationals. Booting an oval ball 50 yards is unnatural anyway, but doing so when 50,000 in the crowd and 500,000 at home demand excellence, will show up any flaws in techniques. There is an oddity in Irish rugby in that there are so few place kickers at provincial level who play anything but out-half, but that's not a problem the national team has created.


Sexton is a leader on the pitch both vocally and the way he plays, why would his position stop him being captain,

Because a no.10 is the most important decision maker in every attacking play, and needs to concentrate on that aspect of the game, they are rarely burdened with worrying about what forwards are up to, or who is doing what in defensive lines.


Rory Best is a leader even if he did have an off day, or is he too Ulster Proddy to captain Ireland?

Oh FFS, grow up.


And finally the flack that Jackson has taken is unfair. I remember occasions when O'Gara missed easier kicks. Jackson was handed a difficult job on Sunday and one his Captain proceeded to make more difficult.

Jackson hasn't actually taken that much flak. There's very few people who have been outwardly dismissive of him. There were bigger issues with Ireland's performance on Saturday. But in all likelihood, despite those issues, with a better kicker, Ireland would have probably won.

modified: Also, ROG has won more MOTM awards than he count for doing very little more than kicking the ball over the posts. That's the rub with being a placekicker; when you miss, it's all you.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: snoopdog on February 28, 2013, 12:26:57 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on February 28, 2013, 10:08:57 AM
Not an expert on Rugby by any means, but I have a number of thoughts or questions on this. Firstly why would the Captain insist that a youngster starting his first 6 nations match kick to the posts from an acute angle on his weaker side, why not kick for touch. Why then when presented with kickable penalties from the other side kick for touch when you know your lineup is shite and Rory Best couldn't have hit a dart board from 2 feet the way he was throwing. Why not develop and carry 2 or 3 kickers as other teams do and indeed other codes, (maybe Aaron Kernan could be drafted to take the left footers!) to take longer kicks and from left and right. Sexton is a leader on the pitch both vocally and the way he plays, why would his position stop him being captain, Rory Best is a leader even if he did have an off day, or is he too Ulster Proddy to captain Ireland? And finally the flack that Jackson has taken is unfair. I remember occasions when O'Gara missed easier kicks. Jackson was handed a difficult job on Sunday and one his Captain proceeded to make more difficult.

not an expert or do i want to be. Maybe they have the wrong guy as captain. also why would people call for Kidney to go. Is he not the only guy in 60 years to win anything for them. Short memories, the golden era of irish rugby is nearly at an end, they will never produce players like odriscoll etc again.
Like i say i know nothing about rugby, just an outsider looking in.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 28, 2013, 01:19:05 PM
Quote from: snoopdog on February 28, 2013, 12:26:57 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on February 28, 2013, 10:08:57 AM
Not an expert on Rugby by any means, but I have a number of thoughts or questions on this. Firstly why would the Captain insist that a youngster starting his first 6 nations match kick to the posts from an acute angle on his weaker side, why not kick for touch. Why then when presented with kickable penalties from the other side kick for touch when you know your lineup is shite and Rory Best couldn't have hit a dart board from 2 feet the way he was throwing. Why not develop and carry 2 or 3 kickers as other teams do and indeed other codes, (maybe Aaron Kernan could be drafted to take the left footers!) to take longer kicks and from left and right. Sexton is a leader on the pitch both vocally and the way he plays, why would his position stop him being captain, Rory Best is a leader even if he did have an off day, or is he too Ulster Proddy to captain Ireland? And finally the flack that Jackson has taken is unfair. I remember occasions when O'Gara missed easier kicks. Jackson was handed a difficult job on Sunday and one his Captain proceeded to make more difficult.

not an expert or do i want to be. Maybe they have the wrong guy as captain. also why would people call for Kidney to go. Is he not the only guy in 60 years to win anything for them. Short memories, the golden era of irish rugby is nearly at an end, they will never produce players like odriscoll etc again.
Like i say i know nothing about rugby, just an outsider looking in.

I wouldn't be too worried about Jackson as I think if they persevere with him there he will come good.

I can remember lads on here not that long ago saying Sexton wasn't up to it with the boot and that O'Gara should have held the No. 10 jersey and look how wrong that was. I think under Sexton Jackson will have a good tutelage and be Ireland's no. 10 within the next 5 years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 28, 2013, 06:29:12 PM
JJ Hanrahan will be the successor to Sexton when he is done.Jackson will be forgotten about soon enough.-
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 28, 2013, 08:01:12 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 28, 2013, 06:29:12 PM
JJ Hanrahan will be the successor to Sexton when he is done.Jackson will be forgotten about soon enough.-

Very exciting player! If anything Ireland u20s were better last year when he took over the out half position from Jackson. Does he kick for Munster?? Needs game time though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on February 28, 2013, 08:12:59 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 28, 2013, 08:01:12 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 28, 2013, 06:29:12 PM
JJ Hanrahan will be the successor to Sexton when he is done.Jackson will be forgotten about soon enough.-

Very exciting player! If anything Ireland u20s were better last year when he took over the out half position from Jackson. Does he kick for Munster?? Needs game time though.


No , O Gara or Ian Keatley kick with Munster.

Healy available for the French game, and Sexton might make it aswell http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/healy-reprieve-boosts-beleaguered-ireland-for-france-test-224054.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 28, 2013, 08:24:50 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on February 28, 2013, 08:12:59 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 28, 2013, 08:01:12 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 28, 2013, 06:29:12 PM
JJ Hanrahan will be the successor to Sexton when he is done.Jackson will be forgotten about soon enough.-

Very exciting player! If anything Ireland u20s were better last year when he took over the out half position from Jackson. Does he kick for Munster?? Needs game time though.


No , O Gara or Ian Keatley kick with Munster.

Healy available for the French game, and Sexton might make it aswell http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/healy-reprieve-boosts-beleaguered-ireland-for-france-test-224054.html

Keatley simply isn't good enough. Offers nothing. Therein lies the problem with Irish rugby. Hanrahan should be fast tracked to be ready for international rugby. It's as much a provincial issue as it is national.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on February 28, 2013, 08:41:03 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 28, 2013, 08:24:50 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on February 28, 2013, 08:12:59 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 28, 2013, 08:01:12 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 28, 2013, 06:29:12 PM
JJ Hanrahan will be the successor to Sexton when he is done.Jackson will be forgotten about soon enough.-

Very exciting player! If anything Ireland u20s were better last year when he took over the out half position from Jackson. Does he kick for Munster?? Needs game time though.


No , O Gara or Ian Keatley kick with Munster.

Healy available for the French game, and Sexton might make it aswell http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/healy-reprieve-boosts-beleaguered-ireland-for-france-test-224054.html

Keatley simply isn't good enough. Offers nothing. Therein lies the problem with Irish rugby. Hanrahan should be fast tracked to be ready for international rugby. It's as much a provincial issue as it is national.

To be honest I think Keatley is a very versatile player. He has played Full back with Munster this season. Oviously hard for him to get a regular run in his best position at Fly Half with O Gara still around.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 28, 2013, 08:45:09 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on February 28, 2013, 08:41:03 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 28, 2013, 08:24:50 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on February 28, 2013, 08:12:59 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 28, 2013, 08:01:12 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 28, 2013, 06:29:12 PM
JJ Hanrahan will be the successor to Sexton when he is done.Jackson will be forgotten about soon enough.-

Very exciting player! If anything Ireland u20s were better last year when he took over the out half position from Jackson. Does he kick for Munster?? Needs game time though.


No , O Gara or Ian Keatley kick with Munster.

Healy available for the French game, and Sexton might make it aswell http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/healy-reprieve-boosts-beleaguered-ireland-for-france-test-224054.html

Keatley simply isn't good enough. Offers nothing. Therein lies the problem with Irish rugby. Hanrahan should be fast tracked to be ready for international rugby. It's as much a provincial issue as it is national.

To be honest I think Keatley is a very versatile player. He has played Full back with Munster this season. Oviously hard for him to get a regular run in his best position at Fly Half with O Gara still around.

Seen him at Ravenhill last year. Doesn't threaten the opposition as he is slow and his kicking isn't great!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: moysider on February 28, 2013, 10:24:16 PM
Quote from: snoopdog on February 28, 2013, 12:26:57 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on February 28, 2013, 10:08:57 AM
Not an expert on Rugby by any means, but I have a number of thoughts or questions on this. Firstly why would the Captain insist that a youngster starting his first 6 nations match kick to the posts from an acute angle on his weaker side, why not kick for touch. Why then when presented with kickable penalties from the other side kick for touch when you know your lineup is shite and Rory Best couldn't have hit a dart board from 2 feet the way he was throwing. Why not develop and carry 2 or 3 kickers as other teams do and indeed other codes, (maybe Aaron Kernan could be drafted to take the left footers!) to take longer kicks and from left and right. Sexton is a leader on the pitch both vocally and the way he plays, why would his position stop him being captain, Rory Best is a leader even if he did have an off day, or is he too Ulster Proddy to captain Ireland? And finally the flack that Jackson has taken is unfair. I remember occasions when O'Gara missed easier kicks. Jackson was handed a difficult job on Sunday and one his Captain proceeded to make more difficult.

not an expert or do i want to be. Maybe they have the wrong guy as captain. also why would people call for Kidney to go. Is he not the only guy in 60 years to win anything for them. Short memories, the golden era of irish rugby is nearly at an end, they will never produce players like odriscoll etc again.Like i say i know nothing about rugby, just an outsider looking in.

If you know nothing about rugby, why do you make a statement like that then? Why even care?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on February 28, 2013, 10:49:08 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 28, 2013, 08:45:09 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on February 28, 2013, 08:41:03 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 28, 2013, 08:24:50 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on February 28, 2013, 08:12:59 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 28, 2013, 08:01:12 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 28, 2013, 06:29:12 PM
JJ Hanrahan will be the successor to Sexton when he is done.Jackson will be forgotten about soon enough.-

Very exciting player! If anything Ireland u20s were better last year when he took over the out half position from Jackson. Does he kick for Munster?? Needs game time though.


No , O Gara or Ian Keatley kick with Munster.

Healy available for the French game, and Sexton might make it aswell http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/healy-reprieve-boosts-beleaguered-ireland-for-france-test-224054.html

Keatley simply isn't good enough. Offers nothing. Therein lies the problem with Irish rugby. Hanrahan should be fast tracked to be ready for international rugby. It's as much a provincial issue as it is national.

To be honest I think Keatley is a very versatile player. He has played Full back with Munster this season. Oviously hard for him to get a regular run in his best position at Fly Half with O Gara still around.

Seen him at Ravenhill last year. Doesn't threaten the opposition as he is slow and his kicking isn't great!

Keatley isn't that slow. I saw him catch and tackle this fella from behind to save a try at Connacht v Munster last Christmas.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOk19zYtCxs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOk19zYtCxs)

And here it is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_RvURBl86c (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_RvURBl86c)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 28, 2013, 11:16:18 PM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on February 28, 2013, 10:49:08 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 28, 2013, 08:45:09 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on February 28, 2013, 08:41:03 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 28, 2013, 08:24:50 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on February 28, 2013, 08:12:59 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 28, 2013, 08:01:12 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 28, 2013, 06:29:12 PM
JJ Hanrahan will be the successor to Sexton when he is done.Jackson will be forgotten about soon enough.-

Very exciting player! If anything Ireland u20s were better last year when he took over the out half position from Jackson. Does he kick for Munster?? Needs game time though.


No , O Gara or Ian Keatley kick with Munster.

Healy available for the French game, and Sexton might make it aswell http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/healy-reprieve-boosts-beleaguered-ireland-for-france-test-224054.html

Keatley simply isn't good enough. Offers nothing. Therein lies the problem with Irish rugby. Hanrahan should be fast tracked to be ready for international rugby. It's as much a provincial issue as it is national.

To be honest I think Keatley is a very versatile player. He has played Full back with Munster this season. Oviously hard for him to get a regular run in his best position at Fly Half with O Gara still around.

Seen him at Ravenhill last year. Doesn't threaten the opposition as he is slow and his kicking isn't great!

Keatley isn't that slow. I saw him catch and tackle this fella from behind to save a try at Connacht v Munster last Christmas.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOk19zYtCxs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOk19zYtCxs)

And here it is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_RvURBl86c (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_RvURBl86c)


I'm referring to his general play and distribution!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on March 01, 2013, 12:47:31 AM
Apart from having the acceleration of a five litre V8, he's slow in every other way.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 03, 2013, 05:59:58 PM
Looks like O'Gara's International career has come to an end. Great career he had too. One of the genuine greats of Irish rugby.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on March 03, 2013, 09:01:49 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 03, 2013, 05:59:58 PM
Looks like O'Gara's International career has come to an end. Great career he had too. One of the genuine greats of Irish rugby.

Agreed, particularly enjoyed his preformance in this game - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_T9ktU1_fg    40 minutes in.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: orangeman on March 03, 2013, 09:02:35 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 03, 2013, 05:59:58 PM
Looks like O'Gara's International career has come to an end. Great career he had too. One of the genuine greats of Irish rugby.


Looks. Like it alright.

Not the way he'd like to have went out.

I've no evidence of this but do I detect a bit of ill will between O'Gara and Kidney ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyroneboi on March 03, 2013, 09:28:22 PM
Quote from: orangeman on March 03, 2013, 09:02:35 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 03, 2013, 05:59:58 PM
Looks like O'Gara's International career has come to an end. Great career he had too. One of the genuine greats of Irish rugby.


Looks. Like it alright.

Not the way he'd like to have went out.

I've no evidence of this but do I detect a bit of ill will between O'Gara and Kidney ?

Not sure how you would/could come to that conclusion?? In fact many would say its the opposite!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on March 03, 2013, 09:35:57 PM
17-15

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pIursHmEZc
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on March 03, 2013, 09:40:59 PM
Quote from: dec on March 03, 2013, 09:35:57 PM
17-15

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pIursHmEZc

Ah, a total legend. Did it when it counted, 90% of the time. Would not write him off totally. A new manager next year might look for one more year!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyroneboi on March 03, 2013, 10:01:37 PM
My favourite non-Irish O'Gara memory is when he slagged off English Rugby on the eve of a H Cup game against Leicester at Welford Road. The knives were out for him and when the game was there to be won in the last few minutes he nailed a penalty from the half way line. Serious set of balls on him!!

Never afraid to speak his mind as the mentioned article proves: http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/oct/17/rugbyunion.comment
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: stephenite on March 04, 2013, 01:40:57 AM
Someone more eloquent and rugby savvy than me should start a dedicated thread to a real legend of Irish sport.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on March 04, 2013, 09:19:37 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 28, 2013, 10:58:29 AM
Quote from: Applesisapples on February 28, 2013, 10:08:57 AM
Not an expert on Rugby by any means, but I have a number of thoughts or questions on this. Firstly why would the Captain insist that a youngster starting his first 6 nations match kick to the posts from an acute angle on his weaker side, why not kick for touch. Why then when presented with kickable penalties from the other side kick for touch when you know your lineup is shite and Rory Best couldn't have hit a dart board from 2 feet the way he was throwing. Why not develop and carry 2 or 3 kickers as other teams do and indeed other codes, (maybe Aaron Kernan could be drafted to take the left footers!) to take longer kicks and from left and right. Sexton is a leader on the pitch both vocally and the way he plays, why would his position stop him being captain, Rory Best is a leader even if he did have an off day, or is he too Ulster Proddy to captain Ireland? And finally the flack that Jackson has taken is unfair. I remember occasions when O'Gara missed easier kicks. Jackson was handed a difficult job on Sunday and one his Captain proceeded to make more difficult.

Not an expert on Rugby by any means, but I have a number of thoughts or questions on this.

Firstly why would the Captain insist that a youngster starting his first 6 nations match kick to the posts from an acute angle on his weaker side, why not kick for touch.

He's an international place kicker. Nobody has 100% accuracy from kicking, but it's generally accepted that at the start of matches and in close matches, you take every kick at goal you can get.


Why then when presented with kickable penalties from the other side kick for touch when you know your lineup is shite and Rory Best couldn't have hit a dart board from 2 feet the way he was throwing.

Mainly because the captain had lost confidence  in his kicking ability. As for Rory Best, his throwing improved immeasurably over the course of the game, and he has been a key part of a strong irish line-out for a number of years.


Why not develop and carry 2 or 3 kickers as other teams do and indeed other codes, (maybe Aaron Kernan could be drafted to take the left footers!) to take longer kicks and from left and right.

If they haven't developed as reliable kickers by the time they become internationals, they're not going to do it when they are internationals. Booting an oval ball 50 yards is unnatural anyway, but doing so when 50,000 in the crowd and 500,000 at home demand excellence, will show up any flaws in techniques. There is an oddity in Irish rugby in that there are so few place kickers at provincial level who play anything but out-half, but that's not a problem the national team has created.


Sexton is a leader on the pitch both vocally and the way he plays, why would his position stop him being captain,

Because a no.10 is the most important decision maker in every attacking play, and needs to concentrate on that aspect of the game, they are rarely burdened with worrying about what forwards are up to, or who is doing what in defensive lines.


Rory Best is a leader even if he did have an off day, or is he too Ulster Proddy to captain Ireland?

Oh FFS, grow up.


And finally the flack that Jackson has taken is unfair. I remember occasions when O'Gara missed easier kicks. Jackson was handed a difficult job on Sunday and one his Captain proceeded to make more difficult.

Jackson hasn't actually taken that much flak. There's very few people who have been outwardly dismissive of him. There were bigger issues with Ireland's performance on Saturday. But in all likelihood, despite those issues, with a better kicker, Ireland would have probably won.

modified: Also, ROG has won more MOTM awards than he count for doing very little more than kicking the ball over the posts. That's the rub with being a placekicker; when you miss, it's all you.
I'm not having a go. I agree with all that you say and I know Best was only having an off day. Maybe I am confused but the easier kicks came up earlier in the game and that was my issue. In relation to developing kickers it is up to the IRFU to work with the Provinces to do this.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Declan on March 04, 2013, 09:30:39 AM
All great things come to an end. Thanks for the memories Ronan. A legend of Irish rugby
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 04, 2013, 10:04:57 AM
I hope he now gets a little bit of respect. Some of the comments here have been very rough on a man who obviously is very proud to play for Ireland, and who has given some great service to the national team since he came on board. It was sad to see the way it ended for him, but no one should ever forget what he contributed.

I was afraid to say this before now for fear of being labelled a Munster homer, but some of the people who have been going OTT on him need to take a look at themselves.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Mont on March 04, 2013, 10:10:29 AM
irish legend who somewat tarnished his career wit some dodgy perfromances recently.

serious set of balls
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on March 04, 2013, 10:42:23 AM
A career bookended by contrasting performances against Scotland. There were plenty of talking heads who were scornful of the idea that throwing in all the young Turks like O'Gara, Stringer and Horgan would make a blind bit of difference after the Twickenham debacle. So they went out and gave Scotland an absolute hiding (http://lite.rte.ie/sport/lite/rugby/six-nations/2013/0222/369154-flashback-ireland-44-22-scotland-2000/) then won in Paris for the first time in a million years. Still an Alone It Stands moment in the Stade de France. Intoxicating stuff for Irish rugby fans, and the best was yet to come. That O'Gara has been, and will be, missed.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on March 04, 2013, 10:56:17 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 04, 2013, 10:04:57 AM
I hope he now gets a little bit of respect. Some of the comments here have been very rough on a man who obviously is very proud to play for Ireland, and who has given some great service to the national team since he came on board. It was sad to see the way it ended for him, but no one should ever forget what he contributed.

I was afraid to say this before now for fear of being labelled a Munster homer, but some of the people who have been going OTT on him need to take a look at themselves.

I could never warm to him AZ.


There is no doubt at all that he had nerves of steel, and he did deliver some big performances regularly for Ireland.

But due to his glaring weaknesses in the tackle, and the complete absence of a line break, he wasn't world class, and shouldn't (in my opinion) be considered a "great".

My frank assessment of Ireland's fly-halves in the past 15 years is that Jonny Sexton and David Humphreys are/were better players. For ROG to be considered a great, we in Ireland have either been truly blessed in the no.10 position, or maybe don't have the highest standards.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on March 04, 2013, 11:03:03 AM
ROG's inability to tackle was only highlighted when David Wallace who'd the speed to match some wingers didn't make it off the back of the scrum in time to cover it. With Wallace gone ROG hadn't the same cover.

Still credit where its due, he'd some set of knackers on him and certainly made the best of what he had and that is to be commended in anyone. If anything he stayed on a 6N too many and he'll know that himself ,but hindsight is a wonderful thing. He'd more good days than bad days in an Ireland and Munster jersey and has much to be proud of.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 04, 2013, 11:23:46 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 04, 2013, 10:56:17 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 04, 2013, 10:04:57 AM
I hope he now gets a little bit of respect. Some of the comments here have been very rough on a man who obviously is very proud to play for Ireland, and who has given some great service to the national team since he came on board. It was sad to see the way it ended for him, but no one should ever forget what he contributed.

I was afraid to say this before now for fear of being labelled a Munster homer, but some of the people who have been going OTT on him need to take a look at themselves.

I could never warm to him AZ.


There is no doubt at all that he had nerves of steel, and he did deliver some big performances regularly for Ireland.

But due to his glaring weaknesses in the tackle, and the complete absence of a line break, he wasn't world class, and shouldn't (in my opinion) be considered a "great".

My frank assessment of Ireland's fly-halves in the past 15 years is that Jonny Sexton and David Humphreys are/were better players. For ROG to be considered a great, we in Ireland have either been truly blessed in the no.10 position, or maybe don't have the highest standards.


No way was Humphreys better than ROG!! You could never rely on his kicking when under pressure. That 10-9 defeat to France in Lansdowne still haunts me!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 04, 2013, 11:25:57 AM
People will remember the good days. Record caps, all the points, the kicks that counted.
Sure every GAA county or club has great players that fade eventually. It is not so easy to bow out on top.

As the Follower said in the Donegal Democrat one time about players who bring such joy

"they will be remembered amongst their people".  O'Gara is one of those. No higher honour in sport than that.

And wasn't the whole team poor against Scotland ? 

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on March 04, 2013, 11:32:54 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 04, 2013, 11:23:46 AM
No way was Humphreys better than ROG!! You could never rely on his kicking when under pressure. That 10-9 defeat to France in Lansdowne still haunts me!!
It was a horrible, horrible miss. But DH did improve immeasurably as a kicker in the following years.

There's not much between ROG and DH. Both appalling in the tackle. ROG the steadier player, DH the more intuitive and mercurial. Probably the biggest difference in their Ireland careers was timing. DH spent his formative years in a state of demoralisation, behind a beaten pack that changed faces every week. ROG spent most of his career behind a settled and accomplished pack.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on March 04, 2013, 11:34:18 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 04, 2013, 11:23:46 AM
No way was Humphreys better than ROG!! You could never rely on his kicking when under pressure. That 10-9 defeat to France in Lansdowne still haunts me!!

He made up for it in Paris the following year in fairness. What was more indicative of the difference between Humphreys and O'Gara was the former knocking over a couple of drop goals against Northampton in the 2002/3 Heineken Cup (http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2003/jan/18/rugbyunion.heinekencup200203) when anything other than a bonus point victory was practically useless. There's no way O'Gara would have thought winning the game was good enough as Humphreys seemed to think when interviewed after the game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on March 04, 2013, 11:41:27 AM
Quote from: seafoid on March 04, 2013, 11:25:57 AM
As the Follower said in the Donegal Democrat one time about players who bring such joy

"they will be remembered amongst their people".  O'Gara is one of those. No higher honour in sport than that.

History will look kindly on O'Gara in that respect. It'll be harder for Jonny Sexton to be looked at in the same light when he's doing it week-in-week-out for some other set of people. And no, I'm not saying Sexton was wrong to take the Racing Metro shilling, but all other things being equal his status among Irish rugby fans will be diminished.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on March 04, 2013, 12:38:14 PM
O'Gara was passionate about Irish rugby, that resonates with alot of fans, you can hold others up as better examples of good tackling, strength or ball-playing but some of those men pissed it away or got injured or put their province first.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on March 04, 2013, 12:38:44 PM
O'Gara would have to be included in any 'great' argument simply because of his CV. Then when you look at some of the moments he had for Province and Country. Crucial penalties, last minute drop goals and more impressively for me, when we needed a score or whatever he was always able to get his team up the field.

I agree that he stayed a year too long but that is as much the fault of management and indeed the competition. The likes of D'Arcy, O'Connell, O'Callaghan and maybe even BOD might want to think about that. O'Gara didn't get the ending he deserved and neither should they.

As Brian Moore said on twitter:

Brian Moore ‏@brianmoore666
Ronan O'Gara not in Irish squad v France - if this is the end of his international career - well done and thanks for all he has given.

Brian Moore ‏@brianmoore666
Anyone tempted to send derogatory comments to @RonanOGara10 - in the words of Adam Hills - Don't be a Dick - have some some compassion.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 04, 2013, 01:09:12 PM
Quote from: deiseach on March 04, 2013, 11:41:27 AM
Quote from: seafoid on March 04, 2013, 11:25:57 AM
As the Follower said in the Donegal Democrat one time about players who bring such joy

"they will be remembered amongst their people".  O'Gara is one of those. No higher honour in sport than that.

History will look kindly on O'Gara in that respect. It'll be harder for Jonny Sexton to be looked at in the same light when he's doing it week-in-week-out for some other set of people. And no, I'm not saying Sexton was wrong to take the Racing Metro shilling, but all other things being equal his status among Irish rugby fans will be diminished.
30 years from now people will be watching this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfEL-VSyZG0

Nobody cares how Geoff Hurst ended his career. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on March 04, 2013, 01:11:24 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 04, 2013, 01:09:12 PM
61 years from now people will be watching this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfEL-VSyZG0

Fixed that for you.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Craigyhill Terror on March 04, 2013, 01:56:10 PM
Quote from: deiseach on March 04, 2013, 11:34:18 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 04, 2013, 11:23:46 AM
No way was Humphreys better than ROG!! You could never rely on his kicking when under pressure. That 10-9 defeat to France in Lansdowne still haunts me!!

He made up for it in Paris the following year in fairness. What was more indicative of the difference between Humphreys and O'Gara was the former knocking over a couple of drop goals against Northampton in the 2002/3 Heineken Cup (http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2003/jan/18/rugbyunion.heinekencup200203) when anything other than a bonus point victory was practically useless. There's no way O'Gara would have thought winning the game was good enough as Humphreys seemed to think when interviewed after the game.

Was at that game and it was pretty clear from early on that Ulster would find it difficult enough to win the game, never mind score four tries. Winning was the first thing to ensure to give Ulster any chance at all of going through.
And the second drop goal was the last play of the game to win it for Ulster and keep any faint qualification hopes alive. Not even ROG (who deserves all the praise he gets for what he did during his career) could have manufactured three tries on the last play
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on March 04, 2013, 02:12:42 PM
Quote from: Craigyhill Terror on March 04, 2013, 01:56:10 PM
Was at that game and it was pretty clear from early on that Ulster would find it difficult enough to win the game, never mind score four tries. Winning was the first thing to ensure to give Ulster any chance at all of going through.
And the second drop goal was the last play of the game to win it for Ulster and keep any faint qualification hopes alive. Not even ROG (who deserves all the praise he gets for what he did during his career) could have manufactured three tries on the last play

No, but he took a drop goal earlier in the game as well. Defeatist. Ulster would have struggled to score four tries, though as Wayne Gretzky said, you miss 100% of the shots you don't take.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Craigyhill Terror on March 04, 2013, 03:57:53 PM
Quote from: deiseach on March 04, 2013, 02:12:42 PM
Quote from: Craigyhill Terror on March 04, 2013, 01:56:10 PM
Was at that game and it was pretty clear from early on that Ulster would find it difficult enough to win the game, never mind score four tries. Winning was the first thing to ensure to give Ulster any chance at all of going through.
And the second drop goal was the last play of the game to win it for Ulster and keep any faint qualification hopes alive. Not even ROG (who deserves all the praise he gets for what he did during his career) could have manufactured three tries on the last play

No, but he took a drop goal earlier in the game as well. Defeatist. Ulster would have struggled to score four tries, though as Wayne Gretzky said, you miss 100% of the shots you don't take.

The other drop goal was in the second half when they were trailing and, if my memory's not too bad, it was a pretty long range one, so he was hardly giving up on a probable try-scoring opportunity from where they were. Ulster had to win the game to stand any chance. Making sure of that first wasn't defeatist, it was playing the percentages, something ROG also (rightly) never shied away from when it was called for
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RealSpiritof98 on March 05, 2013, 03:19:29 PM
Gareth Steenson anyone? - Just putting it out there.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 05, 2013, 03:34:36 PM
Jackson may be crocked alongside Sexton
Maybe O Gara will get a game. Funny old world innit.

http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/rugby/2013/0305/1224330808684.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on March 05, 2013, 03:38:08 PM
Could be Mad Dog time!

(http://www.irishtimes.com/homepage/images/1224330812751.jpg?ts=1362497524)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on March 09, 2013, 06:05:13 PM
Ireland doing well but watching the death of the great French rugby era is saddening, they were almost unique in world sport IMO.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 09, 2013, 06:08:14 PM
Quote from: trileacman on March 09, 2013, 06:05:13 PM
Ireland doing well but watching the death of the great French rugby era is saddening, they were almost unique in world sport IMO.
They are poor alright. Ireland came out to right some wrongs from previous weeks.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Armaghgeddon on March 09, 2013, 06:51:07 PM
Some baffling decisions in that game
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 09, 2013, 06:56:26 PM
Quote from: Armaghgeddon on March 09, 2013, 06:51:07 PM
Some baffling decisions in that game
By ref, players or management? Poor second half.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Denn Forever on March 09, 2013, 07:02:35 PM
D'arcy's position in doubt.  And I hope O'Driscoll can last a few (being greedy) more years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on March 09, 2013, 07:14:55 PM
Alot of positive talking about the draw on RTE.

f**ks sake we drew to the worst team in the championship at home. Shite scrum, no invention in the backs. France are shocking.

Bah humbug.

PS: Reddan broke his leg, feel very sorry for him, will cause him alot of pain and potentially end his international career whilst severely curtailing his club involvement. Real pity. Hope it's not too bad Eoin.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CorkMan on March 09, 2013, 07:17:47 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 09, 2013, 06:56:26 PM
Quote from: Armaghgeddon on March 09, 2013, 06:51:07 PM
Some baffling decisions in that game
By ref, players or management? Poor second half.

Ref. Thought the decision at the scrum that led to the French try was pretty bad. Kidney's decision to take off Murray was appalling. It wasn't a day for someone like Reddan and Murray was running the show.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on March 09, 2013, 07:43:07 PM
Quote from: CorkMan on March 09, 2013, 07:17:47 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 09, 2013, 06:56:26 PM
Quote from: Armaghgeddon on March 09, 2013, 06:51:07 PM
Some baffling decisions in that game
By ref, players or management? Poor second half.

Ref. Thought the decision at the scrum that led to the French try was pretty bad. Kidney's decision to take off Murray was appalling. It wasn't a day for someone like Reddan and Murray was running the show.

Murray got MOTM on BBC and that was only after playing 60 odd minutes, not sure if its a pre determined move irrespective how the games going, but folly in my mind.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: michaelg on March 09, 2013, 08:00:47 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on March 09, 2013, 07:43:07 PM
Quote from: CorkMan on March 09, 2013, 07:17:47 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 09, 2013, 06:56:26 PM
Quote from: Armaghgeddon on March 09, 2013, 06:51:07 PM
Some baffling decisions in that game
By ref, players or management? Poor second half.

Ref. Thought the decision at the scrum that led to the French try was pretty bad. Kidney's decision to take off Murray was appalling. It wasn't a day for someone like Reddan and Murray was running the show.

Murray got MOTM on BBC and that was only after playing 60 odd minutes, not sure if its a pre determined move irrespective how the games going, but folly in my mind.
Although he had a decent game when he was on today (Half-decent box kicks and all that), but he is so frustrating in his delay in getting the ball out - He seems to slow up play all the time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CorkMan on March 09, 2013, 10:17:46 PM
Quote from: michaelg on March 09, 2013, 08:00:47 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on March 09, 2013, 07:43:07 PM
Quote from: CorkMan on March 09, 2013, 07:17:47 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 09, 2013, 06:56:26 PM
Quote from: Armaghgeddon on March 09, 2013, 06:51:07 PM
Some baffling decisions in that game
By ref, players or management? Poor second half.

Ref. Thought the decision at the scrum that led to the French try was pretty bad. Kidney's decision to take off Murray was appalling. It wasn't a day for someone like Reddan and Murray was running the show.

Murray got MOTM on BBC and that was only after playing 60 odd minutes, not sure if its a pre determined move irrespective how the games going, but folly in my mind.
Although he had a decent game when he was on today (Half-decent box kicks and all that), but he is so frustrating in his delay in getting the ball out - He seems to slow up play all the time.

He was better than decent. It was him that took the pressure off Jackson by taking over the playmaking duty.

Going back to the original point on bad decisions, Kearneys decision to go for a drop goal was absoloute bollix. They had the momentum at that stage and another try would have killed France off altogether.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on March 10, 2013, 09:28:40 AM
The decision to go for the drop goal was made before the ball came back out into play.
Was it not Jackson who was going to do the drop goal goal attempt?  He wasn't in a good enough position, then he enacted plan B and sent it back to Kearney.

Obviously it was a crap decision because it didn't work ;D  - 3 points then, would have wrapped up the game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on March 10, 2013, 10:04:38 AM
Quote from: Main Street on March 10, 2013, 09:28:40 AM
The decision to go for the drop goal was made before the ball came back out into play.
Was it not Jackson who was going to do the drop goal goal attempt?  He wasn't in a good enough position, then he enacted plan B and sent it back to Kearney.

Obviously it was a crap decision because it didn't work ;D  - 3 points then, would have wrapped up the game.

Yeah Jackson took it on, shit himself and chucked it out to Kearney. When it's obvious that the dg isn't on, you just can't chuck it out to the full-back on the half-way and tell him to put it over. Waste of good possesion=Jackson's fault.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: stephenite on March 10, 2013, 10:08:18 AM
Reply just started on ESPN, should I bother me hole watching it?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on March 10, 2013, 10:09:54 AM
Quote from: stephenite on March 10, 2013, 10:08:18 AM
Reply just started on ESPN, should I bother me hole watching it?
Nah, shite match.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Denn Forever on March 10, 2013, 05:07:53 PM
It'll be tough next week against Italy.  We can hope that the game took it out of them today.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CorkMan on March 10, 2013, 06:16:29 PM
Quote from: trileacman on March 10, 2013, 10:04:38 AM
Quote from: Main Street on March 10, 2013, 09:28:40 AM
The decision to go for the drop goal was made before the ball came back out into play.
Was it not Jackson who was going to do the drop goal goal attempt?  He wasn't in a good enough position, then he enacted plan B and sent it back to Kearney.

Obviously it was a crap decision because it didn't work ;D  - 3 points then, would have wrapped up the game.

Yeah Jackson took it on, shit himself and chucked it out to Kearney. When it's obvious that the dg isn't on, you just can't chuck it out to the full-back on the half-way and tell him to put it over. Waste of good possesion=Jackson's fault.

He shouldn't have even taken it on. The try was on at that stage and that would have buried the French, there would have been no coming back from that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on March 10, 2013, 06:29:53 PM
Still scratching my head at the decision to take of Murray.

Kidney hasn't lost the dressing room, as the players are far too professional for that, but I do think he has lost his mind.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 11, 2013, 08:08:26 AM
Ireland fierce unlucky with the injuries as well this 6 nations.
If Sexton hadn't been injured they could have been contenders.
England could win a fairly jammy title.     
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on March 11, 2013, 09:05:30 AM
Quote from: seafoid on March 11, 2013, 08:08:26 AM
Ireland fierce unlucky with the injuries as well this 6 nations.
If Sexton hadn't been injured they could have been contenders.
England could win a fairly jammy title.   

Bowe, Zebo, O'Connell, Ferris, D'Arcy, Sexton, either missing the whole 6N's, most of it in Zebo's case and a few games in a few other cases, Kidney didn't have his sorrows to seek this time around, but at least he got to see some young blood for the next coach coming in!!

Reddan's leg broken, looked rough on the replay, hope he recovers fully!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LeoMc on March 11, 2013, 09:15:08 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on March 11, 2013, 09:05:30 AM
Quote from: seafoid on March 11, 2013, 08:08:26 AM
Ireland fierce unlucky with the injuries as well this 6 nations.
If Sexton hadn't been injured they could have been contenders.
England could win a fairly jammy title.   

Bowe, Zebo, O'Connell, Ferris, D'Arcy, Sexton, either missing the whole 6N's, most of it in Zebo's case and a few games in a few other cases, Kidney didn't have his sorrows to seek this time around, but at least he got to see some young blood for the next coach coming in!!

Reddan's leg broken, looked rough on the replay, hope he recovers fully!

Who are our back-up scrum half options for the Italy game. I have seen Paul Marshall suggested but he is not getting enough game time with Ulster.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on March 11, 2013, 09:22:07 AM
Quote from: michaelg on March 09, 2013, 08:00:47 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on March 09, 2013, 07:43:07 PM
Quote from: CorkMan on March 09, 2013, 07:17:47 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 09, 2013, 06:56:26 PM
Quote from: Armaghgeddon on March 09, 2013, 06:51:07 PM
Some baffling decisions in that game
By ref, players or management? Poor second half.

Ref. Thought the decision at the scrum that led to the French try was pretty bad. Kidney's decision to take off Murray was appalling. It wasn't a day for someone like Reddan and Murray was running the show.

Murray got MOTM on BBC and that was only after playing 60 odd minutes, not sure if its a pre determined move irrespective how the games going, but folly in my mind.
Although he had a decent game when he was on today (Half-decent box kicks and all that), but he is so frustrating in his delay in getting the ball out - He seems to slow up play all the time.
I agree, I think Murray's play was vastly over-stated. He played well, one of his best Ireland games, but he still made plenty of errors and his weaknesses remain his weaknesses.

BTW, it was Ralph Keyes who made the decision to give Murray the RBS man of the match award. BBC have to go along with it, they can't give an alternative man of the match.

Personally I thought the best 3 players on the pitch were O'Mahoney, Heaslip and Picamoles. 

Quote from: trileacman on March 10, 2013, 10:04:38 AM
Yeah Jackson took it on, shit himself and chucked it out to Kearney. When it's obvious that the dg isn't on, you just can't chuck it out to the full-back on the half-way and tell him to put it over. Waste of good possesion=Jackson's fault.
Jackson made the correct decision not to attempt a DG as he would have been blocked down. And if he'd let himself be tackled it would have been a turnover as he would have been swallowed up with no support. It was absolutely the correct decision to play it back to Kearney. The decision by Kearney to try a DG from that distance off his weak foot was appaling though. He should have just kicked and chased or tried to find touch. Pity, as Kearney had been playing well up to that point.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ludermor on March 11, 2013, 01:40:32 PM
http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/impressive-individual-performances-decorate-big-collective-irish-effort-1.1321894

The collective effort was studded with huge individual games. Cian Healy, Donnacha Ryan, Sean O'Brien and Peter O'Mahony (probably Ireland's player of the tournament) were outstanding as usual, while Jamie Heaslip was an inspiring leader. Paddy Jackson looked the part – landing a fine conversion and two 47 metre penalties – as again did Luke Marshall. Rob Kearney was back to his best too.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Declan on March 14, 2013, 09:26:38 AM
Liked this one from Des Cahill.

Ronaldo? No, Rob Kearney back when he played a real sport!

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BFTPQ1BCYAA2TU7.jpg:large)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Declan on March 15, 2013, 09:44:50 AM
DanCarter @Dan Carter Yeah I've given it a go but think I'll stick to rugby

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BFYW4T7CUAE0f-O.jpg:large)

Think the lads may need the hurls in Rome tomorrow to beat the Italians
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: oakleaflad on March 15, 2013, 02:31:26 PM
Sexton out for 4 to 6 weeks with foot injury, Jackson to start at 10 against Italy with Madigan on the bench. Looks like the injury was worse than first thought.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gabriel_Hurl on March 15, 2013, 02:38:13 PM
Got myself tickets to the Ireland vs Canada game in June yesterday  :)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 15, 2013, 02:43:08 PM
Quote from: Gabriel_Hurl on March 15, 2013, 02:38:13 PM
Got myself tickets to the Ireland vs Canada game in June yesterday  :)

With injuries and the Lions there could be a fair few missing!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyroneboi on March 16, 2013, 02:26:45 PM
Jeez this version of Irelands Call is really getting the pulses racing!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on March 16, 2013, 03:47:32 PM
Unbelievable stuff in Rome...

Ireland have more wounded after that first half than after the Battle of Clontarf...

But Parisse after getting the bin and Jackson kicked the penalty 16 - 9

Still a chance...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 16, 2013, 03:55:22 PM
Jackson with another penalty. Fair play to him .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 16, 2013, 04:26:38 PM
22-15

Defined by injuries, this season.
Sad note for BoD if this is his last match.   
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 16, 2013, 05:40:29 PM
Jesus this is serious stuff going on at the minute... Great game!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 16, 2013, 05:41:39 PM
Quote from: screenexile on March 16, 2013, 05:40:29 PM
Jesus this is serious stuff going on at the minute... Great game!

Unreal. Sweating just from watching it. Any NFL fan should be made watch this to see real physicality!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 16, 2013, 06:42:11 PM
Smashed. Great  ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Aaron Boone on March 17, 2013, 01:31:20 AM
Zebo's flck was something else. We have that memory at least.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: BennyHarp on March 17, 2013, 01:36:33 AM
This six nations could possibly have been a blessing in the long run. Blooded a lot of new players and still a long way to go until the next World Cup!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 17, 2013, 10:34:48 AM
A great opening and a great closing that England v Wales match was savage stuff but absolute dross in between.

I met Declan Kidney a few times, nice man, speaks well and intelligently but have never been a fan of his style of rugby and as the rest of the world evolved we have stayed static. He should been moved on after the 2011 World Cup but I think financial constraints more than anything hindered that.

His achievements have been fantastic and a Grand Slam is a fantastic award for a guy who absolutely adores Irish rugby.

It will be interesting to who takes over, this current generation are Celtic cubs, the worse kind of player to coach in my opinion so it will be a difficult job but I want us to move away from this awful territorial, squeeze the space, put-em-pressure game plan.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on March 17, 2013, 12:53:50 PM
That was an amazing spectacle for Italian rugby yesterday, capping off their best 6 nations in front of a 75k attendance.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on March 17, 2013, 01:48:18 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 17, 2013, 10:34:48 AM
A great opening and a great closing that England v Wales match was savage stuff but absolute dross in between.

I met Declan Kidney a few times, nice man, speaks well and intelligently but have never been a fan of his style of rugby and as the rest of the world evolved we have stayed static. He should been moved on after the 2011 World Cup but I think financial constraints more than anything hindered that.

His achievements have been fantastic and a Grand Slam is a fantastic award for a guy who absolutely adores Irish rugby.

It will be interesting to who takes over, this current generation are Celtic cubs, the worse kind of player to coach in my opinion so it will be a difficult job but I want us to move away from this awful territorial, squeeze the space, put-em-pressure game plan.

Glad to see England beat, compared to their old teams these ones are just pretenders, delighted to see them beat. Scrum relies upon driving up at the head and winning frees/penalties, not as strong as statistics would have you believe. Farrell is a kicking only out-half and Barritt/Tulagi are smash artists. If you deny them kicking opportunities or Farrell has an off-day then they offer nothing else. The Welsh are a better/more rounded outfit even if they are not as good as they were under Gatty. I now expect a heavy Welsh contingent at the Lions, Tipuric has probably nailed the 7 shirt. Always liked Cuthbert before North, good to see him deliver through this championship.

I'm not interested in who will take over Ireland, fearful more so. Kidney's tenure ran it's course about 18 months ago but I think we now might not attract the calibre of coach that we need. I expect us to have to settle for our 3rd choice having being rejected/priced out of the best.

Who would you be happy with out of these Dinny? Schmidt - I think will turn it down, Chieka, McCall - unproven, Foley, O'Shea - suggested he won't be interested, Michael Bradley? Any others you lads can think of?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 17, 2013, 07:15:51 PM
Quote from: trileacman on March 17, 2013, 01:48:18 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 17, 2013, 10:34:48 AM
A great opening and a great closing that England v Wales match was savage stuff but absolute dross in between.

I met Declan Kidney a few times, nice man, speaks well and intelligently but have never been a fan of his style of rugby and as the rest of the world evolved we have stayed static. He should been moved on after the 2011 World Cup but I think financial constraints more than anything hindered that.

His achievements have been fantastic and a Grand Slam is a fantastic award for a guy who absolutely adores Irish rugby.

It will be interesting to who takes over, this current generation are Celtic cubs, the worse kind of player to coach in my opinion so it will be a difficult job but I want us to move away from this awful territorial, squeeze the space, put-em-pressure game plan.

Glad to see England beat, compared to their old teams these ones are just pretenders, delighted to see them beat. Scrum relies upon driving up at the head and winning frees/penalties, not as strong as statistics would have you believe. Farrell is a kicking only out-half and Barritt/Tulagi are smash artists. If you deny them kicking opportunities or Farrell has an off-day then they offer nothing else. The Welsh are a better/more rounded outfit even if they are not as good as they were under Gatty. I now expect a heavy Welsh contingent at the Lions, Tipuric has probably nailed the 7 shirt. Always liked Cuthbert before North, good to see him deliver through this championship.

I'm not interested in who will take over Ireland, fearful more so. Kidney's tenure ran it's course about 18 months ago but I think we now might not attract the calibre of coach that we need. I expect us to have to settle for our 3rd choice having being rejected/priced out of the best.

Who would you be happy with out of these Dinny? Schmidt - I think will turn it down, Chieka, McCall - unproven, Foley, O'Shea - suggested he won't be interested, Michael Bradley? Any others you lads can think of?

Irish

O'Shea is not a coach more of a DOR/Performance director similar to David Humphreys and would have no issue with either doing a similar role for Ireland. Bradley is just crap and it's only nepotism that his seen him get any gig in Ireland. Foley comes with a reputation but he needs to gain experience away from Munster/Ireland, a couple of seasons with a super 15 franchise and a year or two in England or France, way too early on his coaching graph. McCall I think would be the best Irish candidate, broad coaching experience and has won things. Deserves at least an interview, his style of rugby is claustrophobic but I have seen signs of more attacking Saracens this season.

Overseas

Schmidt is the people's choice, 2 HECs and a very fluid style with Leinster but he's very hands on and not sure the limited time spent with players would suit. Would like to see him involved but working with Vern Cotter the Clermont coach, they simply play the best rugby in Europe and would love to see could they get Ireland playing like that

Cheika is building the Waratahs back up and I'd say his Europe days are offer. Jake White is doing great things with the Brumbies and could be a option. David Rennie the Chiefs head coach could be worth a punt as well, 3 u20 world cups and a Super 15 title.

So would be happy with a Performance director role for Hump of COS and then maybe a Vern Cotter and Schmidt reunion. If not maybe someone like Jake White working with someone like David Rennie on the ticket.

Hope they get it right.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on March 17, 2013, 08:47:00 PM
Could Mike Ruddock be an option?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 17, 2013, 10:24:31 PM
It was a weird season, really. They scored 23 points in the first half of the first match against the eventual champions and less than 60 in the rest of the tournament.
If there is a new coach there is a lot of quality still there and they will hardly have as many injuries next year.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on March 17, 2013, 10:54:31 PM
Don't rate Humphries, likewise I wouldn't be overly keen on McCaul but I would understand if he got the call. Would be a great man to blood a new era of players I think. As you say Chieka's is finished as a European coach and is not a contender. Bradley is a dud, Foley is too inexperienced but maybe some day get the job.

Schmidt is the clear choice and the obvious fore-runner. Hope he gets it but I'm fearful. Would Cotter be tempted away from Clermont where he is likely to win this years HEC? Also would he or Schmidt be content with second billing in a managerial ticket with Ireland? Don't get me wrong I think they'd be great but i don't think it's ever going to happen.

Admittedly know nothing about the South Hemp guys so can't pass judgement there. Agree with the O'Shea synopsis, a good all-round rugby guy but I don't know if he has the tactical grasp or decision making qualities that can make or break you.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 18, 2013, 08:20:38 AM
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on March 17, 2013, 08:47:00 PM
Could Mike Ruddock be an option?

I suppose he would be, won a Grand Slam as coach of Wales but the there was a bit of a rebellion after that by the Welsh players who gave the credit to Scott Johnson (current Scottish coach) and Ruddock was sacked. Has done well with the Irish u20s including some creditable World Cup performances. Also current coach of Lansdowne RFC who will win the AIL this year.

Still based on his Welsh experience would have my doubts but could be a good care-taker for the North America tour this summer.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on March 18, 2013, 08:56:18 AM
Quote from: BennyHarp on March 17, 2013, 01:36:33 AM
This six nations could possibly have been a blessing in the long run. Blooded a lot of new players and still a long way to go until the next World Cup!

That'd be my take on it as well, it may well be a good thing in the long run with Jackson, Marshall, madigan, gilroy and a few in the pack getting a taste of it and if they'd be injected into a more settled team they looked up to it.

That will help with strength in depth in the coming years.

If you think about it, after beating Wales, having a poor game against England but still within a chance of winning it right to the end, not beating Scotland out the park, drawing with a poor France outfit who only turned the screw when Ireland were decimated by injuries and ditto Italy even though Italy looked the better team helped by the three yellow cards, Ireland with a bit of luck and clean bill of health wouldn't be that far away!

It's not all doom and gloom


As for Wales, England, if someone could train a limousin bullock to catch a ball, it'd have a white jersey on it and playing in the centre for England as they've very little to offer other than crash ball time and time again. The Welsh are similar but have just that bit more guile to go with the grunt. It really is turning into rugby league and soon the scrum will be nullified like RL
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 18, 2013, 09:00:26 AM
Some great debates here lads. So are you saying that Conor O'Shea has made it clear he isnt interested in the job? Did he say this on RTE? Never seen it as I had to make do with BBC. Can we not credit him with Quins' revival then. If he isnt their hands on coach, who is?? Personally I still really like him though and feel with a strong team around him we could be successful.

P.S Was really impressed with Madigan. His pace at attacking the ball was serious. Something we havent seen from an Irish 10/12 before. I read his kicking stats are quite good also. Very exciting player!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on March 18, 2013, 02:00:29 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/21595705 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/21595705)

O'Shea distancing himself from the job, also note he is director of rugby and not head coach.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 18, 2013, 02:57:04 PM
Interesting English perspective on Irish team- not as bad as the table would suggest....

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2013/mar/17/british-lions-irish-six-nations
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Armaghgeddon on March 18, 2013, 03:03:34 PM
BOD  ::)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ludermor on March 18, 2013, 04:11:33 PM
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2013/mar/18/ireland-lowest-ever-irb-rankings

Ireland have slipped to their lowest position since the International Rugby Board's world rankings were launched in 2003.

Ireland's Six Nations defeat against Italy in Rome on Saturday meant they finished fifth in the championship, just above France on points difference. It also meant they dropped two places to ninth – behind Samoa and Argentina – on the latest rankings list published by the IRB on Monday. France, meanwhile, remain in sixth spot.

The Six Nations champions Wales stay fifth, just 0.36 points behind fourth-placed England, who they crushed 30-3 in Cardiff two days ago. Elsewhere, Scotland lie 10th, with an unchanged top three of New Zealand, South Africa and Australia.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ranch on March 18, 2013, 04:18:46 PM
Clive Woodward? Robinson (ex Scotland boss)?

Not saying I would want either but just wondering what the opinions of others would be?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: haze on March 18, 2013, 07:37:56 PM
Quote from: ranch on March 18, 2013, 04:18:46 PM
Clive Woodward? Robinson (ex Scotland boss)?

Not saying I would want either but just wondering what the opinions of others would be?

instant mass emigration
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 19, 2013, 07:53:05 AM
Ewen McKenzie is the  name all over twitter - former Aussie  prop forward and coach of the Queensland Reds winner of the 2011 Super 15 - would be an interesting appointment
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on March 19, 2013, 10:03:31 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 19, 2013, 07:53:05 AM
Ewen McKenzie is the  name all over twitter - former Aussie  prop forward and coach of the Queensland Reds winner of the 2011 Super 15 - would be an interesting appointment

Now that would be an interesting appointment. Some of the coaches being mentioned fill me with dread to be honest. Mick Bradley as Dinny hinted at ,owes his longevity at Connacht due to who his is married to rather than anything he did on the training field. The amount of young local players that left or quit professional rugby in Connacht under his tenure was criminal to be honest. Obviously O' Shea would be a decent appointment but more on a Director of Rugby role than traditional head coach so some structures would have to be changed to allow him do his job correctly and I don't think this can be done in the short term but I would hope he might be considered post the next world cup.
One of the best solutions I have read is to approach Vern Cotter to team up again with Joe Schmit to take us to the 2015 world cup. It would suit them well to further their ambitions to be the next All Blacks coaching ticket and would guide us well through our mini rebuilding process that has already started. Ideally then this would allow O'Shea to finish off his job with Quins and hopefully some good young coaches like Anthony Foley , Bernard Jackman , Nigel Carolan , Peter Smyth would have moved up and gained more experience allowing Ireland to have good local knowledge on the next coaching ticket. Lastly we need to sort out the scrum guru appointment A.S.A.P. or face another few years of crossing our fingers at every scrum :o!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Denn Forever on March 19, 2013, 10:22:13 AM
QuoteLastly we need to sort out the scrum guru appointment A.S.A.P. or face another few years of crossing our fingers at every scrum !!

I thought I heard one of the commentators saying that due to the difficulties with the scrum, there was talk of having uncontested scrums.  Any truth in this?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on March 19, 2013, 10:28:17 AM
Quote from: Denn Forever on March 19, 2013, 10:22:13 AM
QuoteLastly we need to sort out the scrum guru appointment A.S.A.P. or face another few years of crossing our fingers at every scrum !!

I thought I heard one of the commentators saying that due to the difficulties with the scrum, there was talk of having uncontested scrums.  Any truth in this?

15 aside rugby league is on its way I tell you.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: NAG1 on March 19, 2013, 10:36:41 AM
Its a farce, the refs either dont know the rules regarding the scrum or dont want to enforce them. All these commentators keep talking about how crucial the set pieces are in rugby and the scrum is a big weapon, every game it has been a total joke in the 6N. Either hitting too early or not binding or the pitches not being able to take it, its been pathetic.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on March 19, 2013, 10:48:21 AM
The players in the front rows should put a medicine ball under their chests to stop scrums collapsing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 19, 2013, 10:54:46 AM
I wouldn't take much heed of your mans Lions selection. There's no mention of Tipuric for a start who has to be on the plane. Out of our current crop that have played the 6N you're talking about Best, O'Driscoll, Sexton, O'Brien that should be on the Lions tour. There is a case not to take anyone else although you would think D Ryan, Healy, Kearney and Heaslip could conceivably get a call.

Also you could possibly have Tommy Bowe, O'Connell, Ferris, Strauss but that depends on how they shape up when they come back from injury.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on March 19, 2013, 11:27:58 AM
Quote from: Denn Forever on March 19, 2013, 10:22:13 AM
QuoteLastly we need to sort out the scrum guru appointment A.S.A.P. or face another few years of crossing our fingers at every scrum !!

I thought I heard one of the commentators saying that due to the difficulties with the scrum, there was talk of having uncontested scrums.  Any truth in this?

I haven't heard any of this but personally I would be against it because the scrum is one of the best attacking weapons left in the modern game. The last I heard was they were going to trial the old school way of of the front rows binding first at then the rest of the pack engaging to eliminate the uncertainty of the hit in the Pacific Islands tournament this summer. It would eliminate a lot of the collapsing due to bad footing and illegal binds etc...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lynchbhoy on March 19, 2013, 08:13:18 PM
It's a joke giving out about poor officiating of scrums.
Refs could blow every minute of every game for offside, forward passes, fouls in rucks etc etc but so many infringements would destroy the games and their allure- so refs let a hell of a lot go.

The solution to the last big problem - lifting in the line out - was to allow lifting in the line out.

The scrum needs fixing or neutering before people start getting hurt ( or I stop watching with the sound on at scrums listening to Brian Moore give out about them!).

Up until recent times when line outs were changed and 5 points for a try awarded instead of 4- I have to say that rugby league at that time was more exciting to watch after they changed their own rules to jazz it up.

This entire 6n was a bore fest of teams having no ability or creativity to break through opponents lines and defenses. Seemingly relying on kicking to them to put them deep back into their half and hope they make a mistake and capitalize on it ( like Ireland did in the first half to wales).

This years 6n reminded me of the late 80's kicking matches between out halves. I thought we had seen the last of that dross but obv not.
Rule changes required pdq IMO!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on March 19, 2013, 09:00:03 PM
Keep the scrums,
means I can speed through a sky plus recording of a game inside 40 minutes.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on March 19, 2013, 09:13:45 PM
Quote from: lynchbhoy on March 19, 2013, 08:13:18 PM
It's a joke giving out about poor officiating of scrums.
Refs could blow every minute of every game for offside, forward passes, fouls in rucks etc etc but so many infringements would destroy the games and their allure- so refs let a hell of a lot go.

The solution to the last big problem - lifting in the line out - was to allow lifting in the line out.

The scrum needs fixing or neutering before people start getting hurt ( or I stop watching with the sound on at scrums listening to Brian Moore give out about them!).

Up until recent times when line outs were changed and 5 points for a try awarded instead of 4- I have to say that rugby league at that time was more exciting to watch after they changed their own rules to jazz it up.

This entire 6n was a bore fest of teams having no ability or creativity to break through opponents lines and defenses. Seemingly relying on kicking to them to put them deep back into their half and hope they make a mistake and capitalize on it ( like Ireland did in the first half to wales).

This years 6n reminded me of the late 80's kicking matches between out halves. I thought we had seen the last of that dross but obv not.
Rule changes required pdq IMO!

I'd agree with all of the above, and I'd go further again to stay that the standard of line kicking was also brutal. Somebody smarter than me can explain why out halves are struggling to kick from hand further than 30m.

It's too early to say if rugby has reached a crossroads, but if a player of 6' 3" and 16 stone is considered normal to small, then theres's never going to be much room out there and the game probably has two choices: bigger pitches or fewer players.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: NAG1 on March 20, 2013, 07:46:16 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 19, 2013, 09:13:45 PM
Quote from: lynchbhoy on March 19, 2013, 08:13:18 PM
It's a joke giving out about poor officiating of scrums.
Refs could blow every minute of every game for offside, forward passes, fouls in rucks etc etc but so many infringements would destroy the games and their allure- so refs let a hell of a lot go.

The solution to the last big problem - lifting in the line out - was to allow lifting in the line out.

The scrum needs fixing or neutering before people start getting hurt ( or I stop watching with the sound on at scrums listening to Brian Moore give out about them!).

Up until recent times when line outs were changed and 5 points for a try awarded instead of 4- I have to say that rugby league at that time was more exciting to watch after they changed their own rules to jazz it up.

This entire 6n was a bore fest of teams having no ability or creativity to break through opponents lines and defenses. Seemingly relying on kicking to them to put them deep back into their half and hope they make a mistake and capitalize on it ( like Ireland did in the first half to wales).

This years 6n reminded me of the late 80's kicking matches between out halves. I thought we had seen the last of that dross but obv not.
Rule changes required pdq IMO!

I'd agree with all of the above, and I'd go further again to stay that the standard of line kicking was also brutal. Somebody smarter than me can explain why out halves are struggling to kick from hand further than 30m.

It's too early to say if rugby has reached a crossroads, but if a player of 6' 3" and 16 stone is considered normal to small, then theres's never going to be much room out there and the game probably has two choices: bigger pitches or fewer players.

To me there is something inherently wrong with being rewarded for kicking the ball out of play in the first instance no matter if they kick is 10 or 30m its still yet another break in play but that is a fundamental problem I have with the game personally.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on March 20, 2013, 08:00:57 AM
Quote from: NAG1 on March 20, 2013, 07:46:16 AM
To me there is something inherently wrong with being rewarded for kicking the ball out of play in the first instance no matter if they kick is 10 or 30m its still yet another break in play but that is a fundamental problem I have with the game personally.
Disagree. For me, the beauty of rugby union(compared to league) is the tactical emphasis on field position as well as possession. It's not kicking the ball out of play, it's kicking for position. League suffers in comparison as a spectacle, simply because it is a monotonously repetitive game. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on March 20, 2013, 09:03:53 AM
Quote from: NAG1 on March 20, 2013, 07:46:16 AM
To me there is something inherently wrong with being rewarded for kicking the ball out of play in the first instance no matter if they kick is 10 or 30m its still yet another break in play but that is a fundamental problem I have with the game personally.

The rule used to be that from a penalty which was kicked to touch the defending team would get the lineout. That was a definitely a change that was for the better, although I miss the conga that was contested lineouts.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lynchbhoy on March 20, 2013, 08:17:42 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 20, 2013, 08:00:57 AM
Quote from: NAG1 on March 20, 2013, 07:46:16 AM
To me there is something inherently wrong with being rewarded for kicking the ball out of play in the first instance no matter if they kick is 10 or 30m its still yet another break in play but that is a fundamental problem I have with the game personally.
Disagree. For me, the beauty of rugby union(compared to league) is the tactical emphasis on field position as well as possession. It's not kicking the ball out of play, it's kicking for position. League suffers in comparison as a spectacle, simply because it is a monotonously repetitive game.
Rugby league has gone backwards since the 90's in terms of entertainment alright, but the last rugby union World Cup and the six nations gone past were as monotonous if not more monotonous and boring.
Watching Ireland, England and France is frustrating as they under perform all the time.
I only enjoy watching wales these past few years- though they were pants before Christmas and in the first half of the game v us.
Not sure if even the tri nations teams are that hot these days.
The pacific islands are fantastic in open attacking play but won't prosper as they lack a kicking and tactical game. Great to watch though.
Less players on the field, more points for a try, effectively uncontested scrums a la rugby league where they just fulfil the function of restarting a game may be the only way forward.
Clearing out at rucks and tackling someone in the air need to be eradicated from the game like the tip tackle.
Right now rugby union is as appealing as rugby league was around 1980 - ie horrendous. Without the hype people would be feeling cheated IMO.
Also IMO the Heineken cup is heading the same way.
Changes need to be made!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 21, 2013, 09:13:54 AM
Quote from: lynchbhoy on March 20, 2013, 08:17:42 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 20, 2013, 08:00:57 AM
Quote from: NAG1 on March 20, 2013, 07:46:16 AM
To me there is something inherently wrong with being rewarded for kicking the ball out of play in the first instance no matter if they kick is 10 or 30m its still yet another break in play but that is a fundamental problem I have with the game personally.
Disagree. For me, the beauty of rugby union(compared to league) is the tactical emphasis on field position as well as possession. It's not kicking the ball out of play, it's kicking for position. League suffers in comparison as a spectacle, simply because it is a monotonously repetitive game.
Rugby league has gone backwards since the 90's in terms of entertainment alright, but the last rugby union World Cup and the six nations gone past were as monotonous if not more monotonous and boring.
Watching Ireland, England and France is frustrating as they under perform all the time.
I only enjoy watching wales these past few years- though they were pants before Christmas and in the first half of the game v us.
Not sure if even the tri nations teams are that hot these days.
The pacific islands are fantastic in open attacking play but won't prosper as they lack a kicking and tactical game. Great to watch though.
Less players on the field, more points for a try, effectively uncontested scrums a la rugby league where they just fulfil the function of restarting a game may be the only way forward.
Clearing out at rucks and tackling someone in the air need to be eradicated from the game like the tip tackle.
Right now rugby union is as appealing as rugby league was around 1980 - ie horrendous. Without the hype people would be feeling cheated IMO.
Also IMO the Heineken cup is heading the same way.
Changes need to be made!
¨

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2013/mar/20/props-say-scrum-reform-needed
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 25, 2013, 09:24:52 AM
Matt Williams with a really good article



http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/ireland-need-to-have-some-woshkabomy-in-their-game-1.1337352

The Irish provincial teams play styles and systems that are totally independent from the national cause. To be fair to the Irish provincial teams it is difficult to play an "Irish style" when the national style remains undefinable. On the flipside the Irish provincial teams are also highly resistant to playing a national style of play.

Currently, Irish rugby has the same amount of woshkabomy as an empty pint glass.The time is right to establish an independent review into the systems and processes in the elite player pathway and the Irish national team.

The pathways need to be reviewed, evaluated and a new direction mapped. This is not about sports science. This is about how we produce international rugby players and teams.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lynchbhoy on March 25, 2013, 09:40:12 AM
Lovely ideal - but workable?
Maybe in a small country with 4 teams like Ireland.

My solution would be to hire dean Richards!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: NAG1 on March 26, 2013, 12:04:39 PM
Interesting comments from Teddy McCarthy on the upcoming WC bid.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: theticklemister on March 26, 2013, 12:09:41 PM
What were they
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on March 26, 2013, 12:15:15 PM
Quote from: theticklemister on March 26, 2013, 12:09:41 PM
What were they

Here it is in the examiner ,
http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/mccarthy-fears-rugby-growth-on-back-of-gaa-226541.html
I don't think he said any thing too controversial and just seemed to be giving his reasons as to why he opposed the Rugby World cup bid.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CorkMan on March 26, 2013, 12:17:43 PM
http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/mccarthy-fears-rugby-growth-on-back-of-gaa-226541.html (http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/mccarthy-fears-rugby-growth-on-back-of-gaa-226541.html)

McCarthy fears rugby growth on back of GAA
Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Teddy McCarthy fears the GAA will make another concession to rugby and allow them to avail of their club grounds.

By John Fogarty

The former Cork dual player was an outspoken opponent of the decision to make stadiums available for a potential Rugby World Cup bid in either 2023 or 2027.

McCarthy was "very disappointed" with Congress's overwhelming backing of Central Council's motion to that effect in Derry on Saturday.

Although he wasn't against Croke Park hosting games and the World Cup final, he argued allowing tournament games to be played at the likes of Páirc Uí Chaoimh and Fitzgerald Stadium was a step too far. Having seen Croke Park opened in 2005 and the latest ecumenical development over the weekend, he now has genuine concerns the next step is club grounds being made available to rugby.

"Rugby is more attractive because of the professional aspect and have taken fine young GAA players like Tómas O'Leary and Darren Sweetnam and they are just in Cork. Where else is it happening around the country?

"What's to stop them taking our grounds? The GAA are telling us it won't happen but who's to say it won't? Rugby is played at a different time of year to Gaelic games, so it is logistically possible.

"You saw the ease in how the motion was passed at the weekend so it wouldn't be a major leap to make this the next step.

"But it was the GAA who had the foresight to build these grounds and pitches. Okay, they may have got grants and the taxman's money but they had the plans.

"Why haven't rugby been able to do it? Why hasn't Musgrave Park been redeveloped or Ravenhill or one in Connacht? They had plenty of time to do it and they still do ahead of 2023. I'm not being narrow-minded. I'm not this old-fashioned guru. The GAA holds a big part of me but I'm totally aware of what goes on outside it and I'm worried what damage the World Cup would do to our game for the sake of getting a few million [euros]."

He acknowledges the GAA will be seen as "the bigger man" from the move and will see redevelopment of their own stadiums at no cost to them. However, he is convinced it is not an adequate enough deal to give rugby such an international platform.

"I understand the logic in Croke Park being made available to the Rugby World Cup as it is only in use x amount of times in a year. There might be gold at the end of the rainbow for the GAA in terms of financial reward for opening provincial stadiums and that can't be sneezed at but surely we're long enough at it to know that we should be rowing our own boat.

"We're 10 or 14 years' out from a World Cup possibly being held here and surely that is enough time for the IRFU to get their house in order and improve their stadiums and build other ones if necessary. But instead they're looking to stage it on the back of the GAA. I hope that doesn't come back to haunt us."
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on March 26, 2013, 12:29:15 PM
Luke Fitzgerald on way to Munster..http://t.co/Ia8fZSe9uX
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on March 26, 2013, 12:35:38 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on March 26, 2013, 12:29:15 PM
Luke Fitzgerald on way to Munster..http://t.co/Ia8fZSe9uX

Well if he is given time to regain his fitness he'll be a serious signing for Munster. The Leinster conveyor belt of back talent will be severely tested next season with loss of Fitzgerald , Conway , Carr and the retiring Nacewa :o. Outside of Dave Kearney I can't think of anyone off the top of my head who will make a breakthrough for Leinster next year? Maybe Niall Morris might make a speedy return from Leicester?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Declan on March 26, 2013, 12:39:23 PM
Ross O'Carroll-Kelly ‏@RossOCK
I'm already dropping Johnny and Isa to the airport. Don't tell me I'm driving Fitzy to Limerick as well. Some focking summer for me. :D :D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 26, 2013, 03:16:41 PM
Quote from: Crete Boom on March 26, 2013, 12:35:38 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on March 26, 2013, 12:29:15 PM
Luke Fitzgerald on way to Munster..http://t.co/Ia8fZSe9uX

Well if he is given time to regain his fitness he'll be a serious signing for Munster. The Leinster conveyor belt of back talent will be severely tested next season with loss of Fitzgerald , Conway , Carr and the retiring Nacewa :o. Outside of Dave Kearney I can't think of anyone off the top of my head who will make a breakthrough for Leinster next year? Maybe Niall Morris might make a speedy return from Leicester?

All a load of bollix, Luke going no where - should have cut him lose

http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/news/9558.php#.UVG7UFdRqvh (http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/news/9558.php#.UVG7UFdRqvh)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on March 26, 2013, 03:22:20 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 26, 2013, 02:22:03 PM
Quote from: Crete Boom on March 26, 2013, 12:35:38 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on March 26, 2013, 12:29:15 PM
Luke Fitzgerald on way to Munster..http://t.co/Ia8fZSe9uX

Well if he is given time to regain his fitness he'll be a serious signing for Munster. The Leinster conveyor belt of back talent will be severely tested next season with loss of Fitzgerald , Conway , Carr and the retiring Nacewa :o. Outside of Dave Kearney I can't think of anyone off the top of my head who will make a breakthrough for Leinster next year? Maybe Niall Morris might make a speedy return from Leicester?

You do release he has played SFA rugby in the last 2 years. An awful signing if true, as for Conway and Carr, no loss to Leinster, both just not good enough and when you see whats coming through the Academy you can see why they were moved on. Nacewa though is a terrible loss, Leinster's best player over the last 4 years, will be very hard to replace him.

Declan Kidney's neglect of the Munster Academy is really showing now, Downey, Jones, Murphy, Keatley, Conway, Fitzgerald all products of Leinster systems.  It will be a while before it gets better on the producing player front for Munster as Leinster still dominate u20s and u18 Schools and Clubs, the U18 schools team play France today has 12 Leinster players starting.

Niall Morris has signed a contract ext with the Tigers.

Whay every happened to Michael (I think that's his first name) Keating who stared on the wing for the Irish u20's a couple of years back as he seemed to be making a bit of headway then just disappeared? Carr was always going to be backup to the likes of Kearney X 2 McFadden atc.. and he probably won't get the game time he was used to in his first stint at Connacht as you have Henshaw , Duffy , O'Halloran , Vanikulo and Poolman already in situ with Leader , Connor Finn and Shane Layden all vying for a contract coming out of the academy though he will be valuable cover in a small squad like Connacht. I think Conway still is promising now that he is fully fit although he'll have to develope his allround attacking game and the way the Munster backs are playing at the moment I wouldn't be too confident.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Declan on March 26, 2013, 03:25:58 PM
QuoteLuke going no where - should have cut him lose

Do you not rate him dinny or is it the injuries?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on March 26, 2013, 03:27:12 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 26, 2013, 03:16:41 PM
Quote from: Crete Boom on March 26, 2013, 12:35:38 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on March 26, 2013, 12:29:15 PM
Luke Fitzgerald on way to Munster..http://t.co/Ia8fZSe9uX

Well if he is given time to regain his fitness he'll be a serious signing for Munster. The Leinster conveyor belt of back talent will be severely tested next season with loss of Fitzgerald , Conway , Carr and the retiring Nacewa :o. Outside of Dave Kearney I can't think of anyone off the top of my head who will make a breakthrough for Leinster next year? Maybe Niall Morris might make a speedy return from Leicester?

All a load of bollix, Luke going no where - should have cut him lose

http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/news/9558.php#.UVG7UFdRqvh (http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/news/9558.php#.UVG7UFdRqvh)

Munster have a history of leaking signings before they have actually sealed them as I seem to remember a lot of blog  stories pooping up about Tommy Bowe having signed before he eventually signed for Ulster! Reflects bad overall on Munster especially when trying to sign a player from a fellow province.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 26, 2013, 03:39:40 PM
Michael Keating plays with Doncaster Knights, was top try scorer last year for them. Broke his collar bone last Sept so should be back playing and I just checked, he scored 3 tries in his last game against Leeds. You've also got Shane Monahan with Gloucester as well.

Quote from: Declan on March 26, 2013, 03:25:58 PM
QuoteLuke going no where - should have cut him lose

Do you not rate him dinny or is it the injuries?
His try scoring record is just not good enough, all came too soon too early for him, never had to work to achieve. All these injuries, he reminds of Diaby for Arsenal. We'll never see the best of him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on March 26, 2013, 03:55:54 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 26, 2013, 03:39:40 PM
Michael Keating plays with Doncaster Knights, was top try scorer last year for them. Broke his collar bone last Sept so should be back playing and I just checked, he scored 3 tries in his last game against Leeds. You've also got Shane Monahan with Gloucester as well.

Quote from: Declan on March 26, 2013, 03:25:58 PM
QuoteLuke going no where - should have cut him lose

Do you not rate him dinny or is it the injuries?
His try scoring record is just not good enough, all came too soon too early for him, never had to work to achieve. All these injuries, he reminds of Diaby for Arsenal. We'll never see the best of him.

Good to see Keating hasn't been lost to the pro game as he doesn't seem to have lost his instinct for the try line.Maybe one to come through the unconventional route to top level rugby! Shane Monaghan I like and I was dissapointed Connacht didn't try to hang on to him for longer because he show a lot of ability with the limited appreances he had for us but sure you can't have them all ( or many at all in our case ;)).
Fitzy did seem to get it all too soon and he has gone through a serious dip in form which couldn't just be totally blamed on his injuries but he is still a serious talent and maybe a move away from Leinster would do him good although personally I don't think Munster right now would have been the best move for him either.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on March 26, 2013, 04:50:13 PM
Ye seem to be a post missing there dinny!  :P
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 26, 2013, 04:59:54 PM
Quote from: trileacman on March 26, 2013, 04:50:13 PM
Ye seem to be a post missing there dinny!  :P

The context had gone  8)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: hows she cutting on April 02, 2013, 04:01:47 PM
Kidney gone
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Declan on April 02, 2013, 04:13:04 PM
See that - Kiss is interim coach for American tour in summer with Smal and Foley on the ticket
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: orangeman on April 02, 2013, 04:49:37 PM
Who is on the National Team Review Group ?



Declan Kidney's tenure as Ireland head coach has come to an end.

The IRFU announced this afternoon that it would not be renewing his contract - Les Kiss will take charge of the summer tour to North America.

Kidney's contract was due to expire on 30 June but the IRFU issued a statement this afternoon saying that his role as head coach ceases today.

"We would like to sincerely thank Declan for his commitment to Irish Rugby" - Philip Browne

IRFU chief executive Philip Browne said: "We would like to sincerely thank Declan for his commitment to Irish Rugby.

"His contribution and involvement across the spectrum of Irish rugby delivered Under Age, Provincial, Grand Slam and Triple Crown success, and epitomises his passion, belief and commitment to the game.

"With a host of new and emerging talent at every level, and despite the clear challenges ahead, we are confident of securing another world-class coach to work with this talented and ambitious group of players."

The IRFU said the decision was made after a in-depth review carried out by the National Team Review Group.

The group will now begin the process of "identifying suitable candidates" for the job.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: cadence on April 02, 2013, 05:55:32 PM
Quote from: orangeman on April 02, 2013, 04:49:37 PM
Who is on the National Team Review Group ?



Declan Kidney's tenure as Ireland head coach has come to an end.

The IRFU announced this afternoon that it would not be renewing his contract - Les Kiss will take charge of the summer tour to North America.

Kidney's contract was due to expire on 30 June but the IRFU issued a statement this afternoon saying that his role as head coach ceases today.

"We would like to sincerely thank Declan for his commitment to Irish Rugby" - Philip Browne

IRFU chief executive Philip Browne said: "We would like to sincerely thank Declan for his commitment to Irish Rugby.

"His contribution and involvement across the spectrum of Irish rugby delivered Under Age, Provincial, Grand Slam and Triple Crown success, and epitomises his passion, belief and commitment to the game.

"With a host of new and emerging talent at every level, and despite the clear challenges ahead, we are confident of securing another world-class coach to work with this talented and ambitious group of players."

The IRFU said the decision was made after a in-depth review carried out by the National Team Review Group.

The group will now begin the process of "identifying suitable candidates" for the job.

the national team review group may well be a hastily convened thing to give kidney a fair appraisal, or make it appear like he's been given a fair appraisal, as far as his performance goes. everyone knows he's getting the road after the results this 6n. i suppose there has to be some semblance of decorum to proceedings before they sacked him.

my own opinion on ireland's woes is that they have become narcissistic, believing in the golden generation media hype bs.. much like eng did for years in the mid to late 90s before that squad got their house in order. a wee bit of humility goes a long way and there was an arrogance about this ireland team that stopped me really warming to them as much as i wanted to. the problem we have is we don't have a large enough pool of quality players to be able to ditch the old lad who's acting like he's hot shit all the time without producing the performances consistently.

i'd rather we lost showing a level of humility rather than think we're top drawer and bemoan the golden generation getting beat yet again, how could this possibly happen to the golden generation? oh, it must be the coach's fault.

players were never good enough in the first place.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gawa316 on April 02, 2013, 06:36:29 PM
Who will be on the shortlist?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on April 02, 2013, 06:47:58 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on April 02, 2013, 06:36:29 PM
Who will be on the shortlist?

Less Kiss

Less Kiss

and em

Less Kiss
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: T Fearon on April 02, 2013, 06:49:00 PM
Martin O'Neill.Oops sorry,wrong team that plays at Aviva
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyroneboi on April 02, 2013, 08:55:32 PM
Quote from: cadence on April 02, 2013, 05:55:32 PM


the national team review group may well be a hastily convened thing to give kidney a fair appraisal, or make it appear like he's been given a fair appraisal, as far as his performance goes. everyone knows he's getting the road after the results this 6n. i suppose there has to be some semblance of decorum to proceedings before they sacked him.

my own opinion on ireland's woes is that they have become narcissistic, believing in the golden generation media hype bs.. much like eng did for years in the mid to late 90s before that squad got their house in order. a wee bit of humility goes a long way and there was an arrogance about this ireland team that stopped me really warming to them as much as i wanted to. the problem we have is we don't have a large enough pool of quality players to be able to ditch the old lad who's acting like he's hot shit all the time without producing the performances consistently.

i'd rather we lost showing a level of humility rather than think we're top drawer and bemoan the golden generation getting beat yet again, how could this possibly happen to the golden generation? oh, it must be the coach's fault.

players were never good enough in the first place.

Just to pick you up on this point - really? Who in this Ireland team could you accuse of being arrogant? The likes of O'Driscoll, Bowe, D'Arcy, O'Connell and O'Gara from this so called Golden Generation are in my opinion the total opposite of arrogant - confidence in their ability absolutely but never arrogant about it.

Also to say the players were never good enough in the first place - Irish clubs winning 5 out of 7 Heineken Cups would state otherwise. Yes there were foreigh players playing these teams which undoubtably contributed to these triumphs but they were backboned by Irish players.

As for my own opinion on Kidney i just think he simply went stale. The Grand Slam was a hell of an achievement but after that he took the team as far as he could. God knows who they get as a replacement - hopefully its not rushed and the right man is appointed. In an ideal world Conor O'Shea would be the man but he has ruled himself out.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on April 02, 2013, 09:02:48 PM
Quote from: cadence on April 02, 2013, 05:55:32 PM
Quote from: orangeman on April 02, 2013, 04:49:37 PM
Who is on the National Team Review Group ?



Declan Kidney's tenure as Ireland head coach has come to an end.

The IRFU announced this afternoon that it would not be renewing his contract - Les Kiss will take charge of the summer tour to North America.

Kidney's contract was due to expire on 30 June but the IRFU issued a statement this afternoon saying that his role as head coach ceases today.

"We would like to sincerely thank Declan for his commitment to Irish Rugby" - Philip Browne

IRFU chief executive Philip Browne said: "We would like to sincerely thank Declan for his commitment to Irish Rugby.

"His contribution and involvement across the spectrum of Irish rugby delivered Under Age, Provincial, Grand Slam and Triple Crown success, and epitomises his passion, belief and commitment to the game.

"With a host of new and emerging talent at every level, and despite the clear challenges ahead, we are confident of securing another world-class coach to work with this talented and ambitious group of players."

The IRFU said the decision was made after a in-depth review carried out by the National Team Review Group.

The group will now begin the process of "identifying suitable candidates" for the job.

the national team review group may well be a hastily convened thing to give kidney a fair appraisal, or make it appear like he's been given a fair appraisal, as far as his performance goes. everyone knows he's getting the road after the results this 6n. i suppose there has to be some semblance of decorum to proceedings before they sacked him.

my own opinion on ireland's woes is that they have become narcissistic, believing in the golden generation media hype bs.. much like eng did for years in the mid to late 90s before that squad got their house in order. a wee bit of humility goes a long way and there was an arrogance about this ireland team that stopped me really warming to them as much as i wanted to. the problem we have is we don't have a large enough pool of quality players to be able to ditch the old lad who's acting like he's hot shit all the time without producing the performances consistently.

i'd rather we lost showing a level of humility rather than think we're top drawer and bemoan the golden generation getting beat yet again, how could this possibly happen to the golden generation? oh, it must be the coach's fault.

players were never good enough in the first place.
Looking at it with a GAA hat on, if the players had been from Kilkenny or Kerry with that noblesse oblige mentality they would have won maybe 3 or 4 GS.
It was more like Armagh or Wexford . One title and they knew a few slipped  away. Players learn how to win. It  is not written in stone to always be the bridesmaid.

Seb Coe said it about the Ashes in 05. The Aussies wouldn't have gone around in an open top bus. That is why they win in the last minutes of matches. Ireland were never that ruthless. But there are teams in Ireland that are.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CorkMan on April 02, 2013, 09:38:45 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on April 02, 2013, 06:36:29 PM
Who will be on the shortlist?

Ewan McKenzie is the favorite.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Premier Emperor on April 02, 2013, 10:04:33 PM
Kidney failure.
Once the Munster team of the last decade broke up, Ireland were always going to go into decline.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: cadence on April 02, 2013, 10:45:39 PM
Quote from: seafoid on April 02, 2013, 09:02:48 PM
Quote from: cadence on April 02, 2013, 05:55:32 PM
Quote from: orangeman on April 02, 2013, 04:49:37 PM
Who is on the National Team Review Group ?



Declan Kidney's tenure as Ireland head coach has come to an end.

The IRFU announced this afternoon that it would not be renewing his contract - Les Kiss will take charge of the summer tour to North America.

Kidney's contract was due to expire on 30 June but the IRFU issued a statement this afternoon saying that his role as head coach ceases today.

"We would like to sincerely thank Declan for his commitment to Irish Rugby" - Philip Browne

IRFU chief executive Philip Browne said: "We would like to sincerely thank Declan for his commitment to Irish Rugby.

"His contribution and involvement across the spectrum of Irish rugby delivered Under Age, Provincial, Grand Slam and Triple Crown success, and epitomises his passion, belief and commitment to the game.

"With a host of new and emerging talent at every level, and despite the clear challenges ahead, we are confident of securing another world-class coach to work with this talented and ambitious group of players."

The IRFU said the decision was made after a in-depth review carried out by the National Team Review Group.

The group will now begin the process of "identifying suitable candidates" for the job.

the national team review group may well be a hastily convened thing to give kidney a fair appraisal, or make it appear like he's been given a fair appraisal, as far as his performance goes. everyone knows he's getting the road after the results this 6n. i suppose there has to be some semblance of decorum to proceedings before they sacked him.

my own opinion on ireland's woes is that they have become narcissistic, believing in the golden generation media hype bs.. much like eng did for years in the mid to late 90s before that squad got their house in order. a wee bit of humility goes a long way and there was an arrogance about this ireland team that stopped me really warming to them as much as i wanted to. the problem we have is we don't have a large enough pool of quality players to be able to ditch the old lad who's acting like he's hot shit all the time without producing the performances consistently.

i'd rather we lost showing a level of humility rather than think we're top drawer and bemoan the golden generation getting beat yet again, how could this possibly happen to the golden generation? oh, it must be the coach's fault.

players were never good enough in the first place.
Looking at it with a GAA hat on, if the players had been from Kilkenny or Kerry with that noblesse oblige mentality they would have won maybe 3 or 4 GS.
It was more like Armagh or Wexford . One title and they knew a few slipped  away. Players learn how to win. It  is not written in stone to always be the bridesmaid.

Seb Coe said it about the Ashes in 05. The Aussies wouldn't have gone around in an open top bus. That is why they win in the last minutes of matches. Ireland were never that ruthless. But there are teams in Ireland that are.

bod was class, but since his first game in 1999, ireland have one slam, wales four, england four and france five. after 2003 eng were rubbish, wales and france were not miles ahead of us either, but we still only have the one slam. we've never beaten a southern hemisphere side down there either. came close the odd time, but we've had some almighty humpings.

it's rarified air the top and ireland got closer than we ever have to it with the noughties team. but we had plenty time to get there and couldn't do it. it's not a coaching failure. despite all the proclaimations that we were, we just weren't good enough i think.   
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: nrico2006 on April 03, 2013, 10:38:49 AM
Has Ferris definitely decided on going to Japan?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on April 03, 2013, 10:46:37 AM
Quote from: cadence on April 02, 2013, 10:45:39 PM
Quote from: seafoid on April 02, 2013, 09:02:48 PM
Quote from: cadence on April 02, 2013, 05:55:32 PM
Quote from: orangeman on April 02, 2013, 04:49:37 PM
Who is on the National Team Review Group ?



Declan Kidney's tenure as Ireland head coach has come to an end.

The IRFU announced this afternoon that it would not be renewing his contract - Les Kiss will take charge of the summer tour to North America.

Kidney's contract was due to expire on 30 June but the IRFU issued a statement this afternoon saying that his role as head coach ceases today.

"We would like to sincerely thank Declan for his commitment to Irish Rugby" - Philip Browne

IRFU chief executive Philip Browne said: "We would like to sincerely thank Declan for his commitment to Irish Rugby.

"His contribution and involvement across the spectrum of Irish rugby delivered Under Age, Provincial, Grand Slam and Triple Crown success, and epitomises his passion, belief and commitment to the game.

"With a host of new and emerging talent at every level, and despite the clear challenges ahead, we are confident of securing another world-class coach to work with this talented and ambitious group of players."

The IRFU said the decision was made after a in-depth review carried out by the National Team Review Group.

The group will now begin the process of "identifying suitable candidates" for the job.

the national team review group may well be a hastily convened thing to give kidney a fair appraisal, or make it appear like he's been given a fair appraisal, as far as his performance goes. everyone knows he's getting the road after the results this 6n. i suppose there has to be some semblance of decorum to proceedings before they sacked him.

my own opinion on ireland's woes is that they have become narcissistic, believing in the golden generation media hype bs.. much like eng did for years in the mid to late 90s before that squad got their house in order. a wee bit of humility goes a long way and there was an arrogance about this ireland team that stopped me really warming to them as much as i wanted to. the problem we have is we don't have a large enough pool of quality players to be able to ditch the old lad who's acting like he's hot shit all the time without producing the performances consistently.

i'd rather we lost showing a level of humility rather than think we're top drawer and bemoan the golden generation getting beat yet again, how could this possibly happen to the golden generation? oh, it must be the coach's fault.

players were never good enough in the first place.
Looking at it with a GAA hat on, if the players had been from Kilkenny or Kerry with that noblesse oblige mentality they would have won maybe 3 or 4 GS.
It was more like Armagh or Wexford . One title and they knew a few slipped  away. Players learn how to win. It  is not written in stone to always be the bridesmaid.

Seb Coe said it about the Ashes in 05. The Aussies wouldn't have gone around in an open top bus. That is why they win in the last minutes of matches. Ireland were never that ruthless. But there are teams in Ireland that are.

bod was class, but since his first game in 1999, ireland have one slam, wales four, england four and france five. after 2003 eng were rubbish, wales and france were not miles ahead of us either, but we still only have the one slam. we've never beaten a southern hemisphere side down there either. came close the odd time, but we've had some almighty humpings.

it's rarified air the top and ireland got closer than we ever have to it with the noughties team. but we had plenty time to get there and couldn't do it. it's not a coaching failure. despite all the proclaimations that we were, we just weren't good enough i think.   

  I hate to be pedantic Cadence but since 1999 England have one Grand Slam and Wales and France have three each. I think what you mean is England and Wales have won the six nations championship four times and France have won it five times. Also we did mange to beat Australia at the World Cup in New Zealand.Taking into account that we only lost out on points difference to that controversial last minute Elvis Vermullein try in 2007 we would have been six nations champions or the last minute Vincent Clerc try in Croker the same year where we would have been Grand Slam winners. We are third in the table for overall wins behind England and France and I think (although I'm open to correction) that we finished second in 2001 , 2003 , 2004 , 2007 along with winning in 2009. That consistency is impressive (especially after the 90's) but the annoying thing about those years we finished second was our record against France where we only beat them in 2001 , 2003 ,2009  and lost to them in 2002, 2004 , 2005 , 2006, 2007 , 2010 , 2011 with our sole victory in Paris in 2000 , the rest being at home. This for me is the most glaring statistic that we have to address over the next decade of Irish rugby as well as trying to replace a few heroes from our first successful team of the pro era.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on April 03, 2013, 10:47:20 AM
Quote from: cadence on April 02, 2013, 10:45:39 PM
bod was class, but since his first game in 1999, ireland have one slam, wales four, england four and france five. after 2003 eng were rubbish, wales and france were not miles ahead of us either, but we still only have the one slam. we've never beaten a southern hemisphere side down there either. came close the odd time, but we've had some almighty humpings.

it's rarified air the top and ireland got closer than we ever have to it with the noughties team. but we had plenty time to get there and couldn't do it. it's not a coaching failure. despite all the proclaimations that we were, we just weren't good enough i think.   

What did we do in the 14 years prior to BOD's first game and how does 1 slam and the Triple Crowns compare? Also did we not beat Australia 'down there' in the World Cup? We do seem to under perform at the 4 year events but that seems to be down to wanting to peak each year in the 6N instead of planning for the longer term like, say, France.

The Heineken Cups and Grand Slam might seem an awful long way off in a few years. I wouldn't be too critical of the Golden generation.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on April 03, 2013, 12:01:29 PM
Apologies if this has already been posted!

Ewen McKenzie (Paddy Power odds 1/2)

Installed as the early front-runner in the betting to be the full-time successor to Kidney, the 47-year-old, 51-times capped former Wallabies prop will leave his current job as head coach with the Queensland Reds, whom he guided to a first ever Super Rugby title in 2011, at the end of the season and expressed a preference to coach at Test level.

Having been an assistant to Rod Macqueen and Eddie Jones in the Australia set-up, he took the Waratahs to two Super finals in his five years there, and he has coached in Europe, even if he was sacked in his second season with Stade Francais.

Les Kiss (13/2)

Given he's already embedded it would make for a smooth enough transition, but that's not to say he isn't primed for promotion anyway. Close ties with the current squad, he gets most of the credit for evolving Ireland's archaic gameplan since the 2011 World Cup, unshackled by Kidney when switched from defence to attack coach.

Decent bloke, devoid of an over-bearing ego, he has picked up the best traits of some highly progressive Australian coaches, in both League and Union, and tailored them to the smaller Irish player, only to be cursed by atrocious weather conditions this season. Think Argentina in November and Wales in February, rather than England in the monsoon.

Joe Schmidt (8/1)

The outstanding candidate. Having cut his teeth as Bay of Plenty coach, Schmidt enjoyed impressive stints as backs/assistant with the Auckland Blues (2004-07) and Clermont Auvergne ('08-10), where along with Vern Cotter, they reached their holy grail of a first ever Bouclier de Brennus in his last of three years there. In part on the recommendation of Isa Nacewa, Leinster chose him to succeed Michael Cheika and he guided the province to back-to-back Heineken Cups in 2011 and 2012 with an exciting brand of rugby. Is also hugely well regarded by the Leinster players and has an insider's knowledge of the Irish players and system.

Mike Ruddock (12/1)

Ticks many boxes as a Grand Slam-winning coach with Wales (2004-06), previously overseeing Leinster's entry into the professional era (1997-00) and is currently working in the system as Ireland under-20s coach. He has worked in the schools system with Castleknock College and at club level, leading Lansdowne FC to the AIL Division 1A title last Saturday.

All that considered, the sudden split from his native Wales was hardly amicable and he's another that may see his current coaching gigs, safely below the radar, as the more sensible, secure option.

Conor O'Shea (16/1)

Ideal candidate for director of operations type-role, equivalent to Rob Andrew in the RFU, that is apparently about to be created within Irish rugby. That would mean the Ireland head coach would report directly to him. Also, O'Shea is not your usual hands-on coach, having guided Harlequins to the Premiership as director of rugby. An astute man, he may even see a more enticing role will be available at Leinster come the summer of 2014 – or even sooner if Joe Schmidt goes the recommended Kiwi route of managing another country before taking the All Blacks job and brings Ireland to the 2015 World Cup. Anyway, why give up leading the Quins' quest to become a European force? Seems like bad timing.

Best of the rest

A la McKenzie, rumours circulated a few months ago that Vern Cotter (14/1) had been sounded out by the IRFU, but this appears unlikely and in any case he intends seeing out the last year of his current contract with Clermont Auvergne at the end of the next season.

Jake White (9/1) , South Africa's World Cup winning coach, is only in the second year of a burgeoning three-year deal with the Brumbies, which looks like a work in progress, and likewise Wayne Smith (30/1) is happily ensconced with the Chiefs as assistant to Dave Rennie (66/1) .

Nick Mallet's (30/1) status has possibly diminished given Jacques Brunel's work with Italy while a Heineken Cup and/or Premiership titles would enhance the cv of Mark McCall (66/1) .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on April 03, 2013, 01:10:24 PM
Quote from: cadence on April 02, 2013, 10:45:39 PM
Quote from: seafoid on April 02, 2013, 09:02:48 PM
Quote from: cadence on April 02, 2013, 05:55:32 PM
Quote from: orangeman on April 02, 2013, 04:49:37 PM
Who is on the National Team Review Group ?



Declan Kidney's tenure as Ireland head coach has come to an end.

The IRFU announced this afternoon that it would not be renewing his contract - Les Kiss will take charge of the summer tour to North America.

Kidney's contract was due to expire on 30 June but the IRFU issued a statement this afternoon saying that his role as head coach ceases today.

"We would like to sincerely thank Declan for his commitment to Irish Rugby" - Philip Browne

IRFU chief executive Philip Browne said: "We would like to sincerely thank Declan for his commitment to Irish Rugby.

"His contribution and involvement across the spectrum of Irish rugby delivered Under Age, Provincial, Grand Slam and Triple Crown success, and epitomises his passion, belief and commitment to the game.

"With a host of new and emerging talent at every level, and despite the clear challenges ahead, we are confident of securing another world-class coach to work with this talented and ambitious group of players."

The IRFU said the decision was made after a in-depth review carried out by the National Team Review Group.

The group will now begin the process of "identifying suitable candidates" for the job.

the national team review group may well be a hastily convened thing to give kidney a fair appraisal, or make it appear like he's been given a fair appraisal, as far as his performance goes. everyone knows he's getting the road after the results this 6n. i suppose there has to be some semblance of decorum to proceedings before they sacked him.

my own opinion on ireland's woes is that they have become narcissistic, believing in the golden generation media hype bs.. much like eng did for years in the mid to late 90s before that squad got their house in order. a wee bit of humility goes a long way and there was an arrogance about this ireland team that stopped me really warming to them as much as i wanted to. the problem we have is we don't have a large enough pool of quality players to be able to ditch the old lad who's acting like he's hot shit all the time without producing the performances consistently.

i'd rather we lost showing a level of humility rather than think we're top drawer and bemoan the golden generation getting beat yet again, how could this possibly happen to the golden generation? oh, it must be the coach's fault.

players were never good enough in the first place.
Looking at it with a GAA hat on, if the players had been from Kilkenny or Kerry with that noblesse oblige mentality they would have won maybe 3 or 4 GS.
It was more like Armagh or Wexford . One title and they knew a few slipped  away. Players learn how to win. It  is not written in stone to always be the bridesmaid.

Seb Coe said it about the Ashes in 05. The Aussies wouldn't have gone around in an open top bus. That is why they win in the last minutes of matches. Ireland were never that ruthless. But there are teams in Ireland that are.

bod was class, but since his first game in 1999, ireland have one slam, wales four, england four and france five. after 2003 eng were rubbish, wales and france were not miles ahead of us either, but we still only have the one slam. we've never beaten a southern hemisphere side down there either. came close the odd time, but we've had some almighty humpings.

it's rarified air the top and ireland got closer than we ever have to it with the noughties team. but we had plenty time to get there and couldn't do it. it's not a coaching failure. despite all the proclaimations that we were, we just weren't good enough i think.   

We beat Australia in 2011 in the World Cup in New Zealand. That's 'down there'.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on April 03, 2013, 02:46:37 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 03, 2013, 01:10:24 PM
Quote from: cadence on April 02, 2013, 10:45:39 PM
Quote from: seafoid on April 02, 2013, 09:02:48 PM
Quote from: cadence on April 02, 2013, 05:55:32 PM
Quote from: orangeman on April 02, 2013, 04:49:37 PM
Who is on the National Team Review Group ?



Declan Kidney's tenure as Ireland head coach has come to an end.

The IRFU announced this afternoon that it would not be renewing his contract - Les Kiss will take charge of the summer tour to North America.

Kidney's contract was due to expire on 30 June but the IRFU issued a statement this afternoon saying that his role as head coach ceases today.

"We would like to sincerely thank Declan for his commitment to Irish Rugby" - Philip Browne

IRFU chief executive Philip Browne said: "We would like to sincerely thank Declan for his commitment to Irish Rugby.

"His contribution and involvement across the spectrum of Irish rugby delivered Under Age, Provincial, Grand Slam and Triple Crown success, and epitomises his passion, belief and commitment to the game.

"With a host of new and emerging talent at every level, and despite the clear challenges ahead, we are confident of securing another world-class coach to work with this talented and ambitious group of players."

The IRFU said the decision was made after a in-depth review carried out by the National Team Review Group.

The group will now begin the process of "identifying suitable candidates" for the job.

the national team review group may well be a hastily convened thing to give kidney a fair appraisal, or make it appear like he's been given a fair appraisal, as far as his performance goes. everyone knows he's getting the road after the results this 6n. i suppose there has to be some semblance of decorum to proceedings before they sacked him.

my own opinion on ireland's woes is that they have become narcissistic, believing in the golden generation media hype bs.. much like eng did for years in the mid to late 90s before that squad got their house in order. a wee bit of humility goes a long way and there was an arrogance about this ireland team that stopped me really warming to them as much as i wanted to. the problem we have is we don't have a large enough pool of quality players to be able to ditch the old lad who's acting like he's hot shit all the time without producing the performances consistently.

i'd rather we lost showing a level of humility rather than think we're top drawer and bemoan the golden generation getting beat yet again, how could this possibly happen to the golden generation? oh, it must be the coach's fault.

players were never good enough in the first place.
Looking at it with a GAA hat on, if the players had been from Kilkenny or Kerry with that noblesse oblige mentality they would have won maybe 3 or 4 GS.
It was more like Armagh or Wexford . One title and they knew a few slipped  away. Players learn how to win. It  is not written in stone to always be the bridesmaid.

Seb Coe said it about the Ashes in 05. The Aussies wouldn't have gone around in an open top bus. That is why they win in the last minutes of matches. Ireland were never that ruthless. But there are teams in Ireland that are.

bod was class, but since his first game in 1999, ireland have one slam, wales four, england four and france five. after 2003 eng were rubbish, wales and france were not miles ahead of us either, but we still only have the one slam. we've never beaten a southern hemisphere side down there either. came close the odd time, but we've had some almighty humpings.

it's rarified air the top and ireland got closer than we ever have to it with the noughties team. but we had plenty time to get there and couldn't do it. it's not a coaching failure. despite all the proclaimations that we were, we just weren't good enough i think.   

We beat Australia in 2011 in the World Cup in New Zealand. That's 'down there'.

And if you really want to be an anorak about it we beat Australia down there in 1967 (becoming the first northern hemisphere team to win a test in the southern hemisphere) and again in Aus in two tests in 1979 in the amateur era.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lynchbhoy on April 03, 2013, 05:30:05 PM
surprised mark mccall so far down the pecking order....
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on April 09, 2013, 12:18:30 PM
Johnny Sexton to be the biggest earner in French Rugby next season

   
http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/sexton-set-to-be-france-s-best-paid-rugby-player-according-to-midi-olympique-1.1353040










   
   
   




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Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: highorlow on April 16, 2013, 06:57:38 PM
After watching that lad Joe Smidth a few times in interviews I really hope that he doesn't get the Irish job.

Who is he to come out against a citing commissioner about POC over the last couple of days.

Obviously he had no interest in the Irish job and he is stirring things up now in the hope he will be rejected.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on April 16, 2013, 09:24:54 PM
Paulie was lucky. There was zero intent in my opinion. It happened about 15 yards from me. POC was very concerned about Kearney immediately afterwards as well. However he could easily have been cited for reckless or dangerous play and would have had to explain himself. As I said he was lucky. The reaction of the Leinster lads helped him enormously I'd say. No handbags , no mouthing or gesticulating, nothing. They knew it was accidental but fair play to them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: highorlow on April 17, 2013, 09:41:09 AM
QuotePaulie was lucky.

I know that AZ. The point I made may not have been fully clear. It is more to do with Joe Smidths diplomacy which appears non-existent on the matter. Not a great sign if this guy becomes Irish manager. If you go to RTE player you can see what he said in an interview on last nights six one news. Came across as anti-munster.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: cicfada on April 17, 2013, 11:11:32 AM
Of course he's anti munster, he's Leinster manager for Christ's sake! Eveyone needs to disregard statements from any Munster fans, Leinster fans and indeed any Lunsters as well! They are not going to be in any way objective. If Schmidt gets the Irish gig, he will change his tune and be all kinds of eveything to all Irish rugby fans!  I thought the incident was shocking myself, very reckless and I thought O Connell would have to answer for  it! In my opinion there is very little difference between reckless and careless but  the commissioner has deemed otherwise so he has no case to answer, lucky boy!!Schmidt's statement is coming  as the Leinster manager so I would not expect anything else, it should not have any impact on his qualifications to become Irish manager, he is an outstanding candidate but we will have to see who else the IRFU deems qualified to get the job!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on April 17, 2013, 11:17:31 AM
It was a cover up. A simple disgrace. O'Connell should have been cited period, while I agree there was no intent it was reckless, dangerous and stupid.

David Kearney is still in hospital.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on April 17, 2013, 11:18:07 AM
It was pretty reckless, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clAu-PkkOlQ
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on April 17, 2013, 11:31:10 AM
If he intended to do that, he should be in jail. If he didn't, it was still completely reckless. I don't know the exact rules  . . .sorry, 'Laws' of rugby, but if the red card for Sam Warburton in the World Cup semi-final is anything to go by then there is clearly some duty of care on players for those around them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on April 17, 2013, 11:47:34 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on April 17, 2013, 11:17:31 AM
It was a cover up. A simple disgrace. O'Connell should have been cited period, while I agree there was no intent it was reckless, dangerous and stupid.

David Kearney is still in hospital.

How do you mean there was no intent?

He had to know his boot was going to come into contact with the lads head considering where it was in relation to the ball and O'Connells direction of running.

Reckless is being kind IMO
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: highorlow on April 17, 2013, 11:49:09 AM
QuoteOf course he's anti munster, he's Leinster manager for Christ's sake!

I'm still trying to make sense of that.

The ball was close to Kearney's head. There is no rule against challenging for the ball. It was unfortunate that O'Connell's shin made slight contact with Kearneys head.

Whether you think it was reckless or not and everyone will have a different opinion is not the point. The point is if the shoe was on the other foot and O'Driscoll was involved I doubt you would hear any snid bullshit comments from the Munster camp.

May Smidth go back to where he came from after his comments for all I care.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Burner on April 17, 2013, 11:52:15 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on April 17, 2013, 11:17:31 AM
It was a cover up. A simple disgrace. O'Connell should have been cited period, while I agree there was no intent it was reckless, dangerous and stupid.

David Kearney is still in hospital.

No he isnt.

O connell should have been cited though in my opinion.

As for schmidt, A little naive on his part to allianate Munster supporters given that he could get the ireland job. Should have been a little more diplomatic.

I agree largely with a lot of the points he makes.

Penney should have kept the trap shut aswell
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on April 17, 2013, 12:09:37 PM
Quote from: highorlow on April 17, 2013, 11:49:09 AM
QuoteOf course he's anti munster, he's Leinster manager for Christ's sake!

I'm still trying to make sense of that.

The ball was close to Kearney's head. There is no rule against challenging for the ball. It was unfortunate that O'Connell's shin made slight contact with Kearneys head.

Whether you think it was reckless or not and everyone will have a different opinion is not the point. The point is if the shoe was on the other foot and O'Driscoll was involved I doubt you would hear any snid bullshit comments from the Munster camp.

May Smidth go back to where he came from after his comments for all I care.

Slight contact - he was knocked out for Gods sake.

Joe Schmidt is right to highlight that his player David Kearney is still in hospital yet the perpetrator is deemed by an Irish citing officer not to have a case. He needs to stand up for his player and the spirit of the game.

And a bit of casual racism to boot.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on April 17, 2013, 12:10:06 PM
Quote from: highorlow on April 17, 2013, 11:49:09 AM
The ball was close to Kearney's head. There is no rule against challenging for the ball. It was unfortunate that O'Connell's shin made slight contact with Kearneys head.

You have to be taking the piss.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Burner on April 17, 2013, 12:11:15 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on April 17, 2013, 12:09:37 PM
Quote from: highorlow on April 17, 2013, 11:49:09 AM
QuoteOf course he's anti munster, he's Leinster manager for Christ's sake!

I'm still trying to make sense of that.

The ball was close to Kearney's head. There is no rule against challenging for the ball. It was unfortunate that O'Connell's shin made slight contact with Kearneys head.

Whether you think it was reckless or not and everyone will have a different opinion is not the point. The point is if the shoe was on the other foot and O'Driscoll was involved I doubt you would hear any snid bullshit comments from the Munster camp.

May Smidth go back to where he came from after his comments for all I care.

Slight contact - he was knocked out for Gods sake.

Joe Schmidt is right to highlight that his player David Kearney is still in hospital yet the perpetrator is deemed by an Irish citing officer not to have a case. He needs to stand up for his player and the spirit of the game.

And a bit of casual racism to boot.

Again, He is not still in Hospital
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on April 17, 2013, 12:15:01 PM
Quote from: The Burner on April 17, 2013, 12:11:15 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on April 17, 2013, 12:09:37 PM
Quote from: highorlow on April 17, 2013, 11:49:09 AM
QuoteOf course he's anti munster, he's Leinster manager for Christ's sake!

I'm still trying to make sense of that.

The ball was close to Kearney's head. There is no rule against challenging for the ball. It was unfortunate that O'Connell's shin made slight contact with Kearneys head.

Whether you think it was reckless or not and everyone will have a different opinion is not the point. The point is if the shoe was on the other foot and O'Driscoll was involved I doubt you would hear any snid bullshit comments from the Munster camp.

May Smidth go back to where he came from after his comments for all I care.

Slight contact - he was knocked out for Gods sake.

Joe Schmidt is right to highlight that his player David Kearney is still in hospital yet the perpetrator is deemed by an Irish citing officer not to have a case. He needs to stand up for his player and the spirit of the game.

And a bit of casual racism to boot.

Again, He is not still in Hospital

Take it up with Fergus McFadden

QuoteFergus McFadden ‏@fergmcfadden 16 Apr

Nice gesture but don't think he is out of hospital yet... #CarelessCoffee pic.twitter.com/9fOI9aqh79
View photo
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on April 17, 2013, 12:22:11 PM
I think this can be traced back to the six nations when cian Healy was only given a one match ban for his stamp against England. Funny that Schmidt was not so vocal on player safety in that incident. Some of you may say the incidents are not comparabe, you'd b right, Healy showed clear intent.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on April 17, 2013, 12:28:28 PM
Quote from: trileacman on April 17, 2013, 12:22:11 PM
I think this can be traced back to the six nations when cian Healy was only given a one match ban for his stamp against England. Funny that Schmidt was not so vocal on player safety in that incident. Some of you may say the incidents are not comparabe, you'd b right, Healy showed clear intent.

Completely irrelevant, Healy was reckless dangerous, no where near a head, intent does not come into it. He was rightly cited and suspended for 3 weeks and missed 2 games, what would you expect Schmidt to say in that case?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on April 17, 2013, 12:32:30 PM
(http://cf.broadsheet.ie/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/lombard.jpg)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: highorlow on April 17, 2013, 12:46:45 PM
QuoteAnd a bit of casual racism to boot.

Ye. Smidth did say that the decision reflects badly on "Irish" Rugby. What brought on the Irish Rugby remark?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on April 17, 2013, 12:49:42 PM
Quote from: highorlow on April 17, 2013, 12:46:45 PM
QuoteAnd a bit of casual racism to boot.

Ye. Smidth did say that the decision reflects badly on "Irish" Rugby. What brought on the Irish Rugby remark?
An Irish rugby officer (Eddie Walsh from Connacht) was the man who made the decision not to cite him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: highorlow on April 17, 2013, 12:51:56 PM
Within the Laws of the game, as Kearney is lying on the ground and he has placed the ball he is now out of the game. The ball is now out, his hand does not have to leave the ball. Under the Laws of the game it is Kearney responsible to role away or to protect himself (something you are told U8s). Because the ball is out POC under the laws is allowed to kick it and if a ball is out and on the ground and a player has not recovered it (in full control of the ball) he can kick it. If another player tries to block it and gets kicked that is that players own responsibility. Yes it was dangerous but in terms of the laws of the game he did nothing out of place therefore the citing commissioner cannot cite him as what he did was within the laws of the game. It is a physical sport and what POC did was very careless, you cannot cite him if he has played within the laws. You cannot just make up a laws after the game and tell someone they broke it.


Smidth of all people should know this and his reaction was unprofessional and lacked judgement and this is why I was so angry with him. My opinion of him has diminished as a result and I hope he doesn't land the Irish job.




p.s. The ref on the day was not Irish, I presume the linesmen weren't either.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on April 17, 2013, 01:00:03 PM
The Leinster camp were particularly annoyed with Penney's comments on Monday where he stated that "This is one of those incidents where there is nothing really to be concerned about".

Given Kearney was completely knocked out, hospitalised, underwent CT scans, I think its understandble that Schmidt and Cullen felt like someone was rubbing salt into the wound.

You have no right to kick someone in the head, no matter where they are lying. He clearly and obviously didnt aim for Kearney's head, but he didnt care that to get to the ball he'd have to connect with Kearney's head.   
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on April 17, 2013, 01:00:31 PM
Quote from: highorlow on April 17, 2013, 12:51:56 PM
It is a physical sport and what POC did was very careless, you cannot cite him if he has played within the laws. You cannot just make up a laws after the game and tell someone they broke it.

Law 10.4 - Dangerous Play and Misconduct (http://www.irbplayerwelfare.com/?documentid=63)

(c) Kicking.
A player must not kick an opponent.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: highorlow on April 17, 2013, 01:25:59 PM
Thanks for that deiseach.

For the Law 10.4 to be applied the first test is to question was the play both Dangerous and Misconduct as the heading explicitly states.

On POC's part it was perhaps dangerous, as for misconduct this is where POC played within the Law's "A misconduct is a legal term meaning a wrongful, improper, or unlawful conduct motivated by premeditated or intentional purpose or by obstinate indifference to the consequences of one's acts".

It is obvious from the footage that POC neither intended or premeditated the act.

Of course kicking a player is unacceptable but only, as proven above, if  the play is deemed dangerous and misconduct. This is where Joe Smidth needs to learn the rules and laws of the game!

Penny was probably foolish to make any comment at all and I don't know the exact context of his comment was but he is actually more correct than the palaver Smidth is coming out with.

Bit of reading for you below.

14.1 Players on the ground
(a)
A player with the ball must immediately do one of three things:
Get up with the ball
Pass the ball
Release the ball.
Sanction: Penalty kick

(b)
A player who passes or releases the ball must also get up or move away from it at once.
Sanction: Penalty kick

(c)
A player without the ball must not lie on, over, or near the ball to prevent opponents getting possession of it.
Sanction: Penalty kick

(d)
A player on the ground must not tackle or attempt to tackle an opponent.
Sanction: Penalty kick
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Burner on April 17, 2013, 01:45:35 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on April 17, 2013, 12:15:01 PM
Quote from: The Burner on April 17, 2013, 12:11:15 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on April 17, 2013, 12:09:37 PM
Quote from: highorlow on April 17, 2013, 11:49:09 AM
QuoteOf course he's anti munster, he's Leinster manager for Christ's sake!

I'm still trying to make sense of that.

The ball was close to Kearney's head. There is no rule against challenging for the ball. It was unfortunate that O'Connell's shin made slight contact with Kearneys head.

Whether you think it was reckless or not and everyone will have a different opinion is not the point. The point is if the shoe was on the other foot and O'Driscoll was involved I doubt you would hear any snid bullshit comments from the Munster camp.

May Smidth go back to where he came from after his comments for all I care.

Slight contact - he was knocked out for Gods sake.

Joe Schmidt is right to highlight that his player David Kearney is still in hospital yet the perpetrator is deemed by an Irish citing officer not to have a case. He needs to stand up for his player and the spirit of the game.

And a bit of casual racism to boot.

Again, He is not still in Hospital

Take it up with Fergus McFadden

QuoteFergus McFadden ‏@fergmcfadden 16 Apr

Nice gesture but don't think he is out of hospital yet... #CarelessCoffee pic.twitter.com/9fOI9aqh79
View photo

Think Ill take the word of the official Leinster website on this Dinny

http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/news/9641.php
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on April 17, 2013, 01:47:11 PM
Quote from: highorlow on April 17, 2013, 01:25:59 PM
Thanks for that deiseach.

For the Law 10.4 to be applied the first test is to question was the play both Dangerous and Misconduct as the heading explicitly states.

On POC's part it was perhaps dangerous, as for misconduct this is where POC played within the Law's "A misconduct is a legal term meaning a wrongful, improper, or unlawful conduct motivated by premeditated or intentional purpose or by obstinate indifference to the consequences of one's acts".

It is obvious from the footage that POC neither intended or premeditated the act.

Of course kicking a player is unacceptable but only, as proven above, if  the play is deemed dangerous and misconduct. This is where Joe Smidth needs to learn the rules and laws of the game!

Penny was probably foolish to make any comment at all and I don't know the exact context of his comment was but he is actually more correct than the palaver Smidth is coming out with.

Bit of reading for you below.

14.1 Players on the ground
(a)
A player with the ball must immediately do one of three things:
Get up with the ball
Pass the ball
Release the ball.
Sanction: Penalty kick

(b)
A player who passes or releases the ball must also get up or move away from it at once.
Sanction: Penalty kick

(c)
A player without the ball must not lie on, over, or near the ball to prevent opponents getting possession of it.
Sanction: Penalty kick

(d)
A player on the ground must not tackle or attempt to tackle an opponent.
Sanction: Penalty kick

I don't see anyone claiming Paul O'Connell kicked Dave Kearney deliberately, not even Joe Schmidt. If O'Connell meant it, he needs locking up. But since no one has made that argument, bringing it up is a straw man. I notice you don't address the "obstinate indifference to the consequences of one's acts" part of the rules. And by his own words, Paul O'Connell has demonstrated that in spades (http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/oconnell-i-was-worried-id-be-cited-for-kick-29201693.html). He kicks a man in the head and when he looks at the footage his only concern is that he might get cited at an awkward time of the season? Shameful.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Burner on April 17, 2013, 01:55:03 PM
Quote from: deiseach on April 17, 2013, 01:47:11 PM
Quote from: highorlow on April 17, 2013, 01:25:59 PM
Thanks for that deiseach.

For the Law 10.4 to be applied the first test is to question was the play both Dangerous and Misconduct as the heading explicitly states.

On POC's part it was perhaps dangerous, as for misconduct this is where POC played within the Law's "A misconduct is a legal term meaning a wrongful, improper, or unlawful conduct motivated by premeditated or intentional purpose or by obstinate indifference to the consequences of one's acts".

It is obvious from the footage that POC neither intended or premeditated the act.

Of course kicking a player is unacceptable but only, as proven above, if  the play is deemed dangerous and misconduct. This is where Joe Smidth needs to learn the rules and laws of the game!

Penny was probably foolish to make any comment at all and I don't know the exact context of his comment was but he is actually more correct than the palaver Smidth is coming out with.

Bit of reading for you below.

14.1 Players on the ground
(a)
A player with the ball must immediately do one of three things:
Get up with the ball
Pass the ball
Release the ball.
Sanction: Penalty kick

(b)
A player who passes or releases the ball must also get up or move away from it at once.
Sanction: Penalty kick

(c)
A player without the ball must not lie on, over, or near the ball to prevent opponents getting possession of it.
Sanction: Penalty kick

(d)
A player on the ground must not tackle or attempt to tackle an opponent.
Sanction: Penalty kick

I don't see anyone claiming Paul O'Connell kicked Dave Kearney deliberately, not even Joe Schmidt. If O'Connell meant it, he needs locking up. But since no one has made that argument, bringing it up is a straw man. I notice you don't address the "obstinate indifference to the consequences of one's acts" part of the rules. And by his own words, Paul O'Connell has demonstrated that in spades (http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/oconnell-i-was-worried-id-be-cited-for-kick-29201693.html). He kicks a man in the head and when he looks at the footage his only concern is that he might get cited at an awkward time of the season? Shameful.

Ah come on now Deiseach, Immediately after the incident he checked if he was ok and Id be fairly sure he has apologised for it to Kearney. There is nothing wrong with what O Connell said so dont be making an issue out of nothing
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on April 17, 2013, 01:56:45 PM
Quote from: The Burner on April 17, 2013, 01:55:03 PM
Quote from: deiseach on April 17, 2013, 01:47:11 PM
I don't see anyone claiming Paul O'Connell kicked Dave Kearney deliberately, not even Joe Schmidt. If O'Connell meant it, he needs locking up. But since no one has made that argument, bringing it up is a straw man. I notice you don't address the "obstinate indifference to the consequences of one's acts" part of the rules. And by his own words, Paul O'Connell has demonstrated that in spades (http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/oconnell-i-was-worried-id-be-cited-for-kick-29201693.html). He kicks a man in the head and when he looks at the footage his only concern is that he might get cited at an awkward time of the season? Shameful.

Ah come on now Deiseach, Immediately after the incident he checked if he was ok and Id be fairly sure he has apologised for it to Kearney. There is nothing wrong with what O Connell said so dont be making an issue out of nothing

Don't shoot the messenger.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on April 17, 2013, 02:00:31 PM
Quote from: The Burner on April 17, 2013, 01:45:35 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on April 17, 2013, 12:15:01 PM
Quote from: The Burner on April 17, 2013, 12:11:15 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on April 17, 2013, 12:09:37 PM
Quote from: highorlow on April 17, 2013, 11:49:09 AM
QuoteOf course he's anti munster, he's Leinster manager for Christ's sake!

I'm still trying to make sense of that.

The ball was close to Kearney's head. There is no rule against challenging for the ball. It was unfortunate that O'Connell's shin made slight contact with Kearneys head.

Whether you think it was reckless or not and everyone will have a different opinion is not the point. The point is if the shoe was on the other foot and O'Driscoll was involved I doubt you would hear any snid bullshit comments from the Munster camp.

May Smidth go back to where he came from after his comments for all I care.

Slight contact - he was knocked out for Gods sake.

Joe Schmidt is right to highlight that his player David Kearney is still in hospital yet the perpetrator is deemed by an Irish citing officer not to have a case. He needs to stand up for his player and the spirit of the game.

And a bit of casual racism to boot.

Again, He is not still in Hospital

Take it up with Fergus McFadden

QuoteFergus McFadden ‏@fergmcfadden 16 Apr

Nice gesture but don't think he is out of hospital yet... #CarelessCoffee pic.twitter.com/9fOI9aqh79
View photo

Think Ill take the word of the official Leinster website on this Dinny

http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/news/9641.php


No better men, well the victim still hasn't returned to work shall we say.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on April 17, 2013, 02:05:26 PM
Interesting what Cullen has to say on the manner, this is the same Cullen who testified on behalf of Alan Quinlan after the hand to eye incident.

QuoteAfter Joe Schmidt yesterday spoke out strongly against the decision not to cite Paul O'Connell over the incident which left Dave Kearney with a concussion, Leo Cullen has also criticised the decision of Citing Commissioner Eddie Walsh.

Cullen is quoted in today's Irish Times describing the kick as 'extremely reckless' and talked about how his faith in the disciplinary process had 'changed' as a result of O'Connell not being cited. Cullen even went as far to suggest that O'Connell could still be cited.

Cullen's comments are especially interesting given how unusual it is for a rugby player to call for disciplinary measures against a fellow player and in this case, a colleague at international level. Indeed Cullen himself attended a hearing in defence of Alan Quinlan after Quinlan was accused of making contact with his eyes.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Burner on April 17, 2013, 02:06:21 PM
Quote from: deiseach on April 17, 2013, 01:56:45 PM
Quote from: The Burner on April 17, 2013, 01:55:03 PM
Quote from: deiseach on April 17, 2013, 01:47:11 PM
I don't see anyone claiming Paul O'Connell kicked Dave Kearney deliberately, not even Joe Schmidt. If O'Connell meant it, he needs locking up. But since no one has made that argument, bringing it up is a straw man. I notice you don't address the "obstinate indifference to the consequences of one's acts" part of the rules. And by his own words, Paul O'Connell has demonstrated that in spades (http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/oconnell-i-was-worried-id-be-cited-for-kick-29201693.html). He kicks a man in the head and when he looks at the footage his only concern is that he might get cited at an awkward time of the season? Shameful.

Ah come on now Deiseach, Immediately after the incident he checked if he was ok and Id be fairly sure he has apologised for it to Kearney. There is nothing wrong with what O Connell said so dont be making an issue out of nothing

Don't shoot the messenger.

Your not the messenger!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: highorlow on April 17, 2013, 02:09:10 PM
QuoteI notice you don't address the "obstinate indifference to the consequences of one's acts" part of the rules

That is not part of the rules but one of the legal definitions of miss-conduct I found on-line.

Your failing to read the grammatical conjunction so I'm not going to take your responses seriously anymore.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on April 17, 2013, 02:12:11 PM
Quote from: highorlow on April 17, 2013, 02:09:10 PM
QuoteI notice you don't address the "obstinate indifference to the consequences of one's acts" part of the rules

That is not part of the rules but one of the legal definitions of miss-conduct I found on-line.

Your failing to read the grammatical conjunction so I'm not going to take your responses seriously anymore.

Brilliant!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on April 17, 2013, 02:20:17 PM
Quote from: The Burner on April 17, 2013, 02:06:21 PM
Quote from: deiseach on April 17, 2013, 01:56:45 PM
Quote from: The Burner on April 17, 2013, 01:55:03 PM
Quote from: deiseach on April 17, 2013, 01:47:11 PM
I don't see anyone claiming Paul O'Connell kicked Dave Kearney deliberately, not even Joe Schmidt. If O'Connell meant it, he needs locking up. But since no one has made that argument, bringing it up is a straw man. I notice you don't address the "obstinate indifference to the consequences of one's acts" part of the rules. And by his own words, Paul O'Connell has demonstrated that in spades (http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/oconnell-i-was-worried-id-be-cited-for-kick-29201693.html). He kicks a man in the head and when he looks at the footage his only concern is that he might get cited at an awkward time of the season? Shameful.

Ah come on now Deiseach, Immediately after the incident he checked if he was ok and Id be fairly sure he has apologised for it to Kearney. There is nothing wrong with what O Connell said so dont be making an issue out of nothing

Don't shoot the messenger.

Your not the messenger!

I gave a link to what Paul O'Connell said.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on April 17, 2013, 02:21:24 PM
Quote from: highorlow on April 17, 2013, 12:51:56 PM
Within the Laws of the game, as Kearney is lying on the ground and he has placed the ball he is now out of the game. The ball is now out, his hand does not have to leave the ball. Under the Laws of the game it is Kearney responsible to role away or to protect himself (something you are told U8s). Because the ball is out POC under the laws is allowed to kick it and if a ball is out and on the ground and a player has not recovered it (in full control of the ball) he can kick it. If another player tries to block it and gets kicked that is that players own responsibility. Yes it was dangerous but in terms of the laws of the game he did nothing out of place therefore the citing commissioner cannot cite him as what he did was within the laws of the game. It is a physical sport and what POC did was very careless, you cannot cite him if he has played within the laws. You cannot just make up a laws after the game and tell someone they broke it.


Smidth of all people should know this and his reaction was unprofessional and lacked judgement and this is why I was so angry with him. My opinion of him has diminished as a result and I hope he doesn't land the Irish job.




p.s. The ref on the day was not Irish, I presume the linesmen weren't either.

Good post. Sums up my feelings on it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on April 17, 2013, 02:23:13 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on April 17, 2013, 02:12:11 PM
Quote from: highorlow on April 17, 2013, 02:09:10 PM
QuoteI notice you don't address the "obstinate indifference to the consequences of one's acts" part of the rules

That is not part of the rules but one of the legal definitions of miss-conduct I found on-line.

Your failing to read the grammatical conjunction so I'm not going to take your responses seriously anymore.

Brilliant!!!

Irony is dead.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Burner on April 17, 2013, 02:25:40 PM
Quote from: deiseach on April 17, 2013, 02:20:17 PM
Quote from: The Burner on April 17, 2013, 02:06:21 PM
Quote from: deiseach on April 17, 2013, 01:56:45 PM
Quote from: The Burner on April 17, 2013, 01:55:03 PM
Quote from: deiseach on April 17, 2013, 01:47:11 PM
I don't see anyone claiming Paul O'Connell kicked Dave Kearney deliberately, not even Joe Schmidt. If O'Connell meant it, he needs locking up. But since no one has made that argument, bringing it up is a straw man. I notice you don't address the "obstinate indifference to the consequences of one's acts" part of the rules. And by his own words, Paul O'Connell has demonstrated that in spades (http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/oconnell-i-was-worried-id-be-cited-for-kick-29201693.html). He kicks a man in the head and when he looks at the footage his only concern is that he might get cited at an awkward time of the season? Shameful.

Ah come on now Deiseach, Immediately after the incident he checked if he was ok and Id be fairly sure he has apologised for it to Kearney. There is nothing wrong with what O Connell said so dont be making an issue out of nothing

Don't shoot the messenger.

Your not the messenger!

I gave a link to what Paul O'Connell said.

But you made a statement based on what O Connell said. If you had put up the article, said nothing and I then commented critically on the article you would then be entitled to say "Dont shoot the messenger"

But you delivered your own verdict hence the response "dont shoot the messenger" makes no sense!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on April 17, 2013, 02:30:57 PM
Quote from: The Burner on April 17, 2013, 02:25:40 PM
But you made a statement based on what O Connell said. If you had put up the article, said nothing and I then commented critically on the article you would then be entitled to say "Dont shoot the messenger"

But you delivered your own verdict hence the response "dont shoot the messenger" makes no sense!

I don't think I misrepresented O'Connell's position, and the fact you need to make assumptions that he must have made an apology without any evidence of one suggests to me that his stated position is not a flattering one. Still, I did editorialise (and am doing it again!) so I take your point.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Burner on April 17, 2013, 02:50:24 PM
Quote from: deiseach on April 17, 2013, 02:30:57 PM
Quote from: The Burner on April 17, 2013, 02:25:40 PM
But you made a statement based on what O Connell said. If you had put up the article, said nothing and I then commented critically on the article you would then be entitled to say "Dont shoot the messenger"

But you delivered your own verdict hence the response "dont shoot the messenger" makes no sense!

I don't think I misrepresented O'Connell's position, and the fact you need to make assumptions that he must have made an apology without any evidence of one suggests to me that his stated position is not a flattering one. Still, I did editorialise (and am doing it again!) so I take your point.

Well he did check on his welfare in the immediate aftermath of the incident. As for you not misrepresenting O Connell' position, perhaps you havent, but you will also have to consider that he may have been responding to the question "Were you worried about a possible citing?" In which case i dont really see anything wrong with what he has said. Like you said its based on assumptions but by the same token you could be misrepresenting O Connell because we dont exactly know what question he was asked.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on April 17, 2013, 04:03:38 PM
Eddie Moroney on Kearney and O Connell

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7SyDhZlV8Y&feature=youtu.be

A very dirty kick by the looks of it
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on April 17, 2013, 06:00:13 PM
It was reckless and I'm surprised and relieved he wasn't cited so he would at least explain himself. However, I do have to say that in my opinion it was in no way intentional or dirty, and I would also say that O'Connells first reaction was to go to the injured player and check on him. He was there quite a while too.

I'm quite sure he was relieved he wasn't cited, and was worried he would be, but it's unfair to suggest that was his primary concern.

The reaction of the Leinster lads on the field told a lot too in my opinion, including that of Cullen. I think Schmidt's and Cullen's remarks since then are in direct response to Penney opening his big trap. The more I see of him the less I like him to be honest. From his bullshit self protection a couple of weeks ago to this needless stoking of the fires. He should have just counted his blessings and moved on.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on April 24, 2013, 12:53:24 PM
There's going to be no show like a Joe show.

Backroom team make-up will be interesting.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on April 24, 2013, 01:01:24 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on April 24, 2013, 12:53:24 PM
There's going to be no show like a Joe show.

Backroom team make-up will be interesting.
100% ?

That's impressively early Dinny. Don't see it anywhere else
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on April 24, 2013, 01:08:07 PM
Quote from: Hound on April 24, 2013, 01:01:24 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on April 24, 2013, 12:53:24 PM
There's going to be no show like a Joe show.

Backroom team make-up will be interesting.
100% ?

That's impressively early Dinny. Don't see it anywhere else

Contract signed as far as I am aware.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: orangeman on April 29, 2013, 10:51:35 AM
This nearly merits a thread on its own.



RONAN O'GARA played his last game for Munster in Saturday's Heineken Cup semi-final loss to Clermont Auvergne.



The 36-year-old out-half will delay an announcement for a number of weeks but after 110 Heineken Cup games and 1,395 points and a record 128 international caps for Ireland, he is believed to be keen to explore new career options.

Those options include pursuing a coaching role away from Munster as he believes he needs to experience other rugby cultures before realising his ultimate goal of becoming Munster's head coach one day.

Munster, though, are keen to convince him to keep playing for one more season. They have offered him a one-year contract and coach Rob Penney emphasised the desire to keep his star out-half. "Rog will be a part of Munster for as long as he wants to be," he said.

O'Gara was in outstanding form against Clermont and, in particular, he kicked beautifully. He also managed the game expertly and turned over a couple of balls at the breakdown. It was no surprise Penney was generous in his praise of the player afterwards.

"He loves the big moments obviously and he's been great for us. Since he's come back from Ireland he's had a clear image of what he's trying to achieve, and what he wants to do.

"He's such a passionate Munster man," he said.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mouview on April 29, 2013, 11:26:44 AM
Ho hum.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on April 29, 2013, 12:25:50 PM
Schmidt confirmed as new Gaffer!! Excellent! 8)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Celt_Man on April 29, 2013, 12:28:53 PM
Press Conference will be streamed Live at 4pm today


http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/29025.php

The Irish Rugby Football Union today officially announced the appointment of Joe Schmidt as Ireland head coach.
A media conference welcoming Joe Schmidt, Ireland's newly-appointed head coach, will be streamed live today at 4pm on www.irishrugby.ie.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on April 29, 2013, 12:50:00 PM
Great appointment.

Really looking forward to seeing where he brings us. He had a funny start at Leinster but he certainly did his stuff at the business end of the season and may also do it again this season.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on April 29, 2013, 12:53:10 PM
Quote from: muppet on April 29, 2013, 12:50:00 PM
Great appointment.

Really looking forward to seeing where he brings us. He had a funny start at Leinster but he certainly did his stuff at the business end of the season and may also do it again this season.

George Hook made an eejit out of himself over that start as for the appointment

(http://i.imgur.com/NHuJ8.gif)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on April 29, 2013, 04:23:55 PM
All evidence points to Schmidt being the right man, though perhaps getting the job a year later than he should have.

Someone was annoyed earlier on the topic about Schmidt's candid comments about the Paul O'Connell incident.
That sort of straight shooting is standard in the Southern hemisphere. They don't yerra, so we'd better get used to it.

It will be a big change from Declan Kidney, who was some man for the evasive interviews.
Every defeat regardless of misfortunate, abjectness or awfulness was blandly described as "they took their opportunities and we didn't". It was always about having to "looking at the video and learning where we went wrong"....4 years into the job!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on April 29, 2013, 07:45:24 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on April 29, 2013, 04:23:55 PM
All evidence points to Schmidt being the right man, though perhaps getting the job a year later than he should have.

Someone was annoyed earlier on the topic about Schmidt's candid comments about the Paul O'Connell incident.
That sort of straight shooting is standard in the Southern hemisphere. They don't yerra, so we'd better get used to it.

It will be a big change from Declan Kidney, who was some man for the evasive interviews.
Every defeat regardless of misfortunate, abjectness or awfulness was blandly described as "they took their opportunities and we didn't". It was always about having to "looking at the video and learning where we went wrong"....4 years into the job!

To be fair it wasn't Kidneys job to entertain you with "candid comments" in the wake of a defeat so I doesn't matter what he said after a match. It's a manager's job to tow the party line after a defeat and not go around blaming all in front of him.

The flipside of the Kidney approach is the Lievermont school of thought where you go around blaming all asunder and calling them "cowards", thereby gaining favour with some middle aged hacks and alienating yourself from the players you're meant to be leading. I know I would prefer my coach to be at the Kidney end of the spectrum, displaying a level of decorum. If people don't want to see evasive interviews then they should just stop interviewing evasive managers.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on April 30, 2013, 09:07:56 AM
A sound tribute to O'Gara by Matt Williams in yesterday's IT

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/time-for-knockers-to-say-sorry-to-o-gara-for-all-the-cheap-shots-1.1375880?page=2 (http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/time-for-knockers-to-say-sorry-to-o-gara-for-all-the-cheap-shots-1.1375880?page=2)

Time for knockers to say sorry to O'Gara for all the cheap shots
Munster outhalf showed that class really is permanent
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on April 30, 2013, 09:31:35 AM
Quote from: trileacman on April 29, 2013, 07:45:24 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on April 29, 2013, 04:23:55 PM
All evidence points to Schmidt being the right man, though perhaps getting the job a year later than he should have.

Someone was annoyed earlier on the topic about Schmidt's candid comments about the Paul O'Connell incident.
That sort of straight shooting is standard in the Southern hemisphere. They don't yerra, so we'd better get used to it.

It will be a big change from Declan Kidney, who was some man for the evasive interviews.
Every defeat regardless of misfortunate, abjectness or awfulness was blandly described as "they took their opportunities and we didn't". It was always about having to "looking at the video and learning where we went wrong"....4 years into the job!

To be fair it wasn't Kidneys job to entertain you with "candid comments" in the wake of a defeat so I doesn't matter what he said after a match. It's a manager's job to tow the party line after a defeat and not go around blaming all in front of him.

The flipside of the Kidney approach is the Lievermont school of thought where you go around blaming all asunder and calling them "cowards", thereby gaining favour with some middle aged hacks and alienating yourself from the players you're meant to be leading. I know I would prefer my coach to be at the Kidney end of the spectrum, displaying a level of decorum. If people don't want to see evasive interviews then they should just stop interviewing evasive managers.

Certainly not looking for tabloid stuff. A bit more honesty wouldn't have gone amiss.
He was happy enough to treat the viewer like a gom and portray himself as a bit of one too.

Every game was a down to chance - please God we'll get a bit of luck.
It did him no favours and long before they should have, the public had lost faith in him.

"Sure that's sport" as he would say himself.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on April 30, 2013, 11:24:39 AM
British and Irish Lions tour manager Andy Irvine has announced the 37-man squad that will face Australia this year, with Sam Warburton named as captain.

More to follow...

Forwards: Dan Cole, Cian Healy, Gethin Jenkins, Adam Jones, Matt Stevens, Mako Vunipola, Dylan Hartley, Richard Hibbard, Tom Youngs, Ian Evans, Richie Gray, Alun-Wyn Jones, Paul O'Connell, Geoff Parling, Tom Croft, Toby Faletau, Jamie Heaslip, Dan Lydiate, Sean O'Brien, Justin Tipuric, Sam Warburton (capt).

Backs: Leigh Halfpenny, Stuart Hogg, Rob Kearney, Tommy Bowe, Alex Cuthbert, Sean Maitland, George North, Jonathan Davies, Brian O'Driscoll, Jamie Roberts, Manu Tuilagi, Owen Farrell, Jonathan Sexton, Conor Murray, Mike Phillips, Ben Youngs.

Well we got 9 on the plane so far which is probably about right with only Rory Best the real unlucky one to lose out. Taking only two outhalves is risky as you probably need three to cover the specialist positions i.e. tight-head , hooker, scrumhalf and outhalf.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on May 06, 2013, 02:41:58 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tZ61g4c1WU&feature=youtu.be (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tZ61g4c1WU&feature=youtu.be)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on May 17, 2013, 08:24:37 PM
End of the road for Ronan O Gara
So that was his last match for Ireland.
http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/european/2013/0517/450967-ogara/

Great player
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on May 17, 2013, 09:03:31 PM
Pity O'Gara couldn't end his days with Ireland on a sweeter note as he did for Munster in his last few games for them.
One of the few outstanding Irish sportsmen so far this century.
My favourite was his performance in the HC group game against Gloucester at Thomond  Pk. where they had to beat them by a cricket score.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on May 18, 2013, 05:27:22 PM
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/p526x296/931382_10201196349971911_1539508756_n.jpg)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CiKe on May 25, 2013, 05:18:37 PM
Hartley sent off in premiership final for dissent. Will Best be heading Down Under?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on May 25, 2013, 06:47:59 PM
He seems to be a total fruitcacke. Apparently, having already been warned about his conduct, he called the ref a "f**king cheat".
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on May 25, 2013, 07:26:52 PM
Seen it. Clear as day! He claims he was saying it to Tom Youngs!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on May 25, 2013, 07:47:45 PM
Six week ban apparently is the penalty for ref abuse.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Geoff Tipps on May 25, 2013, 07:49:55 PM
Quote from: Hardy on May 25, 2013, 07:47:45 PM
Six week ban apparently is the penalty for ref abuse.

He didn't deserve to go on tour in the first place so hopefully this is the minimum he gets.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: everymanaman on May 25, 2013, 09:44:21 PM
Shoud never have picked the ill disciplined New Zealand hooker in the first place. Would have been a liability on tour
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on May 27, 2013, 09:15:38 AM
Quote from: everymanaman on May 25, 2013, 09:44:21 PM
Shoud never have picked the ill disciplined New Zealand hooker in the first place. Would have been a liability on tour

Rory is on the plane. Good to see the lad get a bit of recognition as he seems like a nice enough lad, hopefully he'll get some gametime.


Thought the Rabodirect game on saturday was pretty decent and also pleased to see Paddy Jackson make a few line breaks, maybe Hook will see that the lad is a decent enough bet as understudy to Sexton and longer term him and Madigan who can play in the centre give us a bit of strength in depth especially as Sexton seems a bit prone to injuries.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: NAG1 on May 28, 2013, 08:09:08 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on May 27, 2013, 09:15:38 AM
Quote from: everymanaman on May 25, 2013, 09:44:21 PM
Shoud never have picked the ill disciplined New Zealand hooker in the first place. Would have been a liability on tour

Rory is on the plane. Good to see the lad get a bit of recognition as he seems like a nice enough lad, hopefully he'll get some gametime.


Thought the Rabodirect game on saturday was pretty decent and also pleased to see Paddy Jackson make a few line breaks, maybe Hook will see that the lad is a decent enough bet as understudy to Sexton and longer term him and Madigan who can play in the centre give us a bit of strength in depth especially as Sexton seems a bit prone to injuries.

If he does he is hoping that he has learned to throw the ball in within the last few weeks. How can an 'international' class hooker not have the ability to throw in at the line out, when that is such a crucial part of their role.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Count 10 on May 28, 2013, 08:15:43 AM
He has spent the last while at home with hedgehogs and a dartboard....once Gatland heard that the phone call was made ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: haze on June 01, 2013, 12:35:41 PM
Is it possible to love rugby but hate the Lions?

The suggestion that there is no higher honour for a rugby player to be a Lion is something I find bizarre. Just seems all to British to me.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on June 01, 2013, 12:39:17 PM
That's pretty much how I feel too, except I don't care enough to hate them and I don't really love rugby, but I quite like it. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Myles Na G. on June 01, 2013, 04:44:24 PM
Quote from: haze on June 01, 2013, 12:35:41 PM
Is it possible to love rugby but hate the Lions?

The suggestion that there is no higher honour for a rugby player to be a Lion is something I find bizarre. Just seems all to British to me.
[/b]
You're talking about the British and Irish Lions, right? The squad boasting 10 Irishmen?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: haze on June 01, 2013, 08:37:12 PM
Quote from: Myles Na G. on June 01, 2013, 04:44:24 PM
Quote from: haze on June 01, 2013, 12:35:41 PM
Is it possible to love rugby but hate the Lions?

The suggestion that there is no higher honour for a rugby player to be a Lion is something I find bizarre. Just seems all to British to me.
[/b]
You're talking about the British and Irish Lions, right? The squad boasting 10 Irishmen?

Yes that's the team I am talking about. Look I will watch the Lions games - won't care if they win or lose. If the Irish players contribute to victory then great. But suggestions that a Lions tour is the be all and end all are so wide of the mark. Nearly every game played in the past year referenced the tour despite the fact that Heineken Cup, 6 nations are immeasurably more important in my opinion. And the numerous referrals to the team as the British Lions to be honest still wrecks my head.

Anyone who can watch these videos and not feel a bit of nausea have a stronger stomach than me

http://www.youtube.com/watch?nomobile=1&v=Z8azniIPbbU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?nomobile=1&v=8g02fvLN60w
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on June 01, 2013, 09:04:22 PM
Quote from: haze on June 01, 2013, 08:37:12 PM
Quote from: Myles Na G. on June 01, 2013, 04:44:24 PM
Quote from: haze on June 01, 2013, 12:35:41 PM
Is it possible to love rugby but hate the Lions?

The suggestion that there is no higher honour for a rugby player to be a Lion is something I find bizarre. Just seems all to British to me.
[/b]
You're talking about the British and Irish Lions, right? The squad boasting 10 Irishmen?

Yes that's the team I am talking about. Look I will watch the Lions games - won't care if they win or lose. If the Irish players contribute to victory then great. But suggestions that a Lions tour is the be all and end all are so wide of the mark. Nearly every game played in the past year referenced the tour despite the fact that Heineken Cup, 6 nations are immeasurably more important in my opinion. And the numerous referrals to the team as the British Lions to be honest still wrecks my head.

Anyone who can watch these videos and not feel a bit of nausea have a stronger stomach than me

http://www.youtube.com/watch?nomobile=1&v=Z8azniIPbbU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?nomobile=1&v=8g02fvLN60w

I hate ads too.

But it doesn't stop me buying beer/chips/cars/insurance etc.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on June 05, 2013, 03:51:09 PM
I'm fairly ambivalent about the Lions 'brand' and concept, particularly now when the 6 Nations teams are playing autumn internationals against the old Tri Nations countries every year. I get that it's an honour for players to be selected, but with the amount of international tests these days, it's basically a glorified series of exhibition matches. And I get the feeling that the Rugby folk in the Southern Hemisphere don't really rate it either, Western Force's attitude today was to preserve their best team for a match next weekend (as it should be), rather than line up to be hockeyed by this bastardised team.

Then Clive Woodward, the hammerhead, labelled them as a disgrace for 'disrespecting' the Lions.

Anyhow, back to the real stuff, the Draw for next years Heineken Cup is out...

Pool 1

Leinster Rugby
Northampton Saints
Ospreys
Castres


Pool 2

RC Toulon
Cardiff Blues
Glasgow Warriors
Exeter Chiefs


Pool 3

Toulouse
Saracens
Connacht Rugby
Zebre


Pool 4

ASM Clermont Auvergne
Harlequins
Scarlets
Racing Metro 92


Pool 5

Ulster Rugby
Leicester Tigers
Montpellier
Treviso


Pool 6

Munster Rugby
Perpignan
Edinburgh Rugby
Gloucester Rugby
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on June 05, 2013, 04:44:33 PM
When Munster played the All-Blacks in 2008, most of the Irish big names didn't line out for Munster as they were being rested for an Ireland match.

It didn't stop the Munster reserves getting stuck in though, did it?

Here is the Munster Haka and try for anyone who didn't see it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13fGHSqHTwA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13fGHSqHTwA)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ballinaman on June 05, 2013, 06:05:25 PM
Healy cited for biting today. Looked nasty enough down on a Western Force players finger. If the ankle injury picked up today doesn't send him home, this probably will. This and the stamp vs England this year.....nice chap!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Aerlik on June 05, 2013, 06:09:14 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PIKaqHLYtw

I went to the game tonight with the sole intention of saying I saw BO'D play and for him to score twice was great.  Also, Tommy Bowe's try was only about 25 metres from where I was seated and I had a great view of that.

Re. the naming of the team, I recall when "Irish" was not included in the team's official title yet Irish men played, indeed captained the team.  So for us to be formally recognised nowadays lies easy with me.  As does the number of Irish fans wearing Lions jerseys.  Similarly the big lad from Limavady standing in front of me with his Ireland shirt on and us roaring for Tommy Bowe's try says that there is progress.

Now if only we could get the FAI and IFA to get it together.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on June 05, 2013, 06:50:00 PM
Quote from: muppet on June 05, 2013, 04:44:33 PM
When Munster played the All-Blacks in 2008, most of the Irish big names didn't line out for Munster as they were being rested for an Ireland match.

It didn't stop the Munster reserves getting stuck in though, did it?

Here is the Munster Haka and try for anyone who didn't see it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13fGHSqHTwA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13fGHSqHTwA)

And I didn't go to that game either because it was a bullshit Adidas Marketing ploy. Munster B versus New Zealand C.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on June 05, 2013, 06:54:37 PM
Quote from: ballinaman on June 05, 2013, 06:05:25 PM
Healy cited for biting today. Looked nasty enough down on a Western Force players finger. If the ankle injury picked up today doesn't send him home, this probably will. This and the stamp vs England this year.....nice chap!

He has serious issues.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on June 05, 2013, 07:28:20 PM
Great win for Ireland U20s tonight in the World Cup v Australia.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on June 05, 2013, 07:57:59 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 05, 2013, 07:28:20 PM
Great win for Ireland U20s tonight in the World Cup v Australia.

Jesus they were reasonably comfortable until that kamikaze offload that led to the Aussie try. . . great performance though. Am I right that these lads don't get to have Henshaw and Olding as they were called up to the Senior tour?

You wouldn't have that in GAA ... surely an U20 World Cup is more important than a shitbag tour of the US?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on June 05, 2013, 09:39:39 PM
Quote from: screenexile on June 05, 2013, 07:57:59 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 05, 2013, 07:28:20 PM
Great win for Ireland U20s tonight in the World Cup v Australia.

Jesus they were reasonably comfortable until that kamikaze offload that led to the Aussie try. . . great performance though. Am I right that these lads don't get to have Henshaw and Olding as they were called up to the Senior tour?

You wouldn't have that in GAA ... surely an U20 World Cup is more important than a shitbag tour of the US?

most countries fast track their best u20's well before 20. we've finally copped on thankfully
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Declan on June 06, 2013, 07:40:09 AM
QuoteHe has serious issues.

Yeah you'd wonder what causes that amount of rage alright
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 06, 2013, 01:17:48 PM
Is the JWC played every year now??

Always found it a strange set up, with only the 3 groups and the 3 winners plus best runners up making the semi final. Very difficult to qualify from the groups.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on June 06, 2013, 02:33:24 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on June 05, 2013, 09:39:39 PM
Quote from: screenexile on June 05, 2013, 07:57:59 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 05, 2013, 07:28:20 PM
Great win for Ireland U20s tonight in the World Cup v Australia.

Jesus they were reasonably comfortable until that kamikaze offload that led to the Aussie try. . . great performance though. Am I right that these lads don't get to have Henshaw and Olding as they were called up to the Senior tour?

You wouldn't have that in GAA ... surely an U20 World Cup is more important than a shitbag tour of the US?

most countries fast track their best u20's well before 20. we've finally copped on thankfully

Ah no I agree with that. If we were touring the Southern Hemisphere I would be happy enough for the younger lads to go on that for experience I just think that it would be better for development to play well in an U20 tournament than to play the US on a Summer tour.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on June 07, 2013, 11:16:39 AM
Healy's gone!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on June 07, 2013, 11:29:05 AM
Quote from: screenexile on June 07, 2013, 11:16:39 AM
Healy's gone!

Just to be clear, it's because of the ligament damage in his ankle. He was cleared of the cited incident, to be fair to him..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: NAG1 on June 07, 2013, 11:33:35 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 07, 2013, 11:29:05 AM
Quote from: screenexile on June 07, 2013, 11:16:39 AM
Healy's gone!

Just to be clear, it's because of the ligament damage in his ankle. He was cleared of the cited incident, to be fair to him..

Being cleared and being innocent are two different things, the differing reaction to Suarez and Healy has been interesting to watch. The opposing player said he had Bitten him, to me no one would ever say that if it had not happened. Just because they couldnt get the right camera angle doesnt change that fact.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on June 07, 2013, 11:40:49 AM
Yep, I understand the difference but in fairness, he has not been found guilty of it. So we should not assume he 'got off'.

Also, I'm not sure why you would think this? "The opposing player said he had Bitten him, to me no one would ever say that if it had not happened"

There are so many cheats playing professional sports nowadays that feign injury, dive, etc etc, it's far from outlandish to me that someone would claim to be bitten knowing they were not.

And finally, the only 'Fact' in this situation is that Cian Healy was cited, and there was no evidence to back up the claim. Anything else is just someone hypothesising. Citing is not the same as being found guilty, it's similar to being charged in law, with no presumption of guilt.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Orior on June 07, 2013, 11:43:21 AM
You see this ruck and maul business.

When they get into the truck and trailer formation, and the guy with the ball is at the back of the trailer, is he allowed to stuff the ball up his shirt on the back so that the opposition have no idea where or who has the ball?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on June 07, 2013, 11:45:02 AM
And just to pick up on the Healy/Suarez thing, there's no comparison. Suarez was caught on camera gnawing at a lads arm like a bull mastif after a bone.

If you were looking for a corollary, the McBrearty/O'Brien incident in Donegal might be a more appropriate one, and I'd be inclined to agree with you. No 'bitegate' here. But then again the Rugby authorities have it reviewed, heard and dealt with inside 3 days. The GAA drag it on, and extend the media circus, for weeks.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: NAG1 on June 07, 2013, 11:48:00 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 07, 2013, 11:40:49 AM
Yep, I understand the difference but in fairness, he has not been found guilty of it. So we should not assume he 'got off'.

Also, I'm not sure why you would think this? "The opposing player said he had Bitten him, to me no one would ever say that if it had not happened"

There are so many cheats playing professional sports nowadays that feign injury, dive, etc etc, it's far from outlandish to me that someone would claim to be bitten knowing they were not.

And finally, the only 'Fact' in this situation is that Cian Healy was cited, and there was no evidence to back up the claim. Anything else is just someone hypothesising. Citing is not the same as being found guilty, it's similar to being charged in law, with no presumption of guilt.

Starting to sound like Raffa AZ  ;)

I'm just pointing out the difference in reaction, yes they maybe two different levels of the same event, but the principal is the same.

Respect what you say, but I feel differently about it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on June 07, 2013, 11:59:13 AM
Quote from: Orior on June 07, 2013, 11:43:21 AM
You see this ruck and maul business.

When they get into the truck and trailer formation, and the guy with the ball is at the back of the trailer, is he allowed to stuff the ball up his shirt on the back so that the opposition have no idea where or who has the ball?

I'm sure some of the other lads would answer this better, but ....

Ruck and maul are two different things, a ruck is called after a tackle when the ball carrier hits the ground, and there are rules of engagement there, such as staying on your feet, defenders not being allowed to play the ball while on the ground, coming through the 'gate' etc etc. The ball is in the ruck until the scrum half takes it away, or the ball comes back outside the back foot of the lads forming the ruck.

A maul is called when the ball carrier , and his mates, are 'engaged' with the opposition, but the ball is held up, the ball carrier is on his feet. A lot of times Irish defenses, in particular will try to force a maul by tackling a man in a gang, and holding him up. His support comes along and a maul is formed. If they can keep him up until maul is called, they will nearly always get the scrum when the maul inevitably is brought down with the ball carrier, especially if the ball fails to come loose. One of the main things in a maul is that the opposition can try and rip the ball loose, whereas when a ruck is called they have to leave it alone.

A rolling maul, like you are describing is set up after a lineout or the like, and involves teammates trying to shove their teammate forward. As you've said, once the maul is called, the ball is usually transferred back through the bunch to a lad at the end. He must remain attached to the rest of the pack, which is why he grabs a hold of the lad in front of him, and stays very close. The ball goes to the back to avoid lads trying to rip it loose, and also because you can always tackle the ball carrier, and if the ball stayed at the front, they could drag him down. 

The maul has to engage with the defense before a maul is called, and sometimes you'll see defenses who expect a maul just back off a lineout for example, so that if the attackers form a maul, and let the ball back, it will be called for offside or accidental offside. It can only be a maul when the defense engages. When the maul is called, the defense can try to come through and grab the ball carrier, but can only do it from straight in front, they can't come around the sides of the maul.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Declan on June 07, 2013, 12:30:38 PM
QuoteIf you were looking for a corollary, the McBrearty/O'Brien incident in Donegal might be a more appropriate one, and I'd be inclined to agree with you. No 'bitegate' here. But then again the Rugby authorities have it reviewed, heard and dealt with inside 3 days. The GAA drag it on, and extend the media circus, for weeks.

Yep another Dub victimised ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on June 07, 2013, 01:44:02 PM
Sky Sports News showed the Healy incident last night, so I'm sure the judges saw that footage. The Aussie actually put his fingers into Healy's mouth rather than the other way around. As soon as I saw that I'd knew he'd get off.
Pity the injury has ruined his tour in any event.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on June 07, 2013, 03:11:59 PM
Quote from: Hound on June 07, 2013, 01:44:02 PM
Sky Sports News showed the Healy incident last night, so I'm sure the judges saw that footage. The Aussie actually put his fingers into Healy's mouth rather than the other way around. As soon as I saw that I'd knew he'd get off.
Pity the injury has ruined his tour in any event.

One of the Welsh props struggling with injury as well, Corbisiero sent for as well as the Scottish fella Grant, falling like flies.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: DuffleKing on June 08, 2013, 10:59:28 PM

Is the USA match tonight and can it be seen on tv?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on June 08, 2013, 11:42:55 PM
TG4 sometime after 1 a.m.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Aaron Boone on June 09, 2013, 09:06:42 AM
15-12 to Ireland in the end, all Madigan penalties for Irl.
Zebo played but now on his way to the Lions.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on June 09, 2013, 10:22:55 PM
Canada are better than the USA. We might struggle to beat them next week.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: NAG1 on June 10, 2013, 03:04:34 PM
Are there going to be enough Australians left fit to make a team up to play the Lions?
Dropping like flies
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Canalman on June 10, 2013, 03:15:08 PM
Quote from: NAG1 on June 10, 2013, 03:04:34 PM
Are there going to be enough Australians left fit to make a team up to play the Lions?
Dropping like flies

One thing Australia is not short of is flies.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on June 10, 2013, 03:22:38 PM
Quote from: Canalman on June 10, 2013, 03:15:08 PM
Quote from: NAG1 on June 10, 2013, 03:04:34 PM
Are there going to be enough Australians left fit to make a team up to play the Lions?
Dropping like flies

One thing Australia is not short of is flies.

Or cane toads.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on June 13, 2013, 07:16:53 PM
Great game here on TG4. Good performance against the All Blacks full of heart passion and no little skill. All Blacks down to 14 now with 10 mins left and Ireland only 5 pts down and they've bosses the last 10 mins.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rory on June 13, 2013, 09:35:10 PM
Looks like Ireland will miss out on points difference cos England had USA in their group and were able to rack up the score.  Really unfair considering the performances of the Irish team.  They were definitly worth a place in the semis.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on June 14, 2013, 09:31:53 AM
Quote from: rory on June 13, 2013, 09:35:10 PM
Looks like Ireland will miss out on points difference cos England had USA in their group and were able to rack up the score.  Really unfair considering the performances of the Irish team.  They were definitly worth a place in the semis.

Tough luck considering England went through on a try count where they'd run over 17 trys alone against the USA. They ended up with 13 more trys than Ireland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on June 14, 2013, 09:41:06 AM
What a shit system . . . Ireland should have qualified. I am still really surprised about how good they were. Surely the future's bright with some of those lads coming up through the ranks!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: DuffleKing on June 14, 2013, 10:16:57 AM

Only managed to catch a part of the first half of this game but they seemed to be hammering the baby blacks in the scrum, which surprised me.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on August 20, 2013, 03:19:42 PM
Sad news with Leinsters Eoin O'Malley having to retire with a long term knee injury.

First saw him at the U19 World Cup back in Belfast. Super rugby footballer!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on August 20, 2013, 10:55:53 PM
That is bad news about O Malley. He had the potential and talent to be a good replacement for O Driscoll or Darcy.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Feckitt on August 21, 2013, 10:17:12 AM
Some great pics on the BBC NI website of the redeveloped Ravenhill.  The old stand along one side of the pitch has been demolished and they havent started again yet, but they have new stands behind each goal, which go along with the fairly new terracing/prawn sandwich area along the other side of the field.  It actually looks great, first match is a pre season friendly soon v Leinster.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: on the sideline on November 09, 2013, 12:13:56 PM
Lads looking to see if you could help me out or point me in the right direction.  The girlfriend had bought us 2 tickets to Ireland v New Zealand.  But we've been fixed to play crucial game that day so can't go now.  She's not best pleased as you could imagine! So i've promised we'll go to one of the 6 Nations games instead.  Would ideally like to take her to the Wales game.  Are the tickets available for these games yet? Checked Ticketmaster but cant see any.  Cud yous help a man out and point me in the right direction as to where to get these or when? All help appreciated!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: our_fella on November 09, 2013, 01:03:03 PM
Quote from: on the sideline on November 09, 2013, 12:13:56 PM
Lads looking to see if you could help me out or point me in the right direction.  The girlfriend had bought us 2 tickets to Ireland v New Zealand.  But we've been fixed to play crucial game that day so can't go now.  She's not best pleased as you could imagine! So i've promised we'll go to one of the 6 Nations games instead.  Would ideally like to take her to the Wales game.  Are the tickets available for these games yet? Checked Ticketmaster but cant see any.  Cud yous help a man out and point me in the right direction as to where to get these or when? All help appreciated!


I dont think they come out until Christmas time mate, and if they do, your usually stuck up with the pigeons, as the main allocation of tickets go through each province, then each club etc etc...

Your best bet is just ringing the IRFU on Monday
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: J OGorman on November 09, 2013, 01:07:54 PM
Quote from: on the sideline on November 09, 2013, 12:13:56 PM
Lads looking to see if you could help me out or point me in the right direction.  The girlfriend had bought us 2 tickets to Ireland v New Zealand.  But we've been fixed to play crucial game that day so can't go now.  She's not best pleased as you could imagine! So i've promised we'll go to one of the 6 Nations games instead.  Would ideally like to take her to the Wales game.  Are the tickets available for these games yet? Checked Ticketmaster but cant see any.  Cud yous help a man out and point me in the right direction as to where to get these or when? All help appreciated!

If you havent offloaded the NZ tix yet, ring a secretary at a local club and tell him you have an offer he cant refuse. Alligning yourself with a club is the best bet, esp since the move back from Croker
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 18, 2013, 09:16:47 AM
Looks like a formal bid for the 2023 World Cup is to be announced today.

Would be brilliant if we managed to secure it!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bingo on November 18, 2013, 11:13:13 AM
Whats the story? This thread very quiet with the Autumn internationals on.

Was a very timid and tame display on Saturday, cut open at ease. I see the Aussies had been on the town on Wednesday night as well and 15 squad members got in trouble so it, so I'd say the players had extra motivation to play for each other.

Alot of work to do before the weekend to keep the score down V a NZ team looking to go an entire season undefeated, first team to do so since the professional era kicked in.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 18, 2013, 11:25:55 AM
Quote from: Bingo on November 18, 2013, 11:13:13 AM
Whats the story? This thread very quiet with the Autumn internationals on.

Was a very timid and tame display on Saturday, cut open at ease. I see the Aussies had been on the town on Wednesday night as well and 15 squad members got in trouble so it, so I'd say the players had extra motivation to play for each other.

Alot of work to do before the weekend to keep the score down V a NZ team looking to go an entire season undefeated, first team to do so since the professional era kicked in.
I think the management team would be very concerned about the All Blacks game. Was very tame with a lot of handling errors and individual performances (looking at you Mike Ross) not cutting the mustard.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: J OGorman on November 18, 2013, 11:31:58 AM
Quote from: Bingo on November 18, 2013, 11:13:13 AM
Whats the story? This thread very quiet with the Autumn internationals on.

Was a very timid and tame display on Saturday, cut open at ease. I see the Aussies had been on the town on Wednesday night as well and 15 squad members got in trouble so it, so I'd say the players had extra motivation to play for each other.

Alot of work to do before the weekend to keep the score down V a NZ team looking to go an entire season undefeated, first team to do so since the professional era kicked in.

v quiet indeed. Sat was like watching us in the old 5 nations ie 6-10 missed tackles / match, a good percentage resulting in tries. Add to that, the unforced errors and carrying alot of average players, you'd be worried ahead of Sundays match. Any idea when Ferris is back?? The sooner Heaslip is roaded the better, without a doubt the biggest bluffer in test rugby. Offers nothing. Though we always play our best when theres no real expectation, but a team whos best players are aging and younger players not quite cutting the mustard, a thrashing would be a disaster.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: J OGorman on November 18, 2013, 11:32:28 AM
word of the day = mustard
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on November 18, 2013, 11:35:19 AM
It was some day, but it looks like Brian O'Driscoll has had his. Be afraid, be very afraid...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on November 18, 2013, 01:14:09 PM
Quote from: deiseach on November 18, 2013, 11:35:19 AM
It was some day, but it looks like Brian O'Driscoll has had his. Be afraid, be very afraid...

BOD is now a shadow of his former self, I'm afraid to say and now we've to fill gaps with inexperience players like Luke Marshall, Paddy Jackson and Madigan who in their own time may come good, but we're going to have to wait a year or two on that to happen.

As much as Ross was poor, I thought POC was terrible too, his handling was awful, not sure about Toner either, but I suppose if you're going to break lads in then the Autumn internationals is the time to do it.

Watching the All Blacks is always good, but you've got to fear for this Ireland team as Sexton will obviously be out and the rear guard defence will need to be good for very long periods of time.
Murray will start for sure.

What about Ferris, is he ballaxed altogether?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: blewuporstuffed on November 18, 2013, 01:23:06 PM
i thought Eoin Reddan was terrible as well, a disaster defensively, and far to slow to get the ball moving when ireland are on the front foot
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: michaelg on November 18, 2013, 01:23:44 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on November 18, 2013, 01:14:09 PM
Quote from: deiseach on November 18, 2013, 11:35:19 AM
It was some day, but it looks like Brian O'Driscoll has had his. Be afraid, be very afraid...

BOD is now a shadow of his former self, I'm afraid to say and now we've to fill gaps with inexperience players like Luke Marshall, Paddy Jackson and Madigan who in their own time may come good, but we're going to have to wait a year or two on that to happen.

As much as Ross was poor, I thought POC was terrible too, his handling was awful, not sure about Toner either, but I suppose if you're going to break lads in then the Autumn internationals is the time to do it.

Watching the All Blacks is always good, but you've got to fear for this Ireland team as Sexton will obviously be out and the rear guard defence will need to be good for very long periods of time.
Murray will start for sure.

What about Ferris, is he ballaxed altogether?
Saw big Ferris at Ravenhill about a month ago.  Still had the big cage thing on his foot, so can't imagine him being back that soon.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 18, 2013, 01:29:52 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on November 18, 2013, 01:14:09 PM
Quote from: deiseach on November 18, 2013, 11:35:19 AM
It was some day, but it looks like Brian O'Driscoll has had his. Be afraid, be very afraid...

BOD is now a shadow of his former self, I'm afraid to say and now we've to fill gaps with inexperience players like Luke Marshall, Paddy Jackson and Madigan who in their own time may come good, but we're going to have to wait a year or two on that to happen.

As much as Ross was poor, I thought POC was terrible too, his handling was awful, not sure about Toner either, but I suppose if you're going to break lads in then the Autumn internationals is the time to do it.

Watching the All Blacks is always good, but you've got to fear for this Ireland team as Sexton will obviously be out and the rear guard defence will need to be good for very long periods of time.
Murray will start for sure.

What about Ferris, is he ballaxed altogether?
Ankle rehab.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: J OGorman on November 18, 2013, 01:41:39 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on November 18, 2013, 01:14:09 PM
Quote from: deiseach on November 18, 2013, 11:35:19 AM
It was some day, but it looks like Brian O'Driscoll has had his. Be afraid, be very afraid...

BOD is now a shadow of his former self, I'm afraid to say and now we've to fill gaps with inexperience players like Luke Marshall, Paddy Jackson and Madigan who in their own time may come good, but we're going to have to wait a year or two on that to happen.

As much as Ross was poor, I thought POC was terrible too, his handling was awful, not sure about Toner either, but I suppose if you're going to break lads in then the Autumn internationals is the time to do it.

Watching the All Blacks is always good, but you've got to fear for this Ireland team as Sexton will obviously be out and the rear guard defence will need to be good for very long periods of time.
Murray will start for sure.

What about Ferris, is he ballaxed altogether?

100%...even in his twilight though, still offers far more than any of those mentioned. Will be interesting to see how the next lock of years turn out under JS. Damage limitation this coming weekend, will be an exciting 6 nations ahead
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AQMP on November 18, 2013, 01:47:32 PM
Quote from: J OGorman on November 18, 2013, 01:41:39 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on November 18, 2013, 01:14:09 PM
Quote from: deiseach on November 18, 2013, 11:35:19 AM
It was some day, but it looks like Brian O'Driscoll has had his. Be afraid, be very afraid...

BOD is now a shadow of his former self, I'm afraid to say and now we've to fill gaps with inexperience players like Luke Marshall, Paddy Jackson and Madigan who in their own time may come good, but we're going to have to wait a year or two on that to happen.

As much as Ross was poor, I thought POC was terrible too, his handling was awful, not sure about Toner either, but I suppose if you're going to break lads in then the Autumn internationals is the time to do it.

Watching the All Blacks is always good, but you've got to fear for this Ireland team as Sexton will obviously be out and the rear guard defence will need to be good for very long periods of time.
Murray will start for sure.

What about Ferris, is he ballaxed altogether?

100%...even in his twilight though, still offers far more than any of those mentioned. Will be interesting to see how the next lock of years turn out under JS. Damage limitation this coming weekend, will be an exciting 6 nations ahead

I haven't seen anything of France this autumn but England look like they will be very hard to beat.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 18, 2013, 01:49:07 PM
Quote from: blewuporstuffed on November 18, 2013, 01:23:06 PM
i thought Eoin Reddan was terrible as well, a disaster defensively, and far to slow to get the ball moving when ireland are on the front foot

Unlike O'Driscoll, O'Connell, Ross etc, I can't remember a game or a period where I thought Reddan - good player.

He is an ordinary passer, ordinary decision maker, average kicker, weak tackler and has an average break.

The other options over the years have been deficient in some areas but always offered at least one big strength. Think of Stringer's pass & Conor Murray's physicality. At international  level Reddan is maybe useful against a tiring team for the last 15 but that is about it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 18, 2013, 01:54:41 PM
Quote from: AQMP on November 18, 2013, 01:47:32 PM
Quote from: J OGorman on November 18, 2013, 01:41:39 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on November 18, 2013, 01:14:09 PM
Quote from: deiseach on November 18, 2013, 11:35:19 AM
It was some day, but it looks like Brian O'Driscoll has had his. Be afraid, be very afraid...

BOD is now a shadow of his former self, I'm afraid to say and now we've to fill gaps with inexperience players like Luke Marshall, Paddy Jackson and Madigan who in their own time may come good, but we're going to have to wait a year or two on that to happen.

As much as Ross was poor, I thought POC was terrible too, his handling was awful, not sure about Toner either, but I suppose if you're going to break lads in then the Autumn internationals is the time to do it.

Watching the All Blacks is always good, but you've got to fear for this Ireland team as Sexton will obviously be out and the rear guard defence will need to be good for very long periods of time.
Murray will start for sure.

What about Ferris, is he ballaxed altogether?

100%...even in his twilight though, still offers far more than any of those mentioned. Will be interesting to see how the next lock of years turn out under JS. Damage limitation this coming weekend, will be an exciting 6 nations ahead

I haven't seen anything of France this autumn but England look like they will be very hard to beat.

Totally agree!! If they can plug a few holes before 2015 they could be a serious bet.

Their pack is serious. When have you ever seen the AB's get bullied in the scrum.

Still not convinced by Farrell. Youngs/Ford at 9/10 would offer more threat but Fords kicking stats arent great.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: J OGorman on November 18, 2013, 02:16:36 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 18, 2013, 01:54:41 PM
Quote from: AQMP on November 18, 2013, 01:47:32 PM
Quote from: J OGorman on November 18, 2013, 01:41:39 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on November 18, 2013, 01:14:09 PM
Quote from: deiseach on November 18, 2013, 11:35:19 AM
It was some day, but it looks like Brian O'Driscoll has had his. Be afraid, be very afraid...

BOD is now a shadow of his former self, I'm afraid to say and now we've to fill gaps with inexperience players like Luke Marshall, Paddy Jackson and Madigan who in their own time may come good, but we're going to have to wait a year or two on that to happen.

As much as Ross was poor, I thought POC was terrible too, his handling was awful, not sure about Toner either, but I suppose if you're going to break lads in then the Autumn internationals is the time to do it.

Watching the All Blacks is always good, but you've got to fear for this Ireland team as Sexton will obviously be out and the rear guard defence will need to be good for very long periods of time.
Murray will start for sure.

What about Ferris, is he ballaxed altogether?

100%...even in his twilight though, still offers far more than any of those mentioned. Will be interesting to see how the next lock of years turn out under JS. Damage limitation this coming weekend, will be an exciting 6 nations ahead

I haven't seen anything of France this autumn but England look like they will be very hard to beat.

Totally agree!! If they can plug a few holes before 2015 they could be a serious bet.

Their pack is serious. When have you ever seen the AB's get bullied in the scrum.

Still not convinced by Farrell. Youngs/Ford at 9/10 would offer more threat but Fords kicking stats arent great.

I would fear England also, on the basis that they are very much a bunch of bashers, very little thought or brains goes into their back play. The way we are missing tackles, England could very well buldoze over the top of us, Jonah style
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Count 10 on November 18, 2013, 03:27:34 PM
The Australian game was the worst performance ever since turning professional. Basic handling errors all over the field. There is no real competition for places and that for me is the problem...no matter how bad some play there is no alternative.
Why Ireland insisted on kicking to Folau is beyond me. Wooden spoon contenders!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 18, 2013, 04:12:32 PM
Quote from: Count 10 on November 18, 2013, 03:27:34 PM
The Australian game was the worst performance ever since turning professional. Basic handling errors all over the field. There is no real competition for places and that for me is the problem...no matter how bad some play there is no alternative.
Why Ireland insisted on kicking to Folau is beyond me. Wooden spoon contenders!!

NZ 60 - 0 Ire
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mouview on November 18, 2013, 04:15:00 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on November 18, 2013, 01:14:09 PM
Quote from: deiseach on November 18, 2013, 11:35:19 AM
It was some day, but it looks like Brian O'Driscoll has had his. Be afraid, be very afraid...

BOD is now a shadow of his former self, I'm afraid to say and now we've to fill gaps with inexperience players like Luke Marshall, Paddy Jackson and Madigan who in their own time may come good, but we're going to have to wait a year or two on that to happen.

As much as Ross was poor, I thought POC was terrible too, his handling was awful, not sure about Toner either, but I suppose if you're going to break lads in then the Autumn internationals is the time to do it.

Watching the All Blacks is always good, but you've got to fear for this Ireland team as Sexton will obviously be out and the rear guard defence will need to be good for very long periods of time.
Murray will start for sure.

What about Ferris, is he ballaxed altogether?

BOD and POC, like Henry Shefflin, are arriving at a stage where their presence is detrimental rather than beneficial to a team. Toner no good, thought Marshall's defence was dreadful, Sexton outclassed, Kearney fearful, Bowe uninspired and pack driven around the place. 6 Nations doesn't augur well. Only bright spot is that the Irish rugby team, like the Dublin hurlers, are always worth betting against. The Aussies at evens on Saturday were the bet of the season.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 18, 2013, 04:43:26 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 18, 2013, 04:12:32 PM
Quote from: Count 10 on November 18, 2013, 03:27:34 PM
The Australian game was the worst performance ever since turning professional. Basic handling errors all over the field. There is no real competition for places and that for me is the problem...no matter how bad some play there is no alternative.
Why Ireland insisted on kicking to Folau is beyond me. Wooden spoon contenders!!

NZ 60 - 0 Ire
I thought this one was quite bad!

Italy 22 Ireland 15
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/21789586

Ireland 6 England 42
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/2892271.stm
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rosnarun on November 18, 2013, 04:50:46 PM
the Real emeny for Ireland is the complete delusion this team is any good. PoC, best, Driscoll, Ross, and darcy are so far past it its funny . how right Gatlands call looks now
the rest of the team is made up of shapers and posers like Mcfadden  Murray heaslip  healy ect. Sexton is your typical Flat track bully  up yhe heat and he dissolves 
The only 2 that seem genuine international standard are rob kearney and SOB though his  very much a one trick pony but his trick is very good.

good days
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 18, 2013, 04:52:09 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 18, 2013, 04:43:26 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 18, 2013, 04:12:32 PM
Quote from: Count 10 on November 18, 2013, 03:27:34 PM
The Australian game was the worst performance ever since turning professional. Basic handling errors all over the field. There is no real competition for places and that for me is the problem...no matter how bad some play there is no alternative.
Why Ireland insisted on kicking to Folau is beyond me. Wooden spoon contenders!!

NZ 60 - 0 Ire
I thought this one was quite bad!

Italy 22 Ireland 15
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/21789586

Ireland 6 England 42http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/2892271.stm

Depite the latter being a Grandslam decider England were by far the best team in the world at that stage. A few months later they beat Australia and New Zealand in the June tour and then went on to win the world cup. They gave an awesome tour de force that day!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: turk on November 18, 2013, 05:01:39 PM
Question:

I was reading in the paper that some French team is looking to get Sean O'Brien over to France next season. The article went on with very little quotes or substance but the tone was that it would be terrible for Irish rugby if he left Leinster as Sexton was gone and there could be an exodus etc etc.

Would it not be be better (for the national team, not the provinces) if the top players actually did go to France or England and play there and play there - and then leave space/salary for other Irish lads to be developed in the magners/rabo league and the Heineken cup. So with sexton gone and say a few more top lads went then other Irish lads could get top level action in the Heineken cup.

And i don't mean going off with a minibus and coming back with a pile of South African lads. I suppose this is the dilemma of whether the provinces are there to develop the national team or you get more of a balance.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on November 18, 2013, 05:49:10 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 18, 2013, 04:43:26 PM
Ireland 6 England 42
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/2892271.stm
Ireland were actually in touch for most of that game before coming apart near the end. If they hadn't had their own ambitions of a Slam, maybe they wouldn't have down tools when England had edged enough in front.
2000 in Twickenham was worse. A jolly old rogering from start to end.



Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on November 18, 2013, 05:52:58 PM
I'd expect an improvement for the NZ. The team looked undercooked for this one. The selection of Reddan and Toner suggests a bit of rotation anyway.
Marshall looked decent in attack, made a few breaks but didn't have support.
McFadden although the sort of player who only gets picked when there are 2-3 injuries wasn't bad either.

Most of the rest were various shades of bad, but at least O'Connell, O'Driscoll and Bowe have the ability to improve. O'Driscoll's graph is definitely on the downward, but he is well capable of putting in a couple of decent shifts before he goes.

After this Schmidt is better off is promoting the next generation that bit sooner rather than chasing 6 Nations. No use flogging the same crew.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 18, 2013, 06:27:56 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on November 18, 2013, 05:52:58 PM
I'd expect an improvement for the NZ. The team looked undercooked for this one. The selection of Reddan and Toner suggests a bit of rotation anyway.
Marshall looked decent in attack, made a few breaks but didn't have support.
McFadden although the sort of player who only gets picked when there are 2-3 injuries wasn't bad either.

Most of the rest were various shades of bad, but at least O'Connell, O'Driscoll and Bowe have the ability to improve. O'Driscoll's graph is definitely on the downward, but he is well capable of putting in a couple of decent shifts before he goes.

After this Schmidt is better off is promoting the next generation that bit sooner rather than chasing 6 Nations. No use flogging the same crew.

This is precisely the mistake that Kidney & O'Sullivan made towards the end of their reigns. Their need for results meant they took no chances with selection. Look how long it took Mike Ross to get in.

Gatland has 2 won slams by giving Welsh youth its head. I hope Schmidt follows suit.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 18, 2013, 07:06:41 PM
Quote from: mouview on November 18, 2013, 04:15:00 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on November 18, 2013, 01:14:09 PM
Quote from: deiseach on November 18, 2013, 11:35:19 AM
It was some day, but it looks like Brian O'Driscoll has had his. Be afraid, be very afraid...

BOD is now a shadow of his former self, I'm afraid to say and now we've to fill gaps with inexperience players like Luke Marshall, Paddy Jackson and Madigan who in their own time may come good, but we're going to have to wait a year or two on that to happen.

As much as Ross was poor, I thought POC was terrible too, his handling was awful, not sure about Toner either, but I suppose if you're going to break lads in then the Autumn internationals is the time to do it.

Watching the All Blacks is always good, but you've got to fear for this Ireland team as Sexton will obviously be out and the rear guard defence will need to be good for very long periods of time.
Murray will start for sure.

What about Ferris, is he ballaxed altogether?

BOD and POC, like Henry Shefflin, are arriving at a stage where their presence is detrimental rather than beneficial to a team. Toner no good, thought Marshall's defence was dreadful, Sexton outclassed, Kearney fearful, Bowe uninspired and pack driven around the place. 6 Nations doesn't augur well. Only bright spot is that the Irish rugby team, like the Dublin hurlers, are always worth betting against. The Aussies at evens on Saturday were the bet of the season.
BOD reminded me of the last days of Joe Cooney playing for Galway. There was nobody as good as him in a long time but time was up.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on November 18, 2013, 07:09:27 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 18, 2013, 06:27:56 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on November 18, 2013, 05:52:58 PM
I'd expect an improvement for the NZ. The team looked undercooked for this one. The selection of Reddan and Toner suggests a bit of rotation anyway.
Marshall looked decent in attack, made a few breaks but didn't have support.
McFadden although the sort of player who only gets picked when there are 2-3 injuries wasn't bad either.

Most of the rest were various shades of bad, but at least O'Connell, O'Driscoll and Bowe have the ability to improve. O'Driscoll's graph is definitely on the downward, but he is well capable of putting in a couple of decent shifts before he goes.

After this Schmidt is better off is promoting the next generation that bit sooner rather than chasing 6 Nations. No use flogging the same crew.

This is precisely the mistake that Kidney & O'Sullivan made towards the end of their reigns. Their need for results meant they took no chances with selection. Look how long it took Mike Ross to get in.

Gatland has 2 won slams by giving Welsh youth its head. I hope Schmidt follows suit.

Unfortunately the next generation  isn't as good as the last. The penny will drop in time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on November 18, 2013, 08:03:25 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 18, 2013, 07:09:27 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 18, 2013, 06:27:56 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on November 18, 2013, 05:52:58 PM
I'd expect an improvement for the NZ. The team looked undercooked for this one. The selection of Reddan and Toner suggests a bit of rotation anyway.
Marshall looked decent in attack, made a few breaks but didn't have support.
McFadden although the sort of player who only gets picked when there are 2-3 injuries wasn't bad either.

Most of the rest were various shades of bad, but at least O'Connell, O'Driscoll and Bowe have the ability to improve. O'Driscoll's graph is definitely on the downward, but he is well capable of putting in a couple of decent shifts before he goes.

After this Schmidt is better off is promoting the next generation that bit sooner rather than chasing 6 Nations. No use flogging the same crew.

This is precisely the mistake that Kidney & O'Sullivan made towards the end of their reigns. Their need for results meant they took no chances with selection. Look how long it took Mike Ross to get in.

Gatland has 2 won slams by giving Welsh youth its head. I hope Schmidt follows suit.

Unfortunately the next generation  isn't as good as the last. The penny will drop in time.

The Ireland U-20's have been in general very good since the U-20 6 nations was set-up in 2008. They've finished 4th, 2nd, 1st, 4th, joint 1st and 3rd. There are a lot of talented young players out there. Just maybe no once in a generation type of player like O'Driscoll. Even having one of those can make a big difference.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on November 18, 2013, 09:05:35 PM
Some very harsh comments on here.  People who regard defeat by Australia as embarrassing.
People with short memories mostly.

Ireland are going through a lull. No doubt about it. But if we are good enough to freeze out Andrew Trimble and ignore Darren Cave, then we aren't that bad.

It's also probably fair to point out that Australia's defence was outstanding on Saturday. Ireland might have lacked a creative spark, but you still have to give credit where it's due.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 18, 2013, 09:26:50 PM
I think this thread has more "the world is ending moments" than any other on this board. Don't know where all this bullshit is coming from.

Ireland's defence was shocking the last day but before the match the line-up wasn't inspiring. Ross is over-rated he's not a great prop by international standards. The Australian Union wants to do away with scrums because they're so shite at it and we could only break parity with them. Close to half the scrums in the Premiership would be better than the Aussies.

I've said this one hundred thousand times and I'll say it again, Rory Best is a distinctly average as a hooker. His line-out throws hangs our line-out all the time. Flannery was at best a mild operator around the park but was one of, if not the best line-out darts man Ireland ever had. Toner is also a poor lock as well, he's just too tall which leaves him slow and easier to chop down.

Marshall was simply shocking, like horrificly bad. I thought D'Arcy had a better day than usual against Somoa shouldn't have been dropped. Sexton is top class, what f**king clown was dissing him earlier. Played and kicked us back into it in the 1st half, team went to shite when he went off, not beyond reasoning that we may have won had he stayed on given Madigan's role in Cooper's try.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 18, 2013, 09:32:22 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 18, 2013, 06:27:56 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on November 18, 2013, 05:52:58 PM
I'd expect an improvement for the NZ. The team looked undercooked for this one. The selection of Reddan and Toner suggests a bit of rotation anyway.
Marshall looked decent in attack, made a few breaks but didn't have support.
McFadden although the sort of player who only gets picked when there are 2-3 injuries wasn't bad either.

Most of the rest were various shades of bad, but at least O'Connell, O'Driscoll and Bowe have the ability to improve. O'Driscoll's graph is definitely on the downward, but he is well capable of putting in a couple of decent shifts before he goes.

After this Schmidt is better off is promoting the next generation that bit sooner rather than chasing 6 Nations. No use flogging the same crew.

This is precisely the mistake that Kidney & O'Sullivan made towards the end of their reigns. Their need for results meant they took no chances with selection. Look how long it took Mike Ross to get in.

Gatland has 2 won slams by giving Welsh youth its head. I hope Schmidt follows suit.

That's a simple buzz phrase and easy to throw out. What (specifically) young players are we missing out on and how do you justify the poor display by the young players at the weekend? It's simple to f**k the coach out of it at blame him for "not giving youth it's chance"  but that same youth wasn't much good for us on Saturday.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: anglocelt39 on November 18, 2013, 09:36:37 PM
Anybody else feel that the fact that we have two provinces that have been capable of holding their own or better in the Heineken Cup over the past ten years gives people unrealistic expectations of our prospects at International Level? Bottom line is that Ireland don't have the numbers playing the game relative to Poms, French, and it's a bit of an obsession in SA/Wales/NZ.

one Slam in 60 plus years and failure to get past a 1/4 final of a world cup suggests to us that we should not be expecting to beat the big guns every time we line out against them. Heineken cup success does not always have a positive effect at international level, witness Madigan's situation at Leinster at present.

Expect a much improved moral victory type performance on the weekend. Best Kiwi team ever not necessarily borne out by games against England and France in the last few weeks so hope for a credible fighting performance
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 18, 2013, 09:59:18 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 18, 2013, 09:32:22 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 18, 2013, 06:27:56 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on November 18, 2013, 05:52:58 PM
I'd expect an improvement for the NZ. The team looked undercooked for this one. The selection of Reddan and Toner suggests a bit of rotation anyway.
Marshall looked decent in attack, made a few breaks but didn't have support.
McFadden although the sort of player who only gets picked when there are 2-3 injuries wasn't bad either.

Most of the rest were various shades of bad, but at least O'Connell, O'Driscoll and Bowe have the ability to improve. O'Driscoll's graph is definitely on the downward, but he is well capable of putting in a couple of decent shifts before he goes.

After this Schmidt is better off is promoting the next generation that bit sooner rather than chasing 6 Nations. No use flogging the same crew.

This is precisely the mistake that Kidney & O'Sullivan made towards the end of their reigns. Their need for results meant they took no chances with selection. Look how long it took Mike Ross to get in.

Gatland has 2 won slams by giving Welsh youth its head. I hope Schmidt follows suit.

That's a simple buzz phrase and easy to throw out. What (specifically) young players are we missing out on and how do you justify the poor display by the young players at the weekend? It's simple to f**k the coach out of it at blame him for "not giving youth it's chance"  but that same youth wasn't much good for us on Saturday.

Have you ever heard the phrase 'it is harder to get off the Irish team than to get on it'?

Rob Kearney  27
Tommy Bowe 29
Brian O'Driscoll 34
Luke Marshall 22
Fergus McFadden 27
Jonny Sexton 28
Eoin Reddan 32
Cian Healy 26
Rory Best 31
Mike Ross 33
Paul O'Connell 34
Devin Toner 27
Peter O'Mahoney 24
Sean O'Brien 26
Jamie Heaslip 29

Average: 28.6

Kidney and O'Sullivan cost us long term development in favour of short term results. IMHO it would be far better to do poorly with new young players in the 6N, rather than do slightly better than that, but with a team of the above.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 18, 2013, 10:04:40 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 18, 2013, 09:59:18 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 18, 2013, 09:32:22 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 18, 2013, 06:27:56 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on November 18, 2013, 05:52:58 PM
I'd expect an improvement for the NZ. The team looked undercooked for this one. The selection of Reddan and Toner suggests a bit of rotation anyway.
Marshall looked decent in attack, made a few breaks but didn't have support.
McFadden although the sort of player who only gets picked when there are 2-3 injuries wasn't bad either.

Most of the rest were various shades of bad, but at least O'Connell, O'Driscoll and Bowe have the ability to improve. O'Driscoll's graph is definitely on the downward, but he is well capable of putting in a couple of decent shifts before he goes.

After this Schmidt is better off is promoting the next generation that bit sooner rather than chasing 6 Nations. No use flogging the same crew.

This is precisely the mistake that Kidney & O'Sullivan made towards the end of their reigns. Their need for results meant they took no chances with selection. Look how long it took Mike Ross to get in.

Gatland has 2 won slams by giving Welsh youth its head. I hope Schmidt follows suit.

That's a simple buzz phrase and easy to throw out. What (specifically) young players are we missing out on and how do you justify the poor display by the young players at the weekend? It's simple to f**k the coach out of it at blame him for "not giving youth it's chance"  but that same youth wasn't much good for us on Saturday.

Have you ever heard the phrase 'it is harder to get off the Irish team than to get on it'?

Rob Kearney  27
Tommy Bowe 29
Brian O'Driscoll 34
Luke Marshall 22
Fergus McFadden 27
Jonny Sexton 28
Eoin Reddan 32
Cian Healy 26
Rory Best 31
Mike Ross 33
Paul O'Connell 34
Devin Toner 27
Peter O'Mahoney 24
Sean O'Brien 26
Jamie Heaslip 29

Average: 28.6

Kidney and O'Sullivan cost us long term development in favour of short term results. IMHO it would be far better to do poorly with new young players in the 6N, rather than do slightly better than that, but with a team of the above.

You completely ignored my question. If I'd asked you the average age of the Irish then that would've been grand but in reality that post says sweet f**k all.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 18, 2013, 10:12:45 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 18, 2013, 10:04:40 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 18, 2013, 09:59:18 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 18, 2013, 09:32:22 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 18, 2013, 06:27:56 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on November 18, 2013, 05:52:58 PM
I'd expect an improvement for the NZ. The team looked undercooked for this one. The selection of Reddan and Toner suggests a bit of rotation anyway.
Marshall looked decent in attack, made a few breaks but didn't have support.
McFadden although the sort of player who only gets picked when there are 2-3 injuries wasn't bad either.

Most of the rest were various shades of bad, but at least O'Connell, O'Driscoll and Bowe have the ability to improve. O'Driscoll's graph is definitely on the downward, but he is well capable of putting in a couple of decent shifts before he goes.

After this Schmidt is better off is promoting the next generation that bit sooner rather than chasing 6 Nations. No use flogging the same crew.

This is precisely the mistake that Kidney & O'Sullivan made towards the end of their reigns. Their need for results meant they took no chances with selection. Look how long it took Mike Ross to get in.

Gatland has 2 won slams by giving Welsh youth its head. I hope Schmidt follows suit.

That's a simple buzz phrase and easy to throw out. What (specifically) young players are we missing out on and how do you justify the poor display by the young players at the weekend? It's simple to f**k the coach out of it at blame him for "not giving youth it's chance"  but that same youth wasn't much good for us on Saturday.

Have you ever heard the phrase 'it is harder to get off the Irish team than to get on it'?

Rob Kearney  27
Tommy Bowe 29
Brian O'Driscoll 34
Luke Marshall 22
Fergus McFadden 27
Jonny Sexton 28
Eoin Reddan 32
Cian Healy 26
Rory Best 31
Mike Ross 33
Paul O'Connell 34
Devin Toner 27
Peter O'Mahoney 24
Sean O'Brien 26
Jamie Heaslip 29

Average: 28.6

Kidney and O'Sullivan cost us long term development in favour of short term results. IMHO it would be far better to do poorly with new young players in the 6N, rather than do slightly better than that, but with a team of the above.

You completely ignored my question. If I'd asked you the average age of the Irish then that would've been grand but in reality that post says sweet f**k all.

You said: 'but that same youth wasn't much good for us on Saturday."

You also asked what youth is out there.

Assuming you are suggesting that there is no decent young Irish players then do we play next years Autumn Internationals with the same team only a year older? Or is there any hope at all of finding even 1 player that might bring that average age down?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: michaelg on November 18, 2013, 10:15:43 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 18, 2013, 09:26:50 PM
I think this thread has more "the world is ending moments" than any other on this board. Don't know where all this bullshit is coming from.

Ireland's defence was shocking the last day but before the match the line-up wasn't inspiring. Ross is over-rated he's not a great prop by international standards. The Australian Union wants to do away with scrums because they're so shite at it and we could only break parity with them. Close to half the scrums in the Premiership would be better than the Aussies.

I've said this one hundred thousand times and I'll say it again, Rory Best is a distinctly average as a hooker. His line-out throws hangs our line-out all the time. Flannery was at best a mild operator around the park but was one of, if not the best line-out darts man Ireland ever had. Toner is also a poor lock as well, he's just too tall which leaves him slow and easier to chop down.

Marshall was simply shocking, like horrificly bad. I thought D'Arcy had a better day than usual against Somoa shouldn't have been dropped. Sexton is top class, what f**king clown was dissing him earlier. Played and kicked us back into it in the 1st half, team went to shite when he went off, not beyond reasoning that we may have won had he stayed on given Madigan's role in Cooper's try.
Marshall really that bad?  Thought he made a few good breaks but had no support.  As for missed tackle, arguably that was as much Madigan's fault.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: BarryBreensBandage on November 18, 2013, 10:38:36 PM
The issue that I have with the team at the moment is that you would see them quicker in a commercial or on the entertainment pages in the paper than playing Rugby.
It is as if the majority have made their name and are cashing in before retirement, without actually playing too much Rugby in case they get banjaxed.
I have never seen such legendary men look so apathetic as they were on Saturday. At least Sexton looked as if he gave a f**k. The rest were chasing shadows.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 19, 2013, 12:34:36 AM
Quote from: michaelg on November 18, 2013, 10:15:43 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 18, 2013, 09:26:50 PM
I think this thread has more "the world is ending moments" than any other on this board. Don't know where all this bullshit is coming from.

Ireland's defence was shocking the last day but before the match the line-up wasn't inspiring. Ross is over-rated he's not a great prop by international standards. The Australian Union wants to do away with scrums because they're so shite at it and we could only break parity with them. Close to half the scrums in the Premiership would be better than the Aussies.

I've said this one hundred thousand times and I'll say it again, Rory Best is a distinctly average as a hooker. His line-out throws hangs our line-out all the time. Flannery was at best a mild operator around the park but was one of, if not the best line-out darts man Ireland ever had. Toner is also a poor lock as well, he's just too tall which leaves him slow and easier to chop down.

Marshall was simply shocking, like horrificly bad. I thought D'Arcy had a better day than usual against Somoa shouldn't have been dropped. Sexton is top class, what f**king clown was dissing him earlier. Played and kicked us back into it in the 1st half, team went to shite when he went off, not beyond reasoning that we may have won had he stayed on given Madigan's role in Cooper's try.
Marshall really that bad?  Thought he made a few good breaks but had no support.  As for missed tackle, arguably that was as much Madigan's fault.
I think Marshall is being blamed too strongly for the missed tackle too but at the same time i watched the replay of it again there and Cooper runs a straight line for Marshall, in fact he brushes against his back as he moves past him, when the ball carrier gets that close you should really be tackling him regardless of who you're marking. Madigan covered the inside option which was pretty f**king stupid considering you've your entire back row peeling off a scrum behind you.

Another lad who is getting a free run is O'Mahoney, horrible missed tackle for the 2nd try. I mean Bowe clearly dictated he was marking the outside man which is what some coaches insist upon. O'Mahoney, for a back-rower whose whole game is based on this grunt work was very poor at tackling the 6, didn't go low and chop him down, didn't go man and ball either, poor work from a position you would rely on good tackles coming from.

First try, Ross and Reddan are to blame with Bowe and O'Driscoll also culpable in a way. Ross stands off the 6 then him again allowing an offload, O'Driscoll stands off his man, then commits when the pass is away, Bowe likewise stands off his man. Reddan blocks Kearney  and falls on his hole liek a ragdoll. Kearney would likely have slowed Cummins enough to allow him to be tackled before the line by some of the backrowers.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 19, 2013, 12:49:20 AM
Quote from: muppet on November 18, 2013, 10:12:45 PM
You said: 'but that same youth wasn't much good for us on Saturday."

You also asked what youth is out there.

Assuming you are suggesting that there is no decent young Irish players then do we play next years Autumn Internationals with the same team only a year older? Or is there any hope at all of finding even 1 player that might bring that average age down?

I asked who specifically are those young players, in the guts of 100 words you haven't named one. Is it really that f**king hard to come up with a name or two considering you think you've discovered the saving grace of Irish rugby.

I mean we could all fart on here about what needs to be done with all the old cliches. I mean I could say, Schmidt needs to work on his defence, he needs to add depth to front row, he needs to add inventiveness to the backs, or the old chestnut, he needs to unearth some new talent. But that's all a load of piss that could be spouted by any arsehole with a passing knowledge of rugby terminology. I mean every nation in world rugby needs to "unearth some new talent", so what's the point of stating that the blindingly obvious.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 19, 2013, 07:02:14 AM
Quote from: trileacman on November 19, 2013, 12:49:20 AM
Quote from: muppet on November 18, 2013, 10:12:45 PM
You said: 'but that same youth wasn't much good for us on Saturday."

You also asked what youth is out there.

Assuming you are suggesting that there is no decent young Irish players then do we play next years Autumn Internationals with the same team only a year older? Or is there any hope at all of finding even 1 player that might bring that average age down?

I asked who specifically are those young players, in the guts of 100 words you haven't named one. Is it really that f**king hard to come up with a name or two considering you think you've discovered the saving grace of Irish rugby.

I mean we could all fart on here about what needs to be done with all the old cliches. I mean I could say, Schmidt needs to work on his defence, he needs to add depth to front row, he needs to add inventiveness to the backs, or the old chestnut, he needs to unearth some new talent. But that's all a load of piss that could be spouted by any arsehole with a passing knowledge of rugby terminology. I mean every nation in world rugby needs to "unearth some new talent", so what's the point of stating that the blindingly obvious.

If it is so obvious why are you disagreeing with it? Just to have a rant?

I listed the ages of the players and the average age of the team to make my point. I also pointed out that in this scenario in the past Irish coaches stuck with the old players which in my view is a mistake. I am curious to see what Schmidt does in this regard. You don't say whether you disagree with this or not, you just hurl a load of insults via the cliched route you so despise.

You are obviously a real expert and no opinion that isn't along the lines of your own can possibly be considered so why don't you just 'ignore' me and immunise yourself from the lowly opinions of unworthy others?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 19, 2013, 08:39:28 AM
Quote from: muppet on November 19, 2013, 07:02:14 AM
Quote from: trileacman on November 19, 2013, 12:49:20 AM
Quote from: muppet on November 18, 2013, 10:12:45 PM
You said: 'but that same youth wasn't much good for us on Saturday."

You also asked what youth is out there.

Assuming you are suggesting that there is no decent young Irish players then do we play next years Autumn Internationals with the same team only a year older? Or is there any hope at all of finding even 1 player that might bring that average age down?

I asked who specifically are those young players, in the guts of 100 words you haven't named one. Is it really that f**king hard to come up with a name or two considering you think you've discovered the saving grace of Irish rugby.

I mean we could all fart on here about what needs to be done with all the old cliches. I mean I could say, Schmidt needs to work on his defence, he needs to add depth to front row, he needs to add inventiveness to the backs, or the old chestnut, he needs to unearth some new talent. But that's all a load of piss that could be spouted by any arsehole with a passing knowledge of rugby terminology. I mean every nation in world rugby needs to "unearth some new talent", so what's the point of stating that the blindingly obvious.

If it is so obvious why are you disagreeing with it? Just to have a rant?

I listed the ages of the players and the average age of the team to make my point. I also pointed out that in this scenario in the past Irish coaches stuck with the old players which in my view is a mistake. I am curious to see what Schmidt does in this regard. You don't say whether you disagree with this or not, you just hurl a load of insults via the cliched route you so despise.

You are obviously a real expert and no opinion that isn't along the lines of your own can possibly be considered so why don't you just 'ignore' me and immunise yourself from the lowly opinions of unworthy others?
Nobody loves a rant like trileacman.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 19, 2013, 08:48:10 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on November 19, 2013, 08:39:28 AM
Quote from: muppet on November 19, 2013, 07:02:14 AM
Quote from: trileacman on November 19, 2013, 12:49:20 AM
Quote from: muppet on November 18, 2013, 10:12:45 PM
You said: 'but that same youth wasn't much good for us on Saturday."

You also asked what youth is out there.

Assuming you are suggesting that there is no decent young Irish players then do we play next years Autumn Internationals with the same team only a year older? Or is there any hope at all of finding even 1 player that might bring that average age down?

I asked who specifically are those young players, in the guts of 100 words you haven't named one. Is it really that f**king hard to come up with a name or two considering you think you've discovered the saving grace of Irish rugby.

I mean we could all fart on here about what needs to be done with all the old cliches. I mean I could say, Schmidt needs to work on his defence, he needs to add depth to front row, he needs to add inventiveness to the backs, or the old chestnut, he needs to unearth some new talent. But that's all a load of piss that could be spouted by any arsehole with a passing knowledge of rugby terminology. I mean every nation in world rugby needs to "unearth some new talent", so what's the point of stating that the blindingly obvious.

If it is so obvious why are you disagreeing with it? Just to have a rant?

I listed the ages of the players and the average age of the team to make my point. I also pointed out that in this scenario in the past Irish coaches stuck with the old players which in my view is a mistake. I am curious to see what Schmidt does in this regard. You don't say whether you disagree with this or not, you just hurl a load of insults via the cliched route you so despise.

You are obviously a real expert and no opinion that isn't along the lines of your own can possibly be considered so why don't you just 'ignore' me and immunise yourself from the lowly opinions of unworthy others?

Nobody loves a rant like trileacman.

+1

Must be a big Clogher Valley man or worse plays for the 'Skins'...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on November 19, 2013, 09:03:13 AM
Quote from: muppet on November 19, 2013, 07:02:14 AM
You are obviously a real expert and no opinion that isn't along the lines of your own can possibly be considered so why don't you just 'ignore' me and immunise yourself from the lowly opinions of unworthy others?

The first step is admitting there's a problem. Good for you, muppet!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on November 19, 2013, 10:03:31 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on November 19, 2013, 08:39:28 AM
Quote from: muppet on November 19, 2013, 07:02:14 AM
Quote from: trileacman on November 19, 2013, 12:49:20 AM
Quote from: muppet on November 18, 2013, 10:12:45 PM
You said: 'but that same youth wasn't much good for us on Saturday."

You also asked what youth is out there.

Assuming you are suggesting that there is no decent young Irish players then do we play next years Autumn Internationals with the same team only a year older? Or is there any hope at all of finding even 1 player that might bring that average age down?

I asked who specifically are those young players, in the guts of 100 words you haven't named one. Is it really that f**king hard to come up with a name or two considering you think you've discovered the saving grace of Irish rugby.

I mean we could all fart on here about what needs to be done with all the old cliches. I mean I could say, Schmidt needs to work on his defence, he needs to add depth to front row, he needs to add inventiveness to the backs, or the old chestnut, he needs to unearth some new talent. But that's all a load of piss that could be spouted by any arsehole with a passing knowledge of rugby terminology. I mean every nation in world rugby needs to "unearth some new talent", so what's the point of stating that the blindingly obvious.

If it is so obvious why are you disagreeing with it? Just to have a rant?

I listed the ages of the players and the average age of the team to make my point. I also pointed out that in this scenario in the past Irish coaches stuck with the old players which in my view is a mistake. I am curious to see what Schmidt does in this regard. You don't say whether you disagree with this or not, you just hurl a load of insults via the cliched route you so despise.

You are obviously a real expert and no opinion that isn't along the lines of your own can possibly be considered so why don't you just 'ignore' me and immunise yourself from the lowly opinions of unworthy others?
Nobody loves a rant like trileacman.
Is he trying to fill a swearbox for charity!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rosnarun on November 19, 2013, 03:30:39 PM
Who is the Last genuinely youthful player to play for Ireland . Citing youth as an excuse for marshall is a Bit rich . hes 22  thats older than George north or stuart Hogg
Mcfadden is 27 so is  Toner these are hardly risks more like pee or get off the pot for them
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on November 19, 2013, 03:44:36 PM
Suppose in the summer tour of North America, Robbie Henshaw was 19. With the Lions players away it gave him the chance to shine. Great talent.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on November 19, 2013, 03:45:35 PM
Quote from: AQMP on November 18, 2013, 01:47:32 PM
Quote from: J OGorman on November 18, 2013, 01:41:39 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on November 18, 2013, 01:14:09 PM
Quote from: deiseach on November 18, 2013, 11:35:19 AM
It was some day, but it looks like Brian O'Driscoll has had his. Be afraid, be very afraid...

BOD is now a shadow of his former self, I'm afraid to say and now we've to fill gaps with inexperience players like Luke Marshall, Paddy Jackson and Madigan who in their own time may come good, but we're going to have to wait a year or two on that to happen.

As much as Ross was poor, I thought POC was terrible too, his handling was awful, not sure about Toner either, but I suppose if you're going to break lads in then the Autumn internationals is the time to do it.

Watching the All Blacks is always good, but you've got to fear for this Ireland team as Sexton will obviously be out and the rear guard defence will need to be good for very long periods of time.
Murray will start for sure.

What about Ferris, is he ballaxed altogether?

100%...even in his twilight though, still offers far more than any of those mentioned. Will be interesting to see how the next lock of years turn out under JS. Damage limitation this coming weekend, will be an exciting 6 nations ahead

I haven't seen anything of France this autumn but England look like they will be very hard to beat.
France did very well against the All Blacks, England have enough to see off Irealnd, Scotland and probably Wales. Between them and France for the 6 Nations. Time to buckle up and blood new players with the world cup in mind. The All Blacks just have that extra gear. Against both France and England hey could have won by more had the been in the mood.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on November 19, 2013, 04:01:52 PM
Is the influx of southern hemisphere average Joe's into the provinces stifling the opportunities of young Irish talent like the JJ Hanrahan, even Madigan only gets runs out in the Rabo direct so far this year?


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on November 19, 2013, 04:14:53 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on November 19, 2013, 04:01:52 PM
Is the influx of southern hemisphere average Joe's into the provinces stifling the opportunities of young Irish talent like the JJ Hanrahan, even Madigan only gets runs out in the Rabo direct so far this year?
likely, but it is also annoying to see the raft of them being naturalised by European countries.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on November 19, 2013, 04:20:00 PM
Shows the talent of the Australian Squad when James O Connor had his contact terminated,(through no fault of his own) and not miss him. Awesome player. He might settle down a bit playing for London Irish.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on November 19, 2013, 04:20:22 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 19, 2013, 04:14:53 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on November 19, 2013, 04:01:52 PM
Is the influx of southern hemisphere average Joe's into the provinces stifling the opportunities of young Irish talent like the JJ Hanrahan, even Madigan only gets runs out in the Rabo direct so far this year?
likely, but it is also annoying to see the raft of them being naturalised by European countries.

Who? Like Manu Tuilagi, English to the very bone that lad.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 19, 2013, 04:21:14 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on November 19, 2013, 04:20:22 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 19, 2013, 04:14:53 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on November 19, 2013, 04:01:52 PM
Is the influx of southern hemisphere average Joe's into the provinces stifling the opportunities of young Irish talent like the JJ Hanrahan, even Madigan only gets runs out in the Rabo direct so far this year?
likely, but it is also annoying to see the raft of them being naturalised by European countries.

Who? Like Manu Tuilagi, English to the very bone that lad.

In fairness to Manu he moved to England when he was 10 or something.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on November 19, 2013, 04:30:06 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 19, 2013, 04:21:14 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on November 19, 2013, 04:20:22 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 19, 2013, 04:14:53 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on November 19, 2013, 04:01:52 PM
Is the influx of southern hemisphere average Joe's into the provinces stifling the opportunities of young Irish talent like the JJ Hanrahan, even Madigan only gets runs out in the Rabo direct so far this year?
likely, but it is also annoying to see the raft of them being naturalised by European countries.

Who? Like Manu Tuilagi, English to the very bone that lad.

In fairness to Manu he moved to England when he was 10 or something.

13 and illegally allegedly. I'd say his rugby credentials saved him from deportation.

The naturalisation thing is hardly new, we've had a few ourselves in Andy Ward, but the Scots took it to another level with their kilted Kiwis' a while ago for the good that it did them.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 19, 2013, 04:54:00 PM
Quote from: rosnarun on November 19, 2013, 03:30:39 PM
Who is the Last genuinely youthful player to play for Ireland . Citing youth as an excuse for marshall is a Bit rich . hes 22  thats older than George north or stuart Hogg
Mcfadden is 27 so is  Toner these are hardly risks more like pee or get off the pot for them

i was going to point to Donncha Ryan as an example of a young player who took his chance when presented. But when I looked up the facts, firstly he is already 29. He was capped in November 2008 but as far as the 6N is concerned he made no appearances in 2009, only made two appearances as a sub in 2010, didn't appear in 2011 and when he made his 1st 6N start in 2012, he was MOTM.

I know earlier on this thread, a few years ago, I was defending Donncha O'Callaghan's selection for a while, but there is a happy medium somewhere.

Looking at the age profile of the current starters it can only end in tears.

There is no point in wholesale changes for the All Blacks, but certainly a few undroppables need to be demoted to focus the minds. I would start with putting Heaslip on the bench and would leave Reddan out of the squad altogether.

Surely the 4 provinces can offer one young scrum half with some potential? But, just as an example, if you look at Leinster Johhny Cooney (23) is number 3 behind Reddan & Boss, while the promising Luke McGrath (20) is behind Cooney. How is McGrath supposed to be developed?

The number 2 scrum halves at Ulster and Munster are Paul Marshall (28) and Duncan Williams (27) who aren't going to do much internationally given their ages.

Thankfully Conor Murray broke through when he did.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Geoff Tipps on November 19, 2013, 05:00:30 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 19, 2013, 04:54:00 PM
Quote from: rosnarun on November 19, 2013, 03:30:39 PM
Who is the Last genuinely youthful player to play for Ireland . Citing youth as an excuse for marshall is a Bit rich . hes 22  thats older than George north or stuart Hogg
Mcfadden is 27 so is  Toner these are hardly risks more like pee or get off the pot for them

i was going to point to Donncha Ryan as an example of a young player who took his chance when presented. But when I looked up the facts, firstly he is already 29. He was capped in November 2008 but as far as the 6N is concerned he made no appearances in 2009, only made two appearances as a sub in 2010, didn't appear in 2011 and when he made his 1st 6N start in 2012, he was MOTM.

I know earlier on this thread, a few years ago, I was defending Donncha O'Callaghan's selection for a while, but there is a happy medium somewhere.

Looking at the age profile of the current starters it can only end in tears.

There is no point in wholesale changes for the All Blacks, but certainly a few undroppables need to be demoted to focus the minds. I would start with putting Heaslip on the bench and would leave Reddan out of the squad altogether.

Surely the 4 provinces can offer one young scrum half with some potential? But, just as an example, if you look at Leinster Johhny Cooney (23) is number 3 behind Reddan & Boss, while the promising Luke McGrath (20) is behind Cooney. How is McGrath supposed to be developed?

The number 2 scrum halves at Ulster and Munster are Paul Marshall (28) and Duncan Williams (27) who aren't going to do much internationally given their ages.

Thankfully Conor Murray broke through when he did.

You have omitted the form scrum half on the Irish scene at the moment - Kieran Marmion.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on November 19, 2013, 05:01:51 PM
Does a player have to be under 23 to merit consideration? Maybe there are a few players in their mid-20's who never got a chance until now because the incumbent in a sport full of specialist positions was so dominant. Had the Australian cricket selectors insisted on picking only young fellas, Adam Gilchrist would never gotten a Test cap.

Of course, there may not even be players in their mid-20's up to scratch, in which case . . .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 19, 2013, 05:15:14 PM
Quote from: Geoff Tipps on November 19, 2013, 05:00:30 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 19, 2013, 04:54:00 PM
Quote from: rosnarun on November 19, 2013, 03:30:39 PM
Who is the Last genuinely youthful player to play for Ireland . Citing youth as an excuse for marshall is a Bit rich . hes 22  thats older than George north or stuart Hogg
Mcfadden is 27 so is  Toner these are hardly risks more like pee or get off the pot for them

i was going to point to Donncha Ryan as an example of a young player who took his chance when presented. But when I looked up the facts, firstly he is already 29. He was capped in November 2008 but as far as the 6N is concerned he made no appearances in 2009, only made two appearances as a sub in 2010, didn't appear in 2011 and when he made his 1st 6N start in 2012, he was MOTM.

I know earlier on this thread, a few years ago, I was defending Donncha O'Callaghan's selection for a while, but there is a happy medium somewhere.

Looking at the age profile of the current starters it can only end in tears.

There is no point in wholesale changes for the All Blacks, but certainly a few undroppables need to be demoted to focus the minds. I would start with putting Heaslip on the bench and would leave Reddan out of the squad altogether.

Surely the 4 provinces can offer one young scrum half with some potential? But, just as an example, if you look at Leinster Johhny Cooney (23) is number 3 behind Reddan & Boss, while the promising Luke McGrath (20) is behind Cooney. How is McGrath supposed to be developed?

The number 2 scrum halves at Ulster and Munster are Paul Marshall (28) and Duncan Williams (27) who aren't going to do much internationally given their ages.

Thankfully Conor Murray broke through when he did.

You have omitted the form scrum half on the Irish scene at the moment - Kieran Marmion.

I thought he was Welsh but if he wants to play for Ireland, you are right he should be considered.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 19, 2013, 05:21:47 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 19, 2013, 05:15:14 PM
Quote from: Geoff Tipps on November 19, 2013, 05:00:30 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 19, 2013, 04:54:00 PM
Quote from: rosnarun on November 19, 2013, 03:30:39 PM
Who is the Last genuinely youthful player to play for Ireland . Citing youth as an excuse for marshall is a Bit rich . hes 22  thats older than George north or stuart Hogg
Mcfadden is 27 so is  Toner these are hardly risks more like pee or get off the pot for them

i was going to point to Donncha Ryan as an example of a young player who took his chance when presented. But when I looked up the facts, firstly he is already 29. He was capped in November 2008 but as far as the 6N is concerned he made no appearances in 2009, only made two appearances as a sub in 2010, didn't appear in 2011 and when he made his 1st 6N start in 2012, he was MOTM.

I know earlier on this thread, a few years ago, I was defending Donncha O'Callaghan's selection for a while, but there is a happy medium somewhere.

Looking at the age profile of the current starters it can only end in tears.

There is no point in wholesale changes for the All Blacks, but certainly a few undroppables need to be demoted to focus the minds. I would start with putting Heaslip on the bench and would leave Reddan out of the squad altogether.

Surely the 4 provinces can offer one young scrum half with some potential? But, just as an example, if you look at Leinster Johhny Cooney (23) is number 3 behind Reddan & Boss, while the promising Luke McGrath (20) is behind Cooney. How is McGrath supposed to be developed?

The number 2 scrum halves at Ulster and Munster are Paul Marshall (28) and Duncan Williams (27) who aren't going to do much internationally given their ages.

Thankfully Conor Murray broke through when he did.

You have omitted the form scrum half on the Irish scene at the moment - Kieran Marmion.

I thought he was Welsh but if he wants to play for Ireland, you are right he should be considered.

Born in Wales but he has represented Ireland since schoolboy. Really rate Mc Grath. Stuart Olding anothing very promising player is out for the season after hurting his knee for Ulster A on Friday past.

The Welsh provinces have suffered since the player exodus to France but it has given lots of opportunities to younger players. Dan Biggar is the prime example at the Ospreys. Perhaps this could be the case with Ireland in the next couple of years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: stephenite on November 19, 2013, 06:23:48 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 19, 2013, 04:20:00 PM
Shows the talent of the Australian Squad when James O Connor had his contact terminated,(through no fault of his own) and not miss him. Awesome player. He might settle down a bit playing for London Irish.

What do you mean through no fault of his own? The guy had several warnings about poor behaviour, got booted by his club
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: anglocelt39 on November 19, 2013, 07:21:25 PM
Quote from: stephenite on November 19, 2013, 06:23:48 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 19, 2013, 04:20:00 PM
Shows the talent of the Australian Squad when James O Connor had his contact terminated,(through no fault of his own) and not miss him. Awesome player. He might settle down a bit playing for London Irish.

What do you mean through no fault of his own? The guy had several warnings about poor behaviour, got booted by his club


Some effort by the Aussies to get 12 guys carpeted for a night out in Dublin considering neither O'Connor or Beale were available for that razzle and Cooper didn't even feature in the list of offenders. This vice captaincy thing has seriously gone to his head.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on November 19, 2013, 07:48:22 PM
Quote from: stephenite on November 19, 2013, 06:23:48 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 19, 2013, 04:20:00 PM
Shows the talent of the Australian Squad when James O Connor had his contact terminated,(through no fault of his own) and not miss him. Awesome player. He might settle down a bit playing for London Irish.

What do you mean through no fault of his own? The guy had several warnings about poor behaviour, got booted by his club

A wrong way of saying it, meant he brought it on himself before he was eventually let go. Happened 3 or 4 times this year. Although he did start in the 3 lions test games.

Won't be selected while playing in England in anyway. might get his head sorted and a move back to Australia before 2015 WC.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 19, 2013, 09:09:52 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 19, 2013, 04:20:00 PM
Shows the talent of the Australian Squad when James O Connor had his contact terminated,(through no fault of his own) and not miss him. Awesome player. He might settle down a bit playing for London Irish.
I thought it was because of all the drinking, no?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on November 19, 2013, 09:12:35 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 19, 2013, 09:09:52 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 19, 2013, 04:20:00 PM
Shows the talent of the Australian Squad when James O Connor had his contact terminated,(through no fault of his own) and not miss him. Awesome player. He might settle down a bit playing for London Irish.
I thought it was because of all the drinking, no?

More or less yeah. That's why I cleared what I meant in the previous post
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 19, 2013, 09:19:51 PM
Maybe it's just me but I always thought rugby had a slighter older age bracket when compared to soccer or GAA. I mean in GAA/Soccer anyone over 22 is no longer considered young or a rookie, whilst the 30 age limit represents the cut off for "veterans". In Rugby I'd always have considered rugby to be 2 or 3 years older than that, especially in the forwards where the demands are very different. I'd say Ritchie McCaw has only hit his peak in the last 3-4 years and the likes of O'Connell, O'Kelly, Bull, Dallaglio, Robinson all entered their peak when they crossed 30.

And while we're discussing the two, James O'Connor is a prime example of why rushing in young blood isn't all its cracked up to be. Hook and Cipriani are other examples of exceptional talent being pissed up the wall and ending up as European journeymen. These lads were talked up by a fawning media, simply because they were young and introduced to international rugby far too early, when a continued run in club sides and summer tours would have served them better.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: whitegoodman on November 19, 2013, 10:29:24 PM
I don't know what match some where watching but I thought Marshall and Ferg were the two best players Ireland had.

I'd love Ireland to be a bit more like the welsh and give the younger lads a chance.  I think after Sunday BOD should call it a day internationally and concentrate on winning something with Leinster in his last season. He just ant up to it anymore and he doesn't want to be remembered for performances like he produced at the weekend.

It wont happen but I'd love to see Moore, Tuohy, Henderson, O Donnell, Marmion, Marshall, Zebo and Gilroy play central roles by the time the six nations comes about. I would have added Olding to that list as he is a great talent but he has just suffered a bad injury which will keep him out for he rest of he season.

Ross, McCarthy, Redden, Darcy and BOD should be consigned to international retirement.
Heaslip, Bowe and Kearney should be told to get their act together or face the chop.

Healy
Best
Moore
O Connell
Henderson
O Brien
O Donnell
O Mahony
Murray
Sexton
Zebo
Marshall
Cave
Gilroy
Kearney

A team with some experience which should be capable of winning games yet with an eye on the world cup in two years time.  Cave is in there because there is no one else until Payne becomes eligible in the summer.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 19, 2013, 10:43:46 PM
Quote from: whitegoodman on November 19, 2013, 10:29:24 PM
I don't know what match some where watching but I thought Marshall and Ferg were the two best players Ireland had.

I'd love Ireland to be a bit more like the welsh and give the younger lads a chance.  I think after Sunday BOD should call it a day internationally and concentrate on winning something with Leinster in his last season. He just ant up to it anymore and he doesn't want to be remembered for performances like he produced at the weekend.

It wont happen but I'd love to see Moore, Tuohy, Henderson, O Donnell, Marmion, Marshall, Zebo and Gilroy play central roles by the time the six nations comes about. I would have added Olding to that list as he is a great talent but he has just suffered a bad injury which will keep him out for he rest of he season.

Ross, McCarthy, Redden, Darcy and BOD should be consigned to international retirement.
Heaslip, Bowe and Kearney should be told to get their act together or face the chop.

Healy
Best
Moore
O Connell
Henderson
O Brien
O Donnell
O Mahony
Murray
Sexton
Zebo
Marshall
Cave
Gilroy
Kearney

A team with some experience which should be capable of winning games yet with an eye on the world cup in two years time.  Cave is in there because there is no one else until Payne becomes eligible in the summer.

I'd keep Donncha Ryan but otherwise an interesting team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: whitegoodman on November 19, 2013, 10:48:16 PM
Long term it looks like Ryan and Henderson with Tuohy as backup.  I don't see what McCarthy brings and out side of line out I don't see what Toner brings and what he offers in the line out you lose out in the scrum and loose.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 20, 2013, 09:38:48 PM
McCarthy is better than Toner, who even in line-outs doesn't really deliver the degree needed to make up for his deficiencies in the loose. Ryan-POD the obvious 1-2 pairing, though.

What's possessed AIG for them to think flooding Irish tv with adverts highlighting their support of our country's opponents is a good idea? Some of the stupidest marketing I've seen in a long time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rosnarun on November 21, 2013, 02:06:14 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 20, 2013, 09:38:48 PM
McCarthy is better than Toner, who even in line-outs doesn't really deliver the degree needed to make up for his deficiencies in the loose. Ryan-POD the obvious 1-2 pairing, though.

What's possessed AIG for them to think flooding Irish tv with adverts highlighting their support of our country's opponents? Some of the stupidest marketing I've seen in a long time.
Are  not 'theallblacks' (c) the worlds team like Brasil 1970  doesn't everyone love them?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on November 21, 2013, 02:29:31 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 20, 2013, 09:38:48 PM
What's possessed AIG for them to think flooding Irish tv with adverts highlighting their support of our country's opponents? Some of the stupidest marketing I've seen in a long time.

Croppies lie down.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Lar Naparka on November 21, 2013, 02:41:00 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 20, 2013, 09:38:48 PM
McCarthy is better than Toner, who even in line-outs doesn't really deliver the degree needed to make up for his deficiencies in the loose. Ryan-POD the obvious 1-2 pairing, though.

What's possessed AIG for them to think flooding Irish tv with adverts highlighting their support of our country's opponents? Some of the stupidest marketing I've seen in a long time.

Bums on seats is the object of the exercise.
There can't be any man, woman or monkey in all of Ireland, as David Brady might say, who doesn't know about the game now.
At the same time, there could be a bit of reverse psychology involved here.
The more the All Blacks are hyped up, the more our lads will feel under pressure to stand up to them and not be disgraced. (If you can follow my meaning. ;D )
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 21, 2013, 02:50:55 PM
Lads Paul O'Connell needs to be rested/dropped from that team. The man is physically unable to move around anymore. He looks absolutely beat up. I saw him there at Thomond Park a few weeks ago and it was actually painful watching him just walking out onto the pitch. He needs to be left play with Munster only for a while and see can he make it back. Let Toner and Donacha Ryan be the locks.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on November 21, 2013, 04:19:11 PM
Quote from: Geoff Tipps on November 19, 2013, 05:00:30 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 19, 2013, 04:54:00 PM
Quote from: rosnarun on November 19, 2013, 03:30:39 PM
Who is the Last genuinely youthful player to play for Ireland . Citing youth as an excuse for marshall is a Bit rich . hes 22  thats older than George north or stuart Hogg
Mcfadden is 27 so is  Toner these are hardly risks more like pee or get off the pot for them

i was going to point to Donncha Ryan as an example of a young player who took his chance when presented. But when I looked up the facts, firstly he is already 29. He was capped in November 2008 but as far as the 6N is concerned he made no appearances in 2009, only made two appearances as a sub in 2010, didn't appear in 2011 and when he made his 1st 6N start in 2012, he was MOTM.

I know earlier on this thread, a few years ago, I was defending Donncha O'Callaghan's selection for a while, but there is a happy medium somewhere.

Looking at the age profile of the current starters it can only end in tears.

There is no point in wholesale changes for the All Blacks, but certainly a few undroppables need to be demoted to focus the minds. I would start with putting Heaslip on the bench and would leave Reddan out of the squad altogether.

Surely the 4 provinces can offer one young scrum half with some potential? But, just as an example, if you look at Leinster Johhny Cooney (23) is number 3 behind Reddan & Boss, while the promising Luke McGrath (20) is behind Cooney. How is McGrath supposed to be developed?

The number 2 scrum halves at Ulster and Munster are Paul Marshall (28) and Duncan Williams (27) who aren't going to do much internationally given their ages.

Thankfully Conor Murray broke through when he did.

You have omitted the form scrum half on the Irish scene at the moment - Kieran Marmion.
What about big Davy Tweed, debut at 30 in jail at 40!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on November 21, 2013, 04:23:54 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 21, 2013, 04:19:11 PM
What about big Davy Tweed, debut at 30 in jail at 40!

Just who we need to look after the new talent.

(Cold tea will be along shortly to express outrage at my flippancy in the face of such evil.)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Mayo4Sam on November 21, 2013, 04:24:23 PM
O'Connell isnt really suited to the schmidt gameplan, too slow of a return from carries, I cant see him being in the plans beynd the 6 nations

Am I the only one that sees zebo cannot defend, that he ball watches constantly and gets caught out? Maybe that can be knocked out of him
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: DuffleKing on November 23, 2013, 09:41:39 AM

I see that rte are streaming the game today in Ireland - will i be able to watch that in the north?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 23, 2013, 04:19:36 PM
A song for the goys tomorrow

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsD9k82uAjo
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 23, 2013, 04:47:51 PM
Clashing with the Connacht final? Those All Blacks have some balls.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: J OGorman on November 23, 2013, 06:07:04 PM
what in unner a buck is going on @ Murrayfield with the on pitch advertising?? An online ticket tout agency...incredible
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 23, 2013, 06:13:44 PM
That Scottish jersey is class. They'll take the Aussie scrum to the cleaners, especially when Murray rolls on, highlighting how awful we were last Saturday. I think Laidlaw is class too, but I'd prefer him at 10.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 23, 2013, 06:26:43 PM
Oul' Jackie Hurley made an awful clanger on the news just now - "with a win New Zealand would be come the first team of the professional era to go unbeaten in a calender year".

FFS, we did that in 2009!

I'm sure she meant win all their games in a calender year but that's an incredibly poor thing to slip through the net on the main news bulletin of the day.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: andoireabu on November 23, 2013, 07:37:26 PM
Quote from: hardstation on November 23, 2013, 07:17:59 PM
Just watching the Scotland v Australia game. An Australian player was being held after the ball had gone. He turned around and punched the Scottish fella in the face. The ref used video evidence to review it and issued the Australian with a yellow card. Everyone seemed to accept that it was a punch in the face and that a yellow card was the correct decision.

What do you have to do to get a red card in rugby? Do they have a red card?
Surely digging someone in the bake should carry the most severe penalty, no?
Aussie player got sent off last week for lifting Peter O'Mahony off his feet and then dropping him on his head.  Video ref was called and the red card dished out.  Think Sam Warburton was sent off in the last World Cup for the same thing against France.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 23, 2013, 07:40:36 PM
Punching is a penalty kick offence. A spear tackle could put someone in a wheelchair.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 23, 2013, 07:48:05 PM
Quote from: hardstation on November 23, 2013, 07:46:15 PM
No reason why they couldn't both be a red card though. Punching someone could have them eating through a straw ffs.
Only if done correctly.  ;)

Ireland might need to fire out a few digs tomorrow.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on November 23, 2013, 10:26:35 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on November 23, 2013, 07:48:05 PM
Quote from: hardstation on November 23, 2013, 07:46:15 PM
No reason why they couldn't both be a red card though. Punching someone could have them eating through a straw ffs.
Only if done correctly.  ;)

Ireland might need to fire out a few digs tomorrow.

and they'll get hammered at that as well
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: J OGorman on November 24, 2013, 02:21:09 PM
Cam an te fcuk ireland!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Harold Disgracey on November 24, 2013, 02:21:58 PM
Who is this team in green? Some start.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CD on November 24, 2013, 02:22:42 PM
Devastating for Best. He started brilliantly
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 24, 2013, 02:22:53 PM
Quote from: hardstation on November 24, 2013, 02:13:39 PM
Hmm.
Interesting. Very interesting.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 24, 2013, 02:29:23 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on November 24, 2013, 02:22:53 PM
Quote from: hardstation on November 24, 2013, 02:13:39 PM
Hmm.
Interesting. Very interesting.
Please god they can keep it up not like the last Welsh match
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Aaron Boone on November 24, 2013, 02:33:30 PM
New Zealand to win pulling up.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 24, 2013, 02:41:35 PM
George Hook @ghook 

The best ever 30 mins of Irish rugby


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 24, 2013, 02:45:03 PM
It's like watching the cats . Second half will be some pressure cauldron.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on November 24, 2013, 02:51:00 PM
Unbelievable stuff.

Have a nagging worry about that final attack. Should have yielded minimum three points but escaping to touch from just outside own 22 greeted as a triumph. Need to take every single chance.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 24, 2013, 03:12:46 PM
NZ touch down but no try. Hand underneath. Video evidence for the ref. Various angles viewed.  Any  chance the GAA would ever be so meticulous ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 24, 2013, 03:18:59 PM
Indiscipline starting now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CD on November 24, 2013, 03:28:01 PM
As my Irish 'bloody typical gland' is now producing vast quantities of pessimism I'll turn off.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 24, 2013, 03:35:49 PM
Dan carter must make some difference to this All Blacks team, the all black no 10 today has made alot of mistakes, caught out holding on 2 times for penlites and taking wrong options, McCaw doesnt seem to have the same legs either. I know they talked this up as a very good New Zealand team but they aint on the same level as the new Zealand team of 1997
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 24, 2013, 03:36:25 PM
Quote from: CD on November 24, 2013, 03:28:01 PM
As my Irish 'bloody typical gland' is now producing vast quantities of pessimism I'll turn off.
Devin Toner is a useless cnut. Should be 8 ahead.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 24, 2013, 03:43:44 PM
Go wan ya good thing
1 min 35 left
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CD on November 24, 2013, 03:44:58 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on November 24, 2013, 03:35:49 PM
Dan carter must make some difference to this All Blacks team, the all black no 10 today has made alot of mistakes, caught out holding on 2 times for penlites and taking wrong options, McCaw doesnt seem to have the same legs either. I know they talked this up as a very good New Zealand team but they aint on the same level as the new Zealand team of 1997

Steady Weasel - this is just your Irish 'Mock Humility' gland kicking in. As any Irish team closes in on a success we immediately take the goodness out of it by highlighting the players missing from the opposition and the fact that they are 'no team at all.' Don't worry, this is normal. You will shortly experience thoughts like, 'The ref gave us everything' and 'if there were two more minutes we'd have lost it' shortly followed by 'Ah shure, we were just lucky.' These are all typical feelings experienced by all Irish people as we attempt to diminish any achievement.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CD on November 24, 2013, 03:47:29 PM
Bloody typical
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 24, 2013, 03:49:17 PM
Heartbreaking for Ireland. Had 20 seconds to hold on.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 24, 2013, 03:52:40 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on November 24, 2013, 03:49:17 PM
Heartbreaking for Ireland. Had 20 seconds to hold on.
Pity about the sexton penalty with 7 minutes left
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 24, 2013, 03:54:08 PM
yeah all the class the irish supporters show for opposition kickers, kinda went out the window at the end lads tuh tuh, best team lost, i away like England in the rugby league yesterday. today was the day to beat the all-blacks without Carter, dont think now we ever beat them,as i thought Ireland were good today and the All-blacks quite ropey today
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 24, 2013, 03:54:30 PM
George Hook, still a w**ker
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CD on November 24, 2013, 03:56:36 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on November 24, 2013, 03:54:30 PM
George Hook, still a w**ker

Ha!  :D :D Laughing knuts off!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 24, 2013, 03:57:28 PM
Sexton in hindsight missed an easy enough penalty near the near to go 8 clear, it probably cost them the game
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on November 24, 2013, 03:58:19 PM
Some match, very bad miss by Sexton. Deadly come back by the All Blacks. Sick to lose it like that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 24, 2013, 03:59:56 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on November 24, 2013, 03:57:28 PM
Sexton in hindsight missed an easy enough penalty near the near to go 8 clear, it probably cost them the game
Sexton miss, stupidity from Toner, not keeping the scoreboard ticking over in second half and not closing it out with 20 mins left. The best teams are closers.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 24, 2013, 04:03:09 PM
Heaslip had a great game, serious engine on him. Kearney and O'Brien was at the top there too. D'Arcy defended very well too.

Bowe has been very average for the Guinness series as has O'Mahoney, which is worrying from a supposed player of the future. Toner is debatable if he can cut it at this level.

Murray for some of his faults, is still the top scrummie in Ireland by quite a distance, played a major role in the 1st half preformance.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AQMP on November 24, 2013, 04:03:51 PM
Only the All Blacks could have finished like that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on November 24, 2013, 04:09:48 PM
Brilliant performance for 60 minutes but at the end of the day, not being able to hold the ball for 15 seconds so you can kick to touch to beat the All Blacks simply isn't good enough. Sexton missing that kick, as brilliant as he has been for Ireland, simply isn't good enough. Tommy Bowe missing tackle after tackle simply isn't good enough and not scoring in the second half certainly isn't good enough.

Utterly, utterly devastating but being valiant losers has never stood to us in the past. Challenge is to be able to up the game against all sides.

Credit to New Zealand though. Phenomenal team who even when far from their best you can simply never write off.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 24, 2013, 04:11:03 PM
Quote from: AQMP on November 24, 2013, 04:03:51 PM
Only the All Blacks could have finished like that.
Kilkenny up until recently were also masters at it
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 24, 2013, 04:12:58 PM
NZ won that, Ireland didn't lose it. Simply best team in the world, that's the aspiration and today was a great step forward.  f**king gutted mind!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on November 24, 2013, 04:15:37 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 24, 2013, 04:12:58 PM
NZ won that, Ireland didn't lose it. Simply best team in the world, that's the aspiration and today was a great step forward.  f**king gutted mind!

"Has the potential to be" should have preceded that! Ireland have put in monster performances before (nothing as big as that though) and have failed to build on it. Have to hope it will be different this time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 24, 2013, 04:18:32 PM
Quote from: gallsman on November 24, 2013, 04:15:37 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 24, 2013, 04:12:58 PM
NZ won that, Ireland didn't lose it. Simply best team in the world, that's the aspiration and today was a great step forward.  f**king gutted mind!

"Has the potential to be" should have preceded that! Ireland have put in monster performances before (nothing as big as that though) and have failed to build on it. Have to hope it will be different this time.
It's not a bad start from Schmidt, in fairness, considering where they were last season.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 24, 2013, 04:21:36 PM
No it was a great step forward as it demonstrated that we can compete with the best, sustaining that effort is the task for the coaches. 3 home wins and a win in either Paris or London is a realistic goal and could gives us a 6 nations title. Our bread and butter, not one off tests.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on November 24, 2013, 04:23:29 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 24, 2013, 04:18:32 PM
Quote from: gallsman on November 24, 2013, 04:15:37 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 24, 2013, 04:12:58 PM
NZ won that, Ireland didn't lose it. Simply best team in the world, that's the aspiration and today was a great step forward.  f**king gutted mind!

"Has the potential to be" should have preceded that! Ireland have put in monster performances before (nothing as big as that though) and have failed to build on it. Have to hope it will be different this time.
It's not a bad start from Schmidt, in fairness, considering where they were last season.

I'll reserve judgement until after the 6N. At the end of the day, they still lost (or were beaten in) a match they should have won. Last week was abysmal, lest we forget.

If they can play like they did today, they'll beat everybody bar the All Blacks. The challenge now (as always after a heroic loss) is to do just that, rather than produce one great performance every few years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on November 24, 2013, 04:24:30 PM
Hard to judge how big a step forward it was. It was playing New Zealand at the end of the season for them, they have had a very long season and been quality all the way being unbeaten, were without Dan Carter. O Driscoll is in his final season, O Connell is 34

That was the best  chance to beat them. Ireland  put in a huge performance in the tour in 2012 getting a draw,the following week 60-0 defeat. Players shattered from the previous weeks effort. It will take those players a good while to get over todays defeat

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on November 24, 2013, 04:25:56 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 24, 2013, 04:21:36 PM
No it was a great step forward as it demonstrated that we can compete with the best, sustaining that effort is the task for the coaches. 3 home wins and a win in either Paris or London is a realistic goal and could gives us a 6 nations title. Our bread and butter, not one off tests.

We've done that before though. Outplaying NZ in their back yard and then getting hockeyed as comeuppance. Beating Australia in the World Cup and then losing to Wales.

We have and have had over the last 15 years the talent to compete with the very best. The challenge is to a) compete regularly and consistently and b) turn competitiveness into wins.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ONeill on November 24, 2013, 04:31:18 PM
Worse feeling than Australia '91?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 24, 2013, 04:33:46 PM
Quote from: gallsman on November 24, 2013, 04:23:29 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 24, 2013, 04:18:32 PM
Quote from: gallsman on November 24, 2013, 04:15:37 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 24, 2013, 04:12:58 PM
NZ won that, Ireland didn't lose it. Simply best team in the world, that's the aspiration and today was a great step forward.  f**king gutted mind!

"Has the potential to be" should have preceded that! Ireland have put in monster performances before (nothing as big as that though) and have failed to build on it. Have to hope it will be different this time.
It's not a bad start from Schmidt, in fairness, considering where they were last season.

I'll reserve judgement until after the 6N. At the end of the day, they still lost (or were beaten in) a match they should have won. Last week was abysmal, lest we forget.

If they can play like they did today, they'll beat everybody bar the All Blacks. The challenge now (as always after a heroic loss) is to do just that, rather than produce one great performance every few years.
It's all very reminiscent of the Galway hurlers.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: SHEEDY on November 24, 2013, 04:37:20 PM
gutted. that was heartbreaking for the irish players who had given everything. costly miss by sexton.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: J OGorman on November 24, 2013, 04:44:10 PM
So unbelievably close. Heart in the mouth stuff. Gutted for the players. .JESUS! !!

loving the line from someone earlier 'we will never beat NZ'...until the very end of time?? :-)

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 24, 2013, 05:15:57 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on November 24, 2013, 04:37:20 PM
gutted. that was heartbreaking for the irish players who had given everything. costly miss by sexton.
You have to score those. Shefflin would have. Ciaran McDonald would have. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on November 24, 2013, 05:41:56 PM
It never pays to annoy the NZers. Going 19 up was bound to piss them off. They reminded me of what we used to be, winning it in the third minute of added time.

Seriously, though, have you ever seen a mental crisis like Sexton's as he stood over that kick for what looked like a full minute? You just knew he was psyching himself into missing it. And who'd have expected a Munster scrum half to kick the ball away twice with two and a half minutes to go, in their half, five points up and all we had to do was keep the ball?

Great performance, though. Happily the days are gone when it would have been hailed as a moral victory.

It was all nearly as entertaining as Cake's theatrics in the Hyde. What a clown.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on November 24, 2013, 05:51:34 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 24, 2013, 04:24:30 PM
Hard to judge how big a step forward it was. It was playing New Zealand at the end of the season for them, they have had a very long season and been quality all the way being unbeaten, were without Dan Carter. O Driscoll is in his final season, O Connell is 34

That was the best  chance to beat them. Ireland  put in a huge performance in the tour in 2012 getting a draw,the following week 60-0 defeat. Players shattered from the previous weeks effort. It will take those players a good while to get over todays defeat

ireland didn't get  adraw in 2012
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on November 24, 2013, 05:56:51 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 24, 2013, 05:51:34 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 24, 2013, 04:24:30 PM
Hard to judge how big a step forward it was. It was playing New Zealand at the end of the season for them, they have had a very long season and been quality all the way being unbeaten, were without Dan Carter. O Driscoll is in his final season, O Connell is 34

That was the best  chance to beat them. Ireland  put in a huge performance in the tour in 2012 getting a draw,the following week 60-0 defeat. Players shattered from the previous weeks effort. It will take those players a good while to get over todays defeat

ireland didn't get  adraw in 2012

Ah yeah had a draw snatched lost by 3. In a game they dominated.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on November 24, 2013, 06:01:51 PM
Quote from: Hardy on November 24, 2013, 05:41:56 PM
Great performance, though. Happily the days are gone when it would have been hailed as a moral victory.

This, for me, is the problem - it will be hailed as a moral victory. They definitely deserve credit for the effort but that does not mean they should be immune to criticism for letting the AB's back in.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 24, 2013, 06:41:30 PM
Quote from: Hardy on November 24, 2013, 05:41:56 PM
It never pays to annoy the NZers. Going 19 up was bound to piss them off. They reminded me of what we used to be, winning it in the third minute of added time.

Seriously, though, have you ever seen a mental crisis like Sexton's as he stood over that kick for what looked like a full minute? You just knew he was psyching himself into missing it. And who'd have expected a Munster scrum half to kick the ball away twice with two and a half minutes to go, in their half, five points up and all we had to do was keep the ball?

Great performance, though. Happily the days are gone when it would have been hailed as a moral victory.

It was all nearly as entertaining as Cake's theatrics in the Hyde. What a clown.
I was thinking of the 96 final as well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Myles Na G. on November 24, 2013, 06:46:20 PM
Ireland didn't do a lot wrong today. That performance would have been good enough to beat most teams in the world, but I don't think there's any way we can sustain that level of intensity over a tournament. If there was another game next week or the week after, how many of that team would be out injured? And how many of the rest would be able to repeat today's effort?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 24, 2013, 06:54:23 PM
Quote from: gallsman on November 24, 2013, 04:25:56 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 24, 2013, 04:21:36 PM
No it was a great step forward as it demonstrated that we can compete with the best, sustaining that effort is the task for the coaches. 3 home wins and a win in either Paris or London is a realistic goal and could gives us a 6 nations title. Our bread and butter, not one off tests.

We've done that before though. Outplaying NZ in their back yard and then getting hockeyed as comeuppance. Beating Australia in the World Cup and then losing to Wales.

We have and have had over the last 15 years the talent to compete with the very best. The challenge is to a) compete regularly and consistently and b) turn competitiveness into wins.
Nz are like kerry, the cats, Bayern , Real, Man U etc. They can win even playing badly. They will.score in the last minute if they have to and the opposition know it too. But they have a poor record in rwc finals against other born winners.
Ireland are more like Mayo, Cavan, Dortmund, Atletico etc. will lose a majority of finals. Know they will. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Cyril Farrell fan on November 24, 2013, 06:58:20 PM
Cluxton would have nailed that last penalty.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: laoislad on November 24, 2013, 07:08:37 PM
Did we win?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sidney on November 24, 2013, 07:15:55 PM
A fine day for Mayo GAA. Castlebar Mitchels win the Connacht title and Mayo are no longer the biggest bottlers in Irish sport.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 24, 2013, 07:47:05 PM
Quote from: Sidney on November 24, 2013, 07:15:55 PM
A fine day for Mayo GAA. Castlebar Mitchels win the Connacht title and Mayo are no longer the biggest bottlers in Irish sport.
Crossmolina and Ballina won the all Ireland recently enough. They are well able for anyone at club level.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on November 24, 2013, 07:48:20 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 24, 2013, 07:47:05 PM
Quote from: Sidney on November 24, 2013, 07:15:55 PM
A fine day for Mayo GAA. Castlebar Mitchels win the Connacht title and Mayo are no longer the biggest bottlers in Irish sport.
Crossmolina and Ballina won the all Ireland recently enough. They are well able for anyone at club level.

And this years Minor?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sidney on November 24, 2013, 08:10:08 PM
I should clarify. A result in another code today has cruelly taken the Mayo senior inter-county football team's title as biggest bottlers in Irish sport.

Never can that accusation be levelled at them again.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: J OGorman on November 24, 2013, 08:16:36 PM
Quote from: Sidney on November 24, 2013, 08:10:08 PM
I should clarify. A result in another code today has cruelly taken the Mayo senior inter-county football team's title as biggest bottlers in Irish sport.

Never can that accusation be levelled at them again.

A parrot wouldn't have a look in
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 24, 2013, 08:27:38 PM
Quote from: Sidney on November 24, 2013, 08:10:08 PM
I should clarify. A result in another code today has cruelly taken the Mayo senior inter-county football team's title as biggest bottlers in Irish sport.

Never can that accusation be levelled at them again.
What about Limerick hurlers?
It's a rich field.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on November 24, 2013, 08:39:45 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 24, 2013, 06:54:23 PM
Quote from: gallsman on November 24, 2013, 04:25:56 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 24, 2013, 04:21:36 PM
No it was a great step forward as it demonstrated that we can compete with the best, sustaining that effort is the task for the coaches. 3 home wins and a win in either Paris or London is a realistic goal and could gives us a 6 nations title. Our bread and butter, not one off tests.

We've done that before though. Outplaying NZ in their back yard and then getting hockeyed as comeuppance. Beating Australia in the World Cup and then losing to Wales.

We have and have had over the last 15 years the talent to compete with the very best. The challenge is to a) compete regularly and consistently and b) turn competitiveness into wins.
Nz are like kerry, the cats, Bayern , Real, Man U etc. They can win even playing badly. They will.score in the last minute if they have to and the opposition know it too. But they have a poor record in rwc finals against other born winners.
Ireland are more like Mayo, Cavan, Dortmund, Atletico etc. will lose a majority of finals. Know they will. 

You left out your native Galway Hurlers, in the poor record bracket, since you're being all patronising about it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sidney on November 24, 2013, 09:15:53 PM
Devastation is the only way I can sum up my reaction to New Zealand's last gasp try.

We'd put in such a monumental effort. The home crowd had roared us on all day. We were the better team. But a crucial mistake in the last minute when we had the game at our mercy cost us, and there's no better team than World Champions New Zealand to punish you. People may say we choked, people may say we tried to hang onto the lead too much and went negative, but that's rubbish in my view.

Our players gave everything and I'm particularly gutted for them. A two point loss and a great performance is scant consolation for losing a golden chance we may never get again to an injury-time try and conversion. It's also sad that it was our greatest ever and most capped player's last chance to deliver on the big stage against top southern hemisphere opposition.

Nevertheless, I will continue to support our team.

I'm proud to be an England rugby league supporter.

Kevin Sinfield - all-time legend.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Zulu on November 24, 2013, 10:25:23 PM
QuoteKevin Sinfield - all-time legend.

Didn't he have his own TV show before? It was a show about nothing which is a bit like your post.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sidney on November 24, 2013, 11:13:42 PM
Quote from: Zulu on November 24, 2013, 10:25:23 PM
QuoteKevin Sinfield - all-time legend.

Didn't he have his own TV show before? It was a show about nothing which is a bit like your post.

About nothing is what Ireland got in the second half today.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: guy crouchback on November 25, 2013, 09:26:32 AM
i was at the game yesterday. it was heartbreaking at the end, with 30 seconds to go it looked like we had it but once the all blacks got the ball there was a sense of inevitability about what was going to happen.

a few thoughts on the rugby experience. i have only been at two rugby matches before an ireland V Italy 6 nations match and a lenister V ospreys ( i think) Heineken cup game in the Aviva. both were very underwhelming experiences, poor games with a poor and contrived atmosphere.
today was very different, the atmosphere was electric and as a sporting occasion it was up with the best i have attended, in fact  atmosphere wise it was only bettered by mayo -Dublin in 2006 and the Olympic stadium in London the night the mo Farah and Jessica Ennis won( i just happend to be there that night).
the only real negative  was the incessant drinking during the game. now i like a drink as much as the next man and watching rugby on the TV  i always thought what a good idea it was to be able to bring your drink to your seat. the reality though it a bit different. for a lot of people its not enough to have a pint per half, they are up and down and in and out throughout the game. there is a constant stream of people in and out to the bar, half the crowd left their seats with 5 mins to go in the first half and didn't come back until 5- 10 mins into the second half. then 15 mins later they were off again except this time it was not enough to send one guy to get the drinks the 2 or 3 of them had to go together, for a piss presumably.
it was only for the last 10 Min's that everyone stayed in their bloody seats.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Orior on November 25, 2013, 09:30:43 AM
Yesterday was a friendly. No big deal really.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on November 25, 2013, 09:37:09 AM
Easy to blame Sexton on the penalty miss. I thought though at that stage 3 points wouldn't be enough to hold the AB's out. Ireland were getting the better of them and O'Connell should have gone for the try. Anyway monumental effort against an awesome team. I liked the rugby Ireland played unlike the awful (but also nearly successful) style England played. Hopefully this is not a flash in the pan and Joe can bring them on.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 25, 2013, 10:34:58 AM
Quote from: Orior on November 25, 2013, 09:30:43 AM
Yesterday was a friendly. No big deal really.

It wasn't. It was a 'Test' match.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ludermor on November 25, 2013, 10:35:33 AM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 25, 2013, 09:37:09 AM
Easy to blame Sexton on the penalty miss. I thought though at that stage 3 points wouldn't be enough to hold the AB's out. Ireland were getting the better of them and O'Connell should have gone for the try. Anyway monumental effort against an awesome team. I liked the rugby Ireland played unlike the awful (but also nearly successful) style England played. Hopefully this is not a flash in the pan and Joe can bring them on.
It wasn't a very difficult kick, it wasn't a certainty but you would expect someone of Sextons class to convert it. If he scores that they needed more than a converted try to win, it was a no brainier to go for the kick.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 25, 2013, 10:56:59 AM
Quote from: ludermor on November 25, 2013, 10:35:33 AM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 25, 2013, 09:37:09 AM
Easy to blame Sexton on the penalty miss. I thought though at that stage 3 points wouldn't be enough to hold the AB's out. Ireland were getting the better of them and O'Connell should have gone for the try. Anyway monumental effort against an awesome team. I liked the rugby Ireland played unlike the awful (but also nearly successful) style England played. Hopefully this is not a flash in the pan and Joe can bring them on.
It wasn't a very difficult kick, it wasn't a certainty but you would expect someone of Sextons class to convert it. If he scores that they needed more than a converted try to win, it was a no brainier to go for the kick.

Agreed.

What Captain in their right mind would have gone for the try when beating the All Blacks by 5 points with 8 minutes left!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on November 25, 2013, 11:31:24 AM
Sexton's kicking routine is ridiculously long at the best of times, but I wonder if it suits pressure kicks like yesterday?
He had a similar kick to put 2 scores between Ireland and Wales last year and missed.
Maybe a routine that focuses more on the mental side of the kick rather than mechanics becomes dangerous in such circumstances.
My understanding is that such routines revolve a player taking whatever time they think they need to try and get a hold of their concentration, adrenaline levels, heart rate etc.
At some point in the routine, the impatience of the crowd or the referee is bound to become an unsettling factor.

Murray kicking it away is obviously another talking point, but I felt that NZ had realised Ireland were going to try and ruck it to death and had started to commit more men to rucks. Ireland were coming under pressure and were going backwards. On another day Ireland could have stormed after the kick and caught NZ flat.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: J OGorman on November 25, 2013, 11:44:37 AM
re the kicking, there was another kick yesterday, camera angle looking at the post at pitch level behind Sexton and the ref. The ref looked at his watch knowing JS was taking an age. What about Cooper from Australias kicking e? Looks like a animal cartoon character about to set off on a mad sprint
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on November 25, 2013, 11:54:31 AM
Quote from: Sidney on November 24, 2013, 08:10:08 PM
I should clarify. A result in another code today has cruelly taken the Mayo senior inter-county football team's title as biggest bottlers in Irish sport.

Never can that accusation be levelled at them again.

That title is only temporarily residing in leafy south Dublin with the rugby lads till we come roaring  back in Sept to take it back with our own unique three in a row which only a county like Mayo can provide to the nation! ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ballinaman on November 25, 2013, 12:01:55 PM
Quote from: Crete Boom on November 25, 2013, 11:54:31 AM
Quote from: Sidney on November 24, 2013, 08:10:08 PM
I should clarify. A result in another code today has cruelly taken the Mayo senior inter-county football team's title as biggest bottlers in Irish sport.

Never can that accusation be levelled at them again.

That title is only temporarily residing in leafy south Dublin with the rugby lads till we come roaring  back in Sept to take it back with our own unique three in a row which only a county like Mayo can provide to the nation! ;)
Couldn't help but draw that  comparison myself yesterday as the 2nd half unfolded. The Rugby fraternity got a taste of what we have to put up with.....on a regular basis.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bingo on November 25, 2013, 12:03:41 PM
They got away with Murrays kick and regain possession, was a penalty given away in possession that NZ launched the last attack.

You could break it down to mistakes all day, they happen. Just that NZ made theirs at the start and Ireland made them at the end. Heartbreaking defeat but it should serve as the benchmark now in terms of perfromance, not many would live with them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Farrandeelin on November 25, 2013, 12:05:24 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 25, 2013, 10:34:58 AM
Quote from: Orior on November 25, 2013, 09:30:43 AM
Yesterday was a friendly. No big deal really.

It wasn't. It was a 'Test' match.

What's the difference?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on November 25, 2013, 12:06:17 PM
Quote from: Farrandeelin on November 25, 2013, 12:05:24 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 25, 2013, 10:34:58 AM
Quote from: Orior on November 25, 2013, 09:30:43 AM
Yesterday was a friendly. No big deal really.

It wasn't. It was a 'Test' match.

What's the difference?

Neither is as important as a challenge match.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Count 10 on November 25, 2013, 12:12:19 PM
A lot of players had much to prove after the Australian game and they did. The intensity in the first half was unreal....let's hope they build on it for the 6 Nations.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CD on November 25, 2013, 12:42:03 PM
Quote from: guy crouchback on November 25, 2013, 09:26:32 AM
i was at the game yesterday. it was heartbreaking at the end, with 30 seconds to go it looked like we had it but once the all blacks got the ball there was a sense of inevitability about what was going to happen.

a few thoughts on the rugby experience. i have only been at two rugby matches before an ireland V Italy 6 nations match and a lenister V ospreys ( i think) Heineken cup game in the Aviva. both were very underwhelming experiences, poor games with a poor and contrived atmosphere.
today was very different, the atmosphere was electric and as a sporting occasion it was up with the best i have attended, in fact  atmosphere wise it was only bettered by mayo -Dublin in 2006 and the Olympic stadium in London the night the mo Farah and Jessica Ennis won( i just happend to be there that night).
the only real negative  was the incessant drinking during the game. now i like a drink as much as the next man and watching rugby on the TV  i always thought what a good idea it was to be able to bring your drink to your seat. the reality though it a bit different. for a lot of people its not enough to have a pint per half, they are up and down and in and out throughout the game. there is a constant stream of people in and out to the bar, half the crowd left their seats with 5 mins to go in the first half and didn't come back until 5- 10 mins into the second half. then 15 mins later they were off again except this time it was not enough to send one guy to get the drinks the 2 or 3 of them had to go together, for a piss presumably.
it was only for the last 10 Min's that everyone stayed in their bloody seats.

Went to watch Ireland v Scotland at Croker a few years ago - my first ever big Rugby game and I noticed the same thing. There was a constant stream of people up and down to the bar area during the game. It seems to be part and parcel of the experience. During a good gaelic or hurling match you don't get time to draw breath and wouldn't be rushing in and out - even when you need a good drink!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: theskull1 on November 25, 2013, 12:45:33 PM
Not a big fan of the game, but yesterdays contest made for a decent two hours viewing. Watching live soccer I am forever amazed that that game is perceived as being enjoyable to watch by such large numbers of people
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gerrykeegan on November 25, 2013, 01:11:12 PM
Would some of the more knowledgable lads here explain to me what Ireland/Murrays tactic of the GarryOwen was all about. He didn't appear to get even one of the kicks right.  We conceeded the ball to the AB's each time. Surly the coach would have been saying. Stop with the box kicks. They are not working.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on November 25, 2013, 01:33:03 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 25, 2013, 09:37:09 AM
Easy to blame Sexton on the penalty miss. I thought though at that stage 3 points wouldn't be enough to hold the AB's out. Ireland were getting the better of them and O'Connell should have gone for the try. Anyway monumental effort against an awesome team. I liked the rugby Ireland played unlike the awful (but also nearly successful) style England played. Hopefully this is not a flash in the pan and Joe can bring them on.
I think 3 points would have been enough in all probability, even against the all blacks.
I'd say the decision to go for the penalty was 100% the correct one, it was a 'gimmie'. Sexton should have buried it, that's the minimum of what you'd expect from your kicker at this level and at that moment in time, that's where the game was left as a gift for the AB's to recover.
Regardless, the All Blacks are still in another league, some of their attacking play and the lines of attack are way ahead of what the Irish players can produce. Their much talked about fitness, physique, aggressiveness and will to win are just extras to their levels of skill.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: theskull1 on November 25, 2013, 02:13:17 PM
If a good dead ball man is going to miss any kick its normally the ones that people think are gimme's (ignoring the immense importance and pressure associated with this reality). I think we all sensed the pressure after the previous miss. Sexton obviously isn't immune.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: NAG1 on November 25, 2013, 02:15:53 PM
Quote from: theskull1 on November 25, 2013, 02:13:17 PM
If a good dead ball man is going to miss any kick its normally the ones that people think are gimme's (ignoring the immense importance and pressure associated with this reality). I think we all sensed the pressure after the previous miss. Sexton obviously isn't immune.

Also alludes to the greatest of one Mr J Wilkinson in his prime
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 25, 2013, 02:16:47 PM
Quote from: ballinaman on November 25, 2013, 12:01:55 PM
Quote from: Crete Boom on November 25, 2013, 11:54:31 AM
Quote from: Sidney on November 24, 2013, 08:10:08 PM
I should clarify. A result in another code today has cruelly taken the Mayo senior inter-county football team's title as biggest bottlers in Irish sport.

Never can that accusation be levelled at them again.

That title is only temporarily residing in leafy south Dublin with the rugby lads till we come roaring  back in Sept to take it back with our own unique three in a row which only a county like Mayo can provide to the nation! ;)
Couldn't help but draw that  comparison myself yesterday as the 2nd half unfolded. The Rugby fraternity got a taste of what we have to put up with.....on a regular basis.
The rugby team NEVER, EVER beat NZ. At least Mayo have 3 all Irelands
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on November 25, 2013, 02:20:26 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 25, 2013, 09:37:09 AM
Easy to blame Sexton on the penalty miss. I thought though at that stage 3 points wouldn't be enough to hold the AB's out.

It would almost definitely have been enough. Even the NZ head coach said the game was over had Sexton nailed that kick. Ireland would have been 8 points up with about 7 minutes to play. NZ would have had to have scored a converted try and then scored a penalty or drop goal as well. Not impossible but very unlikely.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gold on November 25, 2013, 02:28:14 PM
Quote from: gerrykeegan on November 25, 2013, 01:11:12 PM
Would some of the more knowledgable lads here explain to me what Ireland/Murrays tactic of the GarryOwen was all about. He didn't appear to get even one of the kicks right.  We conceeded the ball to the AB's each time. Surly the coach would have been saying. Stop with the box kicks. They are not working.

I for the life of me couldn't understand Murray's kicking. We worked so hard on so many occasions to get the ball back then after carrying the ball into only 1 tackle, recycled the ball to Murray who kicked it back to them. surely it takes more out of a team defending and tackling than it does attacking. No wonder we ran out of steam.

Sexton choked big time. We could all see it coming. He took an age and then actually rushed his kick.

Was the ref's call to give them a penalty with 20 secs to go the correct one?

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on November 25, 2013, 02:30:03 PM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on November 25, 2013, 02:20:26 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 25, 2013, 09:37:09 AM
Easy to blame Sexton on the penalty miss. I thought though at that stage 3 points wouldn't be enough to hold the AB's out.

It would almost definitely have been enough. Even the NZ head coach said the game was over had Sexton nailed that kick. Ireland would have been 8 points up with about 7 minutes to play. NZ would have had to have scored a converted try and then scored a penalty or drop goal as well. Not impossible but very unlikely.

I'm reminded of Nate Silver's observation (paraphrased) about the likelihood of a team winning while three points up with two minutes  o go. Yes, it was close. But despite what pundits might like to say, the team winning at the time had a much better than 50:50 chance of winning the game. The likelihood of an Ireland win would have increased greatly had Sexton landed that kick. And boy, didn't he know it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on November 25, 2013, 02:40:36 PM
Quote from: Gold on November 25, 2013, 02:28:14 PM
Quote from: gerrykeegan on November 25, 2013, 01:11:12 PM
Would some of the more knowledgable lads here explain to me what Ireland/Murrays tactic of the GarryOwen was all about. He didn't appear to get even one of the kicks right.  We conceeded the ball to the AB's each time. Surly the coach would have been saying. Stop with the box kicks. They are not working.

I for the life of me couldn't understand Murray's kicking. We worked so hard on so many occasions to get the ball back then after carrying the ball into only 1 tackle, recycled the ball to Murray who kicked it back to them. surely it takes more out of a team defending and tackling than it does attacking. No wonder we ran out of steam.


I was scratching my head then, and I'm still scratching it now.

NZ weren't interested in the posts; they needed a try. They needed possession. Even if they got it, they were keeping it in hand, as kicking for touch in the hope of stealing a lineout wasn't an option. Territory didn't matter.

So us having the ball at the halfway line simply had to be a better option than them having the ball on their own 10. Us holding onto the ball inside our own 22 would have been a better option than giving it to them anywhere on the pitch.

I can forgive Sexton. People miss kicks at goal. But Murray just made shocking, awful decisions. Harder to forgive. Why POC didn't rip his head off his shoulders after the first one, I've no idea either.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 5 Sams on November 25, 2013, 02:47:49 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on November 25, 2013, 02:40:36 PM
Quote from: Gold on November 25, 2013, 02:28:14 PM
Quote from: gerrykeegan on November 25, 2013, 01:11:12 PM
Would some of the more knowledgable lads here explain to me what Ireland/Murrays tactic of the GarryOwen was all about. He didn't appear to get even one of the kicks right.  We conceeded the ball to the AB's each time. Surly the coach would have been saying. Stop with the box kicks. They are not working.

I for the life of me couldn't understand Murray's kicking. We worked so hard on so many occasions to get the ball back then after carrying the ball into only 1 tackle, recycled the ball to Murray who kicked it back to them. surely it takes more out of a team defending and tackling than it does attacking. No wonder we ran out of steam.


I was scratching my head then, and I'm still scratching it now.

NZ weren't interested in the posts; they needed a try. They needed possession. Even if they got it, they were keeping it in hand, as kicking for touch in the hope of stealing a lineout wasn't an option. Territory didn't matter.

So us having the ball at the halfway line simply had to be a better option than them having the ball on their own 10. Us holding onto the ball inside our own 22 would have been a better option than giving it to them anywhere on the pitch.

I can forgive Sexton. People miss kicks at goal. But Murray just made shocking, awful decisions. Harder to forgive. Why POC didn't rip his head off his shoulders after the first one, I've no idea either.
As someone who hasn't a notion about Rugby even I thought this was a weird tactic by Murray. If your u10s were winning by two points with 30 seconds to go and one of them did what Murray did you'd give him a boot in the hole severe talking to.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on November 25, 2013, 02:49:36 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 25, 2013, 10:56:59 AM
Quote from: ludermor on November 25, 2013, 10:35:33 AM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 25, 2013, 09:37:09 AM
Easy to blame Sexton on the penalty miss. I thought though at that stage 3 points wouldn't be enough to hold the AB's out. Ireland were getting the better of them and O'Connell should have gone for the try. Anyway monumental effort against an awesome team. I liked the rugby Ireland played unlike the awful (but also nearly successful) style England played. Hopefully this is not a flash in the pan and Joe can bring them on.
It wasn't a very difficult kick, it wasn't a certainty but you would expect someone of Sextons class to convert it. If he scores that they needed more than a converted try to win, it was a no brainier to go for the kick.

Agreed.

What Captain in their right mind would have gone for the try when beating the All Blacks by 5 points with 8 minutes left!!!
One facing the All Blacks who always do what's needed to win.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on November 25, 2013, 03:04:33 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 25, 2013, 02:49:36 PM
One facing the All Blacks who always do what's needed to win.

Ireland were offered a high probability chance to go two scores up versus a low probability chance to go two scores up.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 25, 2013, 03:41:13 PM
Quote from: deiseach on November 25, 2013, 02:30:03 PM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on November 25, 2013, 02:20:26 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 25, 2013, 09:37:09 AM
Easy to blame Sexton on the penalty miss. I thought though at that stage 3 points wouldn't be enough to hold the AB's out.

It would almost definitely have been enough. Even the NZ head coach said the game was over had Sexton nailed that kick. Ireland would have been 8 points up with about 7 minutes to play. NZ would have had to have scored a converted try and then scored a penalty or drop goal as well. Not impossible but very unlikely.

I'm reminded of Nate Silver's observation (paraphrased) about the likelihood of a team winning while three points up with two minutes  o go. Yes, it was close. But despite what pundits might like to say, the team winning at the time had a much better than 50:50 chance of winning the game. The likelihood of an Ireland win would have increased greatly had Sexton landed that kick. And boy, didn't he know it.
Didn't he just ?  It was a pressure kick and he fluffed it.
Is O Gara not his kicking coach ? 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: J OGorman on November 25, 2013, 03:48:35 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 25, 2013, 02:49:36 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 25, 2013, 10:56:59 AM
Quote from: ludermor on November 25, 2013, 10:35:33 AM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 25, 2013, 09:37:09 AM
Easy to blame Sexton on the penalty miss. I thought though at that stage 3 points wouldn't be enough to hold the AB's out. Ireland were getting the better of them and O'Connell should have gone for the try. Anyway monumental effort against an awesome team. I liked the rugby Ireland played unlike the awful (but also nearly successful) style England played. Hopefully this is not a flash in the pan and Joe can bring them on.
It wasn't a very difficult kick, it wasn't a certainty but you would expect someone of Sextons class to convert it. If he scores that they needed more than a converted try to win, it was a no brainier to go for the kick.

Agreed.

What Captain in their right mind would have gone for the try when beating the All Blacks by 5 points with 8 minutes left!!!
One facing the All Blacks who always do what's needed to win.

best to stop digging old bean. If you're saying going for the penalty and 3 points to go 8 points ahead with minutes remaining was the wrong option, you obv dont know too much about rugby in fairness
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: J OGorman on November 25, 2013, 03:51:21 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 25, 2013, 03:41:13 PM
Quote from: deiseach on November 25, 2013, 02:30:03 PM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on November 25, 2013, 02:20:26 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 25, 2013, 09:37:09 AM
Easy to blame Sexton on the penalty miss. I thought though at that stage 3 points wouldn't be enough to hold the AB's out.

It would almost definitely have been enough. Even the NZ head coach said the game was over had Sexton nailed that kick. Ireland would have been 8 points up with about 7 minutes to play. NZ would have had to have scored a converted try and then scored a penalty or drop goal as well. Not impossible but very unlikely.

I'm reminded of Nate Silver's observation (paraphrased) about the likelihood of a team winning while three points up with two minutes  o go. Yes, it was close. But despite what pundits might like to say, the team winning at the time had a much better than 50:50 chance of winning the game. The likelihood of an Ireland win would have increased greatly had Sexton landed that kick. And boy, didn't he know it.
Didn't he just ?  It was a pressure kick and he fluffed it.
Is O Gara not his kicking coach ?

what does this matter? you think Sexton's actual technique is wrong or he doesnt spend enough hours a day practicing?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 25, 2013, 03:56:54 PM
Quote from: J OGorman on November 25, 2013, 03:51:21 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 25, 2013, 03:41:13 PM
Quote from: deiseach on November 25, 2013, 02:30:03 PM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on November 25, 2013, 02:20:26 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 25, 2013, 09:37:09 AM
Easy to blame Sexton on the penalty miss. I thought though at that stage 3 points wouldn't be enough to hold the AB's out.

It would almost definitely have been enough. Even the NZ head coach said the game was over had Sexton nailed that kick. Ireland would have been 8 points up with about 7 minutes to play. NZ would have had to have scored a converted try and then scored a penalty or drop goal as well. Not impossible but very unlikely.

I'm reminded of Nate Silver's observation (paraphrased) about the likelihood of a team winning while three points up with two minutes  o go. Yes, it was close. But despite what pundits might like to say, the team winning at the time had a much better than 50:50 chance of winning the game. The likelihood of an Ireland win would have increased greatly had Sexton landed that kick. And boy, didn't he know it.
Didn't he just ?  It was a pressure kick and he fluffed it.
Is O Gara not his kicking coach ?

what does this matter? you think Sexton's actual technique is wrong or he doesnt spend enough hours a day practicing?

I was just thinking of this video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceqFRrc8GKY

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 25, 2013, 04:25:05 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on November 25, 2013, 02:40:36 PM
Quote from: Gold on November 25, 2013, 02:28:14 PM
Quote from: gerrykeegan on November 25, 2013, 01:11:12 PM
Would some of the more knowledgable lads here explain to me what Ireland/Murrays tactic of the GarryOwen was all about. He didn't appear to get even one of the kicks right.  We conceeded the ball to the AB's each time. Surly the coach would have been saying. Stop with the box kicks. They are not working.

I for the life of me couldn't understand Murray's kicking. We worked so hard on so many occasions to get the ball back then after carrying the ball into only 1 tackle, recycled the ball to Murray who kicked it back to them. surely it takes more out of a team defending and tackling than it does attacking. No wonder we ran out of steam.


I was scratching my head then, and I'm still scratching it now.

NZ weren't interested in the posts; they needed a try. They needed possession. Even if they got it, they were keeping it in hand, as kicking for touch in the hope of stealing a lineout wasn't an option. Territory didn't matter.

So us having the ball at the halfway line simply had to be a better option than them having the ball on their own 10. Us holding onto the ball inside our own 22 would have been a better option than giving it to them anywhere on the pitch.

I can forgive Sexton. People miss kicks at goal. But Murray just made shocking, awful decisions. Harder to forgive. Why POC didn't rip his head off his shoulders after the first one, I've no idea either.

I'm sorry but's that not true, if Ireland had thrown the ball around in there 22 and gave away an obvious penalty you'd be the 1st to f**k them out of it for their stupidity so they're damned if you do and damned if you don't.

Murray's box kicking was excellent for most of the day as he kept them tight to the line, hung them up well and there was a good chase. In the final minutes he obviously felt he couldn't throw it wide and rely on a back-line who were out on their feet to take it up and still retain possession against the Maori backs. Likewise the tactic of "up the jumper" was stagnating due to a similarly tired forward line who were conceding ground at every carry.

Outside him he had a cold 10 who isn't known for his kicking and so he felt he could take it on himself. Of itself the kick wasn't the worst, the chase was just poor because the team were f**king wrecked, earlier on the game the same tactic had produced alot of favourable outcomes.

What I'm saying is there is a rugby methodology that alot of you self-confessed "I don't know much about rugby" posters are not considering. Ireland needed a out-half like ROG in those dying moments, yes he was a shite tackler but he could pin a kick to the 5metre line better than any 10 I've seen. That's what we needed in the last 3 minutes, a lineout in the NZ 22 for either side. It would burn time, is a terrible attacking platform for the NZ and we can compete excellent for lineouts.

Rugby is a trade-off between possession and territory, a concept not as  integral to GAA or soccer. I think Murray is being unfairly blamed for the defeat here. Yeah he kicked possession away but when Ireland retained possession they made mistakes and lost it with 20 seconds to go, surely you can argue it was better to give the NZ lads possession in their 22 than to retain possession ourselves, concede a penalty and effectively give the NZ attacking possession on halfway.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on November 25, 2013, 04:36:07 PM
Murray was excellent yesterday. A kick is only as good as the chase after it. Ireland's kick and chase was very effective for the most part yesterday but the team was shagged in the last twenty minutes. We simply didn't have the men chasing down those kicks like we had in the first hour.

Sexton's penalty was a huge turning point. The game was up for NZ if it went over but the miss only seemed to add to the nerves that were kicking in to our play. His technique from dead balls has never looked overly convincing. He has a tendency to snatch at kicks and misses his fair share of gimmes.

I'm surprised that Toner's penalty has been largely glossed over in the aftermath. Ireland's defence had done unbelievably well to turn over NZ when they were camped on our line and Toner undone all the good work with a moment of utter stupidity. He had a good game overall but you can't give away cheap points like that and expect to beat the best team in the world.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on November 25, 2013, 04:42:36 PM
All things considered Trileacman, I stand by my point. NZ could only beat Ireland if they got the ball in their hands. Murray gifted the ball back to them when the only option was to hang onto it for dear life. 

Rugby is a game of possession vs territory, absolutely. But like every other field sport it's a lot harder on the legs when you don't have the ball, and if your team are out on the feet, you don't give it away. You can harp on about ROG all you like, and I even agree with you, but what Murray tried wasn't a kick for a corner. It was a box kick that went just over 10m, and as well as giving away possession, forced the entire pack to move and realign 30m across the field from the previous ruck. It was an awful decision.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on November 25, 2013, 06:22:16 PM
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on November 25, 2013, 04:36:07 PM
Murray was excellent yesterday[/b]. A kick is only as good as the chase after it. Ireland's kick and chase was very effective for the most part yesterday but the team was shagged in the last twenty minutes. We simply didn't have the men chasing down those kicks like we had in the first hour.

Sexton's penalty was a huge turning point. The game was up for NZ if it went over but the miss only seemed to add to the nerves that were kicking in to our play. His technique from dead balls has never looked overly convincing. He has a tendency to snatch at kicks and misses his fair share of gimmes.

I'm surprised that Toner's penalty has been largely glossed over in the aftermath. Ireland's defence had done unbelievably well to turn over NZ when they were camped on our line and Toner undone all the good work with a moment of utter stupidity. He had a good game overall but you can't give away cheap points like that and expect to beat the best team in the world.

Murray - agreed. Debate is over about Ireland's first choice scrum half and should have been after he came on in the first Lions test. He was one of my candidates for man of the match.

Sexton - players miss kicks. It happens. He bottled it but he probably knows it more than anyone. He's one of the world's top fly halves.

Toner - was really impressed with him yesterday for the first time and deserves a lot of credit. He gave away a stupid penalty and he knew it immediately. Again, it happens and hopefully he can learn from it. Whitelock and Retallick were anonymous for the AB's yesterday - a rarity
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 25, 2013, 06:25:38 PM
Lads, do you think Murray decides to box kick for the craic. It's obviously a tactical ploy. In the last few minutes Ireland were so obviously fucked that he didn't even have much of a choice. Couldn't go wide because the backs were knackered and the forwards were barely hanging on. We weren't able to do the whole pick and drive for even 3 minutes there at the end without giving away the penalty that did for us, how would we have been able to do it for 7 or 8 minutes?

Murray is the wrong man to be blaming for this.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 25, 2013, 06:39:22 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 25, 2013, 06:25:38 PM
Lads, do you think Murray decides to box kick for the craic. It's obviously a tactical ploy. In the last few minutes Ireland were so obviously fucked that he didn't even have much of a choice. Couldn't go wide because the backs were knackered and the forwards were barely hanging on. We weren't able to do the whole pick and drive for even 3 minutes there at the end without giving away the penalty that did for us, how would we have been able to do it for 7 or 8 minutes?

Murray is the wrong man to be blaming for this.

Don't think we can blame anyone man. Really hate this culture of looking for a scapegoat. Focus on the victors, they won the game through clarity, accuracy and intensity. That final 2 mins was clutch defining as the yanks would say, not a missed kicked from our only period of pressure in the 2nd half or a defensive lapse. That 2 mins is what defines great teams and sportsmen, NZ executed under pressure they showed a will and a desire we can only aspire to.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 25, 2013, 06:46:46 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 25, 2013, 06:39:22 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 25, 2013, 06:25:38 PM
Lads, do you think Murray decides to box kick for the craic. It's obviously a tactical ploy. In the last few minutes Ireland were so obviously fucked that he didn't even have much of a choice. Couldn't go wide because the backs were knackered and the forwards were barely hanging on. We weren't able to do the whole pick and drive for even 3 minutes there at the end without giving away the penalty that did for us, how would we have been able to do it for 7 or 8 minutes?

Murray is the wrong man to be blaming for this.

Don't think we can blame anyone man. Really hate this culture of looking for a scapegoat. Focus on the victors, they won the game through clarity, accuracy and intensity. That final 2 mins was clutch defining as the yanks would say, not a missed kicked from our only period of pressure in the 2nd half or a defensive lapse. That 2 mins is what defines great teams and sportsmen, NZ executed under pressure they showed a will and a desire we can only aspire to.

Yeah, I think that's fair enough. I think Ireland probably did all they could, they simply couldn't fall over the line. NZ showed themselves to be champions.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gerrykeegan on November 25, 2013, 06:49:07 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 25, 2013, 06:25:38 PM
Lads, do you think Murray decides to box kick for the craic. It's obviously a tactical ploy. In the last few minutes Ireland were so obviously fucked that he didn't even have much of a choice. Couldn't go wide because the backs were knackered and the forwards were barely hanging on. We weren't able to do the whole pick and drive for even 3 minutes there at the end without giving away the penalty that did for us, how would we have been able to do it for 7 or 8 minutes?

Murray is the wrong man to be blaming for this.

Why not give to Sexton and kick for touch? At least the clock runs down a bit. The box kick gave the ball straight back in the AB's hands and they were straight back down our throats. I'm not blaming Murray, he (I assume) is following orders.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: turk on November 25, 2013, 07:07:28 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 25, 2013, 06:25:38 PM
Lads, do you think Murray decides to box kick for the craic. It's obviously a tactical ploy. In the last few minutes Ireland were so obviously fucked that he didn't even have much of a choice. Couldn't go wide because the backs were knackered and the forwards were barely hanging on. We weren't able to do the whole pick and drive for even 3 minutes there at the end without giving away the penalty that did for us, how would we have been able to do it for 7 or 8 minutes?

Murray is the wrong man to be blaming for this.

Box kicking is good crack!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 25, 2013, 07:59:02 PM
Time to move on tot he 6 nations i think, if we played the All-Blacks again  next week i fear they put 30pts on us, to them, what we done would be a bit like stirring the hornets nest, like back in new Zealand a few yrs bck, we got slaughtered 2nd time out, careful what u wish for
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JUst retired on November 26, 2013, 08:54:35 AM
My  daughter was at the game on Sunday. In their company was a man with a prostege leg. When he got in the lift after the game he was made to get out and walk down the stairs. He was told he wasnt disabled enough as the lifts were only for people in wheelchairs. Careing Aviva.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on November 26, 2013, 09:23:59 AM
Quote from: J OGorman on November 25, 2013, 03:48:35 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 25, 2013, 02:49:36 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 25, 2013, 10:56:59 AM
Quote from: ludermor on November 25, 2013, 10:35:33 AM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 25, 2013, 09:37:09 AM
Easy to blame Sexton on the penalty miss. I thought though at that stage 3 points wouldn't be enough to hold the AB's out. Ireland were getting the better of them and O'Connell should have gone for the try. Anyway monumental effort against an awesome team. I liked the rugby Ireland played unlike the awful (but also nearly successful) style England played. Hopefully this is not a flash in the pan and Joe can bring them on.
It wasn't a very difficult kick, it wasn't a certainty but you would expect someone of Sextons class to convert it. If he scores that they needed more than a converted try to win, it was a no brainier to go for the kick.

Agreed.

What Captain in their right mind would have gone for the try when beating the All Blacks by 5 points with 8 minutes left!!!
One facing the All Blacks who always do what's needed to win.

best to stop digging old bean. If you're saying going for the penalty and 3 points to go 8 points ahead with minutes remaining was the wrong option, you obv dont know too much about rugby in fairness
That may be true, but I know enough about the All Blacks to know that 3 would never have been enough.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on November 26, 2013, 09:28:24 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 25, 2013, 06:39:22 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 25, 2013, 06:25:38 PM
Lads, do you think Murray decides to box kick for the craic. It's obviously a tactical ploy. In the last few minutes Ireland were so obviously fucked that he didn't even have much of a choice. Couldn't go wide because the backs were knackered and the forwards were barely hanging on. We weren't able to do the whole pick and drive for even 3 minutes there at the end without giving away the penalty that did for us, how would we have been able to do it for 7 or 8 minutes?

Murray is the wrong man to be blaming for this.

Don't think we can blame anyone man. Really hate this culture of looking for a scapegoat. Focus on the victors, they won the game through clarity, accuracy and intensity. That final 2 mins was clutch defining as the yanks would say, not a missed kicked from our only period of pressure in the 2nd half or a defensive lapse. That 2 mins is what defines great teams and sportsmen, NZ executed under pressure they showed a will and a desire we can only aspire to.
I have to agree wholeheartedly, both teams made decisions/mistakes that cost them. The All Blacks are a team apart. Ireland need to build on what was a tremendous effort. The 6N will tell how they are progressing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on November 26, 2013, 09:35:23 AM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 26, 2013, 09:23:59 AM
That may be true, but I know enough about the All Blacks to know that 3 would never have been enough.

It wouldn't have been 3! It would have been 8! That's two scores, the same amount of scores as if they had been 12 points up! Bloody hell, Cian Healy was right. The horseshit that surrounds the 'All Blacks' is ridiculous. This is the country that went 24 years without winning the World Cup and flopped over the finishing line in the most undignified manner possible when they finally did. Next time, we should tell them to stick their haka up their hole. No doubt that will be viewed as making them angry and used as the reason the beat us 60-0 but they usually do that anyway and at least we'll have the satisfaction of telling them to stick their haka up their hole.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on November 26, 2013, 09:38:16 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 25, 2013, 06:46:46 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 25, 2013, 06:39:22 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 25, 2013, 06:25:38 PM
Lads, do you think Murray decides to box kick for the craic. It's obviously a tactical ploy. In the last few minutes Ireland were so obviously fucked that he didn't even have much of a choice. Couldn't go wide because the backs were knackered and the forwards were barely hanging on. We weren't able to do the whole pick and drive for even 3 minutes there at the end without giving away the penalty that did for us, how would we have been able to do it for 7 or 8 minutes?

Murray is the wrong man to be blaming for this.

Don't think we can blame anyone man. Really hate this culture of looking for a scapegoat. Focus on the victors, they won the game through clarity, accuracy and intensity. That final 2 mins was clutch defining as the yanks would say, not a missed kicked from our only period of pressure in the 2nd half or a defensive lapse. That 2 mins is what defines great teams and sportsmen, NZ executed under pressure they showed a will and a desire we can only aspire to.

Yeah, I think that's fair enough. I think Ireland probably did all they could, they simply couldn't fall over the line. NZ showed themselves to be champions.

First things first, how in the name of god would you want Sexton to 'practice' taking kicks with the Irish rugby world on the verge of beating the All Blacks for the first time in their history (don't think the Munster thing counts  ;) ) ?

That type of mental pressure can't be manufactured on the training field, Sexton will be all the better for it.

The decision to go for the kick was entirely right as it would have meant NZ needing the try, conversion and another score, which at that time didn't look likely.

On the loss of possession which resulted in the try for NZ at the end, I thought Ireland had managed to get possession back from Murrays last box kick around midfield and it was visibly seen that the Irish were struggling to maintain possession though the phases due to tiredness and NZ's added aggression in this area. The final penalty was against Ireland for diving in on the ball in an attempt to recycle possession, Owens awarded the penalty which NZ took the quick tap and the rest is history..

Also on the conversion, the NZ outhalf does move long before he kicks the ball which resulted from the Irish charge. I thought Owen was a bit of a bollox for awarding the retake. The Irish backs did this in a previous conversion and unless Owen warned them about it, I thought they were well within their rights, are they not?

Great entertainment all the same.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on November 26, 2013, 09:39:03 AM
Quote from: deiseach on November 26, 2013, 09:35:23 AM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 26, 2013, 09:23:59 AM
That may be true, but I know enough about the All Blacks to know that 3 would never have been enough.

It wouldn't have been 3! It would have been 8! That's two scores, the same amount of scores as if they had been 12 points up! Bloody hell, Cian Healy was right. The horseshit that surrounds the 'All Blacks' is ridiculous. This is the country that went 24 years without winning the World Cup and flopped over the finishing line in the most undignified manner possible when they finally did. Next time, we should tell them to stick their haka up their hole. No doubt that will be viewed as making them angry and used as they reason the beat us 60-0 but they usually do that anyway and at least we'll have the satisfaction of telling them to stick their haka up their hole.
Yes I know that, I was talking about the value of the next score, if you actually read my posts you'd understand that. I stand by what I said. However it is easy to do that when you are not the one making the calls in real time. Good Irish performance and wheter you and I agree or not won't take away from that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on November 26, 2013, 09:47:36 AM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 26, 2013, 09:39:03 AM
Yes I know that, I was talking about the value of the next score, if you actually read my posts you'd understand that. I stand by what I said. However it is easy to do that when you are not the one making the calls in real time. Good Irish performance and wheter you and I agree or not won't take away from that.

You haven't explained why you are so certain that NZ would have gotten two scores in the time remaining (which they didn't!) yet think taking a low-percentage play to get a two score lead would have been so much better than taking a high-percentage play to go two scores ahead.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on November 26, 2013, 09:55:53 AM
Quote from: deiseach on November 26, 2013, 09:47:36 AM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 26, 2013, 09:39:03 AM
Yes I know that, I was talking about the value of the next score, if you actually read my posts you'd understand that. I stand by what I said. However it is easy to do that when you are not the one making the calls in real time. Good Irish performance and wheter you and I agree or not won't take away from that.

You haven't explained why you are so certain that NZ would have gotten two scores in the time remaining (which they didn't!) yet think taking a low-percentage play to get a two score lead would have been so much better than taking a high-percentage play to go two scores ahead.
Why do I need to explain it?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on November 26, 2013, 10:00:10 AM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 26, 2013, 09:55:53 AM
Quote from: deiseach on November 26, 2013, 09:47:36 AM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 26, 2013, 09:39:03 AM
Yes I know that, I was talking about the value of the next score, if you actually read my posts you'd understand that. I stand by what I said. However it is easy to do that when you are not the one making the calls in real time. Good Irish performance and wheter you and I agree or not won't take away from that.

You haven't explained why you are so certain that NZ would have gotten two scores in the time remaining (which they didn't!) yet think taking a low-percentage play to get a two score lead would have been so much better than taking a high-percentage play to go two scores ahead.
Why do I need to explain it?

Because, for the reasons I have outlined, it would be a stupid choice.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: J OGorman on November 26, 2013, 10:02:17 AM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 26, 2013, 09:55:53 AM
Quote from: deiseach on November 26, 2013, 09:47:36 AM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 26, 2013, 09:39:03 AM
Yes I know that, I was talking about the value of the next score, if you actually read my posts you'd understand that. I stand by what I said. However it is easy to do that when you are not the one making the calls in real time. Good Irish performance and wheter you and I agree or not won't take away from that.

You haven't explained why you are so certain that NZ would have gotten two scores in the time remaining (which they didn't!) yet think taking a low-percentage play to get a two score lead would have been so much better than taking a high-percentage play to go two scores ahead.
Why do I need to explain it?

why not? You are rigidly sticking to your guns without really explaining why. Sexton nailed the penalty, we go 8 up meaning NZ need a converted try and either a penalty or a drop kick. Doable but not very likely. We go for a try (remember we werent getting much change out of the NZ defence in the entire second half), fail to get a try, leave NZ with needing only a try to draw and a converted try to win...all hypothetical, but the 3 points on offer, when the game was in the melting pot, was really the only option for a team who didnt look close to scoring a try at that stage (the players were pretty much out on their feet)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 26, 2013, 11:39:49 AM
Applesisapples.

You're talking through your hole, best to stop digging.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on November 26, 2013, 12:16:19 PM
Quote from: deiseach on November 26, 2013, 10:00:10 AM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 26, 2013, 09:55:53 AM
Quote from: deiseach on November 26, 2013, 09:47:36 AM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 26, 2013, 09:39:03 AM
Yes I know that, I was talking about the value of the next score, if you actually read my posts you'd understand that. I stand by what I said. However it is easy to do that when you are not the one making the calls in real time. Good Irish performance and wheter you and I agree or not won't take away from that.

You haven't explained why you are so certain that NZ would have gotten two scores in the time remaining (which they didn't!) yet think taking a low-percentage play to get a two score lead would have been so much better than taking a high-percentage play to go two scores ahead.
Why do I need to explain it?

Because, for the reasons I have outlined, it would be a stupid choice.
Well I disagree for the reasons I outlined that the All Blacks were always likely to get enough scores to beat 8 points given the heroic efforts Ireland had put in.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 26, 2013, 12:18:49 PM
If we had gone for a try and failed, we would be crucifying o'connell. It was a no brainer. Go for the points and get ahead by more than a converted try. There was only 7 remaining or something like that. Cup Rugby.  The debate to go for a try while simultaneously killing some clock would have a bit more merit if it was a difficult kick.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 26, 2013, 12:21:14 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 26, 2013, 12:16:19 PM
Quote from: deiseach on November 26, 2013, 10:00:10 AM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 26, 2013, 09:55:53 AM
Quote from: deiseach on November 26, 2013, 09:47:36 AM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 26, 2013, 09:39:03 AM
Yes I know that, I was talking about the value of the next score, if you actually read my posts you'd understand that. I stand by what I said. However it is easy to do that when you are not the one making the calls in real time. Good Irish performance and wheter you and I agree or not won't take away from that.

You haven't explained why you are so certain that NZ would have gotten two scores in the time remaining (which they didn't!) yet think taking a low-percentage play to get a two score lead would have been so much better than taking a high-percentage play to go two scores ahead.
Why do I need to explain it?

Because, for the reasons I have outlined, it would be a stupid choice.
Well I disagree for the reasons I outlined that the All Blacks were always likely to get enough scores to beat 8 points given the heroic efforts Ireland had put in.
Sorry, that makes no sense. If they were always going to beat 8 points, they were probably always going to beat 12. They are not superhuman. Get the 3 points, win the restart and you would have won the game. Time would have beaten New Zealand.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on November 26, 2013, 12:21:40 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 26, 2013, 11:39:49 AM
Applesisapples.

You're talking through your hole, best to stop digging.
No need to be rude. You don't agree thats fine. Unfortunately we have no way of finding out who is right. But having watched this All Blacks team over the last few years they always do what is needed to win. On Sunday after the penalty miss they knew a converted try was required. Had they needed an additional score the dynamic of the game would have changed as would the urgency. There is no way of knowing for sure if that is the case. Last time I looked it was OK to have an opinion that doesn't match yours...or am I missing something? Try not to resort to insults though it smacks of desperation.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on November 26, 2013, 12:22:32 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 26, 2013, 12:16:19 PM
Well I disagree for the reasons I outlined that the All Blacks were always likely to get enough scores to beat 8 points given the heroic efforts Ireland had put in.

If you think they'd have gotten 8, you must also think they'd have gotten 14. Ireland might as well have just given up when they won the penalty and saved themselves the bruises.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on November 26, 2013, 12:23:07 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 26, 2013, 12:18:49 PM
If we had gone for a try and failed, we would be crucifying o'connell. It was a no brainer. Go for the points and get ahead by more than a converted try. There was only 7 remaining or something like that. Cup Rugby.  The debate to go for a try while simultaneously killing some clock would have a bit more merit if it was a difficult kick.
As he missed it it is fair to assume with the added pressure it was a difficult kick even for a player like Sexton.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on November 26, 2013, 12:23:44 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 26, 2013, 12:16:19 PM
Quote from: deiseach on November 26, 2013, 10:00:10 AM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 26, 2013, 09:55:53 AM
Quote from: deiseach on November 26, 2013, 09:47:36 AM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 26, 2013, 09:39:03 AM
Yes I know that, I was talking about the value of the next score, if you actually read my posts you'd understand that. I stand by what I said. However it is easy to do that when you are not the one making the calls in real time. Good Irish performance and wheter you and I agree or not won't take away from that.

You haven't explained why you are so certain that NZ would have gotten two scores in the time remaining (which they didn't!) yet think taking a low-percentage play to get a two score lead would have been so much better than taking a high-percentage play to go two scores ahead.
Why do I need to explain it?

Because, for the reasons I have outlined, it would be a stupid choice.
Well I disagree for the reasons I outlined that the All Blacks were always likely to get enough scores to beat 8 points given the heroic efforts Ireland had put in.

I don't honestly believe there is a captain, coach or goal kicker in the world who would back up your strategy. Staying more than one score ahead in the closing stages is basically the golden rule of seeing a game out.

What you're suggesting is the same as taking on the difficult black when the blue puts your opponent needing snookers. The only situation that makes this the right shit is if you're on for a 147. Ireland weren't on for a 147, this was a scrap.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 26, 2013, 12:25:40 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 26, 2013, 12:23:07 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 26, 2013, 12:18:49 PM
If we had gone for a try and failed, we would be crucifying o'connell. It was a no brainer. Go for the points and get ahead by more than a converted try. There was only 7 remaining or something like that. Cup Rugby.  The debate to go for a try while simultaneously killing some clock would have a bit more merit if it was a difficult kick.
As he missed it it is fair to assume with the added pressure it was a difficult kick even for a player like Sexton.

It was a percentage play. You can't legislate for a top international kicker missing a 90% shot.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on November 26, 2013, 12:25:55 PM
Quote from: deiseach on November 26, 2013, 12:22:32 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 26, 2013, 12:16:19 PM
Well I disagree for the reasons I outlined that the All Blacks were always likely to get enough scores to beat 8 points given the heroic efforts Ireland had put in.

If you think they'd have gotten 8, you must also think they'd have gotten 14. Ireland might as well have just given up when they won the penalty and saved themselves the bruises.
Not so I thought at that stage they could have got over the line. I'm not blaming O'Connell...read my posts I accept that the decision is easy from here and two days later. Toner probably was most culple of any for his stupidity in giving away the penalty.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on November 26, 2013, 12:31:27 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 26, 2013, 12:25:55 PM
Not so I thought at that stage they could have got over the line. I'm not blaming O'Connell...read my posts I accept that the decision is easy from here and two days later. Toner probably was most culple of any for his stupidity in giving away the penalty.

I am reading your posts and you clearly think a two score lead wouldn't have been enough. Fine, I can accept that. But what I can't accept is that given a choice between an easy chance (and it was a chance that Sexton should have been able to literally put over with his eyes closed but the pressure got to him) for a two score lead and a hard chance at a two score lead, you think they should have gone for the hard chance.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 26, 2013, 01:02:22 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 26, 2013, 12:25:55 PM
Quote from: deiseach on November 26, 2013, 12:22:32 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 26, 2013, 12:16:19 PM
Well I disagree for the reasons I outlined that the All Blacks were always likely to get enough scores to beat 8 points given the heroic efforts Ireland had put in.

If you think they'd have gotten 8, you must also think they'd have gotten 14. Ireland might as well have just given up when they won the penalty and saved themselves the bruises.
Not so I thought at that stage they could have got over the line. I'm not blaming O'Connell...read my posts I accept that the decision is easy from here and two days later. Toner probably was most culple of any for his stupidity in giving away the penalty.
On the basis of risk v return for a penalty kick attempt over a try I don't think any coach/captain/player in the world would have opted to go for the try with 6 or 7 minutes left.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 26, 2013, 02:45:20 PM
The one positive is that the rest of yiz know what it is like supporting Mayo.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 26, 2013, 05:33:19 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 26, 2013, 02:45:20 PM
The one positive is that the rest of yiz know what it is like supporting Mayo.
I'm very sorry for your troubles.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on November 27, 2013, 08:49:57 AM
Best out for a while with a broken arm, mid january before he'll be back, just in time to get a few games under his belt for 6N's.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CitySlicker11 on December 05, 2013, 04:35:44 PM
How does the allocating of tickets work for the six nations?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: J OGorman on December 05, 2013, 08:03:26 PM
Quote from: CitySlicker11 on December 05, 2013, 04:35:44 PM
How does the allocating of tickets work for the six nations?

Clubs, corporate or competition sir.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 13, 2013, 08:29:45 PM
http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/dec/13/death-of-a-schoolboy-ben-robinson-concussion-rugby-union

In the video, the action takes place in the background. In front, the schoolboy spectators are larking around, telling jokes and pulling faces. They are oblivious to the tragedy unfolding in front of them. Over their shoulders, you catch sight of Ben, conspicuous in his distinctive body armour, one arm black, the other white. You see him accelerating into a hard tackle. He is knocked to the ground. He stays there for 90 seconds. At the inquest, the Carrickfergus coach remembered that Ben stood up on his own, one of a series of misremembered facts that Peter and Karen disproved by showing the video. Ben was helped to his feet. Soon after he is hit again. It looks like there is a clash of heads. These two blows happened in the space of the first four minutes of the second half.

The video cuts. You see Ben holding his head. He walks over to the coach, who does a concussion test on him and decides he can play on. The coach didn't remember how that conversation went. The video cuts again. Now Ben is hobbling, holding his head, walking away from play. The coroner found that Ben continued to "play enthusiastically", and "displayed no immediately obvious physical signs that anything was amiss", but in the video, his symptoms clearly tally with those described on the Scat card. Again, you see the coach giving him a concussion test, holding up fingers in front of his face. In the end, it transpired that Ben was checked for concussion three times during the match, and each time he was allowed to play on. There was a doctor at the match, the father of a Dalriada player who hurt his leg in one of the collisions with Ben. He missed the symptoms too. "In court he said by the time he got over to Ben he was already up on his feet," Peter remembers. The video showed that he too was mistaken.

Karen wasn't oblivious. She was pacing up and down the side of the pitch. "There were stoppages, and I knew they were for Benjamin. I saw the coach doing the fingers test, moving them from left to right." Once, she was sure she saw the referee rolling his eyes. He admitted as much in the inquest, saying he thought some of the players were being "prima donnas and drama queens". Ben was heard to say: "I am not remembering this." The video shows Ben talking to his fellow centre, who said at the inquest that Ben had told him: "I can't remember the score."

"He had this very confused smile on his face," Karen remembers. "And I was thinking: 'That's not right.' But I was also thinking: 'He has been checked. He has been assessed. He is OK.'" She started to cry out to him: "Benjamin! Benjamin!" The referee told her to calm down. It made her think she was being silly. Just another over-protective mother. "I could see Ben, away to the left of me." He started to stagger. She cried again: "Benjamin! Benjamin!" and he turned to her and said: "I don't feel right." As she walked towards him, the ball came his way and he was sucked back into play. The game was almost over. People were shouting for the referee to blow his whistle. Karen told herself: "Just another minute." Then there was another stoppage. Karen turned to Steven. "Is it Benjamin?" She started running. She was halfway across the pitch when she passed the Carrickfergus captain. "It's Ben," he told her. "He is out cold."
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on March 30, 2014, 08:34:46 PM
I would give anything to see this happen to Chris Ashton: https://v.cdn.vine.co/r/videos/4EE0C59A7E1061978692722511872_12ecf231dea.4.8.1545218417760183932.mp4?versionId=Ulq5xB638YXKk5FUsDCUGFbF4LIwl7mw (https://v.cdn.vine.co/r/videos/4EE0C59A7E1061978692722511872_12ecf231dea.4.8.1545218417760183932.mp4?versionId=Ulq5xB638YXKk5FUsDCUGFbF4LIwl7mw)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: stephenite on March 31, 2014, 11:34:13 AM
Quote from: muppet on March 30, 2014, 08:34:46 PM
I would give anything to see this happen to Chris Ashton: https://v.cdn.vine.co/r/videos/4EE0C59A7E1061978692722511872_12ecf231dea.4.8.1545218417760183932.mp4?versionId=Ulq5xB638YXKk5FUsDCUGFbF4LIwl7mw (https://v.cdn.vine.co/r/videos/4EE0C59A7E1061978692722511872_12ecf231dea.4.8.1545218417760183932.mp4?versionId=Ulq5xB638YXKk5FUsDCUGFbF4LIwl7mw)

;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on May 20, 2014, 09:55:07 AM
Ireland squad for two test tour of Argentina.

Forwards: Rory Best (Ulster), James Cronin (Munster), Robbie Diack (Ulster), Iain Henderson (Ulster), Chris Henry (Ulster), Jamie Heaslip (Leinster), Rob Herring (Ulster), Dave Kilcoyne (Munster), Jack McGrath (Leinster), Marty Moore (Leinster), Jordi Murphy (Leinster), Paul O'Connell (Munster), Mike Ross (Leinster), Rhys Ruddock (Leinster), Devin Toner (Leinster), Damian Varley (Munster).

Backs: Darren Cave (Ulster), Keith Earls (Munster), Robbie Henshaw (Connacht), Paddy Jackson (Ulster), Felix Jones (Munster), Rob Kearney (Leinster), Kieran Marmion (Connacht), Luke Marshall (Ulster), Fergus McFadden (Leinster), Conor Murray (Munster), Eoin Reddan (Leinster), Jonny Sexton (Racing Metro), Andrew Trimble (Ulster), Simon Zebo (Munster).

Thoughts on squad? Good to see Zebo back in on merit. Marmion has been excellent for Connacht and I'm excited about Marshall and Henshaw getting time in the centres. I suppose the biggest disappointment is the omission of Ian Madigan. This time last year we were lauding his performances and really expecting him to step up filling the void left by the departing Sexton. Instead his confidence has been shattered by Matt O'Connor who picks the conservative Gopparth for key games. O'Connor has past history of ruining young talent. Billy Twelvetrees and George Ford had to leave Leicester for more game time and in doing so their careers flourished.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on May 20, 2014, 10:40:36 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on May 20, 2014, 09:55:07 AM
Ireland squad for two test tour of Argentina.

Forwards: Rory Best (Ulster), James Cronin (Munster), Robbie Diack (Ulster), Iain Henderson (Ulster), Chris Henry (Ulster), Jamie Heaslip (Leinster), Rob Herring (Ulster), Dave Kilcoyne (Munster), Jack McGrath (Leinster), Marty Moore (Leinster), Jordi Murphy (Leinster), Paul O'Connell (Munster), Mike Ross (Leinster), Rhys Ruddock (Leinster), Devin Toner (Leinster), Damian Varley (Munster).

Backs: Darren Cave (Ulster), Keith Earls (Munster), Robbie Henshaw (Connacht), Paddy Jackson (Ulster), Felix Jones (Munster), Rob Kearney (Leinster), Kieran Marmion (Connacht), Luke Marshall (Ulster), Fergus McFadden (Leinster), Conor Murray (Munster), Eoin Reddan (Leinster), Jonny Sexton (Racing Metro), Andrew Trimble (Ulster), Simon Zebo (Munster).

Thoughts on squad? Good to see Zebo back in on merit. Marmion has been excellent for Connacht and I'm excited about Marshall and Henshaw getting time in the centres. I suppose the biggest disappointment is the omission of Ian Madigan. This time last year we were lauding his performances and really expecting him to step up filling the void left by the departing Sexton. Instead his confidence has been shattered by Matt O'Connor who picks the conservative Gopparth for key games. O'Connor has past history of ruining young talent. Billy Twelvetrees and George Ford had to leave Leicester for more game time and in doing so their careers flourished.

Seems strange alright especially when he made such a difference in the game v Ulster at the weekend, but you would think Schmidt would know plenty about Madigan at this stage. I think that squad is more than capable of beating Argentina in both tests. In truth I'm surprised we haven't gone for a bigger Tour as a few games against the Springboks or the Wallabies would have been a good acid test the year before the World Cup!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on May 20, 2014, 10:43:26 AM
Madigan was excellent when he came on against Ulster on Saturday. I can't believe he's not in a squad like this.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: whitegoodman on May 20, 2014, 11:50:50 AM
Madigan came on and made an impact at centre on Saturday which isn't enough for him to be brought on tour as an outhalf.  His form this year has been poor ( he was dreadful against Ulster at Ravenhill) and although some of this may be down to O Connor it still doesn't merit a squad place with Jackson well ahead of him at the moment.

As an Ulster supporter Marshals form also hasn't been great and I would have Cave ahead of him at the moment, even at inside centre.  Olding is going to be the man for 12 though!! I hope Henshaw is the answer at 13 because Payne isn't. A world class full back but an average 13.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on May 20, 2014, 12:21:46 PM
Quote from: whitegoodman on May 20, 2014, 11:50:50 AM
Madigan came on and made an impact at centre on Saturday which isn't enough for him to be brought on tour as an outhalf.  His form this year has been poor ( he was dreadful against Ulster at Ravenhill) and although some of this may be down to O Connor it still doesn't merit a squad place with Jackson well ahead of him at the moment.

As an Ulster supporter Marshals form also hasn't been great and I would have Cave ahead of him at the moment, even at inside centre.  Olding is going to be the man for 12 though!! I hope Henshaw is the answer at 13 because Payne isn't. A world class full back but an average 13.

How can you develop form if you are a bit part player? It was clearly obvious that O'Connor favoured Gopparth. Jackson is a decent player but Madigan has an x-factor (stronger, makes breaks, as good a kicker, covers 12). Those type of players have to be encouraged.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: whitegoodman on May 20, 2014, 12:29:55 PM
He does have the X factor and can turn a game but has never been a great controller of a game.  He isn't a kid anymore either.  Is it better to invest in a 22 year old who is starting big matches for his club week in week out or a 26 year old who is playing now and again in his favoured position and rarely in the big games.

Madigan for me will never be a regular starter for Ireland, an impact sub at best.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on May 20, 2014, 12:37:19 PM
There is just something about Jackson that I dont like. It's an over conservative approach perhaps. I see him quite similar to Keating at Munster. Its a shame Olding got injured as I think he's a better footballer naturally. I would also rate JJ Hanrahan a better footballer than Jackson. There is no doubt Paddy is calm and composed but long term that will only take him so far! Look at England, Farrell will soon be replaced by Ford.

It's also worth remembering Sexton never made his breakthrough with Ireland until he was 24/25.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Jim_Murphy_74 on May 20, 2014, 02:53:39 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on May 20, 2014, 10:43:26 AM
Madigan was excellent when he came on against Ulster on Saturday. I can't believe he's not in a squad like this.

Schmidit wanted to bring 3 scrum-halves and but not 6 halves in total,  also yesterday he seemed to be alluding that all going well Sexton would play. 

So given Madigan's lack of game time this season Schmidt thinks he is better playing for Ireland Emerging than watching Sexton play for Argentian.

Schmidt got a lot more out of Madigan in Leinster than O'Connor did this season. (even though he also had Sexton rather than Gopperth....)


Of course one can speculate that if Sexton got injured he could be a better bet than Jackson or that with 20 to go he could bring more imapct than Jackson......
and Schmidt might even think in the long run.

But here and now I think summer will see Sexton and Madigan getting most of the game time.

/Jim.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on May 21, 2014, 09:12:16 AM
http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/career-of-stephen-ferris-may-be-over-due-to-recurring-ankle-injury-1.1802979

Sad if it's the case. Such potential.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on May 21, 2014, 09:13:43 AM
Sad if it's the case. Such potential.

The career of Stephen Ferris may be over, with one of Ulster's greatest ever flankers struggling to recover from a recurring ankle injury.

The world-class blindside made a valiant comeback in March for his native province, following 16 months rehabilitating; damage that was initially sustained against Edinburgh in November 2012.

The 28-year-old subsequently broke down at training, just four games into his comeback.

Ferris was expected to leave Ulster for a Japanese club last season but further ankle surgery scuppered the lucrative move.

Having got his central contract extended by the IRFU, he made a dramatic return to action against the Scarlets on March 14th, arriving as a replacement and making an immediate impact with a ferocious tackle.

Two more appearances in the Pro12 against Edinburgh and Cardiff followed before his unique power again proved of enormous benefit off the bench in Ulster's Heineken Cup quarter-final defeat to Saracens.

But the ankle didn't hold up to the strain of just a month in the professional game, subsequently ruling him out for the remainder of the season.

Ferris won the last of his 35 Ireland caps in the 30-9 defeat to England at Twickenham in March 2012. He also toured South Africa with the British and Irish Lions in 2009 but following some excellent performances, a knee injury denied him any involvement in the Test series.

A century of Ulster caps were compiled since 2005 and his enormous contribution for Ireland during the 2011 World Cup pool stages, particularly the victory over Australia at Ellis Park, guarantees him a place among our great backrowers.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: orangeman on May 21, 2014, 09:14:10 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on May 21, 2014, 09:12:16 AM
http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/career-of-stephen-ferris-may-be-over-due-to-recurring-ankle-injury-1.1802979

Sad if it's the case. Such potential.

That's too bad. A mountain of a man. But it was always likely to end in injury. He was fearless and had no regard for his own body - he delivered the big hit every time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on May 21, 2014, 01:12:09 PM
Is Flannery quitting Arsenal if going to Munster?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyroneboi on May 21, 2014, 01:16:33 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on May 21, 2014, 01:12:09 PM
Is Flannery quitting Arsenal if going to Munster?

I think he was only there on a temporary basis anyway. He was saying his goodbyes to them in Twitter a week or 2 ago.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on May 21, 2014, 01:22:02 PM
Quote from: tyroneboi on May 21, 2014, 01:16:33 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on May 21, 2014, 01:12:09 PM
Is Flannery quitting Arsenal if going to Munster?

I think he was only there on a temporary basis anyway. He was saying his goodbyes to them in Twitter a week or 2 ago.
Aye it was a year long internship which I assumed would be made a permanent gig after a year. At least he has options!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on May 21, 2014, 01:24:02 PM
I wonder was it Gary O'Driscoll, former Irish team doc who got Flannery in there in the first place. He recently joined Arsenal after an overhaul in the medical staff, following years of long term injuries.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on May 21, 2014, 02:27:56 PM
Paddy Jackson out of Argentina tour with a back injury. Ian Madigan called up!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on May 21, 2014, 08:14:09 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on May 21, 2014, 01:24:02 PM
I wonder was it Gary O'Driscoll, former Irish team doc who got Flannery in there in the first place. He recently joined Arsenal after an overhaul in the medical staff, following years of long term injuries.
Des Ryan. He talks about this in the An Irishman Abroad podcast. It's a good listen - seems like an honest and likeable guy.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on May 22, 2014, 12:40:09 AM
That Ferris thing is not surprising given the way Ulster treated his body like a used car that they could "drive out". I seen far too many HC games where even from a spectators view he was not fit to start or continue but they kept trotting him back on anyway. Some will say he done it to himself but a club has to be responsible here at the same time, it's his health they were gambling with for pretty meagre returns. A bad loss for rugby but really more than ever highlights the attitude now that prevails in professional rugby needs to be changed or else we'll end up like NFL where a player's body is only there to used, not protected. Marshall and his concussion problems are the next time-bomb Ulster are pursuing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: whitegoodman on May 22, 2014, 10:34:44 AM
Anti Ulster much.....

I would put Ferris pending retirement more down to how he played the game rather than the way Ulster treated him.  He always but everything on the line and didn't care of the consequences on his body.  Ulster gave him 18 months to make a recovery without trying to rush him back at any point.  I don't think Ferris would be the type of lad to be forced to play by anyone.

As for Marshal thankfully he hasn't had any concussions this year although he was taken off in one match with a head knock.  Ulster followed protocol on this and thankfully it wasn't anything to worry about.  If you want to talk about his mistreatment you need look no further than the disgrace in Rome last year by Mr Kidney and co.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on May 22, 2014, 10:45:22 AM
Quote from: trileacman on May 22, 2014, 12:40:09 AM
That Ferris thing is not surprising given the way Ulster treated his body like a used car that they could "drive out". I seen far too many HC games where even from a spectators view he was not fit to start or continue but they kept trotting him back on anyway. Some will say he done it to himself but a club has to be responsible here at the same time, it's his health they were gambling with for pretty meagre returns. A bad loss for rugby but really more than ever highlights the attitude now that prevails in professional rugby needs to be changed or else we'll end up like NFL where a player's body is only there to used, not protected. Marshall and his concussion problems are the next time-bomb Ulster are pursuing.

I was thinking exactly the same thing recently, but not necessarily about Ulster. I've watched Paul O'Connell basically hobble off the field at Thomond Park, and winced at what faces him in 10 or 20 years. I've seen Peter O'Mahony being taken off with concussions, shoulder damage, forearm damage, knee damage. We've all seen the beating Brian O'Driscoll takes, and the incident a couple of weeks ago with Florian Fritz.

Rugby has probably undergone the biggest change in terms of the bodies of the participants, of any sport I've seen. Some GAA teams like Kildare, Dublin etc have taken GAA physical 'sculpting' to a new level, but it's nothing compared to rugby. Have a think back to the back row forwards of 10 years ago, and compare them to the likes of Sean O'Brien and Jamie Heaslip now. Look at the props... Jaysus even the smallest little scrum half has pecs now he could balance his cornflakes on.

The physical toll that this is taking during the game is also noticeable. These bigger, stronger bodies are doling out serious punishment. I'm not talking about the tip tackles which are dangerous in themselves, but the faster moving, harder hitting with emphasis on crash ball, drive tackling and turnovers is leading to more concussions I'd imagine, but certainly has to be leading to a much higher level of attrition on the body. I know the bodies are stronger, as I've said, but over time that just has to wear you down and I think Rugby is probably facing a similar issue to that facing the NFL at the moment, down the line, when ex-players start suing because they feel they've been unnecessarily exposed to long term damage and maybe brain injury too.

Rugby is a great game, and the physicality is part of it, but I think it's in danger (if it hasn't already done so) of falling into the 'big hit, big excitement' trap. That way lies long term issues for players, and short term extreme danger.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on May 22, 2014, 01:27:21 PM
It's not anti-Ulster bias but I specifically recall a few times when he went down injured or was taken to the sideline for treatment but he was always trotted out again. That's simply not good enough and I can't recall the other provinces doing it so blatantly. Jackman and Fogarty at Leinster come to mind, especially Fogarty who's wel-being was badly affected for a while. As for Marshall hiding behind the concussion protocol isn't any excuse, clubs do it because they have to, not because they want to.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on May 22, 2014, 01:36:44 PM
Watched highlights of the Northampton Leicester game the other night.

I didn't realise how seriously they take the league over there. 2 things struck me and that was the physicality and the atmosphere of the crowd. It was life and death stuff for all involved and thoroughly absorbing. I wish I had watched it live.

The hits involved were absolutely huge!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on May 22, 2014, 01:40:54 PM
Quote from: screenexile on May 22, 2014, 01:36:44 PM
Watched highlights of the Northampton Leicester game the other night.

I didn't realise how seriously they take the league over there. 2 things struck me and that was the physicality and the atmosphere of the crowd. It was life and death stuff for all involved and thoroughly absorbing. I wish I had watched it live.

The hits involved were absolutely huge!!
I recorded it and watched the second half live. It was class - a bitter local rivalry if ever there was one. The second half was real hammer and tongs stuff. Did you see the photo doing the rounds of Youngs face when getting a left hook from Ma'afu?  ???
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: NAG1 on May 22, 2014, 01:49:26 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on May 21, 2014, 09:13:43 AM
Sad if it's the case. Such potential.

The career of Stephen Ferris may be over, with one of Ulster's greatest ever flankers struggling to recover from a recurring ankle injury.

The world-class blindside made a valiant comeback in March for his native province, following 16 months rehabilitating; damage that was initially sustained against Edinburgh in November 2012.

The 28-year-old subsequently broke down at training, just four games into his comeback.

Ferris was expected to leave Ulster for a Japanese club last season but further ankle surgery scuppered the lucrative move.

Having got his central contract extended by the IRFU, he made a dramatic return to action against the Scarlets on March 14th, arriving as a replacement and making an immediate impact with a ferocious tackle.

Two more appearances in the Pro12 against Edinburgh and Cardiff followed before his unique power again proved of enormous benefit off the bench in Ulster's Heineken Cup quarter-final defeat to Saracens.

But the ankle didn't hold up to the strain of just a month in the professional game, subsequently ruling him out for the remainder of the season.

Ferris won the last of his 35 Ireland caps in the 30-9 defeat to England at Twickenham in March 2012. He also toured South Africa with the British and Irish Lions in 2009 but following some excellent performances, a knee injury denied him any involvement in the Test series.

A century of Ulster caps were compiled since 2005 and his enormous contribution for Ireland during the 2011 World Cup pool stages, particularly the victory over Australia at Ellis Park, guarantees him a place among our great backrowers.

I seem to remember getting slated for saying on this thread or Ulster rugby one cant remember that Ferris was finished earlier in the season.

Sad to lose someone to injury at any stage, must be serious ankle damage that with all the medical staff available to them that they cant get him back on the road.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on May 22, 2014, 01:54:31 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on May 22, 2014, 01:40:54 PM
Quote from: screenexile on May 22, 2014, 01:36:44 PM
Watched highlights of the Northampton Leicester game the other night.

I didn't realise how seriously they take the league over there. 2 things struck me and that was the physicality and the atmosphere of the crowd. It was life and death stuff for all involved and thoroughly absorbing. I wish I had watched it live.

The hits involved were absolutely huge!!
I recorded it and watched the second half live. It was class - a bitter local rivalry if ever there was one. The second half was real hammer and tongs stuff. Did you see the photo doing the rounds of Youngs face when getting a left hook from Ma'afu?  ???

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/club/10840884/Rugby-union-must-retain-a-sense-of-proportion-otherwise-it-will-become-just-like-football.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on May 22, 2014, 03:39:04 PM
Quote from: screenexile on May 22, 2014, 01:36:44 PM
Watched highlights of the Northampton Leicester game the other night.

I didn't realise how seriously they take the league over there. 2 things struck me and that was the physicality and the atmosphere of the crowd. It was life and death stuff for all involved and thoroughly absorbing. I wish I had watched it live.

The hits involved were absolutely huge!!

Play off semi final and local rivals, always going to be a big game SE.

Despite a relegation and every game being must win the premiership is still a pretty turgid affair to watch. It's only really the play offs where it gets exciting!

Leicester, Northampton, Saracens, Quins and Bath are a good bit better than the rest!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on May 22, 2014, 04:44:32 PM
Quote from: Hardy on May 22, 2014, 01:54:31 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on May 22, 2014, 01:40:54 PM
Quote from: screenexile on May 22, 2014, 01:36:44 PM
Watched highlights of the Northampton Leicester game the other night.

I didn't realise how seriously they take the league over there. 2 things struck me and that was the physicality and the atmosphere of the crowd. It was life and death stuff for all involved and thoroughly absorbing. I wish I had watched it live.

The hits involved were absolutely huge!!
I recorded it and watched the second half live. It was class - a bitter local rivalry if ever there was one. The second half was real hammer and tongs stuff. Did you see the photo doing the rounds of Youngs face when getting a left hook from Ma'afu?  ???

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/club/10840884/Rugby-union-must-retain-a-sense-of-proportion-otherwise-it-will-become-just-like-football.html

(http://balls.ie/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/rugger.png)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on May 26, 2014, 07:21:27 PM
Squad for 3 game tournament (Romania, Uruguay & Russia) in Romania.

Emerging Ireland squad (*denotes capped player)

Backs (11): Michael Allen (Ulster), Andrew Conway (Munster), Craig Gilroy (Ulster*), Eoin Griffin (Connacht), JJ Hanrahan (Munster), Ian Keatley (Munster*), Brendan Macken (Leinster), Paul Marshall (Ulster), Luke McGrath (Leinster), Johne Murphy (Munster), Noel Reid (Leinster).

Forwards (15): Niall Annett (Ulster), Rodney Ah You (Connacht), Michael Bent (Leinster*), Callum Black (Ulster), Paddy Butler (Munster), Bryan Byrne (Leinster), Robin Copeland (Cardiff Blues), Sean Dougall (Munster), David Foley (Munster), Mick Kearney (Connacht), Mike McCarthy (Leinster, capt*), Tommy O'Donnell (Munster*), Dominic Ryan (Leinster), John Ryan (Munster), James Tracy (Leinster).
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on May 28, 2014, 11:41:26 AM
Stuart Hogg to sign for Ulster. Be a great signing if it's the case!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on May 28, 2014, 11:57:44 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on May 26, 2014, 07:21:27 PM
Squad for 3 game tournament (Romania, Uruguay & Russia) in Romania.

Emerging Ireland squad (*denotes capped player)

Backs (11): Michael Allen (Ulster), Andrew Conway (Munster), Craig Gilroy (Ulster*), Eoin Griffin (Connacht), JJ Hanrahan (Munster), Ian Keatley (Munster*), Brendan Macken (Leinster), Paul Marshall (Ulster), Luke McGrath (Leinster), Johne Murphy (Munster), Noel Reid (Leinster).

Forwards (15): Niall Annett (Ulster), Rodney Ah You (Connacht), Michael Bent (Leinster*), Callum Black (Ulster), Paddy Butler (Munster), Bryan Byrne (Leinster), Robin Copeland (Cardiff Blues), Sean Dougall (Munster), David Foley (Munster), Mick Kearney (Connacht), Mike McCarthy (Leinster, capt*), Tommy O'Donnell (Munster*), Dominic Ryan (Leinster), John Ryan (Munster), James Tracy (Leinster).

I find it odd that Paul Marshall would be brought on an emerging tour, and Michael Heaney left at home. I like Marshall, but at 28/29 years old he's hardly emerging.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on May 28, 2014, 12:11:57 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on May 28, 2014, 11:57:44 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on May 26, 2014, 07:21:27 PM
Squad for 3 game tournament (Romania, Uruguay & Russia) in Romania.

Emerging Ireland squad (*denotes capped player)

Backs (11): Michael Allen (Ulster), Andrew Conway (Munster), Craig Gilroy (Ulster*), Eoin Griffin (Connacht), JJ Hanrahan (Munster), Ian Keatley (Munster*), Brendan Macken (Leinster), Paul Marshall (Ulster), Luke McGrath (Leinster), Johne Murphy (Munster), Noel Reid (Leinster).

Forwards (15): Niall Annett (Ulster), Rodney Ah You (Connacht), Michael Bent (Leinster*), Callum Black (Ulster), Paddy Butler (Munster), Bryan Byrne (Leinster), Robin Copeland (Cardiff Blues), Sean Dougall (Munster), David Foley (Munster), Mick Kearney (Connacht), Mike McCarthy (Leinster, capt*), Tommy O’Donnell (Munster*), Dominic Ryan (Leinster), John Ryan (Munster), James Tracy (Leinster).

I find it odd that Paul Marshall would be brought on an emerging tour, and Michael Heaney left at home. I like Marshall, but at 28/29 years old he's hardly emerging.

I'd agree there. Really excited by Luke Mc Grath. Think he'll be fighting it out with Conor Murray soon enough.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on May 28, 2014, 01:46:44 PM
I'm not sure how this is an 'emerging' squad. Surely, by definition, that should be people just coming into the limelight now. Craig Gilroy, Ian Keatley, Johne Murphy, Mike McCarty and even Tommy O'donnell could hardly be emerging.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on May 28, 2014, 01:53:56 PM
I suppose with any squad they need a few experienced individuals. Gilroy hasnt played much rugby since bursting on the scene in Nov 2012. O'Donnell is very unlucky not to make the main touring party.

It seems to be a case of Schmidt telling players to work on certain aspects of their game and they'll get their chances.

Dave Kearney, Jordi Murphy, Jack Mc Grath and Marty Moore were all on this tour last year!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on May 28, 2014, 01:57:53 PM
Aye. All Leinster bucks!!! ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on May 28, 2014, 01:59:11 PM
Time to split Leinster. Dublin and Culchies!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on May 28, 2014, 02:03:20 PM
Anyone thinking of heading to the Limerick World Club Rugby 7s in August. Looks like it should be good craic, I've the Saturday booked. What superhero to dress up as now is the question. The brother and 2 cousins are heading as well. The big tournament is in Twickenham the next week, and a lot of the teams in Limerick are heading there, so it should be a good warm up for them..

the 12 teams are
Daveta Rugby - Fiji
Saracens - England
Stade Francais - France
Munster - Ireland
New South Wales Waratahs - Australia
Auckland Rugby - New Zealand
Blue Bulls - South Africa
Western Province - South Africa
Moscow (?) - Russia
Vancouver - Canada
New York - USA
San Francisco Golden Gate - USA.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: oakleaflad on June 03, 2014, 01:07:03 PM
Ferris retires
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/rugby-union/27681350 (http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/rugby-union/27681350)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on June 03, 2014, 01:11:03 PM
Yep. Sad for Ferris.

See Brian O'Driscoll has signed up as a host on the Off the Ball show on Newstalk. Huge scoop for them..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gerrykeegan on June 03, 2014, 03:17:38 PM
He said he was going to work on his radio voice as he already had the face for it. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Geoff Tipps on June 03, 2014, 03:23:30 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 03, 2014, 01:11:03 PM
Yep. Sad for Ferris.

See Brian O'Driscoll has signed up as a host on the Off the Ball show on Newstalk. Huge scoop for them..

More of a coup than a scoop  ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on June 03, 2014, 03:24:20 PM
Sean O Brien playing some Junior B last night http://www.hoganstand.com/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=217581
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on June 03, 2014, 03:35:14 PM
Quote from: Geoff Tipps on June 03, 2014, 03:23:30 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 03, 2014, 01:11:03 PM
Yep. Sad for Ferris.

See Brian O'Driscoll has signed up as a host on the Off the Ball show on Newstalk. Huge scoop for them..

More of a coup than a scoop  ;D

True :)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: orangeman on June 03, 2014, 10:06:15 PM
Quote from: oakleaflad on June 03, 2014, 01:07:03 PM
Ferris retires
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/rugby-union/27681350 (http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/rugby-union/27681350)

http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/provincial/2014/0603/621380-ferris-i-may-never-run-again-due-to-injury/

Strong lad - sad to hear at 28 but the ankle must be in bits.

Look at him lifting Will Genia up like the proverbial rag doll who is no lightweight.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on June 03, 2014, 10:09:45 PM
Quote from: orangeman on June 03, 2014, 10:06:15 PM
Quote from: oakleaflad on June 03, 2014, 01:07:03 PM
Ferris retires
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/rugby-union/27681350 (http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/rugby-union/27681350)

http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/provincial/2014/0603/621380-ferris-i-may-never-run-again-due-to-injury/

Strong lad - sad to hear at 28 but the ankle must be in bits.

Look at him lifting Will Genia up like the proverbial rag doll who is no lightweight.

Sad to see Ferris having to retire. I always thought he was world class when healthy. If he had the chance to play consistently and grow as a player he could have been the best at his position right now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on June 03, 2014, 10:45:24 PM
South African-esque in his physicality and sheer build. A hugely influential player on his day which was why Ulster were so keen to turn him out for big games.

All the same the "It 100 per cent does impact on my everyday life. I can't walk up steps without having to walk on my toes. I've got no dorsiflexion in my ankle. On the other one I've got minus two, maybe 20 centimetres. It's had a massive effect on my everyday life. I'll probably never run again." quote sends shivers up my spine. I mean some GAA player whine about what we ask of them and sometimes I think they give awful commitment but sacrificing such a huge part of your health must surely be an awful, awful blow. It's just hard to comprehend.

We need an honest discussion on whether this game is going in the right direction when it comes to player's health, sure we're bigger, richer than ever but are we truly better?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 04, 2014, 08:58:06 AM
Quote from: trileacman on June 03, 2014, 10:45:24 PM
South African-esque in his physicality and sheer build. A hugely influential player on his day which was why Ulster were so keen to turn him out for big games.

All the same the "It 100 per cent does impact on my everyday life. I can’t walk up steps without having to walk on my toes. I’ve got no dorsiflexion in my ankle. On the other one I’ve got minus two, maybe 20 centimetres. It’s had a massive effect on my everyday life. I’ll probably never run again." quote sends shivers up my spine. I mean some GAA player whine about what we ask of them and sometimes I think they give awful commitment but sacrificing such a huge part of your health must surely be an awful, awful blow. It's just hard to comprehend.

We need an honest discussion on whether this game is going in the right direction when it comes to player's health, sure we're bigger, richer than ever but are we truly better?

Good topic to discuss trileacman but I think in the case of an ankle injury it can be attributed as much to bad luck as anything. For all we know he had a weak ankle to begin with.

I think the issue of concussion is certainly more worrying. Luke Marshall is an example of this and you'd worry about the lad down the line if it continues.

This is an excellent article on Shontayne Hape's battle with concussion.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11264856
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Mikhailov on June 06, 2014, 04:39:56 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 04, 2014, 08:58:06 AM
Quote from: trileacman on June 03, 2014, 10:45:24 PM
South African-esque in his physicality and sheer build. A hugely influential player on his day which was why Ulster were so keen to turn him out for big games.

All the same the "It 100 per cent does impact on my everyday life. I can't walk up steps without having to walk on my toes. I've got no dorsiflexion in my ankle. On the other one I've got minus two, maybe 20 centimetres. It's had a massive effect on my everyday life. I'll probably never run again." quote sends shivers up my spine. I mean some GAA player whine about what we ask of them and sometimes I think they give awful commitment but sacrificing such a huge part of your health must surely be an awful, awful blow. It's just hard to comprehend.

We need an honest discussion on whether this game is going in the right direction when it comes to player's health, sure we're bigger, richer than ever but are we truly better?

Good topic to discuss trileacman but I think in the case of an ankle injury it can be attributed as much to bad luck as anything. For all we know he had a weak ankle to begin with.

I think the issue of concussion is certainly more worrying. Luke Marshall is an example of this and you'd worry about the lad down the line if it continues.

This is an excellent article on Shontayne Hape's battle with concussion.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11264856

Very serious issue - concussion.

I read that Kieran Read, the NZ number 8 and current WRB player of the year is out of the England game due to concerns about his concussion. Supposedly had rested for a few months after a few bouts of it, then plays for his club the Crusaders in the Super 15 last Saturday and then wakes up on Monday morning in a bad way and immediately is pulled from this weeks game. I know these boys take seriously big hits but this needs to be controlled more. I read the Shontayne Hape article and it scares the sh*t of you if you ever felt that a GAA club would do that with your brother, son or daughter. He claims that several players purposely failed pre season mental tests to insure that when they were tested after a concussion hit the result would show little or no difference to their early season test result !!

Some of the hits in the Super 15 on Sky every weekend are frightening - they play at a faster and harder pace down there especially in SA - those guys are massive and can move into the bargain....

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on June 06, 2014, 05:07:36 PM
 The U20's bet Wales with a bonus point win this morning in the Junior World Cup. If they get a bonus point win over Fiji in their last game they will finish at least second in the group on 11 points and will qualify for the semi finals for the first time since the U19 and U21 grades were merged together at U20 level. If Wales beat France we will go through as group winners.

Just to put it in perspective the baby Blacks will not make the semi finals this year after losing to South Africa this morning if we finish on 11 points!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on June 07, 2014, 07:33:56 PM
Ireland: Felix Jones (Munster); Andrew Trimble (Ulster), Darren Cave (Ulster), Luke Marshall (Ulster), Simon Zebo (Munster); Jonathan Sexton (Racing Metro 92), Conor Murray (Munster); Jack McGrath (Leinster), Rory Best (Ulster), Mike Ross (Leinster); Iain Henderson (Ulster), Paul O'Connell (Munster) cpt; Robbie Diack (Ulster), Chris Henry (Ulster), Jordi Murphy (Leinster)

Replacements: Damien Varley (Munster), Dave Kilcoyne (Munster), Rodney Ah You (Connacht), Devin Toner (Leinster), Jamie Heaslip (Leinster), Kieran Marmion (Connacht), Ian Madigan (Leinster), Fergus McFadden (Leinster)

tonights team

that's some name - Rodney Ah You
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on June 07, 2014, 08:37:26 PM
Allblacks beat england with a last minute try just like they beat ireland. They are the new Meath.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lynchbhoy on June 07, 2014, 09:51:46 PM
Quote from: trileacman on June 03, 2014, 10:45:24 PM
South African-esque in his physicality and sheer build. A hugely influential player on his day which was why Ulster were so keen to turn him out for big games.

All the same the "It 100 per cent does impact on my everyday life. I can't walk up steps without having to walk on my toes. I've got no dorsiflexion in my ankle. On the other one I've got minus two, maybe 20 centimetres. It's had a massive effect on my everyday life. I'll probably never run again." quote sends shivers up my spine. I mean some GAA player whine about what we ask of them and sometimes I think they give awful commitment but sacrificing such a huge part of your health must surely be an awful, awful blow. It's just hard to comprehend.

We need an honest discussion on whether this game is going in the right direction when it comes to player's health, sure we're bigger, richer than ever but are we truly better?
no offence here
but loads of GAA players suffer huge health problems like this and worse so you are way off the mark here

concussion only really suffered by rugby/American football players etc - but everything else is shared across multiple sports- if anything rugby players don't suffer as badly from leg/joint injuries as gaa players or soccer players
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on June 08, 2014, 12:42:58 AM
Quote from: lynchbhoy on June 07, 2014, 09:51:46 PM
Quote from: trileacman on June 03, 2014, 10:45:24 PM
South African-esque in his physicality and sheer build. A hugely influential player on his day which was why Ulster were so keen to turn him out for big games.

All the same the "It 100 per cent does impact on my everyday life. I can't walk up steps without having to walk on my toes. I've got no dorsiflexion in my ankle. On the other one I've got minus two, maybe 20 centimetres. It's had a massive effect on my everyday life. I'll probably never run again." quote sends shivers up my spine. I mean some GAA player whine about what we ask of them and sometimes I think they give awful commitment but sacrificing such a huge part of your health must surely be an awful, awful blow. It's just hard to comprehend.

We need an honest discussion on whether this game is going in the right direction when it comes to player's health, sure we're bigger, richer than ever but are we truly better?
no offence here
but loads of GAA players suffer huge health problems like this and worse so you are way off the mark here

concussion only really suffered by rugby/American football players etc - but everything else is shared across multiple sports- if anything rugby players don't suffer as badly from leg/joint injuries as gaa players or soccer players

I'm not referring to GAA players who get injured, that'd be justified, thinking of guys like Brian McGuigan who had a serious eye injury amongst others. Also those who lose out on work due to injuries have reasons too.

My meaning was the likes of Colm Parkinson et al who complain about giving up their weekends without getting paid for it. Sure they sacrifice their time for no pay but sacrificing your health for a 5-10 year wage I would count as being worse.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on June 08, 2014, 12:49:32 AM
Quote from: trileacman on June 08, 2014, 12:42:58 AM
Quote from: lynchbhoy on June 07, 2014, 09:51:46 PM
Quote from: trileacman on June 03, 2014, 10:45:24 PM
South African-esque in his physicality and sheer build. A hugely influential player on his day which was why Ulster were so keen to turn him out for big games.

All the same the "It 100 per cent does impact on my everyday life. I can't walk up steps without having to walk on my toes. I've got no dorsiflexion in my ankle. On the other one I've got minus two, maybe 20 centimetres. It's had a massive effect on my everyday life. I'll probably never run again." quote sends shivers up my spine. I mean some GAA player whine about what we ask of them and sometimes I think they give awful commitment but sacrificing such a huge part of your health must surely be an awful, awful blow. It's just hard to comprehend.

We need an honest discussion on whether this game is going in the right direction when it comes to player's health, sure we're bigger, richer than ever but are we truly better?
no offence here
but loads of GAA players suffer huge health problems like this and worse so you are way off the mark here

concussion only really suffered by rugby/American football players etc - but everything else is shared across multiple sports- if anything rugby players don't suffer as badly from leg/joint injuries as gaa players or soccer players

I'm not referring to GAA players who get injured, that'd be justified, thinking of guys like Brian McGuigan who had a serious eye injury amongst others. Also those who lose out on work due to injuries have reasons too.

My meaning was the likes of Colm Parkinson et al who complain about giving up their weekends without getting paid for it. Sure they sacrifice their time for no pay but sacrificing your health for a 5-10 year wage I would count as being worse.
You paid heed to anything Parkinson said?! The hits in modern rugby have no comparison to GAA. Football and hurling players no doubt ship some serious tackles and injuries but the stresses, strains and impacts on a hookeror flanker really don't compare.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on June 08, 2014, 01:08:31 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 08, 2014, 12:49:32 AM
Quote from: trileacman on June 08, 2014, 12:42:58 AM
Quote from: lynchbhoy on June 07, 2014, 09:51:46 PM
Quote from: trileacman on June 03, 2014, 10:45:24 PM
South African-esque in his physicality and sheer build. A hugely influential player on his day which was why Ulster were so keen to turn him out for big games.

All the same the "It 100 per cent does impact on my everyday life. I can't walk up steps without having to walk on my toes. I've got no dorsiflexion in my ankle. On the other one I've got minus two, maybe 20 centimetres. It's had a massive effect on my everyday life. I'll probably never run again." quote sends shivers up my spine. I mean some GAA player whine about what we ask of them and sometimes I think they give awful commitment but sacrificing such a huge part of your health must surely be an awful, awful blow. It's just hard to comprehend.

We need an honest discussion on whether this game is going in the right direction when it comes to player's health, sure we're bigger, richer than ever but are we truly better?
no offence here
but loads of GAA players suffer huge health problems like this and worse so you are way off the mark here

concussion only really suffered by rugby/American football players etc - but everything else is shared across multiple sports- if anything rugby players don't suffer as badly from leg/joint injuries as gaa players or soccer players

I'm not referring to GAA players who get injured, that'd be justified, thinking of guys like Brian McGuigan who had a serious eye injury amongst others. Also those who lose out on work due to injuries have reasons too.

My meaning was the likes of Colm Parkinson et al who complain about giving up their weekends without getting paid for it. Sure they sacrifice their time for no pay but sacrificing your health for a 5-10 year wage I would count as being worse.
You paid heed to anything Parkinson said?! The hits in modern rugby have no comparison to GAA. Football and hurling players no doubt ship some serious tackles and injuries but the stresses, strains and impacts on a hookeror flanker really don't compare.

My point exactly, the physical toll doesn't truly compare.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on June 08, 2014, 10:30:29 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 04, 2014, 08:58:06 AM
Quote from: trileacman on June 03, 2014, 10:45:24 PM
South African-esque in his physicality and sheer build. A hugely influential player on his day which was why Ulster were so keen to turn him out for big games.

All the same the "It 100 per cent does impact on my everyday life. I can't walk up steps without having to walk on my toes. I've got no dorsiflexion in my ankle. On the other one I've got minus two, maybe 20 centimetres. It's had a massive effect on my everyday life. I'll probably never run again." quote sends shivers up my spine. I mean some GAA player whine about what we ask of them and sometimes I think they give awful commitment but sacrificing such a huge part of your health must surely be an awful, awful blow. It's just hard to comprehend.

We need an honest discussion on whether this game is going in the right direction when it comes to player's health, sure we're bigger, richer than ever but are we truly better?

Good topic to discuss trileacman but I think in the case of an ankle injury it can be attributed as much to bad luck as anything. For all we know he had a weak ankle to begin with.

I think the issue of concussion is certainly more worrying. Luke Marshall is an example of this and you'd worry about the lad down the line if it continues.

This is an excellent article on Shontayne Hape's battle with concussion.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11264856
That article is sickening. it's just not worth playing sport if that is the risk that players are exposed to.

There was constant pressure from the coaches. Most coaches don't care about what happens later on in your life. It is about the here and now. Everyone wants success. They just think 'if we pay you this you are going to do this'.
Players are just pieces of meat. When the meat gets too old and past its use-by date, the club just buys some more. You get meat that's bruised or damaged, the club goes and buys some more.


And Kieran Read. I bet it's just the tip of the iceberg.
Massive claims coming down the line when ex players start getting Alzheimers in their 50s 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on June 08, 2014, 10:43:41 AM
I keep saying it. Look at the NFL today, and the state of its ex players. Dan Marino is part of the last law suit.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on June 08, 2014, 10:50:43 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 08, 2014, 10:43:41 AM
I keep saying it. Look at the NFL today, and the state of its ex players. Dan Marino is part of the last law suit.

I'd say it's inevitable.

The NFL paid $765m to over 4000 ex players last year

http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/5974edd6-10dc-11e3-b291-00144feabdc0.html



"In 2011, Dave Duerson, a former Chicago Bears player, sent his wife a text message asking her to donate his brain to the NFL's research centre, before shooting himself in the chest.
More than 4,000 former players signed on to the  litigation accusing the NFL of hiding information about the long-term effects of blows to the head and concussions.In their lawsuit, players accused the league of neglecting to implement rules on post-concussion medical treatment and standards covering returning to play. They also accused the NFL of fraudulently concealing the long-term effects of concussions by creating a special research committee that concluded "mild traumatic brain injuries" were "not serious".

And poor Shontayne Hape may not even be able to finish that MBA.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on June 08, 2014, 11:35:36 AM
The NFL have paid nothing iirc, the agreed settlement was overturned by a judge.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on June 08, 2014, 11:57:20 AM
Quote from: Syferus on June 08, 2014, 11:35:36 AM
The NFL have paid nothing iirc, the agreed settlement was overturned by a judge.
nothing yet, apparently

http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-06-03/with-dan-marinos-lawsuit-nfls-concussion-settlement-might-fall-apart
A federal judge in Philadelphia refused in January to approve the massive settlement, saying she had questions as to whether all injured players would be paid adequately
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on June 08, 2014, 01:19:19 PM
Apparently there was concussion involved in Craig Clarke leaving Connacht as well.

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/connacht-secondrow-craig-clarke-announces-his-retirement-1.1819255

The Fritz video is awful
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xL3-YvovgYM
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lynchbhoy on June 08, 2014, 02:37:04 PM
Quote from: trileacman on June 08, 2014, 12:42:58 AM
Quote from: lynchbhoy on June 07, 2014, 09:51:46 PM
Quote from: trileacman on June 03, 2014, 10:45:24 PM
South African-esque in his physicality and sheer build. A hugely influential player on his day which was why Ulster were so keen to turn him out for big games.

All the same the "It 100 per cent does impact on my everyday life. I can't walk up steps without having to walk on my toes. I've got no dorsiflexion in my ankle. On the other one I've got minus two, maybe 20 centimetres. It's had a massive effect on my everyday life. I'll probably never run again." quote sends shivers up my spine. I mean some GAA player whine about what we ask of them and sometimes I think they give awful commitment but sacrificing such a huge part of your health must surely be an awful, awful blow. It's just hard to comprehend.

We need an honest discussion on whether this game is going in the right direction when it comes to player's health, sure we're bigger, richer than ever but are we truly better?
no offence here
but loads of GAA players suffer huge health problems like this and worse so you are way off the mark here

concussion only really suffered by rugby/American football players etc - but everything else is shared across multiple sports- if anything rugby players don't suffer as badly from leg/joint injuries as gaa players or soccer players

I'm not referring to GAA players who get injured, that'd be justified, thinking of guys like Brian McGuigan who had a serious eye injury amongst others. Also those who lose out on work due to injuries have reasons too.

My meaning was the likes of Colm Parkinson et al who complain about giving up their weekends without getting paid for it. Sure they sacrifice their time for no pay but sacrificing your health for a 5-10 year wage I would count as being worse.
Kind agree with you I think
Gaa players end up with long term inj issues after retirement from the punishment their professional levels of commitment and training cause - club and county level

There are collision damage caused injuries as they would be in general be moving faster than two thirds of rugby players over longer distances IMO
As well as the acl cruciates hip ankle neck and back injuries which are common and then the freq soft tissue injuries

Rugby has become increasingly dangerous in the past 5 years as years of supplement taking and the maturation of the game to professional has taken place.
I don't know what can be done here - padding and helmets might be thought of but while they may be slowing down, the weight alone will be a health worry apart from south sea islanders who are naturally disposed with the ideal physique for the game but yet still will suffer same injuries.

I'm against Gaa players getting 'too big' for this reason, but as our games are increasingly being based on speed, the body builder size prob won't come about in Gaa.
But other injuries caused by training and impact/turning at higher speed is more common!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 10, 2014, 12:41:55 PM
Great to see the Ireland U20 side reach the Junior World Cup Semi Finals.

They topped their group which included France, Wales and Fiji.

On Sunday they play England (reigning champions) for a place in the final against either South Africa or the hosts New Zealand.

Players to look out for include Cian Kelleher (Leinster 15), Gary Ringrose (Leinster 13), Ross Byrne (Leinster 10) and Jack O'Donoghue (Munster 8.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rory on June 10, 2014, 02:21:48 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 10, 2014, 12:41:55 PM
Great to see the Ireland U20 side reach the Junior World Cup Semi Finals.

They topped their group which included France, Wales and Fiji.

On Sunday they play England (reigning champions) for a place in the final against either South Africa or the hosts New Zealand.

Players to look out for include Cian Kelleher (Leinster 15), Gary Ringrose (Leinster 13), Ross Byrne (Leinster 10) and Jack O'Donoghue (Munster 8.

Ireland - Argentina on Saturday night, followed by World Cup football til 1am and then up again at 6am for the JWC semi final.   :o
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on June 10, 2014, 03:26:22 PM
Jebus, what a group for Munster...

QuoteNew Munster Rugby Head Coach, Anthony Foley, described his side's opposition in Pool 1 of the new European Rugby Champions Cup as "three handy teams".
A master of the understatement, the man who led Munster to the first of their two European triumphs in Cardiff in 2006 went on to describe Saracens, ASM Clermont Auvergne and Sale Sharks as "fearsome opposition".
"We have picked up three of the best teams in Europe in our pool and looking at the rest of the tournament I think this is an even stronger draw than in previous years," said Foley.
"We have six massive games ahead of us and we will be looking to them all. I'm sure there are a few teams who won't be too happy about having Munster in their pool.
"We have met them all before in Europe and I'm sure our fans will travel in big numbers to Manchester, London and Clermont. And if Saracens fancy taking our game to Wembley, then that will be fine with us.
"It's not a decision for us, but all the players love to play in big stadia and in big games. And all the games in our pool will be big games.
"Having grown up at the club it is going to be a huge honour for me to coach the team next season. I certainly won't be underestimating the size of the task, but we have a good group of players which has been around for a while.
"We want to be playing in the big finals in May and to do that we are going to have to stop teams scoring easy points against us. We need to rectify that, especially when it comes to playing in the Champions Cup."
Sean Cronin – Leinster Rugby
Sean Cronin, the Leinster Rugby and Ireland hooker, spoke for the whole of European rugby when he surveyed the five pools for the Inaugural European Rugby Champions Cup. The three-time champions are drawn in Pool 2 with Castres Oympique, Harlequins and London Wasps.
"Usually there's only one group of death, but they all look tough pools," said the 2012 European Cup winner. "We've got two trips to London which all the boys will be looking forward to. Hopefully there are a few Irish living in London who fancy coming along and giving us their support, as they did at Northampton last season.
"We had Castres Olympique in that pool as well. We played poorly at home and just squeezed out the win but did well out there when we knew it was do-or-die for qualifying.
"But they have since reached a second Top 14 final in a row so that says everything about their strength. They may not be the first French team people talk about, but you don't reach two finals in a row and win the title without being a top-quality team.
"We were disappointed with ourselves last season. We work so hard to progress from a pool that including Northampton, Castres and Ospreys and then felt we let ourselves down in the quarter-final at [eventual winners] Toulon.
"Leinster have a proud tradition in Europe and it will be a huge focus for us next season. We are judged on winning trophies and it was great to lift the Pro12 title and send everyone off for the summer break with a huge boost but we want to prove ourselves again in Europe next season, even though it will be strange not to have Leo [Cullen] and Brian [O'Driscoll] on the pitch."
John Muldoon – Connacht Rugby
Connacht Rugby will play in the European Rugby Challenge Cup next season and skipper John Muldoon is looking forward to trips to France to meet Bayonne and newly promoted La Rochelle, as well as to England to face Exeter Chiefs.
"After two seasons of dining out at the top table of European Cup rugby we now have to play in the Challenge Cup," said Muldoon. "But we've got a tough draw and face some great games.
"I love the challenge of playing in France and last season we went to Toulouse and won. That was a special day for Connacht rugby and now we have the chance to do that again.
"We've been to Bayonne before and won, but we haven't played Exeter Chiefs in a competitive game to my knowledge. We had a friendly against them a few seasons ago, but they have simply got better and better since they gained promotion.
"They've been in the Heineken Cup in the last few season and had to play against some of Europe's biggest clubs. They will be a massive test for us."
2014/15 European Rugby Champions Cup
Pool 1: Saracens, Munster Rugby, ASM Clermont Auvergne, Sale Sharks
Pool 2: Leinster Rugby, Castres Olympique, Harlequins, London Wasps
Pool 3: RC Toulon, Leicester Tigers, Ulster Rugby, Scarlets
Pool 4: Glasgow Warriors, Montpellier, Bath Rugby, Toulouse
Pool 5: Northampton Saints, Racing Metro 92, Ospreys, Benetton Treviso
2014/15 European Rugby Challenge Cup pools
Pool 1: Cardiff Blues, London Irish, Grenoble, FIRA-AER 1
Pool 2: Exeter Chiefs, Bayonne, Connacht Rugby, La Rochelle
Pool 3: Stade Francais Paris, NG Dragons, Newcastle Falcons, FIRA-AER 2
Pool 4: Edinburgh Rugby, Bordeaux-Begles, London Welsh, Lyon
Pool 5: Gloucester Rugby, Brive, Zebre, Oyonnax
Pool stage dates
Round 1: 16/17/18/19 October 2014
Round 2: 23/24/25/26 October 2014
Round 3: 4/5/6/7 December 2014
Round 4: 11/12/13/14 December 2014
Round 5: 15/16/17/18 January 2015
Round 6: 22/23/24/25 January 2015
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on August 05, 2014, 10:10:57 PM
The Irish women beat New Zealand in the Women's Rugby World Cup.

http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/international/2014/0805/635333-ireland-new-zealand/

New Zealand 14-17 Ireland
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on August 06, 2014, 03:07:06 AM
First time since 1991 they've lost a match at the World Cup. First time we've ever beat NZ at full international level in either grade. Really it's as incredible a result are you're likely to see this year or any year.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rrhf on August 06, 2014, 07:07:08 AM
are you sure women playing Rugby is a good idea?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: highorlow on August 06, 2014, 08:44:48 AM
Quoteare you sure women playing Rugby is a good idea?

Nothing wrong with it these days. Are you stuck in the past? Does your local pub have a special snug for the girls?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: BennyHarp on August 09, 2014, 12:13:48 PM
Does anyone know if there is a bandwagon for the women's World Cup yet or not?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gawa316 on August 09, 2014, 02:39:30 PM
Quote from: BennyHarp on August 09, 2014, 12:13:48 PM
Does anyone know if there is a bandwagon for the women's World Cup yet or not?

It stopped by here the other day!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Myles Na G. on August 09, 2014, 03:06:48 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on August 09, 2014, 02:39:30 PM
Quote from: BennyHarp on August 09, 2014, 12:13:48 PM
Does anyone know if there is a bandwagon for the women's World Cup yet or not?

It stopped by here the other day!
Yep, it rolled by my house just after the NZ game, so I hopped on. 'Mon the weemin!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: BennyHarp on August 09, 2014, 04:12:05 PM
Quote from: Myles Na G. on August 09, 2014, 03:06:48 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on August 09, 2014, 02:39:30 PM
Quote from: BennyHarp on August 09, 2014, 12:13:48 PM
Does anyone know if there is a bandwagon for the women's World Cup yet or not?

It stopped by here the other day!
Yep, it rolled by my house just after the NZ game, so I hopped on. 'Mon the weemin!

Great stuff - think I'll jump on myself. Ole, Ole, Ole!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Denn Forever on August 09, 2014, 04:26:09 PM
Perfect timing.  Semi final time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on August 09, 2014, 06:30:39 PM
Quote from: BennyHarp on August 09, 2014, 04:12:05 PM
Quote from: Myles Na G. on August 09, 2014, 03:06:48 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on August 09, 2014, 02:39:30 PM
Quote from: BennyHarp on August 09, 2014, 12:13:48 PM
Does anyone know if there is a bandwagon for the women's World Cup yet or not?

It stopped by here the other day!
Yep, it rolled by my house just after the NZ game, so I hopped on. 'Mon the weemin!

Great stuff - think I'll jump on myself. Ole, Ole, Ole!!
Must start swotting up on the players so I can talk like I have been following them for years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gawa316 on August 09, 2014, 06:41:02 PM
For those more knowledgable in this area, am I right in saying New Zealand are out due to the eng Canada game ending in a draw? Only 4 teams go through to semis, 3 group winners and next team with most points? Eng and Canada both on 12 points, New Zealand currently on 6 with 11 the most they can achieve.

If so great opportunity to win it
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on August 09, 2014, 08:35:59 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on August 09, 2014, 06:41:02 PM
For those more knowledgable in this area, am I right in saying New Zealand are out due to the eng Canada game ending in a draw? Only 4 teams go through to semis, 3 group winners and next team with most points? Eng and Canada both on 12 points, New Zealand currently on 6 with 11 the most they can achieve.

If so great opportunity to win it
There is no-one knowledgeable in this area.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on August 09, 2014, 08:39:18 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on August 09, 2014, 06:41:02 PM
For those more knowledgable in this area, am I right in saying New Zealand are out due to the eng Canada game ending in a draw? Only 4 teams go through to semis, 3 group winners and next team with most points? Eng and Canada both on 12 points, New Zealand currently on 6 with 11 the most they can achieve.

If so great opportunity to win it

Yip: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11306734

If we can beat New Zealand we can beat anyone. Beating that level of a side unexpectedly can drain teams in any sport so it would be the mark of a special team to be able to take it in their stride.

Edit: was loading up the match report from today's match on RTE.ie but it came up as a Error 404 Page Not Found. RTE have a picture of Shergar on the error page. Beautiful.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gawa316 on August 09, 2014, 09:27:41 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on August 09, 2014, 08:35:59 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on August 09, 2014, 06:41:02 PM
For those more knowledgable in this area, am I right in saying New Zealand are out due to the eng Canada game ending in a draw? Only 4 teams go through to semis, 3 group winners and next team with most points? Eng and Canada both on 12 points, New Zealand currently on 6 with 11 the most they can achieve.

If so great opportunity to win it
There is no-one knowledgeable in this area.

Just me!

G'wan the cutties!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gawa316 on August 10, 2014, 04:37:52 AM
England inthe semi's

G'wan the cutties in green!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on August 10, 2014, 08:15:27 AM
Women's rugby is not something that excites me and international standard is probably no better than Junior championship in football but I was impressed with England's presence of mind to know that a draw would win their group but more importantly knock NZ out. Great game management I thought. As for Ireland the lack of decent 10 could cost them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gawa316 on August 13, 2014, 03:15:06 PM
Not much chat about the big 'semi' today against the auld enemy?

Anyone with time on their hands care to research the weeman with photographic evidence?

Gwan the cutties in green
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Shamrock Shore on August 13, 2014, 03:23:17 PM
Ooer gawa316.

"Big semi"

Anyhoo - c'mon the Sweaty Bettys.

Where does one get on to the bandwagon?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: laoislad on August 13, 2014, 03:29:24 PM
Quote from: Shamrock Shore on August 13, 2014, 03:23:17 PM
Ooer gawa316.

"Big semi"

Anyhoo - c'mon the Sweaty Bettys.

Where does one get on to the bandwagon
Might be full of McIlroy fans at the moment...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tiempo on August 13, 2014, 03:33:27 PM

There won't be an udder milked in D4 tonight if we can pull this one off #COYGIG
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Canalman on August 13, 2014, 04:24:04 PM
Indeed, there won't be a coffee shop assistant berated or condascended in Dublin 4 for a week if they win this one.

Best of luck to them .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on August 13, 2014, 04:56:06 PM
Might have a beer watching this!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mikehunt on August 13, 2014, 05:08:00 PM
Being a rugby hater I'm not sure do I want them to win or lose, think a win is preferable, seeing the women do what the so called men couldn't is probably the lesser of 2 evils.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on August 13, 2014, 05:18:37 PM
Looking good, well the score-line anyways!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gawa316 on August 13, 2014, 05:25:18 PM
Anyone got a lick?

What's the score?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AQMP on August 13, 2014, 05:37:49 PM
8-7 to Eng.  The BBC website has radio and text commentary
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AQMP on August 13, 2014, 05:39:13 PM
A second English try makes it 15-7
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: laoislad on August 13, 2014, 05:46:32 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on August 13, 2014, 05:25:18 PM
Anyone got a lick?

For your big semi?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gawa316 on August 13, 2014, 05:51:55 PM
Quote from: laoislad on August 13, 2014, 05:46:32 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on August 13, 2014, 05:25:18 PM
Anyone got a lick?

For your big semi?

ha ha bit of a freudian there!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on August 13, 2014, 05:53:46 PM
England just look that bit better overall, Ireland would need to get an early try to make this a lot tighter than it is
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on August 13, 2014, 06:13:42 PM
All Tan since the Irish try. 26-7.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on August 13, 2014, 06:20:29 PM
Serves ye right for getting up on the bandwomen.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: squire_in_navy_slacks on August 13, 2014, 06:54:04 PM
Flattered to deceive..........................good few lesbians on that there english team
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Aaron Boone on August 13, 2014, 06:56:02 PM
The dream is over. Eng 40 Ireland 7.

Heroines all.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gawa316 on August 13, 2014, 06:56:12 PM
Okay everyone off to feck, this wagon is bound for Lesboville!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mylestheslasher on August 13, 2014, 10:31:05 PM
Never mind, I think the Irish womens darts team has a great chance of doing well in the womens European darts league. Ole Ole Ole.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on August 13, 2014, 10:32:26 PM
Quote from: mylestheslasher on August 13, 2014, 10:31:05 PM
Never mind, I think the Irish womens darts team has a great chance of doing well in the womens European darts league. Ole Ole Ole.
Let's get behind this.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on August 13, 2014, 10:33:34 PM
Lads, that stuff is really embarrassing. It's not even funny, just cringe-worthy.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on August 13, 2014, 10:42:38 PM
I actually fell asleep lol
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mylestheslasher on August 13, 2014, 10:51:43 PM
Quote from: Syferus on August 13, 2014, 10:33:34 PM
Lads, that stuff is really embarrassing. It's not even funny, just cringe-worthy.

You talking to yourself again Syferus ;)

Darts is a serious sport and the women are allowed drink pints not like the men.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gawa316 on August 13, 2014, 11:53:11 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on August 13, 2014, 10:42:38 PM
I actually fell asleep lol

So you feel asleep reading maybe half a dozen posts, then when you woke up you and 'laughed out loud' because you feel asleep?

Or you think your comment 'I actually fell asleep' was worthy of a lol?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on August 14, 2014, 06:25:37 AM
Quote from: gawa316 on August 13, 2014, 11:53:11 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on August 13, 2014, 10:42:38 PM
I actually fell asleep lol

So you feel asleep reading maybe half a dozen posts, then when you woke up you and 'laughed out loud' because you feel asleep?

Or you think your comment 'I actually fell asleep' was worthy of a lol?

I fell asleep due to tiredness and 2 beers! Id been looking forward to it. Lol was for the irony of it. Keep your knickers on
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rosnarun on August 14, 2014, 02:21:39 PM
womens sport can only ever hope to be seem as equal when the critics start calling it as it is .
For a team with so much hype behind them  this was an embarresing defeat. the fell apart in the worst way possible for a team who were stealing Line out all around them up till this match  to see them incapable of winning their own ball was as sure a sign of a choke as youll ever get ,
but from  the critics all your going to hear is what  bunch of heroines
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gawa316 on August 14, 2014, 02:28:46 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on August 14, 2014, 06:25:37 AM
Quote from: gawa316 on August 13, 2014, 11:53:11 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on August 13, 2014, 10:42:38 PM
I actually fell asleep lol

So you feel asleep reading maybe half a dozen posts, then when you woke up you and 'laughed out loud' because you feel asleep?

Or you think your comment 'I actually fell asleep' was worthy of a lol?

I fell asleep due to tiredness and 2 beers! Id been looking forward to it. Lol was for the irony of it. Keep your knickers on

Knickers firmly on ye lightweight...LOL!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: NAG1 on August 14, 2014, 03:45:34 PM
Quote from: rosnarun on August 14, 2014, 02:21:39 PM
womens sport can only ever hope to be seem as equal when the critics start calling it as it is .
For a team with so much hype behind them  this was an embarresing defeat. the fell apart in the worst way possible for a team who were stealing Line out all around them up till this match  to see them incapable of winning their own ball was as sure a sign of a choke as youll ever get ,
but from  the critics all your going to hear is what  bunch of heroines

Fair play to them for doing what they did, I would say we would be surprised if the figures of girls/ women competing in Rugby in Ireland was known. It is a such a small minority, probably shows you the level of the actual competition itself.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rosnarun on August 14, 2014, 04:35:14 PM
Quote from: NAG1 on August 14, 2014, 03:45:34 PM
Quote from: rosnarun on August 14, 2014, 02:21:39 PM
womens sport can only ever hope to be seem as equal when the critics start calling it as it is .
For a team with so much hype behind them  this was an embarresing defeat. the fell apart in the worst way possible for a team who were stealing Line out all around them up till this match  to see them incapable of winning their own ball was as sure a sign of a choke as youll ever get ,
but from  the critics all your going to hear is what  bunch of heroines

Fair play to them for doing what they did, I would say we would be surprised if the figures of girls/ women competing in Rugby in Ireland was known. It is a such a small minority, probably shows you the level of the actual competition itself.

for several of them its not even their 1st sport and didnt take it up untill they were in 20's
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Myles Na G. on August 14, 2014, 05:23:05 PM
Quote from: rosnarun on August 14, 2014, 02:21:39 PM
womens sport can only ever hope to be seem as equal when the critics start calling it as it is .
For a team with so much hype behind them  this was an embarresing defeat. the fell apart in the worst way possible for a team who were stealing Line out all around them up till this match  to see them incapable of winning their own ball was as sure a sign of a choke as youll ever get ,
but from  the critics all your going to hear is what  bunch of heroines
I think you're being a bit harsh. England were all over Ireland like a rash and when teams are under that sort of pressure, they start making mistakes. Ireland were out muscled, pure and simple.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: foxcommander on August 15, 2014, 03:13:36 AM
So the "irish" ladies lost an imperial sport. big deal.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on August 15, 2014, 09:08:28 AM
Why the quotes around 'Irish'?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on August 15, 2014, 01:49:52 PM
And what, in the name of all that's surreal, is an "imperial" sport?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on August 15, 2014, 02:06:24 PM
I presume a sport which is of the Empire. Erstwhile known as the 'Garrison games'.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on August 15, 2014, 02:23:56 PM
I suppose so. Does that mean 'Sergeant Pepper's' is imperial music?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on August 15, 2014, 02:46:41 PM
Evidently.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on August 15, 2014, 03:12:57 PM
And golf

Golf was invented by the Brits. We need to stop playing golf and make sure that no GAA club has a golf outing. To do otherwise would be giving in to imperialism.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: foxcommander on August 15, 2014, 04:42:45 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on August 15, 2014, 02:06:24 PM
I presume a sport which is of the Empire. Erstwhile known as the 'Garrison games'.

Bingo. Give that lad an OBE.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AQMP on August 15, 2014, 04:55:39 PM
Quote from: Hardy on August 15, 2014, 02:23:56 PM
I suppose so. Does that mean 'Sergeant Pepper's' is imperial music?

Imperious, Hardy.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: orangeman on August 25, 2014, 10:31:27 AM
 Sexton coming home. Big coup for Irish rugby.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Myles Na G. on August 25, 2014, 12:42:04 PM
Quote from: orangeman on August 25, 2014, 10:31:27 AM
Sexton coming home. Big coup for Irish rugby.
'Irish' rugby, please, or Foxcommander will start twitching.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: foxcommander on August 25, 2014, 03:13:39 PM
Quote from: Myles Na G. on August 25, 2014, 12:42:04 PM
Quote from: orangeman on August 25, 2014, 10:31:27 AM
Sexton coming home. Big coup for Irish rugby.
'Irish' rugby, please, or Foxcommander will start twitching.

You catch on quick. I thought unionists would be happy with "irish"....
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Myles Na G. on August 25, 2014, 04:28:44 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on August 25, 2014, 03:13:39 PM
Quote from: Myles Na G. on August 25, 2014, 12:42:04 PM
Quote from: orangeman on August 25, 2014, 10:31:27 AM
Sexton coming home. Big coup for Irish rugby.
'Irish' rugby, please, or Foxcommander will start twitching.

You catch on quick. I thought unionists would be happy with "irish"....
The unionists with whom I travel to matches are perfectly happy with Irish, no inverted commas. It's 'Gaels' like yourself who get all uptight in your attempts to decide who's a wizard and who's a mud blood.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: foxcommander on August 25, 2014, 04:58:59 PM
Quote from: Myles Na G. on August 25, 2014, 04:28:44 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on August 25, 2014, 03:13:39 PM
Quote from: Myles Na G. on August 25, 2014, 12:42:04 PM
Quote from: orangeman on August 25, 2014, 10:31:27 AM
Sexton coming home. Big coup for Irish rugby.
'Irish' rugby, please, or Foxcommander will start twitching.

You catch on quick. I thought unionists would be happy with "irish"....
The unionists with whom I travel to matches are perfectly happy with Irish, no inverted commas. It's 'Gaels' like yourself who get all uptight in your attempts to decide who's a wizard and who's a mud blood.

It's not me who can't decide what I am....you lot are having protests about flegs at Belfast City hall and then on certain days can't sing Amhrán na bhFiann quick enough?

I look forward to the devolution vote since your pals are so keen :)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Myles Na G. on August 25, 2014, 05:57:21 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on August 25, 2014, 04:58:59 PM
Quote from: Myles Na G. on August 25, 2014, 04:28:44 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on August 25, 2014, 03:13:39 PM
Quote from: Myles Na G. on August 25, 2014, 12:42:04 PM
Quote from: orangeman on August 25, 2014, 10:31:27 AM
Sexton coming home. Big coup for Irish rugby.
'Irish' rugby, please, or Foxcommander will start twitching.

You catch on quick. I thought unionists would be happy with "irish"....
The unionists with whom I travel to matches are perfectly happy with Irish, no inverted commas. It's 'Gaels' like yourself who get all uptight in your attempts to decide who's a wizard and who's a mud blood.

It's not me who can't decide what I am....you lot are having protests about flegs at Belfast City hall and then on certain days can't sing Amhrán na bhFiann quick enough?

I look forward to the devolution vote since your pals are so keen :)
I don't know many from a unionist background who sing Amhrán na bhFiann. Actually, I don't know any, though they're quite comfortable belting out Fields of Athenry or Ireland's Call. I know quite a few northern nationalists who don't sing Amhrán na bhFiann either, on the grounds that (a) they don't know the words in Irish and / or (b) they view it as a 26 county anthem. I offend on both those counts. ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: foxcommander on August 25, 2014, 06:03:23 PM
Quote from: Myles Na G. on August 25, 2014, 05:57:21 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on August 25, 2014, 04:58:59 PM
Quote from: Myles Na G. on August 25, 2014, 04:28:44 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on August 25, 2014, 03:13:39 PM
Quote from: Myles Na G. on August 25, 2014, 12:42:04 PM
Quote from: orangeman on August 25, 2014, 10:31:27 AM
Sexton coming home. Big coup for Irish rugby.
'Irish' rugby, please, or Foxcommander will start twitching.

You catch on quick. I thought unionists would be happy with "irish"....
The unionists with whom I travel to matches are perfectly happy with Irish, no inverted commas. It's 'Gaels' like yourself who get all uptight in your attempts to decide who's a wizard and who's a mud blood.

It's not me who can't decide what I am....you lot are having protests about flegs at Belfast City hall and then on certain days can't sing Amhrán na bhFiann quick enough?

I look forward to the devolution vote since your pals are so keen :)
I don't know many from a unionist background who sing Amhrán na bhFiann. Actually, I don't know any, though they're quite comfortable belting out Fields of Athenry or Ireland's Call. I know quite a few northern nationalists who don't sing Amhrán na bhFiann either, on the grounds that (a) they don't know the words in Irish and / or (b) they view it as a 26 county anthem. I offend on both those counts. ;)

or C) you're a unionist too, eh Myles? ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Myles Na G. on August 25, 2014, 06:13:35 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on August 25, 2014, 06:03:23 PM
Quote from: Myles Na G. on August 25, 2014, 05:57:21 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on August 25, 2014, 04:58:59 PM
Quote from: Myles Na G. on August 25, 2014, 04:28:44 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on August 25, 2014, 03:13:39 PM
Quote from: Myles Na G. on August 25, 2014, 12:42:04 PM
Quote from: orangeman on August 25, 2014, 10:31:27 AM
Sexton coming home. Big coup for Irish rugby.
'Irish' rugby, please, or Foxcommander will start twitching.

You catch on quick. I thought unionists would be happy with "irish"....
The unionists with whom I travel to matches are perfectly happy with Irish, no inverted commas. It's 'Gaels' like yourself who get all uptight in your attempts to decide who's a wizard and who's a mud blood.

It's not me who can't decide what I am....you lot are having protests about flegs at Belfast City hall and then on certain days can't sing Amhrán na bhFiann quick enough?

I look forward to the devolution vote since your pals are so keen :)
I don't know many from a unionist background who sing Amhrán na bhFiann. Actually, I don't know any, though they're quite comfortable belting out Fields of Athenry or Ireland's Call. I know quite a few northern nationalists who don't sing Amhrán na bhFiann either, on the grounds that (a) they don't know the words in Irish and / or (b) they view it as a 26 county anthem. I offend on both those counts. ;)

or C) you're a unionist too, eh Myles? ;)
You can tell you're new around here - you're about 6 years behind the times with that jibe. Do keep up.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bcarrier on September 05, 2014, 09:32:00 PM
Mentally weak ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on September 12, 2014, 03:34:16 PM
Anyone sort tickets for the RWC yet? Booked 4 in total today. 2 for France in Cardiff and 2 for Italy in London. Strange set up this year with a ballot system.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: galwayman on September 12, 2014, 04:43:17 PM
Walter Cnoc - I assume you mean you have applied for tickets?
As opposed to being guaranteed them I mean?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on September 12, 2014, 04:45:30 PM
Quote from: galwayman on September 12, 2014, 04:43:17 PM
Walter Cnoc - I assume you mean you have applied for tickets?
As opposed to being guaranteed them I mean?

Yeah sorry should have clarified - by booked I mean entered the ballot. Its hard to know what to do. Apply for 2 and miss out or apply for say 6/8 and get a huge bill!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on September 12, 2014, 08:06:26 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on September 12, 2014, 03:34:16 PM
Anyone sort tickets for the RWC yet? Booked 4 in total today. 2 for France in Cardiff and 2 for Italy in London. Strange set up this year with a ballot system.
Logged in earlier and it was busy. Will try for Italy match. Will be some scramble for hotels now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Mayo4Sam on September 16, 2014, 11:56:21 AM
It was the same for NZ last time out I think, I got tickets through a ballot

In for France and have assumed we'll win that and gone for the winning QF/SF combo!
Fingers crossed
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on September 16, 2014, 12:47:25 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on September 16, 2014, 11:56:21 AM
It was the same for NZ last time out I think, I got tickets through a ballot

In for France and have assumed we'll win that and gone for the winning QF/SF combo!
Fingers crossed

Good shout M4S, what sort of money did the QF/SF combo cost?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 17, 2014, 03:23:29 PM
http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2014/sep/17/rugby-world-cup-2015-10-sides-impact


5 Ireland

The more you study the 2015 draw the more you wonder if Ireland can break the habit of a lifetime and actually deliver at a World Cup. With France and Italy in their pool they could advance to the semi-finals at least, with a puncher's shot at the main prize. Joe Schmidt is an outstanding coach and any squad would love a motivated Paul O'Connell at its heart. Jonny Sexton is heading home from France, some of the younger Irish forwards are maturing nicely and last season's Six Nations title was no fluke.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mick999 on September 17, 2014, 03:37:15 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on September 16, 2014, 12:47:25 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on September 16, 2014, 11:56:21 AM
It was the same for NZ last time out I think, I got tickets through a ballot

In for France and have assumed we'll win that and gone for the winning QF/SF combo!
Fingers crossed

Good shout M4S, what sort of money did the QF/SF combo cost?

Prices all here :

https://tickets.rugbyworldcup.com/site/assets/FixtureList.pdf
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Jim_Murphy_74 on September 17, 2014, 04:27:05 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on August 15, 2014, 04:42:45 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on August 15, 2014, 02:06:24 PM
I presume a sport which is of the Empire. Erstwhile known as the 'Garrison games'.

Bingo. Give that lad an OBE.

Of course the exception proves the rule: so it's okay to slabber over some Premiership sawker team.  Ideally said team will be your second team after well know "Irish" team Celtic

Because there is no contradication in propping up a bar in a Liverpool/Manchester/Chelsea jersey, averting your gaze from "Imperialist" satellite TV only long enough to glance at your "Imperialist" redtop of choice and still feel disdain for a 32-County team of all creeds representing our island internationally.

/Jim.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on September 17, 2014, 04:30:20 PM
Quote from: Jim_Murphy_74 on September 17, 2014, 04:27:05 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on August 15, 2014, 04:42:45 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on August 15, 2014, 02:06:24 PM
I presume a sport which is of the Empire. Erstwhile known as the 'Garrison games'.

Bingo. Give that lad an OBE.

Of course the exception proves the rule: so it's okay to slabber over some Premiership sawker team.  Ideally said team will be your second team after well know "Irish" team Celtic

Because there is no contradication in propping up a bar in a Liverpool/Manchester/Chelsea jersey, averting your gaze from "Imperialist" satellite TV only long enough to glance at your "Imperialist" redtop of choice and still feel disdain for a 32-County team of all creeds representing our island internationally.

/Jim.

Post of the week.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Canalman on September 17, 2014, 04:40:50 PM
Quote from: seafoid on September 17, 2014, 03:23:29 PM
http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2014/sep/17/rugby-world-cup-2015-10-sides-impact


5 Ireland

The more you study the 2015 draw the more you wonder if Ireland can break the habit of a lifetime and actually deliver at a World Cup. With France and Italy in their pool they could advance to the semi-finals at least, with a puncher's shot at the main prize. Joe Schmidt is an outstanding coach and any squad would love a motivated Paul O'Connell at its heart. Jonny Sexton is heading home from France, some of the younger Irish forwards are maturing nicely and last season's Six Nations title was no fluke.

By "actually deliver" I presume you mean win a knockout game in the WC.

In case anyone has forgotten we have never won a knockout game in the history of the WC.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on September 17, 2014, 04:48:07 PM
Quote from: Canalman on September 17, 2014, 04:40:50 PM
Quote from: seafoid on September 17, 2014, 03:23:29 PM
http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2014/sep/17/rugby-world-cup-2015-10-sides-impact


5 Ireland

The more you study the 2015 draw the more you wonder if Ireland can break the habit of a lifetime and actually deliver at a World Cup. With France and Italy in their pool they could advance to the semi-finals at least, with a puncher's shot at the main prize. Joe Schmidt is an outstanding coach and any squad would love a motivated Paul O'Connell at its heart. Jonny Sexton is heading home from France, some of the younger Irish forwards are maturing nicely and last season's Six Nations title was no fluke.

By "actually deliver" I presume you mean win a knockout game in the WC.

In case anyone has forgotten we have never won a knockout game in the history of the WC.

Australia in the 1991 quarter final was the one that got away.

(http://media.joe.ie/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/story_15205_15205-xlarge.jpg)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: foxcommander on September 17, 2014, 05:05:42 PM
Quote from: Hardy on September 17, 2014, 04:30:20 PM
Quote from: Jim_Murphy_74 on September 17, 2014, 04:27:05 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on August 15, 2014, 04:42:45 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on August 15, 2014, 02:06:24 PM
I presume a sport which is of the Empire. Erstwhile known as the 'Garrison games'.

Bingo. Give that lad an OBE.

Of course the exception proves the rule: so it's okay to slabber over some Premiership sawker team.  Ideally said team will be your second team after well know "Irish" team Celtic

Because there is no contradication in propping up a bar in a Liverpool/Manchester/Chelsea jersey, averting your gaze from "Imperialist" satellite TV only long enough to glance at your "Imperialist" redtop of choice and still feel disdain for a 32-County team of all creeds representing our island internationally.

/Jim.

Post of the week.

Yes - it was brilliant wasn't it. I'd like to fawn over it too and say fair play.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: oakleaflad on October 27, 2014, 10:42:18 AM
Could be a bit late with this one but where would be the best place to get tickets for one of the home six nations matches? If not for 2015 then 2016 when they become available, does Ticketmaster sell them?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on October 27, 2014, 10:47:04 AM
Generally as far as I know they go through the clubs first so if you have any friends there that could be an option. Another option I have used in the past is joining the Irish Rugby Supporters Club. They release a limited number (few thousand) to members. I have got lucky in the past and attended a number of games this way. I'm sure more of the clued in fans know other ways however!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 06, 2014, 02:41:38 PM
Team to face South Africa. Interesting midfield selection.

15. Rob Kearney (UCD/Leinster) 55
14. Tommy Bowe (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster) 54
13. Jared Payne (Ulster) *
12. Robbie Henshaw (Buccaneers/Connacht) 3
11. Simon Zebo (Cork Constitution/Munster) 8
10. Jonathan Sexton (Racing Metro 92) 45
9. Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster) 28
1. Jack McGrath (St. Mary's College/Leinster) 10
2. Sean Cronin (St. Mary's College/Leinster) 35
3. Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster) 41
4. Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster) 17
5. Paul O'Connell (Young Munster/Munster) 94 (capt)
6. Peter O'Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster) 23
7. Chris Henry (Malone/Ulster) 16
8. Jamie Heaslip (Naas/Leinster) 67

Replacements:

16. Richardt Strauss (Old Wesley/Leinster) 4
17. Dave Kilcoyne (UL Bohemians/Munster) 10
18. Rodney Ah You (Corinthians/Connacht) 1
19. Mike McCarthy (Lansdowne/Leinster) 15
20. Rhys Ruddock (St. Mary's College/Leinster) 3
21. Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster) 55
22. Ian Madigan (Blackrock College/Leinster) 10
23. Felix Jones (Shannon/Munster) 6
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 06, 2014, 02:51:22 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 06, 2014, 02:41:38 PM
Team to face South Africa. Interesting midfield selection.

15. Rob Kearney (UCD/Leinster) 55
14. Tommy Bowe (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster) 54
13. Jared Payne (Ulster) *
12. Robbie Henshaw (Buccaneers/Connacht) 3
11. Simon Zebo (Cork Constitution/Munster) 8
10. Jonathan Sexton (Racing Metro 92) 45
9. Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster) 28
1. Jack McGrath (St. Mary's College/Leinster) 10
2. Sean Cronin (St. Mary's College/Leinster) 35
3. Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster) 41
4. Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster) 17
5. Paul O'Connell (Young Munster/Munster) 94 (capt)
6. Peter O'Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster) 23
7. Chris Henry (Malone/Ulster) 16
8. Jamie Heaslip (Naas/Leinster) 67

Replacements:

16. Richardt Strauss (Old Wesley/Leinster) 4
17. Dave Kilcoyne (UL Bohemians/Munster) 10
18. Rodney Ah You (Corinthians/Connacht) 1
19. Mike McCarthy (Lansdowne/Leinster) 15
20. Rhys Ruddock (St. Mary's College/Leinster) 3
21. Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster) 55
22. Ian Madigan (Blackrock College/Leinster) 10
23. Felix Jones (Shannon/Munster) 6

Jaysus we've some injuries lads!! Has Cave been called in at all? I find it surprising that Schmidt doesn't seem to rate him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on November 06, 2014, 02:53:37 PM
Wouldnt be Devon Toners biggest fan (has come on rightly though), but I like the look of that team. The back line looks strong.
No harm to Paddy Jackson, but he isnt really international level
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 06, 2014, 02:54:46 PM
17 players out but that's still a fairly strong 15. I'd worry about the front row tiring after 60 though.

As for Cave. Jesus SE he is not a good player. Slow, poor distribution, not even a great defender. Your listening to too much BBC NI ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 06, 2014, 02:55:04 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on November 06, 2014, 02:53:37 PM
Wouldnt be Devon Toners biggest fan (has come on rightly though), but I like the look of that team. The back line looks strong.
No harm to Paddy Jackson, but he isnt really international level

+1

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 06, 2014, 02:57:45 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on November 06, 2014, 02:53:37 PM
Wouldnt be Devon Toners biggest fan (has come on rightly though), but I like the look of that team. The back line looks strong.
No harm to Paddy Jackson, but he isnt really international level

That old chestnut . . . the lad is only 22 so has plenty of time!!

It wasn't that long ago I remember Sexton being completely written off as 'not up to it' and now he's probably 2nd best fly half in the world!!

By the way Sexton made his Ireland debut at the age of 24!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 06, 2014, 03:00:19 PM
PJ is brave but long gone are the days of a fly half at 5'10. You'll see the new breed in Handre Pollard on Saturday.

JS was being written off (compared to ROG) purely on his kicking game, however he is still the best attacking and defending 10 we've ever had!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on November 06, 2014, 03:02:14 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 06, 2014, 02:57:45 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on November 06, 2014, 02:53:37 PM
Wouldnt be Devon Toners biggest fan (has come on rightly though), but I like the look of that team. The back line looks strong.
No harm to Paddy Jackson, but he isnt really international level

That old chestnut . . . the lad is only 22 so has plenty of time!!

It wasn't that long ago I remember Sexton being completely written off as 'not up to it' and now he's probably 2nd best fly half in the world!!

By the way Sexton made his Ireland debut at the age of 24!!!

maybe, and hopefully he does. imo he is holding Ulster back in Europe, along with Marshall. The sooner RP is back the better
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 06, 2014, 03:21:19 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 06, 2014, 03:00:19 PM
PJ is brave but long gone are the days of a fly half at 5'10. You'll see the new breed in Handre Pollard on Saturday.

JS was being written off (compared to ROG) purely on his kicking game, however he is still the best attacking and defending 10 we've ever had!

Was just going back through the old thread there from around Sextons debut and the following 6 Nations. . . jesus there was some shite talked about him and Kearney.

trileacman the main culprit as well:

Quote from: trileacman on March 15, 2010, 10:29:52 PM
Alot of shite being posted on here. Firstly Kearny is not or nowhere near the Worlds best FB. Off hand I can think of Byrne and now poitranaud being better. That's not even considering Southern Hemisphere sides. Murphy's two displays have been superior to alot of Kearny's rugby in the past year and he should now be given the Full back shirt in my opinion.

Kearny has no attacking threat compared with any other world class full back and is only considered so highly because of his capable hands and strong boot which we all love coz it minds us of a GAA midfielder or FB.

Interesting to see the Sexton apolygists out in force. Had ROG produced these kicking displays the same men would have been twisting the knife in no time. But anyway we are going down this road so we'll have to stick with him. He does get the best out of the backs and aids the defence.

George Hook is also right. The triple crown is a losers trophy and means shite all. However we still have to win this match and cant afford to piss about with the team too much, starting trimble would be dabbling with defeat, he's an awful centre. The only change I would believe in making is starting Mushy to see if he can scrummage. We are now 12 months from a WC and we have an embarassment of a scrum. If Mushy is the way forward (which he isn't) then we need to bleed him quickly.

I of course always backed the 2 of them to be World Class . . .

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 06, 2014, 03:32:38 PM
Sure what would a Trillick man know about rugby....likely played for Clogher Valley 4ths.

I'm expecting Ireland to kick a lot on Saturday, moving the huge Saffa pack around the park. Payne/Henshaw were probably picked for defensive duties mainly as Pollard attacks the line constantly as was evident on his 2 tries against the All Blacks in the Rugby Championship. Still he's only 20 and can be got at.

Big opportunity for Zebo. I like Dave Kearney but we need pure finishers like Zebo fit and in form for next year!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 06, 2014, 03:36:23 PM
On the match itself it's hard to see an Ireland victory with a relatively makeshift front row and midfield. The rest of the team is pretty strong though but SA are the 2nd best team in the world so it's hard to see a result.

I'd be happy enough keeping it to 10 points and a decent performance but you never know.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 06, 2014, 03:38:23 PM
Agree. More about performance and combinations for me. This South African team have been in a training camp (no Currie Cup commitments) this past month to prepare for the Northern Hemisphere tour. So they are going hard for the RWC.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on November 06, 2014, 04:38:48 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 06, 2014, 03:21:19 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 06, 2014, 03:00:19 PM
PJ is brave but long gone are the days of a fly half at 5'10. You'll see the new breed in Handre Pollard on Saturday.

JS was being written off (compared to ROG) purely on his kicking game, however he is still the best attacking and defending 10 we've ever had!

Was just going back through the old thread there from around Sextons debut and the following 6 Nations. . . jesus there was some shite talked about him and Kearney.

trileacman the main culprit as well:

Quote from: trileacman on March 15, 2010, 10:29:52 PM
Alot of shite being posted on here. Firstly Kearny is not or nowhere near the Worlds best FB. Off hand I can think of Byrne and now poitranaud being better. That's not even considering Southern Hemisphere sides. Murphy's two displays have been superior to alot of Kearny's rugby in the past year and he should now be given the Full back shirt in my opinion.

Kearny has no attacking threat compared with any other world class full back and is only considered so highly because of his capable hands and strong boot which we all love coz it minds us of a GAA midfielder or FB.

Interesting to see the Sexton apolygists out in force. Had ROG produced these kicking displays the same men would have been twisting the knife in no time. But anyway we are going down this road so we'll have to stick with him. He does get the best out of the backs and aids the defence.

George Hook is also right. The triple crown is a losers trophy and means shite all. However we still have to win this match and cant afford to piss about with the team too much, starting trimble would be dabbling with defeat, he's an awful centre. The only change I would believe in making is starting Mushy to see if he can scrummage. We are now 12 months from a WC and we have an embarassment of a scrum. If Mushy is the way forward (which he isn't) then we need to bleed him quickly.

I of course always backed the 2 of them to be World Class . . .

it was and is usually Rory Best who gets it with both barrels from TM ;-)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Max Payne on November 06, 2014, 05:07:23 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 06, 2014, 02:41:38 PM
Team to face South Africa. Interesting midfield selection.

15. Rob Kearney (UCD/Leinster) 55
14. Tommy Bowe (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster) 54
13. Jared Payne (Ulster) *
12. Robbie Henshaw (Buccaneers/Connacht) 3
11. Simon Zebo (Cork Constitution/Munster) 8
10. Jonathan Sexton (Racing Metro 92) 45
9. Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster) 28
1. Jack McGrath (St. Mary's College/Leinster) 10
2. Sean Cronin (St. Mary's College/Leinster) 35
3. Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster) 41
4. Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster) 17
5. Paul O'Connell (Young Munster/Munster) 94 (capt)
6. Peter O'Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster) 23
7. Chris Henry (Malone/Ulster) 16
8. Jamie Heaslip (Naas/Leinster) 67

Replacements:

16. Richardt Strauss (Old Wesley/Leinster) 4
17. Dave Kilcoyne (UL Bohemians/Munster) 10
18. Rodney Ah You (Corinthians/Connacht) 1
19. Mike McCarthy (Lansdowne/Leinster) 15
20. Rhys Ruddock (St. Mary's College/Leinster) 3
21. Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster) 55
22. Ian Madigan (Blackrock College/Leinster) 10
23. Felix Jones (Shannon/Munster) 6

That midfield doesn't fill me with confidence. I think Henshaw could be the man for the 13 jersey. I have my doubts about Payne there. He's a smashing FB but don't know if he has the skill set for 13. Also our depth props wise is scary. And not in a good way. Ah You doesn't have the stamina for it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Myles Na G. on November 06, 2014, 08:23:26 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on November 06, 2014, 03:02:14 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 06, 2014, 02:57:45 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on November 06, 2014, 02:53:37 PM
Wouldnt be Devon Toners biggest fan (has come on rightly though), but I like the look of that team. The back line looks strong.
No harm to Paddy Jackson, but he isnt really international level

That old chestnut . . . the lad is only 22 so has plenty of time!!

It wasn't that long ago I remember Sexton being completely written off as 'not up to it' and now he's probably 2nd best fly half in the world!!

By the way Sexton made his Ireland debut at the age of 24!!!

maybe, and hopefully he does. imo he is holding Ulster back in Europe, along with Marshall. The sooner RP is back the better
Payne at 13 is holding Ulster back, imo.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: michaelg on November 06, 2014, 09:10:25 PM
What's anyone make of the 3 year residency rule?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 08, 2014, 04:58:01 PM
George Hook is an awful shitehawk.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tiempo on November 08, 2014, 05:04:57 PM
Quote from: michaelg on November 06, 2014, 09:10:25 PM
What's anyone make of the 3 year residency rule?

Utter toilet, I could go on but everyone knows why it is such.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on November 08, 2014, 05:25:17 PM
Ah ffs! No BBC. 80+ minutes of Ryle Nugent is cruel.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 08, 2014, 05:28:55 PM
Quote from: Hardy on November 08, 2014, 05:25:17 PM
Ah ffs! No BBC. 80+ minutes of Ryle Nugent is cruel.

RTE not too optimistic.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 08, 2014, 05:32:47 PM
Quote from: Hardy on November 08, 2014, 05:25:17 PM
Ah ffs! No BBC. 80+ minutes of Ryle Nugent is cruel.

Sky not much better f**king Mark Robson!!! 2 w**ks!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 08, 2014, 06:11:23 PM
Classic Joe Schmidt in the lineout with Jack McGrath coming round for the uncompeted maul... it's a bit backs to the wall but we're playing smart and frustrating the Springboks I just hope we can hang on with this type of performance for 80 minutes.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 08, 2014, 06:18:34 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 08, 2014, 06:11:23 PM
Classic Joe Schmidt in the lineout with Jack McGrath coming round for the uncompeted maul... it's a bit backs to the wall but we're playing smart and frustrating the Springboks I just hope we can hang on with this type of performance for 80 minutes.

Hard to believe we are ahead. I am not looking forward to the B front rows coming on.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 08, 2014, 06:31:17 PM
f**king GET IN!!!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 08, 2014, 06:42:55 PM
Jaysus can we hang on?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 08, 2014, 06:56:10 PM
A scrum to us is like a penalty to them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 08, 2014, 07:07:48 PM
We just beat the Springbooks. . . Phenomenal!!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 08, 2014, 07:16:33 PM
Great win. Did not see that coming.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on November 08, 2014, 07:18:45 PM
A famous victory well done to the Irish.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 08, 2014, 07:22:11 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 08, 2014, 07:07:48 PM
We just beat the Springbooks. . . Phenomenal!!!!
You beat nobody from the sofa  :D.
Can't imagine the bookies took much money on an Ireland win.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 08, 2014, 07:36:13 PM
A great win after the heartbreak of losing in the last minute to the allblacks last year.
Very impressive.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on November 08, 2014, 08:01:20 PM
Was suprised to hear so much consensus in the build up that Ireland hadn't got a prayer. South Africa aren't as bloody minded about winning all around them in friendly tours like this, unlike New Zealand.

Good start from the new centres. Whisper it, but perhaps a flyweight centre partnership of O'Driscoll and Darcy was becoming an anachronism in the current game. Henshaw and Payne were solid and well able to cope with the toughness of the South Africans.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 08, 2014, 08:17:44 PM
It's nice to read a report like this


http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/nov/08/ireland-south-africa-autumn-international-match-report

South Africa head for England and Twickenham next Saturday losers of the first game of their autumn tour and hardly looking like the side many fancy for the world cup in 11 months' time after being left utterly confused by Irish passion and the clinical boot of Jonny Sexton.

After the scrappiest of first halves, and an early Irish try 90 seconds into the second, the Springboks finally woke up after 56 minutes, their physical forwards taking control to drive flanker Marcell Coetzee over from a line out.

With the conversion that pulled the Irish lead back to three points, but until then it had been a trio of unlikely heroes who had taken the game by the scruff. Jared Payne and Robbie Henshaw, starting in the centre for the first time in the absence of Brian O'Driscoll (retired) and Gordon D'Arcy, still unfit after a calf injury, manufactured the pressure that South Africa's full-back Willie le Roux could not handle, then Rhys Ruddock, a last-minute replacement burst over.

However, the knockout blow came eight minutes from time when Tommy Bowe, back in the Test arena for the first time since last season's championship-winning Six Nations, was first to a clever box kick from the scrum-half Conor Murray.

Ireland could easily have looked what they were, a side who had not played together since June, whereas South Africa had beaten Australia, Wales, Argentina, Scotland and the team ranked No1 in the world, New Zealand, since then. That victory over the All Blacks was just over a month ago, but their coach, Heyneke Meyer, has pulled so many strings that his players have been in camp virtually non-stop since August while Joe Schmidt has had to do his best with 26 days. It should have showed.

Instead Ireland scrapped for everything. The hooker Sean Cronin was everywhere until the legs went, while the back row did what they do best at every breakdown. With Cian Healy and Rory Best missing up front and Chris Henry, the Ulster open-side, pulling out before kick-off with a virus, things could have been particularly difficult at the set piece, but the scrum just about survived under massive pressure and the normally peerless Springbok lineout was occasionally guilty of shooting itself in the foot.

This time last year the Irish scared the daylights out of the All Blacks, but even when Meyer turned to the insurance of a replacements' bench that boasted 316 caps between them, Ireland kept their noses ahead. Two second-half Sexton penalties extended the three-point lead and then Bowe delivered the knockout to a side already down to 14 men with the replacement prop Adriaan Strauss in the sin-bin.

Eleven months and eight games out from the next world cup it was not a convincing performance by a side so fancied by the bookies. Not even a try by the replacement wing JP Pietersen could add any gloss.

Not that the opening was without a few jangling nerves as Sexton first landed high balls on the wing Bryan Habana and then Le Roux. The fly-half also made sure Henshaw got into the game early, the Connacht man launched like a battering ram, before the boot was back in play, sliding the ball into the path of Bowe.

It was an adventurous ten minutes when Paul O'Connell was even confident enough in his own scrum to turn down a free-kick and it earned the first points of the night when Jannie du Plessis crumbled.

In the past South Africa might have responded with the juggernaut pack. Instead Dublin became the first ground in the northern hemisphere to see what the new boy Handré Pollard has added to the Springboks, the fly-half twice opening things up before Sexton was back centre stage with an old-fashioned foot rush to relieve the pressure that the South Africa backs had been building.

Robert Kearney also had his say, breaking through a thicket of Springbok shirts to set up the penalty – Jan Serfontein punished for not releasing – that Sexton landed from wide out to push the score to 6-0.

It was all very uplifting for the sell-out crowd, but after 25 minutes the Springbok pack got serious for the first time, winning a scrum penalty then driving the resultant lineout before a fumble let them down. A second scrum was also an Irish mess, but again the Boks let themselves down and the Aviva let out a cheer of relief.

Another followed when midfield passes started going astray and another when Victor Matfield won perfectly good lineout ball, only to see it lost under of sea of scrapping bodies. Would Irish luck and Springbok philanthropy last? Well, two minutes before half-time Pollard finally decided to accept a penalty shot, but the first 40 ended much as it started, with South Africa fumbling the final play.

In fact they were made to pay only 90 seconds after the restart, Le Roux failing to deal with Henshaw's kick and Payne's rush.

Ireland dominated the resulting line out, Devin Toner rising above everyone else and when the drive was put on, Rhys Ruddock, son of the former Wales coach Mike Ruddock, burst through. Sexton's conversion made it 13-3 and Springbok backs were to the wall.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 08, 2014, 08:22:51 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on November 08, 2014, 07:22:11 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 08, 2014, 07:07:48 PM
We just beat the Springbooks. . . Phenomenal!!!!
You beat nobody from the sofa  :D.
Can't imagine the bookies took much money on an Ireland win.

i backed them along with chelsea... Cha ching
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tiempo on November 08, 2014, 09:41:09 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on November 08, 2014, 08:01:20 PM
Was suprised to hear so much consensus in the build up that Ireland hadn't got a prayer. South Africa aren't as bloody minded about winning all around them in friendly tours like this, unlike New Zealand.

Good start from the new centres. Whisper it, but perhaps a flyweight centre partnership of O'Driscoll and Darcy was becoming an anachronism in the current game. Henshaw and Payne were solid and well able to cope with the toughness of the South Africans.

Agree with this, SA did things today that they wud never do in a WC and wudnt have done a month ago v NZ e.g. playing loose when well and truely in the game. Well done Ireland, lets not get ahead of ourselves, that said, we are a damn good team and can pose a genuine threat at WC 2015 imo
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 08, 2014, 09:46:25 PM
It was reassuring to see the team still performing in the post Brian O'Driscoll era.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 08, 2014, 10:12:00 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on November 08, 2014, 09:46:25 PM
It was reassuring to see the team still performing in the post Brian O'Driscoll era.

Cian Healy and Sean O'Brien would seriously improve things along with a fully fit Mike Ross.

What's the story with Donncha Ryan? I was always impressed with his Munster manicness but fair play to Toner, he is definitely international standard now.

I thought Henshaw did well and Payne is worth another look. Zebo was very quiet for some reason. So was Bowe really except for a few chases and of course the try. Kearney was back to his best.

But really what happens to us if Mike Ross is not right in a big game in the 6N or WC?

Sexton was a class apart today and along with Murray you can see the guts of what our WC team will be. Healsip did ok defensively but I hasn't seen him pushed around so much before. Are those SA back-rowers as big as they looked?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: BarryBreensBandage on November 08, 2014, 10:54:47 PM
With Ireland missing 16 players, does this mean that sport really is all about the manager/coach?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 09, 2014, 02:53:56 AM
Famous victory my arse, we were the Six Nations champions playing at home against a side we have perennially been competitive with (and beating, too) for the last decade or more. Injuries or not the underdogs stuff was severely over-egged. South Africa were amateurish at times - no discipline at the ruck and incredibly poor handling. If they had Welsh or Itallian jerseys on we'd have been making far less of the result.

We're at a point where we should be expecting to beat teams like South Africa when they're coming to our house. The standards we're aiming for are pretty damn high now. New Zealand are what we're chasing (SA's calling card was that they beat them a month ago - who won the damn title again?), not the also-rans in the southern hemisphere.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: turk on November 09, 2014, 08:23:07 AM
Dead right Syferus. This poor mouth stuff is nauseating
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Feckitt on November 09, 2014, 09:28:26 AM
Quote from: Syferus on November 09, 2014, 02:53:56 AM
Famous victory my arse, we were the Six Nations champions playing at home against a side we have perennially been competitive with (and beating, too) for the last decade or more. Injuries or not the underdogs stuff was severely over-egged. South Africa were amateurish at times - no discipline at the ruck and incredibly poor handling. If they had Welsh or Itallian jerseys on we'd have been making far less of the result.

We're at a point where we should be expecting to beat teams like South Africa when they're coming to our house. The standards we're aiming for are pretty damn high now. New Zealand are what we're chasing (SA's calling card was that they beat them a month ago - who won the damn title again?), not the also-rans in the southern hemisphere.

Correctamundo
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on November 09, 2014, 09:57:57 AM
Of course it was a famous victory!! Enjoy it
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on November 09, 2014, 11:11:45 AM
If I was to put the victory in the context of my own playing days, in terms of celebrations this is worthy of a skinful, but not worthy of a Monday off.

It's hardly a novel thing to beat SA.

Despite all the absentees, the core of Schmidt's team was in place and that was crucial. It was Kearney, Sexton, Murray, Heaslip and O Connell who brought control to the performance.

But this was the story for most of last season and will hopefully continue up the World Cup. While EOS and Kidney would have put the same XVs out every week regardless of form or fitness, the incessant injuries of the past 12 months have opened Schmidt's eyes up to a genuine strength in depth in almost every position.

During the resurgence of Irish rugby at the start of the last decade, I often felt that the 'irreplaceable' nature of average players like Foley, Maggs, Hayes and others was a media creation lived out by coaches. The media now seem to be fully onboard with the squad ideal these days.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 09, 2014, 01:26:36 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on November 09, 2014, 11:11:45 AM
If I was to put the victory in the context of my own playing days, in terms of celebrations this is worthy of a skinful, but not worthy of a Monday off.

It's hardly a novel thing to beat SA.

Despite all the absentees, the core of Schmidt's team was in place and that was crucial. It was Kearney, Sexton, Murray, Heaslip and O Connell who brought control to the performance.

But this was the story for most of last season and will hopefully continue up the World Cup. While EOS and Kidney would have put the same XVs out every week regardless of form or fitness, the incessant injuries of the past 12 months have opened Schmidt's eyes up to a genuine strength in depth in almost every position.

During the resurgence of Irish rugby at the start of the last decade, I often felt that the 'irreplaceable' nature of average players like Foley, Maggs, Hayes and others was a media creation lived out by coaches. The media now seem to be fully onboard with the squad ideal these days.

The front row demonstrates both sides of this argument. Jack McGrath made 17 tackles and won turnovers and penalties. Some performance for Cian Healy's understudy. But the other side had a half fit Mike Ross.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Max Payne on November 09, 2014, 11:07:25 PM
Someone asked me what do the November Tests actually count for. Apart from world rankings and building up momentum and form, I was stuck for an answer. While it was great beating a SH team surely the 6Nations is of more significance going in to the World Cup?

On the game itself thought Payne had a great game. I had doubted he would have the physicality for all the Boks traffic through the middle but he more than held his one. O'Mahoney is superb. His attitude and aggression stand him apart. He's like the lad that everyone wants on their team heading out to play your local rivals.

Beat Georgia next week and set up for Oz in the last test. Their fly half Begley (Meath Man?) looks the part.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 09, 2014, 11:14:18 PM
Quote from: Max Payne on November 09, 2014, 11:07:25 PM
Someone asked me what do the November Tests actually count for. Apart from world rankings and building up momentum and form, I was stuck for an answer. While it was great beating a SH team surely the 6Nations is of more significance going in to the World Cup?

On the game itself thought Payne had a great game. I had doubted he would have the physicality for all the Boks traffic through the middle but he more than held his one. O'Mahoney is superb. His attitude and aggression stand him apart. He's like the lad that everyone wants on their team heading out to play your local rivals.

Beat Georgia next week and set up for Oz in the last test. Their fly half Begley (Meath Man?) looks the part.

I don't know why but the November Internationals are taken very seriously by all teams and are far from what you'd get in a soccer friendly. They just don't do friendlies in Rugby for some reason which is great as you can be sure both teams are going hell for leather.

Fair play!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on November 09, 2014, 11:21:51 PM
Don't know if anybody seen Hook/Pope/O'Shea. But O'Shea showed up Hook with his tactical awareness and knowledge. Hook just looked a bluffer.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Max Payne on November 09, 2014, 11:26:13 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 09, 2014, 11:14:18 PM
Quote from: Max Payne on November 09, 2014, 11:07:25 PM
Someone asked me what do the November Tests actually count for. Apart from world rankings and building up momentum and form, I was stuck for an answer. While it was great beating a SH team surely the 6Nations is of more significance going in to the World Cup?

On the game itself thought Payne had a great game. I had doubted he would have the physicality for all the Boks traffic through the middle but he more than held his one. O'Mahoney is superb. His attitude and aggression stand him apart. He's like the lad that everyone wants on their team heading out to play your local rivals.

Beat Georgia next week and set up for Oz in the last test. Their fly half Begley (Meath Man?) looks the part.

I don't know why but the November Internationals are taken very seriously by all teams and are far from what you'd get in a soccer friendly. They just don't do friendlies in Rugby for some reason which is great as you can be sure both teams are going hell for leather.

Fair play!

I wonder do SANZAR take it as seriously as the European teams. Half to say I love the November tests. Something about the Aviva on a cold Dublin day with only the burgers and pints to warm ye up!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 09, 2014, 11:52:27 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 09, 2014, 11:21:51 PM
Don't know if anybody seen Hook/Pope/O'Shea. But O'Shea showed up Hook with his tactical awareness and knowledge. Hook just looked a bluffer.

At this stage he's only there for a few soundbites and because he's one of the old guard. In fairness the 3 soccer dinosaurs are a fair bit behind where they should be tactically as well.

O'Shea knows his onions and is a future Ireland coach for sure!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 09, 2014, 11:57:40 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 09, 2014, 11:52:27 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 09, 2014, 11:21:51 PM
Don't know if anybody seen Hook/Pope/O'Shea. But O'Shea showed up Hook with his tactical awareness and knowledge. Hook just looked a bluffer.

At this stage he's only there for a few soundbites and because he's one of the old guard. In fairness the 3 soccer dinosaurs are a fair bit behind where they should be tactically as well.

O'Shea knows his onions and is a future Ireland coach for sure!!
Hook talks absolute shite and it is embarassing to listen to. I don't know if the jostling with Brent Pope is manufactured but it makes him look like a doddery auld cnut. O'Shea is coaching the spine of the England team so he should be better placed than Hook to pass comment.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: moysider on November 10, 2014, 12:08:40 AM
Quote from: screenexile on November 09, 2014, 11:52:27 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 09, 2014, 11:21:51 PM
Don't know if anybody seen Hook/Pope/O'Shea. But O'Shea showed up Hook with his tactical awareness and knowledge. Hook just looked a bluffer.

At this stage he's only there for a few soundbites and because he's one of the old guard. In fairness the 3 soccer dinosaurs are a fair bit behind where they should be tactically as well.

O'Shea knows his onions and is a future Ireland coach for sure!!

Manager maybe. Coach, hopefully not.

As a player O Shea was talked up a better player than he ever delivered. He s no less a bluffer than Hook. Only younger.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on November 10, 2014, 09:21:46 AM
Quote from: moysider on November 10, 2014, 12:08:40 AM
Quote from: screenexile on November 09, 2014, 11:52:27 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 09, 2014, 11:21:51 PM
Don't know if anybody seen Hook/Pope/O'Shea. But O'Shea showed up Hook with his tactical awareness and knowledge. Hook just looked a bluffer.

At this stage he's only there for a few soundbites and because he's one of the old guard. In fairness the 3 soccer dinosaurs are a fair bit behind where they should be tactically as well.

O'Shea knows his onions and is a future Ireland coach for sure!!

Manager maybe. Coach, hopefully not.

As a player O Shea was talked up a better player than he ever delivered. He s no less a bluffer than Hook. Only younger.

He was a limited enough player but with no one better standing in the wings he was well worth his place.
What that's got to do with his coaching credentials which a good few English teams and the association seem to rate highly I don't know!

As a matter of interest, Ireland go to on tour in the early part of the summer and normally get tanked in the SH, end of season stuff, is it not the same now for SA, NZ and the Auzzies?

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 10, 2014, 09:25:45 AM
Perhaps someone can clarify but what exactly is Conor O'Shea's role at Quins. I know he is Director of Rugby but is he not in overall charge of what happens on the field? Who is responsible for the upturn in performances at Quins then? Some super coach?? What about McCall at Saracens. Is this the same that he has no say over on-field matters? I know David Humphreys was DoR at Ulster but his role appeared to cover more player recruitment/management positions.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 10, 2014, 09:31:17 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on November 09, 2014, 11:57:40 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 09, 2014, 11:52:27 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 09, 2014, 11:21:51 PM
Don't know if anybody seen Hook/Pope/O'Shea. But O'Shea showed up Hook with his tactical awareness and knowledge. Hook just looked a bluffer.

At this stage he's only there for a few soundbites and because he's one of the old guard. In fairness the 3 soccer dinosaurs are a fair bit behind where they should be tactically as well.

O'Shea knows his onions and is a future Ireland coach for sure!!
Hook talks absolute shite and it is embarassing to listen to. I don't know if the jostling with Brent Pope is manufactured but it makes him look like a doddery auld cnut. O'Shea is coaching the spine of the England team so he should be better placed than Hook to pass comment.
TV sports analysis is part sport , part light entertainment .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Aerlik on November 10, 2014, 12:30:42 PM
The Kiwis scaped past the English, yet we didn't even warrant a mention on Aus TV.  Those colonial apron strings are a noose at times.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 10, 2014, 02:39:55 PM
Quote from: Aerlik on November 10, 2014, 12:30:42 PM
The Kiwis scaped past the English, yet we didn't even warrant a mention on Aus TV.  Those colonial apron strings are a noose at times.

Nah I watched it they beat them comfortably in the end up only for the English to get a try at the end to take the gloss off it.

England have a major issue at HB that will keep on continuing as long as Farrell is there. He kicks his goals and defends well but other than that extremely limited. They also have an issue at centre as well with very little creativity and no real idea who they want to play there when they have all their players available. The fact Stefon Armitage isn't playing is also a huge boost for everyone else!!

Having said that England are well organised, big, athletic but when it comes to the crunch I think our players are smarter and we have a vastly superior coach. Should we play them in the WC I'd be quietly confident.

As for the O'Shea bluffer story well I don't know! He took over one of the major English clubs while they were in turmoil and brought back some stability and has won and is consistently challenging for major honours every year. What more does he have to do in some peoples eyes? The way he talks about the game compared to Popey and Hook should tell you he knows what he's talking about!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on November 10, 2014, 10:27:46 PM
Well done to the rugby shower. I thought SA had the game all but wrapped up at half time, they were just a few handling errors away from taking total control of the game. The irish penalty conversion rate was top class, such a difference it makes to have a couple of out halves who can pop them over from all angles, with a 100% success.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 12, 2014, 10:04:29 AM
Anyone hazard a guess as to the starting XV for Sunday? Is it worth resting one of Payne/Henshaw or better to build the partnership? D'Arcy should be back in contention. Redden and Madigan at 9/10 you'd think.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 13, 2014, 09:47:34 PM
http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/nov/12/johnny-sexton-ireland-irb-player-of-year

Ireland's fly-half Johnny Sexton has been nominated for the 2014 International Rugby Board world player of the year award.

Sexton, who played an instrumental role when Ireland beat South Africa last weekend, is among five nominations announced by the IRB.

The 29-year-old has been joined on the shortlist by South Africa's full-back Willie le Roux and No8 Duane Vermeulen, and New Zealand's wing Julian Savea and lock Brodie Retallick.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Max Payne on November 13, 2014, 11:06:31 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 12, 2014, 10:04:29 AM
Anyone hazard a guess as to the starting XV for Sunday? Is it worth resting one of Payne/Henshaw or better to build the partnership? D'Arcy should be back in contention. Redden and Madigan at 9/10 you'd think.

http://www.thescore.ie/ireland-dave-foley-georgia-schmidt-1779185-Nov2014/

It seems that Darren Cave, Craig Gilroy and Dave Foley will get game time if this is to be believed.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on November 14, 2014, 09:54:51 AM
 
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 12, 2014, 10:04:29 AM
Anyone hazard a guess as to the starting XV for Sunday? Is it worth resting one of Payne/Henshaw or better to build the partnership? D'Arcy should be back in contention. Redden and Madigan at 9/10 you'd think.


15 Jones
14 Gilroy
13 Cave
12 Darcy
11 Zebo
10 Madigan
  9  Reddan

  1  Kilcoyne
  2  Strauss
  3  Ross
  4  McCarthy
  5  Foley
  6  Diack
  7  O'Donnell
  8  Heaslip (Capt.)

I would expect Ah You , Marmion , James Croinin (if fit), Dominic Ryan and maybe Keatley to see game time off the bench with Ah You getting at least a half an hour.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on November 15, 2014, 04:47:10 PM
After the SA result against England today, do last weeks naysayers and down-players have a different perspective on Ireland's result and performance against the Springboks?


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 15, 2014, 05:00:43 PM
Quote from: Estimator on November 15, 2014, 04:47:10 PM
After the SA result against England today, do last weeks naysayers and down-players have a different perspective on Ireland's result and performance against the Springboks?

All it means is that England are a mess at out-half.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 15, 2014, 05:24:50 PM

Are we better than England? I thought Ireland was always better than England lately but we have an inferiority complex against the English (years of Colonialism), and to be fair South Africa improved from last week. Can only really (at this level) judge yourself against the teams you are playing
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 15, 2014, 05:26:23 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 15, 2014, 05:00:43 PM
Quote from: Estimator on November 15, 2014, 04:47:10 PM
After the SA result against England today, do last weeks naysayers and down-players have a different perspective on Ireland's result and performance against the Springboks?

All it means is that England are a mess at out-half.
5 losses in a  row for the Tans.
Great prep for the 6 nations
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 15, 2014, 05:37:35 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 15, 2014, 05:00:43 PM
Quote from: Estimator on November 15, 2014, 04:47:10 PM
After the SA result against England today, do last weeks naysayers and down-players have a different perspective on Ireland's result and performance against the Springboks?

All it means is that England are a mess at out-half.
Farrell at 10 today?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 15, 2014, 08:15:13 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on November 15, 2014, 05:37:35 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 15, 2014, 05:00:43 PM
Quote from: Estimator on November 15, 2014, 04:47:10 PM
After the SA result against England today, do last weeks naysayers and down-players have a different perspective on Ireland's result and performance against the Springboks?

All it means is that England are a mess at out-half.
Farrell at 10 today?

Until he was yanked in the second half.

Bankrupt imagination as seems to be standard for England at the halves for as long as I've watched them. The reason we've beat them so regularly lately is because it's so easy to seem them coming a mile off. I'd be disappointed if we lose at home to them next year.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on November 16, 2014, 04:51:38 PM
It's nicely set up for famous Irish victory against Australia next week.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: moysider on November 16, 2014, 04:58:15 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 15, 2014, 08:15:13 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on November 15, 2014, 05:37:35 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 15, 2014, 05:00:43 PM
Quote from: Estimator on November 15, 2014, 04:47:10 PM
After the SA result against England today, do last weeks naysayers and down-players have a different perspective on Ireland's result and performance against the Springboks?

All it means is that England are a mess at out-half.
Farrell at 10 today?

Until he was yanked in the second half.

Bankrupt imagination as seems to be standard for England at the halves for as long as I've watched them. The reason we've beat them so regularly lately is because it's so easy to seem them coming a mile off. I'd be disappointed if we lose at home to them next year.

We haven t beat them under Lancaster though. England have won last 3 or 4.
I agree we should be beating them because I think we are better in most positions. But need to get the gameplan right and avoid an arm wrestle.

Farrell is a problem but not the only problem.

I also think the respect that Lancaster earned is now beginning to erode. He took a bit of a grilling in interview after yesterday and his response was pretty lame. Scoreline flattered England yesterday yet they were kicking themselves that they should have won after. England's record under SL against the big 4 of Wales, NZ, SA and Aus is played 16 and lost 13.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Max Payne on November 16, 2014, 11:51:32 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on November 16, 2014, 04:51:38 PM
It's nicely set up for famous Irish victory against Australia next week.

I fear a wee bit for Ireland against the Aussies. I think Cheika will be desperate not to go home with a 1/3 record in the November series.

That being said they are tired at the end of a long season. So basically I'm sitting on the fence.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: moysider on November 17, 2014, 12:50:12 AM
Quote from: Max Payne on November 16, 2014, 11:51:32 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on November 16, 2014, 04:51:38 PM
It's nicely set up for famous Irish victory against Australia next week.

I fear a wee bit for Ireland against the Aussies. I think Cheika will be desperate not to go home with a 1/3 record in the November series.

That being said they are tired at the end of a long season. So basically I'm sitting on the fence.

Cheika is good but confident of an Ireland win. All the tourists look a bit shagged and remember Aus. still have another test against England a week later. I thought Aus. got a bit of a beating-up  from the French last night and our first XV had a bit of a rest this week. I was encouraged by the performance against Georgia today as well. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on November 17, 2014, 09:15:34 AM
Quote from: moysider on November 16, 2014, 04:58:15 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 15, 2014, 08:15:13 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on November 15, 2014, 05:37:35 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 15, 2014, 05:00:43 PM
Quote from: Estimator on November 15, 2014, 04:47:10 PM
After the SA result against England today, do last weeks naysayers and down-players have a different perspective on Ireland's result and performance against the Springboks?

All it means is that England are a mess at out-half.
Farrell at 10 today?

Until he was yanked in the second half.

Bankrupt imagination as seems to be standard for England at the halves for as long as I've watched them. The reason we've beat them so regularly lately is because it's so easy to seem them coming a mile off. I'd be disappointed if we lose at home to them next year.

We haven t beat them under Lancaster though. England have won last 3 or 4.
I agree we should be beating them because I think we are better in most positions. But need to get the gameplan right and avoid an arm wrestle.

Farrell is a problem but not the only problem.

I also think the respect that Lancaster earned is now beginning to erode. He took a bit of a grilling in interview after yesterday and his response was pretty lame. Scoreline flattered England yesterday yet they were kicking themselves that they should have won after. England's record under SL against the big 4 of Wales, NZ, SA and Aus is played 16 and lost 13.

The English pack will always give them a chance, even if they lack imagination beyond that.
On Saturday they pushed the SA pack backwards several times, and this was a SA pack which gave Ireland a serious working.
I just think with Lancaster and Farrell senior they're very much a crash, bang, wallop outfit and use the big men to gradually grind you down, the wingers and fullbacks don't see a ball for almost 60 minutes until they've decided the opposition is out on its feet. On Saturday, the SA lads were well able for the big runners but had the bit more wit at 9 and 10 plus.

As someone already said, Ireland would need a dry day, no handling errors and avoid a war of attrition to beat England.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 17, 2014, 03:12:54 PM
Holy shit!!!

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B2pwDNsIQAAHoRI.jpg)

Hope he's OK and can get this sorted without too many problems. . .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: oakleaflad on November 17, 2014, 04:03:33 PM
Did Ah You get much game time and if so how did he get on? I would be seriously concerned for Ireland if anything were to happen Mike Ross. You could make a valid point for him being Ireland's most important player at the moment.

Henry seems to have recovered quickly but you can never be too careful with those kind of things. Hopefully the route of the issue is discovered and he can get back to playing as soon as possible.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 17, 2014, 04:07:34 PM
Quote from: oakleaflad on November 17, 2014, 04:03:33 PM
Did Ah You get much game time and if so how did he get on? I would be seriously concerned for Ireland if anything were to happen Mike Ross. You could make a valid point for him being Ireland's most important player at the moment.

Henry seems to have recovered quickly but you can never be too careful with those kind of things. Hopefully the route of the issue is discovered and he can get back to playing as soon as possible.

Ah You came on relatively early in the 2nd half and showed well ball in hand but hard to judge how he performed in the scrum with the Georgians down a man for so long.

Unfortunately the scrum looks to be our achilles heel as every other part of our game is in decent shape (I would fancy O'Connell and Toner to get the lineout functioning better again against the Aus). I'm not sure in the case of scrums you can really do much to improve it!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 17, 2014, 05:16:59 PM
A major problem with our scrum is a lack of power from the 2nd rows. O'Connell is rightly lauded for his intensity and workrate and Toner has greatly improved but if you look at their size compared to English, NZ, French, SA and even Aus locks they are very light. It was interesting when Donal Lenihan and Alan Quinlan picked their potential starting 8 for the RWC Lenihan was keen for Ian Henderson get the nod. The lad has serious power and is a great ball carrier! Would be harsh on Toner but if it avoids a mincing in the scrums then it might be worth it. Another worry is how Mike Ross will be physically in 10-12 months. He has virtually started the last 40 odd tests. Need Marty Moore to come on further.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: whitegoodman on November 17, 2014, 05:23:32 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 17, 2014, 05:16:59 PM
A major problem with our scrum is a lack of power from the 2nd rows. O'Connell is rightly lauded for his intensity and workrate and Toner has greatly improved but if you look at their size compared to English, NZ, French, SA and even Aus locks they are very light. It was interesting when Donal Lenihan and Alan Quinlan picked their potential starting 8 for the RWC Lenihan was keen for Ian Henderson get the nod. The lad has serious power and is a great ball carrier! Would be harsh on Toner but if it avoids a mincing in the scrums then it might be worth it. Another worry is how Mike Ross will be physically in 10-12 months. He has virtually started the last 40 odd tests. Need Marty Moore to come on further.

Walter where did you see Quinlan and Lenihan pick their world cup teams, was it on the tv or newspaper?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 17, 2014, 05:29:13 PM
Quote from: whitegoodman on November 17, 2014, 05:23:32 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 17, 2014, 05:16:59 PM
A major problem with our scrum is a lack of power from the 2nd rows. O'Connell is rightly lauded for his intensity and workrate and Toner has greatly improved but if you look at their size compared to English, NZ, French, SA and even Aus locks they are very light. It was interesting when Donal Lenihan and Alan Quinlan picked their potential starting 8 for the RWC Lenihan was keen for Ian Henderson get the nod. The lad has serious power and is a great ball carrier! Would be harsh on Toner but if it avoids a mincing in the scrums then it might be worth it. Another worry is how Mike Ross will be physically in 10-12 months. He has virtually started the last 40 odd tests. Need Marty Moore to come on further.

Walter where did you see Quinlan and Lenihan pick their world cup teams, was it on the tv or newspaper?

I think it was against the head last Monday. If you look through RTE rugby on facebook the clip should be there.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Max Payne on November 17, 2014, 05:29:38 PM
Quote from: moysider on November 17, 2014, 12:50:12 AM
Quote from: Max Payne on November 16, 2014, 11:51:32 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on November 16, 2014, 04:51:38 PM
It's nicely set up for famous Irish victory against Australia next week.

I fear a wee bit for Ireland against the Aussies. I think Cheika will be desperate not to go home with a 1/3 record in the November series.

That being said they are tired at the end of a long season. So basically I'm sitting on the fence.

Anyone what time the match is at on Saturday?

Cheika is good but confident of an Ireland win. All the tourists look a bit shagged and remember Aus. still have another test against England a week later. I thought Aus. got a bit of a beating-up  from the French last night and our first XV had a bit of a rest this week. I was encouraged by the performance against Georgia today as well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 5 Sams on November 18, 2014, 10:36:17 AM
Stole this off the Kerry GAA Forum....didn't know exactly where to put it...I suppose this is as good a place as any...

(http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee101/MICKMACK_bucket/mickgalwey_zpse1892916.jpg)

Thought it was quite good..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on November 18, 2014, 02:38:40 PM
Can we not muster up an Ah You joke between us? Has gratuitous silliness disappeared altogether?

I'll put up a prize for the best Ah You joke, story, poem, riddle, cartoon or maybe a good Keats and Chapman. First prize - Ryle Nugent's album "A Noise That Annoys, Volume I. Do Not Set Volume Any Higher".
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on November 18, 2014, 02:41:04 PM
Quote from: 5 Sams on November 18, 2014, 10:36:17 AM
Thought it was quite good..

Rhyming 'and' with 'Ireland'? Ugh.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 5 Sams on November 18, 2014, 03:08:26 PM
Quote from: deiseach on November 18, 2014, 02:41:04 PM
Quote from: 5 Sams on November 18, 2014, 10:36:17 AM
Thought it was quite good..

Rhyming 'and' with 'Ireland'? Ugh.

It was the last two lines that struck me....how true!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 18, 2014, 03:55:45 PM
Quote from: Hardy on November 18, 2014, 02:38:40 PM
Can we not muster up an Ah You joke between us? Has gratuitous silliness disappeared altogether?

I'll put up a prize for the best Ah You joke, story, poem, riddle, cartoon or maybe a good Keats and Chapman. First prize - Ryle Nugent's album "A Noise That Annoys, Volume I. Do Not Set Volume Any Higher".

As Ireland prepares to tackle the Roos,
We daren't think we could possibly lose,
If we sort out the scrum,
Plenty of tries will come,
Then we'll give Joe Schmidt his fair dues.

But this is much easier said than done,
For backups to Ross there simply are none,
When Joe said: 'Archer Best Ah You',
The squad said: 'We haven't a clue',
And Joe was back again to square one.

'Lads this is tough' said Joe with a sigh,
'But at 60 minutes on the field I will try:
Dave Kilcoyne Strauss Ah You',
Said Dave, 'Jays I'm not even U2',
Then poor Joe looked as if he would cry.

In his final attempt at picking his team,
Joe was without any hope it would seem,
He said: 'Right! Ah You Cronin McGrath!'
Said Jack: 'Not according to me Ma',
Then Joe's tears quickly started to stream.









Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on November 18, 2014, 04:09:34 PM
A good start, muppet.

Concept: Good
Presentation: Good
Execution: Rhyming good. Scansion needs improvement (and so qualifies for an Irish Water bonus).

Clubhouse leader.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on November 18, 2014, 04:12:11 PM
Quote from: Hardy on November 18, 2014, 02:38:40 PM
Can we not muster up an Ah You joke between us? Has gratuitous silliness disappeared altogether?

I'll put up a prize for the best Ah You joke, story, poem, riddle, cartoon or maybe a good Keats and Chapman. First prize - Ryle Nugent's album "A Noise That Annoys, Volume I. Do Not Set Volume Any Higher".

Second prize - Volume I & II
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 18, 2014, 04:56:50 PM
Quote from: Hardy on November 18, 2014, 04:09:34 PM
A good start, muppet.

Concept: Good
Presentation: Good
Execution: Rhyming good. Scansion needs improvement (and so qualifies for an Irish Water bonus).

Clubhouse leader.

I had to google 'scansion'. Apparently it refers to the hard yards (metres nowadays).
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on November 20, 2014, 09:26:20 AM
Ah well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 20, 2014, 09:30:56 AM
So Genia and Cooper arent starting on Saturday. Dunno whether thats a good or bad thing. Foley is very safe and an excellent kicker. I'm more fearful of this game than the South Africa one but at the same time always have faith in a Joe Schmidt team.

Australia team to face Ireland:
Israel Folau; Adam Ashley-Cooper, Tevita Kuridrani, Matt Toomua, Henry Speight; Bernard Foley, Nick Phipps; James Slipper, Saia Fainga'a, Sekope Kepu; Sam Carter, Rob Simmons; Luke Jones, Michael Hooper, Ben McCalman.

Replacements (three to be omitted):
James Hanson, Tetera Faulkner, Benn Robinson, Ben Alexander, James Horwill, Will Skelton, Jake Schatz, Will Genia, Quade Cooper, Rob Horne, Kurtley Beale.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on November 20, 2014, 10:52:05 AM
Ireland team to face Australia:

Ah You, Look Here, F**k Me.
Well Well, Up Yours.
Piss Off, Half Nine, Stay Tuned.
Ah Here, Stand Back.
Oh Jayses, Not Now.
What Next? Who's He? Beats Me.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 20, 2014, 11:29:23 AM
Ah You's on first.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 20, 2014, 02:46:54 PM
Strange to see Zebo there. I thought he was quite average against the Springboks and again last week against the Georgians he didn't really stand out. Jones should feel a bit unlucky he's not starting along with Gilroy who showed up for a lot of work last week as well I would have thought he should be in the matchday squad.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 22, 2014, 04:48:20 PM
Some game!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 22, 2014, 04:56:46 PM
Terrible call!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: moysider on November 22, 2014, 05:08:40 PM
We re getting a bit of a killing here. Australia deadly with ball in hand. Ireland might need to keep it tighter in second half.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 22, 2014, 05:18:24 PM
The fact we went in front si far so quickly meant we took too many risks and played right into Aussie hands. I'd expect Schmidt to settle them for 2nd half... Cracking stuff though!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 22, 2014, 05:27:03 PM
Some of the tackling from Ireland is terrible. Making the Aussie's look like they are lathered in soap.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: moysider on November 22, 2014, 05:41:21 PM

I think our kicking and chasing game is just giving them opportunity to counter attack with ball in hand.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on November 22, 2014, 06:14:58 PM
One of the best ever days for Irish rugby, well done to all.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 22, 2014, 06:18:14 PM
Now that is a performance to hang your hat on. Austrailia were far, far better than SA were and threw everything at us and we still won it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 22, 2014, 06:18:47 PM
Great win. Super momentum.
Hanging on in the last minute with the defence compared to last year. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 22, 2014, 06:19:09 PM
Just a super effort... Kept it much tighter second half which negated the Aussies. Let them play and they'll destroy you!!

Well done to all a superb Autumns work!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: SHEEDY on November 22, 2014, 06:25:55 PM
Great match. Unbelieveable heart and desire from ireland at the death.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 22, 2014, 06:27:46 PM
Superb defence from Ireland. Beating Australia whilst far from our best shows how far we have come. Plenty of work ahead but plenty of positives.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on November 22, 2014, 06:29:30 PM
Be nice to see the outhalf throw a pass to his backs an odd time. Great win but its pure mule to watch
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 22, 2014, 06:48:35 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 22, 2014, 06:29:30 PM
Be nice to see the outhalf throw a pass to his backs an odd time. Great win but its pure mule to watch

Not even close.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sidney on November 22, 2014, 07:24:45 PM
The RTE rhooogby team really outdid themselves with the bluster and bullshit this evening. "What an execution of a drop goal from Ireland's full back." The Kearnivore actually missed, Ryle.

"Execution" was Ryle's buzzword of the evening. You'd nearly have thought there was more "execution" going on in this match than in Iraq and Syria combined. But we've heard water charges protesters compared to ISIS this week, so perhaps Ryle's comments captured the zeitgeist of the times.

"They spend a lot of time training with each other", said Donal Lenihan about the Qantas Wallabies. Interesting innovation in terms of preparation, that, and I don't know why other teams don't think doing it.

Lenihan then stated that he thought that he thought Jonny Sexton would never get up again after a tackle in the Team Volvo NSW Waratahs - British Loins match last year. I think he may have been exaggerating, although you never can tell.

But Ryle definitely exaggerated a few seconds later when he called the Aussie chap who made that tackle and who had just come on as a sub, "a wrecking ball" and "an entire front five". The chap who made that tackle is not a wrecking ball or an an entire "front five". If he was, the Aussies would have picked four more backs and dropped the rest of their front row and second row.

Shane "Shaggy" Horgan went all matrimonial after the match when he said "Australia need to marry the way they play the game, and so do Ireland. We saw a very good marriage from Ireland in the second half."

George Hook then summed up the warrior-like nature of these, well, warriors, as only he can when he roaaaared: "What makes rugby the greatest game played on earth, is that unlike Gaelic football or soccer or hockey or American football, at the end of it it relies on the courage, character and commitment of MENNNN." The Irish women's team will be seething.

The Guinness ad at half-time also laid on generous portions of bluster . Two things that were wrong about that ad immediately spring to mind:
i) The historical inaccuracy of the implication that a (second string) New Zealand player was killed by a tackle from a Munster player in 1978. That player is in fact still alive.
ii) The glorification of the idea of killing somebody with a rugby tackle - if that's the culture that pervades this deviant pursuit, it's no wonder conscientious parents are steering their children away from it in their droves.

Nevertheless I'm gutted for my beloved Qantas Wallabies, Coach Cheika, and Tallaght native, Qantas CEO Alan Joyce, that the boys have lost this prestigious Autumn international (played in winter).
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on November 22, 2014, 07:30:28 PM
Quote from: Sidney on November 22, 2014, 07:24:45 PM
The RTE rhooogby team really outdid themselves with the bluster and bullshit this evening. "What an execution of a drop goal from Ireland's full back." The Kearnivore actually missed, Ryle.

"Execution" was Ryle's buzzword of the evening. You'd nearly have thought there was more "execution" going on in this match than in Iraq and Syria combined. But we've heard water charges protesters compared to ISIS this week, so perhaps Ryle's comments captured the zeitgeist of the times.

"They spend a lot of time training with each other", said Donal Lenihan about the Qantas Wallabies. Interesting innovation in terms of preparation, that, and I don't know why other teams don't think doing it.

Lenihan then stated that he thought that he thought Jonny Sexton would never get up again after a tackle in the Team Volvo NSW Waratahs - British Loins match last year. I think he may have been exaggerating, although you never can tell.

But Ryle definitely exaggerated a few seconds later when he called the Aussie chap who made that tackle and who had just come on as a sub, "a wrecking ball" and "an entire front five". The chap who made that tackle is not a wrecking ball or an an entire "front five". If he was, the Aussies would have picked four more backs and dropped the rest of their front row and second row.

Shane "Shaggy" Horgan went all matrimonial after the match when he said "Australia need to marry the way they play the game, and so do Ireland. We saw a very good marriage from Ireland in the second half."

George Hook then summed up the warrior-like nature of these, well, warriors, as only he can when he roaaaared: "What makes rugby the greatest game played on earth, is that unlike Gaelic football or soccer or hockey or American football, at the end of it it relies on the courage, character and commitment of MENNNN." The Irish women's team will be seething.

The Guinness ad at half-time also laid on generous portions of bluster . Two things that were wrong about that ad immediately spring to mind:
i) The historical inaccuracy of the implication that a (second string) New Zealand player was killed by a tackle from a Munster player in 1978. That player is in fact still alive.
ii) The glorification of the idea of killing somebody with a rugby tackle - if that's the culture that pervades this deviant pursuit, it's no wonder conscientious parents are steering their children away from it in their droves.

Nevertheless I'm gutted for my beloved Qantas Wallabies, Coach Cheika, and Tallaght native, Qantas CEO Alan Joyce, that the boys have lost this prestigious Autumn international (played in winter).

In GAA land these games are challenge matches. Thats their value
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 22, 2014, 07:36:17 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 22, 2014, 07:30:28 PM
Quote from: Sidney on November 22, 2014, 07:24:45 PM
The RTE rhooogby team really outdid themselves with the bluster and bullshit this evening. "What an execution of a drop goal from Ireland's full back." The Kearnivore actually missed, Ryle.

"Execution" was Ryle's buzzword of the evening. You'd nearly have thought there was more "execution" going on in this match than in Iraq and Syria combined. But we've heard water charges protesters compared to ISIS this week, so perhaps Ryle's comments captured the zeitgeist of the times.

"They spend a lot of time training with each other", said Donal Lenihan about the Qantas Wallabies. Interesting innovation in terms of preparation, that, and I don't know why other teams don't think doing it.

Lenihan then stated that he thought that he thought Jonny Sexton would never get up again after a tackle in the Team Volvo NSW Waratahs - British Loins match last year. I think he may have been exaggerating, although you never can tell.

But Ryle definitely exaggerated a few seconds later when he called the Aussie chap who made that tackle and who had just come on as a sub, "a wrecking ball" and "an entire front five". The chap who made that tackle is not a wrecking ball or an an entire "front five". If he was, the Aussies would have picked four more backs and dropped the rest of their front row and second row.

Shane "Shaggy" Horgan went all matrimonial after the match when he said "Australia need to marry the way they play the game, and so do Ireland. We saw a very good marriage from Ireland in the second half."

George Hook then summed up the warrior-like nature of these, well, warriors, as only he can when he roaaaared: "What makes rugby the greatest game played on earth, is that unlike Gaelic football or soccer or hockey or American football, at the end of it it relies on the courage, character and commitment of MENNNN." The Irish women's team will be seething.

The Guinness ad at half-time also laid on generous portions of bluster . Two things that were wrong about that ad immediately spring to mind:
i) The historical inaccuracy of the implication that a (second string) New Zealand player was killed by a tackle from a Munster player in 1978. That player is in fact still alive.
ii) The glorification of the idea of killing somebody with a rugby tackle - if that's the culture that pervades this deviant pursuit, it's no wonder conscientious parents are steering their children away from it in their droves.

Nevertheless I'm gutted for my beloved Qantas Wallabies, Coach Cheika, and Tallaght native, Qantas CEO Alan Joyce, that the boys have lost this prestigious Autumn international (played in winter).

In GAA land these games are challenge matches. Thats their value

In a fair number of years we only play 7 meaningful international matches a calendar year. Even when we play SA/AUS/NZ in summer tours the total is rarely greater than 10. To compare a test match between two top four teams to the challenge match is ridiculous.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on November 22, 2014, 07:39:23 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 22, 2014, 07:36:17 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 22, 2014, 07:30:28 PM
Quote from: Sidney on November 22, 2014, 07:24:45 PM
The RTE rhooogby team really outdid themselves with the bluster and bullshit this evening. "What an execution of a drop goal from Ireland's full back." The Kearnivore actually missed, Ryle.

"Execution" was Ryle's buzzword of the evening. You'd nearly have thought there was more "execution" going on in this match than in Iraq and Syria combined. But we've heard water charges protesters compared to ISIS this week, so perhaps Ryle's comments captured the zeitgeist of the times.

"They spend a lot of time training with each other", said Donal Lenihan about the Qantas Wallabies. Interesting innovation in terms of preparation, that, and I don't know why other teams don't think doing it.

Lenihan then stated that he thought that he thought Jonny Sexton would never get up again after a tackle in the Team Volvo NSW Waratahs - British Loins match last year. I think he may have been exaggerating, although you never can tell.

But Ryle definitely exaggerated a few seconds later when he called the Aussie chap who made that tackle and who had just come on as a sub, "a wrecking ball" and "an entire front five". The chap who made that tackle is not a wrecking ball or an an entire "front five". If he was, the Aussies would have picked four more backs and dropped the rest of their front row and second row.

Shane "Shaggy" Horgan went all matrimonial after the match when he said "Australia need to marry the way they play the game, and so do Ireland. We saw a very good marriage from Ireland in the second half."

George Hook then summed up the warrior-like nature of these, well, warriors, as only he can when he roaaaared: "What makes rugby the greatest game played on earth, is that unlike Gaelic football or soccer or hockey or American football, at the end of it it relies on the courage, character and commitment of MENNNN." The Irish women's team will be seething.

The Guinness ad at half-time also laid on generous portions of bluster . Two things that were wrong about that ad immediately spring to mind:
i) The historical inaccuracy of the implication that a (second string) New Zealand player was killed by a tackle from a Munster player in 1978. That player is in fact still alive.
ii) The glorification of the idea of killing somebody with a rugby tackle - if that's the culture that pervades this deviant pursuit, it's no wonder conscientious parents are steering their children away from it in their droves.

Nevertheless I'm gutted for my beloved Qantas Wallabies, Coach Cheika, and Tallaght native, Qantas CEO Alan Joyce, that the boys have lost this prestigious Autumn international (played in winter).

In GAA land these games are challenge matches. Thats their value

In a fair number of years we only play 7 meaningful international matches a calendar year. Even when we play SA/AUS/NZ in summer tours the total is rarely greater than 10. To compare a test match between two top four teams to the challenge match is ridiculous.

What was the name of the trophy awarded today? I missed that bit
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 22, 2014, 07:44:52 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 22, 2014, 07:39:23 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 22, 2014, 07:36:17 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 22, 2014, 07:30:28 PM
Quote from: Sidney on November 22, 2014, 07:24:45 PM
The RTE rhooogby team really outdid themselves with the bluster and bullshit this evening. "What an execution of a drop goal from Ireland's full back." The Kearnivore actually missed, Ryle.

"Execution" was Ryle's buzzword of the evening. You'd nearly have thought there was more "execution" going on in this match than in Iraq and Syria combined. But we've heard water charges protesters compared to ISIS this week, so perhaps Ryle's comments captured the zeitgeist of the times.

"They spend a lot of time training with each other", said Donal Lenihan about the Qantas Wallabies. Interesting innovation in terms of preparation, that, and I don't know why other teams don't think doing it.

Lenihan then stated that he thought that he thought Jonny Sexton would never get up again after a tackle in the Team Volvo NSW Waratahs - British Loins match last year. I think he may have been exaggerating, although you never can tell.

But Ryle definitely exaggerated a few seconds later when he called the Aussie chap who made that tackle and who had just come on as a sub, "a wrecking ball" and "an entire front five". The chap who made that tackle is not a wrecking ball or an an entire "front five". If he was, the Aussies would have picked four more backs and dropped the rest of their front row and second row.

Shane "Shaggy" Horgan went all matrimonial after the match when he said "Australia need to marry the way they play the game, and so do Ireland. We saw a very good marriage from Ireland in the second half."

George Hook then summed up the warrior-like nature of these, well, warriors, as only he can when he roaaaared: "What makes rugby the greatest game played on earth, is that unlike Gaelic football or soccer or hockey or American football, at the end of it it relies on the courage, character and commitment of MENNNN." The Irish women's team will be seething.

The Guinness ad at half-time also laid on generous portions of bluster . Two things that were wrong about that ad immediately spring to mind:
i) The historical inaccuracy of the implication that a (second string) New Zealand player was killed by a tackle from a Munster player in 1978. That player is in fact still alive.
ii) The glorification of the idea of killing somebody with a rugby tackle - if that's the culture that pervades this deviant pursuit, it's no wonder conscientious parents are steering their children away from it in their droves.

Nevertheless I'm gutted for my beloved Qantas Wallabies, Coach Cheika, and Tallaght native, Qantas CEO Alan Joyce, that the boys have lost this prestigious Autumn international (played in winter).

In GAA land these games are challenge matches. Thats their value

In a fair number of years we only play 7 meaningful international matches a calendar year. Even when we play SA/AUS/NZ in summer tours the total is rarely greater than 10. To compare a test match between two top four teams to the challenge match is ridiculous.

What was the name of the trophy awarded today? I missed that bit

What do England and Aus play for in the biggest cricket international match series in the world? A bit of ashes from a cricket bat? If they started toting up points for these Autumn internationals would it have any extra meaning?

The defining factor is that both sides take the matches very seriously.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sidney on November 22, 2014, 07:47:14 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 22, 2014, 07:39:23 PM


What was the name of the trophy awarded today? I missed that bit
The very prestigious Lansdowne Cup.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 22, 2014, 08:44:12 PM
http://www.espn.co.uk/ireland/rugby/story/248753.html

Schmidt was grinding through suspected appendicitis until the match was over. We definitely got the right man for the job.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on November 22, 2014, 08:46:18 PM
Quote from: Sidney on November 22, 2014, 07:47:14 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 22, 2014, 07:39:23 PM


What was the name of the trophy awarded today? I missed that bit
The very prestigious Lansdowne Cup.

I'm sure they'll toast out of it in Krystle later. When they actually win something let me know.  Its a rarity.

I've never seen such mediocrity celebrated!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: brokencrossbar1 on November 22, 2014, 08:47:30 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 22, 2014, 08:44:12 PM
http://www.espn.co.uk/ireland/rugby/story/248753.html

Schmidt was grinding through suspected appendicitis until the match was over. We definitely got the right man for the job.

Huzzah, all hail Sir Schmidt, Lord of Landsdowne!!  You must be delighted in your role in picking him Syferus?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 22, 2014, 09:08:06 PM
I do admire the anti rugby brigade and their secret knowledge of the game!  :-*
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: moysider on November 22, 2014, 09:14:01 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 22, 2014, 08:46:18 PM
Quote from: Sidney on November 22, 2014, 07:47:14 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 22, 2014, 07:39:23 PM


What was the name of the trophy awarded today? I missed that bit
The very prestigious Lansdowne Cup.

I'm sure they'll toast out of it in Krystle later. When they actually win something let me know.  Its a rarity.

I've never seen such mediocrity celebrated!

They won the 6 Nations last year and are for from mediocre. Think they are ranked 3rd in the world now with genuine world class players. Compared to football where we have hardly any quality and we appear to be poorly prepared.

Can t compare to gaelic football. Different culture. There are no friendlies or challenge matches in International Rugby. Every test match is a full-on contest with no quarter given or taken. I remember John Smit, as captain of SA, absolutely emptying himself v England in one of these tests on a beaten team. In fact some observers feared for his well being.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on November 22, 2014, 11:27:20 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 22, 2014, 08:46:18 PM
Quote from: Sidney on November 22, 2014, 07:47:14 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 22, 2014, 07:39:23 PM


What was the name of the trophy awarded today? I missed that bit
The very prestigious Lansdowne Cup.

I'm sure they'll toast out of it in Krystle later. When they actually win something let me know.  Its a rarity.

I've never seen such mediocrity celebrated!

Try Dublin football between 2006 and 2010.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: macdanger2 on November 23, 2014, 12:49:13 AM
While these games are taken seriously and aren't called friendlys, they're not a whole pile different to a friendly when it boils down to it. Will the Aussies lose much sleep over losing to us at the end of a long season? Not a chance. Would they rate it as more important than a match in the Rugby championship never mind the WC? Not a chance. The northern hemisphere teams rate these games higher than the southern but even then they're below the 6 nations games. Nice to win, esp beating two big teams back to back but ultimately meaningless
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sidney on November 23, 2014, 01:09:31 AM
Quote from: macdanger2 on November 23, 2014, 12:49:13 AM
While these games are taken seriously and aren't called friendlys, they're not a whole pile different to a friendly when it boils down to it. Will the Aussies lose much sleep over losing to us at the end of a long season? Not a chance. Would they rate it as more important than a match in the Rugby championship never mind the WC? Not a chance. The northern hemisphere teams rate these games higher than the southern but even then they're below the 6 nations games. Nice to win, esp beating two big teams back to back but ultimately meaningless
In international rugby the hierarchy of importance is as follows:

1.: The British Loins Tour - this is the absolute pinnacle, with well over a century of history and tradition attached to it - the one everybody dreams of playing in and winning.
2. The World Cup - the premier internatonal rugby knockout tournament.
3. The Three Nations Tournament - the four home unions do battle with the continentals.
4. The Autumn (winter) and Summer Test Matches. Ireland are traditionally very competitive in the Autumn (winter) matches. Not so good when it comes to the summer matches or 1, 2 and 3 above.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 23, 2014, 01:16:18 AM
Quote from: macdanger2 on November 23, 2014, 12:49:13 AM
While these games are taken seriously and aren't called friendlys, they're not a whole pile different to a friendly when it boils down to it. Will the Aussies lose much sleep over losing to us at the end of a long season? Not a chance. Would they rate it as more important than a match in the Rugby championship never mind the WC? Not a chance. The northern hemisphere teams rate these games higher than the southern but even then they're below the 6 nations games. Nice to win, esp beating two big teams back to back but ultimately meaningless

Beating all but NZ of the relevant Southern teams a year before the WC is never meaningless. It's a fair reflection of where this Irish team finds themselves; second only to NZ.

They have a great chance of breaking their duck and making the WC semi-finals, and a good chance at doing it as double Six Nations champions. Everything, even winning the WC, is within this team's reach now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: BennyHarp on November 23, 2014, 01:19:41 AM
Quote from: Sidney on November 23, 2014, 01:09:31 AM
Quote from: macdanger2 on November 23, 2014, 12:49:13 AM
While these games are taken seriously and aren't called friendlys, they're not a whole pile different to a friendly when it boils down to it. Will the Aussies lose much sleep over losing to us at the end of a long season? Not a chance. Would they rate it as more important than a match in the Rugby championship never mind the WC? Not a chance. The northern hemisphere teams rate these games higher than the southern but even then they're below the 6 nations games. Nice to win, esp beating two big teams back to back but ultimately meaningless
In international rugby the hierarchy of importance is as follows:

1.: The British Loins Tour - this is the absolute pinnacle, with well over a century of history and tradition attached to it - the one everybody dreams of playing in and winning.
2. The World Cup - the premier internatonal rugby knockout tournament.
3. The Three Nations Tournament - the four home unions do battle with the continentals.
4. The Autumn (winter) and Summer Test Matches. Ireland are traditionally very competitive in the Autumn (winter) matches. Not so good when it comes to the summer matches or 1, 2 and 3 above.

So you think a British Lions tour win would mean more to an International rugby player than winning the World Cup for their country? Really?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on November 23, 2014, 01:25:31 AM
Very dismissive of Argentina there Syferus. Irish rugby has learnt that to its cost in the past.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 23, 2014, 01:53:31 AM
Quote from: Syferus on November 23, 2014, 01:16:18 AM
Quote from: macdanger2 on November 23, 2014, 12:49:13 AM
While these games are taken seriously and aren't called friendlys, they're not a whole pile different to a friendly when it boils down to it. Will the Aussies lose much sleep over losing to us at the end of a long season? Not a chance. Would they rate it as more important than a match in the Rugby championship never mind the WC? Not a chance. The northern hemisphere teams rate these games higher than the southern but even then they're below the 6 nations games. Nice to win, esp beating two big teams back to back but ultimately meaningless

Beating all but NZ of the relevant Southern teams a year before the WC is never meaningless. It's a fair reflection of where this Irish team finds themselves; second only to NZ.

They have a great chance of breaking their duck and making the WC semi-finals, and a good chance at doing it as double Six Nations champions. Everything, even winning the WC, is within this team's reach now.

You are delusional.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sidney on November 23, 2014, 01:54:46 AM
Quote from: BennyHarp on November 23, 2014, 01:19:41 AM
Quote from: Sidney on November 23, 2014, 01:09:31 AM
Quote from: macdanger2 on November 23, 2014, 12:49:13 AM
While these games are taken seriously and aren't called friendlys, they're not a whole pile different to a friendly when it boils down to it. Will the Aussies lose much sleep over losing to us at the end of a long season? Not a chance. Would they rate it as more important than a match in the Rugby championship never mind the WC? Not a chance. The northern hemisphere teams rate these games higher than the southern but even then they're below the 6 nations games. Nice to win, esp beating two big teams back to back but ultimately meaningless
In international rugby the hierarchy of importance is as follows:

1.: The British Loins Tour - this is the absolute pinnacle, with well over a century of history and tradition attached to it - the one everybody dreams of playing in and winning.
2. The World Cup - the premier internatonal rugby knockout tournament.
3. The Three Nations Tournament - the four home unions do battle with the continentals.
4. The Autumn (winter) and Summer Test Matches. Ireland are traditionally very competitive in the Autumn (winter) matches. Not so good when it comes to the summer matches or 1, 2 and 3 above.

So you think a British Lions tour win would mean more to an International rugby player than winning the World Cup for their country? Really?
Representing your Empire in an event which dates back to 1888 is a bigger deal than representing your country in an event that dates back to 1987. This should be obvious.

The British Loins tour is the third biggest "sporting*" event in the world.

*Although rugby is not a sport, which is why I put the inverted commas in.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on November 23, 2014, 03:24:15 AM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 22, 2014, 08:46:18 PM
Quote from: Sidney on November 22, 2014, 07:47:14 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 22, 2014, 07:39:23 PM


What was the name of the trophy awarded today? I missed that bit
The very prestigious Lansdowne Cup.

I'm sure they'll toast out of it in Krystle later. When they actually win something let me know.  Its a rarity.

I've never seen such mediocrity celebrated!

They were 6 Nations champions about 6 months ago you brain donor.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on November 23, 2014, 03:26:54 AM
Quote from: Sidney on November 22, 2014, 07:24:45 PM
The RTE rhooogby team really outdid themselves with the bluster and bullshit this evening. "What an execution of a drop goal from Ireland's full back." The Kearnivore actually missed, Ryle.

"Execution" was Ryle's buzzword of the evening. You'd nearly have thought there was more "execution" going on in this match than in Iraq and Syria combined. But we've heard water charges protesters compared to ISIS this week, so perhaps Ryle's comments captured the zeitgeist of the times.

"They spend a lot of time training with each other", said Donal Lenihan about the Qantas Wallabies. Interesting innovation in terms of preparation, that, and I don't know why other teams don't think doing it.

Lenihan then stated that he thought that he thought Jonny Sexton would never get up again after a tackle in the Team Volvo NSW Waratahs - British Loins match last year. I think he may have been exaggerating, although you never can tell.

But Ryle definitely exaggerated a few seconds later when he called the Aussie chap who made that tackle and who had just come on as a sub, "a wrecking ball" and "an entire front five". The chap who made that tackle is not a wrecking ball or an an entire "front five". If he was, the Aussies would have picked four more backs and dropped the rest of their front row and second row.

Shane "Shaggy" Horgan went all matrimonial after the match when he said "Australia need to marry the way they play the game, and so do Ireland. We saw a very good marriage from Ireland in the second half."

George Hook then summed up the warrior-like nature of these, well, warriors, as only he can when he roaaaared: "What makes rugby the greatest game played on earth, is that unlike Gaelic football or soccer or hockey or American football, at the end of it it relies on the courage, character and commitment of MENNNN." The Irish women's team will be seething.

The Guinness ad at half-time also laid on generous portions of bluster . Two things that were wrong about that ad immediately spring to mind:
i) The historical inaccuracy of the implication that a (second string) New Zealand player was killed by a tackle from a Munster player in 1978. That player is in fact still alive.
ii) The glorification of the idea of killing somebody with a rugby tackle - if that's the culture that pervades this deviant pursuit, it's no wonder conscientious parents are steering their children away from it in their droves.

Nevertheless I'm gutted for my beloved Qantas Wallabies, Coach Cheika, and Tallaght native, Qantas CEO Alan Joyce, that the boys have lost this prestigious Autumn international (played in winter).

I'll be honest. That was from the Brendan Grace school of comedy. And not the Fr Fintan Stack section.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tiempo on November 23, 2014, 10:23:58 AM
Quote from: Sidney on November 23, 2014, 01:54:46 AM
Quote from: BennyHarp on November 23, 2014, 01:19:41 AM
Quote from: Sidney on November 23, 2014, 01:09:31 AM
Quote from: macdanger2 on November 23, 2014, 12:49:13 AM
While these games are taken seriously and aren't called friendlys, they're not a whole pile different to a friendly when it boils down to it. Will the Aussies lose much sleep over losing to us at the end of a long season? Not a chance. Would they rate it as more important than a match in the Rugby championship never mind the WC? Not a chance. The northern hemisphere teams rate these games higher than the southern but even then they're below the 6 nations games. Nice to win, esp beating two big teams back to back but ultimately meaningless
In international rugby the hierarchy of importance is as follows:

1.: The British Loins Tour - this is the absolute pinnacle, with well over a century of history and tradition attached to it - the one everybody dreams of playing in and winning.
2. The World Cup - the premier internatonal rugby knockout tournament.
3. The Three Nations Tournament - the four home unions do battle with the continentals.
4. The Autumn (winter) and Summer Test Matches. Ireland are traditionally very competitive in the Autumn (winter) matches. Not so good when it comes to the summer matches or 1, 2 and 3 above.

So you think a British Lions tour win would mean more to an International rugby player than winning the World Cup for their country? Really?
Representing your Empire in an event which dates back to 1888 is a bigger deal than representing your country in an event that dates back to 1987. This should be obvious.

The British Loins tour is the third biggest "sporting*" event in the world.

*Although rugby is not a sport, which is why I put the inverted commas in.

The Lions tour is a heritage event with plenty going for it but it's not above the RWC. To quote above "the one everybody dreams of playing in and winning" Well how can it be? the Frence, Argies, Italians, etc. are ineligible so they aren't dreaming of winning it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: quit yo jibbajabba on November 23, 2014, 10:33:55 AM
i think its definitely Well played Sidney!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on November 23, 2014, 11:18:25 AM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on November 23, 2014, 10:33:55 AM
i think its definitely Well played Sidney!!

Got to question how some people can bite at that alright
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sidney on November 23, 2014, 12:08:04 PM
Quote from: tiempo on November 23, 2014, 10:23:58 AM
Quote from: Sidney on November 23, 2014, 01:54:46 AM
Quote from: BennyHarp on November 23, 2014, 01:19:41 AM
Quote from: Sidney on November 23, 2014, 01:09:31 AM
Quote from: macdanger2 on November 23, 2014, 12:49:13 AM
While these games are taken seriously and aren't called friendlys, they're not a whole pile different to a friendly when it boils down to it. Will the Aussies lose much sleep over losing to us at the end of a long season? Not a chance. Would they rate it as more important than a match in the Rugby championship never mind the WC? Not a chance. The northern hemisphere teams rate these games higher than the southern but even then they're below the 6 nations games. Nice to win, esp beating two big teams back to back but ultimately meaningless
In international rugby the hierarchy of importance is as follows:

1.: The British Loins Tour - this is the absolute pinnacle, with well over a century of history and tradition attached to it - the one everybody dreams of playing in and winning.
2. The World Cup - the premier internatonal rugby knockout tournament.
3. The Three Nations Tournament - the four home unions do battle with the continentals.
4. The Autumn (winter) and Summer Test Matches. Ireland are traditionally very competitive in the Autumn (winter) matches. Not so good when it comes to the summer matches or 1, 2 and 3 above.

So you think a British Lions tour win would mean more to an International rugby player than winning the World Cup for their country? Really?
Representing your Empire in an event which dates back to 1888 is a bigger deal than representing your country in an event that dates back to 1987. This should be obvious.

The British Loins tour is the third biggest "sporting*" event in the world.

*Although rugby is not a sport, which is why I put the inverted commas in.

The Lions tour is a heritage event with plenty going for it but it's not above the RWC. To quote above "the one everybody dreams of playing in and winning" Well how can it be? the Frence, Argies, Italians, etc. are ineligible so they aren't dreaming of winning it.
And let us hope they are always ineligible. Foreign languages should never pollute a British Loins tour (apart, perhaps, from a smattering of Afrikaans). I particularly like it when a referee starts giving out yards in English to an Italian or Argentine prop who doesn't understand a word he's saying. It's a lovely way of reinforcing the cultural supremacy of rugby's Anglosphere.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sidney on November 23, 2014, 12:10:30 PM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on November 23, 2014, 03:26:54 AM
Quote from: Sidney on November 22, 2014, 07:24:45 PM
The RTE rhooogby team really outdid themselves with the bluster and bullshit this evening. "What an execution of a drop goal from Ireland's full back." The Kearnivore actually missed, Ryle.

"Execution" was Ryle's buzzword of the evening. You'd nearly have thought there was more "execution" going on in this match than in Iraq and Syria combined. But we've heard water charges protesters compared to ISIS this week, so perhaps Ryle's comments captured the zeitgeist of the times.

"They spend a lot of time training with each other", said Donal Lenihan about the Qantas Wallabies. Interesting innovation in terms of preparation, that, and I don't know why other teams don't think doing it.

Lenihan then stated that he thought that he thought Jonny Sexton would never get up again after a tackle in the Team Volvo NSW Waratahs - British Loins match last year. I think he may have been exaggerating, although you never can tell.

But Ryle definitely exaggerated a few seconds later when he called the Aussie chap who made that tackle and who had just come on as a sub, "a wrecking ball" and "an entire front five". The chap who made that tackle is not a wrecking ball or an an entire "front five". If he was, the Aussies would have picked four more backs and dropped the rest of their front row and second row.

Shane "Shaggy" Horgan went all matrimonial after the match when he said "Australia need to marry the way they play the game, and so do Ireland. We saw a very good marriage from Ireland in the second half."

George Hook then summed up the warrior-like nature of these, well, warriors, as only he can when he roaaaared: "What makes rugby the greatest game played on earth, is that unlike Gaelic football or soccer or hockey or American football, at the end of it it relies on the courage, character and commitment of MENNNN." The Irish women's team will be seething.

The Guinness ad at half-time also laid on generous portions of bluster . Two things that were wrong about that ad immediately spring to mind:
i) The historical inaccuracy of the implication that a (second string) New Zealand player was killed by a tackle from a Munster player in 1978. That player is in fact still alive.
ii) The glorification of the idea of killing somebody with a rugby tackle - if that's the culture that pervades this deviant pursuit, it's no wonder conscientious parents are steering their children away from it in their droves.

Nevertheless I'm gutted for my beloved Qantas Wallabies, Coach Cheika, and Tallaght native, Qantas CEO Alan Joyce, that the boys have lost this prestigious Autumn international (played in winter).

I'll be honest. That was from the Brendan Grace school of comedy. And not the Fr Fintan Stack section.
It's not meant to be comedy. All of that stuff was genuinely said by the RTE commentators and pundits. If you have a problem with he comedy value of it, get on to Hooky or Ryle.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on November 23, 2014, 01:25:01 PM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on November 23, 2014, 03:24:15 AM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 22, 2014, 08:46:18 PM
Quote from: Sidney on November 22, 2014, 07:47:14 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 22, 2014, 07:39:23 PM


What was the name of the trophy awarded today? I missed that bit
The very prestigious Lansdowne Cup.

I'm sure they'll toast out of it in Krystle later. When they actually win something let me know.  Its a rarity.

I've never seen such mediocrity celebrated!

They were 6 Nations champions about 6 months ago you brain donor.

Have a look at the role of honour of the 6 nations and come back to me kid. 5-6 teams - I mean its the connacht championship in another guise
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 23, 2014, 01:48:40 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 23, 2014, 01:53:31 AM
Quote from: Syferus on November 23, 2014, 01:16:18 AM
Quote from: macdanger2 on November 23, 2014, 12:49:13 AM
While these games are taken seriously and aren't called friendlys, they're not a whole pile different to a friendly when it boils down to it. Will the Aussies lose much sleep over losing to us at the end of a long season? Not a chance. Would they rate it as more important than a match in the Rugby championship never mind the WC? Not a chance. The northern hemisphere teams rate these games higher than the southern but even then they're below the 6 nations games. Nice to win, esp beating two big teams back to back but ultimately meaningless

Beating all but NZ of the relevant Southern teams a year before the WC is never meaningless. It's a fair reflection of where this Irish team finds themselves; second only to NZ.

They have a great chance of breaking their duck and making the WC semi-finals, and a good chance at doing it as double Six Nations champions. Everything, even winning the WC, is within this team's reach now.

You are delusional.

So are the results, then.

SA are just England (bash, bash, bash) with the slightest more guile and we roundly beat them with a depleted squad. Aus have potential but it's hard to say the day after we beat them that we are inferior to them.

Quote from: gallsman on November 23, 2014, 01:25:31 AM
Very dismissive of Argentina there Syferus. Irish rugby has learnt that to its cost in the past.

Well they did more than us in in 2007 and we were playing putridly anyways. 1999 is an eon ago in rugby terms. Argentina have went backwards at an impressive click since their third place finish in 2007 - right now the sit bellow Scorland on the rankings and barely above the powerhouse of international rugby that is Japan - a team they were behind a few weeks ago.

They have the Italy problem now - maybe even worse given how their national association clings to amateurism - you've got a ticket to the big leagues but is being beaten down by your betters really doing anything to develop rugby?

I don't rate them at all right now and I think there's plenty of reason not to. They managed only a single draw in three seasons playing against the Tri Nations teams, two of whom we've just beaten. We will take them seriously if we meet them, and we will beat them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 23, 2014, 02:10:35 PM
Ireland have a good chance to make the final 4 this time next yr but if O`Connell or Sexton get injured they be well down the pecking order. The man they cant afford to get injured is Mike Ford, Tight head prop has become one of the biggest key positions in the game along with NO.7 the fact that we no real back up and relying in a man in his mid 30`s here is  a high area of concern.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 23, 2014, 02:11:48 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 23, 2014, 01:48:40 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 23, 2014, 01:53:31 AM
Quote from: Syferus on November 23, 2014, 01:16:18 AM
Quote from: macdanger2 on November 23, 2014, 12:49:13 AM
While these games are taken seriously and aren't called friendlys, they're not a whole pile different to a friendly when it boils down to it. Will the Aussies lose much sleep over losing to us at the end of a long season? Not a chance. Would they rate it as more important than a match in the Rugby championship never mind the WC? Not a chance. The northern hemisphere teams rate these games higher than the southern but even then they're below the 6 nations games. Nice to win, esp beating two big teams back to back but ultimately meaningless

Beating all but NZ of the relevant Southern teams a year before the WC is never meaningless. It's a fair reflection of where this Irish team finds themselves; second only to NZ.

They have a great chance of breaking their duck and making the WC semi-finals, and a good chance at doing it as double Six Nations champions. Everything, even winning the WC, is within this team's reach now.

You are delusional.

So are the results, then.

SA are just England (bash, bash, bash) with the slightest more guile and we roundly beat them with a depleted squad. Aus have potential but it's hard to say the day after we beat them that we are inferior to them.

Quote from: gallsman on November 23, 2014, 01:25:31 AM
Very dismissive of Argentina there Syferus. Irish rugby has learnt that to its cost in the past.

Well they did more than us in in 2007 and we were playing putridly anyways. 1999 is an eon ago in rugby terms. Argentina have went backwards at an impressive click since their third place finish in 2007 - right now the sit bellow Scorland on the rankings and barely above the powerhouse of international rugby that is Japan - a team they were behind a few weeks ago.

They have the Italy problem now - maybe even worse given how their nation association clings to amateurism - you've got a ticket to the big leagues but is being beaten down by your betters really doing anything to develop rugby?

I dont rate them at all right now and I think there's plenty of reason not to. They managed only a since draw in three seasons playing against the Tri Nations teams, two of whom we've just beaten.

Ireland recently drew with Germany in a competitive match, not just some meaningless friendly. By your bizarre logic the Irish soccer team are now as good as their German equivalents, the reigning world champions. But there both still worse than Scotland.

We beat the Australians and South Africa at home in a November friendly, that does not make us clearly superior to them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 23, 2014, 02:19:21 PM
You're rehashing old ground trying to label test match rugby as friendlies. No interest in going around in circles.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on November 23, 2014, 06:34:08 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 23, 2014, 02:19:21 PM
You're rehashing old ground trying to label test match rugby as friendlies. No interest in going around in circles.

I think to be fair he's been proven right. Give us a call in April and we'll see if they've actually won anything to celebrate
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on November 23, 2014, 06:53:17 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on November 23, 2014, 02:10:35 PM
Ireland have a good chance to make the final 4 this time next yr but if O`Connell or Sexton get injured they be well down the pecking order. The man they cant afford to get injured is Mike Ford, Tight head prop has become one of the biggest key positions in the game along with NO.7 the fact that we no real back up and relying in a man in his mid 30`s here is  a high area of concern.

The one thing rugby isn't short of is column inches about how important various players are, and it looks like you've been reading them all.

Paulie's leadership would be sorely missed. But if he's actually any improvement in terms of ability these days on the next 3-4 lads in the pecking order, it's doubtable.

Mike Ross is an interesting one. He's the new John Hayes in that we keep being told how irreplaceable he is, but until someone else gets a chance, we won't know. The only things we do know are that Hayes wasn't missed at all when he finally gave up the jersey, and the rather simple fact that Hook et al are prone to ignoring - Australia have been a super-competitive team at every WC tournament, but have never had anything close to a world class prop forward during that time. They've worked out that the scrum isn't half as important as it's made out to be. Everyone else will catch up eventually.

There's genuine contenders in each province for both flanker positions, so no concern there.

Sexton is the biggie. He's a great all rounder.

But every time I see Madigan in a green jersey, he looks made for it.


Anyway in summary, Ireland have more depth than anyone is letting on.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on November 23, 2014, 06:56:37 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on November 23, 2014, 06:53:17 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on November 23, 2014, 02:10:35 PM
Ireland have a good chance to make the final 4 this time next yr but if O`Connell or Sexton get injured they be well down the pecking order. The man they cant afford to get injured is Mike Ford, Tight head prop has become one of the biggest key positions in the game along with NO.7 the fact that we no real back up and relying in a man in his mid 30`s here is  a high area of concern.

The one thing rugby isn't short of is column inches about how important various players are, and it looks like you've been reading them all.

Paulie's leadership would be sorely missed. But if he's actually any improvement in terms of ability these days on the next 3-4 lads in the pecking order, it's doubtable.

Mike Ross is an interesting one. He's the new John Hayes in that we keep being told how irreplaceable he is, but until someone else gets a chance, we won't know. The only things we do know are that Hayes wasn't missed at all when he finally gave up the jersey, and the rather simple fact that Hook et al are prone to ignoring - Australia have been a super-competitive team at every WC tournament, but have never had anything close to a world class prop forward during that time. They've worked out that the scrum isn't half as important as it's made out to be. Everyone else will catch up eventually.

There's genuine contenders in each province for both flanker positions, so no concern there.

Sexton is the biggie. He's a great all rounder.

But every time I see Madigan in a green jersey, he looks made for it.


Anyway in summary, Ireland have more depth than anyone is letting on.

Not at tight-head they don't
Hooker- not one of them can throw straight on a consistent basis under pressure
Second row- not bad.
Backrow- fine
scrumhalf- ok certainly not rude health
out-half- not bad but a 30% drop to the quality of the next 10
- centre- ok . nothing better happen to henshaw- because if it does we're goosed. JS has said he won't be experimenting in the 6 nations.
- wings- fine
full back - ok

It's ok depth wise but as the Georgia game showed it's nothing to be boasting about
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on November 23, 2014, 07:20:54 PM
Quote from: Sidney on November 23, 2014, 01:54:46 AM
The British Loins tour is the third biggest "sporting*" event in the world.
The Leinster schools cup must be the world's 2nd biggest!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sidney on November 23, 2014, 10:09:51 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on November 23, 2014, 02:10:35 PM
Ireland have a good chance to make the final 4 this time next yr but if O`Connell or Sexton get injured they be well down the pecking order. The man they cant afford to get injured is Mike Ford, Tight head prop has become one of the biggest key positions in the game along with NO.7 the fact that we no real back up and relying in a man in his mid 30`s here is  a high area of concern.
I doubt they'll be too worried if their defence coach during the Eddie O'Sullivan era gets injured.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sidney on November 23, 2014, 10:12:35 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on November 23, 2014, 07:20:54 PM
Quote from: Sidney on November 23, 2014, 01:54:46 AM
The British Loins tour is the third biggest "sporting*" event in the world.
The Leinster schools cup must be the world's 2nd biggest!
'Rock v 'Nure is 1000 times bigger than Dublin v Kerry or Cork v Tipp will ever be.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 23, 2014, 10:52:55 PM
Quote from: Sidney on November 23, 2014, 10:12:35 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on November 23, 2014, 07:20:54 PM
Quote from: Sidney on November 23, 2014, 01:54:46 AM
The British Loins tour is the third biggest "sporting*" event in the world.
The Leinster schools cup must be the world's 2nd biggest!
'Rock v 'Nure is 1000 times bigger than Dublin v Kerry or Cork v Tipp will ever be.

http://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/people/the-joke-is-on-ross-and-people-like-ross-1.1919018

The original Ross O'Carroll Kelly columns were inspired by what he saw when covering school rugby matches.
"Rugby didn't really engage me, but what was happening around it did – the idea that you would get 4,000 people at a schools game . . . the jocks who were heroes among their peer group and the rich dads and the Senior Cup Mothers, these rich ladies wearing clobber from Pia Bang and Pamela Scott. I didn't know anyone that posh growing up."


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Aaron Boone on November 23, 2014, 11:15:17 PM
Quote from: Sidney on November 23, 2014, 10:12:35 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on November 23, 2014, 07:20:54 PM
Quote from: Sidney on November 23, 2014, 01:54:46 AM
The British Loins tour is the third biggest "sporting*" event in the world.
The Leinster schools cup must be the world's 2nd biggest!
'Rock v 'Nure is 1000 times bigger than Dublin v Kerry or Cork v Tipp will ever be.

+1
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 24, 2014, 01:10:22 AM
Quote from: Syferus on November 23, 2014, 02:19:21 PM
You're rehashing old ground trying to label test match rugby as friendlies. No interest in going around in circles.

Even if you ignore the part about test rugby the point still stands. But hey bury your head in the sand if that's what you want.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 24, 2014, 09:17:13 AM
the Thornley/Toland videos are very good analytically

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/ireland-dig-deep-to-lay-ghost-of-all-blacks-defeat-1.2012127
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 24, 2014, 09:20:30 AM
Yeah Toland is excellent with his analysis. 2nd captains should be decent listening this week.

It's noticeable how much Zebo has upped his work rate in the past 12 months. He tackled well and hit plenty of rucks. I was never a fan at the start but O'Mahoney is developing into a work class blind side!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: macdanger2 on November 24, 2014, 10:08:38 AM
http://www.theroar.com.au/2014/11/24/spiro-ireland-defeat-cheikas-wallabies-jakeball/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theroar%2Frugby-union+%28The+Roar+-+Rugby+Union%29 (http://www.theroar.com.au/2014/11/24/spiro-ireland-defeat-cheikas-wallabies-jakeball/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theroar%2Frugby-union+%28The+Roar+-+Rugby+Union%29)

The last couple of paragraphs on Ireland are interesting
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 24, 2014, 10:40:17 AM
Quote from: macdanger2 on November 24, 2014, 10:08:38 AM
http://www.theroar.com.au/2014/11/24/spiro-ireland-defeat-cheikas-wallabies-jakeball/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theroar%2Frugby-union+%28The+Roar+-+Rugby+Union%29 (http://www.theroar.com.au/2014/11/24/spiro-ireland-defeat-cheikas-wallabies-jakeball/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theroar%2Frugby-union+%28The+Roar+-+Rugby+Union%29)

The last couple of paragraphs on Ireland are interesting
what is jakeball ?
Is it any relation to bogball ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 24, 2014, 10:46:39 AM
Seems to be an Australian term for over reliance on kicking the ball away, as part of a tactical plan. Seemingly Jake White is a proponent.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 24, 2014, 10:54:21 AM
http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/transformation-darkest-hour/

QuoteJakeball developed during the World Cup Springboks of 2007, before really coming into its own with the Brumbies and the Sharks. Jakeball is ideological, template rugby. Start with a forward pack with impeccable set piece credentials. Lock in likewise a kicking 9, 10, and 15. Then play territory. Jakeball teams simply don't play rugby in their own third, and often their own half. They create pressure, force mistakes, then capitalise on them. It can be very effective.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 24, 2014, 11:39:37 AM
Quote from: seafoid on November 24, 2014, 10:40:17 AM
Quote from: macdanger2 on November 24, 2014, 10:08:38 AM
http://www.theroar.com.au/2014/11/24/spiro-ireland-defeat-cheikas-wallabies-jakeball/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theroar%2Frugby-union+%28The+Roar+-+Rugby+Union%29 (http://www.theroar.com.au/2014/11/24/spiro-ireland-defeat-cheikas-wallabies-jakeball/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theroar%2Frugby-union+%28The+Roar+-+Rugby+Union%29)

The last couple of paragraphs on Ireland are interesting
what is jakeball ?
Is it any relation to bogball ?

We should call it Rogball.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 24, 2014, 01:34:05 PM
England seem to be watery enough at the moment. I wonder if it will still be the case in the six nations.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 24, 2014, 01:40:23 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 24, 2014, 01:34:05 PM
England seem to be watery enough at the moment. I wonder if it will still be the case in the six nations.

Creativity as always is their weakness. George Ford is a super talent at 10. With such a powerful pack they will be there or thereabouts in the 6N and RWC.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 24, 2014, 01:41:28 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 24, 2014, 01:34:05 PM
England seem to be watery enough at the moment. I wonder if it will still be the case in the six nations.

England will still be a threat! They haven't been beaten out the gate by anyone.

Yes they are limited but even limited teams can pull off a big win once and again. Witness our game in the 6 Nations last year. I would expect this years game to follow a much similar path only for us to prevail due to the Schmidt/Aviva Factor. When they're at home in the WC they will be a tough nut to crack given their huge pack and you'd expect their defence to be on its top game for then as well!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 24, 2014, 01:47:27 PM
On another note is D'Arcy going to make the World Cup? On the game yesterday you would have to say no. Madigan/Olding/Payne all look as if they are a better option than him in there at this stage!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 24, 2014, 01:55:47 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 24, 2014, 01:47:27 PM
On another note is D'Arcy going to make the World Cup? On the game yesterday you would have to say no. Madigan/Olding/Payne all look as if they are a better option than him in there at this stage!!!

Agree with you here SE. I think D'Arcy is under pressure to hold his squad place. If he's not going to start then personally I think Olding would be a better choice as back up 12 as it would give him experience plus he can cover 10 and 15. D'Arcy lacks the power to prevent the offloads when making the tackle.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on November 24, 2014, 02:58:21 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 24, 2014, 10:54:21 AM
http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/transformation-darkest-hour/

QuoteJakeball developed during the World Cup Springboks of 2007, before really coming into its own with the Brumbies and the Sharks. Jakeball is ideological, template rugby. Start with a forward pack with impeccable set piece credentials. Lock in likewise a kicking 9, 10, and 15. Then play territory. Jakeball teams simply don't play rugby in their own third, and often their own half. They create pressure, force mistakes, then capitalise on them. It can be very effective.
What's the difference between Jakeball and "10 man rugby"?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 24, 2014, 03:05:36 PM
10 man rugby is played in Munster. Jakeball is played in Australia.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 24, 2014, 04:12:37 PM
Jakball was adopted by the Brumbies in Super 15 which did not go down well in Australia. That's basically why Jake White was overlooked for the Wallabies job as he plays a low risk kicking game relying on the opposition to make a mistake. Its effective but not great on the eye. A bit like Ireland of late with a game with no/very few offloads. Interesting to see Matt Williams tweet about how sad it was to see the death of running rugby in Ireland. I don't think too many Irish fans will be bothered what style the team plays under Schmidt if they reach a world cup semi final.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on November 24, 2014, 04:53:32 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 24, 2014, 03:05:36 PM
10 man rugby is played in Munster. Jakeball is played in Australia.
Turnipball is played in Munster!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on November 24, 2014, 05:02:43 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 24, 2014, 04:12:37 PMA bit like Ireland of late with a game with no/very few offloads. Interesting to see Matt Williams tweet about how sad it was to see the death of running rugby in Ireland.
Hard to know. I think Ireland got carried with themselves for a few minutes after going 17-0 ahead on Saturday and started playing high risk rugby, which gifted Australia turnovers and line breaks. Once Ireland cooled the jets and played a with a bit more structure, Jakeball if you like, it brought a measure of control to proceedings.
If that game had continued like it was, the Aussies would have run in another 3 tries. The Australians played some brilliant stuff in the latter part of the 1st half. It was like watching some of the great French teams of yesteryear, the way they moved the ball through the hands, ducked tackles and offloaded.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 24, 2014, 05:28:16 PM
Matt williams' tweets @mattrcnm are very interesting
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 24, 2014, 05:37:04 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on November 24, 2014, 05:02:43 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 24, 2014, 04:12:37 PMA bit like Ireland of late with a game with no/very few offloads. Interesting to see Matt Williams tweet about how sad it was to see the death of running rugby in Ireland.
Hard to know. I think Ireland got carried with themselves for a few minutes after going 17-0 ahead on Saturday and started playing high risk rugby, which gifted Australia turnovers and line breaks. Once Ireland cooled the jets and played a with a bit more structure, Jakeball if you like, it brought a measure of control to proceedings.
If that game had continued like it was, the Aussies would have run in another 3 tries. The Australians played some brilliant stuff in the latter part of the 1st half. It was like watching some of the great French teams of yesteryear, the way they moved the ball through the hands, ducked tackles and offloaded.


Zero offloads in 2 games is a crazy stat. I think JS will mix it up slightly come 6N and RWC but maybe for now he is putting in place that real discipline where only an offload is attempted when its really on. Your right in that the Australian back play was sublime at times. They are the best in the world when they get it right. You'd fancy them and England to get out of the group of death next year!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Jim_Murphy_74 on November 24, 2014, 05:51:39 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on November 24, 2014, 02:58:21 PM
What's the difference between Jakeball and "10 man rugby"?

10 man rugby stops at the out-half.   Jakeball allows a kicking fullback to get involved too.

/Jim.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 24, 2014, 06:15:15 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 24, 2014, 05:37:04 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on November 24, 2014, 05:02:43 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 24, 2014, 04:12:37 PMA bit like Ireland of late with a game with no/very few offloads. Interesting to see Matt Williams tweet about how sad it was to see the death of running rugby in Ireland.
Hard to know. I think Ireland got carried with themselves for a few minutes after going 17-0 ahead on Saturday and started playing high risk rugby, which gifted Australia turnovers and line breaks. Once Ireland cooled the jets and played a with a bit more structure, Jakeball if you like, it brought a measure of control to proceedings.
If that game had continued like it was, the Aussies would have run in another 3 tries. The Australians played some brilliant stuff in the latter part of the 1st half. It was like watching some of the great French teams of yesteryear, the way they moved the ball through the hands, ducked tackles and offloaded.


Zero offloads in 2 games is a crazy stat. I think JS will mix it up slightly come 6N and RWC but maybe for now he is putting in place that real discipline where only an offload is attempted when its really on. Your right in that the Australian back play was sublime at times. They are the best in the world when they get it right. You'd fancy them and England to get out of the group of death next year!
I suppose he didn't want a repeat of last year. Keeping it tight even in the last 5 minutes was important.
 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 25, 2014, 09:01:53 AM
Rugby World Cup tickets go back on sale this morning at 10am!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: blewuporstuffed on November 25, 2014, 09:04:39 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 25, 2014, 09:01:53 AM
Rugby World Cup tickets go back on sale this morning at 10am!!

When are the 6 nations ticlets usually released?
Considering getting some for a christmas present if i can, are they out before christmas?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 25, 2014, 09:11:27 AM
Some lads on here might be better placed than me but England/French tickets at home are notoriously hard to get. I've been lucky enough in the past to get them through the Irish rugby supporters club. If you know anyone in your local rugby club they would have a good chance of getting you some. First port of call would be go on the Irish rugby website and check.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on November 25, 2014, 10:25:31 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 24, 2014, 05:37:04 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on November 24, 2014, 05:02:43 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 24, 2014, 04:12:37 PMA bit like Ireland of late with a game with no/very few offloads. Interesting to see Matt Williams tweet about how sad it was to see the death of running rugby in Ireland.
Hard to know. I think Ireland got carried with themselves for a few minutes after going 17-0 ahead on Saturday and started playing high risk rugby, which gifted Australia turnovers and line breaks. Once Ireland cooled the jets and played a with a bit more structure, Jakeball if you like, it brought a measure of control to proceedings.
If that game had continued like it was, the Aussies would have run in another 3 tries. The Australians played some brilliant stuff in the latter part of the 1st half. It was like watching some of the great French teams of yesteryear, the way they moved the ball through the hands, ducked tackles and offloaded.


Zero offloads in 2 games is a crazy stat. I think JS will mix it up slightly come 6N and RWC but maybe for now he is putting in place that real discipline where only an offload is attempted when its really on. Your right in that the Australian back play was sublime at times. They are the best in the world when they get it right. You'd fancy them and England to get out of the group of death next year!

Zebo tried an offload when the pass wasn't on and cost a try. He'd have been better going to ground and recycle, although he was vastly outnumbered and would have resulted in a penalty. 20/20 hindsight is brilliant.

I wouldn't get overly hung up and what other coaches are saying as Schmitt has to get the best out of what he has irrespective of how other teams view it.

If Australia thought they'd win the WC next year by tucking the ball under their jersey and bulling their way over the line they'd do it in a heart beat.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: theticklemister on November 25, 2014, 12:43:13 PM
Got two tickets for weekend of sat and sun for both quarter finals of either Ireland v New Zealand or Ireland v other team. Both came together for 240
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 29, 2014, 04:26:52 PM
Well that puts our couple of results in perspective. SA and Aus beaten today and shown they can be got at.

Englands scrum is absolutely terrifying the form it was in today. I didn't see the Wales game but it looks like a big defensive game. I'd say there is very little between ourselves/France/England. It's all shaping up for some big contests next year!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on November 29, 2014, 05:02:51 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 29, 2014, 04:26:52 PM
Well that puts our couple of results in perspective. SA and Aus beaten today and shown they can be got at.

Englands scrum is absolutely terrifying the form it was in today. I didn't see the Wales game but it looks like a big defensive game. I'd say there is very little between ourselves/France/England. It's all shaping up for some big contests next year!!
Watched the Welsh game. Very soft yellow card given against SA cost them a lot of momentum in the 2nd half. SA had 3 games worth of mistakes today. A couple of absolute howlers from Le Roux as well. Neither side really looked like scoring a try.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Max Payne on November 29, 2014, 05:26:50 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 29, 2014, 04:26:52 PM
Well that puts our couple of results in perspective. SA and Aus beaten today and shown they can be got at.

Englands scrum is absolutely terrifying the form it was in today. I didn't see the Wales game but it looks like a big defensive game. I'd say there is very little between ourselves/France/England. It's all shaping up for some big contests next year!!

Not sure about that. SA and Ozzies at the end of a long tour were much easier defeated than they were at the beginning. Also it's good to beat one of the Southern Hemisphere teams in a one off performance. To beat two of them in the space of three weeks is much more difficult and carries more weight.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 29, 2014, 05:32:02 PM
Quote from: Max Payne on November 29, 2014, 05:26:50 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 29, 2014, 04:26:52 PM
Well that puts our couple of results in perspective. SA and Aus beaten today and shown they can be got at.

Englands scrum is absolutely terrifying the form it was in today. I didn't see the Wales game but it looks like a big defensive game. I'd say there is very little between ourselves/France/England. It's all shaping up for some big contests next year!!

Not sure about that. SA and Ozzies at the end of a long tour were much easier defeated than they were at the beginning. Also it's good to beat one of the Southern Hemisphere teams in a one off performance. To beat two of them in the space of three weeks is much more difficult and carries more weight.

And the little matter of winning the Six Nations.

Ford was less of a liability than Farrell usually is. Still a classical England team that can be out-foxed quite effectively. The game at Landsdowe should be good fun.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on December 01, 2014, 10:41:39 AM
Watched a bit of the Rabo direct Munster v Ulster game on friday night and what struck me most (more than the empty seats at Thomand) was the amount of times both teams deployed the jakeball/Garryowen/up and under, it was crazy and somewhat predictable.

I'd say if we persist with it as our main way of gaining field position or attack threat then we'll be found out in the 6N's not to mention the World Cup!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on December 01, 2014, 04:05:34 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/30269070

Jezza has picked his team for the November Internationals. Somethings just not right when he's praising Ireland!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Max Payne on December 01, 2014, 04:35:44 PM
http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/other-rugby/dangerous-obsession-with-size-creates-bigger-need-for-answers-30785080.html

Uh oh.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on December 01, 2014, 04:36:33 PM
He still managed to fit a fair few funny looking ones in though! Only one from the Irish pack is a bit of an oversight.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on December 01, 2014, 04:40:35 PM
Quote from: gallsman on December 01, 2014, 04:36:33 PM
He still managed to fit a fair few funny looking ones in though! Only one from the Irish pack is a bit of an oversight.

Yeah O'Connell was excellent against SA and Aus. Jack Mc Grath also!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 05, 2014, 10:33:02 AM
http://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/jackie-kyle-a-great-sporting-hero-a-gentleman-my-role-model-1.2024514

Sir, – As a 10-year-old boy in February 1955 I attended the England v Ireland rugby encounter with my Dad. I stood tall at the Havelock Square end on a Jacob's Biscuit tin so I could see all the action.
Jackie Kyle was faster over that first 10 yards than Usain Bolt. I was enthralled with his majestic contribution to the 6- 6 draw in front of a huge crowd. I became a dedicated young fan and went to all the major games. As an avid follower I sought out the players' autographs, a prized possession of young followers.
Then as a 12-year-old, well into my stride, I was waiting with anticipation the overseas Australian tourists of 1957 to arrive. My hero was to play in a club game against Lansdowne RFC in September. In the relative quiet of the after-match dressing room I nervously approached my champion. I mentioned the upcoming Ulster clash with the tourists in November. As he would be playing he would have access to a game programme. I asked would he give me his address as I wanted to write to him, and the next day I sent him a letter and enclosed a shilling for a programme.
A week after the game, our postman delivered a large envelope with a letter from Jackie. They had lost 9-0 but he enclosed the programme autographed by all the tourists and the Ulster squad. He also sent the menu for the dinner that evening, autographed by all. But the inspirational piece came in the last paragraph of the letter. He said "please find enclosed your shilling. As I was selected on the team they gave me a free programme." Signed Jackie Kyle. What a gentleman. – Yours, etc, MIKE PARLE Leixlip, Co Kildare.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: yellowcard on December 05, 2014, 02:41:44 PM
The silence on possible doping in rugby (and I'm getting mostly at journalists for opening a debate) is deafening but now that Kimmage is onto it, there could be a few more in the media who will row in behind him. I certainly believe that there is a lot more going on here than we are led to believe. The increase in size in rugby teams over the last decade or more is frightening and in a sport where the bigger and bulkier you are the better the benefits of doping are obvious. Problem is you just don't know whether to believe that what you are seeing is real any more. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on December 05, 2014, 02:48:52 PM
Here's one. Is there a benefit for a youngster just out of school looking to get a contract to dope for 6 months to get the massive gains and then stop? Surely that has to be happening flat out?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on December 05, 2014, 02:57:06 PM
Quote from: screenexile on December 05, 2014, 02:48:52 PM
Here's one. Is there a benefit for a youngster just out of school looking to get a contract to dope for 6 months to get the massive gains and then stop? Surely that has to be happening flat out?

I'd say its rife in school boy rugby. Maybe the top players aren't doing it as they are on a specialist programme through academies but the players just below that are the main offenders desperate to get a contract.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on December 14, 2014, 06:05:34 PM
https://vodhls.rasset.ie/manifest/audio/2014/1211/20141211_rteradio1-seanorourke-dopinginru_c20696085_20696110_261_.m3u8

Kimmage, Trevor Hogan & Sean Byrne.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on December 18, 2014, 10:17:10 PM
http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/european/2014/1218/667731-concussion-makes-sexton-a-doubt-for-italy-match/ (http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/european/2014/1218/667731-concussion-makes-sexton-a-doubt-for-italy-match/)

Ireland outhalf Johnny Sexton is a doubt for Ireland's opening Six Nations game against Italy after Racing Metro said he would be out until 14 February due to concussion.
Sexton has not played since he sustained a blow to the head during Ireland 26-23 victory over Australia on 22 November.
He is believed to have been suffering from nausea and headaches since the injury, and has been seeing a neurologist in Paris about the symptoms.
"He will not play a match until he's 100%," Racing Metro's head coach Laurent Labit told a news conference as Sexton was again left out of the squad for Saturday's Top 14 game against La Rochelle.
             
French sports daily L'Equipe reported on Thursday that the French league's medical committee had banned Sexton from playing until 14 February, which means he would at least miss Ireland's opening Six Nations game against Italy a week earlier.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on December 18, 2014, 10:30:21 PM
Quote from: muppet on December 18, 2014, 10:17:10 PM
http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/european/2014/1218/667731-concussion-makes-sexton-a-doubt-for-italy-match/ (http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/european/2014/1218/667731-concussion-makes-sexton-a-doubt-for-italy-match/)

Ireland outhalf Johnny Sexton is a doubt for Ireland's opening Six Nations game against Italy after Racing Metro said he would be out until 14 February due to concussion.
Sexton has not played since he sustained a blow to the head during Ireland 26-23 victory over Australia on 22 November.
He is believed to have been suffering from nausea and headaches since the injury, and has been seeing a neurologist in Paris about the symptoms.
"He will not play a match until he's 100%," Racing Metro's head coach Laurent Labit told a news conference as Sexton was again left out of the squad for Saturday's Top 14 game against La Rochelle.
             
French sports daily L'Equipe reported on Thursday that the French league's medical committee had banned Sexton from playing until 14 February, which means he would at least miss Ireland's opening Six Nations game against Italy a week earlier.
Better safe than sorry. Should have more than enough for that match. Has Carter been signed yet to replace him?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on December 18, 2014, 10:38:50 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on December 18, 2014, 10:30:21 PM
Quote from: muppet on December 18, 2014, 10:17:10 PM
http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/european/2014/1218/667731-concussion-makes-sexton-a-doubt-for-italy-match/ (http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/european/2014/1218/667731-concussion-makes-sexton-a-doubt-for-italy-match/)

Ireland outhalf Johnny Sexton is a doubt for Ireland's opening Six Nations game against Italy after Racing Metro said he would be out until 14 February due to concussion.
Sexton has not played since he sustained a blow to the head during Ireland 26-23 victory over Australia on 22 November.
He is believed to have been suffering from nausea and headaches since the injury, and has been seeing a neurologist in Paris about the symptoms.
"He will not play a match until he's 100%," Racing Metro's head coach Laurent Labit told a news conference as Sexton was again left out of the squad for Saturday's Top 14 game against La Rochelle.
             
French sports daily L'Equipe reported on Thursday that the French league's medical committee had banned Sexton from playing until 14 February, which means he would at least miss Ireland's opening Six Nations game against Italy a week earlier.
Better safe than sorry. Should have more than enough for that match. Has Carter been signed yet to replace him?

Yip!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on December 18, 2014, 10:50:41 PM
Just reading there he is on €1.5 million a year for 3 years. Nice wee pension top up before retirement.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 19, 2014, 06:26:34 AM
Quote from: muppet on December 18, 2014, 10:17:10 PM
http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/european/2014/1218/667731-concussion-makes-sexton-a-doubt-for-italy-match/ (http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/european/2014/1218/667731-concussion-makes-sexton-a-doubt-for-italy-match/)

Ireland outhalf Johnny Sexton is a doubt for Ireland's opening Six Nations game against Italy after Racing Metro said he would be out until 14 February due to concussion.
Sexton has not played since he sustained a blow to the head during Ireland 26-23 victory over Australia on 22 November.
He is believed to have been suffering from nausea and headaches since the injury, and has been seeing a neurologist in Paris about the symptoms.
"He will not play a match until he's 100%," Racing Metro's head coach Laurent Labit told a news conference as Sexton was again left out of the squad for Saturday's Top 14 game against La Rochelle.
             
French sports daily L'Equipe reported on Thursday that the French league's medical committee had banned Sexton from playing until 14 February, which means he would at least miss Ireland's opening Six Nations game against Italy a week earlier.
They must have changed their tune since that Fritz video
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: orangeman on December 27, 2014, 11:25:42 PM
I know you have to believe you can win the championship but saying it is another thing surely ?

http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2014/1227/669233-paul-oconnell-ireland-can-win-the-world-cup/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 11, 2015, 01:22:38 PM
http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/neurosurgeon-critical-of-rugby-s-excessive-aggression-1.2060907

Carter believes an injury logging data collection, driven by rugby's governing bodies and public health authorities, is necessary to uncover how deep this problem goes.

He also made direct reference to the death in 2011 of Ben Robinson, the Carrickfergus Grammar 14-year-old, who sustained three head injuries in one game.

"My son plays rugby, he's 16," Carter told The Irish Times. "Not only is it a contact sport it is a collision sport. Squads are getting bigger and more powerfully built, competition is arguably becoming more aggressive. I think there is a risk of severe injury.


"People with broken necks and serious brain injuries don't come to us from soccer, hockey, netball or cricket or any other sports happening in schools.There are a lot of vested interest in rugby since the game went professional. The schools are direct feeders into the professional game so you can see how there is potential for disaster, and you can imagine not too many people with vested interest are keen to turn the spotlight on the downsides of this arrangement."

Carter, a neurosurgeon at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, links what he sees on his operating table to rugby's ongoing concussion issue and references the problems currently experienced by the National Football League in the US.

"In the US there is a large group of ex-professional and college football players whose families have taken out a mass action against the NFL for insufficient care. That is litigation that is highly likely to change the game. It would be a tragedy if litigation could take apart a much loved game in this country."

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/dec/13/death-of-a-schoolboy-ben-robinson-concussion-rugby-union
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 19, 2015, 09:24:01 PM
Bad hammerings for Munster and Ulster in TAFKA the Heineken Cup . More money for the top English and French clubs because they bring the viewers..the logic is impeccable and it'll be very hard to keep up with them. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 19, 2015, 09:26:11 PM
The physicality of Saracens and Clermont Auvergne was frightening. Munster looked like an under 21 team playing a set of 30 year olds. Very depressing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 19, 2015, 10:17:37 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 19, 2015, 09:26:11 PM
The physicality of Saracens and Clermont Auvergne was frightening. Munster looked like an under 21 team playing a set of 30 year olds. Very depressing.
That's the way pro rugby is going. Money and muscles and concussion on the side.
A long way from Jack Kyle.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 21, 2015, 03:12:56 PM
This is not good news for the Irish team either

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/alan-quinlan-crushing-defeat-shows-the-huge-task-now-facing-munster-1.2072906
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on January 21, 2015, 03:29:19 PM
I recall Philip Browne claiming that one of the things the IRFU and the provinces could offer players was a less abrasive career. Sure, they couldn't match the money on offer in France but there wasn't that much of a difference and you would play fewer high-intensity games meaning you'd be able to enjoy your retirement with fewer aches and pains. It was a wee bit self-serving - if he had the money he'd be offering it - but it made sense. I fear that the difference in money is now too great.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mouview on January 21, 2015, 04:49:41 PM
Quote from: seafoid on January 21, 2015, 03:12:56 PM
This is not good news for the Irish team either

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/alan-quinlan-crushing-defeat-shows-the-huge-task-now-facing-munster-1.2072906

A hedge on Ireland not winning too many 6-nation matches could be a good bet.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 21, 2015, 04:53:33 PM
Quote from: deiseach on January 21, 2015, 03:29:19 PM
I recall Philip Browne claiming that one of the things the IRFU and the provinces could offer players was a less abrasive career. Sure, they couldn't match the money on offer in France but there wasn't that much of a difference and you would play fewer high-intensity games meaning you'd be able to enjoy your retirement with fewer aches and pains. It was a wee bit self-serving - if he had the money he'd be offering it - but it made sense. I fear that the difference in money is now too great.

Also, the less abrasive thing is a bit of a double edged sword. The French and English clubs have thrown money at it, and have ended up with unbelievably physical teams, even in terms of size. Rugby, being primarily, or at least initially,  a contest of strength has now moved onto another level and our players are now being physically punished when they play these teams. So the less abrasive career is still somewhat true in terms of how they are scheduled, they are now exposed to different gravy against these teams, and are getting battered.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on January 21, 2015, 04:56:24 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 21, 2015, 04:53:33 PM
Also, the less abrasive thing is a bit of a double edged sword. The French and English clubs have thrown money at it, and have ended up with unbelievably physical teams, even in terms of size. Rugby, being primarily, or at least initially,  a contest of strength has now moved onto another level and our players are now being physically punished when they play these teams. So the less abrasive career is still somewhat true in terms of how they are scheduled, they are now exposed to different gravy against these teams, and are getting battered.

It's going tell in the long run for those players. As I'm sure you know, the NFL is plagued by problems of players suffering brain damage from the constant concussions. The arms race in rugby means that there is nothing to stop the sport going down the same road.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 21, 2015, 04:58:47 PM
Yep, and I've said that before here too. The concussion issue is going to be a major issue for the IRB, and the other professional organisations, before this is all said and done.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on January 21, 2015, 05:01:38 PM
Quote from: deiseach on January 21, 2015, 04:56:24 PM
The arms race in rugby means that there is nothing to stop the sport going down the same road.
Unless you impose some sort of quota on teams where they're only allowed have 3 players over 15 stone on the field at any one time?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 21, 2015, 05:02:49 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on January 21, 2015, 05:01:38 PM
Quote from: deiseach on January 21, 2015, 04:56:24 PM
The arms race in rugby means that there is nothing to stop the sport going down the same road.
Unless you impose some sort of quota on teams where they're only allowed have 3 players over 15 stone on the field at any one time?

I think you may have to look at some sort of protection in terms of pads. Or else really penalise tackles which are not really tackles at all, but are more like collisions.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on January 21, 2015, 05:04:54 PM
Quote from: mouview on January 21, 2015, 04:49:41 PM
Quote from: seafoid on January 21, 2015, 03:12:56 PM
This is not good news for the Irish team either

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/alan-quinlan-crushing-defeat-shows-the-huge-task-now-facing-munster-1.2072906

A hedge on Ireland not winning too many 6-nation matches could be a good bet.

go for it. I'll be betting on them winning the hoorin' thing. France and England at home.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on January 21, 2015, 05:11:40 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on January 21, 2015, 05:04:54 PM
Quote from: mouview on January 21, 2015, 04:49:41 PM
Quote from: seafoid on January 21, 2015, 03:12:56 PM
This is not good news for the Irish team either

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/alan-quinlan-crushing-defeat-shows-the-huge-task-now-facing-munster-1.2072906

A hedge on Ireland not winning too many 6-nation matches could be a good bet.

go for it. I'll be betting on them winning the hoorin' thing. France and England at home.

Indeed! The Provinces may be struggling but put them all together and Ireland still have a serious team who are rightly up there for the 6 nations... There's only 0.75 between us and England. Having them at home is a huge advantage for us but then what France team will turn up??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 21, 2015, 05:16:26 PM
I want France to have a relatively good 6Nations. If they perform badly they might replace that nutter Saint-Andre and regroup for the RWC. How he never selected Parra for the 6N is beyond me!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 24, 2015, 12:57:25 PM
Look at the sizes of Heaslip and Haskell in the photo. Is it all healthy gym work ?

http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2015/0124/675342-live-updates-wasps-v-leinster/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 24, 2015, 02:37:49 PM
Leinster were 14 points up and now Wasps have 2 tries both converted and the momentum.
And Victor Costello says you don't want to take on Wasps in the muscle department. 
Jaysus. But rugby is a real mess
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on January 24, 2015, 03:14:25 PM
Quote from: seafoid on January 24, 2015, 12:57:25 PM
Look at the sizes of Heaslip and Haskell in the photo. Is it all healthy gym work ?

http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2015/0124/675342-live-updates-wasps-v-leinster/

I can't see that size and muscle mass coming from natural sources.  Wasn't it Craig Chalmers young buck who was told he'd have no chance unless he bulked up. He hit the juice, was caught and subsequently banned.

You just have to look at the size of the backs now compared to the previous generation....night and day. The hits are ferocious
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on January 24, 2015, 03:47:27 PM
Haskell's physique is definitely suspicious. He looks like a bull at an agricultural show.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 24, 2015, 03:50:55 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 24, 2015, 03:47:27 PM
Haskell's physique is definitely suspicious. He looks like a bull at an agricultural show.
The young lad was doing a Leinster rugby camp a few years ago and two players brought the Heino cup along but on the first glance I thought they looked like circus freaks. I wonder what the long term consequences will be. The pictures of them with their usually stick thin girlfriends/wives  are  weird.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 05, 2015, 02:10:19 PM
Top 25 6 nations era players and a good smattering of Irish players make the cut

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/ng-interactive/2015/feb/05/the-guardians-top-25-six-nations-players-interactive
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on February 05, 2015, 02:21:00 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 05, 2015, 02:10:19 PM
Top 25 6 nations era players and a good smattering of Irish players make the cut

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/ng-interactive/2015/feb/05/the-guardians-top-25-six-nations-players-interactive

Surprised Dusatoir only made it by the skin of his teeth. Unreal player.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 05, 2015, 02:30:23 PM
Jaysus, putting Johnny above ROG is some call to make, especially on a list of Six Nations greats. Maybe it shows how highly he's thought of outside of Ireland. Well probably only appreciate how good he is when he's gone.

I'd also take Kearney over Halfpenny any day of the week, he's such an electric attacker and a real guiding force for Leinster and Ireland. Halfpenny looks pedestrian from play too often for me, though I understand that his penalty kicking in 2012-2013 were essential to Wales' titles and that's why he's listed.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: oakleaflad on February 05, 2015, 02:32:45 PM
RBS Six Nations: Italy v Ireland

Ireland: R Kearney; T Bowe, J Payne, R Henshaw, S Zebo; I Keatley, C Murray; J McGrath, R Best, M Ross; D Toner, P O'Connell (capt); P O'Mahony, S O'Brien, J Murphy.

Replacements: S Cronin, J Cronin, M Moore, I Henderson, T O'Donnell, I Boss, I Madigan, F Jones.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 05, 2015, 02:34:40 PM
Any thoughts on the team for Saturday? It will be interesting to see how we cope with McGrath, Murphy, Keatley who are relative newcomers to Test matches as well as the fact neither Henshaw or Payne have played 6N before. Fingers crossed a game against Italy should be perfect for them to make an impact.

I'd expect our scrum to hold up well at least and hopefully a few tries for Zebo and Bowe as a good warm up for the bigger games.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on February 05, 2015, 02:59:27 PM
Whats the story with Trimble's recovery? I'd also prefer Madigan to Keatley, but lets see.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 05, 2015, 03:10:49 PM
Not a fan of Keatley at all but what can we do apart from trust Joe. If we didnt have the ultra conservative coaches of Matt O'Connor and Anthony Foley in charge of Leinster and Munster Madigan and JJ Hanrahan would be fighting for this spot. I'd say Madigans confidence is shot!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: foxcommander on February 05, 2015, 03:26:00 PM
http://waterfordwhispersnews.com/2015/02/03/fat-lads-who-played-rugby-once-in-school-to-talk-shit-for-next-6-weeks-warns-barman/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rrhf on February 05, 2015, 06:40:06 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on February 05, 2015, 03:26:00 PM
http://waterfordwhispersnews.com/2015/02/03/fat-lads-who-played-rugby-once-in-school-to-talk-shit-for-next-6-weeks-warns-barman/
so true but likely to be controversial.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: foxcommander on February 05, 2015, 06:42:20 PM
Quote from: rrhf on February 05, 2015, 06:40:06 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on February 05, 2015, 03:26:00 PM
http://waterfordwhispersnews.com/2015/02/03/fat-lads-who-played-rugby-once-in-school-to-talk-shit-for-next-6-weeks-warns-barman/
so true but likely to be controversial.

There's probably one or two of them on here ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: moysider on February 05, 2015, 07:55:09 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 05, 2015, 02:30:23 PM
Jaysus, putting Johnny above ROG is some call to make, especially on a list of Six Nations greats. Maybe it shows how highly he's thought of outside of Ireland. Well probably only appreciate how good he is when he's gone.

I'd also take Kearney over Halfpenny any day of the week, he's such an electric attacker and a real guiding force for Leinster and Ireland. Halfpenny looks pedestrian from play too often for me, though I understand that his penalty kicking in 2012-2013 were essential to Wales' titles and that's why he's listed.

Agree with you about Kearney and Halfpenny. But not the other. Sexton for me.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: whitegoodman on February 05, 2015, 08:16:26 PM
Pretty disappointed with that team named.  Ross is now 3rd choice at Leinster yet he is first choice for Ireland??? What is he going to able to provide at the world cup either.

Payne isn't the best outside centre at Ulster never mind Ireland. A world class 15, an average 13.  In the absence of Olding, Fitzgerald or Cave would have been better options.

The decision on Keatley is correct IMO. Madigan is not and never will be a great 10, might make a decent 12 though.

What is the point in having Jones on the bench when you have 3 guys starting who all have plenty of experience at 15.  Fitzgerald or Earls would have been better options IMO.  Still think we will win but I won't be comfortable.


Oh and there shouldn't be an argument re O Gara and Sexton, Sexton is world class, O Gara was to be frank not.  He was one dimensional and the wind would blow him over.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 06, 2015, 08:40:40 AM
ROG was world class, without a doubt. He wasn't great defensively but few out-halves in history have been. Sexton has the physical gifts ROG didn't have but mentally ROG was a class apart. It's a Roy Keane/Zidane sort of situation in my eyes. One has all the technical skills in the world but you know the one who you would rely on to kick a game-winning shot to with a championship.

It's what made him the leading scorer in Six Nations history.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 06, 2015, 09:07:00 AM
Quote from: Syferus on February 06, 2015, 08:40:40 AM
ROG was world class, without a doubt. He wasn't great defensively but few out-halves in history have been. Sexton has the physical gifts ROG didn't have but mentally ROG was a class apart. It's a Roy Keane/Zidane sort of situation in my eyes. One has all the technical skills in the world but you know the one who you would rely on to kick a game-winning shot to with a championship.

It's what made him the leading scorer in Six Nations history.

Oh christ please dont tell me you'd rather have Roy Keane in a team over Zidane  :-X
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 06, 2015, 09:19:56 AM
Ronan O'Gara world class?

Seriously, take a look at what you're proposing here. He was defensively inept and offered no running threat whatsoever. A world class kicker yes, so good at kicking that a series of coaches were happy to play to this advantage despite it limiting their team, yes. A world class rugby player? No, not even remotely close.


Personally I'll never understand the fixation on Irish rugby that the out half must be the goal kicker. But as a policy it served ROG remarkably well.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 06, 2015, 09:25:01 AM
WGM - a lot of lads were disappointed its Schmidt's selections at the start of last year too. He proved them wrong then and I'm hoping he'll do it again. He seems to pick form players for certain roles either way, and that's generally a good policy.

Personally I'd have no interest in seeing Fitzgerald or Earls in an Irish jersey again. Two most overrated backs of the past 20 years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on February 06, 2015, 09:53:54 AM
Quote from: Syferus on February 06, 2015, 08:40:40 AM
ROG was world class, without a doubt. He wasn't great defensively but few out-halves in history have been. Sexton has the physical gifts ROG didn't have but mentally ROG was a class apart. It's a Roy Keane/Zidane sort of situation in my eyes. One has all the technical skills in the world but you know the one who you would rely on to kick a game-winning shot to with a championship.

It's what made him the leading scorer in Six Nations history.

Yeah, that Zidane fella was never directly responsible for winning anything. Show pony.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on February 06, 2015, 09:55:09 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 06, 2015, 09:25:01 AM
WGM - a lot of lads were disappointed its Schmidt's selections at the start of last year too. He proved them wrong then and I'm hoping he'll do it again. He seems to pick form players for certain roles either way, and that's generally a good policy.

Personally I'd have no interest in seeing Fitzgerald or Earls in an Irish jersey again. Two most overrated backs of the past 20 years.

I think that's unfair on Fitzgerald. If he hadn't been injured so much he could have been a serious player.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: oakleaflad on February 06, 2015, 11:22:26 AM
Quote from: whitegoodman on February 05, 2015, 08:16:26 PM
Pretty disappointed with that team named.  Ross is now 3rd choice at Leinster yet he is first choice for Ireland??? What is he going to able to provide at the world cup either.

Payne isn't the best outside centre at Ulster never mind Ireland. A world class 15, an average 13.  In the absence of Olding, Fitzgerald or Cave would have been better options.

The decision on Keatley is correct IMO. Madigan is not and never will be a great 10, might make a decent 12 though.

What is the point in having Jones on the bench when you have 3 guys starting who all have plenty of experience at 15.  Fitzgerald or Earls would have been better options IMO.  Still think we will win but I won't be comfortable.


Oh and there shouldn't be an argument re O Gara and Sexton, Sexton is world class, O Gara was to be frank not.  He was one dimensional and the wind would blow him over.
I think Mike Ross is Ireland's most important player. Any time he's not played or been subbed off our scrum has went to shite.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: whitegoodman on February 06, 2015, 01:23:59 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 06, 2015, 09:25:01 AM
WGM - a lot of lads were disappointed its Schmidt's selections at the start of last year too. He proved them wrong then and I'm hoping he'll do it again. He seems to pick form players for certain roles either way, and that's generally a good policy.

Personally I'd have no interest in seeing Fitzgerald or Earls in an Irish jersey again. Two most overrated backs of the past 20 years.

Wobbler I am all for picking on form but would Ross and Payne be form picks?

Ross didn't make the 23 for Leinster latest European games.

Payne hasn't produced any form at 13 for Ulster or Ireland.  He is being picked there based on what he did in the super 14 a few years back.  Ask any Ulster supporter and 9 out of 10 would pick Cave ahead of him at 13.

Joe is a very smart man and could possibly become Ireland's greatest ever coach and I am no man to question him.  However a couple of choices for tomorrow are arguable to say the least.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: moysider on February 06, 2015, 02:29:43 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 06, 2015, 08:40:40 AM
ROG was world class, without a doubt. He wasn't great defensively but few out-halves in history have been. Sexton has the physical gifts ROG didn't have but mentally ROG was a class apart. It's a Roy Keane/Zidane sort of situation in my eyes. One has all the technical skills in the world but you know the one who you would rely on to kick a game-winning shot to with a championship.

It's what made him the leading scorer in Six Nations history.
Ah, Roy wasn't so bad.

Was ROG ever close to being first choice 10.
Even humpy Steven Jones was considered better.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 06, 2015, 02:58:42 PM
Quote from: moysider on February 06, 2015, 02:29:43 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 06, 2015, 08:40:40 AM
ROG was world class, without a doubt. He wasn't great defensively but few out-halves in history have been. Sexton has the physical gifts ROG didn't have but mentally ROG was a class apart. It's a Roy Keane/Zidane sort of situation in my eyes. One has all the technical skills in the world but you know the one who you would rely on to kick a game-winning shot to with a championship.

It's what made him the leading scorer in Six Nations history.
Ah, Roy wasn't so bad.

Was ROG ever close to being first choice 10.
Even humpy Steven Jones was considered better.

Rog was considered Ireland's best Fly Half for the best part of a decade yet couldn't get on in a Lions Test in that time. I think we over exaggerate how good he was because he was Irish and yes he scored a lot of good penalties and drop goals for Munster and Ireland but his overall game was limited compared to a Sexton who can kick goals, run, pass and kick very well tactically as well as being good defensively!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 06, 2015, 03:11:15 PM
ROG's weaknesses were his line break and his tackling. His kicking was an obvious strength, both out of hand and from the tee. His passing is underrated, largely because he always sat a couple of steps deeper than the likes of Sexton.

Was he world class? Possibly he had too many flaws to be a Dan Carter. Wilkinson was a better tackler, but I think ROG was a better passer and their kicking was about even. ROG was better than Stephen Jones in my opinion.

But Sexton is probably a better all round player.

But am I glad ROG played for Munster all those year? Absolutely. The perfect 10 for that team, and he is responsible for an awful lot of famous Munster moments. We owe him a lot down here, and that's all I know.

By the way, Madigan should have been #10. I like Keatley, but I'm not sure he's got the temperment for this. MAdigan looks like the sort of cocky hoor that would thrive there. I'm holding out hope that Madigan will get pissed off at Leinster and come down South.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mouview on February 06, 2015, 03:25:28 PM
Tellin' ya. Hedge Ireland's chances in this year's 6 Nations. A bet on them winning only 1 or only 2 matches is worth it, (it always is). Think their autumn series displays flattered them a bit.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 06, 2015, 03:36:18 PM
Quote from: gallsman on February 06, 2015, 09:53:54 AM
Quote from: Syferus on February 06, 2015, 08:40:40 AM
ROG was world class, without a doubt. He wasn't great defensively but few out-halves in history have been. Sexton has the physical gifts ROG didn't have but mentally ROG was a class apart. It's a Roy Keane/Zidane sort of situation in my eyes. One has all the technical skills in the world but you know the one who you would rely on to kick a game-winning shot to with a championship.

It's what made him the leading scorer in Six Nations history.

Yeah, that Zidane fella was never directly responsible for winning anything. Show pony.

You're right.

His last act as a footballer was gifting Italy the World Cup.

ROG for all his flaws was world class. You don't need to be an all-rounder to be a world class player, you just need to be very good at a few things and he most certainly was. More durable than Wilkinson (himself a one trick pony for most of his career) and just a more reliable player than Jones ever was. Best 'Home Nations' out-half of his generation, that's some achievement coming from a country whose expectations used to be getting hockeyed by everyone. I'd almost go as far as saying best European out-half of his generation but France change their out-halves more often than their underpants so it's hard to properly rate them.

Himself, BOD and O'Connell were probably the three players who embodied the changed attitude in Irish rugby the most. It was a hell of a contribution from a 'limited' rugby player.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 06, 2015, 03:37:33 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 06, 2015, 03:36:18 PM
Quote from: gallsman on February 06, 2015, 09:53:54 AM
Quote from: Syferus on February 06, 2015, 08:40:40 AM
ROG was world class, without a doubt. He wasn't great defensively but few out-halves in history have been. Sexton has the physical gifts ROG didn't have but mentally ROG was a class apart. It's a Roy Keane/Zidane sort of situation in my eyes. One has all the technical skills in the world but you know the one who you would rely on to kick a game-winning shot to with a championship.

It's what made him the leading scorer in Six Nations history.

Yeah, that Zidane fella was never directly responsible for winning anything. Show pony.

You're right. His last act as a footballer was gifting Italy the World Cup.
You weren't born in 1998 but France actually won the World Cup that year thanks to Zidane 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 06, 2015, 03:53:34 PM
Quote from: mouview on February 06, 2015, 03:25:28 PM
Tellin' ya. Hedge Ireland's chances in this year's 6 Nations. A bet on them winning only 1 or only 2 matches is worth it, (it always is). Think their autumn series displays flattered them a bit.

Exactly how many times in Six Nations history have Ireland won one or two games?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mouview on February 06, 2015, 04:00:40 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 06, 2015, 03:53:34 PM
Quote from: mouview on February 06, 2015, 03:25:28 PM
Tellin' ya. Hedge Ireland's chances in this year's 6 Nations. A bet on them winning only 1 or only 2 matches is worth it, (it always is). Think their autumn series displays flattered them a bit.

Exactly how many times in Six Nations history have Ireland won one or two games?

Oh I don't know, but it always makes it more interesting! If Ireland win, good and well, if they lose you're closer to being in the money!  Win, win, n'est pas?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on February 06, 2015, 04:06:40 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 06, 2015, 03:36:18 PM
Quote from: gallsman on February 06, 2015, 09:53:54 AM
Quote from: Syferus on February 06, 2015, 08:40:40 AM
ROG was world class, without a doubt. He wasn't great defensively but few out-halves in history have been. Sexton has the physical gifts ROG didn't have but mentally ROG was a class apart. It's a Roy Keane/Zidane sort of situation in my eyes. One has all the technical skills in the world but you know the one who you would rely on to kick a game-winning shot to with a championship.

It's what made him the leading scorer in Six Nations history.

Yeah, that Zidane fella was never directly responsible for winning anything. Show pony.

You're right.

His last act as a footballer was gifting Italy the World Cup.

For a start, he didn't gift to them. They won a shootout ffs. 1998 World Cup final. 2002 Champions League final. He delivered consistently on the biggest stage. Why not just admit your comparison was a complete nonsense rather than pursue it? Even the most ardent United fans on the board would be unlikely to agree with you.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 06, 2015, 04:06:53 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 06, 2015, 03:53:34 PM
Quote from: mouview on February 06, 2015, 03:25:28 PM
Tellin' ya. Hedge Ireland's chances in this year's 6 Nations. A bet on them winning only 1 or only 2 matches is worth it, (it always is). Think their autumn series displays flattered them a bit.

Exactly how many times in Six Nations history have Ireland won one or two games?
Before O'Driscoll, most years
After he came along, much less often
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: oakleaflad on February 06, 2015, 04:10:08 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 06, 2015, 04:06:53 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 06, 2015, 03:53:34 PM
Quote from: mouview on February 06, 2015, 03:25:28 PM
Tellin' ya. Hedge Ireland's chances in this year's 6 Nations. A bet on them winning only 1 or only 2 matches is worth it, (it always is). Think their autumn series displays flattered them a bit.

Exactly how many times in Six Nations history have Ireland won one or two games?
Before O'Driscoll, most years
After he came along, much less often
Three times in recent years anyway, 2008, 2012 and 2013.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: beer baron on February 06, 2015, 04:18:52 PM
Get your Cheltenham money today lads,England 2/1 to beat Wales  :o few injuries but still got a strong side and are very well drilled.expect them to win in a low scoring game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on February 06, 2015, 08:10:34 PM
Crash bang wallop rugby about to start, :o
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 06, 2015, 09:50:10 PM
Brutal second half for Wales.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyroneboi on February 06, 2015, 09:53:22 PM
George North shouldn't be on that pitch! Poor from the Welsh medics!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 06, 2015, 10:00:43 PM
Quote from: tyroneboi on February 06, 2015, 09:53:22 PM
George North shouldn't be on that pitch! Poor from the Welsh medics!
Bound to be an investigation. Was out before he hit the dirt.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on February 06, 2015, 10:03:24 PM
Quote from: beer baron on February 06, 2015, 04:18:52 PM
Get your Cheltenham money today lads,England 2/1 to beat Wales  :o few injuries but still got a strong side and are very well drilled.expect them to win in a low scoring game.

Half right! Christ, same old England, physical and not much beyond that. Wales v poor in the 2nd half
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 06, 2015, 10:03:35 PM
England looking ominous that's huge for them away from home their tails will be up coming to the Aviva!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 06, 2015, 10:12:23 PM
Sure they're the same every year. Bash bash bash bash bash. Schmidt can out-think the brawn of England. Would always prefer to be the more skillful team with the better coach. And by better coach I mean we probably have the best coach in world rugby right now.

Get the Italy game out of the way and we can concentrate on what will probably be the championship deciders against the big two.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on February 06, 2015, 10:26:33 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 06, 2015, 10:03:35 PM
England looking ominous that's huge for them away from home their tails will be up coming to the Aviva!!

Looked ominous against a team as one dimensional as themselves but only bigger!
As suspected no invention or ingenuity from either outfit.
Ireland won't have it their own way tomorrow, need to avoid the set pieces as much as possible as the scrum is probably the weakest in the 6N
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 06, 2015, 11:33:11 PM
f**k lads just because its crash bang rugby doesn't mean its not effective.

Yes we have a better coach but they will totally dismantle us in the scrum and if we have any significant  injury to Murray, Sexton or O'Connell we will get beat!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 07, 2015, 04:24:53 PM
Poor stuff against a poor side so far.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 07, 2015, 04:32:38 PM
Yeah very bad considering we've 5 first choice backs on the field its very poor. Keatley out of his depth I think Madigan would make a huge difference!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 07, 2015, 04:39:35 PM
Well that's the match. Now it's just about getting a good score.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 07, 2015, 05:02:52 PM
Italy should have been awarded that try, flight of ball didn't change. Is that a big enough score?? Italy should get stuffed next week
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 07, 2015, 05:03:37 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 07, 2015, 05:02:52 PM
Italy should have been awarded that try, flight of ball didn't change. Is that a big enough score?? Italy should get stuffed next week

You can't tell that. Looked to deviate slightly after his fingers touched it. Right call.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 07, 2015, 07:23:58 PM
Jesus, every team has managed to look a bit shit this weekend. France certainly look beatable at least.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 07, 2015, 09:22:05 PM
A win is a win. Hopefully they will improve for next week with Heaslip and Sexton back in the side.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: moysider on February 08, 2015, 12:15:39 AM
Coming away with the win is what this was about.

Not the time or the place to be showing our hand. France were not great either.
O Donnell played well but losing O Brien was biggest negative of afternoon. Hard to see how he can now come into the team against the big guns. Not sure our back row is good enough right now. In the last 10 years we ve had the careers of Wallace, Quinlan, Easterby, Ferris, Heaslip and O Brien everlap. Ferris's early retirement with injury a huge loss.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 08, 2015, 09:40:18 AM
Quote from: moysider on February 08, 2015, 12:15:39 AM
Coming away with the win is what this was about.

Not the time or the place to be showing our hand. France were not great either.
O Donnell played well but losing O Brien was biggest negative of afternoon. Hard to see how he can now come into the team against the big guns. Not sure our back row is good enough right now. In the last 10 years we ve had the careers of Wallace, Quinlan, Easterby, Ferris, Heaslip and O Brien everlap. Ferris's early retirement with injury a huge loss.

It is but O'Mahony is a terrific player.

A fit Heaslip is badly needed for the amount of defensive work that will need to be done against France and England.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 08, 2015, 11:44:21 PM
Quote from: muppet on February 08, 2015, 09:40:18 AM
Quote from: moysider on February 08, 2015, 12:15:39 AM
Coming away with the win is what this was about.

Not the time or the place to be showing our hand. France were not great either.
O Donnell played well but losing O Brien was biggest negative of afternoon. Hard to see how he can now come into the team against the big guns. Not sure our back row is good enough right now. In the last 10 years we ve had the careers of Wallace, Quinlan, Easterby, Ferris, Heaslip and O Brien everlap. Ferris's early retirement with injury a huge loss.

It is but O'Mahony is a terrific player.

A fit Heaslip is badly needed for the amount of defensive work that will need to be done against France and England.

If Ferris were fit O'Mahony isn't in our first 15 but it's academic now I guess.

We've 4 brutal and bruising games ahead now judging by the way the weekend panned out as France and Scotland will at least bring intensity to the games. It mightn't be any harm for our best players to miss a game here or there to think of the big picture!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 09, 2015, 09:25:15 PM
Liam Toland in the IT

"However, the offloads count of Italy 12, Ireland five, concerns me with the big guns looming."

Against Australia the offloads came to zero.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 09, 2015, 09:32:02 PM
I'd say Ireland were keeping any backline moves hidden against Italy to keep future opponents guessing.
Starve Italy of possession and they'll eventually run out of puff.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 09, 2015, 10:00:02 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on February 09, 2015, 09:32:02 PM
I'd say Ireland were keeping any backline moves hidden against Italy to keep future opponents guessing.
Starve Italy of possession and they'll eventually run out of puff.
But if they threw  a few moves together they could have increased the points difference
It's a big decision in a town called malice. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 09, 2015, 10:23:20 PM
Not worried about offloading I reckon we will be well prepared in that regard come WC. Schmidt is too cute not to have plenty up his sleeve for then!!! Leinster played the most exciting Rugby in the Northern Hemisphere when he was in charge and I reckon we'll be playing well come September the 6N is about options and being competitive at this stage.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 09, 2015, 11:03:57 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 09, 2015, 10:23:20 PM
Not worried about offloading I reckon we will be well prepared in that regard come WC. Schmidt is too cute not to have plenty up his sleeve for then!!! Leinster played the most exciting Rugby in the Northern Hemisphere when he was in charge and I reckon we'll be playing well come September the 6N is about options and being competitive at this stage.

Indeed, Henderson and O'Donnell put their hands up as options and they weren't even in the named team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 10, 2015, 09:52:15 AM
Quote from: muppet on February 09, 2015, 11:03:57 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 09, 2015, 10:23:20 PM
Not worried about offloading I reckon we will be well prepared in that regard come WC. Schmidt is too cute not to have plenty up his sleeve for then!!! Leinster played the most exciting Rugby in the Northern Hemisphere when he was in charge and I reckon we'll be playing well come September the 6N is about options and being competitive at this stage.

Indeed, Henderson and O'Donnell put their hands up as options and they weren't even in the named team.

Henderson has turned into some unit. He's bound to be close enough to push for a place especially as he can play lock and back row. He's been playing well for Ulster since his return from injury as well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 10, 2015, 10:01:06 AM
Quote from: muppet on February 09, 2015, 11:03:57 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 09, 2015, 10:23:20 PM
Not worried about offloading I reckon we will be well prepared in that regard come WC. Schmidt is too cute not to have plenty up his sleeve for then!!! Leinster played the most exciting Rugby in the Northern Hemisphere when he was in charge and I reckon we'll be playing well come September the 6N is about options and being competitive at this stage.

Indeed, Henderson and O'Donnell put their hands up as options and they weren't even in the named team.

I have great time for Tommy, and he's a nice lad as well, but I don't think he's anywhere near at the physical level needed to compete with the big strong back rows you'll see in international rugby.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 12, 2015, 02:40:51 PM
As expected the 3 Lions come into the side! Really want to see Henderson get more game time.

Ireland XV to face France: Rob Kearney, Tommy Bowe, Jared Payne, Robbie Henshaw, Simon Zebo, Johnny Sexton, Conor Murray, Jamie Heaslip, Sean O'Brien, Peter O'Mahony, Paul O'Connell (captain), Devin Toner, Mike Ross, Rory Best, Jack McGrath.

Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Marty Moore, 19 Iain Henderson 20 Jordi Murphy, 21 Isaac Boss, 22 Ian Madigan 23 Felix Jones.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 12, 2015, 03:03:48 PM
Interesting that Madigan makes the bench and Keatley doesn't.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 12, 2015, 03:23:09 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 12, 2015, 03:03:48 PM
Interesting that Madigan makes the bench and Keatley doesn't.

Covers 10,12 and 15. Plus he's a better player. No?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 12, 2015, 03:28:47 PM
Yes, although Keatley can play all those positions, and has done. Last week I said I'd have preferred Madigan to Keatley, so I'm not saying it's the wrong decision. It's just interesting that Keatley seems to have played himself out of contention on that display.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 12, 2015, 03:44:26 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 12, 2015, 02:40:51 PM
As expected the 3 Lions come into the side! Really want to see Henderson get more game time.

Ireland XV to face France: Rob Kearney, Tommy Bowe, Jared Payne, Robbie Henshaw, Simon Zebo, Johnny Sexton, Conor Murray, Jamie Heaslip, Sean O'Brien, Peter O'Mahony, Paul O'Connell (captain), Devin Toner, Mike Ross, Rory Best, Jack McGrath.

Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Marty Moore, 19 Iain Henderson 20 Jordi Murphy, 21 Isaac Boss, 22 Ian Madigan 23 Felix Jones.

It's coming home it's coming rugby's coming home

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJqimlFcJsM

How many years of hurt against the All blacks ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 12, 2015, 03:50:59 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 12, 2015, 03:28:47 PM
Yes, although Keatley can play all those positions, and has done. Last week I said I'd have preferred Madigan to Keatley, so I'm not saying it's the wrong decision. It's just interesting that Keatley seems to have played himself out of contention on that display.

Schmidt picks players and squads based on how suited he feels they for the opposition. For a while Paddy Jackson was in the squad only to be omitted from the 23 for the next game. Keatley done well but he's just not at this level IMO.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 12, 2015, 03:54:31 PM
I agree. I like him, but he's not a top class international out half, and his kicking is not metronomic either. He can be hit and miss.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 12, 2015, 04:53:58 PM
Be interesting to see if we open things out at all against the French this week.

Schmidt has a reputation of being the best attacking coach around and he definitely showed that at Leinster but our back play has been quite limited to a strong kick chase since he's taken over. Don't get me wrong it's working by and large but with the French, English and Welsh all playing a power running game through the middle I think we need something a bit out of the ordinary to get us over the line against them.

What do we reckon?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on February 12, 2015, 04:54:18 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 12, 2015, 03:28:47 PM
Yes, although Keatley can play all those positions, and has done. Last week I said I'd have preferred Madigan to Keatley, so I'm not saying it's the wrong decision. It's just interesting that Keatley seems to have played himself out of contention on that display.
Keatley didnt play himself out. If Sexton was still injured Keatley would probably still be in at 10. But if Sexton had bit fit last week Keatley would not have made the 23.

As a sub, Madigan is more valuable. Keatley wouldnt be close to being a starting 12 for Ireland, but Madigan wouldnt be far off.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on February 12, 2015, 05:08:30 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 12, 2015, 04:53:58 PM
Be interesting to see if we open things out at all against the French this week.

Schmidt has a reputation of being the best attacking coach around and he definitely showed that at Leinster but our back play has been quite limited to a strong kick chase since he's taken over. Don't get me wrong it's working by and large but with the French, English and Welsh all playing a power running game through the middle I think we need something a bit out of the ordinary to get us over the line against them.

What do we reckon?

It seems to me that nobody even tries to play attacking rugby anymore, in the traditional sense of swinging the ball out and relying on footwork and/or pace and/or slick passing to break the opposition line. And I think it's because defending has become so good and so organised that it's become very rare for a line to be broken with these tactics. Now it's all territory, then mauls or repeated bulldozing phases or, if an attempt is made to break the line, it's by dinking the ball over the top.

Unlike football, where I can enjoy a good defensive performance as much as a good attacking one., I'm beginning to find rugby a bit boring because of the dominance of effective defending.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 12, 2015, 05:18:17 PM
Quote from: Hardy on February 12, 2015, 05:08:30 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 12, 2015, 04:53:58 PM
Be interesting to see if we open things out at all against the French this week.

Schmidt has a reputation of being the best attacking coach around and he definitely showed that at Leinster but our back play has been quite limited to a strong kick chase since he's taken over. Don't get me wrong it's working by and large but with the French, English and Welsh all playing a power running game through the middle I think we need something a bit out of the ordinary to get us over the line against them.

What do we reckon?

It seems to me that nobody even tries to play attacking rugby anymore, in the traditional sense of swinging the ball out and relying on footwork and/or pace and/or slick passing to break the opposition line. And I think it's because defending has become so good and so organised that it's become very rare for a line to be broken with these tactics. Now it's all territory, then mauls or repeated bulldozing phases or, if an attempt is made to break the line, it's by dinking the ball over the top.

Unlike football, where I can enjoy a good defensive performance as much as a good attacking one., I'm beginning to find rugby a bit boring because of the dominance of effective defending.

Give it to me any day over soccer. Bar the knockout stages of the champions league its muck.

Schmidt plays to win. I don't care how if it gets us to a world cup semi final or even dream territory final.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on February 12, 2015, 08:06:49 PM
I was talking about football. Soccer is beyond redemption.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 13, 2015, 08:50:17 AM
I think this is one of the reasons rugby is such a mess.

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/sexton-worries-what-if-outhalf-suffers-another-concussion-1.2102186

"Ireland is in trouble as playing Sexton after what happened to him is a big mistake," Bénézech told The Irish Times. "I can tell you already what will be the first way France will use the ball. It will be number nine [Rory Kockott] to [Mathieu] Bastareaud, straight at Johnny Sexton."
That's the same Bastareaud, all 120kg (19 stone) of him, who knocked Sexton out cold last March when Ireland clinched the Six Nations title in Paris. "The French have to do that," Bénézech said. "Maybe an Irish backrow could save the situation, but what happens if Johnny Sexton gets another knockout? He is out of rugby, maybe indefinitely.
"It would be easier to use him as a substitute and use him, or not, according to the game. Imagine the pressure on his shoulders for the first tackle? And if it is Bastareaud with a 20-metre run-up before getting the ball, it will be a disaster." Bénézech, who won 15 caps during the mid-1990s, attained notoriety in France last year when his book Rugby, où sont tes valeurs? (Rugby, where are your values?) highlighted possible doping within the game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: yellowcard on February 13, 2015, 08:59:32 AM
Personally I have found it hard to watch rugby in recent years and whilst I will watch the big internationals and an odd European Cup game its more out of duty because Ireland/provinces are involved than of any real interest in the game itself. To me its all bish bosh bang, win the collisions, and stick it up the jumper and run as hard into contact as you can before recycling and repeating. The skill level accounts for a very small minority of the game, to me it appears as though its mostly all about who wins the physical contact. A good backline move is now a rarity in a match and there is very little room left for innovative, flair, off the cuff type players.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on February 13, 2015, 09:14:51 AM
Quote from: yellowcard on February 13, 2015, 08:59:32 AM
Personally I have found it hard to watch rugby in recent years and whilst I will watch the big internationals and an odd European Cup game its more out of duty because Ireland/provinces are involved than of any real interest in the game itself. To me its all bish bosh bang, win the collisions, and stick it up the jumper and run as hard into contact as you can before recycling and repeating. The skill level accounts for a very small minority of the game, to me it appears as though its mostly all about who wins the physical contact. A good backline move is now a rarity in a match and there is very little room left for innovative, flair, off the cuff type players.

I'd agree with all that TBF, but I'd add a few caveats;

The French, I'd don't think have bought into the bish bosh bang rugby in its entirety. Whilst they acknowledge its effectiveness you still get the feeling they're in two minds about it, preferring to win with the flair players and are caught between two stools and indecision.
The Aussies, much like Ireland don't have that type of player that England and Wales have, suffer in the scrum and like to move it about a bit. like France can get caught out when it turns into a grinding game.
Ireland really can't get embroiled in a muscling session with the likes of England or even France and need to do something different, something Schmitt seems to be a dab hand at. If the game plan fails, then Ireland come unstuck.

Watching England and Wales last Friday night was a display of what is wrong with professional rugby, it was all safety first, possession, phases and very few risks taken and hope your opponents miss a tackle or what not.
Rugby league would be better.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Keyser soze on February 13, 2015, 09:26:01 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 12, 2015, 03:54:31 PM
I agree. I like him, but he's not a top class international out half, and his kicking is not metronomic either. He can be hit and miss.

Talk about rushing to judgement. This guy only has a few caps!  How many people look top class after that many caps? Certainly Sextron and O'Gara were receiving plenty of criticism at that stage of their career, if he turns out at their level he might have a fair oul international career!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 13, 2015, 09:29:11 AM
I watch him every week for Munster. I know his strengths and weaknesses. He's good and tidy with the ball in hand, but not electric. He's a decent tackler, but not a brilliant one, he's a good kicker, but not a great reliable one.

In short he's a good player, and a good outhalf at club level, but he's not got the tools at the moment to be an international out half, in my opinion, and he is not a 21 year old starting out either.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Keyser soze on February 13, 2015, 09:57:53 AM
Well I thought he was fairly decent against Italy, which admittedly is the only time I ve seen him play for any length of time as he has had limited international opportunites, which will make it more difficult for him to develop at this level.

Though I will defer to your obviously much greater knowledge of his career, not to mention rugby in general, lol.

Someone put up the comment about having to listen to 'fat guys who once played rugby at school pontificating for the next 6 weeks'. Well Im not fat and I never played rugby but Im determined to do my share of pontificating regardless lol.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on February 13, 2015, 11:00:27 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 13, 2015, 09:29:11 AM
I watch him every week for Munster. I know his strengths and weaknesses. He's good and tidy with the ball in hand, but not electric. He's a decent tackler, but not a brilliant one, he's a good kicker, but not a great reliable one.

In short he's a good player, and a good outhalf at club level, but he's not got the tools at the moment to be an international out half, in my opinion, and he is not a 21 year old starting out either.

Which makes the decision of Munster to allow JJ Hanrahan go to Northampton all the more baffling if he's an average Joe!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 13, 2015, 11:04:19 AM
I agree, but JJ has a lot of development to do too. I don't want to be unfair to Keatley either, he's better than average at club level, but he's not top international class. That's all I'm saying.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: oakleaflad on February 13, 2015, 01:25:08 PM
See Andrew Trimble is out of the 6 nations but hopes to be back for the World Cup, it's a pity as I thought he was very good last year. Hope he gets in contention for the World Cup as he's 30 now and probably won't get another chance.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Asal Mor on February 14, 2015, 07:25:17 AM
Can't resist France at 9/4. Come on you boys in blue.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 14, 2015, 08:33:49 AM
Sexton is world class but he was concussed 4 times last year.Is this more likely to make him a target? And if so would he not be better off leaving the sport?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: cornerback on February 14, 2015, 10:30:17 AM
Quote from: seafoid on February 14, 2015, 08:33:49 AM
Sexton is world class but he was concussed 4 times last year.Is this more likely to make him a target? And if so would he not be better off leaving the sport?
Concussion or not Sexton will always be the main target for the opposition!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 14, 2015, 11:18:05 AM
Are there any stats for how often players are concussed ? Would Ollie Campbell have been knocked out much ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: stephenite on February 14, 2015, 11:24:55 AM
Quote from: seafoid on February 14, 2015, 11:18:05 AM
Are there any stats for how often players are concussed ? Would Ollie Campbell have been knocked out much ?

I don't have any stats, but there was an article earlier in the week that mentioned one of the centres was heavier than the average weight of the forwards from the 85 triple crown team (or something like that).

And it's not fatter he is.

The collisions in the modern game were non existent when Ollie Campbell was playing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: michaelg on February 14, 2015, 11:28:33 AM
Quote from: seafoid on February 14, 2015, 11:18:05 AM
Are there any stats for how often players are concussed ? Would Ollie Campbell have been knocked out much ?
Was wondering recently if there was a stat for the current proportion of time that professional rugby players are injured in a season.  Was at Ravenhill last night and there was no Jackson, Olding, Trimble etc who were all out injured.  I would be surprised if the majority players are playing more than 2/3 of matches in a season due to missing games through injury.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 14, 2015, 12:23:23 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 14, 2015, 11:18:05 AM
Are there any stats for how often players are concussed ? Would Ollie Campbell have been knocked out much ?

Watch what Winterbottom does to Campbell here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsRF047xur4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsRF047xur4)

The 10 is always nailed when possible. That is why Sexton gets concussed, he is always targeted and like Campbell never backs down.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 14, 2015, 12:45:57 PM
Quote from: michaelg on February 14, 2015, 11:28:33 AM
Quote from: seafoid on February 14, 2015, 11:18:05 AM
Are there any stats for how often players are concussed ? Would Ollie Campbell have been knocked out much ?
Was wondering recently if there was a stat for the current proportion of time that professional rugby players are injured in a season.  Was at Ravenhill last night and there was no Jackson, Olding, Trimble etc who were all out injured.  I would be surprised if the majority players are playing more than 2/3 of matches in a season due to missing games through injury.

Likewise. And I always stand near the dugout in Thomond Park, and I am always struck by how battered the players are when they come off, either when replaced or at the end of the game. It's sometimes like a war of attrition.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 14, 2015, 12:56:46 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 14, 2015, 12:45:57 PM
Quote from: michaelg on February 14, 2015, 11:28:33 AM
Quote from: seafoid on February 14, 2015, 11:18:05 AM
Are there any stats for how often players are concussed ? Would Ollie Campbell have been knocked out much ?
Was wondering recently if there was a stat for the current proportion of time that professional rugby players are injured in a season.  Was at Ravenhill last night and there was no Jackson, Olding, Trimble etc who were all out injured.  I would be surprised if the majority players are playing more than 2/3 of matches in a season due to missing games through injury.

Likewise. And I always stand near the dugout in Thomond Park, and I am always struck by how battered the players are when they come off, either when replaced or at the end of the game. It's sometimes like a war of attrition.
http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/feb/13/bigger-fitter-faster-rugby-union-too-strong (http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/feb/13/bigger-fitter-faster-rugby-union-too-strong)

Reported instances of concussion English Premiership up 59% in 2013-14.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: yellowcard on February 14, 2015, 05:15:52 PM
Sexton makes some difference, stand out flair player on the field.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 14, 2015, 06:02:09 PM
Sexton got a bad high tackle there
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sidney on February 14, 2015, 06:32:13 PM
The modern game of rugby union football is almost unwatchable. This is as bad a sporting spectacle as I've seen. Awful, awful muck.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 14, 2015, 06:51:25 PM
Rugby morphed from something based around passing into a fairly dull gym bunny orgy of kicking while gaelic football has the gym element but is going in the opposite direction.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on February 14, 2015, 06:54:39 PM
Wasn't pretty however another famous win against a good team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on February 14, 2015, 07:56:03 PM
Injurious Bastereaud.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 14, 2015, 08:03:18 PM
@MattRNCM has matt williams' tweets.
They are going to have to do something about rugby . He suggests the ruck and the scrum. But the high tackles are dangerous too.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on February 14, 2015, 08:10:38 PM
I suppose it's a sign of the times when a reasonably comfortable win over France in the 6 nations is treated with a gallic shrug.
Despite the best efforts of the rte commentary team to warn us about the danger of immediate catastrophe, I thought ireland did very  well to keep the french around the half way line, well out of danger in the final minutes.
I don't like rugby that much but I found this game satisfying despite the negative impact of  heavy  human chunks, too thick in body to bend and make a proper rugby tackle but instead stand their ground and  just collide head on with brutal effect.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 14, 2015, 08:22:09 PM
Quote from: Sidney on February 14, 2015, 06:32:13 PM
The modern game of rugby union football is almost unwatchable. This is as bad a sporting spectacle as I've seen. Awful, awful muck.

I agree. I like rugby, and the physical nature of it, but this sterile bash bash bash is probably unsafe and is definitely hard to watch. Nothing wrong with good physical stuff up to a point, but these lads remind me of the cannon fodder used in ww1. Bash the defensive line, recycle, rinse and repeat. It's sad when Ireland's box kicking game is one of the more inventive tactical components these days.

One thing I would say, fair play to the irish defensive line and especially the new centres. That must have been incredibly hard work all night.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 14, 2015, 08:41:07 PM
Strange days when we can out-play France comprehensively without really playing all that great. Made things more hairy than they deserved to be at the end but all that matters now is what looking like a title decider in two weeks. Nothing quite like England in Landsdowne with the Six Nations title on the line, the other matches are rivalries, this one is something more.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 14, 2015, 09:18:08 PM
First Ireland 6 nations game I stopped watching in about 10 years. Rugby has become awful muck. The decline of the French flair and Toulouse is a sad indictment of their game. The 2007 WC was the beginning of the end and the rules enacted after were counter-productive to protect rugby. This has lead to the rise of the "Gatland" tactics, fill the pitch with big men and smash early and often. He's only getting beaten now because everyone is at it. Face it lads, rugby is a sport going backwards.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on February 14, 2015, 09:29:45 PM
The few tackles l saw Basterau and another French lad, the forearm and elbow were prominent in and around the head area of the tackler, now that's no hand off, not sure how the rules work, but that needs stamped out.


Good win without actually playing well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 14, 2015, 10:52:49 PM
What a bit of crying. The modern skillset around the breakdown is different from the game of old but it doesn't make it a bad game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 15, 2015, 12:00:03 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 14, 2015, 10:52:49 PM
What a bit of crying. The modern skillset around the breakdown is different from the game of old but it doesn't make it a bad game.
I'm not talking about the breakdown, I'm talking about the back line moves and tackling. It's straight line collision seeking, and it's very predictable. Unbelievably tough and difficult to play I'd imagine, but not exactly great to watch.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 15, 2015, 12:24:28 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 15, 2015, 12:00:03 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 14, 2015, 10:52:49 PM
What a bit of crying. The modern skillset around the breakdown is different from the game of old but it doesn't make it a bad game.
I'm not talking about the breakdown, I'm talking about the back line moves and tackling. It's straight line collision seeking, and it's very predictable. Unbelievably tough and difficult to play I'd imagine, but not exactly great to watch.
Granted the 'short pass, head down and charge 3 yards into the man in front of you' tactics aren't a thing of beauty but the chipping away sometimes leads to something profitable.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 15, 2015, 06:34:41 AM
Quote from: trileacman on February 14, 2015, 09:18:08 PM
First Ireland 6 nations game I stopped watching in about 10 years. Rugby has become awful muck. The decline of the French flair and Toulouse is a sad indictment of their game. The 2007 WC was the beginning of the end and the rules enacted after were counter-productive to protect rugby. This has lead to the rise of the "Gatland" tactics, fill the pitch with big men and smash early and often. He's only getting beaten now because everyone is at it. Face it lads, rugby is a sport going backwards.
Money has changed the game in france just like it did in soccer in england and the national team suffers.
And tackling with the head is despicable.

Bring back Serge Blanco
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 15, 2015, 08:41:04 AM
Have you seen serge Blanco. Another example of the huge increases in bulk of the modern game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sidney on February 15, 2015, 09:24:04 AM
There was one creative play in the whole match and that didn't happen for 70 minutes. Everything else was just bash, bash, bash. If you like that, fine, but WWE wrestling does it better, is quicker and is more exciting.

The game yet again showed yesterday it has a serious discipline problem. Players' heads are targeted with a clear aim to inflict head injury. And that knee to the back of Heaslip was pure filth and should have been a straight red card.

Rugby needs to take a leaf out of soccer's book, which has a far greater culture of respect in terms of discipline.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 15, 2015, 09:40:21 AM
You were doing so well until that last sentence  :)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 15, 2015, 09:51:34 AM
Quote from: Sidney on February 15, 2015, 09:24:04 AM
There was one creative play in the whole match and that didn't happen for 70 minutes. Everything else was just bash, bash, bash. If you like that, fine, but WWE wrestling does it better, is quicker and is more exciting.

The game yet again showed yesterday it has a serious discipline problem. Players' heads are targeted with a clear aim to inflict head injury. And that knee to the back of Heaslip was pure filth and should have been a straight red card.

Rugby needs to take a leaf out of soccer's book, which has a far greater culture of respect in terms of discipline.

Simples, don't watch it
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sidney on February 15, 2015, 09:53:41 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 15, 2015, 09:40:21 AM
You were doing so well until that last sentence  :)
On the contrary, I'm entirely correct.

Association football does have a far greater culture of respect.

Deliberately inflicting injury is an integral part of rugby. It isn't in association football.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on February 15, 2015, 11:59:41 AM
So take the everton - chelsea game the other night and an incident in the last 5 minutes...

Gareth Barry kicks a chelsea player when he's rounded. An opposing player comes up to the referee waving an imaginary card in his face to get Barry booked. Meanwhile James McCarthy runs in to belittle the chelsea guy and Ivanovic proceeds to get him in a bearhug, headbutt him and put a forearm in his face all the while John Terry is showing entire disrespect for the referee and trying to make the decision for him.

Respect? I think not.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 15, 2015, 01:12:53 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 15, 2015, 09:51:34 AM
Quote from: Sidney on February 15, 2015, 09:24:04 AM
There was one creative play in the whole match and that didn't happen for 70 minutes. Everything else was just bash, bash, bash. If you like that, fine, but WWE wrestling does it better, is quicker and is more exciting.

The game yet again showed yesterday it has a serious discipline problem. Players' heads are targeted with a clear aim to inflict head injury. And that knee to the back of Heaslip was pure filth and should have been a straight red card.

Rugby needs to take a leaf out of soccer's book, which has a far greater culture of respect in terms of discipline.

Simples, don't watch it

People will.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: yellowcard on February 15, 2015, 02:17:36 PM
Quote from: Sidney on February 15, 2015, 09:53:41 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 15, 2015, 09:40:21 AM
You were doing so well until that last sentence  :)
On the contrary, I'm entirely correct.

Association football does have a far greater culture of respect.

Deliberately inflicting injury is an integral part of rugby. It isn't in association football.

Respect greater in soccer, your not serious? Practically every match involves at least one incident of feigning injury, players verbally abusing officials and players claiming for throw ins, corners that they know blatantly they are not entitled to. Yes its not as physical as rugby but it definitely doesn't have a culture of respect. Whilst I would be critical of rugby as a spectacle and have very little interest in watching it outside of the big European Cup and six nations matches (and thats mostly out of patriotism and the sense of accasion), there is definitely a healthier respect towards both the officials and the opponent. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 15, 2015, 02:20:57 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on February 15, 2015, 02:17:36 PM
Quote from: Sidney on February 15, 2015, 09:53:41 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 15, 2015, 09:40:21 AM
You were doing so well until that last sentence  :)
On the contrary, I'm entirely correct.

Association football does have a far greater culture of respect.

Deliberately inflicting injury is an integral part of rugby. It isn't in association football.

Respect greater in soccer, your not serious? Practically every match involves at least one incident of feigning injury, players verbally abusing officials and players claiming for throw ins, corners that they know blatantly they are not entitled to. Yes its not as physical as rugby but it definitely doesn't have a culture of respect. Whilst I would be critical of rugby as a spectacle and have very little interest in watching it outside of the big European Cup and six nations matches (and thats mostly out of patriotism and the sense of accasion), there is definitely a healthier respect towards both the officials and the opponent.

Sid is a WUM lads.... Move on
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 15, 2015, 03:07:09 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 15, 2015, 02:20:57 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on February 15, 2015, 02:17:36 PM
Quote from: Sidney on February 15, 2015, 09:53:41 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 15, 2015, 09:40:21 AM
You were doing so well until that last sentence  :)
On the contrary, I'm entirely correct.

Association football does have a far greater culture of respect.

Deliberately inflicting injury is an integral part of rugby. It isn't in association football.

Respect greater in soccer, your not serious? Practically every match involves at least one incident of feigning injury, players verbally abusing officials and players claiming for throw ins, corners that they know blatantly they are not entitled to. Yes its not as physical as rugby but it definitely doesn't have a culture of respect. Whilst I would be critical of rugby as a spectacle and have very little interest in watching it outside of the big European Cup and six nations matches (and thats mostly out of patriotism and the sense of accasion), there is definitely a healthier respect towards both the officials and the opponent.
he is right about tackles aimed at the head. Maybe pro sport is the issue.
Will Sexton or BoD end up shooting themselves in the heart in 20 years time and donating their brains to research like that ex american footballer did ?


Sid is a WUM lads.... Move on
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sidney on February 15, 2015, 08:05:25 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on February 15, 2015, 02:17:36 PM
Quote from: Sidney on February 15, 2015, 09:53:41 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 15, 2015, 09:40:21 AM
You were doing so well until that last sentence  :)
On the contrary, I'm entirely correct.

Association football does have a far greater culture of respect.

Deliberately inflicting injury is an integral part of rugby. It isn't in association football.

Respect greater in soccer, your not serious? Practically every match involves at least one incident of feigning injury, players verbally abusing officials and players claiming for throw ins, corners that they know blatantly they are not entitled to. Yes its not as physical as rugby but it definitely doesn't have a culture of respect. Whilst I would be critical of rugby as a spectacle and have very little interest in watching it outside of the big European Cup and six nations matches (and thats mostly out of patriotism and the sense of accasion), there is definitely a healthier respect towards both the officials and the opponent.
Association football has a far greater culture of respect towards the opponent. Instances of serious foul play are rare whereas they are far more commonplace in rugby.

It was no secret before yesterday's match that France would target Sexton's head, and they were as good as their word. Pascal Pape's deliberate lunge with his knee has seemingly broken at least one vertebra in Jamie Heaslip's back. Heaslip himself is no stranger to kneeing opponents, as Richie McCaw, no angel himself found out. A quick Google of McCaw's name shows that a player in Australia has just today been suspended for stamping on him. These type of incidents are ten a penny. The prevailing culture in rugby is one that celebrates violence. It celebrates big hits like Bastareaud's yesterday and the Mike Brown collision. Rugby people chuckle at the so called "dark arts of the scrum". The culture is one of juicing up to make yourself as big as possible, hitting as hard as possible and if your opponent is injured, so much the better.

Isolated incidents can always be pointed out in soccer (most of them involving Chelsea) given that it is by far the world's most played sport, but they are almost always laughably trivial compared to the serious physical violence that frequently happens in rugby.

Any parent who lets their child play the game given its current culture is, frankly, nuts. The fact that so many people have been conned into believing this nonsense that it has a "culture of respect" which is supposedly so superior to soccer shows the power of propaganda. And it's lapped up by the aspirational classes who prefer their thuggery to come with a well spoken accent.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lynchbhoy on February 15, 2015, 08:46:59 PM
Shows that Ireland without odriscoll lack any flair to break through a defensive line.
However it also proves that in the modern game such flair is not needed, only expert organisation and defence, allied with a supreme kicking game and kicker.

Have to admit that rugby has gone as boring again as it was with the Ping pong kicking games in the late 80's.

What are the resolutions?
10 points for a try?
Less players on a team or bigger pitches?
The latter two ( either of them if applied - and I doubt if it would be enlarging pitches) would hopefully both be the death knell of the big unskilled mammoths, plus a return to open passing flair rugby. A by product of both would be less concussions and physical damage caused by collision.

Ireland should win the 6n at a canter. Never looked to be troubled yesterday and England right now are poor - so are wales. Scotland would be a real threat in a 13 a side game but not right now.
I'm wondering if as usual in rugby World Cup year, other sides are playing with one and a half eyes on the competition later this year.
That's what usually happens each World Cup year!

That's not even talking about all these concussions!

Rugby having so many substitutions these days just reminds me of American football!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sidney on February 15, 2015, 09:05:45 PM
Quote from: lynchbhoy on February 15, 2015, 08:46:59 PM
England right now are poor - so are wales.
Really? On what basis do you say that? England right now look like the only team who might challenge New Zealand in the World Cup (South Africa might have a very outside chance) and their match against Wales was by a long, long way the best match played in this championship so far.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lynchbhoy on February 15, 2015, 09:09:11 PM
Right now?
Not talking about then- just about right now!
Based on most of their first choice team key players missing?
Certainly not based on the disjointed error strewn game they are playing right now!
Ireland won't open the game up as it isn't in our interest, but I can see a controlled win by three penalties! England are not a cohesive unit yet
IMO
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 15, 2015, 09:10:19 PM
Quote from: Sidney on February 15, 2015, 08:05:25 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on February 15, 2015, 02:17:36 PM
Quote from: Sidney on February 15, 2015, 09:53:41 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 15, 2015, 09:40:21 AM
You were doing so well until that last sentence  :)
On the contrary, I'm entirely correct.

Association football does have a far greater culture of respect.

Deliberately inflicting injury is an integral part of rugby. It isn't in association football.

Respect greater in soccer, your not serious? Practically every match involves at least one incident of feigning injury, players verbally abusing officials and players claiming for throw ins, corners that they know blatantly they are not entitled to. Yes its not as physical as rugby but it definitely doesn't have a culture of respect. Whilst I would be critical of rugby as a spectacle and have very little interest in watching it outside of the big European Cup and six nations matches (and thats mostly out of patriotism and the sense of accasion), there is definitely a healthier respect towards both the officials and the opponent.
Association football has a far greater culture of respect towards the opponent. Instances of serious foul play are rare whereas they are far more commonplace in rugby.

It was no secret before yesterday's match that France would target Sexton's head, and they were as good as their word. Pascal Pape's deliberate lunge with his knee has seemingly broken at least one vertebra in Jamie Heaslip's back. Heaslip himself is no stranger to kneeing opponents, as Richie McCaw, no angel himself found out. A quick Google of McCaw's name shows that a player in Australia has just today been suspended for stamping on him. These type of incidents are ten a penny. The prevailing culture in rugby is one that celebrates violence. It celebrates big hits like Bastareaud's yesterday and the Mike Brown collision. Rugby people chuckle at the so called "dark arts of the scrum". The culture is one of juicing up to make yourself as big as possible, hitting as hard as possible and if your opponent is injured, so much the better.

Isolated incidents can always be pointed out in soccer (most of them involving Chelsea) given that it is by far the world's most played sport, but they are almost always laughably trivial compared to the serious physical violence that frequently happens in rugby.

Any parent who lets their child play the game given its current culture is, frankly, nuts. The fact that so many people have been conned into believing this nonsense that it has a "culture of respect" which is supposedly so superior to soccer shows the power of propaganda. And it's lapped up by the aspirational classes who prefer their thuggery to come with a well spoken accent.
Even BBC glorifies the hits. Why don't they pay the same attention to the damage concussion does?
Rugby needs to be taken back from the IRB. They have no idea what they have created.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sidney on February 15, 2015, 09:22:52 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 15, 2015, 09:10:19 PM

Even BBC glorifies the hits. Why don't they pay the same attention to the damage concussion does?
Rugby needs to be taken back from the IRB. They have no idea what they have created.
This is a problem that is only going to get worse for rugby. The players are not going to get smaller.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 15, 2015, 10:35:38 PM
Sean O'Brien is some man!

http://balls.ie/rugby/98562-gif-monstrous-sean-obrien-ruck-clear-out/ (http://balls.ie/rugby/98562-gif-monstrous-sean-obrien-ruck-clear-out/)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: michaelg on February 15, 2015, 10:44:04 PM
Anybody think big Henderson should start.  If so, in the second row or back row?  Too good a player for 5 minutes at the end.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lynchbhoy on February 15, 2015, 11:05:55 PM
Quote from: michaelg on February 15, 2015, 10:44:04 PM
Anybody think big Henderson should start.  If so, in the second row or back row?  Too good a player for 5 minutes at the end.
Unlucky not to start
If he gets a bit more disciplined he prob is the best successor to oconnell

I think his abrasiveness is good, but too often for me he goes over the edge and in the modern game some of these refs blow penalties all day for this kind of thing ( yet seemingly deliberately miss offsides , forward passes and malicious tackles)
But a good player and prob will be starting next year IMO
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 15, 2015, 11:25:59 PM
Quote from: lynchbhoy on February 15, 2015, 11:05:55 PM
Quote from: michaelg on February 15, 2015, 10:44:04 PM
Anybody think big Henderson should start.  If so, in the second row or back row?  Too good a player for 5 minutes at the end.
Unlucky not to start
If he gets a bit more disciplined he prob is the best successor to oconnell

I think his abrasiveness is good, but too often for me he goes over the edge and in the modern game some of these refs blow penalties all day for this kind of thing ( yet seemingly deliberately miss offsides , forward passes and malicious tackles)
But a good player and prob will be starting next year IMO

I think he should be there instead of Toner!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lynchbhoy on February 15, 2015, 11:53:26 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 15, 2015, 11:25:59 PM
Quote from: lynchbhoy on February 15, 2015, 11:05:55 PM
Quote from: michaelg on February 15, 2015, 10:44:04 PM
Anybody think big Henderson should start.  If so, in the second row or back row?  Too good a player for 5 minutes at the end.
Unlucky not to start
If he gets a bit more disciplined he prob is the best successor to oconnell

I think his abrasiveness is good, but too often for me he goes over the edge and in the modern game some of these refs blow penalties all day for this kind of thing ( yet seemingly deliberately miss offsides , forward passes and malicious tackles)
But a good player and prob will be starting next year IMO

I think he should be there instead of Toner!!
Coach obv doesn't.
He's too similar to oconnell and just needs to learn more discipline.
Can see him start next year if oconnell retires
IMO

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Keyser soze on February 16, 2015, 09:54:41 AM
Quote from: lynchbhoy on February 15, 2015, 11:53:26 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 15, 2015, 11:25:59 PM
Quote from: lynchbhoy on February 15, 2015, 11:05:55 PM
Quote from: michaelg on February 15, 2015, 10:44:04 PM
Anybody think big Henderson should start.  If so, in the second row or back row?  Too good a player for 5 minutes at the end.
Unlucky not to start
If he gets a bit more disciplined he prob is the best successor to oconnell

I think his abrasiveness is good, but too often for me he goes over the edge and in the modern game some of these refs blow penalties all day for this kind of thing ( yet seemingly deliberately miss offsides , forward passes and malicious tackles)
But a good player and prob will be starting next year IMO

I think he should be there instead of Toner!!
Coach obv doesn't.
He's too similar to oconnell and just needs to learn more discipline.
Can see him start next year if oconnell retires
IMO

Thought he was instumental in holding the line after he came on, France didnt look near as likely to scoring a try after his ontroduction.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 16, 2015, 11:36:18 AM
Guscott's take on things. . .

QuoteVorsprung durch Joe Schmidt

The Irish team are like German engineering - they are efficient, they are reliable and you can count on them to do a really good job.
There is nothing spectacular about their play at the moment. It is prescriptive - head coach Joe Schmidt has nailed down every bit of detail - but without being boring.

2015 Six Nations: Ireland 18-11 France
The players look incredibly fit, and they look energetic and happy in their work. Their defence is solid - they have conceded one try in their two games - and when they are backed up by kicking as good as Jonathan Sexton's and Conor Murray's, it makes a team difficult to overcome.
The England game in a fortnight is going to be like a game of chess with both sides looking for that checkmate move.
England probably have a few more X-Factor players who can win a game in a short amount of time and little space, but you have to weigh that against the collective strength of an Ireland side who have won their last nine Tests.
It is difficult to call, but, at home, Ireland are going to be tough to crack.

For all England's bish bash bosh Guscott reckons they have more game breakers than us. . . and at the minute you'd have to say he's right!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on February 16, 2015, 11:46:16 AM
Quote from: screenexile on February 16, 2015, 11:36:18 AM
Guscott's take on things. . .

QuoteVorsprung durch Joe Schmidt

The Irish team are like German engineering - they are efficient, they are reliable and you can count on them to do a really good job.
There is nothing spectacular about their play at the moment. It is prescriptive - head coach Joe Schmidt has nailed down every bit of detail - but without being boring.

2015 Six Nations: Ireland 18-11 France
The players look incredibly fit, and they look energetic and happy in their work. Their defence is solid - they have conceded one try in their two games - and when they are backed up by kicking as good as Jonathan Sexton's and Conor Murray's, it makes a team difficult to overcome.
The England game in a fortnight is going to be like a game of chess with both sides looking for that checkmate move.
England probably have a few more X-Factor players who can win a game in a short amount of time and little space, but you have to weigh that against the collective strength of an Ireland side who have won their last nine Tests.
It is difficult to call, but, at home, Ireland are going to be tough to crack.

For all England's bish bash bosh Guscott reckons they have more game breakers than us. . . and at the minute you'd have to say he's right!

In Mike Brown and Billy Twelvetrees, they've two very good game breakers, Twelvetrees doesn't even start most of the time now. After that the winger Johnny whatever, doesn't get a ball unless he's returning a kick as his centres don't pass the feckin thing!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 16, 2015, 11:59:35 AM
That centre Joseph looks fairly quick too.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on February 16, 2015, 01:38:23 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=XVUHFFUvjKk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=XVUHFFUvjKk)

Sean O'Brien at what he does best!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 16, 2015, 03:16:26 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 16, 2015, 01:38:23 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=XVUHFFUvjKk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=XVUHFFUvjKk)

Sean O'Brien at what he does best!

Didn't notice it at the time but that's a serious bit of power displayed there awesome stuff!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on March 01, 2015, 04:11:33 PM
Another great GAA try Ireland against England, this time from Henshaw (not an attacking force - George Hook).
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on March 01, 2015, 04:29:43 PM
By my count O'Brien, Sexton, Healy and Payne all got blows to the head in this game. Rugby has a serious problem.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 01, 2015, 04:38:59 PM
Good defence and scrum this match. England kicking penalties instead of going for tries says something about the irish performance. GAA tries are great too.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 01, 2015, 04:41:51 PM
What a performance. Muscular, bullied England in the ruck, incredible defence.

Henshaw the best thing to come out of Athlone since Frankie Dolan.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on March 01, 2015, 04:45:52 PM
O'Connell looks like a man saying goodbye to the Aviva, but no one seems to notice!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: heganboy on March 01, 2015, 04:46:29 PM
Henshaw "used my gaelic football skill to pull the ball from the air"
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sidney on March 01, 2015, 04:49:38 PM
Another dirge, another concussion.

Compare the superb skill and entertainment on show in the Liverpool v Manchester City and Kerry v Dublin matches to that.

What a load of rubbish.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 01, 2015, 04:55:45 PM
Vunipola the number 8 is a horse of a man. Very Junior C frame.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 01, 2015, 05:00:53 PM
Quote from: muppet on March 01, 2015, 04:45:52 PM
O'Connell looks like a man saying goodbye to the Aviva, but no one seems to notice!

We still have Scotland and Wales at Landsdowne before the WC. Last match at home against England (we play them in Twickenham too before the WC), probably.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 01, 2015, 06:27:16 PM
Sidney. 2 words. f**k off!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on March 01, 2015, 09:22:28 PM
I liked this post by an English supporter on another forum just after we scored out try:

"Twelvetrees -> 12
Burrell 12 -> 13
Joseph 13 -> 14
Watson 14 -> 15
Goode 15 -> France"
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thejuice on March 01, 2015, 09:32:12 PM
Was surprised to read it was our first win in 5 attempts against England.

Great performances all over the pitch. England looked a bit limited though in attack. Hope Ireland leave something in the tank for the World Cup though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: grounded on March 01, 2015, 09:45:43 PM
England dominated the scrum against the Welsh so I'm really pleased with how our scrum held up. Massive game in a fortnight against the Welsh.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tiempo on March 01, 2015, 10:39:49 PM
Quote from: muppet on March 01, 2015, 04:45:52 PM
O'Connell looks like a man saying goodbye to the Aviva, but no one seems to notice!

And probably for the better, can't go through the whole BOD thing again (BOD didn't ask for it) and POC would probably find it a bit strange, they seem like a focused team on mission thinking about the 6 Nats and eyes firmly on the RWC too, its a thrill to see them peaking at the min, hopefully they can go again later in the year.

Ireland seem to be playing their A game now and their A stragegy, lots of time for opposition to figure a counter-plan before RWC, especially the southern hemisphere teams, hope it doesnt end up us being called one trick ponies a la Wales at the min, but Schmit is getting lorded as a genius and if he pulls a grade A plan B out of the hat when required then he truely is
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tiempo on March 01, 2015, 10:44:02 PM
Quote from: Sidney on March 01, 2015, 04:49:38 PM
Another dirge, another concussion.

Compare the superb skill and entertainment on show in the Liverpool v Manchester City and Kerry v Dublin matches to that.

What a load of rubbish.

Here, you saying there was never a great rugby game played simultaneously with a pile of s**te soccer or Gaelic game?
Or never a great rugby game played period?
Behave.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on March 01, 2015, 11:28:17 PM
Rumour now it was O'Connell's last competitive appearance at Aviva/LR.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 01, 2015, 11:39:11 PM
Quote from: muppet on March 01, 2015, 11:28:17 PM
Rumour now it was O'Connell's last competitive appearance at Aviva/LR.

It's our last home game in the 6N this year. Unless Scmidt has decided five months in advance that POC won't play any part in the (full Test) warm-up games against Wales and Scotland that's a strange rumour.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on March 02, 2015, 12:05:24 AM
Quote from: Syferus on March 01, 2015, 11:39:11 PM
Quote from: muppet on March 01, 2015, 11:28:17 PM
Rumour now it was O'Connell's last competitive appearance at Aviva/LR.

It's our last home game in the 6N this year. Unless Scmidt has decided five months in advance that POC won't play any part in the (full Test) warm-up games against Wales and Scotland that's a strange rumour.

You are hardly comparing those games with the 6N?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 02, 2015, 07:42:24 AM
Conor Murray's kick for the try was perfection. He should have got MotM.
Stuart Lancaster on BBC was saying Ireland had that bit more experience and discipline. It would be great we could get past the QF at the RWC with this team. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on March 02, 2015, 07:47:11 AM
England had a penalty in front of the posts early on and George Ford took the free shot at a drop goal. He should have done what Conor Murray did when the opportunity arose. Smart play, and fantastic presence of mind by Henshaw to focus everything on getting the ball down. Great stuff all round.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 02, 2015, 09:01:39 AM
Quote from: muppet on March 02, 2015, 12:05:24 AM
Quote from: Syferus on March 01, 2015, 11:39:11 PM
Quote from: muppet on March 01, 2015, 11:28:17 PM
Rumour now it was O'Connell's last competitive appearance at Aviva/LR.

It's our last home game in the 6N this year. Unless Scmidt has decided five months in advance that POC won't play any part in the (full Test) warm-up games against Wales and Scotland that's a strange rumour.

You are hardly comparing those games with the 6N?

That's exactly what he's doing.

Given Ireland's history with these games, I hope POC, Sexton, O'Brien etc are all wrapped in cotton wool!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on March 02, 2015, 09:33:19 AM
Quote from: gallsman on March 02, 2015, 09:01:39 AM
Quote from: muppet on March 02, 2015, 12:05:24 AM
Quote from: Syferus on March 01, 2015, 11:39:11 PM
Quote from: muppet on March 01, 2015, 11:28:17 PM
Rumour now it was O'Connell's last competitive appearance at Aviva/LR.

It's our last home game in the 6N this year. Unless Scmidt has decided five months in advance that POC won't play any part in the (full Test) warm-up games against Wales and Scotland that's a strange rumour.

You are hardly comparing those games with the 6N?

That's exactly what he's doing.

Given Ireland's history with these games, I hope POC, Sexton, O'Brien etc are all wrapped in cotton wool!

First thing first, well done the Irish pack, parity if not more in the scrum, and destroyed the much vaunted English in the ruck and maul. I thought they and the replacements never gave an inch the whole day. The platform for the victory and even the very biased Clive Woodward accepted that whilst England gave away a huge amount of penalties and made basic mistakes it was mostly due to the intense pressure Ireland were putting on them.

Secondly, if Sexton gets injured in the world cup we're goosed. Neither Madigan, Jackson or Keatley are good enough replacement outhalfs as him and that became abundantly clear yesterday when he went off. Luckily Ireland had the points on the board to hold off the English.

Thirdly, I think the limited game England play is hampering their fantastic back division. It was only in broken play that they got the ball in hand and were doing what they do best and looked very dangerous, the only saving grace is that they were forced to do it in their own half. No English set play afforded them the opportunity to show their stuff, and that was with Mike Brown missing. If stats mad Lancaster allows these lads a bit of freedom to do what they do best, they'll be a problem in the WC.
They were trying to outdo the Irish at their own kicking game, madness, but we'll take the win all the same.


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 02, 2015, 09:51:19 AM
Keatley actually probably would have been a better option to see the game home yesterday. He's still a major step down from Sexton, obviously, but he would have tried to be territorial and killed the game off by kicking for position.

Great win though, very impressive.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 02, 2015, 10:19:14 AM
We've beaten every major Rugby nation in the past 2 years except for New Zealand. . . I think our victory yesterday now puts us 3rd ranked in the world.

We can talk all we want about the aesthetics but nothing beats winning and if we can stay relatively injury free we have a great chance to give the WC a rattle!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on March 02, 2015, 10:20:03 AM
One thing that isn't great about this Irish team is that you don't really fancy them to close out games. They survive rather than thrive.

Go back the last 3 or 4 years. The defeat to New Zealand obviously enough. 2 draws vs France when they were a decent bit ahead. Last year they barely closed out the win in Paris, this year shouldn't have ended up a one score game.

2 years ago in Cardiff when they 27 points ahead and still let Wales back to 8 points. The year before when they had a 6 point lead over Wales late on and lost to an unconverted try and a penalty.

England had a couple of decent try chances in the last quarter and had they nailed one of them, how confident would everyone have been of Ireland holding on?
Sexton and O'Brien going off obviously changed things, but Ireland mentally go into retreat when they have a lead against top tier opposition.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on March 02, 2015, 10:30:02 AM
It's strange all right. We were discussing that at home when Sexton landed the conversion. England were there to be absolutely pounded, yet we all agreed that it would be a slog rather than a sprint towards the finishing line. When Brent Pope said after the game that Ireland would now beat New Zealand in the circumstances, I thought "nah!" It's not necessarily a criticism of the Ireland setup, winning the competitive games is all that matters. But it's a quirk.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 02, 2015, 10:46:26 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on March 02, 2015, 09:33:19 AM
Quote from: gallsman on March 02, 2015, 09:01:39 AM
Quote from: muppet on March 02, 2015, 12:05:24 AM
Quote from: Syferus on March 01, 2015, 11:39:11 PM
Quote from: muppet on March 01, 2015, 11:28:17 PM
Rumour now it was O'Connell's last competitive appearance at Aviva/LR.

It's our last home game in the 6N this year. Unless Scmidt has decided five months in advance that POC won't play any part in the (full Test) warm-up games against Wales and Scotland that's a strange rumour.

You are hardly comparing those games with the 6N?

That's exactly what he's doing.

Given Ireland's history with these games, I hope POC, Sexton, O'Brien etc are all wrapped in cotton wool!

First thing first, well done the Irish pack, parity if not more in the scrum, and destroyed the much vaunted English in the ruck and maul. I thought they and the replacements never gave an inch the whole day. The platform for the victory and even the very biased Clive Woodward accepted that whilst England gave away a huge amount of penalties and made basic mistakes it was mostly due to the intense pressure Ireland were putting on them.

Secondly, if Sexton gets injured in the world cup we're goosed. Neither Madigan, Jackson or Keatley are good enough replacement outhalfs as him and that became abundantly clear yesterday when he went off. Luckily Ireland had the points on the board to hold off the English.

Thirdly, I think the limited game England play is hampering their fantastic back division. It was only in broken play that they got the ball in hand and were doing what they do best and looked very dangerous, the only saving grace is that they were forced to do it in their own half. No English set play afforded them the opportunity to show their stuff, and that was with Mike Brown missing. If stats mad Lancaster allows these lads a bit of freedom to do what they do best, they'll be a problem in the WC.
They were trying to outdo the Irish at their own kicking game, madness, but we'll take the win all the same.




Dont really agree with that. Woodward is fairly impartial. Or maybe he just appears that way beside that prat Guscott!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on March 02, 2015, 10:49:57 AM
Quote from: deiseach on March 02, 2015, 10:30:02 AM
It's strange all right. We were discussing that at home when Sexton landed the conversion. England were there to be absolutely pounded, yet we all agreed that it would be a slog rather than a sprint towards the finishing line. When Brent Pope said after the game that Ireland would now beat New Zealand in the circumstances, I thought "nah!" It's not necessarily a criticism of the Ireland setup, winning the competitive games is all that matters. But it's a quirk.
The Tipp hurlers should be giving Joe Schmidt tips on how to feast on a carcass!

I remember Felipe Contepomi was talking about the Ireland sporting mindset. I think it was in the context of obsession with needing to be underdogs to perform.
He noted on Ireland's Grand Slam in 2009, that as soon as it became a possibility, Ireland went into their shell and squeeked out narrow wins over England and Scotland and then barely fell over the line against Wales. Quite simply, it isn't something our sportspeople wear very easily.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on March 02, 2015, 11:43:05 AM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on March 02, 2015, 10:49:57 AM
I remember Felipe Contepomi was talking about the Ireland sporting mindset. I think it was in the context of obsession with needing to be underdogs to perform.
He noted on Ireland's Grand Slam in 2009, that as soon as it became a possibility, Ireland went into their shell and squeeked out narrow wins over England and Scotland and then barely fell over the line against Wales. Quite simply, it isn't something our sportspeople wear very easily.

He said that? It's all very metaphysical and impossible to quantify, yet there is circumstantial evidence to suggest there is something to it. Maybe we should drum the memory of Michael Hogan into every Irish team that takes on the Brits and their colonial lackeys. We'd have to ignore the fact that most of the Irish people participating in sports like rugby and cricket would have applauded those doing the shooting on Bloody Sunday, but if Scottish sports fans can holler about Bannockburn while voting No, I'm sure we can perform the necessary mental gymnastics. Any equivalent in history for France?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on March 02, 2015, 11:49:39 AM
Quote from: deiseach on March 02, 2015, 07:47:11 AM
England had a penalty in front of the posts early on and George Ford took the free shot at a drop goal. He should have done what Conor Murray did when the opportunity arose. Smart play, and fantastic presence of mind by Henshaw to focus everything on getting the ball down. Great stuff all round.

That's always a gear grinder for me. It only makes sense when playing a penalty advantage to go for the drop goal if the penalty is going to be from a difficult position. You give yourself two chances at the three points. But now it's become the norm to go for the drop goal every time, which is madness if it's an easy penalty. You should risk everything for the try, no matter how unlikely, since the three points are guaranteed. But the majority of out-halves don't seem to understand this and are not coached in it and they just slavishly go for the drop every time because it's the fashion. Really stupid.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on March 02, 2015, 11:52:43 AM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on March 02, 2015, 10:49:57 AM
Quote from: deiseach on March 02, 2015, 10:30:02 AM
It's strange all right. We were discussing that at home when Sexton landed the conversion. England were there to be absolutely pounded, yet we all agreed that it would be a slog rather than a sprint towards the finishing line. When Brent Pope said after the game that Ireland would now beat New Zealand in the circumstances, I thought "nah!" It's not necessarily a criticism of the Ireland setup, winning the competitive games is all that matters. But it's a quirk.
The Tipp hurlers should be giving Joe Schmidt tips on how to feast on a carcass!

I remember Felipe Contepomi was talking about the Ireland sporting mindset. I think it was in the context of obsession with needing to be underdogs to perform.
He noted on Ireland's Grand Slam in 2009, that as soon as it became a possibility, Ireland went into their shell and squeeked out narrow wins over England and Scotland and then barely fell over the line against Wales. Quite simply, it isn't something our sportspeople wear very easily.

There's probably something in that alright.
There something that doesn't sit well with us and the confident sportsman, we prefer our humble Brian O'Driscoll or Henry Shefflin to the likes of a David Campese who by and large was able to back up some of his arrogance on the field of play.

The likes of McGregor shouting his mouth off is a prime example. The lad may be very good at what he does and may indeed be a good fighter, but the fact that he's mouthing off doesn't endear himself to the Irish general public, but the Yanks love that sort of shít.

The Irish rugby lads need to go into the next few games against Scotland and Wales expecting to win, rather than hoping to win and it seems Schmit may be on that page.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 02, 2015, 11:53:54 AM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on March 02, 2015, 10:49:57 AM
Quote from: deiseach on March 02, 2015, 10:30:02 AM
It's strange all right. We were discussing that at home when Sexton landed the conversion. England were there to be absolutely pounded, yet we all agreed that it would be a slog rather than a sprint towards the finishing line. When Brent Pope said after the game that Ireland would now beat New Zealand in the circumstances, I thought "nah!" It's not necessarily a criticism of the Ireland setup, winning the competitive games is all that matters. But it's a quirk.
The Tipp hurlers should be giving Joe Schmidt tips on how to feast on a carcass!

I remember Felipe Contepomi was talking about the Ireland sporting mindset. I think it was in the context of obsession with needing to be underdogs to perform.
He noted on Ireland's Grand Slam in 2009, that as soon as it became a possibility, Ireland went into their shell and squeeked out narrow wins over England and Scotland and then barely fell over the line against Wales. Quite simply, it isn't something our sportspeople wear very easily.

Take Ireland's performances in the last two RWC's as evidence for that if ever it were needed!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 02, 2015, 11:56:42 AM
Quote from: Hardy on March 02, 2015, 11:49:39 AM
Quote from: deiseach on March 02, 2015, 07:47:11 AM
England had a penalty in front of the posts early on and George Ford took the free shot at a drop goal. He should have done what Conor Murray did when the opportunity arose. Smart play, and fantastic presence of mind by Henshaw to focus everything on getting the ball down. Great stuff all round.

That's always a gear grinder for me. It only makes sense when playing a penalty advantage to go for the drop goal if the penalty is going to be from a difficult position. You give yourself two chances at the three points. But now it's become the norm to go for the drop goal every time, which is madness if it's an easy penalty. You should risk everything for the try, no matter how unlikely, since the three points are guaranteed. But the majority of out-halves don't seem to understand this and are not coached in it and they just slavishly go for the drop every time because it's the fashion. Really stupid.

I agree. We were speaking in another thread about the definition of a shot to nothing, but a penalty advantage, in an attacking position, in Rugby is the very epitome of it. You literally cannot lose. Worst case you'll get the shot at goal anyway. Why you waste your free shot on a drop goal is a mystery, except where the penalty is very difficult, or where there is literally nothing on and you just give yourself 2 shots.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 02, 2015, 11:58:10 AM
Also did anyone think it disrespectful for Lancaster to say he saw Ireland as "a potential Banana skin".

That sort of term is used in the FA Cup for Chelsea v Bradford or United v Cambridge but I don't see how England could have looked at that game as if they were favourites given our current run. Cheeky cnuts!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on March 02, 2015, 11:58:46 AM
An outhalf stroking their ego? I really can't think of any other explanation as to why you'd take the drop goal.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 02, 2015, 12:01:49 PM
Quote from: screenexile on March 02, 2015, 11:58:10 AM
Also did anyone think it disrespectful for Lancaster to say he saw Ireland as "a potential Banana skin".

That sort of term is used in the FA Cup for Chelsea v Bradford or United v Cambridge but I don't see how England could have looked at that game as if they were favourites given our current run. Cheeky cnuts!!

I doubt he meant it like that. I imagine he meant it as a game they could easily lose.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on March 02, 2015, 12:05:27 PM
I don't know that the underdog mentality is a national characteristic. I think it's just as likely to be a characteristic of teams that are not used to being successful. Success breeds not just success but confidence. Failure breeds fear, pessimism and lack of self-belief. There's also the huge factor that successful teams have - the knowledge, based on experience, of how to win. Often you need that in addition to being the better team.

There was a time, not too long ago, when my team went into every game expecting to win. That expectation was often the major factor in actually winning, especially when the opposition bought into the invincibility myth and couldn't imagine themselves winning, even when they were well ahead with the game nearly over. We won a huge number of games in those circumstances. Even the supporters were caught up in the self belief and there was a while there when we didn't just hope - we KNEW the comeback would come and we would win. I'm certain the team felt the same. And so did the opposition in many cases.

It's not like that now. It's getting worryingly like the opposite. Neither state of affairs is innate in our character. It's just the contrasting consequences of serial success and serial failure.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on March 02, 2015, 12:06:25 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on March 02, 2015, 10:49:57 AM
Quote from: deiseach on March 02, 2015, 10:30:02 AM
It's strange all right. We were discussing that at home when Sexton landed the conversion. England were there to be absolutely pounded, yet we all agreed that it would be a slog rather than a sprint towards the finishing line. When Brent Pope said after the game that Ireland would now beat New Zealand in the circumstances, I thought "nah!" It's not necessarily a criticism of the Ireland setup, winning the competitive games is all that matters. But it's a quirk.
The Tipp hurlers should be giving Joe Schmidt tips on how to feast on a carcass!

I remember Felipe Contepomi was talking about the Ireland sporting mindset. I think it was in the context of obsession with needing to be underdogs to perform.
He noted on Ireland's Grand Slam in 2009, that as soon as it became a possibility, Ireland went into their shell and squeeked out narrow wins over England and Scotland and then barely fell over the line against Wales. Quite simply, it isn't something our sportspeople wear very easily.

Unless it is a Roy Keane, Rory McIlroy or even a Conor McGregor. We Irish universally love those sort of confident types.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 02, 2015, 01:27:06 PM
Quote from: muppet on March 02, 2015, 12:06:25 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on March 02, 2015, 10:49:57 AM
Quote from: deiseach on March 02, 2015, 10:30:02 AM
It's strange all right. We were discussing that at home when Sexton landed the conversion. England were there to be absolutely pounded, yet we all agreed that it would be a slog rather than a sprint towards the finishing line. When Brent Pope said after the game that Ireland would now beat New Zealand in the circumstances, I thought "nah!" It's not necessarily a criticism of the Ireland setup, winning the competitive games is all that matters. But it's a quirk.
The Tipp hurlers should be giving Joe Schmidt tips on how to feast on a carcass!

I remember Felipe Contepomi was talking about the Ireland sporting mindset. I think it was in the context of obsession with needing to be underdogs to perform.
He noted on Ireland's Grand Slam in 2009, that as soon as it became a possibility, Ireland went into their shell and squeeked out narrow wins over England and Scotland and then barely fell over the line against Wales. Quite simply, it isn't something our sportspeople wear very easily.

Unless it is a Roy Keane, Rory McIlroy or even a Conor McGregor. We Irish universally love those sort of confident types.

Not so sure on that. As many dislike Keane and McGregor as love them. Dislike of McIlroy tends to have nothing to do with ego or braggadocio (of which he displays very little) and everything to do with what religious and political beliefs he may or may not have.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 02, 2015, 01:47:05 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on March 02, 2015, 10:20:03 AM
One thing that isn't great about this Irish team is that you don't really fancy them to close out games. They survive rather than thrive.

Go back the last 3 or 4 years. The defeat to New Zealand obviously enough. 2 draws vs France when they were a decent bit ahead. Last year they barely closed out the win in Paris, this year shouldn't have ended up a one score game.

2 years ago in Cardiff when they 27 points ahead and still let Wales back to 8 points. The year before when they had a 6 point lead over Wales late on and lost to an unconverted try and a penalty.

England had a couple of decent try chances in the last quarter and had they nailed one of them, how confident would everyone have been of Ireland holding on?
Sexton and O'Brien going off obviously changed things, but Ireland mentally go into retreat when they have a lead against top tier opposition.
Sexton going off was massive. Madigan is not at the same level and it was a tight enough match where accuracy was vital and he didn't have it. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 02, 2015, 01:48:20 PM
Quote from: Hardy on March 02, 2015, 12:05:27 PM
I don't know that the underdog mentality is a national characteristic. I think it's just as likely to be a characteristic of teams that are not used to being successful. Success breeds not just success but confidence. Failure breeds fear, pessimism and lack of self-belief. There's also the huge factor that successful teams have - the knowledge, based on experience, of how to win. Often you need that in addition to being the better team.

There was a time, not too long ago, when my team went into every game expecting to win. That expectation was often the major factor in actually winning, especially when the opposition bought into the invincibility myth and couldn't imagine themselves winning, even when they were well ahead with the game nearly over. We won a huge number of games in those circumstances. Even the supporters were caught up in the self belief and there was a while there when we didn't just hope - we KNEW the comeback would come and we would win. I'm certain the team felt the same. And so did the opposition in many cases.

It's not like that now. It's getting worryingly like the opposite. Neither state of affairs is innate in our character. It's just the contrasting consequences of serial success and serial failure.
Modesty is a national characteristic. You have to laugh at kilkenny hurlers saying "yeah, we're not a bad team". 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Franko on March 02, 2015, 02:02:19 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 02, 2015, 01:27:06 PM
Quote from: muppet on March 02, 2015, 12:06:25 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on March 02, 2015, 10:49:57 AM
Quote from: deiseach on March 02, 2015, 10:30:02 AM
It's strange all right. We were discussing that at home when Sexton landed the conversion. England were there to be absolutely pounded, yet we all agreed that it would be a slog rather than a sprint towards the finishing line. When Brent Pope said after the game that Ireland would now beat New Zealand in the circumstances, I thought "nah!" It's not necessarily a criticism of the Ireland setup, winning the competitive games is all that matters. But it's a quirk.
The Tipp hurlers should be giving Joe Schmidt tips on how to feast on a carcass!

I remember Felipe Contepomi was talking about the Ireland sporting mindset. I think it was in the context of obsession with needing to be underdogs to perform.
He noted on Ireland's Grand Slam in 2009, that as soon as it became a possibility, Ireland went into their shell and squeeked out narrow wins over England and Scotland and then barely fell over the line against Wales. Quite simply, it isn't something our sportspeople wear very easily.

Unless it is a Roy Keane, Rory McIlroy or even a Conor McGregor. We Irish universally love those sort of confident types.

Not so sure on that. As many dislike Keane and McGregor as love them. Dislike of McIlroy tends to have nothing to do with ego or braggadocio (of which he displays very little) and everything to do with what religious and political beliefs he may or may not have.

Bollocks... can't let you away with that.  It seems that it's fine to express a dislike for Keane/McGregor/any other sports star you care to mention - but not McIlroy.  If you don't like him it MUST be cos he's a fenian who likes themmuns.  I think it's you that's obsessed with whatever religion/politics he expresses!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 02, 2015, 02:04:14 PM
Quote from: Franko on March 02, 2015, 02:02:19 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 02, 2015, 01:27:06 PM
Quote from: muppet on March 02, 2015, 12:06:25 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on March 02, 2015, 10:49:57 AM
Quote from: deiseach on March 02, 2015, 10:30:02 AM
It's strange all right. We were discussing that at home when Sexton landed the conversion. England were there to be absolutely pounded, yet we all agreed that it would be a slog rather than a sprint towards the finishing line. When Brent Pope said after the game that Ireland would now beat New Zealand in the circumstances, I thought "nah!" It's not necessarily a criticism of the Ireland setup, winning the competitive games is all that matters. But it's a quirk.
The Tipp hurlers should be giving Joe Schmidt tips on how to feast on a carcass!

I remember Felipe Contepomi was talking about the Ireland sporting mindset. I think it was in the context of obsession with needing to be underdogs to perform.
He noted on Ireland's Grand Slam in 2009, that as soon as it became a possibility, Ireland went into their shell and squeeked out narrow wins over England and Scotland and then barely fell over the line against Wales. Quite simply, it isn't something our sportspeople wear very easily.

Unless it is a Roy Keane, Rory McIlroy or even a Conor McGregor. We Irish universally love those sort of confident types.

Not so sure on that. As many dislike Keane and McGregor as love them. Dislike of McIlroy tends to have nothing to do with ego or braggadocio (of which he displays very little) and everything to do with what religious and political beliefs he may or may not have.

Bollocks... can't let you away with that.  It seems that it's fine to express a dislike for Keane/McGregor/any other sports star you care to mention - but not McIlroy.  If you don't like him it MUST be cos he's a fenian who likes themmuns.  I think it's you that's obsessed with whatever religion/politics he expresses!

I'm curious to know (sorry going off-topic) but what is it people dont like about McIlroy?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Franko on March 02, 2015, 02:05:33 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 02, 2015, 02:04:14 PM
Quote from: Franko on March 02, 2015, 02:02:19 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 02, 2015, 01:27:06 PM
Quote from: muppet on March 02, 2015, 12:06:25 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on March 02, 2015, 10:49:57 AM
Quote from: deiseach on March 02, 2015, 10:30:02 AM
It's strange all right. We were discussing that at home when Sexton landed the conversion. England were there to be absolutely pounded, yet we all agreed that it would be a slog rather than a sprint towards the finishing line. When Brent Pope said after the game that Ireland would now beat New Zealand in the circumstances, I thought "nah!" It's not necessarily a criticism of the Ireland setup, winning the competitive games is all that matters. But it's a quirk.
The Tipp hurlers should be giving Joe Schmidt tips on how to feast on a carcass!

I remember Felipe Contepomi was talking about the Ireland sporting mindset. I think it was in the context of obsession with needing to be underdogs to perform.
He noted on Ireland's Grand Slam in 2009, that as soon as it became a possibility, Ireland went into their shell and squeeked out narrow wins over England and Scotland and then barely fell over the line against Wales. Quite simply, it isn't something our sportspeople wear very easily.

Unless it is a Roy Keane, Rory McIlroy or even a Conor McGregor. We Irish universally love those sort of confident types.

Not so sure on that. As many dislike Keane and McGregor as love them. Dislike of McIlroy tends to have nothing to do with ego or braggadocio (of which he displays very little) and everything to do with what religious and political beliefs he may or may not have.

Bollocks... can't let you away with that.  It seems that it's fine to express a dislike for Keane/McGregor/any other sports star you care to mention - but not McIlroy.  If you don't like him it MUST be cos he's a fenian who likes themmuns.  I think it's you that's obsessed with whatever religion/politics he expresses!

I'm curious to know (sorry going off-topic) but what is it people dont like about McIlroy?

Been done to death on the McIlroy thread
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 02, 2015, 02:18:21 PM
Fair enough.

I think people are being a little over critical of Madigan. Of course he's no Sexton but apart from that one over cooked kick I thought he had a decent game. Put in some great hits.

Anyone see the U20 game? Gary Ringrose and Robbie Henshaw could be a very tasty partnership for the senior side in a couple of years!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on March 02, 2015, 02:52:59 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 02, 2015, 01:48:20 PM
Quote from: Hardy on March 02, 2015, 12:05:27 PM
I don't know that the underdog mentality is a national characteristic. I think it's just as likely to be a characteristic of teams that are not used to being successful. Success breeds not just success but confidence. Failure breeds fear, pessimism and lack of self-belief. There's also the huge factor that successful teams have - the knowledge, based on experience, of how to win. Often you need that in addition to being the better team.

There was a time, not too long ago, when my team went into every game expecting to win. That expectation was often the major factor in actually winning, especially when the opposition bought into the invincibility myth and couldn't imagine themselves winning, even when they were well ahead with the game nearly over. We won a huge number of games in those circumstances. Even the supporters were caught up in the self belief and there was a while there when we didn't just hope - we KNEW the comeback would come and we would win. I'm certain the team felt the same. And so did the opposition in many cases.

It's not like that now. It's getting worryingly like the opposite. Neither state of affairs is innate in our character. It's just the contrasting consequences of serial success and serial failure.
Modesty is a national characteristic. You have to laugh at kilkenny hurlers saying "yeah, we're not a bad team". 

Yes, I agree. But underdog mentality and modesty are two different things, as are confidence and arrogance. I was talking about the underdog mentality versus the confident, "we will win" mentality.

There's a world of difference between the braggadocio, trash-talking persona of a Conor McGregor and the self-effacing "ah sure we were lucky", but ultra-determined, self confidence of a Henry Shefflin.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 02, 2015, 02:54:49 PM
Quote from: Hardy on March 02, 2015, 02:52:59 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 02, 2015, 01:48:20 PM
Quote from: Hardy on March 02, 2015, 12:05:27 PM
I don't know that the underdog mentality is a national characteristic. I think it's just as likely to be a characteristic of teams that are not used to being successful. Success breeds not just success but confidence. Failure breeds fear, pessimism and lack of self-belief. There's also the huge factor that successful teams have - the knowledge, based on experience, of how to win. Often you need that in addition to being the better team.

There was a time, not too long ago, when my team went into every game expecting to win. That expectation was often the major factor in actually winning, especially when the opposition bought into the invincibility myth and couldn't imagine themselves winning, even when they were well ahead with the game nearly over. We won a huge number of games in those circumstances. Even the supporters were caught up in the self belief and there was a while there when we didn't just hope - we KNEW the comeback would come and we would win. I'm certain the team felt the same. And so did the opposition in many cases.

It's not like that now. It's getting worryingly like the opposite. Neither state of affairs is innate in our character. It's just the contrasting consequences of serial success and serial failure.
Modesty is a national characteristic. You have to laugh at kilkenny hurlers saying "yeah, we're not a bad team". 

Yes, I agree. But underdog mentality and modesty are two different things, as are confidence and arrogance. I was talking about the underdog mentality versus the confident, "we will win" mentality.

There's a world of difference between the braggadocio, trash-talking persona of a Carl Frampton and the self-effacing "ah sure we were lucky", but ultra-determined, self confidence of a Henry Shefflin.

What??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 02, 2015, 02:56:22 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 02, 2015, 02:54:49 PM
Quote from: Hardy on March 02, 2015, 02:52:59 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 02, 2015, 01:48:20 PM
Quote from: Hardy on March 02, 2015, 12:05:27 PM
I don't know that the underdog mentality is a national characteristic. I think it's just as likely to be a characteristic of teams that are not used to being successful. Success breeds not just success but confidence. Failure breeds fear, pessimism and lack of self-belief. There's also the huge factor that successful teams have - the knowledge, based on experience, of how to win. Often you need that in addition to being the better team.

There was a time, not too long ago, when my team went into every game expecting to win. That expectation was often the major factor in actually winning, especially when the opposition bought into the invincibility myth and couldn't imagine themselves winning, even when they were well ahead with the game nearly over. We won a huge number of games in those circumstances. Even the supporters were caught up in the self belief and there was a while there when we didn't just hope - we KNEW the comeback would come and we would win. I'm certain the team felt the same. And so did the opposition in many cases.

It's not like that now. It's getting worryingly like the opposite. Neither state of affairs is innate in our character. It's just the contrasting consequences of serial success and serial failure.
Modesty is a national characteristic. You have to laugh at kilkenny hurlers saying "yeah, we're not a bad team". 

Yes, I agree. But underdog mentality and modesty are two different things, as are confidence and arrogance. I was talking about the underdog mentality versus the confident, "we will win" mentality.

There's a world of difference between the braggadocio, trash-talking persona of a Carl Frampton and the self-effacing "ah sure we were lucky", but ultra-determined, self confidence of a Henry Shefflin.

What??

I think he meant conor McGregor.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on March 02, 2015, 02:58:48 PM
Sorry - dunno where that slip came from.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 02, 2015, 03:03:26 PM
Was wondering :D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lynchbhoy on March 02, 2015, 04:16:42 PM
ironic how this is being pointed out that Ireland now 'play on the edge' which all winning rugby teams have been doing - esp England in years past. Its necessary if you are going to win anything!!


From Skysports

James Haskell reckons Ireland "got away with a lot" in their 19-9 Six Nations defeat of England but he could only admire the defending champions' approach.
The loss in Dublin on Sunday means England must hope the unbeaten Irish slip up in their remaining fixtures against Wales and Scotland to keep them relevant in the title race.
England head coach Stuart Lancaster and captain Chris Robshaw looked inwards to criticise after their first defeat of 2015, refusing to blame referee Craig Joubert.
And Robshaw's fellow England back-row forward Haskell also had no complaints despite believing Ireland had challenged the boundaries of the law book.
"Ireland got it right because you've got to play the referee and the conditions," Haskell said.
"They got the rub of the green. It's not about being streetwise. It's about playing right on the edge and seeing what you can get away with. And I think Ireland got away with a lot.
"We were trying to meet that physical confrontation, but discipline at the breakdown was difficult. I don't think any decisions really went our way in that area. Ireland imposed themselves very well."
"Ireland got it right because you've got to play the referee and the conditions" - James Haskell

England must regroup against Scotland at Twickenham a week on Saturday before finishing with a home game with France on March 21 - and they hope to place themselves in a position to strike should the title be decided on points difference like last year.
"We've been in situations like this before. We understand what's needed to get the train back on the tracks," Haskell said.
"This is a deviation. The boys will put their hands up and say we were beaten by a better side on the day. We weren't on the money, it's as simple as that.
"We've got two weeks until we play Scotland and whoever's in the team will have a lot of work to do, but we'll come out firing.
"There are afternoons you enjoy and then some pretty long afternoons when it doesn't go well at all. This was one of those days where it lingers and it's pretty disappointing."
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 02, 2015, 04:32:26 PM
As Liam Toland says 'Haskell looks better with his top off than on'...

He's a compete meat head who took up rugby.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 02, 2015, 05:16:02 PM
Quote from: Franko on March 02, 2015, 02:02:19 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 02, 2015, 01:27:06 PM
Quote from: muppet on March 02, 2015, 12:06:25 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on March 02, 2015, 10:49:57 AM
Quote from: deiseach on March 02, 2015, 10:30:02 AM
It's strange all right. We were discussing that at home when Sexton landed the conversion. England were there to be absolutely pounded, yet we all agreed that it would be a slog rather than a sprint towards the finishing line. When Brent Pope said after the game that Ireland would now beat New Zealand in the circumstances, I thought "nah!" It's not necessarily a criticism of the Ireland setup, winning the competitive games is all that matters. But it's a quirk.
The Tipp hurlers should be giving Joe Schmidt tips on how to feast on a carcass!

I remember Felipe Contepomi was talking about the Ireland sporting mindset. I think it was in the context of obsession with needing to be underdogs to perform.
He noted on Ireland's Grand Slam in 2009, that as soon as it became a possibility, Ireland went into their shell and squeeked out narrow wins over England and Scotland and then barely fell over the line against Wales. Quite simply, it isn't something our sportspeople wear very easily.

Unless it is a Roy Keane, Rory McIlroy or even a Conor McGregor. We Irish universally love those sort of confident types.

Not so sure on that. As many dislike Keane and McGregor as love them. Dislike of McIlroy tends to have nothing to do with ego or braggadocio (of which he displays very little) and everything to do with what religious and political beliefs he may or may not have.

Bollocks... can't let you away with that.  It seems that it's fine to express a dislike for Keane/McGregor/any other sports star you care to mention - but not McIlroy.  If you don't like him it MUST be cos he's a fenian who likes themmuns.  I think it's you that's obsessed with whatever religion/politics he expresses!

Catch yourself on. The specific point here was related to mouthiness and ego, neither of which accusation can be levelled at McIlroy by any rational person.

By the way, are you still steadfastly defending convicted rapists?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Franko on March 02, 2015, 07:55:36 PM
Nope, your point was very specific. Stop trying to weasel out of it.

And I said what I said on the Ched Evans thread and I stand over it. There's plenty who agreed with me. Is it relevant to this discussion at all?  Why do you keep bringing it up?  Another obsession perhaps?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 02, 2015, 10:16:40 PM
Quote from: Franko on March 02, 2015, 07:55:36 PM
Nope, your point was very specific. Stop trying to weasel out of it.

And I said what I said on the Ched Evans thread and I stand over it. There's plenty who agreed with me. Is it relevant to this discussion at all?  Why do you keep bringing it up?  Another obsession perhaps?

I'm not weaseling out of anything - the primary reason a lot of people dislike Keane or McGregor, in my opinion, is the fact they are mouthy and obnoxious, even though they did and do back up everything they say in their respective arenas, even if McGregor has a long way to go before he becomes the superstar he believed himself to be. I do not believe the same can be said of McIlroy as it is my view that he always comes across as respectful and humble. Therefore I struggle to find the reason so many dislike him, with an obvious possibility the fact that he's not taigy enough for many on here. That may well be wrong, but at least attempt to offer a contrary suggestion as opposed to "go look in that other thread".

Of course the fact you condone rape isn't relevant, but as you tried to get a wee dig in, I thought I'd throw it out there anyway.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lynchbhoy on March 02, 2015, 10:20:15 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 02, 2015, 04:32:26 PM
As Liam Toland says 'Haskell looks better with his top off than on'...

He's a compete meat head who took up rugby.
Was never a huge fan of Haskell but he has turned into a v good player - certainly in the modern big hit game he has found himself at home!
As England's best exponent of choke tackling, he would prob be vying for his place on the Irish side if he was lucky to be a paddy not a tan!
England and France look clueless in terms of game plan and I can't see either getting their act together for the rugby World Cup.
It's a bit of a disgrace for England as they have great talent but no clue in organisation, tactics, game plan or team ethic. I'd have put cipriani on instead of Ford after 10 mins. Never a threat in the match whatsoever.
Don't think even Woodward could turn that rabble around.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 02, 2015, 10:50:46 PM
Quote from: lynchbhoy on March 02, 2015, 10:20:15 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 02, 2015, 04:32:26 PM
As Liam Toland says 'Haskell looks better with his top off than on'...

He's a compete meat head who took up rugby.
Was never a huge fan of Haskell but he has turned into a v good player - certainly in the modern big hit game he has found himself at home!
As England's best exponent of choke tackling, he would prob be vying for his place on the Irish side if he was lucky to be a paddy not a tan!
England and France look clueless in terms of game plan and I can't see either getting their act together for the rugby World Cup.
It's a bit of a disgrace for England as they have great talent but no clue in organisation, tactics, game plan or team ethic. I'd have put cipriani on instead of Ford after 10 mins. Never a threat in the match whatsoever.
Don't think even Woodward could turn that rabble around.

I think a lot are being harsh on Ford we didn't give them the ball and any time they did have it they got no go forward at all.

He wasn't great of course but I don't think many would have done better with the type of ball he was receiving.

Wales match is huge now as I expect Scotland to be a beaten docket come the last match! Wales could definitely turn us over if we're not at ourselves in any small way.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 02, 2015, 10:55:30 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 02, 2015, 04:32:26 PM
As Liam Toland says 'Haskell looks better with his top off than on'...

He's a compete meat head who took up rugby.
He is a total bellend but your comment makes it sound as if he took up rugby based on his size. He has played since P1 at which stage I'm pretty sure he wasn't 6'4" and 17 stone.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 03, 2015, 08:46:58 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 02, 2015, 10:55:30 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 02, 2015, 04:32:26 PM
As Liam Toland says 'Haskell looks better with his top off than on'...

He's a compete meat head who took up rugby.
He is a total bellend but your comment makes it sound as if he took up rugby based on his size. He has played since P1 at which stage I'm pretty sure he wasn't 6'4" and 17 stone.

I didn't quite mean like that now but I'd say he progressed through the ranks at underage due to his size rather than skill. The English game (bosh premiership)is tailored to suit players like that.

Don't agree with LB regarding Ford. He's only 21 remember and its very difficult for a 10 to get into the game behind a retreating pack. Ireland led the English pack on a merry dance which gave them no platform. He did make an error with the drop goal however.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Franko on March 03, 2015, 09:00:18 AM
Quote from: gallsman on March 02, 2015, 10:16:40 PM
Quote from: Franko on March 02, 2015, 07:55:36 PM
Nope, your point was very specific. Stop trying to weasel out of it.

And I said what I said on the Ched Evans thread and I stand over it. There's plenty who agreed with me. Is it relevant to this discussion at all?  Why do you keep bringing it up?  Another obsession perhaps?

I'm not weaseling out of anything - the primary reason a lot of people dislike Keane or McGregor, in my opinion, is the fact they are mouthy and obnoxious, even though they did and do back up everything they say in their respective arenas, even if McGregor has a long way to go before he becomes the superstar he believed himself to be. I do not believe the same can be said of McIlroy as it is my view that he always comes across as respectful and humble. Therefore I struggle to find the reason so many dislike him, with an obvious possibility the fact that he's not taigy enough for many on here. That may well be wrong, but at least attempt to offer a contrary suggestion as opposed to "go look in that other thread".

Of course the fact you condone rape isn't relevant, but as you tried to get a wee dig in, I thought I'd throw it out there anyway.

There's a lot if ifs buts and maybes in that first paragraph.  You've obviously realised you were talking shite and are on the reverse.

I didn't put up the reasons I disliked McIlroy here for two reasons.
1. Because I didn't want to derail the thread even further than you already had.
2. I had already stated my reasons on another thread (which incidentally you both quoted and replied to, so are fully aware of).

But I tell you what, if you can put up the quote where I said I condoned rape, I'll put up all the reasons you want.  When you can't, I'll just assume that, yet again, you've been caught out talking balls and have been forced to take that humiliating crawl back into your hole again.

Fair enough?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 03, 2015, 09:28:16 AM
http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/things-finally-coming-to-a-head-in-concussion-debate-1.2111724

"Brian O'Driscoll gave a talk at the College of Surgeons last year. Before I could, somebody asked him the question: what's going to happen to the physicality?
" 'I don't know,' he replied. "They are all dodging the question. It's a gladiator sport.
Next was confirmation that Cardiff flanker Rory Watts-Jones has retired from professional rugby on "concussion-related grounds".

Next was an email from Bloxham PR revealing "Nutrition X" is entering the Ireland and Northern Ireland market, having previously been the official supplier of supplements for Munster Rugby. "Brand ambassador can be provided upon request."

"Anyone who has spent an hour picking skull fragments out of the contused frontal lobes of a teenage rugby player is entitled to an opinion on the safety of youth rugby. As a paediatric neurosurgeon, I've done this on several occasions. As a 'rugby parent', I've observed the school and club game at close quarters, from both sides of the touchline. What I've seen and heard suggests that our thinking on the subject may not be altogether rational.""

New to the rugby market

http://www.nutritionx.co.uk/creatine-monohydrate-524-p.asp

"Creatine Monohydrate is formed in the human body from the amino acids arginine, glycine and methionine. Certain foods such as beef and oily fish contain creatine monohydrate, however the quantities a person would have to digest for the desired amounts would not be practical.
In short duration explosive sports such as sprinting, weight lifting and rugby ATP (Adenosine tri-phosphate) is the energy system used. When ATP is depleted it uses your body's creatine phosphate reserves to produce more ATP energy. Supplementing with creatine monohydrate increases your bodies pool of creatine allowing more ATP to be formed, resulting in more work being performed."



http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/six-nations/neil-francis-the-french-bench-was-just-freakish-in-size-uini-atonio-is-big-enough-to-have-his-own-post-code-31011167.html

"I could not comprehend how big the Toulon pack was when they won their first Heineken Cup in 2013 in Dublin. Bakkies Botha, Danie Roussow, Carl Haymen and Andrew Sheridan were in the sponsors' room standing around like Redwoods unaware of their sheer physical size while people gawped in slack-jawed amazement.
The biggest and most powerful mercenaries that money could buy. Power and size win cups evidently The human race is constantly evolving but international forwards are constantly coming in ahead of the average.
The first point that has to be made is that it is difficult to convey just how strong these men are, how quickly they can move and how devastating the blunt force trauma is when they tackle you.
In the current concussion debate, size and power are always the prime factors. The problem about size is that you can't legislate or regulate it. Soon there will be no forward under 110kgs at Test level and they will pound each other into submission and if you thought last Saturday's Test match was boring, wait until Goliath's younger brother arrives on the scene in five or 10 years' time."


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 03, 2015, 09:34:39 AM
I count one "but". If you're referring to the fact that I stated my belief or opinion a few times, do try to remember that this is a discussion board. If you want to refute or discredit it, post evidence to the contrary. My initial post on the matter in this thread, long after the derailing had begun, was again an opinion. Then you barged in with your bluster  filled, faux-insulted "can't let you get away with that" line in an attempt to introduce some needle into the whole thing.

As being able to quote your stance on supporting Ched Evans, defending his actions and therefore condoning rape, given that you know the thread has been binned, you know full well I can't do that. Regardless, your "I stand by my comments" line offers a modicum of insight into what your views on the matter were/are, given the accusations levelled.

Anyway, enough of this. PM if you want about it and we'll get back to talking rugby here.



Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Franko on March 03, 2015, 10:36:15 AM
Quote from: gallsman on March 03, 2015, 09:34:39 AM
I count one "but". If you're referring to the fact that I stated my belief or opinion a few times, do try to remember that this is a discussion board. If you want to refute or discredit it, post evidence to the contrary.

You made the initial claim and presented it, not as your opinion, but as fact - I'm afraid it's up to you to produce the evidence.

Quote
My initial post on the matter in this thread, long after the derailing had begun, was again an opinion. Then you barged in with your bluster  filled, faux-insulted "can't let you get away with that" line in an attempt to introduce some needle into the whole thing.

I made no attempt to introduce 'needle'.  You said that anyone who didn't like McIlroy did so for secatarian reasons.  I called you on your bullshit.

Quote
As being able to quote your stance on supporting Ched Evans, defending his actions and therefore condoning rape, given that you know the thread has been binned, you know full well I can't do that. Regardless, your "I stand by my comments" line offers a modicum of insight into what your views on the matter were/are, given the accusations levelled.

You can't - I thought so.

For the benefit of everyone else, at no stage did I condone rape or even infer that I condoned it.

Quote
Anyway, enough of this. PM if you want about it and we'll get back to talking rugby here.

No chance.  you can't spout "bluster filled, faux-insulted" remarks like that in public and then expect me not to defend myself publicly.  You made a very serious accusation, about a very serious topic and you did so in a flippant manner to try and get a dig in at me.  You have done this in the past in another unrelated thread.  By these actions, I would say it is you who is trivialising the subject matter.

In fact, if you continue this vendetta I ask that you meet me in person to discuss this.  I don't take an accusation like that lightly - especially from someone trying to act the big man on an anonymous internet forum.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 03, 2015, 11:02:07 AM
Lads come on. This is a rugby thread.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Franko on March 03, 2015, 11:06:34 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 03, 2015, 11:02:07 AM
Lads come on. This is a rugby thread.

Apologies - but I can't that sort of shite slide.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 03, 2015, 11:17:21 AM
Quote from: Franko on March 03, 2015, 11:06:34 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 03, 2015, 11:02:07 AM
Lads come on. This is a rugby thread.

Apologies - but I can't that sort of shite slide.

So where does it end? Will you end up meeting all the people that you have said you dislike and have it out with them?

Should up another thread (where's Tony when ya need him) The, lets iron things out thread
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Franko on March 03, 2015, 11:22:54 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 03, 2015, 11:17:21 AM
Quote from: Franko on March 03, 2015, 11:06:34 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 03, 2015, 11:02:07 AM
Lads come on. This is a rugby thread.

Apologies - but I can't that sort of shite slide.

So where does it end? Will you end up meeting all the people that you have said you dislike and have it out with them?

Should up another thread (where's Tony when ya need him) The, lets iron things out thread

Don't be ridiculous.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 03, 2015, 02:02:19 PM
http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/robbie-henshaw-at-connacht-till-2016-despite-growing-interest-1.2123550

Robbie Henshaw, it has already been confirmed, will see out his current Connacht contract that runs until the summer of 2016. Then it gets very interesting as Leinster, Munster and, after Sunday's try and 13 tackles in victory over England, several European clubs will be seeking his signature.

"It's already been made clear in statements: Robbie is there for the duration of his contract with Connacht," said IRFU chief executive Philip Browne in response to speculation that he might break with normal contractual protocol by moving to Dublin or Limerick/Cork next season.

"I think it is the right thing; he is getting great experience down there. He is in a group that he is familiar with and he is first choice in his position. He has obviously come on leaps and bounds as a player.

"As a person he has a great personality. It is going to be very interesting to see how Robbie progresses over the next number of years."

By the start of the 2016/17 season Henshaw could be in the rarefied company of Jonathan Sexton and Jamie Heaslip in that his central national contract will be topped up by private investment.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 03, 2015, 02:31:49 PM
Quote from: Franko on March 03, 2015, 10:36:15 AM
Quote from: gallsman on March 03, 2015, 09:34:39 AM
I count one "but". If you're referring to the fact that I stated my belief or opinion a few times, do try to remember that this is a discussion board. If you want to refute or discredit it, post evidence to the contrary.

You made the initial claim and presented it, not as your opinion, but as fact - I'm afraid it's up to you to produce the evidence.

Quote
My initial post on the matter in this thread, long after the derailing had begun, was again an opinion. Then you barged in with your bluster  filled, faux-insulted "can't let you get away with that" line in an attempt to introduce some needle into the whole thing.

I made no attempt to introduce 'needle'.  You said that anyone who didn't like McIlroy did so for secatarian reasons.  I called you on your bullshit.

Quote
As being able to quote your stance on supporting Ched Evans, defending his actions and therefore condoning rape, given that you know the thread has been binned, you know full well I can't do that. Regardless, your "I stand by my comments" line offers a modicum of insight into what your views on the matter were/are, given the accusations levelled.

You can't - I thought so.

For the benefit of everyone else, at no stage did I condone rape or even infer that I condoned it.

Quote
Anyway, enough of this. PM if you want about it and we'll get back to talking rugby here.

No chance.  you can't spout "bluster filled, faux-insulted" remarks like that in public and then expect me not to defend myself publicly.  You made a very serious accusation, about a very serious topic and you did so in a flippant manner to try and get a dig in at me.  You have done this in the past in another unrelated thread.  By these actions, I would say it is you who is trivialising the subject matter.

In fact, if you continue this vendetta I ask that you meet me in person to discuss this.  I don't take an accusation like that lightly - especially from someone trying to act the big man on an anonymous internet forum.

a) no I didn't - you're the one who made it personal. I made no specific reference to you or anyone else. You however, directly commented on my position.

b) no I didn't - see a) above

c) semantics - the fact posts where you defended Evans and his actions have been delete from this forum does not mean you did not post them

d) I'm not trivialising anything - I'm expressing my continued contempt for the position you held on that topic, a lens through which I now view all subsequent posts of yours.

e) as mentioned, don't be ridiculous. You're the one who follows my posts around like a bad smell. "Vendetta" might be a bit of an extreme word for it, but whatever "it" is, it's you who has it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on March 03, 2015, 02:34:08 PM
Quote
As a person he has a great personality.

OK. What's he like as a Nissan Almera?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on March 03, 2015, 02:35:43 PM
Frankie - you win, OK?
Gallsman - you win, OK?

Can you stop now?

The rest of us are not even reading what you're arguing about.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 03, 2015, 02:52:45 PM
Quote from: Hardy on March 03, 2015, 02:35:43 PM
Frankie - you win, OK?
Gallsman - you win, OK?

Can you stop now?

The rest of us are not even reading what you're arguing about.

I know... it got boring a long time ago. Use messenger or something to get it sorted!

I know nothing about scrums but your man @ sportsjoe.ie seems to know what he's on about. Very educational stuff about how Ireland are performing in that area if you're interested:

http://www.sportsjoe.ie/rugby/ireland-england-six-nations-scrum-analysis-2/15744
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 03, 2015, 04:19:13 PM
http://www.allblacks.com/News/26797/nine-things-the-all-blacks-might-have-noticed-about-the-six-nations
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Franko on March 04, 2015, 08:49:54 AM
Quote from: gallsman on March 03, 2015, 02:31:49 PM
Quote from: Franko on March 03, 2015, 10:36:15 AM
Quote from: gallsman on March 03, 2015, 09:34:39 AM
I count one "but". If you're referring to the fact that I stated my belief or opinion a few times, do try to remember that this is a discussion board. If you want to refute or discredit it, post evidence to the contrary.

You made the initial claim and presented it, not as your opinion, but as fact - I'm afraid it's up to you to produce the evidence.

Quote
My initial post on the matter in this thread, long after the derailing had begun, was again an opinion. Then you barged in with your bluster  filled, faux-insulted "can't let you get away with that" line in an attempt to introduce some needle into the whole thing.

I made no attempt to introduce 'needle'.  You said that anyone who didn't like McIlroy did so for secatarian reasons.  I called you on your bullshit.

Quote
As being able to quote your stance on supporting Ched Evans, defending his actions and therefore condoning rape, given that you know the thread has been binned, you know full well I can't do that. Regardless, your "I stand by my comments" line offers a modicum of insight into what your views on the matter were/are, given the accusations levelled.

You can't - I thought so.

For the benefit of everyone else, at no stage did I condone rape or even infer that I condoned it.

Quote
Anyway, enough of this. PM if you want about it and we'll get back to talking rugby here.

No chance.  you can't spout "bluster filled, faux-insulted" remarks like that in public and then expect me not to defend myself publicly.  You made a very serious accusation, about a very serious topic and you did so in a flippant manner to try and get a dig in at me.  You have done this in the past in another unrelated thread.  By these actions, I would say it is you who is trivialising the subject matter.

In fact, if you continue this vendetta I ask that you meet me in person to discuss this.  I don't take an accusation like that lightly - especially from someone trying to act the big man on an anonymous internet forum.

a) no I didn't - you're the one who made it personal. I made no specific reference to you or anyone else. You however, directly commented on my position.

b) no I didn't - see a) above

c) semantics - the fact posts where you defended Evans and his actions have been delete from this forum does not mean you did not post them

d) I'm not trivialising anything - I'm expressing my continued contempt for the position you held on that topic, a lens through which I now view all subsequent posts of yours.

e) as mentioned, don't be ridiculous. You're the one who follows my posts around like a bad smell. "Vendetta" might be a bit of an extreme word for it, but whatever "it" is, it's you who has it.

a. Your position was wrong.
b. See a.
c. At no stage did I condone rape or infer that I condoned it.
d. If that's your 'continued' position, for the benefit of the other forum users, please continue to express it on the correct thread (There is one).  Otherwise, fcuk up and stop acting like a child.
e. I don't 'follow' your posts around.  It wouldn't matter who had posted that - I'd have called them on it because it's wrong.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 04, 2015, 09:05:53 AM
Are we gona have to call the mods here lads!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 04, 2015, 09:15:37 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 04, 2015, 09:05:53 AM
Are we gona have to call the mods here lads!!
We need tv evidence, Give us a reason to not award logic to feuding posts.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 04, 2015, 09:17:21 AM
On another note I read this morning that Joe Schmidt's house got burgled on Monday past. If those knackers are the reason Mrs Schmidt tells Joe to move back to NZ there will be war!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on March 04, 2015, 09:40:30 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 04, 2015, 09:17:21 AM
On another note I read this morning that Joe Schmidt's house got burgled on Monday past. If those knackers are the reason Mrs Schmidt tells Joe to move back to NZ there will be war!!

There'll be a nice big house in Killiney available at 4pm today, maybe the IRFU can hole Mrs Schmidt up there and live in the relative luxury of the celtic tiger era to keep thoughts of the long white cloud at bay for another year or so!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on March 04, 2015, 02:27:03 PM
http://www.sportsjoe.ie/rugby/robbie-henshaw-ireland-england-analysis/15886 (http://www.sportsjoe.ie/rugby/robbie-henshaw-ireland-england-analysis/15886)

This is great stuff from Joe.ie, compare it with the RTE good guy/bad guy rugby rugby punditry, or the Gaelic Football bad guy/worse guy show.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 04, 2015, 02:56:48 PM
Quote from: muppet on March 04, 2015, 02:27:03 PM
http://www.sportsjoe.ie/rugby/robbie-henshaw-ireland-england-analysis/15886 (http://www.sportsjoe.ie/rugby/robbie-henshaw-ireland-england-analysis/15886)

This is great stuff from Joe.ie, compare it with the RTE good guy/bad guy rugby rugby punditry, or the Gaelic Football bad guy/worse guy show.

Excellent coverage by them on Ireland Rugby in fairness... Awful lot of shite clogs up my twitter feed as well though!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 04, 2015, 02:58:48 PM
Quote from: muppet on March 04, 2015, 02:27:03 PM
http://www.sportsjoe.ie/rugby/robbie-henshaw-ireland-england-analysis/15886 (http://www.sportsjoe.ie/rugby/robbie-henshaw-ireland-england-analysis/15886)

This is great stuff from Joe.ie, compare it with the RTE good guy/bad guy rugby rugby punditry, or the Gaelic Football bad guy/worse guy show.

In fairness this is 3 days after the event. The lads on d'telly don't have that luxury.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 04, 2015, 03:03:38 PM
Quote from: muppet on March 04, 2015, 02:27:03 PM
http://www.sportsjoe.ie/rugby/robbie-henshaw-ireland-england-analysis/15886 (http://www.sportsjoe.ie/rugby/robbie-henshaw-ireland-england-analysis/15886)

This is great stuff from Joe.ie, compare it with the RTE good guy/bad guy rugby rugby punditry, or the Gaelic Football bad guy/worse guy show.

Punditry is sorcas ar an dteilifis 
Twitter is better for insight

As the farmer said to the Yank who was looking for directions "if I was going there I wouldn't start from here' 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on March 04, 2015, 03:04:37 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 04, 2015, 02:58:48 PM
Quote from: muppet on March 04, 2015, 02:27:03 PM
http://www.sportsjoe.ie/rugby/robbie-henshaw-ireland-england-analysis/15886 (http://www.sportsjoe.ie/rugby/robbie-henshaw-ireland-england-analysis/15886)

This is great stuff from Joe.ie, compare it with the RTE good guy/bad guy rugby rugby punditry, or the Gaelic Football bad guy/worse guy show.

In fairness this is 3 days after the event. The lads on d'telly don't have that luxury.

I think the lads on d'telly have far greater resources than Joe.ie. At least Joe.ie is trying to show us what happened and for those of us who never played rugby, it explains a lot. The article on the front row (http://www.sportsjoe.ie/rugby/scrum-analysis) is also excellent and was out yesterday as (I think) was the Henshaw article.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 04, 2015, 03:26:03 PM
Ah yeah, it's good alright, but I suppose that sort of in depth article, with samples and video cuts, takes a bit of preparation. In a TV studio you don't really have time to prepare like that. Neville and Carra are good on a Monday night on Sky because they have that sort of time to prepare something from Saturday's games.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 05, 2015, 02:13:44 PM
http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/wayne-barnes-appointed-as-replacement-referee-for-ireland-versus-wales-1.2127365

I'm not sure who would have been worse. Steve Walsh or Wayne Barnes!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 05, 2015, 02:31:34 PM
http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/mar/05/the-breakdown-wales-ireland-six-nations-rugby
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 11, 2015, 09:21:34 AM
Thoughts ahead of Saturday. Will Heaslip be fit enough to start or is he best sprung from the bench?

Interesting to see who Schmidt will target aerially. George Ford was the target last day out when he dropped deep. Rhys Webb tends to help out his back 3 and could be the target this weekend.

I am not a fan of Warburton. In fact I rate Tipuric as better.

I think its gona be tight. The taffs are a cocky bunch.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 11, 2015, 01:25:58 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 11, 2015, 09:21:34 AM
Thoughts ahead of Saturday. Will Heaslip be fit enough to start or is he best sprung from the bench?

Interesting to see who Schmidt will target aerially. George Ford was the target last day out when he dropped deep. Rhys Webb tends to help out his back 3 and could be the target this weekend.

I am not a fan of Warburton. In fact I rate Tipuric as better.

I think its gona be tight. The taffs are a cocky bunch.
He's not too shabby at the breakdown. Hopefully Ireland can put some clear distance between them and Wales and then maintain pressure til the end. If they allow Wales to come onto them the way England did, they may get punished.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 11, 2015, 03:57:58 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 11, 2015, 01:25:58 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 11, 2015, 09:21:34 AM
Thoughts ahead of Saturday. Will Heaslip be fit enough to start or is he best sprung from the bench?

Interesting to see who Schmidt will target aerially. George Ford was the target last day out when he dropped deep. Rhys Webb tends to help out his back 3 and could be the target this weekend.

I am not a fan of Warburton. In fact I rate Tipuric as better.

I think its gona be tight. The taffs are a cocky bunch.
He's not too shabby at the breakdown. Hopefully Ireland can put some clear distance between them and Wales and then maintain pressure til the end. If they allow Wales to come onto them the way England did, they may get punished.

Not so sure Tony. I think a lot of hype surrounds him and he isn't the player he was when he first burst on the seen. His turnover stats would be nowhere near McCaw/Pocock/Hooper etc
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Agent Orange on March 14, 2015, 03:59:47 PM
Sin é.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Agent Orange on March 14, 2015, 04:03:53 PM
Very, very poor from Ireland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: cockahoop on March 14, 2015, 04:13:18 PM
has to be one of the worst performances ive ever seen from ireland and thats saying something,totally choked!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 14, 2015, 04:17:28 PM
Can't remember the last time there were so many handling errors in a match. Can't expect to win with so many mistakes.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Onthe40 on March 14, 2015, 04:22:20 PM
Ireland very poor today..trying to charge thru the same door that wouldn't open..sexton not at it..the kicking on the margins didn't work..lineout an absolute mare..Wales defence able to handle Ireland's one dimensional attack..handling atrocious..big dent in the confidence..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on March 14, 2015, 04:29:02 PM
I'll tell ye what, Wales could have been blown up for going off their feet numerous times in the 2nd half.

It's a pity flair players like Zebo are lost in a match like that facing to the sheer size of the Welsh backs and the limited space

If Sexton was on his game with the kicks it would have been a different result



Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lynchbhoy on March 14, 2015, 04:34:32 PM
Same perf as every other day
Diff was garland destroyed smicht tactics and wales didn't let Ireland play and negated sextons kicking game.
Again Ireland showed they had no clue on how to break through a defence other than a high ball into the corner - which was snuffed out today by the welsh ability in the air.
Lucky enough to get the penalty try. V unlucky with those last two penalties awarded to wales.
But they (wales) are natural rugby players and this inherent ability won them the match.

Prob deserve to lose having that Ireland's dirge as the 'national anthem'


Not all bad though , most aspects of the game are there despite not executing them well today ( line outs) so the tactics for the World Cup can focus in breaking the line and how to score f**king tries.
Goal kicking alone won't win a World Cup IMO.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lynchbhoy on March 14, 2015, 04:36:08 PM
Come on england and beat those dirty cheating jocko buxtards!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on March 14, 2015, 04:37:39 PM
Quote from: lynchbhoy on March 14, 2015, 04:34:32 PM
Same perf as every other day
Diff was garland destroyed smicht tactics and wales didn't let Ireland play and negated sextons kicking game.
Again Ireland showed they had no clue on how to break through a defence other than a high ball into the corner - which was snuffed out today by the welsh ability in the air.
Lucky enough to get the penalty try. V unlucky with those last two penalties awarded to wales.
But they are natural rugby players and this inherent ability won't them the match.

Prob deserve to lose having that Ireland's dirge as the 'national anthem'


Not all bad though , most aspects of the game are there despite not executing them well today ( line outs) so the tactics for the World Cup can focus in breaking the line and how to score f**king tries.
Goal kicking alone won't win a World Cup IMO.

England did!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on March 14, 2015, 04:47:44 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 11, 2015, 03:57:58 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 11, 2015, 01:25:58 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 11, 2015, 09:21:34 AM
Thoughts ahead of Saturday. Will Heaslip be fit enough to start or is he best sprung from the bench?

Interesting to see who Schmidt will target aerially. George Ford was the target last day out when he dropped deep. Rhys Webb tends to help out his back 3 and could be the target this weekend.

I am not a fan of Warburton. In fact I rate Tipuric as better.

I think its gona be tight. The taffs are a cocky bunch.
He's not too shabby at the breakdown. Hopefully Ireland can put some clear distance between them and Wales and then maintain pressure til the end. If they allow Wales to come onto them the way England did, they may get punished.

Not so sure Tony. I think a lot of hype surrounds him and he isn't the player he was when he first burst on the seen. His turnover stats would be nowhere near McCaw/Pocock/Hooper etc

He was class today
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lynchbhoy on March 14, 2015, 04:55:46 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on March 14, 2015, 04:37:39 PM
Quote from: lynchbhoy on March 14, 2015, 04:34:32 PM
Same perf as every other day
Diff was garland destroyed smicht tactics and wales didn't let Ireland play and negated sextons kicking game.
Again Ireland showed they had no clue on how to break through a defence other than a high ball into the corner - which was snuffed out today by the welsh ability in the air.
Lucky enough to get the penalty try. V unlucky with those last two penalties awarded to wales.
But they are natural rugby players and this inherent ability won't them the match.

Prob deserve to lose having that Ireland's dirge as the 'national anthem'


Not all bad though , most aspects of the game are there despite not executing them well today ( line outs) so the tactics for the World Cup can focus in breaking the line and how to score f**king tries.
Goal kicking alone won't win a World Cup IMO.

England did!
Do you honestly believe that?
Or is it lazy minded reminiscing ?
They had a fantastic well drilled pack and exceptional if under utilized backs all laying the platform to score tries or penalties that their pack /backs engineered.

Wilkinson executed the penalties. But he was not having to shoulder all the attacking play the way sexton has to. It's a single point of failure that wales figured out how to shut down and that won them the game today
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lynchbhoy on March 14, 2015, 04:57:50 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on March 14, 2015, 04:47:44 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 11, 2015, 03:57:58 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 11, 2015, 01:25:58 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 11, 2015, 09:21:34 AM
Thoughts ahead of Saturday. Will Heaslip be fit enough to start or is he best sprung from the bench?

Interesting to see who Schmidt will target aerially. George Ford was the target last day out when he dropped deep. Rhys Webb tends to help out his back 3 and could be the target this weekend.

I am not a fan of Warburton. In fact I rate Tipuric as better.

I think its gona be tight. The taffs are a cocky bunch.
He's not too shabby at the breakdown. Hopefully Ireland can put some clear distance between them and Wales and then maintain pressure til the end. If they allow Wales to come onto them the way England did, they may get punished.

Not so sure Tony. I think a lot of hype surrounds him and he isn't the player he was when he first burst on the seen. His turnover stats would be nowhere near McCaw/Pocock/Hooper etc

He was class today
+1
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 14, 2015, 05:10:29 PM
Amazing second half, unreal intensity and that 30 phase attack was key for Wales, getting nothing there was gutting but at least we didn't wilt. Sexton poor, line-out terrible cost us big time.

Still, we've got every chance heading into the final weekend. I think most would have settled for retaining  the Six Nations and beating France and England so let's finish the job and let the rest go whatever they do.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 14, 2015, 05:11:14 PM
Quote from: lynchbhoy on March 14, 2015, 04:57:50 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on March 14, 2015, 04:47:44 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 11, 2015, 03:57:58 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 11, 2015, 01:25:58 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 11, 2015, 09:21:34 AM
Thoughts ahead of Saturday. Will Heaslip be fit enough to start or is he best sprung from the bench?

Interesting to see who Schmidt will target aerially. George Ford was the target last day out when he dropped deep. Rhys Webb tends to help out his back 3 and could be the target this weekend.

I am not a fan of Warburton. In fact I rate Tipuric as better.

I think its gona be tight. The taffs are a cocky bunch.
He's not too shabby at the breakdown. Hopefully Ireland can put some clear distance between them and Wales and then maintain pressure til the end. If they allow Wales to come onto them the way England did, they may get punished.

Not so sure Tony. I think a lot of hype surrounds him and he isn't the player he was when he first burst on the seen. His turnover stats would be nowhere near McCaw/Pocock/Hooper etc

He was class today
+1

Hands up I'll admit he proved me wrong today. Wake up call for Ireland. Do no harm ahead of RWC.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lynchbhoy on March 14, 2015, 05:19:40 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 14, 2015, 05:11:14 PM
Quote from: lynchbhoy on March 14, 2015, 04:57:50 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on March 14, 2015, 04:47:44 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 11, 2015, 03:57:58 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 11, 2015, 01:25:58 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 11, 2015, 09:21:34 AM
Thoughts ahead of Saturday. Will Heaslip be fit enough to start or is he best sprung from the bench?

Interesting to see who Schmidt will target aerially. George Ford was the target last day out when he dropped deep. Rhys Webb tends to help out his back 3 and could be the target this weekend.

I am not a fan of Warburton. In fact I rate Tipuric as better.

I think its gona be tight. The taffs are a cocky bunch.
He's not too shabby at the breakdown. Hopefully Ireland can put some clear distance between them and Wales and then maintain pressure til the end. If they allow Wales to come onto them the way England did, they may get punished.

Not so sure Tony. I think a lot of hype surrounds him and he isn't the player he was when he first burst on the seen. His turnover stats would be nowhere near McCaw/Pocock/Hooper etc

He was class today
+1

Hands up I'll admit he proved me wrong today. Wake up call for Ireland. Do no harm ahead of RWC.
But to be fair to you he was off form for quite a while
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 14, 2015, 05:22:18 PM
very poor start from Ireland put them badly on the back foot, saying that they still could have won the game, serious mistake with a flick out to Healy who flopped it with 4 or 5 against 2 out wide. Healy needs to stick to the basics of a prop, he beginning to believe his own hype in the loose. Why do we pass out near the line  to an isolated man and not 1 with 2/3 men behind him to push. Sexton and Murray were very poor and the lineout was all over the place, See Hook complaining about foreigners in the team and they are holding back good Irish talent, George must see the English and New Zealand teams who have plenty of outsiders playing for them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on March 14, 2015, 05:26:27 PM
The game was  lost in the first 12 minutes. We were 12 nil down at that stage.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on March 14, 2015, 05:49:38 PM
I find now when I'm watching rugby, I'm looking at the referee as much as I am at the play. Even more now than in football, the referee is more important than any player in defining the direction of the game. And I'm not whinging about his effect on the result today - I'm sure Welsh people are giving out about refereeing decisions today. It's just that when you find yourself watching the referee's arm as much as what the players are doing, there's something wrong.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on March 14, 2015, 05:50:27 PM
Quote from: lynchbhoy on March 14, 2015, 04:55:46 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on March 14, 2015, 04:37:39 PM
Quote from: lynchbhoy on March 14, 2015, 04:34:32 PM
Same perf as every other day
Diff was garland destroyed smicht tactics and wales didn't let Ireland play and negated sextons kicking game.
Again Ireland showed they had no clue on how to break through a defence other than a high ball into the corner - which was snuffed out today by the welsh ability in the air.
Lucky enough to get the penalty try. V unlucky with those last two penalties awarded to wales.
But they are natural rugby players and this inherent ability won't them the match.

Prob deserve to lose having that Ireland's dirge as the 'national anthem'


Not all bad though , most aspects of the game are there despite not executing them well today ( line outs) so the tactics for the World Cup can focus in breaking the line and how to score f**king tries.
Goal kicking alone won't win a World Cup IMO.

England did!
Do you honestly believe that?
Or is it lazy minded reminiscing ?
They had a fantastic well drilled pack and exceptional if under utilized backs all laying the platform to score tries or penalties that their pack /backs engineered.

Wilkinson executed the penalties. But he was not having to shoulder all the attacking play the way sexton has to. It's a single point of failure that wales figured out how to shut down and that won them the game today

Do I believe it, absolutely. Without Wilkinsons drop kicks and penalties,  England wouldn't have won that world cup. Now I'm not 6 years old, I do understand other stuff has to happen to allow the opportunity of kick
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 14, 2015, 05:54:04 PM
England werent even the best team the year they won it, think they got my respect if they had actually beat new Zealand not Australia to win the world cup as they were the best team that year.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lynchbhoy on March 14, 2015, 06:22:55 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on March 14, 2015, 05:50:27 PM
Quote from: lynchbhoy on March 14, 2015, 04:55:46 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on March 14, 2015, 04:37:39 PM
Quote from: lynchbhoy on March 14, 2015, 04:34:32 PM
Same perf as every other day
Diff was garland destroyed smicht tactics and wales didn't let Ireland play and negated sextons kicking game.
Again Ireland showed they had no clue on how to break through a defence other than a high ball into the corner - which was snuffed out today by the welsh ability in the air.
Lucky enough to get the penalty try. V unlucky with those last two penalties awarded to wales.
But they are natural rugby players and this inherent ability won't them the match.

Prob deserve to lose having that Ireland's dirge as the 'national anthem'


Not all bad though , most aspects of the game are there despite not executing them well today ( line outs) so the tactics for the World Cup can focus in breaking the line and how to score f**king tries.
Goal kicking alone won't win a World Cup IMO.

England did!
Do you honestly believe that?
Or is it lazy minded reminiscing ?
They had a fantastic well drilled pack and exceptional if under utilized backs all laying the platform to score tries or penalties that their pack /backs engineered.

Wilkinson executed the penalties. But he was not having to shoulder all the attacking play the way sexton has to. It's a single point of failure that wales figured out how to shut down and that won them the game today

Do I believe it, absolutely. Without Wilkinsons drop kicks and penalties,  England wouldn't have won that world cup. Now I'm not 6 years old, I do understand other stuff has to happen to allow the opportunity of kick
Interesting. But fair enough.

Ireland (Schmidt) IMO are actually trying to copy that game plan and keep things tight, force penalties ( eg so called choke tackles) and kick a win.
Difference is that England played well within themselves and had the ability to open things up with exceptional backs. Ireland don't have this threat in their back division.

Fortunately for me I love power pack forward oriented defensive rugby as this six nations has been rubbish for inventive creative expansive attacking rugby. England just messed up what should have been a certain try for the fourth time today !!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 14, 2015, 06:27:09 PM
I think the likes of Kearney, Bowe are world-class backs. On the front-foot at least Zebo can be too. Henshaw is one of the best young centres in the world too. Sexton/Murrary are maybe the best 9/10 combo in world rugby, certainly with Carter out. No shortage of ability in our back line.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on March 14, 2015, 06:36:23 PM
That try puts the beefeaters ahead of us on points difference.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lynchbhoy on March 14, 2015, 06:36:43 PM
Potential maybe

But based on the try scoring return/ability in the six nations - a resounding no.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sidney on March 14, 2015, 07:00:43 PM
As a fair weather watcher of the game, I thought that Ireland had enough possession to win. The two key plays which let them down were clearly that prolonged period of pressure that ended after about 60 minutes with a penalty to Wales and the time with about eight or nine minutes left where they were camped on the line and failed to see the space out wide.

I've seen comments on various forums slating Jozef Schmidt over his "poor game plan". A couple of weeks ago he was the best coach in the world. When his game plan produces wins, he's eulogised. When it doesn't produce a win, he's "shown up for tactical naivety". The standard of debate amonsgt the general public on rugby is, in the words of Malcolm Tucker from The Thick Of It, low, soooo, soooo low (include sarcastic hand gesture to illustrate lowness).

Schmidt rightly recognises that Ireland can only win these type of matches in one way. Pretty much every other team apart from New Zealand can only win in the same way.

He rightly recognises that "top level" international rugby is now little more than a barbaric physical dirge, recognises that Ireland are limited in the backs (not that they'd be able to run the ball anyway even if they weren't limited) and has built a game plan based on eliminating mistakes. But some of his players made basic mistakes anyway either because they are naturally uncoordinated oafs (Best and Healy) or because they are probably still concussed and not fit to play (Sexton).

Running rugby at international level is pretty much thing of the past (at least when you have two evenly matched teams) and this is the reality. Ireland are a limited team in terms of running ability but this is not necessarily a stumbling block to winning a match because that's not how teams win these days. The result of a match now hinges on who wins the physical battle and makes least mistakes - Ireland had the better of the physical battle overall but made more basic mistakes. Eliminate those and Ireland would probably have won.

That, with the Wales-England game, was the best match of this championship and I thought Ireland in many ways played better than in the matches against France and England. But even at that there was little running rugby and the game was yet again mainly a barbaric physical battle. Even today's match was not an attractive spectacle for those of us who used to enjoy the running rugby of O'Driscoll, Geoghegan, Ringland and MacNeill etc, and when it's bad, as it was against France and England, it's utterly putrid. There would appear to be no place now for somebody like Zebo who does have running ability but is too small and lightweight for this level and was absolutely swatted aside all day and the same would no doubt go for the likes of Keith Earls.

I thought Paul O'Connell was inspirational, played like a true leader, did the job of the backs at times by making line breaks and was easily the best player on either team.

The constant physical collisions, rucks and mauls are making the game almost impossible to referee accurately and again I found myself baffled at a number of decisions, as I do in pretty much every match these days, particularly the penalty to Wales at the end. Rugby rules (sorry, laws) are like a secret handshake or something. I don't know or understand the handshake and I'm not sure anybody, even the players or referees, do, and there's no point anybody pretending otherwise.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: BarryBreensBandage on March 14, 2015, 07:27:39 PM
Very good piece Sidney, and I totally agree with your assertion that it was mistakes that let Ireland down today. I still think Scmidt is a world class coach, but today has left a sense of doubt that we could be doing without.

That doubt for me is he had seemed to eradicate the old bad habits of Irish Rugby by instilling a confidence into the team that we recognised from his invincible Leinster teams - scrum, line-out, handling, but most of all, being able to take our chances.
Until Schmidt arrived, I had rarely seen an Ireland team being able to finish off a chance when they were 5 yards from the opposition try line.
Unfortunately today (apart from the scrum), all of the above came back to haunt us. When basic skills are not executed, in any sport, it is nigh on impossible to win. And for me, that is down to a lack of confidence in the individual or team.

That is what worries me - confidence low and invincibility gone. Something I did not expect from a Schmidt team at full strength.
The Welsh must be an awful team to follow as well - being able to play like that when it matters, and stumbling through other matches.

Also, I am sick of the sight of Gatland, from the Lions/O'Driscoll incident to today.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 14, 2015, 08:00:39 PM
Id prefer tests like that now than September. One loss is hardly much of a reason to fret.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mouview on March 14, 2015, 08:12:46 PM
Thought we have flattered to deceive a little during this campaign. Performance v Italy was turgid for a good while; narrow victory over a badly-managed and selected France team; better v England who were indisciplined. Today, we were one-dimensional, and I don't think our backs are as good as some may believe. We don't have great pace or imagination in our attack angles but international rugby is more and more about one big hit after another now anyway. Might have it all to do v Scotland who will be seeking to redeem something from a dismal campaign.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: BarryBreensBandage on March 14, 2015, 08:13:25 PM
Quote from: Syferus on March 14, 2015, 08:00:39 PM
Id prefer tests like that now than September. One loss is hardly much of a reason to fret.
Would have been nice to have a grand slam going into wc though?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 14, 2015, 08:15:52 PM
Quote from: mouview on March 14, 2015, 08:12:46 PM
Thought we have flattered to deceive a little during this campaign. Performance v Italy was turgid for a good while; narrow victory over a badly-managed and selected France team; better v England who were indisciplined. Today, we were one-dimensional, and I don't think our backs are as good as some may believe. We don't have great pace or imagination in our attack angles but international rugby is more and more about one big hit after another now anyway. Might have it all to do v Scotland who will be seeking to redeem something from a dismal campaign.
The Irish pack isn't the biggest and the team needs to be extremely disciplined to make up for the lack of size.



Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sidney on March 14, 2015, 08:47:21 PM
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on March 14, 2015, 07:27:39 PM
Very good piece Sidney, and I totally agree with your assertion that it was mistakes that let Ireland down today. I still think Scmidt is a world class coach, but today has left a sense of doubt that we could be doing without.

That doubt for me is he had seemed to eradicate the old bad habits of Irish Rugby by instilling a confidence into the team that we recognised from his invincible Leinster teams - scrum, line-out, handling, but most of all, being able to take our chances.
Until Schmidt arrived, I had rarely seen an Ireland team being able to finish off a chance when they were 5 yards from the opposition try line.
Unfortunately today (apart from the scrum), all of the above came back to haunt us. When basic skills are not executed, in any sport, it is nigh on impossible to win. And for me, that is down to a lack of confidence in the individual or team.

That is what worries me - confidence low and invincibility gone. Something I did not expect from a Schmidt team at full strength.
The Welsh must be an awful team to follow as well - being able to play like that when it matters, and stumbling through other matches.

Also, I am sick of the sight of Gatland, from the Lions/O'Driscoll incident to today.
Best has a long history of being unreliable at the lineout and make no mistake, it was squarely down to him that Ireland lost so much lineout ball. It will always be an issue for him.

Sexton clearly wasn't right today and it didn't appear to me to be merely an issue with his hamstring. His hamstring doesn't explain his knock on of a simple pass reception with about ten minutes left. I wonder how much he has really been affected by all those bangs to the head.

Ireland's game plan is particularly physically punishing and perhaps more basic mistakes are happening given the cumulative physical toll of the matches. That doesn't augur well for the World Cup.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: T Fearon on March 14, 2015, 08:53:32 PM
Good for the game that Ireland's Puke Rugby didn't deliver a grand slam
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lynchbhoy on March 14, 2015, 10:26:36 PM
Quote from: T Fearon on March 14, 2015, 08:53:32 PM
Good for the game that Ireland's Puke Rugby didn't deliver a grand slam
You can't blame Ireland for that

Where will I see you  tomorrow ?
Lounge in hampden?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 14, 2015, 10:41:52 PM
Quote from: T Fearon on March 14, 2015, 08:53:32 PM
Good for the game that Ireland's Puke Rugby didn't deliver a grand slam

Pity for the GAA that 2002 happened... Its been downhill ever since!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: An Watcher on March 14, 2015, 11:11:11 PM
I think todays game was decided by the referees interpretation of the rules. While he was poor for both sides I don't think I've ever seen poc questioning a referee in such a way during the game.  It does no harm losing before the wc and if we can work on try scoring between now and then while keeping everything else as is we'll be doing ok. Proud of the effort today but it just wasn't to be
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on March 14, 2015, 11:33:24 PM
Wales won and they deserved to. They did everything better.  They kicked penalties better, they won most every garryowen, they were better at the lineouts, their out-half was better, they defended better, they attacked our line more efficiently. Ireland were second fiddle throughout.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 14, 2015, 11:52:10 PM
Quote from: Main Street on March 14, 2015, 11:33:24 PM
Wales won and they deserved to. They did everything better.  They kicked penalties better, they won most every garryowen, they were better at the lineouts, their out-half was better, they defended better, they attacked our line more efficiently. Ireland were second fiddle throughout.

Over the final 68 minutes Wales were outscored 16-11.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 14, 2015, 11:59:27 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 14, 2015, 05:54:04 PM
England werent even the best team the year they won it, think they got my respect if they had actually beat new Zealand not Australia to win the world cup as they were the best team that year.

Ffs, that summer England went away to NZ on tour and best them. They were definitely the best team in the world that year.

Quote from: Syferus on March 14, 2015, 11:52:10 PM
Quote from: Main Street on March 14, 2015, 11:33:24 PM
Wales won and they deserved to. They did everything better.  They kicked penalties better, they won most every garryowen, they were better at the lineouts, their out-half was better, they defended better, they attacked our line more efficiently. Ireland were second fiddle throughout.

Over the final 68 minutes Wales were outscored 16-11.

Yeah but they won the first 12 12-0, didn't they?

What has been noticeable to me in this championship is how few clean line breaks Ireland are making. Today the two most memorable ones came from O'Connell for God's sake.

I disagree about Bowe being one of the best in the world. He's looked miles off the pace offensively for years and is a huge liability defensively.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tiempo on March 15, 2015, 12:32:30 AM
Quote from: An Watcher on March 14, 2015, 11:11:11 PM
I think todays game was decided by the referees interpretation of the rules. While he was poor for both sides I don't think I've ever seen poc questioning a referee in such a way during the game.  It does no harm losing before the wc and if we can work on try scoring between now and then while keeping everything else as is we'll be doing ok. Proud of the effort today but it just wasn't to be

Yeah, while the referee was consistent his interpretation was baffling, forwards caught in the opposition 9 position mere seconds after making legitmate attempts to secure the ball, who then stopped challenging for the ball and were 100% physically incapable of moving out of the 9 position pinged for penalties, pedantic in the extreme.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: foxcommander on March 15, 2015, 03:09:26 AM
Oh you beauty Wales...Cyrmu Abu!

I've not heard that version of the Irish national anthem ever played at Croke Park. Someone should have a word with the Artane Boys Band to get it right. Oireland, Oireland, together standing tall...LOL.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 15, 2015, 09:02:32 AM
With Wales playing first it will at least let Ireland know what they have to do...Scotland played really well for good portions of the game yesterday and shit the times England opened them up..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on March 15, 2015, 01:15:27 PM
Quote from: Sidney on March 14, 2015, 07:00:43 PM
As a fair weather watcher of the game, I thought that Ireland had enough possession to win. The two key plays which let them down were clearly that prolonged period of pressure that ended after about 60 minutes with a penalty to Wales and the time with about eight or nine minutes left where they were camped on the line and failed to see the space out wide.

I've seen comments on various forums slating Jozef Schmidt over his "poor game plan". A couple of weeks ago he was the best coach in the world. When his game plan produces wins, he's eulogised. When it doesn't produce a win, he's "shown up for tactical naivety". The standard of debate amonsgt the general public on rugby is, in the words of Malcolm Tucker from The Thick Of It, low, soooo, soooo low (include sarcastic hand gesture to illustrate lowness).

Schmidt rightly recognises that Ireland can only win these type of matches in one way. Pretty much every other team apart from New Zealand can only win in the same way.

He rightly recognises that "top level" international rugby is now little more than a barbaric physical dirge, recognises that Ireland are limited in the backs (not that they'd be able to run the ball anyway even if they weren't limited) and has built a game plan based on eliminating mistakes. But some of his players made basic mistakes anyway either because they are naturally uncoordinated oafs (Best and Healy) or because they are probably still concussed and not fit to play (Sexton).

Running rugby at international level is pretty much thing of the past (at least when you have two evenly matched teams) and this is the reality. Ireland are a limited team in terms of running ability but this is not necessarily a stumbling block to winning a match because that's not how teams win these days. The result of a match now hinges on who wins the physical battle and makes least mistakes - Ireland had the better of the physical battle overall but made more basic mistakes. Eliminate those and Ireland would probably have won.

That, with the Wales-England game, was the best match of this championship and I thought Ireland in many ways played better than in the matches against France and England. But even at that there was little running rugby and the game was yet again mainly a barbaric physical battle. Even today's match was not an attractive spectacle for those of us who used to enjoy the running rugby of O'Driscoll, Geoghegan, Ringland and MacNeill etc, and when it's bad, as it was against France and England, it's utterly putrid. There would appear to be no place now for somebody like Zebo who does have running ability but is too small and lightweight for this level and was absolutely swatted aside all day and the same would no doubt go for the likes of Keith Earls.

I thought Paul O'Connell was inspirational, played like a true leader, did the job of the backs at times by making line breaks and was easily the best player on either team.

The constant physical collisions, rucks and mauls are making the game almost impossible to referee accurately and again I found myself baffled at a number of decisions, as I do in pretty much every match these days, particularly the penalty to Wales at the end. Rugby rules (sorry, laws) are like a secret handshake or something. I don't know or understand the handshake and I'm not sure anybody, even the players or referees, do, and there's no point anybody pretending otherwise.

Brilliant post, this should be posted on the door of every media outlet in Ireland.

Firstly, rugby is a complex game different in many respects to GAA or soccer. This means there's a f**king load of uninformed opinion out  there at present who laud wins over poor and unimaginative French and England sides at home as major achievements. They weren't and this Irish side aren't as good as all the advertising executives want to shovel down your throat like Paul O'Connell obliterating a rhino. I mean fucks sake that's as self gratifying an ad that even I don't think the English soccer hype machine has ever surpassed.

Secondly, international rugby has become an awful dirge. Honestly I would consider it almost in a state of crisis. Where has attacking back play gone? Schmidt like Gatland and to a degree Lancaster have all figured the golden rule of competing at this level. Always, always, always kick in your own half and 2 fill the backs with men as big as your forwards and smash early and often. How people could consider this side a great Irish team is incredulous if you consider the fact that against Wales, France or England in the 6 nations we have not carried the ball over the try-line once. Not a single time. With the exception of a box-kick 22 yards out, for the past 3 matches all of Ireland's scores have been awarded at the whim of the referee. All of them. And when you get a guy like Barnes who makes up the rules when he feels like giving you a score you're fcuked.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on March 16, 2015, 09:35:14 AM
Lets not kid ourselves but Ireland were poor on Saturday, as poor as they've been in a while and still the Welsh were the ones hanging on for the bigger part of the game.
For all the poor handling, missed passes, kicks and what not, I'd fancy Ireland to beat Wales if we meet them in the WC.
I wouldn't be throwing the baby out with the bath water, and it'll do a good bit to lower the expectation into a WC later on in the year.

One thing I was disappointed in though was the number of times during the 30 odd phases of play when Ireland were camped on the Welsh line that the Irish ball carrier received the ball in a static position and allowed the welsh defence to come out yard by yard. Surely someone should have been coming in full pelt a bit deeper rather than standing which made it easier on the welsh.

Wayne Barnes is a knob though, how in thunder of god that last scrum was a penalty to Wales (and another one early in the first half) when Ireland were dominating there is beyond me.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 16, 2015, 11:01:28 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on March 16, 2015, 09:35:14 AM
Lets not kid ourselves but Ireland were poor on Saturday, as poor as they've been in a while and still the Welsh were the ones hanging on for the bigger part of the game.
For all the poor handling, missed passes, kicks and what not, I'd fancy Ireland to beat Wales if we meet them in the WC.
I wouldn't be throwing the baby out with the bath water, and it'll do a good bit to lower the expectation into a WC later on in the year.

One thing I was disappointed in though was the number of times during the 30 odd phases of play when Ireland were camped on the Welsh line that the Irish ball carrier received the ball in a static position and allowed the welsh defence to come out yard by yard. Surely someone should have been coming in full pelt a bit deeper rather than standing which made it easier on the welsh.

Wayne Barnes is a knob though, how in thunder of god that last scrum was a penalty to Wales (and another one early in the first half) when Ireland were dominating there is beyond me.

Sensible. . . all the hype about the 10 winning streak etc. was over the top and all the criticism from Saturday is the same. We had enough ball to win 3 games on Saturday and dominated the majority of the game. Hopefully it'll put the handbrake on expectation. We haven't become a bad team overnight and the weaknesses exploited by Wales I'm sure will be worked on.

I don't doubt we have the best coach around so I'll take Saturdays result with a pinch of salt and I still fancy us to win the 6N outright as I can't seen the French rolling over for the English and we can beat the Scots by 4 points more than the English will beat France if they even beat them at all!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 16, 2015, 11:18:01 AM
Still positive ahead of this Saturday. If Wales are to win it you'd be looking at them having to beat Italy by 40 odd points. England and France 'should' be tight also. Jeez England blew some chances on Saturday. That Luther Burrell is clueless. The Scots won't be easy but if we get it right I fancy us by 15+. As mentioned it will dampen the RWC hype. I'd be more worried if we weren't creating the chances. Must say POC was immense on Saturday.

Any potential changes ahead of Saturday? Cronin, Henderson, Fitzgerald /Earls worth a look?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rrhf on March 16, 2015, 12:48:07 PM
Id like him to bring back Darcy
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on March 16, 2015, 01:48:14 PM
Ireland have played 30+ mins against teams with players in the bin in this years 6nations:
10mins against Italy
10mins against France
12mins (approx) against Wales

In that time they only managed two tries, both against a weakening Italian side.
This actually represents half of our try total and one of those was a penalty try.
If they are to put a decent target for England to chase something dramatic needs to happen against Scotland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on March 18, 2015, 11:56:56 AM
Not a knowledgeable Rugby person, but I have watched quite a lot of rugby both club and international. When I saw that Barnes was the ref I feared the worst. He seems to set against one team or the other at some early stage in a match regarding the breakdown and that colours his decisions for the rest of the day. Wales continuously got away with being of their feet, Ireland didn't and the Welsh in the second was a product of that. Having said all of that I think Wales were better on the day but Ireland should have stolen it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on March 18, 2015, 02:26:39 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on March 18, 2015, 11:56:56 AM
Not a knowledgeable Rugby person, but I have watched quite a lot of rugby both club and international. When I saw that Barnes was the ref I feared the worst. He seems to set against one team or the other at some early stage in a match regarding the breakdown and that colours his decisions for the rest of the day. Wales continuously got away with being of their feet, Ireland didn't and the Welsh in the second was a product of that. Having said all of that I think Wales were better on the day but Ireland should have stolen it.

http://www.rugbypigs.com/rugby-news/six-nations/is-wayne-barnes-a-cheat-watch-video/ (http://www.rugbypigs.com/rugby-news/six-nations/is-wayne-barnes-a-cheat-watch-video/)

Cheat is a bit much, incompetent & inconsistent definitely.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CiKe on March 18, 2015, 02:55:47 PM
Quote from: muppet on March 18, 2015, 02:26:39 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on March 18, 2015, 11:56:56 AM
Not a knowledgeable Rugby person, but I have watched quite a lot of rugby both club and international. When I saw that Barnes was the ref I feared the worst. He seems to set against one team or the other at some early stage in a match regarding the breakdown and that colours his decisions for the rest of the day. Wales continuously got away with being of their feet, Ireland didn't and the Welsh in the second was a product of that. Having said all of that I think Wales were better on the day but Ireland should have stolen it.

http://www.rugbypigs.com/rugby-news/six-nations/is-wayne-barnes-a-cheat-watch-video/ (http://www.rugbypigs.com/rugby-news/six-nations/is-wayne-barnes-a-cheat-watch-video/)

Cheat is a bit much, incompetent & inconsistent definitely.

Didn't see the game. Not sure about a couple of the scrums but the rest seemed a bit dodgy to say the least. Did Ireland get away with anything at all?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on March 18, 2015, 02:56:45 PM
Quote from: CiKe on March 18, 2015, 02:55:47 PM
Quote from: muppet on March 18, 2015, 02:26:39 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on March 18, 2015, 11:56:56 AM
Not a knowledgeable Rugby person, but I have watched quite a lot of rugby both club and international. When I saw that Barnes was the ref I feared the worst. He seems to set against one team or the other at some early stage in a match regarding the breakdown and that colours his decisions for the rest of the day. Wales continuously got away with being of their feet, Ireland didn't and the Welsh in the second was a product of that. Having said all of that I think Wales were better on the day but Ireland should have stolen it.

http://www.rugbypigs.com/rugby-news/six-nations/is-wayne-barnes-a-cheat-watch-video/ (http://www.rugbypigs.com/rugby-news/six-nations/is-wayne-barnes-a-cheat-watch-video/)

Cheat is a bit much, incompetent & inconsistent definitely.

Didn't see the game. Not sure about a couple of the scrums but the rest seemed a bit dodgy to say the least. Did Ireland get away with anything at all?

I should point out I didn't see the game either.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 18, 2015, 02:58:03 PM
The penalty count was 12-11 with Ireland penalised more.

Barnes was a joke but the chances we had and blew werent down to him.

Need a big response this Staurday.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 18, 2015, 03:02:20 PM
6N standard doesn't seem to be great or do ye think it'll be up to the Southern Hemisphere level by the time the RWC comes along ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 18, 2015, 03:05:57 PM
You would still have NZ and SA as the favourites but the last few World Cups (England 03, SA 07 & NZ 11) have been won not by playing expansive rugby but basically a 10 man game.

If England can improve their finishing they'll be hard to deal with at home where they rarely lose.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on March 18, 2015, 08:51:39 PM
That video, like so much of rugby coverage this tear is completely OTT. Alot of those Welsh incidents in the early segment are completely legal, the creator clearly hasn't a clue of the rules to think that a penalty for "going off your feet" is a penalty for going of your feet. It's not, it's about clearing out rucks and killing the competition at the breakdown, most of those welsh players go off their feet whilst competing against an Irish player, which is legal enough if you go about it in a way that makes you look like you tried.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 19, 2015, 01:53:04 PM
Healy and Fitzgerald in. Haven't seen much of Fitzgerald this season is he back in decent form?

Cronin bound to feel hard done by he's not getting a shout this week he was immense last week when he appeared but I have no doubt he will make another impact from the bench and himself and Henderson may even appear earlier if we haven't a decent points total coming up on 50 minutes!

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CAdXDZPVAAAbBqt.jpg:large)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 19, 2015, 01:55:03 PM
Is Zebo injured? I didn't see the game on Saturday, so maybe he had a stinker. If not it seems harsh in a game plan which appears to be based on kick chase. He's decent at that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 19, 2015, 02:04:16 PM
I was thinking he must be as he's out of the 23 entirely but looking at the different news outlets there is no mention of an injury!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 19, 2015, 02:06:28 PM
Joe has a habit of this. Dropping players entirely out of the 23. Surely it cant be good for a players confidence. Zebo was no worse than anyone else on Saturday. Fitzgerald is in form though.

Felix Jones...why Joe. Whyyyyyy!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 19, 2015, 02:13:49 PM
I don't think Joe trusts Zebo's defence. In his, ahem, defence I have seen a lot of improvement in that area in him over the past couple of years. He is good on a kick chase as well, and obviously he has pace and can finish. I just don't think Schmidt likes him as a player.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on March 19, 2015, 02:37:21 PM
Are twitter names the rugby equivalent of the Gaa's as gaeilge?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 19, 2015, 04:06:35 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 19, 2015, 02:13:49 PM
I don't think Joe trusts Zebo's defence. In his, ahem, defence I have seen a lot of improvement in that area in him over the past couple of years. He is good on a kick chase as well, and obviously he has pace and can finish. I just don't think Schmidt likes him as a player.

Is Fitzgerald much better in that regard? I think if Trimble were fit he'd be unchallenged for it given he's taylor made for what Schmidt's looking for and definitely there isn't too much flash about him!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 19, 2015, 04:10:07 PM
Personally I think Craig Gilroy has got a tough enough ride from the selectors. He mightn be the greatest footballer but the lad can finish and he's probably the quickest winger we have.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on March 19, 2015, 05:40:11 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 19, 2015, 04:10:07 PM
Personally I think Craig Gilroy has got a tough enough ride from the selectors. He mightn be the greatest footballer but the lad can finish and he's probably the quickest winger we have.

Yep i would agree.

Ireland are lacking ingenuity, and the one player across the provinces who has that in spades is Gilroy. He's still not great defensively, but he's definitely improving.

I've put this elsewhere on this thread, but for the life of me I can't work out what it is that gets Luke Fitzgerald in contention for an Ireland jersey. He's not bad at anything but not is he particularly good at anything either. Just mr mediocre in my opinion.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 19, 2015, 06:09:19 PM
By the way, where is Dinny Breen?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on March 20, 2015, 09:36:53 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 19, 2015, 06:09:19 PM
By the way, where is Dinny Breen?

I see his name logged into the Kildare forum the odd time so he's still with us!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 21, 2015, 02:06:03 PM
Well thanks, Italy.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on March 21, 2015, 02:12:17 PM
Quote from: Syferus on March 21, 2015, 02:06:03 PM
Well thanks, Italy.

:(
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: cockahoop on March 21, 2015, 02:22:03 PM
well lets sit back and watch ireland do a mayo!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lynchbhoy on March 21, 2015, 02:27:05 PM
Have to score tries. Ireland can score tries but not under that puke rugby tactical game they've been playing. So throw off the shackles and run those jock fcukers ragged

Ref important today as the jocks are repeat offenders for infringements

Bad start, they are playing Ireland's dirge as our 'national anthem'
>:(
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gerrykeegan on March 21, 2015, 02:27:40 PM
Ireland to win by 20 points
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on March 21, 2015, 02:31:51 PM
Quote from: cockahoop on March 21, 2015, 02:22:03 PM
well lets sit back and watch ireland do a mayo!

This coming from a Derry Man? Now go play with your toys!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: cockahoop on March 21, 2015, 02:34:40 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on March 21, 2015, 02:31:51 PM
Quote from: cockahoop on March 21, 2015, 02:22:03 PM
well lets sit back and watch ireland do a mayo!

This coming from a Derry Man? Now go play with your toys!

?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on March 21, 2015, 02:37:36 PM
Quote from: cockahoop on March 21, 2015, 02:34:40 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on March 21, 2015, 02:31:51 PM
Quote from: cockahoop on March 21, 2015, 02:22:03 PM
well lets sit back and watch ireland do a mayo!

This coming from a Derry Man? Now go play with your toys!

?

Exactly!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sidney on March 21, 2015, 03:03:11 PM
Rory Best was penalised after 17 minutes and Scotland scored the resulting penalty. The official reason was "not rolling away" which makes no sense given that Best was literally picked up by a Scottish player and flung over the body of the Scottish ball carrier (who was lying on the ground) onto the ground at the far side. Literally as soon as Best hit the ground, the referee blew for a penalty. Donal Lenihan later referred to the incident saying Best came in from the wrong side. He did not. Neither did he come in "off his feet".

Then at 20:00 an Irish player is on the wrong side of a breakdown situation and makes no effort whatsoever to roll away. Yet play continues.

The rules of this game and a significant number of decisions by referees make no sense. And anybody who says they do is lying.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 21, 2015, 03:16:20 PM
Going to make a days work of it by the looks of it. Surely they have enough to make up the points difference on Wales...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: redzone on March 21, 2015, 03:18:05 PM
Quote from: cockahoop on March 21, 2015, 02:22:03 PM
well lets sit back and watch ireland do a mayo!

:) that's as good a one has ive heard in a while.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on March 21, 2015, 03:19:58 PM
Quote from: redzone on March 21, 2015, 03:18:05 PM
Quote from: cockahoop on March 21, 2015, 02:22:03 PM
well lets sit back and watch ireland do a mayo!

:) that's as good a one has ive heard in a while.

It's been 2008 since you could laugh at that one! A good while alright!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 21, 2015, 03:23:51 PM
11 points off Wales at HT. An early try for us will do severe mental damage to Scotland. One for Scotland and our hopes may well be up in smoke.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: armaghniac on March 21, 2015, 03:51:05 PM
Quote from: Syferus on March 21, 2015, 03:23:51 PM
11 points off Wales at HT. An early try for us will do severe mental damage to Scotland. One for Scotland and our hopes may well be up in smoke.

They had the early try, but haven't managed the follow up so far. Nervy.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on March 21, 2015, 03:52:22 PM
Quote from: armaghniac on March 21, 2015, 03:51:05 PM
Quote from: Syferus on March 21, 2015, 03:23:51 PM
11 points off Wales at HT. An early try for us will do severe mental damage to Scotland. One for Scotland and our hopes may well be up in smoke.

They had the early try, but haven't managed the follow up so far. Nervy.

At last Sexton!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 21, 2015, 04:02:23 PM
Fair play to Italy for the late try
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 21, 2015, 04:05:16 PM
Quote from: armaghniac on March 21, 2015, 03:51:05 PM
Quote from: Syferus on March 21, 2015, 03:23:51 PM
11 points off Wales at HT. An early try for us will do severe mental damage to Scotland. One for Scotland and our hopes may well be up in smoke.

They had the early try, but haven't managed the follow up so far. Nervy.
Nervy alright. Too close for comfort here.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on March 21, 2015, 04:07:10 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 21, 2015, 04:02:23 PM
Fair play to Italy for the late try

Yeah, the Welsh players looked subdued at the final whistle after that try!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 21, 2015, 04:11:21 PM
What a play by Heaslip.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 21, 2015, 04:16:54 PM
And then there was two. Good chance to do it now. Hopefully the Sexton and Madigan misses don't tell in the end.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 21, 2015, 04:21:04 PM
Nearly there but left a few points out there. Madigan should have nailed that last one.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 21, 2015, 04:24:54 PM
Ah wheest lads that was a super performance! Delighted!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 21, 2015, 04:29:59 PM
Left 9 handy enough points on the board, would have made the france game irrelevant,26pts at home is not out of reach for England, all depends what france turn up!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 21, 2015, 04:31:18 PM
Some moaning on here! Never happy
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 21, 2015, 04:33:36 PM
Would New Zealand have left it on the Board Walter? No! thats why they and Carter are the best and the standard to aim for!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 21, 2015, 04:33:42 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 21, 2015, 04:31:18 PM
Some moaning on here! Never happy
great performance after the score wales posted. BOD expected 9 points , not 30
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 21, 2015, 04:34:16 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 21, 2015, 04:24:54 PM
Ah wheest lads that was a super performance! Delighted!
Come back on at 7 o'clock  :D


(http://cacheww2.coral.co.uk/image/gala-coral/casino/images/offers/points-mean-prizes-958x281.jpg?v=1)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 21, 2015, 04:38:01 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 21, 2015, 04:33:36 PM
Would New Zealand have left it on the Board Walter? No! thats why they and Carter are the best and the standard to aim for!

Another armchair critic. Yes New Zealand, perennial chokers in the world cups. Maybe you just watch rugby 6 weeks of the year
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on March 21, 2015, 04:46:28 PM
Good man  Walter. The five of trumps. 2+2 is anything the all-weather JuniorB supporter says it is.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 21, 2015, 04:58:15 PM
Been watching rugby since 1991, am i say i know a fair in depth knowledge that you about it to be honest. As for chokers they produce great teams on a regular basis
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on March 21, 2015, 04:59:25 PM
Magnificent performance

The up n under catches from Bowe and OMahony were incredible
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sidney on March 21, 2015, 05:01:43 PM
Random thoughts on Scotland v Ireland:

i) The knowledgeabilty of the RTE panel and viewers. A real symbiotic relationship. Particular highlights were Brent Pope explaining before the match that Ireland had to win by 21 clear points as opposed to merely scoring 21 points, "so, say, 21-10 is not enough". Top notch insight.

One minute in and Donal Lenihan was already breaking into fluent rogbish. "Cian Healy's jackal on Finn Russell was superb."

The in the second half he channelled Chris Kamara as he didn't realise Scotland had a man in the sin bin. Top notch awareness.

ii) Paul O'Connell yet again showed the "backs" how to do it. Time for him to get the number 13 jersey.

iii) The rules of this game and a significant number of decisions by referees make no sense. And anybody who says they do is lying.

Rory Best was penalised after 17 minutes and Scotland scored the resulting penalty. The official reason as per the TV graphic was "not rolling away" which made no sense given that Best was literally picked up by a Scottish player and flung over the body of the Scottish ball carrier (who was lying on the ground) onto the ground at the far side. Literally as soon as Best hit the ground, the referee blew for a penalty. Donal Lenihan later referred to the incident saying Best came in from the wrong side. He did not. Neither did he come in "off his feet".

Then at 20:00 an Irish player is on the wrong side of a breakdown situation and makes no effort whatsoever to roll away. Yet play continues.

Ireland were awarded a penalty in front of the posts three minutes into the second half. Again another bizarre decision. How is the Scottish tackler supposed to roll away if there's a 20 stone, 6 foot 8 Irish oaf lying on top of him?

At 48:47 the exact same situation as for the previous penalty occurred as Paul O'Connell lay down on top of a Scottish tackler in an almost sexual manner to stop him rolling away. Yet play is waved on.

iv) Rob "Kearnivore" Kearney's pathetic handling was squarely to blame for Scotland's first-half try. Gaelic football ‪#‎skillsetz‬ in action. Forward pass me arse for the Scottish try.

v) Scotland's Johnnie Gray and Tom Seymour have definitely played Gaelic football. How else do you explain their superb handling?

vi) Sexton's first half pass into Henshaw's face was straight out of the playbook of the Denver Broncos team which Hank Scorpio bought for Homer Simpson in 1996.

vii) Scotland's Geoff Cross cut a fine, dashing, athletic figure there as he left the pitch. Like a hairier version of Russell Crowe as he shuffled onto the Late Late Show set last night.

viii) Lovely soft hands from Sexton to set up the crash ball for Kevin Maggs, sorry, Jared Payne for the third try.
Sexton's penalty misses were clutch. Reminiscent of Eric Elwood against Wales in 1994. Not a bottle job. You CAN'T say that.

ix) Somebody please shoot those Ireland supporters in their fluorescent shamrock suits who were pictured after Sexton put Ireland 33-10 up.

x) With a name like Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, the Scottish number 21 surely went to a comprehensive school in the East End of Glasgow.

xi) Stuart Hogg's disallowed try was as much of a try as Brian O'Driscoll's against France in 2001.

xii) Ian Madigan bottled it like he bottled it when he missed with the last kick for Blackrock College against Kilkenny College in the 2007 Leinster Senior Schools Cup. But again, you CAN'T say he bottled it.

xiii) Aine Lawlor may well have to substitute for Marian Finucane tomorrow. Marian was fierce excited on the radio this morning.

xiv) If Ireland win this competition it'll be the greatest Irish sporting achievement of all-time. Up there with Harrington and McGinley winning golf's World Cup in 1997.

xv) Can someone please explain to me: At what point in Oirish history did wearing Leprechaun hats, and worse still Leprechaun beards, in a non-ironic manner, become an acceptable practice outside of the bedroom? What kind of self respecting Irish **** does this?

xvi) Come on England.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Minder on March 21, 2015, 05:02:51 PM
Bad start
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on March 21, 2015, 05:03:04 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 21, 2015, 04:58:15 PM
Been watching rugby since 1991, am i say i know a fair in depth knowledge that you about it to be honest. As for chokers they produce great teams on a regular basis

I wrote my PE gcse assignment in 1990 on the all blacks. Captain Kirk, Buck Shelford John '1000 situps a day' Kirwan etc who lifted the first WC....I was long retired from sport by the time they repeated it!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 21, 2015, 05:05:56 PM
Come on alot since then, still prefer lineouts where you couldnt be held up going up for the ball
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on March 21, 2015, 05:06:12 PM
xvii) zzz zzz
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 21, 2015, 05:07:33 PM
7-0 after 5 mins. looking grim already
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 21, 2015, 05:15:26 PM
spoke too soon 8-7 to france great stuff
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on March 21, 2015, 05:16:26 PM
Gwan France!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: grounded on March 21, 2015, 05:17:32 PM
Allez les bleus, Crazy final day!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 21, 2015, 05:17:38 PM
France warming up a bit.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on March 21, 2015, 05:21:30 PM
What a gobshite to nearly butcher the try!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sidney on March 21, 2015, 05:30:25 PM
Quote from: Hardy on March 21, 2015, 05:21:30 PM
What a gobshite to nearly butcher the try!
He did butcher it. It was wrongly awarded.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 21, 2015, 05:30:46 PM
Jeez being a French fan must be a nightmare. They've about 45 players of international standard. Farcical they're not better
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 21, 2015, 05:31:29 PM
Typical Lawes tackle. Only targets backs. p***k.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sidney on March 21, 2015, 05:34:56 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 21, 2015, 05:31:29 PM
Typical Lawes tackle. Only targets backs. p***k.
As opposed to some of the South African lads who only target blacks.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 21, 2015, 05:38:20 PM
Quote from: Sidney on March 21, 2015, 05:34:56 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 21, 2015, 05:31:29 PM
Typical Lawes tackle. Only targets backs. p***k.
As opposed to some of the South African lads who only target blacks.

When Jerome Kaino danced inside him in November he didn't do much.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 21, 2015, 05:39:05 PM
France have left 8 on the scoreboard handy enough
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owenmoresider on March 21, 2015, 05:40:18 PM
Quote from: Sidney on March 21, 2015, 05:01:43 PM
Random thoughts on Scotland v Ireland:

i) The knowledgeabilty of the RTE panel and viewers. A real symbiotic relationship. Particular highlights were Brent Pope explaining before the match that Ireland had to win by 21 clear points as opposed to merely scoring 21 points, "so, say, 21-10 is not enough". Top notch insight.

One minute in and Donal Lenihan was already breaking into fluent rogbish. "Cian Healy's jackal on Finn Russell was superb."

The in the second half he channelled Chris Kamara as he didn't realise Scotland had a man in the sin bin. Top notch awareness.

ii) Paul O'Connell yet again showed the "backs" how to do it. Time for him to get the number 13 jersey.

iii) The rules of this game and a significant number of decisions by referees make no sense. And anybody who says they do is lying.

Rory Best was penalised after 17 minutes and Scotland scored the resulting penalty. The official reason as per the TV graphic was "not rolling away" which made no sense given that Best was literally picked up by a Scottish player and flung over the body of the Scottish ball carrier (who was lying on the ground) onto the ground at the far side. Literally as soon as Best hit the ground, the referee blew for a penalty. Donal Lenihan later referred to the incident saying Best came in from the wrong side. He did not. Neither did he come in "off his feet".

Then at 20:00 an Irish player is on the wrong side of a breakdown situation and makes no effort whatsoever to roll away. Yet play continues.

Ireland were awarded a penalty in front of the posts three minutes into the second half. Again another bizarre decision. How is the Scottish tackler supposed to roll away if there's a 20 stone, 6 foot 8 Irish oaf lying on top of him?

At 48:47 the exact same situation as for the previous penalty occurred as Paul O'Connell lay down on top of a Scottish tackler in an almost sexual manner to stop him rolling away. Yet play is waved on.

iv) Rob "Kearnivore" Kearney's pathetic handling was squarely to blame for Scotland's first-half try. Gaelic football ‪#‎skillsetz‬ in action. Forward pass me arse for the Scottish try.

v) Scotland's Johnnie Gray and Tom Seymour have definitely played Gaelic football. How else do you explain their superb handling?

vi) Sexton's first half pass into Henshaw's face was straight out of the playbook of the Denver Broncos team which Hank Scorpio bought for Homer Simpson in 1996.

vii) Scotland's Geoff Cross cut a fine, dashing, athletic figure there as he left the pitch. Like a hairier version of Russell Crowe as he shuffled onto the Late Late Show set last night.

viii) Lovely soft hands from Sexton to set up the crash ball for Kevin Maggs, sorry, Jared Payne for the third try.
Sexton's penalty misses were clutch. Reminiscent of Eric Elwood against Wales in 1994. Not a bottle job. You CAN'T say that.

ix) Somebody please shoot those Ireland supporters in their fluorescent shamrock suits who were pictured after Sexton put Ireland 33-10 up.

x) With a name like Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, the Scottish number 21 surely went to a comprehensive school in the East End of Glasgow.

xi) Stuart Hogg's disallowed try was as much of a try as Brian O'Driscoll's against France in 2001.

xii) Ian Madigan bottled it like he bottled it when he missed with the last kick for Blackrock College against Kilkenny College in the 2007 Leinster Senior Schools Cup. But again, you CAN'T say he bottled it.

xiii) Aine Lawlor may well have to substitute for Marian Finucane tomorrow. Marian was fierce excited on the radio this morning.

xiv) If Ireland win this competition it'll be the greatest Irish sporting achievement of all-time. Up there with Harrington and McGinley winning golf's World Cup in 1997.

xv) Can someone please explain to me: At what point in Oirish history did wearing Leprechaun hats, and worse still Leprechaun beards, in a non-ironic manner, become an acceptable practice outside of the bedroom? What kind of self respecting Irish **** does this?

xvi) Come on England.
Other random thoughts: You need help.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sidney on March 21, 2015, 05:43:22 PM
Quote from: Owenmoresider on March 21, 2015, 05:40:18 PM

Other random thoughts: You need help.
Why?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sidney on March 21, 2015, 05:52:53 PM
Thank God for England's exciting running rugby. If there's any justice they'll win this championship.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 21, 2015, 05:53:42 PM
I think we're goosed! France are f**king awful and only for England giving away chances they'd be out of sight! This is a penalty too. f**k!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 21, 2015, 05:57:52 PM
Quote from: screenexile on March 21, 2015, 05:53:42 PM
I think we're goosed! France are f**king awful and only for England giving away chances they'd be out of sight! This is a penalty too. f**k!

France cutting open England when they attack. Can go any way in the second half.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on March 21, 2015, 05:58:34 PM
It could come down to the 9 we squandered and the 8 the French have left behind (so far).
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Lar Naparka on March 21, 2015, 06:06:48 PM
Quote from: Hardy on March 21, 2015, 05:58:34 PM
It could come down to the 9 we squandered and the 8 the French have left behind (so far).
If I don't manage to calm down a bit, the shoe will go through the telly before the final whistle! ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 21, 2015, 06:08:03 PM
Quote from: Hardy on March 21, 2015, 05:58:34 PM
It could come down to the 9 we squandered and the 8 the French have left behind (so far).
It's in the stars. I think England will do it. If Ireland even had 2/3 of those off the tee England would be struggling.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 21, 2015, 06:10:44 PM
Viva Les Bleus..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 21, 2015, 06:10:54 PM
2 Teams with alot of defensive question marks come world cup time
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on March 21, 2015, 06:14:32 PM
Holy shit! It's turning into a game of basketball.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on March 21, 2015, 06:16:21 PM
What is the score?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on March 21, 2015, 06:16:50 PM
34-22 for England
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 21, 2015, 06:17:43 PM
Everyone seems to want to play attacking rugby today. Great finish to the tournament.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: armaghniac on March 21, 2015, 06:23:22 PM
Quote from: Syferus on March 21, 2015, 06:17:43 PM
Everyone seems to want to play attacking rugby today. Great finish to the tournament l

It is certainly less sterile than some of the games.
41-25 now, squeaky bum time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on March 21, 2015, 06:24:26 PM
Absolutely anything could happen from here.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 21, 2015, 06:28:42 PM
Quote from: Hardy on March 21, 2015, 05:58:34 PM
It could come down to the 9 we squandered and the 8 the French have left behind (so far).
or someone being sin binned
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 21, 2015, 06:32:59 PM
France have hardly scored witha kick unless it was in front of the posts, then technically could been ahead here
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 21, 2015, 06:39:09 PM
scorelines the days been crazy, if only they brought a goal kicker to the dance!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 21, 2015, 06:40:06 PM
Bizarre days Rugby. If us or the French could kick it would be over!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: armaghniac on March 21, 2015, 06:40:33 PM
Rugby tactics generally resemble Ypres in the First World War, today is more like North Africa in the Second World War.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on March 21, 2015, 06:50:57 PM
Never a penalty!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 21, 2015, 06:52:14 PM
Great finish
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 21, 2015, 06:54:23 PM
u useless french bollixs show abit of grit ffs
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: armaghniac on March 21, 2015, 06:56:21 PM
What's with these French, they get an penalty and go running over in front of the posts with it!
Close!

Well done Ireland!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sidney on March 21, 2015, 06:56:51 PM
The wrong team wins the championship. The neutral is disappointed.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Shamrock Shore on March 21, 2015, 06:57:08 PM
Sweet Jesus!

What drama.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 21, 2015, 06:57:20 PM
Holy motherfucking hell.

What a finish.

Defended the Six Nations. Fan-f**king-tastic.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on March 21, 2015, 06:58:18 PM
Quote from: Sidney on March 21, 2015, 06:56:51 PM
The wrong team wins the championship. The neutral is disappointed.


Go get laid or something lad
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on March 21, 2015, 06:59:09 PM
Back to back 6 nations. Fierce achievement from the boys in green.

Crazy day of rugby!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: brokencrossbar1 on March 21, 2015, 06:59:19 PM
Quote from: Sidney on March 21, 2015, 06:56:51 PM
The wrong team wins the championship. The neutral is disappointed.

Away to f**k with you ye annoying bollix!!!

Well done the boys in green, up yours ye English Bastareauds!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: laoislad on March 21, 2015, 07:05:47 PM
Are we champions of the universe now? Woo woo.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 21, 2015, 07:07:31 PM
Sloppy English defending , the last minute italy try and heaslip the difference.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sidney on March 21, 2015, 07:07:39 PM
Reminiscent of when the puke football of Northern teams ground down the pure football of Kerry, and of Brazil's fantasy football of 1982 losing out to the negativity of the Italians. A sad day.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 21, 2015, 07:10:53 PM
Quote from: Sidney on March 21, 2015, 07:07:39 PM
Reminiscent of when the puke football of Northern teams ground down the pure football of Kerry, and of Brazil's fantasy football of 1982 losing out to the negativity of the Italians. A sad day.
Also all the times Mayo beat Roscommon. Heartbreaking. And wrong.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on March 21, 2015, 07:14:51 PM
England almost deserved it, I have to hand it to them, they gave it some welly. Fortunately for us  France were 'effin brilliant, they had nothing to play for  in those last minutes except to prevent England from scoring more and winning the title
That makes up for the title that was stolen by France in the last seconds  (v Scotland)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sidney on March 21, 2015, 07:18:17 PM
A wonderful victory for Ireland in Scotland today - Celtic beat Dundee United for the third time in seven days.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 21, 2015, 07:22:52 PM
2 out of 2 for Schmidt. Give the man a biscuit.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 21, 2015, 07:23:40 PM
Quote from: Main Street on March 21, 2015, 07:14:51 PM
England almost deserved it, I have to hand it to them, they gave it some welly. Fortunately for us  France were 'effin brilliant, they had nothing to play for  in those last minutes except to prevent England from scoring more and winning the title
That makes up for the title that was stolen by France in the last seconds  (v Scotland)
Aye France definitely played their part. England would have been going some to get 26 clear of a Framce team racking up 30+ points. They gave it a good lash though. Good days entertainment.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sidney on March 21, 2015, 07:24:48 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 21, 2015, 07:22:52 PM
2 out of 2 for Schmidt. Give the man a biscuit.
A common request from Irish rugby players.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: SHEEDY on March 21, 2015, 07:27:51 PM
Oooh me nerves!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 21, 2015, 07:28:19 PM
Imagine if we'd lost it because the stadium clock wasn't right - France almost got turned over after their final penalty thinking the clock wasn't dead. Never seen a tournament decided on such a fine margin.

Today won't be forgotten for a long, long time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on March 21, 2015, 07:29:03 PM
Quote from: Main Street on March 21, 2015, 07:14:51 PM
England almost deserved it, I have to hand it to them, they gave it some welly. Fortunately for us  France were 'effin brilliant, they had nothing to play for  in those last minutes except to prevent England from scoring more and winning the title
That makes up for the title that was stolen by France in the last seconds  (v Scotland)

France were a rabble- Anyone who concedes 50 points are pure muck.

French players would turn in their graves if they knew how bad their national side was now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CD on March 21, 2015, 07:29:21 PM
That was either riveting and fantastic TV or the hardest thing I've ever had to endure! Haven't decided which yet. Amazing drama - great finish to the tournament and well deserved Ireland! Didn't expect Italy, France and Scotland to be so limp which made it all the more exciting!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on March 21, 2015, 07:32:14 PM
Quote from: Syferus on March 21, 2015, 07:28:19 PM
Imagine if we'd lost it because the stadium clock wasn't right - France almost got turned over after their final penalty thinking the clock wasn't dead. Never seen a tournament decided on such a fine margin.

Today won't be forgotten for a long, long time.

Wouldn't be unlike the french though to go for a try from their goal line though.  Time at 80 or not

Crazy finish. Anyone know the total try count from today offhand?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on March 21, 2015, 07:41:07 PM
Unbelievable finish.

Amazing rugby when the teams have to go for it.

Surely it is time for the bonus point in the 6N?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Agent Orange on March 21, 2015, 07:46:59 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on March 21, 2015, 07:32:14 PM
Anyone know the total try count from today offhand?

221 points. 27 Tries.

Wales 8 tries
Italy 2

Scotland 1 try
Ireland 4

England 7 tries
France 5
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 21, 2015, 07:51:20 PM
Quote from: muppet on March 21, 2015, 07:41:07 PM
Unbelievable finish.

Amazing rugby when the teams have to go for it.

Surely it is time for the bonus point in the 6N?

Would that not likely rob us of days like this? I think the system is fine in the tournament as is.

The rules of the game need to force teams to play like they did today the rest of the season; a bonus point is one off the least effective and heavy-handed ways of achieving that. In-game rule changes would be a better approach to take.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on March 21, 2015, 07:52:02 PM
Quote from: Agent Orange on March 21, 2015, 07:46:59 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on March 21, 2015, 07:32:14 PM
Anyone know the total try count from today offhand?

221 points. 27 Tries.

Wales 8 tries
Italy 2

Scotland 1 try
Ireland 4

England 7 tries
France 5

No surprise we scored the fewest anyway
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on March 21, 2015, 08:04:01 PM
If ever there was a time the plug should have been pulled on the rte pundits, it was when it was blatantly obvious that they didn't matter in the scheme of things compared to the celebrations happening  between the team and the thousand of supporters who stayed at (and around) Murrayfield.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tom boyd on March 21, 2015, 08:05:23 PM
Quote from: Syferus on March 21, 2015, 07:51:20 PM
Quote from: muppet on March 21, 2015, 07:41:07 PM
Unbelievable finish.

Amazing rugby when the teams have to go for it.

Surely it is time for the bonus point in the 6N?

Would that not likely rob us of days like this? I think the system is fine in the tournament as is.

The rules of the game need to force teams to play like they did today the rest of the season; a bonus point is one off the least effective and heavy-handed ways of achieving that. In-game rule changes would be a better approach to take.


A bonus point is given when a team score 4 or more try's or too a team that lose by 7 or less.
Personally it would get teams to attack more and go for the try line like they were today.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: theticklemister on March 21, 2015, 08:08:57 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on March 21, 2015, 07:52:02 PM
Quote from: Agent Orange on March 21, 2015, 07:46:59 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on March 21, 2015, 07:32:14 PM
Anyone know the total try count from today offhand?

221 points. 27 Tries.

Wales 8 tries
Italy 2

Scotland 1 try
Ireland 4

England 7 tries
France 5

No surprise we scored the fewest anyway

count aris..................

Anyway , Ireland only scored 4 tries going into today's game
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Over the Bar on March 21, 2015, 08:09:41 PM
The only rule that needs changed is that the final round of matches are played at the same time.  Fecking ridiculous that England knew exactly what they needed to win.    No other professional sport would allow such an advantage. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Aaron Boone on March 21, 2015, 08:11:50 PM
Rugby getting bigger & bigger.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 21, 2015, 08:14:15 PM
France missed over 14pts from placed ball, Ireland 9pt, New Zealand with a tight defence and reliable goal kicker if not injured would still be hard to eclipse
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on March 21, 2015, 08:16:12 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on March 21, 2015, 07:29:03 PM
Quote from: Main Street on March 21, 2015, 07:14:51 PM
England almost deserved it, I have to hand it to them, they gave it some welly. Fortunately for us  France were 'effin brilliant, they had nothing to play for  in those last minutes except to prevent England from scoring more and winning the title
That makes up for the title that was stolen by France in the last seconds  (v Scotland)

France were a rabble- Anyone who concedes 50 points are pure muck.

French players would turn in their graves if they knew how bad their national side was now.
Turn in their grave ??  which players exactly would be turning in their grave?
Philippe Sella? Serge Blanco? Pierre Villepreux? Denis Charvet  Jean-Pierre Rives?
What a drip of ignorant misery you can be at the most inappropriate of times, Indiana :)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 21, 2015, 08:21:29 PM
Scotland had a very poor tournament.  I saw them rated as favourites somewhere before the first game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Minder on March 21, 2015, 08:24:50 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 21, 2015, 08:21:29 PM
Scotland had a very poor tournament.  I saw them rated as favourites somewhere before the first game.

Really ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on March 21, 2015, 08:26:02 PM
Quote from: Main Street on March 21, 2015, 08:16:12 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on March 21, 2015, 07:29:03 PM
Quote from: Main Street on March 21, 2015, 07:14:51 PM
England almost deserved it, I have to hand it to them, they gave it some welly. Fortunately for us  France were 'effin brilliant, they had nothing to play for  in those last minutes except to prevent England from scoring more and winning the title
That makes up for the title that was stolen by France in the last seconds  (v Scotland)

France were a rabble- Anyone who concedes 50 points are pure muck.

French players would turn in their graves if they knew how bad their national side was now.
Turn in their grave ??  which players exactly would be turning in their grave?
Philippe Sella? Serge Blanco? Pierre Villepreux? Denis Charvet  Jean-Pierre Rives?
What a drip of ignorant misery you can be at the most inappropriate of times, Indiana :)

This is the worst French team in history coached by a buffoon.

Nothing ignorant in that. The only thing that is ignorant is your inability(as ever) to recognise that.

They were terrible- absolutely abject.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 21, 2015, 08:26:28 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 21, 2015, 08:21:29 PM
Scotland had a very poor tournament.  I saw them rated as favourites somewhere before the first game.
Would say they were fancied but fav would be a stretch. I thought they would have a decent rattle at it but maybe fall short as they have some great players. Their stats look desperately poor at the end of today.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on March 21, 2015, 08:42:03 PM
Quote from: Agent Orange on March 21, 2015, 07:46:59 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on March 21, 2015, 07:32:14 PM
Anyone know the total try count from today offhand?

221 points. 27 Tries.

Wales 8 tries
Italy 2

Scotland 1 try
Ireland 4

England 7 tries
France 5

Good man

What about increasing the points for a try again to 6 points?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on March 21, 2015, 08:51:57 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 21, 2015, 08:26:28 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 21, 2015, 08:21:29 PM
Scotland had a very poor tournament.  I saw them rated as favourites somewhere before the first game.
Would say they were fancied but fav would be a stretch. I thought they would have a decent rattle at it but maybe fall short as they have some great players. Their stats look desperately poor at the end of today.

Scotland have absolutely not one great player in my view. they are the Carlow of the 6 Nations.

Stuart Hogg couldn't even touch the ball down over the line.

An absolute rabble.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 21, 2015, 09:11:51 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on March 21, 2015, 08:51:57 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 21, 2015, 08:26:28 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 21, 2015, 08:21:29 PM
Scotland had a very poor tournament.  I saw them rated as favourites somewhere before the first game.
Would say they were fancied but fav would be a stretch. I thought they would have a decent rattle at it but maybe fall short as they have some great players. Their stats look desperately poor at the end of today.

Scotland have absolutely not one great player in my view. they are the Carlow of the 6 Nations.

Stuart Hogg couldn't even touch the ball down over the line.

An absolute rabble.
Maybe I should have said "good". If this thread is upsetting you so much feel free to go elsewhere  ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 21, 2015, 09:42:32 PM
http://www.the42.ie/joe-schmidt-ireland-six-nations-champions-2015-2006124-Mar2015/?utm_source=shortlink

Some man.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gawa316 on March 21, 2015, 10:22:46 PM
Anyone know of a decent site to watch highlights that'll work in the states?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: DuffleKing on March 21, 2015, 10:47:17 PM

Whatever about the rest of that sensationalist bluster,  Stuart hogg is a cracking player.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: give her dixie on March 21, 2015, 10:58:11 PM
I wouldn't normally watch a lot of rugby but today I couldn't leave the couch as 3 incredible matches were
played out. Great games and some fantastic scores. Well done Ireland as they did enough to claim the championship
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Lar Naparka on March 21, 2015, 11:26:31 PM
Quote from: Over the Bar on March 21, 2015, 08:09:41 PM
The only rule that needs changed is that the final round of matches are played at the same time.  Fecking ridiculous that England knew exactly what they needed to win.    No other professional sport would allow such an advantage.

Put it down to TV revenue and sponsorship.The TV channels stand to lose a lot of money and the team sponsors a lot of advertising time if all games were to played at the same time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sidney on March 21, 2015, 11:55:58 PM
Quote from: Aaron Boone on March 21, 2015, 08:11:50 PM
Rugby getting bigger & bigger.
Tag rugby, perhaps.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 22, 2015, 12:00:37 AM
Quote from: Lar Naparka on March 21, 2015, 11:26:31 PM
Quote from: Over the Bar on March 21, 2015, 08:09:41 PM
The only rule that needs changed is that the final round of matches are played at the same time.  Fecking ridiculous that England knew exactly what they needed to win.    No other professional sport would allow such an advantage.

Put it down to TV revenue and sponsorship.The TV channels stand to lose a lot of money and the team sponsors a lot of advertising time if all games were to played at the same time.

And it would be far less entertaining too. The current way is definitely the right tact to take all things considered. Spectacle is essential in sport.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rrhf on March 22, 2015, 02:14:12 AM
All you unbelievers... All you rugby know alls. . Where are you now... I hope ye enjoyed some drink despite yer cynicism..Ireland abu


Has anyone else tried that new Guinness project 13....
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 22, 2015, 10:23:08 AM
Quote from: give her dixie on March 21, 2015, 10:58:11 PM
I wouldn't normally watch a lot of rugby but today I couldn't leave the couch as 3 incredible matches were
played out. Great games and some fantastic scores. Well done Ireland as they did enough to claim the championship
The way Ireland recovered from the disappointment of last weekend to put 40 points on the board was very impressive.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tiempo on March 22, 2015, 10:38:24 AM
Quote from: Aaron Boone on March 21, 2015, 08:11:50 PM
Rugby getting bigger & bigger.

Yeah the players biceps and value of their protein contracts
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Denn Forever on March 22, 2015, 10:42:49 AM
If Carlsberg did rugby endings they would have given England a last minute try.  They would of course  miss the conversion.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tom boyd on March 22, 2015, 11:31:56 AM
Quote from: Denn Forever on March 22, 2015, 10:42:49 AM
If Carlsberg did rugby endings they would have given England a last minute try.  They would of course  miss the conversion.

I wished that actually happened. How epic if the conversion hit the cross bar. Or even ford done a john terry and slipped.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 22, 2015, 01:12:43 PM
Quote from: Tom boyd on March 22, 2015, 11:31:56 AM
Quote from: Denn Forever on March 22, 2015, 10:42:49 AM
If Carlsberg did rugby endings they would have given England a last minute try.  They would of course  miss the conversion.

I wished that actually happened. How epic if the conversion hit the cross bar. Or even ford done a john terry and slipped.
The last moment was such an anti climax.
The excitement after the last try was like a FRED process in gamma rays - fast rise, exponential decay
That is 3 years of nothing for Stuart Lancaster.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on March 22, 2015, 01:20:16 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 22, 2015, 01:12:43 PM
That is 3 years of nothing for Stuart Lancaster.

England are still second favourites for the World Cup. I'd back them to win it, but it would spoil my enjoyment of it.

Ireland are 8/1, Wales 20/1. The market sees the Cardiff result in its true light, reflected off Wayne Barnes. As does Joe Schmidt, reading between the lines of his interviews.


Having said that, 20/1 Wales seems amazing value.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on March 22, 2015, 01:25:14 PM
Quote from: Hardy on March 22, 2015, 01:20:16 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 22, 2015, 01:12:43 PM
That is 3 years of nothing for Stuart Lancaster.

England are still second favourites for the World Cup. I'd back them to win it, but it would spoil my enjoyment of it.

Ireland are 8/1, Wales 20/1. The market sees the Cardiff result in its true light, reflected off Wayne Barnes. As does Joe Schmidt, reading between the lines of his interviews.


Having said that, 20/1 Wales seems amazing value.

The respective pools have a big bearing on those outright odds.

Ireland are up against France and Italy.

Wales will have Australia and England on home soil to deal with.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on March 22, 2015, 05:11:41 PM
http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/six-nations/2015/0322/688907-ireland-women-six-nations/

Ireland obliterate Scotland to win Six Nations

Scotland 3-73 Ireland

Ireland Women were in inspirational form to relentlessly pile on the points against Scotland at Broadwood Stadium near Glasgow to secure a record 73-3 win and complete a famous Men's and Women's RBS 6 Nations double for Irish rugby.

A second Championship and Triple Crown in three years were the rewards for Niamh Briggs and her team-mates who were at their clinical best throughout this one-sided game.

Tom Tierney's side led 37-3 at half-time and ran in 11 tries in all, including an Alison Miller hat-trick, to win the title on points scoring difference (+113), ahead of last year's winners France (+69)....
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lynchbhoy on March 22, 2015, 05:41:50 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 22, 2015, 01:12:43 PM
Quote from: Tom boyd on March 22, 2015, 11:31:56 AM
Quote from: Denn Forever on March 22, 2015, 10:42:49 AM
If Carlsberg did rugby endings they would have given England a last minute try.  They would of course  miss the conversion.

I wished that actually happened. How epic if the conversion hit the cross bar. Or even ford done a john terry and slipped.
The last moment was such an anti climax.
The excitement after the last try was like a FRED process in gamma rays - fast rise, exponential decay
That is 3 years of nothing for Stuart Lancaster.
Not so sure about that
England and Wales et all like winning the six nations - but unlike us, it isn't the be all and end all

Lancaster have been reprieved by the decimation of the French team.
I can honestly say that I'd not put Ireland above England or wales
We are too reliant on sexton and a very narrow game plan.
Maybe I will be wrong but I can't see us winning a rugby World Cup
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 22, 2015, 06:03:55 PM
To be fair Wales are hardly up to much in WCs either. Maybe England have grander ambitions but they've been a bit meh since 2003 so that may be a bit dilussional too.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 22, 2015, 08:55:28 PM
Mike Browns some ****!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: foxcommander on March 23, 2015, 05:45:01 AM
We did it! Great stuff drico and the boys.

World cup is there for the taking.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on March 23, 2015, 09:03:17 AM
Quote from: seafoid on March 21, 2015, 07:07:31 PM
Sloppy English defending , the last minute italy try and heaslip the difference.

camped on the Scottish line, Jarred Payne takes the ball at pace, a bit of a step and he's through!

If only we'd managed to get a few runners hitting the Welsh line at pace the previous week, all that fretting over points difference on Saturday would have been irrelevant.

Why did the Scots not have the stadium lights on when Ireland picked up the (replica) 6N's trophy?

Well done the Irish team, still some achievement.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 23, 2015, 09:31:22 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on March 23, 2015, 09:03:17 AM
Quote from: seafoid on March 21, 2015, 07:07:31 PM
Sloppy English defending , the last minute italy try and heaslip the difference.

camped on the Scottish line, Jarred Payne takes the ball at pace, a bit of a step and he's through!

If only we'd managed to get a few runners hitting the Welsh line at pace the previous week, all that fretting over points difference on Saturday would have been irrelevant.

Why did the Scots not have the stadium lights on when Ireland picked up the (replica) 6N's trophy?

Well done the Irish team, still some achievement.

If you look through 'stadium presentations' down the years you'll see that the lights have tended to be out. Plus it added to the atmosphere. Fair played to the SRFU for allowing fans to stay on. Though I'm sure they made plenty back  with the sales of pints!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on March 23, 2015, 09:42:00 AM
27 tries...c'est magnifique, mais ce n'est pas le rugby.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Mike Sheehy on March 23, 2015, 09:08:41 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kU5axkldd0&feature=youtu.be (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kU5axkldd0&feature=youtu.be)
...a pretty common reaction I'd say...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on March 23, 2015, 09:48:34 PM
Quote from: Mike Sheehy on March 23, 2015, 09:08:41 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kU5axkldd0&feature=youtu.be (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kU5axkldd0&feature=youtu.be)
...a pretty common reaction I'd say...

Ha Ha. That was me, but without the restraint and decorum yer man was displaying.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 24, 2015, 12:51:30 PM
Team of the tournament time lads. Bit of craic if nothing else. Here's mine.

15. Stuart Hogg
14. Yohan Hughet
13. Jonathan Joseph
12. Robbie Henshaw
11. Jack Nowell
10. George Ford
9. Conor Murray
1. Jack McGrath
2. Scott Baldwin
3. Dan Cole
4. Alan Wyn Jones
5. Paul O'Connell
6. Peter O'Mahoney
7. Sam Warburton
8. Sergio Parisse

Player of the tournament - Paul O'Connell
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 24, 2015, 01:02:07 PM
did you see Stephen Jones' team? :) 4 Italians and two Irish :)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 24, 2015, 01:11:58 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 24, 2015, 01:02:07 PM
did you see Stephen Jones' team? :) 4 Italians and two Irish :)

Seen that but refuse to read any of that man's articles.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 24, 2015, 01:12:56 PM
He is some dildo in fairness.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 24, 2015, 01:20:04 PM
For what it's worth, the Opta Stats team of the tournament is


Loose Head - Alistair Dickinson (Scotland)
Hooker - Leonardo Ghiraldini (Italy)
Tight Head - Dan Cole

Second Row - Luke Charteris (Wales)
Second Row - Johnny Gray (Scotland)

Blind Side - Peter O'Mahony (Ireland)
Number 8 - Billy Vunipola (England)
Openside - Chris Robshaw (England)

Scrum Half - Conor Murray (Ireland)

Outhalf - George Ford (England)

Wing - Jack Nowell (England)

Inside Centre - Robbie Henshaw (Ireland)

Outside Centre - Jonathan Joseph (England)

Wing - Tommy Bowe (Ireland)

Fullback - Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 24, 2015, 03:16:05 PM
Parisse  is an amazing player
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on March 24, 2015, 03:25:03 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 24, 2015, 01:20:04 PM
For what it's worth, the Opta Stats team of the tournament is


Loose Head - Alistair Dickinson (Scotland)
Hooker - Leonardo Ghiraldini (Italy)
Tight Head - Dan Cole

Second Row - Luke Charteris (Wales)
Second Row - Johnny Gray (Scotland)

Blind Side - Peter O'Mahony (Ireland)
Number 8 - Billy Vunipola (England)
Openside - Chris Robshaw (England)

Scrum Half - Conor Murray (Ireland)

Outhalf - George Ford (England)

Wing - Jack Nowell (England)

Inside Centre - Robbie Henshaw (Ireland)

Outside Centre - Jonathan Joseph (England)

Wing - Tommy Bowe (Ireland)

Fullback - Stuart Hogg (Scotland)

You'd have to be wearing a serious set of green tinted glasses to have Tommy Bowe in any team of the tournament in fairness
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 24, 2015, 03:44:17 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on March 24, 2015, 03:25:03 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 24, 2015, 01:20:04 PM
For what it's worth, the Opta Stats team of the tournament is


Loose Head - Alistair Dickinson (Scotland)
Hooker - Leonardo Ghiraldini (Italy)
Tight Head - Dan Cole

Second Row - Luke Charteris (Wales)
Second Row - Johnny Gray (Scotland)

Blind Side - Peter O'Mahony (Ireland)
Number 8 - Billy Vunipola (England)
Openside - Chris Robshaw (England)

Scrum Half - Conor Murray (Ireland)

Outhalf - George Ford (England)

Wing - Jack Nowell (England)

Inside Centre - Robbie Henshaw (Ireland)

Outside Centre - Jonathan Joseph (England)

Wing - Tommy Bowe (Ireland)

Fullback - Stuart Hogg (Scotland)

You'd have to be wearing a serious set of green tinted glasses to have Tommy Bowe in any team of the tournament in fairness

It wasn't a tournament for Wingers with only North, Watson and Bowe playing all the games for their teams. Ireland won so Tommy Bowe should get the nod I think.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on March 24, 2015, 04:17:45 PM
Some first 6N for Robbie Henshaw. A championship win under his belt and a nomination for Player of the Year. In most people's team of the year ahead of the likes of Jamie Roberts and he isn't even playing in his usual position.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on March 24, 2015, 07:21:19 PM
Quote from: screenexile on March 24, 2015, 03:44:17 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on March 24, 2015, 03:25:03 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 24, 2015, 01:20:04 PM
For what it's worth, the Opta Stats team of the tournament is


Loose Head - Alistair Dickinson (Scotland)
Hooker - Leonardo Ghiraldini (Italy)
Tight Head - Dan Cole

Second Row - Luke Charteris (Wales)
Second Row - Johnny Gray (Scotland)

Blind Side - Peter O'Mahony (Ireland)
Number 8 - Billy Vunipola (England)
Openside - Chris Robshaw (England)

Scrum Half - Conor Murray (Ireland)

Outhalf - George Ford (England)

Wing - Jack Nowell (England)

Inside Centre - Robbie Henshaw (Ireland)

Outside Centre - Jonathan Joseph (England)

Wing - Tommy Bowe (Ireland)

Fullback - Stuart Hogg (Scotland)

You'd have to be wearing a serious set of green tinted glasses to have Tommy Bowe in any team of the tournament in fairness

It wasn't a tournament for Wingers with only North, Watson and Bowe playing all the games for their teams. Ireland won so Tommy Bowe should get the nod I think.
Clive Woodward selected Bowe in his team of the tournament as well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 24, 2015, 07:38:45 PM
Quote from: Estimator on March 24, 2015, 07:21:19 PM
Quote from: screenexile on March 24, 2015, 03:44:17 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on March 24, 2015, 03:25:03 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 24, 2015, 01:20:04 PM
For what it's worth, the Opta Stats team of the tournament is


Loose Head - Alistair Dickinson (Scotland)
Hooker - Leonardo Ghiraldini (Italy)
Tight Head - Dan Cole

Second Row - Luke Charteris (Wales)
Second Row - Johnny Gray (Scotland)

Blind Side - Peter O'Mahony (Ireland)
Number 8 - Billy Vunipola (England)
Openside - Chris Robshaw (England)

Scrum Half - Conor Murray (Ireland)

Outhalf - George Ford (England)

Wing - Jack Nowell (England)

Inside Centre - Robbie Henshaw (Ireland)

Outside Centre - Jonathan Joseph (England)

Wing - Tommy Bowe (Ireland)

Fullback - Stuart Hogg (Scotland)

You'd have to be wearing a serious set of green tinted glasses to have Tommy Bowe in any team of the tournament in fairness

It wasn't a tournament for Wingers with only North, Watson and Bowe playing all the games for their teams. Ireland won so Tommy Bowe should get the nod I think.
Clive Woodward selected Bowe in his team of the tournament as well.
As did Lawrence Dallaglio in The Sunday Times if I recall correctly. LOL had 6 Irish players and Stephen Jones had 2  :o
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: oakleaflad on March 25, 2015, 12:13:33 PM
A guy asked me the question in work if you had to pick the full backs for the Lions tour now who would you bring and who would miss out? I couldn't really answer to be honest, so I'll ask here.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 25, 2015, 12:14:32 PM
Halfpenny surely? And Mike Brown probably. If you were bringing 3, it would be a tough call between Hogg and Kearney.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 25, 2015, 12:17:04 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 25, 2015, 12:14:32 PM
Halfpenny surely? And Mike Brown probably. If you were bringing 3, it would be a tough call between Hogg and Kearney.

Judging on the 6N it would be hard to make the case for Kearney!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on March 25, 2015, 12:30:27 PM
4 superb players. Does halfpenny offer as much as the others outside of his kicking? tough to cull any of them
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on March 25, 2015, 12:48:54 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on March 25, 2015, 12:30:27 PM
4 superb players. Does halfpenny offer as much as the others outside of his kicking? tough to cull any of them

Depends on the coach and what he wants.

If you need a kicker, Halfpenny. If not, then not Halfpenny and the other 3 offer more elsewhere.

I'd start Hogg, Brown is a good runner but Brown conceded 9 turnovers in the 6N. Coaches wouldn't like that. Kearney is the most solid and experienced as the best in the air, if that is what floats your boat. Kearney would definitely travel imho.

So if you would want to start him as kicker, Halfpenny, followed by Kearney and Hogg.
If not, Hogg, Kearney and Brown.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 25, 2015, 12:50:29 PM
You could argue Wales are a more potent side with Liam Williams at FB as was evident when Halfpenny went off concussed. That said Halfpenny is probably the worlds best kicker so a place in the starting 15 is a must.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on March 25, 2015, 06:09:34 PM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CA9glH0UcAELQDm.png:large)

Remember Sean O'Brien missed a match.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 26, 2015, 07:33:41 AM
That's probably not surprising. I'd say Ireland had the most attacking rucks in the tournament because the gameplan was very tight, and kick based, until the last game v Scotland. Ruck, recycle, ruck, recycle, ruck recycle.

What are the carrying stats? I bet the Irish forwards carries are among the leaders as well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 27, 2015, 09:42:31 PM
Just caught last few minutes of Leinster match. They got very lucky there on the last Glasgow turnover as Kirchener made an almighty tackle where he made no attempt to use the arms. Should have been a relatively handy penalty to win it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on April 04, 2015, 05:15:29 PM
Leinster 18 Bath 15
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on April 08, 2015, 10:07:21 AM
Was just reading that Sexton had an absolute shocker for Racing at the weekend against Saracens. Did anyone watch the game? What happened?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on April 09, 2015, 06:43:41 AM
Got to see most of the match and Sexton was just anonymous. He missed a conversion in the first half (hit the post) and Machenaud kicked the penalties in the second half that took Racing in front.

Stupid play from Racing as they were counting down the clock in the last minute meant they give away a penalty. So Saracens had the last kick to win it. It was a good distance out so it was given to Bosch to hit it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on April 16, 2015, 04:36:28 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/32332220

Brilliant news to try and keep Schmidt for as long as possible.

Surely he is a shoo-in for the next Lions coach though isn't he?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on April 19, 2015, 05:25:39 PM
Jebus!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on April 27, 2015, 02:22:25 PM
Only 2 Munster Players in the Ireland U20 team for the WC??

5 Connacht
6 Ulster
15 Leinster

What are they doing in that Academy surely that's a huge blow?!

QuoteIRELAND SQUAD FOR WORLD RUGBY U20 CHAMPIONSHIP 2015:
Sam Arnold (Ballynahinch/Ulster)
Ross Byrne (UCD/Leinster)
Joey Carbery (UCD/Leinster)
Fergal Cleary (Lansdowne/Leinster)
Billy Dardis (UCD/Leinster)
Lorcan Dow (Queen's University/Ulster, pictured)
Jack Dwan (UCD/Leinster)
Stephen Fitzgerald (Shannon/Munster)
Ciaran Gaffney (Galwegians/Connacht)
Oisin Heffernan (Terenure/Leinster)
Jeremy Loughman (UCD/Leinster)
Zack McCall (QUB/Ulster)
Nick McCarthy (UCD/Leinster)
Sean McNulty (UCD/Munster)
Stephen McVeigh (Buccaneers/Connacht)
Rory Moloney (Buccaneers/Connacht)
Josh Murphy (UCD/Leinster)
Conán O'Donnell (Sligo/NUIG/Connacht)
David O'Connor (St.Mary's/Leinster)
Conor Oliver (St.Mary's/Leinster)
Jack Owens (Queen's University/Ulster)
Andrew Porter (UCD/Leinster)
Garry Ringrose (UCD/Leinster)
Charlie Rock (Old Belvedere/Leinster)*
Cian Romaine (Buccaneers/Connacht)
Jacob Stockdale (Queen's University/Ulster)
Alex Thompson (Queen's University/Ulster)
Nick Timoney (St. Mary's/Leinster)

* Denotes uncapped player at International U20 level
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on April 27, 2015, 03:58:23 PM
Seems very weak alright. They've actually produced a few decent players from the academy, but none that are really top class. The latest is Jack O'Donoghue, a back row forward that has a chance to be a good player. Actually they seem to produce back rowers like nobodies business.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Denn Forever on May 14, 2015, 11:02:26 AM
Ireland hosting the Womans' Rugby World cup.

http://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/rugby/ireland-to-host-womens-rugby-world-cup-in-2017-676990.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on May 23, 2015, 04:20:13 PM
Shocking performance by Munster with so many mistakes and points left behind. Very, very lucky to get that knock on.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on May 25, 2015, 07:40:07 AM
Any word on Conor Murray's injury??

Regarding the Munster academy, if anything they are 4th best. However the 1 or 2 they are producing are gems like O'Donoghue
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 10, 2015, 12:39:27 PM
Anyone going to any World Cup games? Managed to nab myself a couple of tickets for the French game. Hopefully Cardiff should be great craic!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on August 07, 2015, 12:14:05 PM
Are the warm-up matches on TV? I can't find a listing anywhere.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on August 07, 2015, 12:20:41 PM
Tomorrows game is only on BBC Wales. I'd assume the England game away is on Sky. No idea about the other Welsh game or Scotland.

I've a feeling RTE are just showing 1 hour highlights of each game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on August 07, 2015, 12:25:31 PM
Thanks, Walter. The IRFU site has nothing to say about it either.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on August 07, 2015, 12:28:03 PM
Quote from: Hardy on August 07, 2015, 12:25:31 PM
Thanks, Walter. The IRFU site has nothing to say about it either.

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/wales-v-ireland-rwc-warm-up-will-not-be-broadcast-live-to-irish-viewers-1.2306554
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on August 07, 2015, 12:55:39 PM
Ah well, I'll have to deploy the ould poxy server.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on August 07, 2015, 02:57:37 PM
Red button on BBC Norn Iron allegedly.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: andoireabu on August 07, 2015, 03:01:47 PM
If you have sky in the republic you can add bbc wales manually
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on August 07, 2015, 03:02:16 PM
To get BBC Wales go to Add Channels and search this:

QuoteFrequency: 10.788.
Polarisation: V
Symbol rate: 22.0
FEC: 5/6
DVB-S [default setting]
QPSK. [default setting]

It may take a few attempts to catch the carrier signal, as this band is at the extreme range of the SKY minidish, so you may get "no signal found" the first few times. Keep trying until you g

Don't know how non-Sky boxes work.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on August 08, 2015, 08:26:55 AM
At the minute BBC Wales is streaming in Phoenix (kodi)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Emmett on August 08, 2015, 02:58:21 PM
Stunning performance from Ireland so far
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on August 08, 2015, 03:08:19 PM
22-0 after 30 mins. Excellent but Wales are awful. Their second stringers not performing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on August 08, 2015, 03:19:01 PM
Did anyone see/hear what Trimbles injury is??

Keith Earls going well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gawa316 on August 08, 2015, 03:54:33 PM
35-7 now
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on August 08, 2015, 03:57:28 PM
Humiliation for Wales. Hopefully a better challenge in the return match.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on August 08, 2015, 06:39:59 PM
I have tickets for the return in Dublin. Would be wanting to see Wales make a match of it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on August 10, 2015, 04:10:34 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on August 08, 2015, 03:19:01 PM
Did anyone see/hear what Trimbles injury is??

Keith Earls going well.
Tommy O'Donnell out and precautionary scan for Timble.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on August 10, 2015, 04:23:32 PM
Trimbles hit on the Wales winger was a thing of beauty and the try after made it even better.

I know he's not as gifted as a Zebo or Bowe but he gives you everything, I personally think he'll push out Zebo as Schmidt likes the guy who works hard and does what he's told.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on August 13, 2015, 02:08:05 PM
Team named for Scotland

S Zebo
T Bowe
J Payne
G D'Arcy;
L Fitzgerald
I Madigan
I Boss
D Kilcoyne
S Cronin
M Ross
D Toner
D Tuohy
J Conan
C Henry
S O'Brien (captain)

Replacements: R Strauss, M Bent, N White, P O'Connell, J Murphy, E Reddan, P Jackson, D Kearney
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on August 13, 2015, 08:04:33 PM
And Hubbard put up the yard too for Wales. No shock on Hook or Philips.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on August 14, 2015, 09:08:20 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on August 13, 2015, 08:04:33 PM
And Hubbard put up the yard too for Wales. No shock on Hook or Philips.

Back to the sunbeds for Hook and Phillips. They were awful last Saturday. Surprised by Hibbard. Brings big physicality. Might have been useful with 15-20 to go.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on August 27, 2015, 03:33:34 PM
I see England have announced their squad. . . some big calls in there no Twelvetrees and the 2 Rugby league lads in. A statement of intent there with the bang crash game with those centres.

Also no place for Easter or Cipriani? If anything happens to George Ford they are goosed!!

It'll be interesting to see what Schmidt does. Trimble away back to Ulster this weekend is a big call. I would have thought he was ahead of Dave Kearney but I guess injury is a problem. Fitzgerald and Henshaw in the midfield this weekend is a very interesting one I think it's a partnership that could do well but is Fitzgerald strong enough in defence for that role?

Still more questions than answers at this stage but an intriguing few weeks ahead!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: smort on August 27, 2015, 03:47:35 PM
Surprised Billy Twelvetrees didn't make it as his versatility could have been important in tournament play. When is the Irish squad announced?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on August 27, 2015, 04:06:33 PM
Quote from: smort on August 27, 2015, 03:47:35 PM
Surprised Billy Twelvetrees didn't make it as his versatility could have been important in tournament play. When is the Irish squad announced?

Monday
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: galwayman on August 27, 2015, 04:10:14 PM
Maybe it's just me but I have always thought Fitzgerald was hugely overrated. Both himself & Felix Jones have fairly big reputations but I for one have never seen the evidence why.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on August 27, 2015, 04:11:01 PM
Quote from: screenexile on August 27, 2015, 03:33:34 PM
Also no place for Easter or Cipriani? If anything happens to George Ford they are goosed!!
Good news to see Cipriani out. A waste of space a lot of the time, but you'd still fear him more than Ford or Farrell.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on August 27, 2015, 04:12:26 PM
Wouldn't say Felix Jones has a big reputation in fairness. I think he'll probably lose out because he's really a specialist full back, whereas Zebo, Fitzgerald, Earls and others could potentially cover that position and a few others (wing/centre). If you are bringing a specialist, he'd want to be making the first XV, and I can't see Jones making that.

He's a good solid club fullback at Munster, but he's not at that sort of level in my opinion.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on August 27, 2015, 04:44:13 PM
Quote from: screenexile on August 27, 2015, 03:33:34 PM
I see England have announced their squad. . . some big calls in there no Twelvetrees and the 2 Rugby league lads in. A statement of intent there with the bang crash game with those centres.

Also no place for Easter or Cipriani? If anything happens to George Ford they are goosed!!

It'll be interesting to see what Schmidt does. Trimble away back to Ulster this weekend is a big call. I would have thought he was ahead of Dave Kearney but I guess injury is a problem. Fitzgerald and Henshaw in the midfield this weekend is a very interesting one I think it's a partnership that could do well but is Fitzgerald strong enough in defence for that role?

Still more questions than answers at this stage but an intriguing few weeks ahead!

Watched the highlights of the two England, France games and boy are they hard to watch! Burgess is yet another crash ball man, poor hands for a centre, with even Guscott pointing out, not to mention his poor positioning!
Watson is their saving grace as he was able to conjure a try out of absolutely nothing, he'll take some watching even if he is starved of proper possession!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ludermor on August 27, 2015, 04:45:01 PM
Quote from: screenexile on August 27, 2015, 03:33:34 PM
I see England have announced their squad. . . some big calls in there no Twelvetrees and the 2 Rugby league lads in. A statement of intent there with the bang crash game with those centres.

Also no place for Easter or Cipriani? If anything happens to George Ford they are goosed!!

It'll be interesting to see what Schmidt does. Trimble away back to Ulster this weekend is a big call. I would have thought he was ahead of Dave Kearney but I guess injury is a problem. Fitzgerald and Henshaw in the midfield this weekend is a very interesting one I think it's a partnership that could do well but is Fitzgerald strong enough in defence for that role?

Still more questions than answers at this stage but an intriguing few weeks ahead!
Who is the 2nd league fella? Burgess is a huge call and i think he will get destroyed defensively by some teams. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyroneboi on August 27, 2015, 05:25:33 PM
Quote from: screenexile on August 27, 2015, 03:33:34 PM
I see England have announced their squad. . . some big calls in there no Twelvetrees and the 2 Rugby league lads in. A statement of intent there with the bang crash game with those centres.

Also no place for Easter or Cipriani? If anything happens to George Ford they are goosed!!

It'll be interesting to see what Schmidt does. Trimble away back to Ulster this weekend is a big call. I would have thought he was ahead of Dave Kearney but I guess injury is a problem. Fitzgerald and Henshaw in the midfield this weekend is a very interesting one I think it's a partnership that could do well but is Fitzgerald strong enough in defence for that role?

Still more questions than answers at this stage but an intriguing few weeks ahead!

Tommy Bowe is playing with Ulster this weekend as well. I think the pair of them will be in the final 31. I'm not a huge fan of Fitzgerald at either centre or wing but seems to be a favourite of Schmidts. For me Healy is the interesting one. No one seems to know for certain what is going on there? I think he'll risk him in his squad though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: omaghjoe on August 27, 2015, 05:38:38 PM
Physicality is what wins World Cups, which is why Ireland wont

Which is why the world cup is between NZ England SA and perhaps France if they can get their act together.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyroneboi on August 27, 2015, 06:43:38 PM
England have to peak from the group stages onwards. I have my doubts about England I just don't see a World Cup in that squad.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gawa316 on August 27, 2015, 07:22:11 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on August 27, 2015, 05:38:38 PM
Physicality is what wins World Cups, which is why Ireland wont

Which is why the world cup is between NZ England SA and perhaps France if they can get their act together.

Does physicality win 6 nations?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on August 27, 2015, 11:13:12 PM
Quote from: tyroneboi on August 27, 2015, 06:43:38 PM
England have to peak from the group stages onwards. I have my doubts about England I just don't see a World Cup in that squad.

Wales game is key. I don't ser either of them beating the Aussies and Wales are smash merchants as well at this stage so it will just be a savagely tight claustrophobic game probably decided on kicking and Wales have the advantage there. I'll be glued to it though I think it will be fascinating.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ashman on August 27, 2015, 11:23:08 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on August 27, 2015, 05:38:38 PM
Physicality is what wins World Cups, which is why Ireland wont

Which is why the world cup is between NZ England SA and perhaps France if they can get their act together.


France fairly bullied England last weekend.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on August 28, 2015, 08:32:49 AM
Quote from: ashman on August 27, 2015, 11:23:08 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on August 27, 2015, 05:38:38 PM
Physicality is what wins World Cups, which is why Ireland wont

Which is why the world cup is between NZ England SA and perhaps France if they can get their act together.


France fairly bullied England last weekend.

Certainly in the scrum which I was surprised at TBH!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyroneboi on August 28, 2015, 08:47:06 AM
Quote from: screenexile on August 27, 2015, 11:13:12 PM
Quote from: tyroneboi on August 27, 2015, 06:43:38 PM
England have to peak from the group stages onwards. I have my doubts about England I just don't see a World Cup in that squad.

Wales game is key. I don't ser either of them beating the Aussies and Wales are smash merchants as well at this stage so it will just be a savagely tight claustrophobic game probably decided on kicking and Wales have the advantage there. I'll be glued to it though I think it will be fascinating.

And that's why I think Owen Farrell will get the nod ahead of George Ford. Fiji as well in that group will be no pushovers either. Aussies are looking good though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on August 28, 2015, 01:10:52 PM
Where would you get a couple of decent child friendly pints before the match tomorrow? Taking the wains and missus.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on August 28, 2015, 01:25:12 PM
Slattery's. Horse Shoe House.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on August 29, 2015, 03:03:37 PM
Ireland getting bullied here and Sexton having a complete mare!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on August 29, 2015, 03:17:17 PM
That was beastmode stuff there from Henderson super try!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: beer baron on August 29, 2015, 04:00:15 PM
Only getting watching this now. Sounding like Earls has booked his ticket anyway?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: beer baron on August 29, 2015, 04:02:32 PM
Maybe not with the injury.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on August 29, 2015, 04:09:21 PM
Quote from: beer baron on August 29, 2015, 04:02:32 PM
Maybe not with the injury.

Id say he's finished. We're no great shakes to be honest. Breakdown is a bit worrying but it's still early days I suppose we don't have to peak until Mid October.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on August 29, 2015, 05:50:05 PM
Sexton anonymous today. Maybe trying to stay out of trouble. Any news on Earls? Always looks bad when the golf buggy comes on.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on August 29, 2015, 06:08:00 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on August 29, 2015, 05:50:05 PM
Sexton anonymous today. Maybe trying to stay out of trouble. Any news on Earls? Always looks bad when the golf buggy comes on.

Concussion - other then that ok
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on August 30, 2015, 06:16:13 PM
I reckon it's probably the 15th time I've posted this comment, but what secret does Luke Fitzgerald have over Irish rugby selectors and media that gets him unfettered game time when he's not injured.

It beggars belief that Trimble, Bowe and Gilroy were sent back to Ulster this weekend when an an absolute nothing player like Fitzgerald is wearing an Ireland jersey.

It looks a sure thing that him and that other "creative" non entity  Earls will be on the plane. When in 6 weeks time we are wondering why we can't get past quarter finals, maybe we should start looking here.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CiKe on August 30, 2015, 07:50:59 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on August 30, 2015, 06:16:13 PM
I reckon it's probably the 15th time I've posted this comment, but what secret does Luke Fitzgerald have over Irish rugby selectors and media that gets him unfettered game time when he's not injured.

It beggars belief that Trimble, Bowe and Gilroy were sent back to Ulster this weekend when an an absolute nothing player like Fitzgerald is wearing an Ireland jersey.

It looks a sure thing that him and that other "creative" non entity  Earls will be on the plane. When in 6 weeks time we are wondering why we can't get past quarter finals, maybe we should start looking here.

You obviously have strong opinions wobbler. What would be your squad out of interest?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on August 30, 2015, 08:02:39 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on August 30, 2015, 06:16:13 PM
I reckon it's probably the 15th time I've posted this comment, but what secret does Luke Fitzgerald have over Irish rugby selectors and media that gets him unfettered game time when he's not injured.

It beggars belief that Trimble, Bowe and Gilroy were sent back to Ulster this weekend when an an absolute nothing player like Fitzgerald is wearing an Ireland jersey.

It looks a sure thing that him and that other "creative" non entity  Earls will be on the plane. When in 6 weeks time we are wondering why we can't get past quarter finals, maybe we should start looking here.

Have you seen Earls try count in an irish jersey?- obviously not.

Agreed on Fitzgerald.

Gilroy however couldn't tackle a fish supper
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on August 30, 2015, 08:04:20 PM
Most of the squad picks itself - as there genuinely aren't that many options in the majority of positions.

But there's only one Irish winger I'd trust to keep someone like George North honest, and that's Trimble, while if we are on just the wrong side of one of those deadlock games that have become increasingly the norm, looking at the bench and see Gilroy or Bowe as potentially bringing the spark, or any of Fitzgerald / Earls /  D Kearney / McFadden... well that's a no-brainer imho.

Don't bring a squad to cover. Bring a squad to win.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on August 30, 2015, 08:08:53 PM
Quote from: CiKe on August 30, 2015, 07:50:59 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on August 30, 2015, 06:16:13 PM
I reckon it's probably the 15th time I've posted this comment, but what secret does Luke Fitzgerald have over Irish rugby selectors and media that gets him unfettered game time when he's not injured.

It beggars belief that Trimble, Bowe and Gilroy were sent back to Ulster this weekend when an an absolute nothing player like Fitzgerald is wearing an Ireland jersey.

It looks a sure thing that him and that other "creative" non entity  Earls will be on the plane. When in 6 weeks time we are wondering why we can't get past quarter finals, maybe we should start looking here.

You obviously have strong opinions wobbler. What would be your squad out of interest?

Surely you'd accept tha Earl's tryscoring record is inflated by his regular appearances against second and third level rugby nations? It's more like 1 try every 15 games against the major nations.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on August 31, 2015, 01:52:46 PM
Quote from: gallsman on August 28, 2015, 01:25:12 PM
Slattery's. Horse Shoe House.
Everywhere packed so went to a wee pizza place called Paulie's. I can take or leave pizza but they were top notch.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on August 31, 2015, 02:24:41 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on August 30, 2015, 08:08:53 PM
Quote from: CiKe on August 30, 2015, 07:50:59 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on August 30, 2015, 06:16:13 PM
I reckon it's probably the 15th time I've posted this comment, but what secret does Luke Fitzgerald have over Irish rugby selectors and media that gets him unfettered game time when he's not injured.

It beggars belief that Trimble, Bowe and Gilroy were sent back to Ulster this weekend when an an absolute nothing player like Fitzgerald is wearing an Ireland jersey.

It looks a sure thing that him and that other "creative" non entity  Earls will be on the plane. When in 6 weeks time we are wondering why we can't get past quarter finals, maybe we should start looking here.

You obviously have strong opinions wobbler. What would be your squad out of interest?

Surely you'd accept tha Earl's tryscoring record is inflated by his regular appearances against second and third level rugby nations? It's more like 1 try every 15 games against the major nations.
[/quote

I like Earls, Fitzgerald has a good face, wouldn't have him near a squad.

Henderson is a beast.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on August 31, 2015, 04:20:09 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on August 31, 2015, 01:52:46 PM
Quote from: gallsman on August 28, 2015, 01:25:12 PM
Slattery's. Horse Shoe House.
Everywhere packed so went to a wee pizza place called Paulie's. I can take or leave pizza but they were top notch.

Well known round those parts for being great. You picked well!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on September 01, 2015, 08:40:10 AM
Harsh on Trimble.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on September 01, 2015, 09:33:14 AM
I presume there's still a bit of wriggle room with these squads due to potential injuries and what not coming into the last set of warm up games??

England at Twickenham, will it be arse boxing or competitive fare to maintain the psychological upperhand?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on September 01, 2015, 09:33:50 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on September 01, 2015, 08:40:10 AM
Harsh on Trimble.

Luke Fitzgerald  >:(

Trimble mustn't be right, Schmidt would be a big fan. Big call on Healy as well. Delighted for Furlong though, always great to see players from non-traditional rugby schools break through.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on September 01, 2015, 09:34:49 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on September 01, 2015, 09:33:14 AM
I presume there's still a bit of wriggle room with these squads due to potential injuries and what not coming into the last set of warm up games??

England at Twickenham, will it be arse boxing or competitive fare to maintain the psychological upperhand?

Pretty much like last Saturday, it will be competitive to a point, both teams will arse box though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on September 01, 2015, 09:35:43 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on September 01, 2015, 08:40:10 AM
Harsh on Trimble.

Very harsh on Trimble. . . if he plays well for Ulster over the next few weeks I could still see him out there!

Dave Kearney and Luke Fitzgerald wouldn't be filling me full of confidence as back up wingers or centres!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on September 01, 2015, 09:38:31 AM
Irish 31 in full;

IRELAND WORLD CUP SQUAD

FORWARDS (17)
Hookers
Rory Best (Ulster)
Seán Cronin (Leinster)
Richardt Strauss (Leinster)

Props
Cian Healy (Leinster)
Jack McGrath (Leinster)
Mike Ross (Leinster)
Nathan White (Connacht)
Tadhg Furlong (Leinster)

Secondrow
Paul O'Connell (Toulon, capt)
Devin Toner (Leinster)
Iain Henderson (Ulster)
Donnacha Ryan (Munster)

Backrow
Seán O'Brien (Leinster)
Peter O'Mahony (Munster)
Jamie Heaslip (Leinster)
Chris Henry (Ulster)
Jordi Murphy (Leinster)

BACKS (14)

Scrumhalves
Conor Murray (Munster)
Eoin Reddan (Leinster)

Outhalves
Jonathan Sexton (Leinster)
Ian Madigan (Leinster)
Paddy Jackson (Ulster)

Centres
Robbie Henshaw (Connacht)
Jared Payne (Ulster)
Darren Cave (Ulster)

Outside backs
Keith Earls (Munster)
Luke Fitzgerald (Leinster)
Tommy Bowe (Ulster)
Dave Kearney (Leinster)
Rob Kearney (Leinster)
Simon Zebo (Munster)



When you look at it, the backs are pretty functional, little wow factor. We'll be relying on O'Brien, and the pack to drive us forward the whole time!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on September 01, 2015, 09:50:05 AM
Quote from: screenexile on September 01, 2015, 09:35:43 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on September 01, 2015, 08:40:10 AM
Harsh on Trimble.

Very harsh on Trimble. . . if he plays well for Ulster over the next few weeks I could still see him out there!

Dave Kearney and Luke Fitzgerald wouldn't be filling me full of confidence as back up wingers or centres!!

Dave Kearney playing great stuff at the minute but as someone alluded to earlier what has Fitzgerald ever done to warrant a shirt. He'll likely get injured anyway.

I just worry that we lack power in key areas to break tackles. Trimble is our most physical back 3 player by a long shot!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on September 02, 2015, 04:34:35 PM
The new Angelus  ;D :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=72&v=RXM2aDydnMA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=72&v=RXM2aDydnMA)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on September 02, 2015, 04:47:41 PM
Will Ireland wear blue in the World Cup?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on September 02, 2015, 05:07:02 PM
Joe.ie is great.

Here is Tadhg Furlong playing full back for his Gaa club in Wexford as a kid (U14?): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2n__lsbCs0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2n__lsbCs0)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on September 02, 2015, 05:07:58 PM
I saw that before. Safe to say you could see his future was in the oval ball :)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on September 02, 2015, 05:10:13 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on September 02, 2015, 05:07:58 PM
I saw that before. Safe to say you could see his future was in the oval ball :)

Jaysus I don't know, I love to see him making Donaghy!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on September 02, 2015, 05:11:34 PM
Quote from: muppet on September 02, 2015, 05:10:13 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on September 02, 2015, 05:07:58 PM
I saw that before. Safe to say you could see his future was in the oval ball :)

Jaysus I don't know, I love to see him making Donaghy!

So would I, but not in gaelic football :)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on September 02, 2015, 05:12:53 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on September 02, 2015, 05:11:34 PM
Quote from: muppet on September 02, 2015, 05:10:13 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on September 02, 2015, 05:07:58 PM
I saw that before. Safe to say you could see his future was in the oval ball :)

Jaysus I don't know, I love to see him making Donaghy!

So would I, but not in gaelic football :)

Yes, I could get to like UFC.  :D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: oakleaflad on September 03, 2015, 05:56:28 PM
Ireland team to face England:

Simon Zebo (Munster); Tommy Bowe (Ulster), Jared Payne (Ulster), Robbie Henshaw (Connacht), Dave Kearney (Leinster); Johnny Sexton (Leinster), Conor Murray (Munster); Jack McGrath (Leinster), Rory Best (Ulster), Mike Ross (Leinster); Devin Toner (Leinster), Paul O'Connell (Munster) capt; Peter O'Mahony (Munster), Sean O'Brien (Leinster), Jamie Heaslip (Leinster).

Replacements: Richardt Strauss (Leinster), Tadhg Furlong (Leinster), Nathan White (Connacht), Donnacha Ryan (Munster), Chris Henry (Ulster), Eoin Reddan (Leinster), Ian Madigan (Leinster), Darren Cave (Ulster).
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on September 04, 2015, 08:45:09 PM
I was uncomfortable there watching the help for heroes rugby match at the stoop. I didn't realise what it was until about 10 minutes in but BOD and Shane Byrne were supporting it, Byrne was playing. It felt wrong.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: theticklemister on September 04, 2015, 09:39:33 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on September 04, 2015, 08:45:09 PM
I was uncomfortable there watching the help for heroes rugby match at the stoop. I didn't realise what it was until about 10 minutes in but BOD and Shane Byrne were supporting it, Byrne was playing. It felt wrong.

yeah was following it on facebook until I realised what it was.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on September 04, 2015, 09:44:16 PM
Don't get me wrong, I've nothing against the British lads honouring their troops, that's their right. It just seems odd for Irish lads to be involved.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on September 04, 2015, 10:56:39 PM
BOD has a meedja career to nurture. Being involved will generate nothing more than a whimper in Ireland (your whimper AZ :D) whereas he'd get slaughtered in England if he turned down the gig. Path of least resistance and all that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on September 05, 2015, 02:37:12 PM
What the f**k were Bowe and Zebo at there??!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CiKe on September 05, 2015, 02:45:01 PM
any stream for the game?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on September 05, 2015, 02:51:32 PM
Sorry don't have one... We're in big big trouble here!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on September 05, 2015, 03:05:45 PM
Quote from: CiKe on September 05, 2015, 02:45:01 PM
any stream for the game?

http://www.time4tv.com/2012/10/sky-sports-1.php
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on September 05, 2015, 03:12:14 PM
Shocking performance by forwards. Omahony offers very little even when he's going well.

Henderson should start in WC.

You're being harsh on Zebo Screen. He's been very good. Bowe at fault for try.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on September 05, 2015, 03:12:39 PM
Bowe is a disaster today.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyroneboi on September 05, 2015, 03:14:51 PM
Bowe is lucky the squad is picked already!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on September 05, 2015, 03:17:15 PM
England playing well and putting Ireland under pressure all over the pitch
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on September 05, 2015, 03:17:15 PM
Quote from: tyroneboi on September 05, 2015, 03:14:51 PM
Bowe is lucky the squad is picked already!

Big time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on September 05, 2015, 03:17:48 PM
SOB as poor as I've seen him. Is Henry on bench?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on September 05, 2015, 03:19:08 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on September 05, 2015, 03:17:15 PM
Quote from: tyroneboi on September 05, 2015, 03:14:51 PM
Bowe is lucky the squad is picked already!

Big time.

One poor half doesn't decide your if you're shit or not..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on September 05, 2015, 03:22:58 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on September 05, 2015, 03:19:08 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on September 05, 2015, 03:17:15 PM
Quote from: tyroneboi on September 05, 2015, 03:14:51 PM
Bowe is lucky the squad is picked already!

Big time.

One poor half doesn't decide your if you're shit or not..

Bowe hasn't performed in the last 12 months for Ulster or Ireland
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyroneboi on September 05, 2015, 03:31:53 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on September 05, 2015, 03:19:08 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on September 05, 2015, 03:17:15 PM
Quote from: tyroneboi on September 05, 2015, 03:14:51 PM
Bowe is lucky the squad is picked already!

Big time.

One poor half doesn't decide your if you're shit or not..

It doesn't no but in an ultra competitive area of the squad it could have been the difference between being selected or not. Plus I never said he was shit but he's playing like shit at the minute.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on September 05, 2015, 03:49:53 PM
A much more positive start to the second half.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on September 05, 2015, 03:52:07 PM
Much better!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CiKe on September 05, 2015, 04:49:56 PM
thanks for that Hardy.

O'Brien and O'Mahony were anonymous from what I saw. Agree with Walter. O'Brien is usually a decent ball carrier to get over the gain line but there is rarely a threat of an offload and with two locks who barely make any yardage we could do with a bit more dynamism in the back row than what O'Mahony offers.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyroneboi on September 05, 2015, 04:53:07 PM
Do any of the players try offloads? Seems to be a big no no in this game plan. I do think Henderson should be starting though in place of Toner IMO.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on September 07, 2015, 10:26:20 PM
Halfpenny out for WC. Huge blow to Wales and a huge boost to England!!

I think Henderson needs to be in our team and Bowe dropped unless he starts to show some kind of form. Trimble should be in that squad!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on September 07, 2015, 10:33:24 PM
Quote from: screenexile on September 07, 2015, 10:26:20 PM
Halfpenny out for WC. Huge blow to Wales and a huge boost to England!!

I think Henderson needs to be in our team and Bowe dropped unless he starts to show some kind of form. Trimble should be in that squad!
These warm-ups are nuts if you end up losing the likes of Halfpenny.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on September 07, 2015, 10:38:06 PM
I don't understand so many warm ups. There's a couple of group games where it should be possible to experiment and change things up a little. Modern rugby is too physical to expect anything better than to lose 4 starting players over the course of the tournament. 3 friendly matches should take you closer to 6-7 absentees.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ludermor on September 08, 2015, 08:41:29 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on September 07, 2015, 10:38:06 PM
I don't understand so many warm ups. There's a couple of group games where it should be possible to experiment and change things up a little. Modern rugby is too physical to expect anything better than to lose 4 starting players over the course of the tournament. 3 friendly matches should take you closer to 6-7 absentees.
Im sure i read somewhere that the number of warm up games this time is to make up for the loss of earnings of the autumn internationals
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on September 08, 2015, 08:49:08 AM
Quote from: ludermor on September 08, 2015, 08:41:29 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on September 07, 2015, 10:38:06 PM
I don't understand so many warm ups. There's a couple of group games where it should be possible to experiment and change things up a little. Modern rugby is too physical to expect anything better than to lose 4 starting players over the course of the tournament. 3 friendly matches should take you closer to 6-7 absentees.
Im sure i read somewhere that the number of warm up games this time is to make up for the loss of earnings of the autumn internationals

Yeah but Wales' group as we know isnt structured like Ireland's. They don't have the luxury of a couple of dead rubbers as they play England in the 2nd game. Massive loss though. You could argue Halfpenny is the best kicker in world rugby.

As for Ireland personally I think we'd be a better side with Henderson at lock and a back row of SOB, Heaslip and Henry. I just cant get my head around what O'Mahony offers. He's not a jackel at 7 nor does he have the power to carry hard and break tackles.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 50fiftyball on October 16, 2015, 03:46:42 PM
I know the current thread is the RWC one but didn't want to go off-topic with this query!

Going to head down to watch the game this weekend or next in Dublin - hopefully don't jinx us!

Could the veterans on here list in their opinion the best pubs to watch the ruggers. Purely for atmosphere, I've been told obviously down by the Aviva, I'm not familiar with that area booking a hotel as I usually stay for the GAA!

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on October 16, 2015, 03:48:16 PM
Searsons is popular, but I'm not mad on it. Maybe the Horse Show, or Paddy Cullens/Mary Macs down near the RDS?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on October 16, 2015, 03:58:45 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on September 08, 2015, 08:49:08 AM
Quote from: ludermor on September 08, 2015, 08:41:29 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on September 07, 2015, 10:38:06 PM
I don't understand so many warm ups. There's a couple of group games where it should be possible to experiment and change things up a little. Modern rugby is too physical to expect anything better than to lose 4 starting players over the course of the tournament. 3 friendly matches should take you closer to 6-7 absentees.
Im sure i read somewhere that the number of warm up games this time is to make up for the loss of earnings of the autumn internationals

Yeah but Wales' group as we know isnt structured like Ireland's. They don't have the luxury of a couple of dead rubbers as they play England in the 2nd game. Massive loss though. You could argue Halfpenny is the best kicker in world rugby.

As for Ireland personally I think we'd be a better side with Henderson at lock and a back row of SOB, Heaslip and Henry. I just cant get my head around what O'Mahony offers. He's not a jackel at 7 nor does he have the power to carry hard and break tackles.

I know you played rugby and I didn't, and I am the typical armchair supporter, but I think O'Mahony is one of our best players. He caused mayhem to that French pack while he was on the field.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on October 16, 2015, 04:15:18 PM
Quote from: muppet on October 16, 2015, 03:58:45 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on September 08, 2015, 08:49:08 AM
Quote from: ludermor on September 08, 2015, 08:41:29 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on September 07, 2015, 10:38:06 PM
I don't understand so many warm ups. There's a couple of group games where it should be possible to experiment and change things up a little. Modern rugby is too physical to expect anything better than to lose 4 starting players over the course of the tournament. 3 friendly matches should take you closer to 6-7 absentees.
Im sure i read somewhere that the number of warm up games this time is to make up for the loss of earnings of the autumn internationals

Yeah but Wales' group as we know isnt structured like Ireland's. They don't have the luxury of a couple of dead rubbers as they play England in the 2nd game. Massive loss though. You could argue Halfpenny is the best kicker in world rugby.

As for Ireland personally I think we'd be a better side with Henderson at lock and a back row of SOB, Heaslip and Henry. I just cant get my head around what O'Mahony offers. He's not a jackel at 7 nor does he have the power to carry hard and break tackles.

I know you played rugby and I didn't, and I am the typical armchair supporter, but I think O'Mahony is one of our best players. He caused mayhem to that French pack while he was on the field.

What POM offers is last Sunday. One of our best players.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on October 16, 2015, 04:18:09 PM
Trust me Muppet I take back everything I said about POM prior to last Sunday. Immense!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on October 16, 2015, 04:38:35 PM
Another quality blog by the guys at Whiff of Cordite!

Leaders, and Being in the Lead
On Monday, we worried about what Ireland would lose in the knockouts when they were without O'Connell, O'Mahony, Sexton and O'Brien. Sexton is now back in the mix, but we talked about 252 caps managing the endgame. As the dust has settled though, one thing we are a bit more sanguine about is the leadership within the Ireland group.

A friend once told us that he met some person or other who had worked in the backroom staff of the New Zealand rugby team.  'What's it like to be in the New Zealand dressing room before a match?' he dutifully asked. Said the Kiwi: 'It's actually pretty quiet.  They don't shout at each other.  They don't need to.'

No surprise there.  If Sir Ruchie wanted to get his point across, we can't picture him shouting and roaring.  If he had a message to get across to someone, we can picture him doing it in his polite, charming, Gatsby-esque way; the same way as he talks to referees that has kept him from getting yellow carded in spite of umpteen cynical ball-killing exploits at the breakdown.  No doubt a quiet, authoritative word from Sir Ruchie goes a long way with other players in the squad.

So it was with interest that we read Jamie Heaslip's comments about the team's half-time discussions during the Ireland v France game.  Plenty might have clicked on the link expecting to hear about the latest speech channelling the spirit of the Somme, a tear-stained battle-cry of 'Let's do it for Paulie' – but no.  'We just problem-solved', said Jamie.  'We worked out what gaps had to be filled and how we would fill them'.

Superb leadership.  In the absence of Sexton and O'Connell, we didn't know for sure what the leadership group would have been, only that Heaslip was now captain. He was one of five players who played in Kidney's first competitive match – also a victory over France – who also played on Sunday, the others being Besty, Bowe, Bob and Luke Fitzgerald. Leaving aside Fitzgerald, who essentially had a four year international hiatus, and you have the elder statesmen of the Irish team. Throw in Conor Murray (43 Tests over 4 years including 2 for the Lions, and also one of Munster's key men), Devin Toner (30 extraordinarily consistent caps over 5 years), the once-in-a-lifetime talent of Iain Henderson and the pleasant surprise of how prominent Robbie Henshaw was, and the generations that are passing the torch are clearer. (and in a neat kind of #hashtag, one from each province there).

It's especially encouraging because Ireland always appeared to be a team that is emotionally driven.  Better when we're bitter, happy to be written off, uncomfortable with the favourites tag, all of that ultimately defeatist nonsense.   It's not a winning mentality; it's the sort of attitude that will yield one off performances but will capture little in the way of silver.  Kidney's Ireland epitomised it.  One imagines such concepts are anathema to Kiwis, and Joe Schmidt in particular.  The Kiwis have the favourites tag every time they step on to a rugby pitch and have to learn to deal with it.  It's a measure of how far this team have come in the last two years that they have become so clear-minded, narrowly-focussed and are developing a winning mentality.

It all augurs very well for the weekend. Even with our injury losses, which would have been crippling in the past, the strength of the systems that Joe Schmidt's Ireland are based on meant that the performance against France stayed at high levels even as players got carried off. The major difference is that, instead of bringing players like Henderson and Henry off the bench – Cheika calls them "finishers", which we like – our finishers will be Jordi Murphy and Rhys Ruddock. Good players indeed, our standouts in victories against England and South Africa respectively last season, but not quite in the same class.

A month ago to the day, we said this about a prospective quarter final against Argentina:

At this juncture, this looks to us like a 50-50 match – both teams are in the bunch behind NZ, SA and Oz and around the standard of England and Wales. Still, this is what our tournament will come down to to cross the success/failure line – a one-off match with Argentina. Based on how Schmidt has prepared his teams to date, we're backing him to pull this one off. We're far out and injuries etc will surely have an impact, but from here, we reckon we can do it.

The only thing we would change there is that SA are a level below NZ and Australia. Clearly our injury situation is severe and the Pumas were mighty impressive in their performance against BNZ. Some are pointing to relative sloppiness against Tonga and Namibia, but we aren't buying it – this is a top class team that will take some beating. The scratchy BNZ displays in later pool games have devalued the Argentinian performance to a degree, but they still have one of the best scrums around, Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, Tomas Cubelli and the magnificent Nico Sanchez, who can't help but put us in mind of Den Caddah in his prime. But, that said, we certainly have the game, and the coach, to win.

But what we do think is that given our injury situation, given that our finishers aren't of the quality they were against France, we need to be in front at half time, and particularly on the hour mark. Schmidt's teams have made a habit of being in front at the break – in 26 games, Ireland have only behind only 6 times at half time, and they lost 4 of those games. In the ones they won from behind, they were only a point behind (France and second Argentina Test in 2014). We are good pace-setters who like to play the game on our own terms – in our Six Nations defeats in this period, we struggled to adapt when we needed to chase the scoreboard. Its a must that we don't let Argentina dictate the game, and stay in front through the third quarter.

One other thing to consider is that we don't know yet in this tournament is the relative strength of the best Northern Hemisphere teams (Wales, Ireland) and the second tier Southern Hemisphere teams (Argentina, South Africa). Luckily, we have a pointer for us on Saturday – Wales vs South Africa. We fancy Wales in this one, but we'll be feeling a lot less sanguine about Ireland if the Springboks shake off Gatty's men and end up winning by 10 points or so. If the Welsh make a game of it, or win, we're more confident in our prediction that Ireland can finally break the quarter final glass ceiling
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on October 16, 2015, 04:40:54 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on October 16, 2015, 04:18:09 PM
Trust me Muppet I take back everything I said about POM prior to last Sunday. Immense!!

Sorry just noticed the date on that post. I though it was more recent.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on October 28, 2015, 04:39:15 PM
Sad to hear Felix Jones has to retire from Rugby due to injury.

Played against him when he was just a kid playing for Seapoint.  :(
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on October 28, 2015, 08:49:06 PM
That was from the incident I mentioned previously!! Even more kudos to the doc for getting him off that evening.sad to see him go. Always gave the best he had.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on November 11, 2015, 05:00:54 PM
Moving on from the World Cup, RTÉ have lost the rights to the Six Nations to TV3 from 2018 onwards. I must confess to finding this absolutely hilarious.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 11, 2015, 05:15:56 PM
Ryle Nugent must be sick.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on November 11, 2015, 05:18:16 PM
As I said, absolutely hilarious.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 11, 2015, 08:22:35 PM
Great news.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on November 11, 2015, 08:54:18 PM
From what I'm reading TV3 paid well over the odds and will make a loss on the purchase. It's a gamble as well, because Irish Rugby could be sh1te in 3 years time and all the Bandwagon supporters could be well gone (as well as all the advertising)!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ashman on November 11, 2015, 11:34:03 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 11, 2015, 08:54:18 PM
From what I'm reading TV3 paid well over the odds and will make a loss on the purchase. It's a gamble as well, because Irish Rugby could be sh1te in 3 years time and all the Bandwagon supporters could be well gone (as well as all the advertising)!

The six nations is a good investment and is a treasure.

Even when we could not buy a win , Lansdowne sold out and viewing figures were high. 

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Jim_Murphy_74 on November 12, 2015, 12:13:49 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 11, 2015, 08:54:18 PM
From what I'm reading TV3 paid well over the odds and will make a loss on the purchase. It's a gamble as well, because Irish Rugby could be sh1te in 3 years time and all the Bandwagon supporters could be well gone (as well as all the advertising)!

Six Nations is always a big TV event.   Even when team isn't going well.

The gamble is the accessibility of the Beeb.  One might flick over to avoid the 12minute ad break on TV3 and remain there.  Plus Saorview TV3 better go HD by then.

If I were Beeb, I would invest to have BBC NI quite Ireland focussed for these games.  I think ITV have English games now too?

/Jim.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 15, 2015, 07:20:51 PM
Leinster got a pasting from Wasps today in the Moneybags championship.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 16, 2015, 03:55:56 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 15, 2015, 07:20:51 PM
Leinster got a pasting from Wasps today in the Moneybags championship.

This is what happens when you appoint an inexperienced coaching team to cut costs. Munster/Leinster will do very little this year.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 16, 2015, 04:11:20 PM
It's all a bit flat, isn't it? I was in Thomond Park on Saturday night as usual, getting drenched to the fecking bones, and while it was a decent atmosphere and a job done type of performance, it was depressingly static and you just know that's the way it's going to be all year. Keatley is trying little kick throughs and the like because everybody knows the Munster backline just don't cut you open. Come up in a line, make your first tackle, and you'll frustrate them. A couple of breaks from Earls and Conway apart, there was very little there. Hurley is honest as the day is long, but he is a poor man's Sam Burgess, never mind Jamie Roberts. Saili hasn't settled yet, and doesn't really look like he's going to be overly tricky or electric in this game plan.

Earls is at his best out on the wing, as is Zebo, but there's no overlaps or clever lines, so they end up coming in off the wings and becoming auxiliary centres. Andrew Conway is fast and has a bit of divilment about him, but he is probably club/province level and no more.

The forwards are decent enough with ball in hand. Jack O'Donoghue did well enough, although at times he should have let the ball out wide, but I'm pretty sure Axel told him to put the head down and drive on like a lunatic when he got it. CJ Stander also good with ball in hand. Dave O'Callaghan is disruptive at 6. Chisholm and donnacha Ryan were good in the lineout, where O'Callaghan also was a factor, but they are not exactly going to set the world alight. Kilcoyne, Botha and Casey did well, Sherry was injured early, but it's very thin these days as a squad. Jones, O'Donnell, O'Mahoney are big losses.

This could be the year neither Leinster nor Munster get out of their group. I'm not sure if the game is going ahead in Paris next weekend, but if it does that is going to be a hell of an emotional game and a difficult assignment. Leicester at home could end it on the 12th of December.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 16, 2015, 04:15:40 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 16, 2015, 03:55:56 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 15, 2015, 07:20:51 PM
Leinster got a pasting from Wasps today in the Moneybags championship.

This is what happens when you appoint an inexperienced coaching team to cut costs. Munster/Leinster will do very little this year.

Yeah it's looking that way. Along with that Munster have tied their own hands with the redevelopment of Thomond meaning they can't get the big names they need like a Howlett/De Villiers or hang on to Hanrahan.

Ulster actually look best placed to be the challenging team in Ireland. They have a decent string of young players there, a strong recruiting system and you would think that Kiss is experienced enough to run the organisation correctly. I think they'll give it a rattle in 2017!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on November 16, 2015, 04:17:02 PM
Not much of a crowd at Thomond Park. Would that be typical of the visit of the Italians, AZ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Shamrock Shore on November 16, 2015, 04:39:10 PM
Bandwagoners have disappeared for the moment.

Got annoyed at the description of the Leinster Goys as "Dubliners" by lazy BT sports lads.

Fcuk sake, do you think Ronnie, Barney and Luke gave a shite about rugby?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 16, 2015, 04:42:37 PM
Quote from: deiseach on November 16, 2015, 04:17:02 PM
Not much of a crowd at Thomond Park. Would that be typical of the visit of the Italians, AZ?

Crowds are going down in Thomond Park since the recession hit hard and the team started to stagnate. I remember (fado fado) crowds of 5 and 6 thousand in the old Thomond Park for the visits of teams like Border Reivers and the like. The Italians would be the modern equivalent, but this was a European game and you'd like to think it would have been fairly full. The weather certainly didn't help the 'I'll trot over on the day' brigade, but I would say this is the continuation of a theme. Thomond Park is rarely full these days. Leinster in the league (except now they play with depleted teams which impacted it last season) and the English and French European games, plus a 1/4 final if lucky. And even then by 'full' I'd say 20-22k out of a 26k capacity.

The ticket sales for Saturday was 16k apparently. That would include all the season tickets. I doubt 16k were there. More like 10-12k I'd say.

Average Pro 12 gate is probably between 8-12k.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 16, 2015, 05:13:48 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 16, 2015, 04:42:37 PM
Quote from: deiseach on November 16, 2015, 04:17:02 PM
Not much of a crowd at Thomond Park. Would that be typical of the visit of the Italians, AZ?

Crowds are going down in Thomond Park since the recession hit hard and the team started to stagnate. I remember (fado fado) crowds of 5 and 6 thousand in the old Thomond Park for the visits of teams like Border Reivers and the like. The Italians would be the modern equivalent, but this was a European game and you'd like to think it would have been fairly full. The weather certainly didn't help the 'I'll trot over on the day' brigade, but I would say this is the continuation of a theme. Thomond Park is rarely full these days. Leinster in the league (except now they play with depleted teams which impacted it last season) and the English and French European games, plus a 1/4 final if lucky. And even then by 'full' I'd say 20-22k out of a 26k capacity.

The ticket sales for Saturday was 16k apparently. That would include all the season tickets. I doubt 16k were there. More like 10-12k I'd say.

Average Pro 12 gate is probably between 8-12k.

I think they said 12.7k.

QuoteHurley is honest as the day is long, but he is a poor man's Sam Burgess, never mind Jamie Roberts.

This, I just don't understand how he gets a game, with the pace that Munster's back three have they should be looking to get the ball wide as much as they can, everything just gets bogged down in midfield. Foley seems to live the old school Munster play book of "Earn the right to go wide", if they had someone like Hanrahan playing 12 they would be much more of a threat and have a much more varied attack. Scannell I believe can play that 2nd 5/8 role he played a lot underage at 12 but Foley seems to have a problem trusting players.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 16, 2015, 05:52:56 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 16, 2015, 04:11:20 PM
It's all a bit flat, isn't it? I was in Thomond Park on Saturday night as usual, getting drenched to the fecking bones, and while it was a decent atmosphere and a job done type of performance, it was depressingly static and you just know that's the way it's going to be all year. Keatley is trying little kick throughs and the like because everybody knows the Munster backline just don't cut you open. Come up in a line, make your first tackle, and you'll frustrate them. A couple of breaks from Earls and Conway apart, there was very little there. Hurley is honest as the day is long, but he is a poor man's Sam Burgess, never mind Jamie Roberts. Saili hasn't settled yet, and doesn't really look like he's going to be overly tricky or electric in this game plan.

Earls is at his best out on the wing, as is Zebo, but there's no overlaps or clever lines, so they end up coming in off the wings and becoming auxiliary centres. Andrew Conway is fast and has a bit of divilment about him, but he is probably club/province level and no more.

The forwards are decent enough with ball in hand. Jack O'Donoghue did well enough, although at times he should have let the ball out wide, but I'm pretty sure Axel told him to put the head down and drive on like a lunatic when he got it. CJ Stander also good with ball in hand. Dave O'Callaghan is disruptive at 6. Chisholm and donnacha Ryan were good in the lineout, where O'Callaghan also was a factor, but they are not exactly going to set the world alight. Kilcoyne, Botha and Casey did well, Sherry was injured early, but it's very thin these days as a squad. Jones, O'Donnell, O'Mahoney are big losses.

This could be the year neither Leinster nor Munster get out of their group. I'm not sure if the game is going ahead in Paris next weekend, but if it does that is going to be a hell of an emotional game and a difficult assignment. Leicester at home could end it on the 12th of December.
It could be the start of a very depressing trend.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 21, 2015, 05:09:40 PM
Bath beat Leinster . Bad start. They have to beat Toulon now
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 23, 2015, 10:37:58 AM
Bad few weeks all round for the provinces. The gap between Pro 12 and the Premiership is widening. However its fair to say sides with a lot of players on World Cup duty have suffered - Toulon's defeat a prime example.

Another top article here from Murray Kinsella. Really hope Luke McGrath continues to progress. The off-load from Ringrose in this clip was reminiscent of another famous number 13 ;)

http://www.the42.ie/leinster-ringrose-mcgrath-youth-champions-cup-2460359-Nov2015/?utm_source=shortlink
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on November 23, 2015, 10:41:00 AM
These things are cyclical. It shouldn't be long before the Irish teams bounce back thanks to the equal split of the competition reven . . . oh. Darn.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 23, 2015, 10:46:07 AM
Quote from: deiseach on November 23, 2015, 10:41:00 AM
These things are cyclical. It shouldn't be long before the Irish teams bounce back thanks to the equal split of the competition reven . . . oh. Darn.

What is the split? Are there any figures out there?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on November 23, 2015, 10:52:12 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 23, 2015, 10:46:07 AM
Quote from: deiseach on November 23, 2015, 10:41:00 AM
These things are cyclical. It shouldn't be long before the Irish teams bounce back thanks to the equal split of the competition reven . . . oh. Darn.

What is the split? Are there any figures out there?

The poor get a little bit richer and the rich get a whole lot richerer.

QuoteWhat does it all mean, particularly financially, for the Welsh regions? (http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/european-rugby-champions-cup-explained-6950423)

As part of the peace package, revenue from European Cup rugby will now be split equally between the three competing leagues - the Aviva Premiership, the Top 14 and the Pro12.

That will see the share to the French and English clubs increase significantly - going up from their existing 24 per cent each to 33 per cent.

In turn, the Pro12 split will go down from 52 per cent to 33 per cent, but a mechanism has been put in place to give them additional funding, particularly the Welsh and Irish.

The first £60m of Euro cash will be divided three ways, with the Pro12 £20m to be carved up  pretty much equally between the four countries involved in the league.

But the next £4m will go to the Pro12 and the majority of it will head into Welsh and Irish coffers to reflect the fact they both contribute four teams to Europe whereas Scotland and Italy provide just two.

That would see Wales and Ireland both receiving about £6.8m - up from just over £4m - with Scotland and Italy ending up with £5.1m each.

So the income for the Ospreys, Scarlets, Blues and Dragons will rise from £1.1m to £1.7m apiece.

If Euro revenue rises above £80m, they will get a bigger share of the cash again and the aim is for the three leagues to be sharing £100m within five years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 23, 2015, 12:18:48 PM
Do any of the Welsh teams have a big moneybags backing them ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 23, 2015, 12:47:28 PM
Poor weekend all round. Ulster seriously lacking in invention and intensity against Saracens and they had a desperate second half. Farrell missed 4 or 5 off the tee in kickable positions but they still won handily enough.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 23, 2015, 01:12:17 PM
Zero creativity in that Ulster side.

Such a shame Stuart Olding picked up those injuries. The one player who could open things up.

Love to see him back at his best and perhaps in tandem with McCloskey in the centre.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GaillimhIarthair on November 28, 2015, 07:57:35 PM
Yahoooo, thoroughly deserved win down in Thomond for Connacht.  Four pts clear now at the top of the Pro12.  Fair play to Pat Lam, doing a very good job with a relatively young squad and playing a very attractive brand of rugby.  Hope this gives them greater confidence to push on for the remainder of the season. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 28, 2015, 08:06:33 PM
Quote from: GaillimhIarthair on November 28, 2015, 07:57:35 PM
Yahoooo, thoroughly deserved win down in Thomond for Connacht.  Four pts clear now at the top of the Pro12.  Fair play to Pat Lam, doing a very good job with a relatively young squad and playing a very attractive brand of rugby.  Hope this gives them greater confidence to push on for the remainder of the season.
He's doing a  great job, isn't he ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GaillimhIarthair on November 28, 2015, 08:17:50 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 28, 2015, 08:06:33 PM
Quote from: GaillimhIarthair on November 28, 2015, 07:57:35 PM
Yahoooo, thoroughly deserved win down in Thomond for Connacht.  Four pts clear now at the top of the Pro12.  Fair play to Pat Lam, doing a very good job with a relatively young squad and playing a very attractive brand of rugby.  Hope this gives them greater confidence to push on for the remainder of the season.
He's doing a  great job, isn't he ?
He surely is!  It's not that long ago that Conn would have crumbled after that ridiculous pen try - we have come a long way.  Great to see so many of the team have come through the Conn development system - probably about 15 or 16 of this evenings 23.  Hope Henshaw stays as the kids that go to the sportsground every other week idolise him and I suppose all young ones need heroes!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on December 01, 2015, 01:06:29 PM
Massive respect to Connacht - the other provinces could learn plenty from them. Invest in your youth, give them a chance instead of employing second rate overseas players.

Henshaw out for 6 weeks is a big blow. Hopefully he'll back in time for the 6 Nations.

Interesting piece by Gerry Thornley on the Lions tour today. I never knew the finances received between the host nation and 4 touring nations was so vast. The ball is surely in the Lions court and they should push for a 50/50 slice!

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/gerry-thornley-want-to-win-a-world-cup-scrap-the-lions-1.2449026
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mikehunt on December 01, 2015, 01:44:02 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on December 01, 2015, 01:06:29 PM
Massive respect to Connacht - the other provinces could learn plenty from them. Invest in your youth, give them a chance instead of employing second rate overseas players.

Henshaw out for 6 weeks is a big blow. Hopefully he'll back in time for the 6 Nations.

Interesting piece by Gerry Thornley on the Lions tour today. I never knew the finances received between the host nation and 4 touring nations was so vast. The ball is surely in the Lions court and they should push for a 50/50 slice!

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/gerry-thornley-want-to-win-a-world-cup-scrap-the-lions-1.2449026

Using the Lions as an excuse for Northern Hemisphere rugby being way behind is a bag of pish. Jerry needs to accept that they're just better at rugby. He's an insufferable gowl.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on December 01, 2015, 01:48:08 PM
Quote from: mikehunt on December 01, 2015, 01:44:02 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on December 01, 2015, 01:06:29 PM
Massive respect to Connacht - the other provinces could learn plenty from them. Invest in your youth, give them a chance instead of employing second rate overseas players.

Henshaw out for 6 weeks is a big blow. Hopefully he'll back in time for the 6 Nations.

Interesting piece by Gerry Thornley on the Lions tour today. I never knew the finances received between the host nation and 4 touring nations was so vast. The ball is surely in the Lions court and they should push for a 50/50 slice!

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/gerry-thornley-want-to-win-a-world-cup-scrap-the-lions-1.2449026

Using the Lions as an excuse for Northern Hemisphere rugby being way behind is a bag of pish. Jerry needs to accept that they're just better at rugby. He's an insufferable gowl.

I don't think he's insinuating that Mike. However it does take its toll on the players. England will surely have improved come 2017 so we'll not have to worry as they'll supply the bulk of the players!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mikehunt on December 01, 2015, 02:13:02 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on December 01, 2015, 01:48:08 PM
Quote from: mikehunt on December 01, 2015, 01:44:02 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on December 01, 2015, 01:06:29 PM
Massive respect to Connacht - the other provinces could learn plenty from them. Invest in your youth, give them a chance instead of employing second rate overseas players.

Henshaw out for 6 weeks is a big blow. Hopefully he'll back in time for the 6 Nations.

Interesting piece by Gerry Thornley on the Lions tour today. I never knew the finances received between the host nation and 4 touring nations was so vast. The ball is surely in the Lions court and they should push for a 50/50 slice!

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/gerry-thornley-want-to-win-a-world-cup-scrap-the-lions-1.2449026

Using the Lions as an excuse for Northern Hemisphere rugby being way behind is a bag of pish. Jerry needs to accept that they're just better at rugby. He's an insufferable gowl.

I don't think he's insinuating that Mike. However it does take its toll on the players. England will surely have improved come 2017 so we'll not have to worry as they'll supply the bulk of the players!

Gerry Thornley: Want to win a World Cup? Scrap the Lions
Square pegs in round holes. Wanna win a World Cup? Scrap the Lions. No chance. But just an idea.

That's what his report says. If it takes it's toll on Lions players then would it not also take it's toll on Australia as well? If they came out and said they lost to NZ in the final cos of the Lions matches they'd be laughed out the door.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on December 01, 2015, 02:38:15 PM
You do understand how Lions tours work don't you?

You play upwards of 10-12 games against Provincial sides and then a 3 test tour against the host nation. During that period of playing regional sides the host nation is in camp preparing and ready to hit you fresh.

Look I'm not on here to slate the Lions or defend Thornley in light of your dislike for him. However i do feel the 4 host nations should receive a 50% share of the funds.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mikehunt on December 01, 2015, 02:51:52 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on December 01, 2015, 02:38:15 PM
You do understand how Lions tours work don't you?

You play upwards of 10-12 games against Provincial sides and then a 3 test tour against the host nation. During that period of playing regional sides the host nation is in camp preparing and ready to hit you fresh.

Look I'm not on here to slate the Lions or defend Thornley in light of your dislike for him. However i do feel the 4 host nations should receive a 50% share of the funds.

They play a few pub teams during the week. That's what the B team is for.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on December 01, 2015, 03:17:26 PM
Quote from: mikehunt on December 01, 2015, 02:51:52 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on December 01, 2015, 02:38:15 PM
You do understand how Lions tours work don't you?

You play upwards of 10-12 games against Provincial sides and then a 3 test tour against the host nation. During that period of playing regional sides the host nation is in camp preparing and ready to hit you fresh.

Look I'm not on here to slate the Lions or defend Thornley in light of your dislike for him. However i do feel the 4 host nations should receive a 50% share of the funds.

They play a few pub teams during the week. That's what the B team is for.

Good Mike.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on December 07, 2015, 02:09:54 PM
I see Conor O'Shea turned down the head coach role at Italy. To be honest I'm glad he did. Still have hopes of him returning to an Irish province ahead of possibly being Ireland head coach one day.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 14, 2015, 10:06:50 PM
http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/european-cup/l-equipe-cuts-into-johnny-sexton-and-leinster-1.2466009

"Sexton, the idol of Ireland, who returned home, yesterday played as he often did during his time at Racing 92: transparent, making multiple poor decisions. Visibly, completely out of touch, he symbolises the impotence of his club," L'Equipe said

I wonder have all the concussions gotten to him
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GaillimhIarthair on December 15, 2015, 07:18:02 AM
Sexton has been playing poorly for the best part of a year at this stage.  I hope for his own sake it's a form issue and nothing concussion related.  Might be no harm if he took a 6 month sabbatical from the game as per Dan Carter a few years ago but unlikely to happen I guess. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 15, 2015, 09:01:55 AM
Quote from: GaillimhIarthair on December 15, 2015, 07:18:02 AM
Sexton has been playing poorly for the best part of a year at this stage.  I hope for his own sake it's a form issue and nothing concussion related.  Might be no harm if he took a 6 month sabbatical from the game as per Dan Carter a few years ago but unlikely to happen I guess.
http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/gerry-thornley-johnny-sexton-burdened-by-weight-of-expectation-1.2466435
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on December 15, 2015, 10:02:38 AM
The problems are wider than Jonny Sexton. Irish rugby is in a spot of bother I think. The coaching setups in Munster and Leinster are out of their depth. Connacht are doing great stuff but they have a glass ceiling because of their resources. Ulster may be the outlier at the moment, but I doubt it, I think they are probably in a similar boat to Munster and Leinster.

The air just seems to be out of the balloon. I can't speak for Leinster, but as a season ticket holder for many years at Thomond Park, the outlook is as bleak as I can ever remember it. The big money in England and France is a huge issue, but it's far from the only issue and if the Munster Branch and IRFU are not careful, Thomond Park is going to be approximately 15k too big for any game they have. Leicester were not a star studded team by any means, but they were seriously comfortable throughout most of that game.

It's fairly apparent that the coaching staff are rattled, and have lost confidence in themselves. They don't have the courage of their convictions. It's obvious they know they have to be able to run the ball, but they are doing it at stupid times and it has to be coming from the coach. European game, good atmosphere, big crowd (although far from a sellout, which would have been unthinkable 5 years ago). You receive the kickoff, so you control the ball, feed the outhalf and find a good touch, get the crowd on the opposing hooker's back and try contest their lineout. Right? No. We'll throw it around our own 22 for 5 or 6 passes, and then kick it straight back up the middle. Nonsense stuff. All the opposition have to do is get a line set, make their first tackle, and let Munster peeter out until Murray kicks a box kick. It's so predictable. The obvious thing for this Munster team is to attack around the edges with the likes of Stander, just to set up the play and *then* go wide to attacking runners coming at pace. It's not rocket science.

And then, so frustratingly, when they win a turnover in a good position, halfway or even beyond, they *don't* go wide quickly. They try and crash up the centre, and the opposition regroup. Either we have a very stupid bunch of players, or our coaching is just not coming up with an effective gameplan that the lads can implement.

A lot of the blame is laid at Keatley's door, simply because he is not O'Gara, and that's unfair. He does make stupid mistakes, and misses kicks he shouldn't, and when he misses a tackle he really misses them at the worst times, but he is what he is. He is decent. Average to slightly above Average. Not good enough for international rugby, nor for a proper big team. But for what Munster are at the moment, he is probably the poster boy of that averageness, and that's why he is getting a lot of blame. The jeering when he went off on Saturday was terrible. The first time I've ever heard anything like that, ever, and we've seen some ropey performances at times. That sort of reaction from 'fans' can't be justified, but  I just think the frustration levels are reaching boiling point, and what will happen quickly is the anger will be replaced by apathy, and then by absence. You can see it already, and it's not going to change without a serious shake up in Munster. The problem is, I don't know they have the wherewithal to make the sort of changes that are probably needed.

A team with a back 3 of Zebo, Earls and Conway, and with Saili in the centre should be far more dangerous than they are. But we have a scrum half that kicks this bullshite box kick every fecking time we have it, an outhalf who *won't* play territory when he should, and a gameplan that basically means our backs have to make something happen themselves out of the blue if anything positive is going to happen.

In defence then, we are just missing tackle after tackle and it is pathetic.

As I said, I can't really speak for Leinster, but if Munster, who was the poster child for the Irish in Europe for a good few years in the noughties with massive travelling support etc, can't get their act together they are going to lose the ground they have made up in every village and town in the province. As a GAA man first and foremost, that might not be all bad, but as a sports fan, and someone who is a Munster fan, it's very sad, but if the IRFU were in any danger of complacency over Munster's position in the pecking order, last weekend will hopefully have changed all that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on December 15, 2015, 10:20:50 AM
Munster fans jeering Keatley when he came off. Bad form that!!!

The lad is obviously out of his depth. Don't get me started on Foley as a coach.

Arrogance and greed from the Munster hierarchy over the last few years has led to this.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on December 15, 2015, 10:30:47 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on December 15, 2015, 10:20:50 AM
Munster fans jeering Keatley when he came off. Bad form that!!!

The lad is obviously out of his depth. Don't get me started on Foley as a coach.

Arrogance and greed from the Munster hierarchy over the last few years has led to this.

Yep. that's right. And complacency. They just assume the bandwagon will roll on forever. This team is genuinely loved down here, but the hard core support back in the early Celtic League games in the old Thomond Park was always 4 or 5k. The big days were the Interpros and the visit of the English and French teams. If Munster become uncompetitive, and Leicester and Clermont have been very comfortable now in back to back years, the crowd will fall back towards that number again.

As for the jeering of Keatley, it was shocking. I can't understand the thinking there at all, and as I've said, I've never heard it there before. There'd be mutterings about Duncan Williams and Keately (and others) in the past, but never anything like that.

I've heard people say the jeering was aimed at Foley for waiting so long to take off a lad that was obviously struggling, but I have my doubts, let's leave it at that!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 15, 2015, 11:20:14 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on December 15, 2015, 10:30:47 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on December 15, 2015, 10:20:50 AM
Munster fans jeering Keatley when he came off. Bad form that!!!

The lad is obviously out of his depth. Don't get me started on Foley as a coach.

Arrogance and greed from the Munster hierarchy over the last few years has led to this.

Yep. that's right. And complacency. They just assume the bandwagon will roll on forever. This team is genuinely loved down here, but the hard core support back in the early Celtic League games in the old Thomond Park was always 4 or 5k. The big days were the Interpros and the visit of the English and French teams. If Munster become uncompetitive, and Leicester and Clermont have been very comfortable now in back to back years, the crowd will fall back towards that number again.

As for the jeering of Keatley, it was shocking. I can't understand the thinking there at all, and as I've said, I've never heard it there before. There'd be mutterings about Duncan Williams and Keately (and others) in the past, but never anything like that.

I've heard people say the jeering was aimed at Foley for waiting so long to take off a lad that was obviously struggling, but I have my doubts, let's leave it at that!

Every successful team has to adjust eventually to reduced expectations, as we all know , quite painfully. But the money issue is disfiguring rugby and will make getting back to the top harder for Munster
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on December 15, 2015, 11:27:36 AM
When you are at a financial disadvantage, you have to spend the money you have wisely, and you have to invest in youth coming through. You also have to maximise the resources you have and coach the players to be the best they can be, in a gameplan that suits them.

In Munster they are spending money crazily (I've heard 500k p.a. for Saili!), they are getting in short termers on big enough wedges of cash, rather than giving younger lads a go, they are failing to develop enough that they feel confident can step up in a short term role, and the game they are trying to play is defensively weak and offensively predictable, stale and slow.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on December 15, 2015, 11:39:41 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on December 15, 2015, 11:27:36 AM
When you are at a financial disadvantage, you have to spend the money you have wisely, and you have to invest in youth coming through. You also have to maximise the resources you have and coach the players to be the best they can be, in a gameplan that suits them.

In Munster they are spending money crazily (I've heard 500k p.a. for Saili!), they are getting in short termers on big enough wedges of cash, rather than giving younger lads a go, they are failing to develop enough that they feel confident can step up in a short term role, and the game they are trying to play is defensively weak and offensively predictable, stale and slow.

Jeez that sounds fairly bleak! Definitely the responsibility of the hierarchy. Yes we all know each province has to look after its interests but I definitely feel more could be done to spread the player pool. Personally I would love to see both Madigan and Henshaw at Munster!

Could something along the lines of a draft system work in Irish rugby. Young players centrally contracted and sent top provinces where there is a shortfall in certain playing positions? Say for example Connacht lost Henshaw to Leinster they would get a couple of top younger players in return.

Maybe I'm waffling but just a thought.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on December 15, 2015, 11:44:36 AM
The single biggest issue is the coaching. The players they have are not good enough in key areas to be a powerhouse, but they are good enough to be Munster at home at least. Conor Murray is not providing leadership either, and the imports haven't clicked. That said, there are some good players there, the team is just not functioning in any sort of recognisable pattern. That Leicester game wasn't lost because of money or lack of players. It wasn't even lost because Keatley missed a sitter and a terrible tackle. It was lost because it is so easy to defend against Munster now that any half decent team will put them under pressure.

It's not as bleak as I might have painted, but it is trending that way and the underlying issues, which I mentioned, have to be sorted out. the quickest to sort out is the coaching, unfortunately.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on December 15, 2015, 11:54:11 AM
Who would you get in? Cant see it being changed at this stage. Would love Conor O'Shea or Bernard Jackman to get a chance at an Irish province, whether that's Munster or Leinster!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on December 15, 2015, 12:05:32 PM
Conor O'Shea would be the sexy choice, but I can't see it happening. Why would he do it?  Pat Lam would probably be an ideal fit because of his experience with getting limited resources thrown his way, and making the best of them, but I'd hate to see Connacht getting shafted like that. Plus if Lam is to move, the IRFU will probably send him to Dublin. Mike Catt might be an option as a backs coach.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on December 15, 2015, 12:52:03 PM
Jackman has done well with very limited resources at Grenoble. Deserves a shot in my book. Probably should have got the Leinster gig over Cullen!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mikehunt on December 15, 2015, 01:39:09 PM
Quote from: seafoid on December 15, 2015, 09:01:55 AM
Quote from: GaillimhIarthair on December 15, 2015, 07:18:02 AM
Sexton has been playing poorly for the best part of a year at this stage.  I hope for his own sake it's a form issue and nothing concussion related.  Might be no harm if he took a 6 month sabbatical from the game as per Dan Carter a few years ago but unlikely to happen I guess.
http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/gerry-thornley-johnny-sexton-burdened-by-weight-of-expectation-1.2466435

They're trying to charge me to read a Jerry Thornley "article"? Let me guess, Jerry blames France, England or Southern hemisphere for Ireland player/team being sh!t?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on December 15, 2015, 06:46:44 PM
Quote from: mikehunt on December 15, 2015, 01:39:09 PM
Quote from: seafoid on December 15, 2015, 09:01:55 AM
Quote from: GaillimhIarthair on December 15, 2015, 07:18:02 AM
Sexton has been playing poorly for the best part of a year at this stage.  I hope for his own sake it's a form issue and nothing concussion related.  Might be no harm if he took a 6 month sabbatical from the game as per Dan Carter a few years ago but unlikely to happen I guess.
http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/gerry-thornley-johnny-sexton-burdened-by-weight-of-expectation-1.2466435

They're trying to charge me to read a Jerry Thornley "article"? Let me guess, Jerry blames France, England or Southern hemisphere for Ireland player/team being sh!t?

Not quite, he blames the Government and in particular Fine Gael and their Minister for Sport.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on December 16, 2015, 08:45:33 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on December 15, 2015, 11:44:36 AM
The single biggest issue is the coaching. The players they have are not good enough in key areas to be a powerhouse, but they are good enough to be Munster at home at least. Conor Murray is not providing leadership either, and the imports haven't clicked. That said, there are some good players there, the team is just not functioning in any sort of recognisable pattern. That Leicester game wasn't lost because of money or lack of players. It wasn't even lost because Keatley missed a sitter and a terrible tackle. It was lost because it is so easy to defend against Munster now that any half decent team will put them under pressure.

It's not as bleak as I might have painted, but it is trending that way and the underlying issues, which I mentioned, have to be sorted out. the quickest to sort out is the coaching, unfortunately.
I've never played the game but watch all the Provinces avidly it is obvious that what you are saying is on the money.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on December 16, 2015, 04:32:18 PM
Munster fans were built up as some sort of mystical entity by the media when phrases such as "The Holy Grail" "The Brave and the Faithful" "Irish by birth Munster by the grace of God" etc were all the rage and cheerleaders such as Thornley, McQueen, Ward etc couldn't gush enough about Munster. And the Munster fans lapped it up and in fairness as bangwagons go it was pretty impressive and helped establish the Heineken Cup as a meaningful competition. Now I love a bit of Munster fan bashing but this week was ridiculous, our culture particular in sport is very bi-polar and we are open to knee-jerk reactions including extreme criticism of our own players. Munster fans just showed they are the exact same as Kildare fans (Martin Lynch) Irish soccer fans (Roy Keane), they get frustrated and like all fans struggle as a collective to express that other than booing and jeering. Keatley is a professional and as I say to any young player Wolves don't stay awake at night wondering what the sheep are thinking about, if booing and public criticism affects him he is in the wrong profession.

Kiss and Cullen get a pass as it is their first year, Foley got his pass last year and if I was to pin-point the problem with Munster I would start there. He blamed the ref (ridiculous penalty, but you move on control the controllables), he blamed the players but I would have more respect if blamed himself and deflected from the players. When I see Hanrahan play pretty well opposite Carter then you have to ask has Foley a clue or is just trying to replicate what was successful 10 years ago...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on December 16, 2015, 04:33:07 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on December 15, 2015, 12:52:03 PM
Jackman has done well with very limited resources at Grenoble. Deserves a shot in my book. Probably should have got the Leinster gig over Cullen!

He's a bluffer.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on December 16, 2015, 04:45:07 PM
What do we think about Ulster with Kiss? That's a pretty impressive result against a fairly strong Toulouse pack. From what I can see Ulster are best placed of the Provinces at the minute with the systems they have in place and the young players coming through as well as having the most experienced coach in all the Provinces.

They still have a lot of quality there and if they can hold on to Pienaar and bring Olding/Marshall/McCloskey/Jackson through they have a decent back line as well. Add to that Piutau coming next year and they could be formidable.

It will be interesting to see if they can secure one of the best Runner up spots. They won't win it but there should at least be one Irish team challenging the big guns!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on December 16, 2015, 04:47:00 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on December 16, 2015, 04:33:07 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on December 15, 2015, 12:52:03 PM
Jackman has done well with very limited resources at Grenoble. Deserves a shot in my book. Probably should have got the Leinster gig over Cullen!

He's a bluffer.

Based on what Dinny?? Very harsh there. The man had the bottle to go and prove himself in the French league AS A COACH! Give me him any day over the likes of Neil Doak - jobs for the boys if ever I saw it!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on December 16, 2015, 04:51:58 PM
Quote from: screenexile on December 16, 2015, 04:45:07 PM
What do we think about Ulster with Kiss? That's a pretty impressive result against a fairly strong Toulouse pack. From what I can see Ulster are best placed of the Provinces at the minute with the systems they have in place and the young players coming through as well as having the most experienced coach in all the Provinces.

They still have a lot of quality there and if they can hold on to Pienaar and bring Olding/Marshall/McCloskey/Jackson through they have a decent back line as well. Add to that Piutau coming next year and they could be formidable.

It will be interesting to see if they can secure one of the best Runner up spots. They won't win it but there should at least be one Irish team challenging the big guns!

I rate Kiss big time SE. Think he'll do really well. He has to clear out a few mugs like Doak and Malone from the coaching set up though. If 'we' get Olding back fit and in form that'll be a huge boost. Stuart McCloskey keeps impressing me. Offensively he's not far off Henshaw's ability in passing and handling. If he tightens up his defence he could be international standard for sure!

I worry about the forwards (or lack of) in Ulster though. Doesn't appear to be many coming through. That's why the likes of Dominic Ryan should be sent up the road to develop!

The biggest mistake Ulster ever made was getting rid of Brian McLaughlin. Superb rugby brain!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on December 16, 2015, 05:09:49 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on December 16, 2015, 04:47:00 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on December 16, 2015, 04:33:07 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on December 15, 2015, 12:52:03 PM
Jackman has done well with very limited resources at Grenoble. Deserves a shot in my book. Probably should have got the Leinster gig over Cullen!

He's a bluffer.

Based on what Dinny?? Very harsh there. The man had the bottle to go and prove himself in the French league AS A COACH! Give me him any day over the likes of Neil Doak - jobs for the boys if ever I saw it!

Perhaps but it's based on knowing him and have experienced 4 club sides he coached in Ireland. How do you think Jackman got the gig in France, he is good mates with Andrew Farley who is the Team Manager in Grenoble, they played together at Connacht. He went over initially as a defensive consultant and it developed from there. I will give him credit he's doing alright with Grenoble but I would like to see him develop and take another club on before an Irish provincial gig.

Agree on Doak and indeed the current nepotism in Leinster/Ulster/Munster.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on December 16, 2015, 05:14:58 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on December 16, 2015, 04:51:58 PM
Quote from: screenexile on December 16, 2015, 04:45:07 PM
What do we think about Ulster with Kiss? That's a pretty impressive result against a fairly strong Toulouse pack. From what I can see Ulster are best placed of the Provinces at the minute with the systems they have in place and the young players coming through as well as having the most experienced coach in all the Provinces.

They still have a lot of quality there and if they can hold on to Pienaar and bring Olding/Marshall/McCloskey/Jackson through they have a decent back line as well. Add to that Piutau coming next year and they could be formidable.

It will be interesting to see if they can secure one of the best Runner up spots. They won't win it but there should at least be one Irish team challenging the big guns!

I rate Kiss big time SE. Think he'll do really well. He has to clear out a few mugs like Doak and Malone from the coaching set up though. If 'we' get Olding back fit and in form that'll be a huge boost. Stuart McCloskey keeps impressing me. Offensively he's not far off Henshaw's ability in passing and handling. If he tightens up his defence he could be international standard for sure!

I worry about the forwards (or lack of) in Ulster though. Doesn't appear to be many coming through. That's why the likes of Dominic Ryan should be sent up the road to develop!

The biggest mistake Ulster ever made was getting rid of Brian McLaughlin. Superb rugby brain!

This. Ulster just aren't producing any forwards apart from Henderson. This is where Kiss will earn is corn, if even sign astutely and develop what's there Ulster could be in a really good position going forward.

It's not all doom and gloom - Connacht and Ulster are getting things right. The other two have some real quality coming through I just worry that the coaching teams are just not good enough.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: guy crouchback on December 16, 2015, 05:23:10 PM
I'm not a big rugby man but i like to watch it on the telly and have gone to a few internationals and enjoyed it. over the years i have admired what i though was the professionalism of Irish rugby as a whole especially compered to the FAI.

that's why i was genuinely flabbergasted when Munster and then leinster appointed 2 ex- players to their most senior coaching roles.  the Foley won looked crazy from the outside looking in but i presumed that the people in charge knew more then i did.
then to see leinster do exactly the same thing!!

it could be a story line from a Ross o carroll kelly  article. Ross somehow gets the job of appointing the manages and against all advise  goes with 2 of the good Goys from the old team, hilarity ensures.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on December 16, 2015, 05:29:40 PM
Jeez, the amount of times I've seen France get booed by their own crowd over the years - often when they were winning! I know it's not nice when it's aimed at one person, but they are doing Keatley no favours with all this bleating in the press. As for the RESPECT (http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/21720.php#.VnGfDEqLTcc) thing they've come up with . . . ridiculous.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ashman on December 16, 2015, 07:46:04 PM
Munster & Leinster are classic cases of "be careful what you wish for".

Previous coaches McGahan and O Connor were slated by "fans" who could not see the writing on the wall.  Their reigns will be seen as decent in hindsight.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on December 18, 2015, 11:29:30 AM
Looks like Axel is getting a contract extension. That 's bound to go down well. There are notions of changes to the backroom staff, so that might be a positive. Although one of those names mooted is Michael Bradley as a defense coach. Not sure that's going to excite the Red Army, although he has to be better than costello.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on December 18, 2015, 12:36:00 PM
http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/irishnews/sport/article4642863.ece?shareToken=43349790a5ed59059de73bb2277e1bad (http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/irishnews/sport/article4642863.ece?shareToken=43349790a5ed59059de73bb2277e1bad)

Coincidence or is Denis Walsh a fan of the board?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on December 18, 2015, 12:46:12 PM
It's hard to believe how off the mark some of these lads are. You'd almost think it's intentional. This jeering was not a reaction at Keatley per se, but it is a manifestation of the sense of frustration amongst the Munster fans that this thing is being mismanaged spectacularly.

The cash situation is making it even more imperative that Munster optimise what they have, in terms of playing staff, coaching staff, game plan and off the pitch business.

The frustration is that most Munster fans feel that none of those 4, particularly the latter three, are being adequately managed.

The jeering last week was a symptom of an underlying disquiet, and Ian Keatley is the least of the worries.

The fact that Munster, the ex-players in the media and the other media members (take a bow Newstalk), don't seem to be able to grasp this is very worrying, and it makes me think they are on the verge of killing the goose that's still laying the golden egg, however tarnished that egg might be.

The fans are not falling out of love with Munster, the team, they are falling out of love with the way it is being run. If those running it continue to feed this narrative, well, lets just say they won't be long losing the gains in Clare, Kerry, Waterford and Tipp.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on December 18, 2015, 12:50:31 PM
Quote(take a bow Newstalk)

Big fan of Newstalk but Wood, BOD, Thornley, Horgan, Hogan, O'Sullivan are just cheer leaders. They need to do better with their rugby coverage.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on December 18, 2015, 02:14:08 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on December 18, 2015, 12:50:31 PM
Quote(take a bow Newstalk)

Big fan of Newstalk but Wood, BOD, Thornley, Horgan, Hogan, O'Sullivan are just cheer leaders. They need to do better with their rugby coverage.

D'Arcy fast becoming the best Rugby Sportswriter around . . . Insightful and full or real life examples of how he and the teams he played on coped with different scenarios and events. His current article should be read by every underachieving GAA Club team about!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on December 18, 2015, 03:06:56 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on December 18, 2015, 12:50:31 PM
Quote(take a bow Newstalk)

Big fan of Newstalk but Wood, BOD, Thornley, Horgan, Hogan, O'Sullivan are just cheer leaders. They need to do better with their rugby coverage.

Ex players will always shy away from criticizing lads they played with in their time, it takes a few years before they're prepared to say anything substantial in relation to poor coaching, poor play and so on.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mikehunt on December 18, 2015, 03:36:14 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on December 18, 2015, 03:06:56 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on December 18, 2015, 12:50:31 PM
Quote(take a bow Newstalk)

Big fan of Newstalk but Wood, BOD, Thornley, Horgan, Hogan, O'Sullivan are just cheer leaders. They need to do better with their rugby coverage.

Ex players will always shy away from criticizing lads they played with in their time, it takes a few years before they're prepared to say anything substantial in relation to poor coaching, poor play and so on.

Thornley isn't an ex-player and he's the worst culprit. He must get access to the dressing rooms, showers, pratice scrums etc as payment in kind for his soft stance. heard him calling the French League the "Top Quatorze" one evening,  tired to drag the spoofer out of the car radio.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LeoMc on December 20, 2015, 03:40:01 PM
What odds would you have got on Ulster back to back wins?
Some result today in France.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on December 20, 2015, 04:47:21 PM
Les Kiss has them playing good rugby too. Keeping ball in hand at every opportunity it's actually exciting to watch it. Piennar is a class act and Jackson playing well too.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on December 21, 2015, 01:21:50 AM
Superb win for Ulster!! McCloskey making some great breaks. Really hope he's in contention for the 6 nations. Trimble also doing well. Has to start ahead of the very average Dave Kearney! Great to see Luke Marshall back playing. Class act.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on December 21, 2015, 07:38:29 AM
Quote from: LeoMc on December 20, 2015, 03:40:01 PM
What odds would you have got on Ulster back to back wins?
Some result today in France.

Good win but nothing more . Toulouse are a pale shadow of former teams
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on December 21, 2015, 08:37:07 AM
Quote from: INDIANA on December 21, 2015, 07:38:29 AM
Quote from: LeoMc on December 20, 2015, 03:40:01 PM
What odds would you have got on Ulster back to back wins?
Some result today in France.

Good win but nothing more . Toulouse are a pale shadow of former teams

You can only beat whats in front of you. Toulouse maybe are not as good as some years but they are still a very strong team and are currently only one point behind Clermont in the Top 14.

http://www.lnr.fr/rugby-top-14/classement-rugby-top-14

I dont think its all doom and gloom for Irish rugby but I do think both Leinster and Munster have made poor decisions regarding  the coaches
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on December 21, 2015, 10:05:31 AM
Quote from: INDIANA on December 21, 2015, 07:38:29 AM
Quote from: LeoMc on December 20, 2015, 03:40:01 PM
What odds would you have got on Ulster back to back wins?
Some result today in France.

Good win but nothing more . Toulouse are a pale shadow of former teams

Jesus, you'd be some craic on a night out!! Ulster were not expected to beat them in both games, kept them to no score in first game and won second. Back I contention unlike like other Irish teams, miserable git springs to mind
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on December 21, 2015, 10:25:27 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on December 21, 2015, 10:05:31 AM
Quote from: INDIANA on December 21, 2015, 07:38:29 AM
Quote from: LeoMc on December 20, 2015, 03:40:01 PM
What odds would you have got on Ulster back to back wins?
Some result today in France.

Good win but nothing more . Toulouse are a pale shadow of former teams

Jesus, you'd be some craic on a night out!! Ulster were not expected to beat them in both games, kept them to no score in first game and won second. Back I contention unlike like other Irish teams, miserable git springs to mind

You better not start betting on them!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on December 21, 2015, 10:47:36 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on December 21, 2015, 10:25:27 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on December 21, 2015, 10:05:31 AM
Quote from: INDIANA on December 21, 2015, 07:38:29 AM
Quote from: LeoMc on December 20, 2015, 03:40:01 PM
What odds would you have got on Ulster back to back wins?
Some result today in France.

Good win but nothing more . Toulouse are a pale shadow of former teams

Jesus, you'd be some craic on a night out!! Ulster were not expected to beat them in both games, kept them to no score in first game and won second. Back I contention unlike like other Irish teams, miserable git springs to mind

You better not start betting on them!

You're going to laugh, I had a bet on Toulouse's as my mate who is heavily involved with local rugby and played senior for some club Harlequins years ago said Ulster would struggle..... Shows you that I don't make any money from gambling!! And my mate knows feck all
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on December 28, 2015, 02:58:20 PM
Toulouse smashed toulon last night and are now top of the league puts into perspective just how good those ulster results really were
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on December 28, 2015, 03:22:25 PM
Listen when indiana says they're no good johnny then they're no good no matter what facts you back your argument up with  ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: oakleaflad on December 28, 2015, 03:29:40 PM
Madigan is off to Bordeaux
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on December 28, 2015, 03:34:13 PM
Quote from: oakleaflad on December 28, 2015, 03:29:40 PM
Madigan is off to Bordeaux

Disappointing he's not off to Munster. Can Ross Byrne expect more game time at Leinster now? Any ideas who Munster could look at to replace Keatley on a longer term?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 28, 2015, 11:00:20 PM
http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/dec/28/concussion-prevention-football-safety-brain-injury-bennet-omalu-nfl-will-smith

"After a certain number of blows to your head, nobody knows exactly what number, your brain resets itself and begins to initiate abnormal biochemical cascades that result in the buildup of abnormal proteins like tau. So by the time tau is accumulating, the injury is already done," Omalu said.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gabriel_Hurl on January 06, 2016, 03:49:41 PM
Andy Farrell is in as the new defence coach

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/jan/06/andy-farrell-ireland-defence-coach
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 06, 2016, 04:01:44 PM
Quote from: Gabriel_Hurl on January 06, 2016, 03:49:41 PM
Andy Farrell is in as the new defence coach

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/jan/06/andy-farrell-ireland-defence-coach

Jesus!! Though I'd say he's clued in defensively. He probably had too much influence over the English attack hence their conservative approach.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on January 06, 2016, 04:58:24 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 06, 2016, 04:01:44 PM
Quote from: Gabriel_Hurl on January 06, 2016, 03:49:41 PM
Andy Farrell is in as the new defence coach

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/jan/06/andy-farrell-ireland-defence-coach

Jesus!! Though I'd say he's clued in defensively. He probably had too much influence over the English attack hence their conservative approach.

I was just about to say the same myself, far too defensively minded (granted he is a defence coach) and seemed to hold total sway with Lancaster, hopefully Schmitt will still allow the odd pass out to the wings!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 06, 2016, 05:06:53 PM
Farrells contract begins after the upcoming 6 Nations and runs until after the 2019 RWC.

Who is defence coach in the interim period then??

Surprised Farrell is contracted to 2019 with Schmidt only contracted to 2017. Does the new head coach (post Schmidt) have no say over who his defence coach is??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 06, 2016, 05:19:47 PM
Good appointment.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 09, 2016, 06:32:17 PM
Munster getting stuffed by Stade
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 09, 2016, 06:36:11 PM
Septic. Can't attack, even with an extra man. Absolutely butcher a 3 on 1 at 10-0, and then fall off tackles all over the pitch. It's broken and needs to be fixed ASAP, or else it will be me and 3,000 others inside in Thomond Park, reminiscing about ROG, Paulie and Axel the player.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on January 10, 2016, 02:54:07 PM
Heart stoping stuff from Ulster there backfired big time Kiss reshuffling so many players. Great composure to come back Paddy Jackson starting to look like an international fly half as well.

Does not getting the Bonus Point put a big dent in their QF hopes??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 10, 2016, 05:19:22 PM
Quote from: screenexile on January 10, 2016, 02:54:07 PM
Heart stoping stuff from Ulster there backfired big time Kiss reshuffling so many players. Great composure to come back Paddy Jackson starting to look like an international fly half as well.

Does not getting the Bonus Point put a big dent in their QF hopes??

Is it first two through?? Never catching Saracens and 8 points ahead of Toulouse....
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Mikhailov on January 10, 2016, 07:47:13 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 10, 2016, 05:19:22 PM
Quote from: screenexile on January 10, 2016, 02:54:07 PM
Heart stoping stuff from Ulster there backfired big time Kiss reshuffling so many players. Great composure to come back Paddy Jackson starting to look like an international fly half as well.

Does not getting the Bonus Point put a big dent in their QF hopes??

Is it first two through?? Never catching Saracens and 8 points ahead of Toulouse....

Group winners plus 3 best runners up make the last 8. On SS1 today they reckon you will need 19 points to secure one of the runners-up spots but not sure it will be as high as that. Either way, Ulster need to beat Oyannax at home plus hop to get bonus point at Sarries next Saturday. Hopefully 17 points maybe enough but we will see.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on January 11, 2016, 12:57:28 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 09, 2016, 06:36:11 PM
Septic. Can't attack, even with an extra man. Absolutely butcher a 3 on 1 at 10-0, and then fall off tackles all over the pitch. It's broken and needs to be fixed ASAP, or else it will be me and 3,000 others inside in Thomond Park, reminiscing about ROG, Paulie and Axel the player.

(https://i.imgflip.com/x67cx.jpg)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 12, 2016, 10:06:09 AM
Pretty grim reading

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/gerry-thornley-munster-travails-do-not-bode-well-for-national-side-1.2492973
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 12, 2016, 10:15:39 AM
Quote from: seafoid on January 12, 2016, 10:06:09 AM
Pretty grim reading

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/gerry-thornley-munster-travails-do-not-bode-well-for-national-side-1.2492973

Thornley is a Munster fan. Throwing money at Munster will not resolve their issues.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 12, 2016, 10:17:46 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 12, 2016, 10:15:39 AM
Quote from: seafoid on January 12, 2016, 10:06:09 AM
Pretty grim reading

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/gerry-thornley-munster-travails-do-not-bode-well-for-national-side-1.2492973

Thornley is a Munster fan. Throwing money at Munster will not resolve their issues.

Does he not support Leinster?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 12, 2016, 10:20:03 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 12, 2016, 10:17:46 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 12, 2016, 10:15:39 AM
Quote from: seafoid on January 12, 2016, 10:06:09 AM
Pretty grim reading

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/gerry-thornley-munster-travails-do-not-bode-well-for-national-side-1.2492973

Thornley is a Munster fan. Throwing money at Munster will not resolve their issues.

Does he not support Leinster?

God no, massive Munster fan. And Arsenal.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 12, 2016, 10:38:11 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 12, 2016, 10:20:03 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 12, 2016, 10:17:46 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 12, 2016, 10:15:39 AM
Quote from: seafoid on January 12, 2016, 10:06:09 AM
Pretty grim reading

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/gerry-thornley-munster-travails-do-not-bode-well-for-national-side-1.2492973

Thornley is a Munster fan. Throwing money at Munster will not resolve their issues.

Does he not support Leinster?

God no, massive Munster fan. And Arsenal.

Well at least he got 1 team right!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 12, 2016, 10:40:18 AM
Andy Farrell has joined the Munster set-up.

Very interesting, can't imagine Foley asking for it though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 12, 2016, 10:53:50 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 12, 2016, 10:15:39 AM
Quote from: seafoid on January 12, 2016, 10:06:09 AM
Pretty grim reading

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/gerry-thornley-munster-travails-do-not-bode-well-for-national-side-1.2492973

Thornley is a Munster fan. Throwing money at Munster will not resolve their issues.

Money is a problem, but it's not the  main problem. We are paying Chisholm, Saili, and others big enough wages. Saili is on 500k a year. So
a) The money we have is not used wisely
b) The coaches are completely out of their depth experience wise
c) There is no coherent gameplan
d) Effort has started to fall off, which is unforgiveable.
e) The Academy is producing some decent quality, no superstars maybe, but the likes of Scannell and Jack O'Donoghue have a chance.

You have to fix a, b, c and d. We'll never have massive money, but we can get the most out of what we have at the very least.

I think there has to be changes at the top as well. Some of the comms that came out recently were shockingly inflammatory. Instead of telling people the would work hard to improve blah blah blah, they came out with a reminder of the supporters code of conduct! Unreal. Then the cheerleaders in the media didn't help. Interesting to see Quinlan stick the boot in, and now, lo and behold, there has to be major changes is the narrative. Media dickheads.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 12, 2016, 10:55:02 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 12, 2016, 10:40:18 AM
Andy Farrell has joined the Munster set-up.

Very interesting, can't imagine Foley asking for it though.

Saw that. Costello is toast. I can't imagine Andy Farrell standing for people falling off tackles like they did last Sunday.

It's the attacking gameplan that is driving me mental though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 12, 2016, 11:23:49 AM
axel hasta go
When a team fails like Munster is failing the buck stops with the manager. the players are probably sick of him

the IRFU could step in, get a new manager like Pocchettino at Spurs with new ideas, put in some money and revamp the Irish model
to more expansive less bash bash more offloads   
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 12, 2016, 11:30:41 AM
Quote from: seafoid on January 12, 2016, 11:23:49 AM
axel hasta go
When a team fails like Munster is failing the buck stops with the manager. the players are probably sick of him

the IRFU could step in, get a new manager like Pocchettino at Spurs with new ideas, put in some money and revamp the Irish model
to more expansive less bash bash more offloads

It has to be coherent though. You can't just say 'We're going wide, and going to offload in the tackle', without having some sort of strategy to give you numbers to exploit. At the moment, Munster's first option appears to be to go wide, from positions where it just is not on. Every team they play just puts a straight line defense on them, with the full back drifting in the direction of the play. All they do is make a tackle, and Munster go across and back without making any yards.

They need to reinvent themselves. Kick for touch, not box kicks for turnovers. Pressure the set piece. Then when you have the ball, strong running for a couple of phases, and then go wide when the defense has been sucked in. It's not rocket science, but it looks like at the moment they don't know what they should do.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on January 12, 2016, 11:38:22 AM
There's a very simple answer. J.P. McManus.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on January 12, 2016, 11:47:56 AM
Poor JP. There's only one trophy he really wants and it's one of the few trophies that he can't buy.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 12, 2016, 12:07:58 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 12, 2016, 11:30:41 AM
Quote from: seafoid on January 12, 2016, 11:23:49 AM
axel hasta go
When a team fails like Munster is failing the buck stops with the manager. the players are probably sick of him

the IRFU could step in, get a new manager like Pocchettino at Spurs with new ideas, put in some money and revamp the Irish model
to more expansive less bash bash more offloads

It has to be coherent though. You can't just say 'We're going wide, and going to offload in the tackle', without having some sort of strategy to give you numbers to exploit. At the moment, Munster's first option appears to be to go wide, from positions where it just is not on. Every team they play just puts a straight line defense on them, with the full back drifting in the direction of the play. All they do is make a tackle, and Munster go across and back without making any yards.

They need to reinvent themselves. Kick for touch, not box kicks for turnovers. Pressure the set piece. Then when you have the ball, strong running for a couple of phases, and then go wide when the defense has been sucked in. It's not rocket science, but it looks like at the moment they don't know what they should do.
shur look at Offaly 98 when Babs went too far. Agree it has to be coherent. It must be painful to watch
Box kicking has to be dumped as well but a lot of Irish players know nothing else
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 12, 2016, 12:09:54 PM
Quote from: deiseach on January 12, 2016, 11:47:56 AM
Poor JP. There's only one trophy he really wants and it's one of the few trophies that he can't buy.
<cough!> Dublin <cough!>
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on January 12, 2016, 12:23:20 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 12, 2016, 12:09:54 PM
Quote from: deiseach on January 12, 2016, 11:47:56 AM
Poor JP. There's only one trophy he really wants and it's one of the few trophies that he can't buy.
<cough!> Dublin <cough!>

As if JP wants some knockoff Ardagh Chalice.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 12, 2016, 12:57:22 PM
Quote from: deiseach on January 12, 2016, 11:47:56 AM
Poor JP. There's only one trophy he really wants and it's one of the few trophies that he can't buy.
Beyonce
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mouview on January 12, 2016, 03:36:31 PM
Quote from: seafoid on January 12, 2016, 11:23:49 AM
axel hasta go
When a team fails like Munster is failing the buck stops with the manager. the players are probably sick of him

the IRFU could step in, get a new manager like Pocchettino at Spurs with new ideas, put in some money and revamp the Irish model
to more expansive less bash bash more offloads

Goes deeper than that. Ireland's golden era of rugby, (such as it was), is rapidly drawing to a close. No more O'Dricsoll, O'Connell, D'Arcy, O'Gara, Stringer etc. Like Galway football, the next wave of players look very modest indeed. Ireland are a raging short in the 6 Nations - keep an eye on value for bets in winning only one or only two matches.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 12, 2016, 04:06:19 PM
Charlie Byrne is selling a book called where miracles happen the story of Thomond park. We need a board prayer to st Jude.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on January 12, 2016, 05:30:14 PM
When Munster cannot poach players from Connacht their supply line has dried up
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: oakleaflad on January 12, 2016, 05:46:48 PM
Quote from: mouview on January 12, 2016, 03:36:31 PM
Quote from: seafoid on January 12, 2016, 11:23:49 AM
axel hasta go
When a team fails like Munster is failing the buck stops with the manager. the players are probably sick of him

the IRFU could step in, get a new manager like Pocchettino at Spurs with new ideas, put in some money and revamp the Irish model
to more expansive less bash bash more offloads

Goes deeper than that. Ireland's golden era of rugby, (such as it was), is rapidly drawing to a close. No more O'Dricsoll, O'Connell, D'Arcy, O'Gara, Stringer etc. Like Galway football, the next wave of players look very modest indeed. Ireland are a raging short in the 6 Nations - keep an eye on value for bets in winning only one or only two matches.
Funny I'd rather have Henshaw, Sexton and Murray over those 3.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 13, 2016, 02:10:04 PM
Listen to this from Garret Fitzgerald. Pure shite. It's re. Andy Farrell's appointment and role.

Munster chief executive Garrett Fitzgerald has confirmed that the co-opting of Ireland defence coach Andy Farrell as a temporary consultant to the Munster coaches will see him link up with the squad about two days a week, with no involvement on match days. Nor did Fitzgerald envisage this in any way undermining the role of head coach Anthony Foley, who still has the offer of taking up the one-year extension to his contract.
"There's no change to the coaching structure," stressed Fitzgerald. "We've brought Andy in as a consultant to work with the coaching team, predominantly; to assist them, to have a fresh voice in there, to look at what they're actually doing, to see if it can be tweaked.
.....
.....
Nor will Farrell's advisory role be confined to his area of expertise, namely defence. "Any input he has is not specific to defence or atck, it's an overall thing. It could be the overall game plan, it could be meeting with the defence coach, the attack coach, everything like that. There is no specific plan, it's general and I think his background is he's well qualified. There's no specific function."


They are basically throwing shite against the wall, and hoping some of it will stick.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 13, 2016, 02:43:17 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 13, 2016, 02:10:04 PM
Listen to this from Garret Fitzgerald. Pure shite. It's re. Andy Farrell's appointment and role.

Munster chief executive Garrett Fitzgerald has confirmed that the co-opting of Ireland defence coach Andy Farrell as a temporary consultant to the Munster coaches will see him link up with the squad about two days a week, with no involvement on match days. Nor did Fitzgerald envisage this in any way undermining the role of head coach Anthony Foley, who still has the offer of taking up the one-year extension to his contract.
"There's no change to the coaching structure," stressed Fitzgerald. "We've brought Andy in as a consultant to work with the coaching team, predominantly; to assist them, to have a fresh voice in there, to look at what they're actually doing, to see if it can be tweaked.
.....
.....
Nor will Farrell's advisory role be confined to his area of expertise, namely defence. "Any input he has is not specific to defence or atck, it's an overall thing. It could be the overall game plan, it could be meeting with the defence coach, the attack coach, everything like that. There is no specific plan, it's general and I think his background is he's well qualified. There's no specific function."


They are basically throwing shite against the wall, and hoping some of it will stick.

So in essence the role which Andy failed at with England (having too much influence) will be his new role at Munster??

That Fitzgerald seems a right moron. You's needa cut the head of the snake quick lads or you'll be Irelands 4th province before long!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 13, 2016, 02:46:26 PM
We probably are already!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 13, 2016, 03:14:16 PM
Axel is going to get a contract extension.. I wonder would the Cork players strike.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on January 16, 2016, 04:41:44 PM
Ulster getting their asses handed to them. They were good in the first half but a failure to execute the basics cost them scores and Saracens eventually found their mojo. They're a great side, Ulster would have no chance even if they do qualify they're a long way off!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 18, 2016, 09:46:16 AM
Really pleasing performance from Leinster the other night against Bath. The young forward pack were excellent. Dooley, Tracey and McGrath excellent in the front row. Going by Dooleys performance perhaps they weren't overly concerned about the loss of Marty Moore?

Ross Maloney was superb in the second row and Josh VDF again a menace at 7. Ringrose made a couple of excellent breaks. Still feel it would be more beneficial if he got more game time with Leinster over the 6 Nations period and then toured with Ireland in the summer. Personally I'd prefer to see Henshaw, Fitz, McCloskey and Marshall battle it out for 12/13 positions in this 6 Nations. Ringrose will get him time and we dont want another Matthew Tait scenario happening.

Ulster made mistakes at key periods and that let them down. Now have to rely on results going their way in order to make the 1/4ers. The back row is definitely a worry. Would Dominic Ryan not be much better suited to moving north to Ulster?

Didnt see the Munster match but apparently Stander excellent yet again. Would love to see JS give him a run at 8!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 18, 2016, 09:57:27 AM
Munster were far, far better in attitude and fight. Dinny's favourite 'passion' was very much to the fore, and the fans really got behind them. Best atmosphere in Thomond Park in at least a year I'd say. I was delighted. I was determined I was going to go there and roar and shout, and everyone that turned up seemed to be of a similar mind. Defiant is the word I think.

The same old limitations were there. Incoherent attacking plan, over reliance on box kicking (to one of the best in the world at gathering them, Parisse) and silly execution errors out wide. In addition the scrum was destroyed and the lineout had a couple of malfunctions, including another overthrow leading to a try for the opposition. Almost a carbon copy of the Leicester disaster. However they really brought aggression to the rucks, tackled like they meant it, and refused to take a backward step. For Munster that *has* to be the starting point. I know professionalism requires a dispassionate eye, and a clear head, and following the process, but at the end of the day it is still a series of physical contests, and when you are up for them, and driving your opponents back in the tackle, and fighting for every ball on the ground, then you can be very competitive.

The problems they have won't be fixed quickly, but at the very least, that sort of fight and spirit will give them a chance to end the season on a positive note, and it will certainly help keep the fans happy. We know there's a lot wrong, but that sort of fight and guts is easy to cheer for, and it is the least we expect.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 18, 2016, 10:07:53 AM
Good man AZ cheers for that. I think fight, pride and aggression has to be the baseline for any professional rugby team. Fans aren't stupid - they recognise when a team has the individuals and when they don't. At least showing that level of determination puts them in a position to compete.

Looking ahead to next year are there any rumours of a potential 10 to come in? Any chance at all Munster could get their hands on Henshaw or is he Leinster bound?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 18, 2016, 10:17:49 AM
The thing is, the personnel aren't chronic either. Keatley is average, and really should be a backup to a good 10, but there aren't many good 10s out there that Munster could afford. Maybe Andy Farrell can get Owen to come over :) There's a young Holland lad that might be a decent outhalf, but he's red raw and not ready.  They need a tight head, probably a hooker. The second row is light as well. A 10, and maybe a centre, although I have high hopes for Rory Scannell.

The rest of the personnel is not bad. Kilcoyne and Cronin, Dave Foley has potential. Donnacha Ryan. The back row with O'Donnell, O'Mahoney and Stander would be decent, and they have options at backup then with the likes of Copeland and Jack O'Donoghue. Murray is fine, and Tomás O'Leary is adequate as backup. Saili is frustrating as hell for 500k, but I'm inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt because the attacking gameplan is so poor. Scannell, as I've said, has a chance. Earls, Zebo, Conway are fine, and Ronan O'Mahoney is an adequate backup.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 18, 2016, 10:22:10 AM
That's true. That back row you listed on form is as good as there is in the Pro 12/Aviva!

Owen Farrell would be some signing haha

Will Zebo stay or go?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rosnarun on January 18, 2016, 10:30:44 AM
is Saili recall on 500K  and if reports are right they nearly lost Cronin because he wanted 60K instead of 50K
cork Hurdlers would definitely strike over that
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 18, 2016, 10:37:12 AM
According to reports (ahem), Saili is on €1,000,000 for a two year contract.

I'd say Zebo will go if Foley takes on the extra year option. In fact he might go anyway. He's obviously not a favourite of Schmidt's and I think he'd enjoy France.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rosnarun on January 18, 2016, 03:15:33 PM
who even is Saili not exactly Carter or Ma Nonu or even a Charles Piutau
I thought the same last week watching Zebo that his heart wasn't in it and he'd be better off away some where for at least a break . but then he go Man of the Match so what do I know
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2016, 04:48:48 PM
QuoteDinny's favourite 'passion' was very much to the fore

QuoteI think fight, pride and aggression has to be the baseline for any professional rugby team

This.

What happens when you get out passion a team, or you're too up for a game and give a flat performance?

Bottom line Munster fail to perform when it mattered, in the 22 in both games against Leicester and away to Stade. That has nothing to do with lack of passion, that is just poor coaching when the same mistakes are repeated over and over.





Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 18, 2016, 04:52:57 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2016, 04:48:48 PM
QuoteDinny's favourite 'passion' was very much to the fore

QuoteI think fight, pride and aggression has to be the baseline for any professional rugby team

This.

What happens when you get out passion a team, or you're too up for a game and give a flat performance?

Bottom line Munster fail to perform when it mattered, in the 22 in both games against Leicester and away to Stade. That has nothing to do with lack of passion, that is just poor coaching when the same mistakes are repeated over and over.

You won't get an argument from me about the coaching. But you can't tell me they were at the requisite level of intensity against Stade last week? The way they fell off tackles and got bullied showed that.

You have to start with the right level of intensity and aggression. Call it passion if you like, but if you don't have it, all the coaching in the world won't win a physical game like Rugby. Leinster took a long time to cotton onto that, and when they finally did, with lads like Leo Cullen leading the charge, they became the best in Europe.

It takes both, but you can at least be hard to beat with aggression and intensity, and work from there on the stuff you really need to get to the top.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2016, 05:33:10 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 18, 2016, 04:52:57 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2016, 04:48:48 PM
QuoteDinny's favourite 'passion' was very much to the fore

QuoteI think fight, pride and aggression has to be the baseline for any professional rugby team

This.

What happens when you get out passion a team, or you're too up for a game and give a flat performance?

Bottom line Munster fail to perform when it mattered, in the 22 in both games against Leicester and away to Stade. That has nothing to do with lack of passion, that is just poor coaching when the same mistakes are repeated over and over.

You won't get an argument from me about the coaching. But you can't tell me they were at the requisite level of intensity against Stade last week? The way they fell off tackles and got bullied showed that.

You have to start with the right level of intensity and aggression. Call it passion if you like, but if you don't have it, all the coaching in the world won't win a physical game like Rugby. Leinster took a long time to cotton onto that, and when they finally did, with lads like Leo Cullen leading the charge, they became the best in Europe.

It takes both, but you can at least be hard to beat with aggression and intensity, and work from there on the stuff you really need to get to the top.

I'm not disagreeing but you still need skills and a game plan to compliment that intensity and there will be games where you can't perform at a high intensity level. It's about managing energy and the two weeks previous to the Stade game Munster would have put a lot of energy into the Leinster and then the Ulster game, it was inevitable they would hit a wall. I wasn't surprised to see their performance in France.

I think Foley is just a poor coach in how he manages his squad, his limited game plan and his lack of accountability.

A loss for Munster would have been better in the long term, all that win does is reinforce Foley's belief that's about "passion". Meh!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 18, 2016, 10:47:50 PM
http://www.the42.ie/analysis-leinster-bath-molony-ringrose-mcgrath-2554686-Jan2016/

More great analysis by Murray Kinsella!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 19, 2016, 09:24:38 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2016, 05:33:10 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 18, 2016, 04:52:57 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2016, 04:48:48 PM
QuoteDinny's favourite 'passion' was very much to the fore

QuoteI think fight, pride and aggression has to be the baseline for any professional rugby team

This.

What happens when you get out passion a team, or you're too up for a game and give a flat performance?

Bottom line Munster fail to perform when it mattered, in the 22 in both games against Leicester and away to Stade. That has nothing to do with lack of passion, that is just poor coaching when the same mistakes are repeated over and over.

You won't get an argument from me about the coaching. But you can't tell me they were at the requisite level of intensity against Stade last week? The way they fell off tackles and got bullied showed that.

You have to start with the right level of intensity and aggression. Call it passion if you like, but if you don't have it, all the coaching in the world won't win a physical game like Rugby. Leinster took a long time to cotton onto that, and when they finally did, with lads like Leo Cullen leading the charge, they became the best in Europe.

It takes both, but you can at least be hard to beat with aggression and intensity, and work from there on the stuff you really need to get to the top.

I'm not disagreeing but you still need skills and a game plan to compliment that intensity and there will be games where you can't perform at a high intensity level. It's about managing energy and the two weeks previous to the Stade game Munster would have put a lot of energy into the Leinster and then the Ulster game, it was inevitable they would hit a wall. I wasn't surprised to see their performance in France.

I think Foley is just a poor coach in how he manages his squad, his limited game plan and his lack of accountability.

A loss for Munster would have been better in the long term, all that win does is reinforce Foley's belief that's about "passion". Meh!

Wouldn't agree with that bit. I know what you are saying, but that performance and attitude was very important on Saturday, in the medium term and long term. Because if they had come out and lay down, a lot of bandwaggoners would just walk away. 

I don't think anybody, Foley included, would think that passion and intensity is enough, and I know the fans still want Foley to be let go at the end of the year. It was just important to show that sense of pride, because if you don't have that, you have nothing to even build off.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 20, 2016, 12:10:50 PM
Conor O'Shea to quit Harlequins.

http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2016/0120/761557-conor-oshea-harlequins/

New Munster coach possibly?? Or will he make the leap to International with Italy. Who is the Italian coach btw?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Feckitt on January 20, 2016, 02:45:25 PM
Rory Best is the new Ireland Captain for the 6 Nations.  I think this is a great appointment.

I know Best has captained Ireland before, but only on a stand in basis.  Who was the last Ulsterman to be Ireland Captain
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on January 20, 2016, 02:56:33 PM
There's been a few who've done it for a few games - Simon Best, David Humphreys - but you'd probably have to go Dion O Cuinneagain and the '99 debacle for a naturalised Ulsterman as official captain and maybe to Paddy Johns for a real one.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 20, 2016, 03:03:03 PM
I doubt Conor O'Shea will be coming to Munster. In fact I think Foley will extend a year. Unfortunately.

Anyway, on another note, what are people's opinions on International Rugby's eligibility rules. I'm all for someone who feels Irish through bloodline or whatever being allowed play soccer for the ROI, but I can't get my head around these lads coming in from the Southern Hemisphere, staying a few years, and suddenly being Irish? I think it dilutes the whole thing. The following is Joe Schmidt's squad for the 6 NAtions, and while I don't know the back story of some of these lads, and maybe they are born here or lived here since they were kids, which is fair enough, I just can't help feeling that the like of CJ Stander playing for Ireland is a joke.

Home Rugby Irish Rugby Joe Schmidt Unveils Ireland's Six Nations Squad
Joe Schmidt Unveils Ireland's Six Nations Squad
Alan Drumm  January 20, 2016   2 Views

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Ireland are looking to win their third consecutive Six Nations Championship.

With Ireland about to be entering a period of transition, Joe Schmidt's squad announcement was always going to be of interest for even passive rugby fans.

With the likes of Paul O'Connell and Brian O'Driscoll now firmly out of the picture, players such as Stuart McCloskey and Ultan Dillan have taken the opportunity to put themselves in contention for a place in Schmidt's squad.

However, despite his recent performances, Gary Ringrose has missed out.

Indeed, while Jamie Heaslip has been Ireland's undisputed number 8 for the best part of a decade, CJ Stander's recent performances suggest that the Leinster man will face serious competition.

Paul O'Connell's retirement also means that the position of Captain was up for grabs. In the midst of much debate on the issue, Schmidt handed the role to Ulster's Rory Best.

Ireland Squad.

Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster) Captain- Born Craigavon
Sean Cronin (St. Mary's College/Leinster) - Born Limerick
James Cronin (Dolphin/Munster) - Born Ballincollig
Ultan Dillane (Corinthians/Connacht)* - Born Paris, France (but moved to Ireland aged 7 and has an Irish mother)
Tadhg Furlong (Clontarf/Leinster) - Born Wexford
Jamie Heaslip (Dublin University/Leinster) Vice Captain - Born Tiberius, Israel ( Father was based over there in the UN in the Leb)
Rob Herring (Ballynahinch/Ulster)  - Born Cape Town, South Africa
Mike McCarthy (Lansdowne/Leinster) - Born in London, but obviously with Irish connections. Played with England at underage.
Jack McGrath (St. Mary's College/Leinster) - Born Dublin
Martin Moore (Lansdowne/Leinster) - Born Dublin
Sean O'Brien (UCD/Leinster) - Born Carlow
Tommy O'Donnell (UL Bohemians/Munster) - Born Cahir
Rhys Ruddock (St Mary's College/Leinster) - Born Dublin
Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster) - Born Limerick
CJ Stander (Munster)* - Born George, South Africa
Richardt Strauss (Old Wesley/Leinster) - Born Pretoria, South Africa
Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster)  - Born Moynalvey
Josh van der Flier (UCD/Leinster)* - Born Dublin
Nathan White (Connacht) - Born Hawera, New Zealand

Backs (16)

Keith Earls (Young Munster/Munster)- Born Limerick
Luke Fitzgerald (Blackrock College/Leinster) - Born Wicklow
Robbie Henshaw (Buccaneers/Connacht) - Born Athlone
Paddy Jackson (Dungannon/Ulster) - Born Belfast
David Kearney (Lansdowne/Leinster) - Born Dundalk
Rob Kearney (UCD/Leinster) - Born Dundalk
Ian Madigan (Blackrock College/Leinster) - Born Dublin
Kieran Marmion (Corinthians/Connacht) - Born Barking, UK, but to Irish parents.
Luke Marshall (Ballymena/Ulster) - Born Ballymoney
Stuart McCloskey (McCloskey/Ulster)* - Born Bangor
Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster) - Born Limerick
Jared Payne (Ulster) - Born Tauranga, New Zealand
Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster) - Born Limerick
Jonathan Sexton (St Mary's College/Leinster) - Born Dublin
Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster) - Born Belfast
Simon Zebo (Cork Con/Munster) - Born Cork


So it's not out of the bounds of possibility that an Irish team could line out with one third of it being about as much Irish as Nelson Mandela.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on January 20, 2016, 03:12:25 PM
Quote from: Feckitt on January 20, 2016, 02:45:25 PM
Rory Best is the new Ireland Captain for the 6 Nations.  I think this is a great appointment.

I know Best has captained Ireland before, but only on a stand in basis.  Who was the last Ulsterman to be Ireland Captain
The only thing I'd say about Best is that inevitably he'll be taken off around the 60 minute mark, so our captain won't be on the pitch for potentially crucial late decisions.

But as a leader he's definitely the best man. I was at the Argentina match in the World Cup and when things were going pear-shaped it was only himself and Heaslip that were showing leadership, taking responsibility and making concerted efforts to turn things around and talk to teammates. But Best in particular.
Whereas other senior players, in particular Conor Murray and Rob Kearney, were hiding.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 20, 2016, 03:17:43 PM
Conor Murray has hid for Munster all year. I'm not necessarily slating him for that, as maybe that's just the sort of quiet lad he is, but he does not have leadership skills, that's obvious. I'd expect Peter O'Mahoney or Sean O'Brien to be the long term captains of the team. Rory probably doesn't have a long time left.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on January 20, 2016, 04:11:32 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 20, 2016, 03:03:03 PM
I doubt Conor O'Shea will be coming to Munster. In fact I think Foley will extend a year. Unfortunately.

Anyway, on another note, what are people's opinions on International Rugby's eligibility rules. I'm all for someone who feels Irish through bloodline or whatever being allowed play soccer for the ROI, but I can't get my head around these lads coming in from the Southern Hemisphere, staying a few years, and suddenly being Irish? I think it dilutes the whole thing. The following is Joe Schmidt's squad for the 6 NAtions, and while I don't know the back story of some of these lads, and maybe they are born here or lived here since they were kids, which is fair enough, I just can't help feeling that the like of CJ Stander playing for Ireland is a joke.

Home Rugby Irish Rugby Joe Schmidt Unveils Ireland's Six Nations Squad
Joe Schmidt Unveils Ireland's Six Nations Squad
Alan Drumm  January 20, 2016   2 Views

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Ireland are looking to win their third consecutive Six Nations Championship.

With Ireland about to be entering a period of transition, Joe Schmidt's squad announcement was always going to be of interest for even passive rugby fans.

With the likes of Paul O'Connell and Brian O'Driscoll now firmly out of the picture, players such as Stuart McCloskey and Ultan Dillan have taken the opportunity to put themselves in contention for a place in Schmidt's squad.

However, despite his recent performances, Gary Ringrose has missed out.

Indeed, while Jamie Heaslip has been Ireland's undisputed number 8 for the best part of a decade, CJ Stander's recent performances suggest that the Leinster man will face serious competition.

Paul O'Connell's retirement also means that the position of Captain was up for grabs. In the midst of much debate on the issue, Schmidt handed the role to Ulster's Rory Best.

Ireland Squad.

Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster) Captain- Born Craigavon
Sean Cronin (St. Mary's College/Leinster) - Born Limerick
James Cronin (Dolphin/Munster) - Born Ballincollig
Ultan Dillane (Corinthians/Connacht)* - Born Paris, France (but moved to Ireland aged 7 and has an Irish mother)
Tadhg Furlong (Clontarf/Leinster) - Born Wexford
Jamie Heaslip (Dublin University/Leinster) Vice Captain - Born Tiberius, Israel ( Father was based over there in the UN in the Leb)
Rob Herring (Ballynahinch/Ulster)  - Born Cape Town, South Africa
Mike McCarthy (Lansdowne/Leinster) - Born in London, but obviously with Irish connections. Played with England at underage.
Jack McGrath (St. Mary's College/Leinster) - Born Dublin
Martin Moore (Lansdowne/Leinster) - Born Dublin
Sean O'Brien (UCD/Leinster) - Born Carlow
Tommy O'Donnell (UL Bohemians/Munster) - Born Cahir
Rhys Ruddock (St Mary's College/Leinster) - Born Dublin
Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster) - Born Limerick
CJ Stander (Munster)* - Born George, South Africa
Richardt Strauss (Old Wesley/Leinster) - Born Pretoria, South Africa
Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster)  - Born Moynalvey
Josh van der Flier (UCD/Leinster)* - Born Dublin
Nathan White (Connacht) - Born Hawera, New Zealand

Backs (16)

Keith Earls (Young Munster/Munster)- Born Limerick
Luke Fitzgerald (Blackrock College/Leinster) - Born Wicklow
Robbie Henshaw (Buccaneers/Connacht) - Born Athlone
Paddy Jackson (Dungannon/Ulster) - Born Belfast
David Kearney (Lansdowne/Leinster) - Born Dundalk
Rob Kearney (UCD/Leinster) - Born Dundalk
Ian Madigan (Blackrock College/Leinster) - Born Dublin
Kieran Marmion (Corinthians/Connacht) - Born Barking, UK, but to Irish parents.
Luke Marshall (Ballymena/Ulster) - Born Ballymoney
Stuart McCloskey (McCloskey/Ulster)* - Born Bangor
Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster) - Born Limerick
Jared Payne (Ulster) - Born Tauranga, New Zealand
Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster) - Born Limerick
Jonathan Sexton (St Mary's College/Leinster) - Born Dublin
Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster) - Born Belfast
Simon Zebo (Cork Con/Munster) - Born Cork


So it's not out of the bounds of possibility that an Irish team could line out with one third of it being about as much Irish as Nelson Mandela.
I'd agree with you on the eligibility but all the European Nations are at it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 20, 2016, 04:22:18 PM
Quote from: Hound on January 20, 2016, 03:12:25 PM
Quote from: Feckitt on January 20, 2016, 02:45:25 PM
Rory Best is the new Ireland Captain for the 6 Nations.  I think this is a great appointment.

I know Best has captained Ireland before, but only on a stand in basis.  Who was the last Ulsterman to be Ireland Captain
The only thing I'd say about Best is that inevitably he'll be taken off around the 60 minute mark, so our captain won't be on the pitch for potentially crucial late decisions.

But as a leader he's definitely the best man. I was at the Argentina match in the World Cup and when things were going pear-shaped it was only himself and Heaslip that were showing leadership, taking responsibility and making concerted efforts to turn things around and talk to teammates. But Best in particular.
Whereas other senior players, in particular Conor Murray and Rob Kearney, were hiding.

Very valid point Hound regarding Best coming off on the 60 mark. I have no problem with Heaslips ability to manage a game when its in the melting pot. Its the fact he's crap with the media and loses the run of himself pre game that makes Best a much more sensible option. Choosing the next captain for 2019 will be interest. POM, SOB and Henderson all injury prone!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on January 20, 2016, 04:25:09 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on January 20, 2016, 04:11:32 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 20, 2016, 03:03:03 PM
I doubt Conor O'Shea will be coming to Munster. In fact I think Foley will extend a year. Unfortunately.

Anyway, on another note, what are people's opinions on International Rugby's eligibility rules. I'm all for someone who feels Irish through bloodline or whatever being allowed play soccer for the ROI, but I can't get my head around these lads coming in from the Southern Hemisphere, staying a few years, and suddenly being Irish? I think it dilutes the whole thing. The following is Joe Schmidt's squad for the 6 NAtions, and while I don't know the back story of some of these lads, and maybe they are born here or lived here since they were kids, which is fair enough, I just can't help feeling that the like of CJ Stander playing for Ireland is a joke.

Home Rugby Irish Rugby Joe Schmidt Unveils Ireland's Six Nations Squad
Joe Schmidt Unveils Ireland's Six Nations Squad
Alan Drumm  January 20, 2016   2 Views

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Ireland are looking to win their third consecutive Six Nations Championship.

With Ireland about to be entering a period of transition, Joe Schmidt's squad announcement was always going to be of interest for even passive rugby fans.

With the likes of Paul O'Connell and Brian O'Driscoll now firmly out of the picture, players such as Stuart McCloskey and Ultan Dillan have taken the opportunity to put themselves in contention for a place in Schmidt's squad.

However, despite his recent performances, Gary Ringrose has missed out.

Indeed, while Jamie Heaslip has been Ireland's undisputed number 8 for the best part of a decade, CJ Stander's recent performances suggest that the Leinster man will face serious competition.

Paul O'Connell's retirement also means that the position of Captain was up for grabs. In the midst of much debate on the issue, Schmidt handed the role to Ulster's Rory Best.

Ireland Squad.

Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster) Captain- Born Craigavon
Sean Cronin (St. Mary's College/Leinster) - Born Limerick
James Cronin (Dolphin/Munster) - Born Ballincollig
Ultan Dillane (Corinthians/Connacht)* - Born Paris, France (but moved to Ireland aged 7 and has an Irish mother)
Tadhg Furlong (Clontarf/Leinster) - Born Wexford
Jamie Heaslip (Dublin University/Leinster) Vice Captain - Born Tiberius, Israel ( Father was based over there in the UN in the Leb)
Rob Herring (Ballynahinch/Ulster)  - Born Cape Town, South Africa
Mike McCarthy (Lansdowne/Leinster) - Born in London, but obviously with Irish connections. Played with England at underage.
Jack McGrath (St. Mary's College/Leinster) - Born Dublin
Martin Moore (Lansdowne/Leinster) - Born Dublin
Sean O'Brien (UCD/Leinster) - Born Carlow
Tommy O'Donnell (UL Bohemians/Munster) - Born Cahir
Rhys Ruddock (St Mary's College/Leinster) - Born Dublin
Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster) - Born Limerick
CJ Stander (Munster)* - Born George, South Africa
Richardt Strauss (Old Wesley/Leinster) - Born Pretoria, South Africa
Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster)  - Born Moynalvey
Josh van der Flier (UCD/Leinster)* - Born Dublin
Nathan White (Connacht) - Born Hawera, New Zealand

Backs (16)

Keith Earls (Young Munster/Munster)- Born Limerick
Luke Fitzgerald (Blackrock College/Leinster) - Born Wicklow
Robbie Henshaw (Buccaneers/Connacht) - Born Athlone
Paddy Jackson (Dungannon/Ulster) - Born Belfast
David Kearney (Lansdowne/Leinster) - Born Dundalk
Rob Kearney (UCD/Leinster) - Born Dundalk
Ian Madigan (Blackrock College/Leinster) - Born Dublin
Kieran Marmion (Corinthians/Connacht) - Born Barking, UK, but to Irish parents.
Luke Marshall (Ballymena/Ulster) - Born Ballymoney
Stuart McCloskey (McCloskey/Ulster)* - Born Bangor
Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster) - Born Limerick
Jared Payne (Ulster) - Born Tauranga, New Zealand
Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster) - Born Limerick
Jonathan Sexton (St Mary's College/Leinster) - Born Dublin
Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster) - Born Belfast
Simon Zebo (Cork Con/Munster) - Born Cork


So it's not out of the bounds of possibility that an Irish team could line out with one third of it being about as much Irish as Nelson Mandela.
I'd agree with you on the eligibility but all the European Nations are at it.

And the big three in the Southern Hemisphere have been at it for years!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Mikhailov on January 20, 2016, 04:26:16 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on January 20, 2016, 04:11:32 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 20, 2016, 03:03:03 PM
I doubt Conor O'Shea will be coming to Munster. In fact I think Foley will extend a year. Unfortunately.

Anyway, on another note, what are people's opinions on International Rugby's eligibility rules. I'm all for someone who feels Irish through bloodline or whatever being allowed play soccer for the ROI, but I can't get my head around these lads coming in from the Southern Hemisphere, staying a few years, and suddenly being Irish? I think it dilutes the whole thing. The following is Joe Schmidt's squad for the 6 NAtions, and while I don't know the back story of some of these lads, and maybe they are born here or lived here since they were kids, which is fair enough, I just can't help feeling that the like of CJ Stander playing for Ireland is a joke.

Home Rugby Irish Rugby Joe Schmidt Unveils Ireland's Six Nations Squad
Joe Schmidt Unveils Ireland's Six Nations Squad
Alan Drumm  January 20, 2016   2 Views

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Ireland are looking to win their third consecutive Six Nations Championship.

With Ireland about to be entering a period of transition, Joe Schmidt's squad announcement was always going to be of interest for even passive rugby fans.

With the likes of Paul O'Connell and Brian O'Driscoll now firmly out of the picture, players such as Stuart McCloskey and Ultan Dillan have taken the opportunity to put themselves in contention for a place in Schmidt's squad.

However, despite his recent performances, Gary Ringrose has missed out.

Indeed, while Jamie Heaslip has been Ireland's undisputed number 8 for the best part of a decade, CJ Stander's recent performances suggest that the Leinster man will face serious competition.

Paul O'Connell's retirement also means that the position of Captain was up for grabs. In the midst of much debate on the issue, Schmidt handed the role to Ulster's Rory Best.

Ireland Squad.

Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster) Captain- Born Craigavon
Sean Cronin (St. Mary's College/Leinster) - Born Limerick
James Cronin (Dolphin/Munster) - Born Ballincollig
Ultan Dillane (Corinthians/Connacht)* - Born Paris, France (but moved to Ireland aged 7 and has an Irish mother)
Tadhg Furlong (Clontarf/Leinster) - Born Wexford
Jamie Heaslip (Dublin University/Leinster) Vice Captain - Born Tiberius, Israel ( Father was based over there in the UN in the Leb)
Rob Herring (Ballynahinch/Ulster)  - Born Cape Town, South Africa
Mike McCarthy (Lansdowne/Leinster) - Born in London, but obviously with Irish connections. Played with England at underage.
Jack McGrath (St. Mary's College/Leinster) - Born Dublin
Martin Moore (Lansdowne/Leinster) - Born Dublin
Sean O'Brien (UCD/Leinster) - Born Carlow
Tommy O'Donnell (UL Bohemians/Munster) - Born Cahir
Rhys Ruddock (St Mary's College/Leinster) - Born Dublin
Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster) - Born Limerick
CJ Stander (Munster)* - Born George, South Africa
Richardt Strauss (Old Wesley/Leinster) - Born Pretoria, South Africa
Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster)  - Born Moynalvey
Josh van der Flier (UCD/Leinster)* - Born Dublin
Nathan White (Connacht) - Born Hawera, New Zealand

Backs (16)

Keith Earls (Young Munster/Munster)- Born Limerick
Luke Fitzgerald (Blackrock College/Leinster) - Born Wicklow
Robbie Henshaw (Buccaneers/Connacht) - Born Athlone
Paddy Jackson (Dungannon/Ulster) - Born Belfast
David Kearney (Lansdowne/Leinster) - Born Dundalk
Rob Kearney (UCD/Leinster) - Born Dundalk
Ian Madigan (Blackrock College/Leinster) - Born Dublin
Kieran Marmion (Corinthians/Connacht) - Born Barking, UK, but to Irish parents.
Luke Marshall (Ballymena/Ulster) - Born Ballymoney
Stuart McCloskey (McCloskey/Ulster)* - Born Bangor
Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster) - Born Limerick
Jared Payne (Ulster) - Born Tauranga, New Zealand
Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster) - Born Limerick
Jonathan Sexton (St Mary's College/Leinster) - Born Dublin
Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster) - Born Belfast
Simon Zebo (Cork Con/Munster) - Born Cork


So it's not out of the bounds of possibility that an Irish team could line out with one third of it being about as much Irish as Nelson Mandela.
I'd agree with you on the eligibility but all the European Nations are at it.

Every European nation !! - every nation in WRU is at it. Sure NZ and Australia raid the Pacific Islands every year for all their good players at youth level and offer them so called contracts to join Super 15 clubs. We are miles behind in terms of this, they have been at it for years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mikehunt on January 20, 2016, 04:30:27 PM
Quote from: Hound on January 20, 2016, 03:12:25 PM
Quote from: Feckitt on January 20, 2016, 02:45:25 PM
Rory Best is the new Ireland Captain for the 6 Nations.  I think this is a great appointment.

I know Best has captained Ireland before, but only on a stand in basis.  Who was the last Ulsterman to be Ireland Captain
The only thing I'd say about Best is that inevitably he'll be taken off around the 60 minute mark, so our captain won't be on the pitch for potentially crucial late decisions.

But as a leader he's definitely the best man. I was at the Argentina match in the World Cup and when things were going pear-shaped it was only himself and Heaslip that were showing leadership, taking responsibility and making concerted efforts to turn things around and talk to teammates. But Best in particular.
Whereas other senior players, in particular Conor Murray and Rob Kearney, were hiding.

If you're relying on a man with a fake tan and a fake accent to step up in times of need then you know you're in trouble.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 20, 2016, 04:36:36 PM
I'm not arguing any of that. I'm saying its bollix. The term international rugby is a misnomer. It should be called inter federation rugby. We have lads giving out about Irelands Call. Sure jaysus we could play Nkosi Sikelel iAfrika for 3 of them 😃
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 20, 2016, 05:08:21 PM
It is no worse than Larry Tompkins playing for Cork .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on January 20, 2016, 05:12:47 PM
Well, Larry Tompkins AND Shay Fahy...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 20, 2016, 05:22:54 PM
If they wanted to naturalise Sonny Bill Williams fast track the Larry Tompkins precedent would mean nobody could complain.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on January 20, 2016, 05:29:25 PM
I think people would object to Sonny Bill Williams becoming One Of Our Own, because it would be so goddamn blatant.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 20, 2016, 05:41:25 PM
Quote from: deiseach on January 20, 2016, 05:29:25 PM
I think people would object to Sonny Bill Williams becoming One Of Our Own, because it would be so goddamn blatant.
the money in the game is blatanter
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 25, 2016, 10:09:25 AM
Another head injury to Sexton. Will someone teach that man how to tackle correctly! ROG used to get slated but at least he had to bottle to go low. This 'pawing' by Sexton leaves him open to forearm smashes and head on head collisions.

Starting to get worried about the 6 nations. The Welsh game is massive! It really is a must win or we could be looking at 4th place (that's not to say the Scotland game is by any means a gimme)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on January 25, 2016, 10:19:07 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 25, 2016, 10:09:25 AM
Another head injury to Sexton. Will someone teach that man how to tackle correctly! ROG used to get slated but at least he had to bottle to go low. This 'pawing' by Sexton leaves him open to forearm smashes and head on head collisions.

Starting to get worried about the 6 nations. The Welsh game is massive! It really is a must win or we could be looking at 4th place (that's not to say the Scotland game is by any means a gimme)

Sexton will be gone in the not too distant future I think. He's 30 at this stage and has had to deal with way more head injuries, especially in such a short space of time than any player should.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 25, 2016, 10:23:16 AM
Quote from: gallsman on January 25, 2016, 10:19:07 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 25, 2016, 10:09:25 AM
Another head injury to Sexton. Will someone teach that man how to tackle correctly! ROG used to get slated but at least he had to bottle to go low. This 'pawing' by Sexton leaves him open to forearm smashes and head on head collisions.

Starting to get worried about the 6 nations. The Welsh game is massive! It really is a must win or we could be looking at 4th place (that's not to say the Scotland game is by any means a gimme)

Sexton will be gone in the not too distant future I think. He's 30 at this stage and has had to deal with way more head injuries, especially in such a short space of time than any player should.

He's not helping his cause though with his poor technique.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 25, 2016, 11:33:21 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 25, 2016, 10:23:16 AM
Quote from: gallsman on January 25, 2016, 10:19:07 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 25, 2016, 10:09:25 AM
Another head injury to Sexton. Will someone teach that man how to tackle correctly! ROG used to get slated but at least he had to bottle to go low. This 'pawing' by Sexton leaves him open to forearm smashes and head on head collisions.

Starting to get worried about the 6 nations. The Welsh game is massive! It really is a must win or we could be looking at 4th place (that's not to say the Scotland game is by any means a gimme)

Sexton will be gone in the not too distant future I think. He's 30 at this stage and has had to deal with way more head injuries, especially in such a short space of time than any player should.

He's not helping his cause though with his poor technique.

Sexton doesn't have poor technique, he is actually quite aggressive in the tackle and chooses to go high as at 6ft 2 he is physically capable of holding up players. This will either result in a choke tackle and turnover or a worst slowing down the ruck as the opposition player fights to get to the crowd. Brave to a fault now. Sexton should retire.

I would also change the laws and penalize the choke tackle as it encourages players to go high.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Longshanks on January 25, 2016, 11:36:41 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 25, 2016, 11:33:21 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 25, 2016, 10:23:16 AM
Quote from: gallsman on January 25, 2016, 10:19:07 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 25, 2016, 10:09:25 AM
Another head injury to Sexton. Will someone teach that man how to tackle correctly! ROG used to get slated but at least he had to bottle to go low. This 'pawing' by Sexton leaves him open to forearm smashes and head on head collisions.

Starting to get worried about the 6 nations. The Welsh game is massive! It really is a must win or we could be looking at 4th place (that's not to say the Scotland game is by any means a gimme)

Sexton will be gone in the not too distant future I think. He's 30 at this stage and has had to deal with way more head injuries, especially in such a short space of time than any player should.

He's not helping his cause though with his poor technique.

Sexton doesn't have poor technique, he is actually quite aggressive in the tackle and chooses to go high as at 6ft 2 he is physically capable of holding up players. This will either result in a choke tackle and turnover or a worst slowing down the ruck as the opposition player fights to get to the crowd. Brave to a fault now. Sexton should retire.

I would also change the laws and penalize the choke tackle as it encourages players to go high.

Totally agree regarding why sometimes he tackles high but would common sense or some of the coaches not be looking at his game and saying in order to prolong your career adapt your tackling style so as to be hit so much high and go lower in the tackle??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 11:36:53 AM
Change it to what Dinny? If you eliminate the choke tackle, are you not encouraging a maul, and the dangerous practice of bringing down mauls?

Sexton should retire. I know from my own experience that you pick up your third concussion easier than your second. He's had 4 now, I think, in about a year.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 25, 2016, 11:37:32 AM
Poor technique or good technique (we'll agree to disagree on that) its doing himself or Leinster/Ireland no favours for a few potential penalties via the choke tackle. Somethings gotta give and he may pay the price down the line.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 25, 2016, 11:38:31 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 11:36:53 AM
Change it to what Dinny? If you eliminate the choke tackle, are you not encouraging a maul, and the dangerous practice of bringing down mauls?

Sexton should retire. I know from my own experience that you pick up your third concussion easier than your second. He's had 4 now, I think, in about a year.

Think its his 5th AZ. Could be wrong though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 12:01:23 PM
Either way, that's too much. The NFL has had many lads retire due to concussions, and they are leaving big money behind in some cases. (Steve Young maybe the highest profile back in the late 90s). I'd be worried that he's doing damage to himself. Feck rugby, he has a life to live, and a wife and child.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 25, 2016, 12:12:58 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 11:36:53 AM
Change it to what Dinny? If you eliminate the choke tackle, are you not encouraging a maul, and the dangerous practice of bringing down mauls?

Sexton should retire. I know from my own experience that you pick up your third concussion easier than your second. He's had 4 now, I think, in about a year.

I would change the laws not the tackle so that it became illegal to execute a choke tackle on a player. The fact you turnover the ball from it means players will try to execute it. Therefore it encourages players to go high increasing the risk of head to head or shoulder to head or forearm to head contact. Players are getting bigger and quicker in the professional game. Concussions in the amateur game have probably risen but that is down now to more public awareness and education. A suspected concussion is 3 weeks out no questions asked or if u20 3weeks + 1 day (effectively 4 weeks).
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 12:17:12 PM
But a 'choke' tackle is effectively just creating a maul, with the intention of winning a scrum. If you outlaw it, how do you legislate for mauls, and do you encourage teams to just try maul the ball, even from open play? Especially if you say that the team bringing the ball in will get the ball back via scum if the mall is legally brought down?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 25, 2016, 12:48:27 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 12:17:12 PM
But a 'choke' tackle is effectively just creating a maul, with the intention of winning a scrum. If you outlaw it, how do you legislate for mauls, and do you encourage teams to just try maul the ball, even from open play? Especially if you say that the team bringing the ball in will get the ball back via scum if the mall is legally brought down?

No mini-mauls or mauls in open play. Mauls only from line-out. If the defensive player tries to hold up a player and stops that player getting to ground to place the ball penalty against him. If the offensive player tries to form a min-maul (rare these days) penalty against him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 12:49:37 PM
Fair enough. The mini maul is rare these days, because of the choke tackle. Eliminate the choke tackle without outlawing the mini maul would bring it back in. Jaysus Munster would have an entirely new dimension :)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 25, 2016, 12:57:48 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 12:49:37 PM
Fair enough. The mini maul is rare these days, because of the choke tackle. Eliminate the choke tackle without outlawing the mini maul would bring it back in. Jaysus Munster would have an entirely new dimension :)

Ha! I did think that - but it would help quicken up the game, which means guys might need to be lighter to be quicker. Lighter guys less impact less concussions perhaps....
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 12:59:24 PM
On a separate topic, did you see the mini-maul brewing up between Portarlington and Cill Dara re a mini blitz and goggles?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 25, 2016, 01:11:28 PM
Ireland U20 squad named. 14 Leinster, 6 Munster, 4 Connacht and 4 Ulster.

Glad to see the number rising in Munster but a little disappointing from an Ulster point of view - still too reliant on Leinster.

Ireland U20 Six Nations squad - Forwards: James Bollard (Dublin University/Leinster), Kelvin Brown (Shannon/Munster), Peter Claffey (Galwegians/Leinster), Will Connors (UCD / Leinster), Max Deegan (Lansdowne/Leinster), Shane Fenton (Young Munster/Munster), John Foley (Shannon/Shannon), Cillian Gallagher (Sligo RFC/Connacht), Greg Jones (UCD/Leinster), Conor Kenny (Buccaneers/Connacht), Adam McBurney (Ballymena/Ulster), Sean O'Connor (Cashel/Munster), Conan O'Donnell (Sligo/Connacht), Andrew Porter (UCD/Leinster), James Ryan (Lansdowne/Leinster), Dan Walsh (Cork Con/Munster)

Backs: Matthew Byrne (Terenure/Leinster), Brett Connon (Newcastle Falcons/Exlies), Shane Daly (Cork Con/Munster), Hugo Keenan (UCD/Leinster), Terry Kennedy (St Mary's/Leinster), Stephen Kerins (Sligo/Connacht), Paul Kiernan (UCC/Leinster), Robert Lyttle (Queen's University/Ulster), Johnny McPhillips (Queen's University/Ulster), Conor O'Brien (Clontarf/Leinster), Jimmy O'Brien (UCD/Leinster), John Poland (Cork Con/Munster), Jack Power (UCD/Leinster), Jacob Stockdale (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 01:13:36 PM
I make that 7 from Munster? Assuming the Shannon lad is Munster? He's down as Shannon/Shannon....
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 25, 2016, 01:14:32 PM
Go easy AZ. Its Monday ;)

My bad. 7 from Munster.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 01:16:57 PM
Hey, when you're scrapping for everything, every single one is important :) I think the Munster lads won the U20 and U19 interpros last year, so I'd expect a few of them to be coming on to squads like this.

It is still telling that of the 7, 5 are forwards and 1 is a scrum half.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on January 25, 2016, 01:19:48 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 12:59:24 PM
On a separate topic, did you see the mini-maul brewing up between Portarlington and Cill Dara re a mini blitz and goggles?
I take it someone was banned? The minis regs are clear on the wearing of goggles so whilst hard on the kids involved you can imagine the uproar in the event of a related injury.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 25, 2016, 01:20:48 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 01:16:57 PM
Hey, when you're scrapping for everything, every single one is important :) I think the Munster lads won the U20 and U19 interpros last year, so I'd expect a few of them to be coming on to squads like this.

It is still telling that of the 7, 5 are forwards and 1 is a scrum half.

Different coaching structures needed in Munster to encourage better back play?

Off-topic here but can the introduction of more synthetic pitches (say Donneybrook) lend itself to more running rugby. Was that a step change from the Leinster branch to encourage more running or was it purely a maintenance thing?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 01:22:30 PM
Yeah, apparently they've been playing away with the goggles since the rule came in in 2012, at mini blitz level. Then this weekend, after 10 minutes of the blitz, Cill Dara insisted the young lad wearing the goggles couldn't play with them on. The Portarlington lads decided they wouldn't play without him, so they walked off.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 25, 2016, 01:23:43 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 12:59:24 PM
On a separate topic, did you see the mini-maul brewing up between Portarlington and Cill Dara re a mini blitz and goggles?

Yea, Portarlington are circumventing IRFU regulations by allowing players play with goggles, although one of the players in this instance didn't even have proper goggles. Cill Dara are caught between the IRFU and the Port by upholding the regulation. The IRFU need to speak to Portarlington. No surprise at that age it's parental driven but Cill Dara are staying well out it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 01:24:02 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 25, 2016, 01:20:48 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 01:16:57 PM
Hey, when you're scrapping for everything, every single one is important :) I think the Munster lads won the U20 and U19 interpros last year, so I'd expect a few of them to be coming on to squads like this.

It is still telling that of the 7, 5 are forwards and 1 is a scrum half.

Different coaching structures needed in Munster to encourage better back play?

Off-topic here but can the introduction of more synthetic pitches (say Donneybrook) lend itself to more running rugby. Was that a step change from the Leinster branch to encourage more running or was it purely a maintenance thing?

UL has a fantastic set of synthetic pitches, including dedicated Rugby versions, so that should not be the issue. I think it's the approach and skills that are being coached down here. They produce a bale of back row forwards, a few out halves and scrum halves, and very few outside backs.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 01:25:29 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 25, 2016, 01:23:43 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 12:59:24 PM
On a separate topic, did you see the mini-maul brewing up between Portarlington and Cill Dara re a mini blitz and goggles?

Yea, Portarlington are circumventing IRFU regulations by allowing players play with goggles, although one of the players in this instance didn't even have proper goggles. Cill Dara are caught between the IRFU and the Port by upholding the regulation. The IRFU need to speak to Portarlington. No surprise at that age it's parental driven but Cill Dara are staying well out it.

But apparently this is now a new thing (that Cill Dara care about it, and they are the only club to have done so), and those goggles are going to be allowed very shortly anyway? It appears to be nuts given the age group and the the fact that it was a mini blitz? Obviously I'm only hearing one side of it :) i used to play football with one of the Portarlington coaches :)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 25, 2016, 01:28:01 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 01:22:30 PM
Yeah, apparently they've been playing away with the goggles since the rule came in in 2012, at mini blitz level. Then this weekend, after 10 minutes of the blitz, Cill Dara insisted the young lad wearing the goggles couldn't play with them on. The Portarlington lads decided they wouldn't play without him, so they walked off.

As TB says what if a Cill Dara player damaged their cornea from these goggles which aren't approved for use yet? I'm all for inclusion but Port are playing a dangerous game and could run the risk of A) Getting suspended form the IRFU or B) a legal case against them. The old farts don't like clubs acting independently.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 25, 2016, 01:31:40 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 01:25:29 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 25, 2016, 01:23:43 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 12:59:24 PM
On a separate topic, did you see the mini-maul brewing up between Portarlington and Cill Dara re a mini blitz and goggles?

Yea, Portarlington are circumventing IRFU regulations by allowing players play with goggles, although one of the players in this instance didn't even have proper goggles. Cill Dara are caught between the IRFU and the Port by upholding the regulation. The IRFU need to speak to Portarlington. No surprise at that age it's parental driven but Cill Dara are staying well out it.

But apparently this is now a new thing (that Cill Dara care about it, and they are the only club to have done so), and those goggles are going to be allowed very shortly anyway? It appears to be nuts given the age group and the the fact that it was a mini blitz? Obviously I'm only hearing one side of it :) i used to play football with one of the Portarlington coaches :)

Ha! Spin, it's not a new thing. The rules are quite explicit it on it. I coached a rep team a few years and funny enough a Portarlington player on it tried to play with goggles, the referee pulled him on it. That was 4 years ago. No referee would allow it, you would get away it occasionally at minis level as it's coaches/parents who referee the game and probably aren't aware of the regulations.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 01:32:45 PM
As i said, I'm only hearing one side of it. And to put it into a GAA context, we wouldn't allow a young lad wearing a non-conforming helmet to hurl in a blitz, however you can be damn sure we'd find a helmet for him to use. We wouldn't not let him play. this is harder because if the goggles are needed, it's very hard to correct them on that morning, but it does seem as if there's a bit of inflexibility at play here. Have they been doing this since 2012, and is this the first time any club has kicked up about it? I know they objected before Christmas with the u13s as well, which seems to be the start of this latest chapter.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on January 25, 2016, 01:34:52 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 01:25:29 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 25, 2016, 01:23:43 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 12:59:24 PM
On a separate topic, did you see the mini-maul brewing up between Portarlington and Cill Dara re a mini blitz and goggles?

Yea, Portarlington are circumventing IRFU regulations by allowing players play with goggles, although one of the players in this instance didn't even have proper goggles. Cill Dara are caught between the IRFU and the Port by upholding the regulation. The IRFU need to speak to Portarlington. No surprise at that age it's parental driven but Cill Dara are staying well out it.

But apparently this is now a new thing (that Cill Dara care about it, and they are the only club to have done so), and those goggles are going to be allowed very shortly anyway? It appears to be nuts given the age group and the the fact that it was a mini blitz? Obviously I'm only hearing one side of it :) i used to play football with one of the Portarlington coaches :)
There is a trial ongoing into 2016 and even then I think players will be forced to wear the trial goggles only (Raleri). Until then they are not permitted. Leinster teams are rightly very tight on the gear worn. My middle fella had to sit out a match in Coolmine last year as he lost his gumshield in an earlier match. I don't know if he would have been pulled on it in the north.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 25, 2016, 01:46:02 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 01:32:45 PM
As i said, I'm only hearing one side of it. And to put it into a GAA context, we wouldn't allow a young lad wearing a non-conforming helmet to hurl in a blitz, however you can be damn sure we'd find a helmet for him to use. We wouldn't not let him play. this is harder because if the goggles are needed, it's very hard to correct them on that morning, but it does seem as if there's a bit of inflexibility at play here. Have they been doing this since 2012, and is this the first time any club has kicked up about it? I know they objected before Christmas with the u13s as well, which seems to be the start of this latest chapter.

My personal opinion is that is simply parents being selfish and putting their little Johnnies needs/wants above the other players. The rules are explicit if he needs goggles to play then he can't play, until the rules change and they possibly (note the trial is only senior level) might then play a sport that allows you were goggles.

Should we circumvent concussion protocols as well because we don't agree with them?

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 01:46:32 PM
This particular one is tricky though, as far as I can make out. What I described in GAA (gumshields or helmets) would take place because you need to protect the child playing, so no gumshield, no helmet, no play. Same in soccer with shin guards. However this one appears to be mandating that they *remove* a protective element because it is not sanctioned. I've seen kids wearing these goggles playing soccer and gaa, and I know they are allowed in Rugby in New Zealand etc.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 01:47:21 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 25, 2016, 01:46:02 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 01:32:45 PM
As i said, I'm only hearing one side of it. And to put it into a GAA context, we wouldn't allow a young lad wearing a non-conforming helmet to hurl in a blitz, however you can be damn sure we'd find a helmet for him to use. We wouldn't not let him play. this is harder because if the goggles are needed, it's very hard to correct them on that morning, but it does seem as if there's a bit of inflexibility at play here. Have they been doing this since 2012, and is this the first time any club has kicked up about it? I know they objected before Christmas with the u13s as well, which seems to be the start of this latest chapter.

My personal opinion is that is simply parents being selfish and putting their little Johnnies needs/wants above the other players. The rules are explicit if he needs goggles to play then he can't play, until the rules change and they possibly (note the trial is only senior level) might then play a sport that allows you were goggles.

Should we circumvent concussion protocols as well because we don't agree with them?

No because Concussion protocols are to protect the player. These goggles are also supposed to protect the player.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 25, 2016, 01:54:59 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 01:47:21 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 25, 2016, 01:46:02 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 01:32:45 PM
As i said, I'm only hearing one side of it. And to put it into a GAA context, we wouldn't allow a young lad wearing a non-conforming helmet to hurl in a blitz, however you can be damn sure we'd find a helmet for him to use. We wouldn't not let him play. this is harder because if the goggles are needed, it's very hard to correct them on that morning, but it does seem as if there's a bit of inflexibility at play here. Have they been doing this since 2012, and is this the first time any club has kicked up about it? I know they objected before Christmas with the u13s as well, which seems to be the start of this latest chapter.

My personal opinion is that is simply parents being selfish and putting their little Johnnies needs/wants above the other players. The rules are explicit if he needs goggles to play then he can't play, until the rules change and they possibly (note the trial is only senior level) might then play a sport that allows you were goggles.

Should we circumvent concussion protocols as well because we don't agree with them?

No because Concussion protocols are to protect the player. These goggles are also supposed to protect the player.

But that hasn't been proven yet, hence the trials.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Billys Boots on January 25, 2016, 02:00:02 PM
I know in football that referees ask for a team/parent to sign a waiver on the match card, accepting responsibility for any injury arising from the use of goggles.  No waiver, the child doesn't play. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 02:00:50 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 25, 2016, 01:54:59 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 01:47:21 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 25, 2016, 01:46:02 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 01:32:45 PM
As i said, I'm only hearing one side of it. And to put it into a GAA context, we wouldn't allow a young lad wearing a non-conforming helmet to hurl in a blitz, however you can be damn sure we'd find a helmet for him to use. We wouldn't not let him play. this is harder because if the goggles are needed, it's very hard to correct them on that morning, but it does seem as if there's a bit of inflexibility at play here. Have they been doing this since 2012, and is this the first time any club has kicked up about it? I know they objected before Christmas with the u13s as well, which seems to be the start of this latest chapter.

My personal opinion is that is simply parents being selfish and putting their little Johnnies needs/wants above the other players. The rules are explicit if he needs goggles to play then he can't play, until the rules change and they possibly (note the trial is only senior level) might then play a sport that allows you were goggles.

Should we circumvent concussion protocols as well because we don't agree with them?

No because Concussion protocols are to protect the player. These goggles are also supposed to protect the player.

But that hasn't been proven yet, hence the trials.

Are they not in common use in New Zealand and other places?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 25, 2016, 02:24:01 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 02:00:50 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 25, 2016, 01:54:59 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 01:47:21 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 25, 2016, 01:46:02 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 01:32:45 PM
As i said, I'm only hearing one side of it. And to put it into a GAA context, we wouldn't allow a young lad wearing a non-conforming helmet to hurl in a blitz, however you can be damn sure we'd find a helmet for him to use. We wouldn't not let him play. this is harder because if the goggles are needed, it's very hard to correct them on that morning, but it does seem as if there's a bit of inflexibility at play here. Have they been doing this since 2012, and is this the first time any club has kicked up about it? I know they objected before Christmas with the u13s as well, which seems to be the start of this latest chapter.

My personal opinion is that is simply parents being selfish and putting their little Johnnies needs/wants above the other players. The rules are explicit if he needs goggles to play then he can't play, until the rules change and they possibly (note the trial is only senior level) might then play a sport that allows you were goggles.

Should we circumvent concussion protocols as well because we don't agree with them?

No because Concussion protocols are to protect the player. These goggles are also supposed to protect the player.

But that hasn't been proven yet, hence the trials.

Are they not in common use in New Zealand and other places?

Only in participating trial countries, Italy being the main one. You are only allowed one brand and you have to be registered with World Rugby to use. The trial has been extended time wise.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 02:31:40 PM
I just read this. does this not imply that everyone should be allowed wear them, and the IRFU have just been slow in adopting? The RFU allow u13s to use them, New Zealand allows them, Italy, as you say, allows them.


World Rugby Goggles Global Law Trial

In an effort to allow people who need to wear corrective lenses to do so safely while playing Rugby and to accommodate people with monocular vision or chronic eye conditions who wish to wear goggles while playing Rugby, World Rugby has developed specific goggles – "Rugby Goggles". Rugby Goggles have been developed with a view to posing no additional risk to the wearer and other players.


The Rugby Goggles developed have undergone a series of tests designed to ensure that they are as safe as possible for use in Rugby including tests on:

High velocity impact resistance;
Anti-fogging;
Field of vision;
Shape and size; and
Retention system properties.
The Rugby Goggles are not designed to provide extra protection for the wearer, but to allow corrective lenses to be worn without causing any greater risk of injury to any player.

In addition to the suitability of the Rugby Goggles for those requiring corrective lenses, the Rugby Goggles may also be used by people who suffer from chronic eye conditions. This includes people with monocular vision, restricted vision in one or both eyes and people with eye conditions that put them at a greater risk of eye-damage than the general population. While the Rugby Goggles are not designed to provide extra protection for such individuals, they may be worn for that purpose if the individual considers that it is beneficial to do so.

World Rugby has developed a Global Law Trial to field test the Rugby Goggles' design and obtain data for the purposes of developing a Rugby Goggles specification. The purpose of the field test is (i) to ensure that the Rugby Goggles perform as designed, namely that they provide players with a means of wearing corrective lenses safely during contact Rugby; (ii) to ascertain the suitability of the design for ease of use; and (iii) to ascertain if further specific field or laboratory tests are required.

The Rugby Goggles are only available in one size and are designed to fit anyone (by adjusting the headband). The Rugby Goggles will not be provided with prescription lenses in them. Once the Rugby Goggles have been received, the player will need to take them to his/her optician and have plastic lenses inserted in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. If the player does not require corrective lenses, the player may remove the lens-insert in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and may use the Rugby Goggles as provided.

It should be noted that only those Rugby Goggles carrying the official World Rugby Trial Approved logo will be permitted to be used in the trial, and all participants must demonstrate their need for the Rugby Goggles through a letter from their ophthalmologist (or similar expert) stating that there is an ophthalmic or medical need for their use. Inspections and checks may be performed by match referees to ensure that all participants have complied with these conditions.

The use of the Rugby Goggles is permitted in any game of Rugby. Any player who considers the risks inherent in playing with or against someone wearing the Rugby Goggles to be outside of acceptable levels of risk is free to choose not to participate in the game however the use of the Rugby Goggles is not grounds for preventing the wearer from playing in the game.

The success or otherwise of the Global Law Trial will determine whether Rugby Goggles will be permitted to be worn beyond the trial period and enable World Rugby to provide a Rugby Goggles Specification. It is therefore essential that World Rugby receives feedback from all those who elect to become part of the trial by purchasing and using a pair of the Rugby Goggles.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 25, 2016, 02:52:08 PM
If registered and playing in a participating country that allows them at your age group.

Ireland have only just applied and only for senior level.

If approved great but they haven't been sanctioned. It's very black and white.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 02:56:24 PM
I understand that. But it seems as if a) the IRFU are behind the curve on this and b) given the situation with this all over the world, and given the circumstances of a mini blitz, would it not have been more sensible to try and allow the lad play? It just seems so 'jobsworth'.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on January 25, 2016, 03:05:12 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 02:56:24 PM
I understand that. But it seems as if a) the IRFU are behind the curve on this and b) given the situation with this all over the world, and given the circumstances of a mini blitz, would it not have been more sensible to try and allow the lad play? It just seems so 'jobsworth'.

Is there a concern that these goggles may injure an opponent or something?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 25, 2016, 03:07:23 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 02:56:24 PM
I understand that. But it seems as if a) the IRFU are behind the curve on this and b) given the situation with this all over the world, and given the circumstances of a mini blitz, would it not have been more sensible to try and allow the lad play? It just seems so 'jobsworth'.

Has the trial been passed? Didn't have you down as an anarchist, the IRFU same as the GAA or FAI are responsible for governance and the IRFU are quite explicit on this.

I suppose you don't believe in clinical trials for drugs, sure don't be a jobsworth just give me the pills  ;)


QuoteWearing of glasses/ Sports goggles
In the interest of safety (of the player wearing the goggles and other players) and best practice the wearing of glasses or goggles when participating in the contact format of rugby cannot be allowed. Regarding "approved eyewear" like boots, shoulder pads and head gear it must be IRB approved before it can be used when playing rugby and as this has not been approved by the IRB it is against the regulations.

QuoteSPORTS GOGGLES /GLASSES IN RUGBY

ON 10 NOVEMBER 2013.
Sports Goggles /Glasses in Rugby The IRFU Medical Advisory Committee meeting of 25th January 2012 deliberated on the matter of wearing sports goggles/glasses in rugby. This discussion included input from an expert in Ophthalmology. It was agreed that wearing sports goggles/glasses of any type does pose a potential injury risk to both the wearer and to other players. The IRFU does not decide to 'approve' goggles for participating in rugby – this is a role for the International Rugby Board. The decision was made that goggles/glasses should not be worn while playing rugby in Ireland. The Domestic Game Committee subsequently endorsed this decision.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 03:10:09 PM
I think the IRFU need to cop the f**k on and extend the trial to Ireland, at least for kids. Just like most other countries apparently, including the old farts in the RFU! And I think that Cill Dara are hiding behind this rule because they don't like Portarlington. Or maybe Cill Dara are the custodians of fair play in underage rugby, and all other clubs are heathens :)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ludermor on January 25, 2016, 03:10:40 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 25, 2016, 01:11:28 PM
Ireland U20 squad named. 14 Leinster, 6 Munster, 4 Connacht and 4 Ulster.

Glad to see the number rising in Munster but a little disappointing from an Ulster point of view - still too reliant on Leinster.

Ireland U20 Six Nations squad - Forwards: James Bollard (Dublin University/Leinster), Kelvin Brown (Shannon/Munster), Peter Claffey (Galwegians/Leinster), Will Connors (UCD / Leinster), Max Deegan (Lansdowne/Leinster), Shane Fenton (Young Munster/Munster), John Foley (Shannon/Shannon), Cillian Gallagher (Sligo RFC/Connacht), Greg Jones (UCD/Leinster), Conor Kenny (Buccaneers/Connacht), Adam McBurney (Ballymena/Ulster), Sean O'Connor (Cashel/Munster), Conan O'Donnell (Sligo/Connacht), Andrew Porter (UCD/Leinster), James Ryan (Lansdowne/Leinster), Dan Walsh (Cork Con/Munster)

Backs: Matthew Byrne (Terenure/Leinster), Brett Connon (Newcastle Falcons/Exlies), Shane Daly (Cork Con/Munster), Hugo Keenan (UCD/Leinster), Terry Kennedy (St Mary's/Leinster), Stephen Kerins (Sligo/Connacht), Paul Kiernan (UCC/Leinster), Robert Lyttle (Queen's University/Ulster), Johnny McPhillips (Queen's University/Ulster), Conor O'Brien (Clontarf/Leinster), Jimmy O'Brien (UCD/Leinster), John Poland (Cork Con/Munster), Jack Power (UCD/Leinster), Jacob Stockdale (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
Is that correct?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 25, 2016, 03:11:12 PM
Havent really been reading through the convo here but surely if they are deemed ok for the GAA then theres no reason why the IRFU can ban them??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 25, 2016, 03:12:50 PM
Quote from: ludermor on January 25, 2016, 03:10:40 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 25, 2016, 01:11:28 PM
Ireland U20 squad named. 14 Leinster, 6 Munster, 4 Connacht and 4 Ulster.

Glad to see the number rising in Munster but a little disappointing from an Ulster point of view - still too reliant on Leinster.

Ireland U20 Six Nations squad - Forwards: James Bollard (Dublin University/Leinster), Kelvin Brown (Shannon/Munster), Peter Claffey (Galwegians/Leinster), Will Connors (UCD / Leinster), Max Deegan (Lansdowne/Leinster), Shane Fenton (Young Munster/Munster), John Foley (Shannon/Shannon), Cillian Gallagher (Sligo RFC/Connacht), Greg Jones (UCD/Leinster), Conor Kenny (Buccaneers/Connacht), Adam McBurney (Ballymena/Ulster), Sean O'Connor (Cashel/Munster), Conan O'Donnell (Sligo/Connacht), Andrew Porter (UCD/Leinster), James Ryan (Lansdowne/Leinster), Dan Walsh (Cork Con/Munster)

Backs: Matthew Byrne (Terenure/Leinster), Brett Connon (Newcastle Falcons/Exlies), Shane Daly (Cork Con/Munster), Hugo Keenan (UCD/Leinster), Terry Kennedy (St Mary's/Leinster), Stephen Kerins (Sligo/Connacht), Paul Kiernan (UCC/Leinster), Robert Lyttle (Queen's University/Ulster), Johnny McPhillips (Queen's University/Ulster), Conor O'Brien (Clontarf/Leinster), Jimmy O'Brien (UCD/Leinster), John Poland (Cork Con/Munster), Jack Power (UCD/Leinster), Jacob Stockdale (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
Is that correct?

Think its happened before. Oisin Heffernan? Is he not from Galway but in the Leinster Academy?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 25, 2016, 03:18:07 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 03:10:09 PM
I think the IRFU need to cop the f**k on and extend the trial to Ireland, at least for kids. Just like most other countries apparently, including the old farts in the RFU! And I think that Cill Dara are hiding behind this rule because they don't like Portarlington. Or maybe Cill Dara are the custodians of fair play in underage rugby, and all other clubs are heathens :)

Ha! Port are mad but Port and Cill Dara amalgamate for ladies and amalgamated for 20s last year. They often amalgamate at different underage levels. A very friendly rivalry. The IRFU and their referees are quite explicit about it. Port need to canvass the IRFU in a proper manner and not allow parents orchestrate pointless demonstrations where 40 other kids lose out.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 03:19:18 PM
There is that :) MAd hoors the whole lot of them.

I don't know if Port and Cill Dara will get on that well after this :)

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on January 25, 2016, 04:38:07 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 25, 2016, 03:12:50 PM
Quote from: ludermor on January 25, 2016, 03:10:40 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 25, 2016, 01:11:28 PM
Ireland U20 squad named. 14 Leinster, 6 Munster, 4 Connacht and 4 Ulster.

Glad to see the number rising in Munster but a little disappointing from an Ulster point of view - still too reliant on Leinster.

Ireland U20 Six Nations squad - Forwards: James Bollard (Dublin University/Leinster), Kelvin Brown (Shannon/Munster), Peter Claffey (Galwegians/Leinster), Will Connors (UCD / Leinster), Max Deegan (Lansdowne/Leinster), Shane Fenton (Young Munster/Munster), John Foley (Shannon/Shannon), Cillian Gallagher (Sligo RFC/Connacht), Greg Jones (UCD/Leinster), Conor Kenny (Buccaneers/Connacht), Adam McBurney (Ballymena/Ulster), Sean O'Connor (Cashel/Munster), Conan O'Donnell (Sligo/Connacht), Andrew Porter (UCD/Leinster), James Ryan (Lansdowne/Leinster), Dan Walsh (Cork Con/Munster)

Backs: Matthew Byrne (Terenure/Leinster), Brett Connon (Newcastle Falcons/Exlies), Shane Daly (Cork Con/Munster), Hugo Keenan (UCD/Leinster), Terry Kennedy (St Mary's/Leinster), Stephen Kerins (Sligo/Connacht), Paul Kiernan (UCC/Leinster), Robert Lyttle (Queen's University/Ulster), Johnny McPhillips (Queen's University/Ulster), Conor O'Brien (Clontarf/Leinster), Jimmy O'Brien (UCD/Leinster), John Poland (Cork Con/Munster), Jack Power (UCD/Leinster), Jacob Stockdale (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
Is that correct?

Think its happened before. Oisin Heffernan? Is he not from Galway but in the Leinster Academy?

Claffey is in the Connacht academy it is just a mistake. Paul Kiernan is also in the Munster sub academy not Leinster , another mistake. Oisin Heffernan is from Clifden who went to Roscrea and for some reason was not picked up by the Connacht academy so Leinster approached him and he joined them (plays with UCD). If Claffey was in the Leinster academy he would not be playing for a Connacht AIL club same with Kiernan. I think Connacht are the only province where some academy/development players play with a club outside the province e.g Conor McKeon is with Connacht and Landsdowne.

By my count the squad above is 12 Leinster , 8 Munster , 5 Connacht , 4 Ulster and 1 exile.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on January 25, 2016, 05:16:25 PM
Is it just me or is the thought of Dylan Hartley being England captain not brilliant. . . he's a complete liability and I don't think that it will work.

Maybe Jones thinks this will mature him but Hartley is 30 this year and only a few months ago was cited for contact with they eye when the World Cup was around the corner!!! He's going to be targeted more than ever now and I think it could backfire bigtime for England.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 25, 2016, 05:18:48 PM
Quote from: screenexile on January 25, 2016, 05:16:25 PM
Is it just me or is the thought of Dylan Hartley being England captain not brilliant. . . he's a complete liability and I don't think that it will work.

Maybe Jones thinks this will mature him but Hartley is 30 this year and only a few months ago was cited for contact with they eye when the World Cup was around the corner!!! He's going to be targeted more than ever now and I think it could backfire bigtime for England.



Huge gamble by Jones. Talented no doubt but he just can't himself. Thought someone like Launchbury or even Itoje would be given the armband. Read yesterday that in Hartleys 10 years of professional rugby he's been banned for 1.5 years!!! :o
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on January 25, 2016, 07:16:40 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on January 25, 2016, 03:05:12 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 25, 2016, 02:56:24 PM
I understand that. But it seems as if a) the IRFU are behind the curve on this and b) given the situation with this all over the world, and given the circumstances of a mini blitz, would it not have been more sensible to try and allow the lad play? It just seems so 'jobsworth'.

Is there a concern that these goggles may injure an opponent or something?
Both opponent and wearer.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on January 25, 2016, 10:47:00 PM
Six nations starting soon anyone excited about it this year?
I find myself not at all interested and that even winning it again does nothing for us after the way we went out of World Cup .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on January 25, 2016, 11:05:29 PM
Quote from: Gmac on January 25, 2016, 10:47:00 PM
Six nations starting soon anyone excited about it this year?
I find myself not at all interested and that even winning it again does nothing for us after the way we went out of World Cup .

Sure maybe we shouldn't bother playing Rugby at all until the World Cup comes round every four years  ::) ::)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on January 25, 2016, 11:10:57 PM
I wouldn't be overly confident going into it and it goes without saying the opening match is massive. France and England away from home - will England be re-engerised after the WC kicking on and off the field or remain shite. Hopefully the latter  :D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on January 25, 2016, 11:15:01 PM
Quote from: Gmac on January 25, 2016, 10:47:00 PM
Six nations starting soon anyone excited about it this year?

Always. As Bill Shankly said in another context, this is our bread and butter.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on January 25, 2016, 11:27:17 PM
I'd like to see the Jocks put up a decent show this year after the promise in the WC. Could be tighter than ever.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Declan on January 26, 2016, 08:45:40 AM
Earls now looking like heading to UIK as well -
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 26, 2016, 09:24:07 AM
Quote from: Declan on January 26, 2016, 08:45:40 AM
Earls now looking like heading to UIK as well -

Just saw that this morning. Jesus if Munster lose Earls and Zebo!!!

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/munster-rugby/munster-shock-as-keith-earls-close-to-saracens-switch-34395724.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 26, 2016, 09:30:52 AM
If they lose Earls, that would be a serious blow. Not necessarily in terms of on the field (even though he is a very good player) but in terms of a pure Munster guy not wanting to stay with them or the IRFU. Paulie was different, because he was coming to the end of his career. But someone like Earls or Peter O'Mahoney would be a serious blow. It would bring more pressure on Garret Fitzgerald, that's for sure.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on January 26, 2016, 09:40:49 AM
I've said less-than-complimentary things about Ewan MacKenna in the past but when you're right, you're right.

QuoteSTUCK OUTSIDE THE PAYWALL (https://ewanmackenna.wordpress.com/2016/01/24/stuck-outside-the-paywall/)

Rugby has rapidly followed in football's footsteps and with money talking loudly, Ireland's provinces will never see glory again, writes Ewan MacKenna

Ultimately, life comes down to just a few moments. So you look in the mirror, straighten your tie, and inhale. You remind yourself that this is one of those moments and head for the meeting room assuring yourself that you'll own it. But then it all unravels, strand by strand. Lost. Never to return.

The date was 17 March, 2014, a Monday in Paris and an IRFU delegation sat down with Top 14 and Premiership representatives to discuss the future of the Heineken Cup. Just two days earlier in the northern suburb of St Denis, Brian O'Driscoll walked away with a Six Nations but if that set the mood, what happened next etched the future in stone. With a weak hand, concessions were made and the IRFU left with resilient words unmasked by telltale faces. Sure enough there were safeguards to ensure Pro 12 teams didn't suffer a drop in income but the big players struck it rich. The IRFU knew well that one of those few moments in their rugby lives had been lost. Never to return.

Since the early days of professional rugby, there's been a wish and a will to try and follow in the footsteps of the Champions League. After all, the second it left the amateur world, it entered the business world and there the most financially beneficial course for the most powerful will always be implemented. The above was a seminal juncture for it pushed rugby down the same road to the same inevitable destination. It's for that reason that it's far from inconceivable that an Irish province will never be European champions again as, when the cut off point in a sport that's professional is reached, the gap between the rich and poor grows wider and fast just as it did in soccer.

Back in 1987, with war on the terraces and turgid football on the pitch, Napoli were drawn to play Real Madrid in the first round of the old European Cup. Looking on, amongst other influential figures, was Silvio Berlusconi who wondered why the two best teams were meeting so early. It made no business sense to him, the sort of business sense that saw him sell television rights to make Milan rich again, and his model spread amongst Europe's elite. The Bosman Ruling and petro-dollars of the few chosen leagues were the nails but he put the lid on the coffin and ended teams like PSV, Red Star and Steaua reaching the summit. Now it's just a cabal of super clubs that can win a Champions League, indeed since 2004 no team outside the wealthiest 10 have done so. And it's probable none will again.

That's what rugby copied in that room in Paris. Traded heroes for ghosts. Hot ashes for trees. Granted, it was inevitable for these days with our major sports we take the falsity of a fun and fuzzy day out when the reality is as cold as a new razor blade. There's no nobility in poverty anymore and there are certainly no underdogs. It took football 25 years to get to the total domination of the super club. But rugby is smaller, there's less poverty to filter away into the drain, indeed it has leapt from Berlusconi to Bosman in just a couple of seasons.

Every trend starts with a point and last season's competition was it. Leinster taking Toulon to extra-time was like the deathly dark night club you chose so you could chat up a girl. But the fact that for the first time since 1998 only one team from a Pro 12 nation made the quarter-finals was the brutally bright lunch you talked her into. There was no hiding there. This year, we're not in December and of the Irish only Munster aren't effectively out. All in all, the likelihood is the last eight will be French and English and you'd better get used to that. Chuck in new managers, bad form, World Cup players returning and whatever other asterisk you care for, but ultimately we're already in the future that was signed up for.

Of course before the new competition began, we weren't playing fair either. With money split between six unions rather than three leagues the Pro 12 was taking in about 50 per cent of the pot but creating a fraction of that. And with no real qualification, players were rested for Heineken Cup games. But while that benefited Irish teams in particular, it devalued the Pro 12 to little more than a joke and there was an acceptance of such mediocrity.

Last season's average attendance may have been deemed okay at 8,586 per game compared to 13,207 and 13,352 in the Top 14 and Pro 12. But tickets don't build sports empires anymore, television deals do. The strength of their competitions, the quality of their imports, the size of their markets and their place in their national psyche means the French could sign a five-season deal worth €74m a year while the English signed a four-season contract worth €53m per annum. As for the value of the Pro 12, with money coming from four countries it's thought to be just €14m with a pitiful €1.2 coming from Ireland, a more realistic evaluation of the size of our rugby and how we've punched above our weight .

That all translates into a salary cap in England of €7.8m excluding two big-money marquee players and one which will grow hugely in coming seasons, France is at around €10m excluding those on less than €60,000 a year, while these clubs are funded by private owners too. As for us, our provinces are IRFU funded, thus unable to compete in the Champions Cup and as the Pro12 never pushed to capture the imagination, they'll be little more than an academy for the national team before long.

Remember the successes from 2006 to 2012 as Munster finally ground over the line and Leinster sprinted away from the chocking tags? Well hold those thoughts, because they'll never happen again.

Sunday Business Post
29 November, 2015
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 26, 2016, 09:43:29 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 26, 2016, 09:30:52 AM
If they lose Earls, that would be a serious blow. Not necessarily in terms of on the field (even though he is a very good player) but in terms of a pure Munster guy not wanting to stay with them or the IRFU. Paulie was different, because he was coming to the end of his career. But someone like Earls or Peter O'Mahoney would be a serious blow. It would bring more pressure on Garret Fitzgerald, that's for sure.

Yeah its really worrying when a real local lad decides to up and leave. Most players who have left provinces in the past have been due to a lack of game time - Bowe, Wilson, Downey, JJ, Copeland etc.

I don't know much about how the IRFU contracts work but thought Earls would certainly be in the category of 'high earners'. However in the article it points to family reasons.

The IRFU could be in a bit of a limbo if this drain of players continues. Do you start to pay high wages for players listed 25 - 50 around the country or let them leave and develop youth. Personally I would go for the latter. Still think we are bit reluctant to give youth a chance but that's only my opinion.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on January 26, 2016, 10:08:25 AM
Just once - once! - I'd like a professional sportsman to channel Supergrass and say they are in it for the money.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 26, 2016, 10:21:02 AM
The American lads aren't too shy about that, and McGregor may have mentioned it once or twice :)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on January 26, 2016, 10:26:11 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 25, 2016, 11:27:17 PM
I'd like to see the Jocks put up a decent show this year after the promise in the WC. Could be tighter than ever.

It's looking like France are moving away from the crash ball stuff they've been shit at for the last few years, so lets hope Eddie Jones' England do the same and Ireland stop the box kicking shit and we actually see some rugby rather than bull elephants with the ball tucked under their arm, sadly methinks Gatlands Wales will persist with it and hopefully they're found out like the northern hemisphere teams were by NZ who had better ball handlers in their front row than some teams had in their backs!!

I fancy the Scots to cause a few upsets as they'll have Ireland and Wales well within their sights.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 26, 2016, 10:29:59 AM
Did anyone hear Dr. Barry O'Driscoll on George Hook yesterday? Pretty bleak stuff. This Sexton thing is very suspect.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 26, 2016, 11:19:47 AM
Quote from: deiseach on January 26, 2016, 10:08:25 AM
Just once - once! - I'd like a professional sportsman to channel Supergrass and say they are in it for the money.

Ashley Cole, that worked out well for him :)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on January 26, 2016, 11:26:21 AM
When I saw you mention Cashley, I nearly swerved off the road.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on January 26, 2016, 12:26:14 PM
Quote from: deiseach on January 26, 2016, 09:40:49 AM
I've said less-than-complimentary things about Ewan MacKenna in the past but when you're right, you're right.

QuoteSTUCK OUTSIDE THE PAYWALL (https://ewanmackenna.wordpress.com/2016/01/24/stuck-outside-the-paywall/)

Rugby has rapidly followed in football's footsteps and with money talking loudly, Ireland's provinces will never see glory again, writes Ewan MacKenna

Ultimately, life comes down to just a few moments. So you look in the mirror, straighten your tie, and inhale. You remind yourself that this is one of those moments and head for the meeting room assuring yourself that you'll own it. But then it all unravels, strand by strand. Lost. Never to return.

The date was 17 March, 2014, a Monday in Paris and an IRFU delegation sat down with Top 14 and Premiership representatives to discuss the future of the Heineken Cup. Just two days earlier in the northern suburb of St Denis, Brian O'Driscoll walked away with a Six Nations but if that set the mood, what happened next etched the future in stone. With a weak hand, concessions were made and the IRFU left with resilient words unmasked by telltale faces. Sure enough there were safeguards to ensure Pro 12 teams didn't suffer a drop in income but the big players struck it rich. The IRFU knew well that one of those few moments in their rugby lives had been lost. Never to return.

Since the early days of professional rugby, there's been a wish and a will to try and follow in the footsteps of the Champions League. After all, the second it left the amateur world, it entered the business world and there the most financially beneficial course for the most powerful will always be implemented. The above was a seminal juncture for it pushed rugby down the same road to the same inevitable destination. It's for that reason that it's far from inconceivable that an Irish province will never be European champions again as, when the cut off point in a sport that's professional is reached, the gap between the rich and poor grows wider and fast just as it did in soccer.

Back in 1987, with war on the terraces and turgid football on the pitch, Napoli were drawn to play Real Madrid in the first round of the old European Cup. Looking on, amongst other influential figures, was Silvio Berlusconi who wondered why the two best teams were meeting so early. It made no business sense to him, the sort of business sense that saw him sell television rights to make Milan rich again, and his model spread amongst Europe's elite. The Bosman Ruling and petro-dollars of the few chosen leagues were the nails but he put the lid on the coffin and ended teams like PSV, Red Star and Steaua reaching the summit. Now it's just a cabal of super clubs that can win a Champions League, indeed since 2004 no team outside the wealthiest 10 have done so. And it's probable none will again.

That's what rugby copied in that room in Paris. Traded heroes for ghosts. Hot ashes for trees. Granted, it was inevitable for these days with our major sports we take the falsity of a fun and fuzzy day out when the reality is as cold as a new razor blade. There's no nobility in poverty anymore and there are certainly no underdogs. It took football 25 years to get to the total domination of the super club. But rugby is smaller, there's less poverty to filter away into the drain, indeed it has leapt from Berlusconi to Bosman in just a couple of seasons.

Every trend starts with a point and last season's competition was it. Leinster taking Toulon to extra-time was like the deathly dark night club you chose so you could chat up a girl. But the fact that for the first time since 1998 only one team from a Pro 12 nation made the quarter-finals was the brutally bright lunch you talked her into. There was no hiding there. This year, we're not in December and of the Irish only Munster aren't effectively out. All in all, the likelihood is the last eight will be French and English and you'd better get used to that. Chuck in new managers, bad form, World Cup players returning and whatever other asterisk you care for, but ultimately we're already in the future that was signed up for.

Of course before the new competition began, we weren't playing fair either. With money split between six unions rather than three leagues the Pro 12 was taking in about 50 per cent of the pot but creating a fraction of that. And with no real qualification, players were rested for Heineken Cup games. But while that benefited Irish teams in particular, it devalued the Pro 12 to little more than a joke and there was an acceptance of such mediocrity.

Last season's average attendance may have been deemed okay at 8,586 per game compared to 13,207 and 13,352 in the Top 14 and Pro 12. But tickets don't build sports empires anymore, television deals do. The strength of their competitions, the quality of their imports, the size of their markets and their place in their national psyche means the French could sign a five-season deal worth €74m a year while the English signed a four-season contract worth €53m per annum. As for the value of the Pro 12, with money coming from four countries it's thought to be just €14m with a pitiful €1.2 coming from Ireland, a more realistic evaluation of the size of our rugby and how we've punched above our weight .

That all translates into a salary cap in England of €7.8m excluding two big-money marquee players and one which will grow hugely in coming seasons, France is at around €10m excluding those on less than €60,000 a year, while these clubs are funded by private owners too. As for us, our provinces are IRFU funded, thus unable to compete in the Champions Cup and as the Pro12 never pushed to capture the imagination, they'll be little more than an academy for the national team before long.

Remember the successes from 2006 to 2012 as Munster finally ground over the line and Leinster sprinted away from the chocking tags? Well hold those thoughts, because they'll never happen again.

Sunday Business Post
29 November, 2015

hard stats !

Leicester going well has peaked my interest in the EPL, but ultimately I'm worn thin by the whole money / super-club / billionaire play thing / £300k wages per week non-contact circus soccer has become, and none of it a patch on what was seen @ the Athletic Grounds on Sat night as regards an exciting sporting spectacle.  Rugby won't be far behind by the looks of things.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ludermor on January 26, 2016, 12:53:56 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on January 26, 2016, 12:26:14 PM
hard stats !

Leicester going well has peaked my interest in the EPL, but ultimately I'm worn thin by the whole money / super-club / billionaire play thing / £300k wages per week non-contact circus soccer has become, and none of it a patch on what was seen @ the Athletic Grounds on Sat night as regards an exciting sporting spectacle.  Rugby won't be far behind by the looks of things.
It will be all downhill from here.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on January 26, 2016, 01:22:37 PM
Quote from: deiseach on January 26, 2016, 11:26:21 AM
When I saw you mention Cashley, I nearly swerved off the road.
I hope you didn't spill your pint.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on January 26, 2016, 01:43:53 PM
Quote from: ludermor on January 26, 2016, 12:53:56 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on January 26, 2016, 12:26:14 PM
hard stats !

Leicester going well has peaked my interest in the EPL, but ultimately I'm worn thin by the whole money / super-club / billionaire play thing / £300k wages per week non-contact circus soccer has become, and none of it a patch on what was seen @ the Athletic Grounds on Sat night as regards an exciting sporting spectacle.  Rugby won't be far behind by the looks of things.
It will be all downhill from here.

I've been hearing that since November !
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 27, 2016, 10:27:20 AM
D'Arcy a bit more upbeat than what we've read recently regarding Irish rugby.

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/gordon-d-arcy-ireland-s-next-main-influence-will-emerge-during-this-six-nations-1.2511626
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 27, 2016, 05:03:07 PM
Earls staying. Himself and Murray signed up today. Either our rugby journalists are piss poor or they are being fed lies by agents. Anyway delighted he will still be in Red next year.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 27, 2016, 05:15:06 PM
Great news! Perhaps a ploy to get a better deal from the IRFU??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 27, 2016, 05:17:04 PM
Like ROG going to the Miami Dolphins.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 27, 2016, 05:22:10 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 27, 2016, 05:17:04 PM
Like ROG going to the Miami Dolphins.

Haha that was a classic. If I was 3rd or 4th choice 10 at an Irish province I'd be giving the NFL a rattle!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on January 27, 2016, 05:24:37 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 27, 2016, 05:03:07 PM
Earls staying. Himself and Murray signed up today. Either our rugby journalists are piss poor or they are being fed lies by agents. Anyway delighted he will still be in Red next year.

(http://i1003.photobucket.com/albums/af158/DorkKnight/GrampaSimpson-ColumnA-B.gif)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 28, 2016, 08:01:56 PM
Lo and behold, the googles trial expands into Ireland. Well done IRFU.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 01, 2016, 02:41:34 PM
Quote from: deiseach on January 27, 2016, 05:24:37 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 27, 2016, 05:03:07 PM
Earls staying. Himself and Murray signed up today. Either our rugby journalists are piss poor or they are being fed lies by agents. Anyway delighted he will still be in Red next year.

(http://i1003.photobucket.com/albums/af158/DorkKnight/GrampaSimpson-ColumnA-B.gif)

In the next installment, Zebo is staying. Seriously the journalists must just be thinking they are being led around by the nose.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 01, 2016, 02:48:47 PM
Great to hear Zebo staying on.

Perhaps Foley will be gone at the end of the season?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 01, 2016, 02:50:43 PM
Maybe so. I like Foley, but I think that has to happen.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 01, 2016, 02:56:55 PM
Yeah I think he has a role to play in the set up somewhere - even forwards coach/Academy. Just not suited to being top man and the pressures it brings.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on February 01, 2016, 03:14:16 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 01, 2016, 02:41:34 PM
In the next installment, Zebo is staying. Seriously the journalists must just be thinking they are being led around by the nose.

Journalists - the horse you can take to water knowing it will always drink.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 01, 2016, 03:15:49 PM
http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/anthony-foley-builds-dossier-as-bad-calls-cost-munster-379082.html (http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/anthony-foley-builds-dossier-as-bad-calls-cost-munster-379082.html)

I think Foley offers nothing as a coach and I hope he goes overseas and learns, and his constant whinging about referees like above is just grating.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 01, 2016, 03:20:26 PM
He's dead right. We'd be top of the league, and a number 1 seed in the European Cup if the Referees weren't all bastards.


Seriously though, the standard of refereeing is cack, but this sort of nonsense by him is only going to feed the paranoia. We'll be baying for blood at the next Thomond Park game :) I wonder will he present a dossier of 'facts' like Rafa and Louis Van Gaal did?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 02, 2016, 11:30:02 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 01, 2016, 03:20:26 PM
He's dead right. We'd be top of the league, and a number 1 seed in the European Cup if the Referees weren't all b**tards.


Seriously though, the standard of refereeing is cack, but this sort of nonsense by him is only going to feed the paranoia. We'll be baying for blood at the next Thomond Park game :) I wonder will he present a dossier of 'facts' like Rafa and Louis Van Gaal did?

It's just poor leadership, it's an ability to accept that the referee is an uncontrollable. The laws in rugby are a framework they are open to interpretation and no two refs will ever give the same interpretation and consistency in decisions is hard to find game to game. Munster are a team that always play on the edge of the laws, they are masters of gamesmanship, their fans love this, they take honour in being quiet for a goal-kicker but scream like lunatics when a garryown goes up. Foley to me doesn't empower his players ala Kidney, this results in lack of on-field leadership which doesn't help with referees and poor decision making. Both are problems that Munster are experiencing and I don't think they will be resolved until Foley goes.

If an Overseas coached failed to qualify out the group stages in two successive years would he still be in place. Munsters haven't won anything in 5 years, Foley is the one constant in that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 02, 2016, 12:26:33 PM
I agree with you. He has to go, as do his coaches.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 02, 2016, 01:34:04 PM
Hopefully blaming the ref is just a front. If he truly believes it then it gives the players and staff an "out", however they are all big enough to do a bit of self-analysis and realise they're not getting it done.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 03, 2016, 11:44:20 AM
Right who is gona start on Sunday?

Personally I'd like to see the following:

15. Payne
14. Trimble
13. Henshaw
12. McCloskey
11. Earls
10. Sexton
9. Murray
1. McGrath
2. Best
3. White
4. Toner
5. Ryan
6. O'Brien
7. O'Donnell
8. Heaslip

I feel a back row of SOB, Heaslip and Ruddock/CJ would play into the Welsh hands with chop tackles. The Welsh will be sending heavy traffic down Sextons channel all day so big Stuart at 12 would help - how is Henshaws defence at 13. I'm sure its pretty good as with everything he does. Trimble to counter the physicality of North. If I see Dave Kearney start I'll cry.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 03, 2016, 11:48:59 AM
I'm going into the Newstalk Off the Ball roadshow in the Strand tonight. Be interesting to hear what they say, but I think the general mood is quite muted. I might ask them why Ireland are allowed have 5 pure foreigners in the squad, just to get a row going.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 03, 2016, 11:52:51 AM
Ha. Will I be able to listen in AZ?

Welsh team named.

Gareth Anscombe (Cardiff Blues), George North (Northampton Saints), Jonathan Davies (ASM Clermont), Jamie Roberts (Harlequins), Tom James (Cardiff Blues), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Gareth Davies (Scarlets); Rob Evans (Scarlets), Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Luke Charteris (Racing 92), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues, CAPT), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons).

Tom James and Anscombe can definitely be got at aerially.

The Welsh front row doesnt scare me that much. Interesting to see Tipuric selected. Welsh anticipating a fast game from Ireland?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 03, 2016, 11:57:34 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 03, 2016, 11:48:59 AM
I'm going into the Newstalk Off the Ball roadshow in the Strand tonight. Be interesting to hear what they say, but I think the general mood is quite muted. I might ask them why Ireland are allowed have 5 pure foreigners in the squad, just to get a row going.

You may hope nobody recognises you and starts asking why a Biffo supports Munster!!!  :P :P :P
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 03, 2016, 11:59:22 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 03, 2016, 11:52:51 AM
Ha. Will I be able to listen in AZ?

Welsh team named.

Gareth Anscombe (Cardiff Blues), George North (Northampton Saints), Jonathan Davies (ASM Clermont), Jamie Roberts (Harlequins), Tom James (Cardiff Blues), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Gareth Davies (Scarlets); Rob Evans (Scarlets), Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Luke Charteris (Racing 92), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues, CAPT), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons).

Tom James and Anscombe can definitely be got at aerially.

The Welsh front row doesnt scare me that much. Interesting to see Tipuric selected. Welsh anticipating a fast game from Ireland?

Second Row, Back Row look to be a problem for us here! I reckon we can cope with the rest as long as McCloskey and Henshaw are in the Centres.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 03, 2016, 12:47:57 PM
Great blog by the guys at Whiff of Cordite.

Doom und Gloom

The Six Nations starts this weekend, and for Irish fans, the air is one of almost pervasive doom and gloom.  Leinster, Ulster and Munster are all out of the Champions Cup and the wounds from the passive defeat to Argentina in the World Cup are still raw.  Throw in injuries to a handful of Ireland's best players and this being the first series without Paul O'Connell and it doesn't get any better.  Then there's the front-loaded schedule which pits Ireland into their three toughest matches first.  Wales, then France in Paris, and then England.  Yeeshk.

It's certainly a challenging series, and the first major business is getting a functioning team on the pitch.  Ireland have a number of personnel issues, but foremost among them are the tight five and the form of their half-backs.  With Cian Healy, Mike Ross, and Iain Henderson injuried and Paul O'Connell no more, it's going to be a relatively new-look tight five.  Rory Best, Jack McGrath and Devin Toner pick themselves at this rate, while the remaining two berths are likely to be filled by Nathan White (the two Leinster tightheads probably not quite ready to start) and Mike McCarthy, whose form at least is  a major plus. Well, a plus. But can he be effective at this level? He's been dining out on his performance against South Africa in 2012 for a while, whereas Ryan always looked the part in green – but then he's playing like a drain. One way or another, we've gone from this area being one of relative strength to one of glaring weakness in six months.

No such selection issues at halfback, but rather concerns of form.  Conor Murray and Jonny Sexton have been two of the key ingredients in Ireland's Six Nations triumphs, but both have looked – not quite off the pace – just a shade off their usual peerless selves over the last couple of months.  They are still the halves that any of the coaches would love to have in their arsenal, but the concern remains that should either misfire, Ireland's coaches don't really have enough confidence in the reserves to take them off in clutch situations. Or indeed, who the reserves are – is it still Reddan and Madigan? Or has Jackson's much superior form vaulted him on to the bench?

In the back row, the major selection question is where Passion's CJ Stander (Criosti Eoin Seasamh?) will fit in once he has Dion O Cuinneagan-ed the national anthem. Heaslip might get bombs thrown at him about "workrate" and "attitude" but he was one of Ireland's best players in the World Cup, and has been pretty decent for Leinster. We just can't see Schmidt going from having him as his captain to dropping him altogether. So do we play Stander out of position just to get him in the team? Maybe, but Schmidt hasn't much of a record of that – more likely we see an all-Leinster OUTRAGEous back row of Ruddock-O'Brien-Heaslip with Stander or O'Donnell on the bench. But we're fine with that – it's a backrow to strike fear into the toned sinews of England's David Pocock – James Haskell (of which more below).

When it comes to outside backs, the number Jared Payne wears on his shirt will drive whether or not Choo Choo Stu gets the nod to start. Payne wore 15 in Ulster's last 2 ERC games and looked excellent – for the first one we weren't sure if it was Kissy being reluctant to throw his returning star into the heavy traffic of the Saracens midfield, but once he lined out there in the secnod it seemed a ply. For the first time since Deccie took over, Bob is under pressure for his shirt – Payne is a fullback primed for use as a counter attacking weapon, and his selection would signify a probable shift in the gameplan. Kearney is by no means shot – he's actually younger than Payne – but he isn't doing much at Leinster whereas Payne is like a limousine in open field.

And if Payne is picked at fullback, it means there is a centre slot up for grabs – and what better solution than to move Henshaw to his natural position outside and employ McCloskey in his natural position inside. Seems too obvious doesn't it?

Looking further afield, the mood in Ireland is in stark contrast to the newfound ebullience in the England camp where everything is sweetness and light, while Wazza'a Wales must rightly feel that with their turbo-charged midfield back roaring that they will rediscover the cutting edge that was the difference between winning and losing narrowly to Australia and South Africa in the World Cup.

Still, might be better to leave them at it.  For the Welsh, it was ever thus, and Ireland may just find themselves blessed to have them first up, and in Dublin.  Wales have a well earned reputation for sleepwalking through the first game of a series, and to have them at home in round one is almost certainly the best possible way to face up to them.

As for England, well, they'll be fascinating to watch under Eddie Jones, but don't bet the farm on them necessarily being all that good.  Forget any sort of stylistic overhaul, or a return to the short-passing game they almost, nearly, thought about bringing to the World Cup before changing their minds.  Jones has instead staked his chips on making his England nastier and less jolly-hockeysticks-gentlemanly than Lancaster's team.  But it's still largely the same team that performed so dismally in the World Cup, and the maligned master-of-none Chris Robshaw is still a starter.  And the much vaunted 'proper No.7′?  That'll be the Gun Show, a man born to wear the number 6.5 jersey if ever there was one.  Jones' first major decision is a high-stakes gamble on Dylan Hartley proving himself able to keep ice in the mind in the heat of battle as team captain.  It has every chance of not coming off.  Jonno's England were similarly spiky in nature, but more often than not it teetered over the brink into daft indiscipline and mostly amounted to rashes of silly penalties and sin-bin episodes. Mind you, at least Jones is a proper coach. England will be competitive as usual, but perhaps miracles can wait.

France, meanwhile, are unlikely to have applied a magical fix to their deeply entrenched structural problems and abject lack of fitness, despite Gerry's assertions that they are waiting in the long grass for us. Let's hope it isn't too long or Yoann Maestri will be even lazier than usual.  Guy Noves' Toulouse were useless in the last few years, and he appears an unlikely moderniser – bottom half beckons.  And as for Scotland, well, hope springs eternal that they may one year get their act together, but they find a way of extinguishing the feelgood factor every spring.  Should they lose to England in the opening week, expect heads to drop, and watch them limp through the rest of the tournament.

So what of it all then? Well, the thing we need to remember about the Six Nations is that there aren't any Southern Hemisphere teams in it – so Ireland are unlikely to be filleted the way Argentina did early and late on in Cardiff. And indeed four of the six limped out of the World Cup, and a fifth had the scheduling of Japan's fixtures contribute mightily to their progress. The only one that came home with their heads held high were Wales, who were mighty value for their quarter final place. The Welsh have home fixtures against the recent bottom-dwellers of France, Italy and Scotland, and could well rack up enough points to ensure a fourth victory will suffice for the Championship – they are our pick. Ireland will do better than the naysayers imagine – four wins is eminently achievable and disgrace unlikely. The flip side of tougher games first means you can come out targeting a score fest against Italy and Scotland for glory – we'd take that, but we reckon we might be behind grinning Gatty come March.

Oh, and the final piece of good news is that a handful of will-they-won't-they contracts have been tied up in the last few weeks, and hopefully will take a weight off the minds of the likes of Earls, Murray and Zebo.  After an abject winter with the provinces, the Six Nations may be just the tonic needed to rejuvenate the players
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 03, 2016, 10:35:33 PM
Good evening at the Off The Ball roadshow there in the Strand in Limerick. All the panel very down on Ireland's chances. Keith Wood, Liam Toland, Tony Ward, Brian O'Driscoll and Dwayne Peel all selected Wales as the Championship winners, and as winners for Sunday. Mick Galwey gave Ireland more of a shout on Sunday, but picked England for the title.

Good story about BOD pucking the head off that gobshite Austin "Gobshite" Healey.

Good evening all round, got to chat a couple of them. Dwayne Peel is a very nice lad.


Walter - Woody agrees with me about the IRB rules for foreign qualified players 😀

Dinny - I left Gilroy alone 😀

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: BarryBreensBandage on February 03, 2016, 10:39:14 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 03, 2016, 10:35:33 PM
Good evening at the Off The Ball roadshow there in the Strand in Limerick. All the panel very down on Ireland's chances. Keith Wood, Liam Toland, Tony Ward, Brian O'Driscoll and Dwayne Peel all selected Wales as the Championship winners, and as winners for Sunday. Mick Galwey gave Ireland more of a shout on Sunday, but picked England for the title.

Good story about BOD pucking the head off that gobshite Austin "Gobshite" Healey.

Good evening all round, got to chat a couple of them. Dwayne Peel is a very nice lad.


Walter - Woody agrees with me about the IRB rules for foreign qualified players 😀

Dinny - I left Gilroy alone 😀

Newry Rugby Club posted the story there - here it is - class:

http://www.balls.ie/rugby/keith-wood-gleefully-recalls-the-time-bod-stuck-up-for-ronan-ogara-and-boxed-austin-healy/323370?utm_campaign=twitter&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitter
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 03, 2016, 10:51:03 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 03, 2016, 10:35:33 PM
Good evening at the Off The Ball roadshow there in the Strand in Limerick. All the panel very down on Ireland's chances. Keith Wood, Liam Toland, Tony Ward, Brian O'Driscoll and Dwayne Peel all selected Wales as the Championship winners, and as winners for Sunday. Mick Galwey gave Ireland more of a shout on Sunday, but picked England for the title.

Good story about BOD pucking the head off that gobshite Austin "Gobshite" Healey.

Good evening all round, got to chat a couple of them. Dwayne Peel is a very nice lad.


Walter - Woody agrees with me about the IRB rules for foreign qualified players 😀

Dinny - I left Gilroy alone 😀

Did he have his pom poms out?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 04, 2016, 09:40:23 AM
Great stuff AZ. Got a listen to that balls link. Jesus great stuff.

Healy is a pain in the hole but give me him any day over Matt Dawson.

If SOB is out for Sunday we really are goosed. I think we'll be in contention with 60 on the clock. Just think we'll eventually get worn down.

Great to hear Easterby talk about the exceptional tackling of Ultan Dillane. He really is the athletic, ball playing lock we need moving forward. Fingers crossed along with Henderson, James Ryan and Ross Maloney we could have strength in depth in this area moving forward.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on February 04, 2016, 10:12:30 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 04, 2016, 09:40:23 AM
Healy is a pain in the hole but give me him any day over Matt Dawson.

I haven't clicked on the link, but I was thinking the same thing. If Matt Dawson is for it, I'm agin it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 04, 2016, 02:30:12 PM
Paddy Jackson the only Irish out half playing any way decent has been relegated to play for Ulster this weekend... I fear for us on Sunday!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 04, 2016, 04:23:01 PM
I see Sam Arnold has decided to quit Ulster for Munster. He's very highly rated in Ulster and its definitely a blow long term. Good signing for Munster though. Perhaps their lack of midfield options means he'll get more game time and further his development.

He's still eligible (AFAIK) for the Ireland U20s but was retained by Ulster this year to play more Pro 12 games. Be interesting to see what they do now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 04, 2016, 04:57:29 PM
Arnold is English so an easy move for him. Munster just can't produce centres.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 04, 2016, 04:59:41 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 04, 2016, 04:57:29 PM
Arnold is English so an easy move for him. Munster just can't produce centres.

That's true. I was trying to think of one, and couldn't. Rory Scannell might be decent, but he's more of a 10 some say. I can't remember the last home grown Munster centre that was good. I know Earls fancies himself there, but he's a winger. Denis Hurley? Jaysus. The good centres have been south Africans or Kiwis. Larry Murphy, Red Tipoki, Jean De Villiers,  Trevor Halsted.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 04, 2016, 05:05:46 PM
Barry Murphy?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: whitegoodman on February 04, 2016, 07:36:14 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 04, 2016, 04:23:01 PM
I see Sam Arnold has decided to quit Ulster for Munster. He's very highly rated in Ulster and its definitely a blow long term. Good signing for Munster though. Perhaps their lack of midfield options means he'll get more game time and further his development.

He's still eligible (AFAIK) for the Ireland U20s but was retained by Ulster this year to play more Pro 12 games. Be interesting to see what they do now.

Arnold would have been behind McCloskey, Marshall and Olding who are all under 24 as well as Cave and possibly Payne so he was going to struggle for game time for a while.  A good move all round.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on February 04, 2016, 07:49:39 PM
Best of luck to Wales at the weekend.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 05, 2016, 11:55:22 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 04, 2016, 07:49:39 PM
Best of luck to Wales at the weekend.

Same to Galway arsehole!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 05, 2016, 12:58:19 PM
Looking like the Irish team will look something like:

15. Zebo
14. Trimble
13. Payne
12. Henshaw
11. Earls
10. Sexton
9. Murray
1. McGrath
2. Best
3. White
4. Toner
5. McCarthy
6. Stander
7. O'Donnell
8. Heaslip

I dont know enough about O'Donnell and Stander. Only seen a few games. Are they up to whats a huge task?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 05, 2016, 01:28:05 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 05, 2016, 12:58:19 PM
Looking like the Irish team will look something like:

15. Zebo
14. Trimble
13. Payne
12. Henshaw
11. Earls
10. Sexton
9. Murray
1. McGrath
2. Best
3. White
4. Toner
5. McCarthy
6. Stander
7. O'Donnell
8. Heaslip

I dont know enough about O'Donnell and Stander. Only seen a few games. Are they up to whats a huge task?

Both good players both will be fine. Zebo at full would be a disaster.

If I had my way no Stander, White of Payne. A South African and 2 Kiwis. You should be living in the country 10 years and have taken Irish citizenship before you should be allowed play for the country. Only exception is if your mother or father was Irish.

But the rules are the rules so they are allowed and I am excited to see Stander play.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 05, 2016, 01:29:26 PM
Is O'Brien definitely out? Tommy is not back long, this would be a big test for him. That's a fairly active Welsh back row.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 05, 2016, 01:37:03 PM
Yeah apparently SOB and Kearney injured.

I think Zebo is a lot better in the air than he gets credit for. Put it this way he's miles better than Anscombe. The English kicked all day to him last year and he caught everything and made good yardage.

Tipuric in wide channels is a worry! However O'Donnell is of a similar build/speed.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 05, 2016, 02:12:36 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 05, 2016, 01:37:03 PM
Yeah apparently SOB and Kearney injured.

I think Zebo is a lot better in the air than he gets credit for. Put it this way he's miles better than Anscombe. The English kicked all day to him last year and he caught everything and made good yardage.

Tipuric in wide channels is a worry! However O'Donnell is of a similar build/speed.

Zebo has no form though, has been poor for Munster so strange choice when you have Payne who has returned from injury in great form. However in saying that Schmidt is a systems man so the team are picked to play a certain way and perhaps McCloskey isn't ready yet. Tight 5 are a worry....

It won't be a classic...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Mikhailov on February 05, 2016, 02:35:06 PM
Surprised by this selection. I would have had Payne at 15, McCloskey at 12/13 for starters. I fear we are going to cleaned out at the breakdown / maul with a brilliant back row from the Welsh.
Interesting that only 3 players remain in position from the Argentina game but we still have a experienced side out but I don't think it will be enough.

Wales by 7+ but hope I am wrong big time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 05, 2016, 04:02:25 PM
Shocking poor Irish side, Wales could do a runaway victory I fear. Whilst there's so much fanfare around Payne and Hinshaw they've never produced it as a partnership and in my eyes got a free ride from the press who undeservedly crowned them bod darcy 2.0
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 05, 2016, 04:13:11 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 05, 2016, 04:02:25 PM
Shocking poor Irish side, Wales could do a runaway victory I fear. Whilst there's so much fanfare around Payne and Hinshaw they've never produced it as a partnership and in my eyes got a free ride from the press who undeservedly crowned them bod darcy 2.0

Payne is still an excellent defender in the outside channel - he will get severely tested here on Sunday however. Jon Davies has an eye for a gap and serious pace to go with it. Tipuric will also be popping up here now and again. I think we can keep pace for the first 60 then I'm fearful.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 05, 2016, 04:25:54 PM
This Ireland side looks nearly as patched up as the one against Argentina. There is a tipping point when you have more than a certain amount of changes, it becomes difficult to play to a high level.

It'll have to be a game plan with very few moving parts to succeed.
Probably Wales will be able to disrupt Ireland at ruck time, so anticipating this, it'll be a lot of box kicks off slow ball and trying to win penalties and turnovers off kick chases.
2 years ago in this fixture, Ireland kicked every ball back at Wales, forced them into errors and eventually won 26-3. You could try the same plan again and if the pressure is 5% less, Welsh could run it back and carve you open.
Wales have won Grand Slams immediately after the last 2 World Cups, so they'll require stopping.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 05, 2016, 08:11:56 PM
I'm the same as most on here. Payne is the best FB in Irish Rugby at the minute and McCloskey the form centre... Why are we doing this?

Also Paddy Jackson not in the squad is scandalous!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on February 05, 2016, 09:15:06 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 05, 2016, 08:11:56 PM
I'm the same as most on here. Payne is the best FB in Irish Rugby at the minute and McCloskey the form centre... Why are we doing this?

Also Paddy Jackson not in the squad is scandalous!!

Agree on Payne and McCloskey. If Jackson isn't starting he's not gonna be on the bench. Whether he should be starting or not is another argument but I would like to see him given a couple of starts.

I think Wales by 7-10 points. Obviously I'm hoping not.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on February 06, 2016, 07:52:46 AM
How many of the West Brit team:

a) were not born in this country and do not have any lineage with Ireland?
b) were educated in a non-fee paying school?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 06, 2016, 08:45:20 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 06, 2016, 07:52:46 AM
How many of the West Brit team:

a) were not born in this country and do not have any lineage with Ireland?
b) were educated in a non-fee paying school?
The rugby lads come from a wider pool now. SOB would represent the GAA gene pool. I don't think he went to a private school. Tommy Bowe and Zebo probably didn't either. All the other teams are naturalising antipodeans  It is much harder for refugees to get citizenship.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on February 06, 2016, 08:52:21 AM
Quote from: seafoid on February 06, 2016, 08:45:20 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 06, 2016, 07:52:46 AM
How many of the West Brit team:

a) were not born in this country and do not have any lineage with Ireland?
b) were educated in a non-fee paying school?
The rugby lads come from a wider pool now. SOB would represent the GAA gene pool. I don't think he went to a private school. Tommy Bowe and Zebo probably didn't either. All the other teams are naturalising antipodeans  It is much harder for refugees to get citizenship.
Bowe went to the Royal School in Armagh.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 06, 2016, 06:45:45 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 06, 2016, 07:52:46 AM
How many of the West Brit team:

a) were not born in this country and do not have any lineage with Ireland?
b) were educated in a non-fee paying school?

What crap high school did you attend?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 06, 2016, 07:33:06 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 06, 2016, 06:45:45 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 06, 2016, 07:52:46 AM
How many of the West Brit team:

a) were not born in this country and do not have any lineage with Ireland?
b) were educated in a non-fee paying school?

What crap high school did you attend?
Did you spot the chip too?  ;)

Bowe went to the Royal in Armagh and I'd say most of the northern boys went to run of the mill grammar schools.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 06, 2016, 09:27:15 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 06, 2016, 07:33:06 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 06, 2016, 06:45:45 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 06, 2016, 07:52:46 AM
How many of the West Brit team:

a) were not born in this country and do not have any lineage with Ireland?
b) were educated in a non-fee paying school?

What crap high school did you attend?
Did you spot the chip too?  ;)

Bowe went to the Royal in Armagh and I'd say most of the northern boys went to run of the mill grammar schools.

Methody, Inst, Campbell being the main ones I assume
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 06, 2016, 11:28:27 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 06, 2016, 09:27:15 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 06, 2016, 07:33:06 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 06, 2016, 06:45:45 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 06, 2016, 07:52:46 AM
How many of the West Brit team:

a) were not born in this country and do not have any lineage with Ireland?
b) were educated in a non-fee paying school?

What crap high school did you attend?
Did you spot the chip too?  ;)

Bowe went to the Royal in Armagh and I'd say most of the northern boys went to run of the mill grammar schools.

Methody, Inst, Campbell being the main ones I assume

Spot on even some comps so hardly a team of toffs.
Trimble coleraine inst
Jackson and gilroy methody
Best tandragee high
Luke marshall ballymena academy
Stuart olding and ian henderson BRA
Chris henry wallace
Stuart mccloskey bangor grammar

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 06, 2016, 11:36:22 PM
The scotland hype can be binned as they were their usual impotent self and the couple of times they did get close to the line they threw away possesion. It was an unlucky result against Australia but amazing that everyone forgot that they should have lost to samoa and struggled against a japan team that were knackered after beating SA 4 days earlier.  Nothing to fear from what we have seen so far. Wales are the favourites despite gatlands mind games so if we can come through tomorrow then you never know.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 07, 2016, 12:30:33 AM
Definite case of white line fever from Scotland today. Too many handling errors when in a decent position within 10m of the try line. Disappointed in them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: foxcommander on February 07, 2016, 01:56:59 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 06, 2016, 07:52:46 AM
How many of the West Brit team:

a) were not born in this country and do not have any lineage with Ireland?
b) were educated in a non-fee paying school?

Good luck to the garrison sports team vs wales.

Irelands call and all that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 07, 2016, 09:07:44 AM
Quote from: foxcommander on February 07, 2016, 01:56:59 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 06, 2016, 07:52:46 AM
How many of the West Brit team:

a) were not born in this country and do not have any lineage with Ireland?
b) were educated in a non-fee paying school?

Good luck to the garrison sports team vs wales.

Irelands call and all that.

Might as well throw all them garrison sports..... Soccer, cricket what else? Snooker, darts  :o
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 07, 2016, 11:02:44 AM
Nothing to fear so far looks like today will be the big test!!

COYBIG!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on February 07, 2016, 12:49:40 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 06, 2016, 06:45:45 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 06, 2016, 07:52:46 AM
How many of the West Brit team:

a) were not born in this country and do not have any lineage with Ireland?
b) were educated in a non-fee paying school?

What crap high school did you attend?

What does that matter?

I consider myself grateful I didn't go to a rugby school, lessening my exposure to sodomy and concussions.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on February 07, 2016, 12:51:57 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on February 07, 2016, 01:56:59 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 06, 2016, 07:52:46 AM
How many of the West Brit team:

a) were not born in this country and do not have any lineage with Ireland?
b) were educated in a non-fee paying school?

Good luck to the garrison sports team vs wales.

Irelands call and all that.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/answering-apartheids-call-29839040.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: maximus on February 07, 2016, 01:15:06 PM
Lads any links to the game Please and thank you
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on February 07, 2016, 02:07:45 PM
Aaaarghhh no! No BBC! A whole season of Ryle Nugent! No no no no no .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 07, 2016, 02:14:41 PM
Quote from: Hardy on February 07, 2016, 02:07:45 PM
Aaaarghhh no! No BBC! A whole season of Ryle Nugent! No no no no no .
If you have ITV and can suffer ad breaks etc then you'll get it there. The France match next week is on BBC. The rest on ITV.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on February 07, 2016, 02:25:50 PM
Only have UTV Ireland on my service. No rugby on that. Volume fully down for the afternoon, I suppose.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 07, 2016, 02:58:30 PM
Ireland Captain not singing the national anthem. DISGRACEFUL!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Never beat the deeler on February 07, 2016, 03:36:26 PM
Williams jumped out of Earls tackle like a salmon.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gawa316 on February 07, 2016, 03:51:46 PM
Quote from: maximus on February 07, 2016, 01:15:06 PM
Lads any links to the game Please and thank you

http://firstrowi.eu/rugby/first-ireland-vs-wales-row66b300
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tiempo on February 07, 2016, 04:14:08 PM
Quote from: Never beat the deeler on February 07, 2016, 03:36:26 PM
Williams jumped out of Earls tackle like a salmon.

Big time, stupid that Earls was penalised for it
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 07, 2016, 04:46:29 PM
Poor day at the office for Zebo.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Never beat the deeler on February 07, 2016, 04:51:36 PM
The fk was Payne doing kicking?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AQMP on February 07, 2016, 04:53:10 PM
Poor enough fare
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 07, 2016, 04:55:06 PM
Can't really complain with the result. We still lack that guile in attack. However after all the hype about Wales and with our main ball carriers missing it wasn't a bad performance. Stander and TOD very good. Heaslip doing very little yet again!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on February 07, 2016, 04:57:26 PM
Quote from: Never beat the deeler on February 07, 2016, 04:51:36 PM
The fk was Payne doing kicking?

Not the first time he's made dodgy kicks. Something about that 13 jersey...

Quote from: AQMP on February 07, 2016, 04:53:10 PM
Poor enough fare

I thought it was a cracking game, especially with both teams ravaged by injury.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 07, 2016, 04:59:32 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 07, 2016, 04:55:06 PM
Can't really complain with the result. We still lack that guile in attack. However after all the hype about Wales and with our main ball carriers missing it wasn't a bad performance. Stander and TOD very good. Heaslip doing very little yet again!
Aye most would have taken a point. They are definitely lacking in invention but Wales nothing special.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: highorlow on February 07, 2016, 05:15:27 PM
Don't know what game you were watching if your comment is serious about heaslip
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 07, 2016, 05:21:04 PM
Quote from: highorlow on February 07, 2016, 05:15:27 PM
Don't know what game you were watching if your comment is serious about heaslip

Name me his stand out moments? Apart from a late turnover I can think of very little.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: highorlow on February 07, 2016, 05:26:53 PM
He created the ruck for the Murray try.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 07, 2016, 05:31:38 PM
Quote from: highorlow on February 07, 2016, 05:26:53 PM
He created the ruck for the Murray try.

Murrays try came from an initial burst by Henshaw off a scrum, then a carry by Heaslip, after another burst by McGrath Murray sniped over. To solely credit Heaslip isn't right imo.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: highorlow on February 07, 2016, 06:14:36 PM
To solely say I gave him full credit for the try is incorrect imo

Tupuric , north and warburton didn't do much, says something about defence.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 07, 2016, 06:25:29 PM
Quote from: highorlow on February 07, 2016, 06:14:36 PM
To solely say I gave him full credit for the try is incorrect imo

Tupuric , north and warburton didn't do much, says something about defence.

Well done JS
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 07, 2016, 06:40:16 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 07, 2016, 05:21:04 PM
Quote from: highorlow on February 07, 2016, 05:15:27 PM
Don't know what game you were watching if your comment is serious about heaslip

Name me his stand out moments? Apart from a late turnover I can think of very little.

What about his 16 tackles? 5 more than CJ and 7 more than TOD! Won more turnovers than CJ and TOD combined.  Also carried for the same number of meters as CJ with less ball.

Heaslip was immense today as was the entire Irish back-row I thought. 

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: foxcommander on February 07, 2016, 07:01:39 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 07, 2016, 02:58:30 PM
Ireland Captain not singing the national anthem. DISGRACEFUL!

He should know the words. Which country is he captaining/representing again?



Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: michaelg on February 07, 2016, 07:11:31 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on February 07, 2016, 07:01:39 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 07, 2016, 02:58:30 PM
Ireland Captain not singing the national anthem. DISGRACEFUL!

He should know the words. Which country is he captaining/representing again?
He is not representing the Republic of Ireland so no need for him to know the words.  At least you must have been happy he didn't sing Ireland's Call either.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 07, 2016, 07:23:19 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 07, 2016, 06:40:16 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 07, 2016, 05:21:04 PM
Quote from: highorlow on February 07, 2016, 05:15:27 PM
Don't know what game you were watching if your comment is serious about heaslip

Name me his stand out moments? Apart from a late turnover I can think of very little.

What about his 16 tackles? 5 more than CJ and 7 more than TOD! Won more turnovers than CJ and TOD combined.  Also carried for the same number of meters as CJ with less ball.

Heaslip was immense today as was the entire Irish back-row I thought.

TOD was the standout for me. Think we dipped a bit when he went off
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 07, 2016, 07:38:27 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 07, 2016, 07:23:19 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 07, 2016, 06:40:16 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 07, 2016, 05:21:04 PM
Quote from: highorlow on February 07, 2016, 05:15:27 PM
Don't know what game you were watching if your comment is serious about heaslip

Name me his stand out moments? Apart from a late turnover I can think of very little.

What about his 16 tackles? 5 more than CJ and 7 more than TOD! Won more turnovers than CJ and TOD combined.  Also carried for the same number of meters as CJ with less ball.

Heaslip was immense today as was the entire Irish back-row I thought.

TOD was the standout for me. Think we dipped a bit when he went off

I think we just tired, it was a very physical game and both teams went through lots of one out phases which is very demanding on the forwards both in attack and defence. Second half was poor fair and the lack of creativity from both sides shows why European Rugby struggles, it's all play the precentages.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 08, 2016, 09:24:30 AM
Euro rugby is going nowhere. Big men crashing into each other with concussion as standard. Hard to watch compared to southern hem. Sport is about space,  vision, teamwork. It is not about losing consciousness.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on February 08, 2016, 09:32:30 AM
Quote from: seafoid on February 08, 2016, 09:24:30 AM
Euro rugby is going nowhere. Big men crashing into each other with concussion as standard. Hard to watch compared to southern hem. Sport is about space,  vision, teamwork. It is not about losing consciousness.

Agreed,
   Whilst this 15 man rugby league will win you a 6N's, that's about it. The Southern Hemisphere have moved on as the world cup showed, but alas we'll celebrate like billyo if we win the Div2 of rugby and talk about challenging the Southern Hemisphere teams, but come the summer tours we'll get our arses handed to us.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 08, 2016, 09:33:24 AM
Along with tackling technique which I feel has to be addressed its up to the powers that be and refs to clamp down on the attacking player leading with the forearm/elbow. There were a couple of examples yesterday but one that sprung to mind was George North on Sexton late on.

Jack McGrath is developing into an outstanding player. If Healy was fit I doubt he'd be starting ahead of him.

Is Furlong ready to start away to France? Probably not.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AQMP on February 08, 2016, 09:48:54 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 08, 2016, 09:32:30 AM
Quote from: seafoid on February 08, 2016, 09:24:30 AM
Euro rugby is going nowhere. Big men crashing into each other with concussion as standard. Hard to watch compared to southern hem. Sport is about space,  vision, teamwork. It is not about losing consciousness.

Agreed,
   Whilst this 15 man rugby league will win you a 6N's, that's about it. The Southern Hemisphere have moved on as the world cup showed, but alas we'll celebrate like billyo if we win the Div2 of rugby and talk about challenging the Southern Hemisphere teams, but come the summer tours we'll get our arses handed to us.

Agree with both of these.  I missed the France Italy game but as well as player welfare, also in terms of entertainment I found both the other weekend games wanting.  Few line breaks, 20 phases to move the ball 8 metres, all thud and thump.  Someone should tell Henshaw that you're allowed to pass the ball in rugby.  It's as if the World Cup never happened.  Oh, and ITV is shite too!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 08, 2016, 09:59:03 AM
In fairness to JS he proved all the pundits wrong. Neil Francis said it was the worst team in 15 years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 08, 2016, 10:00:04 AM
Quote from: seafoid on February 08, 2016, 09:59:03 AM
In fairness to JS he proved all the pundits wrong. Neil Francis said it was the worst team in 15 years.

In fairness Franno talks some sh1t!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 08, 2016, 10:05:33 AM
The rugby was on in a pub I went into after galway v tyrone. It was very dull. 2 armies clashing.
The GAA was occasionally end to end. The crowd were excited. Rugby used to be like that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 08, 2016, 10:08:40 AM
Quote from: seafoid on February 08, 2016, 10:05:33 AM
The rugby was on in a pub I went into after galway v tyrone. It was very dull. 2 armies clashing.
The GAA was occasionally end to end. The crowd were excited. Rugby used to be like that.

Really? When? When we won the slam beating England 10-9 at home or some of the awful games in the early 90s?

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on February 08, 2016, 10:47:09 AM
I remember sitting in a pub while Bernard Dunne was fighting Ricardo Cordoba (http://www.rte.ie/sport/boxing/2009/0322/246832-dunneb/). I started off filled with cynicism about the sport, and by the end was utterly enthralled as they went toe-to-toe, no quarter given or asked. And when it was over, I felt a sense of guilt at enjoying such savagery. While it wasn't quite as extreme a reaction watching yesterday's game, the principle was the same. Asking sportsmen to put themselves through what the Irish and Welsh teams put themselves through yesterday is plain wrong.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on February 08, 2016, 10:51:08 AM
Quote from: AQMP on February 08, 2016, 09:48:54 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 08, 2016, 09:32:30 AM
Quote from: seafoid on February 08, 2016, 09:24:30 AM
Euro rugby is going nowhere. Big men crashing into each other with concussion as standard. Hard to watch compared to southern hem. Sport is about space,  vision, teamwork. It is not about losing consciousness.

Agreed,
   Whilst this 15 man rugby league will win you a 6N's, that's about it. The Southern Hemisphere have moved on as the world cup showed, but alas we'll celebrate like billyo if we win the Div2 of rugby and talk about challenging the Southern Hemisphere teams, but come the summer tours we'll get our arses handed to us.

Agree with both of these.  I missed the France Italy game but as well as player welfare, also in terms of entertainment I found both the other weekend games wanting.  Few line breaks, 20 phases to move the ball 8 metres, all thud and thump.  Someone should tell Henshaw that you're allowed to pass the ball in rugby.  It's as if the World Cup never happened.  Oh, and ITV is shite too!

Yeah at one point Wales i think had 25 phases or more and the commentator was going on as if it some great achievement when all they were doing was going back across the 22 without getting anywhere. What was there 8 tries or something over the weekend? I am a big rugby fan but if i miss watching a match now I'm not really bothered as I'm not really missing much.

Just on ITV I thought D'Arcy was decent as co-commentator whilst Johnny Wilko would nearly send you to sleep with his voice!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 08, 2016, 10:51:29 AM
I knew Stander was going to get man of the match after 10 minutes, but I thought he faded a lot, and Tommy O'Donnell and HEaslip, to be fair, both were more steady and impactful throughout the game. Stander is very good, and very wholehearted and loves work, but I thought he blew himself out yesterday.

Zebo was dodgy at full back I thought.

It was all a bit bish-bash-bosh, which is not very spectacular, but I still thought it was enthralling to watch. Mind you if it was England Wales playing the same game, it would be boring.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 08, 2016, 10:56:18 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 08, 2016, 10:51:29 AM
I knew Stander was going to get man of the match after 10 minutes, but I thought he faded a lot, and Tommy O'Donnell and HEaslip, to be fair, both were more steady and impactful throughout the game. Stander is very good, and very wholehearted and loves work, but I thought he blew himself out yesterday.

Zebo was dodgy at full back I thought.

It was all a bit bish-bash-bosh, which is not very spectacular, but I still thought it was enthralling to watch. Mind you if it was England Wales playing the same game, it would be boring.

The full back position is a bit of a worry post Kearney if JS sees Henshaw and Payne as his centre pairing. Stuart Olding could be a possibility if he can stay injury free. Like to see him get a run of games there.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 08, 2016, 10:58:32 AM
Decent result for Ireland. 13-0 up and you could say Ireland should have closed it out, but Wales were always going get into the game at some point. They had the stronger players and there always a fear that the likes of Roberts and North could eventually have their say.

There was a hint of good fortune about the Welsh scores. When Trimble touched down to concede the 5 metre scrum, I wonder could either a) Zebo have taken a position diagonally behind him to receive a pop pass, instead of running over flat beside him. b) Could Trimble have got behind the ball and fly hacked it against the inrushing Welsh player therefore giving Ireland possession when it most likely would have deflected out of play. High risk obviously, but conceding a 5 metre scrum is also dynamite.

The concern for Ireland would be the scrum. Was it something temporarily fixable, or is it going to be a problem all tournament? A scrum-obsessed rugby nation like England will see this a great chance to make hay, as will the others.

It's difficult to know what France will be like. Noves is the sort of throwback coach that the sporting romantic in everybody would like to see succeed. The evidence would suggest that his disdain for the trappings of modern day planning makes him even less likely to succeed in the international game than at club level. But this is the French after all...

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on February 08, 2016, 10:59:34 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 08, 2016, 10:51:29 AM
I knew Stander was going to get man of the match after 10 minutes, but I thought he faded a lot, and Tommy O'Donnell and HEaslip, to be fair, both were more steady and impactful throughout the game. Stander is very good, and very wholehearted and loves work, but I thought he blew himself out yesterday.

Zebo was dodgy at full back I thought.

It was all a bit bish-bash-bosh, which is not very spectacular, but I still thought it was enthralling to watch. Mind you if it was England Wales playing the same game, it would be boring.

Thought Wales gained their yardage easier than Ireland especially in the second half, quicker up to the gainline in defence whereas Ireland let the Welsh ball carrier travel a bit before going into contact.
Very few offloads in the tackle as lads playing safe, going to ground and recycling for yet another phase  ::)

As for phases, its one of these stats that clip board managers like, just like possession stats in soccer, pretty meaningless if the other team is doing the scoring with less of the ball.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on February 08, 2016, 11:14:51 AM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on February 08, 2016, 10:58:32 AMcould ... Zebo have taken a position diagonally behind him to receive a pop pass, instead of running over flat beside him.

Absolutely. I was shouting this at the telly. If Zebo had headed towards the dead ball line, Trimble wouldn't have had to break stride - just flick the ball back to him. I often wonder what's going on between his ears.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 08, 2016, 12:01:33 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on February 08, 2016, 10:58:32 AM
Decent result for Ireland. 13-0 up and you could say Ireland should have closed it out, but Wales were always going get into the game at some point. They had the stronger players and there always a fear that the likes of Roberts and North could eventually have their say.

There was a hint of good fortune about the Welsh scores. When Trimble touched down to concede the 5 metre scrum, I wonder could either a) Zebo have taken a position diagonally behind him to receive a pop pass, instead of running over flat beside him. b) Could Trimble have got behind the ball and fly hacked it against the inrushing Welsh player therefore giving Ireland possession when it most likely would have deflected out of play. High risk obviously, but conceding a 5 metre scrum is also dynamite.

The concern for Ireland would be the scrum. Was it something temporarily fixable, or is it going to be a problem all tournament? A scrum-obsessed rugby nation like England will see this a great chance to make hay, as will the others.

It's difficult to know what France will be like. Noves is the sort of throwback coach that the sporting romantic in everybody would like to see succeed. The evidence would suggest that his disdain for the trappings of modern day planning makes him even less likely to succeed in the international game than at club level. But this is the French after all...
France and England might both be shite. They were dreadful in the WC. Swinging very low I suspect
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: highorlow on February 08, 2016, 12:36:30 PM
We were written off before this game and got a draw, we will be hot favorites next week so we should lose that one.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 08, 2016, 01:06:51 PM
Mike Gibson interview, a fabulous read

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/other-rugby/im-not-sure-id-have-wanted-to-be-a-professional-paul-kimmage-meets-rugby-legend-mike-gibson-34430028.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Declan on February 08, 2016, 01:25:57 PM
Great interview alright
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 08, 2016, 01:32:34 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 08, 2016, 01:06:51 PM
Mike Gibson interview, a fabulous read

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/other-rugby/im-not-sure-id-have-wanted-to-be-a-professional-paul-kimmage-meets-rugby-legend-mike-gibson-34430028.html

Brilliant read!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on February 08, 2016, 01:55:25 PM
QuoteMG: No, people have asked about books but I wouldn't be interested in that.

I'm only that far in, and I think I'm in love. Apologies to Dan the Man and King Henry.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 09, 2016, 10:16:40 AM
More superb analysis from Murray Kinsella and the guys at the42.ie

http://www.the42.ie/analysis-ireland-defence-wales-six-nations-2016-2591653-Feb2016/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 09, 2016, 10:21:37 AM
Paul O'Connell has retired. Not really surprising I suppose, and I'm sad he never got to Toulon, for his own sake. For me, he's one of the best, and the best ever in Munster Red. A very nice man as well, and I hope he has a long, happy retirement with his young family.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Declan on February 09, 2016, 10:27:17 AM
That's a pity about Paulie alright. Irish rugby legend
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 09, 2016, 10:31:28 AM
What a player. What a man!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: highorlow on February 09, 2016, 10:38:57 AM
Jack Carty is a big loss for us for the rest of the season. How the f**k did he manage to do that to himself!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: clowry13 on February 09, 2016, 10:57:50 AM
what way is SOB and rob Kearney for the weekend?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: clowry13 on February 09, 2016, 11:02:17 AM
if fit:
Mcgrath
Best
ross??
McCarthy
toner
SOB
CJ
heaslip
Murray
Sexton
Earls
Henshaw
Payne
Trimble
Kearney


Would love to see mccloskey given a run out in centre along with henshaw with paynje at full back. Cant see it though..,
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 09, 2016, 11:26:41 AM
I wonder did the doping allegations surrounding Toulon make retirement a more palatable option?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 09, 2016, 11:32:25 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 09, 2016, 10:21:37 AM
Paul O'Connell has retired. Not really surprising I suppose, and I'm sad he never got to Toulon, for his own sake. For me, he's one of the best, and the best ever in Munster Red. A very nice man as well, and I hope he has a long, happy retirement with his young family.

Legend, one of the greats. A privilege to have been at his first game in Lansdowne Road and his last.

Will be a success, whatever he does next. Someone the IRFU should fast track into coaching via an overseas gig or two and away from Munster for his own benefit.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 09, 2016, 11:37:06 AM
Is he interested in coaching Dinny?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 09, 2016, 11:40:29 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 09, 2016, 11:37:06 AM
Is he interested in coaching Dinny?

I don't know but unlike someone like O'Driscoll he strikes me as the coaching type. He used to do all the opposition analysis on line-outs for Munster and Leinster. Just a leader of men really.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 09, 2016, 11:43:04 AM
A Super 15 side for a couple of years then back to Munster :D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 09, 2016, 11:49:32 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 09, 2016, 11:43:04 AM
A Super 15 side for a couple of years then back to Munster :D

If I was Tony McGahan, I'd be on the phone straight away. 2 year gig in Melbourne, partly funded by the IFRU, followed by a year or two in France. Then Munster 2 years as forwards coach and then head-coach. Fast track him but monitor his development. Foley is an example of why a coach needs to broaden his experience. Cullen the same but Cullen spent time in Leicester and that culture changed him for the better. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 09, 2016, 12:10:04 PM
I would have thought he would go into business. Loads of connections, sharp, marketable 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on February 09, 2016, 01:14:41 PM
Tearing your muscle clean off the bone is a glaring indication of steroid use.

He's also brand ambassador for Pinergy. I guess the rugby guys lack any sort of confliction where they make their money  from.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 09, 2016, 01:27:14 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 09, 2016, 01:14:41 PM
Tearing your muscle clean off the bone is a glaring indication of steroid use.

He's also brand ambassador for Pinergy. I guess the rugby guys lack any sort of confliction where they make their money  from.

For a hater of 'Garrison sports' you seem to know plenty. Slide on back to the Tyrone thread you mug!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on February 09, 2016, 02:26:56 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 09, 2016, 01:27:14 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 09, 2016, 01:14:41 PM
Tearing your muscle clean off the bone is a glaring indication of steroid use.

He's also brand ambassador for Pinergy. I guess the rugby guys lack any sort of confliction where they make their money  from.

For a hater of 'Garrison sports' you seem to know plenty. Slide on back to the Tyrone thread you mug!

Garrison sports?

I'm quite happy to cut through the bluster here. The national hero Paulie may not be quite the guy his national standing portrays him to be.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on February 09, 2016, 02:38:44 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 09, 2016, 02:26:56 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 09, 2016, 01:27:14 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 09, 2016, 01:14:41 PM
Tearing your muscle clean off the bone is a glaring indication of steroid use.

He's also brand ambassador for Pinergy. I guess the rugby guys lack any sort of confliction where they make their money  from.

For a hater of 'Garrison sports' you seem to know plenty. Slide on back to the Tyrone thread you mug!

Garrison sports?

I'm quite happy to cut through the bluster here. The national hero Paulie may not be quite the guy his national standing portrays him to be.

This is the worst kind of sleeveenism. Sly innuendo, "prove I'm wrong" bullshit. Unless you have some evidence of wrongdoing by the lad, why don't you just find a turd to slither under, where you'll find company of your own kind.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Canalman on February 09, 2016, 02:46:07 PM
Great photo in the Herald today of the Welsh team practising on a council soccer pitch in Drimnagh before the game.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on February 09, 2016, 03:30:20 PM
Quote from: Hardy on February 09, 2016, 02:38:44 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 09, 2016, 02:26:56 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 09, 2016, 01:27:14 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 09, 2016, 01:14:41 PM
Tearing your muscle clean off the bone is a glaring indication of steroid use.

He's also brand ambassador for Pinergy. I guess the rugby guys lack any sort of confliction where they make their money  from.

For a hater of 'Garrison sports' you seem to know plenty. Slide on back to the Tyrone thread you mug!

Garrison sports?

I'm quite happy to cut through the bluster here. The national hero Paulie may not be quite the guy his national standing portrays him to be.

This is the worst kind of sleeveenism. Sly innuendo, "prove I'm wrong" bullshit. Unless you have some evidence of wrongdoing by the lad, why don't you just find a turd to slither under, where you'll find company of your own kind.

You won't censor me with your veiled insults.

Muscle tears off the bone are very common among steroid users. Rugby has a huge steroid problem.

Pinergy are a sinister company whose target market seems to be families on low income who they rip off in the long run. Paul O'Connell gets a good deal of money to promote them.

It would seem as if you want to brush these issues under the rug.

Sweep Sweep.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on February 09, 2016, 03:35:27 PM
I'd hate to see what an unveiled insult would look like.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on February 09, 2016, 03:40:24 PM
 :)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on February 09, 2016, 03:41:32 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 09, 2016, 03:30:20 PM
Quote from: Hardy on February 09, 2016, 02:38:44 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 09, 2016, 02:26:56 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 09, 2016, 01:27:14 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 09, 2016, 01:14:41 PM
Tearing your muscle clean off the bone is a glaring indication of steroid use.

He's also brand ambassador for Pinergy. I guess the rugby guys lack any sort of confliction where they make their money  from.

For a hater of 'Garrison sports' you seem to know plenty. Slide on back to the Tyrone thread you mug!

Garrison sports?

I'm quite happy to cut through the bluster here. The national hero Paulie may not be quite the guy his national standing portrays him to be.

This is the worst kind of sleeveenism. Sly innuendo, "prove I'm wrong" bullshit. Unless you have some evidence of wrongdoing by the lad, why don't you just find a turd to slither under, where you'll find company of your own kind.

You won't censor me with your veiled insults.

Muscle tears off the bone are very common among steroid users. Rugby has a huge steroid problem.

Pinergy are a sinister company whose target market seems to be families on low income who they rip off in the long run. Paul O'Connell gets a good deal of money to promote them.

It would seem as if you want to brush these issues under the rug.

Sweep Sweep.

As I said - bring forward some evidence or crawl away.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 09, 2016, 03:47:44 PM
Who is the ref for the France game?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on February 09, 2016, 03:58:11 PM
Quote from: Hardy on February 09, 2016, 03:41:32 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 09, 2016, 03:30:20 PM
Quote from: Hardy on February 09, 2016, 02:38:44 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 09, 2016, 02:26:56 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 09, 2016, 01:27:14 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 09, 2016, 01:14:41 PM
Tearing your muscle clean off the bone is a glaring indication of steroid use.

He's also brand ambassador for Pinergy. I guess the rugby guys lack any sort of confliction where they make their money  from.

For a hater of 'Garrison sports' you seem to know plenty. Slide on back to the Tyrone thread you mug!

Garrison sports?

I'm quite happy to cut through the bluster here. The national hero Paulie may not be quite the guy his national standing portrays him to be.

This is the worst kind of sleeveenism. Sly innuendo, "prove I'm wrong" bullshit. Unless you have some evidence of wrongdoing by the lad, why don't you just find a turd to slither under, where you'll find company of your own kind.

You won't censor me with your veiled insults.

Muscle tears off the bone are very common among steroid users. Rugby has a huge steroid problem.

Pinergy are a sinister company whose target market seems to be families on low income who they rip off in the long run. Paul O'Connell gets a good deal of money to promote them.

It would seem as if you want to brush these issues under the rug.

Sweep Sweep.

As I said - bring forward some evidence or crawl away.

What are you disputing?

That O'Connell appears in Pinergy ads?

That he ripped his hamstring clean off the bone?

That Pinergy target low income families and rip them off?

That muscle being ripped off the bone is much more common to steroid users?

Sweep Sweep.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 09, 2016, 04:05:40 PM
Does everybody who rips muscle from bone use steroids? What part of O'Connell's history or performance or body shape changes would indicate steroid use?

As besides that, he is very generous with his time, and with the fans.

But sure you carry on and write smart arse remarks behind a wall of anonymity, in a bid to get people to react to you.

WUMs are so sad.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 09, 2016, 04:07:34 PM
Ignore this WUM - he knows sweet F.A about gaelic football never mind rugby.

His distaste for rugby and the supposed 'silver spoon' upbringing of players is just a mask for being a bigot!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: blewuporstuffed on February 09, 2016, 04:11:38 PM
Is it just me or has the amount of WUMs on the board gotten much worse lately?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on February 09, 2016, 04:12:08 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 09, 2016, 04:07:34 PM
Ignore this WUM - he knows sweet F.A about gaelic football never mind rugby.

His distaste for rugby and the supposed 'silver spoon' upbringing of players is just a mask for being a bigot!

Just because I've a bit of backbone about me and call out these charlatans for what they are doesn't make me a wum.

It does make you look insular and naive though, trying to censor any legitimate criticism of your feted heroes.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 09, 2016, 04:14:50 PM
The fact that you can label Paul O'Connell a 'charlatan' without a shred of evidence says everything to me. I'm not going to bother my arse reading anything else you post.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on February 09, 2016, 04:14:58 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 09, 2016, 04:05:40 PM
Does everybody who rips muscle from bone use steroids? What part of O'Connell's history or performance or body shape changes would indicate steroid use?

As besides that, he is very generous with his time, and with the fans.

But sure you carry on and write smart arse remarks behind a wall of anonymity, in a bid to get people to react to you.

WUMs are so sad.

No, not everyone. But O'Connell happens to be a gigantic muscle bound freak playing a sport that is riddled with steroid abuse.  If it looks like a duck and quacks like one....

Do you not find anything sinister about him promoting (for his own persinal gain) a company which openly targets and rips off the vulnerable in society?

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on February 09, 2016, 04:17:06 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 09, 2016, 04:14:50 PM
The fact that you can label Paul O'Connell a 'charlatan' without a shred of evidence says everything to me. I'm not going to bother my arse reading anything else you post.

All the feted Irish rugby players are charlatans, consistently embarrassing themselves and the fools who dispense their money on them on the world stage.

Never made it past the lat 8 in the World Cup despite only 9 teams taking the sport remotely seriously.

Charlatans, one and all.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 09, 2016, 04:25:51 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 09, 2016, 04:17:06 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 09, 2016, 04:14:50 PM
The fact that you can label Paul O'Connell a 'charlatan' without a shred of evidence says everything to me. I'm not going to bother my arse reading anything else you post.

All the feted Irish rugby players are charlatans, consistently embarrassing themselves and the fools who dispense their money on them on the world stage.

Never made it past the lat 8 in the World Cup despite only 9 teams taking the sport remotely seriously.

Charlatans, one and all.

Hahaha you are an idiot!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on February 09, 2016, 04:26:01 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 09, 2016, 04:07:34 PM
Ignore this WUM - he knows sweet F.A about gaelic football never mind rugby.

His distaste for rugby and the supposed 'silver spoon' upbringing of players is just a mask for being a bigot!

He's probably the same boy that set up a Support Tiernan McCann Faceboook page!

Now on the other hand having those Tyrone boys bulked up something tara over the winter. Must be on something those boys.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 09, 2016, 04:28:40 PM
Quote from: square_ball on February 09, 2016, 04:26:01 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 09, 2016, 04:07:34 PM
Ignore this WUM - he knows sweet F.A about gaelic football never mind rugby.

His distaste for rugby and the supposed 'silver spoon' upbringing of players is just a mask for being a bigot!

He's probably the same boy that set up a Support Tiernan McCann Faceboook page!

Now on the other hand having those Tyrone boys bulked up something tara over the winter. Must be on something those boys.

Just exactly what I was thinking with his rant about POC!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on February 09, 2016, 04:36:08 PM
So, that's it then.

You're all going to avoid and deflect away from the difficult questions regarding O'Connell. You're all going to try and get confrontational and try and suppress rather than discuss.

The points I have made about O'Connell are most valid, however all those hours you've spent conversing by the water cooler about the "goys" probably has left you in an entrenched  position where retreat doesn't seem like an option.

I wonder were you all such big rugby men back in the early 90s?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 09, 2016, 04:41:27 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 09, 2016, 04:36:08 PM
So, that's it then.

You're all going to avoid and deflect away from the difficult questions regarding O'Connell. You're all going to try and get confrontational and try and suppress rather than discuss.

The points I have made about O'Connell are most valid, however all those hours you've spent conversing by the water cooler about the "goys" probably has left you in an entrenched  position where retreat doesn't seem like an option.

I wonder were you all such big rugby men back in the early 90s?

You really are a bitter little man aren't you. This obsession with rugby being a game for the wealthy. Did mum and dad not give you much love son??

Well I can assure you the average rugby club and fan in Ireland is not wealthy. I'm a member of the Rainey Old Boys club in Magherafelt. No silver spoons around our club. Sure come on down some time sure.......you never know, you might enjoy yourself!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 09, 2016, 07:16:01 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 09, 2016, 04:36:08 PM
So, that's it then.

You're all going to avoid and deflect away from the difficult questions regarding O'Connell. You're all going to try and get confrontational and try and suppress rather than discuss.

The points I have made about O'Connell are most valid, however all those hours you've spent conversing by the water cooler about the "goys" probably has left you in an entrenched  position where retreat doesn't seem like an option.

I wonder were you all such big rugby men back in the early 90s?
I would like to read more about drugs in rugby. I think professionalism has been a disaster.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Old yeller on February 09, 2016, 07:39:15 PM
It makes me laugh when retiring sportsmen put out statements like O'Connell's. Thanking their wives for "unwavering support through the good and the bad". He was a professional sportsman ffs, not a navy seal or bomb disposal expert.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on February 09, 2016, 08:02:19 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 09, 2016, 04:41:27 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 09, 2016, 04:36:08 PM
So, that's it then.

You're all going to avoid and deflect away from the difficult questions regarding O'Connell. You're all going to try and get confrontational and try and suppress rather than discuss.

The points I have made about O'Connell are most valid, however all those hours you've spent conversing by the water cooler about the "goys" probably has left you in an entrenched  position where retreat doesn't seem like an option.

I wonder were you all such big rugby men back in the early 90s?

You really are a bitter little man aren't you. This obsession with rugby being a game for the wealthy. Did mum and dad not give you much love son??

Well I can assure you the average rugby club and fan in Ireland is not wealthy. I'm a member of the Rainey Old Boys club in Magherafelt. No silver spoons around our club. Sure come on down some time sure.......you never know, you might enjoy yourself!

I'm not bitter, far from it in fact, I have a very sunny disposition and I would suspect you are only coming to that conclusion as you have invested a lot in jumping on the rugby bandwagon and now can't hear any reasonable criticism of it. If my altruistic traits rub people up the wrong way then that's their problem - not mine.

When did you get into rugby anyway? When Ireland became mediocre as opposed to shit at a minority sport and captured the nation's imagination with their World Cup quarter final finishes in a sport that only 9 countries take remotely seriously? When they amalgamated the clubs in the country into four teams where they could go and take on the might of the 3 other domestic leagues in Europe? When rugby marketed itself as some sort of social climbing ladder for the underclass?

Or were you one of the few who actually gave a bollocks about rugby when Ireland were utterly shit back in the early 90s?

Personally, I'd have a moral affliction about supporting an organisation that backed apartheid but each to their own.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on February 09, 2016, 08:04:45 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 09, 2016, 07:16:01 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 09, 2016, 04:36:08 PM
So, that's it then.

You're all going to avoid and deflect away from the difficult questions regarding O'Connell. You're all going to try and get confrontational and try and suppress rather than discuss.

The points I have made about O'Connell are most valid, however all those hours you've spent conversing by the water cooler about the "goys" probably has left you in an entrenched  position where retreat doesn't seem like an option.

I wonder were you all such big rugby men back in the early 90s?
I would like to read more about drugs in rugby. I think professionalism has been a disaster.

Paul Kimmage has been on a crusade against it of late.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/paul-kimmage-rugby-has-to-face-up-to-its-growing-pains-30766512.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 10, 2016, 12:11:34 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 09, 2016, 08:02:19 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 09, 2016, 04:41:27 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 09, 2016, 04:36:08 PM
So, that's it then.

You're all going to avoid and deflect away from the difficult questions regarding O'Connell. You're all going to try and get confrontational and try and suppress rather than discuss.

The points I have made about O'Connell are most valid, however all those hours you've spent conversing by the water cooler about the "goys" probably has left you in an entrenched  position where retreat doesn't seem like an option.

I wonder were you all such big rugby men back in the early 90s?

You really are a bitter little man aren't you. This obsession with rugby being a game for the wealthy. Did mum and dad not give you much love son??

Well I can assure you the average rugby club and fan in Ireland is not wealthy. I'm a member of the Rainey Old Boys club in Magherafelt. No silver spoons around our club. Sure come on down some time sure.......you never know, you might enjoy yourself!

I'm not bitter, far from it in fact, I have a very sunny disposition and I would suspect you are only coming to that conclusion as you have invested a lot in jumping on the rugby bandwagon and now can't hear any reasonable criticism of it. If my altruistic traits rub people up the wrong way then that's their problem - not mine.

When did you get into rugby anyway? When Ireland became mediocre as opposed to shit at a minority sport and captured the nation's imagination with their World Cup quarter final finishes in a sport that only 9 countries take remotely seriously? When they amalgamated the clubs in the country into four teams where they could go and take on the might of the 3 other domestic leagues in Europe? When rugby marketed itself as some sort of social climbing ladder for the underclass?

Or were you one of the few who actually gave a bollocks about rugby when Ireland were utterly shit back in the early 90s?

Personally, I'd have a moral affliction about supporting an organisation that backed apartheid but each to their own.



Oh I love it when you use big words bomber - bravo! Regarding my first rugby match I do believe it was a towns cup final in the early 90s at Ravenhill. As for my first international game - 93 at Lansdowne when we beat England. Apologies for not attending games in the 80s as I wasn't long out of nappies.

See I'm as happy attending an u12 club match as watching Derry or Irish rugby, golf, boxing or any sport that takes my interest. I just don't worry so much about the intricacies. Perhaps I had a more balanced upbringing than yourself. Once again for someone with such distaste you know plenty about rugby. Sad really.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Longshanks on February 10, 2016, 10:38:54 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 09, 2016, 08:02:19 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 09, 2016, 04:41:27 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 09, 2016, 04:36:08 PM
So, that's it then.

You're all going to avoid and deflect away from the difficult questions regarding O'Connell. You're all going to try and get confrontational and try and suppress rather than discuss.

The points I have made about O'Connell are most valid, however all those hours you've spent conversing by the water cooler about the "goys" probably has left you in an entrenched  position where retreat doesn't seem like an option.

I wonder were you all such big rugby men back in the early 90s?

You really are a bitter little man aren't you. This obsession with rugby being a game for the wealthy. Did mum and dad not give you much love son??

Well I can assure you the average rugby club and fan in Ireland is not wealthy. I'm a member of the Rainey Old Boys club in Magherafelt. No silver spoons around our club. Sure come on down some time sure.......you never know, you might enjoy yourself!

I'm not bitter, far from it in fact, I have a very sunny disposition and I would suspect you are only coming to that conclusion as you have invested a lot in jumping on the rugby bandwagon and now can't hear any reasonable criticism of it. If my altruistic traits rub people up the wrong way then that's their problem - not mine.

When did you get into rugby anyway? When Ireland became mediocre as opposed to shit at a minority sport and captured the nation's imagination with their World Cup quarter final finishes in a sport that only 9 countries take remotely seriously? When they amalgamated the clubs in the country into four teams where they could go and take on the might of the 3 other domestic leagues in Europe? When rugby marketed itself as some sort of social climbing ladder for the underclass?

Or were you one of the few who actually gave a bollocks about rugby when Ireland were utterly shit back in the early 90s?

Personally, I'd have a moral affliction about supporting an organisation that backed apartheid but each to their own.

I enjoy sports in general, when the masters is on I follow it as well as all the majors but I dont follow every golf tournament, I didnt follow rugby in the early 90s but I dont think I should have to make any apologies for that?

Is the rule now if we don't follow it when we are young we can never follow a new sport? thats just daft!
I enjoy many different sports, hell I even watch the superbowl but I guess I cant comment on that cause I dont watch every bloody match!?


As for drugs in sport, look maybe there is but I dont think the time is right to go for a guy when he has just announced his retirement (Lance Armstrong being the obvious exception)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: blewuporstuffed on February 10, 2016, 11:14:24 AM
This linking POC to drugs now that he has retired is just bizarre, as someone who has never failed a drugs test or been linked with steroids in anyway during his career (AFAIK) and was the model professional throughout a distinguished career, I think the least he should be given is the benefit of the doubt (even if it is just one person that seems to be doubting him).
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Harold Disgracey on February 10, 2016, 11:19:48 AM
Walter, by any chance do you know how the games with Armagh went last night? My wee lad plays for the U16s and unfortunately we couldn't make it last night. BTW that's a damn fine U16 team you have at Rainey.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on February 10, 2016, 11:37:10 AM
Quote from: blewuporstuffed on February 10, 2016, 11:14:24 AM
This linking POC to drugs now that he has retired is just bizarre, as someone who has never failed a drugs test or been linked with steroids in anyway during his career (AFAIK) and was the model professional throughout a distinguished career, I think the least he should be given is the benefit of the doubt (even if it is just one person that seems to be doubting him).

He suffered an injury which is far more likely to happen with steroid use. He is a muscle bound freak who plays a sport which has a big problem with steroids. Dismissing the notion out of hand that he could have taken steroids is naive in the extreme.

Those factors raise a red light for me but as usual if you dare to speak out against rugby in this country you have the rugby nazis coming for you.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on February 10, 2016, 11:40:10 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 09, 2016, 02:26:56 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 09, 2016, 01:27:14 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 09, 2016, 01:14:41 PM
Tearing your muscle clean off the bone is a glaring indication of steroid use.

He's also brand ambassador for Pinergy. I guess the rugby guys lack any sort of confliction where they make their money  from.

For a hater of 'Garrison sports' you seem to know plenty. Slide on back to the Tyrone thread you mug!

Garrison sports?

I'm quite happy to cut through the bluster here. The national hero Paulie may not be quite the guy his national standing portrays him to be.
Are you Tony in disguise?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: blewuporstuffed on February 10, 2016, 11:42:41 AM
QuoteHe suffered an injury which is far more likely to happen with steroid use.

You are far more likely to be in a  car accident if you have been drinking, but that doesn't mean everyone that is, is a drink driver.

QuoteDismissing the notion out of hand that he could have taken steroids is naive in the extreme.
But accusing someone of steroid abuse on the basis of zero evidence is ok?  :-\


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Longshanks on February 10, 2016, 11:43:38 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 10, 2016, 11:37:10 AM
Quote from: blewuporstuffed on February 10, 2016, 11:14:24 AM
This linking POC to drugs now that he has retired is just bizarre, as someone who has never failed a drugs test or been linked with steroids in anyway during his career (AFAIK) and was the model professional throughout a distinguished career, I think the least he should be given is the benefit of the doubt (even if it is just one person that seems to be doubting him).

He suffered an injury which is far more likely to happen with steroid use. He is a muscle bound freak who plays a sport which has a big problem with steroids. Dismissing the notion out of hand that he could have taken steroids is naive in the extreme.

Those factors raise a red light for me but as usual if you dare to speak out against rugby in this country you have the rugby nazis coming for you.

So every person who works out in the gym and is a 'Muscle bound freak' as you so politely put it, there is a good chance they are on steriods?

I actually think he is the build of any other lock playing rugby to be fair, I'm 6ft6 myself, over 17 stone and if I hit the gym hard like POC has I'm sure I'd muscle up eventually with years of dedication...

Maybe there is a drug problem, I dont have enough details but please fill me in, get me details of other muscle bound freaks and their injuries which raise your Suspicions?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on February 10, 2016, 11:48:22 AM
Quote from: Longshanks on February 10, 2016, 10:38:54 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 09, 2016, 08:02:19 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 09, 2016, 04:41:27 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 09, 2016, 04:36:08 PM
So, that's it then.

You're all going to avoid and deflect away from the difficult questions regarding O'Connell. You're all going to try and get confrontational and try and suppress rather than discuss.

The points I have made about O'Connell are most valid, however all those hours you've spent conversing by the water cooler about the "goys" probably has left you in an entrenched  position where retreat doesn't seem like an option.

I wonder were you all such big rugby men back in the early 90s?

You really are a bitter little man aren't you. This obsession with rugby being a game for the wealthy. Did mum and dad not give you much love son??

Well I can assure you the average rugby club and fan in Ireland is not wealthy. I'm a member of the Rainey Old Boys club in Magherafelt. No silver spoons around our club. Sure come on down some time sure.......you never know, you might enjoy yourself!

I'm not bitter, far from it in fact, I have a very sunny disposition and I would suspect you are only coming to that conclusion as you have invested a lot in jumping on the rugby bandwagon and now can't hear any reasonable criticism of it. If my altruistic traits rub people up the wrong way then that's their problem - not mine.

When did you get into rugby anyway? When Ireland became mediocre as opposed to shit at a minority sport and captured the nation's imagination with their World Cup quarter final finishes in a sport that only 9 countries take remotely seriously? When they amalgamated the clubs in the country into four teams where they could go and take on the might of the 3 other domestic leagues in Europe? When rugby marketed itself as some sort of social climbing ladder for the underclass?

Or were you one of the few who actually gave a bollocks about rugby when Ireland were utterly shit back in the early 90s?

Personally, I'd have a moral affliction about supporting an organisation that backed apartheid but each to their own.

I enjoy sports in general, when the masters is on I follow it as well as all the majors but I dont follow every golf tournament, I didnt follow rugby in the early 90s but I dont think I should have to make any apologies for that?

Is the rule now if we don't follow it when we are young we can never follow a new sport? thats just daft!
I enjoy many different sports, hell I even watch the superbowl but I guess I cant comment on that cause I dont watch every bloody match!?


As for drugs in sport, look maybe there is but I dont think the time is right to go for a guy when he has just announced his retirement (Lance Armstrong being the obvious exception)

Not if you don't follow it when you're young, more that you didn't follow it when Ireland were shit. Was it the sport that really wooed you or was the fact that Ireland could achieve relative success in the very shallow pool of competition. It still is a minority sport.

It's got reasonable popularity in France. It's popularity in Italy extends itself to a bunch of farmers in Lombardy. It's got no presence in Spain, Germany, Holland, Portugal, Russia etc etc. If it did then Ireland would be a lowly team receiving regular filletings and there would be little place to laud these bottlers.

You seem to have been enthused by the media cheerleading of a mediocre team in a minority sport.

What do you find aesthetically interesting about a load of overgrown freaks and fatties crashing into each other ad nauseum until the ball is chucked out to some square head who subsequently kicks the ball out of play, deliberately conceding possession.

It's a bat shit crazy game which has bizarrely found popularity in Ireland over the past 15 years. You will most likely find it is the newest avenue for social climbing, you can see that with its popularity with women who have little interest in real sports.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on February 10, 2016, 11:48:42 AM
Bomber your statements about Paul O'Connell are very close to being if not actually libellous. Do you have proof that he abused steroids? If so kindly enlighten us. If not I think you should withdraw the remarks and apologise.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: winghalfun on February 10, 2016, 11:50:59 AM
From John Hayes autobiography when Prince William visited the Lion's dressing room during a tour in 2005.

Legend of a story but more importantly legend of a player.*

QuoteAt one stage of the tour Prince William turned up to meet him (Woodward) at training one day. William is a big rugby fan and he came into our dressing room after one of the games and went round shaking our hands. I was sitting next to O'Connell. William told him he'd heard of Munster rugby and the legendary Thomond Park.

So Paulie said to him he should come over for a game some time. William said he'd love to but it wouldn't be easy; a visit like that to Ireland would take a bit or organizing. And quick as a flash O'Connell fires back, 'Some of your ancestors hadn't much problem coming over to Ireland.' He kinda half said it under his breath so I wasn't sure if Prince William had heard it or not. But I had and I nearly fell off my seat laughing.
*Until proved otherwise
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 10, 2016, 11:51:43 AM
So Bomber by your bat-crazy theory how would Ireland fare if the world played GAA?

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on February 10, 2016, 11:52:15 AM
Quote from: Applesisapples on February 10, 2016, 11:48:42 AM
Bomber your statements about Paul O'Connell are very close to being if not actually libellous. Do you have proof that he abused steroids? If so kindly enlighten us. If not I think you should withdraw the remarks and apologise.

I didn't say he did.

I'm just stating facts that he plays in a sport with high steroid abuse and suffered an injury that is common in steroid abuse.  The fact is I don't know whether he has or not but I can draw my own conclusions from the information available.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: blewuporstuffed on February 10, 2016, 11:53:02 AM
Its strange then, that you find time to post on the Rugby thread.
I have no interest in cricket, I think its sh1t. But I don't feel the need to go onto the cricket thread and repeated tell everyone how sh1t it is. (and throw wild accusations at one of its greatest players in the process)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on February 10, 2016, 11:53:46 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 10, 2016, 11:51:43 AM
So Bomber by your bat-crazy theory how would Ireland fare if the world played GAA?

Odd argument. GAA is the national sport and an indigenous game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 10, 2016, 11:55:40 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 10, 2016, 11:53:46 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 10, 2016, 11:51:43 AM
So Bomber by your bat-crazy theory how would Ireland fare if the world played GAA?

Odd argument. GAA is the national sport and an indigenous game.

Time to crawl back under your rock!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 10, 2016, 11:56:46 AM
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on February 10, 2016, 11:19:48 AM
Walter, by any chance do you know how the games with Armagh went last night? My wee lad plays for the U16s and unfortunately we couldn't make it last night. BTW that's a damn fine U16 team you have at Rainey.

Sorry HD I dont. Away with work at the min. If I find out I'll PM you. Yeah its a great wee side we have coming through. Putting big effort in at underage.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on February 10, 2016, 11:58:01 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 10, 2016, 11:55:40 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 10, 2016, 11:53:46 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 10, 2016, 11:51:43 AM
So Bomber by your bat-crazy theory how would Ireland fare if the world played GAA?

Odd argument. GAA is the national sport and an indigenous game.

Time to crawl back under your rock!

You have used this idiom a few times but I don't think it is in anyway relevant.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 10, 2016, 11:59:31 AM
So have others. Must be some commonality.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Longshanks on February 10, 2016, 12:06:10 PM
Quote from: blewuporstuffed on February 10, 2016, 11:53:02 AM
Its strange then, that you find time to post on the Rugby thread.
I have no interest in cricket, I think its sh1t. But I don't feel the need to go onto the cricket thread and repeated tell everyone how sh1t it is. (and throw wild accusations at one of its greatest players in the process)

Totally agree, I believe Ireland went through a stage they were actually good at cricket too or are getting better, never entertained the thought of watching it still and certainly wouldn't criticise anyone who did followed it or got into it, I think its only a good thing that people are introduced to new sports.

Better than sitting on your hole like a keyboard warrior trying to get a rise on a page you certainly have no interest in it would seem..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on February 10, 2016, 12:07:06 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 10, 2016, 11:59:31 AM
So have others. Must be some commonality.

An unquestionable, impulsive reaction to evade dealing with any reasonable criticism of rugby and its elevated position in Ireland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: blewuporstuffed on February 10, 2016, 12:08:06 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 10, 2016, 12:07:06 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 10, 2016, 11:59:31 AM
So have others. Must be some commonality.

An unquestionable, impulsive reaction to evade dealing with any reasonable criticism of rugby and its elevated position in Ireland.

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on February 10, 2016, 12:09:39 PM
I wonder about all rugby players and drugs, including Paul O'Connell. I don't have any particular reason to think Paul O'Connell is on drugs though. Saying he is muscle-bound (they all are these days) and he suffered a particular injury (does that mean every sports man/woman who suffered that type of injury must have been on drugs?) is thin conspiratorial gruel.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on February 10, 2016, 12:18:55 PM
Quote from: deiseach on February 10, 2016, 12:09:39 PM
I wonder about all rugby players and drugs, including Paul O'Connell. I don't have any particular reason to think Paul O'Connell is on drugs though. Saying he is muscle-bound (they all are these days) and he suffered a particular injury (does that mean every sports man/woman who suffered that type of injury must have been on drugs?) is thin conspiratorial gruel.

Those factors in a sport with a big steroid problem.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on February 10, 2016, 12:27:14 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 10, 2016, 12:18:55 PM
Quote from: deiseach on February 10, 2016, 12:09:39 PM
I wonder about all rugby players and drugs, including Paul O'Connell. I don't have any particular reason to think Paul O'Connell is on drugs though. Saying he is muscle-bound (they all are these days) and he suffered a particular injury (does that mean every sports man/woman who suffered that type of injury must have been on drugs?) is thin conspiratorial gruel.

Those factors in a sport with a big steroid problem.

We would also need to factor in your repeated hostility towards rugby in general and Irish rugby in particular. You have demonstrated no capacity to be open-minded on those subjects so it is fair to treat your opinion with a degree of scepticism.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 10, 2016, 12:32:09 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 10, 2016, 12:07:06 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 10, 2016, 11:59:31 AM
So have others. Must be some commonality.

An unquestionable, impulsive reaction to evade dealing with any reasonable criticism of rugby and its elevated position in Ireland.

Don't get me started on Tyrone :D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on February 10, 2016, 12:32:38 PM
Quote from: deiseach on February 10, 2016, 12:27:14 PM0
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 10, 2016, 12:18:55 PM


Quote from: deiseach on February 10, 2016, 12:09:39 PM
I wonder about all rugby players and drugs, including Paul O'Connell. I don't have any particular reason to think Paul O'Connell is on drugs though. Saying he is muscle-bound (they all are these days) and he suffered a particular injury (does that mean every sports man/woman who suffered that type of injury must have been on drugs?) is thin conspiratorial gruel.

Those factors in a sport with a big steroid problem.

We would also need to factor in your repeated hostility towards rugby in general and Irish rugby in particular. You have demonstrated no capacity to be open-minded on those subjects so it is fair to treat your opinion with a degree of scepticism.

My opinion is what it is. I have drawn conclusions and made assumptions on the basis of information put forward.

Those who disagree with me also seem to disagree with the information available. Rather that being pragmatic on the issue, as I have, they have adopted an insular and dismissive view on any potential problems or scandals in rugby.

They don't want to believe, you get the feeling if O'Connell was caught mainlining steroids into himself,  they would still dismiss the notion.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 10, 2016, 12:33:41 PM
Bomber please bring forward the facts and figures, then I will listen to your argument.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on February 10, 2016, 12:42:00 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 10, 2016, 12:33:41 PM
Bomber please bring forward the facts and figures, then I will listen to your argument.

First of all, let's disclose our stances?

Do you believe steroid abuse is a major issue in rugby? I do. Is that something you disagree with?

Do you disagree that injuries as severe as tearing muscle clean off the bone do not have a higher likelihood with steroid abuse?

Do you think the physical size and shape of your average rugby players today is possible without steroids?

Steroid abuse would primarily seem to be concentrated at the earlier stage of player's careers, certain % of muscle gain will stay even after you stop using steroids.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 10, 2016, 12:45:04 PM
My opinion (as the average punter) is irrelevant. I've asked for facts and figures - please provide.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on February 10, 2016, 12:45:47 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 09, 2016, 11:40:29 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 09, 2016, 11:37:06 AM
Is O'Connell interested in coaching Dinny?

I don't know but unlike someone like O'Driscoll he strikes me as the coaching type. He used to do all the opposition analysis on line-outs for Munster and Leinster. Just a leader of men really.
Dinny, are you suggesting that, in his spare time, O'Connell analysed the line-outs of future Leinster opponents and gave it to them?

Or can I safely assume that is a typo?!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 10, 2016, 12:46:52 PM
He meant Ireland, but sure when Joe Schmidt is coaching it's nearly the same thing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on February 10, 2016, 12:48:15 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 10, 2016, 12:45:04 PM
My opinion (as the average punter) is irrelevant. I've asked for facts and figures - please provide.

Facts and figures on what?

Go back to the Kimmage article I posted up earlier if you want to see facts and figures on the big steroid problem rugby has.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on February 10, 2016, 12:56:54 PM
This is circular at this stage. Time to move on.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Harold Disgracey on February 10, 2016, 12:59:00 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 10, 2016, 11:56:46 AM
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on February 10, 2016, 11:19:48 AM
Walter, by any chance do you know how the games with Armagh went last night? My wee lad plays for the U16s and unfortunately we couldn't make it last night. BTW that's a damn fine U16 team you have at Rainey.

Sorry HD I dont. Away with work at the min. If I find out I'll PM you. Yeah its a great wee side we have coming through. Putting big effort in at underage.

No bother, just saw the result on Twitter - Rainey won 8-0

Rugby in Ulster, certainly youth rugby, is becoming more pluralist. The number of boys from a GAA background now playing is amazing and is to be encouraged as the two seasons overlap quite well. It's no surprise that the more successful teams like Rainey, Armagh, Randalstown etc have a lot of Cormac's, Oisin's and Brendan's playing for them.

An elitist, social-climbing sport? Not is this working class Garvaghy Road boy's experience.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 10, 2016, 01:06:31 PM
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on February 10, 2016, 12:59:00 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 10, 2016, 11:56:46 AM
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on February 10, 2016, 11:19:48 AM
Walter, by any chance do you know how the games with Armagh went last night? My wee lad plays for the U16s and unfortunately we couldn't make it last night. BTW that's a damn fine U16 team you have at Rainey.

Sorry HD I dont. Away with work at the min. If I find out I'll PM you. Yeah its a great wee side we have coming through. Putting big effort in at underage.

No bother, just saw the result on Twitter - Rainey won 8-0

Rugby in Ulster, certainly youth rugby, is becoming more pluralist. The number of boys from a GAA background now playing is amazing and is to be encouraged as the two seasons overlap quite well. It's no surprise that the more successful teams like Rainey, Armagh, Randalstown etc have a lot of Cormac's, Oisin's and Brendan's playing for them.

An elitist, social-climbing sport? Not is this working class Garvaghy Road boy's experience.

Agree with everything there HD.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 11, 2016, 02:27:08 PM
Dave fecking Kearney!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 11, 2016, 02:39:13 PM
Rob fecking Kearney!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 11, 2016, 02:43:42 PM
Joe must be delighted. He's able to get rid of Earls, Zebo and O'Donnell and bring in three of the goys. Now if only Murray and Stander could be injured or something. ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 11, 2016, 02:52:58 PM
Fergus McFadden! Jesus wept.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 13, 2016, 03:06:16 PM
f**k there's no imagination in rugby anymore, it's just analysed to death by the professional era.

Ryles a w**ker too
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 13, 2016, 03:11:32 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 13, 2016, 03:06:16 PM
f**k there's no imagination in rugby anymore, it's just analysed to death by the professional era.

Ryles a w**ker too

Ryle seems to be blind.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: yellowcard on February 13, 2016, 03:52:40 PM
Dire dour stuff this, watching rugby is becoming increasingly turgid.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 13, 2016, 03:53:30 PM
Radio commentary is better

Jesus, 3 players off injured. It's attritional.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 13, 2016, 04:09:21 PM
France ahead by 1
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on February 13, 2016, 04:09:43 PM
Average to poor French side now leading. Not good for the Irish.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 13, 2016, 04:13:35 PM
France has better subs. Ireland didn't score in the second half.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 13, 2016, 04:51:04 PM
Losing to a woeful French team. Should have been over at half-time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 13, 2016, 05:28:14 PM
Winning 2 championships was fabulous. Mean reversion this year
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2016, 05:38:52 PM
Much better entertainment in Cardiff on a dry sod. To the moaners, the conditions in Paris were hardly conducive to open, expansive rugby.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tyrone Dreamer on February 13, 2016, 06:05:39 PM
Far better entertainment in portlaois
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 13, 2016, 06:08:57 PM
Backed France win margin 1-4 points... Thank f**k they didn't push on for try... Ireland needed that extra penalty.... Which never happened, never going to break down France to get the try....poor result but injury list hasn't made it easier... Wooden spoon at this rate
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Kidder81 on February 13, 2016, 06:10:59 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 13, 2016, 06:08:57 PM
Backed France win margin 1-4 points... Thank f**k they didn't push on for try... Ireland needed that extra penalty.... Which never happened, never going to break down France to get the try....poor result but injury list hasn't made it easier... Wooden spoon at this rate

What sporting event would be complete without hearing about MilltownRow2 winning a bet on it
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: laoislad on February 13, 2016, 06:14:47 PM
Quote from: Tyrone Dreamer on February 13, 2016, 06:05:39 PM
Far better entertainment in portlaois
Portlaoise
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tyrone Dreamer on February 13, 2016, 06:16:47 PM
It doesn't deserve any more letters
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: laoislad on February 13, 2016, 06:20:00 PM
OK Tyron
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 13, 2016, 06:35:58 PM
The moment they had to bring on Madigan I knew the jig was probably up.  The lad couldn't manage an empty creche nevermind an international rugby match.

That kickoff to touch was our one chance to put pressure on the French in the final ten.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 13, 2016, 06:39:28 PM
Quote from: Kidder81 on February 13, 2016, 06:10:59 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 13, 2016, 06:08:57 PM
Backed France win margin 1-4 points... Thank f**k they didn't push on for try... Ireland needed that extra penalty.... Which never happened, never going to break down France to get the try....poor result but injury list hasn't made it easier... Wooden spoon at this rate

What sporting event would be complete without hearing about MilltownRow2 winning a bet on it

Troll much?? Would you prefer me to give you my address and you can sit outside my door?? I'm not gay but very flattered
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 13, 2016, 07:29:48 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 13, 2016, 06:35:58 PM
The moment they had to bring on Madigan I knew the jig was probably up.  The lad couldn't manage an empty creche nevermind an international rugby match.

That kickoff to touch was our one chance to put pressure on the French in the final ten.

As has been said numerous times Paddy Jackson I the form fly half in Ireland and isn't on the team, Gilroy the form winger and McCloskey the form centre and Payne the form FB . . . Why are we not playing the lads who are performing??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: highorlow on February 13, 2016, 08:11:30 PM
We were expected to beat France so it was a foregone conclusion we would lose.

Smith is now exposed to have complete bias towards Leinster. He made too many changes from the last day. The medical team also need to take a look at themselves, SOB was not fir for this game so he should not have started.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 13, 2016, 08:32:27 PM
Too many injuries. Need players who are bulletproof for modern rugby, given the injury rates. It is hardly worth whatever money they get paid and the drugs do a lot of damage on top. Rugby is a real mess.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 13, 2016, 09:26:44 PM
Rugby is a real mess. Aside from the major rumbling issue of concussion and serious injury the game is fast becoming unwatchable. Bash it around a bit until you tire and f**k it up and then boot it as high as you can down the confines of the pitch. That first half was no smarter or refined than schools rugby. The rule changes around the '08 WC really fucked the game from then forward in my opinion.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: omagh_gael on February 13, 2016, 09:47:52 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 13, 2016, 09:26:44 PM
Rugby is a real mess. Aside from the major rumbling issue of concussion and serious injury the game is fast becoming unwatchable. Bash it around a bit until you tire and f**k it up and then boot it as high as you can down the confines of the pitch. That first half was no smarter or refined than schools rugby. The rule changes around the '08 WC really fucked the game from then forward in my opinion.

What were the rule changes and what impact has it had?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 13, 2016, 10:06:04 PM
Quote from: omagh_gael on February 13, 2016, 09:47:52 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 13, 2016, 09:26:44 PM
Rugby is a real mess. Aside from the major rumbling issue of concussion and serious injury the game is fast becoming unwatchable. Bash it around a bit until you tire and f**k it up and then boot it as high as you can down the confines of the pitch. That first half was no smarter or refined than schools rugby. The rule changes around the '08 WC really fucked the game from then forward in my opinion.

What were the rule changes and what impact has it had?

I'm not 100% on who the drivers behind it were but I think the aussies and to a degree SA/NZ wanted to change the game to combat the popularity of rugby league. Most of them were designed to favour the attacking team but for what I've seen I think they've warped the game into a more bash artistry style.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Experimental_law_variations

QuoteBryan Habana was the first high profile player to criticise the laws, stating that they were turning the game into rugby league by eliminating most of the breaks in play.[11] There has also been criticism from many coaches, players and fans in the northern hemisphere. Sean Fitzpatrick, (former All Black hooker and most capped All Black of all time), Shaun Edwards (coach London Wasps/Wales), Warren Gatland (former All Black and coach Wales), Jason Leonard (most capped prop in history), Martin Johnson (2003 World Cup Winning captain and ex-England Coach), Brian Moore, Paul Ackford and Josh Kronfeld (All Black), amongst others have and continue to raise concerns that the Stellenbosch Laws will be to the detriment of the game. The reduction of breaks in the game, faster paced play and the tendency to mix backs and forwards requires the players to be fitter and more athletic. This may produce the desired effect for television viewers watching the elite players, but the requirements may make rugby virtually unplayable for participants at the amateur level, undermining a fundamental claim of Rugby Union, that it is a game for "all shapes and all sizes". The law allowing collapsing of a maul has become a major worry at community level because of the dangers it may cause inexperienced players.

Irish Coach Declan Kidney has observed that disallowing mauls at the breakdown means defences stay spread out, meaning less space for attackers, making it more difficult for an attacking side to advance, resulting in more kicking. In this case the ELVs, rather than encouraging attacking play have produced the opposite effect.[12]

Before anyone gets in a tizzy the games problems do go beyond the ELV's but I question anyone to tell me their intentions have been realised.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on February 13, 2016, 10:13:51 PM
Norths try today was something from a bygone era, wonderful side steps. Wales are the only northern hemisphere side who attempt to play rugby. The rest just hammer the shite out of each other, pure and utter scutter. No wonder Ireland have the amount of injuries they have playing a full on contact game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2016, 10:16:38 PM
The All Blacks are trialling yet more variations this year.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ONeill on February 13, 2016, 10:16:50 PM
Found myself daydreaming about Simon Geoghegan scampering down the wing during that game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tiempo on February 14, 2016, 12:06:40 AM
Quote from: Rudi on February 13, 2016, 10:13:51 PM
Norths try today was something from a bygone era, wonderful side steps. Wales are the only northern hemisphere side who attempt to play rugby. The rest just hammer the shite out of each other, pure and utter scutter. No wonder Ireland have the amount of injuries they have playing a full on contact game.

Really, where was their guile v 13 man Aussies in the WC? Wales are arguably the anthesis of the Northern hemisphere crash bang wallop problem
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on February 14, 2016, 12:30:26 AM
Quote from: tiempo on February 14, 2016, 12:06:40 AM
Quote from: Rudi on February 13, 2016, 10:13:51 PM
Norths try today was something from a bygone era, wonderful side steps. Wales are the only northern hemisphere side who attempt to play rugby. The rest just hammer the shite out of each other, pure and utter scutter. No wonder Ireland have the amount of injuries they have playing a full on contact game.

Really, where was their guile v 13 man Aussies in the WC? Wales are arguably the anthesis of the Northern hemisphere crash bang wallop problem

They have massive centres who do the bang wallop crash ball thing. However compared to England (Vunipola et all), France (where has serge blanco gone) and Ireland they do spend at least 10 mins a game putting some width on the ball, plus the break leading up to the Roberts try was impressive. They f-cked up big time v Australia, but we're the northern hems top performers in the same WC.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: BarryBreensBandage on February 14, 2016, 12:32:27 AM
Quote from: screenexile on February 13, 2016, 07:29:48 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 13, 2016, 06:35:58 PM
The moment they had to bring on Madigan I knew the jig was probably up.  The lad couldn't manage an empty creche nevermind an international rugby match.

That kickoff to touch was our one chance to put pressure on the French in the final ten.

As has been said numerous times Paddy Jackson I the form fly half in Ireland and isn't on the team, Gilroy the form winger and McCloskey the form centre and Payne the form FB . . . Why are we not playing the lads who are performing??

Very true Screenexile - if I was an Ulster rugby fan from the other side of the house, I would be seriously questioning the selections made, and I don't think that Best being made captain would make any difference to my thinking.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 14, 2016, 07:42:43 AM
Quote from: ONeill on February 13, 2016, 10:16:50 PM
Found myself daydreaming about Simon Geoghegan scampering down the wing during that game.
I don't recall Ireland winning a lot of matches in his day.I remember being in a hotel near Lansdowne Road in 94 when Geoghegan walked in and the reaction of the women present.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on February 14, 2016, 08:05:25 AM
Seems to be a disease going round Ireland, Leinster and Munster where they don't turn up for the 2nd half!

Shocking decision by the ref late on to give just the scrum from the deliberate French knock on. A pen would have given us a line out probably around the 22 and at least an opportunity to work a winning pen or DG attempt
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 14, 2016, 04:07:00 PM
Was it coincidence, or masterful thinking from Noves keeping his better scrummagers on ice until the 2nd half?
Assuming he knew Ireland were there to cleaned, did he bide his time and create a train wreck instead of a car wreck?

The general verdict is that Ireland missed lots of opportunities to put the game beyond France, but I didn't see many clear cut chances.
Ireland best hope of tries is to bash over from close range, or gaelic football cross kicks and high catches in the try area. There just isn't players who can make breaks and finish from outfield.

Again, why do Ireland pick up so many injuries? You'd have to start thinking that Sexton and O'Brien are close to being finished at this stage. Neither of them will be able to string 3 consecutive injury free games together from now till the end of their careers.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 14, 2016, 05:43:46 PM
Rule changes are one thing but the size of players now is crazy and must have increased significantly since 2008.
The young lad was doing a Leinster rugby camp 2 years ago and two of the Leinster players rolled up on the Wednesday like something out of a freak show. And the French are even worse.
You can see pictures of rugby players and their gfs and sometimes you'd wonder how they work together.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LeoMc on February 15, 2016, 08:27:08 AM
Quote from: tiempo on February 14, 2016, 12:06:40 AM
Quote from: Rudi on February 13, 2016, 10:13:51 PM
Norths try today was something from a bygone era, wonderful side steps. Wales are the only northern hemisphere side who attempt to play rugby. The rest just hammer the shite out of each other, pure and utter scutter. No wonder Ireland have the amount of injuries they have playing a full on contact game.

Really, where was their guile v 13 man Aussies in the WC? Wales are arguably the anthesis of the Northern hemisphere crash bang wallop problem
The Antithesis?
I would have said they were the epitome of crash bang rugby under Gatland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on February 15, 2016, 08:39:16 AM
Quote from: LeoMc on February 15, 2016, 08:27:08 AM
Quote from: tiempo on February 14, 2016, 12:06:40 AM
Quote from: Rudi on February 13, 2016, 10:13:51 PM
Norths try today was something from a bygone era, wonderful side steps. Wales are the only northern hemisphere side who attempt to play rugby. The rest just hammer the shite out of each other, pure and utter scutter. No wonder Ireland have the amount of injuries they have playing a full on contact game.

Really, where was their guile v 13 man Aussies in the WC? Wales are arguably the anthesis of the Northern hemisphere crash bang wallop problem
The Antithesis?
I would have said they were the epitome of crash bang rugby under Gatland.

Absolutely. It's not called "Warrenball" for nothing ffs.

Even moving out wide for them has largely reduced to crash bang wallops since Shane Williams retired. North is incredible, but he's not what you'd call a slippery trickster or anything. He, like the others just blasts through or past people.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 15, 2016, 08:59:50 AM
Saturday was really disappointing. I don't think I've ever seen an Irish side lacking such ability to score tries in a long time. Twickenham isnt exactly the place to hand out debuts so I'd be reluctant to throw McCloskey in for that one.

Regarding the Welsh - their whole rugby psyche is built on size and dominating the opposition. Look at their U20 sides this past 5 or 6 years. Absolutely huge players with all eyes on the Warrenball style of play.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on February 15, 2016, 09:07:00 AM
Quote from: seafoid on February 14, 2016, 07:42:43 AM
Quote from: ONeill on February 13, 2016, 10:16:50 PM
Found myself daydreaming about Simon Geoghegan scampering down the wing during that game.
I don't recall Ireland winning a lot of matches in his day.I remember being in a hotel near Lansdowne Road in 94 when Geoghegan walked in and the reaction of the women present.

And what's not to like, Dr Geoghegan was as good a winger as played for Ireland in my lifetime.

Ireland are now at a crossroads in terms of tactics IMO. We aren't big enough for crash ball, we don't do offloading and the backs barring the odd exception haven't got the skillset to muster a line break individually or collectively.
Average Joe's I'm afraid still capable of the odd upset but nothing sustained.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 15, 2016, 11:06:21 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 15, 2016, 09:07:00 AM
Quote from: seafoid on February 14, 2016, 07:42:43 AM
Quote from: ONeill on February 13, 2016, 10:16:50 PM
Found myself daydreaming about Simon Geoghegan scampering down the wing during that game.
I don't recall Ireland winning a lot of matches in his day.I remember being in a hotel near Lansdowne Road in 94 when Geoghegan walked in and the reaction of the women present.

And what's not to like, Dr Geoghegan was as good a winger as played for Ireland in my lifetime.

Ireland are now at a crossroads in terms of tactics IMO. We aren't big enough for crash ball, we don't do offloading and the backs barring the odd exception haven't got the skillset to muster a line break individually or collectively.
Average Joe's I'm afraid still capable of the odd upset but nothing sustained.
why no offloads ?  Geoghegan was class alright
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Jim_Murphy_74 on February 15, 2016, 11:38:26 AM
People are jumping the gun about tactics a bit I think.

If we had won in Paris (which we could of) many of the critics would have lauded Joe and team.

I don't see the provinces playing an offloading game so it is hard to see how players will overnight play that way for national team.

I think with players missing we hadn't focus/ability to carry out the plan.  Weak scrum cost us both days, general play wasn't that bad. 

Also if games are close you must be spot on in execution.

A loose kick gave France territory to score try and a kick-off straight to touch let them burn down the clock.

Wales got a try because our scrum was in trouble.

These are not tactical issues, just plain old mistakes.

/Jim

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 15, 2016, 11:41:27 AM
Whats the thoughts on Henshaw leaving Connacht? Munster have confirmed he wont be going there so its looking like Leinster.

Its a bit of a shame as I'd have preferred to see him at Munster as it would give them a much needed boost.

Surely the IRFU should be developing a system whereby the likes of Connacht receive 1-2 players in return for Henshaw. Say Dominic Ryan and McFadden who arent starters for Leinster. Just a thought?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on February 15, 2016, 11:44:00 AM
I don't know the laws of the game that well, I just enjoy watching it. However to someone like me the refereeing of the scrum seems to be totally at the Ref's discretion and I am never sure if he penalizes the right offender or just guesses. In such a tight game as Saturdays the ref's missing of the Kearney and Sexton incidents had a big bearing. Am I being fair?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on February 15, 2016, 11:46:06 AM
Quote from: Applesisapples on February 15, 2016, 11:44:00 AM
I don't know the laws of the game that well, I just enjoy watching it. However to someone like me the refereeing of the scrum seems to be totally at the Ref's discretion and I am never sure if he penalizes the right offender or just guesses. In such a tight game as Saturdays the ref's missing of the Kearney and Sexton incidents had a big bearing. Am I being fair?

There's a half dozen infringements happening at any one time. What the ref decides to whistle up for is pure voodoo.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 15, 2016, 12:28:21 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 15, 2016, 11:06:21 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 15, 2016, 09:07:00 AM
Quote from: seafoid on February 14, 2016, 07:42:43 AM
Quote from: ONeill on February 13, 2016, 10:16:50 PM
Found myself daydreaming about Simon Geoghegan scampering down the wing during that game.
I don't recall Ireland winning a lot of matches in his day.I remember being in a hotel near Lansdowne Road in 94 when Geoghegan walked in and the reaction of the women present.

And what's not to like, Dr Geoghegan was as good a winger as played for Ireland in my lifetime.

Ireland are now at a crossroads in terms of tactics IMO. We aren't big enough for crash ball, we don't do offloading and the backs barring the odd exception haven't got the skillset to muster a line break individually or collectively.
Average Joe's I'm afraid still capable of the odd upset but nothing sustained.
why no offloads ?
Rob Kearney tried one and gave it to a French player. I'm not sure you can switch to that sort of game quickly. For starters, the players need to expect an offload and by shadowing the carrier at close proximity. When your game is primarily ruck and recycle, the faster players tend to stay a bit wider, waiting for the next phase and leave the channel open for the fatties to come smashing into the ruck.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on February 15, 2016, 12:38:00 PM
Nobody in Connacht is happy that their star player , the face of the province has been taken from them even though they knew( were probably told) this was gong to happen 12 months ago. Good luck to Robbie as his only choice was a move abroad or Leinster and he stated he didn't want to move abroad.
What is most annoying is the arguments levelled in the past (rightly so as well) at Connacht before was they produced very little talent , were poorly set up on and off the pitch and spent more time with the begging bowl out and fighting amongst themselves than addressing any of these problems , they then go and address these problems only for the reward to be their top product from their system is cherry picked for another province as soon as he breaks in to the international team!!!

Also the line it was the players decision is insulting to anyone involved with Connacht rugby . First you had the Leinster President boasting about Robbie already being a Leinster player to the press a year ago. Then you had Drico admitting he told Robbie to move to Leinster as he would be playing at higher level ,maybe true from Drico's Leinster point of view a couple of years ago but not as clear cut an argument now and I don't see it effecting Toby Faleteau's form for Wales and the Lions playing for the Dragons!!!Throw in Schmitt's preference for Robbie to be playing alongside Sexton week in week out but as much as I can see his argument why don't the IRFU move Murray and O Mahony and Henderson to Leinster for the sake of combinations?? Why wasn't Drico moved to Munster or Ulster in 2000 when he was playing outside Eddie Heckinewue instead of O'Gara or Humphries combo??

Then you have the line trotted out that well he will be on a central contract so Leinster cannot offer him more money than Connacht , well they cannot offer him  more basic money but there is no restriction on the amount of corporate money they can use to top up his wages just like they did with Sexton through Denis O'Brien and there probably wasn't a central contract on the table if he stayed with Connacht anyway.

The main frustration for Connacht Rugby is naively they thought that having sorted out their affairs and provided the IRFU with a viable fourth province in terms of organisation and structure, through the granting of equal status in terms of backroom staff funding from the IRFU signaled the end to the threat of being disbanded and within reason room to improve and grow on the strong showing so far this season and last season , but this signals that still Connacht are essentially a development squad for the other 3 provinces.Henshaw and Ahyou look likely to be the first of the "we want him so move him" type player transfers with the likes of Denis Buckley , Ultan Dillane , James Connolly, Findlay Belham and maybe Pat Lam all on the move in the next year or so if Connacht's fears are to come true!!!

What happens with the rest of of young talent in the future??
Do the likes of Marmion/Blade/O'Brien/Buckley/Carty/Claffey/Gallagher/O'Donnell have to move on if they are on the periphery of the Irish team regardless of the position of Connacht?
Are we close to returning to the bad old days of the IRFU imposing one year only contract offers ( to review the business case for the province!!!!) to coincide with contract renewals of some of the more desirable players in the squad???

The irony is this comes as a backdrop to Connacht having a steady stream of academy talent filtering into the first team squad constantly and being joint top of the pro 12 along with being the only Irish team left in Europe.
Hopefully the resolve in the team remains by securing a top 4 finish in the pro 12 and making a European final. This would put Connacht on a strong footing to progress more next year and if they lose more first team stars or coaching staff then so be it but they will have the comfort of being in a stronger position to attract replacements!!More local talent and more fans through the turnstiles are two areas totally in the Connacht Branch's control so this is where the focus should be rather than moaning ( like me!!! ) about Robbie , Rodney and whoever else is moved to another province in the supposed interest of team Ireland.
Personally I hope Connacht don't get mad(like my post above!!!!) , just get even by qualifying for Europe and competing for Pro 12 titles on a regular basis!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 15, 2016, 02:19:57 PM
Henshaw will make more money playing for Leinster! How do you or why would restrict his movement? Players have an entitlement to maximise their revenue potential they are always only one injury away from retirement.

Leinster lost Felix Jones to Munster, they offered him a better deal, they lost Andrew Conway to Munster agin better deal. Marty Moore to Wasps better deal, that is the nature of professional sport. Faletau is moving to Bath, guess what better deal...

Connacht are doing very well on the pitch but run a deficit every year off it. D

One thing I'd liked about Pat Lam was he talked about getting rid of the chip off the shoulder, the team are playing with the freedom that gives, their supporters need to follow suit.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 15, 2016, 02:21:09 PM
Is Henshaw not on a central contract?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 15, 2016, 02:23:03 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 15, 2016, 02:21:09 PM
Is Henshaw not on a central contract?

Commercial opportunities playing for Leinster and being based in Dublin would heavily outweigh what he could do with Connacht. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on February 15, 2016, 02:33:12 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 15, 2016, 02:19:57 PM
Henshaw will make more money playing for Leinster! How do you or why would restrict his movement? Players have an entitlement to maximise their revenue potential they are always only one injury away from retirement.

Leinster lost Felix Jones to Munster, they offered him a better deal, they lost Andrew Conway to Munster agin better deal. Marty Moore to Wasps better deal, that is the nature of professional sport. Faletau is moving to Bath, guess what better deal...

Connacht are doing very well on the pitch but run a deficit every year off it. D

One thing I'd liked about Pat Lam was he talked about getting rid of the chip off the shoulder, the team are playing with the freedom that gives, their supporters need to follow suit.

Connacht would just like to treated the same as the other provinces when it comes to contract renewals now that they have their house in order and doing their fair share ( at last) to contribute to Irish Rugby that's all.
Felix Jones and Andrew Conway were at best quality back ups at that time and moved from Leinster to secure first team rugby.
Henshaw is/was Connacht's biggest star and first name on the teamsheet for Connacht since he was 19!!
I feel for Leinster fans on the Marty Moore c**k up since it is obvious he wants to stay at Leinster and all he wanted was a fair contract from the IRFU but they offered him a pretty pathetic deal thinking nothing would go wrong only for Wasp's to step in and snap him up!!

The mantra of ridding the chip on the shoulder attitude comes form the (CEO) top down is not Pat's creation.THe IRFU in the last couple of months are severely testing this mantra though!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on February 15, 2016, 02:38:12 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 15, 2016, 02:21:09 PM
Is Henshaw not on a central contract?

Henshaw is only on a provincial contract currently.

Top ups in the form of money on top of the contract wages from a corporate sponsor are not governed by the IRFU rules of a central contract.
This is to allow the provinces compete against the French clubs after Sexton left and to ease the burden on the IRFU but still prevent a sugar daddy turning a province onto his personal plaything ala Saracens/Toulon/Racing Metro/Bath etc....
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 15, 2016, 02:59:35 PM
Quote from: Crete Boom on February 15, 2016, 02:33:12 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 15, 2016, 02:19:57 PM
Henshaw will make more money playing for Leinster! How do you or why would restrict his movement? Players have an entitlement to maximise their revenue potential they are always only one injury away from retirement.

Leinster lost Felix Jones to Munster, they offered him a better deal, they lost Andrew Conway to Munster agin better deal. Marty Moore to Wasps better deal, that is the nature of professional sport. Faletau is moving to Bath, guess what better deal...

Connacht are doing very well on the pitch but run a deficit every year off it. D

One thing I'd liked about Pat Lam was he talked about getting rid of the chip off the shoulder, the team are playing with the freedom that gives, their supporters need to follow suit.

Connacht would just like to treated the same as the other provinces when it comes to contract renewals now that they have their house in order and doing their fair share ( at last) to contribute to Irish Rugby that's all.
Felix Jones and Andrew Conway were at best quality back ups at that time and moved from Leinster to secure first team rugby.
Henshaw is/was Connacht's biggest star and first name on the teamsheet for Connacht since he was 19!!
I feel for Leinster fans on the Marty Moore c**k up since it is obvious he wants to stay at Leinster and all he wanted was a fair contract from the IRFU but they offered him a pretty pathetic deal thinking nothing would go wrong only for Wasp's to step in and snap him up!!

The mantra of ridding the chip on the shoulder attitude comes form the (CEO) top down is not Pat's creation.THe IRFU in the last couple of months are severely testing this mantra though!!!

Connacht are still losing money, close to a million a year. Henshaw is moving to a central contract, I'm not sure if Leinster are adding to this with a Private Benefactor top-up although I should be able to confirm that in the next couple of weeks. Leinster lost Madigan as well, their budget is not limitless. But he will make more money playing for Leinster regardless of top-ups, his image rights are worth more as Leinster/Ireland player. That is a reality.

Add in that Leinster will probably win the Pro12, which will give an easier draw next year for the RCC, at a rugby level it makes more sense.

Henshaw has made a decision, he took close to three months so not an easy decision. He has played 5 games for Connacht this year, Connacht are where they are are because of excellent recruitment and even better coaching not because of one player.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 15, 2016, 03:13:47 PM
Mike McCarthy got concussed. Second time in a year.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 15, 2016, 03:19:00 PM
Great listen here lads.

http://anirishmanabroad.podbean.com/e/brian-odriscoll-episode-123/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on February 15, 2016, 03:43:37 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 15, 2016, 02:59:35 PM
Quote from: Crete Boom on February 15, 2016, 02:33:12 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 15, 2016, 02:19:57 PM
Henshaw will make more money playing for Leinster! How do you or why would restrict his movement? Players have an entitlement to maximise their revenue potential they are always only one injury away from retirement.

Leinster lost Felix Jones to Munster, they offered him a better deal, they lost Andrew Conway to Munster agin better deal. Marty Moore to Wasps better deal, that is the nature of professional sport. Faletau is moving to Bath, guess what better deal...

Connacht are doing very well on the pitch but run a deficit every year off it. D

One thing I'd liked about Pat Lam was he talked about getting rid of the chip off the shoulder, the team are playing with the freedom that gives, their supporters need to follow suit.

Connacht would just like to treated the same as the other provinces when it comes to contract renewals now that they have their house in order and doing their fair share ( at last) to contribute to Irish Rugby that's all.
Felix Jones and Andrew Conway were at best quality back ups at that time and moved from Leinster to secure first team rugby.
Henshaw is/was Connacht's biggest star and first name on the teamsheet for Connacht since he was 19!!
I feel for Leinster fans on the Marty Moore c**k up since it is obvious he wants to stay at Leinster and all he wanted was a fair contract from the IRFU but they offered him a pretty pathetic deal thinking nothing would go wrong only for Wasp's to step in and snap him up!!

The mantra of ridding the chip on the shoulder attitude comes form the (CEO) top down is not Pat's creation.THe IRFU in the last couple of months are severely testing this mantra though!!!

Connacht are still losing money, close to a million a year. Henshaw is moving to a central contract, I'm not sure if Leinster are adding to this with a Private Benefactor top-up although I should be able to confirm that in the next couple of weeks. Leinster lost Madigan as well, their budget is not limitless. But he will make more money playing for Leinster regardless of top-ups, his image rights are worth more as Leinster/Ireland player. That is a reality.

Add in that Leinster will probably win the Pro12, which will give an easier draw next year for the RCC, at a rugby level it makes more sense.

Henshaw has made a decision, he took close to three months so not an easy decision. He has played 5 games for Connacht this year, Connacht are where they are are because of excellent recruitment and even better coaching not because of one player.

It's very hard call this facts, more like conjecture or opinions!! He will be on a central contract so unless he had to move to Leinster for this contract then the IRFU are paying his wage and Connacht a deficit has no bearing on this unless a top up option is used.His image rights arguably are more dictated by him being an Ireland rugby star not whether he is a Connacht star or Leinster star because it is not like he is moving into a new media market by moving all of one hour up the motorway from Athlone to Dublin say like a NFL player moving for Arizona to New York!!!I would say Noel Reid and Craig Ronaldson would probably command the same amount of a fee for a corporate do in Galway or Dublin!!!!

Robbie is our star player and in all the really big games this year it has generally been him that has lit the spark for our biggest victories (Scarlets/Munster games) and we just don't have anyone to replace that or the means to replace that which is needed the higher Connacht go like the top four of the Pro 12 or the Champions Cup. Leinster I would argue have Luk Fitz and Gary Ringrose who wouldn't be far off that level in their squad or potentially that level anyway.

I think the point missed by most Leinster fans is Connacht Rugby fans would just like Leinster to admit that Robbie is potential world class  player that they wanted and it has nothing to do with the greater good of Irish Rugby (playing at a higher level/ more commercial opportunities etc...) and to take into account that the way Connacht seem to have been treated in this by the IRFU is very hard to swallow.
We were told that get your house in order and you can dine at the provincial table but stay as you are and you will be little more than a development province if even that , well you could argue we have got our house in order but it seems we still are a development province as the powers that be believe players like Robbie and Rodney Ahyou are needed elsewhere to fulfill their potential and Ireland's potential!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 15, 2016, 03:59:56 PM
You haven't got your house in order you are losing money!

Of course playing for Leinster is a more attractive option to sponsors, what have Connacht won in the last 5 years.
Quote
I think the point missed by most Leinster fans is Connacht Rugby fans would just like Leinster to admit that Robbie is potential world class  player that they wanted and it has nothing to do with the greater good of Irish Rugby (playing at a higher level/ more commercial opportunities etc...) and to take into account that the way Connacht seem to have been treated in this by the IRFU is very hard to swallow.

More chip on the shoulder rubbish, if Henshaw wanted to stayed he would have stayed. It's a professional game, Leinster wanted a player and Leinster got the player because they have financial ability to make it happen. Same as Ulster and Rodney Ah-You, Connacht like Munster can't compete financially with Ulster and Munster, they both need to up their commercial and private money. You can't blame the IRFU for a player wanting to leave a province, you can't restrict player movement. Anyhow if the IRFU were going to move him they would have moved him to Munster. This is all Henshaw's decision. Players will always move to bigger clubs for financial and personal glory reasons. What have Connacht won compared to Leinster in the last 5 years, where are you guaranteed a better chance of success?

Wait till you hear about Pat Lam going to Munster in a years time...

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on February 15, 2016, 04:17:34 PM
Jeez Dinny, that's harsh. Is that the official attitude of the IRFU? No wonder they were so utterly shafted when it came to the negotiations regarding the European club competitions. It's a bit hard to defend a redistributionist policy in Europe if you're not willing to apply one in Ireland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on February 15, 2016, 04:19:33 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 15, 2016, 03:59:56 PM
You haven't got your house in order you are losing money!

Of course playing for Leinster is a more attractive option to sponsors, what have Connacht won in the last 5 years.
Quote
I think the point missed by most Leinster fans is Connacht Rugby fans would just like Leinster to admit that Robbie is potential world class  player that they wanted and it has nothing to do with the greater good of Irish Rugby (playing at a higher level/ more commercial opportunities etc...) and to take into account that the way Connacht seem to have been treated in this by the IRFU is very hard to swallow.

More chip on the shoulder rubbish, if Henshaw wanted to stayed he would have stayed. It's a professional game, Leinster wanted a player and Leinster got the player because they have financial ability to make it happen. Same as Ulster and Rodney Ah-You, Connacht like Munster can't compete financially with Ulster and Munster, they both need to up their commercial and private money. You can't blame the IRFU for a player wanting to leave a province, you can't restrict player movement. Anyhow if the IRFU were going to move him they would have moved him to Munster. This is all Henshaw's decision. Players will always move to bigger clubs for financial and personal glory reasons. What have Connacht won compared to Leinster in the last 5 years, where are you guaranteed a better chance of success?

Wait till you hear about Pat Lam going to Munster in a years time...

Very harsh Dinny to dismiss my views ( and a lot of other Connacht fans views ) as chip on the shoulder rubbish as I think it is widely known in Rugby circles anyway that it wasn't as straightforward as Robbie deciding Leinster was where he wants to go.

Anyway my original post was in reply to Walter Cronc asking what the feeling of Connacht fans was about this move not whether it is right or wrong so I think I will leave at that.

"I think I will go back to pulling spuds with my hands after I doff my cap to our Leinster overlords and wish Robbie well bashing the ball up the 10 channel next year in the European Challenge Cup for the "Lions"( no offloads need apply here!!) and feel free to take a few other young tyros in need of a real Rugby up there in the commercial heaven that is south Dublin as their skin is probably to paisty white for the south of France anyway!!!! ;D ;D
Now that is almost Munster like in terms of chip on the shoulderness!!! ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 15, 2016, 04:29:05 PM
My opinion is that Henshaw should firstly have stayed at Connacht (especially if hes centrally contracted) and if he was going to move anywhere then it should have been to Munster.

In New Zealand the Chiefs/Highlanders were the perennial whipping boys but they always had a few All Blacks playing for them. No worries about image rights and exposure down there. Now it has went full circle with them two being arguably the strongest provincial sides in the country.

I can see Henshaw at 15 long term for Leinster - what would the point be in him and Ringrose competing for the 13 berth.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 15, 2016, 04:31:26 PM
Neither Munster or Connacht can offer him the opportunity to drink Pimms in Krystle with some of South Dublin's finest totty!

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on February 15, 2016, 04:37:42 PM
Quote from: Crete Boom on February 15, 2016, 03:43:37 PM
It's very hard call this facts, more like conjecture or opinions!! He will be on a central contract so unless he had to move to Leinster for this contract then the IRFU are paying his wage and Connacht a deficit has no bearing on this unless a top up option is used.
Does that mean that Connacht are paying Henshaw's wages this season? And when he moves to Leinster, the IRFU will be paying his wages?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on February 15, 2016, 04:52:15 PM
Quote from: Main Street on February 15, 2016, 04:37:42 PM
Quote from: Crete Boom on February 15, 2016, 03:43:37 PM
It's very hard call this facts, more like conjecture or opinions!! He will be on a central contract so unless he had to move to Leinster for this contract then the IRFU are paying his wage and Connacht a deficit has no bearing on this unless a top up option is used.
Does that mean that Connacht are paying Henshaw's wages this season? And when he moves to Leinster, the IRFU will be paying his wages?

Well Technically it's all the IRFU wages because they fund the provinces but roughly the split is each province has their own kitty provide by the IRFU with which they are free to negotiate and pay the provincial contract wages out of independent of IRFU interference. When a player is centrally contracted the player deals directly with the IRFU and is payed by the IRFU if that makes any sense?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 15, 2016, 04:55:10 PM
Quote from: deiseach on February 15, 2016, 04:17:34 PM
Jeez Dinny, that's harsh. Is that the official attitude of the IRFU? No wonder they were so utterly shafted when it came to the negotiations regarding the European club competitions. It's a bit hard to defend a redistributionist policy in Europe if you're not willing to apply one in Ireland.

How is it harsh? You can't force a player to stay, if Henshaw didn't go to Leinster he would have gone to France or England, his contract was up. Redistribution policy, we're probably the most parochial society in the world, have you not noticed how hard it is for players to move provinces.  Whereas in NZ or Australia it's considered the norm in Ireland it's almost considered a crime.

Once the IRFU accepted Private Benefactor cash this was always going to swing things in Leinster's favour, not only with wages but Leinster also got a €2.5m training complex and administrative offices paid for my a private benefactor. If the IRFU didn't allow PBs Irelands best players would all be heading to France, Leinster have lost 2 Irish International's Moore and Madigan as well don't forget. The IRFU have a finite budget nearly 95% generated by International TV rights, the club competitions are peanuts in comparison, of the €70m of this generated nearly half goes on the professional game. They have a fine balancing act and are already propping up Connacht who have never turned a profit and propping up Munster's white elephant stadium with a €10m loan. Connacht are heading in the right direction, Munster though are a disaster currently and their on-field performances are not helping.

I am Irish Rugby fan, I want to see strong provinces but I want to see a strong domestic game too, if we pump more money into the professional game, grassroots will suffer who already have development officers and infrastructure grants cut. (There's a warning in their for the GAA/GPA). Leinster were opportunistic and got a quality player but he's still no Brad Thorn or Rocky Elsom, that's unfortuantely an area where the provinces can't compete anymore. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on February 15, 2016, 05:14:27 PM
It's harsh because you are telling Connacht that you will never better yourself and to get used to it. It may be a fair assessment of the reality of the situation, but I can't believe how you could not see that to be harsh.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on February 15, 2016, 05:19:05 PM
Quote from: Crete Boom on February 15, 2016, 04:52:15 PM
Quote from: Main Street on February 15, 2016, 04:37:42 PM
Quote from: Crete Boom on February 15, 2016, 03:43:37 PM
It's very hard call this facts, more like conjecture or opinions!! He will be on a central contract so unless he had to move to Leinster for this contract then the IRFU are paying his wage and Connacht a deficit has no bearing on this unless a top up option is used.
Does that mean that Connacht are paying Henshaw's wages this season? And when he moves to Leinster, the IRFU will be paying his wages?

Well Technically it's all the IRFU wages because they fund the provinces but roughly the split is each province has their own kitty provide by the IRFU with which they are free to negotiate and pay the provincial contract wages out of independent of IRFU interference. When a player is centrally contracted the player deals directly with the IRFU and is payed by the IRFU if that makes any sense?
That makes sense (I think)
A top player negotiates/agrees his own contract with the IRFU and there are a limited nr of contracts handed out. The contracts are handed out as long as they play with the irish provinces. 

And those players can choose whatever province wants them or is there a rational distribution of those  irfu contracted players to all the 4 provinces?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 15, 2016, 05:26:38 PM
Great player but he can't offload either.
Thank God the GAA is back
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 15, 2016, 05:35:22 PM
Henshaw moving teams is madness. Cowardly stuff by the IRFU. Best back we've produced since Sexton.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 15, 2016, 06:14:08 PM
Quote from: deiseach on February 15, 2016, 05:14:27 PM
It's harsh because you are telling Connacht that you will never better yourself and to get used to it. It may be a fair assessment of the reality of the situation, but I can't believe how you could not see that to be harsh.

No am I telling Connacht that their player where the fans ire should directed not the IRFU has chosen to go to another club because a) he will gain financially from it and b) he has more chance of success. That is the nature of professional sport, why did Sterling leave Liverpool?

Connacht are on a upward curve and maybe someday when they are financially viable they might be able to retain their best players, Leinster have loaned Gilsenan, Cooney and Roux this season, if Connacht didn't want to lose Henshaw to Leinster, should they be taking players on loan from Leinster, perhaps the Connacht management need to be asked their views?

The romantic wants to see Henshaw stay I appreciate that, but same in most professional sports outside a wages cap, money talks money wins. For a young man it's the right decision.

And for the record I hope Connacht win the Pro12, I am not a Leinster fan and I am just a rugby fan that sees it differently that all you romantic feckers.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 15, 2016, 06:18:37 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 15, 2016, 06:14:08 PM
Quote from: deiseach on February 15, 2016, 05:14:27 PM
It's harsh because you are telling Connacht that you will never better yourself and to get used to it. It may be a fair assessment of the reality of the situation, but I can't believe how you could not see that to be harsh.

No am I telling Connacht that their player where the fans ire should directed not the IRFU has chosen to go to another club because a) he will gain financially from it and b) he has more chance of success. That is the nature of professional sport a
the nature of pro rugby is that you have more chance of brain damage
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: deiseach on February 16, 2016, 09:16:03 AM
Putting aside hair-splitting over words, Dinny's invocation of Bruce Hornsby when it comes to Irish rugby is both right and wrong. Right, because that's just the way it is. Wrong, because it's messed up that Irish rugby should have to look for the crumbs that fall from the English and French tables and be made to feel grateful for it. It's hard to have too much sympathy for the IRFU though. In 1999 they faced down the English when it came to the rights for the Five Nations (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby-union-five-nations-threat-to-england-1074370.html). I remember being dead impressed by an IRFU old fart who reacted to being told the opinion of an RFU old fart, that Ireland somehow owed England for turning up in 1973 after our Celtic brethren had failed to do so in 1972, by thundering that it was England's DUTY to fulfill that fixture. The IRFU realised in 1999 that the big boys needed to someone to play against if they were to prosper. Six years later though they were happy to take Sky's filthy lucre. It may have seemed smart at the time, but when the English and French clubs made their deal with BT there was no room to appeal to DUTY. As Bruce Hornsby didn't say, you're going to reap just what you sow...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 16, 2016, 10:14:10 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 15, 2016, 06:14:08 PM
Quote from: deiseach on February 15, 2016, 05:14:27 PM
It's harsh because you are telling Connacht that you will never better yourself and to get used to it. It may be a fair assessment of the reality of the situation, but I can't believe how you could not see that to be harsh.

No am I telling Connacht that their player where the fans ire should directed not the IRFU has chosen to go to another club because a) he will gain financially from it and b) he has more chance of success. That is the nature of professional sport, why did Sterling leave Liverpool?

Connacht are on a upward curve and maybe someday when they are financially viable they might be able to retain their best players, Leinster have loaned Gilsenan, Cooney and Roux this season, if Connacht didn't want to lose Henshaw to Leinster, should they be taking players on loan from Leinster, perhaps the Connacht management need to be asked their views?

The romantic wants to see Henshaw stay I appreciate that, but same in most professional sports outside a wages cap, money talks money wins. For a young man it's the right decision.

And for the record I hope Connacht win the Pro12, I am not a Leinster fan and I am just a rugby fan that sees it differently that all you romantic feckers.
It must be funny putting on the rugby hat, Dinny. The GAA power structures no longer apply so Connacht becomes the diol trua. In the GAA being from Kildare even though it is in Leinster is much more painful. Funny old sporting world...money and not
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 16, 2016, 11:10:40 AM
Quote from: seafoid on February 16, 2016, 10:14:10 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 15, 2016, 06:14:08 PM
Quote from: deiseach on February 15, 2016, 05:14:27 PM
It's harsh because you are telling Connacht that you will never better yourself and to get used to it. It may be a fair assessment of the reality of the situation, but I can't believe how you could not see that to be harsh.

No am I telling Connacht that their player where the fans ire should directed not the IRFU has chosen to go to another club because a) he will gain financially from it and b) he has more chance of success. That is the nature of professional sport, why did Sterling leave Liverpool?

Connacht are on a upward curve and maybe someday when they are financially viable they might be able to retain their best players, Leinster have loaned Gilsenan, Cooney and Roux this season, if Connacht didn't want to lose Henshaw to Leinster, should they be taking players on loan from Leinster, perhaps the Connacht management need to be asked their views?

The romantic wants to see Henshaw stay I appreciate that, but same in most professional sports outside a wages cap, money talks money wins. For a young man it's the right decision.

And for the record I hope Connacht win the Pro12, I am not a Leinster fan and I am just a rugby fan that sees it differently that all you romantic feckers.
It must be funny putting on the rugby hat, Dinny. The GAA power structures no longer apply so Connacht becomes the diol trua. In the GAA being from Kildare even though it is in Leinster is much more painful. Funny old sporting world...money and not

Absolutely, the IRFU support and fund Connacht far better than the GAA support and fund the likes of Kildare.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 16, 2016, 11:12:41 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 16, 2016, 11:10:40 AM
Quote from: seafoid on February 16, 2016, 10:14:10 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 15, 2016, 06:14:08 PM
Quote from: deiseach on February 15, 2016, 05:14:27 PM
It's harsh because you are telling Connacht that you will never better yourself and to get used to it. It may be a fair assessment of the reality of the situation, but I can't believe how you could not see that to be harsh.

No am I telling Connacht that their player where the fans ire should directed not the IRFU has chosen to go to another club because a) he will gain financially from it and b) he has more chance of success. That is the nature of professional sport, why did Sterling leave Liverpool?

Connacht are on a upward curve and maybe someday when they are financially viable they might be able to retain their best players, Leinster have loaned Gilsenan, Cooney and Roux this season, if Connacht didn't want to lose Henshaw to Leinster, should they be taking players on loan from Leinster, perhaps the Connacht management need to be asked their views?

The romantic wants to see Henshaw stay I appreciate that, but same in most professional sports outside a wages cap, money talks money wins. For a young man it's the right decision.

And for the record I hope Connacht win the Pro12, I am not a Leinster fan and I am just a rugby fan that sees it differently that all you romantic feckers.
It must be funny putting on the rugby hat, Dinny. The GAA power structures no longer apply so Connacht becomes the diol trua. In the GAA being from Kildare even though it is in Leinster is much more painful. Funny old sporting world...money and not

Absolutely, the IRFU support and fund Connacht far better than the GAA support and fund the likes of Kildare.
The power dynamics are different. But for Syferus they are the same.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 16, 2016, 11:37:53 AM
George hook gives it bhfaca tu

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/six-nations/comment-analysis/george-hook-french-defeat-was-an-insult-to-entertainment-joe-schmidt-is-living-a-charmed-life-34453148.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 16, 2016, 11:53:01 AM
Quote from: seafoid on February 16, 2016, 11:37:53 AM
George hook gives it bhfaca tu

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/six-nations/comment-analysis/george-hook-french-defeat-was-an-insult-to-entertainment-joe-schmidt-is-living-a-charmed-life-34453148.html

Who still listens to George Hook? In fact whoever listened to George Hook?

This might interest you Seafoid.

https://www.layahealthcare.ie/headon/ (https://www.layahealthcare.ie/headon/)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 16, 2016, 12:06:56 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 16, 2016, 11:53:01 AM
Quote from: seafoid on February 16, 2016, 11:37:53 AM
George hook gives it bhfaca tu

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/six-nations/comment-analysis/george-hook-french-defeat-was-an-insult-to-entertainment-joe-schmidt-is-living-a-charmed-life-34453148.html

Who still listens to George Hook? In fact whoever listened to George Hook?

This might interest you Seafoid.

https://www.layahealthcare.ie/headon/ (https://www.layahealthcare.ie/headon/)

Thanks Dinny. lots of Indo readers probably listen to him. I think he is bang on about Schmidt leading a charmed life
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 16, 2016, 12:22:43 PM
George Hook does Statler and Waldorf for every Irish coach...

Waldorf: That was wonderful!
Statler: Bravo!
Waldorf: I loved it!
Statler: That was great!
Waldorf: Well, it was pretty good.
Statler: Well, It wasn't bad.
Waldorf: There were parts that weren't pretty good, though.
Statler: It could've been a lot better.
Waldorf: I didn't really like it.
Statler: It was pretty terrible.
Waldorf: It was bad.
Statler: It was awful!
Both: Terrible! Eh, boo!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 16, 2016, 12:44:55 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on February 16, 2016, 12:22:43 PM
George Hook does Statler and Waldorf for every Irish coach...

Waldorf: That was wonderful!
Statler: Bravo!
Waldorf: I loved it!
Statler: That was great!
Waldorf: Well, it was pretty good.
Statler: Well, It wasn't bad.
Waldorf: There were parts that weren't pretty good, though.
Statler: It could've been a lot better.
Waldorf: I didn't really like it.
Statler: It was pretty terrible.
Waldorf: It was bad.
Statler: It was awful!
Both: Terrible! Eh, boo!
all coaching careers end in failure. Even Cody's will.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 16, 2016, 01:07:17 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 16, 2016, 12:44:55 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on February 16, 2016, 12:22:43 PM
George Hook does Statler and Waldorf for every Irish coach...

Waldorf: That was wonderful!
Statler: Bravo!
Waldorf: I loved it!
Statler: That was great!
Waldorf: Well, it was pretty good.
Statler: Well, It wasn't bad.
Waldorf: There were parts that weren't pretty good, though.
Statler: It could've been a lot better.
Waldorf: I didn't really like it.
Statler: It was pretty terrible.
Waldorf: It was bad.
Statler: It was awful!
Both: Terrible! Eh, boo!
all coaching careers end in failure. Even Cody's will.

Not necessarily. Some people walk away on top. Alex Ferguson for example.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 16, 2016, 01:25:21 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 16, 2016, 01:07:17 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 16, 2016, 12:44:55 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on February 16, 2016, 12:22:43 PM
George Hook does Statler and Waldorf for every Irish coach...

Waldorf: That was wonderful!
Statler: Bravo!
Waldorf: I loved it!
Statler: That was great!
Waldorf: Well, it was pretty good.
Statler: Well, It wasn't bad.
Waldorf: There were parts that weren't pretty good, though.
Statler: It could've been a lot better.
Waldorf: I didn't really like it.
Statler: It was pretty terrible.
Waldorf: It was bad.
Statler: It was awful!
Both: Terrible! Eh, boo!
all coaching careers end in failure. Even Cody's will.

Not necessarily. Some people walk away on top. Alex Ferguson for example.
Including succession planning ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 16, 2016, 01:53:00 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 16, 2016, 01:07:17 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 16, 2016, 12:44:55 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on February 16, 2016, 12:22:43 PM
George Hook does Statler and Waldorf for every Irish coach...

Waldorf: That was wonderful!
Statler: Bravo!
Waldorf: I loved it!
Statler: That was great!
Waldorf: Well, it was pretty good.
Statler: Well, It wasn't bad.
Waldorf: There were parts that weren't pretty good, though.
Statler: It could've been a lot better.
Waldorf: I didn't really like it.
Statler: It was pretty terrible.
Waldorf: It was bad.
Statler: It was awful!
Both: Terrible! Eh, boo!
all coaching careers end in failure. Even Cody's will.

Not necessarily. Some people walk away on top. Alex Ferguson for example.
That is a short list. BOD a recent example.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 16, 2016, 01:56:06 PM
Cant praise these reports highly enough. Top drawer!

http://www.the42.ie/analysis-ireland-attack-france-six-nations-2016-2605384-Feb2016/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 16, 2016, 02:40:13 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 16, 2016, 01:53:00 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 16, 2016, 01:07:17 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 16, 2016, 12:44:55 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on February 16, 2016, 12:22:43 PM
George Hook does Statler and Waldorf for every Irish coach...

Waldorf: That was wonderful!
Statler: Bravo!
Waldorf: I loved it!
Statler: That was great!
Waldorf: Well, it was pretty good.
Statler: Well, It wasn't bad.
Waldorf: There were parts that weren't pretty good, though.
Statler: It could've been a lot better.
Waldorf: I didn't really like it.
Statler: It was pretty terrible.
Waldorf: It was bad.
Statler: It was awful!
Both: Terrible! Eh, boo!
all coaching careers end in failure. Even Cody's will.

Not necessarily. Some people walk away on top. Alex Ferguson for example.
That is a short list. BOD a recent example.

He's talking about coaches. A few coaches would have retired or gone out on top, or at least not ending in failure. Liam Sheedy in Tipperary is another. Bob Paisley at Liverpool.

Never mind me, I'm just being a pedant :) Oh, and Succession planning not included :)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 16, 2016, 02:45:35 PM
The Irish talent pool is quite thin, nach ea.
Especially given the attrition rates in modern gladiatorial drug assisted nutrition supplement  gym bunny professional  rugby
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 16, 2016, 04:21:37 PM
QuoteLEINSTER HAVE CONFIRMED the signing of second row Ian Nagle ahead of next season, while also announcing contract renewals for 17 players.

Ireland internationals Dave Kearney, Mike Ross, Jack McGrath, Mike McCarthy, Rhys Ruddock, Michael Bent and Tadhg Furlong are among the renewals, as is captain Isa Nacewa.

Promising young players Garry Ringrose, Josh van der Flier, Peter Dooley, James Tracy, Ross Molony, Cathal Marsh, Tom Daly and Adam Byrne have also penned new contracts.

Jesus first Leinster take the Prince of the West and now Ian Nagle from Munster - Leinster single handily destroying Irish rugby...the elite bastards...

Contrary to the stereotype less that half those 17 players come from private schools in Leinster

Leinster Schools

Dave Kearney - Clongowes
Jack McGrath - St Marys
Gary Ringrose - Blackrock
Josh Van Der Flier - Wesley College
James Tracy - Newbridge College
Ross Molony - St Michael's
Cathal Marsh - St Michael's

Leinster Youths


Tadgh Furlong - New Ross
Peter Dooley - Birr
Adam Byrne - Naas
Tom Daly - Carlow

Overseas/Exiles/Other Provinces

Ian Nagle Munster
Mike Ross Munster
Mike McCarthy Exile
Rys Ruddock Exile
Michel Bent Overseas
Isa Nacewa Overseas

For those looking for useless facts, Adam Byrnes brother is the Man United Academy.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 16, 2016, 04:27:53 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 16, 2016, 04:21:37 PM
QuoteLEINSTER HAVE CONFIRMED the signing of second row Ian Nagle ahead of next season, while also announcing contract renewals for 17 players.

Ireland internationals Dave Kearney, Mike Ross, Jack McGrath, Mike McCarthy, Rhys Ruddock, Michael Bent and Tadhg Furlong are among the renewals, as is captain Isa Nacewa.

Promising young players Garry Ringrose, Josh van der Flier, Peter Dooley, James Tracy, Ross Molony, Cathal Marsh, Tom Daly and Adam Byrne have also penned new contracts.

Jesus first Leinster take the Prince of the West and now Ian Nagle from Munster - Leinster single handily destroying Irish rugby...the elite b**tards...

Contrary to the stereotype less that half those 17 players come from private schools in Leinster

Leinster Schools

Dave Kearney - Clongowes
Jack McGrath - St Marys
Gary Ringrose - Blackrock
Josh Van Der Flier - Wesley College
James Tracy - Newbridge College
Ross Molony - St Michael's
Cathal Marsh - St Michael's

Leinster Youths


Tadgh Furlong - New Ross
Peter Dooley - Birr
Adam Byrne - Naas
Tom Daly - Carlow

Overseas/Exiles/Other Provinces

Ian Nagle Munster
Mike Ross Munster
Mike McCarthy Exile
Rys Ruddock Exile
Michel Bent Overseas
Isa Nacewa Overseas

For those looking for useless facts, Adam Byrnes brother is the Man United Academy.

That's a good move  for Nagle. He was going nowhere at Munster. Dave Foley, Donnacha Ryan and even Marc Chisholm had bumped him. He's too timid.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 16, 2016, 09:30:06 PM
Brenda Mullion was another great winger.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 19, 2016, 02:03:17 PM
Mike McCarthy out for the rest of the season following concussion. This injury list is becoming endless.

Is our style of playing contributing to it? The Welsh could be accused of the same.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on February 22, 2016, 12:23:27 PM
What's the rule re qualifying for next year's European Cup. If teams finished as they are now in the Rabo, would Munster safely qualify? Would they have to drop much further to be in any danger?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: angermanagement on February 22, 2016, 12:32:25 PM
The seven highest-ranked clubs based on their finishing positions in the league. The seven qualifiers must include at least one club from each of Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales.

As things stand I think Munster need to win their game in hand to be in the qualifying positions.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on February 22, 2016, 12:41:42 PM
Quote from: Hound on February 22, 2016, 12:23:27 PM
What's the rule re qualifying for next year's European Cup. If teams finished as they are now in the Rabo, would Munster safely qualify? Would they have to drop much further to be in any danger?

If it finished as of now the top 6 plus Zebre would qualify for the Champions cup so no Munster wouldn't qualify in 7th place cause that's where Connacht finished last year.

Connacht did go into a playoff thing against Gloucester and Montpellier to see who got the last place available in the champions cup but I think that place goes to the Challenge cup winner this year so they wouldn't have that route either!!!

Basically if Munster finish top 6 they are 99% sure of qualification for the champions cup.

There is a 1% chance of a crazy scenario where if the top 5 contained say 3 Irish and 2 welsh with Munster in 6th position then the qualification would be the top 5 plus the best placed Scottish side and the best place Italian side so in that case 6th wouldn't qualify but I think this is very unlikely.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 22, 2016, 12:46:16 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 19, 2016, 02:03:17 PM
Mike McCarthy out for the rest of the season following concussion. This injury list is becoming endless.

Is our style of playing contributing to it? The Welsh could be accused of the same.
Of course it is. Can you imagine Argentina having a player of the gimp of Devin Toner? It\s like war just before guns came on the scene. Ireland are built for siege warfare with similar injury rates.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 22, 2016, 01:49:53 PM
Ireland's only successes in the last thirty years have been built on solid defense. We practically invented the choke tackle. Our inovations have been on the back foot, not the front foot.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on February 22, 2016, 02:59:42 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 22, 2016, 01:49:53 PM
Ireland's only successes in the last thirty years have been built on solid defense. We practically invented the choke tackle. Our inovations have been on the back foot, not the front foot.

We also reinvented our very own Garryowen, now called the kick chase.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Longshanks on February 22, 2016, 03:18:12 PM
Much as I like Joe Schmidt and he really is as good as a coach as we have ever had, I hope he bloods alot more youth after this england match, especially Jackson, ringrose and mc closkey
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 22, 2016, 04:38:58 PM
Lads if you are looking for a good antidote to Ireland's claustrophobic rugby the schools game between Blackrock and Old Belvedere today was simply sensational. Will be shown on Sentanta sports later.

If you watching posh kids running after an egg is your thing, it's not to be missed.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 23, 2016, 12:57:44 PM
Its looking like McCloskey will get his chance against England on Saturday!

Looking forward to seeing him and Henshaw in tandem.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thejuice on February 25, 2016, 12:17:50 AM
I think we are in for an ugly mauling at the weekend. This England team are on the up and will likely grind us down. It wont be entertaining in any respect.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 25, 2016, 09:00:00 AM
Looking like Van der Flier and McCloskey are set to start on Saturday. That's lifted the spirits!

Launchbury is a huge loss for England. Yes their confidence is high and they rarely lose at home but as ROG says its the same horse essentially, just with a different jockey.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 25, 2016, 09:41:51 AM
Quote from: thejuice on February 25, 2016, 12:17:50 AM
I think we are in for an ugly mauling at the weekend. This England team are on the up and will likely grind us down. It wont be entertaining in any respect.
Confidence up after Italy and Scotland. England are poor too.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 25, 2016, 01:49:56 PM
Team named for Saturday

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

Replacements: Richardt Strauss, Cian Healy, Nathan White, Ultan Dillane,  Rhys Ruddock, Eoin Reddan, Ian Madigan, Simon Zebo.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 25, 2016, 01:52:40 PM
Interesting team. Looking forward to seeing how the two boys get on and Dillane who should get his fist cap. Dillane could be the new poster boy of Connacht rugby, serious talent.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 25, 2016, 01:54:50 PM
Dinny would I be right in saying that McCloskey, VdF and Dillane never started at Ireland U20 grade 2-3 years ago?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 25, 2016, 02:37:29 PM
Sexton to last how many minutes?
I saw an interview with Gatland where he said subs should be injury only
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 25, 2016, 02:57:16 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 25, 2016, 01:54:50 PM
Dinny would I be right in saying that McCloskey, VdF and Dillane never started at Ireland U20 grade 2-3 years ago?

Fairly sure McCloskey didn't play 20s, classic late developer, he came to Ulster via the AIL. VDF was a mainstay though and Dillane was in the 20s extended squad, might have benched 1 or 2 games. Amazed that he had to go to Connacht, we don't produce many of his athletic ability is Ireland probably helped by the fact his Mum is from the Ivory Coast.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 25, 2016, 03:00:43 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 25, 2016, 02:57:16 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 25, 2016, 01:54:50 PM
Dinny would I be right in saying that McCloskey, VdF and Dillane never started at Ireland U20 grade 2-3 years ago?

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

Dillane and Henderson could be quite the presence in a few years. Hendo providing the power and Dillane the athleticism.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 25, 2016, 03:18:50 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 25, 2016, 03:00:43 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 25, 2016, 02:57:16 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 25, 2016, 01:54:50 PM
Dinny would I be right in saying that McCloskey, VdF and Dillane never started at Ireland U20 grade 2-3 years ago?

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

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

James Ryan from this years 20s as well, all very young though for International Rugby, 2nd rows generally peak late 20s early 30s. It's when they get their Daddy strength so to speak.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 25, 2016, 03:26:50 PM
Yeah Ryan looks a beast of a lad. We really need Henderson to stay injury free over the next few years. You'd want 4 quality players in this position moving forward.

Be interesting to see Itoje gets on this Saturday. Looks a future England captain in the making.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 25, 2016, 08:43:05 PM
Any Irishmen play for Ireland anymore?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on February 25, 2016, 08:56:32 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 25, 2016, 08:43:05 PM
Any Irishmen play for Ireland anymore?
14 of the 15 starters!

Must be the highest proportion of lads who grew up in the country of any international rugby team
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 27, 2016, 05:06:18 PM
Owen Farrell playing very well for Ireland.  :D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on February 27, 2016, 05:29:28 PM
Quote from: muppet on February 27, 2016, 05:06:18 PM
Owen Farrell playing very well for Ireland.  :D

Well both sets of his grandparents are Irish born and bred so he qualifies in my book anyway ;)!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 27, 2016, 05:30:45 PM
Getting away with it so far.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 27, 2016, 05:31:36 PM
How Ireland have defended all of that I don't know.

It would be great if we stole a try before halftime.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 27, 2016, 05:33:51 PM
Quote from: muppet on February 27, 2016, 05:31:36 PM
How Ireland have defended all of that I don't know.

It would be great if we stole a try before halftime.
Good defence but some shoddy play from England. Could get nailed in the second half if this keeps up.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 27, 2016, 05:50:46 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 27, 2016, 05:33:51 PM
Quote from: muppet on February 27, 2016, 05:31:36 PM
How Ireland have defended all of that I don't know.

It would be great if we stole a try before halftime.
Good defence but some shoddy play from England. Could get nailed in the second half if this keeps up.

Feck it if someone had tracked Henshaw that time, or if Heaslip knew how to kick.

But we are definitely just hanging on. Murray is something else for us, but Vunipola is probably MOM of the first half.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 27, 2016, 05:52:37 PM
90 tackles is massive
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 27, 2016, 06:01:40 PM
Fantastic by Murray!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 27, 2016, 06:05:37 PM
Roid rage from Heskill the big donkey.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 27, 2016, 06:20:48 PM
God its like watching the Fianna Fáil resurgence.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on February 27, 2016, 06:51:12 PM
Dillane & McCloskey are keepers I think. Van Der Flier maybe.

Best might have to be relieved of the captaincy otherwise he could lose his place. Line outs inside their 22 were poor. Back up front row was well beaten which isn't much use. What happens when Mike Ross goes?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 27, 2016, 06:58:37 PM
Hard to argue with the result. England played with intent from the start.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CiKe on February 27, 2016, 08:52:36 PM
Thought fresh legs earlier might have been called for given the efforts in the first half
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 27, 2016, 09:01:03 PM
Decent effort from a somewhat under powered Irish team. The differences were actually more glaring in the first half. The ease at which England could make yards bashing up the middle or running it wide. When Ireland tried to run it, there was rarely much gain. Ireland didn't help themselves though when too often the first or second receiver was someone like Devin Toner which always guarantees you minus metres gained between rucks.
In the second half you could see the greater emphasis on getting it into the hands of Stander and McCloskey earlier in a play.

The English tries were inevitable, but it was admirable the way Ireland came back and had a cut. What England gain in picking tanks, they lose in aerobic ability and towards the end their back rowers couldn't keep up with the breakdowns. Maybe if Ireland had kicked to the corners from the beginning and made England use their metres deeper in their half...

I'm not convinced Mike Brown deliberately shoed Murray in the face. In slow motion it looks poor. In real time it looks like frantic hacking at the ball. When players are desperately trying to prevent a try, however illegally, I don't think dirty play is their primary concern. Mike Brown would be one of my least favourite England players for a host of other reasons.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on February 27, 2016, 09:22:41 PM
Quote from: muppet on February 27, 2016, 06:51:12 PM
Dillane & McCloskey are keepers I think. Van Der Flier maybe.

Best might have to be relieved of the captaincy otherwise he could lose his place. Line outs inside their 22 were poor. Back up front row was well beaten which isn't much use. What happens when Mike Ross goes?

Interesting one with Best I thought his throwing was ok but with the ones we lost his throws seemed to be on the money but seemed to be with the jumpers where we were beaten. Crooked throws, overthrows is down to the hooker but a few appeared to be a lifting/jumping problem. I guess he inherited a poisoned chalice after POC. He is fantastic around the park too. (Ps this isn't Simon Best posting!!)

If we can blood a few from this 6 nations I think it will have been a partial success. Kearneys best days are behind him I'm afraid, Trimble is a shadow of himself from 2 years ago. The fact Nathan White is our 2nd choice prop at the minute speaks volumes. No point complaining about injuries because they are the norm these days and do any teams play with a first choice 15 these days?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on February 27, 2016, 11:42:23 PM
England haven't changed from 20yrs ago, still same ole bosh bosh bash bash with limited skill. Compare their back row players to the New Zealand back row of Kaino, Read and formerly McCaw not as physical big as England but faster fitter and fabulous ball skills, Brutality will only take you so far in Rugby
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 01, 2016, 12:03:01 PM
More great analysis from Murray Kinsella at the42.ie

http://www.the42.ie/analysis-ireland-defence-england-linespeed-2633934-Feb2016/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Declan on March 02, 2016, 08:22:02 AM
What do we think about the doctors call for tackling to be banned in underage rugby?
http://www.bbc.com/news/education-35696238 (http://www.bbc.com/news/education-35696238)

Makes sense objectively but if they are not taught how to tackle properly is it not more risky as they get older and continue to play?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 02, 2016, 08:57:17 AM
Quote from: Declan on March 02, 2016, 08:22:02 AM
What do we think about the doctors call for tackling to be banned in underage rugby?
http://www.bbc.com/news/education-35696238 (http://www.bbc.com/news/education-35696238)

Makes sense objectively but if they are not taught how to tackle properly is it not more risky as they get older and continue to play?
Good idea. The game needs radical change.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 02, 2016, 12:46:15 PM
Rory Scholes off to Edinburgh. Hope the Irish set up doesn't lose track of him like Tommy Seymour
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: michaelg on March 02, 2016, 05:41:55 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 02, 2016, 12:46:15 PM
Rory Scholes off to Edinburgh. Hope the Irish set up doesn't lose track of him like Tommy Seymour
Shame to see him go.  He has been a solid performer for Ulster when called upon.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 02, 2016, 06:05:08 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 02, 2016, 08:57:17 AM
Quote from: Declan on March 02, 2016, 08:22:02 AM
What do we think about the doctors call for tackling to be banned in underage rugby?
http://www.bbc.com/news/education-35696238 (http://www.bbc.com/news/education-35696238)

Makes sense objectively but if they are not taught how to tackle properly is it not more risky as they get older and continue to play?
Good idea. The game needs radical change.
Alright in practice but it is sure to put off many children from playing. My eldest 2 lads play and the younger of the 2 loves the physical aspect of it. If as a 9 year old he had to play touch I don't think he'd bother with it to be honest.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on March 02, 2016, 07:08:46 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 02, 2016, 12:46:15 PM
Rory Scholes off to Edinburgh. Hope the Irish set up doesn't lose track of him like Tommy Seymour

I have actually been pretty impressed by him this season. Surprised by that move.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on March 03, 2016, 09:31:53 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 02, 2016, 06:05:08 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 02, 2016, 08:57:17 AM
Quote from: Declan on March 02, 2016, 08:22:02 AM
What do we think about the doctors call for tackling to be banned in underage rugby?
http://www.bbc.com/news/education-35696238 (http://www.bbc.com/news/education-35696238)

Makes sense objectively but if they are not taught how to tackle properly is it not more risky as they get older and continue to play?
Good idea. The game needs radical change.
Alright in practice but it is sure to put off many children from playing. My eldest 2 lads play and the younger of the 2 loves the physical aspect of it. If as a 9 year old he had to play touch I don't think he'd bother with it to be honest.

Paddy Wallace was on something or other last night and whilst he thought tackling should remain as an intergral part of schools rugby he did mention the fact that a lot of these schools teams are on intensive weights programs which concerned him.
Is this just like what happens in the GAA, someone does something, is reasonably successful, so everyone thereafter apes it?
I also read an article recently on southern hemisphere rugby, NZ in particular that they're spending a lot more time teaching youngsters footwork to avoid collisions and making space, technical stuff rather than brute force and ignorance.
Looking at the NZ team that won the world cup, you'd have to say they were all pretty lean looking in the pack compared to other nations and also didn't waste too much time with the ball in the scrum or rolling mauls and it didn't do them any harm, but is that too big of a leap for youth coaches in Ireland as in all likelihood you'd need to go backwards to go forwards?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 03, 2016, 09:46:12 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on March 03, 2016, 09:31:53 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 02, 2016, 06:05:08 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 02, 2016, 08:57:17 AM
Quote from: Declan on March 02, 2016, 08:22:02 AM
What do we think about the doctors call for tackling to be banned in underage rugby?
http://www.bbc.com/news/education-35696238 (http://www.bbc.com/news/education-35696238)

Makes sense objectively but if they are not taught how to tackle properly is it not more risky as they get older and continue to play?
Good idea. The game needs radical change.
Alright in practice but it is sure to put off many children from playing. My eldest 2 lads play and the younger of the 2 loves the physical aspect of it. If as a 9 year old he had to play touch I don't think he'd bother with it to be honest.

Paddy Wallace was on something or other last night and whilst he thought tackling should remain as an intergral part of schools rugby he did mention the fact that a lot of these schools teams are on intensive weights programs which concerned him.
Is this just like what happens in the GAA, someone does something, is reasonably successful, so everyone thereafter apes it?
I also read an article recently on southern hemisphere rugby, NZ in particular that they're spending a lot more time teaching youngsters footwork to avoid collisions and making space, technical stuff rather than brute force and ignorance.
Looking at the NZ team that won the world cup, you'd have to say they were all pretty lean looking in the pack compared to other nations and also didn't waste too much time with the ball in the scrum or rolling mauls and it didn't do them any harm, but is that too big of a leap for youth coaches in Ireland as in all likelihood you'd need to go backwards to go forwards?

For the life of me I can't fathom why Ireland doesnt adopt the NZ approach of exploiting space rather than trucking up the middle. Genetically we are never going to match England, France & South Africa for power yet it seems to be the case of engage contact first with our senior side.

We have plenty of players with the core fundamentals of Gaelic Football in their locker and we should be doing a lot better in this regard, stepping/footwork. If anything our kicking game has got progressively worse of late!

Thankfully Pat Lam and Connacht seem to be bucking the trend with results to prove that moving the ball works.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 04, 2016, 10:17:53 PM
http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/mar/04/six-nations-rugby-union-change-health-future

It may well be too late for any radical remedy. But if a plan is not devised to restore something like parity between attackers and the defences whose tactics define the way the game currently sees itself, a healthy long‑term future is hard to imagine, except as a pale imitation of grid‑iron football, with its concussive hits and endless stoppages. And that is probably not something we would want for our children.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 04, 2016, 10:27:58 PM
http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/jan/09/barry-john-wales-andre-schurrle-chelsea-arwel-thomas

No game stands still, and players must evolve to meet the changing requirements. The darker aspect concerns not just the use of questionable and sometimes illegal body-building substances, from creatine to steroids, but the additional demands now resulting in two kinds of injury: those caused by higher-impact collisions and an epidemic of ligament and hamstring injuries caused by the extra torque and thrust that muscles are being asked to accept. At some point there will have to be a responsible assessment of how much the human frame can bear.
No one wants to see top-flight rugby returning to the days when a 3-3 draw on a mud-heap was a common result and the half-backs were the only players permitted to show their handling skills. There is no point in expecting Premier League midfield players to put their foot on the ball and examine their options with the luxury of time and space once permitted to a Jim Baxter.
But when the process of evolution threatens to condemn an entire species to extinction, it is important to ensure that, somehow, ways are found of preventing the obliteration of the finer qualities that made people fall in love with the sport – whether football, rugby, or anything else – in the first place.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on March 05, 2016, 08:31:41 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 03, 2016, 09:46:12 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on March 03, 2016, 09:31:53 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 02, 2016, 06:05:08 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 02, 2016, 08:57:17 AM
Quote from: Declan on March 02, 2016, 08:22:02 AM
What do we think about the doctors call for tackling to be banned in underage rugby?
http://www.bbc.com/news/education-35696238 (http://www.bbc.com/news/education-35696238)

Makes sense objectively but if they are not taught how to tackle properly is it not more risky as they get older and continue to play?
Good idea. The game needs radical change.
Alright in practice but it is sure to put off many children from playing. My eldest 2 lads play and the younger of the 2 loves the physical aspect of it. If as a 9 year old he had to play touch I don't think he'd bother with it to be honest.

Paddy Wallace was on something or other last night and whilst he thought tackling should remain as an intergral part of schools rugby he did mention the fact that a lot of these schools teams are on intensive weights programs which concerned him.
Is this just like what happens in the GAA, someone does something, is reasonably successful, so everyone thereafter apes it?
I also read an article recently on southern hemisphere rugby, NZ in particular that they're spending a lot more time teaching youngsters footwork to avoid collisions and making space, technical stuff rather than brute force and ignorance.
Looking at the NZ team that won the world cup, you'd have to say they were all pretty lean looking in the pack compared to other nations and also didn't waste too much time with the ball in the scrum or rolling mauls and it didn't do them any harm, but is that too big of a leap for youth coaches in Ireland as in all likelihood you'd need to go backwards to go forwards?

For the life of me I can't fathom why Ireland doesnt adopt the NZ approach of exploiting space rather than trucking up the middle. Genetically we are never going to match England, France & South Africa for power yet it seems to be the case of engage contact first with our senior side.

We have plenty of players with the core fundamentals of Gaelic Football in their locker and we should be doing a lot better in this regard, stepping/footwork. If anything our kicking game has got progressively worse of late!

Thankfully Pat Lam and Connacht seem to be bucking the trend with results to prove that moving the ball works.


Funnily enough on 2FM the other night Tony Ward and Bernard Jackman were discussing this very point about Connacht and the success Lam is having by trying to engineer space and openings rather than bludgeon your opponent as a model for the other provinces and Ward mentioned a Leinster schools game where the skills of passing and offloading were of a high standard, so maybe it's not all doom and gloom
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on March 07, 2016, 12:13:59 PM
Evan MacKenna fairly savaging these bastards on twitter now.  ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 07, 2016, 12:56:52 PM
Jack O'Donoghue called up to the training squad for the last remaining games. What's his best position long term?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 07, 2016, 02:49:43 PM
8 I would say.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 07, 2016, 02:52:59 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 07, 2016, 02:49:43 PM
8 I would say.

Its definitely a position we have to look at long term. With Heaslip not getting any younger and SOB injury prone it only really leaves CJ.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 10, 2016, 09:59:54 AM
IRELAND (possible v Italy): S Zebo; A Trimble, J Payne, R Henshaw, K Earls; J Sexton, C Murray; J McGrath, R Best, M Ross; D Ryan, D Toner; CJ Stander, J van der Flier, JHeaslip.

Replacements: R Strauss, C Healy, N White, U Dillane, R Ruddock, K Marmion, I Madigan, F McFadden

No impressed at all if this is the team/bench for Saturday. What does that say to young McCloskey?? Thanks but no thanks. Talk about playing with a young lads confidence!! Schmidt shouldnt have started him in Twickenham if he wasnt prepared to give him a run against Italy. Totally pointless.

I'm a big Schmidt fan as I remember plenty of dark days in Irish rugby but no coach is untouchable. As for Madigan and McFadden on the bench, give me strength. Again what is the point in selecting Madigan if he wont be in the reckoning next year!!! McFadden should be put out to pasture. Offers nothing!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on March 10, 2016, 10:34:06 AM
Agree with Walter on the above. McFadden on the bench? What impact does he offer?? Nowhere near international standard in my opinion. I'm a Madigan fan but surely Jackson is worth a look at some stage. Disappointed if that is the line up which I'm sure it will be.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 10, 2016, 02:07:30 PM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CdMLOSpUEAE6D_p.jpg)

We've had a disastrous 6 Nations so far should we not just throw the ageing team out the window and let the young lads get a chance in a proper test match to build properly for 4 years time?!

We should have been seeing McCloskey, Jackson, Ringrose, McGrath, Dillane, Gilroy, Olding feature in these last 2 games along with Payne at Full Back because it looks at this stage as if Kearney is not adding what he should from there.

We'll probably win but I just think we're passing up a real opportunity to start to build something for the World Cup!


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 10, 2016, 02:29:51 PM
People have often cited the 6 nations is not really the environment to blood players well if that's the case then the summer tour to South Africa certainly isn't!! Argentina blooded young players in the Rugby Championship in hostile environments like Dunedin and Cape Town. Their reward was a team peaking for the RWC.

I've backed Schmidt to the hilt but I'm utterly disappointed in this selection!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on March 10, 2016, 02:47:37 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 10, 2016, 02:29:51 PM
People have often cited the 6 nations is not really the environment to blood players well if that's the case then the summer tour to South Africa certainly isn't!! Argentina blooded young players in the Rugby Championship in hostile environments like Dunedin and Cape Town. Their reward was a team peaking for the RWC.

I've backed Schmidt to the hilt but I'm utterly disappointed in this selection!

I know there's ranking points or whatever at stake, but I'm in agreement, might as well throw in the young lads and blood them now. They've 4 years to bed in and get going at international rugby,  and its not as if the current incumbents are taring the place up!
Opportunity lost.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on March 10, 2016, 04:22:33 PM
If you can't blood youngsters against Italy and Scotland in 2 dead rubber matches then when else will you get the opportunity? Even the likes of Trimble in my opinion has had his day and should be looking to the future with the likes of Gilroy. McFadden!! Seriously??

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Jeremiah O on March 10, 2016, 05:14:36 PM
How much do they charge for 6 nations tickets now?
Been ages since I was at one.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Onthe40 on March 11, 2016, 01:04:51 PM
the selection debate was covered in "against the head" on mon nite with Eddie OSullivan saying Schmidts hand could be forced by the IRFU in having to field as strong as possible to guarantee 2 wins and x million euro to the IRFU.....
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mouview on March 12, 2016, 02:47:48 PM
Turkey shoot, could end up anything here. Eyeties awful.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Aaron Boone on March 12, 2016, 03:07:46 PM
51-10 with 10 mins left.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Declan on March 12, 2016, 03:15:23 PM
Pretty poor game. We even make Italy look good with ball in hand
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: TabClear on March 12, 2016, 07:24:52 PM
Heaslip try just before half time was one of the best I've seen in a long time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: DuffleKing on March 12, 2016, 08:31:58 PM
Quote from: Declan on March 12, 2016, 03:15:23 PM
Pretty poor game. We even make Italy look good with ball in hand

::)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on March 12, 2016, 10:19:50 PM
that was some ridiculous decision by Keyes to give his mate Ryan the Man of the Match award!
Ryan had a fine game, but doubtful he was in the best 5 Irishmen on the field. Farce

That Itoje looks like he's going to be some player for England.
wales were super in the last 10 minutes after been dominated for the rest of the game. Linesman a bit hasty with his flag at the end. If he'd given the benefit of the doubt to North, it would have been a very interesting finish
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 12, 2016, 10:58:32 PM
Quote from: Hound on March 12, 2016, 10:19:50 PM
that was some ridiculous decision by Keyes to give his mate Ryan the Man of the Match award!
Ryan had a fine game, but doubtful he was in the best 5 Irishmen on the field. Farce

That Itoje looks like he's going to be some player for England.
wales were super in the last 10 minutes after been dominated for the rest of the game. Linesman a bit hasty with his flag at the end. If he'd given the benefit of the doubt to North, it would have been a very interesting finish
Itoje looks like the full package alright. Class finish to the England Wales match. Would have been some kick in the balls if Wales for the last try.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 14, 2016, 10:18:37 AM
Despite Italy being woeful there were plenty of positives from Saturday. Zebo may have his flaws defensively but he adds real zip and creativity to the backline. I'd like to see him start against Scotland.

Its going to be a real hum-dinger on Saturday I think. Scotland will be coming full of confidence but I think if we can improve yet again we'll have too much for them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: armaghniac on March 19, 2016, 05:23:20 PM
Thon Scottish boy, Hogg, has some turn of pace for a stocky chap.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 19, 2016, 06:02:53 PM
Great try from Hogg but poor defense to have a scenario with Best and Ross beside each other.

Jesus Stander is some operator!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 21, 2016, 09:25:15 AM
What's the general thoughts on the campaign then?

The positives for me were:

- Jack McGrath developing into a world class performer
- The return to form of Donnacha Ryan and Jonny Sexton
- CJ Stander proving he is an international class player
- The blooding of Dillane, VdF and McCloskey

The negative aspects:

- Still a conservative approach to our attacking play - e.g. choosing to bludgeon Scotland on Saturday when they were reduce to 14. It didnt appear we could go wide and score.
- The conservative approach to some of our selections - Madigan/D Kearney/McFadden wouldnt be top of my list.

Decent enough finish by the U20s. This James Ryan lad looks potentially a cracking player.

How about the summer tour of SA? Can we sneak a test win?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 21, 2016, 10:11:12 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 21, 2016, 09:25:15 AM
What's the general thoughts on the campaign then?

The positives for me were:

- Jack McGrath developing into a world class performer
- The return to form of Donnacha Ryan and Jonny Sexton
- CJ Stander proving he is an international class player
- The blooding of Dillane, VdF and McCloskey

The negative aspects:

- Still a conservative approach to our attacking play - e.g. choosing to bludgeon Scotland on Saturday when they were reduce to 14. It didnt appear we could go wide and score.
- The conservative approach to some of our selections - Madigan/D Kearney/McFadden wouldnt be top of my list.

Decent enough finish by the U20s. This James Ryan lad looks potentially a cracking player.

How about the summer tour of SA? Can we sneak a test win?
Not enough depth for a sustained bosh bosh bosh campaign
How dull bosh bosh bosh is
V few offloads, players the wrong shape for it?
The injuries
Cynicism of players being taken out deliberately
The ease with which England won a grand slam
Losing to France by a point and not scoring in the second half

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 21, 2016, 10:14:01 AM
Would agree with all of that Seafoid.

Surely Joe has to realise Irishmen physically aren't built to hammer teams up the middle - our injury rate proves this.

Hopefully when Andy Farrell joining the set up it will free Joe up to expand our attacking play.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on March 21, 2016, 11:26:33 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 21, 2016, 09:25:15 AM
What's the general thoughts on the campaign then?

The positives for me were:

- Jack McGrath developing into a world class performer
- The return to form of Donnacha Ryan and Jonny Sexton
- CJ Stander proving he is an international class player
- The blooding of Dillane, VdF and McCloskey

The negative aspects:

- Still a conservative approach to our attacking play - e.g. choosing to bludgeon Scotland on Saturday when they were reduce to 14. It didnt appear we could go wide and score.
- The conservative approach to some of our selections - Madigan/D Kearney/McFadden wouldnt be top of my list.

Decent enough finish by the U20s. This James Ryan lad looks potentially a cracking player.

How about the summer tour of SA? Can we sneak a test win?

On the U20's, I thought Scotland looked to be the better drilled team, clock showing 40 minutes in the ground made young Hastings boot straight to touch, Ireland scored from the resultant lineout.. Harsh on the Scots, but thought Ireland were second best in a lot of the game.

Wouldn't be too confident in Ireland doing much at the upcoming World cup at this level!!

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 21, 2016, 11:31:46 AM
IMO the U20s is all about identifying 2-3 players every year and getting them ready for senior international rugby. Last year's team had a great backline whereas this years seems to be more forward dominated. Ryan, McBurney and Gallagher the stand outs.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on March 22, 2016, 11:46:24 AM
Can anything not be done with teams specifically targeting the flair players who for the most part aren't the biggest and tend to be off guard when hit?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 22, 2016, 11:52:36 AM
Quote from: Applesisapples on March 22, 2016, 11:46:24 AM
Can anything not be done with teams specifically targeting the flair players who for the most part aren't the biggest and tend to be off guard when hit?

Up to refs and touch judges. Touch judges don't do enough in my opinion.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on March 26, 2016, 07:30:37 PM
The rising  in Connacht rugby continues in timely fashion, but what Connacht had to endure in those last 10 minutes was worse than getting  relentlessly whipped with the cat o' 9 tails.

Just on a pedantic point, do you think the ref had observed that the Connacht lad kick the ball out of play at approx 79.58 - 78.59 seconds and if he did would it have changed anything?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GaillimhIarthair on March 26, 2016, 08:06:04 PM
Fully deserved win, even allowing for all the handling errors.  The Conn back row were immense as was Buckley, has to be on the plane to SA in the summer.  Madigan was terrible for Leinster and Healey is only a shadow of the player he once was - all the injuries have probably taken their toll .  McGrath and Heaslip made a huge difference to Leinster when introduced.  Anyway, the Conn roller coaster keeps tipping along for this amazing season!  :)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 27, 2016, 08:03:17 AM
Quote from: Main Street on March 26, 2016, 07:30:37 PM
The rising  in Connacht rugby continues in timely fashion, but what Connacht had to endure in those last 10 minutes was worse than getting  relentlessly whipped with the cat o' 9 tails.

Just on a pedantic point, do you think the ref had observed that the Connacht lad kick the ball out of play at approx 79.58 - 78.59 seconds and if he did would it have changed anything?

The referee would have indicated last play before Connacht kicked it out. What impressed me most about Connacht at the end was after they turned the ball over no panic just complete composure as they closed out the game. Finely coached team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Mayo4Sam on March 30, 2016, 02:16:07 PM
Very impressive throughout, never kicked really even in the first half when they had a gale. They have a way of playing and they stuck to it, even when 20 phases had them 10 yards further back and under the kosh
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GaillimhIarthair on April 17, 2016, 10:46:30 AM
Another hugely impressive performance from Connacht last evening - thoroughly out played and out thought Munster for the vast majority of the game.  Champions Cup rugby now guaranteed and still on course for a home semi in the Pro 12 - the Glasgow game in early May will be massive in that regard.  Munster are a rabble and Foley + his back room team appear to be out of their depth - maybe the real issues are at board level down there?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on April 17, 2016, 03:35:51 PM
http://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/36067269 (http://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/36067269)

Kenya beat Fiji to win their first Sevens World Series title

.......Samoa landed the second tier Plate title after causing another upset in beating New Zealand, Scotland edged United States to land the Bowl and Russia crushed Wales to win the Shield.......


What is going on?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on April 27, 2016, 09:34:04 AM
What do the Munster men on the board think of the Erasmus appointment? Surely Foleys position will become untenable and he'll step aside?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on April 27, 2016, 10:02:46 AM
It looks that way. I don't know much about him, other than I spent half my college life leering at Erasmus students, so hopefully that's a good sign. Foley seems to be fatally undermined by this, you would have to say, but if he is content with essentially being an assistant, and learning, maybe it will work out for him. It would be a big blow to a proud man's ego though.

I am disappointed by reports that Conor O'Shea wasn't at least approached. That's the appointment I'd have liked to see.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on April 27, 2016, 10:12:35 AM
Yeah O'Shea was my preferred option as I saw him potentially as an Irish coach long term. Taking the Italy job is a massive gamble for O'Shea. If he does well then you'd think he may get the Ireland gig. If he doesn't then he could struggle to even get a club side, much like the way Stuart Lancaster has went.

I think Munster could become a somewhat outpost for South Africans now. Erasmus was heavily involved in developing youth within South Africa. You could see a few more of these 'project players' arrive in Limerick.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on April 27, 2016, 10:15:26 AM
We were that way for New Zealand for a few years. Why not try South Africa. Actually, I take that back, the South African sporting regime is one I find very, very hard to like. It's very Afrikaans still, and I just don't like them. I think I'll just boo Erasmus non stop instead :)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on April 27, 2016, 10:22:58 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 27, 2016, 10:15:26 AM
We were that way for New Zealand for a few years. Why not try South Africa. Actually, I take that back, the South African sporting regime is one I find very, very hard to like. It's very Afrikaans still, and I just don't like them. I think I'll just boo Erasmus non stop instead :)

I get what you mean, a hard outfit to like but I dont necessarily agree on the quota system thats employed. Surely its about picking the best players, irrespective of colour. More money should be sent towards the townships to develop the game. I'm sure its a political minefield that few of us know much about.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on April 27, 2016, 10:25:12 AM
It's their attitude in general, not the apatheid hangover that bothers me. They are Boers and Bores. Although CJ Stander seems like a genuinely nice guy, too many others seem arrogant and condescending to me.  I don't like South African Afrikaans :)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on April 27, 2016, 11:16:39 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 27, 2016, 10:25:12 AM
It's their attitude in general, not the apatheid hangover that bothers me. They are Boers and Bores. Although CJ Stander seems like a genuinely nice guy, too many others seem arrogant and condescending to me.  I don't like South African Afrikaans :)

Racist!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on April 27, 2016, 11:22:23 AM
On paper great appointment, looking forward to seeing a new Munster develop hopefully with a more humble fan base.

Foley has a massive ego he will be gone in the summer, say Rob Penney has had a wry smile at how it was all handled.

The DOR model seems to be the way forward, first Ulster now Munster. Has David Nucifora'sd paw prints all over it, seemingly there is now a massive disconnect between the amateur side and the professional side of the game, so much that amatuer side having given Nucifora a vote of no confidence. This is primarily around how he his trying to structure the club game and player pathways.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on May 03, 2016, 01:13:26 PM
I see Cian Kelleher has agreed to join Connacht. Apparently Leinster not happy as the IRFU pushed for him to make the move against their wishes.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on May 03, 2016, 02:27:53 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on May 03, 2016, 01:13:26 PM
I see Cian Kelleher has agreed to join Connacht. Apparently Leinster not happy as the IRFU pushed for him to make the move against their wishes.

Doesn't look like a push by IRFU. Kelleher had a choice between a development contract at Leinster and a full  two year deal contract at Connacht.(There is a rumour though that Leinster might not have been allowed offer a full contract!) To the annoyance of Leinster he chose a full contract ( more money) at Connacht.This move has been well flagged on the grapevine in Connacht for a couple of months now as I am sure it was in Leinster.

Leinster are raging behind the scenes as they think Willie Ruane , Nigel Carolan and Pat Lam have tapped him up as they have had their eye on him for about a year now but while it is poaching talent from Leinster rugby , might not benefit Ireland rugby or Kelleher in the long run , Cian will make more money in the next 2 years , have a better opportunity to play next season and have a bigger payday down the line if he performs well and it certainly benefits Connacht in the short term.

Normally the only Leinster/Munster uderage players that head west are unwanted or unknown of in the leinster/Munster system and certainly not a player on the rise through the ranks so it is probably a bit of a shock for them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on May 03, 2016, 02:32:14 PM
I think it can only be a good thing and I'd like to see more of it. Certainly Dom Ryan and Jordi Murphy could be better placed at Ulster rather than scraping as back up at Leinster. Player development and balance between provinces has to be the key.

The Chiefs and Highlanders have went from perennial whipping boys in NZ to the two top sides with additions such as Kieran Reid and so forth.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on May 03, 2016, 02:44:50 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on May 03, 2016, 02:32:14 PM
I think it can only be a good thing and I'd like to see more of it. Certainly Dom Ryan and Jordi Murphy could be better placed at Ulster rather than scraping as back up at Leinster. Player development and balance between provinces has to be the key.

The Chiefs and Highlanders have went from perennial whipping boys in NZ to the two top sides with additions such as Kieran Reid and so forth.

Yeah but Leinster don't want to give up future stars just because they have better depth than Connacht which is what Kelleher at this stage of his development is considered to be as opposed to admirable squad players that might have plateaued in terms of talent like say Darragh Fanning or Dominic Ryan that have academy talent waiting in the wings as replacements that are probably as good as them anyway!!

So while Connacht will be delighted you can see why Leinster would be pissed off with this move and will want to make sure it is a once off!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ashman on May 20, 2016, 09:29:50 PM
Decent game tonight .  Ulster making a huge amount of errors.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on May 23, 2016, 09:23:50 AM
Great win for Connacht. Hopefully they can finish in style now!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on May 25, 2016, 02:03:07 PM
Ireland squad for tour of South Africa selected. No Zebo, Tommy O'Donnell, Madigan or McCloskey.

Forwards (18)
Finlay Bealham (Corinthians/Connacht)
Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster) (c)
Sean Cronin (St Marys/Leinster)
Ultan Dillane (Corinthians/Connacht)
Tadhg Furlong (Clontarf/Leinster)
Jamie Heaslip (Dublin University/Leinster) (vc)
Iain Henderson (Ballynahinch/Ulster)
David Kilcoyne (UL Bohemians/Munster)
Jack McGrath (St Marys/Leinster)
Jordi Murphy (Lansdowne/Leinster)
Sean Reidy (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster)
Quinn Roux (Galwegians/Connacht)
Rhys Ruddock (St Marys/Leinster)
Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster)
CJ Stander (Munster)
Richardt Strauss (Old Wesley/Leinster)
Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster)

Backs (14)
Keith Earls (Young Munster/Munster)
Luke Fitzgerald (Blackrock/Leinster)
Robbie Henshaw (Buccaneers/Connacht)
Paddy Jackson (Dungannon/Ulster)
David Kearney (Lansdowne/Leinster)
Rob Kearney (UCD/Leinster)
Kieran Marmion (Corinthians/Connacht)
Luke Marshall (Ballymena/Ulster)
Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster)
Stuart Olding (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
Jared Payne (Ulster)
Eoin Reddan (Old Crescent/Leinster)
Jonathan Sexton (St Marys/Leinster)
Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on May 25, 2016, 04:38:48 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on May 25, 2016, 02:03:07 PM
Ireland squad for tour of South Africa selected. No Zebo, Tommy O'Donnell, Madigan or McCloskey.

Forwards (18)
Finlay Bealham (Corinthians/Connacht)
Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster) (c)
Sean Cronin (St Marys/Leinster)
Ultan Dillane (Corinthians/Connacht)
Tadhg Furlong (Clontarf/Leinster)
Jamie Heaslip (Dublin University/Leinster) (vc)
Iain Henderson (Ballynahinch/Ulster)
David Kilcoyne (UL Bohemians/Munster)
Jack McGrath (St Marys/Leinster)
Jordi Murphy (Lansdowne/Leinster)
Sean Reidy (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster)
Quinn Roux (Galwegians/Connacht)
Rhys Ruddock (St Marys/Leinster)
Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster)
CJ Stander (Munster)
Richardt Strauss (Old Wesley/Leinster)
Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster)

Backs (14)
Keith Earls (Young Munster/Munster)
Luke Fitzgerald (Blackrock/Leinster)
Robbie Henshaw (Buccaneers/Connacht)
Paddy Jackson (Dungannon/Ulster)
David Kearney (Lansdowne/Leinster)
Rob Kearney (UCD/Leinster)
Kieran Marmion (Corinthians/Connacht)
Luke Marshall (Ballymena/Ulster)
Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster)
Stuart Olding (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
Jared Payne (Ulster)
Eoin Reddan (Old Crescent/Leinster)
Jonathan Sexton (St Marys/Leinster)
Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster)

Or Ringrose or Luke McGrath . . .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on May 25, 2016, 04:41:21 PM
Reidy ahead of O'Donnell and Henry a surprise to me.
Hadn't realised Roux was a contender.
2 more non-Irish, we're nearly as bad an England, although Reidy has a Kerry grandparent apparently.
Dave Kearney lucky to hold on based on what I've seen of him this season. Would have preferred to see Healy get a chance, or Gilroy. Presumably they're not happy Zebo would be fully fit, even though he's been back training this week.

Leinster 14
Ulster 8
Connacht 5
Munster 5
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on May 25, 2016, 04:45:21 PM
Quote from: screenexile on May 25, 2016, 04:38:48 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on May 25, 2016, 02:03:07 PM
Ireland squad for tour of South Africa selected. No Zebo, Tommy O'Donnell, Madigan or McCloskey.

Forwards (18)
Finlay Bealham (Corinthians/Connacht)
Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster) (c)
Sean Cronin (St Marys/Leinster)
Ultan Dillane (Corinthians/Connacht)
Tadhg Furlong (Clontarf/Leinster)
Jamie Heaslip (Dublin University/Leinster) (vc)
Iain Henderson (Ballynahinch/Ulster)
David Kilcoyne (UL Bohemians/Munster)
Jack McGrath (St Marys/Leinster)
Jordi Murphy (Lansdowne/Leinster)
Sean Reidy (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster)
Quinn Roux (Galwegians/Connacht)
Rhys Ruddock (St Marys/Leinster)
Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster)
CJ Stander (Munster)
Richardt Strauss (Old Wesley/Leinster)
Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster)

Backs (14)
Keith Earls (Young Munster/Munster)
Luke Fitzgerald (Blackrock/Leinster)
Robbie Henshaw (Buccaneers/Connacht)
Paddy Jackson (Dungannon/Ulster)
David Kearney (Lansdowne/Leinster)
Rob Kearney (UCD/Leinster)
Kieran Marmion (Corinthians/Connacht)
Luke Marshall (Ballymena/Ulster)
Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster)
Stuart Olding (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
Jared Payne (Ulster)
Eoin Reddan (Old Crescent/Leinster)
Jonathan Sexton (St Marys/Leinster)
Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster)

Or Ringrose or Luke McGrath . . .

South Africa maybe not the best place to blood a cub like Ringrose. I just don't see why you wouldn't bring McCloskey. His physicality will be sorely missed in the 2nd/3rd matches when conceivably we could be short of ball carriers!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on May 28, 2016, 08:49:42 AM
Huge match for Connacht today, not unlike  the challenge Atleti have later in the evening

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/pro12/west-s-awake-to-opportunity-to-make-rugby-history-1.2663711
And the goodwill has overwhelmed John Muldoon. "A lot of people are going to think I have got too big for my boots because I gave up replying yesterday, it was just too much," said the Connacht captain at yesterday's eve-of-match press conference.
"The support from people, neighbours, friends, people I went to school with, haven't seen in a while, people I don't know – I even got cards today off people I don't know. I managed to get some 'luck money' as well . . . I would say there is a lot of novenas and candles going to be burnt throughout the night and we will take all of the help that we can get."
Pat Lam has been able to name an unchanged side for the first time this season, while Leinster have lost Devin Toner and Isa Nacewa. "We're fortunate that we've got two very able replacements," said Leo Cullen of Rob Kearney and Ross Molony.
"Isa and Dev are two guys who would prefer to have in your team, but things have happened and they're not," said Jamie Heaslip. "But we have always gone on about the strength of the collective of the squad, and how we have different leaders peppered throughout the squad. That's where our true strength is."
Far from encountering Leinster at the wrong time Pat Lam believes: "We have got them at the right time . . . If we are going to go and win this thing I want to win it against the best possible team."
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on May 28, 2016, 05:51:22 PM
Try for Connacht
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on May 28, 2016, 06:00:02 PM
Quote from: seafoid on May 28, 2016, 05:51:22 PM
Try for Connacht

Seriously great pace by this Connacht team.... Great to see
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on May 28, 2016, 06:11:59 PM
Jesus super rugby. The irfu need to get Lam tied down. Maybe even as a future successor to Schmidt. Christ how is Healy and O'Halloran not on the Ireland squad.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on May 28, 2016, 06:15:22 PM
15 Nil

Walter Liam Toland wrote in the IT about the national team adopting Connacht rugby to replace Jakeball or whatever the current system is.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on May 28, 2016, 07:01:53 PM
Another try for Connacht. Missed conversion so 20 - 3.
The Old Firm are having a bad year.

Great to see Henshaw doing the biz.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on May 28, 2016, 07:19:51 PM
Connacht 20 Hell 10
O Halloran off
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on May 28, 2016, 07:30:06 PM
Quote from: seafoid on May 28, 2016, 07:19:51 PM
Connacht 20 Hell 10
O Halloran off

At least Galway finally have a winning team, Sea.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on May 28, 2016, 07:34:22 PM
Magic!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on May 28, 2016, 07:34:48 PM
Jesus, Leinster are shite
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on May 28, 2016, 07:36:25 PM
Amazing achievement.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on May 28, 2016, 07:38:07 PM
Quote from: Syferus on May 28, 2016, 07:30:06 PM
Quote from: seafoid on May 28, 2016, 07:19:51 PM
Connacht 20 Hell 10
O Halloran off

At least Galway finally have a winning team, Sea.
Syf I have lost count of the all Irelands from the county between Portumna, Corofin,  u21s , minors etc. But this win is special.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on May 28, 2016, 07:39:02 PM
Quote from: seafoid on May 28, 2016, 07:38:07 PM
Quote from: Syferus on May 28, 2016, 07:30:06 PM
Quote from: seafoid on May 28, 2016, 07:19:51 PM
Connacht 20 Hell 10
O Halloran off

At least Galway finally have a winning team, Sea.
Syf I have lost count of the all Irelands from the county between Portumna, Corofin,  u21s , minors etc. But this win is special.

It's pretty easy to keep count of the adult titles.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on May 28, 2016, 07:45:21 PM
Quote from: Syferus on May 28, 2016, 07:39:02 PM
Quote from: seafoid on May 28, 2016, 07:38:07 PM
Quote from: Syferus on May 28, 2016, 07:30:06 PM
Quote from: seafoid on May 28, 2016, 07:19:51 PM
Connacht 20 Hell 10
O Halloran off

At least Galway finally have a winning team, Sea.
Syf I have lost count of the all Irelands from the county between Portumna, Corofin,  u21s , minors etc. But this win is special.

It's pretty easy to keep count of the adult titles.
yeah. I have been in Croke Park for 5 senior all Irelands.  Would love to.see ye winning one
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on May 28, 2016, 07:51:05 PM
Connacht players watched Leinster ulster and munster winning for years. Today is their day. Lá bródùil as Pat Lam said. If they can do it surely Mayo can win the effin All Ireland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on May 28, 2016, 08:16:06 PM
What a way to win. A superb coaching job. Ireland needs to keep Lam in the country. Too many of our indigenous coaches are conservative by nature.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on May 28, 2016, 08:22:28 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on May 28, 2016, 08:16:06 PM
What a way to win. A superb coaching job. Ireland needs to keep Lam in the country. Too many of our indigenous coaches are conservative by nature.
He is so far ahead of Axel and Cullen. Imagine if Ireland played like that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GaillimhIarthair on May 28, 2016, 08:52:17 PM
Quote from: Syferus on May 28, 2016, 07:30:06 PM
Quote from: seafoid on May 28, 2016, 07:19:51 PM
Connacht 20 Hell 10
O Halloran off

At least Galway finally have a winning team, Sea.
Would you mind changing your avatar image Syf because one of the greatest players ever to come out of Connacht does not deserve to be associated with the absolute shite you peddle on here on a consistent basis.  Your a absolute disgrace. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GaillimhIarthair on May 28, 2016, 08:57:03 PM
Fair play to Lam and the Connacht squad, absolute wonderful achievement and they deserve all the plaudits they get in the coming days and weeks.  Wonderful brand of rugby to watch and they all look to comfortable with ball in hand.  Sky's the limit now for Lam career wise now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on May 28, 2016, 09:03:31 PM
Schmidt picked 3 of the Leinster back 3 and 0 of the Connacht back 3 for the tour. This win shows things in a different light. It is amazing to think of the progress Lam has made with the team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on May 28, 2016, 09:07:27 PM
Quote from: GaillimhIarthair on May 28, 2016, 08:52:17 PM
Quote from: Syferus on May 28, 2016, 07:30:06 PM
Quote from: seafoid on May 28, 2016, 07:19:51 PM
Connacht 20 Hell 10
O Halloran off

At least Galway finally have a winning team, Sea.
Would you mind changing your avatar image Syf because one of the greatest players ever to come out of Connacht does not deserve to be associated with the absolute shite you peddle on here on a consistent basis.  Your a absolute disgrace.

Calm yer tits. Just giving poor Seafoid a taste of his own medicine. Don't see you questioning his endless stream of coying posts.

Most Galway people are fine by me. Well apart from Ray Silke and Sean Ban.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on May 28, 2016, 09:10:11 PM
Syf if you come from a county that has won nothing for 15 years it is stupid to attempt to slag someone on the grounds of success.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on May 28, 2016, 09:13:56 PM
Quote from: GaillimhIarthair on May 28, 2016, 08:52:17 PM
Quote from: Syferus on May 28, 2016, 07:30:06 PM
Quote from: seafoid on May 28, 2016, 07:19:51 PM
Connacht 20 Hell 10
O Halloran off

At least Galway finally have a winning team, Sea.
Would you mind changing your avatar image Syf because one of the greatest players ever to come out of Connacht does not deserve to be associated with the absolute shite you peddle on here on a consistent basis.  Your a absolute disgrace.
I would agree strongly with the above. Fair play to Lam and Connacht. To hell with conservative coaches.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on May 28, 2016, 10:16:06 PM
Muldoon played his 275th match for Connacht. Nobody deserved this more.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on May 30, 2016, 08:08:04 AM
Fantastic win for Connacht.

The after match celebrations were great. Super after-match interview given by Lam on Sky about how great the West is!

Schmidt must surely realise that Healy is a far better player than Dave Kearney. RobK was very poor too.
Although the oddest selection of all for Ireland is probably Quin Roux, who can't even make the bench for Connacht!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on May 30, 2016, 05:16:09 PM
A great day for the parish.

(http://m0.sportsjoe.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/29191300/inpho_01067467-1024x691.jpg)

(http://m0.sportsjoe.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/29191247/inpho_01067456-1024x721.jpg)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on May 30, 2016, 05:20:07 PM
Any likelihood this will spur Connacht towards getting a decent ground presuming attendances will rise?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Jim_Murphy_74 on May 30, 2016, 05:30:37 PM
Quote from: Hound on May 30, 2016, 08:08:04 AM
Although the oddest selection of all for Ireland is probably Quin Roux, who can't even make the bench for Connacht!

Not when you remember it was Joe that brought him to Ireland.

/Jim.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GaillimhIarthair on May 30, 2016, 09:48:22 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on May 30, 2016, 05:20:07 PM
Any likelihood this will spur Connacht towards getting a decent ground presuming attendances will rise?
It seems the preference is to develop the sportsground to a capacity of somewhere between 12 - 15k which would be plenty big IMO, anything bigger would not make sense. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on May 31, 2016, 09:20:43 AM
Quote from: GaillimhIarthair on May 30, 2016, 09:48:22 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on May 30, 2016, 05:20:07 PM
Any likelihood this will spur Connacht towards getting a decent ground presuming attendances will rise?
It seems the preference is to develop the sportsground to a capacity of somewhere between 12 - 15k which would be plenty big IMO, anything bigger would not make sense.

Great pics, they have talked about a capacity of 10K which is very appropriate and when tickets do become scarce for the few games they will sell out, it helps create a buzz and an excitement and will help with season ticket sales. Connacht technically still lose money but it's a model that is working for them and Irish Rugby and they are working very hard off the pitch as well as on it. I actually know a young lad who turned down Leinster 20s in favour of Connacht as he feels he will get better opportunities out west. Sean O'Brien is the example, I thought he was fantastic in the 2nd half, if was in the Leinster Academy, he'd be just about 1st or 2nd year, playing with Lansdowne or Clontarf and just not progressing at the same rate and probably with a lower skill level.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on May 31, 2016, 10:17:34 AM
Connacht would definitely be better with a stadium of 10-12k with the ability to increase to say 15k for big games.

Its looking like Matt Healy will be called up for the injured Fitzgerald. Though with JS I wouldnt be surprised to see O'Halloran in. Really like O'Halloran. Good in the air, a real footballer and plenty of pace.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: oakleafgael on May 31, 2016, 10:31:00 AM
Quote from: GaillimhIarthair on May 30, 2016, 09:48:22 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on May 30, 2016, 05:20:07 PM
Any likelihood this will spur Connacht towards getting a decent ground presuming attendances will rise?
It seems the preference is to develop the sportsground to a capacity of somewhere between 12 - 15k which would be plenty big IMO, anything bigger would not make sense.

The fact that they don't own the Sportsground and aren't the best of tenants could lead to problems although their landlords can't survive without the rent so they may have some leverage.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Maroon Manc on May 31, 2016, 11:30:09 AM
How long is Lam contracted to Connacht for?

I don't know a great deal about Rugby but what an achievement it was for Connacht especially considering their style of play.

I assume Connacht have qualified for the European Cup and what English clubs could they potentially draw?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on May 31, 2016, 12:12:26 PM
No idea on his deal at Connacht but the IRFU would need to get him tied down with the possibility of replacing Schmidt post RWC 2019.

The draw hasnt been made for the Champions Cup but they could draw the big boys of Saracens, Leicester, Wasps etc.

The power of Ultan Dillane is unreal. He is hungry for the hit. Love that in a forward. I think this lad has the potential to be world class!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on May 31, 2016, 12:15:56 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on May 31, 2016, 10:17:34 AM
Connacht would definitely be better with a stadium of 10-12k with the ability to increase to say 15k for big games.

Its looking like Matt Healy will be called up for the injured Fitzgerald. Though with JS I wouldnt be surprised to see O'Halloran in. Really like O'Halloran. Good in the air, a real footballer and plenty of pace.
The gaa   should sell them pearse stadium

JS had an interesting comment tyesterday. You can't teach players new skills in 10 days on international duty.
The Connacht players have a different skill set to the leinster crowd
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on May 31, 2016, 01:33:16 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on May 31, 2016, 12:12:26 PM
No idea on his deal at Connacht but the IRFU would need to get him tied down with the possibility of replacing Schmidt post RWC 2019.

The draw hasnt been made for the Champions Cup but they could draw the big boys of Saracens, Leicester, Wasps etc.

The power of Ultan Dillane is unreal. He is hungry for the hit. Love that in a forward. I think this lad has the potential to be world class!!

Himself and Henderson will be some unit. For all of the trumpeting of England's new 4 & 5 I think our two could be even better.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on May 31, 2016, 01:40:45 PM
Quote from: muppet on May 31, 2016, 01:33:16 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on May 31, 2016, 12:12:26 PM
No idea on his deal at Connacht but the IRFU would need to get him tied down with the possibility of replacing Schmidt post RWC 2019.

The draw hasnt been made for the Champions Cup but they could draw the big boys of Saracens, Leicester, Wasps etc.

The power of Ultan Dillane is unreal. He is hungry for the hit. Love that in a forward. I think this lad has the potential to be world class!!

Himself and Henderson will be some unit. For all of the trumpeting of England's new 4 & 5 I think our two could be even better.

My thoughts exactly. I've seen Itoje a few times (inc live) and he is a serious talent but Dillane is better in open play imo.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Jim_Murphy_74 on May 31, 2016, 02:02:03 PM
Quote from: seafoid on May 31, 2016, 12:15:56 PM
JS had an interesting comment tyesterday. You can't teach players new skills in 10 days on international duty.
The Connacht players have a different skill set to the leinster crowd

Plus we have Joe saying you can't try out new lads against South Africa.  Autumn tour we have All-Blacks so can't take chances there.  Come the spring we are back to 6 nations. Ireland haven't a lot of these one so we can't afford to experiment there.  Then we are well into "World Cup Cycle" and can't be choppin' and changin'......

We seem to have create a noose that makes it hard to break into the squad.

Also Pat Lam seems to want to continue  his work in Connacht so he hardly wants Joe teaching his back three how to chase and catch Garryowens and go to ground as quick as possible.

/Jim.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on May 31, 2016, 03:18:34 PM
Quote from: seafoid on May 31, 2016, 12:15:56 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on May 31, 2016, 10:17:34 AM
Connacht would definitely be better with a stadium of 10-12k with the ability to increase to say 15k for big games.

Its looking like Matt Healy will be called up for the injured Fitzgerald. Though with JS I wouldnt be surprised to see O'Halloran in. Really like O'Halloran. Good in the air, a real footballer and plenty of pace.
The gaa   should sell them pearse stadium

JS had an interesting comment tyesterday. You can't teach players new skills in 10 days on international duty.
The Connacht players have a different skill set to the leinster crowd

It took Connacht 3 years week in week out to get to their current level. JS plays a very system orientated playbook in defence and attack, it's low based percentages. Connacht had the highest turn-over rate in the Pro12 - that would dismay JS.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on May 31, 2016, 03:31:53 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on May 31, 2016, 03:18:34 PM
Quote from: seafoid on May 31, 2016, 12:15:56 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on May 31, 2016, 10:17:34 AM
Connacht would definitely be better with a stadium of 10-12k with the ability to increase to say 15k for big games.

Its looking like Matt Healy will be called up for the injured Fitzgerald. Though with JS I wouldnt be surprised to see O'Halloran in. Really like O'Halloran. Good in the air, a real footballer and plenty of pace.
The gaa   should sell them pearse stadium

JS had an interesting comment tyesterday. You can't teach players new skills in 10 days on international duty.
The Connacht players have a different skill set to the leinster crowd

It took Connacht 3 years week in week out to get to their current level. JS plays a very system orientated playbook in defence and attack, it's low based percentages. Connacht had the highest turn-over rate in the Pro12 - that would dismay JS.
JS teams don't score many international tries
He is going to have to change tactics anyway cos England moved things on this year
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on June 01, 2016, 10:00:24 AM
I know it's very simplistic to say, and please don't think I am equating the two, but is Connacht's approach a more 'southern hemisphere' type of game, particularly a more All Black type of game. They seem to be a smaller, lither bunch, who want to avoid contact when on the ball, and basically keep it moving away from tackles as quickly as possible, as opposed to the northern hemisphere type of game that looks for the first up tackler and tries to smash him and draw people into rucks through recycling and going through phases?

I wonder if they are part of a vanguard of where rugby might head to, which might be a healthier game for participants and also a better spectacle.

The commentator on Sky Sports made a good point, articulating what I was thinking as I was watching them. They don't seem too bothered about the infamous 'gain line', they just wanted to keep the ball alive. So there were passes back 15 yards almost vertical, rather than taking a tackle and forming a ruck. It was almost sevensy at times.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on June 01, 2016, 10:51:38 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on May 31, 2016, 12:12:26 PM
No idea on his deal at Connacht but the IRFU would need to get him tied down with the possibility of replacing Schmidt post RWC 2019.

The draw hasnt been made for the Champions Cup but they could draw the big boys of Saracens, Leicester, Wasps etc.

The power of Ultan Dillane is unreal. He is hungry for the hit. Love that in a forward. I think this lad has the potential to be world class!!
As Pro 12 Champions, Connacht will be one of the top seeds for the Champions Cup, so they'll avoid Saracens and whoever wins out in France. 

I thought Muldowney was even better than Dillane in the final. But Dillane and Henderson is a partnership to look forward to alright. Speculation that Henderson will be employed at 6 for the Boks first test.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 01, 2016, 10:58:25 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 01, 2016, 10:00:24 AM
I know it's very simplistic to say, and please don't think I am equating the two, but is Connacht's approach a more 'southern hemisphere' type of game, particularly a more All Black type of game. They seem to be a smaller, lither bunch, who want to avoid contact when on the ball, and basically keep it moving away from tackles as quickly as possible, as opposed to the northern hemisphere type of game that looks for the first up tackler and tries to smash him and draw people into rucks through recycling and going through phases?

I wonder if they are part of a vanguard of where rugby might head to, which might be a healthier game for participants and also a better spectacle.

The commentator on Sky Sports made a good point, articulating what I was thinking as I was watching them. They don't seem too bothered about the infamous 'gain line', they just wanted to keep the ball alive. So there were passes back 15 yards almost vertical, rather than taking a tackle and forming a ruck. It was almost sevensy at times.

Its certainly high risk stuff from Connacht but it has paid off big time! I think Gregor Townsend alluded to the fact they have coughed up the most turnovers in this years Pro 12. Whereas some coaches would be sacked for that they adopt the Super Rugby approach of keeping everything alive.

It'll be interesting to see who plays 13 next year. Will O'Halloran move inside with Kelleher at full back? Or vice versa.

Does O'Halloran have the ability to be Ireland's next full back??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on June 01, 2016, 10:59:49 AM
Coughed up the most turnovers and had (I think) the least 'phases'.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on June 01, 2016, 01:06:47 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on May 31, 2016, 12:12:26 PM
The draw hasnt been made for the Champions Cup but they could draw the big boys of Saracens, Leicester, Wasps etc.

Connacht will actually be amongst the top seeds in Europe next season so they can't draw Saracens anyway. Whatever about the other two.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on June 01, 2016, 01:13:21 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 01, 2016, 10:58:25 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 01, 2016, 10:00:24 AM
I know it's very simplistic to say, and please don't think I am equating the two, but is Connacht's approach a more 'southern hemisphere' type of game, particularly a more All Black type of game. They seem to be a smaller, lither bunch, who want to avoid contact when on the ball, and basically keep it moving away from tackles as quickly as possible, as opposed to the northern hemisphere type of game that looks for the first up tackler and tries to smash him and draw people into rucks through recycling and going through phases?

I wonder if they are part of a vanguard of where rugby might head to, which might be a healthier game for participants and also a better spectacle.

The commentator on Sky Sports made a good point, articulating what I was thinking as I was watching them. They don't seem too bothered about the infamous 'gain line', they just wanted to keep the ball alive. So there were passes back 15 yards almost vertical, rather than taking a tackle and forming a ruck. It was almost sevensy at times.

Its certainly high risk stuff from Connacht but it has paid off big time! I think Gregor Townsend alluded to the fact they have coughed up the most turnovers in this years Pro 12. Whereas some coaches would be sacked for that they adopt the Super Rugby approach of keeping everything alive.

It'll be interesting to see who plays 13 next year. Will O'Halloran move inside with Kelleher at full back? Or vice versa.

Does O'Halloran have the ability to be Ireland's next full back??

Think TOH will stay at 15. Kelleher will probably be his back-up but Kelleher can play wing as well so will probably get some decent game time filling in across the back three.

Not sure what Connacht plan to do at 13. Eoin Griffin is coming back from England so he'll get some games. Be interesting to see if they target a 13 somewhere or just go with what they already have.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Maroon Manc on June 01, 2016, 07:14:59 PM
The u20 world cup starts next Tuesday and all the fixtures are taking place in Manchester. Ireland will be training at the Rugby facility where my GAA club are based so will get down and watch them train. Do Ireland have a chance of winning?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on June 01, 2016, 07:18:12 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on June 01, 2016, 07:14:59 PM
The u20 world cup starts next Tuesday and all the fixtures are taking place in Manchester. Ireland will be training at the Rugby facility where my GAA club are based so will get down and watch them train. Do Ireland have a chance of winning?

NZ 5
England 2
SA 1

Ireland a 4th, a 5th, 7th or worse for the rest.

Probably get good odds if you fancy it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: theticklemister on June 02, 2016, 07:21:02 AM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on June 01, 2016, 07:14:59 PM
The u20 world cup starts next Tuesday and all the fixtures are taking place in Manchester. Ireland will be training at the Rugby facility where my GAA club are based so will get down and watch them train. Do Ireland have a chance of winning?

Don't you signing up any of those players now Maroon Manc! I know your squad inside out!!!!   

Didnt make the 7s  comp u had last week as I have been away.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 02, 2016, 09:36:18 AM
Sexton out of the tour to SA by all accounts.

Time for wee Paddy to step up!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 02, 2016, 09:44:10 AM
http://www.the42.ie/david-nucifora-irfu-talent-id-irfu-2800123-Jun2016/

Positive step from the IRFU here. Think the introduction of 7s rugby in the 'non-traditional' rugby playing schools is a great idea!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on June 02, 2016, 10:25:02 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 02, 2016, 09:36:18 AM
Sexton out of the tour to SA by all accounts.

Time for wee Paddy to step up!

Sexton needs a break badly. It might do him the world of good. And it gives the rest a chance to step up.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on June 02, 2016, 12:18:42 PM
Quote from: muppet on June 02, 2016, 10:25:02 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 02, 2016, 09:36:18 AM
Sexton out of the tour to SA by all accounts.

Time for wee Paddy to step up!

Sexton needs a break badly. It might do him the world of good. And it gives the rest a chance to step up.

Jackson is the form Fly Half in Ireland at present anyway!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Orior on June 02, 2016, 01:42:34 PM
Quote from: screenexile on June 02, 2016, 12:18:42 PM
Quote from: muppet on June 02, 2016, 10:25:02 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 02, 2016, 09:36:18 AM
Sexton out of the tour to SA by all accounts.

Time for wee Paddy to step up!

Sexton needs a break badly. It might do him the world of good. And it gives the rest a chance to step up.

Jackson is the form Fly Half in Ireland at present anyway!!!

Were they afraid of missing their flight home if Sexton took all the spot kicks?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 02, 2016, 01:53:56 PM
Sexton, Fitzgerald and both Kearneys out of the SA tour. Madigan, Gilroy, O'Halloran and Matt Healy have came in.

You don't like seeing players injured but this could prove to be a good thing in terms of squad development! O'Halloran to play FB against the Boks??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on June 02, 2016, 02:48:00 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 02, 2016, 01:53:56 PM
Sexton, Fitzgerald and both Kearneys out of the SA tour. Madigan, Gilroy, O'Halloran and Matt Healy have came in.

You don't like seeing players injured but this could prove to be a good thing in terms of squad development! O'Halloran to play FB against the Boks??

Maybe but I would doubt it. I would say the best he or Healy could hope for would be a place on the bench as far as Joe is concerned!!Gilroy and Marshall are probably ahead of them for the scramble for the bench!!
If I had to guess , I think the back line for the first test will be Murray , Jackson or Madigan , Trimble , Olding , Payne , Earls , Henshaw.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: whitegoodman on June 02, 2016, 04:10:20 PM
Id guess at

Murray
Jackson
Earls
Henshaw
Marshall
Trimble
Payne

Payne has been the best full back in Ireland this year when playing there for Ulster and don't think Olding will start.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on June 03, 2016, 12:42:24 AM
Both Kearneys out is a blessing

Anyone suggesting Jackson is better than Sexton knows nothing about rugby

Steenson would have been more deserving of a call up than Madigan (not that Madigan has done anything wrong, but Steenson has been playing consistently at a higher level)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 03, 2016, 09:51:23 AM
Where has anyone stated that PJ is better than Sexton?? Even us Ulster fans know he's not. However Paddy has improved greatly and is the form 10 in the country (despite Sexton dominating the semi final).

As for Steenson I've been to a number of Chiefs games and whilst being a very good club player he is not international standard and at his age wouldn't be seen as a long term investment.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on June 03, 2016, 10:00:28 AM
Quote from: Hound on June 03, 2016, 12:42:24 AM
Both Kearneys out is a blessing

Anyone suggesting Jackson is better than Sexton knows nothing about rugby

Steenson would have been more deserving of a call up than Madigan (not that Madigan has done anything wrong, but Steenson has been playing consistently at a higher level)

I didn't say he's a better player than Sexton I said he has been the form Fly Half in Irish Rugby this year which he has been. Sexton has not had a great season by any accounts. Both at their best there is no question that Sexon is a better player but Jackson's form has been better.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on June 03, 2016, 11:03:51 AM
http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/ian-madigan-called-up-as-johnny-sexton-and-rob-kearney-ruled-out-1.2670600

The list of injured absentees is extensive: Rob Kearney, Dave Kearney, Simon Zebo, Tommy Bowe, Luke Fitzgerald, Jonathan Sexton, Cian Healy, Mike McCarthy, Dan Tuohy, Seán O'Brien, Josh van der Flier and Peter O'Mahony.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on June 07, 2016, 11:47:58 AM
http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/irfu-move-to-secure-bundee-aki-as-foreign-clubs-hover-1.2674799

Bundee Aki met with Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt last week. With lucrative offers from French and English clubs potentially enticing the Pro12 player of the season away from Connacht, the IRFU have seemingly, albeit informally, begun the process of securing Aki on a long-term national contract.
The 26-year-old centre's current deal ends in July 2017. He qualifies to play for Ireland, via the three-year residency rule, in October 2017
Either way, the next contract would make Aki one of the highest earners in Irish rugby, alongside Jamie Heaslip and Johnny Sexton
.

Regarding the addition of a more experienced, and possibly foreign, coach to the Leinster ranks, Nucifora stated: "I've said before that coaching is paramount. To get our coaching right to maximise the talent we have at our disposal in the playing ranks is huge. We've worked with all the provinces to put all the structures in place and we've got three very experienced coaches in Munster, Ulster and Connacht.

"Leo [Cullen] looks like he stands out because of his inexperience but we've worked with Leinster in putting Leo into the position. He's there now and we think he's going to be a really valuable resource to Irish rugby as a coach for years to come.
"If Leo requires any assistance over time he knows he's only got to ask and we'll be there to help and give him that assistance. He's doing a good job. It's not easy coming into a head coaching position with such little experience because he is learning on the go and that can be tricky at times.
"He is developing and is going to develop into a really important asset for Irish rugby as a coach. Does he need help along the way? Possibly, but that's up to Leinster and Leo to ask for that if they think that's required.
"They have still got a talented coaching group. They might not be experienced but they're talented."
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 07, 2016, 11:00:55 PM
Superb win for the u20s against Wales in the first game of the u20 World Cup. The Welsh (2016 6 nations grand slam champions) went 17-3 up for Ireland to come back and win 26-25. Next up is the baby blacks.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on June 08, 2016, 06:56:41 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 07, 2016, 11:00:55 PM
Superb win for the u20s against Wales in the first game of the u20 World Cup. The Welsh (2016 6 nations grand slam champions) went 17-3 up for Ireland to come back and win 26-25. Next up is the baby blacks.

Great game. Jeez the under 20's are now all beasts compared to just a few years ago!!

http://www.the42.ie/ireland-wales-u20-world-highlights-2810845-Jun2016/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on June 08, 2016, 08:14:41 AM
How could that be, I wonder?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Maroon Manc on June 08, 2016, 09:48:31 AM
Quote from: theticklemister on June 02, 2016, 07:21:02 AM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on June 01, 2016, 07:14:59 PM
The u20 world cup starts next Tuesday and all the fixtures are taking place in Manchester. Ireland will be training at the Rugby facility where my GAA club are based so will get down and watch them train. Do Ireland have a chance of winning?

Don't you signing up any of those players now Maroon Manc! I know your squad inside out!!!!   

Didnt make the 7s  comp u had last week as I have been away.

A great result for them last night, turned over when they were 17-3 down; Played very different rugby compared to the 1st team.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on June 08, 2016, 11:14:42 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 08, 2016, 08:14:41 AM
How could that be, I wonder?

;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Longshanks on June 08, 2016, 11:19:22 AM
Quote from: screenexile on June 03, 2016, 10:00:28 AM
Quote from: Hound on June 03, 2016, 12:42:24 AM
Both Kearneys out is a blessing

Anyone suggesting Jackson is better than Sexton knows nothing about rugby

Steenson would have been more deserving of a call up than Madigan (not that Madigan has done anything wrong, but Steenson has been playing consistently at a higher level)

I didn't say he's a better player than Sexton I said he has been the form Fly Half in Irish Rugby this year which he has been. Sexton has not had a great season by any accounts. Both at their best there is no question that Sexon is a better player but Jackson's form has been better.

Totally agree, far too many players getting picked on past exploits in my opinion and not their form, generally the only reason younger players are getting a chance is because of injuries etc.. I think this is the fault of schimdt and other countries seem to be able to blood younger players easier or more often.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on June 08, 2016, 01:55:33 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 08, 2016, 08:14:41 AM
How could that be, I wonder?
A combination of diet and strength and conditioning training. What other means is available?  ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 08, 2016, 01:56:17 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 08, 2016, 01:55:33 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 08, 2016, 08:14:41 AM
How could that be, I wonder?
A combination of diet and strength and conditioning training. What other means is available?  ;)

Same as the modern day inter county footballer then. Or maybe the Kerry lads just have bigger legs.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LeoMc on June 08, 2016, 03:35:09 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 08, 2016, 01:56:17 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 08, 2016, 01:55:33 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 08, 2016, 08:14:41 AM
How could that be, I wonder?
A combination of diet and strength and conditioning training. What other means is available?  ;)

Same as the modern day inter county footballer then. Or maybe the Kerry lads just have bigger legs.
They have longer arms too according to Physio / photoshop experts.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 09, 2016, 01:53:28 PM
Ireland (v South Africa): Jared Payne (Ulster), Andrew Trimble (Ulster), Robbie Henshaw (Connacht), Luke Marshall (Ulster), Keith Earls (Munster), Paddy Jackson (Ulster), Conor Murray (Munster); Jamie Heaslip (Leinster), Jordi Murphy (Leinster), CJ Stander (Munster), Devin Toner (Leinster), Iain Henderson (Ulster), Mike Ross (Leinster), Rory Best (Ulster, captain), Jack McGrath (Leinster)

Replacements: Sean Cronin (Leinster), Finlay Bealham (Connacht), Tadhg Furlong (Leinster), Ultan Dillane (Connacht), Rhys Ruddock (Leinster), Kieran Marmion (Connacht), Ian Madigan (Leinster), Craig Gilroy (Ulster)

Jaysus Murphy at 7!!! :-/

Would O'Halloran not have been a smarter pick as utility back ahead of Gilroy!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on June 09, 2016, 03:24:57 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 09, 2016, 01:53:28 PM
Ireland (v South Africa): Jared Payne (Ulster), Andrew Trimble (Ulster), Robbie Henshaw (Connacht), Luke Marshall (Ulster), Keith Earls (Munster), Paddy Jackson (Ulster), Conor Murray (Munster); Jamie Heaslip (Leinster), Jordi Murphy (Leinster), CJ Stander (Munster), Devin Toner (Leinster), Iain Henderson (Ulster), Mike Ross (Leinster), Rory Best (Ulster, captain), Jack McGrath (Leinster)

Replacements: Sean Cronin (Leinster), Finlay Bealham (Connacht), Tadhg Furlong (Leinster), Ultan Dillane (Connacht), Rhys Ruddock (Leinster), Kieran Marmion (Connacht), Ian Madigan (Leinster), Craig Gilroy (Ulster)

Jaysus Murphy at 7!!! :-/

Would O'Halloran not have been a smarter pick as utility back ahead of Gilroy!

Fair play to Schmitt that is a good attacking Irish side. The only players that can count themselves lucky are Trimble and Murphy so hopefully they can repay the coach's faith in them. Gilroy deserves his shot but I do hope O'Halloran and Healy get some game time over the three tests. I still think Ruddock at 7 would give us a big beefy back row against the Boks!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: yellowcard on June 09, 2016, 07:58:16 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on June 08, 2016, 06:56:41 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 07, 2016, 11:00:55 PM
Superb win for the u20s against Wales in the first game of the u20 World Cup. The Welsh (2016 6 nations grand slam champions) went 17-3 up for Ireland to come back and win 26-25. Next up is the baby blacks.

Great game. Jeez the under 20's are now all beasts compared to just a few years ago!!

http://www.the42.ie/ireland-wales-u20-world-highlights-2810845-Jun2016/

The emphasis on size for young rugby players is massive. Puts pressure on young players to bulk up and winning the collision has become everything in a sport that is becoming increasingly hard to watch.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on June 11, 2016, 09:23:45 AM
Some half of rugby from Wales would be great to see them keep it up!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ashman on June 11, 2016, 10:03:13 AM
NZ looking stronger now .  2 lost line out hurt the taffs .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on June 11, 2016, 10:12:33 AM
Yep NZ coasting now
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on June 11, 2016, 10:16:09 AM
Barnes doing his best for Wales no way that was forward!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on June 11, 2016, 10:29:43 AM
Comfortable in the end, Wales played well but yet again Gatland loses to one of the big 3. His record against the Tri-nations stinks
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on June 11, 2016, 11:31:07 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on June 11, 2016, 10:29:43 AM
Comfortable in the end, Wales played well but yet again Gatland loses to one of the big 3. His record against the Tri-nations stinks

What Northern Hemisphere manager has a good record against the Tri Nations except maybe Woodward??

England getting their asses handed to them at the minute very powerful start from Australia!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on June 11, 2016, 11:50:20 AM
Quote from: screenexile on June 11, 2016, 11:31:07 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on June 11, 2016, 10:29:43 AM
Comfortable in the end, Wales played well but yet again Gatland loses to one of the big 3. His record against the Tri-nations stinks

What Northern Hemisphere manager has a good record against the Tri Nations except maybe Woodward??

England getting their asses handed to them at the minute very powerful start from Australia!

I'll shut up now... Aussies have lost the plot now serious penalty count against them but they can still score from anywhere.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on June 11, 2016, 11:59:46 AM
Quote from: screenexile on June 11, 2016, 11:31:07 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on June 11, 2016, 10:29:43 AM
Comfortable in the end, Wales played well but yet again Gatland loses to one of the big 3. His record against the Tri-nations stinks

What Northern Hemisphere manager has a good record against the Tri Nations except maybe Woodward??

England getting their asses handed to them at the minute very powerful start from Australia!

Engand France and Ireland have all done OK in recent years even Scotland have a better record recently than Wales. A while back I posted a table and it was embarrassing for Wales. If I can be bothered Ill try and post some stats later
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on June 11, 2016, 12:22:57 PM
Ok since Gatland took over here are the results for the 5 nations against Tri-nations. One interesting point is Wales seem to arrange a hell of a lot of test matches compared to the other teams

Ireland won 4 drawn 1 lost 13
England won 6 drawn 1 lost 23
Scotland won 3 lost 12
France won 5 lost 19
Wales won 2 lost 31
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on June 11, 2016, 12:57:28 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on June 11, 2016, 12:22:57 PM
Ok since Gatland took over here are the results for the 5 nations against Tri-nations. One interesting point is Wales seem to arrange a hell of a lot of test matches compared to the other teams

Ireland won 4 drawn 1 lost 13
England won 6 drawn 1 lost 23
Scotland won 3 lost 12
France won 5 lost 19
Wales won 2 lost 31

I take your point but none of those records are  particularly impressive... big performance from England!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on June 11, 2016, 12:58:02 PM
Cracking game between England and the Wallabies.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on June 11, 2016, 12:58:16 PM
Well done England looks like they are continuing to improve under Jones
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on June 11, 2016, 01:01:58 PM
Quote from: screenexile on June 11, 2016, 12:57:28 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on June 11, 2016, 12:22:57 PM
Ok since Gatland took over here are the results for the 5 nations against Tri-nations. One interesting point is Wales seem to arrange a hell of a lot of test matches compared to the other teams

Ireland won 4 drawn 1 lost 13
England won 6 drawn 1 lost 23
Scotland won 3 lost 12
France won 5 lost 19
Wales won 2 lost 31


I take your point but none of those records are  particularly impressive... big performance from England!

No not impressive although Ireland have done well against OZ and SA with NZ being their bogey team. The point is if you actually work it out on a points system/match all the teams are much of a muchness with the exception of Wales who are miles behind.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on June 11, 2016, 03:02:01 PM
Ireland up by 4 and pouring NZ under serious pressure in the U20s. Sky Sports 3.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rory on June 11, 2016, 03:06:33 PM
Nerve wrecking now.  Quick response to the Ireland try from NZ. 6 in it 5 to go
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rory on June 11, 2016, 03:12:22 PM
Fantastic win for the U20's.  Pack dominated and not afraid to throw it about.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ashman on June 11, 2016, 03:30:27 PM
Brill
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on June 11, 2016, 04:35:28 PM
Quote from: rory on June 11, 2016, 03:12:22 PM
Fantastic win for the U20's.  Pack dominated and not afraid to throw it about.

Great stuff!!!

We'll lose this now very stupid from Stander I personally think it was deserved.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on June 11, 2016, 05:57:07 PM
Mark Robson is worse than Ger Canning and Motson put together...

That was phenomenal!!!! Well done to all involved!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on June 11, 2016, 05:57:48 PM
Stunning. Drama to the last. Three very, very good test matches today.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: moysider on June 11, 2016, 05:58:13 PM
Incredible!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: SHEEDY on June 11, 2016, 05:58:22 PM
What a brilliant performance, unreal with 14men for 60 mins. Whatt a day for Irish rugby.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on June 11, 2016, 05:59:10 PM
Ireland 26 South Africa 20, thats the best i seen from Ireland in a long, long time, taking away the stupid try they give away near the end and a bad drop kick miss from 20m. Andy Farells defensive system is there for all to see
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on June 11, 2016, 05:59:23 PM
Holy fcuk,  real heart in the mouth stuff there.  First ever win on SA soil with 14 men.. Unbelievable effort to keep that going in the 2nd half.  Brilliant
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Orior on June 11, 2016, 09:09:56 PM
Fantastic performance and really pleased for Rory Best.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on June 11, 2016, 10:30:25 PM
Two great performances by all accounts. I didn't get to see either one but the results are what matters. Well done to both teams.

Is Stander going to be suspended for a game or two?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 12, 2016, 08:21:34 AM
Quite possibly the best irish victory in the professional era. Jesus they were immense. So proud watching that! Is wee Paddy a better defender than Sexton?? He took some traffic and dealt with it superbly!!

The ref was a farce and out of his depth. The Henshaw decision was baffling.

Fair played to the u20s. Superb. Hearing young Johnson has done the shoulder again. Sickening. At 19 that'll be career ending!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: grounded on June 12, 2016, 09:50:46 AM
Immense performance from both Irish teams. CJ's challenge was just clumsy, I didn't see any malice in it, although it was dangerous play. However Henshaws yellow was unfortunate. It was one of those were the taller defender is tackling a ducking shorter attacker.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on June 12, 2016, 11:02:42 AM
http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/series-win-the-next-target-as-toner-sets-tone-in-courageous-display-34792732.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Maroon Manc on June 13, 2016, 10:49:06 AM
A great weekend for Irish rugby, am I right in thinking Ireland have never beaten the All Blacks at any level before?

Looks like the u20's will be in a semi final next Monday, unfortunately I'm not back in Manchester until Tuesday.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 13, 2016, 11:26:57 AM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on June 13, 2016, 10:49:06 AM
A great weekend for Irish rugby, am I right in thinking Ireland have never beaten the All Blacks at any level before?

Looks like the u20's will be in a semi final next Monday, unfortunately I'm not back in Manchester until Tuesday.

Thats right. Only the womans team have beat NZ.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 16, 2016, 09:05:34 AM
Talk of a few changes to the 15 ahead of Saturday. Rumour has it Gilroy, Olding, Dillane and Ruddock may all start. Going to be a massive test playing at altitude against a desperate Springbok side.

U20s through to the semi final of the RWC. Play our nemeses Argentina who have been hugely impressive in beating France and South Africa in the group stages. Heard this morning that captain James Ryan is out of the tournament. Massive loss!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on June 16, 2016, 09:25:16 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 16, 2016, 09:05:34 AM
Talk of a few changes to the 15 ahead of Saturday. Rumour has it Gilroy, Olding, Dillane and Ruddock may all start. Going to be a massive test playing at altitude against a desperate Springbok side.

U20s through to the semi final of the RWC. Play our nemeses Argentina who have been hugely impressive in beating France and South Africa in the group stages. Heard this morning that captain James Ryan is out of the tournament. Massive loss!!!

Altitude will sort the men from the boys I can't see us winning this one given the altitude and the backlash we're going to face from last week.

It would be interesting to see those lads get a run out though hopefully they can impress.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 16, 2016, 11:53:45 AM
Good article by Dorce!

Without trying to be controversial or critical in any way of Joe Schmidt and the undoubted impact made by Andy Farrell, this victory belongs to the players. Take Luke Marshall's exceptional performance. Despite being uncapped for two years, Marshall was so clearly ready to play a Test match in South Africa. That's because Joe included him as the 24th man throughout the Six Nations. He would have done all the preparation, without the pressure, so he understood precisely what was needed.

It looked like Marshall would carry (option 1) or hit Robbie on a short line (option 2). The Springbok defence duly narrowed as Paddy Jackson went out the back (option 3). If ball watching, as most Springbok defenders are doing, you can't see what's coming next. Marshall expertly nutmegs Damian de Allende. That allowed Jared to be fully rewarded for his lovely outside-to-in line from a blind zone behind the retreating JP Pietersen.

Marshall had the confidence to play his natural creative game without over-thinking.
Best example of this is the try he created for Jared Payne after 10 minutes. That was a rehearsed move. Two forward carries, by CJ Stander then Iain Henderson, saw Marshall standing at first receiver.
It looked like Marshall would carry (option 1) or hit Robbie on a short line (option 2). The Springbok defence duly narrowed as Paddy Jackson went out the back (option 3). If ball watching, as most Springbok defenders are doing, you can't see what's coming next.

Marshall expertly nutmegs Damian de Allende. That allowed Jared to be fully rewarded for his lovely outside-to-in line from a blind zone behind the retreating JP Pietersen.
We saw Marshall's value, yet again, when Conor Murray was blocked down near Ireland's try line. The ball bounced to Luke. A few years ago that would have been me throwing a leg at it and probably slicing the ball for a five-metre lineout. Thankfully, a clean spiral cleared the 22. He has always possessed a quality kicking game.

So this historic win came from the players, unheralded players like Rory Best and Devin Toner. Like Jordi Murphy and Paddy Jackson. The collective performance would have dissuaded a lot of people's presumption about their place in Irish rugby. After this victory, and hopefully what follows, they will forever be celebrated as the first Irish men to win in South Africa.

Especially Rory. He was always part of a leadership group, either led by Brian or Paulie but, now, unquestionably, he can be seen as a leader the players are willing to follow. None of the great or good Irish teams ever won in South Africa. Best's Ireland did just that and it was done in the face of an enormously unfair situation.

CJ Stander's red card was a bad call influenced by the severity of Pat Lambie's injury. A mistimed jump – strangely classed as a tackle – without any intent to legally hurt the outhalf, if Lambie hops up straight away it is a yellow card. Johnny Sexton has been hit late on several occasions this season and got nothing from it. James Haskell levelled him during the Six Nations. The same happened in Paris, and for Leinster away to the Ospreys when Sam Underhill marked Johnny's card.
Difference being Sexton was able to get up. This is not to make light of a serious injury but they do happen in rugby.

Eben Etzebeth appeared to be obsessed with maintaining his reputation as an enforcer. He spent the first 15 minutes trying to find Stander with torpedo entries to rucks that narrowly missed direct, damaging contact. Which is worse? The action should be punishable, not the result.
Mathieu Raynal seemed to send Stander off for the result of an accidental collision.

Then Robbie got an undeserved sin-binning for his late tackle on Elton Jantjies (whom he hit chest high but the sub outhalf fell away to avoid being hurt). That was just before Lwazi Mvovo's try reduced Ireland's lead to three points.

I only remember playing in two big games with 14 men. We won the 2001 Celtic League final against Munster at Lansdowne Road despite losing Eric Miller after 24 minutes. Then, in 2010, we lost 66-28 in New Zealand after Wayne Barnes sent off Jamie Heaslip for kneeing Richie McCaw while he illegally lay on me a yard from the try line.

Different times, different circumstances (the All Blacks easily being the best team in the world at the time), but when that happens everyone needs to be perfect in everything they do. Or else you're under your posts listening to the same speech over and over again.

I mentioned last week that once players are in automatic mode anything is possible. But I also mentioned the need to have a cause that leads to players unconsciously digging deeper than usual.
Dev Toner was world class. Afterwards, when collecting the man of the match award, he dedicated the win to his father, Peter Toner. A fitting tribute to a lovely man.

Now, the strongest common goal was to win in South Africa, but there just seemed to be lots of little moments when players piled in behind a Dev carry, a big choke tackle, a lineout steal. There was a higher motive there and others rallied around him. Especially Iain Henderson.

With Dev running the set-piece, the number on Henderson's back became irrelevant. I was worried he might be shackled by playing in the secondrow but Dev ensured that wasn't a concern. He could just play rugby, and Iain Henderson is a fantastic, powerful rugby player who, along with Rory Best, ripped balls from Springbok forwards in sight of our try line. On other days these were certain tries.

Then there was Jordi Murphy and Jamie. They magnificently covered the void left by Stander, along with Henderson carrying enough for two men and Andrew Trimble scrumming down on the blindside. Mike Ross also gets real credit for holding off a Bok scrum despite having a winger behind him.
Jordi came in from the cold having been dismissed by some after the World Cup quarter-final to play like it was his last ever game. Maybe he felt like it was his last chance in a green jersey. Josh van der Flier had passed him out this season and when Seán O'Brien returned he slipped down to third choice openside at his club. His stop-in-your- tracks tackling denied South Africa the yard over the gainline they needed. And he always got back to his feet quickly, counter-rucking to slow Springbok possession. Heaslip played his best game for three or four years. I have already written that about him three times this season. He was immense, and is having the season of his life.

Jackson's was a fine performance. Keeping Ireland on the front foot, he seems to belong at this level.
The freedom afforded to Payne at fullback yielded serious profit for Ireland's attack. The offloading, to twice put Trimble away, was already in evidence against Italy, when he ran from deep into the 15 channel before putting Simon Zebo clear. A gliding runner, Jared's change of pace is deceptive. Saturday's five offloads were the automatic option; the one that led to Conor Murray's try saw him step outside Adriaan Strauss and when Mvovo glanced inside, Jared automatically knew the ball could be slipped out the back door in contact.

All this is what I mean by the victory being more about the players on the field than the coaches looking on. There was nothing vastly different from Ireland. Except all their good habits were in view. That's the players doing their jobs, instinctively and accurately.

Of course, the arrival of Andy Farrell was evident in defence. The technique was good, spacing was on point, but the decision-making is about the players. And that's where they denied South Africa points. Their intent was the root cause of this famous win.

We also saw that earlier in the day in Manchester. The under-20s beat New Zealand hands down. Better coached, better exit strategies from defence, along with phenomenal set-piece work by Andrew Porter and James Ryan in particular.

This pair also made important yardage by carrying in tandem. Just before Ryan was targeted in contact, he would slingshot Porter over the gainline. It was what we normally see from Springbok ball-carriers and Porter's strength ensured quick ball.

I was worried beforehand that Jacob Stockdale might be exposed considering how much he ran the ball against Wales, that he might overplay his hand, but he superbly mixed his game up. His massive left boot was needed after Bill Johnston went off injured.

All that said, I wouldn't hand-pick any of them for senior honours just yet. Even Ryan at 6ft 8in and so clearly a natural leader of men has plenty of development ahead – his performances for Leinster A this season were encouraging but he has lots of work-ons, physically and technically, but that is an exciting prospect.

The 20s did, however, ape their senior colleagues by visualising how they would automatically perform once in the position to beat the Grand Slam or world champions.

That, above all else, is what made this such a special day for Irish rugby. Both teams played without fear in the face of the Springbok or black jersey. My generation brought Ireland past the era of fearing such opponents (without ever beating the All Blacks or winning in South Africa). The current and coming generations are closing the deal now.

Two hoodoos smashed on one memorable Saturday afternoon. Serious progress in what was seemingly a season of backward steps for Irish rugby.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 16, 2016, 12:52:42 PM
Looks like the other U20 lock Gallagher (Sligo) is out of Mondays semi final. Jesus its like Cardiff all over again!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on June 16, 2016, 01:00:28 PM
The way Rugby is going, I don't think the schedulers can continue to play games so quickly together. Tournaments are going to have to have either less games, or more time between games. There's too many collisions and impacts, and the bodies cannot be right 4 days later.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 16, 2016, 01:02:01 PM
Agree AZ. Are these shoulder injuries 'one off' impact collisions or wear and tear over 2-3 games in quick succession?

Do we get more injuries than other nations or do they just have bigger squads to replace players?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on June 16, 2016, 01:06:49 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 16, 2016, 01:02:01 PM
Agree AZ. Are these shoulder injuries 'one off' impact collisions or wear and tear over 2-3 games in quick succession?

Do we get more injuries than other nations or do they just have bigger squads to replace players?

I'm sure each injury has specific causes, but even if the injury is caused by a single collision, the fact that the body has taken punishment and may not be fully recovered must surely add to the risk of such an injury.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 16, 2016, 01:47:10 PM
Ireland (v South Africa): Jared Payne (Ulster), Andrew Trimble (Ulster), Robbie Henshaw (Connacht), Stuart Olding (Ulster), Craig Gilroy (Ulster), Paddy Jackson (Ulster), Conor Murray (Munster); Jamie Heaslip (Leinster), Rhys Ruddock (Leinster), Iain Henderson (Ulster), Devin Toner (Leinster), Quinn Roux (Connacht), Tadhg Furlong (Leinster), Rory Best (Ulster, captain), Jack McGrath (Leinster)

Replacements: Richardt Strauss (Leinster), David Kilcoyne (Munster), Finlay Bealham (Connacht), Donnacha Ryan (Munster), Seán Reidy (Ulster), Kieran Marmion (Connacht), Ian Madigan (Leinster), Tiernan O'Halloran (Connacht)

Starting Roux is a strange one. No Dillane in 23?? Is Joe keeping him for the final test!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on June 17, 2016, 11:11:34 AM
Just looking at that Irish squad and wondering is there a co-relation between the GAA's massive funding of Dublin and the lack of Dublin players in the squad. Only Jack McGrath starting and Ian Madigan on the bench are Dubs, has Dublin GAA won the battle? or are these things cyclical but with a quarter of the population of this Island based in Dublin it's definitely not a proportional representation.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 17, 2016, 11:19:22 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 17, 2016, 11:11:34 AM
Just looking at that Irish squad and wondering is there a co-relation between the GAA's massive funding of Dublin and the lack of Dublin players in the squad. Only Jack McGrath starting and Ian Madigan on the bench are Dubs, has Dublin GAA won the battle? or are these things cyclical but with a quarter of the population of this Island based in Dublin it's definitely not a proportional representation.

Don't believe so - the player pool is spreading wider and into more rural areas. With the demands placed on inter county players a lad talented at rugby and football/hurling at 14/15 is certainly more inclined to choose the professional route.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on June 17, 2016, 11:34:57 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 17, 2016, 11:19:22 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 17, 2016, 11:11:34 AM
Just looking at that Irish squad and wondering is there a co-relation between the GAA's massive funding of Dublin and the lack of Dublin players in the squad. Only Jack McGrath starting and Ian Madigan on the bench are Dubs, has Dublin GAA won the battle? or are these things cyclical but with a quarter of the population of this Island based in Dublin it's definitely not a proportional representation.

Don't believe so - the player pool is spreading wider and into more rural areas. With the demands placed on inter county players a lad talented at rugby and football/hurling at 14/15 is certainly more inclined to choose the professional route.

That Dublin team are as professional as the Leinster Rugby team and Academy players get pittance though so not as straight forward as you would think. The numbers are interesting though especially with the investment placed in schools such as Blackrock, Michaels and Belvedere. I do have issues with Leinster's ability to identify talent and their ability to develop talent though so perhaps it's more reflective of that than competition from other sports bodies.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 17, 2016, 11:47:31 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 17, 2016, 11:34:57 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 17, 2016, 11:19:22 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 17, 2016, 11:11:34 AM
Just looking at that Irish squad and wondering is there a co-relation between the GAA's massive funding of Dublin and the lack of Dublin players in the squad. Only Jack McGrath starting and Ian Madigan on the bench are Dubs, has Dublin GAA won the battle? or are these things cyclical but with a quarter of the population of this Island based in Dublin it's definitely not a proportional representation.

Don't believe so - the player pool is spreading wider and into more rural areas. With the demands placed on inter county players a lad talented at rugby and football/hurling at 14/15 is certainly more inclined to choose the professional route.

That Dublin team are as professional as the Leinster Rugby team and Academy players get pittance though so not as straight forward as you would think. The numbers are interesting though especially with the investment placed in schools such as Blackrock, Michaels and Belvedere. I do have issues with Leinster's ability to identify talent and their ability to develop talent though so perhaps it's more reflective of that than competition from other sports bodies.

Dublin however isn't your standard GAA side though. Take a lad say from Down or Wexford. Is he going to choose a chance at professional rugby or 10 years of slog with practically no reward!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on June 17, 2016, 12:19:48 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 17, 2016, 11:47:31 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 17, 2016, 11:34:57 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 17, 2016, 11:19:22 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 17, 2016, 11:11:34 AM
Just looking at that Irish squad and wondering is there a co-relation between the GAA's massive funding of Dublin and the lack of Dublin players in the squad. Only Jack McGrath starting and Ian Madigan on the bench are Dubs, has Dublin GAA won the battle? or are these things cyclical but with a quarter of the population of this Island based in Dublin it's definitely not a proportional representation.

Don't believe so - the player pool is spreading wider and into more rural areas. With the demands placed on inter county players a lad talented at rugby and football/hurling at 14/15 is certainly more inclined to choose the professional route.

That Dublin team are as professional as the Leinster Rugby team and Academy players get pittance though so not as straight forward as you would think. The numbers are interesting though especially with the investment placed in schools such as Blackrock, Michaels and Belvedere. I do have issues with Leinster's ability to identify talent and their ability to develop talent though so perhaps it's more reflective of that than competition from other sports bodies.

Dublin however isn't your standard GAA side though. Take a lad say from Down or Wexford. Is he going to choose a chance at professional rugby or 10 years of slog with practically no reward!

I'm only interested in Dublin though, perhaps an increase in players outside the traditional areas might explain some of it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on June 17, 2016, 01:43:48 PM
I'd say players who come from GAA backgrounds have an advantage when it comes to rugby skills. The catching and footwork would be better for starters. The ability to acquire skills may be superior because of exposure to different codes.

Part of the problem with the traditional South Dublin rugby culture is that it can be very mono. A lot of them I've known over the years are simply clueless about other sports and would never have kicked and O'Neills and maybe only done a sprinkling of soccer.

A rugby player playing in a sporting cocoon and within that, coached to do very specific positional tasks is probably not ideal material to work with as more advanced coaching comes into play in later years. I've no doubt Schools Cup is very focused on winning rather than holistic skills acquiring. And we wonder why our international tightheads have no ball handling skills.

The GAA has made inroads in rugby heartlands, though hardly enough to make a noticeable difference at the apex of the talent pyramid. Hurling is a sport that is appealing strongly to the Dublin middle classes, more so than gaelic football, which would have skangery connotations - Hill 16 et al. There are lot more names like Sneachta and Uachtar Reoite turning up on Dublin hurling team sheets nowadays and of course Cuala from Dalkey are the hurling powerhouse these days.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Declan on June 17, 2016, 03:54:06 PM
QuoteThere are lot more names like Sneachta and Uachtar Reoite turning up on Dublin hurling team sheets nowadays and of course Cuala from Dalkey are the hurling powerhouse these days

Brilliant
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on June 18, 2016, 10:40:09 AM
so wales gave it a go again for 50 mins. you always felt though nz had plenty in reserve. another defeat for gatland against the tri-nations. couldnt be happening to a nicer guy lol
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on June 18, 2016, 10:48:35 AM
Wales need more Liam Williams less Jamie Roberts, same game plan for the last 9 years. The game evolves and teams need to evolve with it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on June 18, 2016, 12:36:12 PM
Anybody who thinks these are glorified friendlies should watch this England Aussie game it's phenomenal!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on June 18, 2016, 01:02:55 PM
Quote from: screenexile on June 18, 2016, 12:36:12 PM
Anybody who thinks these are glorified friendlies should watch this England Aussie game it's phenomenal!

Remarkable defence from England, Phibbs was their best player though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on June 18, 2016, 04:27:21 PM
Just made shit of the SA scrum excellent stuff... Even with the changes it's a continuation of last week!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on June 18, 2016, 04:39:41 PM
At least one Irish unified team is playing well
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on June 18, 2016, 04:43:10 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 18, 2016, 04:39:41 PM
At least one Irish unified team is playing well

Of course the Rugby lads always do well in tournaments?  ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on June 18, 2016, 04:46:07 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on June 18, 2016, 04:43:10 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 18, 2016, 04:39:41 PM
At least one Irish unified team is playing well

Of course the Rugby lads always do well in tournaments?  ;)

At least they are competitive.... Far smaller group to pick from than most countries
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on June 18, 2016, 04:49:23 PM
They can win this at their ease. No threat at all from SA so far. They're a rabble.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on June 18, 2016, 05:29:20 PM
Quote from: Hardy on June 18, 2016, 04:49:23 PM
They can win this at their ease. No threat at all from SA so far. They're a rabble.

They've upped it bigtime this half... We'll de extremely well to hold on with the altitude fatigue beginning to set in!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on June 18, 2016, 05:35:18 PM
JESUS!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on June 18, 2016, 05:40:07 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 18, 2016, 04:46:07 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on June 18, 2016, 04:43:10 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 18, 2016, 04:39:41 PM
At least one Irish unified team is playing well

Of course the Rugby lads always do well in tournaments?  ;)

At least they are competitive.... Far smaller group to pick from than most countries

Yeah, but they usually do crap in tournaments? We never get past the Quarters which is the measure of success with such a small pool of top teams.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: heganboy on June 18, 2016, 05:40:42 PM
wtf was Conor Murray doing there, gentle nudge?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on June 18, 2016, 05:42:53 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on June 18, 2016, 05:40:07 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 18, 2016, 04:46:07 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on June 18, 2016, 04:43:10 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 18, 2016, 04:39:41 PM
At least one Irish unified team is playing well

Of course the Rugby lads always do well in tournaments?  ;)

At least they are competitive.... Far smaller group to pick from than most countries

Yeah, but they usually do crap in tournaments? We never get past the Quarters which is the measure of success with such a small pool of top teams.

Lets all slag off our own countries sports teams sure it's great craic!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on June 18, 2016, 05:47:07 PM
Have you ever seen a team do their best to lose a match in the last 10 mins f**king idiots that was even more painfull than the football
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on June 18, 2016, 05:51:56 PM
Of course you should never make errors in a very physical game played at altitude in the last 20 minutes against a team not just playing for pride but probably their careers.

It was a good effort, all comes down to next week. Really good performance by Tadgh Furlong must be all those hurling skills he has.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on June 18, 2016, 07:31:08 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 18, 2016, 05:51:56 PM
Of course you should never make errors in a very physical game played at altitude in the last 20 minutes against a team not just playing for pride but probably their careers.

It was a good effort, all comes down to next week. Really good performance by Tadgh Furlong must be all those hurling skills he has.

making errors is one thing but in those last 15 mins pretty much nothing went right. forget abiut all the missed tackles which were too numerous to count the biggest brain fart moment was the crossing penalty just when they had a chance to relieve some pressure. you can shrug it off if you want but will they ever have a better chance to win a series away to one of the big 3
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on June 18, 2016, 07:51:12 PM
Those errors were because they were out on their feet that's where they the lack of concentration comes from. You do realise they only had 25% possession, do you know how hard you have to work when you don't have the ball. SA's best players were their Lions who surprise surprise play at home at altitude in Ellis Park. This week was a free shot, next week is the game Ireland were targeting will be surprised if they don't do it. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on June 18, 2016, 08:01:12 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 18, 2016, 07:51:12 PM
Those errors were because they were out on their feet that's where they the lack of concentration comes from. You do realise they only had 25% possession, do you know how hard you have to work when you don't have the ball. SA's best players were their Lions who surprise surprise play at home at altitude in Ellis Park. This week was a free shot, next week is the game Ireland were targeting will be surprised if they don't do it.

Subs offered nothing. SA will be better again next week. Looks ike Henshaw is out. Olding is not an inside centre
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on June 18, 2016, 08:03:18 PM
The momentum was with SA, sometimes you can't stop that... Thought at the time those missed kicks would be crucial....

Proper collapse deflated Irish sports fans today
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: whitegoodman on June 18, 2016, 08:20:13 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on June 18, 2016, 08:01:12 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 18, 2016, 07:51:12 PM
Those errors were because they were out on their feet that's where they the lack of concentration comes from. You do realise they only had 25% possession, do you know how hard you have to work when you don't have the ball. SA's best players were their Lions who surprise surprise play at home at altitude in Ellis Park. This week was a free shot, next week is the game Ireland were targeting will be surprised if they don't do it.

Subs offered nothing. SA will be better again next week. Looks ike Henshaw is out. Olding is not an inside centre

He is potentially the best inside centre we have got but if the tactics are up n under all the time toner might as well be 12!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on June 18, 2016, 09:28:05 PM
Quote from: whitegoodman on June 18, 2016, 08:20:13 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on June 18, 2016, 08:01:12 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 18, 2016, 07:51:12 PM
Those errors were because they were out on their feet that's where they the lack of concentration comes from. You do realise they only had 25% possession, do you know how hard you have to work when you don't have the ball. SA's best players were their Lions who surprise surprise play at home at altitude in Ellis Park. This week was a free shot, next week is the game Ireland were targeting will be surprised if they don't do it.

Subs offered nothing. SA will be better again next week. Looks ike Henshaw is out. Olding is not an inside centre

He is potentially the best inside centre we have got but if the tactics are up n under all the time toner might as well be 12!!

He isn't. luke Marshall is. Olding is a full back
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: whitegoodman on June 18, 2016, 09:31:45 PM
If u watched ulster or knew anything about rugby in Ulster u would know that FB is Oldings 3rd best positional and he is a better inside centre than Marshall.  Most Ulster supporters would tell you that
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on June 18, 2016, 09:34:02 PM
Quote from: whitegoodman on June 18, 2016, 09:31:45 PM
If u watched ulster or knew anything about rugby in Ulster u would know that FB is Oldings 3rd best positional and he is a better inside centre than Marshall.  Most Ulster supporters would tell you that

the difference is marshall took his chance at the highest level. Olding didn't.

Ulster rugby fans would tell you a lot of things if you listen to them too long.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on June 18, 2016, 09:38:43 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on June 18, 2016, 09:34:02 PM
Quote from: whitegoodman on June 18, 2016, 09:31:45 PM
If u watched ulster or knew anything about rugby in Ulster u would know that FB is Oldings 3rd best positional and he is a better inside centre than Marshall.  Most Ulster supporters would tell you that

the difference is marshall took his chance at the highest level. Olding didn't.

Ulster rugby fans would tell you a lot of things if you listen to them too long.

You, of course, prefer to remain silent.  :D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: whitegoodman on June 18, 2016, 09:41:22 PM
Luke Marshall chances at centre 7, Olding chances at centre 1.  Your last statement more or less acknowledges you know fcuk all about it !!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on June 18, 2016, 10:33:50 PM
Is Schmidt finally acknowledging Payne needs to be FB??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on June 18, 2016, 10:56:55 PM
16pts with 17mins to go, its unacceptable to lost a game from that point, this we hold it all for next week is crap, thats worst that the early lead we had again new Zealand a few years back
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on June 18, 2016, 11:00:25 PM
If Stander is back next week we might still have a chance in the final game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on June 19, 2016, 08:23:40 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on June 18, 2016, 10:56:55 PM
16pts with 17mins to go, its unacceptable to lost a game from that point, this we hold it all for next week is crap, thats worst that the early lead we had again new Zealand a few years back

couldnt agree more the lads have no idea how to kill time. as soon as sa go ahead with 3/4 mins to go watch how they ran down the clock with pretty much nothing happening. like i said earlier the dumbest moment was giving away a cheap penalty when we were in their 22 with only 7 mins to go any other team would have scored or made sure they ran the clock down with ball up the jumper stuff
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on June 19, 2016, 10:15:26 AM
How can you run down the clock when have you no ball, 25% possession and they didn't have possession because they were out on their feet, it's not rocket science.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on June 19, 2016, 12:14:57 PM
I don't think people understand the effects of Oxygen debt at altitude. That's all that happened in the last 20 minutes. We'll win next week.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 20, 2016, 01:08:48 PM
Just about getting over Saturdays defeat.

It has went from sheer anger to a realisation that the players were goosed. Still hopeful for this Saturday.

Henshaw a big loss. Who steps in at 13? Payne with O'Halloran at FB?

Huge game for U20s today. James Ryan is now starting after fears his tournament was over. Argentina will be very tough but it would be great to make a final at this grade!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on June 20, 2016, 01:22:24 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 17, 2016, 12:19:48 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 17, 2016, 11:47:31 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 17, 2016, 11:34:57 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 17, 2016, 11:19:22 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 17, 2016, 11:11:34 AM
Just looking at that Irish squad and wondering is there a co-relation between the GAA's massive funding of Dublin and the lack of Dublin players in the squad. Only Jack McGrath starting and Ian Madigan on the bench are Dubs, has Dublin GAA won the battle? or are these things cyclical but with a quarter of the population of this Island based in Dublin it's definitely not a proportional representation.

Don't believe so - the player pool is spreading wider and into more rural areas. With the demands placed on inter county players a lad talented at rugby and football/hurling at 14/15 is certainly more inclined to choose the professional route.

That Dublin team are as professional as the Leinster Rugby team and Academy players get pittance though so not as straight forward as you would think. The numbers are interesting though especially with the investment placed in schools such as Blackrock, Michaels and Belvedere. I do have issues with Leinster's ability to identify talent and their ability to develop talent though so perhaps it's more reflective of that than competition from other sports bodies.

Dublin however isn't your standard GAA side though. Take a lad say from Down or Wexford. Is he going to choose a chance at professional rugby or 10 years of slog with practically no reward!

I'm only interested in Dublin though, perhaps an increase in players outside the traditional areas might explain some of it.
Number of Dubs on the South Africa tour has nothing to do with Dublin GAA!
How many of the Dubs panel turned down contracts with Leinster rugby? I'd be surprised if there was as many as One!

An end of season tour is a poor barometer to use anyway given the number of injuries.
A better sample to look at to see if there is any merit to your argument would be how many Dubs on the rugby world cup U20 panel.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: whitegoodman on June 20, 2016, 01:26:23 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 20, 2016, 01:08:48 PM
Just about getting over Saturdays defeat.

It has went from sheer anger to a realisation that the players were goosed. Still hopeful for this Saturday.

Henshaw a big loss. Who steps in at 13? Payne with O'Halloran at FB?

Huge game for U20s today. James Ryan is now starting after fears his tournament was over. Argentina will be very tough but it would be great to make a final at this grade!

Id be inclined to keep Payne at 15 so either Olding and Marshall or Marshall and earls, probably the former.  A couple of players looked goosed in the last twenty minutes and might sit out the last test. Trimble in particular springs to mind.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 20, 2016, 01:42:20 PM
Quote from: Hound on June 20, 2016, 01:22:24 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 17, 2016, 12:19:48 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 17, 2016, 11:47:31 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 17, 2016, 11:34:57 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 17, 2016, 11:19:22 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 17, 2016, 11:11:34 AM
Just looking at that Irish squad and wondering is there a co-relation between the GAA's massive funding of Dublin and the lack of Dublin players in the squad. Only Jack McGrath starting and Ian Madigan on the bench are Dubs, has Dublin GAA won the battle? or are these things cyclical but with a quarter of the population of this Island based in Dublin it's definitely not a proportional representation.

Don't believe so - the player pool is spreading wider and into more rural areas. With the demands placed on inter county players a lad talented at rugby and football/hurling at 14/15 is certainly more inclined to choose the professional route.

That Dublin team are as professional as the Leinster Rugby team and Academy players get pittance though so not as straight forward as you would think. The numbers are interesting though especially with the investment placed in schools such as Blackrock, Michaels and Belvedere. I do have issues with Leinster's ability to identify talent and their ability to develop talent though so perhaps it's more reflective of that than competition from other sports bodies.

Dublin however isn't your standard GAA side though. Take a lad say from Down or Wexford. Is he going to choose a chance at professional rugby or 10 years of slog with practically no reward!

I'm only interested in Dublin though, perhaps an increase in players outside the traditional areas might explain some of it.
Number of Dubs on the South Africa tour has nothing to do with Dublin GAA!
How many of the Dubs panel turned down contracts with Leinster rugby? I'd be surprised if there was as many as One!

An end of season tour is a poor barometer to use anyway given the number of injuries.
A better sample to look at to see if there is any merit to your argument would be how many Dubs on the rugby world cup U20 panel.

How many are there?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 20, 2016, 01:43:19 PM
Quote from: whitegoodman on June 20, 2016, 01:26:23 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 20, 2016, 01:08:48 PM
Just about getting over Saturdays defeat.

It has went from sheer anger to a realisation that the players were goosed. Still hopeful for this Saturday.

Henshaw a big loss. Who steps in at 13? Payne with O'Halloran at FB?

Huge game for U20s today. James Ryan is now starting after fears his tournament was over. Argentina will be very tough but it would be great to make a final at this grade!

Id be inclined to keep Payne at 15 so either Olding and Marshall or Marshall and earls, probably the former.  A couple of players looked goosed in the last twenty minutes and might sit out the last test. Trimble in particular springs to mind.

Definitely wouldnt have Earls in the centre, has proven he doesnt have the defence. Might be worth having a look at Marshall/Olding. Not the biggest but excellent players.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on June 20, 2016, 07:17:30 PM
Superb performance from the Irish 20s completely dominant in all facets.

Nigel Carolan and everything that is good in Irish provincial game i.e. Connacht is what's feeding the belief in this team. Real shot at winning the Championship.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on June 21, 2016, 01:54:07 AM
A good performance from Ireland tonight beating Argentina 37-7. Now on to England in the final, the English are at home and beat South Africa 39-17.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 21, 2016, 08:31:31 AM
Superb performance from the U20s. Fair played to Nigel Carolan, a few clowns on twitter were having a go at him during the 6 nations but he has this side playing with great confidence and flair. Some excellent prospects on this side - Porter, Ryan, Deegan and Stockdale all look like seniors already!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on June 21, 2016, 10:26:14 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 21, 2016, 08:31:31 AM
Superb performance from the U20s. Fair played to Nigel Carolan, a few clowns on twitter were having a go at him during the 6 nations but he has this side playing with great confidence and flair. Some excellent prospects on this side - Porter, Ryan, Deegan and Stockdale all look like seniors already!

That's your typical bi-polar knee jerkism that is prevalent not just on Twitter but on forums and indeed life these days. Carolan's remit is to develop talent, he would goal orientated not outcome. He is very much all about performance, once you get the performance right the outcome will take care of itself.

We beat England in the 6 nations but since then they have changed coaches and look a very dynamic powerful side, for an English team they lack a controlling 10 and are not as structured, a high tempo loose game would suit them. Still I think our set-piece will cause them problems and we are playing with and just like scoring in attack. Will be a tight game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 21, 2016, 10:28:28 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 21, 2016, 10:26:14 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 21, 2016, 08:31:31 AM
Superb performance from the U20s. Fair played to Nigel Carolan, a few clowns on twitter were having a go at him during the 6 nations but he has this side playing with great confidence and flair. Some excellent prospects on this side - Porter, Ryan, Deegan and Stockdale all look like seniors already!

That's your typical bi-polar knee jerkism that is prevalent not just on Twitter but on forums and indeed life these days. Carolan's remit is to develop talent, he would goal orientated not outcome. He is very much all about performance, once you get the performance right the outcome will take care of itself.

We beat England in the 6 nations but since then they have changed coaches and look a very dynamic powerful side, for an English team they lack a controlling 10 and are not as structured, a high tempo loose game would suit them. Still I think our set-piece will cause them problems and we are playing with and just like scoring in attack. Will be a tight game.

Is Harry Mallinder not their 10? He's played quite a few times for Northampton this year. Thought their game was quite structured. On another point he seems to be getting more game time than JJ Hanrahan at Saints. Been a disappointing move for him!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on June 21, 2016, 10:43:36 AM
Yea his Dad is the Northamption head coach, Jim. Has he not played mainly either full back or centre for them though. He's a very good player but not a traditional 10 which is why I don't believe they're playing as structured a game as England normal do (shock and awe) - he's constantly looking to probe with ball in hand, I don't think he has the greatest kicking game though. Nullify his natural game, force him to kick more and we'd be right in the mix.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on June 21, 2016, 10:46:56 AM
Put a big man in on him, and let the ball in high. They'll not be expecting that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 21, 2016, 10:47:20 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 21, 2016, 10:43:36 AM
Yea his Dad is the Northamption head coach, Jim. Has he not played mainly either full back or centre for them though. He's a very good player but not a traditional 10 which is why I don't believe they're playing as structured a game as England normal do (shock and awe) - he's constantly looking to probe with ball in hand, I don't think he has the greatest kicking game though. Nullify his natural game, force him to kick more and we'd be right in the mix.

You could be right - he may be seen as a ball playing 12 at Saints. It'll be a powerful England team as always but our pack seem very well drilled with a few outstanding players. It's not like the England U20 sides of 2013/2014 which I believe had Itoje, Clifford, Slade, Nowell etc.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on June 25, 2016, 05:53:53 PM
good game sa defense superb irish attack lacking imagination they played well though the problem was last week when they lost their heads in the last 15 mins a real blown opportunity to win the series
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on June 25, 2016, 09:43:45 PM
The under 20s let us down as well today going down 45-21 against England.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 26, 2016, 06:04:19 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 25, 2016, 09:43:45 PM
The under 20s let us down as well today going down 45-21 against England.

'Let us down'?????

Wise up you clown!! They done superbly to reach the final and becoming the first Irish men's side to beat NZ along the way.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on June 26, 2016, 10:16:51 AM
They bottled it in a sport only taken anyway seriously by 8 countries.

It's what the Irish rugby team consistently do - brick it in the face of expectancy.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 26, 2016, 05:50:12 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on June 26, 2016, 10:16:51 AM
They bottled it in a sport only taken anyway seriously by 8 countries.

It's what the Irish rugby team consistently do - brick it in the face of expectancy.

Good man bomber. Time to crawl back under that rock in shitty Tyrone!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on June 27, 2016, 11:23:41 AM
Will there be a triumphant homecoming with open-topped buses and a fiesta in the Phoenix Park to celebrate losing, as is the custom in another sport?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on June 27, 2016, 12:22:16 PM
I'd love to see the Kildare team on a open bus...



...as I quietly stack my pile of rocks..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on June 27, 2016, 01:08:01 PM
JS might be going soon due to family issues . Would Pat Lam be in the frame to replace him?


http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/is-this-the-end-of-the-road-for-joe-schmidt-and-ireland-1.2700706
All of this, and more, has to be considered when the latest question as to his future were put to him in a quiet corridor in the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium about an hour after it had all ended. There are contracts on offer from both the IRFU and the New Zealand Rugby Union, whose chief executive Steve Tew had been on his case for years and on Friday again referenced Schmidt as a putative All Blacks coach come 2019.
Asked if this series had made his decision more difficult, he said: "Yeah, for all sorts of reasons. It's not really my decision to be honest. I've got a young fella struggling at the moment," he said, in reference to his unwell son Luke. "That's just the way it is," he added, struggling for words and becoming a little emotional.
One has the increasing impression that family circumstances, after a decade in Europe, may contribute to him returning permanently to New Zealand, where he will discuss his future with his family while on holidays there over the next three weeks.
If he then declares next season to be his last with Ireland, it would clearly be with a heavy heart and even more regrets, because almost everything about this tour would make him want to stay on beyond the end of next season.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on June 27, 2016, 01:41:05 PM
Quote from: seafoid on June 27, 2016, 01:08:01 PM
JS might be going soon due to family issues . Would Pat Lam be in the frame to replace him?


http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/is-this-the-end-of-the-road-for-joe-schmidt-and-ireland-1.2700706
All of this, and more, has to be considered when the latest question as to his future were put to him in a quiet corridor in the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium about an hour after it had all ended. There are contracts on offer from both the IRFU and the New Zealand Rugby Union, whose chief executive Steve Tew had been on his case for years and on Friday again referenced Schmidt as a putative All Blacks coach come 2019.
Asked if this series had made his decision more difficult, he said: "Yeah, for all sorts of reasons. It's not really my decision to be honest. I've got a young fella struggling at the moment," he said, in reference to his unwell son Luke. "That's just the way it is," he added, struggling for words and becoming a little emotional.
One has the increasing impression that family circumstances, after a decade in Europe, may contribute to him returning permanently to New Zealand, where he will discuss his future with his family while on holidays there over the next three weeks.
If he then declares next season to be his last with Ireland, it would clearly be with a heavy heart and even more regrets, because almost everything about this tour would make him want to stay on beyond the end of next season.

No.

David Rennie would be my choice.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: oakleaflad on June 28, 2016, 08:48:55 AM
Luke Fitzgerald has retired from rugby on medical grounds
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 28, 2016, 09:05:40 AM
Quote from: oakleaflad on June 28, 2016, 08:48:55 AM
Luke Fitzgerald has retired from rugby on medical grounds

Superb talent but never got a proper crack at it through constant injuries.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on June 28, 2016, 09:22:43 AM
Sad to hear. Looks like very few players in the professional game will be retiring on their own terms.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on June 29, 2016, 02:00:00 PM
Champions Cup Draw

Pool 1
Racing Metro 92
Glasgow Warriors
Leicester
Munster

Pool 2
Connacht
Wasps
Toulouse
Zebre

Pool 3
Saracens
Toulon
Llanelli
Sale Sharks

Pool 4
Leinster
Montpellier
Northampton
Castres

Pool 5
Exeter Chiefs
Clermont Auvergne
Ulster
Bordeaux
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on June 29, 2016, 02:37:32 PM
A draw I'm sure O'Gara didn't want. Opportunity to impress none the less, going about his coaching career the right way.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 29, 2016, 02:43:41 PM
Tough draws for all the Irish sides but getting out of the group is certainly achievable. Leinster with the best draw. Madigan wont fancy it on a wet Friday night in Ravenhill ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on June 29, 2016, 03:24:44 PM
I'll be shocked if Munster get out of that group. The other 3 have decent shouts.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 29, 2016, 03:33:59 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 29, 2016, 03:24:44 PM
I'll be shocked if Munster get out of that group. The other 3 have decent shouts.

Yeah on 2nd thoughts!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on July 06, 2016, 04:29:17 PM
Quote from: oakleaflad on June 28, 2016, 08:48:55 AM
Luke Fitzgerald has retired from rugby on medical grounds
"My family were sick of it" – Luke Fitzgerald reflects on injury-ravaged career
The 28-year-old was forced to retire from the game last week after one injury too many
about 15 hours ago
Gavin Cummiskey

2


Luke Fitzgerald was forced to retire from rugby last week after a career ravaged with injuries. Photo: Morgan Treacy/Inpho
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Luke Fitzgerald played his last game of rugby, the Pro 12 final at Murrayfield, with no feeling in his left arm and a torn medial ligament in his right knee.
Normal enough 80 minutes for Fitzgerald. The neck went again. Worse pain than ever before.
"After the scans the doc [Ashley Poynton] said I can't play anymore. I probably would play (on). My mum is happy I'm not. She is sick of it.
"My dad as well. My family is happy for me to call it a day because they have seen the brunt of what a 10 year career can do. I've had a lot of injuries."
A freakish amount, charting all the way back to a badly damaged collarbone in sixth year. Still, he returned to play the schools final at Lansdowne road on St Patrick's Day 2006.
That's the concern because within five months of his Leaving Certificate he was capped for Ireland. Aged just 19.
But every opinion that mattered 10 years ago felt Fitzgerald was physically ready for the man's game.
"It's hard to keep a player back when they are physically able for it," says Brian O'Driscoll. "Normally you have to invest two, three years before you get capped but it just happened that Lukey was a child prodigy...Different bodies break down in different ways...
"Even at the end of this season he showed what he can add to a team.
"Leinster and Ireland are going to miss that, they are going to miss having a game changer."
That is why this went on for so long. Fitzgerald was a wonderfully balanced player not too long after his father, Des, the former Ireland tighthead prop and current chief executive of EBS, dropped a rugby ball into his cot.
There is no need to sift into his scar tissue. Suffice to say these wounds would have crippled another person. But Fitzgerald looks like a 28 year-old-elite athlete. It is what happened on the inside that denied him what seemed a certain ascent to greatness.
Still, capped as a teenager, he made the Lions Test team to face South Africa at 21 before the ruptured knee ligaments in November 2009 began constant interruptions for the Leinster left wing.
Maybe, it is suggested to him, if they had of held him back, kept him in check for a season or two, until he grew accustomed to the hits, as they do now with Ireland under-20s captain James Ryan and all those he recently led to a World Cup final, it would have been different.
Fitzgerald never played AIL. Never played Ireland under-20s. Straight out of school his outrageous talent screamed that he was ready.
"I know where you are coming from but it is really hard to say, really hard to gauge. I probably got a little unlucky in the initial couple of years. If you look at the training now the set-up, the training is so much better, so much more streamlined, people know way more.
"But like Drico said I was ready for the training, I was way stronger, more powerful, way more balanced than a lot of guys coming out of school. I had good principles coming from my dad and access to Dave Fagan, who is doing the Leinster sub academy now, from an early age.
"So I was ahead of the posse. Although, I did get an injury in my final year in school which did set me back. I broke my collarbone, a compound fracture, which is serious enough. I never got that strong again, throughout my whole career. My upper body was strongest when I was 18! I'd say that might have had a bigger effect than you would be able to quantify."
That is what makes this Fitzgerald interview, the exit interview so to speak, so interesting. He is one of the second generation of professional rugby players in this country, having been capped alongside the now 32 year old Jamie Heaslip and enormously powerful Stephen Ferris against the Pacific Islanders in November 2006. Ferris is gone a few years due to terrible injuries. Heaslip plays the game with remarkable footwork that allows him, at the very last moment, to avoid the full brunt of contact.
"But look at a guy like (Andrew) Porter. He is in there squatting 350 kilos in the gym. Like, how do you tell a fella like that 'you are not strong enough to get in the game.'"
Leinster have done just that. Porter is only entering year one of the Leinster Academy this summer.
"But considering how physical the game is and how much better the athletes are it is probably no harm keeping a guy back a year or two but the problem is you get to accelerate your learning by getting access to training and playing with guys at the top level."
Michael Cheika gave Fitzgerald a choice on the first day of his first pre-season: Want to train with Felipe Contepomi, O'Driscoll, Denis Hickie, Shane Horgan and Gordon D'Arcy or the Academy?
It was no choice at all.
"I never even played an A game for Leinster. Are we the guinea pigs?
"Yeah, it's a young sport. Does it take anything away from the experience for me? It doesn't. I just feel I was unlucky."
He was, undoubtedly, unlucky, yet now his time has passed the regrets seem too few to mention.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on July 16, 2016, 10:43:19 AM
Flannery O'Connor
"Where you come from is gone, where you thought you were going to was never there, and where you are is no good unless you can get away from it.

Concussion will have to be produced at home

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/irfu-chief-does-not-believe-munster-can-make-debt-repayments-1.2723985

Philip Browne does not expect the Munster Branch to be able to meet repayments on the €9 million they owe the IRFU.
The union's annual general meeting reported an increase of almost €6 million in player and management costs arising "in large part" due to Munster's malfunctioning professional wing, both administratively and on the field, in recent years.
"One of our provinces is experiencing financial difficulty and one of the main reasons for this is poor match results," said IRFU honorary treasurer Tom Grace. "It is no secret that the increased revenues available to French and English clubs are having a serious inflationary impact on player remuneration."
'No repayment'
Grace did note, during his speech at last night's agm at the Aviva Stadium, that the Ulster Branch have repaid "in full" their loan to redevelop Ravenhill into Kingspan Stadium.
"There was no repayment received this year in respect of the Munster loan which relates to Thomond Park, " said Grace.
A €200,000 payment was due last April with €4.2 million due in April 2017 and €500,000 to be paid every year until 2026 with a final lump sum of €761,778 expected in 2027.
"I am pleased to report the Ulster Branch loan in respect of the Ravenhill development has been repaid in full. Well done Ulster."
Unlike the FAI who still owe €34.75 million on the Aviva Stadium, the IRFU paid off, up front in 2010, the amount they owed for the stadium redevelopment following the successful sale of corporate boxes and 10-year tickets.
However, the Munster debt remains a serious concern as the radically changing nature of the northern hemisphere club scene threatens to reduce Irish provinces to second-tier competitors.
Browne was asked if it is realistic to expect Munster to be able to make a payment of €4.2 million next April?
"At the moment probably not," he responded.
•   Pro 12 looking at North America franchise as part of expansion
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•   Joe Schmidt faces tough decision on his future
Can he see the €500,000 being repaid annually over the next 10 years?
"At the moment that is probably not possible.
"But in fairness [Munster CEO] Garrett Fitzgerald, [director of rugby] Rassie Erasmus, [IRFU high performance director] David Nucifora and Philip Quinn, the accountant, are all working together to try and manage the cost base, to make sure whatever decisions that are taken provide value for money.
Bail out
"But the one thing for certain is we have to collectively live within our means.
"By the way, this could happen to any of the provinces," said Browne. "It could happen to Leinster, less likely, but if performances drop and people decide to spend their money doing something else. We have had to bail out Ulster in the past, we have had to bail out Connacht in the past. Munster are where they are now."
But Browne, in his chief executive's report, appeared to draw a line in the sand when writing "the IRFU can no longer be the 'lender of the last resort' for the professional game as the governing body does not have the capacity to absorb ever increasing player wage inflation."
Browne rejected the suggestion of poor management at all levels in the Munster Branch.
"I don't think it is a case of them running their business very badly," said Browne. "There is a serious problem but the reason why there was a cash flow [issue] this year was due to a number of reasons.
"The first was they had to run the Pro 12 up against the Rugby World Cup. That had an impact on their gates. Secondly, because of the broadcast nature of the Pro 12, where you have multiple broadcasters, Munster ended up with a number of matches where they played on a Friday night, which just doesn't work for Limerick because people in Cork can't get there. So, that had an impact.
"The third part of it was the performance of the team. Effectively, by December, they ended up in a situation where their two home matches in Europe were effectively dead rubbers so their gates just fell away.
"The gates only picked up towards the end of the season when they were fighting for (Champions Cup) survival."
As a result Munster gate receipts dropped by €2 million from one season to the next.
'Set of circumstances'
"The economy doesn't help either as it has not picked up in Limerick like we have been fortunate to have experienced up in Dublin.
"But to say it is badly run is wrong. It was a set of circumstances. Yes, the performance of the team was not like they would have liked or we would have liked. We have addressed that. You can have the best administrators in there but if people don't turn up for matches you got a problem."
All four provinces received an unbudgeted sum of €250,000 from the IRFU to help cope with "difficulties experienced by all in the player contracting market".
Grace added: "The union's response to this is to increase the player funding going forward for the provinces but more significantly to invest greater amounts into our player development pathways from the grassroots game upwards. In our budget for 2015/'16 an additional €3.2 million was allocated to elite-player development and €800,000 to the domestic game. For 2016/'17 we have enhanced the domestic game investment by a further €1.2 million.

"It is the view of the union that these investments in our game represent the most effective way forward for the union given the financial constraints under which we operate."
Overall, the message coming from Lansdowne Road is the days of recruiting southern hemisphere players like Brad Thorn, Isa Nacewa, Ruan Pienaar and Charles Piutau is coming to an end.
"The provinces simply can't go out into the global market place and expect to pick up world-class players with the budget that they have," Browne stated. "They have got to live within their budgets, which is why it is better value for us to invest in the pathway. To produce our own players. We simply can't compete with what is happening in France. "
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on August 25, 2016, 02:03:00 PM
Looks like Joe Schmidt has committed to 2019. Great news!!

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/joe-schmidt-poised-to-stay-on-as-ireland-head-coach-until-2019-reports-34992328.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on September 01, 2016, 12:12:26 PM
Bad news from Limerick this morning is that the out half I had such hopes for, Johnny Holland, is forced to retire due to injury. He's had two injury plagued seasons, but any time I saw him he had serious potential. Only turned 25, this is an awful pity for Munster, and an almighty blow for the lad himself.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Declan on September 01, 2016, 12:48:10 PM
That's rough on him alright. Tenuous nature of professional rugby
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 05, 2016, 02:07:42 PM
Stuart Lancaster is in as a prop for Leo Cullen
http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/pro12/stuart-lancaster-aims-to-make-leinster-a-dominant-force-in-europe-again-1.2780087
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on September 05, 2016, 04:34:50 PM
Quote from: seafoid on September 05, 2016, 02:07:42 PM
Stuart Lancaster is in as a prop for Leo Cullen
http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/pro12/stuart-lancaster-aims-to-make-leinster-a-dominant-force-in-europe-again-1.2780087

Can't see him challenging Jack McGrath..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 08, 2016, 12:17:03 PM
http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/neil-francis-our-game-needs-to-rid-itself-of-heavy-gang-150kg-props-are-a-parody-of-the-way-rugby-is-going-35031393.html

What am I advocating? I am saying that at professional club and international level tight forwards cannot exceed 120kgs (19 stone). Back-row forwards 110kgs (about 17.5 stone) and nobody in the back line over 100kgs (15.7 stone). Anyone over those levels can ply their trade at the world wrestling federation. I reckon it is as easy to lose 10kgs as it is to gain it.
We know the game as it is currently played is too dangerous. We have become desensitised to the perils of concussion and catastrophic career-ending injury. We look at the rubbish rugby being produced in the Top 14 and Pro12 - games of bash. Huge forwards running into each other and yet slavishly continuing down that line when evidence from the best team in the world tells us to go a different way. New Zealand are always light years ahead.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 12, 2016, 08:04:34 AM
Sir Anthony O'Reilly's furniture to be sold at auction in pub
Contents of Castlemartin House to go under the hammer in effort to reduce bank debts

Michael Parsons

He was once Ireland's richest man and chief media baron, but now Sir Anthony O'Reilly's furniture is to be sold at public auction – in a country pub — to help repay his multi-million euro bank debts.
The furniture was removed from the 80-year-old businessman's former home, Castlemartin House – a 26,000sq ft mansion on a 750-acre stud farm in Co Kildare – and put into storage. The house itself has already been sold on the instructions of AIB Bank. Last year, Sir Anthony was declared bankrupt by the Supreme Court of The Bahamas where he is resident for tax purposes.
The Co Kilkenny-based auctioneering firm Mealy's Fine Art told The Irish Times that it had been asked to sell "the contents of Castlemartin including furniture, antiques and items of decorative art" which will go under the hammer next month. The auctioneers said they were "acting on the instructions of the trustee in bankruptcy appointed by the Bahamian Court".
A "trustee in bankruptcy' is similar to a receiver and is responsible for administering the financial affairs of the bankrupt person and distributing assets to creditors.The auction is the latest chapter in the ongoing disposal of the assets of Sir Anthony, a former billionaire, who once owned the Irish Independent and Sunday Independent newspapers and the crystal and china company Waterford Wedgwood. His business empire unravelled following Ireland's economic crash in 2008.
Tax exile
In High Court proceedings in Dublin in 2014, Mr Justice Peter Kelly revealed that Sir Anthony, and companies personally controlled by him, owed various Irish and international banks an estimated €195m.
Sir Anthony was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2001. He is one of Ireland's most prominent tax exiles – based on his residency in a beachside villa called Lissadell near Nassau, the capital of The Bahamas. He, and his wife Lady Chryss [nee Goulandris] O'Reilly also have a chateau at Deauville in France.

In addition to the sale of Castlemartin for€26.5 million, Sir Anthony has also sold his Dublin townhouse at Fitzwilliam Square for €3.2 million and his west Cork house Shorecliffe in Glandore for €1.5 million as part of efforts to repay his debts.
Mealy's said the auction of the Castlemartin contents would take place on October 4th in a temporary saleroom in The Long Man of Kilfane – a rural pub near Thomastown, Co Kilkenny. The venue was chosen because the auctioneer had already planned an auction there of the contents of nearby Kilfane House for another client. A catalogue for the auction will be published shortly.
Mealy's said their auction does not include Sir Anthony's art collection which is believed to be the most valuable private collection ever assembled in Ireland. Earlier this year some minor paintings and sculptures from the collection were sold, discreetly, by an unnamed vendor at auction in England and realised approximately €440,000. But the whereabouts of much of the O'Reilly collection is unknown.
It includes a painting by French impressionist Claude Monet which Sir Anthony bought for $24.2 million 15 years ago and several major paintings by Jack B Yeats which were shipped out of Ireland during the past decade
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on September 22, 2016, 10:59:30 AM
Wasn't sure where to place this link but its a topic that is continually swept under the carpet

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/37340730
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on September 22, 2016, 11:08:26 AM
I was on about this a couple of years ago, particularly in relation to NZ fielding non New Zealand born Pacific Islanders. Turns out it's actually not a big number at all, despite what we think. It might change in future, but I'd say proportionally we in Ireland field more non-born Irish than New Zealand do.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on September 22, 2016, 11:10:27 AM
"Of the 1133 men who have represented the All Blacks (in matches as well as tests), just 32 were born in the islands - Samoa, Tonga, Fiji and American Samoa.


Of those four archipelagos, Samoa is the dominant nation. They have produced 13 All Blacks who have played a total of 396 tests. That figure puts Samoa on a par with Nelson and Masterton.

Tonga's nine All Blacks have played a comparatively meagre 53 tests, Fiji's eight have played 138, while Jerome Kaino and Frank Solomon, born in American Samoa, have accumulated 53.

That's 640 tests of value the All Blacks have got out of Pacific Island-born players."
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on September 22, 2016, 02:14:33 PM
Always thought it would be higher. I'd say France are the biggest offenders in this regard with England not far behind. As stated the alternative of 5 years residency rule will just force them to source younger.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on September 23, 2016, 08:16:05 PM
Not much homegrown talent in that Ulster pack.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: michaelg on September 23, 2016, 09:16:42 PM
Go on wee Paddy!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 27, 2016, 03:31:20 PM
6 nations taken off the free to air on RTE list. Punters will have to pay per concussion.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on September 27, 2016, 05:32:37 PM
Ryle Nugent must be in tears.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on October 08, 2016, 10:28:20 AM
The Champions are back after last night. The first few weeks were tough to watch - it was totally unlike what this team has been about for a long time. Mistake after mistake....... It has to be as a result of the poor preseason preparation. Nice to see Leinster cast off Kelleher fitting in so well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on October 08, 2016, 10:40:50 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on October 08, 2016, 10:28:20 AM
The Champions are back after last night. The first few weeks were tough to watch - it was totally unlike what this team has been about for a long time. Mistake after mistake....... It has to be as a result of the poor preseason preparation. Nice to see Leinster cast off Kelleher fitting in so well.

Enjoyed watching the Ulster Connacht game. Connacht have good handling ability throughout the team and Pat Lam needs to be a shoe in when Joe Schmidt heads home. Very All Blacks in their approach, struggle in the"set pieces" but in open play are a joy to watch.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on October 09, 2016, 12:00:09 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on September 23, 2016, 08:16:05 PM
Not much homegrown talent in that Ulster pack.

Or Connacht for that matter
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on October 09, 2016, 12:19:20 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 09, 2016, 12:00:09 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on September 23, 2016, 08:16:05 PM
Not much homegrown talent in that Ulster pack.

Or Connacht for that matter
thats cause other teams keep stealing them
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on October 11, 2016, 01:15:53 PM
Next on PK's hitlist

http://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/its-played-by-guys-with-no-moral-courage-theyre-cowards-paul-kimmage-hits-out-at-rugbys-silence-on-painkillers-35120535.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 16, 2016, 06:39:55 AM
Connacht 23 Toulouse 21
Another black-magic night for Connacht rugby. On one of the great nights for the West of Ireland club, they executed a sublimely timed game-winning surge against, well, the standard bearers of European rugby, with Bundee Aki capping another electrifying performance with the decisive try.

The announcer asked the crowd to refrain from entering the pitch.
http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/european-cup/connacht-run-the-hell-out-of-everything-including-toulouse-1.2831576

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6TjV74ujNM
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 16, 2016, 01:06:21 PM
I love listening to the Sky boys pronouncing Connacht
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBUwv6WLCDc
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on October 16, 2016, 01:48:34 PM
Anthony Foley found dead in the team hotel.  :(
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on October 16, 2016, 01:54:00 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on October 16, 2016, 01:48:34 PM
Anthony Foley found dead in the team hotel.  :(

I could only find this on a site called rugbylad.com and it's now been taken down.

A hoax? Sick, but I hope so.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 5 Sams on October 16, 2016, 01:57:34 PM
RTE reporting it..

http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2016/1016/824493-munster-head-coach-anthony-foley-dies-suddenly/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on October 16, 2016, 02:00:14 PM
Unfortunately, it seems to be true - Irish rugby has tweeted:
We regret to announce the sudden passing of @Munsterrugby coach Anthony Foley. Our thoughts & prayers are with his family at this time. RIP
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on October 16, 2016, 02:00:50 PM
The Irish lads on sky sports are in a bad way.

Shock news. RIP
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on October 16, 2016, 02:07:19 PM
Crazy
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 16, 2016, 02:14:44 PM
Awful. Ceol na n aingil go gcloisfidh se
http://www.independent.ie/sport/munster-coach-anthony-foley-has-died-suddenly-in-france-35134351.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on October 16, 2016, 02:25:43 PM
Some days for the boys in the southwesht.

https://youtu.be/lzylYKPDYq8 (https://youtu.be/lzylYKPDYq8)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: omaghjoe on October 16, 2016, 02:32:23 PM
Thats terrible, shocking news altogether

RIP
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 16, 2016, 02:51:20 PM
Shocking. RIP
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 16, 2016, 03:28:17 PM
Death at such a young age with small kids is unbearably sad.
We had  neighbours at home and the father went for a cycle on the Saturday before the 87 hurling final. He wanted to lose some weight. The next morning we were about to head off to the match and we heard he was dead. I think he was 42

His wife was in a state of shock for years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on October 16, 2016, 03:36:55 PM
Quote from: seafoid on October 16, 2016, 03:28:17 PM
Death at such a young age with small kids is unbearably sad.
We had  neighbours at home and the father went for a cycle on the Saturday before the 87 hurling final. He wanted to lose some weight. The next morning we were about to head off to the match and we heard he was dead. I think he was 42

His wife was in a state of shock for years.
Was at a funeral last week for a friend found dead in bed. 41.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on October 16, 2016, 07:36:43 PM
Shocked. Played against Anthony Foley many years ago. Munster Rugby to the bone. I am also 42.

May he rest in peace.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on October 16, 2016, 07:57:06 PM
Terribly sad news,  shocking.  RIP
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thejuice on October 17, 2016, 07:03:45 AM
Terrible to see a great man go with so many miles still to travel and so much to offer as a father and a coach.

Might he be the top scoring Irish forward still?

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GaillimhIarthair on October 17, 2016, 08:03:05 AM
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on October 17, 2016, 09:15:50 AM
I couldn't believe it when I saw it yesterday, and I still find it hard to believe. People slag Munster about the 'liginds', but when we use the term, it is people like Anthony Foley we are referring to. The esteem he is held in down here is massive, and even when things were obviously not working out for him as coach, it was sadness and regret rather than anger and vitriol towards the man, because everyone loved him for what he did for Munster, and everyone recognised he was continuing to do the best he could for them.

I was up in Offaly yesterday, and driving down to Tipp yesterday evening, there were tears in my eyes when the lads on Newstalk played the clip of the Munster team singing Stand Up and Fight in the dressing room after one of their victories. It is obviously a sad, sad day for Munster, and for those of us who go to Thomond Park and are used to seeing him in the jersey or in the tracksuit, but the real tragedy is for a wife and young sons, a Mother and Father, Sisters, who were looking forward to seeing Munster play in France yesterday, and are now instead trying to deal with the logistics of bringing him home to bury him, and trying to deal with the reality that he's not coming through the door after another day in UL. Unbelievable, and my heart goes out to them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 17, 2016, 11:15:38 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on October 17, 2016, 09:15:50 AM
I couldn't believe it when I saw it yesterday, and I still find it hard to believe. People slag Munster about the 'liginds', but when we use the term, it is people like Anthony Foley we are referring to. The esteem he is held in down here is massive, and even when things were obviously not working out for him as coach, it was sadness and regret rather than anger and vitriol towards the man, because everyone loved him for what he did for Munster, and everyone recognised he was continuing to do the best he could for them.

I was up in Offaly yesterday, and driving down to Tipp yesterday evening, there were tears in my eyes when the lads on Newstalk played the clip of the Munster team singing Stand Up and Fight in the dressing room after one of their victories. It is obviously a sad, sad day for Munster, and for those of us who go to Thomond Park and are used to seeing him in the jersey or in the tracksuit, but the real tragedy is for a wife and young sons, a Mother and Father, Sisters, who were looking forward to seeing Munster play in France yesterday, and are now instead trying to deal with the logistics of bringing him home to bury him, and trying to deal with the reality that he's not coming through the door after another day in UL. Unbelievable, and my heart goes out to them.

Liam Toland: It was Anthony's intelligence that stood out most
He was a modest man who always let his achievements fly well below the radar
about 5 hours ago Updated: about 2 hours ago
Liam Toland
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Munster fans gathered outside the, Stade Yves-du-Manoir, to pay respects to Munster Rugby coach Anthony Foley, after news of his sudden death in France. Video: Racing 92
 
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The first time I played against Anthony 'Axel' Foley was in 1989. I was at number eight for St Clement's and Anthony was at number eight for St Munchin's. It was the mucky back pitch in the famous Munchin's where – I can't remember – we probably lost, but who cares.
In the horrible moments yesterday in Paris between being shocked and being stunned as the news was confirmed of Anthony's passing, that first game 27 years ago came flooding back to my memory. Even then, as a teenager, I was aware of who Anthony was. That it was a Foley of the famous Foleys of Killaloe, Shannon, Munster and Ireland I was marking, I was very much aware.
His father, the legendary All Blacks slayer Brendan; his mother Sheila, the warm bubbly and extremely generous and classy, classy lady; and then his sisters Rosie and Orla – all legends. Rosie, like the others, played for Ireland but, unsatisfied, went on to swim the English Channel. More have climbed Mount Everest than have swam the channel. What is it about this wonderful family that nothing appears impossible?
Anthony, like his family, was an achiever who had something far greater to give his community than his multiple caps, medals and trophies. Anthony was uniquely modest regarding these achievements, choosing for them to all flow well below the radar.
He'd never burden you with the three tries he scored against Biarritz in Thomond Park or that he could spin passes off both hands or drop kick off either foot as well as any international back.
He wouldn't talk about the time he welcomed England's Tim Rodber to Lansdowne Road when he won his first cap having just passed 21 years. Neither would he unload that it was he who hoisted the holy grail of the Heineken Cup over his head way back in 2006; it would never come up.

I recently played him in a round of golf in Shannon Golf Club (yes, Shannon) and that he beat me handsomely always energised him more; never the big stories.
Johannesburg
Our paths crossed and recrossed over the years; Munster Schools, Munster 20s, Munster Seniors, Irish 21s, Irish Students, Ireland A, Irish squads, which took us all over Europe and as far as Johannesburg and most recently as a Classic Lion to Australia in the recent Lions tour.
In Australia, as in South Africa and many other rugby locations, I roomed with him. I think of us stealing the double- bar electric heater from the university in Johannesburg as Irish students to keep us warm under the bulls wool blankets, or breaking into Mick Galwey's room in London after an 'A' game. And I think of a friendship that has endured for 27 years and I realise how little time we actually spent together over those passing years.
Months, even years, could fly by between meeting and yet we'd pick up every time as if we'd lived next door. It could've been months but like we did in Shannon Golf Club we'd firstly hug like young ones and then we'd get stuck in.
I've had cause over the years to ring him requesting this and that and without fuss he'd always oblige to the extent many who'd meet him in my company would remark how normal he was. What were you expecting?
With all he's achieved – husband to Olive, father to his two boys and legend within the game making him a national icon – sitting in Café du Stade as I was yesterday across from Stade Yves-du-Manoir I wondered what typified Anthony. Intelligence comes in many guises and Anthony was blessed to be bestowed with many of them.
But his ability to render what most of us complicate into the simplest, clearest, concise form of brilliance was his greatest gift, his greatest intelligence. A gift that was often underestimated by those too 'quick' to miss his subtle but brilliant message.
In the modern age of academies built on the back of personal-best bench presses etc, I'm not sure they've invented a measure or scale for intelligence, rugby intelligence. Anthony got his first cap over 25 years ago and after RWC 1995 he drifted out of favour for a while, recamping in Shannon and Munster, but a measure of the man was that in the end he amassed 62 Ireland caps and won the holy grail when other 'athletes' fell by the wayside.
Of course, my time in Leinster brought new meaning to our friendship. They had David Wallace, Alan Quinlan and Axel. We had Trevor Brennan, Victor Costello and me. Wally the freak, Quinny the athlete and Axel the what? Analysing Munster, I'd often focus on Wally for obvious reasons but Axel was a different matter. I never knew whether to hug him, kiss him or punch him. In hindsight, he would've deserved all three.
Thousands of miles away
In 2006 I was in Montevideo in Uruguay coaching Lansdowne when thousands of miles away Axel lifted that European trophy that eluded so many Munster greats. I was as proud and as happy as I've ever been when it was he who lifted it. For he, Anthony 'Axel' Foley, was everything you'd want your son, your brother, your father to be.
He was a true friend and one that not just I, but Killaloe, St Munchin's, Shannon, Munster, Ireland, the wonderful Foley family and his immediate family Olive and kids will miss terribly. I will miss him terribly. I'm so, so sad, and I know you are too.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on October 17, 2016, 02:06:53 PM
Very sad news, i don't know the man one bit but i loved that Munster team that he was such an integral part of.
Where did the Axel name come from?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on October 17, 2016, 02:07:17 PM
Axel Foley, Beverly Hills Cop
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on October 17, 2016, 02:15:56 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on October 17, 2016, 02:07:17 PM
Axel Foley, Beverly Hills Cop

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkthuYgK_ks (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkthuYgK_ks)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rrhf on October 17, 2016, 05:07:04 PM
Terrible for his family, friends and colleagues in Rugby.  Sad days for Munster.  RIP.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 17, 2016, 07:06:04 PM
Some of the tributes were beautiful. The respect from England  . The modesty. The attitude in defeat. It reminded me of Eamonn O' Shea. Uaisleacht.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 5 Sams on October 17, 2016, 10:41:19 PM
I know that a lot of lads on here wouldnt have much time for him...but I thought Billy did well today.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/munster-rugby/billy-keane-honest-fearless-loyal-and-funny-for-foley-it-was-never-about-me-always-about-us-35135768.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on October 18, 2016, 11:26:18 PM
http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2016/1018/825118-anthony-foley-funeral-arrangements/ (http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2016/1018/825118-anthony-foley-funeral-arrangements/)

Anthony Foley died of acute pulmonary oedema

Munster and Ireland rugby legend Anthony Foley died of an "acute pulmonary oedema", an autopsy has revealed.

According to the autopsy, the 42-year-old Foley "had a heart rhythm disorder that caused an acute pulmonary oedema", the Nanterre public prosecutor west of Paris told AFP.

Pulmonary oedema is a build-up of fluid in the lungs that can lead to respiratory failure.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: moysider on October 18, 2016, 11:49:45 PM
A virus could have triggered the heart rhythm disorder. I suspect Cormac McAnallen had something similar.
I had a heart rhythm disorder nearly 20 years ago. My episode affected the auricle chambers but if it had been the ventricles affected I would have been toast I was told at the time. That is what I was told anyway and they never figured out what caused it, though they were muttering about a virus that I may have picked up. I had been in Africa and I was quarantined for a couple of days and then let home when it settled down. Ran tests for 6 months and given all clear. A friend of mine died on a treadmill in a gym. He had an issue with an irregular heart beat but choose not to get a pacemaker. Very fit man with county medals and regular runner. There is no easy explanation for these things.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Asal Mor on October 22, 2016, 01:05:12 PM
Not generally a big fan of rugby or Sky, but their coverage from Thomond Park today has been powerful.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: SHEEDY on October 22, 2016, 01:21:14 PM
Quote from: Asal Mor on October 22, 2016, 01:05:12 PM
Not generally a big fan of rugby or Sky, but their coverage from Thomond Park today has been powerful.
very powerful and very emotional. Makes you proud to be Irish when you see the scenes from thomond park.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on October 22, 2016, 03:40:30 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on October 22, 2016, 01:21:14 PM
Quote from: Asal Mor on October 22, 2016, 01:05:12 PM
Not generally a big fan of rugby or Sky, but their coverage from Thomond Park today has been powerful.
very powerful and very emotional. Makes you proud to be Irish when you see the scenes from thomond park.
Fair play to Sky pitched exactly right.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 22, 2016, 08:32:37 PM
How long until Piatau qualified for Ireland?? ;) ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 5 Sams on October 22, 2016, 09:06:41 PM
Quote from: Asal Mor on October 22, 2016, 01:05:12 PM
Not generally a big fan of rugby or Sky, but their coverage from Thomond Park today has been powerful.
+1

Gaillimh was in bits.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Take Your Points on October 22, 2016, 10:18:14 PM
Very well respected minute silence in the Kingspan tonight followed by a great rendition of the Fields of Athenry by the Ulster fan. Spotted Ziggy at the game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on October 23, 2016, 12:02:55 AM
Quote from: Asal Mor on October 22, 2016, 01:05:12 PM
Not generally a big fan of rugby or Sky, but their coverage from Thomond Park today has been powerful.
I missed the pre game tributes live.  Sky tv and english sports media in general have fully participated  in appropriate  tributes to the premature passing of such a popular rugby  player/captain/coach/legend.
The game itself was a blast, Munster were Munster again and remorselessly pummeled the Glasgow team, as if to emphatically demonstrate  that this is what it was all about when Munster were in their prime.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 23, 2016, 10:00:08 AM
The way the Munster lads looked after Axel's 2 kids after the match was very touching. Duthracht. It's going to be hard for the family but there are a lot of good people to support them. Keith Wood did a great job organising the funeral.
When Gilles Villeneuve the F1 driver died in a crash it was either his manager or another driver who took over responsibility for the education of his young son, Jacques.   And he won the F1 in 97 I think.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ziggysego on October 23, 2016, 05:39:33 PM
Quote from: Take Your Points on October 22, 2016, 10:18:14 PM
Very well respected minute silence in the Kingspan tonight followed by a great rendition of the Fields of Athenry by the Ulster fan. Spotted Ziggy at the game.

Why didn't you come over and say hello? 😄
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Take Your Points on October 23, 2016, 06:27:13 PM
Just spotted you as we were going into Grandstand and you were moving away to another entrance. Called after you but had to move on in as a queue was forming. Checked at halftime where you might have been but you must have gone inside. Not to worry, was an exciting end and a great atmosphere.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ziggysego on October 23, 2016, 09:33:30 PM
Quote from: Take Your Points on October 23, 2016, 06:27:13 PM
Just spotted you as we were going into Grandstand and you were moving away to another entrance. Called after you but had to move on in as a queue was forming. Checked at halftime where you might have been but you must have gone inside. Not to worry, was an exciting end and a great atmosphere.

Ah yeah, the ticket told me the wrong place to enter the Grandstand,  so I was running around like a headless chicken lol Went in for a drink at half time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on October 24, 2016, 02:05:43 PM
https://twitter.com/i/moments/790537827138277376 (https://twitter.com/i/moments/790537827138277376)

Joe Schmidt staying till after the next World Cup.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on October 27, 2016, 03:18:39 AM
Anyone going to Chicago for New Zealand game?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on October 31, 2016, 04:14:42 PM
IRELAND HEAD COACH Joe Schmidt has trimmed his Ireland squad to 27 names for the trip to Chicago to meet New Zealand in Soldier Field on Saturday.
Having named a 34-man squad last week, Schmidt has opted to leave Sean O'Brien, Peter O'Mahony, Keith Earls, Iain Henderson, James Tracy, Luke Marshall and Paddy Jackson in Ireland this week.
Jackson's omission is for personal reasons, while Keith Earls is suspended and Iain Henderson injured.
The game seems to have come a little too soon for formidable back rows O'Brien and O'Mahony who are both only recently returned from long-term injury lay-offs.

Updated Ireland squad to face New Zealand in Chicago

Finlay Bealham (Buccaneers/Connacht)
Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster) captain
Joey Carbery (Clontarf/Leinster)*
Sean Cronin (St Marys/Leinster)
Ultan Dillane (Corinthians/Connacht)
Tadgh Furlong (Clontarf/Leinster)
Craig Gilroy (Ulster)
Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster)
Jamie Heaslip (Dublin University/Leinster) vice captain
Robbie Henshaw (Buccaneers/Leinster)
Billy Holland (Cork Constitution/Munster)*
Rob Kearney (UCD/Leinster)
Kieran Marmion (Buccaneers/Connacht)
Jack McGrath (St Marys/Leinster)
Luke McGrath (UCD/Leinster)*
Jordi Murphy (Lansdowne/Leinster)
Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster)
Jared Payne (Ulster)
Garry Ringrose (UCD/Leinster)*
Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster)
John Ryan (Cork Constitution/Munster)*
Jonathan Sexton (St Marys/Leinster)
CJ Stander (Munster)
Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster)
Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster)
Josh van der Flier (UCD/Leinster)
Simon Zebo (Cork Constitution/Munster)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on November 01, 2016, 09:25:33 AM
So... Paddy Jackson's "personal reasons"

Stuart Olding and Paddy Jackson interviewed over alleged sexual offences reported to police
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-37830983
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Take Your Points on November 01, 2016, 03:57:21 PM
Typical of the BBC and their sports reporters to put this out now allowing others to report it by referring to the BBC report.  Paddy Jackson has engaged Kevin Winters who will take no crap from the media.

http://krw-law.ie/patrick-jackson/ (http://krw-law.ie/patrick-jackson/)

Yet another example of why anonymity should be the law in such cases unless found guilty.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 01, 2016, 07:08:56 PM
More shame for West British rugby football.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 01, 2016, 07:53:58 PM
Aer Lingus for the NZ match
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=np7uG-TMcT0
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: snoopdog on November 01, 2016, 09:08:40 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 01, 2016, 07:53:58 PM
Aer Lingus for the NZ match
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=np7uG-TMcT0
Travelling to Chicago to watch a friendly? Sure it's on the box.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 01, 2016, 09:43:58 PM
Heaslip shortlisted for try of the year
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SVjJX6HYMM
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gawa316 on November 03, 2016, 06:22:01 PM
Chat of this Ringrose fella starting against the AB's.

What's the low down on him?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 03, 2016, 09:12:16 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on November 03, 2016, 06:22:01 PM
Chat of this Ringrose fella starting against the AB's.

What's the low down on him?

He's not starting. Schmidt going with tried and tested.

Ringrose is a serious talent though. Possibly the most gifted line breaker and runner we've produced since O'Driscoll.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rory on November 05, 2016, 09:00:09 PM
Great first half from Ireland. As poor as I've seen an all black team play. Waiting for the inevitable second half all black fight back and the heartbreaking try in the last minute to snatch victory away.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 05, 2016, 09:00:46 PM
f**k me that was possibly the best half of Irish Rugby ever!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on November 05, 2016, 09:02:56 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 05, 2016, 09:00:46 PM
f**k me that was possibly the best half of Irish Rugby ever!!

Agreed.  The running lines,  the defence,  the kicking.  New Zealand 'rattled'
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on November 05, 2016, 09:04:15 PM
Everybody calm the f**k down. After 2013 I refuse to let myself believe it'll happen so everyone just sssh and we'll see what happens.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 05, 2016, 09:04:52 PM
Ireland 25 New Zealand 8, If Ireland never beat the all-blacks the night they never beat them, lined out with half a team and no line out jumpers, and playing very poorly, Ireland on the other hand are on top form the night, should push on and win this but to be honest i never seen the all-blacks as bad ever!! We never beat new Zealand and to do in with them only breaking the longest run record would be fab, All good runs come to an end and they be beat sometime, might as well be by us  !!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on November 05, 2016, 09:05:12 PM
Beating the All Blacks is a two half affair.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 05, 2016, 09:06:24 PM
Quote from: gallsman on November 05, 2016, 09:04:15 PM
Everybody calm the f**k down. After 2013 I refuse to let myself believe it'll happen so everyone just dash and we'll see what happens.
The kings of the last minute try.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on November 05, 2016, 09:06:54 PM
Quote from: gallsman on November 05, 2016, 09:04:15 PM
Everybody calm the f**k down. After 2013 I refuse to let myself believe it'll happen so everyone just dash and we'll see what happens.

Agreed again!  Doesn't take much for us to lose the run of ourselves! Be a stressful 40 mins ahead that's for certain
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 05, 2016, 09:06:59 PM
2 Half affair, seriously New Zealand are not at the met the night,and tonight the night to beat them, cause they be full out in ireland next time
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 05, 2016, 09:07:44 PM
Just into the house. Any links?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 05, 2016, 09:08:09 PM
Ah I'm taking nothing for granted but was astonished by that first half performance totally committed to the game plan and brilliant accuracy.

Long long way to go!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 05, 2016, 09:11:05 PM
http://cricbox.tv/bt-sport-2-live-streaming
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ONeill on November 05, 2016, 09:12:51 PM
Is this how Mayo ones feel an hour before the All Ireland final?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on November 05, 2016, 09:13:07 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on November 05, 2016, 09:07:44 PM
Just into the house. Any links?

Crichd.com select BT Sport 2. Allegedly.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Thy Kingdom Come on November 05, 2016, 09:16:36 PM
Quote from: ONeill on November 05, 2016, 09:12:51 PM
Is this how Mayo ones feel an hour before the All Ireland final?

Is this the way Tyrone feel an hour before they play Mayo? :P
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ONeill on November 05, 2016, 09:18:35 PM
Too-Shay!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ONeill on November 05, 2016, 09:22:19 PM
New Zealand 13/8. Ireland 6/10.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on November 05, 2016, 09:25:07 PM
Commentators on eir are a pair o' wankers. Basically campaigning for Moody to get sent off. Tackle was fine.

f**king great score though!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 05, 2016, 09:33:11 PM
Ireland 30-15 New Zealand
Moala with early try for All Blacks, Moody yellow carded for dangerous tackle on Henshaw
Murphy and Stander with tries with All Blacks down to 14, Murray claims third try
Zebo and Perenara with second half tries
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on November 05, 2016, 09:35:37 PM
f**k f**k fuckity f**k
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ONeill on November 05, 2016, 09:35:53 PM
New Zealand were touching 4/1 after that Ireland try.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 05, 2016, 09:36:12 PM
Quote from: gallsman on November 05, 2016, 09:35:37 PM
f**k f**k fuckity f**k

Jaysus!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 05, 2016, 09:37:27 PM
🙈
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 05, 2016, 09:38:29 PM
G seriously they are not going to lose this from 22 points up, there all-blacks playing there i never even heard off before.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on November 05, 2016, 09:45:30 PM
Another soft try there. Will do well to hold on.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on November 05, 2016, 09:47:17 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on November 05, 2016, 09:38:29 PM
G seriously they are not going to lose this from 22 points up, there all-blacks playing there i never even heard off before.

Some f**king genius you are.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 05, 2016, 09:50:05 PM
I think it'll be even more impressive if they win from here than winning at a canter.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on November 05, 2016, 09:50:53 PM
Feck me the number of mistakes now is incredible
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 05, 2016, 09:51:40 PM
It's like playing Kilkenny
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 05, 2016, 09:54:29 PM
I've only seen the second half but the All Black's passing and handling is horrible. And they're still only a try away from a win.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Harold Disgracey on November 05, 2016, 09:59:54 PM
Get in!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 05, 2016, 10:01:09 PM

21:59
Try! (Henshaw 76) Ireland 38-New Zealand 29
77 mins: WOOOWWWWWWWWSSSEEEERRRRS!!!!! Heaslip breaks from the back of the scrum, runs the switch with Henshaw who forces his way over. Jesus wept!

Up Connacht
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 05, 2016, 10:02:40 PM
78 mins: New Zealand have the ball but it keeps going to ground. They're rattled and there is going to be no way back from this. New Zealand knock it on, give away the penalty and Ireland will cruise to victory – a first ever victory against the All Blacks in 111 years of trying.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Boycey on November 05, 2016, 10:03:25 PM
Great stuff... would it be too picky to wish this had happened in Dublin?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 05, 2016, 10:04:07 PM
29 attempts
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 05, 2016, 10:04:54 PM
80 mins: Carbery misses the penalty but it is not going to matter. Henshaw almost pounces on a loose ball for another try but it's a knock-on and a New Zealand scrum. There are seconds to go, the clock is red ... it's an Ireland penalty! And that's the full-time whistle!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: heganboy on November 05, 2016, 10:05:54 PM
Long time waiting to see that
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dougal Maguire on November 05, 2016, 10:06:01 PM
Yesssss
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on November 05, 2016, 10:06:08 PM
Unbelievable!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Harold Disgracey on November 05, 2016, 10:06:21 PM
Magnificent!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 05, 2016, 10:08:10 PM
Massive win, made up for 3 years ago. Hard to believe its a first time
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 05, 2016, 10:08:34 PM
Quote from: Boycey on November 05, 2016, 10:03:25 PM
Great stuff... would it be too picky to wish this had happened in Dublin?
Aye and against McCaw's All Blacks. It wouldn't be normal if the win wasn't taken begrudgingly. ;D

 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on November 05, 2016, 10:08:54 PM
Brilliant stuff in the last quarter. That's a  big fckin monkey  finally shoved off the back.
There's hope for Mayo in 2017.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 05, 2016, 10:10:38 PM
That was a f**king ballsy move off the second last scrum before our last try absolutely phenomenal.

Murray was out of this world, Stander, Heaslip, Henshaw, Best fuckit all of them were great first class stuff hopefully it can propel us to bigger things!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ashman on November 05, 2016, 10:11:27 PM
Quote from: Main Street on November 05, 2016, 10:08:54 PM
Brilliant stuff in the last quarter. That's a  big fckin monkey  finally shoved off the back.
There's hope for Mayo in 2017.

2016 : Hibs , Cubs , Ireland v NZ .  Mayo ??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 05, 2016, 10:11:41 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 05, 2016, 10:10:38 PM
That was a f**king ballsy move off the second last scrum before our last try absolutely phenomenal.

Murray was out of this world, Stander, Heaslip, Henshaw, Best fuckit all of them were great first class stuff hopefully it can propel us to bigger things!!
I wouldn't put a tenner on them for the 6 Nations.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Stallion on November 05, 2016, 10:11:51 PM
Seems to be mass hysteria over what is a meaninglesss friendly result at the end of the day.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on November 05, 2016, 10:15:17 PM
Quote from: Boycey on November 05, 2016, 10:03:25 PM
Great stuff... would it be too picky to wish this had happened in Dublin?

Yup. All Blacks will put 60 on them in D4 in a fortnight and nobody will give a shite!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Shamrock Shore on November 05, 2016, 10:16:14 PM
Quote from: The Stallion on November 05, 2016, 10:11:51 PM
Seems to be mass hysteria over what is a meaninglesss friendly result at the end of the day.

Nah. It's more than that. On that logic Munster in 78 doesn't count either
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Thy Kingdom Come on November 05, 2016, 10:18:35 PM
Quote from: The Stallion on November 05, 2016, 10:11:51 PM
Seems to be mass hysteria over what is a meaninglesss friendly result at the end of the day.

Ah, it's all a bit of fun! To my wife the Premiership is meaningless! Depends where you are looking from. Ba humbug!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on November 05, 2016, 10:20:19 PM
Quote from: Shamrock Shore on November 05, 2016, 10:16:14 PM
Quote from: The Stallion on November 05, 2016, 10:11:51 PM
Seems to be mass hysteria over what is a meaninglesss friendly result at the end of the day.

Nah. It's more than that. On that logic Munster in 78 doesn't count either
exactly

both pretty meaningless

I mean, Ireland even beat Brazil in soccer in 1987
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: BarryBreensBandage on November 05, 2016, 10:20:54 PM
Sean Fitzpatrick, Kiri te Kanawa, Sir Edmund Hillary, John Key, Helen Clark, Brent Pope, Jon Bloy, Martyn Templeton,
Richie McCaw, can you hear me? Richie McCaw, can you hear me?

Your boys took a hell of a beating! Your boys took a hell of a beating!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on November 05, 2016, 10:21:17 PM
For guys who take a lot of stick, I thought both Zebo and Trimble were absolutely outstanding. Zebo's catch was one of the best I've ever seen on a rugby pitch.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 05, 2016, 10:23:45 PM
Quote from: Shamrock Shore on November 05, 2016, 10:16:14 PM
Quote from: The Stallion on November 05, 2016, 10:11:51 PM
Seems to be mass hysteria over what is a meaninglesss friendly result at the end of the day.

Nah. It's more than that. On that logic Munster in 78 doesn't count either

Don't feed the troll!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 05, 2016, 10:23:53 PM
Huge psychological win. Knowing you can hold out for the last 5.
NZ have beaten Ireland and Wales so many times in the last 5 minutes.
They were good enough 3 years ago but they made one mistake too many.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=np7uG-TMcT0
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on November 05, 2016, 10:27:12 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 05, 2016, 10:10:38 PM
That was a f**king ballsy move off the second last scrum before our last try absolutely phenomenal.

Murray was out of this world, Stander, Heaslip, Henshaw, Best fuckit all of them were great first class stuff hopefully it can propel us to bigger things!!

Some incredible performances out there.   Some balls showed in the last 10 mins.  Zebos catch was the best I've seen.  Paddy Barnes just won there because his opponent lifted him up mid fight... All in all,  a mad amazing night of sport!  You couldn't beat it
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 05, 2016, 10:27:35 PM
It was a big tist

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVD8_S9tR-g
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on November 05, 2016, 10:30:04 PM
Quote from: gallsman on November 05, 2016, 10:21:17 PM
For guys who take a lot of stick, I thought both Zebo and Trimble were absolutely outstanding. Zebo's catch was one of the best I've ever seen on a rugby pitch.

Trimble rarely let's the jersey down.  He is brave beyond belief
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 05, 2016, 10:30:41 PM
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on November 05, 2016, 10:20:54 PM
Sean Fitzpatrick, Kiri te Kanawa, Sir Edmund Hillary, John Key, Helen Clark, Brent Pope, Jon Bloy, Martyn Templeton,
Richie McCaw, can you hear me? Richie McCaw, can you hear me?

Your boys took a hell of a beating! Your boys took a hell of a beating!
You forgot Sonny Bill Williams
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on November 05, 2016, 10:32:20 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on November 05, 2016, 10:30:04 PM
Quote from: gallsman on November 05, 2016, 10:21:17 PM
For guys who take a lot of stick, I thought both Zebo and Trimble were absolutely outstanding. Zebo's catch was one of the best I've ever seen on a rugby pitch.

Trimble rarely let's the jersey down.  He is brave beyond belief

Yup, but he's an easy target for people and has the occasional howler. He thought he was Mick O'Connell at one stage and made a mess of a high catch that he needlessly tried to take above his head but all is forgiven!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on November 05, 2016, 10:35:52 PM
Quote from: gallsman on November 05, 2016, 10:32:20 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on November 05, 2016, 10:30:04 PM
Quote from: gallsman on November 05, 2016, 10:21:17 PM
For guys who take a lot of stick, I thought both Zebo and Trimble were absolutely outstanding. Zebo's catch was one of the best I've ever seen on a rugby pitch.

Trimble rarely let's the jersey down.  He is brave beyond belief

Yup, but he's an easy target for people and has the occasional howler. He thought he was Mick O'Connell at one stage and made a mess of a high catch that he needlessly tried to take above his head but all is forgiven!
not enough cricket as a young lad
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ONeill on November 05, 2016, 10:37:28 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 05, 2016, 10:27:35 PM
It was a big tist

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVD8_S9tR-g

"Chicago. Is this a worthy city to hold an All Blacks test match?"
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on November 05, 2016, 10:37:37 PM
Quote from: The Stallion on November 05, 2016, 10:11:51 PM
Seems to be mass hysteria over what is a meaninglesss friendly result at the end of the day.

You clearly know f all. Great performance enjoyed that, never thought I would see it. Fair play to mobdro. :)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Stallion on November 05, 2016, 10:40:37 PM
Quote from: Shamrock Shore on November 05, 2016, 10:16:14 PM
Quote from: The Stallion on November 05, 2016, 10:11:51 PM
Seems to be mass hysteria over what is a meaninglesss friendly result at the end of the day.

Nah. It's more than that. On that logic Munster in 78 doesn't count either


Exactly, another nothing game. This will inevitably be followed up with another World Cup meltdown from Ireland
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ONeill on November 05, 2016, 10:43:17 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zb6phfU3epo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llJUh8DjNhw
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dougal Maguire on November 05, 2016, 10:49:28 PM
Quote from: The Stallion on November 05, 2016, 10:40:37 PM
Quote from: Shamrock Shore on November 05, 2016, 10:16:14 PM
Quote from: The Stallion on November 05, 2016, 10:11:51 PM
Seems to be mass hysteria over what is a meaninglesss friendly result at the end of the day.

Nah. It's more than that. On that logic Munster in 78 doesn't count either


Exactly, another nothing game. This will inevitably be followed up with another World Cup meltdown from Ireland
What motivates guys like you?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 05, 2016, 10:49:45 PM
Quote from: ONeill on November 05, 2016, 10:37:28 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 05, 2016, 10:27:35 PM
It was a big tist

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVD8_S9tR-g

"Chicago. Is this a worthy city to hold an All Blacks test match?"
They'll colour the poor river Green again
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 05, 2016, 10:50:45 PM
The New Zealand team are lucky. If they were Saudis they would be executed
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on November 05, 2016, 10:52:11 PM
Quote from: Dougal Maguire on November 05, 2016, 10:49:28 PM
Quote from: The Stallion on November 05, 2016, 10:40:37 PM
Quote from: Shamrock Shore on November 05, 2016, 10:16:14 PM
Quote from: The Stallion on November 05, 2016, 10:11:51 PM
Seems to be mass hysteria over what is a meaninglesss friendly result at the end of the day.

Nah. It's more than that. On that logic Munster in 78 doesn't count either


Exactly, another nothing game. This will inevitably be followed up with another World Cup meltdown from Ireland
What motivates guys like you?

Shortness of stature, a small penis and an overwhelmingly high opinion of their own intelligence, I imagine
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on November 05, 2016, 10:52:11 PM
Need to bring that lad with the violin to play irelands call at all matches. I never thought it was possible to butcher Ireland's call but it seems anything is possible in Chicago.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gawa316 on November 05, 2016, 10:54:15 PM
Where can you watch highlights of this?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Aaron Boone on November 05, 2016, 10:54:43 PM
Need to keep that intensity up for the Canada match next week.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on November 05, 2016, 10:57:13 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on November 05, 2016, 10:54:15 PM
Where can you watch highlights of this?

Here is about 6 mins on you tube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1a6gtYsw38
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 05, 2016, 11:00:57 PM
https://twitter.com/DanCarter/status/795025570564345856/photo/1
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: BarryBreensBandage on November 05, 2016, 11:04:01 PM
Conor Murray's tackle on Savea at the death said it all - to be focused enough to be there and win the scrum - super.
And the captain of the team that slayed the All Blacks coming from Poyntzpass - there is something class about that.
O'Driscoll, O'Connell, O'Gara, all said Best was the natural choice to take on the captaincy. He must be a great leader of men.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gawa316 on November 05, 2016, 11:06:24 PM
Quote from: dec on November 05, 2016, 10:57:13 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on November 05, 2016, 10:54:15 PM
Where can you watch highlights of this?

Here is about 6 mins on you tube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1a6gtYsw38

Cheers mate
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on November 05, 2016, 11:06:57 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 05, 2016, 11:00:57 PM
https://twitter.com/DanCarter/status/795025570564345856/photo/1

Very good!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gawa316 on November 05, 2016, 11:08:22 PM
So I've seen feck all rugby since I moved to the states.

Does this result have any significance on what lies ahead for us? Are we on a crest with serious talent coming through or is it just a one off?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 05, 2016, 11:11:39 PM
Holeeeeeeeeee sheeeeeeeeeeet!!!!!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 05, 2016, 11:17:17 PM
It's a fantastic day for Irish rugby. All the legends that didn't manage it.  Mike Gibson, Tony Ward, Ollie Campbell, the Kiernans,  Ginger McLoughlin, Ciaran Fitz, Simon Geoghegan, BOD, ROG etc. When Throne won in 2003 Peter Canavan spoke about all the ones who went  before him.   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NCH29cPQt4

Henshaw is class
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on November 05, 2016, 11:17:59 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on November 05, 2016, 11:08:22 PM
So I've seen feck all rugby since I moved to the states.

Does this result have any significance on what lies ahead for us? Are we on a crest with serious talent coming through or is it just a one off?
Yes, beating the all blacks after a  brilliant performance has absolutely no future significance, so much so  that we cannot enjoy the historical moment, because the historical moment has no significance by itself ::)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trueblue1234 on November 05, 2016, 11:21:23 PM
Quote from: Main Street on November 05, 2016, 11:17:59 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on November 05, 2016, 11:08:22 PM
So I've seen feck all rugby since I moved to the states.

Does this result have any significance on what lies ahead for us? Are we on a crest with serious talent coming through or is it just a one off?
Yes, beating the all blacks after a  brilliant performance has absolutely no future significance, so much so  that we cannot enjoy the historical moment, because the historical moment has no significance by itself ::)

f**k you are a dick.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gawa316 on November 05, 2016, 11:24:58 PM
Quote from: trueblue1234 on November 05, 2016, 11:21:23 PM
Quote from: Main Street on November 05, 2016, 11:17:59 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on November 05, 2016, 11:08:22 PM
So I've seen feck all rugby since I moved to the states.

Does this result have any significance on what lies ahead for us? Are we on a crest with serious talent coming through or is it just a one off?
Yes, beating the all blacks after a  brilliant performance has absolutely no future significance, so much so  that we cannot enjoy the historical moment, because the historical moment has no significance by itself ::)

f**k you are a dick.

Agreed
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 05, 2016, 11:26:18 PM
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on November 05, 2016, 11:04:01 PM
Conor Murray's tackle on Savea at the death said it all - to be focused enough to be there and win the scrum - super.
And the captain of the team that slayed the All Blacks coming from Poyntzpass - there is something class about that.
O'Driscoll, O'Connell, O'Gara, all said Best was the natural choice to take on the captaincy. He must be a great leader of men.
There is something very special about the whole island contributing and nobody making a song and dance about it .And the output being top notch.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: BarryBreensBandage on November 05, 2016, 11:34:12 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 05, 2016, 11:26:18 PM
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on November 05, 2016, 11:04:01 PM
Conor Murray's tackle on Savea at the death said it all - to be focused enough to be there and win the scrum - super.
And the captain of the team that slayed the All Blacks coming from Poyntzpass - there is something class about that.
O'Driscoll, O'Connell, O'Gara, all said Best was the natural choice to take on the captaincy. He must be a great leader of men.
There is something very special about the whole island contributing and nobody making a song and dance about it .And the output being top notch.

I could write an essay on it, but you hit the nail on the head in two sentences. GRMA.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on November 05, 2016, 11:34:55 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on November 05, 2016, 11:24:58 PM
Quote from: trueblue1234 on November 05, 2016, 11:21:23 PM
Quote from: Main Street on November 05, 2016, 11:17:59 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on November 05, 2016, 11:08:22 PM
So I've seen feck all rugby since I moved to the states.

Does this result have any significance on what lies ahead for us? Are we on a crest with serious talent coming through or is it just a one off?
Yes, beating the all blacks after a  brilliant performance has absolutely no future significance, so much so  that we cannot enjoy the historical moment, because the historical moment has no significance by itself ::)

f**k you are a dick.

Agreed
A díck agrees with a díck!!
I wonder what future significance that has or is it just a one off?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on November 05, 2016, 11:35:16 PM
Ireland for Sam
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trueblue1234 on November 05, 2016, 11:40:26 PM
Quote from: Main Street on November 05, 2016, 11:34:55 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on November 05, 2016, 11:24:58 PM
Quote from: trueblue1234 on November 05, 2016, 11:21:23 PM
Quote from: Main Street on November 05, 2016, 11:17:59 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on November 05, 2016, 11:08:22 PM
So I've seen feck all rugby since I moved to the states.

Does this result have any significance on what lies ahead for us? Are we on a crest with serious talent coming through or is it just a one off?
Yes, beating the all blacks after a  brilliant performance has absolutely no future significance, so much so  that we cannot enjoy the historical moment, because the historical moment has no significance by itself ::)

f**k you are a dick.

Agreed
A díck agrees with a díck!!
I wonder what future significance that has or is it just a one off?

I think you should tell us that Tony is a troll again. You provide a valuable service.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 05, 2016, 11:42:14 PM
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on November 05, 2016, 11:34:12 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 05, 2016, 11:26:18 PM
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on November 05, 2016, 11:04:01 PM
Conor Murray's tackle on Savea at the death said it all - to be focused enough to be there and win the scrum - super.
And the captain of the team that slayed the All Blacks coming from Poyntzpass - there is something class about that.
O'Driscoll, O'Connell, O'Gara, all said Best was the natural choice to take on the captaincy. He must be a great leader of men.
There is something very special about the whole island contributing and nobody making a song and dance about it .And the output being top notch.

I could write an essay on it, but you hit the nail on the head in two sentences. GRMA.
TFR

It is a sign of what is possible
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gawa316 on November 06, 2016, 12:17:07 AM
Quote from: Main Street on November 05, 2016, 11:17:59 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on November 05, 2016, 11:08:22 PM
So I've seen feck all rugby since I moved to the states.

Does this result have any significance on what lies ahead for us? Are we on a crest with serious talent coming through or is it just a one off?
Yes, beating the all blacks after a  brilliant performance has absolutely no future significance, so much so  that we cannot enjoy the historical moment, because the historical moment has no significance by itself ::)

So there's no chance it is a one off? Ye know when an underdog pulls off a shock result
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 06, 2016, 12:25:14 AM
Quote from: gawa316 on November 06, 2016, 12:17:07 AM
Quote from: Main Street on November 05, 2016, 11:17:59 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on November 05, 2016, 11:08:22 PM
So I've seen feck all rugby since I moved to the states.

Does this result have any significance on what lies ahead for us? Are we on a crest with serious talent coming through or is it just a one off?
Yes, beating the all blacks after a  brilliant performance has absolutely no future significance, so much so  that we cannot enjoy the historical moment, because the historical moment has no significance by itself ::)

So there's no chance it is a one off? Ye know when an underdog pulls off a shock result
Ignore him. There is every chance it was an anomaly against a poor All Blacks side. Hopefully not.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 06, 2016, 12:47:35 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on November 06, 2016, 12:25:14 AM
Quote from: gawa316 on November 06, 2016, 12:17:07 AM
Quote from: Main Street on November 05, 2016, 11:17:59 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on November 05, 2016, 11:08:22 PM
So I've seen feck all rugby since I moved to the states.

Does this result have any significance on what lies ahead for us? Are we on a crest with serious talent coming through or is it just a one off?
Yes, beating the all blacks after a  brilliant performance has absolutely no future significance, so much so  that we cannot enjoy the historical moment, because the historical moment has no significance by itself ::)

So there's no chance it is a one off? Ye know when an underdog pulls off a shock result
Ignore him. There is every chance it was an anomaly against a poor All Blacks side. Hopefully not.

Jesus the victory is only a few hours old lads could we nit wait a day at least until we pour cold water on it??

There is a chance its a one off but it shows that in a one off match we can compete/beat the best in the world. The squad has more depth than ever now and when that last defeat was always in the back of the mind it's gone and what's left is the fact they all pulled off an historic win.

Henderson, O'Brien, O'Mahony all to come in as well somewhere hopefully its the start of something rather than the end!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on November 06, 2016, 04:46:55 AM
Quote from: gallsman on November 05, 2016, 10:21:17 PM
For guys who take a lot of stick, I thought both Zebo and Trimble were absolutely outstanding. Zebo's catch was one of the best I've ever seen on a rugby pitch.

One of the best I've seen on any pitch to be honest. It was ridiculous.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 06, 2016, 07:26:26 AM
The next match is interesting in terms of the power dynamics

I hope it's not like Galway /Kilkenny just before the 4 in a row

The audacious win https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKBVeaqxKy4
The Empire strikes back https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDKa66XBAuw

Depends how NZ see it. Are they as vindictive as Cody ? They might also think World Cup is different. What was that phrase? Grace under pressure.

They also have the power over Wales
Since the last loss (19 December 1953) New Zealand have won 25[1] encounters and Wales winning 0.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: DrinkingHarp on November 06, 2016, 07:53:11 AM
Quote from: screenexile on November 06, 2016, 12:47:35 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on November 06, 2016, 12:25:14 AM
Quote from: gawa316 on November 06, 2016, 12:17:07 AM
Quote from: Main Street on November 05, 2016, 11:17:59 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on November 05, 2016, 11:08:22 PM
So I've seen feck all rugby since I moved to the states.

Does this result have any significance on what lies ahead for us? Are we on a crest with serious talent coming through or is it just a one off?
Yes, beating the all blacks after a  brilliant performance has absolutely no future significance, so much so  that we cannot enjoy the historical moment, because the historical moment has no significance by itself ::)

So there's no chance it is a one off? Ye know when an underdog pulls off a shock result
Ignore him. There is every chance it was an anomaly against a poor All Blacks side. Hopefully not.

Jesus the victory is only a few hours old lads could we nit wait a day at least until we pour cold water on it??

There is a chance its a one off but it shows that in a one off match we can compete/beat the best in the world. The squad has more depth than ever now and when that last defeat was always in the back of the mind it's gone and what's left is the fact they all pulled off an historic win.

Henderson, O'Brien, O'Mahony all to come in as well somewhere hopefully its the start of something rather than the end!

Talking about cynical? Can you not just enjoy a win?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 06, 2016, 08:16:19 AM
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/nov/06/steve-hansen-praises-ireland-efforts-first-win-all-blacks

"They certainly learned how to close it," Hansen said. "And when we had to put Ardie on the wing I thought they played really smart: they went into his zone. It was smart play by them, and credit to them for that.
"People will say 'Oh, you were missing two locks,' but we haven't got any excuses. We were just beaten by a better side on the day. That happens when you play good sides. And we've been saying for quite some time they're a good team."

The day had started for Ireland with a unique set-up to face the haka. The Ireland players formed a figure eight to remember Munster's Anthony Foley, who died last month.
"It was the national team's first time together since his passing, so we felt that it was the right thing to do," Best said.
"And then to put the Munster boys at the front of that figure eight – that just felt like the right thing as well. It was our way as an Irish national team to show a mark of respect to Axel and his family."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llJUh8DjNhw
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on November 06, 2016, 08:17:42 AM
For f**k sake, he specifically stated that he hasn't seen much rugby recently and queried where it came from, i.e. have we unearthed new talent or have we seen a significant upturn in our level of performance or was it likely to be a one off magnificent moment. A perfectly legitimate question ffs. Nobody's pouring cold water on or downplaying anything.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on November 06, 2016, 09:34:37 AM
Pity we didn't have Indiana here in the build up lecturing us about how Ireland were light years behind the Southern Hemisphere and predicting the mother and father of all beatings
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on November 06, 2016, 10:09:14 AM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on November 06, 2016, 09:34:37 AM
Pity we didn't have Indiana here in the build up lecturing us about how Ireland were light years behind the Southern Hemisphere and predicting the mother and father of all beatings

In fairness, most of the conventional wisdom pointed to that beating.

Anyone know if the match is being repeated on "normal" TV anytime soon? The da didn't get to see it and wouldn't have a clue how to go about doing so.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Jim Bob on November 06, 2016, 10:30:58 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on November 05, 2016, 09:07:44 PM
Just into the house. Any links?

Yes.  BT sports tightarse
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dougal Maguire on November 06, 2016, 10:48:50 AM
Quote from: gallsman on November 06, 2016, 08:17:42 AM
For f**k sake, he specifically stated that he hasn't seen much rugby recently and queried where it came from, i.e. have we unearthed new talent or have we seen a significant upturn in our level of performance or was it likely to be a one off magnificent moment. A perfectly legitimate question ffs. Nobody's pouring hold water on or downplaying anything.
I too was surprised at the reaction to his post, which, unlike The Stallion's, seemed pretty reasonable to me.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Minder on November 06, 2016, 11:16:46 AM
Quote from: Dougal Maguire on November 06, 2016, 10:48:50 AM
Quote from: gallsman on November 06, 2016, 08:17:42 AM
For f**k sake, he specifically stated that he hasn't seen much rugby recently and queried where it came from, i.e. have we unearthed new talent or have we seen a significant upturn in our level of performance or was it likely to be a one off magnificent moment. A perfectly legitimate question ffs. Nobody's pouring hold water on or downplaying anything.
I too was surprised at the reaction to his post, which, unlike The Stallion's, seemed pretty reasonable to me.

In fairness to Main Street he is consistent and goes out of his way to be awkward.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RealSpiritof98 on November 06, 2016, 11:54:48 AM
i came on to see a bunch of happy posts from our Rugby folk to cheer up this sunday hangover, i will quietly leave the room. There is some shocking stuff on here nowadays
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 11:56:46 AM
What competition was this in, lads?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Boycey on November 06, 2016, 12:02:38 PM
Quote from: RealSpiritof98 on November 06, 2016, 11:54:48 AM
i came on to see a bunch of happy posts from our Rugby folk to cheer up this sunday hangover, i will quietly leave the room. There is some shocking stuff on here nowadays

It's wouldn't be fair now if the pettiness was confined to the GAA and soccer threads would it?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Stallion on November 06, 2016, 12:10:08 PM
At the risk of being wrongly accused of trolling, I just don't understand why this friendly victory is being hailed as the best Irish rugby result ever in some quarters.

It's nice that they've finally beaten New Zealand, but the scenes which have greeted a friendly victory over a team with bigger fish to fry have been frankly baffling. I didn't see this sort of reaction when Ireland won a game at the World Cup, which to me is a much more significant acheivement.

Again, not trolling, just bewildered by the reactions in some quarters. Well done to the Irish players on winning a friendly and beating New Zealand for the first time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 12:19:22 PM
Quote from: The Stallion on November 06, 2016, 12:10:08 PM
At the risk of being wrongly accused of trolling, I just don't understand why this friendly victory is being hailed as the best Irish rugby result ever in some quarters.

It's nice that they've finally beaten New Zealand, but the scenes which have greeted a friendly victory over a team with bigger fish to fry have been frankly baffling. I didn't see this sort of reaction when Ireland won a game at the World Cup, which to me is a much more significant acheivement.

Again, not trolling, just bewildered by the reactions in some quarters. Well done to the Irish players on winning a friendly and beating New Zealand for the first time.

Possibly because Ireland have never won a knockout game in a World Cup despite the fact only 8 countries take it seriously. They are the only country out of the 8 countries to take it seriously who have never won a knockout game in the World Cup.

Ergo, Irish rugby is shit so it doesn't take a lot for it to be great.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on November 06, 2016, 12:41:21 PM
How many imports on that Ireland team?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lenny on November 06, 2016, 12:54:53 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 11:56:46 AM
What competition was this in, lads?

Okay we get it, rugby isn't your thing. Just let the rest of us enjoy an incredible, historic victory for an Irish side. It was a test match which means it meant a lot to both teams. Other sports don't have an equivalent type of contest apart from maybe cricket. The adminiration of the Irish performance from the British press and the press down under shows the quality and level of performance delivered. For an Irish side to beat arguably the greatest side ever in any sport makes me feel really proud and should make everyone feel proud and elated.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dougal Maguire on November 06, 2016, 01:19:33 PM
I'm at a loss to understand what motivates these begrudgers and what satisfaction they get from posting what they do. It's akin to the wicked witch coming to the wedding to tell the bride and groom they shouldn't be happy because in 50 years time they'll be dead
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 06, 2016, 01:22:09 PM
https://twitter.com/Gordonwdarcy/status/795064789827485696
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 06, 2016, 01:25:22 PM
Matt Williams ‏@MattRCNM  11 h


Ding dong the witch is dead! About time Ireland beat NZ.Dont write a play about it.Just keep beating NZ.Wonderful Irish performance
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 06, 2016, 01:28:24 PM
What competition was it?
Matt Williams ‏@MattRCNM  22 oct.
NZ are simply brilliant. They do the simple things perfectly. They can put on 20 points in the last 10 min.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 06, 2016, 01:41:33 PM
Friendly or not as some say, or NZ missing certain big players, its important as we had done it before, and this team depleted or not, has just made the record for 18 straight wins.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: foxcommander on November 06, 2016, 01:43:53 PM
Not that I pay much attention to the sport but congratulations to Ireland on beating New Zealand and winning the rugby world cup.
I didn't even know it was on.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 01:49:58 PM
Test Rugby is a bit more serious then a standard International soccer friendly. New Zealand were unbeaten in 2016 ,and pissed off with their performance.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: PW Nally on November 06, 2016, 02:11:59 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 01:49:58 PM
Test Rugby is a bit more serious then a standard International soccer friendly. New Zealand were unbeaten in 2016 ,and pissed off with their performance.
Congrats to Ireland on breaking their duck.

In all seriousness, can you explain to me the difference between a friendly soccer international and a test international?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 04:00:46 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 06, 2016, 12:54:53 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 11:56:46 AM
What competition was this in, lads?

Okay we get it, rugby isn't your thing. Just let the rest of us enjoy an incredible, historic victory for an Irish side. It was a test match which means it meant a lot to both teams. Other sports don't have an equivalent type of contest apart from maybe cricket. The adminiration of the Irish performance from the British press and the press down under shows the quality and level of performance delivered. For an Irish side to beat arguably the greatest side ever in any sport makes me feel really proud and should make everyone feel proud and elated.

That's fine and well but it doesn't answer my question.

What competition was this game in?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 04:02:20 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 01:49:58 PM
Test Rugby is a bit more serious then a standard International soccer friendly. New Zealand were unbeaten in 2016 ,and pissed off with their performance.

Test Rugby?

Is this the sport that 8 countries take (somewhat) seriously?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: snoopdog on November 06, 2016, 04:15:26 PM
Historically we won a friendly. Yipee yipee.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 06, 2016, 04:26:37 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 04:02:20 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 01:49:58 PM
Test Rugby is a bit more serious then a standard International soccer friendly. New Zealand were unbeaten in 2016 ,and pissed off with their performance.

Test Rugby?

Is this the sport that 8 countries take (somewhat) seriously?

zzzz obviously you don't take it seriously so why even bother posting?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lenny on November 06, 2016, 04:29:27 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 04:02:20 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 01:49:58 PM
Test Rugby is a bit more serious then a standard International soccer friendly. New Zealand were unbeaten in 2016 ,and pissed off with their performance.

Test Rugby?

Is this the sport that 8 countries take (somewhat) seriously?

Some people get their knickers in a twist about American football but only one country takes it seriously. The same could be said for gaa and Aussie rules. Rugby union is pretty global compared to most sports.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 04:40:35 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 06, 2016, 04:26:37 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 04:02:20 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 01:49:58 PM
Test Rugby is a bit more serious then a standard International soccer friendly. New Zealand were unbeaten in 2016 ,and pissed off with their performance.

Test Rugby?

Is this the sport that 8 countries take (somewhat) seriously?

zzzz obviously you don't take it seriously so why even bother posting?

I don't.

I'm aghast at the level of attention this is getting so I'm enquiring into the competition they won or have progressed in but I'm being met with a wall of silence and irrelevant answers.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 04:41:34 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 06, 2016, 04:29:27 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 04:02:20 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 01:49:58 PM
Test Rugby is a bit more serious then a standard International soccer friendly. New Zealand were unbeaten in 2016 ,and pissed off with their performance.

Test Rugby?

Is this the sport that 8 countries take (somewhat) seriously?

Some people get their knickers in a twist about American football but only one country takes it seriously. The same could be said for gaa and Aussie rules. Rugby union is pretty global compared to most sports.

Generally there is some level of competition though.

What competition was yesterday's game in?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 06, 2016, 04:47:47 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 04:00:46 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 06, 2016, 12:54:53 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 11:56:46 AM
What competition was this in, lads?

Okay we get it, rugby isn't your thing. Just let the rest of us enjoy an incredible, historic victory for an Irish side. It was a test match which means it meant a lot to both teams. Other sports don't have an equivalent type of contest apart from maybe cricket. The adminiration of the Irish performance from the British press and the press down under shows the quality and level of performance delivered. For an Irish side to beat arguably the greatest side ever in any sport makes me feel really proud and should make everyone feel proud and elated.

That's fine and well but it doesn't answer my question.

What competition was this game in?
the McKenna cup
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 04:50:57 PM
November test Internationals, played every year. Southern Hemisphere teams play 3 tests against the Northern Hemisphere teams.

Northern hemisphere teams tour the Southern hemisphere during the summer. Pretty rare a team from the South is beaten on home soil
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 06, 2016, 04:52:29 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 04:02:20 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 01:49:58 PM
Test Rugby is a bit more serious then a standard International soccer friendly. New Zealand were unbeaten in 2016 ,and pissed off with their performance.

Test Rugby?

Is this the sport that 8 countries take (somewhat) seriously?
how many serious GF teams this year  3
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 05:01:56 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 04:50:57 PM
November test Internationals, played every year. Southern Hemisphere teams play 3 tests against the Northern Hemisphere teams.

Northern hemisphere teams tour the Southern hemisphere during the summer. Pretty rare a team from the South is beaten on home soil

What competition is it?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 06, 2016, 05:25:53 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 05:01:56 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 04:50:57 PM
November test Internationals, played every year. Southern Hemisphere teams play 3 tests against the Northern Hemisphere teams.

Northern hemisphere teams tour the Southern hemisphere during the summer. Pretty rare a team from the South is beaten on home soil

What competition is it?
the international cap  series.
You get caps for these matches. You get caps for 6N
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: OgraAnDun on November 06, 2016, 05:27:18 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 05:01:56 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 04:50:57 PM
November test Internationals, played every year. Southern Hemisphere teams play 3 tests against the Northern Hemisphere teams.

Northern hemisphere teams tour the Southern hemisphere during the summer. Pretty rare a team from the South is beaten on home soil

What competition is it?

Are you incapable of reading?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GaillimhIarthair on November 06, 2016, 05:29:55 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 05:01:56 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 04:50:57 PM
November test Internationals, played every year. Southern Hemisphere teams play 3 tests against the Northern Hemisphere teams.

Northern hemisphere teams tour the Southern hemisphere during the summer. Pretty rare a team from the South is beaten on home soil

What competition is it?
Raeburn Shield
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 05:38:58 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on November 06, 2016, 05:27:18 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 05:01:56 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 04:50:57 PM
November test Internationals, played every year. Southern Hemisphere teams play 3 tests against the Northern Hemisphere teams.

Northern hemisphere teams tour the Southern hemisphere during the summer. Pretty rare a team from the South is beaten on home soil

What competition is it?

Are you incapable of reading?

I'm capable of reading alright but that's not a competition.

Now what competition did the West British rugby team win a game in yesterday?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 06, 2016, 05:41:31 PM
Fair play to Ireland that was some performance.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on November 06, 2016, 05:49:11 PM
When did they invent the November test series?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: OgraAnDun on November 06, 2016, 05:52:13 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 05:38:58 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on November 06, 2016, 05:27:18 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 05:01:56 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 04:50:57 PM
November test Internationals, played every year. Southern Hemisphere teams play 3 tests against the Northern Hemisphere teams.

Northern hemisphere teams tour the Southern hemisphere during the summer. Pretty rare a team from the South is beaten on home soil

What competition is it?

Are you incapable of reading?

I'm capable of reading alright but that's not a competition.

Now what competition did the West British rugby team win a game in yesterday?

Your republican and the true Gael credentials have been boosted greatly by your valiant and patriotic use of the term 'West British rugby team'. Pearse would be proud, as 100 years after his death people still rail against the scoundrels he wrote about in Mise Éire by rubbishing the achievements of a 32 county sports team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 05:57:57 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on November 06, 2016, 05:52:13 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 05:38:58 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on November 06, 2016, 05:27:18 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 05:01:56 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 04:50:57 PM
November test Internationals, played every year. Southern Hemisphere teams play 3 tests against the Northern Hemisphere teams.

Northern hemisphere teams tour the Southern hemisphere during the summer. Pretty rare a team from the South is beaten on home soil

What competition is it?

Are you incapable of reading?

I'm capable of reading alright but that's not a competition.

Now what competition did the West British rugby team win a game in yesterday?

Your republican and the true Gael credentials have been boosted greatly by your valiant and patriotic use of the term 'West British rugby team'. Pearse would be proud, as 100 years after his death people still rail against the scoundrels he wrote about in Mise Éire by rubbishing the achievements of a 32 county sports team.

I'm sure his heart would be filled with joy listening to a pub song written by the son of a peeler being used instead of the national anthem in a game played almost solely by ex commonwealth nations.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: OgraAnDun on November 06, 2016, 06:02:51 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 05:57:57 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on November 06, 2016, 05:52:13 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 05:38:58 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on November 06, 2016, 05:27:18 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 05:01:56 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 04:50:57 PM
November test Internationals, played every year. Southern Hemisphere teams play 3 tests against the Northern Hemisphere teams.

Northern hemisphere teams tour the Southern hemisphere during the summer. Pretty rare a team from the South is beaten on home soil

What competition is it?

Are you incapable of reading?

I'm capable of reading alright but that's not a competition.

Now what competition did the West British rugby team win a game in yesterday?

Your republican and the true Gael credentials have been boosted greatly by your valiant and patriotic use of the term 'West British rugby team'. Pearse would be proud, as 100 years after his death people still rail against the scoundrels he wrote about in Mise Éire by rubbishing the achievements of a 32 county sports team.

I'm sure his heart would be filled with joy listening to a pub song written by the son of a peeler being used instead of the national anthem in a game played almost solely by ex commonwealth nations.

I hate that piece of rubbish myself but it's not a valid reason to completely rubbish the achievements of the team. The game clearly has importance, it's hardly a club pre-season challenge match on a wet February evening.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:06:05 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on November 06, 2016, 06:02:51 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 05:57:57 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on November 06, 2016, 05:52:13 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 05:38:58 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on November 06, 2016, 05:27:18 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 05:01:56 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 04:50:57 PM
November test Internationals, played every year. Southern Hemisphere teams play 3 tests against the Northern Hemisphere teams.

Northern hemisphere teams tour the Southern hemisphere during the summer. Pretty rare a team from the South is beaten on home soil

What competition is it?

Are you incapable of reading?

I'm capable of reading alright but that's not a competition.

Now what competition did the West British rugby team win a game in yesterday?

Your republican and the true Gael credentials have been boosted greatly by your valiant and patriotic use of the term 'West British rugby team'. Pearse would be proud, as 100 years after his death people still rail against the scoundrels he wrote about in Mise Éire by rubbishing the achievements of a 32 county sports team.

I'm sure his heart would be filled with joy listening to a pub song written by the son of a peeler being used instead of the national anthem in a game played almost solely by ex commonwealth nations.

I hate that piece of rubbish myself but it's not a valid reason to completely rubbish the achievements of the team. The game clearly has importance, it's hardly a club pre-season challenge match on a wet February evening.

It's not far off.

It's only a match and nothing more which is why I can't understand the fuss over the result.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lenny on November 06, 2016, 06:08:27 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 05:01:56 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 04:50:57 PM
November test Internationals, played every year. Southern Hemisphere teams play 3 tests against the Northern Hemisphere teams.

Northern hemisphere teams tour the Southern hemisphere during the summer. Pretty rare a team from the South is beaten on home soil

What competition is it?

It was a test match. That's the beauty of international rugby, every test match is an event in itself. It isn't so insecure that it needs to be a "competition". These matches have been going on for over 100 years so they have that historical context and everyone who is interested is aware of their importance. You have obviously chosen to ignore that context and haven't developed an interest and that's fair enough. Most Irish sports people were enthralled and exhilarated watching the game last night given that we had just beaten arguably the greatest sports team ever after 111 years of trying.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on November 06, 2016, 06:10:43 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 06, 2016, 06:08:27 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 05:01:56 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 04:50:57 PM
November test Internationals, played every year. Southern Hemisphere teams play 3 tests against the Northern Hemisphere teams.

Northern hemisphere teams tour the Southern hemisphere during the summer. Pretty rare a team from the South is beaten on home soil

What competition is it?

It was a test match. That's the beauty of international rugby, every test match is an event in itself. It isn't so insecure that it needs to be a "competition". These matches have been going on for over 100 years so they have that historical context and everyone who is interested is aware of their importance. You have obviously chosen to ignore that context and haven't developed an interest and that's fair enough. Most Irish sports people were enthralled and exhilarated watching the game last night given that we had just beaten arguably the greatest sports team ever after 111 years of trying.

Happy we won but the point above is correct. it's a friendly. Ireland won't NZ in the Wc when it counts
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:13:56 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 06, 2016, 06:08:27 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 05:01:56 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 04:50:57 PM
November test Internationals, played every year. Southern Hemisphere teams play 3 tests against the Northern Hemisphere teams.

Northern hemisphere teams tour the Southern hemisphere during the summer. Pretty rare a team from the South is beaten on home soil

What competition is it?

It was a test match. That's the beauty of international rugby, every test match is an event in itself. It isn't so insecure that it needs to be a "competition". These matches have been going on for over 100 years so they have that historical context and everyone who is interested is aware of their importance. You have obviously chosen to ignore that context and haven't developed an interest and that's fair enough. Most Irish sports people were enthralled and exhilarated watching the game last night given that we had just beaten arguably the greatest sports team ever after 111 years of trying.

An irrelevant answer to the question put forward.

What competition was it in? There seems to be an opposition to call the game for the non-competitive event that it was.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lenny on November 06, 2016, 06:18:29 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:13:56 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 06, 2016, 06:08:27 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 05:01:56 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 04:50:57 PM
November test Internationals, played every year. Southern Hemisphere teams play 3 tests against the Northern Hemisphere teams.

Northern hemisphere teams tour the Southern hemisphere during the summer. Pretty rare a team from the South is beaten on home soil

What competition is it?

It was a test match. That's the beauty of international rugby, every test match is an event in itself. It isn't so insecure that it needs to be a "competition". These matches have been going on for over 100 years so they have that historical context and everyone who is interested is aware of their importance. You have obviously chosen to ignore that context and haven't developed an interest and that's fair enough. Most Irish sports people were enthralled and exhilarated watching the game last night given that we had just beaten arguably the greatest sports team ever after 111 years of trying.

An irrelevant answer to the question put forward.

What competition was it in? There seems to be an opposition to call the game for the non-competitive event that it was.

That's a completely irrelevant response to my perfectly relevant answer.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:22:35 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 06, 2016, 06:18:29 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:13:56 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 06, 2016, 06:08:27 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 05:01:56 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 04:50:57 PM
November test Internationals, played every year. Southern Hemisphere teams play 3 tests against the Northern Hemisphere teams.

Northern hemisphere teams tour the Southern hemisphere during the summer. Pretty rare a team from the South is beaten on home soil

What competition is it?

It was a test match. That's the beauty of international rugby, every test match is an event in itself. It isn't so insecure that it needs to be a "competition". These matches have been going on for over 100 years so they have that historical context and everyone who is interested is aware of their importance. You have obviously chosen to ignore that context and haven't developed an interest and that's fair enough. Most Irish sports people were enthralled and exhilarated watching the game last night given that we had just beaten arguably the greatest sports team ever after 111 years of trying.

An irrelevant answer to the question put forward.

What competition was it in? There seems to be an opposition to call the game for the non-competitive event that it was.

That's a completely irrelevant response to my perfectly relevant answer.

Your answer is irrelevant as I enquired about what competition it was part of and you responded with a meandering waffle about some non-competition without addressing the question?

What competition was it in or was it in fact a non-competitive game?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on November 06, 2016, 06:27:24 PM
I have to laugh at these ones that don't like rugby (which they have every right it's not everyone's cup of tea) are the ones getting most annoyed at this victory. If you don't like something just don't pass any remarks on it instead of getting a wee kick in your life by winding people up on a discussion forum. But whatever floats your boat I guess. . .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:30:50 PM
Quote from: square_ball on November 06, 2016, 06:27:24 PM
I have to laugh at these ones that don't like rugby (which they have every right it's not everyone's cup of tea) are the ones getting most annoyed at this victory. If you don't like something just don't pass any remarks on it instead of getting a wee kick in your life by winding people up on a discussion forum. But whatever floats your boat I guess. . .

I find it odd that people are celebrating winning a non-competitive game like they have won the World Cup. I have to laugh at these people who treat the result as some sort of seismic moment in their sport, maybe it's telling of what matters in a niche game. A proper sport would not have an eyelid batted at such a trivial matter.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on November 06, 2016, 06:35:44 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:06:05 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on November 06, 2016, 06:02:51 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 05:57:57 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on November 06, 2016, 05:52:13 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 05:38:58 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on November 06, 2016, 05:27:18 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 05:01:56 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 04:50:57 PM
November test Internationals, played every year. Southern Hemisphere teams play 3 tests against the Northern Hemisphere teams.

Northern hemisphere teams tour the Southern hemisphere during the summer. Pretty rare a team from the South is beaten on home soil

What competition is it?

Are you incapable of reading?

I'm capable of reading alright but that's not a competition.

Now what competition did the West British rugby team win a game in yesterday?

Your republican and the true Gael credentials have been boosted greatly by your valiant and patriotic use of the term 'West British rugby team'. Pearse would be proud, as 100 years after his death people still rail against the scoundrels he wrote about in Mise Éire by rubbishing the achievements of a 32 county sports team.

I'm sure his heart would be filled with joy listening to a pub song written by the son of a peeler being used instead of the national anthem in a game played almost solely by ex commonwealth nations.

I hate that piece of rubbish myself but it's not a valid reason to completely rubbish the achievements of the team. The game clearly has importance, it's hardly a club pre-season challenge match on a wet February evening.

It's not far off.

It's only a match and nothing more which is why I can't understand the fuss over the result.

Ach dry your eyes ffs. Ask the wife / husband / partner for a bit of attention and stay clear of a thread you've no interest in.  Job done
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on November 06, 2016, 06:36:02 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:30:50 PM
Quote from: square_ball on November 06, 2016, 06:27:24 PM
I have to laugh at these ones that don't like rugby (which they have every right it's not everyone's cup of tea) are the ones getting most annoyed at this victory. If you don't like something just don't pass any remarks on it instead of getting a wee kick in your life by winding people up on a discussion forum. But whatever floats your boat I guess. . .

I find it odd that people are celebrating winning a non-competitive game like they have won the World Cup. I have to laugh at these people who treat the result as some sort of seismic moment in their sport, maybe it's telling of what matters in a niche game. A proper sport would not have an eyelid batted at such a trivial matter.

Why you getting so wound up about it for? You seem awfully annoyed at a sport you don't like. I don't like cricket or hurling or golf so I don't really pay that much remarks on what's happening in those sports.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:37:30 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on November 06, 2016, 06:35:44 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:06:05 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on November 06, 2016, 06:02:51 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 05:57:57 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on November 06, 2016, 05:52:13 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 05:38:58 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on November 06, 2016, 05:27:18 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 05:01:56 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 04:50:57 PM
November test Internationals, played every year. Southern Hemisphere teams play 3 tests against the Northern Hemisphere teams.

Northern hemisphere teams tour the Southern hemisphere during the summer. Pretty rare a team from the South is beaten on home soil

What competition is it?

Are you incapable of reading?

I'm capable of reading alright but that's not a competition.

Now what competition did the West British rugby team win a game in yesterday?

Your republican and the true Gael credentials have been boosted greatly by your valiant and patriotic use of the term 'West British rugby team'. Pearse would be proud, as 100 years after his death people still rail against the scoundrels he wrote about in Mise Éire by rubbishing the achievements of a 32 county sports team.

I'm sure his heart would be filled with joy listening to a pub song written by the son of a peeler being used instead of the national anthem in a game played almost solely by ex commonwealth nations.

I hate that piece of rubbish myself but it's not a valid reason to completely rubbish the achievements of the team. The game clearly has importance, it's hardly a club pre-season challenge match on a wet February evening.

It's not far off.

It's only a match and nothing more which is why I can't understand the fuss over the result.

Ach dry your eyes ffs. Ask the wife / husband / partner for a bit of attention and stay clear of a thread you've no interest in.  Job done

I'm just pointing out a few truths.

More in line for certain posters to take these points on board rather than being hypersensitive over someone dealing with the realities.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:38:51 PM
Quote from: square_ball on November 06, 2016, 06:36:02 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:30:50 PM
Quote from: square_ball on November 06, 2016, 06:27:24 PM
I have to laugh at these ones that don't like rugby (which they have every right it's not everyone's cup of tea) are the ones getting most annoyed at this victory. If you don't like something just don't pass any remarks on it instead of getting a wee kick in your life by winding people up on a discussion forum. But whatever floats your boat I guess. . .

I find it odd that people are celebrating winning a non-competitive game like they have won the World Cup. I have to laugh at these people who treat the result as some sort of seismic moment in their sport, maybe it's telling of what matters in a niche game. A proper sport would not have an eyelid batted at such a trivial matter.

Why you getting so wound up about it for? You seem awfully annoyed at a sport you don't like. I don't like cricket or hurling or golf so I don't really pay that much remarks on what's happening in those sports.

The contrary. I'm merely pointing out the realities of the matter and people are getting very hot under the collar about putting the contrived "achievements" into perspective. The rugby side won a friendly match.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lenny on November 06, 2016, 06:39:24 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:30:50 PM
Quote from: square_ball on November 06, 2016, 06:27:24 PM
I have to laugh at these ones that don't like rugby (which they have every right it's not everyone's cup of tea) are the ones getting most annoyed at this victory. If you don't like something just don't pass any remarks on it instead of getting a wee kick in your life by winding people up on a discussion forum. But whatever floats your boat I guess. . .

I find it odd that people are celebrating winning a non-competitive game like they have won the World Cup. I have to laugh at these people who treat the result as some sort of seismic moment in their sport, maybe it's telling of what matters in a niche game. A proper sport would not have an eyelid batted at such a trivial matter.

It's undeniably one of Ireland's greatest successes in any sport. It's obviously sad that you're not feeling that but the rest of us are on a high and are going to enjoy it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on November 06, 2016, 06:42:53 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:37:30 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on November 06, 2016, 06:35:44 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:06:05 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on November 06, 2016, 06:02:51 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 05:57:57 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on November 06, 2016, 05:52:13 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 05:38:58 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on November 06, 2016, 05:27:18 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 05:01:56 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 04:50:57 PM
November test Internationals, played every year. Southern Hemisphere teams play 3 tests against the Northern Hemisphere teams.

Northern hemisphere teams tour the Southern hemisphere during the summer. Pretty rare a team from the South is beaten on home soil

What competition is it?

Are you incapable of reading?

I'm capable of reading alright but that's not a competition.

Now what competition did the West British rugby team win a game in yesterday?

Your republican and the true Gael credentials have been boosted greatly by your valiant and patriotic use of the term 'West British rugby team'. Pearse would be proud, as 100 years after his death people still rail against the scoundrels he wrote about in Mise Éire by rubbishing the achievements of a 32 county sports team.

I'm sure his heart would be filled with joy listening to a pub song written by the son of a peeler being used instead of the national anthem in a game played almost solely by ex commonwealth nations.

I hate that piece of rubbish myself but it's not a valid reason to completely rubbish the achievements of the team. The game clearly has importance, it's hardly a club pre-season challenge match on a wet February evening.

It's not far off.

It's only a match and nothing more which is why I can't understand the fuss over the result.

Ach dry your eyes ffs. Ask the wife / husband / partner for a bit of attention and stay clear of a thread you've no interest in.  Job done

I'm just pointing out a few truths.

More in line for certain posters to take these points on board rather than being hypersensitive over someone dealing with the realities.

No no,  your 'truths'  are merely opinions.  You are trolling for a reaction and getting it,  then moaning about getting said reaction.  Mid manopause per chance?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on November 06, 2016, 06:45:01 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:38:51 PM
Quote from: square_ball on November 06, 2016, 06:36:02 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:30:50 PM
Quote from: square_ball on November 06, 2016, 06:27:24 PM
I have to laugh at these ones that don't like rugby (which they have every right it's not everyone's cup of tea) are the ones getting most annoyed at this victory. If you don't like something just don't pass any remarks on it instead of getting a wee kick in your life by winding people up on a discussion forum. But whatever floats your boat I guess. . .

I find it odd that people are celebrating winning a non-competitive game like they have won the World Cup. I have to laugh at these people who treat the result as some sort of seismic moment in their sport, maybe it's telling of what matters in a niche game. A proper sport would not have an eyelid batted at such a trivial matter.

Why you getting so wound up about it for? You seem awfully annoyed at a sport you don't like. I don't like cricket or hurling or golf so I don't really pay that much remarks on what's happening in those sports.

The contrary. I'm merely pointing out the realities of the matter and people are getting very hot under the collar about putting the contrived "achievements" into perspective. The rugby side won a friendly match.

Oh aye of course you are! But like I say whatever floats your boat . . .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:49:52 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 06, 2016, 06:39:24 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:30:50 PM
Quote from: square_ball on November 06, 2016, 06:27:24 PM
I have to laugh at these ones that don't like rugby (which they have every right it's not everyone's cup of tea) are the ones getting most annoyed at this victory. If you don't like something just don't pass any remarks on it instead of getting a wee kick in your life by winding people up on a discussion forum. But whatever floats your boat I guess. . .

I find it odd that people are celebrating winning a non-competitive game like they have won the World Cup. I have to laugh at these people who treat the result as some sort of seismic moment in their sport, maybe it's telling of what matters in a niche game. A proper sport would not have an eyelid batted at such a trivial matter.

It's undeniably one of Ireland's greatest successes in any sport. It's obviously sad that you're not feeling that but the rest of us are on a high and are going to enjoy it.

Winning a friendly is one of Ireland's greatest sporting achievements?

The soccer team beat the World Champions in a competitive game last year, this is a global game and was a crucial result for the side in qualifying for a major competition.

Such is the mass appeal of football, you actually have to qualify for the major Championships - something three of the previous 6 champions failed to for Euro 2016 even when the competition was extended.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:51:27 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on November 06, 2016, 06:42:53 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:37:30 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on November 06, 2016, 06:35:44 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:06:05 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on November 06, 2016, 06:02:51 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 05:57:57 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on November 06, 2016, 05:52:13 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 05:38:58 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on November 06, 2016, 05:27:18 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 05:01:56 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 04:50:57 PM
November test Internationals, played every year. Southern Hemisphere teams play 3 tests against the Northern Hemisphere teams.

Northern hemisphere teams tour the Southern hemisphere during the summer. Pretty rare a team from the South is beaten on home soil

What competition is it?

Are you incapable of reading?

I'm capable of reading alright but that's not a competition.

Now what competition did the West British rugby team win a game in yesterday?

Your republican and the true Gael credentials have been boosted greatly by your valiant and patriotic use of the term 'West British rugby team'. Pearse would be proud, as 100 years after his death people still rail against the scoundrels he wrote about in Mise Éire by rubbishing the achievements of a 32 county sports team.

I'm sure his heart would be filled with joy listening to a pub song written by the son of a peeler being used instead of the national anthem in a game played almost solely by ex commonwealth nations.

I hate that piece of rubbish myself but it's not a valid reason to completely rubbish the achievements of the team. The game clearly has importance, it's hardly a club pre-season challenge match on a wet February evening.

It's not far off.

It's only a match and nothing more which is why I can't understand the fuss over the result.

Ach dry your eyes ffs. Ask the wife / husband / partner for a bit of attention and stay clear of a thread you've no interest in.  Job done

I'm just pointing out a few truths.

More in line for certain posters to take these points on board rather than being hypersensitive over someone dealing with the realities.

No no,  your 'truths'  are merely opinions.  You are trolling for a reaction and getting it,  then moaning about getting said reaction.  Mid manopause per chance?
[/quote

They are not opinions, they are facts which is why nobody has yet been able to clarify what competition the rugby team won a game in last night. It's fine if it made you happy but don't be getting offended when the realities of the situation diminish the actual achievement.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: OgraAnDun on November 06, 2016, 07:01:40 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:49:52 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 06, 2016, 06:39:24 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:30:50 PM
Quote from: square_ball on November 06, 2016, 06:27:24 PM
I have to laugh at these ones that don't like rugby (which they have every right it's not everyone's cup of tea) are the ones getting most annoyed at this victory. If you don't like something just don't pass any remarks on it instead of getting a wee kick in your life by winding people up on a discussion forum. But whatever floats your boat I guess. . .

I find it odd that people are celebrating winning a non-competitive game like they have won the World Cup. I have to laugh at these people who treat the result as some sort of seismic moment in their sport, maybe it's telling of what matters in a niche game. A proper sport would not have an eyelid batted at such a trivial matter.

It's undeniably one of Ireland's greatest successes in any sport. It's obviously sad that you're not feeling that but the rest of us are on a high and are going to enjoy it.

Winning a friendly is one of Ireland's greatest sporting achievements?

The soccer team beat the World Champions in a competitive game last year, this is a global game and was a crucial result for the side in qualifying for a major competition.

Such is the mass appeal of football, you actually have to qualify for the major Championships - something three of the previous 6 champions failed to for Euro 2016 even when the competition was extended.

You also have to qualify for the RWC. It's decided by world ranking for the most part. Guess how rankings are decided? Test matches such as the November Internationals.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lenny on November 06, 2016, 07:06:29 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:49:52 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 06, 2016, 06:39:24 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:30:50 PM
Quote from: square_ball on November 06, 2016, 06:27:24 PM
I have to laugh at these ones that don't like rugby (which they have every right it's not everyone's cup of tea) are the ones getting most annoyed at this victory. If you don't like something just don't pass any remarks on it instead of getting a wee kick in your life by winding people up on a discussion forum. But whatever floats your boat I guess. . .

I find it odd that people are celebrating winning a non-competitive game like they have won the World Cup. I have to laugh at these people who treat the result as some sort of seismic moment in their sport, maybe it's telling of what matters in a niche game. A proper sport would not have an eyelid batted at such a trivial matter.

It's undeniably one of Ireland's greatest successes in any sport. It's obviously sad that you're not feeling that but the rest of us are on a high and are going to enjoy it.

Winning a friendly is one of Ireland's greatest sporting achievements?

The soccer team beat the World Champions in a competitive game last year, this is a global game and was a crucial result for the side in qualifying for a major competition.

Such is the mass appeal of football, you actually have to qualify for the major Championships - something three of the previous 6 champions failed to for Euro 2016 even when the competition was extended.

The nature of soccer means that an inferior team can occasionally beat a much better team which is what happened when ireland luckily beat germany. It was a freak result with ireland having very little of the ball and their goal leading a charmed life. The difference with this result is that we beat the world champions in a test match and it wasn't a fluke. Ireland's stats re possession, tackling, turnovers etc were all up there and better in most cases with new zealands. This was truly a performance and victory to be proud of.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 07:08:41 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on November 06, 2016, 07:01:40 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:49:52 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 06, 2016, 06:39:24 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:30:50 PM
Quote from: square_ball on November 06, 2016, 06:27:24 PM
I have to laugh at these ones that don't like rugby (which they have every right it's not everyone's cup of tea) are the ones getting most annoyed at this victory. If you don't like something just don't pass any remarks on it instead of getting a wee kick in your life by winding people up on a discussion forum. But whatever floats your boat I guess. . .

I find it odd that people are celebrating winning a non-competitive game like they have won the World Cup. I have to laugh at these people who treat the result as some sort of seismic moment in their sport, maybe it's telling of what matters in a niche game. A proper sport would not have an eyelid batted at such a trivial matter.

It's undeniably one of Ireland's greatest successes in any sport. It's obviously sad that you're not feeling that but the rest of us are on a high and are going to enjoy it.

Winning a friendly is one of Ireland's greatest sporting achievements?

The soccer team beat the World Champions in a competitive game last year, this is a global game and was a crucial result for the side in qualifying for a major competition.

Such is the mass appeal of football, you actually have to qualify for the major Championships - something three of the previous 6 champions failed to for Euro 2016 even when the competition was extended.

You also have to qualify for the RWC. It's decided by world ranking for the most part. Guess how rankings are decided? Test matches such as the November Internationals.

Football rankings are decided by friendly matches too. The problem rugby has is it is a niche sport, pretty much only taken seriously by commonwealth and ex-commonwealth countries and France.

Yesterday's match was a non-competitive match, a  "friendly".
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 07:14:35 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 06, 2016, 07:06:29 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:49:52 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 06, 2016, 06:39:24 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:30:50 PM
Quote from: square_ball on November 06, 2016, 06:27:24 PM
I have to laugh at these ones that don't like rugby (which they have every right it's not everyone's cup of tea) are the ones getting most annoyed at this victory. If you don't like something just don't pass any remarks on it instead of getting a wee kick in your life by winding people up on a discussion forum. But whatever floats your boat I guess. . .

I find it odd that people are celebrating winning a non-competitive game like they have won the World Cup. I have to laugh at these people who treat the result as some sort of seismic moment in their sport, maybe it's telling of what matters in a niche game. A proper sport would not have an eyelid batted at such a trivial matter.

It's undeniably one of Ireland's greatest successes in any sport. It's obviously sad that you're not feeling that but the rest of us are on a high and are going to enjoy it.

Winning a friendly is one of Ireland's greatest sporting achievements?

The soccer team beat the World Champions in a competitive game last year, this is a global game and was a crucial result for the side in qualifying for a major competition.

Such is the mass appeal of football, you actually have to qualify for the major Championships - something three of the previous 6 champions failed to for Euro 2016 even when the competition was extended.

The nature of soccer means that an inferior team can occasionally beat a much better team which is what happened when ireland luckily beat germany. It was a freak result with ireland having very little of the ball and their goal leading a charmed life. The difference with this result is that we beat the world champions in a test match and it wasn't a fluke. Ireland's stats re possession, tackling, turnovers etc were all up there and better in most cases with new zealands. This was truly a performance and victory to be proud of.

Ireland beating Germany was not a fluke.

You're a strange one, belittling competitive wins of a substantive nature in a global sport yet putting a win in a non-competitive fixture over one of the other participants in a niche sports as one of the nation's greatest sporting achievements.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lenny on November 06, 2016, 07:25:28 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 07:14:35 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 06, 2016, 07:06:29 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:49:52 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 06, 2016, 06:39:24 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:30:50 PM
Quote from: square_ball on November 06, 2016, 06:27:24 PM
I have to laugh at these ones that don't like rugby (which they have every right it's not everyone's cup of tea) are the ones getting most annoyed at this victory. If you don't like something just don't pass any remarks on it instead of getting a wee kick in your life by winding people up on a discussion forum. But whatever floats your boat I guess. . .

I find it odd that people are celebrating winning a non-competitive game like they have won the World Cup. I have to laugh at these people who treat the result as some sort of seismic moment in their sport, maybe it's telling of what matters in a niche game. A proper sport would not have an eyelid batted at such a trivial matter.

It's undeniably one of Ireland's greatest successes in any sport. It's obviously sad that you're not feeling that but the rest of us are on a high and are going to enjoy it.

Winning a friendly is one of Ireland's greatest sporting achievements?

The soccer team beat the World Champions in a competitive game last year, this is a global game and was a crucial result for the side in qualifying for a major competition.

Such is the mass appeal of football, you actually have to qualify for the major Championships - something three of the previous 6 champions failed to for Euro 2016 even when the competition was extended.

The nature of soccer means that an inferior team can occasionally beat a much better team which is what happened when ireland luckily beat germany. It was a freak result with ireland having very little of the ball and their goal leading a charmed life. The difference with this result is that we beat the world champions in a test match and it wasn't a fluke. Ireland's stats re possession, tackling, turnovers etc were all up there and better in most cases with new zealands. This was truly a performance and victory to be proud of.

Ireland beating Germany was not a fluke.

You're a strange one, belittling competitive wins of a substantive nature in a global sport yet putting a win in a non-competitive fixture over one of the other participants in a niche sports as one of the nation's greatest sporting achievements.

I presume you then think of hurling as a niche sport as only about 8 teams really take it seriously and are competitive at it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 07:26:14 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 06, 2016, 07:25:28 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 07:14:35 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 06, 2016, 07:06:29 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:49:52 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 06, 2016, 06:39:24 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:30:50 PM
Quote from: square_ball on November 06, 2016, 06:27:24 PM
I have to laugh at these ones that don't like rugby (which they have every right it's not everyone's cup of tea) are the ones getting most annoyed at this victory. If you don't like something just don't pass any remarks on it instead of getting a wee kick in your life by winding people up on a discussion forum. But whatever floats your boat I guess. . .

I find it odd that people are celebrating winning a non-competitive game like they have won the World Cup. I have to laugh at these people who treat the result as some sort of seismic moment in their sport, maybe it's telling of what matters in a niche game. A proper sport would not have an eyelid batted at such a trivial matter.

It's undeniably one of Ireland's greatest successes in any sport. It's obviously sad that you're not feeling that but the rest of us are on a high and are going to enjoy it.

Winning a friendly is one of Ireland's greatest sporting achievements?

The soccer team beat the World Champions in a competitive game last year, this is a global game and was a crucial result for the side in qualifying for a major competition.

Such is the mass appeal of football, you actually have to qualify for the major Championships - something three of the previous 6 champions failed to for Euro 2016 even when the competition was extended.

The nature of soccer means that an inferior team can occasionally beat a much better team which is what happened when ireland luckily beat germany. It was a freak result with ireland having very little of the ball and their goal leading a charmed life. The difference with this result is that we beat the world champions in a test match and it wasn't a fluke. Ireland's stats re possession, tackling, turnovers etc were all up there and better in most cases with new zealands. This was truly a performance and victory to be proud of.

Ireland beating Germany was not a fluke.

You're a strange one, belittling competitive wins of a substantive nature in a global sport yet putting a win in a non-competitive fixture over one of the other participants in a niche sports as one of the nation's greatest sporting achievements.

I presume you then think of hurling as a niche sport as only about 8 teams really take it seriously and are competitive at it.

I do.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on November 06, 2016, 07:35:01 PM
Zebo's catch last night. 

https://youtu.be/F6JQLnJn3lg
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lenny on November 06, 2016, 07:36:25 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 07:26:14 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 06, 2016, 07:25:28 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 07:14:35 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 06, 2016, 07:06:29 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:49:52 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 06, 2016, 06:39:24 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:30:50 PM
Quote from: square_ball on November 06, 2016, 06:27:24 PM
I have to laugh at these ones that don't like rugby (which they have every right it's not everyone's cup of tea) are the ones getting most annoyed at this victory. If you don't like something just don't pass any remarks on it instead of getting a wee kick in your life by winding people up on a discussion forum. But whatever floats your boat I guess. . .

I find it odd that people are celebrating winning a non-competitive game like they have won the World Cup. I have to laugh at these people who treat the result as some sort of seismic moment in their sport, maybe it's telling of what matters in a niche game. A proper sport would not have an eyelid batted at such a trivial matter.

It's undeniably one of Ireland's greatest successes in any sport. It's obviously sad that you're not feeling that but the rest of us are on a high and are going to enjoy it.

Winning a friendly is one of Ireland's greatest sporting achievements?

The soccer team beat the World Champions in a competitive game last year, this is a global game and was a crucial result for the side in qualifying for a major competition.

Such is the mass appeal of football, you actually have to qualify for the major Championships - something three of the previous 6 champions failed to for Euro 2016 even when the competition was extended.

The nature of soccer means that an inferior team can occasionally beat a much better team which is what happened when ireland luckily beat germany. It was a freak result with ireland having very little of the ball and their goal leading a charmed life. The difference with this result is that we beat the world champions in a test match and it wasn't a fluke. Ireland's stats re possession, tackling, turnovers etc were all up there and better in most cases with new zealands. This was truly a performance and victory to be proud of.

Ireland beating Germany was not a fluke.

You're a strange one, belittling competitive wins of a substantive nature in a global sport yet putting a win in a non-competitive fixture over one of the other participants in a niche sports as one of the nation's greatest sporting achievements.

I presume you then think of hurling as a niche sport as only about 8 teams really take it seriously and are competitive at it.

I do.

What about aussie rules and american football? They have no international dimension, a limited,relatively small number of teams who automatically qualify each year to play in their competitions. What about gaelic football? Again each of the teams automatically qualify to play in their competition and there are a small number of teams who are really competitive. In fact do you think soccer is the only sport which isn't a niche sport?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: grounded on November 06, 2016, 07:38:07 PM
I thought CJ, Henshaw and Connor Murray were outstanding. I think for Irish Rugby, the importance of that win cannot be underestimated. I'm sure like me when New Zealand came back at ireland in the 2nd half you had that sinking feeling that they would nick the game and we would fold. Well not this time! I also loved the figure 8 for Anthony Foley at the start.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 06, 2016, 07:56:02 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:37:30 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on November 06, 2016, 06:35:44 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:06:05 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on November 06, 2016, 06:02:51 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 05:57:57 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on November 06, 2016, 05:52:13 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 05:38:58 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on November 06, 2016, 05:27:18 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 05:01:56 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 04:50:57 PM
November test Internationals, played every year. Southern Hemisphere teams play 3 tests against the Northern Hemisphere teams.

Northern hemisphere teams tour the Southern hemisphere during the summer. Pretty rare a team from the South is beaten on home soil

What competition is it?

Are you incapable of reading?

I'm capable of reading alright but that's not a competition.

Now what competition did the West British rugby team win a game in yesterday?

Your republican and the true Gael credentials have been boosted greatly by your valiant and patriotic use of the term 'West British rugby team'. Pearse would be proud, as 100 years after his death people still rail against the scoundrels he wrote about in Mise Éire by rubbishing the achievements of a 32 county sports team.

I'm sure his heart would be filled with joy listening to a pub song written by the son of a peeler being used instead of the national anthem in a game played almost solely by ex commonwealth nations.

I hate that piece of rubbish myself but it's not a valid reason to completely rubbish the achievements of the team. The game clearly has importance, it's hardly a club pre-season challenge match on a wet February evening.

It's not far off.

It's only a match and nothing more which is why I can't understand the fuss over the result.

Ach dry your eyes ffs. Ask the wife / husband / partner for a bit of attention and stay clear of a thread you've no interest in.  Job done

I'm just pointing out a few truths.

More in line for certain posters to take these points on board rather than being hypersensitive over someone dealing with the realities.

How many GAA counties take Gaelic football seriously? At a push 7 or 8. Doesn't stop you from having an opinion on Tyrone. I'd say your dislike from rugby probably comes from sheer bigotry. Though you do seem to know a bit going by your posts. Maybe you should crawl back under your rock!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 08:21:33 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 06, 2016, 07:56:02 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:37:30 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on November 06, 2016, 06:35:44 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:06:05 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on November 06, 2016, 06:02:51 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 05:57:57 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on November 06, 2016, 05:52:13 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 05:38:58 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on November 06, 2016, 05:27:18 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 05:01:56 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 04:50:57 PM
November test Internationals, played every year. Southern Hemisphere teams play 3 tests against the Northern Hemisphere teams.

Northern hemisphere teams tour the Southern hemisphere during the summer. Pretty rare a team from the South is beaten on home soil

What competition is it?

Are you incapable of reading?

I'm capable of reading alright but that's not a competition.

Now what competition did the West British rugby team win a game in yesterday?

Your republican and the true Gael credentials have been boosted greatly by your valiant and patriotic use of the term 'West British rugby team'. Pearse would be proud, as 100 years after his death people still rail against the scoundrels he wrote about in Mise Éire by rubbishing the achievements of a 32 county sports team.

I'm sure his heart would be filled with joy listening to a pub song written by the son of a peeler being used instead of the national anthem in a game played almost solely by ex commonwealth nations.

I hate that piece of rubbish myself but it's not a valid reason to completely rubbish the achievements of the team. The game clearly has importance, it's hardly a club pre-season challenge match on a wet February evening.

It's not far off.

It's only a match and nothing more which is why I can't understand the fuss over the result.

Ach dry your eyes ffs. Ask the wife / husband / partner for a bit of attention and stay clear of a thread you've no interest in.  Job done

I'm just pointing out a few truths.

More in line for certain posters to take these points on board rather than being hypersensitive over someone dealing with the realities.

How many GAA counties take Gaelic football seriously? At a push 7 or 8. Doesn't stop you from having an opinion on Tyrone. I'd say your dislike from rugby probably comes from sheer bigotry. Though you do seem to know a bit going by your posts. Maybe you should crawl back under your rock!

Tyrone don't play challenge matches, mate. No chance of me being conflicted there!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 08:30:02 PM
Yeah they play in the high profile O'Fiaich Cup instead, ::)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 08:36:38 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 08:30:02 PM
Yeah they play in the high profile O'Fiaich Cup instead, ::)

That's a competition.

I wouldn't be getting worked up over winning one in any case.

It's about context and the rugby fellas are getting worked up about winning a friendly and becoming hypersensitive when this pointed out.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: michaelg on November 06, 2016, 08:42:27 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 08:36:38 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 08:30:02 PM
Yeah they play in the high profile O'Fiaich Cup instead, ::)

That's a competition.

I wouldn't be getting worked up over winning one in any case.

It's about context and the rugby fellas are getting worked up about winning a friendly and becoming hypersensitive when this pointed out.
How come you don't refer to the ROI soccer team as the West British soccer team?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: SHEEDY on November 06, 2016, 08:44:05 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 08:36:38 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 08:30:02 PM
Yeah they play in the high profile O'Fiaich Cup instead, ::)

That's a competition.

I wouldn't be getting worked up over winning one in any case.

It's about context and the rugby fellas are getting worked up about winning a friendly and becoming hypersensitive when this pointed out.
go and have a couple of beers and chill the feck out. we get it you dont like rugby but your being a bit of a dick. why would you post on a thread you have no interest in.
fantastic performance by ireland, feared the worst with 10 mins to go but ireland somehow managed to go again. brilliant win.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on November 06, 2016, 08:47:19 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 05:57:57 PMI'm sure his heart would be filled with joy listening to a pub song written by the son of a peeler being used instead of the national anthem in a game played almost solely by ex commonwealth nations.

I doubt he'd have been overly enamoured of his fellow Gaels selling a quarter of their countrymen up the swanny for the right to peacefully continue to bend their knees to a foreign monarch either.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 06, 2016, 08:48:29 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 08:21:33 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 06, 2016, 07:56:02 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:37:30 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on November 06, 2016, 06:35:44 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:06:05 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on November 06, 2016, 06:02:51 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 05:57:57 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on November 06, 2016, 05:52:13 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 05:38:58 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on November 06, 2016, 05:27:18 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 05:01:56 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 04:50:57 PM
November test Internationals, played every year. Southern Hemisphere teams play 3 tests against the Northern Hemisphere teams.

Northern hemisphere teams tour the Southern hemisphere during the summer. Pretty rare a team from the South is beaten on home soil

What competition is it?

Are you incapable of reading?

I'm capable of reading alright but that's not a competition.

Now what competition did the West British rugby team win a game in yesterday?

Your republican and the true Gael credentials have been boosted greatly by your valiant and patriotic use of the term 'West British rugby team'. Pearse would be proud, as 100 years after his death people still rail against the scoundrels he wrote about in Mise Éire by rubbishing the achievements of a 32 county sports team.

I'm sure his heart would be filled with joy listening to a pub song written by the son of a peeler being used instead of the national anthem in a game played almost solely by ex commonwealth nations.

I hate that piece of rubbish myself but it's not a valid reason to completely rubbish the achievements of the team. The game clearly has importance, it's hardly a club pre-season challenge match on a wet February evening.

It's not far off.

It's only a match and nothing more which is why I can't understand the fuss over the result.

Ach dry your eyes ffs. Ask the wife / husband / partner for a bit of attention and stay clear of a thread you've no interest in.  Job done

I'm just pointing out a few truths.

More in line for certain posters to take these points on board rather than being hypersensitive over someone dealing with the realities.

How many GAA counties take Gaelic football seriously? At a push 7 or 8. Doesn't stop you from having an opinion on Tyrone. I'd say your dislike from rugby probably comes from sheer bigotry. Though you do seem to know a bit going by your posts. Maybe you should crawl back under your rock!

Tyrone don't play challenge matches, mate. No chance of me being conflicted there!

Must just be bigotry then. Probably don't get out of Tyrone too often. Poor crater! Enjoy watching the rosary boys next year  :o :o
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 08:49:00 PM
Quote from: michaelg on November 06, 2016, 08:42:27 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 08:36:38 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 08:30:02 PM
Yeah they play in the high profile O'Fiaich Cup instead, ::)

That's a competition.

I wouldn't be getting worked up over winning one in any case.

It's about context and the rugby fellas are getting worked up about winning a friendly and becoming hypersensitive when this pointed out.
How come you don't refer to the ROI soccer team as the West British soccer team?

They don't line out under a bastardised flag and belt out a pub song written by the son of a peeler.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on November 06, 2016, 08:51:37 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 08:36:38 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 08:30:02 PM
Yeah they play in the high profile O'Fiaich Cup instead, ::)

That's a competition.

I wouldn't be getting worked up over winning one in any case.

It's about context and the rugby fellas are getting worked up about winning a friendly and becoming hypersensitive when this pointed out.

There is absolutely nobody in this world who enjoys it being pointed out that their hobbies and interests aren't as enjoyableor as exciting as they want to believe.

You for example would probably be distraught / angry if someone pointed out to you that from both a financial and personal excellence (after all, being among the top 1,000 players worldwide in soccer  is statistically an unbelievable achievement) point of view, every athletic male in Co. Tyrone should aspire to be the next Niall McGinn, not the next Peter Canavan.

So do everyone a favour please and retire to your cave.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on November 06, 2016, 08:52:08 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 07:14:35 PM
Ireland beating Germany was not a fluke.

Who? I don't remember Ireland beating Germany recently in anything? Have they played in cricket or hockey?

I remember the Republic of Ireland team representing the quarters of the country won some game and it was apparently a big deal.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 08:57:47 PM
Quote from: gallsman on November 06, 2016, 08:52:08 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 07:14:35 PM
Ireland beating Germany was not a fluke.

Who? I don't remember Ireland beating Germany recently in anything? Have they played in cricket or hockey?

I remember the Republic of Ireland team representing the quarters of the country won some game and it was apparently a big deal.

James McClean begs to differ.

If you want to stand under the tricolour and sing Amhran na BhFiann, you can.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 08:59:16 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on November 06, 2016, 08:51:37 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 08:36:38 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 08:30:02 PM
Yeah they play in the high profile O'Fiaich Cup instead, ::)

That's a competition.

I wouldn't be getting worked up over winning one in any case.

It's about context and the rugby fellas are getting worked up about winning a friendly and becoming hypersensitive when this pointed out.

There is absolutely nobody in this world who enjoys it being pointed out that their hobbies and interests aren't as enjoyableor as exciting as they want to believe.

You for example would probably be distraught / angry if someone pointed out to you that from both a financial and personal excellence (after all, being among the top 1,000 players worldwide in soccer  is statistically an unbelievable achievement) point of view, every athletic male in Co. Tyrone should aspire to be the next Niall McGinn, not the next Peter Canavan.

So do everyone a favour please and retire to your cave.

I will not be censured because some people want to live in a bubble.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on November 06, 2016, 09:02:40 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 08:59:16 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on November 06, 2016, 08:51:37 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 08:36:38 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 08:30:02 PM
Yeah they play in the high profile O'Fiaich Cup instead, ::)

That's a competition.

I wouldn't be getting worked up over winning one in any case.

It's about context and the rugby fellas are getting worked up about winning a friendly and becoming hypersensitive when this pointed out.

There is absolutely nobody in this world who enjoys it being pointed out that their hobbies and interests aren't as enjoyableor as exciting as they want to believe.

You for example would probably be distraught / angry if someone pointed out to you that from both a financial and personal excellence (after all, being among the top 1,000 players worldwide in soccer  is statistically an unbelievable achievement) point of view, every athletic male in Co. Tyrone should aspire to be the next Niall McGinn, not the next Peter Canavan.

So do everyone a favour please and retire to your cave.

I will not be censured because some people want to live in a bubble.

But you're missing the frigging point... we all live in our own bubbles.

If the rugby loving community consider that beating the All Blacks is a landmark day for them, then who are you to cast dispersions? You do realise that it's no different from your loyalist neighbours laughing at Tyrone people for getting excited about a competition that is only played in ireland?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lenny on November 06, 2016, 09:04:03 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 08:36:38 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 08:30:02 PM
Yeah they play in the high profile O'Fiaich Cup instead, ::)

That's a competition.

I wouldn't be getting worked up over winning one in any case.

It's about context and the rugby fellas are getting worked up about winning a friendly and becoming hypersensitive when this pointed out.

You did get quite excited when tyrone won by your criteria a niche competition this year, ie the ulster championship. There are only 9 teams in it and none of them had to qualify. Also only 3 or 4 of them really take it seriously so it didn't really mean all that much and wasn't worth getting excited about.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 09:07:48 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 06, 2016, 09:04:03 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 08:36:38 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 08:30:02 PM
Yeah they play in the high profile O'Fiaich Cup instead, ::)

That's a competition.

I wouldn't be getting worked up over winning one in any case.

It's about context and the rugby fellas are getting worked up about winning a friendly and becoming hypersensitive when this pointed out.

You did get quite excited when tyrone won by your criteria a niche competition this year, ie the ulster championship. There are only 9 teams in it and none of them had to qualify. Also only 3 or 4 of them really take it seriously so it didn't really mean all that much and wasn't worth getting excited about.

A competition, not a friendly. I think you'll find 8 of the counties in Ulster take it seriously - some of them just happen to not be very good.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 06, 2016, 09:13:16 PM
Lads stop feeding the troll please!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on November 06, 2016, 09:15:01 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 09:07:48 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 06, 2016, 09:04:03 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 08:36:38 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 08:30:02 PM
Yeah they play in the high profile O'Fiaich Cup instead, ::)

That's a competition.

I wouldn't be getting worked up over winning one in any case.

It's about context and the rugby fellas are getting worked up about winning a friendly and becoming hypersensitive when this pointed out.

You did get quite excited when tyrone won by your criteria a niche competition this year, ie the ulster championship. There are only 9 teams in it and none of them had to qualify. Also only 3 or 4 of them really take it seriously so it didn't really mean all that much and wasn't worth getting excited about.

A competition, not a friendly. I think you'll find 8 of the counties in Ulster take it seriously - some of them just happen to not be very good.

Please take this on board: the criteria for what qualifies as success is set from within the sport.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 09:19:16 PM
Lads, stop comparing apples with oranges.

If you have any examples of friendly wins being blown out of proportion in other sports please put them up for comparison.

In the meantime:

(https://media.balls.ie/uploads/2013/06/IRB-Player-Numbers.jpg)

Ireland has the seventh highest rugby playing population in the world yet has never made it past the last 8 in the sport.

Ireland also includes tag rugby players in their total playing numbers. LOLZ.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 09:19:56 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on November 06, 2016, 09:15:01 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 09:07:48 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 06, 2016, 09:04:03 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 08:36:38 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 08:30:02 PM
Yeah they play in the high profile O'Fiaich Cup instead, ::)

That's a competition.

I wouldn't be getting worked up over winning one in any case.

It's about context and the rugby fellas are getting worked up about winning a friendly and becoming hypersensitive when this pointed out.

You did get quite excited when tyrone won by your criteria a niche competition this year, ie the ulster championship. There are only 9 teams in it and none of them had to qualify. Also only 3 or 4 of them really take it seriously so it didn't really mean all that much and wasn't worth getting excited about.

A competition, not a friendly. I think you'll find 8 of the counties in Ulster take it seriously - some of them just happen to not be very good.

Please take this on board: the criteria for what qualifies as success is set from within the sport.

The criteria is quite a low base when it comes to rugby so.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on November 06, 2016, 09:41:23 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 09:19:56 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on November 06, 2016, 09:15:01 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 09:07:48 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 06, 2016, 09:04:03 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 08:36:38 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 08:30:02 PM
Yeah they play in the high profile O'Fiaich Cup instead, ::)

That's a competition.

I wouldn't be getting worked up over winning one in any case.

It's about context and the rugby fellas are getting worked up about winning a friendly and becoming hypersensitive when this pointed out.

You did get quite excited when tyrone won by your criteria a niche competition this year, ie the ulster championship. There are only 9 teams in it and none of them had to qualify. Also only 3 or 4 of them really take it seriously so it didn't really mean all that much and wasn't worth getting excited about.

A competition, not a friendly. I think you'll find 8 of the counties in Ulster take it seriously - some of them just happen to not be very good.

Please take this on board: the criteria for what qualifies as success is set from within the sport.

The criteria is quite a low base when it comes to rugby so.

As it is in every sport until success becomes commonplace.

When England finally won the Ashes in 2005 (I think that was the year) it genuinely was an historic occasion... but more importantly it set a new bar for English cricket.

When Europe won the Ryder Cup in 1982, it "changed golf forever".

Beating Derby County or Notts Forest while staying up used to be enough to make a Leicester City fan's season.

Watch what happens the next time Meath or Down wins a provincial title to see how teams realign their goals according to what is achievable.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 09:56:17 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on November 06, 2016, 09:41:23 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 09:19:56 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on November 06, 2016, 09:15:01 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 09:07:48 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 06, 2016, 09:04:03 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 08:36:38 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 08:30:02 PM
Yeah they play in the high profile O'Fiaich Cup instead, ::)

That's a competition.

I wouldn't be getting worked up over winning one in any case.

It's about context and the rugby fellas are getting worked up about winning a friendly and becoming hypersensitive when this pointed out.

You did get quite excited when tyrone won by your criteria a niche competition this year, ie the ulster championship. There are only 9 teams in it and none of them had to qualify. Also only 3 or 4 of them really take it seriously so it didn't really mean all that much and wasn't worth getting excited about.

A competition, not a friendly. I think you'll find 8 of the counties in Ulster take it seriously - some of them just happen to not be very good.

Please take this on board: the criteria for what qualifies as success is set from within the sport.

The criteria is quite a low base when it comes to rugby so.

As it is in every sport until success becomes commonplace.

When England finally won the Ashes in 2005 (I think that was the year) it genuinely was an historic occasion... but more importantly it set a new bar for English cricket.

When Europe won the Ryder Cup in 1982, it "changed golf forever".

Beating Derby County or Notts Forest while staying up used to be enough to make a Leicester City fan's season.

Watch what happens the next time Meath or Down wins a provincial title to see how teams realign their goals according to what is achievable.

Cricket is another commonwealth game.

Golf, a past time for pensioners and the affluent.

I find it hard to understand the hype that goes with the national side of a country (where rugby is about the fourth of fifth most popular played sport and the game itself has a limited gloabal reach) who continue to fail to meet expectations on the world scene - never won a knockout game.

The football side constantly are criticised and ridiculed for punching above their weight which is far and above the most popular sport across the globe. Yet football is far and away the most popular sport in the nation. It's bizarre but probably due to the fickle, glory chasing  streak of the Irish.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: omaghjoe on November 06, 2016, 10:13:56 PM
This is gas stuff lads.... keep it up :D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ONeill on November 06, 2016, 10:27:50 PM
Pure lethal.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 06, 2016, 10:33:30 PM
I never understood why people followed Tyrone before 2003. They never won anything. They got all excited in 1995
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxeAr3n2Ous
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Stallion on November 06, 2016, 10:50:48 PM
While very few people here seem willing to, or capable of, accepting it, bomber makes a valid point that to the impartial observer the hysterical celebrations among many people to Ireland winning a friendly game seems a bit odd.

I've yet to read an explanation from anyone on here which makes me understand why this friendly result had been greeted with more joy than an actual World Cup victory.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 06, 2016, 11:24:44 PM
Mike Gibson: The flight home, and then the crowds at the airport when we arrived in London - even George Ace had flown over!
Paul Kimmage: (Laughs)
MG: He had been sent by the (Belfast) Newsletter to interview us. And then we had the late flight back home to Aldergrove . . . but in terms of significant games - and this again is an emotional thing - it's the first Test in '71 that stands out for me. We were leading 6-3 I think at half-time, and the BBC were taking a radio commentary on the second half. I remember standing in a huddle - and I shouldn't have been thinking of this - but it suddenly came over me, and it was an overwhelming thing that my parents . . .
(His voice breaks with emotion)
PK: They were going to be listening?
MG: Yes, in disbelief, because it just didn't happen. All my life, I had been brought up with that: you did not expect to beat New Zealand. It was a great feeling.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: INDIANA on November 06, 2016, 11:31:37 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on November 06, 2016, 09:41:23 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 09:19:56 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on November 06, 2016, 09:15:01 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 09:07:48 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 06, 2016, 09:04:03 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 08:36:38 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 08:30:02 PM
Yeah they play in the high profile O'Fiaich Cup instead, ::)

That's a competition.

I wouldn't be getting worked up over winning one in any case.

It's about context and the rugby fellas are getting worked up about winning a friendly and becoming hypersensitive when this pointed out.

You did get quite excited when tyrone won by your criteria a niche competition this year, ie the ulster championship. There are only 9 teams in it and none of them had to qualify. Also only 3 or 4 of them really take it seriously so it didn't really mean all that much and wasn't worth getting excited about.

A competition, not a friendly. I think you'll find 8 of the counties in Ulster take it seriously - some of them just happen to not be very good.

Please take this on board: the criteria for what qualifies as success is set from within the sport.

The criteria is quite a low base when it comes to rugby so.

As it is in every sport until success becomes commonplace.

When England finally won the Ashes in 2005 (I think that was the year) it genuinely was an historic occasion... but more importantly it set a new bar for English cricket.

When Europe won the Ryder Cup in 1982, it "changed golf forever".

Beating Derby County or Notts Forest while staying up used to be enough to make a Leicester City fan's season.

Watch what happens the next time Meath or Down wins a provincial title to see how teams realign their goals according to what is achievable.

Will ya stop. Wins over shite teams like Italy and Scotland are treated like national events.

It's the equivalent of the Irish soccer team beating Georgia
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: foxcommander on November 07, 2016, 01:26:43 AM
Does anyone know what day/time the open bus parade down O'Connell street is going to be on for the team?
I'm hoping I won't miss this occasion to mark such a massive achievement in Irish sporting history.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 07, 2016, 02:14:09 AM
What tripe by the usual suspects.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Keyser soze on November 07, 2016, 09:55:41 AM
Was there an amnesty for the loonies in celebration of the result, looks like they've opened the gates and let em all out to pollute this thread.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 07, 2016, 10:12:39 AM
It's the concept of the 'test' that people seem to be struggling with. Until the 4 Nations started Rugby was basically like Cricket in that there were no international 'competitions'. Every game was an international test. Rugby does not really do 'friendlies', although now with the World Cup established, you could say that the pre-World Cup tests are basically that, friendlies. However the autumn internationals are a series of old style test internationals, and are certainly not friendlies.

If you understand that the concept of friendlies in the Soccer and GAA worlds does not really exist in Rugby at International Level, then you begin to understand why this is a big deal.

However, to be fair, there is no comparison between winning this game and beating them in a World Cup.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 07, 2016, 10:24:04 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 07, 2016, 10:12:39 AM
It's the concept of the 'test' that people seem to be struggling with. Until the 4 Nations started Rugby was basically like Cricket in that there were no international 'competitions'. Every game was an international test. Rugby does not really do 'friendlies', although now with the World Cup established, you could say that the pre-World Cup tests are basically that, friendlies. However the autumn internationals are a series of old style test internationals, and are certainly not friendlies.

If you understand that the concept of friendlies in the Soccer and GAA worlds does not really exist in Rugby at International Level, then you begin to understand why this is a big deal.

However, to be fair, there is no comparison between winning this game and beating them in a World Cup.

There isn't but it is a sign of progress . Getting past a team like NZ is a big step forward.
There's huge value in what Steve Hansen said about Ireland
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 07, 2016, 10:27:20 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 07, 2016, 10:12:39 AM
It's the concept of the 'test' that people seem to be struggling with. Until the 4 Nations started Rugby was basically like Cricket in that there were no international 'competitions'. Every game was an international test. Rugby does not really do 'friendlies', although now with the World Cup established, you could say that the pre-World Cup tests are basically that, friendlies. However the autumn internationals are a series of old style test internationals, and are certainly not friendlies.

If you understand that the concept of friendlies in the Soccer and GAA worlds does not really exist in Rugby at International Level, then you begin to understand why this is a big deal.

However, to be fair, there is no comparison between winning this game and beating them in a World Cup.

Agreed. Also Schmidt has been at pains to mention in every interview that this was certainly not the All Blacks first team and that he expects a different challenge in a couple of weeks time but it is nice to beat them for once.

I don't really see where people are celebrating this like we've won a World Cup either I just think Ireland haven't beaten a team we haven't in a long time so people are happy and it is a good foundation to build on for the coming year. Fair play to all involved. Feck the begrudgers!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on November 07, 2016, 10:44:13 AM
Quote from: seafoid on November 07, 2016, 10:24:04 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 07, 2016, 10:12:39 AM
It's the concept of the 'test' that people seem to be struggling with. Until the 4 Nations started Rugby was basically like Cricket in that there were no international 'competitions'. Every game was an international test. Rugby does not really do 'friendlies', although now with the World Cup established, you could say that the pre-World Cup tests are basically that, friendlies. However the autumn internationals are a series of old style test internationals, and are certainly not friendlies.

If you understand that the concept of friendlies in the Soccer and GAA worlds does not really exist in Rugby at International Level, then you begin to understand why this is a big deal.

However, to be fair, there is no comparison between winning this game and beating them in a World Cup.

There isn't but it is a sign of progress . Getting past a team like NZ is a big step forward.
There's huge value in what Steve Hansen said about Ireland

AZ is right. For long enough (IIRC the Official Rugby world cup started in the 90's) there wasn't any competitions as such for Northern and Southern hemisphere teams to play each other and hence these "tests" aren't considered friendlies, much in the same manner as Cricket and the various test series run between competing countries, but not in a competition as soccer would have.

That doesn't mean that both competing countries do their damnest to win them and there in lies the point. If NZ had all their players fit (a bit like O'Brien for Ireland) they'd be sure as hell of lining out on Saturday in Soldier field.

On the game itself, I've only saw the second half where Ireland were under the cosh for big parts, I thought the tries from Henshaw and even the Murray try were pretty soft to concede from a NZ POV, but that's usually Ireland conceding them and that's the best part of it. When Ireland had the ball and tried to do things with it they were making inroads, but I still think the box kick is overused by Murray and teams will work it out, although Zebo in particular came off with some great catches to regain possession further up the field.

The game in three weeks times will be interesting to say the least and a NZ backlash will be something to behold.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 07, 2016, 11:40:47 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 07, 2016, 10:12:39 AM
It's the concept of the 'test' that people seem to be struggling with. Until the 4 Nations started Rugby was basically like Cricket in that there were no international 'competitions'. Every game was an international test. Rugby does not really do 'friendlies', although now with the World Cup established, you could say that the pre-World Cup tests are basically that, friendlies. However the autumn internationals are a series of old style test internationals, and are certainly not friendlies.

If you understand that the concept of friendlies in the Soccer and GAA worlds does not really exist in Rugby at International Level, then you begin to understand why this is a big deal.

However, to be fair, there is no comparison between winning this game and beating them in a World Cup.

Glorified friendlies, in other words.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on November 07, 2016, 11:45:30 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on November 07, 2016, 10:44:13 AM
The game in three weeks times will be interesting to say the least and a NZ backlash will be something to behold.

Reset there, Johnny or you'll miss it. It's on Saturday the 19th.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on November 07, 2016, 01:36:03 PM
Quote from: Hardy on November 07, 2016, 11:45:30 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on November 07, 2016, 10:44:13 AM
The game in three weeks times will be interesting to say the least and a NZ backlash will be something to behold.

Reset there, Johnny or you'll miss it. It's on Saturday the 19th.

Don't worry, Fearon will keep him right on the date.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on November 07, 2016, 04:04:43 PM
Quote from: dec on November 07, 2016, 01:36:03 PM
Quote from: Hardy on November 07, 2016, 11:45:30 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on November 07, 2016, 10:44:13 AM
The game in three weeks times will be interesting to say the least and a NZ backlash will be something to behold.

Reset there, Johnny or you'll miss it. It's on Saturday the 19th.

Don't worry, Fearon will keep him right on the date.

FFS, I might need someone to keep me right alright!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 07, 2016, 08:13:53 PM
Some great footage of the 'friendly': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gC-tpy9E0hs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gC-tpy9E0hs)

Long walk from the dressing rooms.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 07, 2016, 08:15:28 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 07, 2016, 08:13:53 PM
Some great footage of the 'friendly': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gC-tpy9E0hs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gC-tpy9E0hs)

Long walk from the dressing rooms.

No need for the ' ', mate.

That's makes a lovely smiley actually.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: michaelg on November 07, 2016, 08:46:55 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 08:49:00 PM
Quote from: michaelg on November 06, 2016, 08:42:27 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 08:36:38 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 08:30:02 PM
Yeah they play in the high profile O'Fiaich Cup instead, ::)

That's a competition.

I wouldn't be getting worked up over winning one in any case.

It's about context and the rugby fellas are getting worked up about winning a friendly and becoming hypersensitive when this pointed out.
How come you don't refer to the ROI soccer team as the West British soccer team?

They don't line out under a bastardised flag and belt out a pub song written by the son of a peeler.
Ironic that you feel this way given that the Ireland rugby team is probably the one team that represents and is supported by people in the 32 counties of Ireland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dougal Maguire on November 07, 2016, 08:55:31 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 07, 2016, 08:15:28 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 07, 2016, 08:13:53 PM
Some great footage of the 'friendly': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gC-tpy9E0hs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gC-tpy9E0hs)

Long walk from the dressing rooms.

No need for the ' ', mate.

That's makes a lovely smiley actually.
What motivates you?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 07, 2016, 09:10:00 PM
Quote from: michaelg on November 07, 2016, 08:46:55 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 08:49:00 PM
Quote from: michaelg on November 06, 2016, 08:42:27 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 08:36:38 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 08:30:02 PM
Yeah they play in the high profile O'Fiaich Cup instead, ::)

That's a competition.

I wouldn't be getting worked up over winning one in any case.

It's about context and the rugby fellas are getting worked up about winning a friendly and becoming hypersensitive when this pointed out.
How come you don't refer to the ROI soccer team as the West British soccer team?

They don't line out under a bastardised flag and belt out a pub song written by the son of a peeler.
Ironic that you feel this way given that the Ireland rugby team is probably the one team that represents and is supported by everyone in the 32 counties of Ireland.

It's not supported by me.

Some of us don't forget how they supported apartheid in South Africa.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on November 07, 2016, 09:15:40 PM
Holy jaysus ;D ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 07, 2016, 09:43:47 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on November 07, 2016, 09:15:40 PM
Holy jaysus ;D ;D
(http://static2.fjcdn.com/comments/Epic+post+is+epic+_f6e402c44f4211f495868d9e4d45c40e.jpg)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owenmoresider on November 07, 2016, 11:44:51 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 07, 2016, 09:10:00 PM
Quote from: michaelg on November 07, 2016, 08:46:55 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 08:49:00 PM
Quote from: michaelg on November 06, 2016, 08:42:27 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 08:36:38 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 08:30:02 PM
Yeah they play in the high profile O'Fiaich Cup instead, ::)

That's a competition.

I wouldn't be getting worked up over winning one in any case.

It's about context and the rugby fellas are getting worked up about winning a friendly and becoming hypersensitive when this pointed out.
How come you don't refer to the ROI soccer team as the West British soccer team?

They don't line out under a bastardised flag and belt out a pub song written by the son of a peeler.
Ironic that you feel this way given that the Ireland rugby team is probably the one team that represents and is supported by everyone in the 32 counties of Ireland.

It's not supported by me.

Some of us don't forget how they supported apartheid in South Africa.
Maybe you should jog on back to TFK where your bitter small-mindedness fitted in more comfortably.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 08, 2016, 12:31:23 AM
Quote from: muppet on November 07, 2016, 08:13:53 PM
Some great footage of the 'friendly': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gC-tpy9E0hs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gC-tpy9E0hs)

Long walk from the dressing rooms.
JS is quite small compared to the pack
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 08, 2016, 07:31:43 AM
24 heures is the Irish Independent of the French part of Switzerland with death notices and loads of sports coverage for people who know their sport. The readers usually read about skiing, soccer and icehockey but yesterday there was an article about le rugby. Because something important happened.

http://www.24heures.ch/front/aktuellethemen/blacks-redescendent-terre/story/17744851

Les records sont faits pour être battus. Le 5 novembre 2016 restera dans l'histoire du rugby comme le jour où les All Blacks sont retombés sur terre (40-29 face à l'Irlande). Cela faisait 455 jours, soit depuis le 8 août 2015, que la Nouvelle-Zélande n'avait plus connu les affres de la défaite. Le XV à la fougère argentée restait sur une série historique de 18 victoires consécutives et semblait tout simplement imbattable. [appeared to be unbeatable ] Autant dire que ce match amical face aux Irlandais, un adversaire battu à 28 reprises en autant de rencontres depuis 1905, avait tout d'une balade de santé sur le papier. [a walk in the park on paper]

Goliath à terre [Goliath floored]

Et pourtant, samedi après-midi, 15 Irlandais survoltés ont fait tomber Goliath sur la pelouse du Soldier Field de Chicago, devant 62 300 (record pour un match de rugby outre-Atlantique) spectateurs médusés. Cette victoire majuscule a peut-être pris corps juste avant le coup d'envoi. [the victory took shape during the haka]
Durant le fameux «haka», cette danse guerrière [gurrier actually comes from French ]  maorie qui a tétanisé tant d'adversaires, les 23 «boys in green» se sont répartis pour former un 8 sur le terrain. Un hommage au numéro de maillot d'Anthony Foley, ancien international et entraîneur décédé subitement à 42 ans d'une crise cardiaque mi-octobre. «C'était le premier match de l'équipe nationale depuis sa mort, nous devions faire quelque chose. Il y avait beaucoup d'émotion, cela a porté les gars du Munster (ndlr: club dont Foley était l'entraîneur)», a rappelé le capitaine Rory Best.

Coup de grâce
Le XV du Trèfle a sans cesse harcelé des Néo-Zélandais privés de plusieurs titulaires. En tête à la pause (25-8), les Irlandais ont ensuite résisté avec brio au retour des All Blacks. Les Kiwis sont revenus à quatre points après l'heure de jeu. Mais, au plus fort de la pression adverse, Robbie Henshaw a administré le coup de grâce avec un essai somptueux (75e).[a sumptuous try]
Les All Blacks ont félicité leur adversaire sur Twitter après cette défaite historique, avant de prendre date pour la revanche. «On se voit dans deux semaines à Dublin.» (24 heures)

Bionn adharca fada ar na ba thar lear
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 08, 2016, 09:26:20 AM
Quote from: Owenmoresider on November 07, 2016, 11:44:51 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 07, 2016, 09:10:00 PM
Quote from: michaelg on November 07, 2016, 08:46:55 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 08:49:00 PM
Quote from: michaelg on November 06, 2016, 08:42:27 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 08:36:38 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 08:30:02 PM
Yeah they play in the high profile O'Fiaich Cup instead, ::)

That's a competition.

I wouldn't be getting worked up over winning one in any case.

It's about context and the rugby fellas are getting worked up about winning a friendly and becoming hypersensitive when this pointed out.
How come you don't refer to the ROI soccer team as the West British soccer team?

They don't line out under a bastardised flag and belt out a pub song written by the son of a peeler.
Ironic that you feel this way given that the Ireland rugby team is probably the one team that represents and is supported by everyone in the 32 counties of Ireland.

It's not supported by me.

Some of us don't forget how they supported apartheid in South Africa.
Maybe you should jog on back to TFK where your bitter small-mindedness fitted in more comfortably.

I haven't posted on TFK in around 2 years and have not intention of.

If people are going to laud the rugby side because they draw from 32 counties (something the football team also do - only in football there is a requirement to accept the tricolour and Amhran na BhFiann) then they shouldn't try and sweep their grubby past under the table.

I think you will find the small minded people are those who like to pick and choose who are what actions represent them and the IRFU's support of apartheid South Africa is the most disgraceful moment in Irish sport.

Some background info for the uninformed.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/answering-apartheids-call-29839040.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 08, 2016, 09:29:35 AM
Give it a rest, bomber. You made your point several days ago. I understand you are not a fan of rugby.

How does the GAA treatment of the residents around Croke Park fit into your moral universe ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 08, 2016, 09:39:38 AM
Quote from: seafoid on November 08, 2016, 09:29:35 AM
Give it a rest, bomber. You made your point several days ago. I understand you are not a fan of rugby.

How does the GAA treatment of the residents around Croke Park fit into your moral universe ?

So I should be censured because rugby lads don't like the facts?

No chance.

Are you comparing GAA's treatment of residents with support of apartheid in South Africa?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on November 08, 2016, 11:05:59 AM
Quote from: seafoid on November 05, 2016, 11:17:17 PM
It's a fantastic day for Irish rugby. All the legends that didn't manage it.  Mike Gibson, Tony Ward, Ollie Campbell, the Kiernans,  Ginger McLoughlin, Ciaran Fitz, Simon Geoghegan, BOD, ROG etc. When Throne won in 2003 Peter Canavan spoke about all the ones who went  before him.   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NCH29cPQt4

Henshaw is class
Copied Jarlath Burns speech from the Ulster Final in '99 he did!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 08, 2016, 11:42:07 AM
Quote from: seafoid on November 08, 2016, 09:29:35 AM
Give it a rest, bomber. You made your point several days ago. I understand you are not a fan of rugby.

How does the GAA treatment of the residents around Croke Park fit into your moral universe ?

Rule 21 and 27.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: OgraAnDun on November 08, 2016, 12:02:55 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 08, 2016, 11:42:07 AM
Quote from: seafoid on November 08, 2016, 09:29:35 AM
Give it a rest, bomber. You made your point several days ago. I understand you are not a fan of rugby.

How does the GAA treatment of the residents around Croke Park fit into your moral universe ?

Rule 21 and 27.

Thoroughly justified. Could make for an argument for Rule 27 for a period too.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 08, 2016, 12:11:02 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on November 08, 2016, 12:02:55 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 08, 2016, 11:42:07 AM
Quote from: seafoid on November 08, 2016, 09:29:35 AM
Give it a rest, bomber. You made your point several days ago. I understand you are not a fan of rugby.

How does the GAA treatment of the residents around Croke Park fit into your moral universe ?

Rule 21 and 27.

Thoroughly justified. Could make for an argument for Rule 27 for a period too.

The good old justifiable discrimination. The South African National Party I'm sure said the same thing once upon a time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on November 08, 2016, 12:21:42 PM
https://t.co/iz3wgbpvxs
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on November 08, 2016, 12:29:20 PM
Quote from: Owenmoresider on November 07, 2016, 11:44:51 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 07, 2016, 09:10:00 PM
Quote from: michaelg on November 07, 2016, 08:46:55 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 08:49:00 PM
Quote from: michaelg on November 06, 2016, 08:42:27 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 08:36:38 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 08:30:02 PM
Yeah they play in the high profile O'Fiaich Cup instead, ::)

That's a competition.

I wouldn't be getting worked up over winning one in any case.

It's about context and the rugby fellas are getting worked up about winning a friendly and becoming hypersensitive when this pointed out.
How come you don't refer to the ROI soccer team as the West British soccer team?

They don't line out under a bastardised flag and belt out a pub song written by the son of a peeler.
Ironic that you feel this way given that the Ireland rugby team is probably the one team that represents and is supported by everyone in the 32 counties of Ireland.

It's not supported by me.

Some of us don't forget how they supported apartheid in South Africa.
Maybe you should jog on back to TFK where your bitter small-mindedness fitted in more comfortably.

jayzus  :o
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: OgraAnDun on November 08, 2016, 12:30:14 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 08, 2016, 12:11:02 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on November 08, 2016, 12:02:55 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 08, 2016, 11:42:07 AM
Quote from: seafoid on November 08, 2016, 09:29:35 AM
Give it a rest, bomber. You made your point several days ago. I understand you are not a fan of rugby.

How does the GAA treatment of the residents around Croke Park fit into your moral universe ?

Rule 21 and 27.

Thoroughly justified. Could make for an argument for Rule 27 for a period too.

The good old justifiable discrimination. The South African National Party I'm sure said the same thing once upon a time.

The only similarities between the apartheid state in SA and Rule 21, is that Rule 21 targeted those carrying out apartheid in Ireland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 08, 2016, 12:47:17 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on November 08, 2016, 12:30:14 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 08, 2016, 12:11:02 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on November 08, 2016, 12:02:55 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 08, 2016, 11:42:07 AM
Quote from: seafoid on November 08, 2016, 09:29:35 AM
Give it a rest, bomber. You made your point several days ago. I understand you are not a fan of rugby.

How does the GAA treatment of the residents around Croke Park fit into your moral universe ?

Rule 21 and 27.

Thoroughly justified. Could make for an argument for Rule 27 for a period too.

The good old justifiable discrimination. The South African National Party I'm sure said the same thing once upon a time.

The only similarities between the apartheid state in SA and Rule 21, is that Rule 21 targeted those carrying out apartheid in Ireland.

Big rugby fan but fully agree with imposing of rule 21. The problem was it maybe went on for a few years more than it should have when peace was pretty much secured in the north.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 08, 2016, 01:34:53 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on November 08, 2016, 12:29:20 PM
Quote from: Owenmoresider on November 07, 2016, 11:44:51 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 07, 2016, 09:10:00 PM
Quote from: michaelg on November 07, 2016, 08:46:55 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 08:49:00 PM
Quote from: michaelg on November 06, 2016, 08:42:27 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 08:36:38 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 08:30:02 PM
Yeah they play in the high profile O'Fiaich Cup instead, ::)

That's a competition.

I wouldn't be getting worked up over winning one in any case.

It's about context and the rugby fellas are getting worked up about winning a friendly and becoming hypersensitive when this pointed out.
How come you don't refer to the ROI soccer team as the West British soccer team?

They don't line out under a bastardised flag and belt out a pub song written by the son of a peeler.
Ironic that you feel this way given that the Ireland rugby team is probably the one team that represents and is supported by everyone in the 32 counties of Ireland.

It's not supported by me.

Some of us don't forget how they supported apartheid in South Africa.
Maybe you should jog on back to TFK where your bitter small-mindedness fitted in more comfortably.

jayzus  :o

I am afraid to ask, but what is TFK?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: foxcommander on November 08, 2016, 02:01:49 PM
Quote from: michaelg on November 07, 2016, 08:46:55 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 08:49:00 PM
Quote from: michaelg on November 06, 2016, 08:42:27 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 08:36:38 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 08:30:02 PM
Yeah they play in the high profile O'Fiaich Cup instead, ::)

That's a competition.

I wouldn't be getting worked up over winning one in any case.

It's about context and the rugby fellas are getting worked up about winning a friendly and becoming hypersensitive when this pointed out.
How come you don't refer to the ROI soccer team as the West British soccer team?

They don't line out under a bastardised flag and belt out a pub song written by the son of a peeler.
Ironic that you feel this way given that the Ireland rugby team is probably the one team that represents and is supported by people in the 32 counties of Ireland.

The rugger team represents west brits and unionists. Then you have the gloryhunters who will jump on any bandwagon at a moments notic and the D4 wannabes.

At least when the 'irish' cricket team won a world cup match a few years back it was in an actual tournament.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on November 08, 2016, 07:58:09 PM
Was at the game and it was a fantastic occasion the biggest crowd ever at a rugby game in the USA  over 63k. Thousands of Irish Americans there plus thousands of ex pats from ire and nz plus a big traveling Irish support . The game was good very exciting with lots of tries add in Chicago is a great city to visit and it was a fantastic game to be there for .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 08, 2016, 08:12:57 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on November 08, 2016, 02:01:49 PM
Quote from: michaelg on November 07, 2016, 08:46:55 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 08:49:00 PM
Quote from: michaelg on November 06, 2016, 08:42:27 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 08:36:38 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 08:30:02 PM
Yeah they play in the high profile O'Fiaich Cup instead, ::)

That's a competition.

I wouldn't be getting worked up over winning one in any case.

It's about context and the rugby fellas are getting worked up about winning a friendly and becoming hypersensitive when this pointed out.
How come you don't refer to the ROI soccer team as the West British soccer team?

They don't line out under a bastardised flag and belt out a pub song written by the son of a peeler.
Ironic that you feel this way given that the Ireland rugby team is probably the one team that represents and is supported by people in the 32 counties of Ireland.

The rugger team represents west brits and unionists. .

Try saying that in Limerick
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Harold Disgracey on November 08, 2016, 09:07:16 PM
Try saying that anywhere now! I'd say a very high percentage, if not the majority, of underage club players in Ulster are from working class nationalist background. I wouldn't be surprised to see someone from a GAA background in Derry or Armagh make the Ireland senior team within the next few years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 08, 2016, 10:04:32 PM
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on November 08, 2016, 09:07:16 PM
Try saying that anywhere now! I'd say a very high percentage, if not the majority, of underage club players in Ulster are from working class nationalist background. I wouldn't be surprised to see someone from a GAA background in Derry or Armagh make the Ireland senior team within the next few years.

Bizarre logic.

How many Catholic schools even play rugby in the O6?

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 08, 2016, 10:14:20 PM
You only need to look here at a list of partaking schools to see the level of inroads that rugby has made in the O6 nationalist communities.

http://danskebankschoolscup.com/fixtures-results/results/

If rugby does seep into nationalist communities in the O6, it will be done similar to the way the AFL target GAA players. They will target the physically overpowering players at around 16/17/18 who have never played rugby before and train them up to speed rather quickly as the game itself requires little skill or instinct, just repetitive drills of smashing into big oafs.

Of course rugby will attract the impressionable and naive people to the game, the likely reality is that most people who are attending rugby matches and following the fortunes of the West Brit rugby team never played the game and probably had little to no interest in it until 15 years. The game is being pushed heavily by a sector of society and idiots who can't think clearly for themselves are being caught hook, line and sinker.

If you were ever thinking about starting a ponzi scheme, the new generation of rugby football fans should be your first port of call.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on November 08, 2016, 10:28:56 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 08, 2016, 10:04:32 PM
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on November 08, 2016, 09:07:16 PM
Try saying that anywhere now! I'd say a very high percentage, if not the majority, of underage club players in Ulster are from working class nationalist background. I wouldn't be surprised to see someone from a GAA background in Derry or Armagh make the Ireland senior team within the next few years.

Bizarre logic.

How many Catholic schools even play rugby in the O6?


I shouldn't even reply to you as you're making a complete show of yourself.  Take the north west for example,  every club has tots in just out of nappy playing touch rugby... The numbers are huge.  My youngest is starting next month,   my neighbours and prob half my u6 gaelic football squad all play rugby as well.  St Columbs and Lumen have both started rugby teams

You've literally posted about 20+ times in the last few days in a thread about a sport you obviously don't understand or like... What is the matter with you man? Take a breath,   life's too short
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Harold Disgracey on November 08, 2016, 10:29:41 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 08, 2016, 10:04:32 PM
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on November 08, 2016, 09:07:16 PM
Try saying that anywhere now! I'd say a very high percentage, if not the majority, of underage club players in Ulster are from working class nationalist background. I wouldn't be surprised to see someone from a GAA background in Derry or Armagh make the Ireland senior team within the next few years.

Bizarre logic.

How many Catholic schools even play rugby in the O6?

https://twitter.com/spksport/status/791694698717085696
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 08, 2016, 10:31:45 PM
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on November 08, 2016, 10:29:41 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 08, 2016, 10:04:32 PM
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on November 08, 2016, 09:07:16 PM
Try saying that anywhere now! I'd say a very high percentage, if not the majority, of underage club players in Ulster are from working class nationalist background. I wouldn't be surprised to see someone from a GAA background in Derry or Armagh make the Ireland senior team within the next few years.

Bizarre logic.

How many Catholic schools even play rugby in the O6?

https://twitter.com/spksport/status/791694698717085696

Not an answer to my question.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 08, 2016, 10:32:55 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on November 08, 2016, 10:28:56 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 08, 2016, 10:04:32 PM
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on November 08, 2016, 09:07:16 PM
Try saying that anywhere now! I'd say a very high percentage, if not the majority, of underage club players in Ulster are from working class nationalist background. I wouldn't be surprised to see someone from a GAA background in Derry or Armagh make the Ireland senior team within the next few years.

Bizarre logic.

How many Catholic schools even play rugby in the O6?


I shouldn't even reply to you as you're making a complete show of yourself.  Take the north west for example,  every club has tots in just out of nappy playing touch rugby... The numbers are huge.  My youngest is starting next month,   my neighbours and prob half my u6 gaelic football squad all play rugby as well.  St Columbs and Lumen have both started rugby teams

You've literally posted about 20+ times in the last few days in a thread about a sport you obviously don't understand or like... What is the matter with you man? Take a breath,   life's too short

Imagine if Michael Cusack had wanted us to play Cricket instead of Hurling!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 08, 2016, 10:34:48 PM
Bomber come join us at the Rainey Old Boys RFC in Marafelt.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 08, 2016, 10:36:49 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on November 08, 2016, 10:28:56 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 08, 2016, 10:04:32 PM
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on November 08, 2016, 09:07:16 PM
Try saying that anywhere now! I'd say a very high percentage, if not the majority, of underage club players in Ulster are from working class nationalist background. I wouldn't be surprised to see someone from a GAA background in Derry or Armagh make the Ireland senior team within the next few years.

Bizarre logic.

How many Catholic schools even play rugby in the O6?


I shouldn't even reply to you as you're making a complete show of yourself.  Take the north west for example,  every club has tots in just out of nappy playing touch rugby... The numbers are huge.  My youngest is starting next month,   my neighbours and prob half my u6 gaelic football squad all play rugby as well.  St Columbs and Lumen have both started rugby teams

You've literally posted about 20+ times in the last few days in a thread about a sport you obviously don't understand or like... What is the matter with you man? Take a breath,   life's too short

I would seriously question a parent letting their kids play rugby, never mind having 6 year olds at it. The steroid abuse and concussions are a major worry.

I am offering a criticism of rugby, grounded in both logic and facts but there is an element here who are trying their very best to gag me on this. Why are some people so hostile to any grounded critique of rugby football and the the "achievements" of the West British side? That is the question you should be asking yourselves - not having veiled pops at me for bringing them to the table.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 08, 2016, 10:40:53 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 08, 2016, 10:34:48 PM
Bomber come join us at the Rainey Old Boys RFC in Marafelt.

Do ye fly an Irish tricolour at your grounds?

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Harold Disgracey on November 08, 2016, 10:56:17 PM
At underage there are players from at least 5 GAA club playing for Rainey, there are even more clubs represented at Armagh. Rugby at Catholic schools in the wee six is only starting to take off.

If it weren't young GAA players playing rugby, once the GAA season has finished,  a lot, if not most, rugby clubs would struggle to field at youth level.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 08, 2016, 11:02:46 PM
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on November 08, 2016, 10:56:17 PM
At underage there are players from at least 5 GAA club playing for Rainey, there are even more clubs represented at Armagh. Rugby at Catholic schools in the wee six is only starting to take off.

If it weren't young GAA players playing rugby, once the GAA season has finished,  a lot, if not most, rugby clubs would struggle to field at youth level.
I have 2 lads at rugby in Armagh and I know for a fact there are players on the minis and juniors (and they are among the best) from Harps, Ogs, Tullysaran, Granemore, Derrynoose, Clady etc etc. They come knowing how to run with a ball in hand, ship a tackle and aren't afraid of the rough stuff. The coaches love the kids from GAA clubs.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 08, 2016, 11:03:01 PM
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on November 08, 2016, 10:56:17 PM
At underage there are players from at least 5 GAA club playing for Rainey, there are even more clubs represented at Armagh. Rugby at Catholic schools in the wee six is only starting to take off.

If it weren't young GAA players playing rugby, once the GAA season has finished,  a lot, if not most, rugby clubs would struggle to field at youth level.

Off the top of my head the GAA clubs which currently and have formerly supplied Rainey with players includes: Marafelt, Loup, Ballinderry, Ballymaguigan, Bellaghy, Desertmartin, Screen, Glen, Swatragh and Slaughtneil. I'm sure there are many others from South Derry and the lough shore.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Harold Disgracey on November 08, 2016, 11:13:12 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on November 08, 2016, 11:02:46 PM
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on November 08, 2016, 10:56:17 PM
At underage there are players from at least 5 GAA club playing for Rainey, there are even more clubs represented at Armagh. Rugby at Catholic schools in the wee six is only starting to take off.

If it weren't young GAA players playing rugby, once the GAA season has finished,  a lot, if not most, rugby clubs would struggle to field at youth level.
I have 2 lads at rugby in Armagh and I know for a fact there are players on the minis and juniors (and they are among the best) from Harps, Ogs, Tullysaran, Granemore, Derrynoose, Clady etc etc. They come knowing how to run with a ball in hand, ship a tackle and aren't afraid of the rough stuff. The coaches love the kids from GAA clubs.

100% correct, my lad plays for the U16s at Armagh, also players there from Madden, Ballyhegan, Ballymacnab, Lissummon among others. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 09, 2016, 01:55:11 AM
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on November 08, 2016, 09:07:16 PM
Try saying that anywhere now! I'd say a very high percentage, if not the majority, of underage club players in Ulster are from working class nationalist background. I wouldn't be surprised to see someone from a GAA background in Derry or Armagh make the Ireland senior team within the next few years.
Same in rural Leinster

Sean O Brien is from Co Carlow. A long way from black protestant tea
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: foxcommander on November 09, 2016, 01:59:22 AM
Quote from: seafoid on November 08, 2016, 08:12:57 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on November 08, 2016, 02:01:49 PM
Quote from: michaelg on November 07, 2016, 08:46:55 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 08:49:00 PM
Quote from: michaelg on November 06, 2016, 08:42:27 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 08:36:38 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 06, 2016, 08:30:02 PM
Yeah they play in the high profile O'Fiaich Cup instead, ::)

That's a competition.

I wouldn't be getting worked up over winning one in any case.

It's about context and the rugby fellas are getting worked up about winning a friendly and becoming hypersensitive when this pointed out.
How come you don't refer to the ROI soccer team as the West British soccer team?

They don't line out under a bastardised flag and belt out a pub song written by the son of a peeler.
Ironic that you feel this way given that the Ireland rugby team is probably the one team that represents and is supported by people in the 32 counties of Ireland.

The rugger team represents west brits and unionists. .

Try saying that in Limerick

Why? Same goes for them doing some eggchasing. No wonder they do shag all in GAA these days when heads have been turned with that munster shite.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JUst retired on November 09, 2016, 04:41:08 PM
My daughter and 8 friends bought tickets for the allBlacks game in Dublin. These were bought weeks ago,and confirmed by email at the time.
On S Sunday past she received an email telling her her tickets were gone missing and there were no replacements available.If Ireland had lost to the All blacks would they have gone missing or is it a case of the price going up and some one cheating?!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on November 09, 2016, 04:48:39 PM
Quote from: JUst retired on November 09, 2016, 04:41:08 PM
My daughter and 8 friends bought tickets for the allBlacks game in Dublin. These were bought weeks ago,and confirmed by email at the time.
On S Sunday past she received an email telling her her tickets were gone missing and there were no replacements available.If Ireland had lost to the All blacks would they have gone missing or is it a case of the price going up and some one cheating?!

the tickets will be bar coded surely. They go missing, cancel and renew 8 more
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Maroon Manc on November 09, 2016, 04:59:13 PM
I've been told the All Blacks were missing several of their best 15 but how how many of Ireland's best 15 were missing?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 09, 2016, 05:09:14 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on November 09, 2016, 04:59:13 PM
I've been told the All Blacks were missing several of their best 15 but how how many of Ireland's best 15 were missing?

Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick are the only 2 NZ starters I can think of.

Ireland were missing 3 potential starters in Ian Henderson, Sean O'Brien and Peter O'Mahony
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AhNowRef on November 09, 2016, 05:17:43 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 07:14:35 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 06, 2016, 07:06:29 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:49:52 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 06, 2016, 06:39:24 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:30:50 PM
Quote from: square_ball on November 06, 2016, 06:27:24 PM
I have to laugh at these ones that don't like rugby (which they have every right it's not everyone's cup of tea) are the ones getting most annoyed at this victory. If you don't like something just don't pass any remarks on it instead of getting a wee kick in your life by winding people up on a discussion forum. But whatever floats your boat I guess. . .

I find it odd that people are celebrating winning a non-competitive game like they have won the World Cup. I have to laugh at these people who treat the result as some sort of seismic moment in their sport, maybe it's telling of what matters in a niche game. A proper sport would not have an eyelid batted at such a trivial matter.

It's undeniably one of Ireland's greatest successes in any sport. It's obviously sad that you're not feeling that but the rest of us are on a high and are going to enjoy it.

Winning a friendly is one of Ireland's greatest sporting achievements?

The soccer team beat the World Champions in a competitive game last year, this is a global game and was a crucial result for the side in qualifying for a major competition.

Such is the mass appeal of football, you actually have to qualify for the major Championships - something three of the previous 6 champions failed to for Euro 2016 even when the competition was extended.

The nature of soccer means that an inferior team can occasionally beat a much better team which is what happened when ireland luckily beat germany. It was a freak result with ireland having very little of the ball and their goal leading a charmed life. The difference with this result is that we beat the world champions in a test match and it wasn't a fluke. Ireland's stats re possession, tackling, turnovers etc were all up there and better in most cases with new zealands. This was truly a performance and victory to be proud of.

Ireland beating Germany was not a fluke.

You're a strange one, belittling competitive wins of a substantive nature in a global sport yet putting a win in a non-competitive fixture over one of the other participants in a niche sports as one of the nation's greatest sporting achievements.

You're an even stranger one  ???

You slag off the Rugby team as being west brits yet Soccer seems to be fine in your view ::) ... make yer mind up  ;)

I'm an avid Tyrone supported all my life and also Ireland Rugby supporter, yet I somehow find it quite plausible to support both without it diminishing my views on the other ... Tyrone winning the AI in 2003 was my best sporting moment, closely followed by 2005 & 2008 ... Next is Ireland Rugby team winning the recent 6 nations GrandSlam & championships .. After that, Saturdays performance in "finally" beating the All Blacks is next (maybe even before the championship wins  ??? )...

You must be on the wind up because surely everyone knows the difference between Test Rugby and inconsequential soccer friendlies ....

New Zealand could never beat the Springboks in a test series until 1956 but they still see that as one of their best (if not very best) tours ever,  as they finally beat them and got the monkey off their backs....  Can Ireland not feel a little pleased & proud for beating the best team in the world for the first time ever?

There are no friendlies in Rugby .. Ireland play competition Rugby in NH once a year (6 nations), The SH teams play each other once a year ... the NH teams play the SH teams in TEST rugby once (sometimes more) a year and occasionally teams tour areas on the other side of the planet to see who is the best .. usually the NH teams get tanked so its always nice to win one ... e.g. Ireland toured SA a few months back and won a game against the springboks for the first time ever in SA .. they actually could/should have won the series but its another sign things are going well for us at the minute..  (and he's called Joe Schmidt  :)  )
Test Rugby also leads to seeding for the RWC which as Im sure you know is every 4 years ...

so basically, every Rugby game is important .. not just those in named competitions ..   If they were merely friendlies as you call them, the NH teams would only ever play the SH teams in competitive competition, once every 4 years at the RWC .... and thats just nuts Im afraid...

But Im pretty sure you're on the wind up ... or a Rugby player stole your girlfriend or something  :o ... it cant all be a west brit thing as you seem to have no trouble with "Saccer"  8)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JUst retired on November 09, 2016, 05:25:34 PM
Up date to previous post. Tickets were bought through Tickets rugby.com in June. The company say they will refund the money £900 but no tickets.They also will not cover expenses of train to Dublin. Obvious what they have done,beware if you use this company. The daughter and friends are talking lawyers something about advance selling.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 09, 2016, 06:45:36 PM
Quote from: AhNowRef on November 09, 2016, 05:17:43 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 07:14:35 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 06, 2016, 07:06:29 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:49:52 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 06, 2016, 06:39:24 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:30:50 PM
Quote from: square_ball on November 06, 2016, 06:27:24 PM
I have to laugh at these ones that don't like rugby (which they have every right it's not everyone's cup of tea) are the ones getting most annoyed at this victory. If you don't like something just don't pass any remarks on it instead of getting a wee kick in your life by winding people up on a discussion forum. But whatever floats your boat I guess. . .

I find it odd that people are celebrating winning a non-competitive game like they have won the World Cup. I have to laugh at these people who treat the result as some sort of seismic moment in their sport, maybe it's telling of what matters in a niche game. A proper sport would not have an eyelid batted at such a trivial matter.

It's undeniably one of Ireland's greatest successes in any sport. It's obviously sad that you're not feeling that but the rest of us are on a high and are going to enjoy it.

Winning a friendly is one of Ireland's greatest sporting achievements?

The soccer team beat the World Champions in a competitive game last year, this is a global game and was a crucial result for the side in qualifying for a major competition.

Such is the mass appeal of football, you actually have to qualify for the major Championships - something three of the previous 6 champions failed to for Euro 2016 even when the competition was extended.

The nature of soccer means that an inferior team can occasionally beat a much better team which is what happened when ireland luckily beat germany. It was a freak result with ireland having very little of the ball and their goal leading a charmed life. The difference with this result is that we beat the world champions in a test match and it wasn't a fluke. Ireland's stats re possession, tackling, turnovers etc were all up there and better in most cases with new zealands. This was truly a performance and victory to be proud of.

Ireland beating Germany was not a fluke.

You're a strange one, belittling competitive wins of a substantive nature in a global sport yet putting a win in a non-competitive fixture over one of the other participants in a niche sports as one of the nation's greatest sporting achievements.

You're an even stranger one  ???

You slag off the Rugby team as being west brits yet Soccer seems to be fine in your view ::) ... make yer mind up  ;)

I'm an avid Tyrone supported all my life and also Ireland Rugby supporter, yet I somehow find it quite plausible to support both without it diminishing my views on the other ... Tyrone winning the AI in 2003 was my best sporting moment, closely followed by 2005 & 2008 ... Next is Ireland Rugby team winning the recent 6 nations GrandSlam & championships .. After that, Saturdays performance in "finally" beating the All Blacks is next (maybe even before the championship wins  ??? )...

You must be on the wind up because surely everyone knows the difference between Test Rugby and inconsequential soccer friendlies ....

New Zealand could never beat the Springboks in a test series until 1956 but they still see that as one of their best (if not very best) tours ever,  as they finally beat them and got the monkey off their backs....  Can Ireland not feel a little pleased & proud for beating the best team in the world for the first time ever?

There are no friendlies in Rugby .. Ireland play competition Rugby in NH once a year (6 nations), The SH teams play each other once a year ... the NH teams play the SH teams in TEST rugby once (sometimes more) a year and occasionally teams tour areas on the other side of the planet to see who is the best .. usually the NH teams get tanked so its always nice to win one ... e.g. Ireland toured SA a few months back and won a game against the springboks for the first time ever in SA .. they actually could/should have won the series but its another sign things are going well for us at the minute..  (and he's called Joe Schmidt  :)  )
Test Rugby also leads to seeding for the RWC which as Im sure you know is every 4 years ...

so basically, every Rugby game is important .. not just those in named competitions ..   If they were merely friendlies as you call them, the NH teams would only ever play the SH teams in competitive competition, once every 4 years at the RWC .... and thats just nuts Im afraid...

But Im pretty sure you're on the wind up ... or a Rugby player stole your girlfriend or something  :o ... it cant all be a west brit thing as you seem to have no trouble with "Saccer"  8)

The only difference I can understand between "test rugby" (lolz) and football friendlies is that as rugby is such a niche game with such a shallow playing and everything is so contrived about it then try and big up every single match. You had West British players crying after winning a dead rubber game against France in the World Cup the last time out before they went in as 8/13 favourites to win a knockout World Cup game (which they have never managed btw) and they got absolutely destroyed.

There are friendlies in rugby, they are non-competitive games. You would have be an idiot of bombastic proportions to be pedaling that line - there are no medals or tournament progression out of them, they are once off games that have no relevance. Only a joke of game would regards matches like this with any sense of prestige or importance.

The narrative of the West British rugby team is hilarious, they are consistently hyped up, they consistently fail to meet expectations, they have their merry band of apologists out excusing their failures time and time again, the minor successes they achieve are always blown way out of proportion. Ireland are one of the only countries in the world who take this eyesore of a game with any degree of seriousness yet their achievements are extremely average. The players are a bunch of steroid addled, arrogant pigs who believe their own hype.

For your own information, soccer friendlies also count towards seedings for World Cup - it's why my native Italy have been in the second pot for the World Cup and European Championships of late despite the fact we have not been beaten in over 50 qualifying games and have won one and reached the final of two of the last 6 major tournaments. Football nations view friendlies for the non-competitive games they are, the result is never important.

The reaction to the West British rugby side's win at the weekend just goes to show you the small minded, win-win the nation has with this bunch of arrogant under achievers.

The game is an eyesore and the new generation of rugby fans are among the biggest grouping of simpletons you will find on the planet.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AhNowRef on November 09, 2016, 06:52:02 PM
lmfao ... Keep er lit there bambino.. you're on a roll  ;D

Brilliant stuff altogether  8) ... and to think for a while there I thought you were bitter about something  :-X  lmao

Its great to leave work in a good mood :-) ... thank you !!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 09, 2016, 06:59:27 PM
Quote from: JUst retired on November 09, 2016, 05:25:34 PM
Up date to previous post. Tickets were bought through Tickets rugby.com in June. The company say they will refund the money £900 but no tickets.They also will not cover expenses of train to Dublin. Obvious what they have done,beware if you use this company. The daughter and friends are talking lawyers something about advance selling.

Escalate that to f*ck. Lawyers, Radio, letters to papers, whatever.

I wouldn't care about losing money, just to make sure those b*stards never sold a ticket again. Think of Pat Hickey and his attitude while you are doing it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: michaelg on November 09, 2016, 07:04:27 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 09, 2016, 06:45:36 PM
Quote from: AhNowRef on November 09, 2016, 05:17:43 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 07:14:35 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 06, 2016, 07:06:29 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:49:52 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 06, 2016, 06:39:24 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:30:50 PM
Quote from: square_ball on November 06, 2016, 06:27:24 PM
I have to laugh at these ones that don't like rugby (which they have every right it's not everyone's cup of tea) are the ones getting most annoyed at this victory. If you don't like something just don't pass any remarks on it instead of getting a wee kick in your life by winding people up on a discussion forum. But whatever floats your boat I guess. . .

I find it odd that people are celebrating winning a non-competitive game like they have won the World Cup. I have to laugh at these people who treat the result as some sort of seismic moment in their sport, maybe it's telling of what matters in a niche game. A proper sport would not have an eyelid batted at such a trivial matter.

It's undeniably one of Ireland's greatest successes in any sport. It's obviously sad that you're not feeling that but the rest of us are on a high and are going to enjoy it.

Winning a friendly is one of Ireland's greatest sporting achievements?

The soccer team beat the World Champions in a competitive game last year, this is a global game and was a crucial result for the side in qualifying for a major competition.

Such is the mass appeal of football, you actually have to qualify for the major Championships - something three of the previous 6 champions failed to for Euro 2016 even when the competition was extended.

The nature of soccer means that an inferior team can occasionally beat a much better team which is what happened when ireland luckily beat germany. It was a freak result with ireland having very little of the ball and their goal leading a charmed life. The difference with this result is that we beat the world champions in a test match and it wasn't a fluke. Ireland's stats re possession, tackling, turnovers etc were all up there and better in most cases with new zealands. This was truly a performance and victory to be proud of.

Ireland beating Germany was not a fluke.

You're a strange one, belittling competitive wins of a substantive nature in a global sport yet putting a win in a non-competitive fixture over one of the other participants in a niche sports as one of the nation's greatest sporting achievements.

You're an even stranger one  ???

You slag off the Rugby team as being west brits yet Soccer seems to be fine in your view ::) ... make yer mind up  ;)

I'm an avid Tyrone supported all my life and also Ireland Rugby supporter, yet I somehow find it quite plausible to support both without it diminishing my views on the other ... Tyrone winning the AI in 2003 was my best sporting moment, closely followed by 2005 & 2008 ... Next is Ireland Rugby team winning the recent 6 nations GrandSlam & championships .. After that, Saturdays performance in "finally" beating the All Blacks is next (maybe even before the championship wins  ??? )...

You must be on the wind up because surely everyone knows the difference between Test Rugby and inconsequential soccer friendlies ....

New Zealand could never beat the Springboks in a test series until 1956 but they still see that as one of their best (if not very best) tours ever,  as they finally beat them and got the monkey off their backs....  Can Ireland not feel a little pleased & proud for beating the best team in the world for the first time ever?

There are no friendlies in Rugby .. Ireland play competition Rugby in NH once a year (6 nations), The SH teams play each other once a year ... the NH teams play the SH teams in TEST rugby once (sometimes more) a year and occasionally teams tour areas on the other side of the planet to see who is the best .. usually the NH teams get tanked so its always nice to win one ... e.g. Ireland toured SA a few months back and won a game against the springboks for the first time ever in SA .. they actually could/should have won the series but its another sign things are going well for us at the minute..  (and he's called Joe Schmidt  :)  )
Test Rugby also leads to seeding for the RWC which as Im sure you know is every 4 years ...

so basically, every Rugby game is important .. not just those in named competitions ..   If they were merely friendlies as you call them, the NH teams would only ever play the SH teams in competitive competition, once every 4 years at the RWC .... and thats just nuts Im afraid...

But Im pretty sure you're on the wind up ... or a Rugby player stole your girlfriend or something  :o ... it cant all be a west brit thing as you seem to have no trouble with "Saccer"  8)

The only difference I can understand between "test rugby" (lolz) and football friendlies is that as rugby is such a niche game with such a shallow playing and everything is so contrived about it then try and big up every single match. You had West British players crying after winning a dead rubber game against France in the World Cup the last time out before they went in as 8/13 favourites to win a knockout World Cup game (which they have never managed btw) and they got absolutely destroyed.

There are friendlies in rugby, they are non-competitive games. You would have be an idiot of bombastic proportions to be pedaling that line - there are no medals or tournament progression out of them, they are once off games that have no relevance. Only a joke of game would regards matches like this with any sense of prestige or importance.

The narrative of the West British rugby team is hilarious, they are consistently hyped up, they consistently fail to meet expectations, they have their merry band of apologists out excusing their failures time and time again, the minor successes they achieve are always blown way out of proportion. Ireland are one of the only countries in the world who take this eyesore of a game with any degree of seriousness yet their achievements are extremely average. The players are a bunch of steroid addled, arrogant pigs who believe their own hype.

For your own information, soccer friendlies also count towards seedings for World Cup - it's why my native Italy have been in the second pot for the World Cup and European Championships of late despite the fact we have not been beaten in over 50 qualifying games and have won one and reached the final of two of the last 6 major tournaments. Football nations view friendlies for the non-competitive games they are, the result is never important.

The reaction to the West British rugby side's win at the weekend just goes to show you the small minded, win-win the nation has with this bunch of arrogant under achievers.

The game is an eyesore and the new generation of rugby fans are among the biggest grouping of simpletons you will find on the planet.
Do you support the Italian rugby team or are they a bunch of East Brits?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 09, 2016, 07:07:21 PM
Quote from: michaelg on November 09, 2016, 07:04:27 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 09, 2016, 06:45:36 PM
Quote from: AhNowRef on November 09, 2016, 05:17:43 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 07:14:35 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 06, 2016, 07:06:29 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:49:52 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 06, 2016, 06:39:24 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:30:50 PM
Quote from: square_ball on November 06, 2016, 06:27:24 PM
I have to laugh at these ones that don't like rugby (which they have every right it's not everyone's cup of tea) are the ones getting most annoyed at this victory. If you don't like something just don't pass any remarks on it instead of getting a wee kick in your life by winding people up on a discussion forum. But whatever floats your boat I guess. . .

I find it odd that people are celebrating winning a non-competitive game like they have won the World Cup. I have to laugh at these people who treat the result as some sort of seismic moment in their sport, maybe it's telling of what matters in a niche game. A proper sport would not have an eyelid batted at such a trivial matter.

It's undeniably one of Ireland's greatest successes in any sport. It's obviously sad that you're not feeling that but the rest of us are on a high and are going to enjoy it.

Winning a friendly is one of Ireland's greatest sporting achievements?

The soccer team beat the World Champions in a competitive game last year, this is a global game and was a crucial result for the side in qualifying for a major competition.

Such is the mass appeal of football, you actually have to qualify for the major Championships - something three of the previous 6 champions failed to for Euro 2016 even when the competition was extended.

The nature of soccer means that an inferior team can occasionally beat a much better team which is what happened when ireland luckily beat germany. It was a freak result with ireland having very little of the ball and their goal leading a charmed life. The difference with this result is that we beat the world champions in a test match and it wasn't a fluke. Ireland's stats re possession, tackling, turnovers etc were all up there and better in most cases with new zealands. This was truly a performance and victory to be proud of.

Ireland beating Germany was not a fluke.

You're a strange one, belittling competitive wins of a substantive nature in a global sport yet putting a win in a non-competitive fixture over one of the other participants in a niche sports as one of the nation's greatest sporting achievements.

You're an even stranger one  ???

You slag off the Rugby team as being west brits yet Soccer seems to be fine in your view ::) ... make yer mind up  ;)

I'm an avid Tyrone supported all my life and also Ireland Rugby supporter, yet I somehow find it quite plausible to support both without it diminishing my views on the other ... Tyrone winning the AI in 2003 was my best sporting moment, closely followed by 2005 & 2008 ... Next is Ireland Rugby team winning the recent 6 nations GrandSlam & championships .. After that, Saturdays performance in "finally" beating the All Blacks is next (maybe even before the championship wins  ??? )...

You must be on the wind up because surely everyone knows the difference between Test Rugby and inconsequential soccer friendlies ....

New Zealand could never beat the Springboks in a test series until 1956 but they still see that as one of their best (if not very best) tours ever,  as they finally beat them and got the monkey off their backs....  Can Ireland not feel a little pleased & proud for beating the best team in the world for the first time ever?

There are no friendlies in Rugby .. Ireland play competition Rugby in NH once a year (6 nations), The SH teams play each other once a year ... the NH teams play the SH teams in TEST rugby once (sometimes more) a year and occasionally teams tour areas on the other side of the planet to see who is the best .. usually the NH teams get tanked so its always nice to win one ... e.g. Ireland toured SA a few months back and won a game against the springboks for the first time ever in SA .. they actually could/should have won the series but its another sign things are going well for us at the minute..  (and he's called Joe Schmidt  :)  )
Test Rugby also leads to seeding for the RWC which as Im sure you know is every 4 years ...

so basically, every Rugby game is important .. not just those in named competitions ..   If they were merely friendlies as you call them, the NH teams would only ever play the SH teams in competitive competition, once every 4 years at the RWC .... and thats just nuts Im afraid...

But Im pretty sure you're on the wind up ... or a Rugby player stole your girlfriend or something  :o ... it cant all be a west brit thing as you seem to have no trouble with "Saccer"  8)

The only difference I can understand between "test rugby" (lolz) and football friendlies is that as rugby is such a niche game with such a shallow playing and everything is so contrived about it then try and big up every single match. You had West British players crying after winning a dead rubber game against France in the World Cup the last time out before they went in as 8/13 favourites to win a knockout World Cup game (which they have never managed btw) and they got absolutely destroyed.

There are friendlies in rugby, they are non-competitive games. You would have be an idiot of bombastic proportions to be pedaling that line - there are no medals or tournament progression out of them, they are once off games that have no relevance. Only a joke of game would regards matches like this with any sense of prestige or importance.

The narrative of the West British rugby team is hilarious, they are consistently hyped up, they consistently fail to meet expectations, they have their merry band of apologists out excusing their failures time and time again, the minor successes they achieve are always blown way out of proportion. Ireland are one of the only countries in the world who take this eyesore of a game with any degree of seriousness yet their achievements are extremely average. The players are a bunch of steroid addled, arrogant pigs who believe their own hype.

For your own information, soccer friendlies also count towards seedings for World Cup - it's why my native Italy have been in the second pot for the World Cup and European Championships of late despite the fact we have not been beaten in over 50 qualifying games and have won one and reached the final of two of the last 6 major tournaments. Football nations view friendlies for the non-competitive games they are, the result is never important.

The reaction to the West British rugby side's win at the weekend just goes to show you the small minded, win-win the nation has with this bunch of arrogant under achievers.

The game is an eyesore and the new generation of rugby fans are among the biggest grouping of simpletons you will find on the planet.
Do you support the Italian rugby team or are they a bunch of East Brits?

Rugby is played by a bunch of farmers from Lombardy in Italy. I don't support them, I don't support anything to do with that nonsense.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Newbridge Exile on November 09, 2016, 07:11:17 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 08, 2016, 11:03:01 PM
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on November 08, 2016, 10:56:17 PM
At underage there are players from at least 5 GAA club playing for Rainey, there are even more clubs represented at Armagh. Rugby at Catholic schools in the wee six is only starting to take off.

If it weren't young GAA players playing rugby, once the GAA season has finished,  a lot, if not most, rugby clubs would struggle to field at youth level.

Off the top of my head the GAA clubs which currently and have formerly supplied Rainey with players includes: Marafelt, Loup, Ballinderry, Ballymaguigan, Bellaghy, Desertmartin, Screen, Glen, Swatragh and Slaughtneil. I'm sure there are many others from South Derry and the lough shore.
And one of the brightest underrage prospects we have had in a while is the current captain of the ulster under 18 club team
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: macdanger2 on November 10, 2016, 09:39:28 AM
Quote from: JUst retired on November 09, 2016, 05:25:34 PM
Up date to previous post. Tickets were bought through Tickets rugby.com in June. The company say they will refund the money £900 but no tickets.They also will not cover expenses of train to Dublin. Obvious what they have done,beware if you use this company. The daughter and friends are talking lawyers something about advance selling.

The small claims court is where I'd go, will only cost ~€25 and will be much quicker & cheaper than getting a lawyer. The threat of it may be enough to allow them to "find" the tickets. A letter to the IRFU also if these guys are official resellers
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JUst retired on November 10, 2016, 12:23:00 PM
They have now said they will try and replace the tickets but they may not all be together. If they can't replace them they will refund their money.
She has kept all the emails from the company,and awaits the outcome before taking any further action.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 10, 2016, 02:47:45 PM
Ireland (v Canada):

15. Tiernan O'Halloran
14. Craig Gilroy
13. Garry Ringrose
12. Luke Marshall
11. Keith Earls
10. Paddy Jackson
9. Kieran Marmion
1. Cian Healy
2. Sean Cronin
3. Finlay Bealham
4. Ultan Dillane
5. Billy Holland
6. Peter O'Mahony (captain)
7. Sean O'Brien
8. Jack O'Donoghue

Replacements:
16. James Tracy
17. Dave Kilcoyne
18. John Ryan
19. Donnacha Ryan
20. Dan Leavy
21. Luke McGrath
22. Joey Carbery
23. Niyi Adeolokun
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lenny on November 10, 2016, 03:35:27 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 10, 2016, 02:47:45 PM
Ireland (v Canada):

15. Tiernan O'Halloran
14. Craig Gilroy
13. Garry Ringrose
12. Luke Marshall
11. Keith Earls
10. Paddy Jackson
9. Kieran Marmion
1. Cian Healy
2. Sean Cronin
3. Finlay Bealham
4. Ultan Dillane
5. Billy Holland
6. Peter O'Mahony (captain)
7. Sean O'Brien
8. Jack O'Donoghue

Replacements:
16. James Tracy
17. Dave Kilcoyne
18. John Ryan
19. Donnacha Ryan
20. Dan Leavy
21. Luke McGrath
22. Joey Carbery
23. Niyi Adeolokun

Heading down to this on Saturday. Really excited after last week's win and the team named definitely has potential. Great to be able to watch an Ireland team which represents all 32 counties.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 10, 2016, 07:43:31 PM
Good to see so many Connacht players playing
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 11, 2016, 07:12:37 AM
Quote from: lenny on November 10, 2016, 03:35:27 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 10, 2016, 02:47:45 PM
Ireland (v Canada):

15. Tiernan O'Halloran
14. Craig Gilroy
13. Garry Ringrose
12. Luke Marshall
11. Keith Earls
10. Paddy Jackson
9. Kieran Marmion
1. Cian Healy
2. Sean Cronin
3. Finlay Bealham
4. Ultan Dillane
5. Billy Holland
6. Peter O'Mahony (captain)
7. Sean O'Brien
8. Jack O'Donoghue

Replacements:
16. James Tracy
17. Dave Kilcoyne
18. John Ryan
19. Donnacha Ryan
20. Dan Leavy
21. Luke McGrath
22. Joey Carbery
23. Niyi Adeolokun

Heading down to this on Saturday. Really excited after last week's win and the team named definitely has potential. Great to be able to watch an Ireland team which represents all 32 counties.

How many changes there from the NZ game? Surely if "test rugby" (lolz) is as serious as some some here proclaim it to be then the West British team will have as strong a team out as they can. I wouldn't like to see them treat these games as some sort of friendly?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 11, 2016, 07:36:15 AM
If it wasn't the week after one gruelling game, and a week before another, you would see a much stronger team. As it is, this is the closest you get to a meaningless game in Rugby.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: OgraAnDun on November 11, 2016, 09:31:31 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 11, 2016, 07:36:15 AM
If it wasn't the week after one gruelling game, and a week before another, you would see a much stronger team. As it is, this is the closest you get to a meaningless game in Rugby.

As our Italian friend knows perfectly well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 11, 2016, 09:33:13 AM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on November 11, 2016, 09:31:31 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 11, 2016, 07:36:15 AM
If it wasn't the week after one gruelling game, and a week before another, you would see a much stronger team. As it is, this is the closest you get to a meaningless game in Rugby.

As our Italian friend knows perfectly well.

I know he does. I should know better.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 11, 2016, 09:39:37 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 11, 2016, 07:12:37 AM
Quote from: lenny on November 10, 2016, 03:35:27 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 10, 2016, 02:47:45 PM
Ireland (v Canada):

15. Tiernan O'Halloran
14. Craig Gilroy
13. Garry Ringrose
12. Luke Marshall
11. Keith Earls
10. Paddy Jackson
9. Kieran Marmion
1. Cian Healy
2. Sean Cronin
3. Finlay Bealham
4. Ultan Dillane
5. Billy Holland
6. Peter O'Mahony (captain)
7. Sean O'Brien
8. Jack O'Donoghue

Replacements:
16. James Tracy
17. Dave Kilcoyne
18. John Ryan
19. Donnacha Ryan
20. Dan Leavy
21. Luke McGrath
22. Joey Carbery
23. Niyi Adeolokun

Heading down to this on Saturday. Really excited after last week's win and the team named definitely has potential. Great to be able to watch an Ireland team which represents all 32 counties.

How many changes there from the NZ game? Surely if "test rugby" (lolz) is as serious as some some here proclaim it to be then the West British team will have as strong a team out as they can. I wouldn't like to see them treat these games as some sort of friendly?

You're running on farts at this stage bomber. Back to inbred I mean intermediate fudddball in Tyrone.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LeoMc on November 11, 2016, 12:57:35 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 09, 2016, 06:45:36 PM
Quote from: AhNowRef on November 09, 2016, 05:17:43 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 07:14:35 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 06, 2016, 07:06:29 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:49:52 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 06, 2016, 06:39:24 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 06, 2016, 06:30:50 PM
Quote from: square_ball on November 06, 2016, 06:27:24 PM
I have to laugh at these ones that don't like rugby (which they have every right it's not everyone's cup of tea) are the ones getting most annoyed at this victory. If you don't like something just don't pass any remarks on it instead of getting a wee kick in your life by winding people up on a discussion forum. But whatever floats your boat I guess. . .

I find it odd that people are celebrating winning a non-competitive game like they have won the World Cup. I have to laugh at these people who treat the result as some sort of seismic moment in their sport, maybe it's telling of what matters in a niche game. A proper sport would not have an eyelid batted at such a trivial matter.

It's undeniably one of Ireland's greatest successes in any sport. It's obviously sad that you're not feeling that but the rest of us are on a high and are going to enjoy it.

Winning a friendly is one of Ireland's greatest sporting achievements?

The soccer team beat the World Champions in a competitive game last year, this is a global game and was a crucial result for the side in qualifying for a major competition.

Such is the mass appeal of football, you actually have to qualify for the major Championships - something three of the previous 6 champions failed to for Euro 2016 even when the competition was extended.

The nature of soccer means that an inferior team can occasionally beat a much better team which is what happened when ireland luckily beat germany. It was a freak result with ireland having very little of the ball and their goal leading a charmed life. The difference with this result is that we beat the world champions in a test match and it wasn't a fluke. Ireland's stats re possession, tackling, turnovers etc were all up there and better in most cases with new zealands. This was truly a performance and victory to be proud of.

Ireland beating Germany was not a fluke.

You're a strange one, belittling competitive wins of a substantive nature in a global sport yet putting a win in a non-competitive fixture over one of the other participants in a niche sports as one of the nation's greatest sporting achievements.

You're an even stranger one  ???

You slag off the Rugby team as being west brits yet Soccer seems to be fine in your view ::) ... make yer mind up  ;)

I'm an avid Tyrone supported all my life and also Ireland Rugby supporter, yet I somehow find it quite plausible to support both without it diminishing my views on the other ... Tyrone winning the AI in 2003 was my best sporting moment, closely followed by 2005 & 2008 ... Next is Ireland Rugby team winning the recent 6 nations GrandSlam & championships .. After that, Saturdays performance in "finally" beating the All Blacks is next (maybe even before the championship wins  ??? )...

You must be on the wind up because surely everyone knows the difference between Test Rugby and inconsequential soccer friendlies ....

New Zealand could never beat the Springboks in a test series until 1956 but they still see that as one of their best (if not very best) tours ever,  as they finally beat them and got the monkey off their backs....  Can Ireland not feel a little pleased & proud for beating the best team in the world for the first time ever?

There are no friendlies in Rugby .. Ireland play competition Rugby in NH once a year (6 nations), The SH teams play each other once a year ... the NH teams play the SH teams in TEST rugby once (sometimes more) a year and occasionally teams tour areas on the other side of the planet to see who is the best .. usually the NH teams get tanked so its always nice to win one ... e.g. Ireland toured SA a few months back and won a game against the springboks for the first time ever in SA .. they actually could/should have won the series but its another sign things are going well for us at the minute..  (and he's called Joe Schmidt  :)  )
Test Rugby also leads to seeding for the RWC which as Im sure you know is every 4 years ...

so basically, every Rugby game is important .. not just those in named competitions ..   If they were merely friendlies as you call them, the NH teams would only ever play the SH teams in competitive competition, once every 4 years at the RWC .... and thats just nuts Im afraid...

But Im pretty sure you're on the wind up ... or a Rugby player stole your girlfriend or something  :o ... it cant all be a west brit thing as you seem to have no trouble with "Saccer"  8)

The only difference I can understand between "test rugby" (lolz) and football friendlies is that as rugby is such a niche game with such a shallow playing and everything is so contrived about it then try and big up every single match. You had West British players crying after winning a dead rubber game against France in the World Cup the last time out before they went in as 8/13 favourites to win a knockout World Cup game (which they have never managed btw) and they got absolutely destroyed.

There are friendlies in rugby, they are non-competitive games. You would have be an idiot of bombastic proportions to be pedaling that line - there are no medals or tournament progression out of them, they are once off games that have no relevance. Only a joke of game would regards matches like this with any sense of prestige or importance.

The narrative of the West British rugby team is hilarious, they are consistently hyped up, they consistently fail to meet expectations, they have their merry band of apologists out excusing their failures time and time again, the minor successes they achieve are always blown way out of proportion. Ireland are one of the only countries in the world who take this eyesore of a game with any degree of seriousness yet their achievements are extremely average. The players are a bunch of steroid addled, arrogant pigs who believe their own hype.

For your own information, soccer friendlies also count towards seedings for World Cup - it's why my native Italy have been in the second pot for the World Cup and European Championships of late despite the fact we have not been beaten in over 50 qualifying games and have won one and reached the final of two of the last 6 major tournaments. Football nations view friendlies for the non-competitive games they are, the result is never important.

The reaction to the West British rugby side's win at the weekend just goes to show you the small minded, win-win the nation has with this bunch of arrogant under achievers.

The game is an eyesore and the new generation of rugby fans are among the biggest grouping of simpletons you will find on the planet.

So one of them did steal your girlfriend. ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 11, 2016, 01:10:39 PM
And he couldn't be more wrong with any of the Munster players I've ever met. Being arrogant is one thing you could never accuse most of them of.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 11, 2016, 05:57:33 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 11, 2016, 07:36:15 AM
If it wasn't the week after one gruelling game, and a week before another, you would see a much stronger team. As it is, this is the closest you get to a meaningless game in Rugby.

So some "test matches" (lolz) mean more than others?

That's a bit bizarre.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Far East on November 11, 2016, 06:55:15 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 11, 2016, 05:57:33 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 11, 2016, 07:36:15 AM
If it wasn't the week after one gruelling game, and a week before another, you would see a much stronger team. As it is, this is the closest you get to a meaningless game in Rugby.

So some "test matches" (lolz) mean more than others?

That's a bit bizarre.

You find it bizarre that some sporting occasions mean more than others? I find it bizarre that, someone who clearly knows nothing about sport, would participate on a sporting forum.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 11, 2016, 07:02:16 PM
Quote from: Far East on November 11, 2016, 06:55:15 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 11, 2016, 05:57:33 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 11, 2016, 07:36:15 AM
If it wasn't the week after one gruelling game, and a week before another, you would see a much stronger team. As it is, this is the closest you get to a meaningless game in Rugby.

So some "test matches" (lolz) mean more than others?

That's a bit bizarre.

You find it bizarre that some sporting occasions mean more than others? I find it bizarre that, someone who clearly knows nothing about sport, would participate on a sporting forum.

But they're both "test matches" lolz. Why is one more important than the other?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Far East on November 11, 2016, 07:08:43 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 11, 2016, 07:02:16 PM
Quote from: Far East on November 11, 2016, 06:55:15 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 11, 2016, 05:57:33 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 11, 2016, 07:36:15 AM
If it wasn't the week after one gruelling game, and a week before another, you would see a much stronger team. As it is, this is the closest you get to a meaningless game in Rugby.

So some "test matches" (lolz) mean more than others?

That's a bit bizarre.

I'm going to assume that you're 'on the spectrum' and to engage any further with you would be cruel.

You find it bizarre that some sporting occasions mean more than others? I find it bizarre that, someone who clearly knows nothing about sport, would participate on a sporting forum.

But they're both "test matches" lolz. Why is one more important than the other?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 11, 2016, 07:13:55 PM
Quote from: Far East on November 11, 2016, 07:08:43 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 11, 2016, 07:02:16 PM
Quote from: Far East on November 11, 2016, 06:55:15 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 11, 2016, 05:57:33 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 11, 2016, 07:36:15 AM
If it wasn't the week after one gruelling game, and a week before another, you would see a much stronger team. As it is, this is the closest you get to a meaningless game in Rugby.

So some "test matches" (lolz) mean more than others?

That's a bit bizarre.

I'm going to assume that you're 'on the spectrum' and to engage any further with you would be cruel.

You find it bizarre that some sporting occasions mean more than others? I find it bizarre that, someone who clearly knows nothing about sport, would participate on a sporting forum.

But they're both "test matches" lolz. Why is one more important than the other?

I am going to assume you've conflicted yourself with the house of cards that the rugby football hyperbole is reliant on.

If there's a bad performance in a "test match", it's just a "test match", it doesn't really matter.

If it's a good result in a "test match", it's one of the greatest results of Irish sporting history.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Far East on November 11, 2016, 08:49:57 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 11, 2016, 07:13:55 PM
Quote from: Far East on November 11, 2016, 07:08:43 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 11, 2016, 07:02:16 PM
Quote from: Far East on November 11, 2016, 06:55:15 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 11, 2016, 05:57:33 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 11, 2016, 07:36:15 AM
If it wasn't the week after one gruelling game, and a week before another, you would see a much stronger team. As it is, this is the closest you get to a meaningless game in Rugby.

So some "test matches" (lolz) mean more than others?

That's a bit bizarre.

I'm going to assume that you're 'on the spectrum' and to engage any further with you would be cruel.

You find it bizarre that some sporting occasions mean more than others? I find it bizarre that, someone who clearly knows nothing about sport, would participate on a sporting forum.

But they're both "test matches" lolz. Why is one more important than the other?

I am going to assume you've conflicted yourself with the house of cards that the rugby football hyperbole is reliant on.

If there's a bad performance in a "test match", it's just a "test match", it doesn't really matter.

If it's a good result in a "test match", it's one of the greatest results of Irish sporting history.

I assume you're  just conflicted.  Unwilling or unable to recognise a sporting achievement because some of 'themmuns' were involved
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Boycey on November 11, 2016, 10:40:43 PM
Quote from: Far East on November 11, 2016, 08:49:57 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 11, 2016, 07:13:55 PM
Quote from: Far East on November 11, 2016, 07:08:43 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 11, 2016, 07:02:16 PM
Quote from: Far East on November 11, 2016, 06:55:15 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 11, 2016, 05:57:33 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 11, 2016, 07:36:15 AM
If it wasn't the week after one gruelling game, and a week before another, you would see a much stronger team. As it is, this is the closest you get to a meaningless game in Rugby.

So some "test matches" (lolz) mean more than others?

That's a bit bizarre.

I'm going to assume that you're 'on the spectrum' and to engage any further with you would be cruel.

You find it bizarre that some sporting occasions mean more than others? I find it bizarre that, someone who clearly knows nothing about sport, would participate on a sporting forum.

But they're both "test matches" lolz. Why is one more important than the other?

I am going to assume you've conflicted yourself with the house of cards that the rugby football hyperbole is reliant on.

If there's a bad performance in a "test match", it's just a "test match", it doesn't really matter.

If it's a good result in a "test match", it's one of the greatest results of Irish sporting history.

I assume you're  just conflicted.  Unwilling or unable to recognise a sporting achievement because some of 'themmuns' were involved

Who else are you?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: foxcommander on November 11, 2016, 10:53:47 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 11, 2016, 07:13:55 PM
Quote from: Far East on November 11, 2016, 07:08:43 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 11, 2016, 07:02:16 PM
Quote from: Far East on November 11, 2016, 06:55:15 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 11, 2016, 05:57:33 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 11, 2016, 07:36:15 AM
If it wasn't the week after one gruelling game, and a week before another, you would see a much stronger team. As it is, this is the closest you get to a meaningless game in Rugby.

So some "test matches" (lolz) mean more than others?

That's a bit bizarre.

I'm going to assume that you're 'on the spectrum' and to engage any further with you would be cruel.

You find it bizarre that some sporting occasions mean more than others? I find it bizarre that, someone who clearly knows nothing about sport, would participate on a sporting forum.

But they're both "test matches" lolz. Why is one more important than the other?

I am going to assume you've conflicted yourself with the house of cards that the rugby football hyperbole is reliant on.

If there's a bad performance in a "test match", it's just a "test match", it doesn't really matter.

If it's a good result in a "test match", it's one of the greatest results of Irish sporting history.

I wonder how many gobshites will be posting on FB/Twatter about beating Canada and the momentous occasion it was.
Can't wait!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 11, 2016, 10:57:28 PM
Jeeze this thread has lost the plot !!

Anyways return game/test/friendly should have a bitta spice about it.... maybe we can talk about the game instead of the westbrit themuns us'ss or whether it's a global sport or not... feed the trolls and that's what ya get
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on November 11, 2016, 11:26:36 PM
I think this link should work for those living in the geo-blocked zone, a tribute from the Maoris in honour of A Foley before the haka at thomond pk earlier this evening.

https://twitter.com/eirSport/status/797162093418082306?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw (https://twitter.com/eirSport/status/797162093418082306?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 11, 2016, 11:50:44 PM
The "Haka" is ridiculous on so many levels.

Another hilarious slant to rugby when choreographed dance routines are one of the main selling points of the game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 12, 2016, 01:28:24 AM
Come on it aint as bad as Big Sean swan lake dance routine when he goes diving to the ground all the time
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 12, 2016, 06:49:00 AM
Superb win for Munster last night. Jeez they are playing some stuff at the minute. Sweetnam just gets better and better. Future world class winger. Really impressed with Rory Scannell also.

Now bomber don't spit out your cornflakes but Sweetnam is a former Cork hurler.  :o :o :'( :'( ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 12, 2016, 07:56:36 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 12, 2016, 06:49:00 AM
Superb win for Munster last night. Jeez they are playing some stuff at the minute. Sweetnam just gets better and better. Future world class winger. Really impressed with Rory Scannell also.

Now bomber don't spit out your cornflakes but Sweetnam is a former Cork hurler.  :o :o :'( :'( ;D

Was that like one of those exhibition games like when Ireland played Celtic for Jackie McNamara's testimonial a few years back. I don't even remember the result if I'm honest, such is the contempt real sports fans would treat exhibition games with.

I don't know if you realise it but I don't tend to hold hurling in much regard, not my cup of tea.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 12, 2016, 08:31:44 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 12, 2016, 07:56:36 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 12, 2016, 06:49:00 AM
Superb win for Munster last night. Jeez they are playing some stuff at the minute. Sweetnam just gets better and better. Future world class winger. Really impressed with Rory Scannell also.

Now bomber don't spit out your cornflakes but Sweetnam is a former Cork hurler.  :o :o :'( :'( ;D

Was that like one of those exhibition games like when Ireland played Celtic for Jackie McNamara's testimonial a few years back. I don't even remember the result if I'm honest, such is the contempt real sports fans would treat exhibition games with.

I don't know if you realise it but I don't tend to hold hurling in much regard, not my cup of tea.

That would be like Munster playing the All Blacks. Very TF like
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 12, 2016, 09:16:54 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 12, 2016, 08:31:44 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 12, 2016, 07:56:36 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 12, 2016, 06:49:00 AM
Superb win for Munster last night. Jeez they are playing some stuff at the minute. Sweetnam just gets better and better. Future world class winger. Really impressed with Rory Scannell also.

Now bomber don't spit out your cornflakes but Sweetnam is a former Cork hurler.  :o :o :'( :'( ;D

Was that like one of those exhibition games like when Ireland played Celtic for Jackie McNamara's testimonial a few years back. I don't even remember the result if I'm honest, such is the contempt real sports fans would treat exhibition games with.

I don't know if you realise it but I don't tend to hold hurling in much regard, not my cup of tea.

That would be like Munster playing the All Blacks. Very TF like

All Blacks?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lenny on November 12, 2016, 10:49:31 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 11, 2016, 07:13:55 PM
Quote from: Far East on November 11, 2016, 07:08:43 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 11, 2016, 07:02:16 PM
Quote from: Far East on November 11, 2016, 06:55:15 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 11, 2016, 05:57:33 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 11, 2016, 07:36:15 AM
If it wasn't the week after one gruelling game, and a week before another, you would see a much stronger team. As it is, this is the closest you get to a meaningless game in Rugby.

So some "test matches" (lolz) mean more than others?

That's a bit bizarre.

I'm going to assume that you're 'on the spectrum' and to engage any further with you would be cruel.

You find it bizarre that some sporting occasions mean more than others? I find it bizarre that, someone who clearly knows nothing about sport, would participate on a sporting forum.

But they're both "test matches" lolz. Why is one more important than the other?

I am going to assume you've conflicted yourself with the house of cards that the rugby football hyperbole is reliant on.

If there's a bad performance in a "test match", it's just a "test match", it doesn't really matter.

If it's a good result in a "test match", it's one of the greatest results of Irish sporting history.

This hatred of rugby is just eating away at you isn't it. Let it go, you'll be a lot more content within yourself. The vast majority of irish sports fans love it and I'm really excited about heading to my first game in a couple of years today. It shows the strength in depth there now is in irish rugby when we can name such a strong, exciting team without any of the legends who won last week.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 12, 2016, 11:49:30 AM
Connacht breaks all the rugby stereotypes. Gordon D'Arcy reinforces them LOLZ. 
It depends what you want. Up Portumna.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 12, 2016, 01:15:55 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 12, 2016, 07:56:36 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 12, 2016, 06:49:00 AM
Superb win for Munster last night. Jeez they are playing some stuff at the minute. Sweetnam just gets better and better. Future world class winger. Really impressed with Rory Scannell also.

Now bomber don't spit out your cornflakes but Sweetnam is a former Cork hurler.  :o :o :'( :'( ;D

Was that like one of those exhibition games like when Ireland played Celtic for Jackie McNamara's testimonial a few years back. I don't even remember the result if I'm honest, such is the contempt real sports fans would treat exhibition games with.

I don't know if you realise it but I don't tend to hold hurling in much regard, not my cup of tea.

Celtic? McNamara? Christ it's all coming out now folks....he's one of those I hate foreign games but love the sellllllllickkkk
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on November 12, 2016, 04:18:42 PM
Great game between Australia and Scotland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Denn Forever on November 12, 2016, 05:02:13 PM
Who is Tomás O'Leary's dad?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 12, 2016, 05:21:00 PM
Quote from: Estimator on November 12, 2016, 04:18:42 PM
Great game between Australia and Scotland.
Scotland have some decent operators. They really should have a better recent record in 6 Nations.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 12, 2016, 05:24:44 PM
Quote from: Denn Forever on November 12, 2016, 05:02:13 PM
Who is Tomás O'Leary's dad?

Seanie. Famous Cork hurler.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 12, 2016, 05:35:59 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 12, 2016, 05:24:44 PM
Quote from: Denn Forever on November 12, 2016, 05:02:13 PM
Who is Tomás O'Leary's dad?

Seanie. Famous Cork hurler.
1984. Cá bhfhágfadh sé é.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on November 13, 2016, 11:20:09 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 12, 2016, 05:24:44 PM
Quote from: Denn Forever on November 12, 2016, 05:02:13 PM
Who is Tomás O'Leary's dad?

Seanie. Famous Cork hurler.

Fantastic wee hurler was wee Seanie. The robust and teak touch foil to the graceful JBM.

Did JBM's son not play a bit of pro soccer for a while.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 13, 2016, 06:32:16 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 12, 2016, 01:15:55 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 12, 2016, 07:56:36 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 12, 2016, 06:49:00 AM
Superb win for Munster last night. Jeez they are playing some stuff at the minute. Sweetnam just gets better and better. Future world class winger. Really impressed with Rory Scannell also.

Now bomber don't spit out your cornflakes but Sweetnam is a former Cork hurler.  :o :o :'( :'( ;D

Was that like one of those exhibition games like when Ireland played Celtic for Jackie McNamara's testimonial a few years back. I don't even remember the result if I'm honest, such is the contempt real sports fans would treat exhibition games with.

I don't know if you realise it but I don't tend to hold hurling in much regard, not my cup of tea.

Celtic? McNamara? Christ it's all coming out now folks....he's one of those I hate foreign games but love the sellllllllickkkk

I don't hate foreign games. I'm very open minded when it comes to sport but I also have standards, rugby is just a dreadful game played by muscle bound freaks with a very dubious attitude to systematic doping.

I don't like game which involve absolutely nothing in the way of skill or initiative, like rugby.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 13, 2016, 06:38:24 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 12, 2016, 10:49:31 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 11, 2016, 07:13:55 PM
Quote from: Far East on November 11, 2016, 07:08:43 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 11, 2016, 07:02:16 PM
Quote from: Far East on November 11, 2016, 06:55:15 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 11, 2016, 05:57:33 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 11, 2016, 07:36:15 AM
If it wasn't the week after one gruelling game, and a week before another, you would see a much stronger team. As it is, this is the closest you get to a meaningless game in Rugby.

So some "test matches" (lolz) mean more than others?

That's a bit bizarre.

I'm going to assume that you're 'on the spectrum' and to engage any further with you would be cruel.

You find it bizarre that some sporting occasions mean more than others? I find it bizarre that, someone who clearly knows nothing about sport, would participate on a sporting forum.

But they're both "test matches" lolz. Why is one more important than the other?

I am going to assume you've conflicted yourself with the house of cards that the rugby football hyperbole is reliant on.

If there's a bad performance in a "test match", it's just a "test match", it doesn't really matter.

If it's a good result in a "test match", it's one of the greatest results of Irish sporting history.

This hatred of rugby is just eating away at you isn't it. Let it go, you'll be a lot more content within yourself. The vast majority of irish sports fans love it and I'm really excited about heading to my first game in a couple of years today. It shows the strength in depth there now is in irish rugby when we can name such a strong, exciting team without any of the legends who won last week.

This is the standard response from the rugby bully boys when they are left facing with the realities I have laid out for them. They are unable to look inward at themselves and the fact that they have been hoodwinked into this nonsense over the past 10 years or so. I think there's a lot of bitterness towards me as I follow sports that I have a genuine interest and passion it, not sports where I am a slave to the result. Rugby had a very limited base but in terms of fans and playing number until somewhere in the past 15 years where it took off, in line with the Celtic Tiger. This is a reality and I have pointed it out to many of rugby bully boys here who will not take valid criticism of the game, the reaction to these points has been quite vulgar and nasty - you're one of them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 13, 2016, 07:27:17 PM
He's maybe just angry the inbreds lost out today to Slaughtneil. Do you like celtic bomber?? Maybe it's a class thing??Are you from a dump like Dungannon or Coalisland? Upppparaaaa
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 13, 2016, 08:02:12 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 13, 2016, 07:27:17 PM
He's maybe just angry the inbreds lost out today to Slaughtneil. Do you like celtic bomber?? Maybe it's a class thing??Are you from a dump like Dungannon or Coalisland? Upppparaaaa

I support Celtic.

I think you have problems with the realities I have pointed out regarding rugby in Ireland and their fans.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: snoopdog on November 13, 2016, 08:30:32 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 13, 2016, 06:38:24 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 12, 2016, 10:49:31 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 11, 2016, 07:13:55 PM
Quote from: Far East on November 11, 2016, 07:08:43 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 11, 2016, 07:02:16 PM
Quote from: Far East on November 11, 2016, 06:55:15 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 11, 2016, 05:57:33 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 11, 2016, 07:36:15 AM
If it wasn't the week after one gruelling game, and a week before another, you would see a much stronger team. As it is, this is the closest you get to a meaningless game in Rugby.

So some "test matches" (lolz) mean more than others?

That's a bit bizarre.

I'm going to assume that you're 'on the spectrum' and to engage any further with you would be cruel.

You find it bizarre that some sporting occasions mean more than others? I find it bizarre that, someone who clearly knows nothing about sport, would participate on a sporting forum.

But they're both "test matches" lolz. Why is one more important than the other?

I am going to assume you've conflicted yourself with the house of cards that the rugby football hyperbole is reliant on.

If there's a bad performance in a "test match", it's just a "test match", it doesn't really matter.

If it's a good result in a "test match", it's one of the greatest results of Irish sporting history.

This hatred of rugby is just eating away at you isn't it. Let it go, you'll be a lot more content within yourself. The vast majority of irish sports fans love it and I'm really excited about heading to my first game in a couple of years today. It shows the strength in depth there now is in irish rugby when we can name such a strong, exciting team without any of the legends who won last week.

This is the standard response from the rugby bully boys when they are left facing with the realities I have laid out for them. They are unable to look inward at themselves and the fact that they have been hoodwinked into this nonsense over the past 10 years or so. I think there's a lot of bitterness towards me as I follow sports that I have a genuine interest and passion it, not sports where I am a slave to the result. Rugby had a very limited base but in terms of fans and playing number until somewhere in the past 15 years where it took off, in line with the Celtic Tiger. This is a reality and I have pointed it out to many of rugby bully boys here who will not take valid criticism of the game, the reaction to these points has been quite vulgar and nasty - you're one of them.
Tend to agree. How many on the bandwagon ever played the game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on November 13, 2016, 10:31:31 PM
That's a really stupid argument. How many lads have boxed, done MMA, played American football, drove a formula 1 car etc etc?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 13, 2016, 11:03:06 PM
Quote from: square_ball on November 13, 2016, 10:31:31 PM
That's a really stupid argument. How many lads have boxed, done MMA, played American football, drove a formula 1 car etc etc?

I don't agree.

Loads of people have became big rugby fans in their 20s/30s/40s despite the fact that.

I would say most of the people who are big rugby fans now had little to no interest in the game 15 years ago. The only reason it has became popular is due to the fact it is only taken seriously in a handful of countries, making success a lot easier to achieve - the national side had an upturn in results and the people in the media pushed. The impressionable, naive, folly people bought into this as a result and are now big rugby fans.

Irish rugby fans tend to be like cult members- "Everything is great about rugby football, criticism of the game is not wanted or needed". The national team are lauded as sporting giants, despite the fact they rank somewhere between 5th and 8th in a sport that only 8 countries take anywhere serious.

If I had an interest in sport and it was accessible for me to play then I would take it up when I was in a position, I'm sure most normal people would as well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on November 14, 2016, 08:16:11 AM
Did Tyrone have loads of support pre-2003 or did it only become popular to support Tyrone as only a handful of counties can realistically win the all Ireland thus making success relatively easily to come by? I'd say the likes of you who appears to have no ties to a club only became interested in Tyrone when they became successful. Apologies in advance for making assumptions but I guess you have done the same to rugby fans.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 14, 2016, 08:36:47 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 13, 2016, 11:03:06 PM
Quote from: square_ball on November 13, 2016, 10:31:31 PM
That's a really stupid argument. How many lads have boxed, done MMA, played American football, drove a formula 1 car etc etc?

I don't agree.

Loads of people have became big rugby fans in their 20s/30s/40s despite the fact that.

I would say most of the people who are big rugby fans now had little to no interest in the game 15 years ago. The only reason it has became popular is due to the fact it is only taken seriously in a handful of countries, making success a lot easier to achieve - the national side had an upturn in results and the people in the media pushed. The impressionable, naive, folly people bought into this as a result and are now big rugby fans.

Irish rugby fans tend to be like cult members- "Everything is great about rugby football, criticism of the game is not wanted or needed". The national team are lauded as sporting giants, despite the fact they rank somewhere between 5th and 8th in a sport that only 8 countries take anywhere serious.

If I had an interest in sport and it was accessible for me to play then I would take it up when I was in a position, I'm sure most normal people would as well.

Give us some data, bomber
Rugby was always on the telly. In the 80s and 90s Ireland might win 2 matches in the 5 or 6N with occasional class like 82 or 85

But then O'Driscoll rolled up
He  scored 3 tries in PARIS to beat the French in France for the first time in 30 years in 2000
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWr9Oz-cnzI
I remember pulling into a pub in Tipp to watch it.
Rugby has been on an upward curve since then

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 14, 2016, 08:41:29 AM
Tyrone people knew about Canavan because of the all Ireland Under 21 wins but it was 1994 when the country took notice of him . Tyrone never had anything like him before

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JLASzADsaI
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 14, 2016, 10:08:06 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 14, 2016, 08:36:47 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 13, 2016, 11:03:06 PM
Quote from: square_ball on November 13, 2016, 10:31:31 PM
That's a really stupid argument. How many lads have boxed, done MMA, played American football, drove a formula 1 car etc etc?

I don't agree.

Loads of people have became big rugby fans in their 20s/30s/40s despite the fact that.

I would say most of the people who are big rugby fans now had little to no interest in the game 15 years ago. The only reason it has became popular is due to the fact it is only taken seriously in a handful of countries, making success a lot easier to achieve - the national side had an upturn in results and the people in the media pushed. The impressionable, naive, folly people bought into this as a result and are now big rugby fans.

Irish rugby fans tend to be like cult members- "Everything is great about rugby football, criticism of the game is not wanted or needed". The national team are lauded as sporting giants, despite the fact they rank somewhere between 5th and 8th in a sport that only 8 countries take anywhere serious.

If I had an interest in sport and it was accessible for me to play then I would take it up when I was in a position, I'm sure most normal people would as well.

Give us some data, bomber
Rugby was always on the telly. In the 80s and 90s Ireland might win 2 matches in the 5 or 6N with occasional class like 82 or 85

But then O'Driscoll rolled up
He  scored 3 tries in PARIS to beat the French in France for the first time in 30 years in 2000
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWr9Oz-cnzI
I remember pulling into a pub in Tipp to watch it.
Rugby has been on an upward curve since then

Back in 95 Leinster played in front of a crowd of 4k at Landsdowne Road in the Heinken Cup.

http://origin-m.ercrugby.com/matchcentre/16914.php

Nobody cared then obviously.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2016, 10:10:08 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 14, 2016, 10:08:06 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 14, 2016, 08:36:47 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 13, 2016, 11:03:06 PM
Quote from: square_ball on November 13, 2016, 10:31:31 PM
That's a really stupid argument. How many lads have boxed, done MMA, played American football, drove a formula 1 car etc etc?

I don't agree.

Loads of people have became big rugby fans in their 20s/30s/40s despite the fact that.

I would say most of the people who are big rugby fans now had little to no interest in the game 15 years ago. The only reason it has became popular is due to the fact it is only taken seriously in a handful of countries, making success a lot easier to achieve - the national side had an upturn in results and the people in the media pushed. The impressionable, naive, folly people bought into this as a result and are now big rugby fans.

Irish rugby fans tend to be like cult members- "Everything is great about rugby football, criticism of the game is not wanted or needed". The national team are lauded as sporting giants, despite the fact they rank somewhere between 5th and 8th in a sport that only 8 countries take anywhere serious.

If I had an interest in sport and it was accessible for me to play then I would take it up when I was in a position, I'm sure most normal people would as well.

Give us some data, bomber
Rugby was always on the telly. In the 80s and 90s Ireland might win 2 matches in the 5 or 6N with occasional class like 82 or 85

But then O'Driscoll rolled up
He  scored 3 tries in PARIS to beat the French in France for the first time in 30 years in 2000
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWr9Oz-cnzI
I remember pulling into a pub in Tipp to watch it.
Rugby has been on an upward curve since then

Back in 95 Leinster played in front of a crowd of 4k at Landsdowne Road in the Heinken Cup.

http://origin-m.ercrugby.com/matchcentre/16914.php

Nobody cared then obviously.

Except you
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 14, 2016, 10:11:59 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2016, 10:10:08 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 14, 2016, 10:08:06 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 14, 2016, 08:36:47 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 13, 2016, 11:03:06 PM
Quote from: square_ball on November 13, 2016, 10:31:31 PM
That's a really stupid argument. How many lads have boxed, done MMA, played American football, drove a formula 1 car etc etc?

I don't agree.

Loads of people have became big rugby fans in their 20s/30s/40s despite the fact that.

I would say most of the people who are big rugby fans now had little to no interest in the game 15 years ago. The only reason it has became popular is due to the fact it is only taken seriously in a handful of countries, making success a lot easier to achieve - the national side had an upturn in results and the people in the media pushed. The impressionable, naive, folly people bought into this as a result and are now big rugby fans.

Irish rugby fans tend to be like cult members- "Everything is great about rugby football, criticism of the game is not wanted or needed". The national team are lauded as sporting giants, despite the fact they rank somewhere between 5th and 8th in a sport that only 8 countries take anywhere serious.

If I had an interest in sport and it was accessible for me to play then I would take it up when I was in a position, I'm sure most normal people would as well.

Give us some data, bomber
Rugby was always on the telly. In the 80s and 90s Ireland might win 2 matches in the 5 or 6N with occasional class like 82 or 85

But then O'Driscoll rolled up
He  scored 3 tries in PARIS to beat the French in France for the first time in 30 years in 2000
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWr9Oz-cnzI
I remember pulling into a pub in Tipp to watch it.
Rugby has been on an upward curve since then

Back in 95 Leinster played in front of a crowd of 4k at Landsdowne Road in the Heinken Cup.

http://origin-m.ercrugby.com/matchcentre/16914.php

Nobody cared then obviously.

Except you

No one cares about Scottish football bomber! Even the famous Celtic couldn't fill Parkhead when the sectarian fun was missing for 3 or 4 years!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 14, 2016, 10:17:50 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 14, 2016, 10:11:59 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2016, 10:10:08 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 14, 2016, 10:08:06 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 14, 2016, 08:36:47 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 13, 2016, 11:03:06 PM
Quote from: square_ball on November 13, 2016, 10:31:31 PM
That's a really stupid argument. How many lads have boxed, done MMA, played American football, drove a formula 1 car etc etc?

I don't agree.

Loads of people have became big rugby fans in their 20s/30s/40s despite the fact that.

I would say most of the people who are big rugby fans now had little to no interest in the game 15 years ago. The only reason it has became popular is due to the fact it is only taken seriously in a handful of countries, making success a lot easier to achieve - the national side had an upturn in results and the people in the media pushed. The impressionable, naive, folly people bought into this as a result and are now big rugby fans.

Irish rugby fans tend to be like cult members- "Everything is great about rugby football, criticism of the game is not wanted or needed". The national team are lauded as sporting giants, despite the fact they rank somewhere between 5th and 8th in a sport that only 8 countries take anywhere serious.

If I had an interest in sport and it was accessible for me to play then I would take it up when I was in a position, I'm sure most normal people would as well.

Give us some data, bomber
Rugby was always on the telly. In the 80s and 90s Ireland might win 2 matches in the 5 or 6N with occasional class like 82 or 85

But then O'Driscoll rolled up
He  scored 3 tries in PARIS to beat the French in France for the first time in 30 years in 2000
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWr9Oz-cnzI
I remember pulling into a pub in Tipp to watch it.
Rugby has been on an upward curve since then

Back in 95 Leinster played in front of a crowd of 4k at Landsdowne Road in the Heinken Cup.

http://origin-m.ercrugby.com/matchcentre/16914.php

Nobody cared then obviously.

Except you

No one cares about Scottish football bomber! Even the famous Celtic couldn't fill Parkhead when the sectarian fun was missing for 3 or 4 years!

A team as opposed to a sport.

On a bad day Celtic Park is about 60% full. Imagine playing in the echelons of European club rugby (after you've amalgamated all the clubs on the island into four sides) and playing in a stadium where 3/4 of the stadium didn't even open.

Rugby had no following in Ireland and then overnight half the country were big rugby people who were blowing excessive money following the fortunes of the bottlers. I wonder how many of our Ulster rugby fans on here set foot inside Ravenhill before the mid 2000s?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2016, 11:14:29 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 14, 2016, 10:17:50 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 14, 2016, 10:11:59 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2016, 10:10:08 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 14, 2016, 10:08:06 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 14, 2016, 08:36:47 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 13, 2016, 11:03:06 PM
Quote from: square_ball on November 13, 2016, 10:31:31 PM
That's a really stupid argument. How many lads have boxed, done MMA, played American football, drove a formula 1 car etc etc?

I don't agree.

Loads of people have became big rugby fans in their 20s/30s/40s despite the fact that.

I would say most of the people who are big rugby fans now had little to no interest in the game 15 years ago. The only reason it has became popular is due to the fact it is only taken seriously in a handful of countries, making success a lot easier to achieve - the national side had an upturn in results and the people in the media pushed. The impressionable, naive, folly people bought into this as a result and are now big rugby fans.

Irish rugby fans tend to be like cult members- "Everything is great about rugby football, criticism of the game is not wanted or needed". The national team are lauded as sporting giants, despite the fact they rank somewhere between 5th and 8th in a sport that only 8 countries take anywhere serious.

If I had an interest in sport and it was accessible for me to play then I would take it up when I was in a position, I'm sure most normal people would as well.

Give us some data, bomber
Rugby was always on the telly. In the 80s and 90s Ireland might win 2 matches in the 5 or 6N with occasional class like 82 or 85

But then O'Driscoll rolled up
He  scored 3 tries in PARIS to beat the French in France for the first time in 30 years in 2000
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWr9Oz-cnzI
I remember pulling into a pub in Tipp to watch it.
Rugby has been on an upward curve since then

Back in 95 Leinster played in front of a crowd of 4k at Landsdowne Road in the Heinken Cup.

http://origin-m.ercrugby.com/matchcentre/16914.php

Nobody cared then obviously.

Except you

No one cares about Scottish football bomber! Even the famous Celtic couldn't fill Parkhead when the sectarian fun was missing for 3 or 4 years!

A team as opposed to a sport.

On a bad day Celtic Park is about 60% full. Imagine playing in the echelons of European club rugby (after you've amalgamated all the clubs on the island into four sides) and playing in a stadium where 3/4 of the stadium didn't even open.

Rugby had no following in Ireland and then overnight half the country were big rugby people who were blowing excessive money following the fortunes of the bottlers. I wonder how many of our Ulster rugby fans on here set foot inside Ravenhill before the mid 2000s?

It's a bit like when the junior and intermediate club teams go to Croke park on finals day... 10th of the capacity but for the players amazing.... nowadays it's nearly full houses so hey everyone come on well
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 07:50:34 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2016, 11:14:29 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 14, 2016, 10:17:50 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 14, 2016, 10:11:59 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2016, 10:10:08 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 14, 2016, 10:08:06 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 14, 2016, 08:36:47 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 13, 2016, 11:03:06 PM
Quote from: square_ball on November 13, 2016, 10:31:31 PM
That's a really stupid argument. How many lads have boxed, done MMA, played American football, drove a formula 1 car etc etc?

I don't agree.

Loads of people have became big rugby fans in their 20s/30s/40s despite the fact that.

I would say most of the people who are big rugby fans now had little to no interest in the game 15 years ago. The only reason it has became popular is due to the fact it is only taken seriously in a handful of countries, making success a lot easier to achieve - the national side had an upturn in results and the people in the media pushed. The impressionable, naive, folly people bought into this as a result and are now big rugby fans.

Irish rugby fans tend to be like cult members- "Everything is great about rugby football, criticism of the game is not wanted or needed". The national team are lauded as sporting giants, despite the fact they rank somewhere between 5th and 8th in a sport that only 8 countries take anywhere serious.

If I had an interest in sport and it was accessible for me to play then I would take it up when I was in a position, I'm sure most normal people would as well.

Give us some data, bomber
Rugby was always on the telly. In the 80s and 90s Ireland might win 2 matches in the 5 or 6N with occasional class like 82 or 85

But then O'Driscoll rolled up
He  scored 3 tries in PARIS to beat the French in France for the first time in 30 years in 2000
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWr9Oz-cnzI
I remember pulling into a pub in Tipp to watch it.
Rugby has been on an upward curve since then

Back in 95 Leinster played in front of a crowd of 4k at Landsdowne Road in the Heinken Cup.

http://origin-m.ercrugby.com/matchcentre/16914.php

Nobody cared then obviously.

Except you

No one cares about Scottish football bomber! Even the famous Celtic couldn't fill Parkhead when the sectarian fun was missing for 3 or 4 years!

A team as opposed to a sport.

On a bad day Celtic Park is about 60% full. Imagine playing in the echelons of European club rugby (after you've amalgamated all the clubs on the island into four sides) and playing in a stadium where 3/4 of the stadium didn't even open.

Rugby had no following in Ireland and then overnight half the country were big rugby people who were blowing excessive money following the fortunes of the bottlers. I wonder how many of our Ulster rugby fans on here set foot inside Ravenhill before the mid 2000s?

It's a bit like when the junior and intermediate club teams go to Croke park on finals day... 10th of the capacity but for the players amazing.... nowadays it's nearly full houses so hey everyone come on well

But we agree that game had no mass appeal 15-20 years ago. Strange how there are all these ardent rugby lads here now saying that they were always into the game - that is out of shape with the pattern.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 15, 2016, 08:00:57 AM
It's more attractive to go to these games now for a few reasons, facilities are better, better promotion better coverage some ownership... it's a night out lots of different things which make it a great spectacle... I've been to Ravenhill then Kingspan stadium and it's a great atmosphere to be honest, you bump into plenty GAA men that's for sure so it's got a broad appeal, something unfortunately the GAA up north doesn't have.


I don't think bandwagon is it, more of its become a better professional sport
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 15, 2016, 09:38:44 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 14, 2016, 10:17:50 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 14, 2016, 10:11:59 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2016, 10:10:08 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 14, 2016, 10:08:06 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 14, 2016, 08:36:47 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 13, 2016, 11:03:06 PM
Quote from: square_ball on November 13, 2016, 10:31:31 PM
That's a really stupid argument. How many lads have boxed, done MMA, played American football, drove a formula 1 car etc etc?

I don't agree.

Loads of people have became big rugby fans in their 20s/30s/40s despite the fact that.

I would say most of the people who are big rugby fans now had little to no interest in the game 15 years ago. The only reason it has became popular is due to the fact it is only taken seriously in a handful of countries, making success a lot easier to achieve - the national side had an upturn in results and the people in the media pushed. The impressionable, naive, folly people bought into this as a result and are now big rugby fans.

Irish rugby fans tend to be like cult members- "Everything is great about rugby football, criticism of the game is not wanted or needed". The national team are lauded as sporting giants, despite the fact they rank somewhere between 5th and 8th in a sport that only 8 countries take anywhere serious.

If I had an interest in sport and it was accessible for me to play then I would take it up when I was in a position, I'm sure most normal people would as well.

Give us some data, bomber
Rugby was always on the telly. In the 80s and 90s Ireland might win 2 matches in the 5 or 6N with occasional class like 82 or 85

But then O'Driscoll rolled up
He  scored 3 tries in PARIS to beat the French in France for the first time in 30 years in 2000
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWr9Oz-cnzI
I remember pulling into a pub in Tipp to watch it.
Rugby has been on an upward curve since then

Back in 95 Leinster played in front of a crowd of 4k at Landsdowne Road in the Heinken Cup.

http://origin-m.ercrugby.com/matchcentre/16914.php

Nobody cared then obviously.

Except you

No one cares about Scottish football bomber! Even the famous Celtic couldn't fill Parkhead when the sectarian fun was missing for 3 or 4 years!

A team as opposed to a sport.

On a bad day Celtic Park is about 60% full. Imagine playing in the echelons of European club rugby (after you've amalgamated all the clubs on the island into four sides) and playing in a stadium where 3/4 of the stadium didn't even open.

Rugby had no following in Ireland and then overnight half the country were big rugby people who were blowing excessive money following the fortunes of the bottlers. I wonder how many of our Ulster rugby fans on here set foot inside Ravenhill before the mid 2000s?

Set foot and played in it before the mid 00's. Imagine that a taig from South Derry being in Ravenhill pre bandwagon support!! So tell us why would someone from Tyrone support a Scottish side?? Have you got Scottish ancestory?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GaillimhIarthair on November 15, 2016, 09:39:49 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 07:50:34 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2016, 11:14:29 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 14, 2016, 10:17:50 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 14, 2016, 10:11:59 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2016, 10:10:08 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 14, 2016, 10:08:06 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 14, 2016, 08:36:47 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 13, 2016, 11:03:06 PM
Quote from: square_ball on November 13, 2016, 10:31:31 PM
That's a really stupid argument. How many lads have boxed, done MMA, played American football, drove a formula 1 car etc etc?

I don't agree.

Loads of people have became big rugby fans in their 20s/30s/40s despite the fact that.

I would say most of the people who are big rugby fans now had little to no interest in the game 15 years ago. The only reason it has became popular is due to the fact it is only taken seriously in a handful of countries, making success a lot easier to achieve - the national side had an upturn in results and the people in the media pushed. The impressionable, naive, folly people bought into this as a result and are now big rugby fans.

Irish rugby fans tend to be like cult members- "Everything is great about rugby football, criticism of the game is not wanted or needed". The national team are lauded as sporting giants, despite the fact they rank somewhere between 5th and 8th in a sport that only 8 countries take anywhere serious.

If I had an interest in sport and it was accessible for me to play then I would take it up when I was in a position, I'm sure most normal people would as well.

Give us some data, bomber
Rugby was always on the telly. In the 80s and 90s Ireland might win 2 matches in the 5 or 6N with occasional class like 82 or 85

But then O'Driscoll rolled up
He  scored 3 tries in PARIS to beat the French in France for the first time in 30 years in 2000
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWr9Oz-cnzI
I remember pulling into a pub in Tipp to watch it.
Rugby has been on an upward curve since then

Back in 95 Leinster played in front of a crowd of 4k at Landsdowne Road in the Heinken Cup.

http://origin-m.ercrugby.com/matchcentre/16914.php

Nobody cared then obviously.

Except you

No one cares about Scottish football bomber! Even the famous Celtic couldn't fill Parkhead when the sectarian fun was missing for 3 or 4 years!

A team as opposed to a sport.

On a bad day Celtic Park is about 60% full. Imagine playing in the echelons of European club rugby (after you've amalgamated all the clubs on the island into four sides) and playing in a stadium where 3/4 of the stadium didn't even open.

Rugby had no following in Ireland and then overnight half the country were big rugby people who were blowing excessive money following the fortunes of the bottlers. I wonder how many of our Ulster rugby fans on here set foot inside Ravenhill before the mid 2000s?

It's a bit like when the junior and intermediate club teams go to Croke park on finals day... 10th of the capacity but for the players amazing.... nowadays it's nearly full houses so hey everyone come on well

But we agree that game had no mass appeal 15-20 years ago. Strange how there are all these ardent rugby lads here now saying that they were always into the game - that is out of shape with the pattern.
Really?  The AIL was drawing some decent crowds back in the mid 90's from what I can remember.  A run of the mill league game between many of the top teams was regularly drawing well in excess of 10K.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Jim_Murphy_74 on November 15, 2016, 09:45:11 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 07:50:34 AM
But we agree that game had no mass appeal 15-20 years ago. Strange how there are all these ardent rugby lads here now saying that they were always into the game - that is out of shape with the pattern.

20+ years ago I think the appeal was all about the internationals, particularly the 5/6 nations.  Lansdowne Road always drew them in.  Club rugby was definitely a niche thing.   

The AIL certainly worked to changed that.  I worked in Athlone for a while in late 90s and Buccaneers games drew big crowds and generated a new level of interest.  Teams like Shannon, Cork Con etc.. had big followings too.

Professionalism needed a bigger outlet and creating professional clubs out of the provinces was a master stroke.  Compared to the made up franchises in Scotland and Wales, the IRFU inherited a ready-made identity out of the provinces.  (An identity which went well beyond traditional rugby base).  Hence you had the Munster thing, ready-made rivalries.   

There is no doubt either that this interest has increased playing numbers among young people.

/Jim.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: DuffleKing on November 15, 2016, 10:21:47 AM

As an aside, as an Ulster man, I will never support the Ulster rugby team in its current guise. The selection processes, coaching, administration and governance is inherently sectarian and no serious attempt has been made to address this. Of course plenty of Catholics don't care and go to ravenhill for the spectacle but personally I wouldn't go near it until I see some fundamental change in culture from the top down.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 15, 2016, 10:35:26 AM
Quote from: DuffleKing on November 15, 2016, 10:21:47 AM

As an aside, as an Ulster man, I will never support the Ulster rugby team in its current guise. The selection processes, coaching, administration and governance is inherently sectarian and no serious attempt has been made to address this. Of course plenty of Catholics don't care and go to ravenhill for the spectacle but personally I wouldn't go near it until I see some fundamental change in culture from the top down.

Explain all these reasons before making such a hideous claim.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 15, 2016, 10:49:44 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 15, 2016, 10:35:26 AM
Quote from: DuffleKing on November 15, 2016, 10:21:47 AM

As an aside, as an Ulster man, I will never support the Ulster rugby team in its current guise. The selection processes, coaching, administration and governance is inherently sectarian and no serious attempt has been made to address this. Of course plenty of Catholics don't care and go to ravenhill for the spectacle but personally I wouldn't go near it until I see some fundamental change in culture from the top down.

Explain all these reasons before making such a hideous claim.

Yeah, I mean to be fair rugby is played in tradionally Protestant Grammer schools up north and not played in Catholic schools at any level as far as i know, Ulster rugby pick from these schools and they represent Ulster at school level and then make it (if they are lucky) to get on to the Ulster set up.... There has been many attempts from catholics in the past that set up rugby teams and such but lost a lot of interest as they were mainly GAA men and never really commited to it...

Ive never heard of a bias to be honest and thats from lads i know personally who over the years have been involved with coaching at schools and ulster levels
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on November 15, 2016, 10:56:15 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 15, 2016, 10:49:44 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 15, 2016, 10:35:26 AM
Quote from: DuffleKing on November 15, 2016, 10:21:47 AM

As an aside, as an Ulster man, I will never support the Ulster rugby team in its current guise. The selection processes, coaching, administration and governance is inherently sectarian and no serious attempt has been made to address this. Of course plenty of Catholics don't care and go to ravenhill for the spectacle but personally I wouldn't go near it until I see some fundamental change in culture from the top down.

Explain all these reasons before making such a hideous claim.

Yeah, I mean to be fair rugby is played in tradionally Protestant Grammer schools up north and not played in Catholic schools at any level as far as i know, Ulster rugby pick from these schools and they represent Ulster at school level and then make it (if they are lucky) to get on to the Ulster set up.... There has been many attempts from catholics in the past that set up rugby teams and such but lost a lot of interest as they were mainly GAA men and never really commited to it...

Ive never heard of a bias to be honest and thats from lads i know personally who over the years have been involved with coaching at schools and ulster levels

wrong...as I mentioned to the thread dose a while back, a couple of catholic schools in Derry now field rugby teams
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 15, 2016, 11:14:11 AM
Quote from: JoG2 on November 15, 2016, 10:56:15 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 15, 2016, 10:49:44 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 15, 2016, 10:35:26 AM
Quote from: DuffleKing on November 15, 2016, 10:21:47 AM

As an aside, as an Ulster man, I will never support the Ulster rugby team in its current guise. The selection processes, coaching, administration and governance is inherently sectarian and no serious attempt has been made to address this. Of course plenty of Catholics don't care and go to ravenhill for the spectacle but personally I wouldn't go near it until I see some fundamental change in culture from the top down.

Explain all these reasons before making such a hideous claim.

Yeah, I mean to be fair rugby is played in tradionally Protestant Grammer schools up north and not played in Catholic schools at any level as far as i know, Ulster rugby pick from these schools and they represent Ulster at school level and then make it (if they are lucky) to get on to the Ulster set up.... There has been many attempts from catholics in the past that set up rugby teams and such but lost a lot of interest as they were mainly GAA men and never really commited to it...

Ive never heard of a bias to be honest and thats from lads i know personally who over the years have been involved with coaching at schools and ulster levels

wrong...as I mentioned to the thread dose a while back, a couple of catholic schools in Derry now field rugby teams

Couple, do they play in the schools cup or the lower level competitions? How have they fared?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on November 15, 2016, 11:38:43 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 15, 2016, 11:14:11 AM
Quote from: JoG2 on November 15, 2016, 10:56:15 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 15, 2016, 10:49:44 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 15, 2016, 10:35:26 AM
Quote from: DuffleKing on November 15, 2016, 10:21:47 AM

As an aside, as an Ulster man, I will never support the Ulster rugby team in its current guise. The selection processes, coaching, administration and governance is inherently sectarian and no serious attempt has been made to address this. Of course plenty of Catholics don't care and go to ravenhill for the spectacle but personally I wouldn't go near it until I see some fundamental change in culture from the top down.

Explain all these reasons before making such a hideous claim.

Yeah, I mean to be fair rugby is played in tradionally Protestant Grammer schools up north and not played in Catholic schools at any level as far as i know, Ulster rugby pick from these schools and they represent Ulster at school level and then make it (if they are lucky) to get on to the Ulster set up.... There has been many attempts from catholics in the past that set up rugby teams and such but lost a lot of interest as they were mainly GAA men and never really commited to it...

Ive never heard of a bias to be honest and thats from lads i know personally who over the years have been involved with coaching at schools and ulster levels

wrong...as I mentioned to the thread dose a while back, a couple of catholic schools in Derry now field rugby teams

Couple, do they play in the schools cup or the lower level competitions? How have they fared?

that's 2 in Derry, I'm not sure about other areas. Schools Cup level, no, be a fair bit off that level at the minute. There's a few of our minors playing, I'll get the low down as to how they are progressing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 15, 2016, 11:46:59 AM
Quote from: JoG2 on November 15, 2016, 11:38:43 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 15, 2016, 11:14:11 AM
Quote from: JoG2 on November 15, 2016, 10:56:15 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 15, 2016, 10:49:44 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 15, 2016, 10:35:26 AM
Quote from: DuffleKing on November 15, 2016, 10:21:47 AM

As an aside, as an Ulster man, I will never support the Ulster rugby team in its current guise. The selection processes, coaching, administration and governance is inherently sectarian and no serious attempt has been made to address this. Of course plenty of Catholics don't care and go to ravenhill for the spectacle but personally I wouldn't go near it until I see some fundamental change in culture from the top down.

Explain all these reasons before making such a hideous claim.

Yeah, I mean to be fair rugby is played in tradionally Protestant Grammer schools up north and not played in Catholic schools at any level as far as i know, Ulster rugby pick from these schools and they represent Ulster at school level and then make it (if they are lucky) to get on to the Ulster set up.... There has been many attempts from catholics in the past that set up rugby teams and such but lost a lot of interest as they were mainly GAA men and never really commited to it...

Ive never heard of a bias to be honest and thats from lads i know personally who over the years have been involved with coaching at schools and ulster levels

wrong...as I mentioned to the thread dose a while back, a couple of catholic schools in Derry now field rugby teams

Couple, do they play in the schools cup or the lower level competitions? How have they fared?

that's 2 in Derry, I'm not sure about other areas. Schools Cup level, no, be a fair bit off that level at the minute. There's a few of our minors playing, I'll get the low down as to how they are progressing.

Was talk of brining it into a lot of schools but to fit it in with their current soccer and gaelic games set up would put more strain on timetabling and getting staff to get involved... most parents that are involved with rugby do send their sons to particular schools with the tradition, Inst, Methody, BRA, and the rest and the training facilities at these schools is on a par to professional clubs, directors of rugby brought in to do just that, no teaching just coaching....
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Frank_The_Tank on November 15, 2016, 11:49:57 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 07:50:34 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2016, 11:14:29 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 14, 2016, 10:17:50 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 14, 2016, 10:11:59 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2016, 10:10:08 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 14, 2016, 10:08:06 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 14, 2016, 08:36:47 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 13, 2016, 11:03:06 PM
Quote from: square_ball on November 13, 2016, 10:31:31 PM
That's a really stupid argument. How many lads have boxed, done MMA, played American football, drove a formula 1 car etc etc?

I don't agree.

Loads of people have became big rugby fans in their 20s/30s/40s despite the fact that.

I would say most of the people who are big rugby fans now had little to no interest in the game 15 years ago. The only reason it has became popular is due to the fact it is only taken seriously in a handful of countries, making success a lot easier to achieve - the national side had an upturn in results and the people in the media pushed. The impressionable, naive, folly people bought into this as a result and are now big rugby fans.

Irish rugby fans tend to be like cult members- "Everything is great about rugby football, criticism of the game is not wanted or needed". The national team are lauded as sporting giants, despite the fact they rank somewhere between 5th and 8th in a sport that only 8 countries take anywhere serious.

If I had an interest in sport and it was accessible for me to play then I would take it up when I was in a position, I'm sure most normal people would as well.

Give us some data, bomber
Rugby was always on the telly. In the 80s and 90s Ireland might win 2 matches in the 5 or 6N with occasional class like 82 or 85

But then O'Driscoll rolled up
He  scored 3 tries in PARIS to beat the French in France for the first time in 30 years in 2000
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWr9Oz-cnzI
I remember pulling into a pub in Tipp to watch it.
Rugby has been on an upward curve since then

Back in 95 Leinster played in front of a crowd of 4k at Landsdowne Road in the Heinken Cup.

http://origin-m.ercrugby.com/matchcentre/16914.php

Nobody cared then obviously.

Except you

No one cares about Scottish football bomber! Even the famous Celtic couldn't fill Parkhead when the sectarian fun was missing for 3 or 4 years!

A team as opposed to a sport.

On a bad day Celtic Park is about 60% full. Imagine playing in the echelons of European club rugby (after you've amalgamated all the clubs on the island into four sides) and playing in a stadium where 3/4 of the stadium didn't even open.

Rugby had no following in Ireland and then overnight half the country were big rugby people who were blowing excessive money following the fortunes of the bottlers. I wonder how many of our Ulster rugby fans on here set foot inside Ravenhill before the mid 2000s?

It's a bit like when the junior and intermediate club teams go to Croke park on finals day... 10th of the capacity but for the players amazing.... nowadays it's nearly full houses so hey everyone come on well

But we agree that game had no mass appeal 15-20 years ago. Strange how there are all these ardent rugby lads here now saying that they were always into the game - that is out of shape with the pattern.

You have made it quite clear you don't have any time for the sport of Rugby.  Why then do you feel the need to post on a thread about rugby?  Do you just enjoy trolling that much? 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: theticklemister on November 15, 2016, 01:31:04 PM
I represented St. Columbs College In Derry City for rugby. I played for four years scoring one try. A break away effort from the back of the scrum in October 2000. Rugby has been played for years in the college,probably the most well-known Catholic School in the north. I gave it up in fifth year to solely put my mind to the GAA and claim my spot on the bench for the two years of McLarnon.

A few Catholic Schools played it in around Derry. Most of the times we played Protestant schools in west Tyrone. There is a tradition after games to applaud the opposition team and gave them three cheers. They use to wind us up by saying:

"3 cheers for St. Columb's College of Londonderry"

Lol
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 15, 2016, 01:37:11 PM
Quote from: theticklemister on November 15, 2016, 01:31:04 PM
I represented St. Columbs College In Derry City for rugby. I played for four years scoring one try. A break away effort from the back of the scrum in October 2000. Rugby has been played for years in the college,probably the most well-known Catholic School in the north. I gave it up in fifth year to solely put my mind to the GAA and claim my spot on the bench for the two years of McLarnon.

A few Catholic Schools played it in around Derry. Most of the times we played Protestant schools in west Tyrone. There is a tradition after games to applaud the opposition team and gave them three cheers. They use to wind us up by saying:

"3 cheers for St. Columb's College of Londonderry"

Lol

The sectarian basturds!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 15, 2016, 01:43:44 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 15, 2016, 11:46:59 AM
Quote from: JoG2 on November 15, 2016, 11:38:43 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 15, 2016, 11:14:11 AM
Quote from: JoG2 on November 15, 2016, 10:56:15 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 15, 2016, 10:49:44 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 15, 2016, 10:35:26 AM
Quote from: DuffleKing on November 15, 2016, 10:21:47 AM

As an aside, as an Ulster man, I will never support the Ulster rugby team in its current guise. The selection processes, coaching, administration and governance is inherently sectarian and no serious attempt has been made to address this. Of course plenty of Catholics don't care and go to ravenhill for the spectacle but personally I wouldn't go near it until I see some fundamental change in culture from the top down.

Explain all these reasons before making such a hideous claim.

Yeah, I mean to be fair rugby is played in tradionally Protestant Grammer schools up north and not played in Catholic schools at any level as far as i know, Ulster rugby pick from these schools and they represent Ulster at school level and then make it (if they are lucky) to get on to the Ulster set up.... There has been many attempts from catholics in the past that set up rugby teams and such but lost a lot of interest as they were mainly GAA men and never really commited to it...

Ive never heard of a bias to be honest and thats from lads i know personally who over the years have been involved with coaching at schools and ulster levels

wrong...as I mentioned to the thread dose a while back, a couple of catholic schools in Derry now field rugby teams

Couple, do they play in the schools cup or the lower level competitions? How have they fared?

that's 2 in Derry, I'm not sure about other areas. Schools Cup level, no, be a fair bit off that level at the minute. There's a few of our minors playing, I'll get the low down as to how they are progressing.

Was talk of brining it into a lot of schools but to fit it in with their current soccer and gaelic games set up would put more strain on timetabling and getting staff to get involved... most parents that are involved with rugby do send their sons to particular schools with the tradition, Inst, Methody, BRA, and the rest and the training facilities at these schools is on a par to professional clubs, directors of rugby brought in to do just that, no teaching just coaching....
We asked to play it when I was at school 25 years ago but we were told the school wasn't insured for it. Nor would they have had much appetite for it either in a predominantly hurling school.

There is a grain of truth in the increase in interest in Ulster specifically, which I'm sure has lot of it has to do with post-Troubles Belfast. I don't think I would have gone over to Ravenhill in the mid-90s. Belfast is a different place now. I wouldn't have gone to what is now the Cathedral Quarter in Belfast in the mid-90s either.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 15, 2016, 01:54:56 PM
Duke of York? God I've been in that old bar since late 80's!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 15, 2016, 01:58:35 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 15, 2016, 01:54:56 PM
Duke of York? God I've been in that old bar since late 80's!!
Apart from The Duke of York and the Front Page or White's Tavern but certainly not much in town back in the day, apart from the risk of a kicking.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 15, 2016, 02:00:53 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on November 15, 2016, 01:58:35 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 15, 2016, 01:54:56 PM
Duke of York? God I've been in that old bar since late 80's!!
Apart from The Duke of York and the Front Page or White's Tavern but certainly not much in town back in the day, apart from the risk of a kicking.

Aye, there was a few areas to avoid for sure
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on November 15, 2016, 02:04:24 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on November 15, 2016, 01:58:35 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 15, 2016, 01:54:56 PM
Duke of York? God I've been in that old bar since late 80's!!
Apart from The Duke of York and the Front Page or White's Tavern but certainly not much in town back in the day, apart from the risk of a kicking.

I would have thought the front page would have been a good place to go if you were looking a beating...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 15, 2016, 02:05:55 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on November 15, 2016, 02:04:24 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on November 15, 2016, 01:58:35 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 15, 2016, 01:54:56 PM
Duke of York? God I've been in that old bar since late 80's!!
Apart from The Duke of York and the Front Page or White's Tavern but certainly not much in town back in the day, apart from the risk of a kicking.

I would have thought the front page would have been a good place to go if you were looking a beating...

more so Frames front page similar locas, from your own too
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on November 15, 2016, 02:11:42 PM
Have been in frames a good few times more during the day though but only recently the front page where clientele have changed a little bit to say the least i suspect...

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 15, 2016, 02:17:09 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 15, 2016, 11:46:59 AM
Quote from: JoG2 on November 15, 2016, 11:38:43 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 15, 2016, 11:14:11 AM
Quote from: JoG2 on November 15, 2016, 10:56:15 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 15, 2016, 10:49:44 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 15, 2016, 10:35:26 AM
Quote from: DuffleKing on November 15, 2016, 10:21:47 AM

As an aside, as an Ulster man, I will never support the Ulster rugby team in its current guise. The selection processes, coaching, administration and governance is inherently sectarian and no serious attempt has been made to address this. Of course plenty of Catholics don't care and go to ravenhill for the spectacle but personally I wouldn't go near it until I see some fundamental change in culture from the top down.

Explain all these reasons before making such a hideous claim.

Yeah, I mean to be fair rugby is played in tradionally Protestant Grammer schools up north and not played in Catholic schools at any level as far as i know, Ulster rugby pick from these schools and they represent Ulster at school level and then make it (if they are lucky) to get on to the Ulster set up.... There has been many attempts from catholics in the past that set up rugby teams and such but lost a lot of interest as they were mainly GAA men and never really commited to it...

Ive never heard of a bias to be honest and thats from lads i know personally who over the years have been involved with coaching at schools and ulster levels

wrong...as I mentioned to the thread dose a while back, a couple of catholic schools in Derry now field rugby teams

Couple, do they play in the schools cup or the lower level competitions? How have they fared?

that's 2 in Derry, I'm not sure about other areas. Schools Cup level, no, be a fair bit off that level at the minute. There's a few of our minors playing, I'll get the low down as to how they are progressing.

Was talk of brining it into a lot of schools but to fit it in with their current soccer and gaelic games set up would put more strain on timetabling and getting staff to get involved... most parents that are involved with rugby do send their sons to particular schools with the tradition, Inst, Methody, BRA, and the rest and the training facilities at these schools is on a par to professional clubs, directors of rugby brought in to do just that, no teaching just coaching....

MacRory not far behind either at the minute... serious setups in the Schools for that. St. Marys just employed a full time GAA Officer. Will it help deliver our first MacRory beating St. Pat's in the process??

One can only hope!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Frank_The_Tank on November 15, 2016, 02:24:42 PM
Ireland video bid for the 2023 world cup looks good (narrated by Liam Neeson)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/37988826
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 15, 2016, 02:40:49 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 15, 2016, 02:17:09 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 15, 2016, 11:46:59 AM
Quote from: JoG2 on November 15, 2016, 11:38:43 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 15, 2016, 11:14:11 AM
Quote from: JoG2 on November 15, 2016, 10:56:15 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 15, 2016, 10:49:44 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 15, 2016, 10:35:26 AM
Quote from: DuffleKing on November 15, 2016, 10:21:47 AM

As an aside, as an Ulster man, I will never support the Ulster rugby team in its current guise. The selection processes, coaching, administration and governance is inherently sectarian and no serious attempt has been made to address this. Of course plenty of Catholics don't care and go to ravenhill for the spectacle but personally I wouldn't go near it until I see some fundamental change in culture from the top down.

Explain all these reasons before making such a hideous claim.

Yeah, I mean to be fair rugby is played in tradionally Protestant Grammer schools up north and not played in Catholic schools at any level as far as i know, Ulster rugby pick from these schools and they represent Ulster at school level and then make it (if they are lucky) to get on to the Ulster set up.... There has been many attempts from catholics in the past that set up rugby teams and such but lost a lot of interest as they were mainly GAA men and never really commited to it...

Ive never heard of a bias to be honest and thats from lads i know personally who over the years have been involved with coaching at schools and ulster levels

wrong...as I mentioned to the thread dose a while back, a couple of catholic schools in Derry now field rugby teams

Couple, do they play in the schools cup or the lower level competitions? How have they fared?

that's 2 in Derry, I'm not sure about other areas. Schools Cup level, no, be a fair bit off that level at the minute. There's a few of our minors playing, I'll get the low down as to how they are progressing.

Was talk of brining it into a lot of schools but to fit it in with their current soccer and gaelic games set up would put more strain on timetabling and getting staff to get involved... most parents that are involved with rugby do send their sons to particular schools with the tradition, Inst, Methody, BRA, and the rest and the training facilities at these schools is on a par to professional clubs, directors of rugby brought in to do just that, no teaching just coaching....

MacRory not far behind either at the minute... serious setups in the Schools for that. St. Marys just employed a full time GAA Officer. Will it help deliver our first MacRory beating St. Pat's in the process??

One can only hope!!

Lol keep dreaming Screen.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: theticklemister on November 15, 2016, 02:53:18 PM
So how much does he get paid? Does he overrule the coaches?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: foxcommander on November 15, 2016, 03:20:43 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 14, 2016, 10:17:50 PM

Rugby had no following in Ireland and then overnight half the country were big rugby people who were blowing excessive money following the fortunes of the bottlers. I wonder how many of our Ulster rugby fans on here set foot inside Ravenhill before the mid 2000s?

Not to mention all these women who suddenly were 'into rugby' who never played a sport in their lives.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: our_fella on November 15, 2016, 03:22:48 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on November 15, 2016, 03:20:43 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 14, 2016, 10:17:50 PM

Rugby had no following in Ireland and then overnight half the country were big rugby people who were blowing excessive money following the fortunes of the bottlers. I wonder how many of our Ulster rugby fans on here set foot inside Ravenhill before the mid 2000s?

Not to mention all these women who suddenly were 'into rugby' who never played a sport in their lives.

And do you see a problem with this you bitter old w****r?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Frank_The_Tank on November 15, 2016, 03:45:34 PM
Quote from: our_fella on November 15, 2016, 03:22:48 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on November 15, 2016, 03:20:43 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 14, 2016, 10:17:50 PM

Rugby had no following in Ireland and then overnight half the country were big rugby people who were blowing excessive money following the fortunes of the bottlers. I wonder how many of our Ulster rugby fans on here set foot inside Ravenhill before the mid 2000s?

Not to mention all these women who suddenly were 'into rugby' who never played a sport in their lives.

And do you see a problem with this you bitter old w****r?

look like we have another troll in foxcommander  :-[  Can you explain the logic on commenting on the Rugby thread?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AhNowRef on November 15, 2016, 03:53:57 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on November 15, 2016, 03:20:43 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 14, 2016, 10:17:50 PM

Rugby had no following in Ireland and then overnight half the country were big rugby people who were blowing excessive money following the fortunes of the bottlers. I wonder how many of our Ulster rugby fans on here set foot inside Ravenhill before the mid 2000s?

Not to mention all these women who suddenly were 'into rugby' who never played a sport in their lives.

Youse lads would need to chill out a bit ... Rugby "always" had a good following in Ireland .... Many people, myself included, have always been Rugby fans but even if they weren't, sure what harm is there in that .. better late than never...

I find it hard to fathom why certain people feel so bitter about a sport that they cant even see why fans would get a little excited when their team beats the best team ever for the first time ever .. or maybe they just dont want to see it  ::) ... certain underlying issues/excuses Im sure  ;)

And to lambast Rugby but suggest Saccer is beyond reproach is laughable .. a pile of overpaid prima donnas who mostly couldnt give a feck Versus fellas who go out week after week and get their heads smashed in for the love of the game/club/country .....

And the most ridiculous thing is that some blinkered folk try to paint Rugby as all hoity-toity .. it sure as hell aint !! ....

I think both lads above must have had their eyes wiped by a Rugby player   :o
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on November 15, 2016, 03:55:27 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on November 15, 2016, 03:20:43 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 14, 2016, 10:17:50 PM

Rugby had no following in Ireland and then overnight half the country were big rugby people who were blowing excessive money following the fortunes of the bottlers. I wonder how many of our Ulster rugby fans on here set foot inside Ravenhill before the mid 2000s?

Not to mention all these women who suddenly were 'into rugby' who never played a sport in their lives.

The anger &  bitterness in you pair cannot be healthy. Seriously,  life's too short to be so twisted,  live and let live
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: foxcommander on November 15, 2016, 04:03:59 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 15, 2016, 03:45:34 PM
Quote from: our_fella on November 15, 2016, 03:22:48 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on November 15, 2016, 03:20:43 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 14, 2016, 10:17:50 PM

Rugby had no following in Ireland and then overnight half the country were big rugby people who were blowing excessive money following the fortunes of the bottlers. I wonder how many of our Ulster rugby fans on here set foot inside Ravenhill before the mid 2000s?

Not to mention all these women who suddenly were 'into rugby' who never played a sport in their lives.

And do you see a problem with this you bitter old w****r?

look like we have another troll in foxcommander  :-[  Can you explain the logic on commenting on the Rugby thread?

How is this trolling? I know quite a few of such people who jumped on the bandwagon with no prior interest in sports just because it became the thing to do. They wanted to be part of the posh crowd.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Denn Forever on November 15, 2016, 04:12:26 PM
I bet  they were surprised when they 1st went to Thomond park.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 15, 2016, 04:13:50 PM
Quote from: Denn Forever on November 15, 2016, 04:12:26 PM
I bet  they were surprised when they 1st went to Thomond park.

Hey!!!! What are you saying? We're dead posh in Thomond Park. Sometimes we even take the wrappers off our burgers before we eat them.

We still prefer turnips though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Frank_The_Tank on November 15, 2016, 04:14:52 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on November 15, 2016, 04:03:59 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 15, 2016, 03:45:34 PM
Quote from: our_fella on November 15, 2016, 03:22:48 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on November 15, 2016, 03:20:43 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 14, 2016, 10:17:50 PM

Rugby had no following in Ireland and then overnight half the country were big rugby people who were blowing excessive money following the fortunes of the bottlers. I wonder how many of our Ulster rugby fans on here set foot inside Ravenhill before the mid 2000s?

Not to mention all these women who suddenly were 'into rugby' who never played a sport in their lives.

And do you see a problem with this you bitter old w****r?

look like we have another troll in foxcommander  :-[  Can you explain the logic on commenting on the Rugby thread?

How is this trolling? I know quite a few of such people who jumped on the bandwagon with no prior interest in sports just because it became the thing to do. They wanted to be part of the posh crowd.

trolling -
Being a p***k on the internet because you can. Typically unleashing one or more cynical or sarcastic remarks on an innocent by-stander, because it's the internet and, hey, you can.

If the glove fits
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AhNowRef on November 15, 2016, 04:32:34 PM
Fox & Bomber both seem to enjoy soccer tremendously but swat Rugby away as a garrison game .... thats all you need to know Im afraid !!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: foxcommander on November 15, 2016, 05:01:54 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 15, 2016, 04:14:52 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on November 15, 2016, 04:03:59 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 15, 2016, 03:45:34 PM
Quote from: our_fella on November 15, 2016, 03:22:48 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on November 15, 2016, 03:20:43 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 14, 2016, 10:17:50 PM

Rugby had no following in Ireland and then overnight half the country were big rugby people who were blowing excessive money following the fortunes of the bottlers. I wonder how many of our Ulster rugby fans on here set foot inside Ravenhill before the mid 2000s?

Not to mention all these women who suddenly were 'into rugby' who never played a sport in their lives.

And do you see a problem with this you bitter old w****r?

look like we have another troll in foxcommander  :-[  Can you explain the logic on commenting on the Rugby thread?

How is this trolling? I know quite a few of such people who jumped on the bandwagon with no prior interest in sports just because it became the thing to do. They wanted to be part of the posh crowd.

trolling -
Being a p***k on the internet because you can. Typically unleashing one or more cynical or sarcastic remarks on an innocent by-stander, because it's the internet and, hey, you can.

If the glove fits

I think it's called an opinion. Away to your safe space then if you don't like it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Frank_The_Tank on November 15, 2016, 05:53:19 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on November 15, 2016, 05:01:54 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 15, 2016, 04:14:52 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on November 15, 2016, 04:03:59 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 15, 2016, 03:45:34 PM
Quote from: our_fella on November 15, 2016, 03:22:48 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on November 15, 2016, 03:20:43 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 14, 2016, 10:17:50 PM

Rugby had no following in Ireland and then overnight half the country were big rugby people who were blowing excessive money following the fortunes of the bottlers. I wonder how many of our Ulster rugby fans on here set foot inside Ravenhill before the mid 2000s?

Not to mention all these women who suddenly were 'into rugby' who never played a sport in their lives.

And do you see a problem with this you bitter old w****r?

look like we have another troll in foxcommander  :-[  Can you explain the logic on commenting on the Rugby thread?

How is this trolling? I know quite a few of such people who jumped on the bandwagon with no prior interest in sports just because it became the thing to do. They wanted to be part of the posh crowd.

trolling -
Being a p***k on the internet because you can. Typically unleashing one or more cynical or sarcastic remarks on an innocent by-stander, because it's the internet and, hey, you can.

If the glove fits

I think it's called an opinion. Away to your safe space then if you don't like it.

You think its an opinion....my opinion is it is trolling.  Away to another thread to talk about something you dont dislike as much as rugby. I guess if you dont feed the troll they are less likely to keep posting on the thread so thats what ill be doing for the remainder of your 'opinions' on this particular thread.  Farewell keyboard warrior
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 15, 2016, 06:02:37 PM
I have no interest in netball. But I don't spend my day joining netball forums to tell netball fans that they are wrong.

But that is exactly what you do. You choose to join a discussion on a sport you obviously hate, trying to show fans of that sport that they are all wrong and you are right. Either you are a troll, or completely insane.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 15, 2016, 06:15:09 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 15, 2016, 04:13:50 PM
Quote from: Denn Forever on November 15, 2016, 04:12:26 PM
I bet  they were surprised when they 1st went to Thomond park.

Hey!!!! What are you saying? We're dead posh in Thomond Park. Sometimes we even take the wrappers off our burgers before we eat them.

We still prefer turnips though.
Ate straight from the ground with a bit of white pepper.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 15, 2016, 06:15:52 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 15, 2016, 06:02:37 PM
I have no interest in netball. But I don't spend my day joining netball forums to tell netball fans that they are wrong.

But that is exactly what you do. You choose to join a discussion on a sport you obviously hate, trying to show fans of that sport that they are all wrong and you are right. Either you are a troll, or completely insane.
or very dull.  Or a parody

I saw Bombers ode to the BIG. It made me laugh.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 15, 2016, 06:27:50 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 15, 2016, 06:15:52 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 15, 2016, 06:02:37 PM
I have no interest in netball. But I don't spend my day joining netball forums to tell netball fans that they are wrong.

But that is exactly what you do. You choose to join a discussion on a sport you obviously hate, trying to show fans of that sport that they are all wrong and you are right. Either you are a troll, or completely insane.
or very dull.  Or a parody

I saw Bombers ode to the BIG. It made me laugh.

Ah feckit, anyone any good links to netball forums?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: foxcommander on November 15, 2016, 06:53:47 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 15, 2016, 05:53:19 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on November 15, 2016, 05:01:54 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 15, 2016, 04:14:52 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on November 15, 2016, 04:03:59 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 15, 2016, 03:45:34 PM
Quote from: our_fella on November 15, 2016, 03:22:48 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on November 15, 2016, 03:20:43 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 14, 2016, 10:17:50 PM

Rugby had no following in Ireland and then overnight half the country were big rugby people who were blowing excessive money following the fortunes of the bottlers. I wonder how many of our Ulster rugby fans on here set foot inside Ravenhill before the mid 2000s?

Not to mention all these women who suddenly were 'into rugby' who never played a sport in their lives.

And do you see a problem with this you bitter old w****r?

look like we have another troll in foxcommander  :-[  Can you explain the logic on commenting on the Rugby thread?

How is this trolling? I know quite a few of such people who jumped on the bandwagon with no prior interest in sports just because it became the thing to do. They wanted to be part of the posh crowd.

trolling -
Being a p***k on the internet because you can. Typically unleashing one or more cynical or sarcastic remarks on an innocent by-stander, because it's the internet and, hey, you can.

If the glove fits

I think it's called an opinion. Away to your safe space then if you don't like it.

You think its an opinion....my opinion is it is trolling.  Away to another thread to talk about something you dont dislike as much as rugby. I guess if you dont feed the troll they are less likely to keep posting on the thread so thats what ill be doing for the remainder of your 'opinions' on this particular thread.  Farewell keyboard warrior

A massive 8 posts by you Frank?
Who's alter-ego are you anyway ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Frank_The_Tank on November 15, 2016, 07:01:51 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 15, 2016, 06:02:37 PM
I have no interest in netball. But I don't spend my day joining netball forums to tell netball fans that they are wrong.

But that is exactly what you do. You choose to join a discussion on a sport you obviously hate, trying to show fans of that sport that they are all wrong and you are right. Either you are a troll, or completely insane.

Nail on the head muppet
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Frank_The_Tank on November 15, 2016, 07:03:42 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on November 15, 2016, 06:53:47 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 15, 2016, 05:53:19 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on November 15, 2016, 05:01:54 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 15, 2016, 04:14:52 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on November 15, 2016, 04:03:59 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 15, 2016, 03:45:34 PM
Quote from: our_fella on November 15, 2016, 03:22:48 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on November 15, 2016, 03:20:43 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 14, 2016, 10:17:50 PM

Rugby had no following in Ireland and then overnight half the country were big rugby people who were blowing excessive money following the fortunes of the bottlers. I wonder how many of our Ulster rugby fans on here set foot inside Ravenhill before the mid 2000s?

Not to mention all these women who suddenly were 'into rugby' who never played a sport in their lives.

And do you see a problem with this you bitter old w****r?

look like we have another troll in foxcommander  :-[  Can you explain the logic on commenting on the Rugby thread?

How is this trolling? I know quite a few of such people who jumped on the bandwagon with no prior interest in sports just because it became the thing to do. They wanted to be part of the posh crowd.

trolling -
Being a p***k on the internet because you can. Typically unleashing one or more cynical or sarcastic remarks on an innocent by-stander, because it's the internet and, hey, you can.

If the glove fits

I think it's called an opinion. Away to your safe space then if you don't like it.

You think its an opinion....my opinion is it is trolling.  Away to another thread to talk about something you dont dislike as much as rugby. I guess if you dont feed the troll they are less likely to keep posting on the thread so thats what ill be doing for the remainder of your 'opinions' on this particular thread.  Farewell keyboard warrior

A massive 8 posts by you Frank?
Who's alter-ego are you anyway ;)

I didnt know the number of posts you had was relevant to the discussion.  I'm will ferrells alter ego...never seen old skool
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: foxcommander on November 15, 2016, 07:13:37 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 15, 2016, 07:03:42 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on November 15, 2016, 06:53:47 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 15, 2016, 05:53:19 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on November 15, 2016, 05:01:54 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 15, 2016, 04:14:52 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on November 15, 2016, 04:03:59 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 15, 2016, 03:45:34 PM
Quote from: our_fella on November 15, 2016, 03:22:48 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on November 15, 2016, 03:20:43 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 14, 2016, 10:17:50 PM

Rugby had no following in Ireland and then overnight half the country were big rugby people who were blowing excessive money following the fortunes of the bottlers. I wonder how many of our Ulster rugby fans on here set foot inside Ravenhill before the mid 2000s?

Not to mention all these women who suddenly were 'into rugby' who never played a sport in their lives.

And do you see a problem with this you bitter old w****r?

look like we have another troll in foxcommander  :-[  Can you explain the logic on commenting on the Rugby thread?

How is this trolling? I know quite a few of such people who jumped on the bandwagon with no prior interest in sports just because it became the thing to do. They wanted to be part of the posh crowd.

trolling -
Being a p***k on the internet because you can. Typically unleashing one or more cynical or sarcastic remarks on an innocent by-stander, because it's the internet and, hey, you can.

If the glove fits

I think it's called an opinion. Away to your safe space then if you don't like it.

You think its an opinion....my opinion is it is trolling.  Away to another thread to talk about something you dont dislike as much as rugby. I guess if you dont feed the troll they are less likely to keep posting on the thread so thats what ill be doing for the remainder of your 'opinions' on this particular thread.  Farewell keyboard warrior

A massive 8 posts by you Frank?
Who's alter-ego are you anyway ;)

I didnt know the number of posts you had was relevant to the discussion.  I'm will ferrells alter ego...never seen old skool

Seems a little odd for a brand new poster to call someone a troll. C'mon - out yourself !!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 15, 2016, 07:17:51 PM
It shows how bad you are at it that a noob can call you out straight away!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 15, 2016, 07:18:00 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 15, 2016, 06:02:37 PM
I have no interest in netball. But I don't spend my day joining netball forums to tell netball fans that they are wrong.

But that is exactly what you do. You choose to join a discussion on a sport you obviously hate, trying to show fans of that sport that they are all wrong and you are right. Either you are a troll, or completely insane.
I think olympic handball is strange
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 15, 2016, 07:42:05 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 15, 2016, 07:18:00 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 15, 2016, 06:02:37 PM
I have no interest in netball. But I don't spend my day joining netball forums to tell netball fans that they are wrong.

But that is exactly what you do. You choose to join a discussion on a sport you obviously hate, trying to show fans of that sport that they are all wrong and you are right. Either you are a troll, or completely insane.
I think olympic handball is strange

Actually played that at school, a bit of fun but would prefer other games.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 07:56:23 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 15, 2016, 03:45:34 PM
Quote from: our_fella on November 15, 2016, 03:22:48 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on November 15, 2016, 03:20:43 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 14, 2016, 10:17:50 PM

Rugby had no following in Ireland and then overnight half the country were big rugby people who were blowing excessive money following the fortunes of the bottlers. I wonder how many of our Ulster rugby fans on here set foot inside Ravenhill before the mid 2000s?

Not to mention all these women who suddenly were 'into rugby' who never played a sport in their lives.

And do you see a problem with this you bitter old w****r?

look like we have another troll in foxcommander  :-[  Can you explain the logic on commenting on the Rugby thread?

Another rugby bully boy who cannot take valid criticism about the game and its faux die hards.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 15, 2016, 08:08:15 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 07:56:23 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 15, 2016, 03:45:34 PM
Quote from: our_fella on November 15, 2016, 03:22:48 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on November 15, 2016, 03:20:43 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 14, 2016, 10:17:50 PM

Rugby had no following in Ireland and then overnight half the country were big rugby people who were blowing excessive money following the fortunes of the bottlers. I wonder how many of our Ulster rugby fans on here set foot inside Ravenhill before the mid 2000s?

Not to mention all these women who suddenly were 'into rugby' who never played a sport in their lives.

And do you see a problem with this you bitter old w****r?

look like we have another troll in foxcommander  :-[  Can you explain the logic on commenting on the Rugby thread?

Another rugby bully boy who cannot take valid criticism about the game and its faux die hards.

It's only valid to you and couple others, no?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 15, 2016, 08:15:36 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 07:56:23 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 15, 2016, 03:45:34 PM
Quote from: our_fella on November 15, 2016, 03:22:48 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on November 15, 2016, 03:20:43 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 14, 2016, 10:17:50 PM

Rugby had no following in Ireland and then overnight half the country were big rugby people who were blowing excessive money following the fortunes of the bottlers. I wonder how many of our Ulster rugby fans on here set foot inside Ravenhill before the mid 2000s?

Not to mention all these women who suddenly were 'into rugby' who never played a sport in their lives.

And do you see a problem with this you bitter old w****r?

look like we have another troll in foxcommander  :-[  Can you explain the logic on commenting on the Rugby thread?

Another rugby bully boy who cannot take valid criticism about the game and its faux die hards.
It's opinion and not very well put together and we don't need 2 weeks of it
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 08:16:55 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 15, 2016, 06:02:37 PM
I have no interest in netball. But I don't spend my day joining netball forums to tell netball fans that they are wrong.

But that is exactly what you do. You choose to join a discussion on a sport you obviously hate, trying to show fans of that sport that they are all wrong and you are right. Either you are a troll, or completely insane.

If Netball gets as much hyperbole and vomit inducing, self congratulatory bullshit about it on all forms of media then I will be the first to rail against it. As it is, netball is an irrelevance and makes no odds to me. For a person living in Ireland right now it is very hard to go about and not have rugby foisted down your throat.

I am entitled to make valid criticisms about the nonsense level of hysteria about a niche game with little grass roots interest in the country. The real crux of the matter here is the defensive and nasty reaction from those who have been called out as impressionable bandwagon jumpers. They know that the criticisms I've put forward of the game are valid - yet the fact that they have gone from having no interest in the game to being self proclaimed rugby die hards - are hard to accept for them - it raises big questions on their intelligence levels and so it should. It's a bit like when yer man in The Crying Game falls for the lady with the tadger.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 15, 2016, 08:31:26 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 08:16:55 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 15, 2016, 06:02:37 PM
I have no interest in netball. But I don't spend my day joining netball forums to tell netball fans that they are wrong.

But that is exactly what you do. You choose to join a discussion on a sport you obviously hate, trying to show fans of that sport that they are all wrong and you are right. Either you are a troll, or completely insane.

If Netball gets as much hyperbole and vomit inducing, self congratulatory bullshit about it on all forms of media then I will be the first to rail against it. As it is, netball is an irrelevance and makes no odds to me. For a person living in Ireland right now it is very hard to go about and not have rugby foisted down your throat.

I am entitled to make valid criticisms about the nonsense level of hysteria about a niche game with little grass roots interest in the country. The real crux of the matter here is the defensive and nasty reaction from those who have been called out as impressionable bandwagon jumpers. They know that the criticisms I've put forward of the game are valid - yet the fact that they have gone from having no interest in the game to being self proclaimed rugby die hards - are hard to accept for them - it raises big questions on their intelligence levels and so it should. It's a bit like when yer man in The Crying Game falls for the lady with the tadger.

So you can insult whatever 'vomit inducing, self congratulatory bullshit' you like.

But no one can call your posts 'vomit inducing, self congratulatory bullshit'?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Frank_The_Tank on November 15, 2016, 08:34:47 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 08:16:55 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 15, 2016, 06:02:37 PM
I have no interest in netball. But I don't spend my day joining netball forums to tell netball fans that they are wrong.

But that is exactly what you do. You choose to join a discussion on a sport you obviously hate, trying to show fans of that sport that they are all wrong and you are right. Either you are a troll, or completely insane.

If Netball gets as much hyperbole and vomit inducing, self congratulatory bullshit about it on all forms of media then I will be the first to rail against it. As it is, netball is an irrelevance and makes no odds to me. For a person living in Ireland right now it is very hard to go about and not have rugby foisted down your throat.

I am entitled to make valid criticisms about the nonsense level of hysteria about a niche game with little grass roots interest in the country. The real crux of the matter here is the defensive and nasty reaction from those who have been called out as impressionable bandwagon jumpers. They know that the criticisms I've put forward of the game are valid - yet the fact that they have gone from having no interest in the game to being self proclaimed rugby die hards - are hard to accept for them - it raises big questions on their intelligence levels and so it should. It's a bit like when yer man in The Crying Game falls for the lady with the tadger.

Your well entitled to your opinion.  Think everyone gets it.  Im asking why you are continually posting about in the thread.  I think we have all got the point of your argument some of which may be i agree with.  I only really got into rugby in the early 2000's.  Big deal like.  Why does it annoy you so.much like? 

You want people to accept your valid criticism of it but you are unwilling to accept the vast majority of people on this thread want to discuss the positiveness of ireland beating nz.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 08:40:27 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 15, 2016, 08:34:47 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 08:16:55 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 15, 2016, 06:02:37 PM
I have no interest in netball. But I don't spend my day joining netball forums to tell netball fans that they are wrong.

But that is exactly what you do. You choose to join a discussion on a sport you obviously hate, trying to show fans of that sport that they are all wrong and you are right. Either you are a troll, or completely insane.

If Netball gets as much hyperbole and vomit inducing, self congratulatory bullshit about it on all forms of media then I will be the first to rail against it. As it is, netball is an irrelevance and makes no odds to me. For a person living in Ireland right now it is very hard to go about and not have rugby foisted down your throat.

I am entitled to make valid criticisms about the nonsense level of hysteria about a niche game with little grass roots interest in the country. The real crux of the matter here is the defensive and nasty reaction from those who have been called out as impressionable bandwagon jumpers. They know that the criticisms I've put forward of the game are valid - yet the fact that they have gone from having no interest in the game to being self proclaimed rugby die hards - are hard to accept for them - it raises big questions on their intelligence levels and so it should. It's a bit like when yer man in The Crying Game falls for the lady with the tadger.

Your well entitled to your opinion.  Think everyone gets it.  Im asking why you are continually posting about in the thread.  I think we have all got the point of your argument some of which may be i agree with.  I only really got into rugby in the early 2000's.  Big deal like.  Why does it annoy you so.much like? 

You want people to accept your valid criticism of it but you are unwilling to accept the vast majority of people on this thread want to discuss the positiveness of ireland beating nz.

There needs to be acceptance that rugby football is built on myth and hyperbole. My criticism should be accepted because it is valid, yet it's not and it's been defended with all sorts of bullshit - I guess it annoys me because I'm a straight talker who is averse to bullshit and there is nothing more bullshit that the way rugby football is positioned in this country.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 15, 2016, 08:42:39 PM
You've already accepted it so move on
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Zulu on November 15, 2016, 08:49:35 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 08:40:27 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 15, 2016, 08:34:47 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 08:16:55 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 15, 2016, 06:02:37 PM
I have no interest in netball. But I don't spend my day joining netball forums to tell netball fans that they are wrong.

But that is exactly what you do. You choose to join a discussion on a sport you obviously hate, trying to show fans of that sport that they are all wrong and you are right. Either you are a troll, or completely insane.

If Netball gets as much hyperbole and vomit inducing, self congratulatory bullshit about it on all forms of media then I will be the first to rail against it. As it is, netball is an irrelevance and makes no odds to me. For a person living in Ireland right now it is very hard to go about and not have rugby foisted down your throat.

I am entitled to make valid criticisms about the nonsense level of hysteria about a niche game with little grass roots interest in the country. The real crux of the matter here is the defensive and nasty reaction from those who have been called out as impressionable bandwagon jumpers. They know that the criticisms I've put forward of the game are valid - yet the fact that they have gone from having no interest in the game to being self proclaimed rugby die hards - are hard to accept for them - it raises big questions on their intelligence levels and so it should. It's a bit like when yer man in The Crying Game falls for the lady with the tadger.

Your well entitled to your opinion.  Think everyone gets it.  Im asking why you are continually posting about in the thread.  I think we have all got the point of your argument some of which may be i agree with.  I only really got into rugby in the early 2000's.  Big deal like.  Why does it annoy you so.much like? 

You want people to accept your valid criticism of it but you are unwilling to accept the vast majority of people on this thread want to discuss the positiveness of ireland beating nz.

There needs to be acceptance that rugby football is built on myth and hyperbole. My criticism should be accepted because it is valid, yet it's not and it's been defended with all sorts of bullshit - I guess it annoys me because I'm a straight talker who is averse to bullshit and there is nothing more bullshit that the way rugby football is positioned in this country.

Surely it's easily topped by the soccer myth and hyperbole in this country, most notably the Celtic fan, though not confined to them??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lenny on November 15, 2016, 09:02:53 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 08:40:27 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 15, 2016, 08:34:47 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 08:16:55 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 15, 2016, 06:02:37 PM
I have no interest in netball. But I don't spend my day joining netball forums to tell netball fans that they are wrong.

But that is exactly what you do. You choose to join a discussion on a sport you obviously hate, trying to show fans of that sport that they are all wrong and you are right. Either you are a troll, or completely insane.

If Netball gets as much hyperbole and vomit inducing, self congratulatory bullshit about it on all forms of media then I will be the first to rail against it. As it is, netball is an irrelevance and makes no odds to me. For a person living in Ireland right now it is very hard to go about and not have rugby foisted down your throat.

I am entitled to make valid criticisms about the nonsense level of hysteria about a niche game with little grass roots interest in the country. The real crux of the matter here is the defensive and nasty reaction from those who have been called out as impressionable bandwagon jumpers. They know that the criticisms I've put forward of the game are valid - yet the fact that they have gone from having no interest in the game to being self proclaimed rugby die hards - are hard to accept for them - it raises big questions on their intelligence levels and so it should. It's a bit like when yer man in The Crying Game falls for the lady with the tadger.

Your well entitled to your opinion.  Think everyone gets it.  Im asking why you are continually posting about in the thread.  I think we have all got the point of your argument some of which may be i agree with.  I only really got into rugby in the early 2000's.  Big deal like.  Why does it annoy you so.much like? 

You want people to accept your valid criticism of it but you are unwilling to accept the vast majority of people on this thread want to discuss the positiveness of ireland beating nz.

There needs to be acceptance that rugby football is built on myth and hyperbole. My criticism should be accepted because it is valid, yet it's not and it's been defended with all sorts of bullshit - I guess it annoys me because I'm a straight talker who is averse to bullshit and there is nothing more bullshit that the way rugby football is positioned in this country.

You are not going to bully us all into changing our opinion on rugby with your very silly and immature arguments. You are on a crusade here and it's pathetic to come on here every couple of days to see you dominating a thread on a sport you obviously detest. The simple fact is rugby is on the crest of a wave both for spectators and playing especially at youth level. It's a great sport to watch, magherafelt is quite a big rugby town and I have gone to occasional games since I was young. I have a number of friends who play regularly and I played a small bit at school. I can't wait for the game this saturday and most sports fans in Ireland will be glued to the game. It should be a fantastic occasion and hopefully we can do it again.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 09:18:35 PM
What makes the rugby bully boys so testy about relaying the reality of their connection with the game is that they see it for the charade that it is.

It's like a marriage of convenience, it's like a husband marrying his wife because her family is worth a few bob and the wife marrying her husband because he's got a well paid job.

They envy what football fans have, that true love at first sight that childhood sweethearts who grow old and happy together have. It's that game you start playing at 3 or 4 and do all throughout your childhood and early adulthood, the passion for the game is true and never leaves you. It's not about being able to wave at the camera.

Rugby players are all about their media profile, the footballers are serious individual concerned with being allowed to focus on their football.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: omaghjoe on November 15, 2016, 09:19:47 PM
I was being greatly entertained by this, but I think Bomber stumbled upon a valid point with rugby being on a bit of a bandwagon.

Myself being a great example of it over the past decade or so...never played it, never really wanted to play it, dont really support any club or provinical teams, but followed the Irish team. However since I moved to the states I couldnt really give a shit about it that much, its not on the box, or the news and more crucially I dont seek it out on the internet like the way I do with the football.
So I could only conclude that I was into rugby because of how the media... and in particular RTE push it as a super important high profile sport
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Zulu on November 15, 2016, 09:24:22 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 09:18:35 PM
What makes the rugby bully boys so testy about relaying the reality of their connection with the game is that they see it for the charade that it is.

It's like a marriage of convenience, it's like a husband marrying his wife because her family is worth a few bob and the wife marrying her husband because he's got a well paid job.

They envy what football fans have, that true love at first sight that childhood sweethearts who grow old and happy together have. It's that game you start playing at 3 or 4 and do all throughout your childhood and early adulthood, the passion for the game is true and never leaves you. It's not about being able to wave at the camera.

Rugby players are all about their media profile, the footballers are serious individual concerned with being allowed to focus on their football.

Well to be fair the GAA is our national sport so it's no surprise we are football and hurling fans in the main. I've no real issue with lads jumping on the soccer or rugby bandwagons.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: foxcommander on November 15, 2016, 09:24:53 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 15, 2016, 09:02:53 PM
You are not going to bully us all into changing our opinion on rugby with your very silly and immature arguments. You are on a crusade here and it's pathetic to come on here every couple of days to see you dominating a thread on a sport you obviously detest. The simple fact is rugby is on the crest of a wave both for spectators and playing especially at youth level. It's a great sport to watch, magherafelt is quite a big rugby town and I have gone to occasional games since I was young. I have a number of friends who play regularly and I played a small bit at school. I can't wait for the game this saturday and most sports fans in Ireland will be glued to the game. It should be a fantastic occasion and hopefully we can do it again.

A) a great sport to watch  :o
B) Magherafelt? Say hi to Willie McCrae. Case closed.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: foxcommander on November 15, 2016, 09:32:13 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on November 15, 2016, 09:19:47 PM
I was being greatly entertained by this, but I think Bomber stumbled upon a valid point with rugby being on a bit of a bandwagon.

Myself being a great example of it over the past decade or so...never played it, never really wanted to play it, dont really support any club or provinical teams, but followed the Irish team. However since I moved to the states I couldnt really give a shit about it that much, its not on the box, or the news and more crucially I dont seek it out on the internet like the way I do with the football.
So I could only conclude that I was into rugby because of how the media... and in particular RTE push it as a super important high profile sport

Joe - As far as I recall the RTE D4 set started broadcasting the domestic games even though there were only 10 men and a dog in Donnybrook attending. They put a lot of effort into promoting it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: omaghjoe on November 15, 2016, 09:37:25 PM
Also in terms of a spectacle, professional rugby on the TV is good, however live its rubbish, for the most part you cant see whats goin on, its real up the jumper stuff.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: foxcommander on November 15, 2016, 09:44:04 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on November 15, 2016, 09:37:25 PM
Also in terms of a spectacle, professional rugby on the TV is good, however live its rubbish, for the most part you cant see whats goin on, its real up the jumper stuff.

A bunch of fat lads hugging  :D

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 09:44:24 PM
Quote from: Zulu on November 15, 2016, 09:24:22 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 09:18:35 PM
What makes the rugby bully boys so testy about relaying the reality of their connection with the game is that they see it for the charade that it is.

It's like a marriage of convenience, it's like a husband marrying his wife because her family is worth a few bob and the wife marrying her husband because he's got a well paid job.

They envy what football fans have, that true love at first sight that childhood sweethearts who grow old and happy together have. It's that game you start playing at 3 or 4 and do all throughout your childhood and early adulthood, the passion for the game is true and never leaves you. It's not about being able to wave at the camera.

Rugby players are all about their media profile, the footballers are serious individual concerned with being allowed to focus on their football.

Well to be fair the GAA is our national sport so it's no surprise we are football and hurling fans in the main. I've no real issue with lads jumping on the soccer or rugby bandwagons.

Soccer isn't a bandwagon - it's the beautiful game, the biggest game in the world and played all around the world - nobody wants to grow up and be a Paul O'Connell.

Rugby on the otherhand, is a game confined to current and former commonwealth countries that has had a minimal interest outside of these countries and even in those commonwealth countries (with the exception of New Zealand) it is a good distance away from being the number one sport.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Zulu on November 15, 2016, 09:53:18 PM
Soccer is the biggest bandwagon sport in Ireland though with very few supporting their local team and almost all picking the top British team of their youth to 'follow'. Now I personally wouldn't watch a soccer game if it was on in the front room, I'd have little interest in rugby either but if lads like to support those sports or newer fads like MMA I don't see the issue even if I can't get into them myself.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 09:56:55 PM
Quote from: Zulu on November 15, 2016, 09:53:18 PM
Soccer is the biggest bandwagon sport in Ireland though with very few supporting their local team and almost all picking the top British team of their youth to 'follow'. Now I personally wouldn't watch a soccer game if it was on in the front room, I'd have little interest in rugby either but if lads like to support those sports or newer fads like MMA I don't see the issue even if I can't get into them myself.

Bandwagon?

The vast, vast majority of football supporters have played the game for a start, been into it since they were old enough to kick a ball - who they decided to support is a different matter but the interest in sport is genuine.

The vast majority of rugby people have never chucked an egg shaped ball in their lives.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 15, 2016, 09:58:36 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 09:44:24 PM
Quote from: Zulu on November 15, 2016, 09:24:22 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 09:18:35 PM
What makes the rugby bully boys so testy about relaying the reality of their connection with the game is that they see it for the charade that it is.

It's like a marriage of convenience, it's like a husband marrying his wife because her family is worth a few bob and the wife marrying her husband because he's got a well paid job.

They envy what football fans have, that true love at first sight that childhood sweethearts who grow old and happy together have. It's that game you start playing at 3 or 4 and do all throughout your childhood and early adulthood, the passion for the game is true and never leaves you. It's not about being able to wave at the camera.

Rugby players are all about their media profile, the footballers are serious individual concerned with being allowed to focus on their football.

Well to be fair the GAA is our national sport so it's no surprise we are football and hurling fans in the main. I've no real issue with lads jumping on the soccer or rugby bandwagons.

Soccer isn't a bandwagon - it's the beautiful game, the biggest game in the world and played all around the world - nobody wants to grow up and be a Paul O'Connell.

Rugby on the otherhand, is a game confined to current and former commonwealth countries that has had a minimal interest outside of these countries and even in those commonwealth countries (with the exception of New Zealand) it is a good distance away from being the number one sport.
So is cricket
Big deal
Go tell India that cricket is a bandwagon sport
they'll tear your insides out
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 10:02:43 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 15, 2016, 09:58:36 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 09:44:24 PM
Quote from: Zulu on November 15, 2016, 09:24:22 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 09:18:35 PM
What makes the rugby bully boys so testy about relaying the reality of their connection with the game is that they see it for the charade that it is.

It's like a marriage of convenience, it's like a husband marrying his wife because her family is worth a few bob and the wife marrying her husband because he's got a well paid job.

They envy what football fans have, that true love at first sight that childhood sweethearts who grow old and happy together have. It's that game you start playing at 3 or 4 and do all throughout your childhood and early adulthood, the passion for the game is true and never leaves you. It's not about being able to wave at the camera.

Rugby players are all about their media profile, the footballers are serious individual concerned with being allowed to focus on their football.

Well to be fair the GAA is our national sport so it's no surprise we are football and hurling fans in the main. I've no real issue with lads jumping on the soccer or rugby bandwagons.

Soccer isn't a bandwagon - it's the beautiful game, the biggest game in the world and played all around the world - nobody wants to grow up and be a Paul O'Connell.

Rugby on the otherhand, is a game confined to current and former commonwealth countries that has had a minimal interest outside of these countries and even in those commonwealth countries (with the exception of New Zealand) it is a good distance away from being the number one sport.
So is cricket
Big deal
Go tell India that cricket is a bandwagon sport
they'll tear your insides out

I tell the IT chaps in work who are of middle eastern extraction that it's an awful load of tosh.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on November 15, 2016, 10:06:15 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 09:44:24 PM
Quote from: Zulu on November 15, 2016, 09:24:22 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 09:18:35 PM
What makes the rugby bully boys so testy about relaying the reality of their connection with the game is that they see it for the charade that it is.

It's like a marriage of convenience, it's like a husband marrying his wife because her family is worth a few bob and the wife marrying her husband because he's got a well paid job.

They envy what football fans have, that true love at first sight that childhood sweethearts who grow old and happy together have. It's that game you start playing at 3 or 4 and do all throughout your childhood and early adulthood, the passion for the game is true and never leaves you. It's not about being able to wave at the camera.

Rugby players are all about their media profile, the footballers are serious individual concerned with being allowed to focus on their football.

Well to be fair the GAA is our national sport so it's no surprise we are football and hurling fans in the main. I've no real issue with lads jumping on the soccer or rugby bandwagons.

Soccer isn't a bandwagon - it's the beautiful game, the biggest game in the world and played all around the world - nobody wants to grow up and be a Paul O'Connell.

Rugby on the otherhand, is a game confined to current and former commonwealth countries that has had a minimal interest outside of these countries and even in those commonwealth countries (with the exception of New Zealand) it is a good distance away from being the number one sport.

Paul o'connell is a beast of a man who deserves nothing but respect. Plenty of people want to grow up and be him and he's a hero to many. Look at what he has achieved. To be honest only a fool wouldn't respect him

Rugby is not my number one sport but i can see it's a great game too.

Soccer is not the beautiful game any more. Too much diving spoils it. I still like it but like gaelic football it is not as good as it was.

Dunno why you protest this much. Great game. Not my first preference but still great.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Frank_The_Tank on November 15, 2016, 10:10:45 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 08:40:27 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 15, 2016, 08:34:47 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 08:16:55 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 15, 2016, 06:02:37 PM
I have no interest in netball. But I don't spend my day joining netball forums to tell netball fans that they are wrong.

But that is exactly what you do. You choose to join a discussion on a sport you obviously hate, trying to show fans of that sport that they are all wrong and you are right. Either you are a troll, or completely insane.

If Netball gets as much hyperbole and vomit inducing, self congratulatory bullshit about it on all forms of media then I will be the first to rail against it. As it is, netball is an irrelevance and makes no odds to me. For a person living in Ireland right now it is very hard to go about and not have rugby foisted down your throat.

I am entitled to make valid criticisms about the nonsense level of hysteria about a niche game with little grass roots interest in the country. The real crux of the matter here is the defensive and nasty reaction from those who have been called out as impressionable bandwagon jumpers. They know that the criticisms I've put forward of the game are valid - yet the fact that they have gone from having no interest in the game to being self proclaimed rugby die hards - are hard to accept for them - it raises big questions on their intelligence levels and so it should. It's a bit like when yer man in The Crying Game falls for the lady with the tadger.

Your well entitled to your opinion.  Think everyone gets it.  Im asking why you are continually posting about in the thread.  I think we have all got the point of your argument some of which may be i agree with.  I only really got into rugby in the early 2000's.  Big deal like.  Why does it annoy you so.much like? 

You want people to accept your valid criticism of it but you are unwilling to accept the vast majority of people on this thread want to discuss the positiveness of ireland beating nz.

There needs to be acceptance that rugby football is built on myth and hyperbole. My criticism should be accepted because it is valid, yet it's not and it's been defended with all sorts of bullshit - I guess it annoys me because I'm a straight talker who is averse to bullshit and there is nothing more bullshit that the way rugby football is positioned in this country.

In your opinion there us nothing more bullsit in the way that its positioned.  But you can't seem to fathom that not everyone on the rugby thread shares that opinion.

I imagine this is what it would be like arguing with willie frazer.  So bigoted to one view.  So I give up trying to put across another point of view you fail to acknowledge.  Sometimes it hard not to bite on the troll post but.I'll be doing my best to ignore your posts.   ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Zulu on November 15, 2016, 10:13:37 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 09:56:55 PM
Quote from: Zulu on November 15, 2016, 09:53:18 PM
Soccer is the biggest bandwagon sport in Ireland though with very few supporting their local team and almost all picking the top British team of their youth to 'follow'. Now I personally wouldn't watch a soccer game if it was on in the front room, I'd have little interest in rugby either but if lads like to support those sports or newer fads like MMA I don't see the issue even if I can't get into them myself.

Bandwagon?

The vast, vast majority of football supporters have played the game for a start, been into it since they were old enough to kick a ball - who they decided to support is a different matter but the interest in sport is genuine.

The vast majority of rugby people have never chucked an egg shaped ball in their lives.

Ah stop Bomber, there is a fairly superficial level of interest in soccer in Ireland. It's the glamour professional sport on our doorstep, in 50 years time rugby may well be the sport kids want to play as professionals. If we were beside America it would be American football. GAA is the sport that's in our souls, soccer most certainly isn't and will probably be replaced by rugby as the glamour sport of choice. Nobody does bandwagons like the Irish but why not let them at it? Like the Celtic or Man U fans??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 10:16:47 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on November 15, 2016, 10:06:15 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 09:44:24 PM
Quote from: Zulu on November 15, 2016, 09:24:22 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 09:18:35 PM
What makes the rugby bully boys so testy about relaying the reality of their connection with the game is that they see it for the charade that it is.

It's like a marriage of convenience, it's like a husband marrying his wife because her family is worth a few bob and the wife marrying her husband because he's got a well paid job.

They envy what football fans have, that true love at first sight that childhood sweethearts who grow old and happy together have. It's that game you start playing at 3 or 4 and do all throughout your childhood and early adulthood, the passion for the game is true and never leaves you. It's not about being able to wave at the camera.

Rugby players are all about their media profile, the footballers are serious individual concerned with being allowed to focus on their football.

Well to be fair the GAA is our national sport so it's no surprise we are football and hurling fans in the main. I've no real issue with lads jumping on the soccer or rugby bandwagons.

Soccer isn't a bandwagon - it's the beautiful game, the biggest game in the world and played all around the world - nobody wants to grow up and be a Paul O'Connell.

Rugby on the otherhand, is a game confined to current and former commonwealth countries that has had a minimal interest outside of these countries and even in those commonwealth countries (with the exception of New Zealand) it is a good distance away from being the number one sport.

Paul o'connell is a beast of a man who deserves nothing but respect. Plenty of people want to grow up and be him and he's a hero to many. Look at what he has achieved. To be honest only a fool wouldn't respect him

Rugby is not my number one sport but i can see it's a great game too.

Soccer is not the beautiful game any more. Too much diving spoils it. I still like it but like gaelic football it is not as good as it was.

Dunno why you protest this much. Great game. Not my first preference but still great.

It's not a great game, it's a game devoid in any bit of ingenuity, intelligence, craft and skill. It's a bunch of a steroid addled, meatheads smashing into each ad nauseam.

Too much diving in soccer? Well I suppose we can look at the silver lining and say diving is a compulsive action done in the heat of the moment, it's not like some lad brought on fake blood capsules in a premeditated attempt at cheating the rules.

As for O'Connell? What has he achieved? There's plenty of instances of lads taking up rugby in their adulthood and becoming professionals without ever having played the game before, it's about the only sport a giant freak like O'Connell could excel at.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 10:21:56 PM
Quote from: Zulu on November 15, 2016, 10:13:37 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 09:56:55 PM
Quote from: Zulu on November 15, 2016, 09:53:18 PM
Soccer is the biggest bandwagon sport in Ireland though with very few supporting their local team and almost all picking the top British team of their youth to 'follow'. Now I personally wouldn't watch a soccer game if it was on in the front room, I'd have little interest in rugby either but if lads like to support those sports or newer fads like MMA I don't see the issue even if I can't get into them myself.

Bandwagon?

The vast, vast majority of football supporters have played the game for a start, been into it since they were old enough to kick a ball - who they decided to support is a different matter but the interest in sport is genuine.

The vast majority of rugby people have never chucked an egg shaped ball in their lives.

Ah stop Bomber, there is a fairly superficial level of interest in soccer in Ireland. It's the glamour professional sport on our doorstep, in 50 years time rugby may well be the sport kids want to play as professionals. If we were beside America it would be American football. GAA is the sport that's in our souls, soccer most certainly isn't and will probably be replaced by rugby as the glamour sport of choice. Nobody does bandwagons like the Irish but why not let them at it? Like the Celtic or Man U fans??

Superficial?

It's the most popular sport in the country, has been for some and still continues to be - it shows no sign of abating either.

The thing with rugby is that quite a high amount of people who follow it and attend matches have no real sporting interest. I would say the % level of housewife interest in rugby is through the roof.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Frank_The_Tank on November 15, 2016, 10:24:39 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 10:21:56 PM
Quote from: Zulu on November 15, 2016, 10:13:37 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 09:56:55 PM
Quote from: Zulu on November 15, 2016, 09:53:18 PM
Soccer is the biggest bandwagon sport in Ireland though with very few supporting their local team and almost all picking the top British team of their youth to 'follow'. Now I personally wouldn't watch a soccer game if it was on in the front room, I'd have little interest in rugby either but if lads like to support those sports or newer fads like MMA I don't see the issue even if I can't get into them myself.

Bandwagon?

The vast, vast majority of football supporters have played the game for a start, been into it since they were old enough to kick a ball - who they decided to support is a different matter but the interest in sport is genuine.

The vast majority of rugby people have never chucked an egg shaped ball in their lives.

Ah stop Bomber, there is a fairly superficial level of interest in soccer in Ireland. It's the glamour professional sport on our doorstep, in 50 years time rugby may well be the sport kids want to play as professionals. If we were beside America it would be American football. GAA is the sport that's in our souls, soccer most certainly isn't and will probably be replaced by rugby as the glamour sport of choice. Nobody does bandwagons like the Irish but why not let them at it? Like the Celtic or Man U fans??

Superficial?

It's the most popular sport in the country, has been for some and still continues to be - it shows no sign of abating either.

The thing with rugby is that quite a high amount of people who follow it and attend matches have no real sporting interest. I would say the % level of housewife interest in rugby is through the roof.

I would say GAA is the most popular sport in the country.

As for your second point do you have any actual factual figures to back up these claims or if you say the level is through the roof does that make it true?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 15, 2016, 10:24:58 PM
Lad protest to much... obviously he's on under another name, been here before and keen on drawing attention as not get any from friends family or pets by the look of it, disruption key to his being... troll
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Frank_The_Tank on November 15, 2016, 10:28:57 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 10:16:47 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on November 15, 2016, 10:06:15 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 09:44:24 PM
Quote from: Zulu on November 15, 2016, 09:24:22 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 09:18:35 PM
What makes the rugby bully boys so testy about relaying the reality of their connection with the game is that they see it for the charade that it is.

It's like a marriage of convenience, it's like a husband marrying his wife because her family is worth a few bob and the wife marrying her husband because he's got a well paid job.

They envy what football fans have, that true love at first sight that childhood sweethearts who grow old and happy together have. It's that game you start playing at 3 or 4 and do all throughout your childhood and early adulthood, the passion for the game is true and never leaves you. It's not about being able to wave at the camera.

Rugby players are all about their media profile, the footballers are serious individual concerned with being allowed to focus on their football.

Well to be fair the GAA is our national sport so it's no surprise we are football and hurling fans in the main. I've no real issue with lads jumping on the soccer or rugby bandwagons.

Soccer isn't a bandwagon - it's the beautiful game, the biggest game in the world and played all around the world - nobody wants to grow up and be a Paul O'Connell.

Rugby on the otherhand, is a game confined to current and former commonwealth countries that has had a minimal interest outside of these countries and even in those commonwealth countries (with the exception of New Zealand) it is a good distance away from being the number one sport.

Paul o'connell is a beast of a man who deserves nothing but respect. Plenty of people want to grow up and be him and he's a hero to many. Look at what he has achieved. To be honest only a fool wouldn't respect him

Rugby is not my number one sport but i can see it's a great game too.

Soccer is not the beautiful game any more. Too much diving spoils it. I still like it but like gaelic football it is not as good as it was.

Dunno why you protest this much. Great game. Not my first preference but still great.

It's not a great game, it's a game devoid in any bit of ingenuity, intelligence, craft and skill. It's a bunch of a steroid addled, meatheads smashing into each ad nauseam.

Too much diving in soccer? Well I suppose we can look at the silver lining and say diving is a compulsive action done in the heat of the moment, it's not like some lad brought on fake blood capsules in a premeditated attempt at cheating the rules.

As for O'Connell? What has he achieved? There's plenty of instances of lads taking up rugby in their adulthood and becoming professionals without ever having played the game before, it's about the only sport a giant freak like O'Connell could excel at.

Divining is surely a compulsive action done in the heat of the moment - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LC-H2wXK4T4

Also O'Connell has a handicap of about 3 at golf which is pretty good and was a really decent swimmer as a youngster - but the giant freak was probably only able to excel at 1 sport. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Zulu on November 15, 2016, 10:31:07 PM
The interest in domestic soccer is the true reflection of our passion for the game. I live in the UK now and the difference between their everyday interest in soccer and ours is stark. We aren't even close to being genuinely passionate about the game. Mind you, I prefer our broader, if often superficial, interest in sports. The UK is a one trick pony and all the worse for it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 10:31:43 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 15, 2016, 10:24:39 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 10:21:56 PM
Quote from: Zulu on November 15, 2016, 10:13:37 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 09:56:55 PM
Quote from: Zulu on November 15, 2016, 09:53:18 PM
Soccer is the biggest bandwagon sport in Ireland though with very few supporting their local team and almost all picking the top British team of their youth to 'follow'. Now I personally wouldn't watch a soccer game if it was on in the front room, I'd have little interest in rugby either but if lads like to support those sports or newer fads like MMA I don't see the issue even if I can't get into them myself.

Bandwagon?

The vast, vast majority of football supporters have played the game for a start, been into it since they were old enough to kick a ball - who they decided to support is a different matter but the interest in sport is genuine.

The vast majority of rugby people have never chucked an egg shaped ball in their lives.

Ah stop Bomber, there is a fairly superficial level of interest in soccer in Ireland. It's the glamour professional sport on our doorstep, in 50 years time rugby may well be the sport kids want to play as professionals. If we were beside America it would be American football. GAA is the sport that's in our souls, soccer most certainly isn't and will probably be replaced by rugby as the glamour sport of choice. Nobody does bandwagons like the Irish but why not let them at it? Like the Celtic or Man U fans??

Superficial?

It's the most popular sport in the country, has been for some and still continues to be - it shows no sign of abating either.

The thing with rugby is that quite a high amount of people who follow it and attend matches have no real sporting interest. I would say the % level of housewife interest in rugby is through the roof.

I would say GAA is the most popular sport in the country.

As for your second point do you have any actual factual figures to back up these claims or if you say the level is through the roof does that make it true?

Incorrect soccer is more popular and more played than gaelic football, hurling, basketball or rugby.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 15, 2016, 10:33:59 PM
Bomber why do you like a Scottish soccer team? What's the story there? Family from Scotland??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 10:35:00 PM
Quote from: Zulu on November 15, 2016, 10:31:07 PM
The interest in domestic soccer is the true reflection of our passion for the game. I live in the UK now and the difference between their everyday interest in soccer and ours is stark. We aren't even close to being genuinely passionate about the game. Mind you, I prefer our broader, if often superficial, interest in sports. The UK is a one trick pony and all the worse for it.

There's no money in the domestic game, it's semi pro - Dundalk will lose Horgan for free in December because clubs cannot afford to tie players down on long term contracts. The domestic league in turn suffers, the best players go abroad and the quality of the domestic game invariably suffers. English Premier League soccer has a much bigger attraction to Irish sports fans than rugby has. Rugby has a much bigger attraction to non Irish sports fans and houswives than Premier League soccer does.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 15, 2016, 10:35:15 PM
Bomber, Connacht are playing some fabulous stuff
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHMQC4CmKc8

If you want to critique rugby, talk about concussion
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 10:36:31 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 15, 2016, 10:33:59 PM
Bomber why do you like a Scottish soccer team? What's the story there? Family from Scotland??

I support an Irish side who play in Scotland called Celtic. You might notice they fly a tricolour over their stadium, something you wouldn't see the West Brits do once they waddle their fat arses on a plane to go play abroad.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 10:36:53 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 15, 2016, 10:35:15 PM
Bomber, Connacht are playing some fabulous stuff
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHMQC4CmKc8



Oxymoron.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Frank_The_Tank on November 15, 2016, 10:39:52 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 10:31:43 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 15, 2016, 10:24:39 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 10:21:56 PM
Quote from: Zulu on November 15, 2016, 10:13:37 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 09:56:55 PM
Quote from: Zulu on November 15, 2016, 09:53:18 PM
Soccer is the biggest bandwagon sport in Ireland though with very few supporting their local team and almost all picking the top British team of their youth to 'follow'. Now I personally wouldn't watch a soccer game if it was on in the front room, I'd have little interest in rugby either but if lads like to support those sports or newer fads like MMA I don't see the issue even if I can't get into them myself.

Bandwagon?

The vast, vast majority of football supporters have played the game for a start, been into it since they were old enough to kick a ball - who they decided to support is a different matter but the interest in sport is genuine.

The vast majority of rugby people have never chucked an egg shaped ball in their lives.

Ah stop Bomber, there is a fairly superficial level of interest in soccer in Ireland. It's the glamour professional sport on our doorstep, in 50 years time rugby may well be the sport kids want to play as professionals. If we were beside America it would be American football. GAA is the sport that's in our souls, soccer most certainly isn't and will probably be replaced by rugby as the glamour sport of choice. Nobody does bandwagons like the Irish but why not let them at it? Like the Celtic or Man U fans??

Superficial?

It's the most popular sport in the country, has been for some and still continues to be - it shows no sign of abating either.

The thing with rugby is that quite a high amount of people who follow it and attend matches have no real sporting interest. I would say the % level of housewife interest in rugby is through the roof.

I would say GAA is the most popular sport in the country.

As for your second point do you have any actual factual figures to back up these claims or if you say the level is through the roof does that make it true?

Incorrect soccer is more popular and more played than gaelic football, hurling, basketball or rugby.

Interesting - what is your source for that?  Depends what way you are measuring - in terms of people attending games GAA would be far an away the most popular.  That is probably an inaccurate measurement though based on the number of GAA games versus soccer or rugby.  However do you have a link to your source?

What about a factual figure/source to your second point that housewife viewing figures have gone through the roof?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 10:43:04 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 15, 2016, 10:39:52 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 10:31:43 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 15, 2016, 10:24:39 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 10:21:56 PM
Quote from: Zulu on November 15, 2016, 10:13:37 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 09:56:55 PM
Quote from: Zulu on November 15, 2016, 09:53:18 PM
Soccer is the biggest bandwagon sport in Ireland though with very few supporting their local team and almost all picking the top British team of their youth to 'follow'. Now I personally wouldn't watch a soccer game if it was on in the front room, I'd have little interest in rugby either but if lads like to support those sports or newer fads like MMA I don't see the issue even if I can't get into them myself.

Bandwagon?

The vast, vast majority of football supporters have played the game for a start, been into it since they were old enough to kick a ball - who they decided to support is a different matter but the interest in sport is genuine.

The vast majority of rugby people have never chucked an egg shaped ball in their lives.

Ah stop Bomber, there is a fairly superficial level of interest in soccer in Ireland. It's the glamour professional sport on our doorstep, in 50 years time rugby may well be the sport kids want to play as professionals. If we were beside America it would be American football. GAA is the sport that's in our souls, soccer most certainly isn't and will probably be replaced by rugby as the glamour sport of choice. Nobody does bandwagons like the Irish but why not let them at it? Like the Celtic or Man U fans??

Superficial?

It's the most popular sport in the country, has been for some and still continues to be - it shows no sign of abating either.

The thing with rugby is that quite a high amount of people who follow it and attend matches have no real sporting interest. I would say the % level of housewife interest in rugby is through the roof.

I would say GAA is the most popular sport in the country.

As for your second point do you have any actual factual figures to back up these claims or if you say the level is through the roof does that make it true?

Incorrect soccer is more popular and more played than gaelic football, hurling, basketball or rugby.

Interesting - what is your source for that?  Depends what way you are measuring - in terms of people attending games GAA would be far an away the most popular.  That is probably an inaccurate measurement though based on the number of GAA games versus soccer or rugby.  However do you have a link to your source?

What about a factual figure/source to your second point that housewife viewing figures have gone through the roof?

Playing numbers.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Jim Bob on November 15, 2016, 10:48:03 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on November 15, 2016, 01:58:35 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 15, 2016, 01:54:56 PM
Duke of York? God I've been in that old bar since late 80's!!
Apart from The Duke of York and the Front Page or White's Tavern but certainly not much in town back in the day, apart from the risk of a kicking.

I'd imagine you got one or two kickings in your day !  ;) ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Frank_The_Tank on November 15, 2016, 10:48:28 PM
Getting back to the rugby chat with people who actually are interested in the sport - would you start Sean O'Brien on Saturday or Van Der Flier?  Any other changers to the team that started in Chicago?  Peter O'Mahony?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 15, 2016, 10:56:53 PM
Don't feed the troll lads your life will be much easier if you ignore his drivel.

Celtic an Irish Club ... Jesus wept!! The only thing Irish about it anymore is that they hate the Brits!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 15, 2016, 11:13:07 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 15, 2016, 10:56:53 PM
Don't feed the troll lads your life will be much easier if you ignore his drivel.

Celtic an Irish Club ... Jesus wept!! The only thing Irish about it anymore is that they hate the Brits!!!

But voted to stay British, strange
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 15, 2016, 11:23:18 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 10:36:31 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 15, 2016, 10:33:59 PM
Bomber why do you like a Scottish soccer team? What's the story there? Family from Scotland??

I support an Irish side who play in Scotland called Celtic. You might notice they fly a tricolour over their stadium, something you wouldn't see the West Brits do once they waddle their fat arses on a plane to go play abroad.

LOL an irish side. Jesus you are some craic....

So it's about flegs!!! That's what makes you irish isn't it.

Ladies and gents we have Tyrones version of Wulllllie Fraser!

"What you say ye slabbbbbbber?"
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 11:29:10 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 15, 2016, 11:23:18 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 10:36:31 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 15, 2016, 10:33:59 PM
Bomber why do you like a Scottish soccer team? What's the story there? Family from Scotland??

I support an Irish side who play in Scotland called Celtic. You might notice they fly a tricolour over their stadium, something you wouldn't see the West Brits do once they waddle their fat arses on a plane to go play abroad.

LOL an irish side. Jesus you are some craic....

So it's about flegs!!! That's what makes you irish isn't it.

Ladies and gents we have Tyrones version of Wulllllie Fraser!

"What you say ye slabbbbbbber?"

It's about what's in the tin of beans, not what the wrapper says.

Rugby is very much the game for unionists in Ireland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 15, 2016, 11:30:31 PM
Bigot lol!! Unreal scratch the surface and hey presto
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 11:32:14 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 15, 2016, 11:30:31 PM
Bigot lol!! Unreal scratch the surface and hey presto

Sounds more like you guys are inverted bigots, maybe Castle Catholics.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 15, 2016, 11:33:24 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 11:29:10 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 15, 2016, 11:23:18 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 10:36:31 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 15, 2016, 10:33:59 PM
Bomber why do you like a Scottish soccer team? What's the story there? Family from Scotland??

I support an Irish side who play in Scotland called Celtic. You might notice they fly a tricolour over their stadium, something you wouldn't see the West Brits do once they waddle their fat arses on a plane to go play abroad.

LOL an irish side. Jesus you are some craic....

So it's about flegs!!! That's what makes you irish isn't it.

Ladies and gents we have Tyrones version of Wulllllie Fraser!

"What you say ye slabbbbbbber?"

It's about what's in the tin of beans, not what the wrapper says.

Rugby is very much the game for unionists in Ireland.

I'd have paid to see you shout that in The Sin Bin when it was on the go.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 11:34:23 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 15, 2016, 11:33:24 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 11:29:10 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 15, 2016, 11:23:18 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 10:36:31 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 15, 2016, 10:33:59 PM
Bomber why do you like a Scottish soccer team? What's the story there? Family from Scotland??

I support an Irish side who play in Scotland called Celtic. You might notice they fly a tricolour over their stadium, something you wouldn't see the West Brits do once they waddle their fat arses on a plane to go play abroad.

LOL an irish side. Jesus you are some craic....

So it's about flegs!!! That's what makes you irish isn't it.

Ladies and gents we have Tyrones version of Wulllllie Fraser!

"What you say ye slabbbbbbber?"

It's about what's in the tin of beans, not what the wrapper says.

Rugby is very much the game for unionists in Ireland.

I'd have paid to see you shout that in The Sin Bin when it was on the go.

The What?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 11:44:59 PM
Incidentally, have we ever had any Ulster Catholics line out the national rugby side? Or do the lads here just like to cheer on the likes of Davy Tweed?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 15, 2016, 11:48:47 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 11:44:59 PM
Incidentally, have we ever had any Ulster Catholics line out the national rugby side? Or do the lads here just like to cheer on the likes of Davy Tweed?

Does a player's religion mean that you wouldn't cheer him, even though he was playing for Ireland?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 15, 2016, 11:50:05 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 15, 2016, 11:48:47 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 11:44:59 PM
Incidentally, have we ever had any Ulster Catholics line out the national rugby side? Or do the lads here just like to cheer on the likes of Davy Tweed?

Does a player's religion mean that you wouldn't cheer him, even though he was playing for Ireland?

Or Irish Celtic, as far as I can remember they broke up years ago
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 11:54:15 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 15, 2016, 11:48:47 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 11:44:59 PM
Incidentally, have we ever had any Ulster Catholics line out the national rugby side? Or do the lads here just like to cheer on the likes of Davy Tweed?

Does a player's religion mean that you wouldn't cheer him, even though he was playing for Ireland?

I don't support rugby. I think it brings shame on the nation with horrible bigots like Tweed earning caps - now can you tell me if any Catholic from Ulster has ever been capped for the national side. I can't think of any - probably because the game has never been a factor here, surprised at the hand in cap, Uncle Tom type attitude of the Derry lads here. They'll probably be campaigning for Londonderry to remain the official title with perpetuity next.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 15, 2016, 11:57:11 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 11:54:15 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 15, 2016, 11:48:47 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 11:44:59 PM
Incidentally, have we ever had any Ulster Catholics line out the national rugby side? Or do the lads here just like to cheer on the likes of Davy Tweed?

Does a player's religion mean that you wouldn't cheer him, even though he was playing for Ireland?

I don't support rugby. I think it brings shame on the nation with horrible bigots like Tweed earning caps - now can you tell me if any Catholic from Ulster has ever been capped for the national side. I can't think of any - probably because the game has never been a factor here, surprised at the hand in cap, Uncle Tom type attitude of the Derry lads here. They'll probably be campaigning for Londonderry to remain the official title with perpetuity next.

Irish Catholics have always played for Ireland. As have Protestants. Should they be hating each other?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on November 16, 2016, 12:00:39 AM
General discussion / Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
« Message by Il Bomber Destro on November 09, 2016, 06:45:36 PM »
For your own information, soccer friendlies also count towards seedings for World Cup - it's why my native Italy have been in the second pot for the World Cup and European Championships of late despite the fact we have not been beaten in over 50 qualifying games and have won one and reached the final of two of the last 6 major tournaments. Football nations view friendlies for the non-competitive games they are, the result is never important.


So you're a native Italian who loves all things soccer, Celtic, Tyrone and Roma, hates all things rugby, and therefore spends all his time trying to convince rugby fans that they're wrong, and very little time on the threads of the things he loves... strange behaviour little man, strange behaviour.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 16, 2016, 12:05:23 AM
Quote from: Estimator on November 16, 2016, 12:00:39 AM
General discussion / Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
« Message by Il Bomber Destro on November 09, 2016, 06:45:36 PM »
For your own information, soccer friendlies also count towards seedings for World Cup - it's why my native Italy have been in the second pot for the World Cup and European Championships of late despite the fact we have not been beaten in over 50 qualifying games and have won one and reached the final of two of the last 6 major tournaments. Football nations view friendlies for the non-competitive games they are, the result is never important.


So you're a native Italian who loves all things soccer, Celtic, Tyrone and Roma, hates all things rugby, and therefore spends all his time trying to convince rugby fans that they're wrong, and very little time on the threads of the things he loves... strange behaviour little man, strange behaviour.

Little man?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 16, 2016, 12:05:55 AM
Quote from: muppet on November 15, 2016, 11:57:11 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 11:54:15 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 15, 2016, 11:48:47 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 11:44:59 PM
Incidentally, have we ever had any Ulster Catholics line out the national rugby side? Or do the lads here just like to cheer on the likes of Davy Tweed?

Does a player's religion mean that you wouldn't cheer him, even though he was playing for Ireland?

I don't support rugby. I think it brings shame on the nation with horrible bigots like Tweed earning caps - now can you tell me if any Catholic from Ulster has ever been capped for the national side. I can't think of any - probably because the game has never been a factor here, surprised at the hand in cap, Uncle Tom type attitude of the Derry lads here. They'll probably be campaigning for Londonderry to remain the official title with perpetuity next.

Irish Catholics have always played for Ireland. As have Protestants. Should they be hating each other?

Irish Catholics from Ulster?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 16, 2016, 12:09:07 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 16, 2016, 12:05:55 AM
Quote from: muppet on November 15, 2016, 11:57:11 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 11:54:15 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 15, 2016, 11:48:47 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 11:44:59 PM
Incidentally, have we ever had any Ulster Catholics line out the national rugby side? Or do the lads here just like to cheer on the likes of Davy Tweed?

Does a player's religion mean that you wouldn't cheer him, even though he was playing for Ireland?

I don't support rugby. I think it brings shame on the nation with horrible bigots like Tweed earning caps - now can you tell me if any Catholic from Ulster has ever been capped for the national side. I can't think of any - probably because the game has never been a factor here, surprised at the hand in cap, Uncle Tom type attitude of the Derry lads here. They'll probably be campaigning for Londonderry to remain the official title with perpetuity next.

Irish Catholics have always played for Ireland. As have Protestants. Should they be hating each other?

Irish Catholics from Ulster?

You are talking about the Ireland team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 16, 2016, 12:15:59 AM
Quote from: muppet on November 16, 2016, 12:09:07 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 16, 2016, 12:05:55 AM
Quote from: muppet on November 15, 2016, 11:57:11 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 11:54:15 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 15, 2016, 11:48:47 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 11:44:59 PM
Incidentally, have we ever had any Ulster Catholics line out the national rugby side? Or do the lads here just like to cheer on the likes of Davy Tweed?

Does a player's religion mean that you wouldn't cheer him, even though he was playing for Ireland?

I don't support rugby. I think it brings shame on the nation with horrible bigots like Tweed earning caps - now can you tell me if any Catholic from Ulster has ever been capped for the national side. I can't think of any - probably because the game has never been a factor here, surprised at the hand in cap, Uncle Tom type attitude of the Derry lads here. They'll probably be campaigning for Londonderry to remain the official title with perpetuity next.

Irish Catholics have always played for Ireland. As have Protestants. Should they be hating each other?

Irish Catholics from Ulster?

You are talking about the Ireland team.

And you took umbrage with me calling it an unionist game in Ulster. So I will ask you for the fourth time. How many Catholics from Ulster have been capped by the national side?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 16, 2016, 12:18:32 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 16, 2016, 12:15:59 AM
Quote from: muppet on November 16, 2016, 12:09:07 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 16, 2016, 12:05:55 AM
Quote from: muppet on November 15, 2016, 11:57:11 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 11:54:15 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 15, 2016, 11:48:47 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 11:44:59 PM
Incidentally, have we ever had any Ulster Catholics line out the national rugby side? Or do the lads here just like to cheer on the likes of Davy Tweed?

Does a player's religion mean that you wouldn't cheer him, even though he was playing for Ireland?

I don't support rugby. I think it brings shame on the nation with horrible bigots like Tweed earning caps - now can you tell me if any Catholic from Ulster has ever been capped for the national side. I can't think of any - probably because the game has never been a factor here, surprised at the hand in cap, Uncle Tom type attitude of the Derry lads here. They'll probably be campaigning for Londonderry to remain the official title with perpetuity next.

Irish Catholics have always played for Ireland. As have Protestants. Should they be hating each other?

Irish Catholics from Ulster?

You are talking about the Ireland team.

And you took umbrage with me calling it an unionist game in Ulster. So I will ask you for the fourth time. How many Catholics from Ulster have been capped by the national side?

How the f*ck would I know and why would I care?

The only thing I do know is that an Antrim S&C coach played for Ulster and Ireland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Frank_The_Tank on November 16, 2016, 12:21:17 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 11:54:15 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 15, 2016, 11:48:47 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 11:44:59 PM
Incidentally, have we ever had any Ulster Catholics line out the national rugby side? Or do the lads here just like to cheer on the likes of Davy Tweed?

Does a player's religion mean that you wouldn't cheer him, even though he was playing for Ireland?

I don't support rugby. I think it brings shame on the nation with horrible bigots like Tweed earning caps - now can you tell me if any Catholic from Ulster has ever been capped for the national side. I can't think of any - probably because the game has never been a factor here, surprised at the hand in cap, Uncle Tom type attitude of the Derry lads here. They'll probably be campaigning for Londonderry to remain the official title with perpetuity next.

The irony of calling someone a bigot is quite laughable from you.  Why dont you read back through your posts on this thread and see if you fit into the bigot category.  A person who is intolerant towards those holding different opinions. Check.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 16, 2016, 12:26:27 AM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 16, 2016, 12:21:17 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 11:54:15 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 15, 2016, 11:48:47 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 11:44:59 PM
Incidentally, have we ever had any Ulster Catholics line out the national rugby side? Or do the lads here just like to cheer on the likes of Davy Tweed?

Does a player's religion mean that you wouldn't cheer him, even though he was playing for Ireland?

I don't support rugby. I think it brings shame on the nation with horrible bigots like Tweed earning caps - now can you tell me if any Catholic from Ulster has ever been capped for the national side. I can't think of any - probably because the game has never been a factor here, surprised at the hand in cap, Uncle Tom type attitude of the Derry lads here. They'll probably be campaigning for Londonderry to remain the official title with perpetuity next.

The irony of calling someone a bigot is quite laughable from you.  Why dont you read back through your posts on this thread and see if you fit into the bigot category.  A person who is intolerant towards those holding different opinions. Check.

I stipulated earlier that I am intolerant to bullshit, not alternative views.

Alternative views are welcomed when they have rationale and sense behind them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 16, 2016, 12:26:59 AM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 16, 2016, 12:21:17 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 11:54:15 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 15, 2016, 11:48:47 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 11:44:59 PM
Incidentally, have we ever had any Ulster Catholics line out the national rugby side? Or do the lads here just like to cheer on the likes of Davy Tweed?

Does a player's religion mean that you wouldn't cheer him, even though he was playing for Ireland?

I don't support rugby. I think it brings shame on the nation with horrible bigots like Tweed earning caps - now can you tell me if any Catholic from Ulster has ever been capped for the national side. I can't think of any - probably because the game has never been a factor here, surprised at the hand in cap, Uncle Tom type attitude of the Derry lads here. They'll probably be campaigning for Londonderry to remain the official title with perpetuity next.

The irony of calling someone a bigot is quite laughable from you.  Why dont you read back through your posts on this thread and see if you fit into the bigot category.  A person who is intolerant towards those holding different opinions. Check.

When questioned he brings religion and Davy Tweed!!!!! into it. Hahahaha. You really have shown yourself to be nothing other than an uneducated prat bomber. Sure we knew that anyway!

Anyway more pressing matters at hands lads. Any changes ahead of Saturday? Who to start at 7? VdF or O'Brien. Dillane to come in at 2nd row?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 16, 2016, 12:30:05 AM
Interesting that Bomber follows the partitionist soccer crowd, but not the 32 county Rugby lot.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Frank_The_Tank on November 16, 2016, 12:44:30 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 16, 2016, 12:26:27 AM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 16, 2016, 12:21:17 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 11:54:15 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 15, 2016, 11:48:47 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 11:44:59 PM
Incidentally, have we ever had any Ulster Catholics line out the national rugby side? Or do the lads here just like to cheer on the likes of Davy Tweed?

Does a player's religion mean that you wouldn't cheer him, even though he was playing for Ireland?

I don't support rugby. I think it brings shame on the nation with horrible bigots like Tweed earning caps - now can you tell me if any Catholic from Ulster has ever been capped for the national side. I can't think of any - probably because the game has never been a factor here, surprised at the hand in cap, Uncle Tom type attitude of the Derry lads here. They'll probably be campaigning for Londonderry to remain the official title with perpetuity next.

The irony of calling someone a bigot is quite laughable from you.  Why dont you read back through your posts on this thread and see if you fit into the bigot category.  A person who is intolerant towards those holding different opinions. Check.

I stipulated earlier that I am intolerant to bullshit, not alternative views.

Alternative views are welcomed when they have rationale and sense behind them.

Your intolerant to.bulshit yet a few pages ago you come out with some bulshit statement that housewife rugby viewing figures are through the roof with not one iota of factual information to back that up.  Do you not see the irony in that?

Its pointless trying to have a discussion with you as you are a bigot on rugby as far as Im concerned.

The old adage dont argue with an idiot as they will bring you down to their level and beat you with experience never was as fitting.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Frank_The_Tank on November 16, 2016, 12:46:25 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 16, 2016, 12:26:59 AM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 16, 2016, 12:21:17 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 11:54:15 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 15, 2016, 11:48:47 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 11:44:59 PM
Incidentally, have we ever had any Ulster Catholics line out the national rugby side? Or do the lads here just like to cheer on the likes of Davy Tweed?

Does a player's religion mean that you wouldn't cheer him, even though he was playing for Ireland?

I don't support rugby. I think it brings shame on the nation with horrible bigots like Tweed earning caps - now can you tell me if any Catholic from Ulster has ever been capped for the national side. I can't think of any - probably because the game has never been a factor here, surprised at the hand in cap, Uncle Tom type attitude of the Derry lads here. They'll probably be campaigning for Londonderry to remain the official title with perpetuity next.

The irony of calling someone a bigot is quite laughable from you.  Why dont you read back through your posts on this thread and see if you fit into the bigot category.  A person who is intolerant towards those holding different opinions. Check.

When questioned he brings religion and Davy Tweed!!!!! into it. Hahahaha. You really have shown yourself to be nothing other than an uneducated prat bomber. Sure we knew that anyway!

Anyway more pressing matters at hands lads. Any changes ahead of Saturday? Who to start at 7? VdF or O'Brien. Dillane to come in at 2nd row?

I think I would start der flier.  SOB and POM would be two serious options of the bench in last 30 (assuming we are getting beat out the gate at that stage )
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: foxcommander on November 16, 2016, 02:15:27 AM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 16, 2016, 12:46:25 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 16, 2016, 12:26:59 AM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 16, 2016, 12:21:17 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 11:54:15 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 15, 2016, 11:48:47 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 11:44:59 PM
Incidentally, have we ever had any Ulster Catholics line out the national rugby side? Or do the lads here just like to cheer on the likes of Davy Tweed?

Does a player's religion mean that you wouldn't cheer him, even though he was playing for Ireland?

I don't support rugby. I think it brings shame on the nation with horrible bigots like Tweed earning caps - now can you tell me if any Catholic from Ulster has ever been capped for the national side. I can't think of any - probably because the game has never been a factor here, surprised at the hand in cap, Uncle Tom type attitude of the Derry lads here. They'll probably be campaigning for Londonderry to remain the official title with perpetuity next.

The irony of calling someone a bigot is quite laughable from you.  Why dont you read back through your posts on this thread and see if you fit into the bigot category.  A person who is intolerant towards those holding different opinions. Check.

When questioned he brings religion and Davy Tweed!!!!! into it. Hahahaha. You really have shown yourself to be nothing other than an uneducated prat bomber. Sure we knew that anyway!

Anyway more pressing matters at hands lads. Any changes ahead of Saturday? Who to start at 7? VdF or O'Brien. Dillane to come in at 2nd row?

I think I would start der flier.  SOB and POM would be two serious options of the bench in last 30 (assuming we are getting beat out the gate at that stage )

I'd go with a couple of fat lads with potential to join the DUP in a few years to start in the middle of the scrum.

After that don't care. We'll be drinking some serious heino in Kielys and the chicks will be on the old vino so we're going to win no matter what. what.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 16, 2016, 07:01:17 AM
Quote from: muppet on November 16, 2016, 12:30:05 AM
Interesting that Bomber follows the partitionist soccer crowd, but not the 32 county Rugby lot.

Partitionist?

I thought it was great go see a Creggan lad bury the winner on Saturday for Ireland. Now how many Catholics from Ulster have been capped by the national rugby side?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 16, 2016, 07:19:28 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 16, 2016, 07:01:17 AM
Quote from: muppet on November 16, 2016, 12:30:05 AM
Interesting that Bomber follows the partitionist soccer crowd, but not the 32 county Rugby lot.

Partitionist?

I thought it was great go see a Creggan lad bury the winner on Saturday for Ireland. Now how many Catholics from Ulster have been capped by the national rugby side?

Back to religion. You really are a horrible sectarian bigot aren't you!!! Ah yes James McClean is a great fella cos he's Catholic. Likely a non practicing one such as yourself but great fella nonetheless.

*Right folks suggest from now on we totally ignore this filthy bigot*
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on November 16, 2016, 07:21:43 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 10:16:47 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on November 15, 2016, 10:06:15 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 09:44:24 PM
Quote from: Zulu on November 15, 2016, 09:24:22 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 15, 2016, 09:18:35 PM
What makes the rugby bully boys so testy about relaying the reality of their connection with the game is that they see it for the charade that it is.

It's like a marriage of convenience, it's like a husband marrying his wife because her family is worth a few bob and the wife marrying her husband because he's got a well paid job.

They envy what football fans have, that true love at first sight that childhood sweethearts who grow old and happy together have. It's that game you start playing at 3 or 4 and do all throughout your childhood and early adulthood, the passion for the game is true and never leaves you. It's not about being able to wave at the camera.

Rugby players are all about their media profile, the footballers are serious individual concerned with being allowed to focus on their football.

Well to be fair the GAA is our national sport so it's no surprise we are football and hurling fans in the main. I've no real issue with lads jumping on the soccer or rugby bandwagons.

Soccer isn't a bandwagon - it's the beautiful game, the biggest game in the world and played all around the world - nobody wants to grow up and be a Paul O'Connell.

Rugby on the otherhand, is a game confined to current and former commonwealth countries that has had a minimal interest outside of these countries and even in those commonwealth countries (with the exception of New Zealand) it is a good distance away from being the number one sport.

Paul o'connell is a beast of a man who deserves nothing but respect. Plenty of people want to grow up and be him and he's a hero to many. Look at what he has achieved. To be honest only a fool wouldn't respect him

Rugby is not my number one sport but i can see it's a great game too.

Soccer is not the beautiful game any more. Too much diving spoils it. I still like it but like gaelic football it is not as good as it was.

Dunno why you protest this much. Great game. Not my first preference but still great.

It's not a great game, it's a game devoid in any bit of ingenuity, intelligence, craft and skill. It's a bunch of a steroid addled, meatheads smashing into each ad nauseam.

Too much diving in soccer? Well I suppose we can look at the silver lining and say diving is a compulsive action done in the heat of the moment, it's not like some lad brought on fake blood capsules in a premeditated attempt at cheating the rules.

As for O'Connell? What has he achieved? There's plenty of instances of lads taking up rugby in their adulthood and becoming professionals without ever having played the game before, it's about the only sport a giant freak like O'Connell could excel at.

Check out wiki for what paul o'connell has achieved. A lot would be the answer and a lot to be proud of.

Rugby will soon give problems for gaa in belfast at least with contention for players.

Ulster rugby is a good night out and many catholics go.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Frank_The_Tank on November 16, 2016, 08:07:55 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 16, 2016, 07:19:28 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 16, 2016, 07:01:17 AM
Quote from: muppet on November 16, 2016, 12:30:05 AM
Interesting that Bomber follows the partitionist soccer crowd, but not the 32 county Rugby lot.

Partitionist?

I thought it was great go see a Creggan lad bury the winner on Saturday for Ireland. Now how many Catholics from Ulster have been capped by the national rugby side?

Back to religion. You really are a horrible sectarian bigot aren't you!!! Ah yes James McClean is a great fella cos he's Catholic. Likely a non practicing one such as yourself but great fella nonetheless.

*Right folks suggest from now on we totally ignore this filthy bigot*

Would agree with just ignoring.  So bigoted to one view its just pointless.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Declan on November 16, 2016, 08:14:04 AM
http://www.the42.ie/semple-stadium-rugby-world-cup-bid-2023-3083968-Nov2016/?utm_source=twitter_self (http://www.the42.ie/semple-stadium-rugby-world-cup-bid-2023-3083968-Nov2016/?utm_source=twitter_self)

Tipp lads not happy with bid leaving out Semple
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Never beat the deeler on November 16, 2016, 08:17:53 AM
Quote from: Declan on November 16, 2016, 08:14:04 AM
http://www.the42.ie/semple-stadium-rugby-world-cup-bid-2023-3083968-Nov2016/?utm_source=twitter_self (http://www.the42.ie/semple-stadium-rugby-world-cup-bid-2023-3083968-Nov2016/?utm_source=twitter_self)

Tipp lads not happy with bid leaving out Semple

I see the opening ceremony is on the third Sunday in September
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: passedit on November 16, 2016, 08:26:22 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 16, 2016, 07:01:17 AM
Quote from: muppet on November 16, 2016, 12:30:05 AM
Interesting that Bomber follows the partitionist soccer crowd, but not the 32 county Rugby lot.

Partitionist?

I thought it was great go see a Creggan lad bury the winner on Saturday for Ireland. Now how many Catholics from Ulster have been capped by the national rugby side?

Don't honestly know their religions (probably like myself they're funerals,weddings, baptism type christians, who cares) but I can think of two lads who have played gaelic with my club* and rugby for Ireland. One was on the field on saturday.
* Beware of small sample sizes.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 16, 2016, 08:37:25 AM
https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.irishtimes.com/sport/ravenhill-drawing-them-from-all-sides-1.521073%3Fmode%3Damp?client=safari
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on November 16, 2016, 08:41:18 AM
Paul O'Connell is a giant freak. What has he achieved?

I don't think there's any point in any kind of debate with this guy after comments like that.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 16, 2016, 09:54:29 AM
So will Brexit affect the WC bid? Could be a big negative on the bid.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 16, 2016, 09:57:24 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 16, 2016, 09:54:29 AM
So will Brexit affect the WC bid? Could be a big negative on the bid.

How??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on November 16, 2016, 09:59:15 AM
Aside from Murphy, I'd say the other 14 that started against the AB's in Chicago will started again this weekend. The lads that played against Canada were really playing for a place on the bench. I'd say Jackson, Dillane, Healy etc will replace the likes of Carberry on subs.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 16, 2016, 10:02:07 AM
Would love to see Schmidt start with Henderson at 2nd row with Dillane on the bench. Would add serious power to counter Retallick and Whitelock. Think VdF has to start with O'Brien to come on with 25 to go.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 16, 2016, 10:16:53 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 16, 2016, 09:57:24 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 16, 2016, 09:54:29 AM
So will Brexit affect the WC bid? Could be a big negative on the bid.

How??

The fact that games are due to be played in the North and we don't know yet if there will be a soft border between NI (UK) and the Republic (EU). How easy will it be fans to move back and forth between both come 2023. What kind of visa restrictions will be in place?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 16, 2016, 10:30:34 AM
There will be no border or restrictions in movement Dinny. Neither government want it. Arlene doesn't want it and that's saying something! It'll be moved to the Irish Sea if anything. Christ it could be more than 7 years before the UK govt know what they are even doing going by that leaked doc yesterday.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 16, 2016, 10:38:01 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 16, 2016, 10:30:34 AM
There will be no border or restrictions in movement Dinny. Neither government want it. Arlene doesn't want it and that's saying something! It'll be moved to the Irish Sea if anything. Christ it could be more than 7 years before the UK govt know what they are even doing going by that leaked doc yesterday.

I know but the uncertainty is still there, if I was a rival bidder I would ham it up. Although with NZ and presumably Wales, Scotland and England in their corner it's hard to see them losing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 16, 2016, 10:39:47 AM
Who is it we are we up against? Is it South Africa and France?

Surely England and NZ have a big say. Like to think the Aussies would back us also.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 16, 2016, 10:55:50 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 16, 2016, 10:39:47 AM
Who is it we are we up against? Is it South Africa and France?

Surely England and NZ have a big say. Like to think the Aussies would back us also.

There is 30 votes

I suspect Ireland already has 11 votes (Ire 2, Eng 2, Wales 2, Scot, 2, NZ 2, USA 1). We also play Canada a lot 1 vote and are helping resource and grow the game in Georgia 1 vote. So if we can get Romania 1 vote and Oz 2 votes we'll be sorted. It's all politics and politics is a game Irish people play very well.

But it will cost both governments money, lets hope we don't lose too much on it but at least the infrastructure improvements will all be on current existing stadia and we won't be left with any white elephants.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 16, 2016, 11:08:12 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 16, 2016, 10:55:50 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 16, 2016, 10:39:47 AM
Who is it we are we up against? Is it South Africa and France?

Surely England and NZ have a big say. Like to think the Aussies would back us also.

There is 30 votes

I suspect Ireland already has 11 votes (Ire 2, Eng 2, Wales 2, Scot, 2, NZ 2, USA 1). We also play Canada a lot 1 vote and are helping resource and grow the game in Georgia 1 vote. So if we can get Romania 1 vote and Oz 2 votes we'll be sorted. It's all politics and politics is a game Irish people play very well.

But it will cost both governments money, lets hope we don't lose too much on it but at least the infrastructure improvements will all be on current existing stadia and we won't be left with any white elephants.

The GAA have to be fully rewarded by both the government and IRFU for their efforts should we be successful. The IRFU appear to be sensible with their approach to retaining terracing, thus reducing the need for radical stadium overhaul and keeping affordable tickets on the agenda (growing the game etc.). I'd be surprised if Derry makes the top 8. My guess would be:

1 Croke Park
2 Aviva
3 Ravenhill
4 Thomond
5 Casement (if built)
6 Pairc Uí Chaoimh
7 Salthill
8 RDS
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 16, 2016, 12:11:20 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 16, 2016, 10:55:50 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 16, 2016, 10:39:47 AM
Who is it we are we up against? Is it South Africa and France?

Surely England and NZ have a big say. Like to think the Aussies would back us also.

There is 30 votes

I suspect Ireland already has 11 votes (Ire 2, Eng 2, Wales 2, Scot, 2, NZ 2, USA 1). We also play Canada a lot 1 vote and are helping resource and grow the game in Georgia 1 vote. So if we can get Romania 1 vote and Oz 2 votes we'll be sorted. It's all politics and politics is a game Irish people play very well.

But it will cost both governments money, lets hope we don't lose too much on it but at least the infrastructure improvements will all be on current existing stadia and we won't be left with any white elephants.
Pat Hickey could have delivered the vote...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: grounded on November 16, 2016, 01:57:16 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 16, 2016, 11:08:12 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 16, 2016, 10:55:50 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 16, 2016, 10:39:47 AM
Who is it we are we up against? Is it South Africa and France?

Surely England and NZ have a big say. Like to think the Aussies would back us also.

There is 30 votes

I suspect Ireland already has 11 votes (Ire 2, Eng 2, Wales 2, Scot, 2, NZ 2, USA 1). We also play Canada a lot 1 vote and are helping resource and grow the game in Georgia 1 vote. So if we can get Romania 1 vote and Oz 2 votes we'll be sorted. It's all politics and politics is a game Irish people play very well.

But it will cost both governments money, lets hope we don't lose too much on it but at least the infrastructure improvements will all be on current existing stadia and we won't be left with any white elephants.

The GAA have to be fully rewarded by both the government and IRFU for their efforts should we be successful. The IRFU appear to be sensible with their approach to retaining terracing, thus reducing the need for radical stadium overhaul and keeping affordable tickets on the agenda (growing the game etc.). I'd be surprised if Derry makes the top 8. My guess would be:

1 Croke Park
2 Aviva
3 Ravenhill
4 Thomond
5 Casement (if built)
6 Pairc Uí Chaoimh
7 Salthill
8 RDS

Has it been decided that we will only use 8 stadia? England used 13 in 2015(abeit Manchester held only one game) and Japan have 12 for 2019. Considering there might be a possibility of an expanded tournament of 24, would be need more than 8?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 16, 2016, 02:04:16 PM
Think I read yesterday it was to be reduced to 8 but then I read today it would be reduced to 10. Think New Zealand used 10 and overall capacity was smaller than ours. The advantage France would have is huge soccer stadiums with potentially a greater turnover.

Better explained here.

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/ireland-begins-charm-offensive-as-credible-2023-world-cup-hosts-1.2869395
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: grounded on November 16, 2016, 03:04:17 PM
Yeah that makes more sense now. Although I think they have downplayed South Africa's chances a little in the article. The SA government seem to be fully on board now and they will have a strong shout given that they bidded for and lost out on the 2011 and 2015 tournaments. The 2019 tournament is in Japan and will be still seen as Northern hemisphere.
   I suppose as someone else said it will all come down to politics and how much profit can be generated by the host nation in terms of ticket sales.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on November 16, 2016, 10:46:51 PM
Quote from: grounded on November 16, 2016, 03:04:17 PM
Yeah that makes more sense now. Although I think they have downplayed South Africa's chances a little in the article. The SA government seem to be fully on board now and they will have a strong shout given that they bidded for and lost out on the 2011 and 2015 tournaments. The 2019 tournament is in Japan and will be still seen as Northern hemisphere.
   I suppose as someone else said it will all come down to politics and how much profit can be generated by the host nation in terms of ticket sales.
Not really

World Rugby get their €120 million then ticket ssles go to the organisers
Works Rugby makes further money on the sponsorship, tv etc
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 17, 2016, 07:08:18 AM
Poor Thurles is out. Cos no hotels. Our social affairs correspondent Bomber Destro will be along shortly to explain the difference between GAA and fake rugby match attendance patterns 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Aaron Boone on November 17, 2016, 07:19:39 AM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on November 16, 2016, 10:46:51 PM
Quote from: grounded on November 16, 2016, 03:04:17 PM
Yeah that makes more sense now. Although I think they have downplayed South Africa's chances a little in the article. The SA government seem to be fully on board now and they will have a strong shout given that they bidded for and lost out on the 2011 and 2015 tournaments. The 2019 tournament is in Japan and will be still seen as Northern hemisphere.
   I suppose as someone else said it will all come down to politics and how much profit can be generated by the host nation in terms of ticket sales.
Not really

World Rugby get their €120 million then ticket ssles go to the organisers
Works Rugby makes further money on the sponsorship, tv etc

And surely having World Rugby based in Fitzwilliam Square has to help.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 17, 2016, 12:07:27 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 17, 2016, 07:08:18 AM
Poor Thurles is out. Cos no hotels. Our social affairs correspondent Bomber Destro will be along shortly to explain the difference between GAA and fake rugby match attendance patterns

Michael Lowry is losing his touch.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AhNowRef on November 17, 2016, 02:18:01 PM
Really looking forward to Saturdays game ... but a bit worried about a combination of a NZ pissed off backlash coupled with the fact that they'll be even more "up for it" due to the earthquakes back home .....   If Ireland can put in another performance like the last day it should be some spectacle... Mon Ireland !!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 17, 2016, 02:22:30 PM
Team just announced.

Rob Kearney
Andrew Trimble
Jared Payne
Robbie Henshaw
Simon Zebo
Jonny Sexton
Conor Murray

Jack McGrath
Rory Best
Tadgh Furlong
Donnacha Ryan
Devin Toner
CJ Stander
Sean O'Brien
Jamie Heaslip
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 17, 2016, 02:24:15 PM
Replacements : Sean Cronin, Cian Healy, Finlay Bealham, Iain Henderson, Josh Van der Flier, Kieron Marmion, Paddy Jackson, Gary Ringrose.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Maroon Manc on November 17, 2016, 02:29:14 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 17, 2016, 02:24:15 PM
Replacements : Sean Cronin, Cian Healy, Finlay Bealham, Iain Henderson, Josh Van der Flier, Kieron Marmion, Paddy Jackson, Gary Ringrose.

I have a limited knowledge of Rugby but I was expecting Dillane to be in the squad, is he injured or just deemed not good enough yet?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Frank_The_Tank on November 17, 2016, 02:42:19 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on November 17, 2016, 02:29:14 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 17, 2016, 02:24:15 PM
Replacements : Sean Cronin, Cian Healy, Finlay Bealham, Iain Henderson, Josh Van der Flier, Kieron Marmion, Paddy Jackson, Gary Ringrose.

I have a limited knowledge of Rugby but I was expecting Dillane to be in the squad, is he injured or just deemed not good enough yet?

Injured according to report in RTE - picked up a knock vs Canada
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: grounded on November 17, 2016, 02:55:29 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on November 16, 2016, 10:46:51 PM
Quote from: grounded on November 16, 2016, 03:04:17 PM
Yeah that makes more sense now. Although I think they have downplayed South Africa's chances a little in the article. The SA government seem to be fully on board now and they will have a strong shout given that they bidded for and lost out on the 2011 and 2015 tournaments. The 2019 tournament is in Japan and will be still seen as Northern hemisphere.
   I suppose as someone else said it will all come down to politics and how much profit can be generated by the host nation in terms of ticket sales.
Not really

World Rugby get their €120 million then ticket ssles go to the organisers
Works Rugby makes further money on the sponsorship, tv etc

In the 2015 RWC tournament it wasn't quite as simple as that.
                      ' While FIFA has been criticised for swallowing the profits made by its world cups - the rugby tournament England has a set target surplus of £15m - this figure was agreed with World Rugby. The RFU keeps that money - beyond that point any additional surplus will be split 50/50 between World Rugby and the RFU.
    http://www.newstalk.com/Heres-the-breakdown-of-the-numbers-behind-Englands-Rugby-World-Cup

I'd assume World Rugby will have a similar arrangement with any host in 2023
     
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: foxcommander on November 17, 2016, 03:42:28 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on November 16, 2016, 10:46:51 PM
Quote from: grounded on November 16, 2016, 03:04:17 PM
Yeah that makes more sense now. Although I think they have downplayed South Africa's chances a little in the article. The SA government seem to be fully on board now and they will have a strong shout given that they bidded for and lost out on the 2011 and 2015 tournaments. The 2019 tournament is in Japan and will be still seen as Northern hemisphere.
   I suppose as someone else said it will all come down to politics and how much profit can be generated by the host nation in terms of ticket sales.
Not really

World Rugby get their €120 million then ticket ssles go to the organisers
Works Rugby makes further money on the sponsorship, tv etc

So world rugby, like fifa, make millions off other peoples hard work (gaa volunteers).
Taxpayers pick up the tab for hosting it/policing it etc.
Any chance they'd build that rail line between dublin airport and the city centre to cater for this? They have 7 years to do so.
Maybe we can get GAA patrons to lend a hand putting down the tracks.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 17, 2016, 09:57:56 PM
Sadly i think it be a different game this Saturday, we keep it tight for 60 mins then i expect the all-blacks to pull away from us, they are nearly at full strength except for 1 or 2 missing. The line out situation will be different this weekend for New Zealand though their centre pairing look very inexperienced
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 17, 2016, 10:08:39 PM
They will be going full pelt to make a statement that's for sure! Keeping it tight would be a plan but I can't see that happening, though I thought that in the first game
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on November 18, 2016, 12:45:49 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on November 17, 2016, 09:57:56 PM
Sadly i think it be a different game this Saturday, we keep it tight for 60 mins then i expect the all-blacks to pull away from us, they are nearly at full strength except for 1 or 2 missing. The line out situation will be different this weekend for New Zealand though their centre pairing look very inexperienced

What's going to stop their scrum being destroyed again? What are they going to do to get the ball past Toner on their own lineout?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 18, 2016, 09:09:05 AM
Quote from: Hardy on November 18, 2016, 12:45:49 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on November 17, 2016, 09:57:56 PM
Sadly i think it be a different game this Saturday, we keep it tight for 60 mins then i expect the all-blacks to pull away from us, they are nearly at full strength except for 1 or 2 missing. The line out situation will be different this weekend for New Zealand though their centre pairing look very inexperienced

What's going to stop their scrum being destroyed again? What are they going to do to get the ball past Toner on their own lineout?

Retallick and Whitelock are the best 2nd row pairing in the world. Ireland should still do ok in the line out but the NZ scrum will be more powerful. That'll ensure their back row can get off early to make tackles. An example being Sam Kane was tied into the last scrum pre Henshaw try.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on November 18, 2016, 09:13:56 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 13, 2016, 06:32:16 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 12, 2016, 01:15:55 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 12, 2016, 07:56:36 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 12, 2016, 06:49:00 AM
Superb win for Munster last night. Jeez they are playing some stuff at the minute. Sweetnam just gets better and better. Future world class winger. Really impressed with Rory Scannell also.

Now bomber don't spit out your cornflakes but Sweetnam is a former Cork hurler.  :o :o :'( :'( ;D

Was that like one of those exhibition games like when Ireland played Celtic for Jackie McNamara's testimonial a few years back. I don't even remember the result if I'm honest, such is the contempt real sports fans would treat exhibition games with.

I don't know if you realise it but I don't tend to hold hurling in much regard, not my cup of tea.

Celtic? McNamara? Christ it's all coming out now folks....he's one of those I hate foreign games but love the sellllllllickkkk

I don't hate foreign games. I'm very open minded when it comes to sport but I also have standards, rugby is just a dreadful game played by muscle bound freaks with a very dubious attitude to systematic doping.

I don't like game which involve absolutely nothing in the way of skill or initiative, like rugby.
Sounds like you are describing Tyrone!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 18, 2016, 09:14:51 AM
Walter how did you get interested in rugby? Was it as a player or was your Dad a big fan or was it something else?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 18, 2016, 09:51:57 AM
Quote from: seafoid on November 18, 2016, 09:14:51 AM
Walter how did you get interested in rugby? Was it as a player or was your Dad a big fan or was it something else?

Through cousins actually and joined local club and went from there. GAA will always be number 1 but rugby is a close second. Found rugby a bit easier in many ways as wasn't athletic enough for GAA  ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 18, 2016, 02:39:38 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 18, 2016, 09:51:57 AM
Quote from: seafoid on November 18, 2016, 09:14:51 AM
Walter how did you get interested in rugby? Was it as a player or was your Dad a big fan or was it something else?

Through cousins actually and joined local club and went from there. GAA will always be number 1 but rugby is a close second. Found rugby a bit easier in many ways as wasn't athletic enough for GAA  ;D
We had a local club out in the countryside.  I always liked the rugby culture  But we got a very heavy hurling indoctrination in school. Thankfully it is not a zero sum game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Farrandeelin on November 19, 2016, 05:37:29 PM
Good start from NZ.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 19, 2016, 05:42:37 PM
Murray shouldn't have kicked that turnover away. Poor form here too, 5m out and not going for the jugular.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 19, 2016, 05:42:58 PM
Nearly over twice then we got for a kick 5m  out, go Figure!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 19, 2016, 05:49:53 PM
Different All Black side today... at their horrible old tricks again and only 10 mins played!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 19, 2016, 05:55:56 PM
high tackle, and just a penalty, nothing more in it, if anything Henshaw spun into it
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 19, 2016, 06:07:01 PM
Again 5m out taking the soft option. Sexton gone, this game is as good as over.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 19, 2016, 06:15:10 PM
Irish Commentators on sky 2 making it out to be a very dirty game, just cant see it, been a couple of shoulders but in general its fairly even
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 19, 2016, 06:27:25 PM
Quote from: AQMP on November 19, 2016, 06:09:09 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 19, 2016, 06:07:01 PM
Again 5m out taking the soft option. Sexton gone, this game is as good as over.
Ireland are playing very well.
No they're not.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on November 19, 2016, 06:29:21 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on November 19, 2016, 06:15:10 PM
Irish Commentators on sky 2 making it out to be a very dirty game, just cant see it, been a couple of shoulders but in general its fairly even

Keep an eye around the fringes.. Knees in the neck,  knees on heads,  arms around neck.  The All Black's arent taking any prisoners that's for sure.  Some unreal defence from both teams.  Sexton and Henshaw huge losses so early on
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Maroon Manc on November 19, 2016, 06:33:38 PM
Looks like to me Ireland are playing well to me but haven't enough points on the board.

I've been disappointed with some of Murray's kicks, not precise enough.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 19, 2016, 06:49:56 PM
New Zealand are ahead with limited possession, big difference in the 2 a back lines, Ireland win the battle in the front row, but not in the line out,
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on November 19, 2016, 06:53:51 PM
The lineout has been shite today, pity could be putting NZ under a lot more pressure
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 19, 2016, 07:02:57 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on November 19, 2016, 06:53:51 PM
The lineout has been shite today, pity could be putting NZ under a lot more pressure

A throw to 1 should always be considered on a day when your jumpers are getting pummelled.  I know it's NZ but I'm dissappointed by how one dimensional we are. No cutting edge.

Heaslip has been a workhorse and De Flier has been good but SOB has been sensational, he put in many a world class shift but today must rank in his top 5.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: OgraAnDun on November 19, 2016, 07:10:47 PM
Doubt the referee will be too welcome in Kiely's for his after match pints.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 19, 2016, 07:10:54 PM
The ability with hands and quick ball ahs shown the big difference in the teams, ireland have played well but no cutting edge
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on November 19, 2016, 07:11:48 PM
Two very dodgy looking tries for New Zealand tonight.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 19, 2016, 07:19:15 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on November 19, 2016, 07:11:48 PM
Two very dodgy looking tries for New Zealand tonight.

Barretts was a clear try.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 19, 2016, 07:19:58 PM
Overpaid funboys bottling it as per usual. The rugby public are so predictable in their blaming of match officials and lack of introspection.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on November 19, 2016, 07:26:55 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 19, 2016, 07:19:58 PM
Overpaid funboys bottling it as per usual. The rugby public are so predictable in their blaming of match officials and lack of introspection.

Do you ever take a break from being a ****?

Monumental effort considering 10 and 12 out so early.  So many great performances.  That NZ try in the 2nd half was immense and dirt aside,  their defence was top drawer. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 19, 2016, 07:27:45 PM
Listen you Tyrone **** do us all a favour and f**k off, must been listening in on the games for a man who has no interest in rugby
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on November 19, 2016, 07:28:03 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on November 19, 2016, 07:10:54 PM
The ability with hands and quick ball ahs shown the big difference in the teams, ireland have played well but no cutting edge

Fair points.  Some incredible handling skills from the men in black. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 19, 2016, 07:29:54 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on November 19, 2016, 07:26:55 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 19, 2016, 07:19:58 PM
Overpaid funboys bottling it as per usual. The rugby public are so predictable in their blaming of match officials and lack of introspection.

Do you ever take a break from being a ****?

Monumental effort considering 10 and 12 out so early.  So many great performances.  That NZ try in the 2nd half was immense and dirt aside,  their defence was top drawer.

Glorifying defeat in a home friendly against one of your only competitors.

Pathetic attitude to this charade of a game - I'm delighted. Suck it up.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: OgraAnDun on November 19, 2016, 07:30:35 PM
No point feeding the troll lads, this response is the exact reason he posted.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 19, 2016, 07:33:06 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on November 19, 2016, 07:27:45 PM
Listen you Tyrone **** do us all a favour and f**k off, must been listening in on the games for a man who has no interest in rugby

Listen you bollocks.

The overpaid funboys have once again bottled it, they should get the criticism they deserve. The placating of these kinds of failures from the rugby lads is pathetic. I'm not going to sit here and let you peddle your propaganda unchallenged and deep down that is what gets to you. Hoodwinked and too f**king invested to put your hands up and admit it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: armaghniac on November 19, 2016, 07:34:41 PM
The West Brit media made a big thing of a win in a meaningless challenge in America, let's see what excuse they have now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 19, 2016, 07:37:49 PM
Quote from: armaghniac on November 19, 2016, 07:34:41 PM
The West Brit media made a big thing of a win in a meaningless challenge in America, let's see what excuse they have now.

Was it the referee or is it a truly heroic effort to go down to one of their only competitors in a home friendly?

There is no failure in Irish rugby, they're line a toxic bank who keeps have money poured into it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 19, 2016, 07:40:14 PM
Sexton is a huge loss but the manner rugby is played nowadays will ensure players such as him have a fragmented career. It's sad to see such a great talent become ravaged by the demands of the game. How many more times can we expect to see him play 80 minutes for Ireland at the top level?

Disappointed in us too though, Italy play regularly like that. All huff and puff but unable to score the tries you need. The score line may not have been emphatic but I think the all blacks were clearly a level beyond us.

Gutsy but defeated is what we've been for centuries in Ireland so I'll take no consolation in today's result, it's the same old us really. The only significant upside I can draw from today is that I thought Ringrose was very good, I think he's a real keeper and hopefully he sparks some creativity in our midfield which in spite of what all the fawns in the media will tell you is occupied by smash artists and not very good ones at that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: naka on November 19, 2016, 07:40:31 PM
Great game
But we didn't seem to be able to break through them

Heaslip a beast as is o Brian
Like this new guy van de ...( I assume Connemara Irish)
Jackson is no replacement though for sexton
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 19, 2016, 07:41:39 PM
Gutsy is the last word that I'd use to describe that side.

Gutsy gets the job done, these bottlers rarely manage it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 19, 2016, 07:41:54 PM
And don't feed the trolls.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 19, 2016, 07:48:20 PM
What will the doctor order?

1 round of happy clapping for the goys?

Imbeciles.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 19, 2016, 07:48:42 PM
Donal Lenihan is an awful man for celebrating failure. We played tough but had no cutting edge at all. Didn't help the ref was against us too. Worried about a damaging blow-out against the Aussies such is our injury list now. Winning that one was always more important because two losses will stop any momentum from the Chicago win in its tracks.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 19, 2016, 07:56:41 PM
Regarding Henshaw he got a shoulder in the jaw. TMO didn't look enough. Then Barrett's try, he was embarrassed to even talk about it in the interview afterwards. No way the TMO clearly saw a grounding. The last pass of the last try looked forward but we didn't see a definitive angle on that.

I agree with JoG2 regarding the All-Blacks. A couple of metres away from the action I saw a 2nd row or possibly Read very deliberately drop both knees into the neck/jaw of a prone Irish player lying on the ground.

Great effort but needed a bit of luck, like O'Brien not knocking on that time, could have meant a tight finish.

Tadhg Furlong is some tight-head. I have only ever seen Irish 3s lumber from scrum to scrum so, I was astonished at his all round effort.

Overall....

Very good front row with decent replacements.
Very good options in the 2nd row.
Unbelievable talent available in the back row.
1st choice 9 & 10 top class but weak after that.
Centres top class and Ringrose looked very good.
Wings plenty of options.
FB very good and I think there are options there too.


Really looking forward to the 6N now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: OgraAnDun on November 19, 2016, 07:57:54 PM
Reminded me a bit of the last couple of years of Kidney's tenure, knock on and error after knock on and error in the opponent's 22.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on November 19, 2016, 08:24:37 PM
The NZ defence was outstanding, super line speed. They deserved to win, second try was a try, third was a forward pass. Heaslip was outstanding as was O Brien. Are Ireland the second best team in the world? Fair play for no collapse in the last 15, super effort overall. NZ play on the edge and have a nasty cynical side.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on November 19, 2016, 08:26:33 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 19, 2016, 07:41:54 PM
And don't feed the trolls.

Plus 1, good call.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 19, 2016, 08:30:47 PM
Quote from: Rudi on November 19, 2016, 08:24:37 PM
Are Ireland the second best team in the world?

It's ok, I'll field this one lads.


No, the West British rugby side are not the second best team in the world. After tonight's friendly defeat they would still remain somewhere between 5th and 8th in the 8 teams that take rugby seriously.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on November 19, 2016, 08:36:59 PM
Superb result for Conor O'Shea and his Italian side against the Springboks. The Welsh were v lucky to win against the Japanese. Having pulled it level the Japanese made a few mistakes in the last 5minutes. Didn't see much of the Scots against Argentina.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 19, 2016, 08:38:13 PM
Quote from: Rudi on November 19, 2016, 08:24:37 PM
The NZ defence was outstanding, super line speed. They deserved to win, second try was a try, third was a forward pass. Heaslip was outstanding as was O Brien. Are Ireland the second best team in the world? Fair play for no collapse in the last 15, super effort overall. NZ play on the edge and have a nasty cynical side.

Beat the Aussies next week and win the 6 Nations and we are!!

A bit disappointed but NZ were a different animal today and losing the 3 lads the way we did meant we had no chance. Having said that 3 young lads came in for them and played well particularly VDF he was superb!

A long way to go until the WC so we just need to keep winning the 6 Nations until then.

I think with England and Ireland in their current form the Lions will have a decent chance next summer!!!

Pity of you Bomber would have thought you'd be on cloud 9 with your lads beating the Springboks today . . .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 19, 2016, 08:45:18 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 19, 2016, 08:38:13 PM
Quote from: Rudi on November 19, 2016, 08:24:37 PM
The NZ defence was outstanding, super line speed. They deserved to win, second try was a try, third was a forward pass. Heaslip was outstanding as was O Brien. Are Ireland the second best team in the world? Fair play for no collapse in the last 15, super effort overall. NZ play on the edge and have a nasty cynical side.

Beat the Aussies next week and win the 6 Nations and we are!!

A bit disappointed but NZ were a different animal today and losing the 3 lads the way we did meant we had no chance. Having said that 3 young lads came in for them and played well particularly VDF he was superb!

A long way to go until the WC so we just need to keep winning the 6 Nations until then.

I think with England and Ireland in their current form the Lions will have a decent chance next summer!!!

Pity of you Bomber would have thought you'd be on cloud 9 with your lads beating the Springboks today . . .

The second best team in the world who can't even get to the last 4 in their World Cup.

Absolutely hilarious delusion.

Rugby in Italy is played by farmers in Lombardy, it doesn't feature on a national stage.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 19, 2016, 08:47:58 PM
And don't get me started about "The Lions", half of the rugby playing sides joining up together to fly half way around the world to play one of the other rugby playing sides in a series of friendlies.

It's f**king bobbins.

;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 19, 2016, 09:01:58 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 19, 2016, 08:47:58 PM
And don't get me started about "The Lions", half of the rugby playing sides joining up together to fly half way around the world to play one of the other rugby playing sides in a series of friendlies.

It's f**king bobbins.

;D

I threw the Lions in just for you... good trollin' lad keep her lit!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 19, 2016, 09:10:23 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 19, 2016, 07:56:41 PM
Regarding Henshaw he got a shoulder in the jaw. TMO didn't look enough. Then Barrett's try, he was embarrassed to even talk about it in the interview afterwards. No way the TMO clearly saw a grounding. The last pass of the last try looked forward but we didn't see a definitive angle on that.

I agree with JoG2 regarding the All-Blacks. A couple of metres away from the action I saw a 2nd row or possibly Read very deliberately drop both knees into the neck/jaw of a prone Irish player lying on the ground.

Great effort but needed a bit of luck, like O'Brien not knocking on that time, could have meant a tight finish.

Tadhg Furlong is some tight-head. I have only ever seen Irish 3s lumber from scrum to scrum so, I was astonished at his all round effort.

Overall....

Very good front row with decent replacements.
Very good options in the 2nd row.
Unbelievable talent available in the back row.
1st choice 9 & 10 top class but weak after that.
Centres top class and Ringrose looked very good.
Wings plenty of options.
FB very good and I think there are options there too.


Really looking forward to the 6N now.

On first viewing Barrett can been seen to ground the ball. Yes Sexton impedes half the ball but a rugby ball is wider than a mans fore-arm. The other end I would say is grounded. As far as I can recal the Tmo doesn't need to directly see the ball being grounded, as far as I recall he may extrapolate from the images. Ireland scored a try in Chicago that was not clearly visible on the re-runs but there was no player to obstruct the try and so it was correctly awarded.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 19, 2016, 09:13:58 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 19, 2016, 09:10:23 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 19, 2016, 07:56:41 PM
Regarding Henshaw he got a shoulder in the jaw. TMO didn't look enough. Then Barrett's try, he was embarrassed to even talk about it in the interview afterwards. No way the TMO clearly saw a grounding. The last pass of the last try looked forward but we didn't see a definitive angle on that.

I agree with JoG2 regarding the All-Blacks. A couple of metres away from the action I saw a 2nd row or possibly Read very deliberately drop both knees into the neck/jaw of a prone Irish player lying on the ground.

Great effort but needed a bit of luck, like O'Brien not knocking on that time, could have meant a tight finish.

Tadhg Furlong is some tight-head. I have only ever seen Irish 3s lumber from scrum to scrum so, I was astonished at his all round effort.

Overall....

Very good front row with decent replacements.
Very good options in the 2nd row.
Unbelievable talent available in the back row.
1st choice 9 & 10 top class but weak after that.
Centres top class and Ringrose looked very good.
Wings plenty of options.
FB very good and I think there are options there too.


Really looking forward to the 6N now.

On first viewing Barrett can been seen to ground the ball. Yes Sexton impedes half the ball but a rugby ball is wider than a mans fore-arm. The other end I would say is grounded. As far as I can recal the Tmo doesn't need to directly see the ball being grounded, as far as I recall he may extrapolate from the images. Ireland scored a try in Chicago that was not clearly visible on the re-runs but there was no player to obstruct the try and so it was correctly awarded.

Actually that is true.

Barrett was genuinely embarrassed though in his interview. He apologised for going for the posts and said he wouldn't do that again.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mouview on November 19, 2016, 09:36:02 PM
Quote from: Rudi on November 19, 2016, 08:24:37 PM
The NZ defence was outstanding, super line speed. They deserved to win, second try was a try, third was a forward pass. Heaslip was outstanding as was O Brien. Are Ireland the second best team in the world? Fair play for no collapse in the last 15, super effort overall. NZ play on the edge and have a nasty cynical side.

Thought pass that set Barrett free for his try looked forward, surprised panel didn't analyse it at HT. Thought pass for 3rd try looked flat at worst.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 19, 2016, 09:41:33 PM
Lovely montage of women screaming blue murder about the match officials on RTE there.

Rugby football is farcical, nobody has a clue what is going on which makes the "big rugby men" here even more hilarious.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Farrandeelin on November 19, 2016, 09:56:52 PM
Quote from: mouview on November 19, 2016, 09:36:02 PM
Quote from: Rudi on November 19, 2016, 08:24:37 PM
The NZ defence was outstanding, super line speed. They deserved to win, second try was a try, third was a forward pass. Heaslip was outstanding as was O Brien. Are Ireland the second best team in the world? Fair play for no collapse in the last 15, super effort overall. NZ play on the edge and have a nasty cynical side.

Thought pass that set Barrett free for his try looked forward, surprised panel didn't analyse it at HT. Thought pass for 3rd try looked flat at worst.

On first viewing I thought the pass for the 3rd try was forward. The replay from the sideline seemed to be straight, not forward imo.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on November 19, 2016, 10:36:09 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 19, 2016, 09:01:58 PM
I threw the Lions in just for you... good trollin' lad keep her lit!!
You're not a troll bitch are you? You have some common sense?
Just say no.
Ignore the troll completely.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on November 19, 2016, 10:39:26 PM
Quote from: Farrandeelin on November 19, 2016, 09:56:52 PM
Quote from: mouview on November 19, 2016, 09:36:02 PM
Quote from: Rudi on November 19, 2016, 08:24:37 PM
The NZ defence was outstanding, super line speed. They deserved to win, second try was a try, third was a forward pass. Heaslip was outstanding as was O Brien. Are Ireland the second best team in the world? Fair play for no collapse in the last 15, super effort overall. NZ play on the edge and have a nasty cynical side.

Thought pass that set Barrett free for his try looked forward, surprised panel didn't analyse it at HT. Thought pass for 3rd try looked flat at worst.

On first viewing I thought the pass for the 3rd try was forward. The replay from the sideline seemed to be straight, not forward imo.
it was close enough to deserve a video ref  inspection in order to be definitive, even though the video ref was a sixpence  short of a shilling.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tiempo on November 19, 2016, 10:45:46 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 19, 2016, 07:56:41 PM
A couple of metres away from the action I saw a 2nd row or possibly Read very deliberately drop both knees into the neck/jaw of a prone Irish player lying on the ground.

That was a dirty action, of course they'll not be cited, the "All-Blacks" can't be cited
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Lar Naparka on November 19, 2016, 10:51:59 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 19, 2016, 08:45:18 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 19, 2016, 08:38:13 PM
Quote from: Rudi on November 19, 2016, 08:24:37 PM
The NZ defence was outstanding, super line speed. They deserved to win, second try was a try, third was a forward pass. Heaslip was outstanding as was O Brien. Are Ireland the second best team in the world? Fair play for no collapse in the last 15, super effort overall. NZ play on the edge and have a nasty cynical side.

Beat the Aussies next week and win the 6 Nations and we are!!

A bit disappointed but NZ were a different animal today and losing the 3 lads the way we did meant we had no chance. Having said that 3 young lads came in for them and played well particularly VDF he was superb!

A long way to go until the WC so we just need to keep winning the 6 Nations until then.

I think with England and Ireland in their current form the Lions will have a decent chance next summer!!!

Pity of you Bomber would have thought you'd be on cloud 9 with your lads beating the Springboks today . . .

The second best team in the world who can't even get to the last 4 in their World Cup.

Absolutely hilarious delusion.

Rugby in Italy is played by farmers in Lombardy, it doesn't feature on a national stage.
Yeah, maybe, but most of those farmers have shagged off to France to play rugby there so where they came from doesn't count.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Frank_The_Tank on November 19, 2016, 10:56:54 PM
Quote from: Main Street on November 19, 2016, 10:36:09 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 19, 2016, 09:01:58 PM
I threw the Lions in just for you... good trollin' lad keep her lit!!
You're not a troll bitch are you? You have some common sense?
Just say no.
Ignore the troll completely.

Agree just ignore the posts from the troll.  I actually have a small javascript snippet I wrote which removes msgs from the troll appearing on.the screen... 8)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GaillimhIarthair on November 19, 2016, 10:58:26 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 19, 2016, 09:41:33 PM
Lovely montage of women screaming blue murder about the match officials on RTE there.

Rugby football is farcical, nobody has a clue what is going on which makes the "big rugby men" here even more hilarious.
It's really no surprise that you don't understand the rules!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 19, 2016, 11:22:29 PM
Quote from: GaillimhIarthair on November 19, 2016, 10:58:26 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 19, 2016, 09:41:33 PM
Lovely montage of women screaming blue murder about the match officials on RTE there.

Rugby football is farcical, nobody has a clue what is going on which makes the "big rugby men" here even more hilarious.
It's really no surprise that you don't understand the rules!

Nobody understands the rules, sure aren't ye always arguing rules with each other.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: orangeman on November 19, 2016, 11:23:24 PM
Superb effort by the Irish side. New Zealand physically upped their game and inflicted serious damage on the irish players. Ireland I would imagine will be well short next week.
Ireland did everything but cross the line as New Zealand seemed happy to concede penalties to prevent what looked like inevitable irish tries.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 19, 2016, 11:27:03 PM
Ignoring the fact that the West Brits have a tradition of failure seems to be the mantra from the glory in defeat bandwagoners today.

Even when they lose, rugby football cannot lose with this kind of attitude, above criticism and incapable of failure no matter the result - I give you rugby football.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on November 19, 2016, 11:29:03 PM
Quote from: orangeman on November 19, 2016, 11:23:24 PM
Superb effort by the Irish side. New Zealand physically upped their game and inflicted serious damage on the irish players. Ireland I would imagine will be well short next week.
Ireland did everything but cross the line as New Zealand seemed happy to concede penalties to prevent what looked like inevitable irish tries.
I think Ireland badly needed to respond by getting many retaliations in early and target the perpetrators, then the  Irish players can say afterwards, 'what are those  kiwis moaning about? there was no malice intended'.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 19, 2016, 11:29:39 PM
Quote from: orangeman on November 19, 2016, 11:23:24 PM
Superb effort by the Irish side. New Zealand physically upped their game and inflicted serious damage on the irish players. Ireland I would imagine will be well short next week.
Ireland did everything but cross the line as New Zealand seemed happy to concede penalties to prevent what looked like inevitable irish tries.

Hilarious - glory in yet another home defeat to one of their only competitors in this niche sport.

The attitude in this country to failure in such a shallow pool is probably unique in sport.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on November 19, 2016, 11:43:49 PM
New Zealand always remind me of a good Kerry side, the commentators are always waxing lyrical about their great play, meanwhile half a dozen of the opposition regularly get taken out in the process.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on November 20, 2016, 12:13:07 AM
Cians Healys poor pass to Zebo in a promising attack was a bit of a turning point, Ireland pocession stats from the 15th to the 62nd minute must be off the scale. Great performance, however NZ defence was superb.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Aaron Boone on November 20, 2016, 12:38:37 AM
Australia even-money to beat a bruised Ireland next weekend is tempting.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 20, 2016, 06:08:20 AM
Poor bomber never got the ride over the weekend....again! So he's in here. Is there not some shitty barn dance in Tyrone for you to get the check shirt and boot cut jeans on pal?

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lenny on November 20, 2016, 07:55:51 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 19, 2016, 11:29:39 PM
Quote from: orangeman on November 19, 2016, 11:23:24 PM
Superb effort by the Irish side. New Zealand physically upped their game and inflicted serious damage on the irish players. Ireland I would imagine will be well short next week.
Ireland did everything but cross the line as New Zealand seemed happy to concede penalties to prevent what looked like inevitable irish tries.

Hilarious - glory in yet another home defeat to one of their only competitors in this niche sport.

The attitude in this country to failure in such a shallow pool is probably unique in sport.

You keep saying it's a niche sport. Which suggests that there are numerous other sports which are more mainstream. Apart from soccer name me another sport which is the national sport of 6 countries (Wales, New Zealand, South Africa, France, Fiji and Samoa) and is played professionally in at least 10 countries that I know of.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on November 20, 2016, 08:45:51 AM
There is something truly odd at play when someone from a GAA background decries rugby's reliance as a sport, due it only being prominent in a dozen countries. Surely by this rationale then Gaelic Footbal is in fact bogball.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 20, 2016, 08:47:31 AM
Quote from: lenny on November 20, 2016, 07:55:51 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 19, 2016, 11:29:39 PM
Quote from: orangeman on November 19, 2016, 11:23:24 PM
Superb effort by the Irish side. New Zealand physically upped their game and inflicted serious damage on the irish players. Ireland I would imagine will be well short next week.
Ireland did everything but cross the line as New Zealand seemed happy to concede penalties to prevent what looked like inevitable irish tries.

Hilarious - glory in yet another home defeat to one of their only competitors in this niche sport.

The attitude in this country to failure in such a shallow pool is probably unique in sport.

You keep saying it's a niche sport. Which suggests that there are numerous other sports which are more mainstream. Apart from soccer name me another sport which is the national sport of 6 countries (Wales, New Zealand, South Africa, France, Fiji and Samoa) and is played professionally in at least 10 countries that I know of.

Rugby is the national sport of 1, yes 1, country with a population of over 1 million and that's New Zealand which has a similar population to Ireland.

Soccer is more popular in Wales, South Africa and France. Fiji has a population of under a million and Samoa has a population similar to that of Donegal.

It very much is a niche sport.

In terms of team sports, it ranks far behind the likes of soccer, basketball, cricket and baseball. There are more professional soccer players in America than their are pro rugby players on the entire planet.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 20, 2016, 08:50:43 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on November 20, 2016, 08:45:51 AM
There is something truly odd at play when someone from a GAA background decries rugby's reliance as a sport, due it only being prominent in a dozen countries. Surely by this rationale then Gaelic Footbal is in fact bogball.

If the Irish media were running stories about a GAA side being brave and heroes when they consistently lose to one of their only competitors for success then I'd take it to task. The media never take the side to task over their failures, on the contrasting side, they are there with the knives sharpened for the soccer lads on any little slip up, despite the fact the soccer team have a tradition of putting up credible displays at major tournaments when they are only a small fish in a big pond.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on November 20, 2016, 08:51:22 AM
Baseball! - behave yourself
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on November 20, 2016, 08:56:35 AM
The one thing that amazes me is everyones surprise of NZ tactics. Am i missing something they are the masters of the dark arts and always have been. Richie mcCaw was an expert in slowing the ball. Crooked lineouts offside, blocking a kicker etc etc are the norm
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 20, 2016, 08:57:53 AM
Thought Ireland should have kicked the penalties when the yellow cards were given out, given how well defensively the All Blacks were, the losses during the game didn't help and as said already NZ play on the edge of the rules... all in all over the 3 games Ireland have played very well..

Though being in the pub 2 hours before the start has clouded my view of the match!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 20, 2016, 08:58:40 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on November 20, 2016, 08:51:22 AM
Baseball! - behave yourself

It's a fact - that is how low rugby is on the scale.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lenny on November 20, 2016, 09:10:18 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 20, 2016, 08:47:31 AM
Quote from: lenny on November 20, 2016, 07:55:51 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 19, 2016, 11:29:39 PM
Quote from: orangeman on November 19, 2016, 11:23:24 PM
Superb effort by the Irish side. New Zealand physically upped their game and inflicted serious damage on the irish players. Ireland I would imagine will be well short next week.
Ireland did everything but cross the line as New Zealand seemed happy to concede penalties to prevent what looked like inevitable irish tries.

Hilarious - glory in yet another home defeat to one of their only competitors in this niche sport.

The attitude in this country to failure in such a shallow pool is probably unique in sport.

You keep saying it's a niche sport. Which suggests that there are numerous other sports which are more mainstream. Apart from soccer name me another sport which is the national sport of 6 countries (Wales, New Zealand, South Africa, France, Fiji and Samoa) and is played professionally in at least 10 countries that I know of.

Rugby is the national sport of 1, yes 1, country with a population of over 1 million and that's New Zealand which has a similar population to Ireland.

Soccer is more popular in Wales, South Africa and France. Fiji has a population of under a million and Samoa has a population similar to that of Donegal.

It very much is a niche sport.

In terms of team sports, it ranks far behind the likes of soccer, basketball, cricket and baseball. There are more professional soccer players in America than their are pro rugby players on the entire planet.

Complete rubbish. Soccer I already said is definitely the most popular team sport worldwide. Basketball might possibly be next with rugby and cricket enjoying similar popularity in terms of being played in roughly the same number of countries. Baseball is really only played seriously in the USA. Even if you were correct you were only able to name 4 sports which means it is hardly niche. Also rugby is far more popular in Wales than soccer. Wales has more professional rugby teams than soccer and when the international team plays rugby is by far the best supported. In France also the rugby team enjoys far greater and more passionate support.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 20, 2016, 09:41:20 AM
Lol he's in fine fettle this morning lads. I can see him now. Sat in the council house drinking bucky or white lightning in a trashy celtic shirt. Damm those foreign games eh...those super privileged kids playing rugby in places like Marafelt, Armagh, Clogher Valley and the likes.

No one gives a f**k what you think bomber. You obviously take the time to at least listen to the match reports which proves you are either: a) A sad lonely loser with no life or b) you secretly like rugby.... I'm gona go for a combo of both.

Delighted that irish team of yours won at the weekend beating Kilmarnock. With all those irish nationals in their side. They truely are a credit to our nation!!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 20, 2016, 09:44:27 AM
Quote from: lenny on November 20, 2016, 09:10:18 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 20, 2016, 08:47:31 AM
Quote from: lenny on November 20, 2016, 07:55:51 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 19, 2016, 11:29:39 PM
Quote from: orangeman on November 19, 2016, 11:23:24 PM
Superb effort by the Irish side. New Zealand physically upped their game and inflicted serious damage on the irish players. Ireland I would imagine will be well short next week.
Ireland did everything but cross the line as New Zealand seemed happy to concede penalties to prevent what looked like inevitable irish tries.

Hilarious - glory in yet another home defeat to one of their only competitors in this niche sport.

The attitude in this country to failure in such a shallow pool is probably unique in sport.

You keep saying it's a niche sport. Which suggests that there are numerous other sports which are more mainstream. Apart from soccer name me another sport which is the national sport of 6 countries (Wales, New Zealand, South Africa, France, Fiji and Samoa) and is played professionally in at least 10 countries that I know of.

Rugby is the national sport of 1, yes 1, country with a population of over 1 million and that's New Zealand which has a similar population to Ireland.

Soccer is more popular in Wales, South Africa and France. Fiji has a population of under a million and Samoa has a population similar to that of Donegal.

It very much is a niche sport.

In terms of team sports, it ranks far behind the likes of soccer, basketball, cricket and baseball. There are more professional soccer players in America than their are pro rugby players on the entire planet.

Complete rubbish. Soccer I already said is definitely the most popular team sport worldwide. Basketball might possibly be next with rugby and cricket enjoying similar popularity in terms of being played in roughly the same number of countries. Baseball is really only played seriously in the USA. Even if you were correct you were only able to name 4 sports which means it is hardly niche. Also rugby is far more popular in Wales than soccer. Wales has more professional rugby teams than soccer and when the international team plays rugby is by far the best supported. In France also the rugby team enjoys far greater and more passionate support.

You're lying and I will destroy you on facts here.

Baseball is the most popular sports in countries like Venezuela (population of 30m), Dominican Republic (population of 10m) and a few other central American countries. You're lying

As outlined already New Zealand is the only country in the world with a population of over 1m where rugby is more popular. You're lying

On Wales, once again you are lying. Soccer dominates rugby in participation of adults (210,000) play soccer in Wales compared to rugby (70,000). That's 3:1 in any man's language. You're lying

As for professional teams, rugby has 4 professional sides - the same as soccer has - Swansea, Cardiff, Newport, Wrexham are all professional sides from Wales playing in the English football league. Attendances from these Welsh football sides also dwarf that of their rugby counterparts. Again, you're lying.

The only place where Wales can claim a more popular source in rugby is the popularity of their national team, but like Ireland this is heavily reliant on their rugby side being a big fish in small pond and the chance of success seems to draw people in. In terms of interest with the actual sport, football far outweighs rugby for the reasons listed above.

Cricket is absolutely huge over in the middle east with enormous countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh being cricket mad and it is definitely the number one sport in those countries.

Basketball is the biggest sport in the US and also in quite a few Eastern European countries, it has a very big following in Spain and far eastern countries.

In France, football is the game of the people by an absolute mile. Rugby only has popularity in southern region of the country with absolutely no impact across the rest of the country.

I would like to thank you for showcasing the depths of lying and manipulating the truth that rugby fans will go in order to justify their bizarre placing on the game in a world spectrum.

Now, getting back to my initials question, can you name me another country with a population of over 1m apart from New Zealand (pop 4m) where rugby is the most popular sport in that country?

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 20, 2016, 09:48:41 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 20, 2016, 09:41:20 AM
Lol he's in fine fettle this morning lads. I can see him now. Sat in the council house drinking bucky or white lightning in a trashy celtic shirt. Damm those foreign games eh...those super privileged kids playing rugby in places like Marafelt, Armagh, Clogher Valley and the likes.

No one gives a f**k what you think bomber. You obviously take the time to at least listen to the match reports which proves you are either: a) A sad lonely loser with no life or b) you secretly like rugby.... I'm gona go for a combo of both.

Delighted that irish team of yours won at the weekend beating Kilmarnock. With all those irish nationals in their side. They truely are a credit to our nation!!!!

Good to know I'm on your mind, mate.

All I'm doing is relaying some home truths and it seems to rattle you badly. I'm been met with hostility, lies and coordinated attempts to blank me out in response to delivering a very cognate argument based on fact and logic.

The rugby bully boys are circling the wagons as I burst the myths and lies around their game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on November 20, 2016, 09:56:52 AM
Did you watch the match? It sounded like you did?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 20, 2016, 09:58:47 AM
Quote from: imtommygunn on November 20, 2016, 09:56:52 AM
Did you watch the match? It sounded like you did?

I was watching Der Klassiker.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 20, 2016, 10:00:06 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 20, 2016, 09:48:41 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 20, 2016, 09:41:20 AM
Lol he's in fine fettle this morning lads. I can see him now. Sat in the council house drinking bucky or white lightning in a trashy celtic shirt. Damm those foreign games eh...those super privileged kids playing rugby in places like Marafelt, Armagh, Clogher Valley and the likes.

No one gives a f**k what you think bomber. You obviously take the time to at least listen to the match reports which proves you are either: a) A sad lonely loser with no life or b) you secretly like rugby.... I'm gona go for a combo of both.

Delighted that irish team of yours won at the weekend beating Kilmarnock. With all those irish nationals in their side. They truely are a credit to our nation!!!!

Good to know I'm on your mind, mate.

All I'm doing is relaying some home truths and it seems to rattle you badly. I'm been met with hostility, lies and coordinated attempts to blank me out in response to delivering a very cognate argument based on fact and logic.

The rugby bully boys are circling the wagons as I burst the myths and lies around their game.

Hail Hail bomber.

Celtic FC. Our only hope as a nation!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 20, 2016, 10:02:43 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 20, 2016, 09:58:47 AM
Quote from: imtommygunn on November 20, 2016, 09:56:52 AM
Did you watch the match? It sounded like you did?

I was watching Der Klassiker.

He speaks German now lads!!! Naturlich.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on November 20, 2016, 10:15:57 AM
A sport where one team decided to take the opponents out of the game, caused injuries and weren't penalised?

Why would a parent encourage their child to play this game?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 20, 2016, 10:20:25 AM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on November 20, 2016, 10:15:57 AM
A sport where one team decided to take the opponents out of the game, caused injuries and weren't penalised?

Why would a parent encourage their child to play this game?

This isn't the Derry club football thread  ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 20, 2016, 10:21:38 AM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on November 20, 2016, 10:15:57 AM
A sport where one team decided to take the opponents out of the game, caused injuries and weren't penalised?

Why would a parent encourage their child to play this game?

Incidentally, how many players were concussed yesterday?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 20, 2016, 10:23:07 AM
Destroy you  ;D ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 20, 2016, 10:28:24 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 20, 2016, 10:21:38 AM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on November 20, 2016, 10:15:57 AM
A sport where one team decided to take the opponents out of the game, caused injuries and weren't penalised?

Why would a parent encourage their child to play this game?

Incidentally, how many players were concussed yesterday?

How do you know there were players concussed?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Frank_The_Tank on November 20, 2016, 10:32:09 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 20, 2016, 10:28:24 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 20, 2016, 10:21:38 AM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on November 20, 2016, 10:15:57 AM
A sport where one team decided to take the opponents out of the game, caused injuries and weren't penalised?

Why would a parent encourage their child to play this game?

Incidentally, how many players were concussed yesterday?

How do you know there were players concussed?

You should just ignore this bigot folks.  Let him rant away but don't reply.  Its pointless trying to argue with an idiot- years of experience will mean they will come out in top.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: straightred on November 20, 2016, 10:51:18 AM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on November 20, 2016, 10:15:57 AM
A sport where one team decided to take the opponents out of the game, caused injuries and weren't penalised?

Why would a parent encourage their child to play this game?

This is the bracket i fall into. I have lads playing hurling, gaelic and soccer and while you don't want to tell a kid what do it I give zero encouragement toward rugby. So far it has worked. It might make a good spectacle and (despite what some detractors might say) it can be very exciting to watch but that doesn't compensate for the downsides. It is far too physical and players are too exposed to the prospect of serious injury with longer term repercussions. This is not what sport should be about.

I've always liked the respect side of rugby as well but even that is beginning to slip.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 20, 2016, 10:55:50 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 20, 2016, 10:28:24 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 20, 2016, 10:21:38 AM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on November 20, 2016, 10:15:57 AM
A sport where one team decided to take the opponents out of the game, caused injuries and weren't penalised?

Why would a parent encourage their child to play this game?

Incidentally, how many players were concussed yesterday?

How do you know there were players concussed?

I don't, hence the question.

Concussion seems to be par the course for rugby however.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 20, 2016, 10:57:09 AM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 20, 2016, 10:32:09 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 20, 2016, 10:28:24 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 20, 2016, 10:21:38 AM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on November 20, 2016, 10:15:57 AM
A sport where one team decided to take the opponents out of the game, caused injuries and weren't penalised?

Why would a parent encourage their child to play this game?

Incidentally, how many players were concussed yesterday?

How do you know there were players concussed?

You should just ignore this bigot folks.  Let him rant away but don't reply.  Its pointless trying to argue with an idiot- years of experience will mean they will come out in top.

I think it's pointless trying to argue against facts, that is why you guys are left clutching at empty insults like "bigots".
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 20, 2016, 11:03:28 AM
I wonder what the England team will look like after they get rid of the immigrants.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on November 20, 2016, 11:11:46 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 20, 2016, 10:21:38 AM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on November 20, 2016, 10:15:57 AM
A sport where one team decided to take the opponents out of the game, caused injuries and weren't penalised?

Why would a parent encourage their child to play this game?

Incidentally, how many players were concussed yesterday?
3? 4?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 20, 2016, 11:15:58 AM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on November 20, 2016, 11:11:46 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 20, 2016, 10:21:38 AM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on November 20, 2016, 10:15:57 AM
A sport where one team decided to take the opponents out of the game, caused injuries and weren't penalised?

Why would a parent encourage their child to play this game?

Incidentally, how many players were concussed yesterday?
3? 4?

In the one match?

That's an epidemic.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on November 20, 2016, 12:21:24 PM
I actually didn't watch it live

Was at a handball game. More enjoyable
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Frank_The_Tank on November 20, 2016, 12:41:21 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 20, 2016, 10:57:09 AM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 20, 2016, 10:32:09 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 20, 2016, 10:28:24 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 20, 2016, 10:21:38 AM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on November 20, 2016, 10:15:57 AM
A sport where one team decided to take the opponents out of the game, caused injuries and weren't penalised?

Why would a parent encourage their child to play this game?

Incidentally, how many players were concussed yesterday?

How do you know there were players concussed?

You should just ignore this bigot folks.  Let him rant away but don't reply.  Its pointless trying to argue with an idiot- years of experience will mean they will come out in top.

I think it's pointless trying to argue against facts, that is why you guys are left clutching at empty insults like "bigots".

You also come out with a whole load of statements which have zero factual basis e.g you stated last week housewife viewing figures for rugby were through the roof?  You pick and choose what you want to reply too.  Your an idiot IMO.  You may think the same about me...i couldnt care less.  But no matter about all your facts which I dont dispute you dont seem to grasp that you are not going to change my opinion on rugby and I would say its the same for everyone else on here who enjoys the sport.

Why do you constantly cone on a thread where 95% of people want to talk about the game in a positive light without your constsnt slating of it.  Cant you not create a I Hate Rugby thread for that?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 20, 2016, 01:28:38 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 20, 2016, 12:41:21 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 20, 2016, 10:57:09 AM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 20, 2016, 10:32:09 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 20, 2016, 10:28:24 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 20, 2016, 10:21:38 AM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on November 20, 2016, 10:15:57 AM
A sport where one team decided to take the opponents out of the game, caused injuries and weren't penalised?

Why would a parent encourage their child to play this game?

Incidentally, how many players were concussed yesterday?

How do you know there were players concussed?

You should just ignore this bigot folks.  Let him rant away but don't reply.  Its pointless trying to argue with an idiot- years of experience will mean they will come out in top.

I think it's pointless trying to argue against facts, that is why you guys are left clutching at empty insults like "bigots".

You also come out with a whole load of statements which have zero factual basis e.g you stated last week housewife viewing figures for rugby were through the roof?  You pick and choose what you want to reply too.  Your an idiot IMO.  You may think the same about me...i couldnt care less.  But no matter about all your facts which I dont dispute you dont seem to grasp that you are not going to change my opinion on rugby and I would say its the same for everyone else on here who enjoys the sport.

Why do you constantly cone on a thread where 95% of people want to talk about the game in a positive light without your constsnt slating of it.  Cant you not create a I Hate Rugby thread for that?

The fact 4 women were interviewed coming out of the stadium on RTE news yesterday gives my point on housewives credence. They also blamed the referee.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: galwayman on November 20, 2016, 01:52:37 PM
Anyone else find the rte post match interview with Steve Hansen cringey in the extreme?
It really came across as sore loser type stuff to me anyway.
I would have thought that if the roles were reversed anyway and the opposition media had questioned Joe Schmidt like that after the game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 20, 2016, 05:48:07 PM
Quote from: galwayman on November 20, 2016, 01:52:37 PM
Anyone else find the rte post match interview with Steve Hansen cringey in the extreme?
It really came across as sore loser type stuff to me anyway.
I would have thought that if the roles were reversed anyway and the opposition media had questioned Joe Schmidt like that after the game.
At least Brian Carthy wasn't doing it
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 20, 2016, 06:34:52 PM
A lot of irish supporters doing serious crying on social media. Most would fall into the bandwagon support. Yes New Zealand played on the edge but I wouldn't say they were overly dirty. Cynical yes but not dirty. If Kane and Fekitoa are to be cited then surely Sexton has to be for his high tackle on Barrett.

Going to be an interesting selection ahead of the Oz game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Maroon Manc on November 20, 2016, 06:41:24 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 20, 2016, 06:34:52 PM
A lot of irish supporters doing serious crying on social media. Most would fall into the bandwagon support. Yes New Zealand played on the edge but I wouldn't say they were overly dirty. Cynical yes but not dirty. If Kane and Fekitoa are to be cited then surely Sexton has to be for his high tackle on Barrett.

Going to be an interesting selection ahead of the NZ game.

The problem is someone like me with limited knowledge of the sport is relying on the commentary and listening to the lads on SKY you'd think the ref and TMO were appalling.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lenny on November 20, 2016, 06:46:48 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 20, 2016, 01:28:38 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 20, 2016, 12:41:21 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 20, 2016, 10:57:09 AM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 20, 2016, 10:32:09 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 20, 2016, 10:28:24 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 20, 2016, 10:21:38 AM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on November 20, 2016, 10:15:57 AM
A sport where one team decided to take the opponents out of the game, caused injuries and weren't penalised?

Why would a parent encourage their child to play this game?

Incidentally, how many players were concussed yesterday?

How do you know there were players concussed?

You should just ignore this bigot folks.  Let him rant away but don't reply.  Its pointless trying to argue with an idiot- years of experience will mean they will come out in top.

I think it's pointless trying to argue against facts, that is why you guys are left clutching at empty insults like "bigots".

You also come out with a whole load of statements which have zero factual basis e.g you stated last week housewife viewing figures for rugby were through the roof?  You pick and choose what you want to reply too.  Your an idiot IMO.  You may think the same about me...i couldnt care less.  But no matter about all your facts which I dont dispute you dont seem to grasp that you are not going to change my opinion on rugby and I would say its the same for everyone else on here who enjoys the sport.

Why do you constantly cone on a thread where 95% of people want to talk about the game in a positive light without your constsnt slating of it.  Cant you not create a I Hate Rugby thread for that?

The fact 4 women were interviewed coming out of the stadium on RTE news yesterday gives my point on housewives credence. They also blamed the referee.

Yeah well now that you say it was 4 women who were interviewed it means it must be true. You really are a joke.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 20, 2016, 07:41:34 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on November 20, 2016, 06:41:24 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 20, 2016, 06:34:52 PM
A lot of irish supporters doing serious crying on social media. Most would fall into the bandwagon support. Yes New Zealand played on the edge but I wouldn't say they were overly dirty. Cynical yes but not dirty. If Kane and Fekitoa are to be cited then surely Sexton has to be for his high tackle on Barrett.

Going to be an interesting selection ahead of the NZ game.

The problem is someone like me with limited knowledge of the sport is relying on the commentary and listening to the lads on SKY you'd think the ref and TMO were appalling.

Don't mean to be condescending MM. Fans come with all levels and I'm no expert for sure. Just think it's symptomatic in all sports nowadays. Looking to pass the blame off to someone else. We had opportunities we didn't take them. Simple as.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: grounded on November 20, 2016, 08:11:06 PM
Ahhh down with the begrudgers. Tons of positives to be taken, nor least the forwards performance and the return of Sean O Brien. The unfortunate injuries showed that we have some strength in depth. Der flier was excellent when he entered the fray. Really concerned with the performances of Cian Healy. I appreciate that he has had some big injury concerns but his development seems to have plateaued and he has definitely dropped way down the pecking order. England are still the team to beat in the 6 nations but we have the beating of them.
                 Its been well documented before but one of the big differences between New Zealand and others is their ability to off load in the tackle. We demonstrated a lot of that on Saturday but more often than not the final touch let us down.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 20, 2016, 08:14:21 PM
Yeah I wouldn't be blaming the ref or anybody else it was our own fault.

Very noticeable that NZ conceded the breakdown in order to keep their defensive line intact. Had Sexton been there I think he would have exploited this more than Jackson who only chipped over once but Payne very nearly broke through.

Will be interesting to see what kind of team we can field for the Aussies!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Throw ball on November 21, 2016, 12:21:47 AM
Quote from: straightred on November 20, 2016, 10:51:18 AM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on November 20, 2016, 10:15:57 AM
A sport where one team decided to take the opponents out of the game, caused injuries and weren't penalised?

Why would a parent encourage their child to play this game?

This is the bracket i fall into. I have lads playing hurling, gaelic and soccer and while you don't want to tell a kid what do it I give zero encouragement toward rugby. So far it has worked. It might make a good spectacle and (despite what some detractors might say) it can be very exciting to watch but that doesn't compensate for the downsides. It is far too physical and players are too exposed to the prospect of serious injury with longer term repercussions. This is not what sport should be about.

I've always liked the respect side of rugby as well but even that is beginning to slip.

Have to say I fall into this category too. I enjoy watching the game but would normally not even let my youngest watch it in case he asked about playing it. It really should have a 15 certificate.

I also find it hard to excuse a sport were someone can be taken out like Henshaw was and the commentators state that it was fair enough as he tried to get his arm around. Players should owe a duty of care to one another. A tackle like that should be a red card deliberate or not. As the bodies of the players get stronger a tackle like that could kill someone. The increase in concussion injuries is a warning.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 21, 2016, 01:21:53 AM
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11751991 (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11751991)

The Kiwis reckoned they were hard done by.

Any comment from the lads who know their rugby?

...The Irish hinted that they felt Peyper had let them down. But as much as it may have looked - home crowd reaction always influences the perception - that Ireland had been hard done by, so too can the All Blacks mount a strong case to say they didn't have much go their way.

The tackle Johnny Sexton made to try to stop Barrett's try was high and dangerous. If Barrett had been judged not to have scored, it would most likely have been a penalty try in any case with Sexton being shown a yellow card.

Barrett scored a second try in the first half that was disallowed for a supposed knock-on - but the interpretation could just as easily and perhaps should have been that Irish first-five Paddy Jackson was stripped of the ball and the correct decision would have been play-on...try New Zealand.

And what about the knock-on by Andrew Trimble when Barrett chipped into the clear and passed to Israel Dagg?

In Super Rugby the knock-on would have been adjudged deliberate and the outcome either a penalty, or a penalty try in this case as Dagg would have been in the clear and probably would have scored. It also would have been a yellow card for Trimble...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on November 21, 2016, 06:50:01 AM
^^^^ Hillarious so they are moaning about a try that was given anyway and yes technically Sextons tackle was high but it was not dangerous are they seriously comparing it to the actual very dangerous tackles on Zebo and Henshaw.
Secondly the ball is only stripped if taken cleanly the fact he fumbled forward quite clearly means it WAS a knock on. Finally Trimble has every right to go for that ball there is huge differnce between trying an intercept and a deliberate knock on if you cant tell the difference then I give up. As I said before though we should stop moaning as NZ ALWAYS play like this so why the surprise. If the ref lets them off with murder then you almost need your own enforcer to sort things out. Ireland lost because they made a mess of their line out, evrey time they were close to the line they lost the line out or won it but then quickly dropped the ball or committed a penalty - basic mistakes on moves which should be well drilled by now - disapointing stuff because nearly every other part of the game was perfect
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on November 21, 2016, 06:58:35 AM
ps the NZ team are head and shoulders better than every other team in the world they are the only team that can afford to play the game fairly the fact they choose to push the rules to the limits and beyond just goes to show how important winning is for them something we should learn from them prior to the next world cup instead of turning up against a poor Argentine team in a QF about to make history and then bottle it big time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on November 21, 2016, 09:12:39 AM
New Zealand are the Dublin of Rugby and Bomber the Tony of Tyrone.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 21, 2016, 09:15:53 AM
Apart from the Sexton high tackle and possibly the Trimble 'knock on' I don't think NZ can have too many gripes. Trimble made an attempt to gather the ball with his other hand which probably saved him. It's one of those 'I've seen them given' kinda decisions regarding a yellow card/penalty try.

If anyone wants great analysis follow this guy

https://twitter.com/murray_kinsella?lang=en
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 21, 2016, 09:30:00 AM
The NZ accent takes a bit of gitting used to
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8fsXeAL15k
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 21, 2016, 10:08:19 AM
Quote from: AQMP on November 21, 2016, 09:42:55 AM
Quote from: muppet on November 21, 2016, 01:21:53 AM
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11751991 (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11751991)

The Kiwis reckoned they were hard done by.

Any comment from the lads who know their rugby?

...The Irish hinted that they felt Peyper had let them down. But as much as it may have looked - home crowd reaction always influences the perception - that Ireland had been hard done by, so too can the All Blacks mount a strong case to say they didn't have much go their way.

The tackle Johnny Sexton made to try to stop Barrett's try was high and dangerous. If Barrett had been judged not to have scored, it would most likely have been a penalty try in any case with Sexton being shown a yellow card.

Barrett scored a second try in the first half that was disallowed for a supposed knock-on - but the interpretation could just as easily and perhaps should have been that Irish first-five Paddy Jackson was stripped of the ball and the correct decision would have been play-on...try New Zealand.

And what about the knock-on by Andrew Trimble when Barrett chipped into the clear and passed to Israel Dagg?

In Super Rugby the knock-on would have been adjudged deliberate and the outcome either a penalty, or a penalty try in this case as Dagg would have been in the clear and probably would have scored. It also would have been a yellow card for Trimble...

Not saying I know my rugby here muppet, as at the time I thought Cane's tackle on Henshaw was OK but I see he's been cited.

That was a high tackle by Sexton and and probably a case for a penalty try, but anyway I think Barrett did get some of the ball down.

There was a fumble by Barrett at the strip but it seems to hinge on whether the ref thought he was in control of the ball or not.  In control - play on, not in control - knock on.

Deliberate knock on by Trimble - yellow card and a case for a penalty try.

Just to add - Fekitoa on Zebo - as clear a red as you'll see this autumn!

I'd agree with the Cane tackle. At the time I thought it wasnt a yellow.

Check the first tweet on this page. Dirty shot by Dane Coles who was after Murray all game!!

https://twitter.com/dementedmole?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Jim_Murphy_74 on November 21, 2016, 11:31:24 AM
My beef would be with the referee really.  He didn't seem to have that kind of control that likes of Owens would have.

New Zealand are a good team who play on the edge and play the referee.  Like Kilkenny in the hurling.  They will do what they are let do.

I have watched Henshaw tackle a good few times.  I don't see head to head clash.  I see a shoulder hitting Henshaw's head.  That is a red card regardless of intent.  That is not a comment on Cane being dirty but it is a comment on the referee not implementing the rules.

I think that Fekitoa tackle on Zebo was dirty and a red. In GAA it would be a clothesline. 

As for their gripes:  If Sexton saved a try, it was still a penalty try.  Trimble one is a fifty/fifty, a bit like black card in GAA it's up to ref to judge intent.  If he went with penalty there he would have been hard pushed to not give a penalty try.

Barrett on Jackson was interesting too.  Some refs would not say that Barrett knocked on but that tackling Jackson caused the ball to go forward.

Best advice is to follow Joe Schmidt's example, stay quiet and do your talking behind closed doors.

Bad day out for Peyper  all the same.

/Jim.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 21, 2016, 11:36:31 AM
I was talking to a Sith African yesterday
He didn't know the Italian coach was Irish

He said 2 things about the ABs

1. It was an amazing achievement to beat them. The whole rugby world took notice of it
2 They absoluitely had to win the second match . Nobody fucks with the ABs twice
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 21, 2016, 11:38:14 AM
Another key one which was missed was Barrett not releasing O'Brien when he made the tackle. Again you cant really blame Barrett in that situation, he was desperate to prevent the score and done fantastic getting back but Peyper definitely missed it!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 21, 2016, 11:39:54 AM
Quote from: AQMP on November 21, 2016, 09:42:55 AM
Quote from: muppet on November 21, 2016, 01:21:53 AM
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11751991 (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11751991)

The Kiwis reckoned they were hard done by.

Any comment from the lads who know their rugby?

...The Irish hinted that they felt Peyper had let them down. But as much as it may have looked - home crowd reaction always influences the perception - that Ireland had been hard done by, so too can the All Blacks mount a strong case to say they didn't have much go their way.

The tackle Johnny Sexton made to try to stop Barrett's try was high and dangerous. If Barrett had been judged not to have scored, it would most likely have been a penalty try in any case with Sexton being shown a yellow card.

Barrett scored a second try in the first half that was disallowed for a supposed knock-on - but the interpretation could just as easily and perhaps should have been that Irish first-five Paddy Jackson was stripped of the ball and the correct decision would have been play-on...try New Zealand.

And what about the knock-on by Andrew Trimble when Barrett chipped into the clear and passed to Israel Dagg?

In Super Rugby the knock-on would have been adjudged deliberate and the outcome either a penalty, or a penalty try in this case as Dagg would have been in the clear and probably would have scored. It also would have been a yellow card for Trimble...

Not saying I know my rugby here muppet, as at the time I thought Cane's tackle on Henshaw was OK but I see he's been cited.

That was a high tackle by Sexton and and probably a case for a penalty try, but anyway I think Barrett did get some of the ball down.

There was a fumble by Barrett at the strip but it seems to hinge on whether the ref thought he was in control of the ball or not.  In control - play on, not in control - knock on.

Deliberate knock on by Trimble - yellow card and a case for a penalty try.

Just to add - Fekitoa on Zebo - as clear a red as you'll see this autumn!

I reckon it would have been harsh on Trimble to see that as deliberate. I think he was obviously trying an intercept. His hands were coming up in a catching motion rather than coming down in a slapping down motion.

Agree on the Zebo one. That was a swinging arm and could have knocked him out.

There is some whinging going on about the other tackles though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on November 21, 2016, 11:47:12 AM
GAA chief recovering in hospital after collapsing during fit of laughing

By Rinty McBandwagon, irishrugbynews.com, November 21st, 2016

GAA Director General Paraic Duffy is this morning recovering in hospital after dramatically collapsing during a fit of laughing. The Ard-Stiurthoir is said to have "keeled over" during a committee meeting held to discuss Ireland's bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

A committee source who was present at the meeting said "we were discussing the Rugby World Cup bid and how it would affect the GAA, given that eight of our stadiums are included in the bid. As the delegate from Mayo was speaking about possibly having to find alternative venues to Castlebar for club championship matches in 2023, Paraic suddenly burst into an uncontrollable fit of laughter. The meeting came to a standstill."

"He blurted out "they're goin' to pay, the rugby eejits, they're goin' to pay for our stadiums, they're goin' to pay for everything" as he laughed uncontrollably, and then took out a wad of cash and threw it up in the air".

Duffy then apparently shouted "we're fuckin' rich, lads, we're fuckin' loaded, I'm tellin' ya! The fuckin' stupid West Brits have more money than sense! We're goin' to take them for every last fuckin' penny they're worth!"

The source also described how Duffy then took to the centre of the floor, dancing and shouting "we're rich! Loads and loads of money!" amidst more bouts of copious, uncontrolled laughter, before collapsing in a heap and passing out.

An ambulance was called and Mr. Duffy was taken to the nearby Mater Hospital where he was kept in overnight for observation. He is expected to be released today.

While it is thought the incident was a minor one and poses no risk to Mr. Duffy's medium or long term health, he has been told to "calm down" by doctors.

The Ireland Rugby World Cup 2023 Official Bid Committee this morning released a statement wishing Mr. Duffy well. "We are sorry to hear of Paraic Duffy's health episode, and wish him a full and speedy recovery. We look forward to working closely with him again in the very near future as the bid progresses", said the statement.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 21, 2016, 11:50:28 AM
Last paragraph should have said 'We are working with Mr. Duffy's health insurance to cover his premiums for the duration of the World Cup Bid Process and beyond, in the event of any more rugby related incidents'.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on November 21, 2016, 11:55:13 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 21, 2016, 11:50:28 AM
Last paragraph should have said 'We are working with Mr. Duffy's health insurance to cover his premiums for the duration of the World Cup Bid Process and beyond, in the event of any more rugby related incidents'.
Mr. Duffy and other committee members last week received free lifetime health insurance from AVIVA™ Ltd. as part of the deal for the bid.

They're paying for everything.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Maroon Manc on November 21, 2016, 12:01:03 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 20, 2016, 07:41:34 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on November 20, 2016, 06:41:24 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 20, 2016, 06:34:52 PM
A lot of irish supporters doing serious crying on social media. Most would fall into the bandwagon support. Yes New Zealand played on the edge but I wouldn't say they were overly dirty. Cynical yes but not dirty. If Kane and Fekitoa are to be cited then surely Sexton has to be for his high tackle on Barrett.

Going to be an interesting selection ahead of the NZ game.

The problem is someone like me with limited knowledge of the sport is relying on the commentary and listening to the lads on SKY you'd think the ref and TMO were appalling.

Don't mean to be condescending MM. Fans come with all levels and I'm no expert for sure. Just think it's symptomatic in all sports nowadays. Looking to pass the blame off to someone else. We had opportunities we didn't take them. Simple as.

No offence taken at all, I agree.

I'd never heard of Van Der Flier up until a few weeks ago but was very impressed on Saturday. Ireland appear well stocked in that department.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tonto1888 on November 21, 2016, 12:31:57 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 20, 2016, 01:28:38 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 20, 2016, 12:41:21 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 20, 2016, 10:57:09 AM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 20, 2016, 10:32:09 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 20, 2016, 10:28:24 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 20, 2016, 10:21:38 AM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on November 20, 2016, 10:15:57 AM
A sport where one team decided to take the opponents out of the game, caused injuries and weren't penalised?

Why would a parent encourage their child to play this game?

Incidentally, how many players were concussed yesterday?

How do you know there were players concussed?

You should just ignore this bigot folks.  Let him rant away but don't reply.  Its pointless trying to argue with an idiot- years of experience will mean they will come out in top.

I think it's pointless trying to argue against facts, that is why you guys are left clutching at empty insults like "bigots".

You also come out with a whole load of statements which have zero factual basis e.g you stated last week housewife viewing figures for rugby were through the roof?  You pick and choose what you want to reply too.  Your an idiot IMO.  You may think the same about me...i couldnt care less.  But no matter about all your facts which I dont dispute you dont seem to grasp that you are not going to change my opinion on rugby and I would say its the same for everyone else on here who enjoys the sport.

Why do you constantly cone on a thread where 95% of people want to talk about the game in a positive light without your constsnt slating of it.  Cant you not create a I Hate Rugby thread for that?

The fact 4 women were interviewed coming out of the stadium on RTE news yesterday gives my point on housewives credence. They also blamed the referee.

did they state they were housewives?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Trap on November 21, 2016, 01:42:09 PM
I am a rugby fan and I enjoy watching the games but I was listening to RTE Sport yesterday and they had Reggie Corrigan and Hugo McNeil on and I have to say they were talking out of their arses........
They said that Ireland now have 2 players for every position and could deal with injuries............may I remind them of the World Cup game against Argentina.........
I know there is a lot said about RTE bias towards rugby but I think what the rugby people do well is talk themselves up whereas GAA people talk themselves down...........
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 21, 2016, 01:55:42 PM
Quote from: The Trap on November 21, 2016, 01:42:09 PM
I am a rugby fan and I enjoy watching the games but I was listening to RTE Sport yesterday and they had Reggie Corrigan and Hugo McNeil on and I have to say they were talking out of their arses........
They said that Ireland now have 2 players for every position and could deal with injuries............may I remind them of the World Cup game against Argentina.........
I know there is a lot said about RTE bias towards rugby but I think what the rugby people do well is talk themselves up whereas GAA people talk themselves down...........

I think Schmidt has learnt his lesson from the Argentina game but he's also been fortunate that we've consistently had excellent u20 sides now for the past 4/5 years. Looking at the '2' or more players in each position in certain positions the quality in 1st/2nd/3rd choice is greater than others and also there are overlaps.

15. Kearney/Payne/O'Halloran/Zebo
14. Trimble/Gilroy/Adeolokun - Sweetnam in 2017 in my opinion
13. Payne/Ringrose/Marshall
12. Henshaw/Marshall/Olding/McCloskey - Aki in 2017
11. Zebo/Earls
10. Sexton/Jackson/Carberry
9. Murray/Marmion/McGrath - Huge fall off here in terms of talent
8. Heaslip/Stander/O'Donoghue
7. O'Brien/Van der Flier/Murphy
6. Stander/O'Mahony/Leavy
5. Henderson/Ryan
4. Toner/Dillane
3. Furlong/Bealham
2. Best/Cronin
1. McGrath/Healy/Kilcoyne

I'm sure there are more I have missed but thats off the top of my head.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AhNowRef on November 21, 2016, 01:55:56 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 20, 2016, 09:44:27 AM
Quote from: lenny on November 20, 2016, 09:10:18 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 20, 2016, 08:47:31 AM
Quote from: lenny on November 20, 2016, 07:55:51 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 19, 2016, 11:29:39 PM
Quote from: orangeman on November 19, 2016, 11:23:24 PM
Superb effort by the Irish side. New Zealand physically upped their game and inflicted serious damage on the irish players. Ireland I would imagine will be well short next week.
Ireland did everything but cross the line as New Zealand seemed happy to concede penalties to prevent what looked like inevitable irish tries.

Hilarious - glory in yet another home defeat to one of their only competitors in this niche sport.

The attitude in this country to failure in such a shallow pool is probably unique in sport.

You keep saying it's a niche sport. Which suggests that there are numerous other sports which are more mainstream. Apart from soccer name me another sport which is the national sport of 6 countries (Wales, New Zealand, South Africa, France, Fiji and Samoa) and is played professionally in at least 10 countries that I know of.

Rugby is the national sport of 1, yes 1, country with a population of over 1 million and that's New Zealand which has a similar population to Ireland.

Soccer is more popular in Wales, South Africa and France. Fiji has a population of under a million and Samoa has a population similar to that of Donegal.

It very much is a niche sport.

In terms of team sports, it ranks far behind the likes of soccer, basketball, cricket and baseball. There are more professional soccer players in America than their are pro rugby players on the entire planet.

Complete rubbish. Soccer I already said is definitely the most popular team sport worldwide. Basketball might possibly be next with rugby and cricket enjoying similar popularity in terms of being played in roughly the same number of countries. Baseball is really only played seriously in the USA. Even if you were correct you were only able to name 4 sports which means it is hardly niche. Also rugby is far more popular in Wales than soccer. Wales has more professional rugby teams than soccer and when the international team plays rugby is by far the best supported. In France also the rugby team enjoys far greater and more passionate support.

You're lying and I will destroy you on facts here.

Baseball is the most popular sports in countries like Venezuela (population of 30m), Dominican Republic (population of 10m) and a few other central American countries. You're lying

As outlined already New Zealand is the only country in the world with a population of over 1m where rugby is more popular. You're lying

On Wales, once again you are lying. Soccer dominates rugby in participation of adults (210,000) play soccer in Wales compared to rugby (70,000). That's 3:1 in any man's language. You're lying

As for professional teams, rugby has 4 professional sides - the same as soccer has - Swansea, Cardiff, Newport, Wrexham are all professional sides from Wales playing in the English football league. Attendances from these Welsh football sides also dwarf that of their rugby counterparts. Again, you're lying.

The only place where Wales can claim a more popular source in rugby is the popularity of their national team, but like Ireland this is heavily reliant on their rugby side being a big fish in small pond and the chance of success seems to draw people in. In terms of interest with the actual sport, football far outweighs rugby for the reasons listed above.

Cricket is absolutely huge over in the middle east with enormous countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh being cricket mad and it is definitely the number one sport in those countries.

Basketball is the biggest sport in the US and also in quite a few Eastern European countries, it has a very big following in Spain and far eastern countries.

In France, football is the game of the people by an absolute mile. Rugby only has popularity in southern region of the country with absolutely no impact across the rest of the country.

I would like to thank you for showcasing the depths of lying and manipulating the truth that rugby fans will go in order to justify their bizarre placing on the game in a world spectrum.

Now, getting back to my initials question, can you name me another country with a population of over 1m apart from New Zealand (pop 4m) where rugby is the most popular sport in that country?

Wow  :o .. how fecked up are you lad .... this is one serious obsession you have ... go see a specialist immediately  ???

Also, can you move away from Tyrone and support someone else please  ::)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AhNowRef on November 21, 2016, 01:57:59 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 20, 2016, 09:44:27 AM
Quote from: lenny on November 20, 2016, 09:10:18 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 20, 2016, 08:47:31 AM
Quote from: lenny on November 20, 2016, 07:55:51 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 19, 2016, 11:29:39 PM
Quote from: orangeman on November 19, 2016, 11:23:24 PM
Superb effort by the Irish side. New Zealand physically upped their game and inflicted serious damage on the irish players. Ireland I would imagine will be well short next week.
Ireland did everything but cross the line as New Zealand seemed happy to concede penalties to prevent what looked like inevitable irish tries.

Hilarious - glory in yet another home defeat to one of their only competitors in this niche sport.

The attitude in this country to failure in such a shallow pool is probably unique in sport.

You keep saying it's a niche sport. Which suggests that there are numerous other sports which are more mainstream. Apart from soccer name me another sport which is the national sport of 6 countries (Wales, New Zealand, South Africa, France, Fiji and Samoa) and is played professionally in at least 10 countries that I know of.

Rugby is the national sport of 1, yes 1, country with a population of over 1 million and that's New Zealand which has a similar population to Ireland.

Soccer is more popular in Wales, South Africa and France. Fiji has a population of under a million and Samoa has a population similar to that of Donegal.

It very much is a niche sport.

In terms of team sports, it ranks far behind the likes of soccer, basketball, cricket and baseball. There are more professional soccer players in America than their are pro rugby players on the entire planet.

Complete rubbish. Soccer I already said is definitely the most popular team sport worldwide. Basketball might possibly be next with rugby and cricket enjoying similar popularity in terms of being played in roughly the same number of countries. Baseball is really only played seriously in the USA. Even if you were correct you were only able to name 4 sports which means it is hardly niche. Also rugby is far more popular in Wales than soccer. Wales has more professional rugby teams than soccer and when the international team plays rugby is by far the best supported. In France also the rugby team enjoys far greater and more passionate support.

You're lying and I will destroy you on facts here.


I have to admit though ... that bit is funny ... what a tool  ;D lmfao
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Stallion on November 21, 2016, 02:06:08 PM
Seems like he did destroy him on facts to be fair.

Hard to come back from that mauling with any dignity.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 21, 2016, 02:18:36 PM
Quote from: The Stallion on November 21, 2016, 02:06:08 PM
Seems like he did destroy him on facts to be fair.

Hard to come back from that mauling with any dignity.

Slide you on ye bo**ix, masquerading on here as a Glen man. Prat!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on November 21, 2016, 02:59:14 PM
Quote from: The Trap on November 21, 2016, 01:42:09 PM
I am a rugby fan and I enjoy watching the games but I was listening to RTE Sport yesterday and they had Reggie Corrigan and Hugo McNeil on and I have to say they were talking out of their arses........
They said that Ireland now have 2 players for every position and could deal with injuries............may I remind them of the World Cup game against Argentina.........
I know there is a lot said about RTE bias towards rugby but I think what the rugby people do well is talk themselves up whereas GAA people talk themselves down...........

Gaelic football people talk themselves down...


As for the rugby it was very clear from the start that the All blacks meant serious business and the first exchanges were as frenetic as you'll see anywhere. Ireland were doing very well to hang in there, but always in the backs of your mind that the defence would ultimately run out of steam for a barrage of tries. To Ireland's credit in terms of mental and physical strength, that really didn't materialise and Ireland had a good bit of possession in the second half, ideally should have done more with it, but it wasn't the AB romp home that we'd come to expect.

The high arm leading into the tackle needs to be sorted out, Henshaw spiraled into one, but would have got clobbered by it anyway, not sure how it could have been seen as accidental, but alas the referee let it go and the AB's knew where they stood on it, so did Ireland and should have given Barrett a bit of a wallop just to soften a few AB coughs!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lenny on November 21, 2016, 03:17:40 PM
Quote from: The Stallion on November 21, 2016, 02:06:08 PM
Seems like he did destroy him on facts to be fair.

Hard to come back from that mauling with any dignity.

Only a mauling if you haven't the intelligence to interpret those said facts. Bomber said that rugby is a niche sport and I argued that it is one of the most popular team sports in the world. I stand over my statement that the national sport of Wales is rugby and arguably France and South Africa also. Participation levels are only one measure of how popular a sport is and IMO isn't the most important. To give you an example would anybody seriously try to argue that soccer is more popular in the US than American football. Yet there are 50% more people who play soccer in the US than American football. Television viewing figures, numbers of spectators at matches, sponsorship etc are all better measures of where a sport stands in the hearts and minds of the population. American football is part of American society in a way that soccer never will be and yet 50% more people play soccer. If you do any search of the most popular team sports in the world rugby will be in the top 5 or 6 every time. That means it is way more than a niche sport. Only a complete stubborn idiot like bomber would try to argue that rugby isn't the national sport of Wales and isn't its most popular sport. Bomber likes to state "facts" which have absolutely no basis in reality like "rugby has really taken off among housewives" and "loads of people have started to like rugby in their 20s, 30s and 40s". These are rubbish "facts" and that's why I haven't bothered responding before now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AhNowRef on November 21, 2016, 04:28:36 PM
You just have to laugh at anyone who has so much bile in them against something that they feel the continued need to go on a forum to spew it out, when the sensible thing to do would be to ignore it, dont watch the sport in question and dont go to website forums where people who love it are hanging out ... Why put yourself through all that hassle  :-\

Jeez, its worse than the DUP Councillor Maurice Morrow's constant whinging about no traffic wardens in Coalisland ... Just bitter aul sh1te  >:(

There's definitely a deeper reason behind all this hate against Rugby by some lads though.. ... and the same boys love the saccer ... you have to laugh at them for sure !!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: OgraAnDun on November 21, 2016, 04:32:20 PM
Quote from: AhNowRef on November 21, 2016, 04:28:36 PM
You just have to laugh at anyone who has so much bile in them against something that they feel the continued need to go on a forum to spew it out, when the sensible thing to do would be to ignore it, dont watch the sport in question and dont go to website forums where people who love it are hanging out ... Why put yourself through all that hassle  :-\

Jeez, its worse than the DUP Councillor Maurice Morrow's constant whinging about no traffic wardens in Coalisland ... Just bitter aul sh1te  >:(

There's definitely a deeper reason behind all this hate against Rugby by some lads though.. ... and the same boys love the saccer ... you have to laugh at them for sure !!!

It's called trolling and enough people here were caught in the trick to make it completely worth his while. I don't for a minute believe he actually holds those views (or views that strong anyway).
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AhNowRef on November 21, 2016, 04:40:50 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on November 21, 2016, 04:32:20 PM
Quote from: AhNowRef on November 21, 2016, 04:28:36 PM
You just have to laugh at anyone who has so much bile in them against something that they feel the continued need to go on a forum to spew it out, when the sensible thing to do would be to ignore it, dont watch the sport in question and dont go to website forums where people who love it are hanging out ... Why put yourself through all that hassle  :-\

Jeez, its worse than the DUP Councillor Maurice Morrow's constant whinging about no traffic wardens in Coalisland ... Just bitter aul sh1te  >:(

There's definitely a deeper reason behind all this hate against Rugby by some lads though.. ... and the same boys love the saccer ... you have to laugh at them for sure !!!

It's called trolling and enough people here were caught in the trick to make it completely worth his while. I don't for a minute believe he actually holds those views (or views that strong anyway).

Yeah I thought that at the start too but to keep it going this long ... seems a little much ...

I still think one or two of them either think all Rugby players/supporters are posh t**ts (wrong ..) or got their eyes wiped in some way ... the HATE seems genuine  :o lol

funny stuff though  ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on November 21, 2016, 07:42:10 PM
Quote from: AhNowRef on November 21, 2016, 04:40:50 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on November 21, 2016, 04:32:20 PM
Quote from: AhNowRef on November 21, 2016, 04:28:36 PM
You just have to laugh at anyone who has so much bile in them against something that they feel the continued need to go on a forum to spew it out, when the sensible thing to do would be to ignore it, dont watch the sport in question and dont go to website forums where people who love it are hanging out ... Why put yourself through all that hassle  :-\

Jeez, its worse than the DUP Councillor Maurice Morrow's constant whinging about no traffic wardens in Coalisland ... Just bitter aul sh1te  >:(

There's definitely a deeper reason behind all this hate against Rugby by some lads though.. ... and the same boys love the saccer ... you have to laugh at them for sure !!!

It's called trolling and enough people here were caught in the trick to make it completely worth his while. I don't for a minute believe he actually holds those views (or views that strong anyway).

Yeah I thought that at the start too but to keep it going this long ... seems a little much ...

I still think one or two of them either think all Rugby players/supporters are posh t**ts (wrong ..) or got their eyes wiped in some way ... the HATE seems genuine  :o lol

funny stuff though  ;D
Hilarious to read and hear all the rugby pundits defending the ABs as not being a malicious or dirty team!

They've always been the dirtiest and biggest cheaters in world rugby
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 21, 2016, 07:47:25 PM
I thought our best line against the ABs over the two games, was the back row. And that was without Peter O'Mahony!

Now, how many of them will Gatland start for the Lions?

My guess is none. With maybe O'Brien travelling if fit.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 21, 2016, 08:00:56 PM
Quote from: tonto1888 on November 21, 2016, 12:31:57 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 20, 2016, 01:28:38 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 20, 2016, 12:41:21 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 20, 2016, 10:57:09 AM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 20, 2016, 10:32:09 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 20, 2016, 10:28:24 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 20, 2016, 10:21:38 AM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on November 20, 2016, 10:15:57 AM
A sport where one team decided to take the opponents out of the game, caused injuries and weren't penalised?

Why would a parent encourage their child to play this game?

Incidentally, how many players were concussed yesterday?

How do you know there were players concussed?

You should just ignore this bigot folks.  Let him rant away but don't reply.  Its pointless trying to argue with an idiot- years of experience will mean they will come out in top.

I think it's pointless trying to argue against facts, that is why you guys are left clutching at empty insults like "bigots".

You also come out with a whole load of statements which have zero factual basis e.g you stated last week housewife viewing figures for rugby were through the roof?  You pick and choose what you want to reply too.  Your an idiot IMO.  You may think the same about me...i couldnt care less.  But no matter about all your facts which I dont dispute you dont seem to grasp that you are not going to change my opinion on rugby and I would say its the same for everyone else on here who enjoys the sport.

Why do you constantly cone on a thread where 95% of people want to talk about the game in a positive light without your constsnt slating of it.  Cant you not create a I Hate Rugby thread for that?

The fact 4 women were interviewed coming out of the stadium on RTE news yesterday gives my point on housewives credence. They also blamed the referee.

did they state they were housewives?

One was an 8 year old girl, the rugby side probably battle for wall space with Ed Sheeran or One Direction.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 21, 2016, 08:07:50 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 21, 2016, 03:17:40 PM
Quote from: The Stallion on November 21, 2016, 02:06:08 PM
Seems like he did destroy him on facts to be fair.

Hard to come back from that mauling with any dignity.

Only a mauling if you haven't the intelligence to interpret those said facts. Bomber said that rugby is a niche sport and I argued that it is one of the most popular team sports in the world. I stand over my statement that the national sport of Wales is rugby and arguably France and South Africa also. Participation levels are only one measure of how popular a sport is and IMO isn't the most important. To give you an example would anybody seriously try to argue that soccer is more popular in the US than American football. Yet there are 50% more people who play soccer in the US than American football. Television viewing figures, numbers of spectators at matches, sponsorship etc are all better measures of where a sport stands in the hearts and minds of the population. American football is part of American society in a way that soccer never will be and yet 50% more people play soccer. If you do any search of the most popular team sports in the world rugby will be in the top 5 or 6 every time. That means it is way more than a niche sport. Only a complete stubborn idiot like bomber would try to argue that rugby isn't the national sport of Wales and isn't its most popular sport. Bomber likes to state "facts" which have absolutely no basis in reality like "rugby has really taken off among housewives" and "loads of people have started to like rugby in their 20s, 30s and 40s". These are rubbish "facts" and that's why I haven't bothered responding before now.

You laughed when I said baseball was more popular than rugby, I think you have quite a contorted version of rugby's standing in a global sense, it is only popular in some commonwealth and ex commonwealth countries and only one country in the world has it as their main sport - New Zealand with a population of about 4.5m.

Of course I will argue rugby is not the national sport of Wales when attendances at weekly football matches outweigh rugby and three times more people play football than rugby. The only sign that rugby is more popular is that the national team tend to draw bigger attendances due to the fact they have a much better chance of winning something, rugby in Wales much like Ireland attracts the event junkies.

Bale probably earns more than the whole rugby team together.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 21, 2016, 08:09:42 PM
Quote from: AhNowRef on November 21, 2016, 04:28:36 PM
You just have to laugh at anyone who has so much bile in them against something that they feel the continued need to go on a forum to spew it out, when the sensible thing to do would be to ignore it, dont watch the sport in question and dont go to website forums where people who love it are hanging out ... Why put yourself through all that hassle  :-\

Jeez, its worse than the DUP Councillor Maurice Morrow's constant whinging about no traffic wardens in Coalisland ... Just bitter aul sh1te  >:(

There's definitely a deeper reason behind all this hate against Rugby by some lads though.. ... and the same boys love the saccer ... you have to laugh at them for sure !!!

Football is the greatest sport on the earth.

Rugby is a game taken seriously by 7/8 different countries who have links to the British commonwealth. Only one of those countries have it as their main sport.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lenny on November 21, 2016, 08:21:13 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 21, 2016, 08:09:42 PM
Quote from: AhNowRef on November 21, 2016, 04:28:36 PM
You just have to laugh at anyone who has so much bile in them against something that they feel the continued need to go on a forum to spew it out, when the sensible thing to do would be to ignore it, dont watch the sport in question and dont go to website forums where people who love it are hanging out ... Why put yourself through all that hassle  :-\

Jeez, its worse than the DUP Councillor Maurice Morrow's constant whinging about no traffic wardens in Coalisland ... Just bitter aul sh1te  >:(

There's definitely a deeper reason behind all this hate against Rugby by some lads though.. ... and the same boys love the saccer ... you have to laugh at them for sure !!!

Football is the greatest sport on the earth.

Rugby is a game taken seriously by 7/8 different countries who have links to the British commonwealth. Only one of those countries have it as their main sport.

Only an imbecile would try to argue that it isn't the national sport of Wales. It is also the national sport of Fiji and Samoa. It is one of the very top sports of England, France, South Africa.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 21, 2016, 08:24:49 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 21, 2016, 08:21:13 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 21, 2016, 08:09:42 PM
Quote from: AhNowRef on November 21, 2016, 04:28:36 PM
You just have to laugh at anyone who has so much bile in them against something that they feel the continued need to go on a forum to spew it out, when the sensible thing to do would be to ignore it, dont watch the sport in question and dont go to website forums where people who love it are hanging out ... Why put yourself through all that hassle  :-\

Jeez, its worse than the DUP Councillor Maurice Morrow's constant whinging about no traffic wardens in Coalisland ... Just bitter aul sh1te  >:(

There's definitely a deeper reason behind all this hate against Rugby by some lads though.. ... and the same boys love the saccer ... you have to laugh at them for sure !!!

Football is the greatest sport on the earth.

Rugby is a game taken seriously by 7/8 different countries who have links to the British commonwealth. Only one of those countries have it as their main sport.

Only an imbecile would try to argue that it isn't the national sport of Wales. It is also the national sport of Fiji and Samoa. It is one of the very top sports of England, France, South Africa.

Football outweighs it in participation and attendances in Wales. Only an idiot would completely ignore facts when making a conclusion. Like in Ireland, soccer is by far the greater sport but the national rugby side are the darlings of the nation because they play in a niche sport so the bandwagoners will be there due to the chance of success.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on November 21, 2016, 08:29:31 PM
Only an idiot would say paul o'connell is a giant freak who has achieved nothing though bomber :o
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 21, 2016, 08:32:52 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on November 21, 2016, 08:29:31 PM
Only an idiot would say paul o'connell is a giant freak who has achieved nothing though bomber :o

Why? I'd say O'Connell would struggle to trap a football, I'd say he'd struggle with anything that would involve anything technical. He'd probably make a decent weightlifter of something.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lenny on November 21, 2016, 08:33:35 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 21, 2016, 08:07:50 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 21, 2016, 03:17:40 PM
Quote from: The Stallion on November 21, 2016, 02:06:08 PM
Seems like he did destroy him on facts to be fair.

Hard to come back from that mauling with any dignity.

Only a mauling if you haven't the intelligence to interpret those said facts. Bomber said that rugby is a niche sport and I argued that it is one of the most popular team sports in the world. I stand over my statement that the national sport of Wales is rugby and arguably France and South Africa also. Participation levels are only one measure of how popular a sport is and IMO isn't the most important. To give you an example would anybody seriously try to argue that soccer is more popular in the US than American football. Yet there are 50% more people who play soccer in the US than American football. Television viewing figures, numbers of spectators at matches, sponsorship etc are all better measures of where a sport stands in the hearts and minds of the population. American football is part of American society in a way that soccer never will be and yet 50% more people play soccer. If you do any search of the most popular team sports in the world rugby will be in the top 5 or 6 every time. That means it is way more than a niche sport. Only a complete stubborn idiot like bomber would try to argue that rugby isn't the national sport of Wales and isn't its most popular sport. Bomber likes to state "facts" which have absolutely no basis in reality like "rugby has really taken off among housewives" and "loads of people have started to like rugby in their 20s, 30s and 40s". These are rubbish "facts" and that's why I haven't bothered responding before now.

You laughed when I said baseball was more popular than rugby, I think you have quite a contorted version of rugby's standing in a global sense, it is only popular in some commonwealth and ex commonwealth countries and only one country in the world has it as their main sport - New Zealand with a population of about 4.5m.

Of course I will argue rugby is not the national sport of Wales when attendances at weekly football matches outweigh rugby and three times more people play football than rugby. The only sign that rugby is more popular is that the national team tend to draw bigger attendances due to the fact they have a much better chance of winning something, rugby in Wales much like Ireland attracts the event junkies.

Bale probably earns more than the whole rugby team together.

Rugby is played worldwide and on all continents. Baseball has no participation levels anywhere in Europe, Africa or the Australias. It's only played in America, Latin America and Japan and isn't the national sport of too many countries. By any measure rugby is in the top 5 or 6 team sports in the world in terms of popularity. For such a terrible sport as you claim you take an awful big interest in it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lenny on November 21, 2016, 08:37:22 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 21, 2016, 08:24:49 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 21, 2016, 08:21:13 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 21, 2016, 08:09:42 PM
Quote from: AhNowRef on November 21, 2016, 04:28:36 PM
You just have to laugh at anyone who has so much bile in them against something that they feel the continued need to go on a forum to spew it out, when the sensible thing to do would be to ignore it, dont watch the sport in question and dont go to website forums where people who love it are hanging out ... Why put yourself through all that hassle  :-\

Jeez, its worse than the DUP Councillor Maurice Morrow's constant whinging about no traffic wardens in Coalisland ... Just bitter aul sh1te  >:(

There's definitely a deeper reason behind all this hate against Rugby by some lads though.. ... and the same boys love the saccer ... you have to laugh at them for sure !!!

Football is the greatest sport on the earth.

Rugby is a game taken seriously by 7/8 different countries who have links to the British commonwealth. Only one of those countries have it as their main sport.

Only an imbecile would try to argue that it isn't the national sport of Wales. It is also the national sport of Fiji and Samoa. It is one of the very top sports of England, France, South Africa.

Football outweighs it in participation and attendances in Wales. Only an idiot would completely ignore facts when making a conclusion. Like in Ireland, soccer is by far the greater sport but the national rugby side are the darlings of the nation because they play in a niche sport so the bandwagoners will be there due to the chance of success.

You keep talking about Ireland underachieving and in the same breath you say that people are only interested in rugby because they are jumping on the bandwagon and want the chance of success. That's totally contradictory but it's typical of your arguments.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 21, 2016, 08:40:00 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 21, 2016, 08:33:35 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 21, 2016, 08:07:50 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 21, 2016, 03:17:40 PM
Quote from: The Stallion on November 21, 2016, 02:06:08 PM
Seems like he did destroy him on facts to be fair.

Hard to come back from that mauling with any dignity.

Only a mauling if you haven't the intelligence to interpret those said facts. Bomber said that rugby is a niche sport and I argued that it is one of the most popular team sports in the world. I stand over my statement that the national sport of Wales is rugby and arguably France and South Africa also. Participation levels are only one measure of how popular a sport is and IMO isn't the most important. To give you an example would anybody seriously try to argue that soccer is more popular in the US than American football. Yet there are 50% more people who play soccer in the US than American football. Television viewing figures, numbers of spectators at matches, sponsorship etc are all better measures of where a sport stands in the hearts and minds of the population. American football is part of American society in a way that soccer never will be and yet 50% more people play soccer. If you do any search of the most popular team sports in the world rugby will be in the top 5 or 6 every time. That means it is way more than a niche sport. Only a complete stubborn idiot like bomber would try to argue that rugby isn't the national sport of Wales and isn't its most popular sport. Bomber likes to state "facts" which have absolutely no basis in reality like "rugby has really taken off among housewives" and "loads of people have started to like rugby in their 20s, 30s and 40s". These are rubbish "facts" and that's why I haven't bothered responding before now.

You laughed when I said baseball was more popular than rugby, I think you have quite a contorted version of rugby's standing in a global sense, it is only popular in some commonwealth and ex commonwealth countries and only one country in the world has it as their main sport - New Zealand with a population of about 4.5m.

Of course I will argue rugby is not the national sport of Wales when attendances at weekly football matches outweigh rugby and three times more people play football than rugby. The only sign that rugby is more popular is that the national team tend to draw bigger attendances due to the fact they have a much better chance of winning something, rugby in Wales much like Ireland attracts the event junkies.

Bale probably earns more than the whole rugby team together.

Rugby is played worldwide and on all continents. Baseball has no participation levels anywhere in Europe, Africa or the Australias. It's only played in America, Latin America and Japan and isn't the national sport of too many countries. By any measure rugby is in the top 5 or 6 team sports in the world in terms of popularity. For such a terrible sport as you claim you take an awful big interest in it.

More lies.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confederation_of_European_Baseball

Venezuela is a country of 30 million, Dominican Republic, a country of 10 million - baseball is the biggest sport in these countries and few other nations in Central America.

The only country with a population of over 1m that rugby is the main sport in, is New Zealand - that's a fact. I know you're not too good as grasping them and your usual response is misinformation.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 21, 2016, 08:42:42 PM
Lenny don't entertain this sectarian bigot! Sure he thinks Celtic are an Irish club  :D :D :D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 21, 2016, 08:44:17 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 21, 2016, 08:37:22 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 21, 2016, 08:24:49 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 21, 2016, 08:21:13 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 21, 2016, 08:09:42 PM
Quote from: AhNowRef on November 21, 2016, 04:28:36 PM
You just have to laugh at anyone who has so much bile in them against something that they feel the continued need to go on a forum to spew it out, when the sensible thing to do would be to ignore it, dont watch the sport in question and dont go to website forums where people who love it are hanging out ... Why put yourself through all that hassle  :-\

Jeez, its worse than the DUP Councillor Maurice Morrow's constant whinging about no traffic wardens in Coalisland ... Just bitter aul sh1te  >:(

There's definitely a deeper reason behind all this hate against Rugby by some lads though.. ... and the same boys love the saccer ... you have to laugh at them for sure !!!

Football is the greatest sport on the earth.

Rugby is a game taken seriously by 7/8 different countries who have links to the British commonwealth. Only one of those countries have it as their main sport.

Only an imbecile would try to argue that it isn't the national sport of Wales. It is also the national sport of Fiji and Samoa. It is one of the very top sports of England, France, South Africa.

Football outweighs it in participation and attendances in Wales. Only an idiot would completely ignore facts when making a conclusion. Like in Ireland, soccer is by far the greater sport but the national rugby side are the darlings of the nation because they play in a niche sport so the bandwagoners will be there due to the chance of success.

You keep talking about Ireland underachieving and in the same breath you say that people are only interested in rugby because they are jumping on the bandwagon and want the chance of success. That's totally contradictory but it's typical of your arguments.

Not contradictory, I feel you're just showing the limitations of your comprehensions

The West Britain rugby side don't even have to qualify for major tournaments, they play an annual round robin tournament involving 5 other teams (only 3 of those 5 other teams have a reasonable interest in the game) that has bizarre standing in this country. They get automatic qualification to the World Cup and consistently fail to break the top 4 despite them being one of the few teams who take the game seriously.

Of course the rugby side have more chance of being successful in rugby but that doesn't stop them from shitting their togs every time the crunch comes to it.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Zulu on November 21, 2016, 08:45:30 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 21, 2016, 08:32:52 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on November 21, 2016, 08:29:31 PM
Only an idiot would say paul o'connell is a giant freak who has achieved nothing though bomber :o

Why? I'd say O'Connell would struggle to trap a football, I'd say he'd struggle with anything that would involve anything technical. He'd probably make a decent weightlifter of something.

He played off a 4 handicap in golf and was a notable swimmer too if I'm not mistaken. Soccer is not the national sport of Wales anymore than it is the national sport here. It's odd that you use attendance of domestic soccer in Wales to argue that it's more popular than rugby but dismiss the paltry attendances here.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lenny on November 21, 2016, 08:48:29 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 21, 2016, 08:40:00 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 21, 2016, 08:33:35 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 21, 2016, 08:07:50 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 21, 2016, 03:17:40 PM
Quote from: The Stallion on November 21, 2016, 02:06:08 PM
Seems like he did destroy him on facts to be fair.

Hard to come back from that mauling with any dignity.

Only a mauling if you haven't the intelligence to interpret those said facts. Bomber said that rugby is a niche sport and I argued that it is one of the most popular team sports in the world. I stand over my statement that the national sport of Wales is rugby and arguably France and South Africa also. Participation levels are only one measure of how popular a sport is and IMO isn't the most important. To give you an example would anybody seriously try to argue that soccer is more popular in the US than American football. Yet there are 50% more people who play soccer in the US than American football. Television viewing figures, numbers of spectators at matches, sponsorship etc are all better measures of where a sport stands in the hearts and minds of the population. American football is part of American society in a way that soccer never will be and yet 50% more people play soccer. If you do any search of the most popular team sports in the world rugby will be in the top 5 or 6 every time. That means it is way more than a niche sport. Only a complete stubborn idiot like bomber would try to argue that rugby isn't the national sport of Wales and isn't its most popular sport. Bomber likes to state "facts" which have absolutely no basis in reality like "rugby has really taken off among housewives" and "loads of people have started to like rugby in their 20s, 30s and 40s". These are rubbish "facts" and that's why I haven't bothered responding before now.

You laughed when I said baseball was more popular than rugby, I think you have quite a contorted version of rugby's standing in a global sense, it is only popular in some commonwealth and ex commonwealth countries and only one country in the world has it as their main sport - New Zealand with a population of about 4.5m.

Of course I will argue rugby is not the national sport of Wales when attendances at weekly football matches outweigh rugby and three times more people play football than rugby. The only sign that rugby is more popular is that the national team tend to draw bigger attendances due to the fact they have a much better chance of winning something, rugby in Wales much like Ireland attracts the event junkies.

Bale probably earns more than the whole rugby team together.

Rugby is played worldwide and on all continents. Baseball has no participation levels anywhere in Europe, Africa or the Australias. It's only played in America, Latin America and Japan and isn't the national sport of too many countries. By any measure rugby is in the top 5 or 6 team sports in the world in terms of popularity. For such a terrible sport as you claim you take an awful big interest in it.

More lies.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confederation_of_European_Baseball

Venezuela is a country of 30 million, Dominican Republic, a country of 10 million - baseball is the biggest sport in these countries and few other nations in Central America.

The only country with a population of over 1m that rugby is the main sport in, is New Zealand - that's a fact. I know you're not too good as grasping them and your usual response is misinformation.

I agreed with you re latin america. If you're going to count european baseball as serious then you have to include countries like uruguay, romania, namibia, uganda and zimbabwe as taking rugby seriously. That's as well as Italy, Argentina, Canada, USA, Japan and all the bigger more traditional rugby teams.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 21, 2016, 08:49:24 PM
Quote from: Zulu on November 21, 2016, 08:45:30 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 21, 2016, 08:32:52 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on November 21, 2016, 08:29:31 PM
Only an idiot would say paul o'connell is a giant freak who has achieved nothing though bomber :o

Why? I'd say O'Connell would struggle to trap a football, I'd say he'd struggle with anything that would involve anything technical. He'd probably make a decent weightlifter of something.

He played off a 4 handicap in golf and was a notable swimmer too if I'm not mistaken. Soccer is not the national sport of Wales anymore than it is the national sport here. It's odd that you use attendance of domestic soccer in Wales to argue that it's more popular than rugby but dismiss the paltry attendances here.

The Welsh domestic attendances are even worse than the League of Ireland but the average attendances of Welsh teams in the English League Football would surpass that of the Provinces in Ireland.

Irish football fans are obsessed with English league football because that is where the money is and that is where all the best Irish players, ideally we'd have a thriving domestic league but the landscapes don't allow for that. Maybe Ireland should amalgamate all their clubs into four sides and go and have them compete in a cross channel league? You see what I did there?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 21, 2016, 08:51:45 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 21, 2016, 08:48:29 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 21, 2016, 08:40:00 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 21, 2016, 08:33:35 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 21, 2016, 08:07:50 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 21, 2016, 03:17:40 PM
Quote from: The Stallion on November 21, 2016, 02:06:08 PM
Seems like he did destroy him on facts to be fair.

Hard to come back from that mauling with any dignity.

Only a mauling if you haven't the intelligence to interpret those said facts. Bomber said that rugby is a niche sport and I argued that it is one of the most popular team sports in the world. I stand over my statement that the national sport of Wales is rugby and arguably France and South Africa also. Participation levels are only one measure of how popular a sport is and IMO isn't the most important. To give you an example would anybody seriously try to argue that soccer is more popular in the US than American football. Yet there are 50% more people who play soccer in the US than American football. Television viewing figures, numbers of spectators at matches, sponsorship etc are all better measures of where a sport stands in the hearts and minds of the population. American football is part of American society in a way that soccer never will be and yet 50% more people play soccer. If you do any search of the most popular team sports in the world rugby will be in the top 5 or 6 every time. That means it is way more than a niche sport. Only a complete stubborn idiot like bomber would try to argue that rugby isn't the national sport of Wales and isn't its most popular sport. Bomber likes to state "facts" which have absolutely no basis in reality like "rugby has really taken off among housewives" and "loads of people have started to like rugby in their 20s, 30s and 40s". These are rubbish "facts" and that's why I haven't bothered responding before now.

You laughed when I said baseball was more popular than rugby, I think you have quite a contorted version of rugby's standing in a global sense, it is only popular in some commonwealth and ex commonwealth countries and only one country in the world has it as their main sport - New Zealand with a population of about 4.5m.

Of course I will argue rugby is not the national sport of Wales when attendances at weekly football matches outweigh rugby and three times more people play football than rugby. The only sign that rugby is more popular is that the national team tend to draw bigger attendances due to the fact they have a much better chance of winning something, rugby in Wales much like Ireland attracts the event junkies.

Bale probably earns more than the whole rugby team together.

Rugby is played worldwide and on all continents. Baseball has no participation levels anywhere in Europe, Africa or the Australias. It's only played in America, Latin America and Japan and isn't the national sport of too many countries. By any measure rugby is in the top 5 or 6 team sports in the world in terms of popularity. For such a terrible sport as you claim you take an awful big interest in it.

More lies.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confederation_of_European_Baseball

Venezuela is a country of 30 million, Dominican Republic, a country of 10 million - baseball is the biggest sport in these countries and few other nations in Central America.

The only country with a population of over 1m that rugby is the main sport in, is New Zealand - that's a fact. I know you're not too good as grasping them and your usual response is misinformation.

I agreed with you re latin america. If you're going to count european baseball as serious then you have to include countries like uruguay, romania, namibia, uganda and zimbabwe as taking rugby seriously. That's as well as Italy, Argentina, Canada, USA, Japan and all the bigger more traditional rugby teams.

Isn't rugby just a subculture for cannibals in Uruguay?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Zulu on November 21, 2016, 09:00:46 PM
Irish soccer supporters interest in English soccer has nothing to do with the 'best' Irish players, it wouldn't matter one iota if there were no Irish playing there. Our interest in soccer is wafer thin in reality, if it wasn't we'd support our own teams the way we do in the GAA. The high participation rate is more to do with the nature of the game than it's popularity in Ireland (& elsewhere too probably). I don't mind why Irish people support English or Scottish soccer teams that barely represent their own localities anymore let alone the Irish bandwagoners but I just find it odd that you hammer rugby supporters for recently supporting Irish teams while we've always jumped on the latest soccer bandwagon. Remember when Irish were going by the boatloads to Sunderland games when Keane and Quinn were involved but don't anymore? Thankfully GAA is king here and long may it continue.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 21, 2016, 09:03:31 PM
Quote from: Zulu on November 21, 2016, 09:00:46 PM
Irish soccer supporters interest in English soccer has nothing to do with the 'best' Irish players, it wouldn't matter one iota if there were no Irish playing there. Our interest in soccer is wafer thin in reality, if it wasn't we'd support our own teams the way we do in the GAA. The high participation rate is more to do with the nature of the game than it's popularity in Ireland (& elsewhere too probably). I don't mind why Irish people support English or Scottish soccer teams that barely represent their own localities anymore let alone the Irish bandwagoners but I just find it odd that you hammer rugby supporters for recently supporting Irish teams while we've always jumped on the latest soccer bandwagon. Remember when Irish were going by the boatloads to Sunderland games when Keane and Quinn were involved but don't anymore? Thankfully GAA is king here and long may it continue.

Incorrect.

Shamrock Rovers had average attendances of 20k prior to the 1970s.

GAA is not king, it's a rural game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on November 21, 2016, 09:07:24 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 21, 2016, 08:32:52 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on November 21, 2016, 08:29:31 PM
Only an idiot would say paul o'connell is a giant freak who has achieved nothing though bomber :o

Why? I'd say O'Connell would struggle to trap a football, I'd say he'd struggle with anything that would involve anything technical. He'd probably make a decent weightlifter of something.

Nothing technical in a rugby tackle then or the game he played- no?

Quite insulting lamguage for an irish sporting hero some might say.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Zulu on November 21, 2016, 09:08:11 PM
Where are they all now? Rovers still exist I presume? Aye, no GAA clubs in Dublin or supporters attending their games, same for Waterford city, Limerick city, Cork city and major towns like Portlaoise, Ennis, Dungarvan, Tullamore, Clonakilty, Mallow. You're genuinely having a laugh now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 21, 2016, 09:08:59 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on November 21, 2016, 09:07:24 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 21, 2016, 08:32:52 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on November 21, 2016, 08:29:31 PM
Only an idiot would say paul o'connell is a giant freak who has achieved nothing though bomber :o

Why? I'd say O'Connell would struggle to trap a football, I'd say he'd struggle with anything that would involve anything technical. He'd probably make a decent weightlifter of something.

Nothing technical in a rugby tackle then or the game he played- no?

Quite insulting lamguage for an irish sporting hero some might say.

Not really, it's a primitive game played by guys who failed at real sports.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 21, 2016, 09:12:25 PM
Quote from: Zulu on November 21, 2016, 09:08:11 PM
Where are they all now? Rovers still exist I presume? Aye, no GAA clubs in Dublin or supporters attending their games, same for Waterford city, Limerick city, Cork city and major towns like Portlaoise, Ennis, Dungarvan, Tullamore, Clonakilty, Mallow. You're genuinely having a laugh now.

You cannot ignore the notable changes that have taken place in that time. English football is probably a trillion pound game at this rate, right on the doorstep of Ireland, live TV games etc, dilution of the quality of the best teams.

Now if Ireland amalgamated all the clubs into four sides and went and took part in a cross channel league, you would certainly see a massive bump in the attendances of Irish club sides but I think that would be a pathetic route to take.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Zulu on November 21, 2016, 09:21:21 PM
So the passionate Irish soccer fan jacked in watching their own team, the team their Dad supported, their local heroes, the embodiment of who they are because they could watch multinational teams of mercenaries represent cities they may never have been to? Doesn't sound like we are very loyal to the sport, more like bandwagon supporters I think. Now GAA, that's very different and despite all these TV soccer games we still manage to get off our arses and go watch GAA games in good numbers. Even many club games can get thousands and that's a level well below IC so it appears us Irish don't just watch top level GAA we are passionate about it all.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on November 21, 2016, 09:26:52 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 21, 2016, 09:08:59 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on November 21, 2016, 09:07:24 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 21, 2016, 08:32:52 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on November 21, 2016, 08:29:31 PM
Only an idiot would say paul o'connell is a giant freak who has achieved nothing though bomber :o

Why? I'd say O'Connell would struggle to trap a football, I'd say he'd struggle with anything that would involve anything technical. He'd probably make a decent weightlifter of something.

Nothing technical in a rugby tackle then or the game he played- no?

Quite insulting lamguage for an irish sporting hero some might say.

Not really, it's a primitive game played by guys who failed at real sports.

What did o'connell fail at?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 21, 2016, 09:27:18 PM
Quote from: Zulu on November 21, 2016, 09:21:21 PM
So the passionate Irish soccer fan jacked in watching their own team, the team their Dad supported, their local heroes, the embodiment of who they are because they could watch multinational teams of mercenaries represent cities they may never have been to? Doesn't sound like we are very loyal to the sport, more like bandwagon supporters I think. Now GAA, that's very different and despite all these TV soccer games we still manage to get off our arses and go watch GAA games in good numbers. Even many club games can get thousands and that's a level well below IC so it appears us Irish don't just watch top level GAA we are passionate about it all.

They're still loyal to the sport, the team? Maybe not, but that's not really the issue.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 21, 2016, 09:28:00 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on November 21, 2016, 09:26:52 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 21, 2016, 09:08:59 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on November 21, 2016, 09:07:24 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 21, 2016, 08:32:52 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on November 21, 2016, 08:29:31 PM
Only an idiot would say paul o'connell is a giant freak who has achieved nothing though bomber :o

Why? I'd say O'Connell would struggle to trap a football, I'd say he'd struggle with anything that would involve anything technical. He'd probably make a decent weightlifter of something.

Nothing technical in a rugby tackle then or the game he played- no?

Quite insulting lamguage for an irish sporting hero some might say.

Not really, it's a primitive game played by guys who failed at real sports.

What did o'connell fail at?

Real sports.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on November 21, 2016, 09:30:09 PM
Specifically though?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on November 21, 2016, 09:33:43 PM
Football.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on November 21, 2016, 09:47:08 PM
Association football or gaa football? What was his career path? What point die he fail at?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Stallion on November 21, 2016, 09:49:26 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 21, 2016, 02:18:36 PM
Quote from: The Stallion on November 21, 2016, 02:06:08 PM
Seems like he did destroy him on facts to be fair.

Hard to come back from that mauling with any dignity.

Slide you on ye bo**ix, masquerading on here as a Glen man. Prat!


Not sure what prompted this meltdown from you Walt. What makes you think I'm masquerading as a Glen man by the way?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Frank_The_Tank on November 21, 2016, 10:01:39 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 21, 2016, 09:33:43 PM
Football.

You still never answered me on

Question 1 - why dont you create an I hate rugby thread to talk to like minded individuals?

Question 2 - What do you hope to achieve by constantly belittling rugby...do you hope to change my or anyone who likes the gane opinion on it? 

Question 3 - Do you honestly really believe there is no aspect to trolling in your posts?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tonto1888 on November 22, 2016, 09:18:37 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 21, 2016, 08:00:56 PM
Quote from: tonto1888 on November 21, 2016, 12:31:57 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 20, 2016, 01:28:38 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 20, 2016, 12:41:21 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 20, 2016, 10:57:09 AM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 20, 2016, 10:32:09 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 20, 2016, 10:28:24 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 20, 2016, 10:21:38 AM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on November 20, 2016, 10:15:57 AM
A sport where one team decided to take the opponents out of the game, caused injuries and weren't penalised?

Why would a parent encourage their child to play this game?

Incidentally, how many players were concussed yesterday?

How do you know there were players concussed?

You should just ignore this bigot folks.  Let him rant away but don't reply.  Its pointless trying to argue with an idiot- years of experience will mean they will come out in top.

I think it's pointless trying to argue against facts, that is why you guys are left clutching at empty insults like "bigots".

You also come out with a whole load of statements which have zero factual basis e.g you stated last week housewife viewing figures for rugby were through the roof?  You pick and choose what you want to reply too.  Your an idiot IMO.  You may think the same about me...i couldnt care less.  But no matter about all your facts which I dont dispute you dont seem to grasp that you are not going to change my opinion on rugby and I would say its the same for everyone else on here who enjoys the sport.

Why do you constantly cone on a thread where 95% of people want to talk about the game in a positive light without your constsnt slating of it.  Cant you not create a I Hate Rugby thread for that?

The fact 4 women were interviewed coming out of the stadium on RTE news yesterday gives my point on housewives credence. They also blamed the referee.

did they state they were housewives?

One was an 8 year old girl, the rugby side probably battle for wall space with Ed Sheeran or One Direction.

so you have no idea and are making things up
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 22, 2016, 09:31:39 AM
Some good podcasts on the NZ game for those rugby nerds out there ;)

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/second-captains

http://www.the42.ie/the-rugby-show-eddie-osullivan-3094446-Nov2016/

http://www.newstalk.com/podcasts/Off_The_Ball/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on November 22, 2016, 09:58:58 AM
Any predictions for team selection this weekend? Obviously Henshaw and Sexton are out. Schmidt will probably replace with Jackson and Ringrose. If Kearney and/or Zebo are out then a few more changes may be necessary. With the forwards, I can't see Schmidt making too many changes, injuries permitting. Would like to see Dillane and Henderson getting more game time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Trap on November 22, 2016, 10:47:25 AM
Well according to Walter we have lots of cover for the injured guys and should easily beat a team that had to rely on a late try to beat Scotland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 22, 2016, 10:51:30 AM
Quote from: The Trap on November 22, 2016, 10:47:25 AM
Well according to Walter we have lots of cover for the injured guys and should easily beat a team that had to rely on a late try to beat Scotland.

Remind me where I said that trap?

I think Schmidt has learnt his lesson from the Argentina game but he's also been fortunate that we've consistently had excellent u20 sides now for the past 4/5 years. Looking at the '2' or more players in each position in certain positions the quality in 1st/2nd/3rd choice is greater than others and also there are overlaps.

15. Kearney/Payne/O'Halloran/Zebo
14. Trimble/Gilroy/Adeolokun - Sweetnam in 2017 in my opinion
13. Payne/Ringrose/Marshall
12. Henshaw/Marshall/Olding/McCloskey - Aki in 2017
11. Zebo/Earls
10. Sexton/Jackson/Carberry
9. Murray/Marmion/McGrath - Huge fall off here in terms of talent
8. Heaslip/Stander/O'Donoghue
7. O'Brien/Van der Flier/Murphy
6. Stander/O'Mahony/Leavy
5. Henderson/Ryan
4. Toner/Dillane
3. Furlong/Bealham
2. Best/Cronin
1. McGrath/Healy/Kilcoyne

I'm sure there are more I have missed but thats off the top of my head.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Stallion on November 22, 2016, 11:10:36 AM
Still waiting on a response to my post Walt. No rush.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 22, 2016, 11:30:56 AM
Quote from: The Stallion on November 22, 2016, 11:10:36 AM
Still waiting on a response to my post Walt. No rush.

You ain't from Glen and you troll on here. That is all.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AhNowRef on November 22, 2016, 11:38:38 AM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on November 21, 2016, 07:42:10 PM
Quote from: AhNowRef on November 21, 2016, 04:40:50 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on November 21, 2016, 04:32:20 PM
Quote from: AhNowRef on November 21, 2016, 04:28:36 PM
You just have to laugh at anyone who has so much bile in them against something that they feel the continued need to go on a forum to spew it out, when the sensible thing to do would be to ignore it, dont watch the sport in question and dont go to website forums where people who love it are hanging out ... Why put yourself through all that hassle  :-\

Jeez, its worse than the DUP Councillor Maurice Morrow's constant whinging about no traffic wardens in Coalisland ... Just bitter aul sh1te  >:(

There's definitely a deeper reason behind all this hate against Rugby by some lads though.. ... and the same boys love the saccer ... you have to laugh at them for sure !!!

It's called trolling and enough people here were caught in the trick to make it completely worth his while. I don't for a minute believe he actually holds those views (or views that strong anyway).

Yeah I thought that at the start too but to keep it going this long ... seems a little much ...

I still think one or two of them either think all Rugby players/supporters are posh t**ts (wrong ..) or got their eyes wiped in some way ... the HATE seems genuine  :o lol

funny stuff though  ;D
Hilarious to read and hear all the rugby pundits defending the ABs as not being a malicious or dirty team!

They've always been the dirtiest and biggest cheaters in world rugby

Completely agree 100% ..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AhNowRef on November 22, 2016, 11:46:28 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 21, 2016, 08:24:49 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 21, 2016, 08:21:13 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 21, 2016, 08:09:42 PM
Quote from: AhNowRef on November 21, 2016, 04:28:36 PM
You just have to laugh at anyone who has so much bile in them against something that they feel the continued need to go on a forum to spew it out, when the sensible thing to do would be to ignore it, dont watch the sport in question and dont go to website forums where people who love it are hanging out ... Why put yourself through all that hassle  :-\

Jeez, its worse than the DUP Councillor Maurice Morrow's constant whinging about no traffic wardens in Coalisland ... Just bitter aul sh1te  >:(

There's definitely a deeper reason behind all this hate against Rugby by some lads though.. ... and the same boys love the saccer ... you have to laugh at them for sure !!!

Football is the greatest sport on the earth.

Rugby is a game taken seriously by 7/8 different countries who have links to the British commonwealth. Only one of those countries have it as their main sport.

Only an imbecile would try to argue that it isn't the national sport of Wales. It is also the national sport of Fiji and Samoa. It is one of the very top sports of England, France, South Africa.

Football outweighs it in participation and attendances in Wales. Only an idiot would completely ignore facts when making a conclusion. Like in Ireland, soccer is by far the greater sport but the national rugby side are the darlings of the nation because they play in a niche sport so the bandwagoners will be there due to the chance of success.

Lol, you're nuts old chap ... By your way of thinking, i.e. participation, you should be ranting about fishing as more people do that than any other sport ....

Try to understand that no one cares about your petty little insecurities regarding Rugby ... Most people in a "Rugby" thread like or love the game .. why waste your obviously precious time  ::) trying "unsuccessfully" to demean it ...

Go on lad, tell us the "real" reason you hate Rugby  ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AhNowRef on November 22, 2016, 11:51:44 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 21, 2016, 08:49:24 PM
Quote from: Zulu on November 21, 2016, 08:45:30 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on November 21, 2016, 08:32:52 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on November 21, 2016, 08:29:31 PM
Only an idiot would say paul o'connell is a giant freak who has achieved nothing though bomber :o

Why? I'd say O'Connell would struggle to trap a football, I'd say he'd struggle with anything that would involve anything technical. He'd probably make a decent weightlifter of something.

He played off a 4 handicap in golf and was a notable swimmer too if I'm not mistaken. Soccer is not the national sport of Wales anymore than it is the national sport here. It's odd that you use attendance of domestic soccer in Wales to argue that it's more popular than rugby but dismiss the paltry attendances here.

The Welsh domestic attendances are even worse than the League of Ireland but the average attendances of Welsh teams in the English League Football would surpass that of the Provinces in Ireland.

Irish football fans are obsessed with English league football because that is where the money is and that is where all the best Irish players, ideally we'd have a thriving domestic league but the landscapes don't allow for that. Maybe Ireland should amalgamate all their clubs into four sides and go and have them compete in a cross channel league? You see what I did there?

In one post you talk of the "west brit" Rugby team and then hint at your "obsession" with the english saccer league...

and you talk about Irish people "jumping on the bandwagon" in supporting THEIR OWN RUGBY TEAM .... never mind tubes like you sycophanting over Celtic or Man United etc....   British teams I think you'll find  ;)

You are a complete clown .. but hilarious with it ... keep em coming clown, this is great value altogether  ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on November 22, 2016, 11:56:17 AM
Guys or should that be Goys? Bomber is Tony in disguise. Fun to debate with him sometimes but best not taken too seriously. IMO Hurling is the greatest game in the world, but realistically it is only played at the top level by a maximum of 6 teams, still that doesn't detract from its appeal. Gaelic football and Rugby would be next for me although rugby and soccer would be not far of the same level. Ignore bomber he is trolling at a level Tony would be proud off. Sport of any type is good for the human condition and to see it played at the level of Kilkenny and Tip, The All Blacks and Ireland, Dublin and Mayo or Barca Real is a joy to behold. If someone can't see that joy it's a pity.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on November 22, 2016, 12:12:44 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 22, 2016, 11:56:17 AM
Guys or should that be Goys? Bomber is Tony in disguise. Fun to debate with him sometimes but best not taken too seriously. IMO Hurling is the greatest game in the world, but realistically it is only played at the top level by a maximum of 6 teams, still that doesn't detract from its appeal. Gaelic football and Rugby would be next for me although rugby and soccer would be not far of the same level. Ignore bomber he is trolling at a level Tony would be proud off. Sport of any type is good for the human condition and to see it played at the level of Kilkenny and Tip, The All Blacks and Ireland, Dublin and Mayo or Barca Real is a joy to behold. If someone can't see that joy it's a pity.

that's it, couldn't agree more.  Most trolls in all likely hood would secretly agree with those sentiments, but with an MO to annoy and seek attention, it matters not a jot.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AhNowRef on November 22, 2016, 12:32:37 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 22, 2016, 11:56:17 AM
Guys or should that be Goys? Bomber is Tony in disguise. Fun to debate with him sometimes but best not taken too seriously. IMO Hurling is the greatest game in the world, but realistically it is only played at the top level by a maximum of 6 teams, still that doesn't detract from its appeal. Gaelic football and Rugby would be next for me although rugby and soccer would be not far of the same level. Ignore bomber he is trolling at a level Tony would be proud off. Sport of any type is good for the human condition and to see it played at the level of Kilkenny and Tip, The All Blacks and Ireland, Dublin and Mayo or Barca Real is a joy to behold. If someone can't see that joy it's a pity.

Hard for anyone to argue with that ... oh no lets just wait a minute I suppose.....  ::)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mikehunt on November 22, 2016, 03:00:43 PM
Wouldn't usually watch the rugby but mrs said there was a game on. My brother who has no interest in sport was roaring at the tv too. After 20 minutes of savage hits and three subs on cos of injuries my bro says 'u wouldn't see that in hurling or footie'. I admitted he was right but also noted that sport should involve some semblance of skill, something only shown in glimpses by the best team out of the 8 that play it. A sport which is adored by as many women as men should be treated with total suspicion. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AhNowRef on November 22, 2016, 03:24:47 PM
Quote from: mikehunt on November 22, 2016, 03:00:43 PM
Wouldn't usually watch the rugby but mrs said there was a game on. My brother who has no interest in sport was roaring at the tv too. After 20 minutes of savage hits and three subs on cos of injuries my bro says 'u wouldn't see that in hurling or footie'. I admitted he was right but also noted that sport should involve some semblance of skill, something only shown in glimpses by the best team out of the 8 that play it. A sport which is adored by as many women as men should be treated with total suspicion.

Why's that ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lenny on November 22, 2016, 03:34:10 PM
Quote from: mikehunt on November 22, 2016, 03:00:43 PM
Wouldn't usually watch the rugby but mrs said there was a game on. My brother who has no interest in sport was roaring at the tv too. After 20 minutes of savage hits and three subs on cos of injuries my bro says 'u wouldn't see that in hurling or footie'. I admitted he was right but also noted that sport should involve some semblance of skill, something only shown in glimpses by the best team out of the 8 that play it. A sport which is adored by as many women as men should be treated with total suspicion.

Yawn, yawn, another troll.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mikehunt on November 22, 2016, 03:44:23 PM
Quote from: AhNowRef on November 22, 2016, 03:24:47 PM
Quote from: mikehunt on November 22, 2016, 03:00:43 PM
Wouldn't usually watch the rugby but mrs said there was a game on. My brother who has no interest in sport was roaring at the tv too. After 20 minutes of savage hits and three subs on cos of injuries my bro says 'u wouldn't see that in hurling or footie'. I admitted he was right but also noted that sport should involve some semblance of skill, something only shown in glimpses by the best team out of the 8 that play it. A sport which is adored by as many women as men should be treated with total suspicion.

Why's that ?
Women don't like sport but like rugby. Something doesn't add up. Very suspicious.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AhNowRef on November 22, 2016, 03:59:05 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 22, 2016, 03:34:10 PM
Quote from: mikehunt on November 22, 2016, 03:00:43 PM
Wouldn't usually watch the rugby but mrs said there was a game on. My brother who has no interest in sport was roaring at the tv too. After 20 minutes of savage hits and three subs on cos of injuries my bro says 'u wouldn't see that in hurling or footie'. I admitted he was right but also noted that sport should involve some semblance of skill, something only shown in glimpses by the best team out of the 8 that play it. A sport which is adored by as many women as men should be treated with total suspicion.

Yawn, yawn, another troll.

Looks like it .. This one's yet another genius by the looks of things  ::)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Denn Forever on November 22, 2016, 04:34:09 PM
Paul kimmage was captived yet repulsed by the game.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/the-game-is-in-serious-trouble-because-this-is-a-disgrace-paul-kimmage-on-bruising-ireland-v-all-blacks-clash-35235198.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: oisinog on November 22, 2016, 04:44:55 PM
Quote from: mikehunt on November 22, 2016, 03:44:23 PM
Quote from: AhNowRef on November 22, 2016, 03:24:47 PM
Quote from: mikehunt on November 22, 2016, 03:00:43 PM
Wouldn't usually watch the rugby but mrs said there was a game on. My brother who has no interest in sport was roaring at the tv too. After 20 minutes of savage hits and three subs on cos of injuries my bro says 'u wouldn't see that in hurling or footie'. I admitted he was right but also noted that sport should involve some semblance of skill, something only shown in glimpses by the best team out of the 8 that play it. A sport which is adored by as many women as men should be treated with total suspicion.

Why's that ?
Women don't like sport but like rugby. Something doesn't add up. Very suspicious.

And yet up and down the country you find Women at GAA games week in week out

Dont even get me started on Tyrone Women
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: PW Nally on November 22, 2016, 07:08:29 PM
Quote from: Denn Forever on November 22, 2016, 04:34:09 PM
Paul kimmage was captived yet repulsed by the game.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/the-game-is-in-serious-trouble-because-this-is-a-disgrace-paul-kimmage-on-bruising-ireland-v-all-blacks-clash-35235198.html
On yer bike Paul!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 22, 2016, 07:17:53 PM
Henshaw was concussed via a shoulder to the jaw. I was just thinking about what Joe Canning said about sport when Davy Fitz had some medical trouble.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on November 22, 2016, 08:16:02 PM
Quote from: PW Nally on November 22, 2016, 07:08:29 PM
Quote from: Denn Forever on November 22, 2016, 04:34:09 PM
Paul kimmage was captived yet repulsed by the game.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/the-game-is-in-serious-trouble-because-this-is-a-disgrace-paul-kimmage-on-bruising-ireland-v-all-blacks-clash-35235198.html
On yer bike Paul!
I think his opinion is fair enough, the assault on Henshaw was a premeditated  to inflict damage and take out an important player. Players need to be better protected from such assaults. For a start, that video ref needs to chucked into very deep water.
Would you not agree?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 22, 2016, 09:10:53 PM
we coming across as awful criers for losing on Saturday, the All- Blacks were too rough on us, there were 4 bad tackles in the game, the high tackle by the NZ centre which could been red, Sexton which should been a yellow, a possible stamping incident which didn't get cited (deemed accidental) and Canes high tackle on Henshaw which was only a yellow.

Cane was hitting him square on the back before Henshaw spin round and straight into Cane coming flat out. I seen as many hard and high hits the next day in the Rugby league between Australia and New Zealand, and not much was made of it.

As for the Ref flavoring NZ, i thought he let us away alot at the break down, while he give NZ the benefit in other areas.

Bottom line, when New Zealand line out eventually at full strength they are stronger than Ireland at full strength, Only Furlong, Murray, O`Brien and possible Henshaw would get on the All-Black Team and none of them would have got on the NZ team which won the world cup this time last year
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 22, 2016, 09:15:57 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on November 22, 2016, 09:10:53 PM
we coming across as awful criers for losing on Saturday, the All- Blacks were too rough on us, there were 4 bad tackles in the game, the high tackle by the NZ centre which could been red, Sexton which should been a yellow, a possible stamping incident which didn't get cited (deemed accidental) and Canes high tackle on Henshaw which was only a yellow.

Cane was hitting him square on the back before Henshaw spin round and straight into Cane coming flat out. I seen as many hard and high hits the next day in the Rugby league between Australia and New Zealand, and not much was made of it.

As for the Ref flavouring NZ, i thought he let us away alot at the break down, while he give NZ the benefit in other areas.
Salt and pepper?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on November 22, 2016, 09:43:28 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on November 22, 2016, 09:10:53 PM
we coming across as awful criers for losing on Saturday,
What are you crying about, we should have targeted  4 or 5 All Black and took them out of the game and let them moan, we play a soft game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 22, 2016, 09:57:17 PM
Got beat, crying about getting man-handled, there were 3 defined bad tackles in the game, 1 committed by a Irish player! The Ref against us yet lets us get away with blue murder at the breakdown, go figure. Better take the defeat and move on.

Could played another 80 mins and weren't going to score a try last Saturday. The minute we go for 3 points, when we camped 5 -10m out twice says alot about our mentality, the team we were playing would not have took the same option and went for it.

We the best country in the world for making excuses for getting beat.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on November 22, 2016, 10:00:07 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on November 22, 2016, 09:57:17 PM
Got beat, crying about getting man-handled, there were 3 defined bad tackles in the game, 1 committed by a Irish player! The Ref against us yet lets us get away with blue murder at the breakdown, go figure. Better take the defeat and move on.

Could played another 80 mins and weren't going to score a try last Saturday. The minute we go for 3 points, when we camped 5 -10m out twice says alot about our mentality, the team we were playing would not have took the same option and went for it.

We the best country in the world for making excuses for getting beat.

Totally agree, although most of the whinging is coming from the media and not the Irish camp as far as I can see.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on November 22, 2016, 10:07:32 PM
Quote from: Main Street on November 22, 2016, 09:43:28 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on November 22, 2016, 09:10:53 PM
we coming across as awful criers for losing on Saturday,
What are you crying about, we should have targeted  4 or 5 All Black and took them out of the game and let them moan, we play a soft game.

I would not be one for crying and I would accept we were beaten by a better side. However without rules anarchy prevails. World rugby issued some rule clarifications in relation to high tackles, New Zealand more often than not did not follow them and the referee/ video match official did not police them. Sextons effort at try saving tackle should have been a yellow.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 22, 2016, 10:30:23 PM
High tackles have been going on for years and up to very recently was only a penalty or yellow card offense, yes they are very dangerous, but i see a neck roll on the ground as a more dangerous tackle which currently is only a penalty and in extremes a yellow. 

Worst tackle i had seen in rugby along with O`Driscoll was the Wales No.7 Sam W in the 2011 world cup and everybody gave out cause it destroyed the game and the ref was given a  hard time, but he was correct at the time and in hindsight when everyone took the blinkers off.

Seem a few dodgy bumps in the line out on the jumper which given the height he is up, to me would be highly dangerous,

Again on engagement in the scrum, the driving upwards which is more common  these days by props again is very dangerous on opposite players.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 22, 2016, 10:33:36 PM
Quote from: Rudi on November 22, 2016, 10:07:32 PM
Quote from: Main Street on November 22, 2016, 09:43:28 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on November 22, 2016, 09:10:53 PM
we coming across as awful criers for losing on Saturday,
What are you crying about, we should have targeted  4 or 5 All Black and took them out of the game and let them moan, we play a soft game.

I would not be one for crying and I would accept we were beaten by a better side. However without rules anarchy prevails. World rugby issued some rule clarifications in relation to high tackles, New Zealand more often than not did not follow them and the referee/ video match official did not police them. Sextons effort at try saving tackle should have been a yellow.

That's bollix too. Sexton made a genuine attempt at stop a try and did Barrett f**k all harm. Kane's was not a yellow and sextons was certainly not.

The whining about New Zealand beating us is shameful and makes me embarrassed to be Irish. Rough house tactics are part and parcel of rugby, always have been. There's been some right nasty Irish players down the years; Brennan and Neil best notable mentions.

The only real tackle that was strictly beyond the pale was on zebo. It was incredibly reckless and dirty. New Zealand consistently push the limit of the rules, fair play to them, if we were doing it and winning rugby world cups there wouldn't be a word about it and our media would be fawning over them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 22, 2016, 10:41:46 PM
The Claw head stamp all those years ago wasnt for the screamish either!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 22, 2016, 10:54:12 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on November 22, 2016, 10:41:46 PM
The Claw head stamp all those years ago wasnt for the screamish either!!
That Warburton tackle against France wasn't a full on spear, although he did drop him from height. Go and watch it back. The BOD spear was brutal in comparison.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 22, 2016, 11:02:57 PM
Awhile back a few we giving out about the all-blacks wouldn't be as strong with out the islanders (turns out nearly all them were born in New Zealand), and more recently the mercenary tendencies of the England rugby team to play any blown in to win which seems to ahem taken epic proportions with them the past 8 years or so.

Had a quick check on our lads, bloody hell we got both teams beaten hands down, fair few of Irish guys were actually born outside of Ireland plus an odd immigrant to our green lands. got 9 on the panel, on the plus note Van der Flier is as Irish as they come, Never judge on a name !!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 23, 2016, 12:14:20 AM
Got offered a ticket for the match on Saturday can't wait for it!!

Keep an eye out for me Bomber I'll be the lad in the Derry hat belting out Irelands call!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on November 23, 2016, 06:44:32 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on November 22, 2016, 10:54:12 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on November 22, 2016, 10:41:46 PM
The Claw head stamp all those years ago wasnt for the screamish either!!
That Warburton tackle against France wasn't a full on spear, although he did drop him from height. Go and watch it back. The BOD spear was brutal in comparison.

That BOD spear tackle was assault. 41 seconds into the game off the ball. The c@nt Tana  claims there was no intent that it was just one of those things in rugby and was implying that O Driscol was a cry baby. He actually believes he was the victim of a media witch hunt. That incident kind of sums up rugbys flippant attitude to dirty play and player welfare. The guy should have been told to hang up his boots end of.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on November 23, 2016, 10:32:02 AM
All Blacks won on Saturday because they could score tries and Ireland couldn't. What was apparent though is that when you take key players out of the team, through injury it seems to have a negative effect on the performance. I don't know enough about rugby to judge whether this is to do with a lack of depth, disruption to the game plan or a mix of both. What was interesting though was on discussing the game with two Ulster supporting ex rugby players both felt that Jackson is not in Sexton's league. They also felt that he won't ever be good enough to nail down that position.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 23, 2016, 10:35:04 AM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 23, 2016, 10:32:02 AM
All Blacks won on Saturday because they could score tries and Ireland couldn't. What was apparent though is that when you take key players out of the team, through injury it seems to have a negative effect on the performance. I don't know enough about rugby to judge whether this is to do with a lack of depth, disruption to the game plan or a mix of both. What was interesting though was on discussing the game with two Ulster supporting ex rugby players both felt that Jackson is not in Sexton's league. They also felt that he won't ever be good enough to nail down that position.

While Paddy has improved and gives his all he's just not at the level of Sexton. Even for Ulster he misses simple kicks. I think long term Carberry will be Ireland's 10. He needs to improve his goal kicking though. That can be worked on however. 2-3 years ago Barrett couldn't hit a barn door for NZ.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on November 23, 2016, 10:50:05 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 23, 2016, 10:35:04 AM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 23, 2016, 10:32:02 AM
All Blacks won on Saturday because they could score tries and Ireland couldn't. What was apparent though is that when you take key players out of the team, through injury it seems to have a negative effect on the performance. I don't know enough about rugby to judge whether this is to do with a lack of depth, disruption to the game plan or a mix of both. What was interesting though was on discussing the game with two Ulster supporting ex rugby players both felt that Jackson is not in Sexton's league. They also felt that he won't ever be good enough to nail down that position.

While Paddy has improved and gives his all he's just not at the level of Sexton. Even for Ulster he misses simple kicks. I think long term Carberry will be Ireland's 10. He needs to improve his goal kicking though. That can be worked on however. 2-3 years ago Barrett couldn't hit a barn door for NZ.

Its not all Jacksons fault this current Irish team are very good but there still seems to be a lack of mental toughness at times throughout the team, NZ were there for the taking but we seemed to lose our cool everytime we got close to the line and that had nothing to do with Jackson. The collapse against SA in the second test in the summer is all the more annoyong now as we see just how fecked SA really are. Looking forward to the game between SA and Wales 2 teams who seem to be in a complete mess at the moment should be enteraining!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on November 23, 2016, 11:13:47 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on November 23, 2016, 06:44:32 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on November 22, 2016, 10:54:12 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on November 22, 2016, 10:41:46 PM
The Claw head stamp all those years ago wasnt for the screamish either!!
That Warburton tackle against France wasn't a full on spear, although he did drop him from height. Go and watch it back. The BOD spear was brutal in comparison.

That BOD spear tackle was assault. 41 seconds into the game off the ball. The c@nt Tana  claims there was no intent that it was just one of those things in rugby and was implying that O Driscol was a cry baby. He actually believes he was the victim of a media witch hunt. That incident kind of sums up rugbys flippant attitude to dirty play and player welfare. The guy should have been told to hang up his boots end of.
And the All Blacks approached the game against Ireland with the exact same attitude and cynical effect, then afterwards the NZ press  do outraged somersaults (outdoing their aussie nasal neighbors in whining) when those cynical methods are castigated, as in how dare you losers criticize the great All Blacks.

How would the All Blacks react in a game if they were reasonably certain that one of their top players would be deliberately taken out in the first minute and the video ref happened to be rule retarded? What's the norm in rugby?
Were the irish team ill prepared for that real potential of targeted violence from the All Blacks?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 23, 2016, 11:22:04 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 23, 2016, 10:35:04 AM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 23, 2016, 10:32:02 AM
All Blacks won on Saturday because they could score tries and Ireland couldn't. What was apparent though is that when you take key players out of the team, through injury it seems to have a negative effect on the performance. I don't know enough about rugby to judge whether this is to do with a lack of depth, disruption to the game plan or a mix of both. What was interesting though was on discussing the game with two Ulster supporting ex rugby players both felt that Jackson is not in Sexton's league. They also felt that he won't ever be good enough to nail down that position.

While Paddy has improved and gives his all he's just not at the level of Sexton. Even for Ulster he misses simple kicks. I think long term Carberry will be Ireland's 10. He needs to improve his goal kicking though. That can be worked on however. 2-3 years ago Barrett couldn't hit a barn door for NZ.

I think we're being a bit sore on Jackson very early in this career. . . Sexton got his first cap at aged 24 while Jackson now has 18 caps at the same stage.

When Sexton came on the scene all the talk was that he wasn't as good as O'Gara and would never be (serious amount of chat about it on here) yet he went from strength to strength. I wouldn't rule out Jackson completely he has a lot of improving to do and I think he can do that under Schmidt. Sexton has another year or 2 left  and then Jackson and Carberry will be fighting it out among themselves which I think should be great having 2 young out halves for a change!

PS. What's happening with Hanrahan and Madigan?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 23, 2016, 11:33:12 AM
Sexton was very raw then SE but still showed glimpses in attack that I just don't think Paddy has in his locker. We will see though and it'll be great to have 2 young out halfs battling it out over the next 6-7 years. Hopefully Jonny can make it to RWC 2019. We just need to manage him correctly like NZ did with Carter 2013 - 2015. We don't have the luxury they have mind you. Bleyendaal could challenge also when he becomes eligible next year. Looked unreal in that European game v Glasgow

Madigan I think is going well at Bordeaux. Hanrahan has regressed big time at Northampton. Myler and now Mallinder are ahead of him the queue for the 10 spot.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: oisinog on November 23, 2016, 11:57:11 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 23, 2016, 11:33:12 AM
Sexton was very raw then SE but still showed glimpses in attack that I just don't think Paddy has in his locker. We will see though and it'll be great to have 2 young out halfs battling it out over the next 6-7 years. Hopefully Jonny can make it to RWC 2019. We just need to manage him correctly like NZ did with Carter 2013 - 2015. We don't have the luxury they have mind you. Bleyendaal could challenge also when he becomes eligible next year. Looked unreal in that European game v Glasgow

Madigan I think is going well at Bordeaux. Hanrahan has regressed big time at Northampton. Myler and now Mallinder are ahead of him the queue for the 10 spot.

If you want Ulster week in week out Paddy does have a good eye for attack, the game plan for Ireland suits Sexton better than Paddy and thats the big difference. Though the Ireland managment do change the game plan to suit what midfield pairing he has in place.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 23, 2016, 12:10:25 PM
Quote from: oisinog on November 23, 2016, 11:57:11 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 23, 2016, 11:33:12 AM
Sexton was very raw then SE but still showed glimpses in attack that I just don't think Paddy has in his locker. We will see though and it'll be great to have 2 young out halfs battling it out over the next 6-7 years. Hopefully Jonny can make it to RWC 2019. We just need to manage him correctly like NZ did with Carter 2013 - 2015. We don't have the luxury they have mind you. Bleyendaal could challenge also when he becomes eligible next year. Looked unreal in that European game v Glasgow

Madigan I think is going well at Bordeaux. Hanrahan has regressed big time at Northampton. Myler and now Mallinder are ahead of him the queue for the 10 spot.

If you want Ulster week in week out Paddy does have a good eye for attack, the game plan for Ireland suits Sexton better than Paddy and thats the big difference. Though the Ireland managment do change the game plan to suit what midfield pairing he has in place.



I do watch Ulster week in, week out. I just don't think Paddy is international class. He's a safe bet but I'd prefer my 10 to have an eye for a gap and play a bit off the cuff. If you are going to be a safe bet in the Owen Farrell mode then you need to be an unbelievable kicker, which Paddy isn't. We can agree to disagree.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Stallion on November 23, 2016, 12:29:51 PM
Any plans to respond to my post addressing your accusation that I'm pretending to be a Glen man Walter?

Been over 24 hours now and you've been very quiet on the matter.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 23, 2016, 01:13:53 PM
Quote from: The Stallion on November 23, 2016, 12:29:51 PM
Any plans to respond to my post addressing your accusation that I'm pretending to be a Glen man Walter?

Been over 24 hours now and you've been very quiet on the matter.

Negative.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Stallion on November 23, 2016, 01:41:35 PM
Fair enough Walter. I hoped you would be prepared to elaborate on your accusation but evidently you've taken time to calm down and realised you were wrong.

No apology necessary.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 23, 2016, 01:42:12 PM
Quote from: The Stallion on November 23, 2016, 01:41:35 PM
Fair enough Walter. I hoped you would be prepared to elaborate on your accusation but evidently you've taken time to calm down and realised you were wrong.

No apology necessary.

;D ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: foxcommander on November 24, 2016, 01:15:34 AM
Was that a friendly at the weekend or a test match? My twitter feed has been a lot quieter this week.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 24, 2016, 02:06:27 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on November 24, 2016, 01:15:34 AM
Was that a friendly at the weekend or a test match? My twitter feed has been a lot quieter this week.

Think it was a carnival match last weekend. Same with this one.

Team named!

15. Rob Kearney
14. Andrew Trimble
13. Jared Payne
12. Garry Ringrose
11. Keith Earls
10. Paddy Jackson
9. Conor Murray
1. Jack McGrath
2. Rory Best (captain)
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Iain Henderson
5. Devin Toner
6. CJ Stander
7. Sean O'Brien
8. Jamie Heaslip

Replacements:
16. Sean Cronin
17. Cian Healy
18. Finlay Bealham
19. Ultan Dillane
20. Josh van der Flier
21. Kieran Marmion
22. Joey Carbery
23. Simon Zebo
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Boycey on November 24, 2016, 10:33:08 PM
I'm looking a decent pair for Sat, there are plenty knocking about on DoneDeal, Toutless etc but I thought I'd ask here first just in case..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Farrandeelin on November 25, 2016, 11:03:19 AM
Might be a stupid question and probably has been answered numerous times before, but if Jackson goes off injured who's the replacement out half?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 25, 2016, 11:04:58 AM
Quote from: Farrandeelin on November 25, 2016, 11:03:19 AM
Might be a stupid question and probably has been answered numerous times before, but if Jackson goes off injured who's the replacement out half?

Joey Carberry - young Leinster outhalf
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: quit yo jibbajabba on November 25, 2016, 11:18:49 AM
Quote from: Boycey on November 24, 2016, 10:33:08 PM
I'm looking a decent pair for Sat, there are plenty knocking about on DoneDeal, Toutless etc but I thought I'd ask here first just in case..

aren't we all sahn, aren't we all......
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Farrandeelin on November 25, 2016, 03:54:01 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 25, 2016, 11:04:58 AM
Quote from: Farrandeelin on November 25, 2016, 11:03:19 AM
Might be a stupid question and probably has been answered numerous times before, but if Jackson goes off injured who's the replacement out half?

Joey Carberry - young Leinster outhalf

Ah right. I'm not that big into rugby. Just if it's on I watch it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on November 26, 2016, 04:40:11 PM
Jeez argentina are brutal getting bossed even with an extra man all match. How did we lose to them last year
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 26, 2016, 05:19:26 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on November 26, 2016, 04:40:11 PM
Jeez argentina are brutal getting bossed even with an extra man all match. How did we lose to them last year
They are banjaxed after a long season.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 26, 2016, 06:45:18 PM
Paddy Jackson is a luxury Ireland can't afford. 2 daft kicks = 2 tries.

The injuries are killing us in the backs.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Trap on November 26, 2016, 06:46:34 PM
Someone said there was strength in depth to cope with injuries!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 26, 2016, 06:47:23 PM
Quote from: The Trap on November 26, 2016, 06:46:34 PM
Someone said there was strength in depth to cope with injuries!

Not this many injuries.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on November 26, 2016, 07:04:48 PM
39 minutes on the clock Ireland 17 Australia 0. Now after 64 minutes. Ireland 20 Australia 24.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 26, 2016, 07:11:44 PM
I'm beginning to think that Tadhg Furlong.......whisper it.... could take Larry Reilly!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Trap on November 26, 2016, 07:26:27 PM
Fantastic spirit to grind it out. Well done......bring on the 6 nations.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on November 26, 2016, 07:27:39 PM
Half time lead was key, another great win for the Irish.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on November 26, 2016, 07:30:50 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 26, 2016, 07:11:44 PM
I'm beginning to think that Tadhg Furlong.......whisper it.... could take Larry Reilly!

That's crazy talk
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tonto1888 on November 26, 2016, 07:32:47 PM
Am I right in thinking we are the first NH team to beat aus NZ and SA in the same calendar year
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 26, 2016, 07:36:17 PM
Quote from: tonto1888 on November 26, 2016, 07:32:47 PM
Am I right in thinking we are the first NH team to beat aus NZ and SA in the same calendar year

England 2003 - the year they won the World Cup.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 26, 2016, 07:38:36 PM
Not a proper win. Not recognised by Bomber.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on November 26, 2016, 07:41:17 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 26, 2016, 06:47:23 PM
Quote from: The Trap on November 26, 2016, 06:46:34 PM
Someone said there was strength in depth to cope with injuries!

Not this many injuries.

The match-day 23 doesn't really allow for too many injuries, especially in the backs. Losing Kearney, Payne and Trimble by half time meant that a few lads had to cover positions that they wouldn't be totally comfortable with.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 26, 2016, 07:41:42 PM
A wonderful performance. I pitied Marmion, he's a small lad played out of position on the wing for 40 mins, he played really admirably. Likewise I thought Zebo and Earls really stepped up to the plate. They're not the biggest but they lead by example there at the death and played really smartly.

Ringrose is a real f**king star, we should definitely be considering him ahead of either Payne or Henshaw who are nowhere near matching the D4 hype around them that got generated post BOD retirement. Carbery struggled whilst playing out of position and was liable a few times out there.

All in all, a much better performance that vs NZ in Dublin which was very dissappointing.

f**k Chieka is talking to SKY here and he's one miserable ****.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 26, 2016, 07:46:47 PM
Henshaw is our best player, particularly given Sexton's limited availability these days. Ringrose has potential but he's still only a rangey sort of player that will get exposed on the back-foot when the heat is on. Still needs to be eased into the team. Too much second coming stuff about him after a few good plays. His try today owed as much to Toner's fat arse as his brilliance.

Payne is just ok but his experience is what has kept Ringrose on the sidelines so far.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 26, 2016, 08:07:19 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 26, 2016, 07:46:47 PM
Henshaw is our best player, particularly given Sexton's limited availability these days. Ringrose has potential but he's still only a rangey sort of player that will get exposed on the back-foot when the heat is on. Still needs to be eased into the team. Too much second coming stuff about him after a few good plays. His try today owed as much to Toner's fat arse as his brilliance.

Payne is just ok but his experience is what has kept Ringrose on the sidelines so far.

Henshaw has never played to his potential for Ireland the way he did Connacht. He is a pure smash artist and in test rugby usually matched against a better smash artist than himself.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on November 26, 2016, 08:09:44 PM
Henshaw is 23, I think it's fair to say his best years are ahead of him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 26, 2016, 08:17:30 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on November 26, 2016, 08:09:44 PM
Henshaw is 23, I think it's fair to say his best years are ahead of him.

I reckon if fit, he'll tour with the Lions and possibly start a test.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 26, 2016, 08:24:21 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on November 26, 2016, 08:09:44 PM
Henshaw is 23, I think it's fair to say his best years are ahead of him.

He has potential but has not produced in a regard that means he is the first name on the team sheet. I'm not slating the lad but there's a hype and reputation around him that is unjustified in an Ireland shirt. He was excellent for Connacht last year without doubt but I haven't seen that from him in the green and white of Ireland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on November 26, 2016, 08:24:47 PM
That was a brilliant recovery from the floor against the 'awesome' Aussies.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 26, 2016, 08:38:43 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 26, 2016, 08:24:21 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on November 26, 2016, 08:09:44 PM
Henshaw is 23, I think it's fair to say his best years are ahead of him.

He has potential but has not produced in a regard that means he is the first name on the team sheet. I'm not slating the lad but there's a hype and reputation around him that is unjustified in an Ireland shirt. He was excellent for Connacht last year without doubt but I haven't seen that from him in the green and white of Ireland.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11743242 (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11743242)

Kiki paper marks him out of 10 in Chicago:

Robbie Henshaw 9
Smashing and clever defence, and one of Ireland's best. Finished by crashing over for game sealing try.

I'd say he is one of the first names on the team sheet these days. 9, 10 & 12 are cast in stone when everyone is fit. Fair play to Ringrose for really taking his chance though.

O'Driscoll was a freak and anyway Henshaw to be fair to him should be compared to D'Arcy. At 23 I think that comparison would had up well, so far. But George North was flying a couple of years ago and injuries etc look to have set him back. Hopefully Henshaw can stay fit.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 26, 2016, 09:16:02 PM
Great end to the year doing the triple crown
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: quit yo jibbajabba on November 26, 2016, 09:38:21 PM
Does the Bomber not know there was a match on today
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: grounded on November 26, 2016, 09:47:27 PM
Given the number of injuries we had and given the manner of our defeat last wèek this was a fantastic result.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dubh driocht on November 26, 2016, 09:47:53 PM
Our warrior leader with the Gaelic posts in his back garden

https://www.facebook.com/irishrugby/videos/1262266453831279/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 26, 2016, 10:23:24 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 26, 2016, 08:38:43 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 26, 2016, 08:24:21 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on November 26, 2016, 08:09:44 PM
Henshaw is 23, I think it's fair to say his best years are ahead of him.

He has potential but has not produced in a regard that means he is the first name on the team sheet. I'm not slating the lad but there's a hype and reputation around him that is unjustified in an Ireland shirt. He was excellent for Connacht last year without doubt but I haven't seen that from him in the green and white of Ireland.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11743242 (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11743242)

Kiki paper marks him out of 10 in Chicago:

Robbie Henshaw 9
Smashing and clever defence, and one of Ireland's best. Finished by crashing over for game sealing try.

I'd say he is one of the first names on the team sheet these days. 9, 10 & 12 are cast in stone when everyone is fit. Fair play to Ringrose for really taking his chance though.

O'Driscoll was a freak and anyway Henshaw to be fair to him should be compared to D'Arcy. At 23 I think that comparison would had up well, so far. But George North was flying a couple of years ago and injuries etc look to have set him back. Hopefully Henshaw can stay fit.

Henshaw is bigger and stronger than either. More like a Southern Hemisphere centre IMHO. While Wales and England and France just go for bruisers in their backs the southern teams have big lads who can play ball. He's a rare combination for us.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 26, 2016, 10:54:49 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 26, 2016, 10:23:24 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 26, 2016, 08:38:43 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 26, 2016, 08:24:21 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on November 26, 2016, 08:09:44 PM
Henshaw is 23, I think it's fair to say his best years are ahead of him.

He has potential but has not produced in a regard that means he is the first name on the team sheet. I'm not slating the lad but there's a hype and reputation around him that is unjustified in an Ireland shirt. He was excellent for Connacht last year without doubt but I haven't seen that from him in the green and white of Ireland.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11743242 (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11743242)

Kiki paper marks him out of 10 in Chicago:

Robbie Henshaw 9
Smashing and clever defence, and one of Ireland's best. Finished by crashing over for game sealing try.

I'd say he is one of the first names on the team sheet these days. 9, 10 & 12 are cast in stone when everyone is fit. Fair play to Ringrose for really taking his chance though.

O'Driscoll was a freak and anyway Henshaw to be fair to him should be compared to D'Arcy. At 23 I think that comparison would had up well, so far. But George North was flying a couple of years ago and injuries etc look to have set him back. Hopefully Henshaw can stay fit.

Henshaw is bigger and stronger than either. More like a Southern Hemisphere centre IMHO. While Wales and England and France just go for bruisers in their backs the southern teams have big lads who can play ball. He's a rare combination for us.
Is he a Rossie or from Westmeath ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 26, 2016, 10:56:47 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 26, 2016, 10:23:24 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 26, 2016, 08:38:43 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 26, 2016, 08:24:21 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on November 26, 2016, 08:09:44 PM
Henshaw is 23, I think it's fair to say his best years are ahead of him.

He has potential but has not produced in a regard that means he is the first name on the team sheet. I'm not slating the lad but there's a hype and reputation around him that is unjustified in an Ireland shirt. He was excellent for Connacht last year without doubt but I haven't seen that from him in the green and white of Ireland.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11743242 (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11743242)

Kiki paper marks him out of 10 in Chicago:

Robbie Henshaw 9
Smashing and clever defence, and one of Ireland's best. Finished by crashing over for game sealing try.

I'd say he is one of the first names on the team sheet these days. 9, 10 & 12 are cast in stone when everyone is fit. Fair play to Ringrose for really taking his chance though.

O'Driscoll was a freak and anyway Henshaw to be fair to him should be compared to D'Arcy. At 23 I think that comparison would had up well, so far. But George North was flying a couple of years ago and injuries etc look to have set him back. Hopefully Henshaw can stay fit.

Henshaw is bigger and stronger than either. More like a Southern Hemisphere centre IMHO. While Wales and England and France just go for bruisers in their backs the southern teams have big lads who can play ball. He's a rare combination for us.

Maybe but then you need an outside centre with real attacking quality like Conrad smith to really make hay. I think the henshaw Payne partnership is very pedestrian and rugby by numbers. Combine in the token sexton wrap around and I find our attacking play very blunt compared to the Southern Hemisphere. To be fair to England and Wales they have a back 3 who can cut loose. Brown, halfpenny and north can really run the broken field better than Trimble and Kearney. French rugby is all over the shop, they once had back play nailed down to a fine art. Jauzion, heymans, clerc, rougerie, ooiterenaud, the true golden generation.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 26, 2016, 11:30:30 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 26, 2016, 10:54:49 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 26, 2016, 10:23:24 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 26, 2016, 08:38:43 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 26, 2016, 08:24:21 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on November 26, 2016, 08:09:44 PM
Henshaw is 23, I think it's fair to say his best years are ahead of him.

He has potential but has not produced in a regard that means he is the first name on the team sheet. I'm not slating the lad but there's a hype and reputation around him that is unjustified in an Ireland shirt. He was excellent for Connacht last year without doubt but I haven't seen that from him in the green and white of Ireland.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11743242 (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11743242)

Kiki paper marks him out of 10 in Chicago:

Robbie Henshaw 9
Smashing and clever defence, and one of Ireland's best. Finished by crashing over for game sealing try.

I'd say he is one of the first names on the team sheet these days. 9, 10 & 12 are cast in stone when everyone is fit. Fair play to Ringrose for really taking his chance though.

O'Driscoll was a freak and anyway Henshaw to be fair to him should be compared to D'Arcy. At 23 I think that comparison would had up well, so far. But George North was flying a couple of years ago and injuries etc look to have set him back. Hopefully Henshaw can stay fit.

Henshaw is bigger and stronger than either. More like a Southern Hemisphere centre IMHO. While Wales and England and France just go for bruisers in their backs the southern teams have big lads who can play ball. He's a rare combination for us.
Is he a Rossie or from Westmeath ?

He's from the bad side of the Shannon.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Cunny Funt on November 27, 2016, 12:03:09 AM
Quote from: seafoid on November 26, 2016, 10:54:49 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 26, 2016, 10:23:24 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 26, 2016, 08:38:43 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 26, 2016, 08:24:21 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on November 26, 2016, 08:09:44 PM
Henshaw is 23, I think it's fair to say his best years are ahead of him.

He has potential but has not produced in a regard that means he is the first name on the team sheet. I'm not slating the lad but there's a hype and reputation around him that is unjustified in an Ireland shirt. He was excellent for Connacht last year without doubt but I haven't seen that from him in the green and white of Ireland.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11743242 (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11743242)

Kiki paper marks him out of 10 in Chicago:

Robbie Henshaw 9
Smashing and clever defence, and one of Ireland's best. Finished by crashing over for game sealing try.

I'd say he is one of the first names on the team sheet these days. 9, 10 & 12 are cast in stone when everyone is fit. Fair play to Ringrose for really taking his chance though.

O'Driscoll was a freak and anyway Henshaw to be fair to him should be compared to D'Arcy. At 23 I think that comparison would had up well, so far. But George North was flying a couple of years ago and injuries etc look to have set him back. Hopefully Henshaw can stay fit.

Henshaw is bigger and stronger than either. More like a Southern Hemisphere centre IMHO. While Wales and England and France just go for bruisers in their backs the southern teams have big lads who can play ball. He's a rare combination for us.
Is he a Rossie or from Westmeath ?
He played underage football with Westmeath.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: shark on November 27, 2016, 09:24:31 AM
Quote from: Cunny Funt on November 27, 2016, 12:03:09 AM
Quote from: seafoid on November 26, 2016, 10:54:49 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 26, 2016, 10:23:24 PM
Quote from: muppet on November 26, 2016, 08:38:43 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 26, 2016, 08:24:21 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on November 26, 2016, 08:09:44 PM
Henshaw is 23, I think it's fair to say his best years are ahead of him.

He has potential but has not produced in a regard that means he is the first name on the team sheet. I'm not slating the lad but there's a hype and reputation around him that is unjustified in an Ireland shirt. He was excellent for Connacht last year without doubt but I haven't seen that from him in the green and white of Ireland.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11743242 (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11743242)

Kiki paper marks him out of 10 in Chicago:

Robbie Henshaw 9
Smashing and clever defence, and one of Ireland's best. Finished by crashing over for game sealing try.

I'd say he is one of the first names on the team sheet these days. 9, 10 & 12 are cast in stone when everyone is fit. Fair play to Ringrose for really taking his chance though.

O'Driscoll was a freak and anyway Henshaw to be fair to him should be compared to D'Arcy. At 23 I think that comparison would had up well, so far. But George North was flying a couple of years ago and injuries etc look to have set him back. Hopefully Henshaw can stay fit.

Henshaw is bigger and stronger than either. More like a Southern Hemisphere centre IMHO. While Wales and England and France just go for bruisers in their backs the southern teams have big lads who can play ball. He's a rare combination for us.
Is he a Rossie or from Westmeath ?
He played underage football with Westmeath.

Actually played senior championship for Athlone back in 2011, at wing forward. Was a handful. He's from Coosan, which is just outside Athlone right on the East side of the Shannon.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 27, 2016, 09:35:35 AM
What club do people on the Ros side of Athlone play for. Is it St Brigids or Clan or another team ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: shark on November 27, 2016, 10:46:57 AM
Quote from: seafoid on November 27, 2016, 09:35:35 AM
What club do people on the Ros side of Athlone play for. Is it St Brigids or Clan or another team ?

Clan out the Ballinasloe road. Brigids out the Roscommon road. That's my blunt understanding.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sportacus on November 27, 2016, 09:32:44 PM
Genuine question to the rugby folk on here - what's the thinking behind Conor Murray's box kicks?  It's obviously part of the game plan because he does it regularly, but it just looks to me like he's giving the ball away.  He did it with a few minutes to go yesterday when I swore the right thing to do was stick it up the jumper for a few minutes and run down the clock. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on November 27, 2016, 09:35:44 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on November 27, 2016, 09:32:44 PM
Genuine question to the rugby folk on here - what's the thinking behind Conor Murray's box kicks?  It's obviously part of the game plan because he does it regularly, but it just looks to me like he's giving the ball away.  He did it with a few minutes to go yesterday when I swore the right thing to do was stick it up the jumper for a few minutes and run down the clock.
he wouldn't be allowed do it for Connacht
they just hold onto the ball and don't give it away
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 27, 2016, 09:38:43 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on November 27, 2016, 09:32:44 PM
Genuine question to the rugby folk on here - what's the thinking behind Conor Murray's box kicks?  It's obviously part of the game plan because he does it regularly, but it just looks to me like he's giving the ball away.  He did it with a few minutes to go yesterday when I swore the right thing to do was stick it up the jumper for a few minutes and run down the clock.

Yeah he didn't kick well yesterday!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 27, 2016, 09:40:13 PM
Quote from: shark on November 27, 2016, 10:46:57 AM
Quote from: seafoid on November 27, 2016, 09:35:35 AM
What club do people on the Ros side of Athlone play for. Is it St Brigids or Clan or another team ?

Clan out the Ballinasloe road. Brigids out the Roscommon road. That's my blunt understanding.
GRMA

So does that mean there are 4 GF clubs in Athlone?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Maroon Manc on November 27, 2016, 10:16:17 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on November 27, 2016, 09:32:44 PM
Genuine question to the rugby folk on here - what's the thinking behind Conor Murray's box kicks?  It's obviously part of the game plan because he does it regularly, but it just looks to me like he's giving the ball away.  He did it with a few minutes to go yesterday when I swore the right thing to do was stick it up the jumper for a few minutes and run down the clock.

I was thinking that, his kicking over the last 2 weekends appeared poor to me.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on November 27, 2016, 10:45:50 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 27, 2016, 09:40:13 PM
Quote from: shark on November 27, 2016, 10:46:57 AM
Quote from: seafoid on November 27, 2016, 09:35:35 AM
What club do people on the Ros side of Athlone play for. Is it St Brigids or Clan or another team ?

Clan out the Ballinasloe road. Brigids out the Roscommon road. That's my blunt understanding.
GRMA

So does that mean there are 4 GF clubs in Athlone?
[/quote

No, St Brigids club is located about 7 miles from the bridge in Athlone. Clans pitch is located at Johnston about 7 miles from the Bridge. Athlone Gfc and Garrycastle are on the east side and are located in the town. Most people on the west side of the town (except blow ins) would regard themselves as Rossies even though their addresses would be Westmeath.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 28, 2016, 12:55:35 AM
Everyone seems to do that shitty box kicking style but we are particularly strong exponents of it. Agreed it looks like shite but at the same time Schmidt mustn't be telling him otherwise or it wouldn't be part of our game plan.

It's been very prevalent for some time now so it must be a Schmidt thing. Run a few phases and when we're stagnating pump it up for some mild territorial gain or let the opposition f**k it up.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 28, 2016, 12:57:37 AM
Quote from: trileacman on November 28, 2016, 12:55:35 AM
Everyone seems to do that shitty box kicking style but we are particularly strong exponents of it. Agreed it looks like shite but at the same time Schmidt mustn't be telling him otherwise or it wouldn't be part of our game plan.

It's been very prevalent for some time now so it must be a Schmidt thing. Run a few phases and when we're stagnating pump it up for some mild territorial gain or let the opposition f**k it up.

When Zebo or Trimble or whoever, catches it, the momentum is enormous. But at the end of a game when no one seems to have the energy to chase the kick (at least I assume thats what is wrong) it looks bad.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gold on November 28, 2016, 12:58:15 AM


%
Quote from: Sportacus on November 27, 2016, 09:32:44 PM
Genuine question to the rugby folk on here - what's the thinking behind Conor Murray's box kicks?  It's obviously part of the game plan because he does it regularly, but it just looks to me like he's giving the ball away.  He did it with a few minutes to go yesterday when I swore the right thing to do was stick it up the jumper for a few minutes and run down the clock.

Ive been thinking it for years

We work so hard to get the ball back and he just kicks it away immediately...makes no sense to me

Thought he had cut it out for a while until last few games
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 28, 2016, 01:01:37 AM
Quote from: Gold on November 28, 2016, 12:58:15 AM


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Quote from: Sportacus on November 27, 2016, 09:32:44 PM
Genuine question to the rugby folk on here - what's the thinking behind Conor Murray's box kicks?  It's obviously part of the game plan because he does it regularly, but it just looks to me like he's giving the ball away.  He did it with a few minutes to go yesterday when I swore the right thing to do was stick it up the jumper for a few minutes and run down the clock.

Ive been thinking it for years

We work so hard to get the ball back and he just kicks it away immediately...makes no sense to me

Thought he had cut it out for a while until last few games

A lot of teams do it and have done it poorly for years. Was it Nz or Auss who put one up against Ireland and it landed near exactly where it was kicked?

A horrible strategy but there have been some big coaching think in where they were shown that it is an effective way of attacking.

50-60% of them look like f**k all though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 28, 2016, 01:11:31 AM
Quote from: Sportacus on November 27, 2016, 09:32:44 PM
Genuine question to the rugby folk on here - what's the thinking behind Conor Murray's box kicks?  It's obviously part of the game plan because he does it regularly, but it just looks to me like he's giving the ball away.  He did it with a few minutes to go yesterday when I swore the right thing to do was stick it up the jumper for a few minutes and run down the clock.

The only counter you could say to that though is that against Nz a few years ago we tried to put it up the jumper for 3 minutes at the death, conceded a penalty and Nz went on to score the try that won the match. You do have to mix it up, rog was brilliant at pinning teams into the corner when the attack was not breaking the gain line at midfield. As wingers and full backs cover the space better now it's a lot harder to do so this has become the prominent method of mixing it up.

One thing you see very little of anymore is chips from the 10/12/13. Used to be all the rage 10 years ago. Now you could go 20 matches without seeing a running chip in midfield, it's now normally from a wimger trying to beat the full back. Remember bod v England in 2004 to win the triple crown? That was brilliant, you'd miss that aspect of the game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: PW Nally on November 28, 2016, 01:36:36 AM
Quote from: Sportacus on November 27, 2016, 09:32:44 PM
Genuine question to the rugby folk on here - what's the thinking behind Conor Murray's box kicks?  It's obviously part of the game plan because he does it regularly, but it just looks to me like he's giving the ball away.  He did it with a few minutes to go yesterday when I swore the right thing to do was stick it up the jumper for a few minutes and run down the clock.
What would Kilcoo do?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on November 28, 2016, 08:24:04 AM
Box kicks are not a schmidt thing we have been doing it for years in fact watch our 60-0 thumping to NZ under kidney and we spent the whole match kicking the ball to their back 3 to then watch them waltz back through us time and time again scoring trys. At least under schmidt they are more accurate and we seem to compete for them now. One thing i notice with the current team is we have to work so hard to gain a few metres (hence why we kick it so much) but when we are defending we seem happy to let teams spin it wide and surrender territory for fun only to steady things up at our 22 which seems incredibly risky.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 28, 2016, 09:13:17 AM
Astonishing physical resilience but at what long term cost ?

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/autumn-internationals/neil-francis-astonishing-physical-resilience-puts-ireland-in-unenviable-position-of-being-six-nations-favourites-35247565.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 28, 2016, 10:46:13 AM
Rumours abound that Sexton may be out for a considerable amount of time!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 28, 2016, 11:11:48 AM
Quote from: screenexile on November 28, 2016, 10:46:13 AM
Rumours abound that Sexton may be out for a considerable amount of time!!
He is like the canary in the coalmine of concussion
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 28, 2016, 11:13:36 AM
Quote from: seafoid on November 28, 2016, 11:11:48 AM
Quote from: screenexile on November 28, 2016, 10:46:13 AM
Rumours abound that Sexton may be out for a considerable amount of time!!
He is like the canary in the coalmine of concussion

I don't particularly like Jonny Sexton, or at least I didn't when he was younger, but I worry for him as a lad. I think he should give it up, because he's such a brave 10, and I think it's obvious his body is not able for the defensive style he plays, and then you add in the obvious targetting that he gets as IReland's main playmaker. I hope he's not a wreck when he's 45.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on November 30, 2016, 11:58:12 AM
Bonus points in the next 6 nations!!!!!!!!!!!
Grand slam team gets extra  bonus points to make sure there isnt the daft situation were you win the grand slam but not the championship
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 30, 2016, 12:03:26 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on November 30, 2016, 11:58:12 AM
Bonus points in the next 6 nations!!!!!!!!!!!
Grand slam team gets extra  bonus points to make sure there isnt the daft situation were you win the grand slam but not the championship

Which could happen. If you won your games say 15-10, and then wins with no bonus points after that, the team you beat first could win their remaining 4 games with bonus points and pip you 21- 20!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Jim_Murphy_74 on November 30, 2016, 12:06:57 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 30, 2016, 12:03:26 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on November 30, 2016, 11:58:12 AM
Bonus points in the next 6 nations!!!!!!!!!!!
Grand slam team gets extra  bonus points to make sure there isnt the daft situation were you win the grand slam but not the championship

Which could happen. If you won your games say 15-10, and then wins with no bonus points after that, the team you beat first could win their remaining 4 games with bonus points and pip you 21- 20!

You could lose one game but get two losing bonus and also get a bonus after that, giving them a total of 22.

If you win all games but no bonus, you get 20 points but the "Grand Slam" bonus gives you 3 more points to get you to 23.

A lot of years there is no Grand Slam so this will make championship more interesting.  Once you lose a game, you want to be scoring tries.

A good idea realy.

/Jim.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 30, 2016, 12:11:13 PM
There will be lots of kicks to the corner! And probably lots of penalty tries.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on November 30, 2016, 12:16:32 PM
That reminds me of a one arm bandit, you get the 5 bells in a line and you get a bonus but it's still a rigged encounter.

It's a distraction from the real issue that stinks in the closed shop of intl rugby where there is no relegation from, or promotion to the top league.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on November 30, 2016, 04:37:15 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 30, 2016, 12:03:26 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on November 30, 2016, 11:58:12 AM
Bonus points in the next 6 nations!!!!!!!!!!!
Grand slam team gets extra  bonus points to make sure there isnt the daft situation were you win the grand slam but not the championship

Which could happen. If you won your games say 15-10, and then wins with no bonus points after that, the team you beat first could win their remaining 4 games with bonus points and pip you 21- 20!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002_Six_Nations_Championship

England would have won the Six Nations Championship in 2002 under the standard bonus point system (ie. no 3 point bonus for Grand Slam) despite France doing the Grand Slam that year.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 30, 2016, 05:27:52 PM
Quote from: Main Street on November 30, 2016, 12:16:32 PM
That reminds me of a one arm bandit, you get the 5 bells in a line and you get a bonus but it's still a rigged encounter.

It's a distraction from the real issue that stinks in the closed shop of intl rugby where there is no relegation from, or promotion to the top league.

How far away are Georgia/Romania from entering the 6 nations?

Just looking at it there Georgia are actually ranked above Italy at present!

Would Canada and USA's next move be the 6 nations or would they go Rugby Championship?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 30, 2016, 10:27:01 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 28, 2016, 11:13:36 AM
Quote from: seafoid on November 28, 2016, 11:11:48 AM
Quote from: screenexile on November 28, 2016, 10:46:13 AM
Rumours abound that Sexton may be out for a considerable amount of time!!
He is like the canary in the coalmine of concussion

I don't particularly like Jonny Sexton, or at least I didn't when he was younger, but I worry for him as a lad. I think he should give it up, because he's such a brave 10, and I think it's obvious his body is not able for the defensive style he plays, and then you add in the obvious targetting that he gets as IReland's main playmaker. I hope he's not a wreck when he's 45.
Me too, AZ.
He is often injured. Health is priceless.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: moysider on November 30, 2016, 10:48:54 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 30, 2016, 05:27:52 PM
Quote from: Main Street on November 30, 2016, 12:16:32 PM
That reminds me of a one arm bandit, you get the 5 bells in a line and you get a bonus but it's still a rigged encounter.

It's a distraction from the real issue that stinks in the closed shop of intl rugby where there is no relegation from, or promotion to the top league.

How far away are Georgia/Romania from entering the 6 nations?

Just looking at it there Georgia are actually ranked above Italy at present!

Would Canada and USA's next move be the 6 nations or would they go Rugby Championship?

Would the calendar be able to cope with an 8 nations every year? That would be nearly 2 months with a match every week. Clubs would go mental for a start? Maybe a 2 tier with promotion and relegation?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on November 30, 2016, 11:13:34 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 30, 2016, 10:27:01 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 28, 2016, 11:13:36 AM
Quote from: seafoid on November 28, 2016, 11:11:48 AM
Quote from: screenexile on November 28, 2016, 10:46:13 AM
Rumours abound that Sexton may be out for a considerable amount of time!!
He is like the canary in the coalmine of concussion

I don't particularly like Jonny Sexton, or at least I didn't when he was younger, but I worry for him as a lad. I think he should give it up, because he's such a brave 10, and I think it's obvious his body is not able for the defensive style he plays, and then you add in the obvious targetting that he gets as IReland's main playmaker. I hope he's not a wreck when he's 45.
Me too, AZ.
He is often injured. Health is priceless.
jamie heaslip has to be one of the more durable players anywhere in the modern game can't remember him missing any games for Ireland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on November 30, 2016, 11:40:39 PM
Quote from: Gmac on November 30, 2016, 11:13:34 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 30, 2016, 10:27:01 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 28, 2016, 11:13:36 AM
Quote from: seafoid on November 28, 2016, 11:11:48 AM
Quote from: screenexile on November 28, 2016, 10:46:13 AM
Rumours abound that Sexton may be out for a considerable amount of time!!
He is like the canary in the coalmine of concussion

I don't particularly like Jonny Sexton, or at least I didn't when he was younger, but I worry for him as a lad. I think he should give it up, because he's such a brave 10, and I think it's obvious his body is not able for the defensive style he plays, and then you add in the obvious targetting that he gets as IReland's main playmaker. I hope he's not a wreck when he's 45.
Me too, AZ.
He is often injured. Health is priceless.
jamie heaslip has to be one of the more durable players anywhere in the modern game can't remember him missing any games for Ireland.

Even when he good a cracked vertebrae from Papé (?) he was still back a game or two later.

As for Sexton I'm guessing his problem is concussion rather than the hamstring?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on December 01, 2016, 09:50:11 AM
Quote from: moysider on November 30, 2016, 10:48:54 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 30, 2016, 05:27:52 PM
Quote from: Main Street on November 30, 2016, 12:16:32 PM
That reminds me of a one arm bandit, you get the 5 bells in a line and you get a bonus but it's still a rigged encounter.

It's a distraction from the real issue that stinks in the closed shop of intl rugby where there is no relegation from, or promotion to the top league.

How far away are Georgia/Romania from entering the 6 nations?

Just looking at it there Georgia are actually ranked above Italy at present!

Would Canada and USA's next move be the 6 nations or would they go Rugby Championship?

Would the calendar be able to cope with an 8 nations every year? That would be nearly 2 months with a match every week. Clubs would go mental for a start? Maybe a 2 tier with promotion and relegation?

I think you could see Georgia pushing hard for inclusion - given the fact they are ranked above Italy they can feel justified. However i think Italy may begin an upward trend under Conor O'Shea. Tblisi in March isnt exactly Rome however  ;D ;D

Canada and the US are miles off the rugby championship. The North American pro league has to develop first. Possibly a franchise could join the Super Rugby programme??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on December 05, 2016, 10:29:41 AM
I see Pat Lam is leaving Connacht at the end of the season. That's going to be a blow for them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on December 05, 2016, 10:39:47 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on December 05, 2016, 10:29:41 AM
I see Pat Lam is leaving Connacht at the end of the season. That's going to be a blow for them.

Very disappointing!! Money talks and Bristol have it in spades. However they are sitting rock bottom.

I wonder how Aki and Dillane feel after signing new contracts out west when other suitors were in for them.

Honestly thought Lam would stay and replace Schmidt after 2019.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on December 05, 2016, 10:45:13 AM
Aki tweeted this morning. 'Feeling Pissed!'
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on December 05, 2016, 10:51:52 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on December 05, 2016, 10:45:13 AM
Aki tweeted this morning. 'Feeling Pissed!'

Obviously wasnt in the know. Perhaps Pat has done the dirt on him. Dillane could have joined Munster but bought into the Connacht way also.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 05, 2016, 11:08:39 AM
The IRFU don't have the kind of money there is in England. Lam did an incredible job with Connacht. He could still replace JS.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on December 05, 2016, 11:25:07 AM
Quote from: seafoid on December 05, 2016, 11:08:39 AM
The IRFU don't have the kind of money there is in England. Lam did an incredible job with Connacht. He could still replace JS.

Surely O'Shea is in the hotseat for Schmidt's job after the WC?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on December 05, 2016, 11:51:46 AM
Quote from: screenexile on December 05, 2016, 11:25:07 AM
Quote from: seafoid on December 05, 2016, 11:08:39 AM
The IRFU don't have the kind of money there is in England. Lam did an incredible job with Connacht. He could still replace JS.

Surely O'Shea is in the hotseat for Schmidt's job after the WC?

I suppose it all depends how he gets on at Italy. Could go really well or bad. It was a massive risk taking it on but fair played to O'Shea! It'll not be an easy act to follow. Maybe Lancaster will look for it. I think he's the perfect man at Leinster to help bring through young players. Jones is reaping the rewards of his great work at England (World Cup aside)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 05, 2016, 12:23:26 PM
England unbeaten all year . Should be a good match in the 6N.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on December 05, 2016, 12:36:33 PM
Guscott would have 5 Irishmen on the Lions 15 if it started tomorrow:

(http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/976/cpsprodpb/F98A/production/_92828836_guscot_lions.png)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on December 05, 2016, 12:55:57 PM
Used to get excited about the Lions but the more it goes on the harder it is to get interested. I'd be happy enough if not many Irish lads go. Prefer to see them fit and healthy in a green shirt.

How about Bernard Jackman for Connacht??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on December 05, 2016, 01:38:49 PM
Quote from: muppet on December 05, 2016, 12:36:33 PM
Guscott would have 5 Irishmen on the Lions 15 if it started tomorrow:

(http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/976/cpsprodpb/F98A/production/_92828836_guscot_lions.png)
Dallaglio said in the Sunday Times he wants a #10 to be bossy so he'd have Sexton  ;D!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 05, 2016, 02:19:34 PM
Quote from: muppet on December 05, 2016, 12:36:33 PM
Guscott would have 5 Irishmen on the Lions 15 if it started tomorrow:

(http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/976/cpsprodpb/F98A/production/_92828836_guscot_lions.png)
Ian McGeechan in the Torygraph picked the team of the autumn internationals and it had
Toner, Best,Furlong, Murray and Henshaw
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on December 05, 2016, 02:19:56 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on December 05, 2016, 12:55:57 PM
Used to get excited about the Lions but the more it goes on the harder it is to get interested. I'd be happy enough if not many Irish lads go. Prefer to see them fit and healthy in a green shirt.

How about Bernard Jackman for Connacht??
The Lions is like the Ryder Cup, of no interest to me.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on December 05, 2016, 02:39:07 PM
The Lions has lost its magic simply because the 'home' nations in the last 10 yrs have caught up. This test in NZ will be good because NZ are so dominant but future tours to OZ and SA will be boring. England smashed Australia 3-0 in Australia last summer and Ireland really should have beaten SA in SA twice. Ireland have won more than lost against SA/AUS in the last 10 yrs and Im sure England have a similar record even the Scots have given Australia a few good games with only the Welsh last test aside being battered by the big 3 time and time again
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 05, 2016, 03:51:18 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on December 05, 2016, 02:39:07 PM
The Lions has lost its magic simply because the 'home' nations in the last 10 yrs have caught up. This test in NZ will be good because NZ are so dominant but future tours to OZ and SA will be boring. England smashed Australia 3-0 in Australia last summer and Ireland really should have beaten SA in SA twice. Ireland have won more than lost against SA/AUS in the last 10 yrs and Im sure England have a similar record even the Scots have given Australia a few good games with only the Welsh last test aside being battered by the big 3 time and time again

Money is changing things

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/dec/05/autumn-internationals-2016-verdict-guardian-writers-highs-and-lows
Worst performance of the autumn

MA South Africa. Take your pick. The Italy defeat was the most shocking, so let's go for that, but there is a serious concern here. The financial power in England and France has torn Pacific Island rugby apart and now it's moving on to the next. South Africa have been stripped bare. Australia are wobbling. New Zealand are holding out. For now. But not even they are above this particular menace to rugby's global balance
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Jim_Murphy_74 on December 05, 2016, 04:07:30 PM
Quote from: muppet on December 05, 2016, 12:36:33 PM
Guscott would have 5 Irishmen on the Lions 15 if it started tomorrow:

(http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/976/cpsprodpb/F98A/production/_92828836_guscot_lions.png)

I wonder what he thinks of Farrell playing 12 and Ford at out-half?

I think O'Brien really hasn't played enough games recently to warrant selection.  A good 6 Nations run without injury would be needed.

I would prefer to see Heaslip at no. 8, Billy is a battering ram but Jamie a leader.

Gatty is not going to go with only 2 Welsh men.

Hartley might make the squad but will surely be suspended before the plane leaves.

/Jim.


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Geoff Tipps on December 05, 2016, 04:23:19 PM
Quote from: Jim_Murphy_74 on December 05, 2016, 04:07:30 PM
Quote from: muppet on December 05, 2016, 12:36:33 PM
Guscott would have 5 Irishmen on the Lions 15 if it started tomorrow:

(http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/976/cpsprodpb/F98A/production/_92828836_guscot_lions.png)

I wonder what he thinks of Farrell playing 12 and North at out-half?

I think O'Brien really hasn't played enough games recently to warrant selection.  A good 6 Nations run without injury would be needed.

I would prefer to see Heaslip at no. 8, Billy is a battering ram but Jamie a leader.

Gatty is not going to go with only 2 Welsh men.

Hartley might make the squad but will surely be suspended before the plane leaves.

/Jim.

Ford, I presume??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Jim_Murphy_74 on December 05, 2016, 04:26:53 PM
Quote from: Geoff Tipps on December 05, 2016, 04:23:19 PM
Quote from: Jim_Murphy_74 on December 05, 2016, 04:07:30 PM
Quote from: muppet on December 05, 2016, 12:36:33 PM
Guscott would have 5 Irishmen on the Lions 15 if it started tomorrow:

(http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/976/cpsprodpb/F98A/production/_92828836_guscot_lions.png)

I wonder what he thinks of Farrell playing 12 and North at out-half?

I think O'Brien really hasn't played enough games recently to warrant selection.  A good 6 Nations run without injury would be needed.

I would prefer to see Heaslip at no. 8, Billy is a battering ram but Jamie a leader.

Gatty is not going to go with only 2 Welsh men.

Hartley might make the squad but will surely be suspended before the plane leaves.

/Jim.

Ford, I presume??

Yup, fixed above.

/Jim.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on December 05, 2016, 04:37:52 PM
Quote from: seafoid on December 05, 2016, 03:51:18 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on December 05, 2016, 02:39:07 PM
The Lions has lost its magic simply because the 'home' nations in the last 10 yrs have caught up. This test in NZ will be good because NZ are so dominant but future tours to OZ and SA will be boring. England smashed Australia 3-0 in Australia last summer and Ireland really should have beaten SA in SA twice. Ireland have won more than lost against SA/AUS in the last 10 yrs and Im sure England have a similar record even the Scots have given Australia a few good games with only the Welsh last test aside being battered by the big 3 time and time again

Money is changing things

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/dec/05/autumn-internationals-2016-verdict-guardian-writers-highs-and-lows
Worst performance of the autumn

MA South Africa. Take your pick. The Italy defeat was the most shocking, so let's go for that, but there is a serious concern here. The financial power in England and France has torn Pacific Island rugby apart and now it's moving on to the next. South Africa have been stripped bare. Australia are wobbling. New Zealand are holding out. For now. But not even they are above this particular menace to rugby's global balance

SA do have a problem but they only have themselves to blame. Why didnt they call up Stander before he qualified for us, Most international teams are dumb for not looking at their own players playing abroad. Even Ireland do it. We desperately needed a backup for Sexton when Jackson and Keatley were having their wobbles and there was the premierships top scorer Steenson just waiting for a call up but no he played for Exeter so for some reason he was overlooked.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on December 05, 2016, 04:41:19 PM
Sorry and Australia are as bad as anyone for poaching pacific island players so they wont get much sympathy from me
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on December 05, 2016, 04:44:34 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on December 05, 2016, 04:37:52 PM
Quote from: seafoid on December 05, 2016, 03:51:18 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on December 05, 2016, 02:39:07 PM
The Lions has lost its magic simply because the 'home' nations in the last 10 yrs have caught up. This test in NZ will be good because NZ are so dominant but future tours to OZ and SA will be boring. England smashed Australia 3-0 in Australia last summer and Ireland really should have beaten SA in SA twice. Ireland have won more than lost against SA/AUS in the last 10 yrs and Im sure England have a similar record even the Scots have given Australia a few good games with only the Welsh last test aside being battered by the big 3 time and time again

Money is changing things

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/dec/05/autumn-internationals-2016-verdict-guardian-writers-highs-and-lows
Worst performance of the autumn

MA South Africa. Take your pick. The Italy defeat was the most shocking, so let's go for that, but there is a serious concern here. The financial power in England and France has torn Pacific Island rugby apart and now it's moving on to the next. South Africa have been stripped bare. Australia are wobbling. New Zealand are holding out. For now. But not even they are above this particular menace to rugby's global balance

SA do have a problem but they only have themselves to blame. Why didnt they call up Stander before he qualified for us, Most international teams are dumb for not looking at their own players playing abroad. Even Ireland do it. We desperately needed a backup for Sexton when Jackson and Keatley were having their wobbles and there was the premierships top scorer Steenson just waiting for a call up but no he played for Exeter so for some reason he was overlooked.

For Ireland, that's been going on a long time. Bob Casey and Trevor Brennan were basically discarded when they went to England and France.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on December 05, 2016, 06:35:00 PM
Sexton is in another class to Owen Farrell, who is flakey as they come and quite limited too. Might be best for Sexton if he wants to make the next WC if the manager goes with Farrell though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on December 05, 2016, 07:23:54 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on December 05, 2016, 04:44:34 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on December 05, 2016, 04:37:52 PM
Quote from: seafoid on December 05, 2016, 03:51:18 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on December 05, 2016, 02:39:07 PM
The Lions has lost its magic simply because the 'home' nations in the last 10 yrs have caught up. This test in NZ will be good because NZ are so dominant but future tours to OZ and SA will be boring. England smashed Australia 3-0 in Australia last summer and Ireland really should have beaten SA in SA twice. Ireland have won more than lost against SA/AUS in the last 10 yrs and Im sure England have a similar record even the Scots have given Australia a few good games with only the Welsh last test aside being battered by the big 3 time and time again

Money is changing things

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/dec/05/autumn-internationals-2016-verdict-guardian-writers-highs-and-lows
Worst performance of the autumn

MA South Africa. Take your pick. The Italy defeat was the most shocking, so let's go for that, but there is a serious concern here. The financial power in England and France has torn Pacific Island rugby apart and now it's moving on to the next. South Africa have been stripped bare. Australia are wobbling. New Zealand are holding out. For now. But not even they are above this particular menace to rugby's global balance

SA do have a problem but they only have themselves to blame. Why didnt they call up Stander before he qualified for us, Most international teams are dumb for not looking at their own players playing abroad. Even Ireland do it. We desperately needed a backup for Sexton when Jackson and Keatley were having their wobbles and there was the premierships top scorer Steenson just waiting for a call up but no he played for Exeter so for some reason he was overlooked.

For Ireland, that's been going on a long time. Bob Casey and Trevor Brennan were basically discarded when they went to England and France.

It's a easy strategy to attack but it has as many positives as negatives. It's designed to ensure you keep the national league and clubs strong and don't just end up a feeder nation for the bigger clu s like Scotland and to a smaller degree wales.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: haze on December 05, 2016, 09:52:48 PM
Quote from: Syferus on December 05, 2016, 06:35:00 PM
Sexton is in another class to Owen Farrell, who is flakey as they come and quite limited too. Might be best for Sexton if he wants to make the next WC if the manager goes with Farrell though.

Farrell was nominated for world player of the year, undefeated this year for England and won Grand Slam, Champions Cup and Premiership. And I'm not sure where the flaky comment comes from? Think his international kicking stats are the second highest off all international kickers. And he has just turned 25 - Sexton's international career was only getting started at that age. So while I don't like him, I wouldn't dismiss him!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on December 05, 2016, 10:00:42 PM
Quote from: haze on December 05, 2016, 09:52:48 PM
Quote from: Syferus on December 05, 2016, 06:35:00 PM
Sexton is in another class to Owen Farrell, who is flakey as they come and quite limited too. Might be best for Sexton if he wants to make the next WC if the manager goes with Farrell though.

Farrell was nominated for world player of the year, undefeated this year for England and won Grand Slam, Champions Cup and Premiership. And I'm not sure where the flaky comment comes from? Think his international kicking stats are the second highest off all international kickers. And he has just turned 25 - Sexton's international career was only getting started at that age. So while I don't like him, I wouldn't dismiss him!

Sexton is a complete player. Some of Farrell's tackling and territory kicking has been stone brutal. This year Jones has masked much of it by getting the whole England squad playing better but he's essentially the same player he always was. Don't be too quick to forget the WC last Autumn.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rrhf on December 05, 2016, 11:27:37 PM
I'd imagine sexton is twilight stuff, the injuries and abuse he took over the years will haunt us over the next year.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on December 06, 2016, 01:54:36 AM
Quote from: Syferus on December 05, 2016, 10:00:42 PM
Quote from: haze on December 05, 2016, 09:52:48 PM
Quote from: Syferus on December 05, 2016, 06:35:00 PM
Sexton is in another class to Owen Farrell, who is flakey as they come and quite limited too. Might be best for Sexton if he wants to make the next WC if the manager goes with Farrell though.

Farrell was nominated for world player of the year, undefeated this year for England and won Grand Slam, Champions Cup and Premiership. And I'm not sure where the flaky comment comes from? Think his international kicking stats are the second highest off all international kickers. And he has just turned 25 - Sexton's international career was only getting started at that age. So while I don't like him, I wouldn't dismiss him!

Sexton is a complete player. Some of Farrell's tackling and territory kicking has been stone brutal. This year Jones has masked much of it by getting the whole England squad playing better but he's essentially the same player he always was. Don't be too quick to forget the WC last Autumn.

How'd that go for us?

People in glass houses.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 06, 2016, 07:31:25 AM
Would Matt O'Connor be a good choice for Connacht?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on December 06, 2016, 09:12:56 AM
Quote from: seafoid on December 06, 2016, 07:31:25 AM
Would Matt O'Connor be a good choice for Connacht?

Good lord Seafoid. Not in a million years!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 06, 2016, 09:37:17 AM
I like what Willie Ruane said about Bundee Aki

Bundee wants to be on a winning team. He wants to play good rugby and he wants a very good coach
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on December 06, 2016, 09:40:42 AM
Quote from: haze on December 05, 2016, 09:52:48 PM
Quote from: Syferus on December 05, 2016, 06:35:00 PM
Sexton is in another class to Owen Farrell, who is flakey as they come and quite limited too. Might be best for Sexton if he wants to make the next WC if the manager goes with Farrell though.

Farrell was nominated for world player of the year, undefeated this year for England and won Grand Slam, Champions Cup and Premiership. And I'm not sure where the flaky comment comes from? Think his international kicking stats are the second highest off all international kickers. And he has just turned 25 - Sexton's international career was only getting started at that age. So while I don't like him, I wouldn't dismiss him!


I thought Farrell was in the centre for England these last few games with Ford outhalf, no?

Why would Farrell be given the outhalf jersey if he can't even get it for England?

As for the Lions, apart from being a load of pish, Gatland is hardly the most expansive of coaches so I'd not get too bothered if Sexton wasn't included..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: haze on December 06, 2016, 01:40:40 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on December 06, 2016, 09:40:42 AM
Quote from: haze on December 05, 2016, 09:52:48 PM
Quote from: Syferus on December 05, 2016, 06:35:00 PM
Sexton is in another class to Owen Farrell, who is flakey as they come and quite limited too. Might be best for Sexton if he wants to make the next WC if the manager goes with Farrell though.

Farrell was nominated for world player of the year, undefeated this year for England and won Grand Slam, Champions Cup and Premiership. And I'm not sure where the flaky comment comes from? Think his international kicking stats are the second highest off all international kickers. And he has just turned 25 - Sexton's international career was only getting started at that age. So while I don't like him, I wouldn't dismiss him!


I thought Farrell was in the centre for England these last few games with Ford outhalf, no?

Why would Farrell be given the outhalf jersey if he can't even get it for England?

As for the Lions, apart from being a load of pish, Gatland is hardly the most expansive of coaches so I'd not get too bothered if Sexton wasn't included..

not arguing at all that Farrell should get the 10 jersey, as you say he wearing 12 for England at the moment - was just making the point that I don't think he is "quite limited" or "flakey" (in so far as I see anyway). Sexton's career performances over the last two years have taken him to a different level, similar criticisms were unfairly levelled at him as well. Certainly Farrell at 25 compares very favourably to Sexton at 25.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on December 08, 2016, 10:50:01 AM
Could be a good move here for Connacht. No coach will find it easy following Lam however.

http://www.the42.ie/connacht-jono-gibbes-lam-leinster-contender-3126755-Dec2016/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 08, 2016, 02:24:18 PM
http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/connacht-rugby/pat-lam-reveals-that-attending-anthony-foleys-funeral-was-the-catalyst-for-his-decision-to-leave-connacht-35276487.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on December 08, 2016, 02:37:29 PM
you have to give it to the rugby lads

they know how to milk the news cycle
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on December 08, 2016, 04:13:48 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on December 08, 2016, 02:37:29 PM
you have to give it to the rugby lads

they know how to milk the news cycle

Yeah and Connolly talking about Brolly is real gripping headings at the minute.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on December 09, 2016, 09:35:25 PM
Once a tr**p always a tr**p good to see Dylan Hartley get his comeuppance!!

Hopefully O'Brien is OK if there's any justice Hartley will get a lengthy ban! Horrible rugby player...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on December 09, 2016, 10:07:47 PM
He is a shit bag. Northampton seemed to lose the rag entirely.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on December 09, 2016, 11:40:14 PM
What a trashy individual. Hopefully banned for the 6nations. If he had fully caught O'Brien he'd have broke his jaw!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on December 09, 2016, 11:59:44 PM
That was a disgusting tackle hadn't even the manners to go over and apologise... good performance all the same, decent backroom team
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on December 10, 2016, 09:12:53 AM
Reading the English papers this morning I can't believe he was being touted as Lions Captain . . . Thank God that won't happen now!

A good 6 Nations from Best should put him in the frame although it's hard to see past Gatland picking Warburton.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Jim_Murphy_74 on December 10, 2016, 09:13:11 AM
Quote from: Jim_Murphy_74 on December 05, 2016, 04:07:30 PM
Quote from: muppet on December 05, 2016, 12:36:33 PM
Guscott would have 5 Irishmen on the Lions 15 if it started tomorrow:

(http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/976/cpsprodpb/F98A/production/_92828836_guscot_lions.png)

Hartley might make the squad but will surely be suspended before the plane leaves.

/Jim.

Nice one Hartley.  Likely to miss at least part of 6 Nations now.  What will Gatland do now.

/Jim.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 10, 2016, 09:55:36 AM
Fair play to the BBC for spelling Tadhg correctly
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on December 10, 2016, 01:42:24 PM
Cracking first half ! 5 tries already and an amazing catch from Bowe to set up Henderson, Pinears kick was pin point
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on December 10, 2016, 06:07:57 PM
Why did the Irish clubs get so good all of a sudden?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on December 10, 2016, 07:33:21 PM
Quote from: Syferus on December 10, 2016, 06:07:57 PM
Why did the Irish clubs get so good all of a sudden?

They read bombers posts
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on December 17, 2016, 05:07:58 PM
Very harsh, quick penalty given against Stander to cost Munster a famous win.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on December 17, 2016, 05:42:08 PM
Just looked at Dylan Hartley's stats in senior rugby.

79 tests (22 as sub) + 127 club games (23 as sub).

If we assume an average of 30 mins per appearance as sub then he has played (roughly) [57 * 80 (4,560 mins) + 22 * 30 (660mins)] + [104 * 80 (8,320mins) + 23 * 30 (690mins)] = 14,230 minutes played.

He has been given 60 weeks of suspension, or 1,512,000 minutes.

So roughly speaking, for every minute of rugby be has played, he has been suspended for over 100 minutes.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on December 17, 2016, 07:11:10 PM
Are Irish rugby crowds the worst booers? It's at a ridiculous level in Connacht-Wasps. It's an almost constant background noise for parts of the game and EVERY decision against the home team attracts a storm of booing. What sort of supporters do these people think they are? I know it's only a minority but it only takes a few to make an annoying soundscape. One of the downsides of bandwagons I suppose.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on December 17, 2016, 07:28:20 PM
What a finish!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on December 17, 2016, 07:28:59 PM
Great game
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 17, 2016, 10:30:14 PM
Quote from: muppet on December 17, 2016, 05:42:08 PM
Just looked at Dylan Hartley's stats in senior rugby.

79 tests (22 as sub) + 127 club games (23 as sub).

If we assume an average of 30 mins per appearance as sub then he has played (roughly) [57 * 80 (4,560 mins) + 22 * 30 (660mins)] + [104 * 80 (8,320mins) + 23 * 30 (690mins)] = 14,230 minutes played.

He has been given 60 weeks of suspension, or 1,512,000 minutes.

So roughly speaking, for every minute of rugby be has played, he has been suspended for over 100 minutes.
You are not comparing like with like. Even if he had been suspended for 2 weeks by your calculation he would be suspended longer than his playing time. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on December 18, 2016, 01:22:45 AM
Quote from: seafoid on December 17, 2016, 10:30:14 PM
Quote from: muppet on December 17, 2016, 05:42:08 PM
Just looked at Dylan Hartley's stats in senior rugby.

79 tests (22 as sub) + 127 club games (23 as sub).

If we assume an average of 30 mins per appearance as sub then he has played (roughly) [57 * 80 (4,560 mins) + 22 * 30 (660mins)] + [104 * 80 (8,320mins) + 23 * 30 (690mins)] = 14,230 minutes played.

He has been given 60 weeks of suspension, or 1,512,000 minutes.

So roughly speaking, for every minute of rugby be has played, he has been suspended for over 100 minutes.
You are not comparing like with like. Even if he had been suspended for 2 weeks by your calculation he would be suspended longer than his playing time.

Agreed that's a false analogy.
As seafoid said if he was suspended for 2 weeks then he'd probably have more suspension time than playing time as well.Bod or sexton have probably been suspended more time than they've played by such a way of comparison.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on December 18, 2016, 01:25:12 AM
Quote from: Hardy on December 17, 2016, 07:11:10 PM
Are Irish rugby crowds the worst booers? It's at a ridiculous level in Connacht-Wasps. It's an almost constant background noise for parts of the game and EVERY decision against the home team attracts a storm of booing. What sort of supporters do these people think they are? I know it's only a minority but it only takes a few to make an annoying soundscape. One of the downsides of bandwagons I suppose.

I wouldn't say we are the worst but the Connacht crowd tonight were terrible for it. Really spoiled listening to it on the radio. Would have been disappointed at that had it been a GAA game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on December 18, 2016, 01:35:50 AM
Quote from: trileacman on December 18, 2016, 01:22:45 AM
Quote from: seafoid on December 17, 2016, 10:30:14 PM
Quote from: muppet on December 17, 2016, 05:42:08 PM
Just looked at Dylan Hartley's stats in senior rugby.

79 tests (22 as sub) + 127 club games (23 as sub).

If we assume an average of 30 mins per appearance as sub then he has played (roughly) [57 * 80 (4,560 mins) + 22 * 30 (660mins)] + [104 * 80 (8,320mins) + 23 * 30 (690mins)] = 14,230 minutes played.

He has been given 60 weeks of suspension, or 1,512,000 minutes.

So roughly speaking, for every minute of rugby be has played, he has been suspended for over 100 minutes.
You are not comparing like with like. Even if he had been suspended for 2 weeks by your calculation he would be suspended longer than his playing time.

Agreed that's a false analogy.
As seafoid said if he was suspended for 2 weeks then he'd probably have more suspension time than playing time as well.Bod or sexton have probably been suspended more time than they've played by such a way of comparison.

This is daft. I am merely crunching numbers. It is a fact (unless I made an error) that, roughly, Hartley has been suspended for 100 minutes for every minute he has played.

Feel free to crunch Bod or Johnny's stats yourselves.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 18, 2016, 06:35:22 AM
Hartley sleeps far more than he plays rugby matches. He eat his breakfast for more minutes than he plays rugby and when he is suspended breakfast wins even more.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: DuffleKing on December 18, 2016, 08:37:26 AM

Yea but if he's suspended for a week he's actually only missing 80 mins of rugby
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 18, 2016, 10:51:13 AM
Connacht v Kilkenny
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJGdZPewt10
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on December 18, 2016, 11:52:59 AM
Quote from: seafoid on December 18, 2016, 06:35:22 AM
Hartley sleeps far more than he plays rugby matches. He eat his breakfast for more minutes than he plays rugby and when he is suspended breakfast wins even more.

He is paid to play rugby.

He has to sleep and he has to eat. Being suspended for over a year, however, is a choice.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 18, 2016, 12:08:01 PM
Quote from: muppet on December 18, 2016, 11:52:59 AM
Quote from: seafoid on December 18, 2016, 06:35:22 AM
Hartley sleeps far more than he plays rugby matches. He eat his breakfast for more minutes than he plays rugby and when he is suspended breakfast wins even more.

He is paid to play rugby.

He has to sleep and he has to eat. Being suspended for over a year, however, is a choice.
He is a thug. But the numbers have to be consistent.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on December 18, 2016, 12:10:52 PM
Quote from: seafoid on December 18, 2016, 12:08:01 PM
Quote from: muppet on December 18, 2016, 11:52:59 AM
Quote from: seafoid on December 18, 2016, 06:35:22 AM
Hartley sleeps far more than he plays rugby matches. He eat his breakfast for more minutes than he plays rugby and when he is suspended breakfast wins even more.

He is paid to play rugby.

He has to sleep and he has to eat. Being suspended for over a year, however, is a choice.
He is a thug. But the numbers have to be consistent.

Numbers are consistent and don't lie. It is their interpretation that is the problem.

Lies, damn lies and statistics and all that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on December 18, 2016, 12:48:55 PM
Quote from: muppet on December 18, 2016, 12:10:52 PM
Quote from: seafoid on December 18, 2016, 12:08:01 PM
Quote from: muppet on December 18, 2016, 11:52:59 AM
Quote from: seafoid on December 18, 2016, 06:35:22 AM
Hartley sleeps far more than he plays rugby matches. He eat his breakfast for more minutes than he plays rugby and when he is suspended breakfast wins even more.

He is paid to play rugby.

He has to sleep and he has to eat. Being suspended for over a year, however, is a choice.
He is a thug. But the numbers have to be consistent.

Numbers are consistent and don't lie. It is their interpretation that is the problem.

Lies, damn lies and statistics and all that.

It was a shite analogy, quit digging.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 18, 2016, 03:43:05 PM
Quote from: muppet on December 18, 2016, 12:10:52 PM
Quote from: seafoid on December 18, 2016, 12:08:01 PM
Quote from: muppet on December 18, 2016, 11:52:59 AM
Quote from: seafoid on December 18, 2016, 06:35:22 AM
Hartley sleeps far more than he plays rugby matches. He eat his breakfast for more minutes than he plays rugby and when he is suspended breakfast wins even more.

He is paid to play rugby.

He has to sleep and he has to eat. Being suspended for over a year, however, is a choice.
He is a thug. But the numbers have to be consistent.

Numbers are consistent and don't lie. It is their interpretation that is the problem.

Lies, damn lies and statistics and all that.
the numerator and the denominator have to be in the same base
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on December 18, 2016, 04:07:14 PM
Wibble??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on December 19, 2016, 06:29:49 AM
Quote from: trileacman on December 18, 2016, 12:48:55 PM
Quote from: muppet on December 18, 2016, 12:10:52 PM
Quote from: seafoid on December 18, 2016, 12:08:01 PM
Quote from: muppet on December 18, 2016, 11:52:59 AM
Quote from: seafoid on December 18, 2016, 06:35:22 AM
Hartley sleeps far more than he plays rugby matches. He eat his breakfast for more minutes than he plays rugby and when he is suspended breakfast wins even more.

He is paid to play rugby.

He has to sleep and he has to eat. Being suspended for over a year, however, is a choice.
He is a thug. But the numbers have to be consistent.

Numbers are consistent and don't lie. It is their interpretation that is the problem.

Lies, damn lies and statistics and all that.

It was a shite analogy, quit digging.

Minutes are compared to minutes. Throw insults all you like, but until you offer something remotely intelligent, my shite analogy beats your rant.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on December 19, 2016, 09:21:06 AM
Muppet, you are raving I'm afraid. You can't count minutes on the pitch, and then count total minutes in a given period of time as suspended.

To compare like with like, count the minutes on the pitch he played, versus the minutes on the pitch he COULD have played  if he wasn't suspended.

Alternatively count the total number of days he has been eligible since he became a pro, and compare that with the total number of days he's been suspended.

Your comparison makes no sense.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on December 19, 2016, 12:21:56 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on December 19, 2016, 09:21:06 AM
Muppet, you are raving I'm afraid. You can't count minutes on the pitch, and then count total minutes in a given period of time as suspended.

To compare like with like, count the minutes on the pitch he played, versus the minutes on the pitch he COULD have played  if he wasn't suspended.

Alternatively count the total number of days he has been eligible since he became a pro, and compare that with the total number of days he's been suspended.

Your comparison makes no sense.

I just threw out a random stat.

Feel free to do the same.

Harley has been suspended for roughly 100 minutes for every minute he has played. It might be meaningless, but it is a fact.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on December 19, 2016, 12:49:58 PM
You threw it out as a hyperbolic statement, saying that basically Hartley has been suspended for more time than he's played. But you are using to different measures of time. The suspended time you used calendar days/hours, while his playing time you measured only actual match 80 minutes.

As the lads said, a 1 week suspension (24*7*60) = 10080 minutes. That would mean by your measure a player suspended for a week has 'been suspended for more time than they played' unless their career was longer than 126 games.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 19, 2016, 02:24:24 PM
He can't be suspended for more than he would have played if he had not been suspended.
One of his team mates will not play 100 times more minutes than Hartley. This is where Muppet's logic collapses.
It doesn't even have to go to the TMO.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on December 19, 2016, 05:09:25 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on December 19, 2016, 12:49:58 PM
You threw it out as a hyperbolic statement, saying that basically Hartley has been suspended for more time than he's played. But you are using to different measures of time. The suspended time you used calendar days/hours, while his playing time you measured only actual match 80 minutes.

As the lads said, a 1 week suspension (24*7*60) = 10080 minutes. That would mean by your measure a player suspended for a week has 'been suspended for more time than they played' unless their career was longer than 126 games.

Exactly, that is a fact.

It may be meaningless, but that is the maths of it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on December 19, 2016, 05:32:42 PM
Ooooookay :)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on December 19, 2016, 07:44:07 PM
How much money are Ulster wasting on some of those South Africans?
You'd be better off losing with Irish players
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on December 19, 2016, 09:14:18 PM
Muppet was in foundation maths I'd say.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 19, 2016, 09:49:38 PM
Quote from: trileacman on December 19, 2016, 09:14:18 PM
Muppet was in foundation maths I'd say.
I hope he's not doing the calculations to get the spaceship to Mars
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Franko on December 20, 2016, 03:23:15 PM
Quote from: muppet on December 19, 2016, 05:09:25 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on December 19, 2016, 12:49:58 PM
You threw it out as a hyperbolic statement, saying that basically Hartley has been suspended for more time than he's played. But you are using to different measures of time. The suspended time you used calendar days/hours, while his playing time you measured only actual match 80 minutes.

As the lads said, a 1 week suspension (24*7*60) = 10080 minutes. That would mean by your measure a player suspended for a week has 'been suspended for more time than they played' unless their career was longer than 126 games.

Exactly, that is a fact.

It may be meaningless, but that is the maths of it.

There are almost always 15 players on a rugby team.  There are almost always two teams.  Players generally have two legs.

15*2*2 = 60.

Therefore, at the beginning of play, there are more players' legs on a rugby pitch than on a tennis court.

This fact even holds true for doubles.

Maths.  Great stuff.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on December 20, 2016, 03:28:59 PM
Quote from: Franko on December 20, 2016, 03:23:15 PM
Quote from: muppet on December 19, 2016, 05:09:25 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on December 19, 2016, 12:49:58 PM
You threw it out as a hyperbolic statement, saying that basically Hartley has been suspended for more time than he's played. But you are using to different measures of time. The suspended time you used calendar days/hours, while his playing time you measured only actual match 80 minutes.

As the lads said, a 1 week suspension (24*7*60) = 10080 minutes. That would mean by your measure a player suspended for a week has 'been suspended for more time than they played' unless their career was longer than 126 games.

Exactly, that is a fact.

It may be meaningless, but that is the maths of it.

There are almost always 15 players on a rugby team.  There are almost always two teams.  Players generally have two legs.

15*2*2 = 60.

Therefore, at the beginning of play, there are more players' legs on a rugby pitch than on a tennis court.

This fact even holds true for doubles.

Maths.  Great stuff.

Good man, I don't see the connection between tennis and rugby, but knock yourself out.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on December 20, 2016, 03:31:41 PM
(http://thehumorous.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/facepalm-gifs-11.gif)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Franko on December 20, 2016, 03:46:26 PM
Quote from: muppet on December 20, 2016, 03:28:59 PM
Quote from: Franko on December 20, 2016, 03:23:15 PM
Quote from: muppet on December 19, 2016, 05:09:25 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on December 19, 2016, 12:49:58 PM
You threw it out as a hyperbolic statement, saying that basically Hartley has been suspended for more time than he's played. But you are using to different measures of time. The suspended time you used calendar days/hours, while his playing time you measured only actual match 80 minutes.

As the lads said, a 1 week suspension (24*7*60) = 10080 minutes. That would mean by your measure a player suspended for a week has 'been suspended for more time than they played' unless their career was longer than 126 games.

Exactly, that is a fact.

It may be meaningless, but that is the maths of it.

There are almost always 15 players on a rugby team.  There are almost always two teams.  Players generally have two legs.

15*2*2 = 60.

Therefore, at the beginning of play, there are more players' legs on a rugby pitch than on a tennis court.

This fact even holds true for doubles.

Maths.  Great stuff.

Good man, I don't see the connection between tennis and rugby, but knock yourself out.

See bold.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: muppet on December 20, 2016, 03:51:24 PM
Quote from: Franko on December 20, 2016, 03:46:26 PM
Quote from: muppet on December 20, 2016, 03:28:59 PM
Quote from: Franko on December 20, 2016, 03:23:15 PM
Quote from: muppet on December 19, 2016, 05:09:25 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on December 19, 2016, 12:49:58 PM
You threw it out as a hyperbolic statement, saying that basically Hartley has been suspended for more time than he's played. But you are using to different measures of time. The suspended time you used calendar days/hours, while his playing time you measured only actual match 80 minutes.

As the lads said, a 1 week suspension (24*7*60) = 10080 minutes. That would mean by your measure a player suspended for a week has 'been suspended for more time than they played' unless their career was longer than 126 games.

Exactly, that is a fact.

It may be meaningless, but that is the maths of it.

There are almost always 15 players on a rugby team.  There are almost always two teams.  Players generally have two legs.

15*2*2 = 60.

Therefore, at the beginning of play, there are more players' legs on a rugby pitch than on a tennis court.

This fact even holds true for doubles.

Maths.  Great stuff.

Good man, I don't see the connection between tennis and rugby, but knock yourself out.

See bold.

If you don't see a connection between time spent playing rugby and time suspended from playing rugby, then fine. Better still, if you think that number of legs on a tennis court is similarly related to the number of legs on a rugby pitch, then that is fine too.  :D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Franko on December 20, 2016, 03:52:28 PM
Quote from: muppet on December 20, 2016, 03:51:24 PM
Quote from: Franko on December 20, 2016, 03:46:26 PM
Quote from: muppet on December 20, 2016, 03:28:59 PM
Quote from: Franko on December 20, 2016, 03:23:15 PM
Quote from: muppet on December 19, 2016, 05:09:25 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on December 19, 2016, 12:49:58 PM
You threw it out as a hyperbolic statement, saying that basically Hartley has been suspended for more time than he's played. But you are using to different measures of time. The suspended time you used calendar days/hours, while his playing time you measured only actual match 80 minutes.

As the lads said, a 1 week suspension (24*7*60) = 10080 minutes. That would mean by your measure a player suspended for a week has 'been suspended for more time than they played' unless their career was longer than 126 games.

Exactly, that is a fact.

It may be meaningless, but that is the maths of it.

There are almost always 15 players on a rugby team.  There are almost always two teams.  Players generally have two legs.

15*2*2 = 60.

Therefore, at the beginning of play, there are more players' legs on a rugby pitch than on a tennis court.

This fact even holds true for doubles.

Maths.  Great stuff.

Good man, I don't see the connection between tennis and rugby, but knock yourself out.

See bold.

If you don't see a connection between time spent playing rugby and time suspended from playing rugby, then fine. Better still, if you think that number of legs on a tennis court is similarly related to the number of legs on a rugby pitch, then that is fine too.  :D

Oh dear. ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on December 31, 2016, 03:39:54 PM
Is it just me or have Ulster been rode by the IRFU??

Leinster have the majority of their big Irish names available and Ulster none!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on December 31, 2016, 03:52:08 PM
Ah no I don't think it's like that. All the international players have their club playing time limited. It's up to the teams how/when they use them. Mind you, that Ulster plank who's commentating can't seem to talk about anything else.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on December 31, 2016, 05:25:24 PM
Quote from: Hardy on December 31, 2016, 03:52:08 PM
Ah no I don't think it's like that. All the international players have their club playing time limited. It's up to the teams how/when they use them. Mind you, that Ulster plank who's commentating can't seem to talk about anything else.

He's horrendous... worse than Ryle!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: michaelg on December 31, 2016, 05:42:18 PM
Quote from: screenexile on December 31, 2016, 05:25:24 PM
Quote from: Hardy on December 31, 2016, 03:52:08 PM
Ah no I don't think it's like that. All the international players have their club playing time limited. It's up to the teams how/when they use them. Mind you, that Ulster plank who's commentating can't seem to talk about anything else.

He's horrendous... worse than Ryle!!!
Mark Robson is a good commentator - Quite light hearted and doesn't take himself too seriously like some of the other pricks who commentate on rugby and football.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lenny on December 31, 2016, 07:32:39 PM
Quote from: michaelg on December 31, 2016, 05:42:18 PM
Quote from: screenexile on December 31, 2016, 05:25:24 PM
Quote from: Hardy on December 31, 2016, 03:52:08 PM
Ah no I don't think it's like that. All the international players have their club playing time limited. It's up to the teams how/when they use them. Mind you, that Ulster plank who's commentating can't seem to talk about anything else.

He's horrendous... worse than Ryle!!!
Mark Robson is a good commentator - Quite light hearted and doesn't take himself too seriously like some of the other pricks who commentate on rugby and football.

Great commentator, very enthusiastic. He also commentated on gaa for a couple of seasons and was very good especially for someone froma non gaa background. He was full of enthusiasm which was in stark contrast to jackie fullerton.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on December 31, 2016, 08:44:13 PM
Quote from: screenexile on December 31, 2016, 03:39:54 PM
Is it just me or have Ulster been rode by the IRFU??

Leinster have the majority of their big Irish names available and Ulster none!!

Don't believe so SE. I think it was down to the provinces over who they selected throughout the Christmas and new year period. Strange that Ulster went full strength against Connacht and weakened against Leinster. Likewise Leinster being weak against Munster away.

Ulster are an infuriating outfit - have been for years. Have little sympathy for them after the way they shafted Brian Mclaughlin a superb coach. The Kiss tenure has been dire to me. Same old mistakes coming back to haunt them. How Kiss got the job in the first place is baffling anyway. A defence coach with a league background!! Kiss, Doak and others need to go.

Also the playing squad get it way too comfy. No accountability outside the 4 or 5 genuine top class players. Likes of Cave stealing a living!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Take Your Points on December 31, 2016, 11:31:38 PM
IRFU have decided that provinces can have full strength at home and rest internationals for away inter-provincial games. Hence recent Leinster and Ulster selections.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on January 07, 2017, 11:43:22 PM
I know high tackles need to be cut out but what happened to Ulster last night was scandalous!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on January 07, 2017, 11:51:44 PM
Quote from: screenexile on January 07, 2017, 11:43:22 PM
I know high tackles need to be cut out but what happened to Ulster last night was scandalous!!!
Didn't see it but I watched the Saracens v Exeter match today and there was one red card and could possibly have been two for the same tackle.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 10, 2017, 10:10:50 AM
Looks like Racing scrum half James Hart is off to Munster. Have to question what the hell Cunningham and Logan are doing at Ulster!! Surely Nucifora would prefer Hart starting at 9 for Ulster next year rather than a back up to Murray at Munster!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: moysider on January 13, 2017, 11:29:25 PM
Some serious performances in Leinster win tonight and Sexton takes another big hit but appears to be fine.
Conan was savage and McGrath looks good to me.

What will the back row be for 6 Nations I wonder? The whole forwards?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 14, 2017, 10:09:51 PM
Munster in the qfs  . Some change in one year
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 16, 2017, 12:50:13 PM
http://www.the42.ie/ulster-arno-botha-springboks-signings-3189063-Jan2017/

What is going on at the IRFU!!! Its pretty obvious Leinster have about 9 quality backrowers and yet Ulster sign a South African!

Surely 2 of Jack Conan, Dan Leavy, Rhys Ruddock, Jordi Murphy, Dominic Ryan or even Max Deegan playing regularly at Ulster over the next 2 years would be more beneficial to their development. I know Leinster have invested heavily in these players but for the greater good (Ireland) 2 years up north with an option to move back to Leinster may be more beneficial.

Ulster have also confirmed that John Cooney has signed. That's a smart move for him. Decent player.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on January 16, 2017, 08:31:41 PM
Sean Cronin is out for the six nations. The Leinster hooked picked up a hamstring injury.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 17, 2017, 09:30:37 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 16, 2017, 12:50:13 PM
http://www.the42.ie/ulster-arno-botha-springboks-signings-3189063-Jan2017/

What is going on at the IRFU!!! Its pretty obvious Leinster have about 9 quality backrowers and yet Ulster sign a South African!

Surely 2 of Jack Conan, Dan Leavy, Rhys Ruddock, Jordi Murphy, Dominic Ryan or even Max Deegan playing regularly at Ulster over the next 2 years would be more beneficial to their development. I know Leinster have invested heavily in these players but for the greater good (Ireland) 2 years up north with an option to move back to Leinster may be more beneficial.

Ulster have also confirmed that John Cooney has signed. That's a smart move for him. Decent player.

Our culture is tribal, makes sense at every level expect players don't want to move, you can't force them if they don't want to.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 17, 2017, 09:40:11 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 17, 2017, 09:30:37 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 16, 2017, 12:50:13 PM
http://www.the42.ie/ulster-arno-botha-springboks-signings-3189063-Jan2017/

What is going on at the IRFU!!! Its pretty obvious Leinster have about 9 quality backrowers and yet Ulster sign a South African!

Surely 2 of Jack Conan, Dan Leavy, Rhys Ruddock, Jordi Murphy, Dominic Ryan or even Max Deegan playing regularly at Ulster over the next 2 years would be more beneficial to their development. I know Leinster have invested heavily in these players but for the greater good (Ireland) 2 years up north with an option to move back to Leinster may be more beneficial.

Ulster have also confirmed that John Cooney has signed. That's a smart move for him. Decent player.

Our culture is tribal, makes sense at every level expect players don't want to move, you can't force them if they don't want to.

Easy excuse in my opinion Dinny and so very typical Irish. Players have to be made aware from a young age that Ireland comes first, much like NZ. If a player has any wit about them they'd make the move. Kudos to Cian Kelleher for having the balls to move. Kieran Reid is an Auckland man and move to their biggest rivals in Canterbury as the NZ top brass wanted him to do so. I'm sure in NZ rugby is much more tribal than here!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on January 17, 2017, 09:42:02 AM
As well as that Belfast is only an hour and a half up the road so it shouldn't be a major issue for those lads!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 17, 2017, 09:44:29 AM
Quote from: screenexile on January 17, 2017, 09:42:02 AM
As well as that Belfast is only an hour and a half up the road so it shouldn't be a major issue for those lads!

Doesnt give you the D4 lifestyle SE and next thing Trimby would have ye meeting the local pastor ;)!! What about a Swatragh man winning MOTM for Ulster A the other night!!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GaillimhIarthair on January 17, 2017, 10:27:30 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 16, 2017, 12:50:13 PM
http://www.the42.ie/ulster-arno-botha-springboks-signings-3189063-Jan2017/

What is going on at the IRFU!!! Its pretty obvious Leinster have about 9 quality backrowers and yet Ulster sign a South African!

Surely 2 of Jack Conan, Dan Leavy, Rhys Ruddock, Jordi Murphy, Dominic Ryan or even Max Deegan playing regularly at Ulster over the next 2 years would be more beneficial to their development. I know Leinster have invested heavily in these players but for the greater good (Ireland) 2 years up north with an option to move back to Leinster may be more beneficial.

Ulster have also confirmed that John Cooney has signed. That's a smart move for him. Decent player.
If he can stay fit, Cooney could be a great signing - very talented and a real pity we cant hold on to him @ Connacht
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 17, 2017, 11:14:41 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 17, 2017, 09:40:11 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 17, 2017, 09:30:37 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 16, 2017, 12:50:13 PM
http://www.the42.ie/ulster-arno-botha-springboks-signings-3189063-Jan2017/

What is going on at the IRFU!!! Its pretty obvious Leinster have about 9 quality backrowers and yet Ulster sign a South African!

Surely 2 of Jack Conan, Dan Leavy, Rhys Ruddock, Jordi Murphy, Dominic Ryan or even Max Deegan playing regularly at Ulster over the next 2 years would be more beneficial to their development. I know Leinster have invested heavily in these players but for the greater good (Ireland) 2 years up north with an option to move back to Leinster may be more beneficial.

Ulster have also confirmed that John Cooney has signed. That's a smart move for him. Decent player.

Our culture is tribal, makes sense at every level expect players don't want to move, you can't force them if they don't want to.

Easy excuse in my opinion Dinny and so very typical Irish. Players have to be made aware from a young age that Ireland comes first, much like NZ. If a player has any wit about them they'd make the move. Kudos to Cian Kelleher for having the balls to move. Kieran Reid is an Auckland man and move to their biggest rivals in Canterbury as the NZ top brass wanted him to do so. I'm sure in NZ rugby is much more tribal than here!

I don't disagree and the IRFU are probably too lenient with the Provinces in regards to this. Players need to be educated.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on January 17, 2017, 04:22:42 PM
Quote from: GaillimhIarthair on January 17, 2017, 10:27:30 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 16, 2017, 12:50:13 PM
http://www.the42.ie/ulster-arno-botha-springboks-signings-3189063-Jan2017/

What is going on at the IRFU!!! Its pretty obvious Leinster have about 9 quality backrowers and yet Ulster sign a South African!

Surely 2 of Jack Conan, Dan Leavy, Rhys Ruddock, Jordi Murphy, Dominic Ryan or even Max Deegan playing regularly at Ulster over the next 2 years would be more beneficial to their development. I know Leinster have invested heavily in these players but for the greater good (Ireland) 2 years up north with an option to move back to Leinster may be more beneficial.

Ulster have also confirmed that John Cooney has signed. That's a smart move for him. Decent player.
If he can stay fit, Cooney could be a great signing - very talented and a real pity we cant hold on to him @ Connacht

We're getting fucked over at every turn as usual.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 22, 2017, 04:56:32 PM
Connacht putting it up to Toulouse!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 23, 2017, 02:00:56 PM
Squad named!

http://www.the42.ie/ireland-squad-six-nations-3200403-Jan2017/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on January 23, 2017, 02:16:34 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 22, 2017, 04:56:32 PM
Connacht putting it up to Toulouse!!

Gutting to go out but only ourselves to blame. Too many mistakes, missed opportunities and wrong options. It's very disappointing. We're still a good team but what made Connacht champions last year was the low % of mistakes. It has been the opposite this season....probably due to the injuries and lack of continuity. Need to get back into the Champions Cup next season which will be tough.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on January 23, 2017, 03:42:12 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 23, 2017, 02:00:56 PM
Squad named!

http://www.the42.ie/ireland-squad-six-nations-3200403-Jan2017/

When's the last time Sexton played for St Mary's I wonder?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on January 23, 2017, 03:48:48 PM
Quote from: AQMP on January 23, 2017, 03:47:14 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on January 23, 2017, 03:42:12 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 23, 2017, 02:00:56 PM
Squad named!

http://www.the42.ie/ireland-squad-six-nations-3200403-Jan2017/

When's the last time Sexton played for St Mary's I wonder?

Has Craig Gilroy ever played for Bangor??

I'd say its long and many's a day, so why do the IRFU bother putting those clubs up with the real teams, who are they kidding?

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 23, 2017, 03:49:43 PM
Quote from: AQMP on January 23, 2017, 03:47:14 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on January 23, 2017, 03:42:12 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 23, 2017, 02:00:56 PM
Squad named!

http://www.the42.ie/ireland-squad-six-nations-3200403-Jan2017/

When's the last time Sexton played for St Mary's I wonder?

Has Craig Gilroy ever played for Bangor??

Only noticed that. He must have changed as he's from Hollywood. Pretty sure he played for Dungannon. Bowe and Gilroy lucky to be on ahead of Adam Byrne. Gutted Sweetnam is injured. Looks the real deal.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: passedit on January 23, 2017, 04:11:10 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 23, 2017, 03:49:43 PM
Quote from: AQMP on January 23, 2017, 03:47:14 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on January 23, 2017, 03:42:12 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 23, 2017, 02:00:56 PM
Squad named!

http://www.the42.ie/ireland-squad-six-nations-3200403-Jan2017/

When's the last time Sexton played for St Mary's I wonder?

Has Craig Gilroy ever played for Bangor??

Only noticed that. He must have changed as he's from Hollywood. Pretty sure he played for Dungannon. Bowe and Gilroy lucky to be on ahead of Adam Byrne. Gutted Sweetnam is injured. Looks the real deal.

Definitelt Bangor, very lucky to make this squad as he seemed to be well down the pecking order atm.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 23, 2017, 05:12:38 PM
Quote from: passedit on January 23, 2017, 04:11:10 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 23, 2017, 03:49:43 PM
Quote from: AQMP on January 23, 2017, 03:47:14 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on January 23, 2017, 03:42:12 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 23, 2017, 02:00:56 PM
Squad named!

http://www.the42.ie/ireland-squad-six-nations-3200403-Jan2017/

When's the last time Sexton played for St Mary's I wonder?

Has Craig Gilroy ever played for Bangor??

Only noticed that. He must have changed as he's from Hollywood. Pretty sure he played for Dungannon. Bowe and Gilroy lucky to be on ahead of Adam Byrne. Gutted Sweetnam is injured. Looks the real deal.

Definitelt Bangor, very lucky to make this squad as he seemed to be well down the pecking order atm.

Was he not playing for Ulster A the other week!! Harsh on Byrne for sure.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gawa316 on January 23, 2017, 07:18:19 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 23, 2017, 03:49:43 PM


Only noticed that. He must have changed as he's from Hollywood. Pretty sure he played for Dungannon. Bowe and Gilroy lucky to be on ahead of Adam Byrne. Gutted Sweetnam is injured. Looks the real deal.

Will Greenwood has Byrne starting in his Lion's team!! Is he that good?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: whitegoodman on January 23, 2017, 08:11:38 PM
Bowe is only there because he still has a central contract.  Wouldn't make the ulster bench if all were available.

Byrne has a lot of talent but Greenwood is talking sh1te
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 24, 2017, 10:36:12 AM
Quote from: whitegoodman on January 23, 2017, 08:11:38 PM
Bowe is only there because he still has a central contract.  Wouldn't make the ulster bench if all were available.

Byrne has a lot of talent but Greenwood is talking sh1te

Agree!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on January 24, 2017, 08:43:36 PM
Quote from: whitegoodman on January 23, 2017, 08:11:38 PM
Bowe is only there because he still has a central contract.  Wouldn't make the ulster bench if all were available.

Byrne has a lot of talent but Greenwood is talking sh1te

Wingers come and go like flavour of the month, sure wasn't Fitzgerald, Visser and Moyne were all "the next big thing" at one time or another.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 25, 2017, 09:37:01 AM
Quote from: trileacman on January 24, 2017, 08:43:36 PM
Quote from: whitegoodman on January 23, 2017, 08:11:38 PM
Bowe is only there because he still has a central contract.  Wouldn't make the ulster bench if all were available.

Byrne has a lot of talent but Greenwood is talking sh1te

Wingers come and go like flavour of the month, sure wasn't Fitzgerald, Visser and Moyne were all "the next big thing" at one time or another.

To be fair Fitzgerald had a cruel run of injuries. Visser is dutch (say no more) and Ugo Moyne couldn't catch a cold!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 31, 2017, 10:06:40 AM
What we reckon the starting line up will be on Saturday?

If everyone's fit I reckon

Kearney, Trimble, Ringrose, Henshaw, Zebo, Sexton, Murray, McGrath, Best, Furlong, Toner, Ryan, Stander, O'Brien, Heaslip.

On the bench VdF may be unlucky to lose out to O'Mahony. You'd think Henderson & Earls will be in there also for their versatility.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Take Your Points on January 31, 2017, 10:22:17 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 31, 2017, 10:06:40 AM
What we reckon the starting line up will be on Saturday?

If everyone's fit I reckon

Kearney, Trimble, Ringrose, Henshaw, Zebo, Sexton, Murray, McGrath, Best, Furlong, Toner, Ryan, Stander, O'Brien, Heaslip.

On the bench VdF may be unlucky to lose out to O'Mahony. You'd think Henderson & Earls will be in there also for their versatility.

After 18 mins, Sexton back on bench, after 35 mins Kearney on the bench and after 44 mins Ryan off the field.  Henshaw may not last the game either and O'Brien is becoming increasing injury prone, not sure when he will have to be replaced.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 31, 2017, 10:34:30 AM
Quote from: Take Your Points on January 31, 2017, 10:22:17 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 31, 2017, 10:06:40 AM
What we reckon the starting line up will be on Saturday?

If everyone's fit I reckon

Kearney, Trimble, Ringrose, Henshaw, Zebo, Sexton, Murray, McGrath, Best, Furlong, Toner, Ryan, Stander, O'Brien, Heaslip.

On the bench VdF may be unlucky to lose out to O'Mahony. You'd think Henderson & Earls will be in there also for their versatility.

After 18 mins, Sexton back on bench, after 35 mins Kearney on the bench and after 44 mins Ryan off the field.  Henshaw may not last the game either and O'Brien is becoming increasing injury prone, not sure when he will have to be replaced.

You could argue VdF is equally as effective on the field as SOB. Makes busts with great pace, good in lineout and gives away less pens (although SOB has cleaned up this aspect recently).
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on January 31, 2017, 01:52:10 PM
Sexton aggravated his calf injury and is out for the weekend!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 31, 2017, 02:04:34 PM
O'Mahony out too. Jackson and VdF to step in. Both more than capable. The Ireland game plan isn't overly reliant on individuals so whilst it will be tougher on Saturday I'm still confident!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on January 31, 2017, 02:10:37 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 31, 2017, 02:04:34 PM
O'Mahony out too. Jackson and VdF to step in. Both more than capable. The Ireland game plan isn't overly reliant on individuals so whilst it will be tougher on Saturday I'm still confident!
Plenty of strength in the back row. The worry is Keatley and Scannell vying for the bench spot.

I would have thought Madigan would have been the better bench option, though haven't seen him play recently. Anyone see how he played in the European Cup v Ulster?

If all goes well with Jackson, it would probably best to keep him in place for Italy and try and get Sexton ready for the last 3 games.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 31, 2017, 02:15:30 PM
Quote from: Hound on January 31, 2017, 02:10:37 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 31, 2017, 02:04:34 PM
O'Mahony out too. Jackson and VdF to step in. Both more than capable. The Ireland game plan isn't overly reliant on individuals so whilst it will be tougher on Saturday I'm still confident!
Plenty of strength in the back row. The worry is Keatley and Scannell vying for the bench spot.

I would have thought Madigan would have been the better bench option, though haven't seen him play recently. Anyone see how he played in the European Cup v Ulster?

If all goes well with Jackson, it would probably best to keep him in place for Italy and try and get Sexton ready for the last 3 games.

Yeah but remember Schmidt started Keatley ahead of Madigan in Rome in 2015. Can't see him picking up the phone now he's in France.

Agree regarding PJ to start against Italy if he does well which I think he will.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on January 31, 2017, 03:23:05 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 31, 2017, 02:15:30 PM
Quote from: Hound on January 31, 2017, 02:10:37 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 31, 2017, 02:04:34 PM
O'Mahony out too. Jackson and VdF to step in. Both more than capable. The Ireland game plan isn't overly reliant on individuals so whilst it will be tougher on Saturday I'm still confident!
Plenty of strength in the back row. The worry is Keatley and Scannell vying for the bench spot.

I would have thought Madigan would have been the better bench option, though haven't seen him play recently. Anyone see how he played in the European Cup v Ulster?

If all goes well with Jackson, it would probably best to keep him in place for Italy and try and get Sexton ready for the last 3 games.

Yeah but remember Schmidt started Keatley ahead of Madigan in Rome in 2015. Can't see him picking up the phone now he's in France.

Agree regarding PJ to start against Italy if he does well which I think he will.
Keatley has had some horror shows since then though. He has re-gained his form in recent months, but you'd have to worry that he's capable of a melt-down. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 31, 2017, 04:03:20 PM
Quote from: Hound on January 31, 2017, 03:23:05 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 31, 2017, 02:15:30 PM
Quote from: Hound on January 31, 2017, 02:10:37 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 31, 2017, 02:04:34 PM
O'Mahony out too. Jackson and VdF to step in. Both more than capable. The Ireland game plan isn't overly reliant on individuals so whilst it will be tougher on Saturday I'm still confident!
Plenty of strength in the back row. The worry is Keatley and Scannell vying for the bench spot.

I would have thought Madigan would have been the better bench option, though haven't seen him play recently. Anyone see how he played in the European Cup v Ulster?

If all goes well with Jackson, it would probably best to keep him in place for Italy and try and get Sexton ready for the last 3 games.

Yeah but remember Schmidt started Keatley ahead of Madigan in Rome in 2015. Can't see him picking up the phone now he's in France.

Agree regarding PJ to start against Italy if he does well which I think he will.
Keatley has had some horror shows since then though. He has re-gained his form in recent months, but you'd have to worry that he's capable of a melt-down. 


Oh I agree. Real shame that Carberry is injured. Keatley in my opinion isnt even Pro12 standard. Pray wee Poddy stays fit!! As mentioned earlier though I've every faith. The Schmidt game plan isn't built around individuals. The pack will need a huge game this Saturday though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Take Your Points on January 31, 2017, 04:18:42 PM
Quote from: Take Your Points on January 31, 2017, 10:22:17 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 31, 2017, 10:06:40 AM
What we reckon the starting line up will be on Saturday?

If everyone's fit I reckon

Kearney, Trimble, Ringrose, Henshaw, Zebo, Sexton, Murray, McGrath, Best, Furlong, Toner, Ryan, Stander, O'Brien, Heaslip.

On the bench VdF may be unlucky to lose out to O'Mahony. You'd think Henderson & Earls will be in there also for their versatility.

After 18 mins, Sexton back on bench, after 35 mins Kearney on the bench and after 44 mins Ryan off the field.  Henshaw may not last the game either and O'Brien is becoming increasing injury prone, not sure when he will have to be replaced.

Overestimated how long glass Johnny would last.

Madigan is playing very well for Bordeaux and has improved since he went to France.  Always had a swagger but that has increased as he becomes a better play maker.  Place kicking against Ulster was very good.  As required in France, he has bulked out to be able to handle the more physical game.  Schmidt has decided that playing in France was OK for porcelain Johnny but a step too far for Madigan.  Keatley has only played well for Munster when brought on as a sub winger, he has suffered permanent damage and is only occupying a space in Munster until they secure a new local at 10.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 31, 2017, 04:48:06 PM
Quote from: Take Your Points on January 31, 2017, 04:18:42 PM
Quote from: Take Your Points on January 31, 2017, 10:22:17 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 31, 2017, 10:06:40 AM
What we reckon the starting line up will be on Saturday?

If everyone's fit I reckon

Kearney, Trimble, Ringrose, Henshaw, Zebo, Sexton, Murray, McGrath, Best, Furlong, Toner, Ryan, Stander, O'Brien, Heaslip.

On the bench VdF may be unlucky to lose out to O'Mahony. You'd think Henderson & Earls will be in there also for their versatility.

After 18 mins, Sexton back on bench, after 35 mins Kearney on the bench and after 44 mins Ryan off the field.  Henshaw may not last the game either and O'Brien is becoming increasing injury prone, not sure when he will have to be replaced.

Overestimated how long glass Johnny would last.

Madigan is playing very well for Bordeaux and has improved since he went to France.  Always had a swagger but that has increased as he becomes a better play maker.  Place kicking against Ulster was very good.  As required in France, he has bulked out to be able to handle the more physical game.  Schmidt has decided that playing in France was OK for porcelain Johnny but a step too far for Madigan.  Keatley has only played well for Munster when brought on as a sub winger, he has suffered permanent damage and is only occupying a space in Munster until they secure a new local at 10.

There's no comparison between Jonny when at Racing and Madigan. Sexton was and is world class! I would bring Madigan into the fold for this game but you can see the IRFU policy. We're not a huge rugby nation and have to look after/reward those players who stay and play on our shores! Jonny was the exception and rightly so in my opinion. It won us two 6 nations titles, something we can't scoff at.

As for bulking up, that's damm all to do with preventing injuries. Look at Beauden Barrett and the majority of kiwi players. Lean and mobile.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 02, 2017, 02:09:14 PM
Jackson at 10.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 02, 2017, 02:10:06 PM
(https://media.balls.ie/uploads/2017/01/02140508/Capture41.jpg)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 02, 2017, 02:11:57 PM
Keatley on the bench. Jaysus. Keatley is not playing at all for Munster at 10 anymore really, and when he does he's not been great, even in mop up duty. Is there no other Irish qualified 10 playing rugby? I'm looking at you Madigan.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Frank_The_Tank on February 02, 2017, 02:15:43 PM
Would Rory Scannell not be ahead of Keatley as well on current form?  Is Donnacha Ryan injured?  Surprised he is not on the Squad as I thought he had impressive Autumn series
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 02, 2017, 02:17:51 PM
Rory Scannell would be, but is playing much more as centre. If they were taking Blyendaal off, they'd probably bring Keatley in as 10.

That said, Keatley is in danger of becoming the utility back at Munster, he's coming on as full back, centre, all over the gaff. He's finished there I'm sure, especially with JJ Hanrahan coming back.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 02, 2017, 02:32:15 PM
Harsh on D Ryan for sure. Hearing he injured the knee. Dillane and VdF off the bench will bring serious pace and power!! I'm a huge fan of O'Halloran but again he maybe see's Bowe's physicality as an added bonus. What age is John Ryan? Is he a late developer? Rory Scannell for all his talents cant be assumed to be an international 10. As I've said before I'd have brought Madigan back for this one but can see why he wasn't!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GaillimhIarthair on February 02, 2017, 02:33:42 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 02, 2017, 02:17:51 PM
Rory Scannell would be, but is playing much more as centre. If they were taking Blyendaal off, they'd probably bring Keatley in as 10.

That said, Keatley is in danger of becoming the utility back at Munster, he's coming on as full back, centre, all over the gaff. He's finished there I'm sure, especially with JJ Hanrahan coming back.
Wouldn't be surprised to see Keatley head to France in the Summer.

Cant for the life of me understand how Tiernan O'Halloran is not in the 23 - he should definitely be there ahead of Bowe and arguably ahead of Rob Kearney as well if you were picking on form over the past year / 18 months.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on February 02, 2017, 03:10:02 PM
Madigan should be on bench. Crazy IRFU bullshit. Jack Carty is better than Keatley FFS.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 02, 2017, 03:12:43 PM
Quote from: GaillimhIarthair on February 02, 2017, 02:33:42 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 02, 2017, 02:17:51 PM
Rory Scannell would be, but is playing much more as centre. If they were taking Blyendaal off, they'd probably bring Keatley in as 10.

That said, Keatley is in danger of becoming the utility back at Munster, he's coming on as full back, centre, all over the gaff. He's finished there I'm sure, especially with JJ Hanrahan coming back.
Wouldn't be surprised to see Keatley head to France in the Summer.

Cant for the life of me understand how Tiernan O'Halloran is not in the 23 - he should definitely be there ahead of Bowe and arguably ahead of Rob Kearney as well if you were picking on form over the past year / 18 months.

I'd be surprised if he *didn''t*
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: NAG1 on February 02, 2017, 03:53:57 PM
No mention of Jackson's spot of bother? Seems to have been treated differently to the way a lot of 'similar' stuff has been with the soccer lads.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 02, 2017, 03:55:49 PM
Quote from: NAG1 on February 02, 2017, 03:53:57 PM
No mention of Jackson's spot of bother? Seems to have been treated differently to the way a lot of 'similar' stuff has been with the soccer lads.

Its been all quiet on that front alright. Not sure what the story is with him and Olding!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: NAG1 on February 02, 2017, 04:00:39 PM
Not digging or anything just an observation really.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 02, 2017, 09:38:07 PM
Hope no one is underestimating Scotland who have improved greatly over the last few years, would expect a win but it won't be easy
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on February 02, 2017, 10:01:49 PM
Everybody is underestimating Scotland. There's a whiff of complacency in the air. Lethal.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on February 02, 2017, 10:15:48 PM
Quote from: Hardy on February 02, 2017, 10:01:49 PM
Everybody is underestimating Scotland. There's a whiff of complacency in the air. Lethal.

That's what concerns me. They will nail Paddy Jackson every chance they get. Imagine if we end up with Keatley at 10 for 40/50 minutes? I'd have thought Schmidt should have learned his lesson from the NZ game in Dublin where our back line ended up being a mess but clearly he doesn't "trust" guys from certain provinces. The hypocrisy regarding Madigan is outrageous. He did Irish rugby a favour by moving on. What would Carbery have done if Madigan was still at Leinster?

We are set up for a sucker punch on Saturday. Any poor kicking to the Scots will be punished but Joe seems to prefer bad kicking to keeping the ball in hand (Chicago excepted).
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: DuffleKing on February 02, 2017, 10:37:04 PM

Will Jackson by kicking penalties?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on February 02, 2017, 11:07:53 PM
A tight cork...

http://www.the42.ie/david-corkery-rugby-ireland-3214249-Feb2017/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 03, 2017, 02:37:22 AM
The hype machine has really found an extra gear in few pockets of rugger first that drive this sport. It's a pity because we've a decent team that can give England a run if Sexton stays fit, which is extremely unlikely.

The continual sense of impending doom the surrounds the soccer team suits us as a country much better.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Never beat the deeler on February 03, 2017, 02:43:06 AM
What time is this game on at? Above team list has 4:25pm, but RBS6Nations site is saying 14:25
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GaillimhIarthair on February 03, 2017, 07:14:26 AM
Quote from: Never beat the deeler on February 03, 2017, 02:43:06 AM
What time is this game on at? Above team list has 4:25pm, but RBS6Nations site is saying 14:25
Kicks off at 2.25pm
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 04, 2017, 02:36:20 PM
What did I tell ya.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thejuice on February 04, 2017, 02:59:46 PM
Lads aren't at the races at all at all
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Harold Disgracey on February 04, 2017, 03:00:11 PM
Very clever play by Scotland. We're in big trouble here.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 04, 2017, 03:01:56 PM
Will be interesting to see how the team respond to a bit of adversity. . . True test of where the team is at!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on February 04, 2017, 03:03:21 PM
No penetration. Scotland defend our predictable efforts with ease.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 04, 2017, 03:11:50 PM
Not all down to Sexton being gone but we're bang average whenever he's not there. We got way too hyped for beating a second All Blacks side on their team holiday in Chicago. We weren't even at the races in last year's Six Nations, in case we've already forgot.

I saw British papers calling us the second best team in the world after the two All Blacks games. Maybe they were doing it with a smirk on the other side of their face. We're the second best team on the field today against the worst Home Nation team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 04, 2017, 03:14:05 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 04, 2017, 02:36:20 PM
What did I tell ya.

You and a couple of others

Very slow and predicable... no penetration, plenty possession but nothing to show for it
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Farrandeelin on February 04, 2017, 03:24:22 PM
Wait till Il Bomber Destro comes  ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 04, 2017, 03:25:27 PM
Ireland need a quick start to the second half.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on February 04, 2017, 03:52:09 PM
Great comeback by the Irish, need to close the game out now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 04, 2017, 04:08:04 PM
Game over I think... need something special to win from here but no more than we deserve!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on February 04, 2017, 04:08:20 PM
Lost momentum at wrong time. Game pretty much scotlands :-\
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on February 04, 2017, 04:12:58 PM
Ah well. Deserved win for Scotland it must be said.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 04, 2017, 04:14:21 PM
Desperate on so many levels. Typical ireland couldnt close a game to save their lives. See how scotland stuffed the ball up their jumper calmly for 5 mins we can never do that always make a mistake or give away a penalty
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 04, 2017, 04:15:04 PM
I hope the IRFU didn't order much Six Nations champions merch anyways.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 04, 2017, 04:24:33 PM
Hopefully we don't see another 40 mins like that first half. May be an important bonus point! Definitely missed Sexton to control operations as it seemed like they were rudderless in the first half.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Onthe40 on February 04, 2017, 04:24:54 PM
What a freakin downer..our back play is shocking tbh..scored 2 tries but more to brute force than good play..so much for favourites for the slam..autumn internationals seem along time ago now
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 04, 2017, 04:32:07 PM
Ah lads just like we weren't gonna be World Champs after beating NZ in the Autumn losing one match isn't the end of the world. Teams have off days and I actually think there will be a few twists and turns this 6N and a good kick up the backside is what's needed!!

We can get it back on track!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mikehunt on February 04, 2017, 04:32:35 PM
Winning pre season friendlies butter no parsnips.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Stallion on February 04, 2017, 04:36:05 PM
Ireland don't seem to be very good at Rugby.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 04, 2017, 05:19:51 PM
Quote from: The Stallion on February 04, 2017, 04:36:05 PM
Ireland don't seem to be very good at Rugby.

Yeah they should probably give up!

French going well England not getting it all their own way!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 04, 2017, 05:52:01 PM
Henshaw is horribly horribly overrated as I've said before. An ignorant battering ram and as international standards go he's a poor one. Deserves nowhere near the standing he or this Ireland team have accumulated. There was a time before the hype brigade when Ireland were enjoyable to follow even when they were shite.

The Sindo and joe.ie have put paid to that. Now every clearing kick, side step and last Man tackle is treated as one the 7 wonders of the world. This Ireland side is much substandard to the previous and the sooner that it's recognised the better. Stander is another hype magnet too, tell me again of his love for shamrocks and bags of spuds whilst he shits the nest against inferior socttish back rows.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on February 04, 2017, 07:02:11 PM
Sexton the difference in winning and losing tight matches.  Jackson very average though he was decent today in spells.  Keatley as backup.  No 10 is the pivotal position and the future doesn't look particularly bright on that front.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 04, 2017, 07:24:39 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 04, 2017, 05:52:01 PM
Henshaw is horribly horribly overrated as I've said before. An ignorant battering ram and as international standards go he's a poor one. Deserves nowhere near the standing he or this Ireland team have accumulated. There was a time before the hype brigade when Ireland were enjoyable to follow even when they were shite.

The Sindo and joe.ie have put paid to that. Now every clearing kick, side step and last Man tackle is treated as one the 7 wonders of the world. This Ireland side is much substandard to the previous and the sooner that it's recognised the better. Stander is another hype magnet too, tell me again of his love for shamrocks and bags of spuds whilst he shits the nest against inferior socttish back rows.

Paddy Jackson lost the game with an incredibly basic error. Picking on a centre when your province is providing the poor out-half play is blinkered to say the least.

We win with Sexton. We lose with Jackson or whoever else is filling in. Sexton is probably the most valuable player in world rugby to his team, and I don't think it's even particularly close.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on February 04, 2017, 07:26:07 PM
As I said already, the only sport where fans get excited about a friendly
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: foxcommander on February 04, 2017, 07:36:15 PM
PMSL. Headline on RTE: 

Recap: how Scots ended Ireland's Grand Slam hopes

They hadn't even started.

Hopefully that's the end of the shite I have to listen to about rugby for 2017.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on February 04, 2017, 07:43:24 PM
They have no exciting players
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Take Your Points on February 04, 2017, 08:26:00 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 04, 2017, 07:24:39 PM

Paddy Jackson lost the game with an incredibly basic error. Picking on a centre when your province is providing the poor out-half play is blinkered to say the least.

We win with Sexton. We lose with Jackson or whoever else is filling in. Sexton is probably the most valuable player in world rugby to his team, and I don't think it's even particularly close.

Porcelain Johnny might have been the main man for Ireland a few years ago but he hasn't performed at the level and for as long as needed for the last two seasons.  A Jackson-Madigan combination would be much better.  Jackson wasn't to blame for the poor lineouts, the dropping of the ball and knock ons and the poor back trio of Kearney, Zebo and Earls who failed dot impress.  How can Zebo be considered a first choice given the sheer lack of speed he showed in a foot race in the first half when the ball was kicked forward and his need to play in centre field where he is ineffective as a battering ram.

The game was actually lost when the win was almost ready for collection by Heaslip.  He lacks a speed of thought required in situation were he is required to do anything other than batter, go to ground and push in the scrum.  On a number of occasions today he didn't even push in a dominant scrum and want to get the ball for himself.  When Ireland was ahead and he got to the 5 metre line, he paused to think about an offload to his mate Henshaw instead of going to round and presenting the ball to be finished by others.  This score would have killed off Scotland.  Then when Scotland pushed on the Ireland 22 and discipline was required, he gave away penalty.  Unfortunately,  Schmidt won't let him go.

Ringrose showed he can't make any impact in a physical game, too light and not enough strength for a centre but does play for Leinster.

All together very disappointing but not surprising given the way that confidence has been increased by the rise of Glasgow and its fast running game and the experience gained by those in France.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 04, 2017, 08:34:53 PM
Jesus lads calm down. It was one bad performance next thing we're bottom of the 6N . . . For all the spouting the Irish Media does when Ireland go well you have the opposite here where after one below par performance we're the worst in the world.

Let's see how the competition goes before we write off the whole team!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 04, 2017, 08:37:16 PM
Quote from: Take Your Points on February 04, 2017, 08:26:00 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 04, 2017, 07:24:39 PM

Paddy Jackson lost the game with an incredibly basic error. Picking on a centre when your province is providing the poor out-half play is blinkered to say the least.

We win with Sexton. We lose with Jackson or whoever else is filling in. Sexton is probably the most valuable player in world rugby to his team, and I don't think it's even particularly close.

Porcelain Johnny might have been the main man for Ireland a few years ago but he hasn't performed at the level and for as long as needed for the last two seasons.  A Jackson-Madigan combination would be much better.  Jackson wasn't to blame for the poor lineouts, the dropping of the ball and knock ons and the poor back trio of Kearney, Zebo and Earls who failed dot impress.  How can Zebo be considered a first choice given the sheer lack of speed he showed in a foot race in the first half when the ball was kicked forward and his need to play in centre field where he is ineffective as a battering ram.

The game was actually lost when the win was almost ready for collection by Heaslip.  He lacks a speed of thought required in situation were he is required to do anything other than batter, go to ground and push in the scrum.  On a number of occasions today he didn't even push in a dominant scrum and want to get the ball for himself.  When Ireland was ahead and he got to the 5 metre line, he paused to think about an offload to his mate Henshaw instead of going to round and presenting the ball to be finished by others.  This score would have killed off Scotland.  Then when Scotland pushed on the Ireland 22 and discipline was required, he gave away penalty.  Unfortunately,  Schmidt won't let him go.

Ringrose showed he can't make any impact in a physical game, too light and not enough strength for a centre but does play for Leinster.

All together very disappointing but not surprising given the way that confidence has been increased by the rise of Glasgow and its fast running game and the experience gained by those in France.

Jackson-Madigan would only be good for whoever we play. The best coach in rugby has coached both for years and don't really rate them - enough said.

Way to attack a lad who has suffered serious head injuries too. Online tough guy.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: podge on February 04, 2017, 08:44:31 PM
Quote from: AQMP on February 04, 2017, 04:15:35 PM
Think Scotland deserved that
[/quote

Really? I am not convinced. I think Scotland were fortunate today. Ireland were not far away from a victory.  Scotland got scores nearly every time they attacked in first half and they won the game because they managed to capitalise on almost every Irish mistake- can't rely on that every week.

Malfunctioning line out  in the first half killed us.  Thought paddy Jackson did little wrong to be honest.  Was very disappointed in best(line out the throwing)and Henderson ( try apart).  Stander was v good bar a knock on at the end
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Take Your Points on February 04, 2017, 10:14:32 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 04, 2017, 08:37:16 PM
Quote from: Take Your Points on February 04, 2017, 08:26:00 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 04, 2017, 07:24:39 PM

Paddy Jackson lost the game with an incredibly basic error. Picking on a centre when your province is providing the poor out-half play is blinkered to say the least.

We win with Sexton. We lose with Jackson or whoever else is filling in. Sexton is probably the most valuable player in world rugby to his team, and I don't think it's even particularly close.

Porcelain Johnny might have been the main man for Ireland a few years ago but he hasn't performed at the level and for as long as needed for the last two seasons.  A Jackson-Madigan combination would be much better.  Jackson wasn't to blame for the poor lineouts, the dropping of the ball and knock ons and the poor back trio of Kearney, Zebo and Earls who failed dot impress.  How can Zebo be considered a first choice given the sheer lack of speed he showed in a foot race in the first half when the ball was kicked forward and his need to play in centre field where he is ineffective as a battering ram.

The game was actually lost when the win was almost ready for collection by Heaslip.  He lacks a speed of thought required in situation were he is required to do anything other than batter, go to ground and push in the scrum.  On a number of occasions today he didn't even push in a dominant scrum and want to get the ball for himself.  When Ireland was ahead and he got to the 5 metre line, he paused to think about an offload to his mate Henshaw instead of going to round and presenting the ball to be finished by others.  This score would have killed off Scotland.  Then when Scotland pushed on the Ireland 22 and discipline was required, he gave away penalty.  Unfortunately,  Schmidt won't let him go.

Ringrose showed he can't make any impact in a physical game, too light and not enough strength for a centre but does play for Leinster.

All together very disappointing but not surprising given the way that confidence has been increased by the rise of Glasgow and its fast running game and the experience gained by those in France.

Jackson-Madigan would only be good for whoever we play. The best coach in rugby has coached both for years and don't really rate them - enough said.

Way to attack a lad who has suffered serious head injuries too. Online tough guy.

It's not his head injuries that are the issue, its his legs that are the problem. Concussion can affect anyone in any game.

When did Eddy Jones state he didn't rate Madigan or Jackson?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 04, 2017, 10:25:32 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 04, 2017, 08:34:53 PM
Jesus lads calm down. It was one bad performance next thing we're bottom of the 6N . . . For all the spouting the Irish Media does when Ireland go well you have the opposite here where after one below par performance we're the worst in the world.

Let's see how the competition goes before we write off the whole team!

Away with this sanity!!!

When did this extremist bi-polarism come into affect was it with  the evolution of social media because the journalists on Twitter are talking about Ireland choking. Dumbwits - sometimes you just get beat by the better team on the day and you just move on.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 04, 2017, 10:31:46 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 04, 2017, 08:37:16 PM
Quote from: Take Your Points on February 04, 2017, 08:26:00 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 04, 2017, 07:24:39 PM

Paddy Jackson lost the game with an incredibly basic error. Picking on a centre when your province is providing the poor out-half play is blinkered to say the least.

We win with Sexton. We lose with Jackson or whoever else is filling in. Sexton is probably the most valuable player in world rugby to his team, and I don't think it's even particularly close.

Porcelain Johnny might have been the main man for Ireland a few years ago but he hasn't performed at the level and for as long as needed for the last two seasons.  A Jackson-Madigan combination would be much better.  Jackson wasn't to blame for the poor lineouts, the dropping of the ball and knock ons and the poor back trio of Kearney, Zebo and Earls who failed dot impress.  How can Zebo be considered a first choice given the sheer lack of speed he showed in a foot race in the first half when the ball was kicked forward and his need to play in centre field where he is ineffective as a battering ram.

The game was actually lost when the win was almost ready for collection by Heaslip.  He lacks a speed of thought required in situation were he is required to do anything other than batter, go to ground and push in the scrum.  On a number of occasions today he didn't even push in a dominant scrum and want to get the ball for himself.  When Ireland was ahead and he got to the 5 metre line, he paused to think about an offload to his mate Henshaw instead of going to round and presenting the ball to be finished by others.  This score would have killed off Scotland.  Then when Scotland pushed on the Ireland 22 and discipline was required, he gave away penalty.  Unfortunately,  Schmidt won't let him go.

Ringrose showed he can't make any impact in a physical game, too light and not enough strength for a centre but does play for Leinster.

All together very disappointing but not surprising given the way that confidence has been increased by the rise of Glasgow and its fast running game and the experience gained by those in France.

Jackson-Madigan would only be good for whoever we play. The best coach in rugby has coached both for years and don't really rate them - enough said.

Way to attack a lad who has suffered serious head injuries too. Online tough guy.

So you'd much prefer him playing considering the state he's in as you have mentioned??? Surely that's worse online tough guy!?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on February 04, 2017, 11:20:34 PM
The way Scotland celebrated at the end of a deserved victory, you'd think they just managed to beat the All Blacks. I suppose that's what years of getting whacked by Italy will do to you.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on February 04, 2017, 11:40:43 PM
Quote from: Thastheball on February 04, 2017, 11:22:36 PM
Quote from: Main Street on February 04, 2017, 11:20:34 PM
The way Scotland celebrated at the end of a deserved victory, you'd think they just managed to beat the All Blacks. I suppose that's what years of getting whacked by Italy will do to you.

Sure isn't that's how Ireland celebrated when they beat the All Blacks in a FRIENDLY. At least Scotland won a game that mattered ffs.
Yes ffs.
You might have an informed opinion but then again there are no friendlies against the All Blacks.... ffs
That's not how the rugby world works .....ffs.   
Intl  friendlies are a soccer thing, ffs.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: theticklemister on February 04, 2017, 11:59:54 PM
Whats the craic with this triple crown shit? Can someone explain it to me?

Don't mind the oul ruggerball, didn't see nothing today as i was GAAing, but hope phil coulter's boys go well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: yellowcard on February 05, 2017, 12:07:22 AM
Whilst watching Ireland play rugby, I always want them to win the match but its more out of patriotism than anything else. I'm not going to pretend that I'm really disappointed once it is over. It always amuses me with the amount of event junkies who tune in for the 5/6 big rugby matches every year and profess themselves as resident experts by throwing in a few impressive phrases. Most gaa supporters are these type of fans in my experience. Indeed the only time I ever tune in is for some of the ECC games and the big international matches. I have to say though that I find rugby very predictable with 95% grunt and 5% skill. I can appreciate the skill level required to play no 9 & no 10 in particular but overall the emphasis is very much on size and power rather than skill and finesse. It's a massive corporate event though and at the top level the sport is thriving as these event junkies buy into the hype. Meanwhile at grass roots level the sport continues to decline.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 05, 2017, 12:44:53 AM
Quote from: yellowcard on February 05, 2017, 12:07:22 AM
Whilst watching Ireland play rugby, I always want them to win the match but its more out of patriotism than anything else. I'm not going to pretend that I'm really disappointed once it is over. It always amuses me with the amount of event junkies who tune in for the 5/6 big rugby matches every year and profess themselves as resident experts by throwing in a few impressive phrases. Most gaa supporters are these type of fans in my experience. Indeed the only time I ever tune in is for some of the ECC games and the big international matches. I have to say though that I find rugby very predictable with 95% grunt and 5% skill. I can appreciate the skill level required to play no 9 & no 10 in particular but overall the emphasis is very much on size and power rather than skill and finesse. It's a massive corporate event though and at the top level the sport is thriving as these event junkies buy into the hype. Meanwhile at grass roots level the sport continues to decline.

So this assessment is based on actually playing it?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 05, 2017, 07:15:17 AM
Quote from: yellowcard on February 05, 2017, 12:07:22 AM
Whilst watching Ireland play rugby, I always want them to win the match but its more out of patriotism than anything else. I'm not going to pretend that I'm really disappointed once it is over. It always amuses me with the amount of event junkies who tune in for the 5/6 big rugby matches every year and profess themselves as resident experts by throwing in a few impressive phrases. Most gaa supporters are these type of fans in my experience. Indeed the only time I ever tune in is for some of the ECC games and the big international matches. I have to say though that I find rugby very predictable with 95% grunt and 5% skill. I can appreciate the skill level required to play no 9 & no 10 in particular but overall the emphasis is very much on size and power rather than skill and finesse. It's a massive corporate event though and at the top level the sport is thriving as these event junkies buy into the hype. Meanwhile at grass roots level the sport continues to decline.
the implication is that GAA fans are too stupid to understand another sport.
Don't Tyrone play a version of rugby these days ? Lots of teams have non scoring forwards as well
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 05, 2017, 08:08:51 AM
Quote from: seafoid on February 05, 2017, 07:15:17 AM
Quote from: yellowcard on February 05, 2017, 12:07:22 AM
Whilst watching Ireland play rugby, I always want them to win the match but its more out of patriotism than anything else. I'm not going to pretend that I'm really disappointed once it is over. It always amuses me with the amount of event junkies who tune in for the 5/6 big rugby matches every year and profess themselves as resident experts by throwing in a few impressive phrases. Most gaa supporters are these type of fans in my experience. Indeed the only time I ever tune in is for some of the ECC games and the big international matches. I have to say though that I find rugby very predictable with 95% grunt and 5% skill. I can appreciate the skill level required to play no 9 & no 10 in particular but overall the emphasis is very much on size and power rather than skill and finesse. It's a massive corporate event though and at the top level the sport is thriving as these event junkies buy into the hype. Meanwhile at grass roots level the sport continues to decline.
the implication is that GAA fans are too stupid to understand another sport.
Don't Tyrone play a version of rugby these days ? Lots of teams have non scoring forwards as well

It's usually the backs that score in rugby
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: passedit on February 05, 2017, 09:57:18 AM
That was as poor a first half as I've seen from Ireland in a while. Lot of people getting stick for it so I'll add Rory Best who literally threw away his Lions chances yesterday and the back three who were wojus.

Do the basics poorly and you lose. Same in all sports.

Off to Perth now to see  Ireland's real heroes. Still could have been worse could have been in Newry
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Take Your Points on February 05, 2017, 11:07:43 AM
Quote from: seafoid on February 05, 2017, 07:15:17 AM
Quote from: yellowcard on February 05, 2017, 12:07:22 AM
Whilst watching Ireland play rugby, I always want them to win the match but its more out of patriotism than anything else. I'm not going to pretend that I'm really disappointed once it is over. It always amuses me with the amount of event junkies who tune in for the 5/6 big rugby matches every year and profess themselves as resident experts by throwing in a few impressive phrases. Most gaa supporters are these type of fans in my experience. Indeed the only time I ever tune in is for some of the ECC games and the big international matches. I have to say though that I find rugby very predictable with 95% grunt and 5% skill. I can appreciate the skill level required to play no 9 & no 10 in particular but overall the emphasis is very much on size and power rather than skill and finesse. It's a massive corporate event though and at the top level the sport is thriving as these event junkies buy into the hype. Meanwhile at grass roots level the sport continues to decline.
the implication is that GAA fans are too stupid to understand another sport.
Don't Tyrone play a version of rugby these days ? Lots of teams have non scoring forwards as well

To be fair Tyrone play a form of Rugby League and this thread is based on Rugby Union.

There are now many who you would categorise as "GAA supporters" who regularly watch rugby at professional club level and others, particularly among young people mostly living in towns with progressive rugby clubs, who are playing rugby especially in the Gaelic games off season if that is allowed to exist by clubs trying to have exclusivity of players' time. 

Where is your evidence of decline in rugby grassroots?  In my experience I find more and more parents who don't want their children to play Gaelic football given the level of violence in the club game.  If schools were to take a more progressive approach to support and allow a full range of games then you would see a considerable move away from GAA to other sports especially soccer and a lessor extent rugby.  Any investigation into the amount of school funds used on the 'majority" sport would show horrifically high levels of expenditure on it compared to other sports and this includes both so called GAA and rugby schools.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Canalman on February 05, 2017, 12:50:03 PM
Quote from: Main Street on February 04, 2017, 11:20:34 PM
The way Scotland celebrated at the end of a deserved victory, you'd think they just managed to beat the All Blacks. I suppose that's what years of getting whacked by Italy will do to you.


In fairness to Scotland, they have managed to win a knockout game  ( maybe 2) in the World Cup,something Ireland haven't managed to do in 30 odd years.


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 05, 2017, 02:03:37 PM
Just for the record a half decent 6 nations and we are a top seed for the world cup. A terrible 6 nations could have us as a third rate team and possible group of death like Oz, England and Wales last time. Worth thinking about before we c**k up anymore.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on February 05, 2017, 04:12:23 PM
If we're handing out brickbats for performance, I have a nomination for Conor Murray. The amount of possession he kicked away was almost incredible. And he may be a good rugby player but he has the brain of a dung beetle. In the first half, when the Irish scrum had extracted three or four penalties in a row and the referee had clearly indicated the next one was a yellow card, what does Murray do at the next scrum? Instead of leaving the ball in the scrum and waiting for the push, the penalty and the card he grabs it from the feet of the back row and runs it - to nowhere, of course.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 05, 2017, 05:39:03 PM
Hardy, he kicks because that's the plan. He's done it for years, and he's done it because he's told to do it.

As for that scrum, I think the Scottish Scrum had held, and Ireland were in danger of losing it, that';s why he picked it. Or else it was a called move. Conor Murray does not have the brain of a 'dung beetle', he's actually quite smart.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: foxcommander on February 05, 2017, 07:00:52 PM
Quote from: Thastheball on February 04, 2017, 11:22:36 PM
Quote from: Main Street on February 04, 2017, 11:20:34 PM
The way Scotland celebrated at the end of a deserved victory, you'd think they just managed to beat the All Blacks. I suppose that's what years of getting whacked by Italy will do to you.

Sure isn't that's how Ireland celebrated when they beat the All Blacks in a FRIENDLY. At least Scotland won a game that mattered ffs.

Haahahah, they sure did celebrate like jackasses after the NZ game and rub everyones noses into the bargain. The d4 wannabe brigade will be quiet as hell tomorrow at work. I'll have to give them a gentle reminder.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Take Your Points on February 05, 2017, 07:28:31 PM
Quote from: Hardy on February 05, 2017, 04:12:23 PM
If we're handing out brickbats for performance, I have a nomination for Conor Murray. The amount of possession he kicked away was almost incredible. And he may be a good rugby player but he has the brain of a dung beetle. In the first half, when the Irish scrum had extracted three or four penalties in a row and the referee had clearly indicated the next one was a yellow card, what does Murray do at the next scrum? Instead of leaving the ball in the scrum and waiting for the push, the penalty and the card he grabs it from the feet of the back row and runs it - to nowhere, of course.

As AZ says that may be the plan but you have to play as you see it.  Part of the problem was that Heaslip was not fully engaged in the scrum and doing one thing he can do well - push.  He was more interested in bring the ball to his feet to allow him to pick it up.  It was better to push through the Scottish scrum and gain the yellowcard.  On plenty of other times he kicked possession away to a rampant Scottish back line and when the Irish wings weren't chasing and didn't have the speed required to deal with a Scottish team that were as fast as Glasgow have demonstrated over this season.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on February 05, 2017, 07:51:55 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 05, 2017, 05:39:03 PM
Hardy, he kicks because that's the plan. He's done it for years, and he's done it because he's told to do it.

As for that scrum, I think the Scottish Scrum had held, and Ireland were in danger of losing it, that';s why he picked it. Or else it was a called move. Conor Murray does not have the brain of a 'dung beetle', he's actually quite smart.

Oops sorry. Didn't mean to insult anyone - just talking about how he manages the game. He may be a genius for all I know, but I just wonder what goes on in his rugby head. You surely remember the time Munster just had to keep the ball for a minute at the end of a game and Murray took the ball from a ruck and kicked it to the opposition. I can't remember how that ended but did it lead to losing the game?

I know he's kicked for years and I know he's under orders. I hate the tactic anyway, because it gives away possession about 80% of the time. My point was that on Saturday, it was 100% because (mostly) of bad kicking and not realising that when the kick was good Scotland were outfielding us every time. 

As for the scrum, I didn't see that there was any time given to see whether the scrum had held. In the previous five or so scrums, the scrum had stayed static for 5-10 seconds, then Ireland organised a shove and each time the Scottish scrum folded and each time it was a penalty. If it was a called move, whoever called it is the dung beetle.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 06, 2017, 09:21:27 AM
Disappointing result on Saturday. As good as Scotland were, we made them look better than they are. That try from the line out was inexcusable. Our famed back row done very little in the 1st half. Perhaps the balance isn't right, similar to that of Ferris and O'Brien in 2011. Would VdF offer more poaching ability. As for PJ's performance I thought he done very well. Look he's not Sexton but at 24 Jonny was only making his break through at Leinster.

A major worry is our lack of pace in the wide channels. It was similar to the Argentina game where they attacked us wide. Really need the likes of Adam Byrne, Sweetnam and Stockdale in the next year or two.

We really have to go for the bonus point in Italy. Think we can get it. France looked decent at times and might catch the Scots on the hop. Would love Wales to beat England but doubt it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on February 06, 2017, 11:05:07 AM
As great as he is I think Joe Schmidt (and the stupid IRFU) needs to be called out for this result and performance. His conservative selection policies and gameplans really got caught out today. In November we beat the All blacks by keeping possession much more than we usually do. It's well known that Scotland's strength is their back 3 and what did we do - kick a load of rubbish uncontested ball to them. And our errors - complacency was at work big time. Scotland were chomping at the bit and we weren't up for it at all by comparison. Schmidt has an over loyalty to Leinster players. Ringrose is not ready for this yet. Kearney proved me wrong in Chicago but was awful. Earls is merely a good pro 12 winger. I was shocked at the lack of pace Zebo showed at times also. That back line looks stale and devoid of ideas. Credit to Paddy Jackson for keeping his head when all around him was playing rubbish. He's a very good international 10 and deserves to keep the jersey (but we can't risk having only Keatley as backup - pure madness that we luckily got away with). Madigan should have been called in, no questions asked. Scotland had several players who play in France - what makes us so special that we can't make an exception and call up a 4th choice out half in an emergency?

Even with the terrible first half performance we should have got the win. It's no use beating the All Blacks and then not turning up for 40 minutes against Scotland. Their 3rd try was incredibly embarrassing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Taylor on February 06, 2017, 11:10:11 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on February 06, 2017, 11:05:07 AM
As great as he is I think Joe Schmidt (and the stupid IRFU) needs to be called out for this result and performance. His conservative selection policies and gameplans really got caught out today. In November we beat the All blacks by keeping possession much more than we usually do. It's well known that Scotland's strength is their back 3 and what did we do - kick a load of rubbish uncontested ball to them. And our errors - complacency was at work big time. Scotland were chomping at the bit and we weren't up for it at all by comparison. Schmidt has an over loyalty to Leinster players. Ringrose is not ready for this yet. Kearney proved me wrong in Chicago but was awful. Earls is merely a good pro 12 winger. I was shocked at the lack of pace Zebo showed at times also. That back line looks stale and devoid of ideas. Credit to Paddy Jackson for keeping his head when all around him was playing rubbish. He's a very good international 10 and deserves to keep the jersey (but we can't risk having only Keatley as backup - pure madness that we luckily got away with). Madigan should have been called in, no questions asked. Scotland had several players who play in France - what makes us so special that we can't make an exception and call up a 4th choice out half in an emergency?

Even with the terrible first half performance we should have got the win. It's no use beating the All Blacks and then not turning up for 40 minutes against Scotland. Their 3rd try was incredibly embarrassing.

Completely agree - the foundations for this defeat were made by the tactics JS sent out his players with. Completely rigid and lacked any adventure. Yet again the national rugby team will deliver little when it promised so much.

All Blacks games seem a world away from that spectacle on Saturday
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: NAG1 on February 06, 2017, 11:13:25 AM
Could some of the rugby heads tell me, what was wrong with the line out? Normally one of the main stays in attack but seemed to fall apart and especially in the first half.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 06, 2017, 11:19:38 AM
Quote from: NAG1 on February 06, 2017, 11:13:25 AM
Could some of the rugby heads tell me, what was wrong with the line out? Normally one of the main stays in attack but seemed to fall apart and especially in the first half.

I'd need to re watch the game NAG1 as was in the pub for it. However I'd hazard a guess in that we lack variety in our throws, hitting Toner too often. O'Mahony is superb in the air and offers the tail of the lineout option, giving you a better attacking platform. The Gray brothers are also excellent in the air and put serious pressure on us.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on February 06, 2017, 12:54:28 PM
Quote from: Taylor on February 06, 2017, 11:10:11 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on February 06, 2017, 11:05:07 AM
As great as he is I think Joe Schmidt (and the stupid IRFU) needs to be called out for this result and performance. His conservative selection policies and gameplans really got caught out today. In November we beat the All blacks by keeping possession much more than we usually do. It's well known that Scotland's strength is their back 3 and what did we do - kick a load of rubbish uncontested ball to them. And our errors - complacency was at work big time. Scotland were chomping at the bit and we weren't up for it at all by comparison. Schmidt has an over loyalty to Leinster players. Ringrose is not ready for this yet. Kearney proved me wrong in Chicago but was awful. Earls is merely a good pro 12 winger. I was shocked at the lack of pace Zebo showed at times also. That back line looks stale and devoid of ideas. Credit to Paddy Jackson for keeping his head when all around him was playing rubbish. He's a very good international 10 and deserves to keep the jersey (but we can't risk having only Keatley as backup - pure madness that we luckily got away with). Madigan should have been called in, no questions asked. Scotland had several players who play in France - what makes us so special that we can't make an exception and call up a 4th choice out half in an emergency?

Even with the terrible first half performance we should have got the win. It's no use beating the All Blacks and then not turning up for 40 minutes against Scotland. Their 3rd try was incredibly embarrassing.

Completely agree - the foundations for this defeat were made by the tactics JS sent out his players with. Completely rigid and lacked any adventure. Yet again the national rugby team will deliver little when it promised so much.

All Blacks games seem a world away from that spectacle on Saturday

I know Rugby by its set play nature is ideal for rigid gameplans, but sometimes you gotta go with the flow, ffs there was one time two Irish lads stood under a Scottish garryowen waiting for Zebo arrive and Hogg stole it from under their noses as Zebo wasn't within an asses roar of getting there.
In terms of attacking play we were reliant on crash ball time and time again whereas the Scots threw the thing out wide and had our wingers time and time again, maybe the missing Payne in Schmits man to prevent this, but lord it looked very easy for the Scots at times.

Line out was poor,but not always Best's fault, one went straight through Iain Hendersons hands and you can't account for that.

Too much shite talk about who's getting on the Lions team when after the weekend there won't be that many.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 06, 2017, 08:22:49 PM
What I'm seeing is Schmidt falling into the same trap as Kidney and O'Sullivan dropped into. It's the one when you're too loyal to players, and believe that your game plan and tactics are so advanced that a newbie simply can't be a suitable option when an old hand is available.

Rob Kearney is done. Keith Earls was never good enough.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Take Your Points on February 06, 2017, 08:52:44 PM
Heaslip is done.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 06, 2017, 09:14:11 PM
I'd consider Schmidt to be a milder of Trappatoni in that he probably isn't over enthused by the skillset of the typical Irish player, therefore the tactics won't show a great degree of adventure and there is large emphasis on playing to set formulas.

If we believe half the yarns about his management style, he is fairly controlling when it comes to what players do and don't do. There is a segment of the sporting public who lap up bullshit bingo keywords like 'process' and 'structures' and Schmidt and his style feeds this machine.

The risk is that the players are too tightly coached and don't have the well-developed smartness to react to what's in front of them.

Three of Schmidt's key games in charge of Ireland have seen the team absolutely caught flat in the opening minutes. 2015 vs Wales when Ireland all but had a Grand Slam in the bag, but were 12-0 down after 10 minutes. 2015 WC vs. Argentina, a chance to reach a SF - 17 points down after 15 minutes. On Saturday they had shipped 21 points before the bus had even arrived at the stadium.

So while Ireland might be a great at executing a plan in games where they're underdogs, they seem flummoxed when a couple of curveballs come their way and slow to react. The verdict might be that Ireland defending the wide channels poorly for example, but maybe part of this is that there is more thinking required to spot this sort of danger and improvise. Not every defensive scenario can be captured on a tactics flipchart.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 07, 2017, 09:18:15 AM
Quote from: Take Your Points on February 06, 2017, 08:52:44 PM
Heaslip is done.

The stats once again prove that Heaslip had a good game. Made most carries and top tackler in the back row. I think Schmidt got the balance wrong in that either one of CJ or O'Brien starts along with VdF.

Love all the experts on here after pointing out flaws post game, yet no one bothered to discuss the potential for them in the run up.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on February 07, 2017, 09:29:29 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on February 02, 2017, 10:15:48 PM
Quote from: Hardy on February 02, 2017, 10:01:49 PM
Everybody is underestimating Scotland. There's a whiff of complacency in the air. Lethal.

That's what concerns me. They will nail Paddy Jackson every chance they get. Imagine if we end up with Keatley at 10 for 40/50 minutes? I'd have thought Schmidt should have learned his lesson from the NZ game in Dublin where our back line ended up being a mess but clearly he doesn't "trust" guys from certain provinces. The hypocrisy regarding Madigan is outrageous. He did Irish rugby a favour by moving on. What would Carbery have done if Madigan was still at Leinster?

We are set up for a sucker punch on Saturday. Any poor kicking to the Scots will be punished but Joe seems to prefer bad kicking to keeping the ball in hand (Chicago excepted).

I beg to differ.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on February 07, 2017, 09:30:46 AM
No one discussed them because we were too busy worrying about winning the championship and who would get on the bloody Lions.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 07, 2017, 09:59:56 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on February 07, 2017, 09:30:46 AM
No one discussed them because we were too busy worrying about winning the championship and who would get on the bloody Lions.

Couldn't give a rats about the Lions. More concerned with the tour to Japan and blooding of young players. I'll leave predictions to the armchair fans.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on February 07, 2017, 10:05:11 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 07, 2017, 09:59:56 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on February 07, 2017, 09:30:46 AM
No one discussed them because we were too busy worrying about winning the championship and who would get on the bloody Lions.

Couldn't give a rats about the Lions. More concerned with the tour to Japan and blooding of young players. I'll leave predictions to the armchair fans.

Couldn't agree more. I think it's a serious load of rubbish and not just because of who's manager.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 07, 2017, 10:24:06 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on February 07, 2017, 10:05:11 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 07, 2017, 09:59:56 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on February 07, 2017, 09:30:46 AM
No one discussed them because we were too busy worrying about winning the championship and who would get on the bloody Lions.

Couldn't give a rats about the Lions. More concerned with the tour to Japan and blooding of young players. I'll leave predictions to the armchair fans.

Couldn't agree more. I think it's a serious load of rubbish and not just because of who's manager.

It's had its day and is just a money spinner for Sky and package tours. Supporting a  side with Dylan Hartley and Owen Farrell. No thanks!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 07, 2017, 10:39:05 AM
The players still see the Lions as a massive honour, and it is, especially with all the history of who played for the Lions. But it is a relic of different, amateur days when big tours were the only way of really playing against the Southern Hemisphere teams.

These days the 4 countries play NZ, Oz and South Africa nearly every year anyway, and are able to compete, by and large, as individual countries.

The raison d'etre of the Lions has really disappeared, but it is being pushed by Sky and some fans seem to be big into it, with jerseys and all. I just don't get it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Taylor on February 07, 2017, 10:52:15 AM
I dont get the Lions either but it isnt just Sky pushing it.
Newspaper columns by ex-players, commentators on TV channels (other than Sky) all seem to think it is the next big thing.

While decent viewing I would see the 6 Nations as much more important
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 07, 2017, 11:12:03 AM
Agree with all that lads!

Good win for the U20s the other night. Scotland away never an easy place to go. Gallagher from Connacht looks a real player. Shame Rob Lyttle of Ulster is injured. The lad is electric!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 07, 2017, 11:12:09 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 07, 2017, 09:18:15 AM
Quote from: Take Your Points on February 06, 2017, 08:52:44 PM
Heaslip is done.

The stats once again prove that Heaslip had a good game. Made most carries and top tackler in the back row. I think Schmidt got the balance wrong in that either one of CJ or O'Brien starts along with VdF.

Love all the experts on here after pointing out flaws post game, yet no one bothered to discuss the potential for them in the run up.

Look back, there were a couple who said that Ireland are taking this as a gimme....
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on February 07, 2017, 11:25:20 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 07, 2017, 11:12:03 AM
Agree with all that lads!

Good win for the U20s the other night. Scotland away never an easy place to go. Gallagher from Connacht looks a real player. Shame Rob Lyttle of Ulster is injured. The lad is electric!!

He's a good lad by all accounts. Chatting a few of the guys in Sligo rugby club they reckon he's destined for big things. Playing with Corinthians now as he's based in Galway for college.

Carolan seems to be doing a good job at this grade for a couple of years. That was a tight win against Scotland the other night.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 07, 2017, 11:26:20 AM
Quote from: Taylor on February 07, 2017, 10:52:15 AM
I dont get the Lions either but it isnt just Sky pushing it.
Newspaper columns by ex-players, commentators on TV channels (other than Sky) all seem to think it is the next big thing.

While decent viewing I would see the 6 Nations as much more important

True. More accurate to say the 'media' are pushing it. It's not surprising, as it is a cornucopia of material for column inches and interviews. The more people care about it, the more lads will be paid to talk/write about it. Self fulfilling.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 07, 2017, 11:44:43 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on February 07, 2017, 11:25:20 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 07, 2017, 11:12:03 AM
Agree with all that lads!

Good win for the U20s the other night. Scotland away never an easy place to go. Gallagher from Connacht looks a real player. Shame Rob Lyttle of Ulster is injured. The lad is electric!!

He's a good lad by all accounts. Chatting a few of the guys in Sligo rugby club they reckon he's destined for big things. Playing with Corinthians now as he's based in Galway for college.

Carolan seems to be doing a good job at this grade for a couple of years. That was a tight win against Scotland the other night.

Great stuff. Some super work going on in Connacht!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 07, 2017, 11:48:18 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 07, 2017, 11:26:20 AM
Quote from: Taylor on February 07, 2017, 10:52:15 AM
I dont get the Lions either but it isnt just Sky pushing it.
Newspaper columns by ex-players, commentators on TV channels (other than Sky) all seem to think it is the next big thing.

While decent viewing I would see the 6 Nations as much more important

True. More accurate to say the 'media' are pushing it. It's not surprising, as it is a cornucopia of material for column inches and interviews. The more people care about it, the more lads will be paid to talk/write about it. Self fulfilling.
Journalists promoting something that leads to a junket shocker!

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 07, 2017, 12:10:51 PM
I know, who'd have thunk it?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on February 07, 2017, 12:18:49 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on February 07, 2017, 11:48:18 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 07, 2017, 11:26:20 AM
Quote from: Taylor on February 07, 2017, 10:52:15 AM
I dont get the Lions either but it isnt just Sky pushing it.
Newspaper columns by ex-players, commentators on TV channels (other than Sky) all seem to think it is the next big thing.

While decent viewing I would see the 6 Nations as much more important

True. More accurate to say the 'media' are pushing it. It's not surprising, as it is a cornucopia of material for column inches and interviews. The more people care about it, the more lads will be paid to talk/write about it. Self fulfilling.
Journalists promoting something that leads to a junket shocker!

Compromise (cough, cough) rules....
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ashman on February 07, 2017, 12:22:58 PM
The Lions concept is while seemingly ridiculous also fascinating.  Irish people following it is no more or less strange than people following British soccer teams.

There is great interest in form , selection, bitching , and generally blame .  It is a nice interest in non Olympic and WC years .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on February 07, 2017, 12:37:12 PM
Quote from: ashman on February 07, 2017, 12:22:58 PM
The Lions concept is while seemingly ridiculous also fascinating.  Irish people following it is no more or less strange than people following British soccer teams.

There is great interest in form , selection, bitching , and generally blame .  It is a nice interest in non Olympic and WC years .

I think we'd be better off having our players go on tour and develop towards the next world cup rather than waste a summer on this. When it's on I'll want the Irish lads to be picked and the Lions to win but it's a remnant from another time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 07, 2017, 02:00:37 PM
Talk of Furlong injured. Worrying!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Take Your Points on February 07, 2017, 04:23:32 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 07, 2017, 09:18:15 AM
Quote from: Take Your Points on February 06, 2017, 08:52:44 PM
Heaslip is done.

The stats once again prove that Heaslip had a good game. Made most carries and top tackler in the back row. I think Schmidt got the balance wrong in that either one of CJ or O'Brien starts along with VdF.

Love all the experts on here after pointing out flaws post game, yet no one bothered to discuss the potential for them in the run up.

Yet Heaslip failed to hold the ball up when on the five metre line following I think O'Brien's breakout and lost the ball by trying to offload to Henshaw.  If he had simply taken the tackle, went to ground and presented the ball, this would have either absorbed time when Ireland were ahead or have provided the killer score from a try or penalty.  Then the ball is lost, the Scots come up the field and Heaslip fails to roll away, gives away a penalty that provides the lead to Scotland when they were under severe pressure.  This gave them the ambition to attack and win.

So the stats don't always show the key points in the game.

Anyone who has watched Glasgow against the Irish sides knew that they have struggled with the speed of their game and this speed and running game was replicated in the Scotland team's approach on Saturday. Plus who was to know how slow that the Irish backs have become, in particular, Zebo whose lack of pace was shown up and who insists on playing at centre and crowding the midfield against big men he has no hope of knocking back.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: NAG1 on February 07, 2017, 04:27:24 PM
Quote from: Take Your Points on February 07, 2017, 04:23:32 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 07, 2017, 09:18:15 AM
Quote from: Take Your Points on February 06, 2017, 08:52:44 PM
Heaslip is done.

The stats once again prove that Heaslip had a good game. Made most carries and top tackler in the back row. I think Schmidt got the balance wrong in that either one of CJ or O'Brien starts along with VdF.

Love all the experts on here after pointing out flaws post game, yet no one bothered to discuss the potential for them in the run up.

Yet Heaslip failed to hold the ball up when on the five metre line following I think O'Brien's breakout and lost the ball by trying to offload to Henshaw.  If he had simply taken the tackle, went to ground and presented the ball, this would have either absorbed time when Ireland were ahead or have provided the killer score from a try or penalty.  Then the ball is lost, the Scots come up the field and Heaslip fails to roll away, gives away a penalty that provides the lead to Scotland when they were under severe pressure.  This gave them the ambition to attack and win.

So the stats don't always show the key points in the game.

Anyone who has watched Glasgow against the Irish sides knew that they have struggled with the speed of their game and this speed and running game was replicated in the Scotland team's approach on Saturday. Plus who was to know how slow that the Irish backs have become, in particular, Zebo whose lack of pace was shown up and who insists on playing at centre and crowding the midfield against big men he has no hope of knocking back.

The failed off load proved to be the crucial play of the game, hold on to it and recycle at that point and good chance of a penalty at worst. Would have changed the game completely, bad decision from an experienced player.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 07, 2017, 04:29:02 PM
Quote from: NAG1 on February 07, 2017, 04:27:24 PM
Quote from: Take Your Points on February 07, 2017, 04:23:32 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 07, 2017, 09:18:15 AM
Quote from: Take Your Points on February 06, 2017, 08:52:44 PM
Heaslip is done.

The stats once again prove that Heaslip had a good game. Made most carries and top tackler in the back row. I think Schmidt got the balance wrong in that either one of CJ or O'Brien starts along with VdF.

Love all the experts on here after pointing out flaws post game, yet no one bothered to discuss the potential for them in the run up.

Yet Heaslip failed to hold the ball up when on the five metre line following I think O'Brien's breakout and lost the ball by trying to offload to Henshaw.  If he had simply taken the tackle, went to ground and presented the ball, this would have either absorbed time when Ireland were ahead or have provided the killer score from a try or penalty.  Then the ball is lost, the Scots come up the field and Heaslip fails to roll away, gives away a penalty that provides the lead to Scotland when they were under severe pressure.  This gave them the ambition to attack and win.

So the stats don't always show the key points in the game.

Anyone who has watched Glasgow against the Irish sides knew that they have struggled with the speed of their game and this speed and running game was replicated in the Scotland team's approach on Saturday. Plus who was to know how slow that the Irish backs have become, in particular, Zebo whose lack of pace was shown up and who insists on playing at centre and crowding the midfield against big men he has no hope of knocking back.

The failed off load proved to be the crucial play of the game, hold on to it and recycle at that point and good chance of a penalty at worst. Would have changed the game completely, bad decision from an experienced player.

Poor decision yes but to say he's done is madness! Heaslip isn't the most likable characters and this is probably why he's an easy target.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 07, 2017, 04:33:33 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on February 06, 2017, 09:14:11 PM
I'd consider Schmidt to be a milder of Trappatoni in that he probably isn't over enthused by the skillset of the typical Irish player, therefore the tactics won't show a great degree of adventure and there is large emphasis on playing to set formulas.

If we believe half the yarns about his management style, he is fairly controlling when it comes to what players do and don't do. There is a segment of the sporting public who lap up bullshit bingo keywords like 'process' and 'structures' and Schmidt and his style feeds this machine.

The risk is that the players are too tightly coached and don't have the well-developed smartness to react to what's in front of them.

Three of Schmidt's key games in charge of Ireland have seen the team absolutely caught flat in the opening minutes. 2015 vs Wales when Ireland all but had a Grand Slam in the bag, but were 12-0 down after 10 minutes. 2015 WC vs. Argentina, a chance to reach a SF - 17 points down after 15 minutes. On Saturday they had shipped 21 points before the bus had even arrived at the stadium.

So while Ireland might be a great at executing a plan in games where they're underdogs, they seem flummoxed when a couple of curveballs come their way and slow to react. The verdict might be that Ireland defending the wide channels poorly for example, but maybe part of this is that there is more thinking required to spot this sort of danger and improvise. Not every defensive scenario can be captured on a tactics flipchart.
Good point. They remind me of the Galway hurlers  in the 80s. Good days but if they got a bad start or Joe Cooney missed a few frees ...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Take Your Points on February 07, 2017, 06:37:03 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 07, 2017, 04:29:02 PM
Quote from: NAG1 on February 07, 2017, 04:27:24 PM
Quote from: Take Your Points on February 07, 2017, 04:23:32 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 07, 2017, 09:18:15 AM
Quote from: Take Your Points on February 06, 2017, 08:52:44 PM
Heaslip is done.

The stats once again prove that Heaslip had a good game. Made most carries and top tackler in the back row. I think Schmidt got the balance wrong in that either one of CJ or O'Brien starts along with VdF.

Love all the experts on here after pointing out flaws post game, yet no one bothered to discuss the potential for them in the run up.

Yet Heaslip failed to hold the ball up when on the five metre line following I think O'Brien's breakout and lost the ball by trying to offload to Henshaw.  If he had simply taken the tackle, went to ground and presented the ball, this would have either absorbed time when Ireland were ahead or have provided the killer score from a try or penalty.  Then the ball is lost, the Scots come up the field and Heaslip fails to roll away, gives away a penalty that provides the lead to Scotland when they were under severe pressure.  This gave them the ambition to attack and win.

So the stats don't always show the key points in the game.

Anyone who has watched Glasgow against the Irish sides knew that they have struggled with the speed of their game and this speed and running game was replicated in the Scotland team's approach on Saturday. Plus who was to know how slow that the Irish backs have become, in particular, Zebo whose lack of pace was shown up and who insists on playing at centre and crowding the midfield against big men he has no hope of knocking back.

The failed off load proved to be the crucial play of the game, hold on to it and recycle at that point and good chance of a penalty at worst. Would have changed the game completely, bad decision from an experienced player.

Poor decision yes but to say he's done is madness! Heaslip isn't the most likable characters and this is probably why he's an easy target.

One of his supporters has agreed it is the time for him to be benched.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/six-nations/tony-ward-i-cant-believe-im-saying-it-but-theres-a-strong-case-for-dropping-jamie-heaslip-35429757.html (http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/six-nations/tony-ward-i-cant-believe-im-saying-it-but-theres-a-strong-case-for-dropping-jamie-heaslip-35429757.html)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: podge on February 08, 2017, 06:49:26 PM
Quote from: Take Your Points on February 07, 2017, 04:23:32 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 07, 2017, 09:18:15 AM
Quote from: Take Your Points on February 06, 2017, 08:52:44 PM
Heaslip is done.

The stats once again prove that Heaslip had a good game. Made most carries and top tackler in the back row. I think Schmidt got the balance wrong in that either one of CJ or O'Brien starts along with VdF.

Love all the experts on here after pointing out flaws post game, yet no one bothered to discuss the potential for them in the run up.

Yet Heaslip failed to hold the ball up when on the five metre line following I think O'Brien's breakout and lost the ball by trying to offload to Henshaw.  If he had simply taken the tackle, went to ground and presented the ball, this would have either absorbed time when Ireland were ahead or have provided the killer score from a try or penalty.  Then the ball is lost, the Scots come up the field and Heaslip fails to roll away, gives away a penalty that provides the lead to Scotland when they were under severe pressure.  This gave them the ambition to attack and win.

So the stats don't always show the key points in the game.

Anyone who has watched Glasgow against the Irish sides knew that they have struggled with the speed of their game and this speed and running game was replicated in the Scotland team's approach on Saturday. Plus who was to know how slow that the Irish backs have become, in particular, Zebo whose lack of pace was shown up and who insists on playing at centre and crowding the midfield against big men he has no hope of knocking back.

It was Murray's break away, not O Brien.  Easy with hindsight to say Heaslip (thanks AZ!) should have gone to ground and recycled but had he done so and a try not been forthcoming, he would be lambasted for not having tried to get a pass away... such are the margins at this level

And it was Jackson who have away the penalty, not Heaslip, the ref could be heard stating that it was not no 8.

..so the apparent 'facts' don't always show they key points either.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 09, 2017, 09:55:03 AM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C4NtYnZW8AAwg4W.jpg)

Changing codes?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Take Your Points on February 09, 2017, 10:08:22 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 09, 2017, 09:55:03 AM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C4NtYnZW8AAwg4W.jpg)

Changing codes?

Thought it would be rugby league given his tussles with Keegan.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 09, 2017, 01:12:10 PM
Team for Saturday

15. Kearney
14. Earls
13. Ringrose
12. Henshaw
11. Zebo
10. JAckson
9. Murray
1. Healy
2. Best
3. Furlong
4. Ryan
5. Toner
6. Stander
7. O'Brien
8. HEaslip

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Take Your Points on February 09, 2017, 01:16:51 PM
Reps: R Scannell, J McGrath, J Ryan, U Dillane, J Van der Flier, K Marmion, I Keatley, C Gilroy.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 09, 2017, 02:12:58 PM
Gilroy in ahead of O'Halloran. Sometimes JS selections really test your patience!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 10, 2017, 02:26:47 PM
Best down with a stomach bug. Could be out for tomorrow. I'd be happy enough to see if Scannell is up to it! He could get the call with 20 to go v France, England or Wales.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on February 11, 2017, 01:59:57 PM
Amazingly, there's a hint that the complacency is there still/again this week. Conor Murray in a piece recorded before they left for Rome, in the course of telling us how dangerous Italy are and all the usual stuff that you wouldn't say about Wales or England, said Italy will be there for a long time in this game, or words to that effect.

I'm not saying Ireland are going to lose again, because I don't think Italy at their best can beat Ireland at 75%. But it's unbelievable to me that in a week when the emphasis had to be on getting the heads right, and in the light of what unrated Scotland did to us, the attitude seems to persist that we only have to hold Italy until late in the game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 11, 2017, 02:56:13 PM
Quote from: AQMP on February 11, 2017, 02:55:19 PM
Italy are very poor.

They are, but Ireland's intensity and urgency is a mile ahead of where they were last week. Schmidt must be very disappointed that they didn't show up for at least 40 minutes last week.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 11, 2017, 03:08:47 PM
Also so much easier to watch a game on RTE when this commentator is on instead of 'Royle'.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on February 11, 2017, 03:14:50 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 11, 2017, 03:08:47 PM
Also so much easier to watch a game on RTE when this commentator is on instead of 'Royle'.

My heart soared. I had been considering watching without sound.

Why is it not on BBC NI?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 11, 2017, 03:16:05 PM
ITV I think.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 11, 2017, 03:17:54 PM
We're beating the worst team in the tournament. RTE commentators and pundits falling over themselves to congratulate what was always gonig to be a relatively easy ride.

France will tell us if this team have what it takes to respond to the Murrayfield debacle.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 11, 2017, 03:22:38 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 11, 2017, 03:17:54 PM
We're beating the worst team in the tournament. RTE commentators and pundits falling over themselves to congratulate what was always gonig to be a relatively easy ride.

France will tell us if this team have what it takes to respond to the Murrayfield debacle.

That's true, but I've seen labour in Rome before, and then pulling away. This was full speed from the kick off, which at least is good to see. Also Henshaw is breaking the line, Scannell is doing well on his debut, and Stander and Seanie (and Heaslip) look much more like themselves.

It's not the All Blacks by any means, but it might be a good exercise in blowing the dirty diesel out.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 11, 2017, 04:02:05 PM
Italy's tackling is putrid. Really poor. CJ Stander caught a kick, and ran it ahead, and the Italian 14 just crumpled up at his feet. Then for a couple of the tries, they just didn't want to know.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 13, 2017, 10:45:09 AM
Jonno Gibbes new Ulster head coach. Great signing!!! Finally someone to sort out the forwards. Wonder will Leinster give us Dan Leavy ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on February 13, 2017, 10:59:25 AM
Quote from: Hardy on February 11, 2017, 03:14:50 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 11, 2017, 03:08:47 PM
Also so much easier to watch a game on RTE when this commentator is on instead of 'Royle'.

My heart soared. I had been considering watching without sound.

Why is it not on BBC NI?

I had ITV (Mark Pougatch commentating) on when one of my friends kindly informed me Hugh Cahill was doing the game on RTE.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on February 13, 2017, 11:13:04 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 11, 2017, 04:02:05 PM
Italy's tackling is putrid. Really poor. CJ Stander caught a kick, and ran it ahead, and the Italian 14 just crumpled up at his feet. Then for a couple of the tries, they just didn't want to know.


Ireland played well, but Italy were as bad as I've seen them and TBH I wouldn't be reading a whole pile into that game as the pressure was off the Irish lads 5 minutes into the second half and the rest was junk time.

One thing that IMO Ireland are poor at, is that after every phase by and large the first receiver is static when receiving the pass and has to generate a bit of speed while the defensive line of the opposition charge in.

France will be more up for it in two weeks time and bludgeoned Scotland out of it yesterday, although the Scots were never out of it.

WRT to concussion and there were quite a few yesterday, is it more likely now as the tacklers are going in higher to prevent the offload?
There's less round the knees type tackling
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on February 13, 2017, 12:31:22 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 13, 2017, 11:13:04 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 11, 2017, 04:02:05 PM
Italy's tackling is putrid. Really poor. CJ Stander caught a kick, and ran it ahead, and the Italian 14 just crumpled up at his feet. Then for a couple of the tries, they just didn't want to know.


Ireland played well, but Italy were as bad as I've seen them and TBH I wouldn't be reading a whole pile into that game as the pressure was off the Irish lads 5 minutes into the second half and the rest was junk time.

One thing that IMO Ireland are poor at, is that after every phase by and large the first receiver is static when receiving the pass and has to generate a bit of speed while the defensive line of the opposition charge in.

France will be more up for it in two weeks time and bludgeoned Scotland out of it yesterday, although the Scots were never out of it.

WRT to concussion and there were quite a few yesterday, is it more likely now as the tacklers are going in higher to prevent the offload?
There's less round the knees type tackling

Italy looked terrible on Saturday but last week they gave Wales (who should really have beaten England) a lot of trouble until they eventually broke free late on. Scotland could and possibly should have beaten France. I think we're as good as anyone even with Schmidt's annoying tendencies and gameplan but I can't see us winning all the remaining games. Losing is Scotland due to a poor mindet/attitude was unforgivable and will haunt us. We're neck and neck with Wales for 4th in the World Rankings also so vitally important we get that slot by the end of the 6 nations.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on February 24, 2017, 09:14:53 PM
Watching the u20s, how good is this Larmer winger? He looks class a real future prospect.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: PW Nally on February 24, 2017, 10:07:14 PM
Quote from: Rudi on February 24, 2017, 09:14:53 PM
Watching the u20s, how good is this Larmer winger? He looks class a real future prospect.
Serious pace and a big lad as well.

Heard commentator saying one of players has an all Ireland minor won with Kerry, who was that?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 25, 2017, 01:33:34 PM
Daithi Regan's son was playing on the u20 team last night

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/ireland-under-20s-impress-in-tight-victory-over-france-1.2988527

https://twitter.com/daithi_regan/status/835250086535888897

And how about Farage Fartass as the ultimate rugby player name?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 25, 2017, 04:38:25 PM
Nice win for Scotland
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 25, 2017, 05:21:23 PM
Looking pretty grim for ireland early on
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on February 25, 2017, 05:40:18 PM
Furlong is a beast.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 25, 2017, 06:03:19 PM
Ireland a much more capable team than France.

Will be even more capable again when the current back 3 are finally thrown off a cliff.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Avondhu star on February 25, 2017, 06:40:34 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 25, 2017, 01:33:34 PM
Daithi Regan's son was playing on the u20 team last night

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/ireland-under-20s-impress-in-tight-victory-over-france-1.2988527

https://twitter.com/daithi_regan/status/835250086535888897

And how about Farage Fartass as the ultimate rugby player name?

Wasnt he in Clongowes with Cedric Twicenightly?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lenny on February 25, 2017, 08:20:45 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 25, 2017, 06:03:19 PM
Ireland a much more capable team than France.

Will be even more capable again when the current back 3 are finally thrown off a cliff.

Totally agree. Kearney and Earls are so predictable in attack. Would love to see O'Halloran getting a good run.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on February 25, 2017, 08:35:04 PM
Quote from: AQMP on February 25, 2017, 06:48:03 PM
Good performance by Ireland. Not the greatest game you'll ever see but France looked quite decent against England and Scotland and bar the first 15 mins Ireland pretty much in control. Forced the French to give away a couple of stupid pens though on a couple of occasions Nigel was a bit kind to us too.

Thought Nigel was kind as well other than the one time he didn't play much of an advantage.


Zebo doesn't seem fit and was very lethargic well before the end.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Aaron Boone on February 25, 2017, 09:29:57 PM
Great win, no major chance of bonus unfortunately, that's always a post-win gripe.

I grew up never beating France.  All wins now feel good v them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on February 25, 2017, 10:31:31 PM
Thought Zebo was shocking today. Played like he got a bang to the head or drank 14 pints just before.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 25, 2017, 10:41:15 PM
Zebo gets a hard time off ye boys. Is he keeping a lad from Ulster out of the team?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 25, 2017, 10:52:27 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 25, 2017, 10:41:15 PM
Zebo gets a hard time off ye boys. Is he keeping a lad from Ulster out of the team?

He did have a difficult day no??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on February 25, 2017, 11:02:38 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 25, 2017, 10:41:15 PM
Zebo gets a hard time off ye boys. Is he keeping a lad from Ulster out of the team?

Don't know what you mean by "ye boys". I like Zebo think he is creative, however he had a shocker today. He watched a ball run into touch with no one near him in the second half, when it was far easier to collect, try to attack or even kick to gain territory. Did not look fit, he did take a fair bang when a French lad tried to run over him early on.
We do not put much width on the ball and take the ball into contact from standing starts.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 25, 2017, 11:08:05 PM
I'm joking. Zebo is a very good finisher, like Earls. But he has lost a bit of pace, seems to have a big arse and cannot blow past people at international level. I still like him at Munster, but maybe full back is his best position now.

Darren Sweetnam might take his spot on the wing at Munster.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 26, 2017, 02:00:04 AM
Thought McGrath had a very poor day today gave away maybe 4 penalties in all?? Also dropped a very crucial ball when we were piling pressure on their line.

We didn't execute as well as we could have today but did enough to get over the line and in truth bar the first 20 mins or so we were rarely in danger.

As suspected the result against Scotland was an anomaly more than something we should come to expect (serious amount of over reacting I think we'll all agree), but the autumn and the last 2 matches will all be for nothing if we don't beat Wales. For this teams progression I think it's vital we take it down to a winner take all match agains the English. I really fancy us in that scenario so hopefully all goes well in Cardiff!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 26, 2017, 03:31:45 PM
England will win but it's hilarious watching them scratching around in The dark about this tackle/ruck situation... O'Shea is a shrewd boy!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 26, 2017, 03:46:34 PM
Leading at half time
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on February 26, 2017, 04:49:01 PM
"I'm the referee, not a coach."
:)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 26, 2017, 05:20:20 PM
Quote from: Hardy on February 26, 2017, 04:49:01 PM
"I'm the referee, not a coach."
:)
Very funny watching Haskell and Hartley. Dumb and dumber.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 26, 2017, 05:40:26 PM
Jones is a horrible bastard!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 26, 2017, 06:50:17 PM
What did Italy do?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 26, 2017, 06:53:30 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 26, 2017, 06:50:17 PM
What did Italy do?

They would tackle and then not form a ruck which meant they couldn't be offside and then flooded round the scrum half not allowing him to get the ball away as usual.

It confused the f**k out of the English to the point where Haskell asked the ref what he should do and Poite answered briliantly "I am the referee, not your coach!"

England found a way though and after the game Jones came out and said "it's not Rugby" and there's a few dicks on twitter backing him such as that clampet Dawson!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Maroon Manc on February 26, 2017, 07:48:53 PM
Limited knowledge of Rugby but Zebo looks petrified anytime he has the ball in an attacking situation, any decent wingers coming through to threaten Zebo and Earls as its a position Ireland look like their lacking a bit of class at this level.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 26, 2017, 07:54:03 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on February 26, 2017, 07:48:53 PM
Limited knowledge of Rugby but Zebo looks petrified anytime he has the ball in an attacking situation, any decent wingers coming through to threaten Zebo and Earls as its a position Ireland look like their lacking a bit of class at this level.

We have some superb wingers coming through. Sweetnam, Byrne, O'Loughlin. Then younger ones being Stockdale and Jordan Larmour from the u20s
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on February 26, 2017, 09:42:54 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on February 26, 2017, 07:48:53 PM
Limited knowledge of Rugby but Zebo looks petrified anytime he has the ball in an attacking situation, any decent wingers coming through to threaten Zebo and Earls as its a position Ireland look like their lacking a bit of class at this level.
he takes the ball into contact like a giraffe
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 26, 2017, 10:58:18 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on February 26, 2017, 09:42:54 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on February 26, 2017, 07:48:53 PM
Limited knowledge of Rugby but Zebo looks petrified anytime he has the ball in an attacking situation, any decent wingers coming through to threaten Zebo and Earls as its a position Ireland look like their lacking a bit of class at this level.
he takes the ball into contact like a giraffe
I was impressed with Ringrose yesterday in the way he didn't shy away from carrying the ball into contact. Definitely not afraid to get involved in the grinder.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on February 27, 2017, 12:24:23 AM
I think the apparent rule not allowing players from Connacht to be picked needs to be reviewed. 😜

Some achievement to win last years Pro12 with no international calibre players bar Henshaw!

O'Haloran and Adeolokun surely better options than Kearney, Earls and possibly Zebo but Joe doesn't trust guys exposed to forward thinking coaching. We're the best team in the NH by a distance and should be winning this championship.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 27, 2017, 12:55:07 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on February 27, 2017, 12:24:23 AM
I think the apparent rule not allowing players from Connacht to be picked needs to be reviewed. 😜

Some achievement to win last years Pro12 with no international calibre players bar Henshaw!

O'Haloran and Adeolokun surely better options than Kearney, Earls and possibly Zebo but Joe doesn't trust guys exposed to forward thinking coaching. We're the best team in the NH by a distance and should be winning this championship.

..yet we're getting our arses handed to us by Scotland. It's not even a given we're the best Celtic nation, nevermind the best home nation..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Asal Mor on February 27, 2017, 04:20:00 AM
The live Off the Ball show with O' Gara, Wood, O' Driscoll and O' Callaghan was excellent.

https://soundcloud.com/offtheball
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on February 27, 2017, 09:04:49 AM
Quote from: screenexile on February 26, 2017, 06:53:30 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 26, 2017, 06:50:17 PM
What did Italy do?

They would tackle and then not form a ruck which meant they couldn't be offside and then flooded round the scrum half not allowing him to get the ball away as usual.

It confused the f**k out of the English to the point where Haskell asked the ref what he should do and Poite answered briliantly "I am the referee, not your coach!"

England found a way though and after the game Jones came out and said "it's not Rugby" and there's a few dicks on twitter backing him such as that clampet Dawson!!

Whilst my knowledge of the intricacies and legalities of Italy's tactics may be understandable as playing a few seasons for Ards 2's isn't the schooling you'd need I found it unbelievable that the captain and vice captain of England (as well as a good few of the team) didn't know the rule either and were all at sea.

Jones is pissed that he was made a dick of and his comments since reflect that. If he'd come up with it he'd be an even smugger little shit than he already is.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 27, 2017, 09:08:19 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 27, 2017, 09:04:49 AM
Quote from: screenexile on February 26, 2017, 06:53:30 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 26, 2017, 06:50:17 PM
What did Italy do?

They would tackle and then not form a ruck which meant they couldn't be offside and then flooded round the scrum half not allowing him to get the ball away as usual.

It confused the f**k out of the English to the point where Haskell asked the ref what he should do and Poite answered briliantly "I am the referee, not your coach!"

England found a way though and after the game Jones came out and said "it's not Rugby" and there's a few dicks on twitter backing him such as that clampet Dawson!!

Whilst my knowledge of the intricacies and legalities of Italy's tactics may be understandable as playing a few seasons for Ards 2's isn't the schooling you'd need I found it unbelievable that the captain and vice captain of England (as well as a good few of the team) didn't know the rule either and were all at sea.

Jones is pissed that he was made a dick of and his comments since reflect that. If he'd come up with it he'd be an even smugger little shit than he already is.

He's calling for the supporters to get their money back!! Proper WUM
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Taylor on February 27, 2017, 09:16:33 AM
As coaches go Jones is a complete tool unless he is your own coach.

Mind you it is great seeing the captain & vc not having a clue about the rules of the game. Pigs, grunt etc
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 27, 2017, 10:47:52 AM
Poite was brilliant yesterday. Fair play to O'Shea, Venter and Catt.

I thought Jones couldnt get any worse. Looking forward to Ireland putting manners on him on March 18.

I'd love to see Payne in at FB if he can prove his fitness ahead of Wales. O'Halloran should be a cert on the 23. Not sure that Niyi has the defence to play at international rugby yet.

A worry for me would be Wales starting Sam Davies at 10 against us. He's much more of a threat than Biggar offensively.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GaillimhIarthair on February 27, 2017, 11:02:21 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 27, 2017, 10:47:52 AM
Poite was brilliant yesterday. Fair play to O'Shea, Venter and Catt.

I thought Jones couldnt get any worse. Looking forward to Ireland putting manners on him on March 18.

I'd love to see Payne in at FB if he can prove his fitness ahead of Wales. O'Halloran should be a cert on the 23. Not sure that Niyi has the defence to play at international rugby yet.

A worry for me would be Wales starting Sam Davies at 10 against us. He's much more of a threat than Biggar offensively.
Davies gave the best display I have seen from an OH for a long time in the Sportsground towards the latter stages of last season - I honestly cant understand how he is not getting into that Welsh team ahead of Biggar!  ...........and yes, TOH should be at least making the 23 every time!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: passedit on February 27, 2017, 05:49:01 PM
https://twitter.com/WelshDalaiLama/status/836260681242542084 (https://twitter.com/WelshDalaiLama/status/836260681242542084)

EXCLUSIVE: Conor O'Shea reveals another way to outwit James Haskell for 80 minutes.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C5r-WfkXEAICn5Y.jpg)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on March 01, 2017, 10:33:19 PM
I fully enjoy my rugby.

But do RTE really need to make a f**king special programme to celebrate every national team victory? It has become rather offputting.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on March 01, 2017, 10:56:26 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 01, 2017, 10:33:19 PM
I fully enjoy my rugby.

But do RTE really need to make a f**king special programme to celebrate every national team victory? It has become rather offputting.

I used to love rugby but the hype around it nowadays is nauseating. It's very hard to warm to the game or team when its lauded for every little pass or ruck players make.

I never found it as bad until the last two seasons but the media bandwagon and spunk merchants like joe.ie, sindo, newstalk, and all mention of rugby on the internet would div your head. They're  much much much worse than the soccer crowd who view the Irish teams and players with at least a modicum of critical thought. Thankfully in the gaa the bittterness of inter county competition means hardly any player gets hyped beyond their station, Ciaran Kilkenny aside.

I watched this 6 nations with at best complete apathy and at worst contempt for the Irish side. I do want them to win but my eagerness is lessened by the thought of dearbhla from coolock cheerleading for her "world class" heroes. Even the way they build up tadhg furlong, a good decent lad, into some kind of cult hero for talking about farming or bacon and cabbage is beyond bizarre.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on March 01, 2017, 11:04:38 PM
Here's the kind of shite talk being peddled.

https://www.joe.ie/sport/pics-somebody-has-brilliantly-updated-tadhg-furlongs-wikipedia-page-following-beast-mode-performance-568021 (https://www.joe.ie/sport/pics-somebody-has-brilliantly-updated-tadhg-furlongs-wikipedia-page-following-beast-mode-performance-568021)

"Beast mode" is just w**ker parlance.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 01, 2017, 11:08:35 PM
Quote from: trileacman on March 01, 2017, 10:56:26 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 01, 2017, 10:33:19 PM
I fully enjoy my rugby.

But do RTE really need to make a f**king special programme to celebrate every national team victory? It has become rather offputting.

I used to love rugby but the hype around it nowadays is nauseating. It's very hard to warm to the game or team when its lauded for every little pass or ruck players make.

I never found it as bad until the last two seasons but the media bandwagon and spunk merchants like joe.ie, sindo, newstalk, and all mention of rugby on the internet would div your head. They're  much much much worse than the soccer crowd who view the Irish teams and players with at least a modicum of critical thought. Thankfully in the gaa the bittterness of inter county competition means hardly any player gets hyped beyond their station, Ciaran Kilkenny aside.

I watched this 6 nations with at best complete apathy and at worst contempt for the Irish side. I do want them to win but my eagerness is lessened by the thought of dearbhla from coolock cheerleading for her "world class" heroes. Even the way they build up tadhg furlong, a good decent lad, into some kind of cult hero for talking about farming or bacon and cabbage is beyond bizarre.

I'd say the simple thing to do is don't watch it or open up any links to it, you'll be grand and more importantly stay off the Irish rugby thread... that's just mental
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on March 01, 2017, 11:19:03 PM
This thread is one of the few reasonable appraisals of Irish rugby though. I still enjoy watching the sport even if it's not as good as it was prior to the elv. It's the bandwagon jumping that annoys me. Ands it's almost impossible to block out. Open your snApchat on matchday, read the Sunday paper, turn on the radio, scroll through fb or twitter, it's always there.

It's like the English soccer hype around becks, Owen and Rooney from 98-04 applied to Irish rugby. Does no one else feel this happen to rugby since the dawn of the millennium?  Maybe it was always present  and it's just social media makes me notice it more now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 01, 2017, 11:35:11 PM
Quote from: trileacman on March 01, 2017, 11:19:03 PM
This thread is one of the few reasonable appraisals of Irish rugby though. I still enjoy watching the sport even if it's not as good as it was prior to the elv. It's the bandwagon jumping that annoys me. Ands it's almost impossible to block out. Open your snApchat on matchday, read the Sunday paper, turn on the radio, scroll through fb or twitter, it's always there.

It's like the English soccer hype around becks, Owen and Rooney from 98-04 applied to Irish rugby. Does no one else feel this happen to rugby since the dawn of the millennium?  Maybe it was always present  and it's just social media makes me notice it more now.

I hear you, it really started with Eddie O'Sullivans Ireland, then Munster and the holy grail, followed by grand slam and Leinster dominance. Rugby has attracted an amazing support where the majority of supporters don't attend club games and have never attended club games. It's sexy because Ireland are decent.

But I just roll with it happy to impart knowledge and debate with bandwagoners, I do have zero time for knee jerkism or provincial bias. Have bandwagon fans is a small price to pay for a decent side. I still remember the 80s and 90s.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 02, 2017, 06:24:04 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 01, 2017, 11:35:11 PM
Quote from: trileacman on March 01, 2017, 11:19:03 PM
This thread is one of the few reasonable appraisals of Irish rugby though. I still enjoy watching the sport even if it's not as good as it was prior to the elv. It's the bandwagon jumping that annoys me. Ands it's almost impossible to block out. Open your snApchat on matchday, read the Sunday paper, turn on the radio, scroll through fb or twitter, it's always there.

It's like the English soccer hype around becks, Owen and Rooney from 98-04 applied to Irish rugby. Does no one else feel this happen to rugby since the dawn of the millennium?  Maybe it was always present  and it's just social media makes me notice it more now.

I hear you, it really started with Eddie O'Sullivans Ireland, then Munster and the holy grail, followed by grand slam and Leinster dominance. Rugby has attracted an amazing support where the majority of supporters don't attend club games and have never attended club games. It's sexy because Ireland are decent.

But I just roll with it happy to impart knowledge and debate with bandwagoners, I do have zero time for knee jerkism or provincial bias. Have bandwagon fans is a small price to pay for a decent side. I still remember the 80s and 90s.
It happens with every team that enjoys a bit of success eg Man Utd. "We are playing on Sunday. "Maybe it is more obvious with rugby which may not be that easy to understand.....
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 02, 2017, 07:39:19 AM
Quote from: seafoid on March 02, 2017, 06:24:04 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 01, 2017, 11:35:11 PM
Quote from: trileacman on March 01, 2017, 11:19:03 PM
This thread is one of the few reasonable appraisals of Irish rugby though. I still enjoy watching the sport even if it's not as good as it was prior to the elv. It's the bandwagon jumping that annoys me. Ands it's almost impossible to block out. Open your snApchat on matchday, read the Sunday paper, turn on the radio, scroll through fb or twitter, it's always there.

It's like the English soccer hype around becks, Owen and Rooney from 98-04 applied to Irish rugby. Does no one else feel this happen to rugby since the dawn of the millennium?  Maybe it was always present  and it's just social media makes me notice it more now.

I hear you, it really started with Eddie O'Sullivans Ireland, then Munster and the holy grail, followed by grand slam and Leinster dominance. Rugby has attracted an amazing support where the majority of supporters don't attend club games and have never attended club games. It's sexy because Ireland are decent.

But I just roll with it happy to impart knowledge and debate with bandwagoners, I do have zero time for knee jerkism or provincial bias. Have bandwagon fans is a small price to pay for a decent side. I still remember the 80s and 90s.
It happens with every team that enjoys a bit of success eg Man Utd. "We are playing on Sunday. "Maybe it is more obvious with rugby which may not be that easy to understand.....

Surely you're intelligent enough to know that happens with everything, not even sport, politics, fashion, music... always hip to follow the big thing. Why people get annoyed about the hyperbole over it is beyond me, media will try and attract attention over the latest thing to generated money!

People will follow like sheep or people will actually enjoy it as it is .... I'd say most people myself included have had very limited personal experience of rugby, played couple times at school when the PE teacher wanted to see us blatter each other, been to ravenhill a few times or I've watched the nephews play for school a lot, makes me no expert but hey it's a grand excuse to head to pub cheer on your county have a few beers and post on here!!

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 02, 2017, 08:50:32 AM
I've blocked Joe.ie.  If it isn't some online masturbating over the Irish Rugby team and/or players*, then it's some shite about a new jersey being 'delicious' somewhere in the world.

And if it's neither of them, it's some uninformed horseshit about the GAA.

*I'm a fan of Rugby, and a regular matchgoer, however I don't need to read why they think 'And then Conor Murray did this!' or that 'Tadgh Furlong is unreal because he played u12 football'. I thought when Paulie retired they'd start struggling, but they just keep going.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 02, 2017, 09:05:16 AM
Agree that joe.ie is a total curse. Same when McGregor is fighting or the Euros. Sure aren't the irish deadly craic!!!

Don't agree with the Newstalk bashing. IMO 2nd captains is much worse with the bollixology!! Love themselves.

Murray Kinsella is by far the best analyst online when it comes to rugby. When he has Eddie O'Sullivan on it is pure class for a nerd like myself! :)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 02, 2017, 09:24:32 AM
Why are Leinster signing an Aussie back row?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 02, 2017, 09:28:21 AM
Quote from: screenexile on March 02, 2017, 09:24:32 AM
Why are Leinster signing an Aussie back row?

Apparently he has been signed to play exclusively as a lock.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 02, 2017, 10:18:06 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 02, 2017, 09:28:21 AM
Quote from: screenexile on March 02, 2017, 09:24:32 AM
Why are Leinster signing an Aussie back row?

Apparently he has been signed to play exclusively as a lock.

Will that donkey Hayden Triggs be given the road? Would preferred to have seen James Ryan given more time next year.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 02, 2017, 11:33:35 AM
Cheers AZ I didn't realise that it defintely makes more sense... I think the country is pretty well set up with local back rowers for the next 5 years at least anyway and probably longer!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 02, 2017, 11:42:55 AM
Quote from: screenexile on March 02, 2017, 11:33:35 AM
Cheers AZ I didn't realise that it defintely makes more sense... I think the country is pretty well set up with local back rowers for the next 5 years at least anyway and probably longer!!

Locals and South Africans! :)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AhNowRef on March 02, 2017, 11:49:50 AM
I cant for the life of me understand why some people get so annoyed at new support for the team ... Personally Ive never played but Ive been a big fan since I was a kid and have been going to matches all my life (was at the France game at the weekend) but I really cant see why anyone would get pissed at "new" folk taking an interest ...

Would it be better if we had less support and less interest ? .. Some people seem to feel that only the select few, who have maybe played the game or been lifelong supporters, should be "allowed" to follow Ireland ?  A closed shop as such ....... I dont get it  :-\
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 02, 2017, 12:29:51 PM
Quote from: AhNowRef on March 02, 2017, 11:49:50 AM
I cant for the life of me understand why some people get so annoyed at new support for the team ... Personally Ive never played but Ive been a big fan since I was a kid and have been going to matches all my life (was at the France game at the weekend) but I really cant see why anyone would get pissed at "new" folk taking an interest ...

Would it be better if we had less support and less interest ? .. Some people seem to feel that only the select few, who have maybe played the game or been lifelong supporters, should be "allowed" to follow Ireland ?  A closed shop as such ....... I dont get it  :-\

I don't mind new fans, in fact I like that. My problem is the joe.ie culture. Jamie Heaslip farts, and it is suddenly the best, most rosey smelling fart ever done.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 02, 2017, 12:30:18 PM
Payne starting at Centre for Ulster is interesting. I would have thought now Ringrose has been bedded in it would be best to transition to Payne @ FB. He is a better full back than Kearney when on form.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AhNowRef on March 02, 2017, 12:42:25 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 02, 2017, 12:29:51 PM
Quote from: AhNowRef on March 02, 2017, 11:49:50 AM
I cant for the life of me understand why some people get so annoyed at new support for the team ... Personally Ive never played but Ive been a big fan since I was a kid and have been going to matches all my life (was at the France game at the weekend) but I really cant see why anyone would get pissed at "new" folk taking an interest ...

Would it be better if we had less support and less interest ? .. Some people seem to feel that only the select few, who have maybe played the game or been lifelong supporters, should be "allowed" to follow Ireland ?  A closed shop as such ....... I dont get it  :-\

I don't mind new fans, in fact I like that. My problem is the joe.ie culture. Jamie Heaslip farts, and it is suddenly the best, most rosey smelling fart ever done.

Ah yeah, that is a bit annoying right enough !! ........ his farts are class though  :o .. Tadhg Furlongs on the other hand  :-X
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 02, 2017, 12:57:11 PM
Quote from: screenexile on March 02, 2017, 12:30:18 PM
Payne starting at Centre for Ulster is interesting. I would have thought now Ringrose has been bedded in it would be best to transition to Payne @ FB. He is a better full back than Kearney when on form.

I think you'll see Payne return to 13 for the Wales and England games. Ringrose has been excellent but as we all know JS is ultra conservative and the 13 channel is where we've been exposed before. Argentina and Scotland to name but two!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 02, 2017, 02:02:59 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 02, 2017, 12:57:11 PM
Quote from: screenexile on March 02, 2017, 12:30:18 PM
Payne starting at Centre for Ulster is interesting. I would have thought now Ringrose has been bedded in it would be best to transition to Payne @ FB. He is a better full back than Kearney when on form.

I think you'll see Payne return to 13 for the Wales and England games. Ringrose has been excellent but as we all know JS is ultra conservative and the 13 channel is where we've been exposed before. Argentina and Scotland to name but two!

Explain this?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 02, 2017, 02:14:02 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 02, 2017, 02:02:59 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 02, 2017, 12:57:11 PM
Quote from: screenexile on March 02, 2017, 12:30:18 PM
Payne starting at Centre for Ulster is interesting. I would have thought now Ringrose has been bedded in it would be best to transition to Payne @ FB. He is a better full back than Kearney when on form.

I think you'll see Payne return to 13 for the Wales and England games. Ringrose has been excellent but as we all know JS is ultra conservative and the 13 channel is where we've been exposed before. Argentina and Scotland to name but two!

Explain this?

No problem Joe. Tiarnan O'Halloran is the form 15 in Ireland. Should be starting instead of Kearney imo.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on March 02, 2017, 11:07:23 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 02, 2017, 02:02:59 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 02, 2017, 12:57:11 PM
Quote from: screenexile on March 02, 2017, 12:30:18 PM
Payne starting at Centre for Ulster is interesting. I would have thought now Ringrose has been bedded in it would be best to transition to Payne @ FB. He is a better full back than Kearney when on form.

I think you'll see Payne return to 13 for the Wales and England games. Ringrose has been excellent but as we all know JS is ultra conservative and the 13 channel is where we've been exposed before. Argentina and Scotland to name but two!

Explain this?

Js is conservative, sticking with kearney at fb this long who is sound defensively but a toothless attacker. Payne likewise is a real defensive centre too. Payne/henshaw partnership is a blunt chisel.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AhNowRef on March 03, 2017, 12:32:08 PM
Quote from: trileacman on March 02, 2017, 11:07:23 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 02, 2017, 02:02:59 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 02, 2017, 12:57:11 PM
Quote from: screenexile on March 02, 2017, 12:30:18 PM
Payne starting at Centre for Ulster is interesting. I would have thought now Ringrose has been bedded in it would be best to transition to Payne @ FB. He is a better full back than Kearney when on form.

I think you'll see Payne return to 13 for the Wales and England games. Ringrose has been excellent but as we all know JS is ultra conservative and the 13 channel is where we've been exposed before. Argentina and Scotland to name but two!

Explain this?

Js is conservative, sticking with kearney at fb this long who is sound defensively but a toothless attacker. Payne likewise is a real defensive centre too. Payne/henshaw partnership is a blunt chisel.

Would Joe not leave Ringrose where he is and maybe put Payne in at FB ... worth a shot as Payne is a very good FB ... ah who knows ... Joe would know better than me anyway I would guess  :P
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 03, 2017, 02:06:49 PM
Ringrose has had maybe one moment all championship so far. Probably to be expected since he's pretty much a rookie at this level. Looks a bit light for his frame too, you'd worry about injuries if he doesn't put on a bit of beef.

Henshaw is like having a back rower at centre. Fantastic for breaking the line.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 03, 2017, 03:44:45 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 02, 2017, 02:14:02 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 02, 2017, 02:02:59 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 02, 2017, 12:57:11 PM
Quote from: screenexile on March 02, 2017, 12:30:18 PM
Payne starting at Centre for Ulster is interesting. I would have thought now Ringrose has been bedded in it would be best to transition to Payne @ FB. He is a better full back than Kearney when on form.

I think you'll see Payne return to 13 for the Wales and England games. Ringrose has been excellent but as we all know JS is ultra conservative and the 13 channel is where we've been exposed before. Argentina and Scotland to name but two!

Explain this?

No problem Joe. Tiarnan O'Halloran is the form 15 in Ireland. Should be starting instead of Kearney imo.

I am a fan of Joe not a fan of Kearney but Kearney has justified his selection. He has been a threat with ball in hand, good under the high ball, actually linking play and his positioning, his primary strength, has been excellent.

O'Halloran is unlucky, a better attacker that Kearney probably a better tackler too but it's the other area's that Kearney excels at that gives reassurance to the team. Tiernan is like Zebo and I don't think you can have two of those type of players in the team.

Joe is a systems and an attention to detail coach, know your role know your responsibilities, it can take time so in that regard he is conservative in selection but he prizes possession and is quite innovative in attack and around the ruck, not always about the ball either.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Take Your Points on March 03, 2017, 06:00:27 PM
Quote from: Syferus on March 03, 2017, 02:06:49 PM
Ringrose has had maybe one moment all championship so far. Probably to be expected since he's pretty much a rookie at this level. Looks a bit light for his frame too, you'd worry about injuries if he doesn't put on a bit of beef.

Henshaw is like having a back rower at centre. Fantastic for breaking the line.

Ringrose is a bit lightweight for the modern centre but this is as much an age issue, he has time to build bulk while retaining speed.  His physique is not dissimilar to O'Driscoll at the same age (not say he is another O'Driscoll).  Meanwhile Payne is 'man big' and strong and needed against the more physical centres they will meet with Wales and England.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 03, 2017, 09:25:20 PM
Ulster demonstrating tonight why they don't deserve to be in the top 4 of the Pro 12... absolute dross!!!

Will Jonno Gibbs make much of a difference next season??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on March 04, 2017, 11:27:21 AM
Smart tactics by the best coach in Ireland by a mile to leave a loaded bench to come on and reignite things in a quagmire. It looked like we were getting bogged down but the subs including that legend Muldoon in particular drove us on the get the BP win. We're probably too far behind to pass Ulster or Scarlets (Glasgow have to make it) but I think we could do it via the playoffs if we can build on our good form and keep guys fit.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on March 04, 2017, 11:27:40 AM
Quote from: screenexile on March 03, 2017, 09:25:20 PM
Ulster demonstrating tonight why they don't deserve to be in the top 4 of the Pro 12... absolute dross!!!

Will Jonno Gibbs make much of a difference next season??

Some new prayers needed.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 04, 2017, 04:26:51 PM
Quote from: Hardy on March 04, 2017, 11:27:40 AM
Quote from: screenexile on March 03, 2017, 09:25:20 PM
Ulster demonstrating tonight why they don't deserve to be in the top 4 of the Pro 12... absolute dross!!!

Will Jonno Gibbs make much of a difference next season??

Some new prayers needed.

Jesus lads the pitch was a proper mud bath it rained the whole time and if the temperature was above 2degress I'd be well surprised..

Was same for both teams but it will always create handling kicking catching errors, as was the case last night...

Wouldn't read too much into that result
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on March 04, 2017, 04:42:21 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 04, 2017, 04:26:51 PM
Quote from: Hardy on March 04, 2017, 11:27:40 AM
Quote from: screenexile on March 03, 2017, 09:25:20 PM
Ulster demonstrating tonight why they don't deserve to be in the top 4 of the Pro 12... absolute dross!!!

Will Jonno Gibbs make much of a difference next season??

Some new prayers needed.

Jesus lads the pitch was a proper mud bath it rained the whole time and if the temperature was above 2degress I'd be well surprised..

Was same for both teams but it will always create handling kicking catching errors, as was the case last night...

Wouldn't read too much into that result

Conditions in Belfast were lovely compared to Galway.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Take Your Points on March 04, 2017, 05:03:43 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 04, 2017, 04:42:21 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 04, 2017, 04:26:51 PM
Quote from: Hardy on March 04, 2017, 11:27:40 AM
Quote from: screenexile on March 03, 2017, 09:25:20 PM
Ulster demonstrating tonight why they don't deserve to be in the top 4 of the Pro 12... absolute dross!!!

Will Jonno Gibbs make much of a difference next season??

Some new prayers needed.

Jesus lads the pitch was a proper mud bath it rained the whole time and if the temperature was above 2degress I'd be well surprised..

Was same for both teams but it will always create handling kicking catching errors, as was the case last night...

Wouldn't read too much into that result

Conditions in Belfast were lovely compared to Galway.

But it's always like that in the Sportsground, the great leveller!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: DuffleKing on March 07, 2017, 12:40:13 AM

James Lowe can become Irish qualified if he stays in Ireland medium term?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 07, 2017, 08:48:32 AM
Quote from: DuffleKing on March 07, 2017, 12:40:13 AM

James Lowe can become Irish qualified if he stays in Ireland medium term?

They reckon Lowe will be outside the 3 year period which is set to increase to 5 years in June I believe. Good signing for Leinster. They wont be far away from the European cup in the near future!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on March 07, 2017, 10:54:17 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 03, 2017, 03:44:45 PM

I am a fan of Joe not a fan of Kearney but Kearney has justified his selection. He has been a threat with ball in hand, good under the high ball, actually linking play and his positioning, his primary strength, has been excellent.

O'Halloran is unlucky, a better attacker that Kearney probably a better tackler too but it's the other area's that Kearney excels at that gives reassurance to the team. Tiernan is like Zebo and I don't think you can have two of those type of players in the team.

Joe is a systems and an attention to detail coach, know your role know your responsibilities, it can take time so in that regard he is conservative in selection but he prizes possession and is quite innovative in attack and around the ruck, not always about the ball either.

I think Kearney's tackling this year has been appallingly bad. 
He's in better form with ball-in-hand than he's been for a couple of seasons, but can't understand how he's been let away with his consistently awful "attempts" at tackles.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 07, 2017, 11:35:42 AM
His counter attack game is non-existent hence my preference for O'Halloran.

I see Kirchner is leaving Leinster for Newport Dragons. Average player in my book. No great loss.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mouview on March 07, 2017, 12:28:11 PM
As an aside, can anyone confirm if former Times reporter Edmund Van Esbeck is still alive? Haven't heard anything from him in a while.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 07, 2017, 04:54:24 PM
Quote from: mouview on March 07, 2017, 12:28:11 PM
As an aside, can anyone confirm if former Times reporter Edmund Van Esbeck is still alive? Haven't heard anything from him in a while.

Still alive. Has written in years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on March 08, 2017, 12:41:43 PM
Will Ireland cope with Wayne Barnes on Friday? He tends to be strict and Ireland usually end up on the wrong side of him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 08, 2017, 12:59:53 PM
Think we've won 4 out of 13 that Barnes has officiated. Our discipline has been excellent since last summers tour so hopefully it continues.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Take Your Points on March 08, 2017, 01:36:34 PM
Unchanged team for Wales but with Tommy Bowe on the bench.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 08, 2017, 01:58:25 PM
Would anyone have been inclined to start POM over Stander and unleash CJ in last 30? Just thinking about only having 2 lineout jumpers against 3 Welsh!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LeoMc on March 08, 2017, 02:51:44 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 08, 2017, 01:58:25 PM
Would anyone have been inclined to start POM over Stander and unleash CJ in last 30? Just thinking about only having 2 lineout jumpers against 3 Welsh!
Would Henderson not be a better option if that we as concern?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 09, 2017, 09:23:17 AM
I don't think Henderson's best position is the back row. I think he played there with Ulster due to the shortcomings they have in the back row. We should see him more at 2nd row next year with Ulster!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on March 09, 2017, 11:50:30 AM
Tommy Bowe - hate criticising the lad because he has been so good for us in the past but there's no way his selection is justified. He wasn't even in the original 36 (37 once corrected) man panel. "Trained the house down" - such bull.

Anyway - with Wayne Barnes on the whistle and a good Welsh side who could easily be unbeaten this is an uphill task. I'm sensing most people are thinking of the "championship decider" which is worryingly akin to the build up to the Scotland match. Losing to Wales would be a disaster, think it would put them ahead of us for 4th in World Rankings which are locked after 6 nations.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 09, 2017, 12:00:52 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 09, 2017, 11:50:30 AM
Tommy Bowe - hate criticising the lad because he has been so good for us in the past but there's no way his selection is justified. He wasn't even in the original 36 (37 once corrected) man panel. "Trained the house down" - such bull.

Anyway - with Wayne Barnes on the whistle and a good Welsh side who could easily be unbeaten this is an uphill task. I'm sensing most people are thinking of the "championship decider" which is worryingly akin to the build up to the Scotland match. Losing to Wales would be a disaster, think it would put them ahead of us for 4th in World Rankings which are locked after 6 nations.

Wales currently sit in 7th place so don't think a win will make them jump above us. If they lose their last 2 games they could slip to 9th and end up in a group of death come the 2019 RWC. Tommy Bowe is there purely for defence against George North. North has been poor for a while now but I wouldn't be surprised if he showed up tomorrow night!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on March 09, 2017, 12:07:32 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 09, 2017, 12:00:52 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 09, 2017, 11:50:30 AM
Tommy Bowe - hate criticising the lad because he has been so good for us in the past but there's no way his selection is justified. He wasn't even in the original 36 (37 once corrected) man panel. "Trained the house down" - such bull.

Anyway - with Wayne Barnes on the whistle and a good Welsh side who could easily be unbeaten this is an uphill task. I'm sensing most people are thinking of the "championship decider" which is worryingly akin to the build up to the Scotland match. Losing to Wales would be a disaster, think it would put them ahead of us for 4th in World Rankings which are locked after 6 nations.

Wales currently sit in 7th place so don't think a win will make them jump above us. If they lose their last 2 games they could slip to 9th and end up in a group of death come the 2019 RWC. Tommy Bowe is there purely for defence against George North. North has been poor for a while now but I wouldn't be surprised if he showed up tomorrow night!

Wales dropped from 5th after losing to Scotland but if they win their last 2 and we lose our last 2 I think they'll be ahead of us. Scotland not far behind us too though I don't expect they'll beat England but if they did....

The reason you mention for Bowe's selection, if it's the case, is sad. Typical Joe though. The very things we criticise England for (too conservative, obsessed with systems, defence, robotic etc) we turn a blind eye when St Joe does them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 09, 2017, 12:47:36 PM
I understand your frustrations, trust me. Whats or who is the alternative to coach Ireland though?

In the next year or so I'd love to see this back line.

15. O'Halloran
14. Sweetnam
13. Ringrose
12. Henshaw
11. Stockdale
10. Sexton
9. Murray
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 09, 2017, 01:13:13 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 09, 2017, 12:07:32 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 09, 2017, 12:00:52 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 09, 2017, 11:50:30 AM
Tommy Bowe - hate criticising the lad because he has been so good for us in the past but there's no way his selection is justified. He wasn't even in the original 36 (37 once corrected) man panel. "Trained the house down" - such bull.

Anyway - with Wayne Barnes on the whistle and a good Welsh side who could easily be unbeaten this is an uphill task. I'm sensing most people are thinking of the "championship decider" which is worryingly akin to the build up to the Scotland match. Losing to Wales would be a disaster, think it would put them ahead of us for 4th in World Rankings which are locked after 6 nations.

Wales currently sit in 7th place so don't think a win will make them jump above us. If they lose their last 2 games they could slip to 9th and end up in a group of death come the 2019 RWC. Tommy Bowe is there purely for defence against George North. North has been poor for a while now but I wouldn't be surprised if he showed up tomorrow night!

Wales dropped from 5th after losing to Scotland but if they win their last 2 and we lose our last 2 I think they'll be ahead of us. Scotland not far behind us too though I don't expect they'll beat England but if they did....

The reason you mention for Bowe's selection, if it's the case, is sad. Typical Joe though. The very things we criticise England for (too conservative, obsessed with systems, defence, robotic etc) we turn a blind eye when St Joe does them.

Bowe is defensively strong and good in the air. Rugby is as much about what you do without the ball as with it. The Connacht back tree aren't at the level required without the ball certainly not the level Schmidt demands and he does demand it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ziggy90 on March 10, 2017, 08:07:09 PM
I don't think I've ever heard a National Anthem blasted out like the Welsh players and crowd did it tonight.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 10, 2017, 08:28:09 PM
Time for a few hot whiskeys. Paddy Jackson on and Wales with a bash bash try..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Glenmore bull on March 10, 2017, 08:31:58 PM
Lads any decent links to free streaming for the game??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on March 10, 2017, 08:36:14 PM
Leave wee paddy alone.

Sexton got smashed because his fullback isn't full for purpose.

We saw more pace in Wales' try than we have from Ireland's back three this season ((Gilroy's cameo excepted).

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 10, 2017, 08:38:27 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 10, 2017, 08:36:14 PM
Leave wee paddy alone.

Sexton got smashed because his fullback isn't full for purpose.

We saw more pace in Wales' try than we have from Ireland's back three this season ((Gilroy's cameo excepted).

I'll make him a deal. I'll leave him alone as long as he remains on the bench..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on March 10, 2017, 08:46:09 PM
Welsh try down to Ringrose and his failure to tackle Webb before he sent to ball out wide.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on March 10, 2017, 08:51:17 PM
Murray in difficulties with his arm, affecting his passing of the ball and almost useless for him in the tackle.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on March 10, 2017, 08:53:05 PM
Keith Earls. Jamie Heaslip.

Move them the f**k along please.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Farrandeelin on March 10, 2017, 08:53:41 PM
Just sat down when Sexton was walking off. What happened?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on March 10, 2017, 08:58:46 PM
Quote from: Farrandeelin on March 10, 2017, 08:53:41 PM
Just sat down when Sexton was walking off. What happened?

Killing the ball on the line.  He got trapped in the ruck by Davies.  No way out for him but he still got the card.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on March 10, 2017, 09:04:05 PM
Is Creative play from the centers is a thing of the past inmodern rugby
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on March 10, 2017, 09:32:52 PM
Quote from: Gmac on March 10, 2017, 09:04:05 PM
Is Creative play from the centers is a thing of the past inmodern rugby

It is given the inexperience of Ringrose and the bashing Henshaw.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CiKe on March 10, 2017, 09:48:03 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 10, 2017, 08:53:05 PM
Keith Earls. Jamie Heaslip.

Move them the f**k along please.

Wobbler you are probably the most vocal critic on here. Only a casual watcher so out of interest what would be your first 15 and match day squad assuming no injuries?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on March 10, 2017, 09:49:13 PM
Yes but are the centres the cause of the symptom?

If I was an Irish centre and saw the matchups outside me, I'd put my head down too.

Said it a few weeks ago. Ireland are a back 3 away from being a serious team. We just can't breakdown any team of substance with that back 3.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on March 10, 2017, 09:51:32 PM
Quote from: CiKe on March 10, 2017, 09:48:03 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 10, 2017, 08:53:05 PM
Keith Earls. Jamie Heaslip.

Move them the f**k along please.

Wobbler you are probably the most vocal critic on here. Only a casual watcher so out of interest what would be your first 15 and match day squad assuming no injuries?

See this is all out of character for me. I'm normally all for loyalty and coaching.

I'm just absolutely sick to my eyeballs of watching Earls and Kearney run sideways then falling.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on March 10, 2017, 09:52:42 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 10, 2017, 09:51:32 PM
Quote from: CiKe on March 10, 2017, 09:48:03 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 10, 2017, 08:53:05 PM
Keith Earls. Jamie Heaslip.

Move them the f**k along please.

Wobbler you are probably the most vocal critic on here. Only a casual watcher so out of interest what would be your first 15 and match day squad assuming no injuries?

See this is all out of character for me. I'm normally all for loyalty and coaching.

I'm just absolutely sick to my eyeballs of watching Earls and Kearney run sideways then falling.


The centres are shite too. Schmidt is a ultra-conservative coach hence our lack of ability to create any real quality against the top sides.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on March 10, 2017, 09:55:59 PM
Marmion has filled in well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gold on March 10, 2017, 09:56:32 PM
Tommy bowe may be done
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 10, 2017, 09:57:01 PM
The no Connacht policy is not working
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on March 10, 2017, 09:58:04 PM
Quote from: trileacman on March 10, 2017, 09:52:42 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 10, 2017, 09:51:32 PM
Quote from: CiKe on March 10, 2017, 09:48:03 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 10, 2017, 08:53:05 PM
Keith Earls. Jamie Heaslip.

Move them the f**k along please.

Wobbler you are probably the most vocal critic on here. Only a casual watcher so out of interest what would be your first 15 and match day squad assuming no injuries?

See this is all out of character for me. I'm normally all for loyalty and coaching.

I'm just absolutely sick to my eyeballs of watching Earls and Kearney run sideways then falling.


The centres are shite too. Schmidt is a ultra-conservative coach hence our lack of ability to create any real quality against the top sides.

Earls was very good tonight and I'd be far from his biggest fan. Outside Sexton, we're not overally inventive out the back but a damn site more inventive than Wales. One side got the breaks inside in the opposition's 22,  that was the difference tonight
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CiKe on March 10, 2017, 09:59:19 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 10, 2017, 09:51:32 PM
Quote from: CiKe on March 10, 2017, 09:48:03 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 10, 2017, 08:53:05 PM
Keith Earls. Jamie Heaslip.

Move them the f**k along please.

Wobbler you are probably the most vocal critic on here. Only a casual watcher so out of interest what would be your first 15 and match day squad assuming no injuries?

See this is all out of character for me. I'm normally all for loyalty and coaching.

I'm just absolutely sick to my eyeballs of watching Earls and Kearney run sideways then falling.

Ok so what is the solution? I always thought Kearney was one of the best in world under a high ball but that aside was about as average as they come. I don't watch enough provincial rugby to have an opinion on what the alternatives are. People talk about Payne at full-back, is that realistic? We seem to have a serious lack of pace across the backs.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on March 10, 2017, 10:03:29 PM
When you say Earls was "very good" tonight, are you basing that on the fact that two tries came up his wing, and his cumulative carries (I'm guessing) will average about 0.1 yards, and that he never made a single line break or telling pass?

He was far fro the worst player on show tonight. But it's redefining very good to put him in that category. Not guilty is the best way I could sum up how performance.

By the way, Rory Best, Tommy Bowe and Andrew Trimble are also very much done in 2017, if anyone is worried about my provincial bias.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 10, 2017, 10:06:01 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 10, 2017, 09:51:32 PM
Quote from: CiKe on March 10, 2017, 09:48:03 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 10, 2017, 08:53:05 PM
Keith Earls. Jamie Heaslip.

Move them the f**k along please.

Wobbler you are probably the most vocal critic on here. Only a casual watcher so out of interest what would be your first 15 and match day squad assuming no injuries?

See this is all out of character for me. I'm normally all for loyalty and coaching.

I'm just absolutely sick to my eyeballs of watching Earls and Kearney run sideways then falling.

Earls was probably the best back today.

Told ye not to get too excited after beating a half-interested All Blacks B side last Authumn. Second best team in the world my arse. If something happens to Murray or Sexton we become extremely average. Coupled with our terrible lineout performance we were cooked. Should have got that try from that maul, though.

Going to take some effort to not be humiliated by the Tans next weekend when we're losing to average Wales and Scotland sides.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on March 10, 2017, 10:07:58 PM
A hair's breadth from going a deserved one point ahead, to going 13 points down in the blink of an eye.




Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on March 10, 2017, 10:12:36 PM
The backs as a group are pretty Shite. St joe has to shoulder the blame. If we'd just a shite FB or outhalf he could get away with it but to train such a low standards as that is a balls-up.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 10, 2017, 10:15:41 PM
With seedings for the world cup coming up ireland could not have picked a better time to start f*cking up. Declan kidney had a couple of dodgy years post grand slam too showing too much faith in underperforming players before the implosion, its all got a similar feel to it. This and last years 6 nations have been very poor.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on March 10, 2017, 10:21:25 PM
Very good defence from Wales all night. They never got distracted by all of Ireland's wraparound and reverse passes. Not enough varation from Ireland, needed a few chips over the top to fracture the Welsh defensive line. 
Ireland generally don't win those tight games where they have to try and get ahead in the 2nd half. For a years now, they've needed to build up a total long before the hour mark.
Even had Ireland gone ahead, some Irish player would have fluffed it to let Wales win.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GaillimhIarthair on March 10, 2017, 10:28:43 PM
Back row beaten out the gate, line out was its usual mixed bag and we are clueless in the opposition 22 - we are a hard to to watch at times and a good defensive team shuts us down rather easily.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on March 10, 2017, 10:32:59 PM
Six tries conceded against Wales and Scotland, might as well start picking backs who can attack at that rate.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on March 10, 2017, 10:40:00 PM
an Ulsterman as captain when his team has been crap for the past few years?
two backs who wouldn't get on the Connacht team
a number 12 who has disimproved since he moved East

oh, and a Wales team who constantly cheat and get away with it - offside, going off feet, blocking catchers for garryowens, holding onto men at rucks. The list is endless
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Aaron Boone on March 10, 2017, 10:43:50 PM
Ireland will still give England their fill next week, no doubts.

Wales v anyone tonight in that stadium was a likely home win.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on March 10, 2017, 11:03:14 PM
If Henshaw knew the laws of the game and didn't think the forwards need a big strong lad like himself then the game was won.  Don't know how Rory Best held himself back from kicking him up the backside
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on March 10, 2017, 11:21:49 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on March 10, 2017, 11:03:14 PM
If Henshaw knew the laws of the game and didn't think the forwards need a big strong lad like himself then the game was won.  Don't know how Rory Best held himself back from kicking him up the backside
further example why Westmeath will never win anything
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on March 11, 2017, 12:01:07 AM
Only the English soccer media hype up an average team as much as the d4 brigade hype up this team. Perhaps RTÉ should put on a new program to remind us of the vintage performances in Feb/Mar.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 11, 2017, 12:39:01 AM
Quote from: Aaron Boone on March 10, 2017, 10:43:50 PM
Ireland will still give England their fill next week, no doubts.

Wales v anyone tonight in that stadium was a likely home win.

...except Scotland or England, or any of the big three down south. So just us and the continually useless continentals.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on March 11, 2017, 01:19:36 AM
New documentary . 1 night in March
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on March 11, 2017, 02:00:07 AM
Apart from Rory Bests Henshaw assisted effort we never really came close to scoring a try. I still fancy our chances against England as long as Murray is fit.

Both our star half backs had to leave the field due to injuries inflicted on them by the Welsh. Murrays injury when tackling North looked accidental. I'm not so sure about the knee Sexton took to the head, It looked accidental but could have been deliberate.       
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rrhf on March 11, 2017, 07:25:06 AM
Did anyone else think sexton was v poor.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: laoislad on March 11, 2017, 07:32:55 AM
Quote from: Itchy on March 11, 2017, 12:01:07 AM
Only the English soccer media hype up an average team as much as the d4 brigade hype up this team. Perhaps RTÉ should put on a new program to remind us of the vintage performances in Feb/Mar.
But but but they beat a reserve New Zealand team once in a pre season friendly.....
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 11, 2017, 08:15:30 AM
Again with the hyperbole in defeat "we're shite" "Bowe is finished" "Best is finished".

The reality is we are in a group of teams that can all beat each other on a given day. With the lads we have to come in we still have plenty coming through to make a real challenge in 2 years time. Had Henshaw not made that mistake joining the maul we would have won and for such small margins we would have won today and against Scotland.

Having said that we made critical mistakes at the wrong time but I fully expect us to win next week and learn from this going forward. Thankfully we have players and a management team who won't over react like many are doing here!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Throw ball on March 11, 2017, 09:54:27 AM
Quote from: screenexile on March 11, 2017, 08:15:30 AM
Again with the hyperbole in defeat "we're shite" "Bowe is finished" "Best is finished".

The reality is we are in a group of teams that can all beat each other on a given day. With the lads we have to come in we still have plenty coming through to make a real challenge in 2 years time. Had Henshaw not made that mistake joining the maul we would have won and for such small margins we would have won today and against Scotland.

Having said that we made critical mistakes at the wrong time but I fully expect us to win next week and learn from this going forward. Thankfully we have players and a management team who won't over react like many are doing here!!

Agree completely.

Not being a major rugby head I notice that 3 of the 4 provinces are poorer than they have been in quite a while. Maybe Ireland are doing well to remain so competitive
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 11, 2017, 12:13:51 PM
Wales lost to Scotland and England. Ireland might be on for the reverse triple crown.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Farrandeelin on March 11, 2017, 12:26:29 PM
Quote from: laoislad on March 11, 2017, 07:32:55 AM
Quote from: Itchy on March 11, 2017, 12:01:07 AM
Only the English soccer media hype up an average team as much as the d4 brigade hype up this team. Perhaps RTÉ should put on a new program to remind us of the vintage performances in Feb/Mar.
But but but they beat a reserve New Zealand team once in a pre season friendly.....
Totally agree with the pair of you. And all the sport pages are full 9f rugby this time of year.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 5 Sams on March 11, 2017, 01:05:53 PM
Joe sticking the knife in on twitter...

Joe Brolly‏ @JoeBrolly1993  40m40 minutes ago
More
Amidst the wreckage of another 6 Nations, will Ireland's sport psychologist tour the studios accepting BLAME.


ouch..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on March 11, 2017, 06:18:43 PM
So the famed bottles bottled it again?

What's the excuse this time?

Surely Joe Shit will be out of a job?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on March 11, 2017, 06:30:52 PM
Quote from: screenexile on March 11, 2017, 08:15:30 AM
Again with the hyperbole in defeat "we're shite" "Bowe is finished" "Best is finished".

The reality is we are in a group of teams that can all beat each other on a given day. With the lads we have to come in we still have plenty coming through to make a real challenge in 2 years time. Had Henshaw not made that mistake joining the maul we would have won and for such small margins we would have won today and against Scotland.

Having said that we made critical mistakes at the wrong time but I fully expect us to win next week and learn from this going forward. Thankfully we have players and a management team who won't over react like many are doing here!!

The reality is the West Brit rugby football side shat their togs again.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Frank_The_Tank on March 11, 2017, 07:03:14 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on March 11, 2017, 06:18:43 PM
So the famed bottles bottled it again?

What's the excuse this time?

Surely Joe Shit will be out of a job?

Zzzzzzzzz back commenting on rugby Bomber.  Obviously your quite entitled to your opinion but what motivates you to constantly come on a thread about a sport your clearly dont like?  Why do you even pay attention to the results?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on March 11, 2017, 07:18:37 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on March 11, 2017, 07:03:14 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on March 11, 2017, 06:18:43 PM
So the famed bottles bottled it again?

What's the excuse this time?

Surely Joe Shit will be out of a job?

Zzzzzzzzz back commenting on rugby Bomber.  Obviously your quite entitled to your opinion but what motivates you to constantly come on a thread about a sport your clearly dont like?  Why do you even pay attention to the results?

Disproportionate coverage and interest in a game that has little grass roots popularity on the island.

If I want to challenge this barbaric game and the sheep who follow it, I will.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: straightred on March 11, 2017, 07:24:04 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on March 11, 2017, 07:18:37 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on March 11, 2017, 07:03:14 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on March 11, 2017, 06:18:43 PM
So the famed bottles bottled it again?

What's the excuse this time?

Surely Joe Shit will be out of a job?

Zzzzzzzzz back commenting on rugby Bomber.  Obviously your quite entitled to your opinion but what motivates you to constantly come on a thread about a sport your clearly dont like?  Why do you even pay attention to the results?

Disproportionate coverage and interest in a game that has little grass roots popularity on the island.

If I want to challenge this barbaric game and the sheep who follow it, I will.

Apparently the tv rights are a package which means if you want the 6 nations you have to take the women and u20s and show the whole lot. I have v little interest either but i do know my way around the remote control - this is useful at this time of year. Think positive - it will all be over this time next week.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Frank_The_Tank on March 11, 2017, 07:25:24 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on March 11, 2017, 07:18:37 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on March 11, 2017, 07:03:14 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on March 11, 2017, 06:18:43 PM
So the famed bottles bottled it again?

What's the excuse this time?

Surely Joe Shit will be out of a job?

Zzzzzzzzz back commenting on rugby Bomber.  Obviously your quite entitled to your opinion but what motivates you to constantly come on a thread about a sport your clearly dont like?  Why do you even pay attention to the results?

Disproportionate coverage and interest in a game that has little grass roots popularity on the island.

If I want to challenge this barbaric game and the sheep who follow it, I will.

Whatever keeps you happy.  Top wuming
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 11, 2017, 07:47:39 PM
They might end up losing 3. 1990s standard
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 11, 2017, 08:08:20 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on March 11, 2017, 07:25:24 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on March 11, 2017, 07:18:37 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on March 11, 2017, 07:03:14 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on March 11, 2017, 06:18:43 PM
So the famed bottles bottled it again?

What's the excuse this time?

Surely Joe Shit will be out of a job?

Zzzzzzzzz back commenting on rugby Bomber.  Obviously your quite entitled to your opinion but what motivates you to constantly come on a thread about a sport your clearly dont like?  Why do you even pay attention to the results?

Disproportionate coverage and interest in a game that has little grass roots popularity on the island.

If I want to challenge this barbaric game and the sheep who follow it, I will.

Whatever keeps you happy.  Top wuming
He has never got over the big rugby boys making him look like a wee boy. Still a few years of therapy before he gets over it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on March 11, 2017, 08:11:40 PM
Will we get a documentary on this fantastic contest from RTÉ. McGuirk and hook could present and give great insight in between giving each other wedgies.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on March 11, 2017, 08:36:05 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 11, 2017, 07:47:39 PM
They might end up losing 3. 1990s standard

They lost 3 in 2013.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on March 11, 2017, 08:41:50 PM
Quote from: straightred on March 11, 2017, 07:24:04 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on March 11, 2017, 07:18:37 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on March 11, 2017, 07:03:14 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on March 11, 2017, 06:18:43 PM
So the famed bottles bottled it again?

What's the excuse this time?

Surely Joe Shit will be out of a job?

Zzzzzzzzz back commenting on rugby Bomber.  Obviously your quite entitled to your opinion but what motivates you to constantly come on a thread about a sport your clearly dont like?  Why do you even pay attention to the results?

Disproportionate coverage and interest in a game that has little grass roots popularity on the island.

If I want to challenge this barbaric game and the sheep who follow it, I will.

Apparently the tv rights are a package which means if you want the 6 nations you have to take the women and u20s and show the whole lot. I have v little interest either but i do know my way around the remote control - this is useful at this time of year. Think positive - it will all be over this time next week.

Although I have no interest in Rugby other than internationals involving the Irish mens senior team. it is a clever idea by the Rugby authorities to tie showing Womens and under 20 Rugby into their rights. I must say I always use the remote when they are on.  There are a lot of sporting bodies in Ireland who could use the same blackmail! I'm thinking of the GAA with Handball, Sigerson Cup and Railway Cup!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on March 11, 2017, 08:43:56 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 11, 2017, 08:08:20 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on March 11, 2017, 07:25:24 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on March 11, 2017, 07:18:37 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on March 11, 2017, 07:03:14 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on March 11, 2017, 06:18:43 PM
So the famed bottles bottled it again?

What's the excuse this time?

Surely Joe Shit will be out of a job?

Zzzzzzzzz back commenting on rugby Bomber.  Obviously your quite entitled to your opinion but what motivates you to constantly come on a thread about a sport your clearly dont like?  Why do you even pay attention to the results?

Disproportionate coverage and interest in a game that has little grass roots popularity on the island.

If I want to challenge this barbaric game and the sheep who follow it, I will.

Whatever keeps you happy.  Top wuming
He has never got over the big rugby boys making him look like a wee boy. Still a few years of therapy before he gets over it.

We could all be big rugby boys if we took enough steroids.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 11, 2017, 09:11:43 PM
Quote from: Estimator on March 11, 2017, 08:36:05 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 11, 2017, 07:47:39 PM
They might end up losing 3. 1990s standard

They lost 3 in 2013.
doing it twice in the space of a few years would be very 1990s
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 11, 2017, 11:21:51 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 11, 2017, 09:11:43 PM
Quote from: Estimator on March 11, 2017, 08:36:05 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 11, 2017, 07:47:39 PM
They might end up losing 3. 1990s standard

They lost 3 in 2013.
doing it twice in the space of a few years would be very 1990s

They won the following two tournaments.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on March 12, 2017, 01:18:38 AM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on March 11, 2017, 08:43:56 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 11, 2017, 08:08:20 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on March 11, 2017, 07:25:24 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on March 11, 2017, 07:18:37 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on March 11, 2017, 07:03:14 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on March 11, 2017, 06:18:43 PM
So the famed bottles bottled it again?

What's the excuse this time?

Surely Joe Shit will be out of a job?

Zzzzzzzzz back commenting on rugby Bomber.  Obviously your quite entitled to your opinion but what motivates you to constantly come on a thread about a sport your clearly dont like?  Why do you even pay attention to the results?

Disproportionate coverage and interest in a game that has little grass roots popularity on the island.

If I want to challenge this barbaric game and the sheep who follow it, I will.

Whatever keeps you happy.  Top wuming
He has never got over the big rugby boys making him look like a wee boy. Still a few years of therapy before he gets over it.

We could all be big rugby boys if we took enough steroids.

The  English lads are playing so well they could be juiced.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 12, 2017, 10:29:00 AM
Great to see the inbred Bomber back....no sisters or cousins available this weekend pal?

Game very disappointing. Worse still being at it. Changes needed. Kearney, O'Brien and Ryan to drop out for me. O'Briens miss on Scott Williams was criminal.

scannell or Cronin to be starting hooker next year! Sweetnam and Byrne need fast tracked too. Zebo and Earls don't have the pace or power though in fairness the tactics employed aren't helping their cause!

Henshaw is consistently our top performer. What work rate!!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gold on March 12, 2017, 11:03:49 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 12, 2017, 10:29:00 AM
Great to see the inbred Bomber back....no sisters or cousins available this weekend pal?

Game very disappointing. Worse still being at it. Changes needed. Kearney, O'Brien and Ryan to drop out for me. O'Briens miss on Scott Williams was criminal.

scannell or Cronin to be starting hooker next year! Sweetnam and Byrne need fast tracked too. Zebo and Earls don't have the pace or power though in fairness the tactics employed aren't helping their cause!

Henshaw is consistently our top performer. What work rate!!!!

The difference in size between say George North and Earls/Zebo is substantial. 

We struggle without Bowe and Trimble imo due to their physicality although both are getting on a bit now and Bowe God help him could be done...looked a bad injury the other night (when Joe only gave him a token minute after the game was done)

Joe should've put Bowe and Jackson on earlier. Other than the Best chance in the maul we didn't look like scoring. We're so slow and predictable we never looked like opening them up. Did we even make one line break all game?

Murray has his dummy pass.... show and go....other than that what do we have?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 12, 2017, 11:05:25 AM
Is the whole Sexton Loop Around pass not gone fairly stale?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on March 12, 2017, 11:54:06 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 12, 2017, 10:29:00 AM
Game very disappointing. Worse still being at it. Changes needed. Kearney, O'Brien and Ryan to drop out for me. O'Briens miss on Scott Williams was criminal.

scannell or Cronin to be starting hooker next year! Sweetnam and Byrne need fast tracked too. Zebo and Earls don't have the pace or power though in fairness the tactics employed aren't helping their cause!

Henshaw is consistently our top performer. What work rate!!!!

Henderson made a difference when he came on, improved the lineout and is more mobile than Ryan.  Zebo lacks the pace of North and Williams and spends to much time in the centre making an even narrower focus.  He and Earls don't compensate their loss of speed with grater physicality.  Toner was quite poor, his greater height is not used to its best.

Farrell's tactic of having the half backs as frontline defenders leaves brave smaller men tackling big men thundering into them resulting in more injuries and inability to escape from a ruck. 

Wales did have more guile than Ireland in working the referee.  Webb showed that Murray isn't unique in his ability to run the game and certainly is much more physical than him.

Schmidt left Murray on far too long and it was obvious to any non-medical person that he had lost power in the tackle and passing the ball.  This left his colleagues trying to catch balls around their angles while the Welsh back row came thundering through.

Do we have our own North or Williams, fast and very strong?  If not stop playing the same game as Wales trying to bash through the middle.

Unfortunately, Bowe and Trimble have been living through one injury after another and age is not a serious factor for them as international players.  Bowe has not even had a good game for Ulster in the very small number of appearances over the last year and his international selection does ask questions about Schmidt and his blindness toward others especially those outside Leinster.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on March 12, 2017, 02:24:01 PM
This was a shambles but sadly an all too predictable one. Most of the points I made pre game came home too roost. We cannot score inside the opposition 22. No creativity and opponents have copped these pre rehearsed moves.

One thing I didn't mention but I see another poster has mentioned is our defence coach. He absolutely has to go ASAP. Our defence is a shambles as was England's when he was with them. Major mistake by St Joe hiring him.

I'd say Joe's stubborn nature will be in full show for next week. Unchanged team if everyone is fit which will be a disaster. At a minimum POM has to start as our lineout is a mess, totally reliant on Toner. He could take the place of any of the back row but Stander probably should go to 8 and H aslip drop out. SOB should go and VDF start. Im very fearful about next weekend.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 12, 2017, 02:52:43 PM
Devin Toner is stone useless.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 12, 2017, 03:31:53 PM
Quote from: Syferus on March 12, 2017, 02:52:43 PM
Devin Toner is stone useless.

If they throw the ball to him at the line out he'll win it!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 12, 2017, 03:41:00 PM
JS has hit the same wall of mediocrity as his predecessors.
2 years to the next World Cup. It is no time for passengers or fellas past their sell by date.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on March 12, 2017, 03:53:26 PM
I wonder will Joe Shit get pilloried by the media much like Trapattoni did or will the rugby cheerleader continue to celebrate medicority?

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on March 12, 2017, 04:30:51 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 12, 2017, 03:31:53 PM
Quote from: Syferus on March 12, 2017, 02:52:43 PM
Devin Toner is stone useless.

If they throw the ball to him at the line out he'll win it!!

No he didn't.  Not once did he dominate the lineout.  When Charteris came on for Wales, he was much more of a threat than Toner while not quite as tall but much more aggressive.  If Toner was not as tall it is doubtful if he would be an international except that he plays for Leinster.

O'Mahony and Henderson make a more aggressive lineout setup. Henderson was dragging the maul along that nearly resulted in the winning try before Henshaw decided to foul it. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 12, 2017, 04:31:05 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 12, 2017, 03:31:53 PM
Quote from: Syferus on March 12, 2017, 02:52:43 PM
Devin Toner is stone useless.

If they throw the ball to him at the line out he'll win it!!

When Rory Best can only throw it to the opposition it's a bit of a moot point, isn't it? Toner is such a liability in play it's not even funny.

Has he ever even pushed the defensive line back once with ball in hand?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 13, 2017, 04:55:44 PM
McFadden called into the squad for Bowe!

If he ends up anywhere near the 23 I'm done with Schmidt!!!

Christ surely giving Sweetnam or Byrne the experience would be more benefical. Drives me potty at times!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Declan on March 14, 2017, 09:32:35 AM

Bernard Jackman will leave French club Grenoble.

Independent.ie understands that the Irishman was told by the club last night that his services as head coach would no longer be required.

Mike Prendergast and Aaron Dundon will take temporary charge.


Not a surprise is it? Don't think our resident Rugby experts here thought much of his coaching abilities
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 14, 2017, 10:18:57 AM
It was a pretty tough gig for Jackman considering the money in the French top 14. However this year hasn't gone well for Grenoble.

I'd like to see him back involved in Irish rugby at some capacity.

Thats a strange one with Racing and Stade Francais merging. Wonder will ROG keep his job!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Mayo4Sam on March 14, 2017, 10:04:32 PM
I'm not sure what you have to do to get dropped from this Irish team, it is worse that the soccer for the old boys club mentality.

How can Bowe and McFadden be anywhere near the squad, even if it was a 39 man squad like the soccer they shouldn't be in it.

Kearney is living off the back of a great performance in Chicago, his only good performance in two years, we have O'Halloran, Zebo and Payne all much better there. Murray plays with one arm for 30 mins FFS, shows how little faith there is in Marmion.

Heaslip plays every minute of every game even when he stinks the place out, he must have something on JS, he gives away so many penalties and now himself and O'Brien (who looks finished too) can't hold onto the ball.

And Andy Farrell clearly isn't working
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AhNowRef on March 15, 2017, 03:00:03 PM
Whatever else they do they MUST ensure that Sexton doesnt end us having to do more tackling than anyone else .. which seems to be the case at the minute FSS  :-\
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 15, 2017, 03:01:50 PM
Quote from: AhNowRef on March 15, 2017, 03:00:03 PM
Whatever else they do they MUST ensure that Sexton doesnt end us having to do more tackling than anyone else .. which seems to be the case at the minute FSS  :-\

That's hard to stop though. In the modern game, the crash ball centres, or the ball carrying back rows, nearly look for the out half and run straight at him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AhNowRef on March 15, 2017, 03:10:38 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 15, 2017, 03:01:50 PM
Quote from: AhNowRef on March 15, 2017, 03:00:03 PM
Whatever else they do they MUST ensure that Sexton doesnt end us having to do more tackling than anyone else .. which seems to be the case at the minute FSS  :-\

That's hard to stop though. In the modern game, the crash ball centres, or the ball carrying back rows, nearly look for the out half and run straight at him.

Yeah but other out halfs dont seem to do half the tackling he does, think of Farrell for example .. It seems to be the way Ireland play .. I think its maybe made worse by Ringroses inexperience in defence...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 15, 2017, 03:13:40 PM
Maybe, but I know it's a tactic. Blyendaal makes a lot of tackles for Munster, and poor old ROG was regularly trying to hold onto lads ankles. The flankers can protect him if they get there quick enough, but a quick move off a lineout, scrum or ruck, and the 10 is going to be exposed.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AhNowRef on March 15, 2017, 03:19:31 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 15, 2017, 03:13:40 PM
Maybe, but I know it's a tactic. Blyendaal makes a lot of tackles for Munster, and poor old ROG was regularly trying to hold onto lads ankles. The flankers can protect him if they get there quick enough, but a quick move off a lineout, scrum or ruck, and the 10 is going to be exposed.

Yeah its just a pity that we have a world class player like Sexton continuously having to barge into 20 stone feckers trying to decapitate him ... You would think they would try and negate that as much as possible  :-\
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on March 16, 2017, 12:32:24 PM
England Team:
15 Brown;
14 Watson,
13 Joseph,
12 Farrell,
11 Daly;
10 Ford,
9 Youngs;
1 Marler,
2 Hartley,
3 Cole,
4 Launchbury,
5 Lawes,
6 Itoje,
7 Haskell,
8 B Vunipola.

Replacements: George, M Vunipola, Sinckler, Wood, Hughes, Care, Te'o, Nowell.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 16, 2017, 01:40:05 PM
Quote from: Estimator on March 16, 2017, 12:32:24 PM
England Team:
15 Brown;
14 Watson,
13 Joseph,
12 Farrell,
11 Daly;
10 Ford,
9 Youngs;
1 Marler,
2 Hartley,
3 Cole,
4 Launchbury,
5 Lawes,
6 Itoje,
7 Haskell,
8 B Vunipola.

Replacements: George, M Vunipola, Sinckler, Wood, Hughes, Care, Te'o, Nowell.
Anyone else have a bad feeling about this?!  :-\
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on March 16, 2017, 01:51:41 PM
Out: Toner, Murray, Kearney
In: Henderson, Marmion, Payne.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on March 16, 2017, 01:53:23 PM
IRELAND

15. Jared Payne
14. Keith Earls
13. Garry Ringrose
12. Robbie Henshaw
11. Simon Zebo
10. Johnny Sexton
9. Kieran Marmion

1. Jack McGrath
2. Rory Best (c)
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Iain Henderson
5. Donncha Ryan
6. CJ Stander
7. Sean O'Brien
8. Jamie Heaslip

Replacements: N Scannell, Healy, J Ryan, Toner, O'Mahony, L McGrath, Jackson, Conway.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on March 16, 2017, 02:05:03 PM
Crazy to drop Toner and not bring POM in. We'll be butchered in the lineout and possibly the scrum. Again very unfair on TOH that Conway gets into replacements ahead of him in my view but I suppose we should be thankful it's not McFadden.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 16, 2017, 03:07:13 PM
We're in bother!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on March 16, 2017, 07:18:50 PM
Hard to look forward to Saturday with any optimism. The biggest result of the day...or more meaningful might be how Wales do in France with regards to the rankings for World Cup.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on March 16, 2017, 08:06:02 PM
In what sort of game does the sight of Toner coming on as a replacement strike fear or even mild apprehension into the hearts of the English?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 16, 2017, 11:57:19 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on March 16, 2017, 08:06:02 PM
In what sort of game does the sight of Toner coming on as a replacement strike fear or even mild apprehension into the hearts of the English?

If you consistently lose line outs?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on March 18, 2017, 02:14:14 PM
There's a mighty gap between head and heart.
Head says England will pummel Ireland,
Heart says England will barely win or barely lose
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 18, 2017, 05:49:10 PM
How many times will we do something dumb in the 22. England have been shite. We should have way more scores
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 18, 2017, 05:51:35 PM
At least france did us a favour for once in terms of rankings points
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 18, 2017, 05:53:04 PM
Twenty minutes into his first start of the championship and Henderson blasts through for a try. Please forget about fûckin Toner, Joe. Scrum and lineouts stellar with Henderson and POM in.

England look like lads who've turned up to a gun fight with a plastic Supermacs knife.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on March 18, 2017, 05:54:50 PM
Quote from: Syferus on March 18, 2017, 05:53:04 PM
Twenty minutes into his first start of the championship and Henderson blasts through for a try. Please forget about fûckin Toner, Joe. Scrum and lineouts stellar with Henderson and POM in.

England look like lads who've turned up to a gun fight with a plastic Supermacs knife.

And Heaslip.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on March 18, 2017, 05:55:40 PM
English forwards taking turns at Sexton, first Haskell late and then Itoje very late.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on March 18, 2017, 06:53:42 PM
Always a good day when you beat those bloody English!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 18, 2017, 06:55:27 PM
POM was something else today. One of the all-time great performances by an Irish player.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 18, 2017, 06:58:51 PM
Enjoyed that we took the sting out of the game from 60 mins on and didn't allow their subs to make the desired impact. McGraths kick at the end was World Class!!

As I said last week the standard from all teams has lifted. Just because we got beat by wales and Scotland doesn't make us shite overnight. There are 5 teams in the 6 nations who can all beat each other now which will make the tournament much more competitive heading into the WC.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 18, 2017, 06:59:41 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on March 18, 2017, 06:53:42 PM
Always a good day when you beat those bloody English!
And silence swing low....
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on March 18, 2017, 07:41:12 PM
It took the 5th game before Schmidt got the selection almost right. O'Mahoney, Henderson & Stander at 8. Hopefully, he will accept it and move on.

Fair play to Sexton he took some punishment and kept going.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Stallion on March 18, 2017, 08:05:19 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 18, 2017, 06:59:41 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on March 18, 2017, 06:53:42 PM
Always a good day when you beat those bloody English!
And silence swing low....


England won the Six Nations.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 18, 2017, 08:23:14 PM
Beating the Tans takes the shine off their title and likely their Lions contingent too.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: An Watcher on March 18, 2017, 08:55:22 PM
Can't see England celebrating this championship much.  To be honest grand slams are the big achievements now. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on March 18, 2017, 08:57:59 PM
Quote from: The Stallion on March 18, 2017, 08:05:19 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 18, 2017, 06:59:41 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on March 18, 2017, 06:53:42 PM
Always a good day when you beat those bloody English!
And silence swing low....


England won the Six Nations.

And how subdued was their celebrations in an empty dark stadium?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Stallion on March 18, 2017, 09:00:43 PM
Have to say it's a bit puzzling to me why so many Irish fans and players were giddily celebrating as England were being awarded the title.

Difficult to reconcile that with the equally perplexing notion that Ireland are an elite rugby force to be reckoned with.


Big time talk conflicting with small time actions some might say.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on March 18, 2017, 09:09:03 PM
Further proof today that Ireland are only a player or two short of being one hell of a team.

Delighted to see Henderson and O'Mahoney shove tactical selections up their coach's hole, while Payne was just outstanding (basically everything that Kearney is not).

Get rid of the wingers, replace them with flowerpots, and cross fingers with injuries - and we've a genuine chance in the next RWC.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ONeill on March 18, 2017, 09:14:56 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 18, 2017, 09:09:03 PM
Further proof today that Ireland are only a player or two short of being one hell of a team.

Delighted to see Henderson and O'Mahoney shove tactical selections up their coach's hole, while Payne was just outstanding (basically everything that Kearney is not).

Get rid of the wingers, replace them with flowerpots, and cross fingers with injuries - and we've a genuine chance in the next RWC.

A hell of a team?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: whitegoodman on March 18, 2017, 09:20:49 PM
Ireland wouldn't have won the game only for injuries to Kearney and Heaslip.  Both great servants but time to go.

POM was brilliant.  Him, stander and VDF would be a great back row.  Bring Byrne, Sweetman and Stockdale into the mix for wingers and for the love ok god keep Payne at full back.  Ringrose and Henshaw for 13, Olding and Scannall for 12.

Line out is too predictable with Toner as well and Ryan and Henderson are far superior around the pitch.

Great win but the coach is likely to get undeserved praise for this.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 18, 2017, 09:25:57 PM
I think some of the coverage on Twitter etc. is a bit pathetic.  Yes a win over England is something to savour but Ireland shouldn't be feeling smug about winning a battle but ultimately losing the war.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on March 18, 2017, 09:34:50 PM
Quote from: whitegoodman on March 18, 2017, 09:20:49 PM
Ireland wouldn't have won the game only for injuries to Kearney and Heaslip.  Both great servants but time to go.
...
Great win but the coach is likely to get undeserved praise for this.
Sadly, this is pretty much it. This was the sort of muck and bullets game that Heaslip and Kearney wouldn't have excelled in. The same goes for Toner. Even if any of them were on song.
Luckily Joe also finally started taking our advice and didn't go for Fergus McFadden either.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on March 18, 2017, 09:36:13 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 18, 2017, 09:25:57 PM
I think some of the coverage on Twitter etc. is a bit pathetic.  Yes a win over England is something to savour but Ireland shouldn't be feeling smug about winning a battle but ultimately losing the war.

While there's a never ending stream of luvvie horseshit in rugby I would disagree with you wholeheartedly here.

The very reason why test rugby is so utterly brilliant (and so significant) is because the players involved don't need a "war" to keep  them interested; the battle is plenty enough.

Today we witnessed two games that shouldn't have mattered a damn, yet some 90 odd players literally gave everything to the cause. That's worth celebrating.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 18, 2017, 09:56:53 PM
I don't mean the team, I mean the fans with all the pish on social media about the wheels coming off the chariot etc. Childish shite like that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: DuffleKing on March 18, 2017, 09:59:02 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 18, 2017, 09:09:03 PM
Further proof today that Ireland are only a player or two short of being one hell of a team.

Delighted to see Henderson and O'Mahoney shove tactical selections up their coach's hole, while Payne was just outstanding (basically everything that Kearney is not).

Get rid of the wingers, replace them with flowerpots, and cross fingers with injuries - and we've a genuine chance in the next RWC.

Payne was a liability under the high ball? I'd imagine any coach worth his salt will place some emphasis on that for a full back? Can't catch the ball with your eyes closed...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: whitegoodman on March 18, 2017, 10:19:47 PM
He is rusty having been out for 6 odd months but in general he is quite good under the high ball, although not his greatest strength.  That being said he is twice the player of a non tackling, non passing, non threatening alternative, Bobby Kearney!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LeoMc on March 18, 2017, 10:23:03 PM
Quote from: The Stallion on March 18, 2017, 09:00:43 PM
Have to say it's a bit puzzling to me why so many Irish fans and players were giddily celebrating as England were being awarded the title.

Difficult to reconcile that with the equally perplexing notion that Ireland are an elite rugby force to be reckoned with.


Big time talk conflicting with small time actions some might say.
Team and supporters celebrating a win shocker!

A top 4 team according to the world rankings and they have beat the other 3 in that top group would indicate they are at least competitive.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 18, 2017, 10:29:18 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 18, 2017, 09:25:57 PM
I think some of the coverage on Twitter etc. is a bit pathetic.  Yes a win over England is something to savour but Ireland shouldn't be feeling smug about winning a battle but ultimately losing the war.

Beating them is the war. If you told me we'd beat England every year but never win a grand slam I'd happily take it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyssam5 on March 18, 2017, 10:31:50 PM
I read the match report on RTE about a 'famous win'. I saw barely a mention of the fact that England had still won the championship and that earlier losses had meant it was pretty mucha dead leg.

I thought Ireland had ambitions beyond being spoilers these days? If it was any other sport it would be written with the whole tournament in mind and that the team had ultimately failed.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Stallion on March 18, 2017, 10:33:30 PM
I defer to your knowledge of the game Leo, I only take a passing interest. It just seems odd that a nation which has never won a knockout World Cup game could seriously be considered one of the best teams in the world.

Furthermore it's odd that they would celebrate upon failing to win a tournament where Australia, New Zealand and South Africa didn't even participate.Maybe everyone was delighted with finishing level on points with Scotland?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyssam5 on March 18, 2017, 10:34:19 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on March 18, 2017, 10:23:03 PM
Quote from: The Stallion on March 18, 2017, 09:00:43 PM
Have to say it's a bit puzzling to me why so many Irish fans and players were giddily celebrating as England were being awarded the title.

Difficult to reconcile that with the equally perplexing notion that Ireland are an elite rugby force to be reckoned with.


Big time talk conflicting with small time actions some might say.
Team and supporters celebrating a win shocker!

A top 4 team according to the world rankings and they have beat the other 3 in that top group would indicate they are at least competitive.

All in nothing games though, how many times have we seen an Ireland team that can get these kind of wins (OK maybe no NZ) and then go to world cup and get knocked out by Argentina.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on March 18, 2017, 10:38:24 PM
Tysam5 that was not a nothing game though. It was the grand slam for england and ireland were 2nd bottom unless they did something. England had to win it and we needed to too.

Yes we seem to do rubbish at world cups but far from a nothing game.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyssam5 on March 18, 2017, 10:48:27 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on March 18, 2017, 10:38:24 PM
Tysam5 that was not a nothing game though. It was the grand slam for england and ireland were 2nd bottom unless they did something. England had to win it and we needed to too.

Yes we seem to do rubbish at world cups but far from a nothing game.

2nd bottom or 2nd - what's the difference to an actual world class team with a winning mentality? I just don't have faith in the this Ireland team if winning something is on the line.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on March 18, 2017, 11:01:55 PM
So damned if they do and damned if they don't?

That was a big game today no matter what anyone says.

Come world cup we have disappointed but in six nations we do tend to stand up.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 18, 2017, 11:21:40 PM
Compared to France's reaction I thought the team were quite restrained...

Unfortunately we can't do anything about the reaction of Joe.ie or twitter!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: stew on March 18, 2017, 11:25:22 PM
The Irish kept England to 9 points, 9, that takes some doing, I would say the fact they beat them in Dublin in front of their own countrymen when they were going for the grand slam AND a world record had something to do with their celebrating, also knowing they just bate the english and had them going up for the trophy after losing the game would have them pretty facking happy as well.

Ireland need consistency if they are to do anything in the next WC, this farting around being world beaters one day and shite the next has gotta go.

Sexton needs to be protected by officials and team mates alike, he is taking an awful hammering.


Finally, well done Ireland. )
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: moysider on March 18, 2017, 11:53:42 PM
Quote from: tyssam5 on March 18, 2017, 10:48:27 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on March 18, 2017, 10:38:24 PM
Tysam5 that was not a nothing game though. It was the grand slam for england and ireland were 2nd bottom unless they did something. England had to win it and we needed to too.

Yes we seem to do rubbish at world cups but far from a nothing game.

2nd bottom or 2nd - what's the difference to an actual world class team with a winning mentality? I just don't have faith in the this Ireland team if winning something is on the line.

Put yourself in an English fan's shoes. They will also be questioning their faith in their team when something is on the line. That's sport. England were not great v Wales or France but got away with it. Today maybe suggests that we did ourselves no favours with some selections in earlier games. I would always have a fit Henderson and O Mahoney starting. This was a championship maybe Ireland could have won. I don't believe England are better than Ireland right now. England had a great run but did not beat NZ along the way though. I think Ireland just messed up this 6 nations in some ways. Once if ye beat France and England you were made. This year, losing to Scotland was careless. The way we lost to Wales was unforgivable really.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 19, 2017, 12:04:49 AM
I thought Payne was very good at FB too. Starting 15 today with Murray in for Marmion is our strongest XV.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on March 19, 2017, 12:09:01 AM
Is there anything to be said for a new RTÉ documentary on the match?? I can't wait for it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 19, 2017, 12:19:34 AM
Quote from: Itchy on March 19, 2017, 12:09:01 AM
Is there anything to be said for a new RTÉ documentary on the match?? I can't wait for it.
Gerry Thornley hasn't been on tv in HOURS!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 19, 2017, 12:20:53 AM
The bottom line to come out of this 6 Nations is that it's damn hard to win away from home.

Englands worst 3 performances were away and barring teams playing in Rome the other 4 Nations lost all their away games!! We have our 3 away games next year wins in Paris or Twickenham will be hard to come by and I would definitely expect us to lose at least one.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 19, 2017, 02:02:27 AM
Quote from: screenexile on March 19, 2017, 12:20:53 AM
The bottom line to come out of this 6 Nations is that it's damn hard to win away from home.

Englands worst 3 performances were away and barring teams playing in Rome the other 4 Nations lost all their away games!! We have our 3 away games next year wins in Paris or Twickenham will be hard to come by and I would definitely expect us to lose at least one.

France are shite, and even winning their home games will not put them into contention. So even losing to them and beating everyone else makes the Tickenham game the decider. If anything the route to actually having a championship deciding game in 2018 is clearer next year than it turned out to be this year.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Aerlik on March 19, 2017, 02:17:46 AM
 ;D

Ah great news to waken up to, here in Oz land.  Well done Ireland and to my fellow Ulsterman, Rory Best, our captain.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 19, 2017, 08:52:51 AM
Scotland had a good run for a change. England wère the only team to win away.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Farrandeelin on March 19, 2017, 09:02:08 AM
Quote from: Itchy on March 19, 2017, 12:09:01 AM
Is there anything to be said for a new RTÉ documentary on the match?? I can't wait for it.
A Day in March II
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LeoMc on March 19, 2017, 09:32:40 AM
Quote from: The Stallion on March 18, 2017, 10:33:30 PM
I defer to your knowledge of the game Leo, I only take a passing interest. It just seems odd that a nation which has never won a knockout World Cup game could seriously be considered one of the best teams in the world.

Furthermore it's odd that they would celebrate upon failing to win a tournament where Australia, New Zealand and South Africa didn't even participate.Maybe everyone was delighted with finishing level on points with Scotland?
Are you saying that if Derry beat Tyrone in the league it wouldn't elicit a sense of satisfaction, even though Derry would not win the All Ireland?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Stallion on March 19, 2017, 09:49:03 AM
I couldn't care less if Derry won the League, it's a complete irrelevance of a competition.

And it's not at all like the situation yesterday, where England were awarded the Six Nations Title at the end of the game and Irish people were giddily celebrating.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 19, 2017, 09:58:29 AM
England would have won with Ronaldo. Fellas like Mike Brown and Hartley aren't fit to polish his jockstrap.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Denn Forever on March 19, 2017, 10:40:49 AM
schadenfreude never so sweet.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 19, 2017, 10:52:58 AM
Quote from: The Stallion on March 19, 2017, 09:49:03 AM
I couldn't care less if Derry won the League, it's a complete irrelevance of a competition.

And it's not at all like the situation yesterday, where England were awarded the Six Nations Title at the end of the game and Irish people were giddily celebrating.

Jesus lad, you have a very sad outlook on life!!! One miserable Cnut
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Stallion on March 19, 2017, 11:14:21 AM
I'm quite happy tbh. I just don't value the League as a competition, and am puzzled by the wild celebrations from Irish people after yesterday's rugby.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 19, 2017, 11:26:50 AM
Quote from: The Stallion on March 19, 2017, 11:14:21 AM
I'm quite happy tbh. I just don't value the League as a competition, and am puzzled by the wild celebrations from Irish people after yesterday's rugby.

I don't think you are tbh, crowd out watching the match yesterday and it wasn't wild celebrations just celebrating Ireland winning... don't come on a thread that annoys you to get annoyed!!

Have you always been an attention seeker? I get why kids seek attention but I assume you're an adult
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Stallion on March 19, 2017, 11:30:01 AM
I'm not annoyed at all. Im not seeking attention either, just attempting to understand the curious Irish celebrations.

However if you genuinely feel I am merely seeking attention please feel free to ignore my posts like others do.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on March 19, 2017, 11:32:01 AM
Quote from: seafoid on March 19, 2017, 09:58:29 AM
England would have won with Ronaldo. Fellas like Mike Brown and Hartley aren't fit to polish his jockstrap.

Never so glad to see such an odious little p***k knock on at the end, karma.

As for Sexton, he does get a lot of dirty tackles where the arms aren't used, twice yesterday but in fairness to him he keeps getting wired in and was instrumental in a few turn overs.

Still think Ireland have a weakness scoring tries other than from rolling mauls.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on March 19, 2017, 11:32:41 AM
Quote from: The Stallion on March 19, 2017, 11:14:21 AM
I'm quite happy tbh. I just don't value the League as a competition, and am puzzled by the wild celebrations from Irish people after yesterday's rugby.

It's not that difficult to understand the reasons for the celebration:

1. It was the English

2. Winning a proper test against the team ranked the best in the NH going for the Slam and a world record

3. Ireland played to their potential

4. Circumstances caused JS to pick almost his best team, we were proved right (all outside Dublin 4)

5. Eddie Jones

6. It was the English, Mike Brown, James Haskell, Dan Cole, Dylan Hartley, Owen Farrell, Ben Youngs, Danny Care, Joe Marler
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 19, 2017, 11:33:54 AM
Quote from: The Stallion on March 19, 2017, 11:30:01 AM
I'm not annoyed at all. Im not seeking attention either, just attempting to understand the curious Irish celebrations.

However if you genuinely feel I am merely seeking attention please feel free to ignore my posts like others do.

You have nothing positive about any of your posts...

You're that miserable fecker who stands in the corner of the pub that no one talks to cause you'll grind them down with your depressive views
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on March 19, 2017, 11:34:24 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on March 19, 2017, 11:32:01 AM
Quote from: seafoid on March 19, 2017, 09:58:29 AM
England would have won with Ronaldo. Fellas like Mike Brown and Hartley aren't fit to polish his jockstrap.

Never so glad to see such an odious little p***k knock on at the end, karma.

As for Sexton, he does get a lot of dirty tackles where the arms aren't used, twice yesterday but in fairness to him he keeps getting wired in and was instrumental in a few turn overs.

Still think Ireland have a weakness scoring tries other than from rolling mauls.

It will continue with a JS back three of Earls, Kearney and Zebo - not at the pace and strength now needed from try scoring backs.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Stallion on March 19, 2017, 11:41:27 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 19, 2017, 11:33:54 AM
Quote from: The Stallion on March 19, 2017, 11:30:01 AM
I'm not annoyed at all. Im not seeking attention either, just attempting to understand the curious Irish celebrations.

However if you genuinely feel I am merely seeking attention please feel free to ignore my posts like others do.

You have nothing positive about any of your posts...

You're that miserable fecker who stands in the corner of the pub that no one talks to cause you'll grind them down with your depressive views

It's completely inaccurate to say I never post anything positive. For example I posted several positive things about Ronaldo only a few days ago. Apology accepted in advance.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 19, 2017, 11:44:52 AM
Quote from: The Stallion on March 19, 2017, 11:41:27 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 19, 2017, 11:33:54 AM
Quote from: The Stallion on March 19, 2017, 11:30:01 AM
I'm not annoyed at all. Im not seeking attention either, just attempting to understand the curious Irish celebrations.

However if you genuinely feel I am merely seeking attention please feel free to ignore my posts like others do.

You have nothing positive about any of your posts...

You're that miserable fecker who stands in the corner of the pub that no one talks to cause you'll grind them down with your depressive views

It's completely inncurate to say I never post anything positive. For example I posted several positive things about Ronaldo only a few days ago. Apology accepted in advance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpYEJx7PkWE
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on March 19, 2017, 01:39:27 PM
Quote from: The Stallion on March 19, 2017, 11:41:27 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 19, 2017, 11:33:54 AM
Quote from: The Stallion on March 19, 2017, 11:30:01 AM
I'm not annoyed at all. Im not seeking attention either, just attempting to understand the curious Irish celebrations.

However if you genuinely feel I am merely seeking attention please feel free to ignore my posts like others do.

You have nothing positive about any of your posts...

You're that miserable fecker who stands in the corner of the pub that no one talks to cause you'll grind them down with your depressive views

It's completely inaccurate to say I never post anything positive. For example I posted several positive things about Ronaldo only a few days ago. Apology accepted in advance.

Do positive things cause enjoyment for you? Or is it negative things? If both which gives you more enjoyment?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 19, 2017, 01:44:34 PM
Didn't get to hear the English manager after the game, how did he come across??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Stallion on March 19, 2017, 01:49:01 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on March 19, 2017, 01:39:27 PM
Quote from: The Stallion on March 19, 2017, 11:41:27 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 19, 2017, 11:33:54 AM
Quote from: The Stallion on March 19, 2017, 11:30:01 AM
I'm not annoyed at all. Im not seeking attention either, just attempting to understand the curious Irish celebrations.

However if you genuinely feel I am merely seeking attention please feel free to ignore my posts like others do.

You have nothing positive about any of your posts...

You're that miserable fecker who stands in the corner of the pub that no one talks to cause you'll grind them down with your depressive views

It's completely inaccurate to say I never post anything positive. For example I posted several positive things about Ronaldo only a few days ago. Apology accepted in advance.

Do positive things cause enjoyment for you? Or is it negative things? If both which gives you more enjoyment?


All sorts of things give me enjoyment. I'm not sure what you're getting at.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 19, 2017, 05:14:24 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 19, 2017, 01:44:34 PM
Didn't get to hear the English manager after the game, how did he come across??

He was pretty magnanimous to be fair to him!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on March 19, 2017, 05:56:25 PM
Quote from: screenexile on March 19, 2017, 05:14:24 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 19, 2017, 01:44:34 PM
Didn't get to hear the English manager after the game, how did he come across??

He was pretty magnanimous to be fair to him!
Me hole he was! the condescending creep can't hide it completely.
'you have games like this when you get a team that plays above themselves and team you meet plays out of their skin and we play well below par'
It's so hard to keep going. A team perform above themselves, we performed below ourselves.

In other parts he appeared magnanimous.
http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/six-nations/watch-eddie-jones-it-was-like-a-world-cup-final-maybe-a-leprechaun-tackled-heaslip-in-the-warmup-35544057.html (http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/six-nations/watch-eddie-jones-it-was-like-a-world-cup-final-maybe-a-leprechaun-tackled-heaslip-in-the-warmup-35544057.html)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 19, 2017, 09:29:03 PM
Jones has a weird condescending way about him that seems to be a perfect match for how the English tend to view themselves. They'll collapse under the weight of their own hype just as they always do in soccer and rugby.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thebigfella on March 19, 2017, 09:53:53 PM
Quote from: Syferus on March 19, 2017, 09:29:03 PM
Jones has a weird condescending way about him that seems to be a perfect match for how the English tend to view themselves. They'll collapse under the weight of their own hype just as they always do in soccer and rugby.

Ah the irony.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 19, 2017, 09:55:49 PM
Quote from: thebigfella on March 19, 2017, 09:53:53 PM
Quote from: Syferus on March 19, 2017, 09:29:03 PM
Jones has a weird condescending way about him that seems to be a perfect match for how the English tend to view themselves. They'll collapse under the weight of their own hype just as they always do in soccer and rugby.

Ah the irony.

If you think Roscommon have been hyped by anyone you need to get your hearing aids checked.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on March 20, 2017, 08:37:32 AM
Quote from: Main Street on March 19, 2017, 05:56:25 PM
Quote from: screenexile on March 19, 2017, 05:14:24 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 19, 2017, 01:44:34 PM
Didn't get to hear the English manager after the game, how did he come across??

He was pretty magnanimous to be fair to him!
Me hole he was! the condescending creep can't hide it completely.
'you have games like this when you get a team that plays above themselves and team you meet plays out of their skin and we play well below par'
It's so hard to keep going. A team perform above themselves, we performed below ourselves.

In other parts he appeared magnanimous.
http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/six-nations/watch-eddie-jones-it-was-like-a-world-cup-final-maybe-a-leprechaun-tackled-heaslip-in-the-warmup-35544057.html (http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/six-nations/watch-eddie-jones-it-was-like-a-world-cup-final-maybe-a-leprechaun-tackled-heaslip-in-the-warmup-35544057.html)


He is an arrogant wee shíte with the kind of face you'd be hard pushed to stop punching. Well suited to English rugby.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 20, 2017, 09:16:25 AM
England were overrated

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/mar/19/england-defeat-welcome-wakeup-call-eddie-jones
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Maroon Manc on March 20, 2017, 12:27:35 PM
When was the last time Ireland were beaten in Dublin in the 6 nations?

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 20, 2017, 12:37:09 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on March 20, 2017, 12:27:35 PM
When was the last time Ireland were beaten in Dublin in the 6 nations?
2013 AFAIK . By England
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 20, 2017, 12:48:14 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 20, 2017, 12:37:09 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on March 20, 2017, 12:27:35 PM
When was the last time Ireland were beaten in Dublin in the 6 nations?
2013 AFAIK . By England

Yeah I believe so.

Really looking forward to this summer tour of Japan and US. Hopefully we'll see Sweetnam, Byrne and O'Halloran get game time.

Kudos to Kieran Marmion on Saturday. He was excellent!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on March 20, 2017, 01:38:07 PM
Have your say........

http://www.rbs6nations.com/RBSPlayerOfTheChampionship#V6VfEpPlmWMRJZ0i.97 (http://www.rbs6nations.com/RBSPlayerOfTheChampionship#V6VfEpPlmWMRJZ0i.97)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AhNowRef on March 20, 2017, 01:39:39 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 20, 2017, 12:48:14 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 20, 2017, 12:37:09 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on March 20, 2017, 12:27:35 PM
When was the last time Ireland were beaten in Dublin in the 6 nations?
2013 AFAIK . By England

Yeah I believe so.

Really looking forward to this summer tour of Japan and US. Hopefully we'll see Sweetnam, Byrne and O'Halloran get game time.

Kudos to Kieran Marmion on Saturday. He was excellent!!

As was McGrath when he came on .. very promising for the future...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 20, 2017, 01:56:03 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 20, 2017, 12:48:14 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 20, 2017, 12:37:09 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on March 20, 2017, 12:27:35 PM
When was the last time Ireland were beaten in Dublin in the 6 nations?
2013 AFAIK . By England

Yeah I believe so.

Really looking forward to this summer tour of Japan and US. Hopefully we'll see Sweetnam, Byrne and O'Halloran get game time.

Kudos to Kieran Marmion on Saturday. He was excellent!!
I think Schmidt has been unbeaten at home in the 6N
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on March 20, 2017, 04:43:21 PM
Jeez people are awful hard on the Rugby guys. I enjoy Rugby because it gives a sense of unity to all parts of this country, except in the darkest TUV voting pockets. For a game that is at best third in a country with a population around the 7m mark we punch above our weights. When we give one in the eye to the AB's or England it matters not that the game is not going to change anything, I just rejoice in the moment. Neither do I lose too much sleep when we are defeated. So well done Ireland for now and lets see the 4 Proud Provinces well 3 1/2  give the Pro 12/Champions Cup a go, delete as appropriate.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: straightred on March 20, 2017, 04:52:12 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on March 20, 2017, 04:43:21 PM
Jeez people are awful hard on the Rugby guys. I enjoy Rugby because it gives a sense of unity to all parts of this country, except in the darkest TUV voting pockets. For a game that is at best third in a country with a population around the 7m mark we punch above our weights. When we give one in the eye to the AB's or England it matters not that the game is not going to change anything, I just rejoice in the moment. Neither do I lose too much sleep when we are defeated. So well done Ireland for now and lets see the 4 Proud Provinces well 3 1/2  give the Pro 12/Champions Cup a go, delete as appropriate.

I'd largely agree with you except for the bold bit. There are at best 9 good teams in the world and we are one of them. Not once in the world cup have we managed to get to the last 4. If that were to happen then you might be able to claim that we are punching above our weight but at the moment we are threading water at best. On the other hand our soccer team consistently punches above its weight with average players but then strangely gets criticised when they don't make a major tournament or get knocked out early. From some reason that I don't understand rugby escapes similar scrutiny.

Having said that any day we beat england at anything is a good day so well done.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 20, 2017, 05:10:28 PM
Quote from: straightred on March 20, 2017, 04:52:12 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on March 20, 2017, 04:43:21 PM
Jeez people are awful hard on the Rugby guys. I enjoy Rugby because it gives a sense of unity to all parts of this country, except in the darkest TUV voting pockets. For a game that is at best third in a country with a population around the 7m mark we punch above our weights. When we give one in the eye to the AB's or England it matters not that the game is not going to change anything, I just rejoice in the moment. Neither do I lose too much sleep when we are defeated. So well done Ireland for now and lets see the 4 Proud Provinces well 3 1/2  give the Pro 12/Champions Cup a go, delete as appropriate.

I'd largely agree with you except for the bold bit. There are at best 9 good teams in the world and we are one of them. Not once in the world cup have we managed to get to the last 4. If that were to happen then you might be able to claim that we are punching above our weight but at the moment we are threading water at best. On the other hand our soccer team consistently punches above its weight with average players but then strangely gets criticised when they don't make a major tournament or get knocked out early. From some reason that I don't understand rugby escapes similar scrutiny.

Having said that any day we beat england at anything is a good day so well done.

It doesn't... just look back through the last few pages.

Journo's jumping all over it as well yes there has been an OTT reaction by some in the press but by and large anyone I spoke to and the team themselves seemed happy to beat England but realised it was an opportunity missed.

We still have a lot of positives to come over the next few years so there's some optimism but Ireland have a good chance to do well over the next while and certainly at the World Cup so why are so many sticking the boot in?!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Stallion on March 20, 2017, 05:54:43 PM
I wasn't sticking the boot in, just struggling to reconcile the oft-stated opinion that Ireland are one of the best teams in Rugby with the fact they have NEVER won a knockout World Cup game, as well as the wild Irish celebrating after England won the Six Nations Title.

Still can't understand it and haven't received a satisfactory explanation tbh.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AhNowRef on March 20, 2017, 06:25:44 PM
Quote from: The Stallion on March 20, 2017, 05:54:43 PM
I wasn't sticking the boot in, just struggling to reconcile the oft-stated opinion that Ireland are one of the best teams in Rugby with the fact they have NEVER won a knockout World Cup game, as well as the wild Irish celebrating after England won the Six Nations Title.

Still can't understand it and haven't received a satisfactory explanation tbh.

As someone who has went to & watched these games since I was a Kid I can unreservedly say that Saturday was absolutely brilliant ... but here, if ye dont get it ye dont get it .. I'm glad to be one of those who do ...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: foxcommander on March 20, 2017, 10:37:55 PM
Must be very confusing for 'irish' rugby fans when they hear GSTQ played in Dublin. Would be hard for them to resist the urge to sing along.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Stallion on March 20, 2017, 10:51:05 PM
Why have you called them 'irish'?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 21, 2017, 07:02:56 AM
Quote from: foxcommander on March 20, 2017, 10:37:55 PM
Must be very confusing for 'irish' rugby fans when they hear GSTQ played in Dublin. Would be hard for them to resist the urge to sing along.
I dare you to say that in Limerick
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 21, 2017, 12:46:04 PM
There should be a good few on the Lions tour. According to the Torygraph the Lions have only beaten NZ once on tour.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 21, 2017, 12:59:35 PM
Gerry not far away here.

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/gerry-thornley-predicts-his-british-and-irish-lions-starting-xv-1.3018100

Though I'm more excited about Irelands tour than the Lions!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Maroon Manc on March 21, 2017, 01:14:58 PM
I realise Ireland's world cup history is poor but I still think Ireland are punching above their weight. Resources wise Ireland a long way behind NZ, Aus, SA, England & France so to beating many of these teams as often as they do surely indicates that their punching above their weight. I'm far from an expert on Rugby Union but Ireland appear to have a brilliant structure with the players only spread across 4 teams which appears to have certainly benefitted them rather than hindered.

I do think there is some sort of middle ground between those who get far too carried away with a win and those who are always talking down any sort of good result.



Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: straightred on March 21, 2017, 01:30:55 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on March 21, 2017, 01:14:58 PM
I realise Ireland's world cup history is poor but I still think Ireland are punching above their weight. Resources wise Ireland a long way behind NZ, Aus, SA, England & France so to beating many of these teams as often as they do surely indicates that their punching above their weight. I'm far from an expert on Rugby Union but Ireland appear to have a brilliant structure with the players only spread across 4 teams which appears to have certainly benefitted them rather than hindered.

I do think there is some sort of middle ground between those who get far too carried away with a win and those who are always talking down any sort of good result.

We'll agree to differ.

I will agree that we shouldn't draw comparisons with NZ, Aus, SA, England and France as that's not fair. I do think however that it is fair to compare the records of the next level of teams in the WC. We have never got beyond the quarters. We've never won a game of knock out rugby. Wales and Argentina have done so twice each and Scotland have done it once. Only when we achieve this relatively modest task can we talk about boxing above our weight.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on March 21, 2017, 01:57:45 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 21, 2017, 12:59:35 PM
Gerry not far away here.

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/gerry-thornley-predicts-his-british-and-irish-lions-starting-xv-1.3018100

Though I'm more excited about Irelands tour than the Lions!

Looking at his squad for the Lions highlights where Ireland are weak, back three and locks.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Maroon Manc on March 21, 2017, 03:04:29 PM
Quote from: straightred on March 21, 2017, 01:30:55 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on March 21, 2017, 01:14:58 PM
I realise Ireland's world cup history is poor but I still think Ireland are punching above their weight. Resources wise Ireland a long way behind NZ, Aus, SA, England & France so to beating many of these teams as often as they do surely indicates that their punching above their weight. I'm far from an expert on Rugby Union but Ireland appear to have a brilliant structure with the players only spread across 4 teams which appears to have certainly benefitted them rather than hindered.

I do think there is some sort of middle ground between those who get far too carried away with a win and those who are always talking down any sort of good result.

We'll agree to differ.

I will agree that we shouldn't draw comparisons with NZ, Aus, SA, England and France as that's not fair. I do think however that it is fair to compare the records of the next level of teams in the WC. We have never got beyond the quarters. We've never won a game of knock out rugby. Wales and Argentina have done so twice each and Scotland have done it once. Only when we achieve this relatively modest task can we talk about boxing above our weight.

The world cup isn't everything and in fairness Ireland have won all their games in their pool at both of the last 2 world cups so they've not completely failed at those world cups.  I agree that Ireland were hugely disappointing in the last 2 quarter finals and in turn missed out on 2 great opportunities to miss the world cup finals.

You're not taking into account that Ireland have become consistent in the 6 nations over the last 10 years and have finished top of the table 3 times in the last 9 championships.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on March 21, 2017, 04:39:42 PM
Taliking to an Ulster fan, he thought that Ulster don't get a fair shake when it comes to team selection. I don't know enough to comment. What do others think?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 21, 2017, 04:48:11 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on March 21, 2017, 04:39:42 PM
Taliking to an Ulster fan, he thought that Ulster don't get a fair shake when it comes to team selection. I don't know enough to comment. What do others think?

Maybe, McCloskey/Olding/Gilroy are very good players and Payne should have been in FB instead of Kearney a long time ago.

Possibly McCloskey and Henshaw are very similar, Olding has had a lot of injury problems and Gilroy just a shade below a proper Test wing but other than that I don't think you could say too much. Ulster have been very f**king average this year and most years they are and never really hit the heights of Munster & Leinster recently so they don't deserve any extra players in.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 21, 2017, 04:56:34 PM
Your friend obviously suffers with the same as most Ulster fans - everyone hates us!!

McCloskey isn't anywhere near the same level as Henshaw when it comes to work rate. Rumours were that he turned down the S.A tour last summer to go watch the Green n White army. He can kiss goodbye to an international career if that's true!!

The one player with massive potential is Stockdale. Could be the Irish full back come 2019!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on March 21, 2017, 07:29:03 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on March 21, 2017, 04:39:42 PM
Taliking to an Ulster fan, he thought that Ulster don't get a fair shake when it comes to team selection. I don't know enough to comment. What do others think?

There is an element of truth to it but both Munster and particularly Connacht have a similar claim given the apparent specific  allegiance of JS towards his Leinster players.

Ulster players probably have suffered because the team has not performed at European level and have been very inconsistent.  Not sure how much of this is due to the management. Certainly, the removal of McLaughlin by Humphries, the Anscombe affair and Doak holding the line for Kiss as the IRFU man have had a detrimental effect on bringing Ulster to a higher level.  When Kiss gets his own choice of coaches on board he will have no excuse.

Henderson has not been fully used by JS until the recent games as he has held on to Toner who has been more exposed in the absence of O'Connell.  Ulster has been given its share of the IRFU academy players and so in the next few years it should see more moving to the Ireland squad.  Trimble and Bowe have contributed to Ireland but age is now their enemy. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: passedit on March 21, 2017, 08:13:18 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on March 21, 2017, 01:14:58 PM
I realise Ireland's world cup history is poor but I still think Ireland are punching above their weight. Resources wise Ireland a long way behind NZ, Aus, SA, England & France so to beating many of these teams as often as they do surely indicates that their punching above their weight. I'm far from an expert on Rugby Union but Ireland appear to have a brilliant structure with the players only spread across 4 teams which appears to have certainly benefitted them rather than hindered.

I do think there is some sort of middle ground between those who get far too carried away with a win and those who are always talking down any sort of good result.

Drico has the answer.
http://irishpost.co.uk/rugby-brian-odriscoll-ireland-gaelic-football-new-zealand/ (http://irishpost.co.uk/rugby-brian-odriscoll-ireland-gaelic-football-new-zealand/)

QuoteIRISH rugby legend Brian O'Driscoll has suggested that Ireland will never be able to challenge the likes of New Zealand unless the country gives up Gaelic football.

O'Driscoll was speaking on Newstalk's Off the Ball programme last night following the weekend victory over England, as Ireland ended a disappointing Six Nations campaign on a high.

Ireland, currently ranked fourth in the world, entered the tournament full of expectation following victories over New Zealand, Australia and South Africa in the last 12 months.

However defeats to Scotland and Wales in the opening two games scuppered Championship hopes and O'Driscoll believes Ireland are already punching above their weight and will never compete consistently at the top level unless sacrifices are made.

"We are a nation of five-and-a-half, six million people, it's our fourth choice sport and yet we're fourth in the world... for us to be a top seed in a pool for a World Cup is absolutely monumental," said the former Leinster centre.

"[But] we're not far off peaking out. We really aren't. Are we ever going to be the consistent level of New Zealand? No we're not. I just don't think we are.

"I don't think fundamentally we have the groundwork done in our players, I don't think we've got the depth of players, I don't think we've the player numbers to be able to facilitate that level of competition, to drive the standards that high.

"And unless we decide to give up other sports, particularly Gaelic football, and pool all those resources into rugby, I don't think we can ever get to that point.

"We love [rugby] but we're not obsessed by it."

While O'Driscoll was perhaps speaking notionally to stress the amount of effort and resources required for a small nation to consistently challenge the likes of New Zealand, is he right in suggesting that Ireland have, or will soon, peak?

Although they have a population four times that of Ireland, O'Driscoll did admit on On the Ball that in Australia, like Ireland, rugby is only the fourth most popular sport – yet they have reached four World Cup finals out of eight, winning two.
What do you think? Should we take Drico at his word and go for broke, ditch the GAA and become big hitters in rugby rather than always punching above our weight? Let us know in the comments below or email editor@irishpost.co.uk
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 21, 2017, 08:26:27 PM
Gaelic football is already morphing into rugby league so rugby union may be just a few more years away
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on March 21, 2017, 09:27:02 PM
That article by Drico was pathetic.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: yellowcard on March 21, 2017, 10:50:51 PM
I know sometimes we go OTT on the state of the modern game of Gaelic football in terms of the amount of hand passing and defensive play in todays game. However it is still way more entertaining than a game of rugby which is 95% crash bang wallop stuff. Leaving aside the sense of patriotism, I didn't watch one decent game of rugby during the entire 6 nations. It has become a game of pure brute force of ignorance but clever marketing and promotion makes it look attractive to impressionable youngsters. A good proportion of the fan base are also aspirational middle class event junkies who like to be associated with this product which all adds to the attraction for some. Brian O Driscoll might yearn for rugby to be the top sport in the country but thank god it's well down the pecking order.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 21, 2017, 11:31:22 PM
Yellow card give over man. Christ I'm sick to the balls of this middle class event junkies nonsense. Have you been to any Ireland games of late. I was in Cardiff and I'll tell you now it was mostly working men and women who sacrificed a day off work and paid flights, hotels, trains etc to be there and support their team. Stop bringing the class element into it.

If you want to go down that road then why not question the blazers who sit in the posh seats in county grounds or Croker come the summer. Plenty of snobbery exists within the GAA. The Casement project being one example!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: BarryBreensBandage on March 21, 2017, 11:40:59 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 21, 2017, 11:31:22 PM
Yellow card give over man. Christ I'm sick to the balls of this middle class event junkies nonsense. Have you been to any Ireland games of late. I was in Cardiff and I'll tell you now it was mostly working men and women who sacrificed a day off work and paid flights, hotels, trains etc to be there and support their team. Stop bringing the class element into it.

If you want to go down that road then why not question the blazers who sit in the posh seats in county grounds or Croker come the summer. Plenty of snobbery exists within the GAA. The Casement project being one example!

+1 Walter. There was some crack in the pubs in Newry on Saturday night, the Rugby match being the main reason for that. Allowed us to forget about the Down defeat...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: BarryBreensBandage on March 22, 2017, 12:05:54 AM
Quote from: The Stallion on March 20, 2017, 05:54:43 PM
I wasn't sticking the boot in, just struggling to reconcile the oft-stated opinion that Ireland are one of the best teams in Rugby with the fact they have NEVER won a knockout World Cup game, as well as the wild Irish celebrating after England won the Six Nations Title.

Still can't understand it and haven't received a satisfactory explanation tbh.

Can you reconcile with emotion Stallion? Jimmy White was one of the best snooker players I ever seen, but do you disregard his career and the enjoyment of watching him play because he never won the world championship?

I could go on, especially within the GAA - Declan Browne, Matty Forde, Derek Duggan, Benny Coulter etc., - all consigned to the dustbin because they didn't win the All Ireland?

But I am not going to go on, because you like stats - well, between England and the perennial greatest All Blacks -  36 times they played the best of the world of Rugby (friendly and competitive) and no-one could beat them. That is the best 23 players from the best Rugby playing nations in the world.

The only team that could beat them was a team from Ireland, 32 counties and all.

Take into consideration that one of these victories that this All-Ireland team achieved was the first ever in the history of Irish Rugby, a feat that none of the great Irish teams could achieve in the past.  And that the other prevented the first back to back grand slams by any team in the Six Nations era - and that it was Ireland that stopped England.

If these considerations do not raise any sense of celebration or joy in you - then you are a rock my friend.

I think it was applesisapples that said it correctly - I am glad I am one of those that can enjoy this sort of occasion.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: PW Nally on March 22, 2017, 12:55:40 AM
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on March 22, 2017, 12:05:54 AM
Quote from: The Stallion on March 20, 2017, 05:54:43 PM
I wasn't sticking the boot in, just struggling to reconcile the oft-stated opinion that Ireland are one of the best teams in Rugby with the fact they have NEVER won a knockout World Cup game, as well as the wild Irish celebrating after England won the Six Nations Title.

Still can't understand it and haven't received a satisfactory explanation tbh.

Can you reconcile with emotion Stallion? Jimmy White was one of the best snooker players I ever seen, but do you disregard his career and the enjoyment of watching him play because he never won the world championship?

I could go on, especially within the GAA - Declan Browne, Matty Forde, Derek Duggan, Benny Coulter etc., - all consigned to the dustbin because they didn't win the All Ireland?

But I am not going to go on, because you like stats - well, between England and the perennial greatest All Blacks -  36 times they played the best of the world of Rugby (friendly and competitive) and no-one could beat them. That is the best 23 players from the best Rugby playing nations in the world.

The only team that could beat them was a team from Ireland, 32 counties and all.

Take into consideration that one of these victories that this All-Ireland team achieved was the first ever in the history of Irish Rugby, a feat that none of the great Irish teams could achieve in the past.  And that the other prevented the first back to back grand slams by any team in the Six Nations era - and that it was Ireland that stopped England.

If these considerations do not raise any sense of celebration or joy in you - then you are a rock my friend.

I think it was applesisapples that said it correctly - I am glad I am one of those that can enjoy this sort of occasion.
Ah come on now!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 22, 2017, 01:14:08 AM
Quote from: PW Nally on March 22, 2017, 12:55:40 AM
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on March 22, 2017, 12:05:54 AM
Quote from: The Stallion on March 20, 2017, 05:54:43 PM
I wasn't sticking the boot in, just struggling to reconcile the oft-stated opinion that Ireland are one of the best teams in Rugby with the fact they have NEVER won a knockout World Cup game, as well as the wild Irish celebrating after England won the Six Nations Title.

Still can't understand it and haven't received a satisfactory explanation tbh.

Can you reconcile with emotion Stallion? Jimmy White was one of the best snooker players I ever seen, but do you disregard his career and the enjoyment of watching him play because he never won the world championship?

I could go on, especially within the GAA - Declan Browne, Matty Forde, Derek Duggan, Benny Coulter etc., - all consigned to the dustbin because they didn't win the All Ireland?

But I am not going to go on, because you like stats - well, between England and the perennial greatest All Blacks -  36 times they played the best of the world of Rugby (friendly and competitive) and no-one could beat them. That is the best 23 players from the best Rugby playing nations in the world.

The only team that could beat them was a team from Ireland, 32 counties and all.

Take into consideration that one of these victories that this All-Ireland team achieved was the first ever in the history of Irish Rugby, a feat that none of the great Irish teams could achieve in the past.  And that the other prevented the first back to back grand slams by any team in the Six Nations era - and that it was Ireland that stopped England.

If these considerations do not raise any sense of celebration or joy in you - then you are a rock my friend.

I think it was applesisapples that said it correctly - I am glad I am one of those that can enjoy this sort of occasion.
Ah come on now!!

Mayo would come have had their AI if they had a player of Duggan's ability in their forwards. He'll be talked about long after the Dillons and Dohertys are forgotten.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Stallion on March 22, 2017, 06:53:26 AM
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on March 22, 2017, 12:05:54 AM
Quote from: The Stallion on March 20, 2017, 05:54:43 PM
I wasn't sticking the boot in, just struggling to reconcile the oft-stated opinion that Ireland are one of the best teams in Rugby with the fact they have NEVER won a knockout World Cup game, as well as the wild Irish celebrating after England won the Six Nations Title.

Still can't understand it and haven't received a satisfactory explanation tbh.

Can you reconcile with emotion Stallion? Jimmy White was one of the best snooker players I ever seen, but do you disregard his career and the enjoyment of watching him play because he never won the world championship?

I could go on, especially within the GAA - Declan Browne, Matty Forde, Derek Duggan, Benny Coulter etc., - all consigned to the dustbin because they didn't win the All Ireland?

But I am not going to go on, because you like stats - well, between England and the perennial greatest All Blacks -  36 times they played the best of the world of Rugby (friendly and competitive) and no-one could beat them. That is the best 23 players from the best Rugby playing nations in the world.

The only team that could beat them was a team from Ireland, 32 counties and all.

Take into consideration that one of these victories that this All-Ireland team achieved was the first ever in the history of Irish Rugby, a feat that none of the great Irish teams could achieve in the past.  And that the other prevented the first back to back grand slams by any team in the Six Nations era - and that it was Ireland that stopped England.

If these considerations do not raise any sense of celebration or joy in you - then you are a rock my friend.

I think it was applesisapples that said it correctly - I am glad I am one of those that can enjoy this sort of occasion.




I enjoyed watching Jimmy White, Forde etc. I'm not sure what that has to do with anything though. Ireland play a really dull and unadventurous brand of rugby, so not only are they not a genuinely great team, they are also hard to watch. This was not the case with White, Forde etc.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 22, 2017, 08:06:23 AM
It's our current snowflake knee jerk culture championed by Eamon Dunphy Joe Brolly Pat Spillane and George Hook. People who subscribe to this culture don't goto games and get their opinions from TV. They genuinely seem to believe the only barometer of success is winning trophies. Sport like life should always be about the journey never the destination.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 22, 2017, 09:20:18 AM
Quote from: The Stallion on March 22, 2017, 06:53:26 AM
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on March 22, 2017, 12:05:54 AM
Quote from: The Stallion on March 20, 2017, 05:54:43 PM
I wasn't sticking the boot in, just struggling to reconcile the oft-stated opinion that Ireland are one of the best teams in Rugby with the fact they have NEVER won a knockout World Cup game, as well as the wild Irish celebrating after England won the Six Nations Title.

Still can't understand it and haven't received a satisfactory explanation tbh.

Can you reconcile with emotion Stallion? Jimmy White was one of the best snooker players I ever seen, but do you disregard his career and the enjoyment of watching him play because he never won the world championship?

I could go on, especially within the GAA - Declan Browne, Matty Forde, Derek Duggan, Benny Coulter etc., - all consigned to the dustbin because they didn't win the All Ireland?

But I am not going to go on, because you like stats - well, between England and the perennial greatest All Blacks -  36 times they played the best of the world of Rugby (friendly and competitive) and no-one could beat them. That is the best 23 players from the best Rugby playing nations in the world.

The only team that could beat them was a team from Ireland, 32 counties and all.

Take into consideration that one of these victories that this All-Ireland team achieved was the first ever in the history of Irish Rugby, a feat that none of the great Irish teams could achieve in the past.  And that the other prevented the first back to back grand slams by any team in the Six Nations era - and that it was Ireland that stopped England.

If these considerations do not raise any sense of celebration or joy in you - then you are a rock my friend.

I think it was applesisapples that said it correctly - I am glad I am one of those that can enjoy this sort of occasion.




I enjoyed watching Jimmy White, Forde etc. I'm not sure what that has to do with anything though. Ireland play a really dull and unadventurous brand of rugby, so not only are they not a genuinely great team, they are also hard to watch. This was not the case with White, Forde etc.

Did you play ever rugby Stallion? How would you know what is dull and whats not?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Taylor on March 22, 2017, 09:24:36 AM
Ireland under JS are dull to watch in the main.
Bar the Italy & England games Ireland in the 6N were dull as dishwasher and that is down to the tactics.
Irrespective watching them beat Eddie Jones & the English on Saturday should give any Irishman with a pulse great satisfaction.

As a small country and considering the number of available players we are over-achieving.

If BOD could get shot of GAA though we could be much better  ::)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 22, 2017, 09:33:56 AM
Ah Taylor and Stallion.....the padded cell awaits!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on March 22, 2017, 09:39:17 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 21, 2017, 11:31:22 PM
Yellow card give over man. Christ I'm sick to the balls of this middle class event junkies nonsense. Have you been to any Ireland games of late. I was in Cardiff and I'll tell you now it was mostly working men and women who sacrificed a day off work and paid flights, hotels, trains etc to be there and support their team. Stop bringing the class element into it.

If you want to go down that road then why not question the blazers who sit in the posh seats in county grounds or Croker come the summer. Plenty of snobbery exists within the GAA. The Casement project being one example!

+1
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 22, 2017, 09:59:44 AM
For those who missed the newstalk interview with BOD:

- He speaks of how we punch above our weight compared to England and New Zealand.
- He talks of our players having a limited skill set compared to NZ but how this is starting to change - U20s recent performances being an example
- He also talks about how rugby is an obsession in NZ much like the GAA here and how we'd have to stop playing Gaelic Football to have any chance of competing with them regularly

So no lads he's not looking for us to stop playing Gaelic Football. Don't let the truth get in the way of a good story though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Stallion on March 22, 2017, 10:01:03 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 22, 2017, 09:20:18 AM
Quote from: The Stallion on March 22, 2017, 06:53:26 AM
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on March 22, 2017, 12:05:54 AM
Quote from: The Stallion on March 20, 2017, 05:54:43 PM
I wasn't sticking the boot in, just struggling to reconcile the oft-stated opinion that Ireland are one of the best teams in Rugby with the fact they have NEVER won a knockout World Cup game, as well as the wild Irish celebrating after England won the Six Nations Title.

Still can't understand it and haven't received a satisfactory explanation tbh.

Can you reconcile with emotion Stallion? Jimmy White was one of the best snooker players I ever seen, but do you disregard his career and the enjoyment of watching him play because he never won the world championship?

I could go on, especially within the GAA - Declan Browne, Matty Forde, Derek Duggan, Benny Coulter etc., - all consigned to the dustbin because they didn't win the All Ireland?

But I am not going to go on, because you like stats - well, between England and the perennial greatest All Blacks -  36 times they played the best of the world of Rugby (friendly and competitive) and no-one could beat them. That is the best 23 players from the best Rugby playing nations in the world.

The only team that could beat them was a team from Ireland, 32 counties and all.

Take into consideration that one of these victories that this All-Ireland team achieved was the first ever in the history of Irish Rugby, a feat that none of the great Irish teams could achieve in the past.  And that the other prevented the first back to back grand slams by any team in the Six Nations era - and that it was Ireland that stopped England.

If these considerations do not raise any sense of celebration or joy in you - then you are a rock my friend.

I think it was applesisapples that said it correctly - I am glad I am one of those that can enjoy this sort of occasion.




I enjoyed watching Jimmy White, Forde etc. I'm not sure what that has to do with anything though. Ireland play a really dull and unadventurous brand of rugby, so not only are they not a genuinely great team, they are also hard to watch. This was not the case with White, Forde etc.

Did you play ever rugby Stallion? How would you know what is dull and whats not?



Is this a serious question?  I know what is dull because it doesn't entertain me.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Maroon Manc on March 22, 2017, 10:13:31 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 21, 2017, 11:31:22 PM
Yellow card give over man. Christ I'm sick to the balls of this middle class event junkies nonsense. Have you been to any Ireland games of late. I was in Cardiff and I'll tell you now it was mostly working men and women who sacrificed a day off work and paid flights, hotels, trains etc to be there and support their team. Stop bringing the class element into it.

If you want to go down that road then why not question the blazers who sit in the posh seats in county grounds or Croker come the summer. Plenty of snobbery exists within the GAA. The Casement project being one example!

Spot on.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Taylor on March 22, 2017, 10:31:14 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 22, 2017, 09:59:44 AM
For those who missed the newstalk interview with BOD:

- He speaks of how we punch above our weight compared to England and New Zealand.
- He talks of our players having a limited skill set compared to NZ but how this is starting to change - U20s recent performances being an example
- He also talks about how rugby is an obsession in NZ much like the GAA here and how we'd have to stop playing Gaelic Football to have any chance of competing with them regularly

So no lads he's not looking for us to stop playing Gaelic Football. Don't let the truth get in the way of a good story though.

So if we stop Gaelic Football BOD says we could compete?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: PW Nally on March 22, 2017, 03:24:54 PM
Quote from: Syferus on March 22, 2017, 01:14:08 AM
Quote from: PW Nally on March 22, 2017, 12:55:40 AM
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on March 22, 2017, 12:05:54 AM
Quote from: The Stallion on March 20, 2017, 05:54:43 PM
I wasn't sticking the boot in, just struggling to reconcile the oft-stated opinion that Ireland are one of the best teams in Rugby with the fact they have NEVER won a knockout World Cup game, as well as the wild Irish celebrating after England won the Six Nations Title.

Still can't understand it and haven't received a satisfactory explanation tbh.

Can you reconcile with emotion Stallion? Jimmy White was one of the best snooker players I ever seen, but do you disregard his career and the enjoyment of watching him play because he never won the world championship?

I could go on, especially within the GAA - Declan Browne, Matty Forde, Derek Duggan, Benny Coulter etc., - all consigned to the dustbin because they didn't win the All Ireland?

But I am not going to go on, because you like stats - well, between England and the perennial greatest All Blacks -  36 times they played the best of the world of Rugby (friendly and competitive) and no-one could beat them. That is the best 23 players from the best Rugby playing nations in the world.

The only team that could beat them was a team from Ireland, 32 counties and all.

Take into consideration that one of these victories that this All-Ireland team achieved was the first ever in the history of Irish Rugby, a feat that none of the great Irish teams could achieve in the past.  And that the other prevented the first back to back grand slams by any team in the Six Nations era - and that it was Ireland that stopped England.

If these considerations do not raise any sense of celebration or joy in you - then you are a rock my friend.

I think it was applesisapples that said it correctly - I am glad I am one of those that can enjoy this sort of occasion.
Ah come on now!!

Mayo would come have had their AI if they had a player of Duggan's ability in their forwards. He'll be talked about long after the Dillons and Dohertys are forgotten.
First time he's been mentioned in such exalted company in my memory. If he said Tony Mc I would have no issue.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on March 22, 2017, 04:00:42 PM
Quote from: Taylor on March 22, 2017, 10:31:14 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 22, 2017, 09:59:44 AM
For those who missed the newstalk interview with BOD:

- He speaks of how we punch above our weight compared to England and New Zealand.
- He talks of our players having a limited skill set compared to NZ but how this is starting to change - U20s recent performances being an example
- He also talks about how rugby is an obsession in NZ much like the GAA here and how we'd have to stop playing Gaelic Football to have any chance of competing with them regularly

So no lads he's not looking for us to stop playing Gaelic Football. Don't let the truth get in the way of a good story though.

So if we stop Gaelic Football BOD says we could compete?

If we stopped playing Gaelic Football and poured all those resources and energy into Rugby I'd have no doubt either we'd compete with NZ and whoever else.

I spent a few weeks in NZ and rugby to them is the be all and end all. Much like the GAA here you'd be in the back end of nowhere and out of the blue there's a rugby pitch and maybe a wee wooden stand or the likes.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 22, 2017, 04:54:08 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 22, 2017, 09:59:44 AM
For those who missed the newstalk interview with BOD:

- He speaks of how we punch above our weight compared to England and New Zealand.
- He talks of our players having a limited skill set compared to NZ but how this is starting to change - U20s recent performances being an example
- He also talks about how rugby is an obsession in NZ much like the GAA here and how we'd have to stop playing Gaelic Football to have any chance of competing with them regularly

So no lads he's not looking for us to stop playing Gaelic Football. Don't let the truth get in the way of a good story though.
The headline was misleading
Obviously if you wanted a majority of people to play rugby as per NZ it would mean pauperising the main sport
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: straightred on March 22, 2017, 06:30:02 PM
Quote from: Taylor on March 22, 2017, 09:24:36 AM
Ireland under JS are dull to watch in the main.
Bar the Italy & England games Ireland in the 6N were dull as dishwasher and that is down to the tactics.
Irrespective watching them beat Eddie Jones & the English on Saturday should give any Irishman with a pulse great satisfaction.

As a small country and considering the number of available players we are over-achieving.

If BOD could get shot of GAA though we could be much better  ::)

I was brought up to the belief that rugby was for people who weren't good enough for gaa or soccer...... with that in mind BODs theory will never work !...... only joking !

Seriously though I just don't accept that we over achieve. I think we achieve exactly or sometimes below our ranking. Others including myself have said that only when we get to a WC semi will I believe that we over achieve - until then we are simply doing what our ranking says we should do. We are ranked #4 in the world so in theory we have to get to a semi in the next WC to satisfy that ranking. I hope we do.

I don't want to come across as anti rugby as god knows I've tried to like it. That means going to 6N, leinster and even a few club matches with friends but it just doesn't do it for me. Club level is were you really see the problem - you could literally count the number of people who go - that's the price that is being paid for the 4 provincial teams. On the admin side the IRFU seems to be a very well run outfit who have managed to maximize the product. The FAI could certainly learn from them.

Finally regarding the elitism. Progress does seem to have been made particularly in rural areas but the upper class attitude is alive and well in Dublin.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on March 22, 2017, 08:54:36 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on March 16, 2017, 07:18:50 PM
Hard to look forward to Saturday with any optimism. The biggest result of the day...or more meaningful might be how Wales do in France with regards to the rankings for World Cup.

I was wrong. Big performance from Ireland but you wonder what might what been had they not been all over the place in the opening 40 at Murrayfield now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 22, 2017, 09:34:10 PM
http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/watch-irfu-release-stirring-video-on-our-iconic-stadiums-as-part-of-their-bid-for-the-2023-rugby-world-cup-35556158.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: foxcommander on March 23, 2017, 03:43:59 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 22, 2017, 09:34:10 PM
http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/watch-irfu-release-stirring-video-on-our-iconic-stadiums-as-part-of-their-bid-for-the-2023-rugby-world-cup-35556158.html

I assume the GAA gave them permission to show Croke Park as part of the bid.
They shouldn't be allowed darken the doors.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Stallion on March 23, 2017, 03:52:34 PM
Why not?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on March 23, 2017, 07:15:31 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on March 23, 2017, 03:43:59 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 22, 2017, 09:34:10 PM
http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/watch-irfu-release-stirring-video-on-our-iconic-stadiums-as-part-of-their-bid-for-the-2023-rugby-world-cup-35556158.html

I assume the GAA gave them permission to show Croke Park as part of the bid.
They shouldn't be allowed darken the doors.

Not only Croke Park but Nowlan Park, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Fitzgerald Stadium, Pearse Park, McHale Park, Celtic Park and Casement Park will be hosting games in 2023.  You will be welcome to go along to see the rugby in any of these fine grounds or in Thomond Park, Ravenhill or the Aviva Stadium.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: stew on March 23, 2017, 07:36:33 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on March 23, 2017, 07:15:31 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on March 23, 2017, 03:43:59 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 22, 2017, 09:34:10 PM
http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/watch-irfu-release-stirring-video-on-our-iconic-stadiums-as-part-of-their-bid-for-the-2023-rugby-world-cup-35556158.html

I assume the GAA gave them permission to show Croke Park as part of the bid.
They shouldn't be allowed darken the doors.

Not only Croke Park but Nowlan Park, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Fitzgerald Stadium, Pearse Park, McHale Park, Celtic Park and Casement Park will be hosting games in 2023.  You will be welcome to go along to see the rugby in any of these fine grounds or in Thomond Park, Ravenhill or the Aviva Stadium.

Why? They already have,.

If the association can make oodles of money and get copious amounts of free publicity for hosting games why not you draconian devil? )
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tiempo on March 23, 2017, 08:04:24 PM
Quote from: stew on March 23, 2017, 07:36:33 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on March 23, 2017, 07:15:31 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on March 23, 2017, 03:43:59 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 22, 2017, 09:34:10 PM
http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/watch-irfu-release-stirring-video-on-our-iconic-stadiums-as-part-of-their-bid-for-the-2023-rugby-world-cup-35556158.html

I assume the GAA gave them permission to show Croke Park as part of the bid.
They shouldn't be allowed darken the doors.

Not only Croke Park but Nowlan Park, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Fitzgerald Stadium, Pearse Park, McHale Park, Celtic Park and Casement Park will be hosting games in 2023.  You will be welcome to go along to see the rugby in any of these fine grounds or in Thomond Park, Ravenhill or the Aviva Stadium.

Why? They already have,.

If the association can make oodles of money and get copious amounts of free publicity for hosting games why not you draconian devil? )

The most ingenious part of heavily supporting the RWC bid is that if successful all those stadiums will get a serious facelift at minimal cost to the GAA extending their lifespan significantly in most cases.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: foxcommander on March 23, 2017, 08:53:58 PM
Quote from: stew on March 23, 2017, 07:36:33 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on March 23, 2017, 07:15:31 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on March 23, 2017, 03:43:59 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 22, 2017, 09:34:10 PM
http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/watch-irfu-release-stirring-video-on-our-iconic-stadiums-as-part-of-their-bid-for-the-2023-rugby-world-cup-35556158.html

I assume the GAA gave them permission to show Croke Park as part of the bid.
They shouldn't be allowed darken the doors.

Not only Croke Park but Nowlan Park, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Fitzgerald Stadium, Pearse Park, McHale Park, Celtic Park and Casement Park will be hosting games in 2023.  You will be welcome to go along to see the rugby in any of these fine grounds or in Thomond Park, Ravenhill or the Aviva Stadium.

Why? They already have,.

If the association can make oodles of money and get copious amounts of free publicity for hosting games why not you draconian devil? )

Its dirty selling your soul for cash.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 23, 2017, 09:17:42 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on March 23, 2017, 08:53:58 PM
Quote from: stew on March 23, 2017, 07:36:33 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on March 23, 2017, 07:15:31 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on March 23, 2017, 03:43:59 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 22, 2017, 09:34:10 PM
http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/watch-irfu-release-stirring-video-on-our-iconic-stadiums-as-part-of-their-bid-for-the-2023-rugby-world-cup-35556158.html

I assume the GAA gave them permission to show Croke Park as part of the bid.
They shouldn't be allowed darken the doors.

Not only Croke Park but Nowlan Park, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Fitzgerald Stadium, Pearse Park, McHale Park, Celtic Park and Casement Park will be hosting games in 2023.  You will be welcome to go along to see the rugby in any of these fine grounds or in Thomond Park, Ravenhill or the Aviva Stadium.

Why? They already have,.

If the association can make oodles of money and get copious amounts of free publicity for hosting games why not you draconian devil? )

Its dirty selling your soul for cash.
Eddie Keher hasn't objected and he is the essence of manliness
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on March 24, 2017, 09:38:40 AM
Last time left a slightly bad taste in the mouth for me because the situation was brought about by total ineptitude on behalf of the IRFU. Their stadium was falling down and they didn't act soon enough or weren't able to do their renovations iteratively like the GAA did so the GAA almost had to come to the rescue.

This time though the IRFU deserve credit for having the vision and determination to try to bring this event to Ireland. Realistically this is the biggest international sports event this island can ever host and it would be brilliant if we get it. Obviously it's totally stillborn without the significant backing of the GAA but our organisation will do well out of it and I wholeheartedly agree with the GAA backing the bid.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 24, 2017, 10:13:24 AM
Interestingly, Croker is the first venue to appear in the video. I wonder if World Rugby would insist on the final being held there and whether the IRFU could stomach it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 24, 2017, 10:23:09 AM
Quote from: gallsman on March 24, 2017, 10:13:24 AM
Interestingly, Croker is the first venue to appear in the video. I wonder if World Rugby would insist on the final being held there and whether the IRFU could stomach it.

The final will be in Croker if Ireland are successful. The stadium has to have a capacity of 60k plus for a final.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: passedit on March 24, 2017, 10:43:11 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 24, 2017, 10:23:09 AM
Quote from: gallsman on March 24, 2017, 10:13:24 AM
Interestingly, Croker is the first venue to appear in the video. I wonder if World Rugby would insist on the final being held there and whether the IRFU could stomach it.

The final will be in Croker if Ireland are successful. The stadium has to have a capacity of 60k plus for a final.

What would be the story with the oul ten year tickets if Ireland was to win the bid? HE asked hopefully.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 24, 2017, 10:48:02 AM
Quote from: passedit on March 24, 2017, 10:43:11 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 24, 2017, 10:23:09 AM
Quote from: gallsman on March 24, 2017, 10:13:24 AM
Interestingly, Croker is the first venue to appear in the video. I wonder if World Rugby would insist on the final being held there and whether the IRFU could stomach it.

The final will be in Croker if Ireland are successful. The stadium has to have a capacity of 60k plus for a final.

What would be the story with the oul ten year tickets if Ireland was to win the bid? HE asked hopefully.

Not a chance!  ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on March 24, 2017, 11:40:00 AM
Quote from: seafoid on March 23, 2017, 09:17:42 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on March 23, 2017, 08:53:58 PM
Quote from: stew on March 23, 2017, 07:36:33 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on March 23, 2017, 07:15:31 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on March 23, 2017, 03:43:59 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 22, 2017, 09:34:10 PM
http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/watch-irfu-release-stirring-video-on-our-iconic-stadiums-as-part-of-their-bid-for-the-2023-rugby-world-cup-35556158.html

I assume the GAA gave them permission to show Croke Park as part of the bid.
They shouldn't be allowed darken the doors.

Not only Croke Park but Nowlan Park, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Fitzgerald Stadium, Pearse Park, McHale Park, Celtic Park and Casement Park will be hosting games in 2023.  You will be welcome to go along to see the rugby in any of these fine grounds or in Thomond Park, Ravenhill or the Aviva Stadium.

Why? They already have,.

If the association can make oodles of money and get copious amounts of free publicity for hosting games why not you draconian devil? )

Its dirty selling your soul for cash.
Eddie Keher hasn't objected and he is the essence of manliness

;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mouview on March 24, 2017, 11:45:21 AM
They could be brothers...

(https://s30.postimg.org/wkolsplwd/laidlaw.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/wkolsplwd/)   (https://s30.postimg.org/u4msev3tp/hazard.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/u4msev3tp/)

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 24, 2017, 02:14:24 PM
Heaslip had surgery on a lower back problem today . . . the cynic in me would think that maybe he was never going to be included for the match at the weekend.

But Joe would never tell us a lie!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on March 24, 2017, 02:40:27 PM
Having already coined it from the opening of Croke Park in 2007, Longford hurlers are going to absolutely beast it over other counties because of WC2023.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on March 24, 2017, 03:41:12 PM
Quote from: screenexile on March 24, 2017, 02:14:24 PM
Heaslip had surgery on a lower back problem today . . . the cynic in me would think that maybe he was never going to be included for the match at the weekend.

But Joe would never tell us a lie!!

Did that happen when he 'rolled his ankle' in the warm up?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 24, 2017, 03:47:21 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on March 24, 2017, 03:41:12 PM
Quote from: screenexile on March 24, 2017, 02:14:24 PM
Heaslip had surgery on a lower back problem today . . . the cynic in me would think that maybe he was never going to be included for the match at the weekend.

But Joe would never tell us a lie!!

Did that happen when he 'rolled his ankle' in the warm up?

That's the worse "rolled ankle I've ever heard of!!"
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: foxcommander on March 24, 2017, 03:51:20 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on March 24, 2017, 02:40:27 PM
Having already coined it from the opening of Croke Park in 2007, Longford hurlers are going to absolutely beast it over other counties because of WC2023.

Just goes to show that all the cash they pulled in previously was well used to bring the Longford hurlers and the weaker counties up to speed. Maybe I'll change my mind about Eggy2023 ::)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: passedit on March 24, 2017, 04:06:10 PM
Quote from: screenexile on March 24, 2017, 03:47:21 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on March 24, 2017, 03:41:12 PM
Quote from: screenexile on March 24, 2017, 02:14:24 PM
Heaslip had surgery on a lower back problem today . . . the cynic in me would think that maybe he was never going to be included for the match at the weekend.

But Joe would never tell us a lie!!

Did that happen when he 'rolled his ankle' in the warm up?

That's the worse "rolled ankle I've ever heard of!!"

Effin Leprechauns. Dangerous B******ds
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 28, 2017, 11:30:55 AM
Donnacha Ryan off to Racing next year on a 2 year deal. Strange one that he wasn't offered a central contract giving he's in excellent form.

Without getting into the Leinster/Munster debate how Heaslip was given a deal is beyond me, considering the number of backrowers we have coming through.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 28, 2017, 11:33:19 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 28, 2017, 11:30:55 AM
Donnacha Ryan off to Racing next year on a 2 year deal. Strange one that he wasn't offered a central contract giving he's in excellent form.

Without getting into the Leinster/Munster debate how Heaslip was given a deal is beyond me, considering the number of backrowers we have coming through.

That's going to be hard to do in this case :)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 28, 2017, 11:36:16 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 28, 2017, 11:33:19 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 28, 2017, 11:30:55 AM
Donnacha Ryan off to Racing next year on a 2 year deal. Strange one that he wasn't offered a central contract giving he's in excellent form.

Without getting into the Leinster/Munster debate how Heaslip was given a deal is beyond me, considering the number of backrowers we have coming through.

That's going to be hard to do in this case :)

I'm neutral. Dislike both :D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on March 28, 2017, 07:36:33 PM
Both should not be included in central contracts given their ages and the need to have a fully developed team for the World Cup in Japan in 2019.  At best both could be part players rather than first choice at the age of 36 in an increasing physical and fast paced game.  The usual Leinster bias is occurring with Heaslip being contracted.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on March 29, 2017, 12:54:45 AM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on March 28, 2017, 07:36:33 PM
Both should not be included in central contracts given their ages and the need to have a fully developed team for the World Cup in Japan in 2019.  At best both could be part players rather than first choice at the age of 36 in an increasing physical and fast paced game.  The usual Leinster bias is occurring with Heaslip being contracted.

There's an awful lot of old players who are currently regulars in our side. They'll be gone or their performance levels greatly diminished yet St Joe seems completely averse to introducing young players.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 29, 2017, 06:34:58 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 29, 2017, 12:54:45 AM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on March 28, 2017, 07:36:33 PM
Both should not be included in central contracts given their ages and the need to have a fully developed team for the World Cup in Japan in 2019.  At best both could be part players rather than first choice at the age of 36 in an increasing physical and fast paced game.  The usual Leinster bias is occurring with Heaslip being contracted.

There's an awful lot of old players who are currently regulars in our side. They'll be gone or their performance levels greatly diminished yet St Joe seems completely averse to introducing young players.

Christ on a bike - McGrath Furlong VDF Scannell Dillane Henderson Leavy Conan Carberry Ringrose Henshaw Marmion Other Scannell would all politely disagree.

Adam Byrne was given his Leinster debut as an 18 year old by JS he will be capped in the summer as will Darren Sweetman and Rory O'Loughlin.

Also there is no comparison between Ryan and Heaslip, just compare injury records and the fact Heaslip has been one of Ireland's top performers for the last 10 years. Ryan had a great 6 nations but doesn't mean he deserves a central contract.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 29, 2017, 08:44:38 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 29, 2017, 12:54:45 AM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on March 28, 2017, 07:36:33 PM
Both should not be included in central contracts given their ages and the need to have a fully developed team for the World Cup in Japan in 2019.  At best both could be part players rather than first choice at the age of 36 in an increasing physical and fast paced game.  The usual Leinster bias is occurring with Heaslip being contracted.

There's an awful lot of old players who are currently regulars in our side. They'll be gone or their performance levels greatly diminished yet St Joe seems completely averse to introducing young players.
St Alex of Wrigley and Blessed Cody of Stripey also had the same problem.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 29, 2017, 09:15:26 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 29, 2017, 06:34:58 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 29, 2017, 12:54:45 AM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on March 28, 2017, 07:36:33 PM
Both should not be included in central contracts given their ages and the need to have a fully developed team for the World Cup in Japan in 2019.  At best both could be part players rather than first choice at the age of 36 in an increasing physical and fast paced game.  The usual Leinster bias is occurring with Heaslip being contracted.

There's an awful lot of old players who are currently regulars in our side. They'll be gone or their performance levels greatly diminished yet St Joe seems completely averse to introducing young players.

Christ on a bike - McGrath Furlong VDF Scannell Dillane Henderson Leavy Conan Carberry Ringrose Henshaw Marmion Other Scannell would all politely disagree.

Adam Byrne was given his Leinster debut as an 18 year old by JS he will be capped in the summer as will Darren Sweetman and Rory O'Loughlin.

Also there is no comparison between Ryan and Heaslip, just compare injury records and the fact Heaslip has been one of Ireland's top performers for the last 10 years. Ryan had a great 6 nations but doesn't mean he deserves a central contract.

Donnacha Ryan is the sort of character you need in the second row though. He's abrasive and is a very strong character. If Paul O'Connell wasn't around, Ryan would have played a lot more for Ireland, and indeed Munster. Who are the other second rows? Ultan Dillane seems like a promising prospect, but he's not at that level of aggression. Henderson and Toner will probably be the first choice second row, and Henderson has the tools, but Toner is not that sort of player.

Nothing against Heaslip, but if you are trying to see where you are more replete with options, you'd imagine the back row has more scope than the second row.

That said, at their age, you'd have to question either getting a central contract. Neither are 'special' players.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on March 29, 2017, 12:42:34 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 29, 2017, 06:34:58 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 29, 2017, 12:54:45 AM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on March 28, 2017, 07:36:33 PM
Both should not be included in central contracts given their ages and the need to have a fully developed team for the World Cup in Japan in 2019.  At best both could be part players rather than first choice at the age of 36 in an increasing physical and fast paced game.  The usual Leinster bias is occurring with Heaslip being contracted.

There's an awful lot of old players who are currently regulars in our side. They'll be gone or their performance levels greatly diminished yet St Joe seems completely averse to introducing young players.

Christ on a bike - McGrath Furlong VDF Scannell Dillane Henderson Leavy Conan Carberry Ringrose Henshaw Marmion Other Scannell would all politely disagree.

Adam Byrne was given his Leinster debut as an 18 year old by JS he will be capped in the summer as will Darren Sweetman and Rory O'Loughlin.

Also there is no comparison between Ryan and Heaslip, just compare injury records and the fact Heaslip has been one of Ireland's top performers for the last 10 years. Ryan had a great 6 nations but doesn't mean he deserves a central contract.

With respect look at the game time several of those guys got in comparison to Best, Toner, SOB, Heaslip, Sexton and Kearney - all first choice starters who must have major question marks over where they'll be for WC 2019. Tommy Bowe would have played a lot if he was fit and he comes into that category.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 29, 2017, 01:51:56 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 29, 2017, 09:15:26 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 29, 2017, 06:34:58 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 29, 2017, 12:54:45 AM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on March 28, 2017, 07:36:33 PM
Both should not be included in central contracts given their ages and the need to have a fully developed team for the World Cup in Japan in 2019.  At best both could be part players rather than first choice at the age of 36 in an increasing physical and fast paced game.  The usual Leinster bias is occurring with Heaslip being contracted.

There's an awful lot of old players who are currently regulars in our side. They'll be gone or their performance levels greatly diminished yet St Joe seems completely averse to introducing young players.

Christ on a bike - McGrath Furlong VDF Scannell Dillane Henderson Leavy Conan Carberry Ringrose Henshaw Marmion Other Scannell would all politely disagree.

Adam Byrne was given his Leinster debut as an 18 year old by JS he will be capped in the summer as will Darren Sweetman and Rory O'Loughlin.

Also there is no comparison between Ryan and Heaslip, just compare injury records and the fact Heaslip has been one of Ireland's top performers for the last 10 years. Ryan had a great 6 nations but doesn't mean he deserves a central contract.

Donnacha Ryan is the sort of character you need in the second row though. He's abrasive and is a very strong character. If Paul O'Connell wasn't around, Ryan would have played a lot more for Ireland, and indeed Munster. Who are the other second rows? Ultan Dillane seems like a promising prospect, but he's not at that level of aggression. Henderson and Toner will probably be the first choice second row, and Henderson has the tools, but Toner is not that sort of player.

Nothing against Heaslip, but if you are trying to see where you are more replete with options, you'd imagine the back row has more scope than the second row.

That said, at their age, you'd have to question either getting a central contract. Neither are 'special' players.

The 3 best 8s in Ireland are Heaslip, Stander and Conan in that order. Conan isn't at that level yet so if we didn't centralise Heaslip we run the risk of him going to France/England, a situation the IRFU do not want, exact same as Sexton going to France. Bad PR and does not sit well in the IRFU home based players selection policy. Heaslip is also simply a fine rugby player, 100 caps and 270+ appearances for Leinster, in comparison Ryan has only a combined 207 Munster and Ireland appearances. So lots of factors to look at in awarding central contracts, age is one, injury history, form, strength in depth for the position, player brand value etc Heaslip ticks a lot of those boxes, Ryan doesn't. Henderson and Dillane are younger better players, Toner is younger and a better line-out operator. I like Ryan but his injury history and the fact that he was never a top class international goes against him.

Don't forget Munster have a budget too and they wouldn't meet his demands either. To me awarding awarding Heaslip and not Ryan is a no brainer.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 29, 2017, 01:57:22 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 29, 2017, 12:42:34 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 29, 2017, 06:34:58 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 29, 2017, 12:54:45 AM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on March 28, 2017, 07:36:33 PM
Both should not be included in central contracts given their ages and the need to have a fully developed team for the World Cup in Japan in 2019.  At best both could be part players rather than first choice at the age of 36 in an increasing physical and fast paced game.  The usual Leinster bias is occurring with Heaslip being contracted.

There's an awful lot of old players who are currently regulars in our side. They'll be gone or their performance levels greatly diminished yet St Joe seems completely averse to introducing young players.

Christ on a bike - McGrath Furlong VDF Scannell Dillane Henderson Leavy Conan Carberry Ringrose Henshaw Marmion Other Scannell would all politely disagree.

Adam Byrne was given his Leinster debut as an 18 year old by JS he will be capped in the summer as will Darren Sweetman and Rory O'Loughlin.

Also there is no comparison between Ryan and Heaslip, just compare injury records and the fact Heaslip has been one of Ireland's top performers for the last 10 years. Ryan had a great 6 nations but doesn't mean he deserves a central contract.

With respect look at the game time several of those guys got in comparison to Best, Toner, SOB, Heaslip, Sexton and Kearney - all first choice starters who must have major question marks over where they'll be for WC 2019. Tommy Bowe would have played a lot if he was fit and he comes into that category.

Who would you pick ahead of Best, who in my opinion is a proven leader and an exceptional rugby player? Heaslip is a machine, one of first names on the team sheet. Toner, name me a better line-out operator in Ireland? Sexton is one of our few world class players but Jackson has got a lot of game time. Kearney had a good 6 nations but yea don't rate and would put a black mark against JS over that continued selection. SOB must would have brought back into the team, prior to this years 6 nations operating at a different level.

A lot the Leinster faces people don't like but apart from Kearney they are all worth their place.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 29, 2017, 01:58:23 PM
I suppose I just don't like Heaslip that much. He always seems to me to be a great downhill player.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 29, 2017, 02:10:45 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 29, 2017, 01:58:23 PM
I suppose I just don't like Heaslip that much. He always seems to me to be a great downhill player.

At least your honest. In moneyball terms he doesn't have a good face and his body language stinks of arrogance. Proper Leinster.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 29, 2017, 02:19:20 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 29, 2017, 02:10:45 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 29, 2017, 01:58:23 PM
I suppose I just don't like Heaslip that much. He always seems to me to be a great downhill player.

At least your honest. In moneyball terms he doesn't have a good face and his body language stinks of arrogance. Proper Leinster.

Ha! Arrogance is alright, but you can't be the fairweather man either. Heaslip could have played number 8 on the bad old Leinster teams. He is Victor Costello :)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on March 29, 2017, 03:11:10 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 29, 2017, 01:57:22 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 29, 2017, 12:42:34 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 29, 2017, 06:34:58 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 29, 2017, 12:54:45 AM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on March 28, 2017, 07:36:33 PM
Both should not be included in central contracts given their ages and the need to have a fully developed team for the World Cup in Japan in 2019.  At best both could be part players rather than first choice at the age of 36 in an increasing physical and fast paced game.  The usual Leinster bias is occurring with Heaslip being contracted.

There's an awful lot of old players who are currently regulars in our side. They'll be gone or their performance levels greatly diminished yet St Joe seems completely averse to introducing young players.

Christ on a bike - McGrath Furlong VDF Scannell Dillane Henderson Leavy Conan Carberry Ringrose Henshaw Marmion Other Scannell would all politely disagree.

Adam Byrne was given his Leinster debut as an 18 year old by JS he will be capped in the summer as will Darren Sweetman and Rory O'Loughlin.

Also there is no comparison between Ryan and Heaslip, just compare injury records and the fact Heaslip has been one of Ireland's top performers for the last 10 years. Ryan had a great 6 nations but doesn't mean he deserves a central contract.

With respect look at the game time several of those guys got in comparison to Best, Toner, SOB, Heaslip, Sexton and Kearney - all first choice starters who must have major question marks over where they'll be for WC 2019. Tommy Bowe would have played a lot if he was fit and he comes into that category.

Who would you pick ahead of Best, who in my opinion is a proven leader and an exceptional rugby player? Heaslip is a machine, one of first names on the team sheet. Toner, name me a better line-out operator in Ireland? Sexton is one of our few world class players but Jackson has got a lot of game time. Kearney had a good 6 nations but yea don't rate and would put a black mark against JS over that continued selection. SOB must would have brought back into the team, prior to this years 6 nations operating at a different level.

A lot the Leinster faces people don't like but apart from Kearney they are all worth their place.

My point is that while some are still the number 1 option at their position (Best and Sexton) it's possible we could have none of them for the world cup in 2019 and some of their good understudies are not getting brought through. Those guys are also allowed to have bad games, sometimes a few in a row, without fear of getting dropped. "Joe trusts them". I honestly think Kearney wouldn't make the Leinster team if everyone was fit. Toner is 6'10" which is great for lineouts but not if we're throwing to SOB who's lined up against Alun Wynn Jones. If we're serious about being a top 4 nation and not satisfied with a moral victory here and there we need to be more ruthless, pick guys on form rather than reputation. The fact we haven't made a WC semi final in a competition with at most 9 serious teams is a complete embarrassment.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 29, 2017, 05:10:49 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 29, 2017, 03:11:10 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 29, 2017, 01:57:22 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 29, 2017, 12:42:34 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 29, 2017, 06:34:58 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 29, 2017, 12:54:45 AM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on March 28, 2017, 07:36:33 PM
Both should not be included in central contracts given their ages and the need to have a fully developed team for the World Cup in Japan in 2019.  At best both could be part players rather than first choice at the age of 36 in an increasing physical and fast paced game.  The usual Leinster bias is occurring with Heaslip being contracted.

There's an awful lot of old players who are currently regulars in our side. They'll be gone or their performance levels greatly diminished yet St Joe seems completely averse to introducing young players.

Christ on a bike - McGrath Furlong VDF Scannell Dillane Henderson Leavy Conan Carberry Ringrose Henshaw Marmion Other Scannell would all politely disagree.

Adam Byrne was given his Leinster debut as an 18 year old by JS he will be capped in the summer as will Darren Sweetman and Rory O'Loughlin.

Also there is no comparison between Ryan and Heaslip, just compare injury records and the fact Heaslip has been one of Ireland's top performers for the last 10 years. Ryan had a great 6 nations but doesn't mean he deserves a central contract.

With respect look at the game time several of those guys got in comparison to Best, Toner, SOB, Heaslip, Sexton and Kearney - all first choice starters who must have major question marks over where they'll be for WC 2019. Tommy Bowe would have played a lot if he was fit and he comes into that category.

Who would you pick ahead of Best, who in my opinion is a proven leader and an exceptional rugby player? Heaslip is a machine, one of first names on the team sheet. Toner, name me a better line-out operator in Ireland? Sexton is one of our few world class players but Jackson has got a lot of game time. Kearney had a good 6 nations but yea don't rate and would put a black mark against JS over that continued selection. SOB must would have brought back into the team, prior to this years 6 nations operating at a different level.

A lot the Leinster faces people don't like but apart from Kearney they are all worth their place.

My point is that while some are still the number 1 option at their position (Best and Sexton) it's possible we could have none of them for the world cup in 2019 and some of their good understudies are not getting brought through. Those guys are also allowed to have bad games, sometimes a few in a row, without fear of getting dropped. "Joe trusts them". I honestly think Kearney wouldn't make the Leinster team if everyone was fit. Toner is 6'10" which is great for lineouts but not if we're throwing to SOB who's lined up against Alun Wynn Jones. If we're serious about being a top 4 nation and not satisfied with a moral victory here and there we need to be more ruthless, pick guys on form rather than reputation. The fact we haven't made a WC semi final in a competition with at most 9 serious teams is a complete embarrassment.

The language of the knee-jerk sports fan, Seanie under the anger their is normally some sense but the World Cup is every four years, professional sports is a results driven business, the World Cup while nice is not the priority of the Irish National team coach, The 6 nations is and in 4 years JS has delivered two titles and was runner up this year. Irish sports fans have this strange sense of entitlement as if somehow demanding last 4 in the World Cup, as if by placing such demands, we will raise standards. Our ranking prior to each tournament

2015 4th
2011 6th
2007 6th
2003 6th

So last WC was perhaps the only year where we under achieved but we went into that Q/F without Payne, O'Brien, Sexton, O'Mahony and O'Connell ripped his hamstring off the bone. That was an awful lot of leadership and no team could recover from that and yes the players that did remain played poorly but Argentina made them look poor they were that good.

JS has give 19 new caps since last World Cup, in contrast England 12, Scotland 7 and Wales 3. Form will get you into the squad but it's what you do when you get in that matters. His favourite word is clarity, he will ensure each player knows his role and responsibilities within his systems attack and defence, set-piece, kick and chase and counter-attack, he will put more emphasis on what you do without the ball than what you do with it.

JS will give opportunities this summer, it's up to the players to demonstrate that they have the ability to be a JS player, Carbery seized it, Scannell has seized it, Marmion seized his chance against England.

I just think JS is a top class coach, we are very lucky to have him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on March 29, 2017, 05:44:06 PM
Posts getting a bit long so forgive me for not quoting your previous post.

Schmidt's past record speaks for itself. However, at certain points in EOS and DK's reigns they were doing brilliantly but then failed to evolve and stayed too loyal to players they were familiar with. I'm afraid Schmidt might do the same. Also - I think there's a genuine concern that his pre-rehearsed moves have been worked out by defences. Certainly we have been unbelievably blunt in attack, particularly inside the opponents 22. And another huge concern has to be our defence. Is Farrell a good defence coach? I thought we looked leaky in the autumn and the 6 Nations - again something Joe needs to sort.

I'm glad you mentioned Argentina. When we lost so many leaders we were short guys with experience. That's why I think we need greater depth in the squad. I'd argue that even though we're missing one-off players like BOD and POC the depth in Irish rugby is the best it has been, by far. I worry JS isn't doing enough to bring these guys through and will stick with the familiar. That's a viewpoint and time will tell. The other point about Argentina was the difference is skill levels. They were simply light years ahead of us skills wise and were able to play off the cuff and adapt as the game requires. Joe's rigid approach worries me in this regard.....are we going to repeat the same mistakes? Why do skilful players seem to worry him? He held back Zebo for ages and now when it looks like his pace is going he won't drop him. Tommy Bowe can come back in "train the house down" to prevent someone like Tiernan O'Halloran getting a place on the bench.

I think Schmidt has been a great coach but as you rightly point out its a results business. We shouldn't be losing to Wales and Scotland and we did. I'm very disappointed with you inferring I'm a "knee-jerk sports fan" - I would hope the arguments I've made are above that level.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on March 29, 2017, 06:24:18 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 29, 2017, 05:44:06 PM

Schmidt's past record speaks for itself. However, at certain points in EOS and DK's reigns they were doing brilliantly but then failed to evolve and stayed too loyal to players they were familiar with. I'm afraid Schmidt might do the same. Also - I think there's a genuine concern that his pre-rehearsed moves have been worked out by defences. Certainly we have been unbelievably blunt in attack, particularly inside the opponents 22. And another huge concern has to be our defence. Is Farrell a good defence coach? I thought we looked leaky in the autumn and the 6 Nations - again something Joe needs to sort.



When Farrell was with England he was the backs coach.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 30, 2017, 12:05:47 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 29, 2017, 05:44:06 PM
Posts getting a bit long so forgive me for not quoting your previous post.

Schmidt's past record speaks for itself. However, at certain points in EOS and DK's reigns they were doing brilliantly but then failed to evolve and stayed too loyal to players they were familiar with. I'm afraid Schmidt might do the same. Also - I think there's a genuine concern that his pre-rehearsed moves have been worked out by defences. Certainly we have been unbelievably blunt in attack, particularly inside the opponents 22. And another huge concern has to be our defence. Is Farrell a good defence coach? I thought we looked leaky in the autumn and the 6 Nations - again something Joe needs to sort.

I'm glad you mentioned Argentina. When we lost so many leaders we were short guys with experience. That's why I think we need greater depth in the squad. I'd argue that even though we're missing one-off players like BOD and POC the depth in Irish rugby is the best it has been, by far. I worry JS isn't doing enough to bring these guys through and will stick with the familiar. That's a viewpoint and time will tell. The other point about Argentina was the difference is skill levels. They were simply light years ahead of us skills wise and were able to play off the cuff and adapt as the game requires. Joe's rigid approach worries me in this regard.....are we going to repeat the same mistakes? Why do skilful players seem to worry him? He held back Zebo for ages and now when it looks like his pace is going he won't drop him. Tommy Bowe can come back in "train the house down" to prevent someone like Tiernan O'Halloran getting a place on the bench.

I think Schmidt has been a great coach but as you rightly point out its a results business. We shouldn't be losing to Wales and Scotland and we did. I'm very disappointed with you inferring I'm a "knee-jerk sports fan" - I would hope the arguments I've made are above that level.

The language, not you and the arguments are solid.

Defence, bottom line, is and always will be about player attitude, our defence was outstanding against England and France and the one defensive slip from Paddy Jackson (cold off the bench) let Wales in for a try and changed the momentum of the game. Margins are that tight at the highest level. Against Scotland it was a disgrace and that mentally the players weren't switched on which is probably why JS kept harping on about the bus being late, it obviously had a mental impact.

Argentina hired Graham Henry in 2012, they put more emphasis on bottom up approach, skills focused and a 7s program, add in that are now in the rugby championship and their graph was only going to go up. JS can only play with the players and the skills they have. Matt O'Connor and Anthony Foley were not performance orientated coaches and put more emphasis on results not skills and Ulster had many problems, Pat Lam in 2015 was only starting to get best out of the Connacht players after extensive up skilling. The province are responsible for skills not JS. However you are right out attack is blunt particulary in the opposition 22. JS philosophy here is about ball retention and force the opposition to over-commit, make a mistake or give away a penalty. Teams have copped it and if you such patience in defence against Ireland you will get the reward.

JS I think knows this I expect an evolution to begin over the Summer tour. Well I hope it knows it...

No defending that Tommy Bowe call.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 30, 2017, 12:31:52 PM


The language, not you and the arguments are solid.

Defence, bottom line, is and always will be about player attitude, our defence was outstanding against England and France and the one defensive slip from Paddy Jackson (cold off the bench) let Wales in for a try and changed the momentum of the game. Margins are that tight at the highest level. Against Scotland it was a disgrace and that mentally the players weren't switched on which is probably why JS kept harping on about the bus being late, it obviously had a mental impact.

Argentina hired Graham Henry in 2012, they put more emphasis on bottom up approach, skills focused and a 7s program, add in that are now in the rugby championship and their graph was only going to go up. JS can only play with the players and the skills they have. Matt O'Connor and Anthony Foley were not performance orientated coaches and put more emphasis on results not skills and Ulster had many problems, Pat Lam in 2015 was only starting to get best out of the Connacht players after extensive up skilling. The province are responsible for skills not JS. However you are right out attack is blunt particulary in the opposition 22. JS philosophy here is about ball retention and force the opposition to over-commit, make a mistake or give away a penalty. Teams have copped it and if you such patience in defence against Ireland you will get the reward.

JS I think knows this I expect an evolution to begin over the Summer tour. Well I hope it knows it...

No defending that Tommy Bowe call.
[/quote]
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 30, 2017, 12:05:47 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 29, 2017, 05:44:06 PM
Posts getting a bit long so forgive me for not quoting your previous post.

Schmidt's past record speaks for itself. However, at certain points in EOS and DK's reigns they were doing brilliantly but then failed to evolve and stayed too loyal to players they were familiar with. I'm afraid Schmidt might do the same. Also - I think there's a genuine concern that his pre-rehearsed moves have been worked out by defences. Certainly we have been unbelievably blunt in attack, particularly inside the opponents 22. And another huge concern has to be our defence. Is Farrell a good defence coach? I thought we looked leaky in the autumn and the 6 Nations - again something Joe needs to sort.

I'm glad you mentioned Argentina. When we lost so many leaders we were short guys with experience. That's why I think we need greater depth in the squad. I'd argue that even though we're missing one-off players like BOD and POC the depth in Irish rugby is the best it has been, by far. I worry JS isn't doing enough to bring these guys through and will stick with the familiar. That's a viewpoint and time will tell. The other point about Argentina was the difference is skill levels. They were simply light years ahead of us skills wise and were able to play off the cuff and adapt as the game requires. Joe's rigid approach worries me in this regard.....are we going to repeat the same mistakes? Why do skilful players seem to worry him? He held back Zebo for ages and now when it looks like his pace is going he won't drop him. Tommy Bowe can come back in "train the house down" to prevent someone like Tiernan O'Halloran getting a place on the bench.

I think Schmidt has been a great coach but as you rightly point out its a results business. We shouldn't be losing to Wales and Scotland and we did. I'm very disappointed with you inferring I'm a "knee-jerk sports fan" - I would hope the arguments I've made are above that level.

The language, not you and the arguments are solid.

Defence, bottom line, is and always will be about player attitude, our defence was outstanding against England and France and the one defensive slip from Paddy Jackson (cold off the bench) let Wales in for a try and changed the momentum of the game. Margins are that tight at the highest level. Against Scotland it was a disgrace and that mentally the players weren't switched on which is probably why JS kept harping on about the bus being late, it obviously had a mental impact.

Argentina hired Graham Henry in 2012, they put more emphasis on bottom up approach, skills focused and a 7s program, add in that are now in the rugby championship and their graph was only going to go up. JS can only play with the players and the skills they have. Matt O'Connor and Anthony Foley were not performance orientated coaches and put more emphasis on results not skills and Ulster had many problems, Pat Lam in 2015 was only starting to get best out of the Connacht players after extensive up skilling. The province are responsible for skills not JS. However you are right out attack is blunt particulary in the opposition 22. JS philosophy here is about ball retention and force the opposition to over-commit, make a mistake or give away a penalty. Teams have copped it and if you such patience in defence against Ireland you will get the reward.

JS I think knows this I expect an evolution to begin over the Summer tour. Well I hope it knows it...

No defending that Tommy Bowe call.

Yes Paddy shot up but SOB equally to blame for missing Scott Williams here!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on March 30, 2017, 02:13:34 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 30, 2017, 12:05:47 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 29, 2017, 05:44:06 PM
Posts getting a bit long so forgive me for not quoting your previous post.

Schmidt's past record speaks for itself. However, at certain points in EOS and DK's reigns they were doing brilliantly but then failed to evolve and stayed too loyal to players they were familiar with. I'm afraid Schmidt might do the same. Also - I think there's a genuine concern that his pre-rehearsed moves have been worked out by defences. Certainly we have been unbelievably blunt in attack, particularly inside the opponents 22. And another huge concern has to be our defence. Is Farrell a good defence coach? I thought we looked leaky in the autumn and the 6 Nations - again something Joe needs to sort.

I'm glad you mentioned Argentina. When we lost so many leaders we were short guys with experience. That's why I think we need greater depth in the squad. I'd argue that even though we're missing one-off players like BOD and POC the depth in Irish rugby is the best it has been, by far. I worry JS isn't doing enough to bring these guys through and will stick with the familiar. That's a viewpoint and time will tell. The other point about Argentina was the difference is skill levels. They were simply light years ahead of us skills wise and were able to play off the cuff and adapt as the game requires. Joe's rigid approach worries me in this regard.....are we going to repeat the same mistakes? Why do skilful players seem to worry him? He held back Zebo for ages and now when it looks like his pace is going he won't drop him. Tommy Bowe can come back in "train the house down" to prevent someone like Tiernan O'Halloran getting a place on the bench.

I think Schmidt has been a great coach but as you rightly point out its a results business. We shouldn't be losing to Wales and Scotland and we did. I'm very disappointed with you inferring I'm a "knee-jerk sports fan" - I would hope the arguments I've made are above that level.

The language, not you and the arguments are solid.

Defence, bottom line, is and always will be about player attitude, our defence was outstanding against England and France and the one defensive slip from Paddy Jackson (cold off the bench) let Wales in for a try and changed the momentum of the game. Margins are that tight at the highest level. Against Scotland it was a disgrace and that mentally the players weren't switched on which is probably why JS kept harping on about the bus being late, it obviously had a mental impact.

Argentina hired Graham Henry in 2012, they put more emphasis on bottom up approach, skills focused and a 7s program, add in that are now in the rugby championship and their graph was only going to go up. JS can only play with the players and the skills they have. Matt O'Connor and Anthony Foley were not performance orientated coaches and put more emphasis on results not skills and Ulster had many problems, Pat Lam in 2015 was only starting to get best out of the Connacht players after extensive up skilling. The province are responsible for skills not JS. However you are right out attack is blunt particulary in the opposition 22. JS philosophy here is about ball retention and force the opposition to over-commit, make a mistake or give away a penalty. Teams have copped it and if you such patience in defence against Ireland you will get the reward.

JS I think knows this I expect an evolution to begin over the Summer tour. Well I hope it knows it...

No defending that Tommy Bowe call.

Sound - just two things there. Jackson made a mistake but as mentioned below SOB and later Ringrose could have done better. JS publicly calling out Jackson a few times was very wrong and again plays into the Leinster bias argument. Secondly on the skills thing - Schmidt seems genuinely repulsed by what Lam is doing at Connacht. That's my opinion and I can't back it up but I do feel he's reluctant to use Connacht players as they are coached differently to what he believes in (offloading, running from your own 22 etc). Ironically the game we played a little bit more expansively and kept the ball in hand was in Chicago and look how that went.

I hope you are right that he does go the way we need to. The previous two coaches have failed at this juncture, lets hope Joe proves my fears to be unfounded. I'm worried though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 31, 2017, 01:24:11 PM
Munster team for Toulouse tomorrow. Murray back, I wonder how he will be. Good to see Sweetnam getting the game his form has deserved. Zebo to full back, which I think is his position longer term to be honest.

15 - Simon Zebo
14 - Darren Sweetnam
13 - Jaco Taute
12 - Rory Scannell
11 - Keith Earls
10 - Tyler Blyendaal
9 - Conor Murray
1 - David Kilcoyne
2 - Niall Scannell
3 - John Ryan
4 - Donnacha Ryan
5 - Billy Holland
6 - Peter O'Mahony (C)
7 - Tommy O'Donnell
8 - CJ Stander


16 - Rhys Marshall
17 - James Cronin
18 - Stephen Archer
19 - Dave O'Callaghan
20 - Jack O'Donoghue
21 - Duncan NameaJaysus Williams
22 - Francis Saili
23 - Andrew Conway

Solid enough backups at Prop and back row, and in the backs. Very light at Second Row and Scrum Half. No Keatley due to injury I think, so Scannell will be reserve out half if Blyendaal goes down. If Murray goes down, then the natural disaster that is Duncan Williams will be scrum half.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on April 01, 2017, 03:58:44 PM
Joey Carberry giving an exhibition here.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on April 01, 2017, 04:43:09 PM
Le Roux won't forget today for a long time
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on April 01, 2017, 04:45:20 PM
There's little as satisfying as seeing showboating backfire.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on April 01, 2017, 04:45:53 PM
Wasps back in it now though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on April 01, 2017, 05:36:32 PM
Decent performance bar that mini meltdown. Carberry has the makings of a great player. Seems to be playing a different game to the others at times.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on April 01, 2017, 08:26:04 PM
Quote from: Hardy on April 01, 2017, 04:45:20 PM
There's little as satisfying as seeing showboating backfire.

I wonder if Beale hit him a kick in the hole at half time, some play by him to put leroux in
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on April 01, 2017, 09:10:53 PM
Amazing season turnaround for Munster to be in the semi finals of whatever it is called now
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on April 01, 2017, 09:18:59 PM
Quote from: seafoid on April 01, 2017, 09:10:53 PM
Amazing season turnaround for Munster to be in the semi finals of whatever it is called now
Let's call it the Heineken Cup. Good performance alright.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Newbridge Exile on April 01, 2017, 11:26:54 PM
Good result from both Provinces, there can't be a better lineout operator about than Peter o'mahony at the minute, Carberry has serious potential as well for Leinster.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on April 02, 2017, 11:26:19 AM
There is such a huge difference to last year. Erasmus and having O'Mahony back seem to have worked. Cullen seems to have improved as well.

Irish Times from January last year

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/gerry-thornley-munster-travails-do-not-bode-well-for-national-side-1.2492973

According to the IRFU's High Performance Director, David Nucifora, the Irish provinces are not under-performing. In his pre-Christmas briefing at the Aviva Stadium, he maintained: "Let's look at the margins that they're losing these games by. No one's being blown off the park." Well, that is open to interpretation but right now it's a very small mercy.
The back-to-back losses suffered by Leinster and Munster against Toulon and Leicester in December were "a loss of form" which could be attributed to "fine margins", and Nucifora confidently maintained: "We've got the players there to be able to still win European competitions. I have no doubt about that."
Never before have the two one-time European big-hitters been evicted from the European Champions Cup with two full rounds of pool games before. Not even in the mid-90s did that ever happen. Between them, they have one win in eight – at home to Treviso.
Leinster were worst hit by the World Cup hangover, and had the toughest draw but have regrouped to top the league. They still have the best squad in Ireland. Their conveyor belt of talent from the schools game and academy is still churning. They are a richer capital city club and had private backing to retain leading lights and develop their facilities in UCD.
Little or none of this applies to Munster. Hence, whatever about Leinster, in light of Saturday's demoralising 27-7 defeat to Stade Francais, one imagines the supporters of Munster would beg to differ with Nucifora and the IRFU.
Huge void
First and foremost, the playing squad is not as good as the relatively golden years of 2000 to 2008. On Saturday's evidence, nowhere near it. The departure of Paul O'Connell has left a huge void in leadership, which has been compounded by Peter O'Mahony being sidelined.
The work ethic of a stable pack, and outside of Peter Stringer and then Tomás O'Leary, a world-class, goal-kicking outhalf, were the foundations for Munster consistently being contenders in Europe. Indeed, those back-to-back semi-finals under Rob Penney do not look too shabby now. But the first was achieved with both O'Connell and Ronan O'Gara, the second with O'Connell.
Their tight five, and pack, are nothing of the 2006 and 2008 vintage, and they've as big a problem at 10. Ian Keatley steered them to the semis two seasons ago, but the poor fellow's confidence has become so brittle this season that each missed kick has increasingly undermined the team's confidence as well, which fell apart in the second-half on Saturday.
The loss of JJ Hanrahan haunts Munster and Anthony Foley. With a bit more love, time on the pitch and a quicker appreciation of his financial worth, he'd have stayed. This has been compounded by the neck injury which Tyler Bleyendaal suffered and Keatley's loss of form, but has typified mismanagement on and off the pitch. Now they could be about to lose another shining light in Simon Zebo.
You hear good noises out of the Munster camp about the coaching ticket, who could not be accused of not caring or working tirelessly to get it. But clearly the buck stops with Foley and the coaches.
The Munster Branch also stand indicted for their failure to ensure a long-term succession strategy, for short-term player fixes, for alienating fans through the detested Ticketmaster, for the failure to maximise the brand in the good days, for province's financial deficiencies, their failure to keep pace with the underage structure in the other provinces and the decline of their clubs. Okay, in this socio-economic factors and the IRFU have played a significant part.
The union, having taken the plaudits for the good days, also stand indicted for presiding over Munster's decline. They have also largely ignored the club game, compounding this by placing restrictions on player availability and invested instead in the provincial A sides. And this was always going to hurt Munster more than Leinster and Ulster, with their greater focus on the schools game.
According to Foley, Munster's better working relationship with the schools' game (where facilities and standards are behind their more monied counterparts in Leinster) is beginning to reap dividends. But that will take years to yield a dividend. In the interim, the IRFU should be doing everything in their power to help Munster.
Whether it was the financial terms or Stephen Moore's desire to continue playing for the Wallabies, the union should not have blocked that move. Niall Scannell would have learned from Moore, and so what if Moore retained international commitments à la Ruan Pienaar?
It would have ensured game time for Mike Sherry and Scannell, and most of all a World Cup final captain with more than 100 Tests would have provided leadership and a hard edge in the tight five, attributes lost with O'Connell. For starters, maybe that costly seven-pointer off a lost defensive lineout at home to Leicester might never have happened.
Losing to 14 men can happen. On the verge of their pomp, Munster did it against Leinster in the inaugural Celtic League final of 2001. The red card galvanised Stade and unhinged Munster. The loss of BJ Botha, Tommy O'Donnell and Andrew Conway merely exposed a shallow bench. But it was the degree to which Munster were unhinged that was alarming.
Basket case
This week will show us what their core fan base is and will reveal the response of the players. But Munster are Irish rugby's biggest basket case. Have been for years. Saturday merely crystallised this.
And the ripple effects will go further. It was hard-edged Munster dogs of war who backboned the golden years. Conceivably, the Ireland pack which takes the pitch in the Six Nations will not feature one Munster forward. Whatever about the short term, in the long term you cannot have a strong Ireland without a strong Munster. gthornley@irishtimes.com
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on April 02, 2017, 01:02:29 PM
Didn't mention that Leinster have been saved from oblivion under Cullen by negotiating the arrival of Stuart Lancaster to bring some degree of coaching experience to the club.  No doubt that Cullen is not up to the job on his own and it was nostalgia that put him in the line of fire with the appointment of 'one of our own' before having to look around to see where the situation could be rescued.  Fair play to IRFU to recognise that Lancaster had plenty to offer after his disastrous time with England when he appeared to be out of his depth and under the influence of Farrell and Rowntree.  Could it have been Farrell who recommended Lancaster to his new employers at the IRFU?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on April 02, 2017, 01:03:03 PM
The Sunday Torygraph suggested Carbery might make the Lions team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Helix on April 02, 2017, 01:38:35 PM
Quote from: seafoid on April 02, 2017, 01:03:03 PM
The Sunday Torygraph suggested Carbery might make the Lions team.

Decent game yesterday but can't see it. Unless leinster end up winning the cup outright can't see it! Sean O'Brien was immense yesterday.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on April 02, 2017, 01:53:06 PM
Quote from: seafoid on April 02, 2017, 01:03:03 PM
The Sunday Torygraph suggested Carbery might make the Lions team.


Probably right for 2021.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on April 02, 2017, 09:00:24 PM
Croke Park and the rugby World Cup
https://twitter.com/Inphosports/status/844246831232106496
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on April 03, 2017, 07:57:55 PM
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2017/04/03/champions-cup-team-weekend-makes-xv/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AhNowRef on April 04, 2017, 11:06:48 AM
Peter O'Mahony is incredible .. Dont ever remember seeing anyone as good in the lineout .. unreal.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on April 04, 2017, 01:24:28 PM
From an Irish point of view I hope Carbery doesn't get picked to go with the Lions but he's definitely good enough in my view. Think the Kiwis would love a shot at him. Also, don't understand talk of POM not getting picked. He's awesome. Not a fan of the Lions so the fewer Irish guys picked the better in my view.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Declan on April 05, 2017, 02:19:42 PM
Interesting


Ronan O'Gara is set to join former teammates Girvan Dempsey and Felix Jones as part of an extended coaching team on Ireland's summer tour to the US and Japan.

All three are likely to be included at different stages on the three-Tests trip as an opportunity to further develop the crop of home-grown coaches in the Irish professional game. While Dempsey and Jones are already tied in to Leinster and Munster respectively, this would be O'Gara's first involvement as a coach in an Irish context since retiring as a player in 2013. A few months after that decision he moved straight into professional coaching as an assistant with Racing 92, the current Top 14 champions.

O'Gara signed a contract extension last year keeping him in Paris until 2019, but it's understood his long term plans would be to get into the coaching set up back in Ireland, ideally with Munster. Given the uncertainty around the future of Rassie Erasmus with the province, it is significant for O'Gara to get an involvement in the Irish set-up.

While Ireland defence coach Andy Farrell will be tied up with the Lions tour to New Zealand, it's understood none of the three additions will be asked to fill that gap. Rather, their input will be on skills coaching. Moreover it's likely each will spend a week with the squad rather than having all three there at the same time.

Jones, the attack skills coach under Erasmus, retired through injury in 2015 and joined the provincial coaching staff six months later. Dempsey, Leinster's backs coach, wrapped up his playing career in 2010 and became an elite player development officer with Leinster shortly after that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on April 05, 2017, 02:38:22 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on April 04, 2017, 01:24:28 PM
From an Irish point of view I hope Carbery doesn't get picked to go with the Lions but he's definitely good enough in my view. Think the Kiwis would love a shot at him. Also, don't understand talk of POM not getting picked. He's awesome. Not a fan of the Lions so the fewer Irish guys picked the better in my view.

I'd be with you here Seanie. Don't want to see Carbery or even Ringrose at the Lions from a purely selfish point of view. NZ is an unforgiving tour and injuries will be rife. I'm more excited about the US and Japan tours.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on April 18, 2017, 11:17:45 PM
Hartley to miss out on Lions selection  :'(  :-X
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on April 19, 2017, 11:17:01 AM
He's not good enough but he'll probably be over there at some point.....this tour is going to be carnage. Hoping there are very few Irish on it but it seems 12 is the number being quoted. Donnacha Ryan is probably finished at international level so no problem with him going but I think this whole Lions thing is madness.

Warburton captain again from pictures on Twitter this morning.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on April 19, 2017, 12:16:07 PM
11 players it is.
Henshaw, Murray, Payne, Sexton
Best, Furlong, Henderson, McGrath, O'Brien, O'Mahony, Stander.

The announcement will definitely give joe.ie and balls.ie plenty of stories to repeat over the next few days.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mouview on April 19, 2017, 12:19:57 PM
Zebo will be disappointed. Scotland's Greg Laidlaw still injured? Would surely have made it otherwise..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on April 19, 2017, 12:25:00 PM
There will be 6 or 7 subs flown out
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on April 19, 2017, 12:59:20 PM
Zebo should have been picked ahead of all the outside backs except maybe Daly. Overall, decent return for Ireland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on April 19, 2017, 01:28:26 PM
Quote from: mouview on April 19, 2017, 12:19:57 PM
Zebo will be disappointed. Scotland's Greg Laidlaw still injured? Would surely have made it otherwise..

Don't think he's still injured but he's not as good as the 3 picked so can't have any complaints.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Maroon Manc on April 19, 2017, 02:04:35 PM
Have Scotland been shafted with only 2 inclusions?

Was there any other serious contenders for the captaincy as been captain for 2 tours in a row is a huge honour?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on April 19, 2017, 02:42:30 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on April 19, 2017, 02:04:35 PM
Have Scotland been shafted with only 2 inclusions?

Was there any other serious contenders for the captaincy as been captain for 2 tours in a row is a huge honour?

He was a cert to get it which i think as a bit of a joke as he's not been in the best of form and without Garland around, wouldn't be a cert to start the tests.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on April 19, 2017, 03:01:40 PM
Quote from: square_ball on April 19, 2017, 01:28:26 PM
Quote from: mouview on April 19, 2017, 12:19:57 PM
Zebo will be disappointed. Scotland's Greg Laidlaw still injured? Would surely have made it otherwise..

Don't think he's still injured but he's not as good as the 3 picked so can't have any complaints.
I read an article 2 or 3 weeks ago and he was still rehabing from the ankle injury but due to play soon I think. I think Launchbury might feel aggrieved. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on April 19, 2017, 07:44:11 PM
Quote from: gallsman on April 19, 2017, 12:59:20 PM
Zebo should have been picked ahead of all the outside backs except maybe Daly. Overall, decent return for Ireland.

Zebo is nowhere near the standard, plays well for Munster at full back but lacks the speed and power required for a winger at international level.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on April 19, 2017, 07:49:40 PM
Quote from: gallsman on April 19, 2017, 02:42:30 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on April 19, 2017, 02:04:35 PM
Have Scotland been shafted with only 2 inclusions?

Was there any other serious contenders for the captaincy as been captain for 2 tours in a row is a huge honour?

He was a cert to get it which i think as a bit of a joke as he's not been in the best of form and without Garland around, wouldn't be a cert to start the tests.

In fairness Gatland is at pains to say he's not necessarily starting and if he has a bad first test the knives will be out for him. There is serious competition in that back row and with at least 4/5 better back row ball carriers than him in the squad!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on April 19, 2017, 07:57:56 PM
Quote from: screenexile on April 19, 2017, 07:49:40 PM
Quote from: gallsman on April 19, 2017, 02:42:30 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on April 19, 2017, 02:04:35 PM
Have Scotland been shafted with only 2 inclusions?

Was there any other serious contenders for the captaincy as been captain for 2 tours in a row is a huge honour?

He was a cert to get it which i think as a bit of a joke as he's not been in the best of form and without Garland around, wouldn't be a cert to start the tests.


In fairness Gatland is at pains to say he's not necessarily starting and if he has a bad first test the knives will be out for him. There is serious competition in that back row and with at least 4/5 better back row ball carriers than him in the squad!

Warburton gave up Welsh captaincy to improve his form.  He had a good 6 nations.  Got injured in Blues v Ulster game affecting knee ligaments.  If all well his injury will be cleared up before departure but have no game time.  Gatland has the luxury of Best as game captain as capable as Warburton as a leader and decision maker.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on April 19, 2017, 08:10:40 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on April 19, 2017, 07:57:56 PM
Quote from: screenexile on April 19, 2017, 07:49:40 PM
Quote from: gallsman on April 19, 2017, 02:42:30 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on April 19, 2017, 02:04:35 PM
Have Scotland been shafted with only 2 inclusions?

Was there any other serious contenders for the captaincy as been captain for 2 tours in a row is a huge honour?

He was a cert to get it which i think as a bit of a joke as he's not been in the best of form and without Garland around, wouldn't be a cert to start the tests.


In fairness Gatland is at pains to say he's not necessarily starting and if he has a bad first test the knives will be out for him. There is serious competition in that back row and with at least 4/5 better back row ball carriers than him in the squad!

Warburton gave up Welsh captaincy to improve his form.  He had a good 6 nations.  Got injured in Blues v Ulster game affecting knee ligaments.  If all well his injury will be cleared up before departure but have no game time.  Gatland has the luxury of Best as game captain as capable as Warburton as a leader and decision maker.

Hopefully his decision making is better than his throwing in the Wales game..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Orior on April 19, 2017, 08:19:40 PM
Should there not be a British and Irish Lions thread? Why contaminate this thread with Lions shite?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on April 19, 2017, 08:26:20 PM
Quote from: Orior on April 19, 2017, 08:19:40 PM
Should there not be a British and Irish Lions thread? Why contaminate this thread with Lions shite?
The Lions should be merged with the UK GE thread.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on April 22, 2017, 05:06:34 PM
Munster have been turgid today
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: omagh_gael on April 22, 2017, 07:20:34 PM
Look incredibly limited at half back without Murray in there.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on April 22, 2017, 08:18:06 PM
I thought Munster were poor at outhalf as well today. JJ Hanrahan is coming back next season to help fix things there.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on April 22, 2017, 08:21:09 PM
Quote from: omagh_gael on April 22, 2017, 07:20:34 PM
Look incredibly limited at half back without Murray in there.

Shows what Ireland would have been like had Sexton got knocked out of the England game with Murray..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on April 22, 2017, 09:29:51 PM
Saracens were at the top of their form.  Their physicality made it very difficult for Munster to play their own game in the second half.  When Munster did not convert their possession and territory into scores on the board in the first half there was no way they would win the game, this is the only way to put pressure on Saracens.

The loss of Murray was a factor and his replacement constantly kicked away possession as a tactic for a high ball that stopped working. The younger lad who played against Ulster would probably have been better.

Bleyendaal cracked and missed a kickable score at a vital time, sliced some other kicks and was inaccurate.

The loss of O'Mahoney was critical, they became rudderless when they needed a breakthrough.

Man for man, Munster weren't a match for Saracens and Mark McCall was well ahead of Erasmus.  Munster do not have the resources of Saracens who have been investigated on breaking the finance rules of the premiership.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on April 23, 2017, 09:56:16 AM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on April 22, 2017, 09:29:51 PM
Saracens were at the top of their form.  Their physicality made it very difficult for Munster to play their own game in the second half.  When Munster did not convert their possession and territory into scores on the board in the first half there was no way they would win the game, this is the only way to put pressure on Saracens.

The loss of Murray was a factor and his replacement constantly kicked away possession as a tactic for a high ball that stopped working. The younger lad who played against Ulster would probably have been better.

Bleyendaal cracked and missed a kickable score at a vital time, sliced some other kicks and was inaccurate.

The loss of O'Mahoney was critical, they became rudderless when they needed a breakthrough.

Man for man, Munster weren't a match for Saracens and Mark McCall was well ahead of Erasmus.  Munster do not have the resources of Saracens who have been investigated on breaking the finance rules of the premiership.
money doesn't buy basic skills like retaining possession and offloading
Munster kept kicking the ball away
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on April 23, 2017, 10:58:12 AM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on April 23, 2017, 09:56:16 AM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on April 22, 2017, 09:29:51 PM
Saracens were at the top of their form.  Their physicality made it very difficult for Munster to play their own game in the second half.  When Munster did not convert their possession and territory into scores on the board in the first half there was no way they would win the game, this is the only way to put pressure on Saracens.

The loss of Murray was a factor and his replacement constantly kicked away possession as a tactic for a high ball that stopped working. The younger lad who played against Ulster would probably have been better.

Bleyendaal cracked and missed a kickable score at a vital time, sliced some other kicks and was inaccurate.

The loss of O'Mahoney was critical, they became rudderless when they needed a breakthrough.

Man for man, Munster weren't a match for Saracens and Mark McCall was well ahead of Erasmus.  Munster do not have the resources of Saracens who have been investigated on breaking the finance rules of the premiership.
money doesn't buy basic skills like retaining possession and offloading
Munster kept kicking the ball away

It does buy your own coach not one imposed by the IRFU, as many physically strong overseas players as allowed and the best conditioning coaches available. With those in place you can play with 14 men and make it look like the opposition had lost a man.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on April 23, 2017, 12:40:33 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on April 23, 2017, 10:58:12 AM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on April 23, 2017, 09:56:16 AM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on April 22, 2017, 09:29:51 PM
Saracens were at the top of their form.  Their physicality made it very difficult for Munster to play their own game in the second half.  When Munster did not convert their possession and territory into scores on the board in the first half there was no way they would win the game, this is the only way to put pressure on Saracens.

The loss of Murray was a factor and his replacement constantly kicked away possession as a tactic for a high ball that stopped working. The younger lad who played against Ulster would probably have been better.

Bleyendaal cracked and missed a kickable score at a vital time, sliced some other kicks and was inaccurate.

The loss of O'Mahoney was critical, they became rudderless when they needed a breakthrough.

Man for man, Munster weren't a match for Saracens and Mark McCall was well ahead of Erasmus.  Munster do not have the resources of Saracens who have been investigated on breaking the finance rules of the premiership.
money doesn't buy basic skills like retaining possession and offloading
Munster kept kicking the ball away

It does buy your own coach not one imposed by the IRFU, as many physically strong overseas players as allowed and the best conditioning coaches available. With those in place you can play with 14 men and make it look like the opposition had lost a man.
and who'd replace him? there is zero progression of coaches within the irish coaching ladder
Munster have a load of oversees players, they are just not very good.
Munster kept bashing the ball up when they had the extra man, not enough brains on the field to take advantage
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on April 23, 2017, 12:49:23 PM
There are no stand out Irish coaches at this point in time.

Kicking it was the alternative to trying to bash through the middle via Stander but teams have his number now and Saracens had the physicality to negate his drives.  Just don't aimlessly kick it.  Murray wouldn't have been much better on the amount of kicking but it may not have been as pointless. 

The best overseas players have their choice of teams in the NH and Munster has not been seen as a team that on the rise.  it is a bit chicken and egg at this point in time.

Will be interesting to see how Stuart Lancaster's Leinster manage away to Clermont.  Again, I fear they won't be able to cope with the sheer physicality of the French team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on April 23, 2017, 01:36:14 PM
Box kicking should be banned from rugby union. There's nothing uglier. It's worse than the backward handpass in gaa.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on April 23, 2017, 03:22:06 PM
Leinster having a nightmare.  Sin bin, losing line outs with over throws and Carberry at full back all over the place.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on April 23, 2017, 03:54:42 PM
For 42 minutes it didn't look like any Leinster supporters had turned up.

It was arguable whether their team had turned up either.

15-3 at HT
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on April 23, 2017, 04:22:54 PM
Leinster turn up after HT.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on April 23, 2017, 04:46:00 PM
Try of the competition by Gary Ringrose.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on April 23, 2017, 04:52:52 PM
Still doing their best to lose it with dumb mistakes
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on April 23, 2017, 05:02:01 PM
Deserved to lose becsuse of chesting, twice held players back like pr1cks and got severely punnished for it. Should have won but with those 2 incidents gifted clermont the match
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on April 29, 2017, 10:41:22 AM
http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/pat-lam-reveals-how-being-bullied-made-him-stronger-in-compelling-interview-35665063.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on April 30, 2017, 06:18:54 PM
At last Ospreys put Ulster out of their misery for this year.  A poor display with so many basic error has been the misery of watching Ulster this year.

Looking at the squad while it is behind those of Leinster and Munster to a lesser extent it is by far not the worst in the Pro 12 but the results are so inconsistent over the season.  The brilliance of the game against Clermont in Belfast was eclipsed by the flakiness of closing out games against much poorer opposition.  The additions to the 2016-17 squad have done little to improve the fortunes.  Rodney Ah You is a liability when he comes on and leaks penalties along with a journey man attitude. Marcell Coetzee has been unfortunate.  Stockdale has been good but his inexperience was shown by playing him out of position as full back against Munster for far too long.  Injuries have been an issue with Payne out for so long, McCluskey injured and then Olding with a serious injury after a couple of minutes of coming on.  There is no clear replacement for Jackson capable of playing the position.  Tommy Bowe has been wrecked by injuries and him and Trimble are in the twilight of their careers when injuries take a greater toll.

Hopefully the new coaches replacing the Ulster old boys will bring a step up but there are questions about Les Kiss.  The loss of Ruan Pienaar will be catastrophic, the team deflated when he went off on Saturday and Marshall is no replacement and the new No.9 from Connacht will take time to develop.  There is a feeling not enough effort was made to keep Pienaar to work alongside the Irish No.9 to develop a Murray understudy.  Similarly, would Kiss be at Ulster if not for the financial power of IRFU to impose its will on the provincial sides with the aim of developing the players for the national side?

With just a scrum half from Connacht and another backrow from South Africa to supplement the squad so far the outlook is far from satisfactory yet the faithful have bought out all of the Grandstand season tickets and a relatively small number are available for other parts of the ground.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on May 02, 2017, 09:46:48 PM
Article from Tony Ward:

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/ulster-rugby/tony-ward-jonno-gibbes-arrival-cant-come-quickly-enough-why-its-gone-grim-for-ulsters-underachievers-35671788.html (http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/ulster-rugby/tony-ward-jonno-gibbes-arrival-cant-come-quickly-enough-why-its-gone-grim-for-ulsters-underachievers-35671788.html)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on May 04, 2017, 10:42:52 AM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on May 02, 2017, 09:46:48 PM
Article from Tony Ward:

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/ulster-rugby/tony-ward-jonno-gibbes-arrival-cant-come-quickly-enough-why-its-gone-grim-for-ulsters-underachievers-35671788.html (http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/ulster-rugby/tony-ward-jonno-gibbes-arrival-cant-come-quickly-enough-why-its-gone-grim-for-ulsters-underachievers-35671788.html)

Everything is too comfy in the little Ulster bubble. Jobs for the boys, no accountability and over-inflated egos - McCloskey the prime example!

Gibbs can't come quick enough as Tony Ward aludes to.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on May 04, 2017, 11:02:22 AM
I don't think the Pienaar thing has helped Ulster either still can't fathom why they are forcing him to leave!

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/ulster-rugby/neil-francis-getting-rid-of-ruan-pienaar-a-gamble-that-shouldnt-have-been-taken-35678796.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on May 04, 2017, 12:28:11 PM
Quote from: screenexile on May 04, 2017, 11:02:22 AM
I don't think the Pienaar thing has helped Ulster either still can't fathom why they are forcing him to leave!

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/ulster-rugby/neil-francis-getting-rid-of-ruan-pienaar-a-gamble-that-shouldnt-have-been-taken-35678796.html

Yeah but SE they've had years to find/develop a number 9. The squad is littered with in-balances.

They need to work harder like Leinster to find gems like Furlong/O'Brien outside the traditional schools system.

Plenty of potential in Ulster, just need to work harder!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on May 04, 2017, 12:41:21 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on May 04, 2017, 12:28:11 PM
Quote from: screenexile on May 04, 2017, 11:02:22 AM
I don't think the Pienaar thing has helped Ulster either still can't fathom why they are forcing him to leave!

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/ulster-rugby/neil-francis-getting-rid-of-ruan-pienaar-a-gamble-that-shouldnt-have-been-taken-35678796.html

Yeah but SE they've had years to find/develop a number 9. The squad is littered with in-balances.

They need to work harder like Leinster to find gems like Furlong/O'Brien outside the traditional schools system.

Plenty of potential in Ulster, just need to work harder!

If Ulster had everyone fit they should be a force in Europe but it's very rarely happened in the last few seasons. Olding/Bowe/Henderson/Trimble/Henry have all had their issues at one time or another.

Either way there seems to be a malaise that has crept in and you would hope Gibbs and Peel can come in and reinvigorate the setup. The loss of Humphries has been huge I think and the fact the Kiss is untested as a head coach hasn't helped things this season. There is talent there if Ulster can learn how to get the best out of them!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on May 04, 2017, 01:58:13 PM
Quote from: screenexile on May 04, 2017, 11:02:22 AM
I don't think the Pienaar thing has helped Ulster either still can't fathom why they are forcing him to leave!

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/ulster-rugby/neil-francis-getting-rid-of-ruan-pienaar-a-gamble-that-shouldnt-have-been-taken-35678796.html

IRFU wants to force a new Irish No.9 to the fore given the shelf life of Murray and the lack of many replacements.  Ulster didn't do enough to retain Pienaar, Kiss is too much in thrall to Nucifora for his position. None of the other provinces would have given in, looks at Munster holding on the players brought in to cover injuries earlier in the year and the bringing back of Nacewa instead of developing its young wingers.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on May 04, 2017, 01:59:47 PM
Quote from: screenexile on May 04, 2017, 12:41:21 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on May 04, 2017, 12:28:11 PM
Quote from: screenexile on May 04, 2017, 11:02:22 AM
I don't think the Pienaar thing has helped Ulster either still can't fathom why they are forcing him to leave!

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/ulster-rugby/neil-francis-getting-rid-of-ruan-pienaar-a-gamble-that-shouldnt-have-been-taken-35678796.html

Yeah but SE they've had years to find/develop a number 9. The squad is littered with in-balances.

They need to work harder like Leinster to find gems like Furlong/O'Brien outside the traditional schools system.

Plenty of potential in Ulster, just need to work harder!

If Ulster had everyone fit they should be a force in Europe but it's very rarely happened in the last few seasons. Olding/Bowe/Henderson/Trimble/Henry have all had their issues at one time or another.

Either way there seems to be a malaise that has crept in and you would hope Gibbs and Peel can come in and reinvigorate the setup. The loss of Humphries has been huge I think and the fact the Kiss is untested as a head coach hasn't helped things this season. There is talent there if Ulster can learn how to get the best out of them!

Kiss should have walked with his assistant coaches but instead he will have another wasted season claiming he has only now got coaches of his choice.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on May 04, 2017, 02:17:45 PM
Ulster deserve everything they get over the treatment of Brian McLaughlin. Got an average side to a European final and then got pumped by a serious Leinster side.

Humphreys stabbed McLaughlin in the back. Glad to see him failing at Gloucester.

Gibbs will be very good. I've every confidence.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on May 04, 2017, 04:04:30 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on May 04, 2017, 02:17:45 PM
Ulster deserve everything they get over the treatment of Brian McLaughlin. Got an average side to a European final and then got pumped by a serious Leinster side.

Humphreys stabbed McLaughlin in the back. Glad to see him failing at Gloucester.

Gibbs will be very good. I've every confidence.

+1
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on May 04, 2017, 07:26:50 PM
Ulster could do worse than having this man as a backup/senior scrum half who would bring on two inexperienced scrum half who have a long way to go.  He is still in terrific shape and has made a good contribution to Sale:

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/other-rugby/sale-sharks-confirm-peter-stringer-will-leave-the-club-at-the-end-of-the-season-35681210.html (http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/other-rugby/sale-sharks-confirm-peter-stringer-will-leave-the-club-at-the-end-of-the-season-35681210.html)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on May 05, 2017, 10:14:28 AM
2016/17 GUINNESS PRO12 DREAM TEAM:

15 Tiernan O'Halloran (Connacht Rugby)
14 Tommy Seymour (Glasgow Warriors)
13 Jaco Taute (Munster Rugby)
12 Rory Scannell (Munster Rugby)
11 Charles Piutau (Ulster Rugby)
10 Tyler Bleyendaal (Munster Rugby)
9 Ruan Pienaar (Ulster Rugby)
8 Jack Conan (Leinster Rugby)
7 James Davies (Scarlets)
6 Dan Leavy (Leinster Rugby)
5 Billy Holland (Munster Rugby)
4 Ben Toolis (Edinburgh Rugby)
3 John Ryan (Munster Rugby)
2 Ken Owens (Scarlets)
1 Dave Kilcoyne (Munster Rugby)

Dream Team Eligibility:
- At least 10 appearances in this season's Guinness PRO12 Championship
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on May 05, 2017, 01:35:43 PM
Wouldnt have Piatau in there. Jacob Stockdale has been more impressive from an Ulster point of view.

Surely Adam Byrne or Darren Sweetnam could have been considered.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on May 10, 2017, 09:29:41 AM
A. Ireland Scotland Japan
B. New Zealand South Africa Italy
C. England France Argentina
D. Australia Wales Georgia
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on May 10, 2017, 09:30:01 AM
Quote from: Estimator on May 10, 2017, 09:29:41 AM
A. Ireland Scotland Japan
B. New Zealand South Africa Italy
C. England France Argentina
D. Australia Wales Georgia


Happy days!! Great draw!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: DuffleKing on May 10, 2017, 10:22:31 AM

England's group  ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Maroon Manc on May 10, 2017, 10:36:38 AM
A great draw.

Do they know who they could face in a potential quarter final?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: shark on May 10, 2017, 10:37:56 AM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on May 10, 2017, 10:36:38 AM
A great draw.

Do they know who they could face in a potential quarter final?

Group B runners up, should they win the group.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on May 10, 2017, 10:40:23 AM
Someone has already tweeted that Ireland cannot play NZ or England until the final. Which given Ireland's World Cup record is a bit presumptuous.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on May 10, 2017, 11:07:55 AM
Quote from: Estimator on May 10, 2017, 10:40:23 AM
Someone has already tweeted that Ireland cannot play NZ or England until the final. Which given Ireland's World Cup record is a bit presumptuous.

Presuming NZ top Group B and SA are runner up we play SA if we top our group or NZ if we are runner up!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: yellowcard on May 10, 2017, 01:36:39 PM
It is totally bizarre to carry out a draw for a competition that is 2 1/2 years away. Why not carry it out 6 months beforehand when the seedings are current and more relevant. You ccould easily predict 7 out of the q/finalists already.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on May 10, 2017, 02:30:05 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on May 10, 2017, 01:36:39 PM
It is totally bizarre to carry out a draw for a competition that is 2 1/2 years away. Why not carry it out 6 months beforehand when the seedings are current and more relevant. You ccould easily predict 7 out of the q/finalists already.

In fairness you can do that for most of the WC's!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: shark on May 10, 2017, 03:12:15 PM
Quote from: screenexile on May 10, 2017, 02:30:05 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on May 10, 2017, 01:36:39 PM
It is totally bizarre to carry out a draw for a competition that is 2 1/2 years away. Why not carry it out 6 months beforehand when the seedings are current and more relevant. You ccould easily predict 7 out of the q/finalists already.

In fairness you can do that for most of the WC's!

You mean football World Cup? Ah I don't think so. In 2014 Costa Rica made the last 8, after topping a group that had Italy and England knocked out from. Spain and Portugal were knocked out in the group stages. Many people would have fancied them for last 8.

I love the RWC when it rocks around, but it is very predicatable as to who the last 8 will be. It's 8 from 9 really. The group the contains the 9 is always the interesting one, and that tells its own story.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread.
Post by: Syferus on May 10, 2017, 04:17:04 PM
Heslip talking about how awesome the draw is when we got our arses handed to the team that apparently makes it easy - Scotland - is bizarre.

Odds on for a loss to SA in the QFs. How little things change.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on May 10, 2017, 04:18:06 PM
Quote from: shark on May 10, 2017, 03:12:15 PM
Quote from: screenexile on May 10, 2017, 02:30:05 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on May 10, 2017, 01:36:39 PM
It is totally bizarre to carry out a draw for a competition that is 2 1/2 years away. Why not carry it out 6 months beforehand when the seedings are current and more relevant. You ccould easily predict 7 out of the q/finalists already.

In fairness you can do that for most of the WC's!

You mean football World Cup? Ah I don't think so. In 2014 Costa Rica made the last 8, after topping a group that had Italy and England knocked out from. Spain and Portugal were knocked out in the group stages. Many people would have fancied them for last 8.

I love the RWC when it rocks around, but it is very predicatable as to who the last 8 will be. It's 8 from 9 really. The group the contains the 9 is always the interesting one, and that tells its own story.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on May 16, 2017, 02:19:24 PM
Ireland Squad Summer Tour 2017 – USA & Japan
Finlay Bealham (Buccaneers/Connacht) 6 caps
Joey Carbery (Clontarf/Leinster) 3 caps
Jack Conan (Old Belvedere/Leinster) 1 cap
Andrew Conway (Garryowen/Munster) 1 cap
John Cooney (Connacht) uncapped
Keith Earls (Young Munster/Munster) 59 caps
Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster) 67 caps
Dave Heffernan (Connacht/Buccaneers) uncapped
Paddy Jackson (Dungannon/Ulster) 23 caps
Dave Kilcoyne (UL Bohemians/Munster) 17 caps
Dan Leavy (UCD/Leinster) 2 caps
Kieran Marmion (Corinthians/Connacht) 13 caps
Luke Marshall (Ballymena/Ulster) 9 caps
Luke McGrath (UCD/Leinster) 1 cap
Tommy O'Donnell (UL Bohemians/Munster) 12 caps
Jack O'Donoghue (UL Bohemians/Munster) 1 cap
Tiernan O'Halloran (Buccaneers/Connacht) 3 caps
Rory O'Loughlin (Old Belvedere/Leinster) uncapped
Andrew Porter (UCD/Leinster) uncapped
Garry Ringrose (UCD/Leinster) 8 caps
Rhys Ruddock (St Mary's College/Leinster) 13 caps
James Ryan (UCD/Leinster) uncapped
John Ryan (Cork Constitution/Munster) 6 caps
Niall Scannell (Dolphin/Munster) 4 caps
Rory Scannell (Dolphin/Munster) uncapped
Jacob Stockdale (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster) uncapped
Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster) 47 caps
James Tracy (UCD/Leinster) 2 caps
Kieran Treadwell (Ballymena/Ulster) uncapped
Josh van der Flier (UCD/Leinster) 7 caps
Simon Zebo (Cork Constitution/Munster) 33 caps
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on May 19, 2017, 11:36:17 PM
WTF happened to Leinster??

I didn't get watching it but they were favourites for the competition, at home and had an extra man for more than a half!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on May 19, 2017, 11:56:59 PM
Ha ha ha

they were muck
as if they thought they could breeze into the final
yer man playing number 9 hadn't a clue what he was doing
how much money did they splurge on getting Lancaster in?

the place emptied out very quickly
bandwagon
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on May 20, 2017, 01:05:12 AM
Scarlets were very decisive. They had 3 trips into Leinsters 22 in the first half and came away with 3 converted trys. Leinster were muck though, way too many unforced errors.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on May 20, 2017, 09:56:38 AM
No sympathy after being beaten by 14 men. They can be shell shocked when pressurised.

Expect Scarlets 11 will not be playing much for quite a while. He even had the stupidity to exchange with the ref that he had guided Ringrose to the ground. Check out second video in this link:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/39914448 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/39914448)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on May 27, 2017, 07:14:01 PM
He got off btw!

Munster are useless
So slow
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on May 27, 2017, 10:35:15 PM
Munster humiliated on Irish soil by Scarlets. 

Munster 22-46 Scarlets

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/40056082 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/40056082)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on May 28, 2017, 11:43:09 AM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on May 27, 2017, 10:35:15 PM
Munster humiliated on Irish soil by Scarlets. 

Munster 22-46 Scarlets

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/40056082 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/40056082)
It puts Connacht's achievement last year into perspective
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on May 28, 2017, 02:23:10 PM
https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2017/0527/878391-scarlets-beirne-hails-best-decision-leaving-leinster/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on May 30, 2017, 01:36:06 PM
Decision hardly made on performance v squad size and ability:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/40091871 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/40091871)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mouview on May 30, 2017, 02:13:23 PM
Think Irish rugby's heyday could be receding. Starting to fall off the pace in the 6 Nations and clubs not cutting it in the Euro competitions as much. Just don't have the financial clout to compete with English/French clubs for the better players and a lack of visible high-profile success could turn youngsters back to the GAA in in creasing numbers.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on May 30, 2017, 02:54:51 PM
Quote from: mouview on May 30, 2017, 02:13:23 PM
Think Irish rugby's heyday could be receding. Starting to fall off the pace in the 6 Nations and clubs not cutting it in the Euro competitions as much. Just don't have the financial clout to compete with English/French clubs for the better players and a lack of visible high-profile success could turn youngsters back to the GAA in in creasing numbers.

To a game which is becoming increasingly boring at county level, its main shop window, with defensive systems on top and a widening schism between the top 5/6 counties who might win something and the rest as also rans.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on May 30, 2017, 03:39:43 PM
Quote from: mouview on May 30, 2017, 02:13:23 PM
Think Irish rugby's heyday could be receding. Starting to fall off the pace in the 6 Nations and clubs not cutting it in the Euro competitions as much. Just don't have the financial clout to compete with English/French clubs for the better players and a lack of visible high-profile success could turn youngsters back to the GAA in in creasing numbers.

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D What a WUM!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Redhand Santa on May 30, 2017, 04:10:06 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on May 30, 2017, 02:54:51 PM
Quote from: mouview on May 30, 2017, 02:13:23 PM
Think Irish rugby's heyday could be receding. Starting to fall off the pace in the 6 Nations and clubs not cutting it in the Euro competitions as much. Just don't have the financial clout to compete with English/French clubs for the better players and a lack of visible high-profile success could turn youngsters back to the GAA in in creasing numbers.

To a game which is becoming increasingly boring at county level, its main shop window, with defensive systems on top and a widening schism between the top 5/6 counties who might win something and the rest as also rans.

It's funny how the media and rugby fans try to paint it as this wonderful attacking game and have a go at gaelic football for being negative and defensive. A few points on this:

1) In football teams may get men behind the ball but they also break out and attack in numbers. In rugby there is 15 men behind the ball nearly all of the game.
2) In rugby the slowness of the game is summed by the fact that it is seen as an advantage to kick the ball out of play and is constantly stopped for the video ref.
3) People get easily fooled by the points system in rugby which can fool people into thinking its higher scoring than it is. Look at the stats from the games involving top teams in the 6 nations. Ireland beat England scoring 1 try and the rest were from 3 placed balls (the equivalent of kicking a free over in gaelic). England lost the game scoring 3 penalties. This was the same as what Ireland scoring in a game that lasted nearly 100 minutes v Wales.

Think about that people watched a game for 100 minutes in which all Ireland scored was the equivalent of kicking 3 free kicks over the bar. Compare that to the football championship in which nearly every game (played in less time) will have 25 scores and some much more.

And your coming on defending rugby over football on the basis that there is defensive systems in the gaa. It's a bit mad when you think about it.

The point about the 5 or 6 teams being better than the rest is also a bit muted when you consider there is only 4 teams in the whole of Ireland that the general rugby fan base has any interest in. And they cant even win a competition against smaller club teams from Scotland and Wales.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on May 30, 2017, 04:21:18 PM
Quote from: Redhand Santa on May 30, 2017, 04:10:06 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on May 30, 2017, 02:54:51 PM
Quote from: mouview on May 30, 2017, 02:13:23 PM
Think Irish rugby's heyday could be receding. Starting to fall off the pace in the 6 Nations and clubs not cutting it in the Euro competitions as much. Just don't have the financial clout to compete with English/French clubs for the better players and a lack of visible high-profile success could turn youngsters back to the GAA in in creasing numbers.

To a game which is becoming increasingly boring at county level, its main shop window, with defensive systems on top and a widening schism between the top 5/6 counties who might win something and the rest as also rans.

It's funny how the media and rugby fans try to paint it as this wonderful attacking game and have a go at gaelic football for being negative and defensive. A few points on this:

1) In football teams may get men behind the ball but they also break out and attack in numbers. In rugby there is 15 men behind the ball nearly all of the game.
2) In rugby the slowness of the game is summed by the fact that it is seen as an advantage to kick the ball out of play and is constantly stopped for the video ref.
3) People get easily fooled by the points system in rugby which can fool people into thinking its higher scoring than it is. Look at the stats from the games involving top teams in the 6 nations. Ireland beat England scoring 1 try and the rest were from 3 placed balls (the equivalent of kicking a free over in gaelic). England lost the game scoring 3 penalties. This was the same as what Ireland scoring in a game that lasted nearly 100 minutes v Wales.

Think about that people watched a game for 100 minutes in which all Ireland scored was the equivalent of kicking 3 free kicks over the bar. Compare that to the football championship in which nearly every game (played in less time) will have 25 scores and some much more.

And your coming on defending rugby over football on the basis that there is defensive systems in the gaa. It's a bit mad when you think about it.

The point about the 5 or 6 teams being better than the rest is also a bit muted when you consider there is only 4 teams in the whole of Ireland that the general rugby fan base has any interest in. And they cant even win a competition against smaller club teams from Scotland and Wales.



Have you played both rugby and GAA?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on May 30, 2017, 04:33:43 PM
the best rugby teams don't kick away the ball constantly

that's what munster and ireland tend to do

the best gaelic football teams kick the ball up the field quickly
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Jim_Murphy_74 on May 30, 2017, 05:41:25 PM
Quote from: Redhand Santa on May 30, 2017, 04:10:06 PM
The point about the 5 or 6 teams being better than the rest is also a bit muted when you consider there is only 4 teams in the whole of Ireland that the general rugby fan base has any interest in. And they cant even win a competition against smaller club teams from Scotland and Wales.

Since it's inception Irish times have won the Pro12 9 times (Leinster 4, Munster 3, Connacht 1, Ulster 1 ), Welsh teams 6 times and Scottish 1 time.  So arguably they can win it but not ever year.

/Jim.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on May 30, 2017, 08:08:44 PM
Quote from: mouview on May 30, 2017, 02:13:23 PM
Think Irish rugby's heyday could be receding. Starting to fall off the pace in the 6 Nations and clubs not cutting it in the Euro competitions as much. Just don't have the financial clout to compete with English/French clubs for the better players and a lack of visible high-profile success could turn youngsters back to the GAA in in creasing numbers.
I think it dépends what kind of rugby is played by the Irish teams. In terms of Bosh concussion bosh you are probably right but something more flaithiulach a la Connacht 2016 would have more of a chance of success.

Beirne who played for Scarlets is interesting. He wouldn't have made the Leinster team and is not supposed to see a rugby future outside of Ireland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Subbie on May 31, 2017, 03:31:09 AM
Quote from: seafoid on May 30, 2017, 08:08:44 PM
Quote from: mouview on May 30, 2017, 02:13:23 PM
Think Irish rugby's heyday could be receding. Starting to fall off the pace in the 6 Nations and clubs not cutting it in the Euro competitions as much. Just don't have the financial clout to compete with English/French clubs for the better players and a lack of visible high-profile success could turn youngsters back to the GAA in in creasing numbers.
I think it dépends what kind of rugby is played by the Irish teams. In terms of Bosh concussion bosh you are probably right but something more flaithiulach a la Connacht 2016 would have more of a chance of success.

Beirne who played for Scarlets is interesting. He wouldn't have made the Leinster team and is not supposed to see a rugby future outside of Ireland.

Exactly, then you read the comments about him and see pricks like this lad

A 10/1 shot to still be there in 18/19 season. Will be back at Leinster, and will be a great re-signing.

And the Leinster goys wonder why people gloat at their misfortune!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mouview on May 31, 2017, 10:08:48 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on May 30, 2017, 03:39:43 PM
Quote from: mouview on May 30, 2017, 02:13:23 PM
Think Irish rugby's heyday could be receding. Starting to fall off the pace in the 6 Nations and clubs not cutting it in the Euro competitions as much. Just don't have the financial clout to compete with English/French clubs for the better players and a lack of visible high-profile success could turn youngsters back to the GAA in in creasing numbers.

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D What a WUM!!!

Not a WUM. Children will emulate at play whatever they see as being topical or successful at a given time. If Irish rugby is on a downturn and struggling to achieve tangible success, kids will be less attracted to it. GAA's advantage is that it's peak exposure time comes during the summer months when children have more time to be outside and playing in the parks, streets, fields etc.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on May 31, 2017, 11:10:28 AM
Quote from: mouview on May 31, 2017, 10:08:48 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on May 30, 2017, 03:39:43 PM
Quote from: mouview on May 30, 2017, 02:13:23 PM
Think Irish rugby's heyday could be receding. Starting to fall off the pace in the 6 Nations and clubs not cutting it in the Euro competitions as much. Just don't have the financial clout to compete with English/French clubs for the better players and a lack of visible high-profile success could turn youngsters back to the GAA in in creasing numbers.

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D What a WUM!!!

Not a WUM. Children will emulate at play whatever they see as being topical or successful at a given time. If Irish rugby is on a downturn and struggling to achieve tangible success, kids will be less attracted to it. GAA's advantage is that it's peak exposure time comes during the summer months when children have more time to be outside and playing in the parks, streets, fields etc.

Apologies, you are just talking complete tosh then. You speak of this downturn in Irish teams fortunes, well that ain't happening anytime soon. If anything the next crop are potentially better than we've ever had. So you may get used to it!

Kids playing in the streets, parks and fields. You living back in the 1950's?? :)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mouview on May 31, 2017, 12:03:40 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on May 31, 2017, 11:10:28 AM
Quote from: mouview on May 31, 2017, 10:08:48 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on May 30, 2017, 03:39:43 PM
Quote from: mouview on May 30, 2017, 02:13:23 PM
Think Irish rugby's heyday could be receding. Starting to fall off the pace in the 6 Nations and clubs not cutting it in the Euro competitions as much. Just don't have the financial clout to compete with English/French clubs for the better players and a lack of visible high-profile success could turn youngsters back to the GAA in in creasing numbers.

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D What a WUM!!!

Not a WUM. Children will emulate at play whatever they see as being topical or successful at a given time. If Irish rugby is on a downturn and struggling to achieve tangible success, kids will be less attracted to it. GAA's advantage is that it's peak exposure time comes during the summer months when children have more time to be outside and playing in the parks, streets, fields etc.

Apologies, you are just talking complete tosh then. You speak of this downturn in Irish teams fortunes, well that ain't happening anytime soon. If anything the next crop are potentially better than we've ever had. So you may get used to it!

Kids playing in the streets, parks and fields. You living back in the 1950's?? :)

Err. it's already happening. No Irish winner of the Champions cup since 2012. Slipping off the pace recently in the 6 Nations, though we last won the tournament in 2015. Connacht won the Pro12 in style last year, but it was a bit of an outlier; Lam is leaving for Bristol and the club has really struggled all season. Leinster and Munster both heavily defeated in this year's later stages. Never progressed beyond the 1/4 finals at the World Cup (have we won an knockout game yet in that tournament?)
Who are the new O'Driscolls, O'Garas, Hickeys, D'Arcys, Stringers etc. that are coming through?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on May 31, 2017, 12:51:49 PM
Quote from: mouview on May 31, 2017, 12:03:40 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on May 31, 2017, 11:10:28 AM
Quote from: mouview on May 31, 2017, 10:08:48 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on May 30, 2017, 03:39:43 PM
Quote from: mouview on May 30, 2017, 02:13:23 PM
Think Irish rugby's heyday could be receding. Starting to fall off the pace in the 6 Nations and clubs not cutting it in the Euro competitions as much. Just don't have the financial clout to compete with English/French clubs for the better players and a lack of visible high-profile success could turn youngsters back to the GAA in in creasing numbers.

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D What a WUM!!!

Not a WUM. Children will emulate at play whatever they see as being topical or successful at a given time. If Irish rugby is on a downturn and struggling to achieve tangible success, kids will be less attracted to it. GAA's advantage is that it's peak exposure time comes during the summer months when children have more time to be outside and playing in the parks, streets, fields etc.

Apologies, you are just talking complete tosh then. You speak of this downturn in Irish teams fortunes, well that ain't happening anytime soon. If anything the next crop are potentially better than we've ever had. So you may get used to it!

Kids playing in the streets, parks and fields. You living back in the 1950's?? :)

Err. it's already happening. No Irish winner of the Champions cup since 2012. Slipping off the pace recently in the 6 Nations, though we last won the tournament in 2015. Connacht won the Pro12 in style last year, but it was a bit of an outlier; Lam is leaving for Bristol and the club has really struggled all season. Leinster and Munster both heavily defeated in this year's later stages. Never progressed beyond the 1/4 finals at the World Cup (have we won an knockout game yet in that tournament?)
Who are the new O'Driscolls, O'Garas, Hickeys, D'Arcys, Stringers etc. that are coming through?

Now that is the response of a WUM.  ;D ;D ;D ;D So kids will somehow stop following Ireland and the provinces as they haven't been successful??? Slipping off the pace at the 6 nations - you really don't have a clue do you. Did you start watching rugby in the 2000's.... Or maybe you remember when actually did struggle. On this warped rationale of yours then kids from 25+ counties in Ireland should stop following their county as they haven't a hope in hell of winning anything in the near future and I include my own in that!!



Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mouview on May 31, 2017, 03:36:39 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on May 31, 2017, 12:51:49 PM

Now that is the response of a WUM.  ;D ;D ;D ;D So kids will somehow stop following Ireland and the provinces as they haven't been successful??? Slipping off the pace at the 6 nations - you really don't have a clue do you. Did you start watching rugby in the 2000's.... Or maybe you remember when actually did struggle. On this warped rationale of yours then kids from 25+ counties in Ireland should stop following their county as they haven't a hope in hell of winning anything in the near future and I include my own in that!!

Am I factually incorrect? Did I start personalising the argument? In the 2015 6 Nations we won 2 games, this year we were beaten by Scotland, a game we were well expected to win. I actually stopped watching rugby in the 2000's, (having followed it since the late 70s), a bit fed up with the whole Sky-ification of the sport.

My main point is that we have dropped back a lot from the peak glory days of O'Driscoll, 2009 Grand Slam et al, thus Irish rugby's profile is lowered and is less 'sexy' to younger people; therefore, in my opinion admittedly, the potential numbers taking up and playing the sport will be reduced. Please, present a factional rebuttal to this. Who are the new generation about to come through?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on May 31, 2017, 04:54:54 PM
Quote from: mouview on May 31, 2017, 03:36:39 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on May 31, 2017, 12:51:49 PM

Now that is the response of a WUM.  ;D ;D ;D ;D So kids will somehow stop following Ireland and the provinces as they haven't been successful??? Slipping off the pace at the 6 nations - you really don't have a clue do you. Did you start watching rugby in the 2000's.... Or maybe you remember when actually did struggle. On this warped rationale of yours then kids from 25+ counties in Ireland should stop following their county as they haven't a hope in hell of winning anything in the near future and I include my own in that!!

Am I factually incorrect? Did I start personalising the argument? In the 2015 6 Nations we won 2 games, this year we were beaten by Scotland, a game we were well expected to win. I actually stopped watching rugby in the 2000's, (having followed it since the late 70s), a bit fed up with the whole Sky-ification of the sport.

My main point is that we have dropped back a lot from the peak glory days of O'Driscoll, 2009 Grand Slam et al, thus Irish rugby's profile is lowered and is less 'sexy' to younger people; therefore, in my opinion admittedly, the potential numbers taking up and playing the sport will be reduced. Please, present a factional rebuttal to this. Who are the new generation about to come through?

And yet you refuse to compare your rationale in the context of GAA. Will young lads in Derry & Armagh stop playing football, will young lads in Cork stop playing hurling?? Success doesnt always impact playing numbers and future success as much as you think. How did Spain go from perennial under-achievers to world beaters?? Better coaching, more coaches and better structures. Ireland is now tapping into GAA heartlands and unearthing the likes of Sean O'Brien and Tadgh Furlong and this will only continue.

Who are the future stars of Irish rugby? Darren Sweetnam, Jacob Stockdale, James Ryan, Kieran Treadwell, Jordan Larmour  & Andrew Porter to name but a few. You can use that down in the pub with your mates!

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mouview on June 01, 2017, 03:30:32 PM
GAA is endemic in Irish culture, (and soccer to an extent in towns and cities.) There is a notion (cf. Seofoid), whether real or perceived, that rugby has always been elitist or 'minority' (albeit a fairly sizeable one) and will thus be battling for playing numbers among children. In other words, children will usually default to playing GAA or soccer when/if they are out playing with their mates. Lesser success in rugby at top club or international level won't improve this and makes the game a harder sell, again IMHO.

Spain may have been perennial underachievers but they've always been a soccer-playing nation with prominent and visible club sides down through the years. Again, you can't apply this template to Irish rugby clubs, who've only really come to prominence with their formation at Provincial level.

How do you know whether I've any mates, or go to the pub, or meet any mates I may have in the pub?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AhNowRef on June 01, 2017, 03:35:29 PM
Quote from: mouview on May 31, 2017, 03:36:39 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on May 31, 2017, 12:51:49 PM

Now that is the response of a WUM.  ;D ;D ;D ;D So kids will somehow stop following Ireland and the provinces as they haven't been successful??? Slipping off the pace at the 6 nations - you really don't have a clue do you. Did you start watching rugby in the 2000's.... Or maybe you remember when actually did struggle. On this warped rationale of yours then kids from 25+ counties in Ireland should stop following their county as they haven't a hope in hell of winning anything in the near future and I include my own in that!!

Am I factually incorrect? Did I start personalising the argument? In the 2015 6 Nations we won 2 games, this year we were beaten by Scotland, a game we were well expected to win. I actually stopped watching rugby in the 2000's, (having followed it since the late 70s), a bit fed up with the whole Sky-ification of the sport.

My main point is that we have dropped back a lot from the peak glory days of O'Driscoll, 2009 Grand Slam et al, thus Irish rugby's profile is lowered and is less 'sexy' to younger people; therefore, in my opinion admittedly, the potential numbers taking up and playing the sport will be reduced. Please, present a factional rebuttal to this. Who are the new generation about to come through?

Refer to bold above ..... Jeez, So how can you tell whats going on then  :o

btw, Gaelic is my first sport .. Rugby is next and its bloody great, and I honestly believe that we (Ireland & Provinces) have a great future..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 01, 2017, 04:09:24 PM
Quote from: AhNowRef on June 01, 2017, 03:35:29 PM
Quote from: mouview on May 31, 2017, 03:36:39 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on May 31, 2017, 12:51:49 PM

Now that is the response of a WUM.  ;D ;D ;D ;D So kids will somehow stop following Ireland and the provinces as they haven't been successful??? Slipping off the pace at the 6 nations - you really don't have a clue do you. Did you start watching rugby in the 2000's.... Or maybe you remember when actually did struggle. On this warped rationale of yours then kids from 25+ counties in Ireland should stop following their county as they haven't a hope in hell of winning anything in the near future and I include my own in that!!

Am I factually incorrect? Did I start personalising the argument? In the 2015 6 Nations we won 2 games, this year we were beaten by Scotland, a game we were well expected to win. I actually stopped watching rugby in the 2000's, (having followed it since the late 70s), a bit fed up with the whole Sky-ification of the sport.

My main point is that we have dropped back a lot from the peak glory days of O'Driscoll, 2009 Grand Slam et al, thus Irish rugby's profile is lowered and is less 'sexy' to younger people; therefore, in my opinion admittedly, the potential numbers taking up and playing the sport will be reduced. Please, present a factional rebuttal to this. Who are the new generation about to come through?

Refer to bold above ..... Jeez, So how can you tell whats going on then  :o

btw, Gaelic is my first sport .. Rugby is next and its bloody great, and I honestly believe that we (Ireland & Provinces) have a great future..

LOL looks like Mouview is busted
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on June 01, 2017, 11:20:08 PM
You all seem like you're on your periods. Bit of a non-issue to get all angsty about.

Rugby will suffer like Gaa in that the drive to professionalism deters participation. Gone are the days that a heavy drinking culture was synonymous with a rugby/gaa club. That and the damage done to the body and brain by 80+ mins of bash artistry will probably go against rugby in the draw for larger youth numbers.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 01, 2017, 11:31:22 PM
Quote from: trileacman on June 01, 2017, 11:20:08 PM
You all seem like you're on your periods. Bit of a non-issue to get all angsty about.

Rugby will suffer like Gaa in that the drive to professionalism deters participation. Gone are the days that a heavy drinking culture was synonymous with a rugby/gaa club. That and the damage done to the body and brain by 80+ mins of bash artistry will probably go against rugby in the draw for larger youth numbers.

No need to be sexist pal ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on June 02, 2017, 12:16:01 AM
Apologies to anyone who is actually on their period.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on June 02, 2017, 08:11:37 AM
How much is this World Cup going to cost?
and how much do we have to pay World Rugby?

think of all the grassroots multi-sports facilities that could be developed across the country for the same amount
lunacy
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 02, 2017, 09:28:18 AM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on June 02, 2017, 08:11:37 AM
How much is this World Cup going to cost?
and how much do we have to pay World Rugby?

think of all the grassroots multi-sports facilities that could be developed across the country for the same amount
lunacy

Not sure on the figures but hopefully we get it. Be great for the country.

Did the Irish govt make a last min gaff with the bid? Had to push something through legislation?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: straightred on June 02, 2017, 09:33:29 AM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on June 02, 2017, 08:11:37 AM
How much is this World Cup going to cost?
and how much do we have to pay World Rugby?

think of all the grassroots multi-sports facilities that could be developed across the country for the same amount
lunacy

I'm no expert but it seems that rugby world cups do actually make money (unlike the olympics) so in that context it has to be good for the country. I have little more than a passing interest in the game but if it means that some gaa grounds get refurbished effectively for free then its a big thumbs here.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mouview on June 02, 2017, 10:24:02 AM
Quote from: trileacman on June 01, 2017, 11:20:08 PM
You all seem like you're on your periods. Bit of a non-issue to get all angsty about.

Rugby will suffer like Gaa in that the drive to professionalism deters participation. Gone are the days that a heavy drinking culture was synonymous with a rugby/gaa club. That and the damage done to the body and brain by 80+ mins of bash artistry will probably go against rugby in the draw for larger youth numbers.

Heaven forfend sir you should proffer anything that goes against the party line.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AhNowRef on June 02, 2017, 12:15:48 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on June 02, 2017, 08:11:37 AM
How much is this World Cup going to cost?
and how much do we have to pay World Rugby?

think of all the grassroots multi-sports facilities that could be developed across the country for the same amount
lunacy

Yeah, imagine if we accidentally got to host it twice in a row  :o ...  Dustin the Turkey would have to be put forward to construct & deliver the application for the next one .. and then we'd never win it again  :-[
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: DuffleKing on June 02, 2017, 01:23:59 PM


As someone involved in the promotion of Gaelic games at grass roots I don't want the RWC to come to town. It will be a fantastic sporting and tourist spectacle and no doubt phenomenal financial and feelgood windfall for the country. From a sports viewing perspective I'd also love it. However, the creep towards rugby is growing at juvenile level and this fantastic marketing occasion will only increase the flow. Selfish, insular reasoning I know but I guess I'm just like that!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 02, 2017, 01:45:39 PM
Quote from: DuffleKing on June 02, 2017, 01:23:59 PM


As someone involved in the promotion of Gaelic games at grass roots I don't want the RWC to come to town. It will be a fantastic sporting and tourist spectacle and no doubt phenomenal financial and feelgood windfall for the country. From a sports viewing perspective I'd also love it. However, the creep towards rugby is growing at juvenile level and this fantastic marketing occasion will only increase the flow. Selfish, insular reasoning I know but I guess I'm just like that!

But Duffle....Irish rugby is on the slide according to Mouview! Kids will stop playing it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on June 02, 2017, 01:51:38 PM
Rugby has destroyed the GAA in Derry. Just look at how the team played against Throne. The press ganged GAA lads end up bulking up on rugby supplements and crashing into Leinster fellas who are unable to move if the ball is unloaded quickly by an Antipodean. Plus concussion. Both Gaelic football and rugby are losers. C'est Lavey
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on June 02, 2017, 02:43:57 PM
And football in Dublin has been all but wiped out by Leinster rugby's high-profile European successes.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on June 02, 2017, 02:48:23 PM
Football in the Leinster home counties is ruined. Just look at the Leinster championship. Kildare and Meath. And when is the last time there was a close final that wasn't mired in controversy? Rugby with all its empty promises must be in large part responsible.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on June 02, 2017, 05:02:57 PM
Rugby is responsible for controversial close Leinster Finals?

Give me a while on that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AhNowRef on June 02, 2017, 05:12:08 PM
Lads, I think the two can sit side by side quite happily .. Kinda like whats happening right now  ???
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Declan on June 08, 2017, 01:18:06 PM
U20s getting tanked by New Zealand at the moment
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on June 08, 2017, 01:57:37 PM
(http://i.imgur.com/wIrM5al.jpg)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Declan on June 08, 2017, 03:31:58 PM
That's some Group 2

In other news: Ireland suffered their third loss at the World Under-20 Championship, falling to a 69-3 defeat against New Zealand in Kutaisi

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 08, 2017, 04:00:00 PM
Quote from: Declan on June 08, 2017, 03:31:58 PM
That's some Group 2

In other news: Ireland suffered their third loss at the World Under-20 Championship, falling to a 69-3 defeat against New Zealand in Kutaisi

It was fairly obvious this years u20s would struggle. Not an overly great side compared to last year (this happens) but to lose 7 or 8 starters is massive. Coupled with the whole McElroy debacle, the sooner it ends the better!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mouview on June 08, 2017, 04:16:18 PM
But I thought you said our next generation are better than ever before Walt?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 08, 2017, 06:20:51 PM
Quote from: mouview on June 08, 2017, 04:16:18 PM
But I thought you said our next generation are better than ever before Walt?

I was referring to our U20 performances in the last 3-4 years where we have continued to punch well above our weight. 3rd and 2nd in the U20 WC in the last 4 years.

This years side are young and missing over half their starting 15. They were bound to struggle.

Don't worry your wee head anyway Mouview. You can sleep well as you don't watch rugby anymore!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on June 09, 2017, 12:05:09 AM
This U20 team did reasonably well in the 6 Nations. I know there have been some injuries but the change of manager after the 6 Nations is most likely having a big impact. Hard to believe we beat NZ this time last year and finished 2nd.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on June 09, 2017, 12:09:15 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on June 09, 2017, 12:05:09 AM
This U20 team did reasonably well in the 6 Nations. I know there have been some injuries but the change of manager after the 6 Nations is most likely having a big impact. Hard to believe we beat NZ this time last year and finished 2nd.

Peter Malone the Munster Academy head has taken over from Carolan. He track record is poor at Munster so no surprise if there is a bit of a drop in standards.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on June 09, 2017, 12:14:05 AM
Quote from: Crete Boom on June 09, 2017, 12:09:15 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on June 09, 2017, 12:05:09 AM
This U20 team did reasonably well in the 6 Nations. I know there have been some injuries but the change of manager after the 6 Nations is most likely having a big impact. Hard to believe we beat NZ this time last year and finished 2nd.

Peter Malone the Munster Academy head has taken over from Carolan. He track record is poor at Munster so no surprise if there is a bit of a drop in standards.

Exactly. As a Connacht supporter I'm delighted Carolan is back with Connacht but he did a great job at U20 but it now seems like it's going to pot.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mouview on June 09, 2017, 10:08:52 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 08, 2017, 06:20:51 PM
Quote from: mouview on June 08, 2017, 04:16:18 PM
But I thought you said our next generation are better than ever before Walt?

I was referring to our U20 performances in the last 3-4 years where we have continued to punch well above our weight. 3rd and 2nd in the U20 WC in the last 4 years.

This years side are young and missing over half their starting 15. They were bound to struggle.

Don't worry your wee head anyway Mouview. You can sleep well as you don't watch rugby anymore!

Yerra, I do watch a bit of it if there's nothing else on. Our Lions reps aren't exactly setting the world on fire in NZ either are they? Something a bit adverse though about a wave of Afrikaaners and Antipodeans coming in, staying a few years and then turning around and playing for the Lions. Not saying a lot for our own home grown players.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 09, 2017, 11:15:12 AM
Quote from: mouview on June 09, 2017, 10:08:52 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 08, 2017, 06:20:51 PM
Quote from: mouview on June 08, 2017, 04:16:18 PM
But I thought you said our next generation are better than ever before Walt?

I was referring to our U20 performances in the last 3-4 years where we have continued to punch well above our weight. 3rd and 2nd in the U20 WC in the last 4 years.

This years side are young and missing over half their starting 15. They were bound to struggle.

Don't worry your wee head anyway Mouview. You can sleep well as you don't watch rugby anymore!

Yerra, I do watch a bit of it if there's nothing else on. Our Lions reps aren't exactly setting the world on fire in NZ either are they? Something a bit adverse though about a wave of Afrikaaners and Antipodeans coming in, staying a few years and then turning around and playing for the Lions. Not saying a lot for our own home grown players.

The Lions to be is a Sky generated farce. More interested in the tours of US/Japan. Agree on your point regarding overseas players playing for them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on June 09, 2017, 01:31:48 PM
Quote from: mouview on June 09, 2017, 10:08:52 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 08, 2017, 06:20:51 PM
Quote from: mouview on June 08, 2017, 04:16:18 PM
But I thought you said our next generation are better than ever before Walt?

I was referring to our U20 performances in the last 3-4 years where we have continued to punch well above our weight. 3rd and 2nd in the U20 WC in the last 4 years.

This years side are young and missing over half their starting 15. They were bound to struggle.

Don't worry your wee head anyway Mouview. You can sleep well as you don't watch rugby anymore!

Yerra, I do watch a bit of it if there's nothing else on. Our Lions reps aren't exactly setting the world on fire in NZ either are they? Something a bit adverse though about a wave of Afrikaaners and Antipodeans coming in, staying a few years and then turning around and playing for the Lions. Not saying a lot for our own home grown players.

The All Blacks have been stripping the best players from the island for years, so they are no different than any other country playing players who have gained residency.  The 5 year rule on residency will be an important restraint on al countries.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on June 12, 2017, 04:05:50 AM
Was watching the game v USA Saturday and it was sad to see Cain healys performance the man looks so muscle bound he can't move , I know he's had a lot of injuries but he really looks like he's done
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on June 12, 2017, 08:49:40 AM
Quote from: Gmac on June 12, 2017, 04:05:50 AM
Was watching the game v USA Saturday and it was sad to see Cain healys performance the man looks so muscle bound he can't move , I know he's had a lot of injuries but he really looks like he's done
You'd have to imagine that the Leinster and Ireland medical teams know more that we do, but what you described is certainly how it looks. Barnstroming, bursts of energy, runs seem a thing of the past. And if a ball doesnt go straight into the "basket" when passed to him, it just bounces off him full belt like he's made of trampoline (or maybe cement!).

Didnt think it was his worst game on Sunday mind.
Earls and Conan immense, and impressed with Scannell at hooker. Poor Joey Carberry had an absolute mare. Then Scannell eile comes on and misses a conversation from 14 yards under the posts! What has ROG been doing with them this week  :o
In fairness to Scannell, bar the conversion miss he did well otherwise. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on June 12, 2017, 09:24:02 AM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on June 09, 2017, 01:31:48 PM
Quote from: mouview on June 09, 2017, 10:08:52 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 08, 2017, 06:20:51 PM
Quote from: mouview on June 08, 2017, 04:16:18 PM
But I thought you said our next generation are better than ever before Walt?

I was referring to our U20 performances in the last 3-4 years where we have continued to punch well above our weight. 3rd and 2nd in the U20 WC in the last 4 years.

This years side are young and missing over half their starting 15. They were bound to struggle.

Don't worry your wee head anyway Mouview. You can sleep well as you don't watch rugby anymore!

Yerra, I do watch a bit of it if there's nothing else on. Our Lions reps aren't exactly setting the world on fire in NZ either are they? Something a bit adverse though about a wave of Afrikaaners and Antipodeans coming in, staying a few years and then turning around and playing for the Lions. Not saying a lot for our own home grown players.

The All Blacks have been stripping the best players from the island for years, so they are no different than any other country playing players who have gained residency.  The 5 year rule on residency will be an important restraint on al countries.

This thing about the Pacific islanders is greatly overstated in the minds up here. I did a hot of analysis on that a couple of years ago.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on June 12, 2017, 09:53:02 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 12, 2017, 09:24:02 AM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on June 09, 2017, 01:31:48 PM
Quote from: mouview on June 09, 2017, 10:08:52 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 08, 2017, 06:20:51 PM
Quote from: mouview on June 08, 2017, 04:16:18 PM
But I thought you said our next generation are better than ever before Walt?

I was referring to our U20 performances in the last 3-4 years where we have continued to punch well above our weight. 3rd and 2nd in the U20 WC in the last 4 years.

This years side are young and missing over half their starting 15. They were bound to struggle.

Don't worry your wee head anyway Mouview. You can sleep well as you don't watch rugby anymore!

Yerra, I do watch a bit of it if there's nothing else on. Our Lions reps aren't exactly setting the world on fire in NZ either are they? Something a bit adverse though about a wave of Afrikaaners and Antipodeans coming in, staying a few years and then turning around and playing for the Lions. Not saying a lot for our own home grown players.

The All Blacks have been stripping the best players from the island for years, so they are no different than any other country playing players who have gained residency.  The 5 year rule on residency will be an important restraint on al countries.

This thing about the Pacific islanders is greatly overstated in the minds up here. I did a hot of analysis on that a couple of years ago.
Yep, I think a lot of them were born in New Zealand to emigrants, or moved there when they were very young, well before any rugby prowess revealed itself.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on June 12, 2017, 10:13:41 AM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on June 12, 2017, 09:53:02 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 12, 2017, 09:24:02 AM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on June 09, 2017, 01:31:48 PM
Quote from: mouview on June 09, 2017, 10:08:52 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 08, 2017, 06:20:51 PM
Quote from: mouview on June 08, 2017, 04:16:18 PM
But I thought you said our next generation are better than ever before Walt?

I was referring to our U20 performances in the last 3-4 years where we have continued to punch well above our weight. 3rd and 2nd in the U20 WC in the last 4 years.

This years side are young and missing over half their starting 15. They were bound to struggle.

Don't worry your wee head anyway Mouview. You can sleep well as you don't watch rugby anymore!

Yerra, I do watch a bit of it if there's nothing else on. Our Lions reps aren't exactly setting the world on fire in NZ either are they? Something a bit adverse though about a wave of Afrikaaners and Antipodeans coming in, staying a few years and then turning around and playing for the Lions. Not saying a lot for our own home grown players.

The All Blacks have been stripping the best players from the island for years, so they are no different than any other country playing players who have gained residency.  The 5 year rule on residency will be an important restraint on al countries.

This thing about the Pacific islanders is greatly overstated in the minds up here. I did a hot of analysis on that a couple of years ago.
Yep, I think a lot of them were born in New Zealand to emigrants, or moved there when they were very young, well before any rugby prowess revealed itself.

Exactly. There's a lot of immigration into New Zealand from the Pacific Islands, and that naturally makes people think that they have been pillaging Fiji, Tonga and Samoa for these players when actually they are New Zealand born, a lot of them.  I think in recent years, as other nations have used the residency rule more, New Zealand have picked it up a bit alright. But just for comparison, the number of foreign born players in each countries World Cup squad from 2015 was .....

Samoa (13) (All New Zealand Born!!)
Tonga (12) 2 Aussies, 1 Fiji, 9 New Zealand.
Wales (11) 9 England, 1 Aussie, 1 Tongan
Japan (11) 7 New Zealand, 2 Tonga, 1 Aussie, 1 South Africa
Scotland (11) 2 South Africa, 3 England, 2 New Zealand, 1 Zimbabwe, 1 Spain, 1 USA, 1 Netherlands
France (10) 3 South Africa, 1 Belgium, 1 New Zealand, 1 Ivory Coast, 1 Congo, 1 Burkino Faso, 1 Algeria, 1 Fiji
Australia (9) 1 Saudi Arabia, 4 New Zealand, 1 Zimbabwe, 1 Papua New Guinea, 2 Fiji
Italy (9) 4 Argentina, 2 South Africa, 2 Australia, 1 Fiji
USA (9) 1 Tonga, 4 Australia, 2 Ireland, 1 South Africa, 1 Zimbabwe
Canada (5) 1 Nigeria, 2 England, 1 Scotland, 1 South Africa
Ireland (5) 1 South Africa, 2 New Zealand, 1 Israel, 1 Spain
New Zealand (5) 2 Australia, 1 American Samoa, 1 Fiji, 1 Tonga
Romania (4) 1 Georgia, 1 South Africa, 1 New Zealand, 1 Tonga
England (3) 1 New Zealand, 1 Australia, 1 South Africa
Fiji (3) 2 Australia, 1 England
Namibia (2) 2 South African
Georgia (1) 1 Russian
South Africa (1) 1 Zimbabwe
Uruguay (1) 1 Argentina
Argentina (0)

Obviously there is a difference between someone like Jordi Murphy (Spain), Jamie Heaslip (Israel) and the 'residency' guys. They were born abroad when their parents were working abroad. Nonetheless it is interesting to note that rather than ravaging the world for talent, as you'd think, NEw Zealand actually supplied 40 players to other countries. More New Zealanders represented other countries than represented New Zealand. Including 2 for Ireland.


Source http://www.americasrugbynews.com/2015/09/13/foreign-born-players-rwc-2015/ (http://www.americasrugbynews.com/2015/09/13/foreign-born-players-rwc-2015/)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 12, 2017, 02:18:50 PM
Great posts there lads. Yeah it appears to be a bit of a myth. Was thinking if the pro league in the US ever takes off you could maybe see a load of young kiwis go there at an early age as it's so hard to become an All Black.

Keith Earl's was electric the other night. Delighted to see Stockdale and Ryan get under the sticks also.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: DuffleKing on June 12, 2017, 04:38:20 PM

Interested to know who the 9 english born welsh men are?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on June 12, 2017, 05:06:14 PM
Auckland has the highest % of Polynesians in the world, in a city.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on June 12, 2017, 05:17:01 PM
Quote from: DuffleKing on June 12, 2017, 04:38:20 PM

Interested to know who the 9 english born welsh men are?

North
Cuthbert
Charteris
Davies
Lydiate
Ball
Jarvis
Amos
Francis
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on June 17, 2017, 06:41:14 AM
Ireland scoring for fun. Earls being made to look world class again (which he isnt). Impressed with the attendance which is great news for the world cup
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on June 17, 2017, 06:53:58 AM
Would like to see o halloran for zebo soon
Chan Healy playing a lot better today
Earls is looking good
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 19, 2017, 12:50:32 PM
Looks like Erasmus has handed in his notice. Shame that!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gawa316 on June 22, 2017, 12:31:07 AM
Haven't seen enough of the provinces or Ireland of late but have we seen the last of Heaslip as a starter? I am thinking a backrow of POM, SOB and Stander playing 8.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on June 22, 2017, 01:55:48 AM
Quote from: gawa316 on June 22, 2017, 12:31:07 AM
Haven't seen enough of the provinces or Ireland of late but have we seen the last of Heaslip as a starter? I am thinking a backrow of POM, SOB and Stander playing 8.

SOB is made of glass.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 23, 2017, 10:32:43 AM
Team to face Japan. Still can't understand what T'OHalloran has to do to start. Is he not wise or something? Perhaps the Connacht men can shed some light. Surely rest Earls, Start Conway on the wing and O'Halloran at FB. Great to see Stockdale get another go. Superstar in the making!

Ireland: A Conway; K Earls, G Ringrose, L Marshall, J Stockdale; P Jackson, K Marmion; C Healy, J Tracy, John Ryan; K Treadwell, D Toner; R Ruddock, J van der Flier, J Conan.

Replacements: N Scannell, D Kilcoyne, A Porter, James Ryan, S Reidy, J Cooney, R Scannell, T O'Halloran.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GaillimhIarthair on June 23, 2017, 10:53:53 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 23, 2017, 10:32:43 AM
Team to face Japan. Still can't understand what T'OHalloran has to do to start. Is he not wise or something? Perhaps the Connacht men can shed some light. Surely rest Earls, Start Conway on the wing and O'Halloran at FB. Great to see Stockdale get another go. Superstar in the making!

Ireland: A Conway; K Earls, G Ringrose, L Marshall, J Stockdale; P Jackson, K Marmion; C Healy, J Tracy, John Ryan; K Treadwell, D Toner; R Ruddock, J van der Flier, J Conan.

Replacements: N Scannell, D Kilcoyne, A Porter, James Ryan, S Reidy, J Cooney, R Scannell, T O'Halloran.
TOH was behind Conway in the pecking order during the 6N and with him now getting a run a FB as well as wing, it seem that is still the case.  I see TOH week in and out during the season and he is a fine player and would love to see him get a proper run to show his worth but it doesn't seem to be happening for him under Joe - the selections for the Autumn internationals will tell a lot.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 23, 2017, 11:08:09 AM
He's a class player GI no doubt. Along with Sweetnam, Byrne and Stockdale all very exciting players coming through.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on July 07, 2017, 07:02:16 PM
It looks like South African teams might be joining the Pro12

http://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/40522124

QuoteSouth African sides Cheetahs and Southern Kings have moved a step closer to joining the Pro12 by agreeing their departure from Super Rugby. Both sides are free "to explore other international opportunities" after reaching an agreement with the South African Rugby Union.

The Kings and Cheetahs are set to link up with the Pro12 from next season.

Super Rugby will be cut from 18 to 15 teams next season, with the exit of one Australian and two South African sides. A special SA Rugby general meeting in Cape Town on Friday formally announced South Africa's four participants in Super Rugby next season. As well as the four teams from South Africa - the Sharks, Lions, Bulls and Stormers - the restructured competition will comprise five from New Zealand, four from Australia and one each from Argentina and Japan.

The Cheetahs have opted for a settlement with SA Rugby despite having an agreement in place to play until 2020. Cheetahs chief executive Harold Verster welcomed the prospect of a move into another international competition. He said: "It will be an exciting challenge for our players, supporters and commercial partners and will be the start of a new chapter for rugby both in our region and in South Africa."

Andre Rademan - president of the Eastern Province Rugby Union, the Kings' controlling body - said: "It has been a rollercoaster ride for the franchise for a number of seasons but there is now a clear and viable way forward for rugby in the Eastern Cape to build on the foundations that have been laid - particularly in the past season." Rademan added that "the chance to test ourselves against different opposition in different conditions is a mouth-watering one".

There is only a 2 hour timezone difference but the flights are over 11 hours
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on July 07, 2017, 07:42:51 PM
Quote from: dec on July 07, 2017, 07:02:16 PM
It looks like South African teams might be joining the Pro12

http://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/40522124

QuoteSouth African sides Cheetahs and Southern Kings have moved a step closer to joining the Pro12 by agreeing their departure from Super Rugby. Both sides are free "to explore other international opportunities" after reaching an agreement with the South African Rugby Union.

The Kings and Cheetahs are set to link up with the Pro12 from next season.

Super Rugby will be cut from 18 to 15 teams next season, with the exit of one Australian and two South African sides. A special SA Rugby general meeting in Cape Town on Friday formally announced South Africa's four participants in Super Rugby next season. As well as the four teams from South Africa - the Sharks, Lions, Bulls and Stormers - the restructured competition will comprise five from New Zealand, four from Australia and one each from Argentina and Japan.

The Cheetahs have opted for a settlement with SA Rugby despite having an agreement in place to play until 2020. Cheetahs chief executive Harold Verster welcomed the prospect of a move into another international competition. He said: "It will be an exciting challenge for our players, supporters and commercial partners and will be the start of a new chapter for rugby both in our region and in South Africa."

Andre Rademan - president of the Eastern Province Rugby Union, the Kings' controlling body - said: "It has been a rollercoaster ride for the franchise for a number of seasons but there is now a clear and viable way forward for rugby in the Eastern Cape to build on the foundations that have been laid - particularly in the past season." Rademan added that "the chance to test ourselves against different opposition in different conditions is a mouth-watering one".

There is only a 2 hour timezone difference but the flights are over 11 hours
Sounds nuts and all because the SA league has 2 rejects
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Kilkevan on July 18, 2017, 06:07:37 PM
It's confirmed. Cheetahs and Southern Kings will play in the Pro 12 next year making the tournament a 14 team competition. Two groups of seven; 2 Irish, 2 Welsh, 1 Scottish, 1 Italian and 1 South African in each group. I had heard the South African teams will play a lot of their matches in Europe but how that works for their home support is a mystery.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on July 19, 2017, 10:07:37 AM
Quote from: Kilkevan on July 18, 2017, 06:07:37 PM
It's confirmed. Cheetahs and Southern Kings will play in the Pro 12 next year making the tournament a 14 team competition. Two groups of seven; 2 Irish, 2 Welsh, 1 Scottish, 1 Italian and 1 South African in each group. I had heard the South African teams will play a lot of their matches in Europe but how that works for their home support is a mystery.

Yeah I think both teams will be based out of Saracens ground in North London. Must be banking on the big Saffa community in London to support them. Not sure how successful this will be tbh.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on July 19, 2017, 10:15:09 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on July 19, 2017, 10:07:37 AM
Quote from: Kilkevan on July 18, 2017, 06:07:37 PM
It's confirmed. Cheetahs and Southern Kings will play in the Pro 12 next year making the tournament a 14 team competition. Two groups of seven; 2 Irish, 2 Welsh, 1 Scottish, 1 Italian and 1 South African in each group. I had heard the South African teams will play a lot of their matches in Europe but how that works for their home support is a mystery.

Yeah I think both teams will be based out of Saracens ground in North London. Must be banking on the big Saffa community in London to support them. Not sure how successful this will be tbh.

Not sure I like the sound of this at all. So for example Ulster might not play Leinster in that season or there mightn't be a Munster v Leinster game? I just don't see what this offers the Pro 12 league.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Kilkevan on July 19, 2017, 11:15:51 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on July 19, 2017, 10:07:37 AM
Quote from: Kilkevan on July 18, 2017, 06:07:37 PM
It's confirmed. Cheetahs and Southern Kings will play in the Pro 12 next year making the tournament a 14 team competition. Two groups of seven; 2 Irish, 2 Welsh, 1 Scottish, 1 Italian and 1 South African in each group. I had heard the South African teams will play a lot of their matches in Europe but how that works for their home support is a mystery.

Yeah I think both teams will be based out of Saracens ground in North London. Must be banking on the big Saffa community in London to support them. Not sure how successful this will be tbh.

So basically they're moving the entire clubs over to London and leaving their home support in South Africa with nothing? That's rough. I know they were being dropped from the Super Rugby championship but is there literally nothing else they could have competed in?

It's also not going to do the pitch at Allianz Park any favours having three teams playing on it for a season.

Quote from: square_ball on July 19, 2017, 10:15:09 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on July 19, 2017, 10:07:37 AM
Quote from: Kilkevan on July 18, 2017, 06:07:37 PM
It's confirmed. Cheetahs and Southern Kings will play in the Pro 12 next year making the tournament a 14 team competition. Two groups of seven; 2 Irish, 2 Welsh, 1 Scottish, 1 Italian and 1 South African in each group. I had heard the South African teams will play a lot of their matches in Europe but how that works for their home support is a mystery.

Yeah I think both teams will be based out of Saracens ground in North London. Must be banking on the big Saffa community in London to support them. Not sure how successful this will be tbh.

Not sure I like the sound of this at all. So for example Ulster might not play Leinster in that season or there mightn't be a Munster v Leinster game? I just don't see what this offers the Pro12 league.

I'd say it's up in the air at the moment. In terms of what it offers the Pro12, about £7million for a start off and additional TV rights. They're also trying to build the product so it can compete with Premiership Rugby and the Top 14. I think they face an impossible task though. The early outline for how the competition will proceed will deny fans their quota of derby matches and will surely add to the contrived nature of the competition; local rivalry builds interest and intensity and this is something the Rugby Premiership and the Top 14 have which the Pro12 can't get. Most teams in the two former competitions are playing teams they are relatively geographically close to or have a history with on a very regular basis, whilst that's not true in the latter... And wait until you hear the next great idea... Adding two North American franchises...

I lost interest in the Pro12 years ago and get my fix from the Top 14 and I can't see these ideas pulling me back any time soon.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on July 19, 2017, 11:21:25 AM
Would a European league - Div 1 & 2 or Regional based not make more sense to the blazers??

Surely the French and English Clubs would love the potential of big travelling support from Ireland. Better TV deals etc

These South African franchises might eventually morph into London based clubs with no ties to the homeland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Kilkevan on July 19, 2017, 11:33:41 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on July 19, 2017, 11:21:25 AM
Would a European league - Div 1 & 2 or Regional based not make more sense to the blazers??

Surely the French and English Clubs would love the potential of big travelling support from Ireland. Better TV deals etc

These South African franchises might eventually morph into London based clubs with no ties to the homeland.

The simple fact is the Rugby Premiership and the Top 14 don't need the Irish, Welsh, Scottish and Italian teams. The quality in both is top notch, though I much prefer the French style of the competition to the English, and they're making megabucks from the competitions each year. It's a non-starter to even think of developing a competition with the English and French teams.

I don't know about in England but in France the Champions Cup isn't even seen as the pinnacle; the Top 14 is. The French teams in the Challenge Cup aren't really interested in it until it gets to semifinal stage; the quality and depth of their squads means they often get there anyway and whilst the Champions Cup is seen as highly desirable, clubs would still rather win the national championship.

The Welsh regions have tried a number of times to get into the Rugby Premiership but it hasn't worked. A bit like Celtic and Rangers trying it with soccer. The Welsh regions are a load of cr@p anyway as they supposedly put together clubs which hate each other; the Blues supposedly include, for example, Cardiff and Pontypridd whilst Ponty despise Cardiff and the Ospreys include Swansea and Neath who have never gotten on. Hence the disengagement from the public.

The Pro12 is in serious trouble going forward, especially when you read this: http://www.punditarena.com/rugby/gbrennan/proposed-pro-12-format-decimate-provincial-derbies/

The first thing I get from that is the organisers are so clueless that they don't even know the biggest Irish derby is Munster v Leinster nor that rivalry in Wales is most intensely felt when Cardiff meet Newport and Llanelli play Ospreys.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on July 19, 2017, 11:36:36 AM
Quote from: Kilkevan on July 19, 2017, 11:33:41 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on July 19, 2017, 11:21:25 AM
Would a European league - Div 1 & 2 or Regional based not make more sense to the blazers??

Surely the French and English Clubs would love the potential of big travelling support from Ireland. Better TV deals etc

These South African franchises might eventually morph into London based clubs with no ties to the homeland.

The simple fact is the Rugby Premiership and the Top 14 don't need the Irish, Welsh, Scottish and Italian teams. The quality in both is top notch, though I much prefer the French style of the competition to the English, and they're making megabucks from the competitions each year. It's a non-starter to even think of developing a competition with the English and French teams.

I don't know about in England but in France the Champions Cup isn't even seen as the pinnacle; the Top 14 is. The French teams in the Challenge Cup aren't really interested in it until it gets to semifinal stage; the quality and depth of their squads means they often get there anyway and whilst the Champions Cup is seen as highly desirable, clubs would still rather win the national championship.

The Welsh regions have tried a number of times to get into the Rugby Premiership but it hasn't worked. A bit like Celtic and Rangers trying it with soccer. The Welsh regions are a load of cr@p anyway as they supposedly put together clubs which hate each other; the Blues supposedly include, for example, Cardiff and Pontypridd whilst Ponty despise Cardiff and the Ospreys include Swansea and Neath who have never gotten on. Hence the disengagement from the public.

The Pro12 is in serious trouble going forward, especially when you read this: http://www.punditarena.com/rugby/gbrennan/proposed-pro-12-format-decimate-provincial-derbies/

The first thing I get from that is the organisers are so clueless that they don't even know the biggest Irish derby is Munster v Leinster nor that rivalry in Wales is most intensely felt when Cardiff meet Newport and Llanelli play Ospreys.



The Top 14 is garbage to watch. Its a scrum fest!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on July 19, 2017, 11:53:56 AM
Quote from: Kilkevan on July 19, 2017, 11:33:41 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on July 19, 2017, 11:21:25 AM
Would a European league - Div 1 & 2 or Regional based not make more sense to the blazers??

Surely the French and English Clubs would love the potential of big travelling support from Ireland. Better TV deals etc

These South African franchises might eventually morph into London based clubs with no ties to the homeland.

The simple fact is the Rugby Premiership and the Top 14 don't need the Irish, Welsh, Scottish and Italian teams. The quality in both is top notch, though I much prefer the French style of the competition to the English, and they're making megabucks from the competitions each year. It's a non-starter to even think of developing a competition with the English and French teams.

I don't know about in England but in France the Champions Cup isn't even seen as the pinnacle; the Top 14 is. The French teams in the Challenge Cup aren't really interested in it until it gets to semifinal stage; the quality and depth of their squads means they often get there anyway and whilst the Champions Cup is seen as highly desirable, clubs would still rather win the national championship.

The Welsh regions have tried a number of times to get into the Rugby Premiership but it hasn't worked. A bit like Celtic and Rangers trying it with soccer. The Welsh regions are a load of cr@p anyway as they supposedly put together clubs which hate each other; the Blues supposedly include, for example, Cardiff and Pontypridd whilst Ponty despise Cardiff and the Ospreys include Swansea and Neath who have never gotten on. Hence the disengagement from the public.

The Pro12 is in serious trouble going forward, especially when you read this: http://www.punditarena.com/rugby/gbrennan/proposed-pro-12-format-decimate-provincial-derbies/

The first thing I get from that is the organisers are so clueless that they don't even know the biggest Irish derby is Munster v Leinster nor that rivalry in Wales is most intensely felt when Cardiff meet Newport and Llanelli play Ospreys.

The Derbies will likely be kept otherwise it would be financial suicide, just because teams are in different conferences doesnt mean they dont play each other, look at most american sports
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Kilkevan on July 19, 2017, 12:22:14 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on July 19, 2017, 11:36:36 AM
The Top 14 is garbage to watch. Its a scrum fest!

I don't know what Top 14 matches you've seen but I can assure you it's nothing of the sort. Matches between the struggling teams tend to be forward dominated because of the desperation these teams feel from the pressure of trying to avoid going down to D2 which seriously hurts a player's reputation. The top teams go for it a lot more, particularly with the rules around bonus points. Very few matches in France are ever dead with time to go because you have to have scored three more tries than the opposition (and win) to get the attacking bonus. Hence Clermont, for example, could have scored four tries to Bayonne's none but have to look for the fifth if possible because if Bayonne score one then their bonus is threatened. In the Pro12, if Leinster are twenty points ahead of Treviso, having scored four tries and with 25 minutes to play the game is over. Also, with two teams facing the drop, six teams in the quarter finals and a seventh place meaning a play off for Champions Cup rugby, there's something to play for for almost every team right up until the end of the season. There's nothing like that in the Pro12. There's a lot more movement of teams year on year in France. Toulouse seriously struggled last year for example and Stade Francais nearly went out of existence whilst La Rochelle really performed. In the Pro12, the decent teams tend to stay at the top and the cr@p teams (three quarters of the league) stay at the bottom, Connacht's championship being a fluke year. The quality across the Pro12 is terrible as well; there's only about three teams that are any way decent and none of them would live in France or England with hard matches coming every other week.

Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on July 19, 2017, 11:53:56 AM
The Derbies will likely be kept otherwise it would be financial suicide, just because teams are in different conferences doesnt mean they dont play each other, look at most american sports

I'd say they're only at the teething stages at the moment.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on July 19, 2017, 01:20:14 PM
If they are keeping the derbies they'd want to schedule them a bit better or relax the international hold on the players. Christmas should be a brilliant few games between connacht ulster leinster and munster, but because of regulations teams can only play internationals in one of the games. They usually pick the home game. Hence munster travel to connacht with a B team and leinster come to Thomond park. It's a joke from a league marketing perspective. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on July 19, 2017, 01:29:22 PM
From.the Irish Times

The risk of doing nothing with the Pro12 in the long term is the greater risk. We have to have some sort of paradigm change, otherwise we'll keep doing the same thing and getting the same result and we'll fall further behind Top 14 and PRL. 

"One would hope that if we go to a new market, no matter what that market is, that it will have a positive impact on the revenue generated by Pro12 and on the distributions that are made to the unions/clubs."
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Kilkevan on July 19, 2017, 01:40:02 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on July 19, 2017, 01:20:14 PM
If they are keeping the derbies they'd want to schedule them a bit better or relax the international hold on the players. Christmas should be a brilliant few games between connacht ulster leinster and munster, but because of regulations teams can only play internationals in one of the games. They usually pick the home game. Hence munster travel to connacht with a B team and leinster come to Thomond park. It's a joke from a league marketing perspective.

If they're going to go ahead with two conferences it surely makes sense to have them set up something like:

Conference A: 4 Welsh, 2 Italian, 2 South African.

Conference B: 4 Irish, 2 Scottish.

The 2 Scottish, 2 Italian and 2 South African could alternate between A and B on a season to season basis. It preserves the derbies. Arguably it would make the competition more interesting also as you'd be guaranteed derbies almost every week for Irish and Welsh teams, who make up the meat of the tournament. Fans care more about beating their neighbours than they do teams from other countries. The only problem is the imbalance, at least until they launch, if ever, the North American franchises. Alternatively, have development Irish and Welsh teams to make up the extra places; it wouldn't do much for the competitiveness but it could be a boon for underage in those countries. That or perhaps give RGC1404 and a best of the AIL a run.

Quote from: seafoid on July 19, 2017, 01:29:22 PM
From.the Irish Times

The risk of doing nothing with the Pro12 in the long term is the greater risk. We have to have some sort of paradigm change, otherwise we'll keep doing the same thing and getting the same result and we'll fall further behind Top 14 and PRL.

"One would hope that if we go to a new market, no matter what that market is, that it will have a positive impact on the revenue generated by Pro12 and on the distributions that are made to the unions/clubs."

That comment in the Irish Times smacks of desperation.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on July 19, 2017, 01:41:44 PM
Premier League rugby may not be the best in terms of quality but in terms of entertainment they have a decent product there and there have been some good finishes over the past few seasons.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Kilkevan on July 19, 2017, 02:50:20 PM
One thing which springs to mind is wouldn't this be the opportune moment to add relegation and try to turn this into a tournament where there is something riding on results almost right to the end instead of petering out for most teams as it does now? Surely this is something the Pro12 misses out on compared to the Rugby Premiership and the Top 14. I doubt it could be pushed through for this season because of legal ramifications but why not have a 14 team tournament this year, with no play offs, then split into two divisions based on positions at the end of 2017/18.

I'm going to hazard a guess that the South African teams will be good (at least by Pro12 standards) so 2018/19 (basing off 2016/17 finishing positions as we don't have 2017/18 positions yet) might look something like:

Division One: Cheetahs, Leinster, Llanelli, Munster, Ospreys, Southern Kings, Ulster.

Division Two: Cardiff, Connacht, Dragons, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Treviso, Zebre.

Division One could feature playoffs between the top four for the championship, with bottom place going down. Division Two could have the top placed team going straight up and feature playoffs between second to fifth with the winners playing sixth in Division One in a promotion/relegation play off. That would leave a situation where most teams had something to go for in the final weeks of their season. The potential for missed derbies could arguably be made up by having a national cup competition made up of the Irish teams in one, Welsh teams in another and Italian, Scottish and South African in a third. Perhaps Champions Cup places could be decided on these cup competitions to give them a bit of extra bite (the Italian, Scottish and South African cup would be a bit complicated to ensure at least one of each progressed to the ECC but this could be worked out).
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on July 25, 2017, 08:01:59 PM
https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2017/0725/892950-paddy-jackson-stuart-olding/

Where are all the people who defended this wee bollix now?

Schmidt and Kiss should be ashamed of themselves for continuing to pick him with this hanging over him. Disgrace to both jersies.

American sports get a lot of things right and one of them is their willingness to suspend players facing charges.. like a lot of other sports, rugby is totally backwards and will only reach a similar point in its evolution the decades to come.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on July 25, 2017, 08:20:02 PM
Quote from: Syferus on July 25, 2017, 08:01:59 PM
https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2017/0725/892950-paddy-jackson-stuart-olding/

Where are all the people who defended this wee bollix now?

Schmidt and Kiss should be ashamed of themselves for continuing to pick him with this hanging over him. Disgrace to both jersies.

American sports get a lot of things right and one of them is their willingness to suspend players facing charges.. like a lot of other sports, rugby is totally backwards and will only reach a similar point in its evolution the decades to come.

Innocent until proven guilty I believe the term is!! If found guilty then punish appropriately but please excuse me from condemning anybody on the internet from behind a username no matter how brave this may seem!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on July 25, 2017, 08:20:11 PM
Was the court case today as well? Must have missed that part.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Shamrock Shore on July 25, 2017, 08:23:36 PM
Jazes Syferus. Hang them first and then put them on trial, eh?

Should everyone accused of something have to 'step aside' from their job or profession?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on July 25, 2017, 08:26:28 PM
The police have spent months pouring over the case. If they didn't think they had a very good shot at conviction they would not charge him, and the act of charging him says they fully believe he's guilty. Save your hand wringing for someone that doesn't see how marginalized rape victims are.

I hope he never plays for Ulster or Ireland again.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on July 25, 2017, 08:41:17 PM
Quote from: Syferus on July 25, 2017, 08:01:59 PM
American sports get a lot of things right and one of them is their willingness to suspend players facing charges.. like a lot of other sports, rugby is totally backwards and will only reach a similar point in its evolution the decades to come.

They are facing charges.

They have been suspended.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on July 25, 2017, 08:45:36 PM
Quote from: gallsman on July 25, 2017, 08:41:17 PM
Quote from: Syferus on July 25, 2017, 08:01:59 PM
American sports get a lot of things right and one of them is their willingness to suspend players facing charges.. like a lot of other sports, rugby is totally backwards and will only reach a similar point in its evolution the decades to come.

They are facing charges.

They have been suspended.

They have been facing investigation for months.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on July 25, 2017, 08:51:47 PM
Quote from: Syferus on July 25, 2017, 08:45:36 PM
Quote from: gallsman on July 25, 2017, 08:41:17 PM
Quote from: Syferus on July 25, 2017, 08:01:59 PM
American sports get a lot of things right and one of them is their willingness to suspend players facing charges.. like a lot of other sports, rugby is totally backwards and will only reach a similar point in its evolution the decades to come.

They are facing charges.

They have been suspended.

They have been facing investigation for months.

That's different from facing charges. You claimed that US sports would suspend players facing charges. That is exactly what has happened here.

You claimed this bollocks about how great US franchises are at shutting down players at the first sign of trouble when the Adam Johnson case hit the news too and were shown up as talking utter shite then as well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on July 25, 2017, 09:11:25 PM
Quote from: gallsman on July 25, 2017, 08:51:47 PM
Quote from: Syferus on July 25, 2017, 08:45:36 PM
Quote from: gallsman on July 25, 2017, 08:41:17 PM
Quote from: Syferus on July 25, 2017, 08:01:59 PM
American sports get a lot of things right and one of them is their willingness to suspend players facing charges.. like a lot of other sports, rugby is totally backwards and will only reach a similar point in its evolution the decades to come.

They are facing charges.

They have been suspended.

They have been facing investigation for months.

That's different from facing charges. You claimed that US sports would suspend players facing charges. That is exactly what has happened here.

You claimed this bollocks about how great US franchises are at shutting down players at the first sign of trouble when the Adam Johnson case hit the news too and were shown up as talking utter shite then as well.

The Cowboys released a player yesterday because he was mistakenly identified in a robbery. Big Ben got a significant suspension despite never even being convicted of his rape allegations. If you can't see that sportspeople in American sports are held to harsher moral standards than ones here and in the U.K. more's the fool you.

The victim here is the woman but you're trying to make it about your personal dislike of me. Sad.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on July 25, 2017, 09:33:06 PM
Quote from: Syferus on July 25, 2017, 08:45:36 PM
Quote from: gallsman on July 25, 2017, 08:41:17 PM
Quote from: Syferus on July 25, 2017, 08:01:59 PM
American sports get a lot of things right and one of them is their willingness to suspend players facing charges.. like a lot of other sports, rugby is totally backwards and will only reach a similar point in its evolution the decades to come.

They are facing charges.

They have been suspended.

They have been facing investigation for months.

No they haven't.

As happens in our jurisdiction, the matter is investigated by the PSNI who hand it over to the PPS for a decision on prosecution. After a considerable period of time, the PPS will decide that charges should be made. At this stage, the case can move to the courts where it can hang around for a long time.  The PPS will use this media publicity to bring out witnesses or even others to make similar claims to help them build a case.

Expect this to run and run with the PPS seeking adjournment after adjournment while feeding the media.. as seen with some people on this thread the presumption of innocence is soon eroded if ever there given the high profile of the accused and it doesn't take long for any jury to be poisoned be the court case begins.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on July 25, 2017, 09:36:50 PM
I'm not trying to make anything about anything. Me calling you out on your bullshit has no relevance to the (alleged) victim in this case. Rather, it's you doing her the disservice here. It would be somewhat ironic bit only if you didn't know precisely what you were doing (which you most certainly did).
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on July 25, 2017, 09:38:35 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on July 25, 2017, 09:33:06 PM
Quote from: Syferus on July 25, 2017, 08:45:36 PM
Quote from: gallsman on July 25, 2017, 08:41:17 PM
Quote from: Syferus on July 25, 2017, 08:01:59 PM
American sports get a lot of things right and one of them is their willingness to suspend players facing charges.. like a lot of other sports, rugby is totally backwards and will only reach a similar point in its evolution the decades to come.

They are facing charges.

They have been suspended.

They have been facing investigation for months.

No they haven't.

As happens in our jurisdiction, the matter is investigated by the PSNI who hand it over to the PPS for a decision on prosecution. After a considerable period of time, the PPS will decide that charges should be made. At this stage, the case can move to the courts where it can hang around for a long time.  The PPS will use this media publicity to bring out witnesses or even others to make similar claims to help them build a case.

Expect this to run and run with the PPS seeking adjournment after adjournment while feeding the media.. as seen with some people on this thread the presumption of innocence is soon eroded if ever there given the high profile of the accused and it doesn't take long for any jury to be poisoned be the court case begins.

It's a lot harder for the State to bring cases against rich, famous people because they surround themselves in greaseball solicitors and leak every little bit of info they can to discredit the victim. That it's even got this far should worry Mr. Jackson very much.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on July 25, 2017, 09:45:09 PM
Interesting to note that both have chosen particular solicitors.  Lodi get has gone for Joe Rice while Jackson has gone for Kevin Winters.  Both are expert in controversial cases and neither would have been thought to be the first choice for these men.  Recognition that both solicitors are at the top of their games especially when dealing with media. They have already slapped the BBC with a writ over previous reporting.

From BBC today:

Solicitor Joe Rice, representing Stuart Olding said: "I would like to point out that my client has fully co-operated with the investigation and is not on any bail conditions and is of previous good character.
"He should be allowed to uphold his right to the presumption of innocence and rejects any allegation of wrong-doing and is confident his name will be cleared through the courts."
In a similar statement, Paddy Jackson's solicitor Kevin Winters said: "He rejects the allegations completely and we're very disappointed at the PPS decision to prosecute on these particular facts."
"We say there is no basis for the decision to prosecute and we are confident that our client will be cleared of any charge."

Solicitor Joe Rice, representing Stuart Olding said: "I would like to point out that my client has fully co-operated with the investigation and is not on any bail conditions and is of previous good character.
"He should be allowed to uphold his right to the presumption of innocence and rejects any allegation of wrong-doing and is confident his name will be cleared through the courts."
In a similar statement, Paddy Jackson's solicitor Kevin Winters said: "He rejects the allegations completely and we're very disappointed at the PPS decision to prosecute on these particular facts."
"We say there is no basis for the decision to prosecute and we are confident that our client will be cleared of any charge."

It is important that everyone including those most prejudiced and outside our jurisdiction follow the advice below:

The PPS statement added: "As the criminal proceedings against these individuals have commenced and each has a right to a fair trial, it is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice proceedings."
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on July 25, 2017, 09:49:32 PM
Quote from: Syferus on July 25, 2017, 09:38:35 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on July 25, 2017, 09:33:06 PM
Quote from: Syferus on July 25, 2017, 08:45:36 PM
Quote from: gallsman on July 25, 2017, 08:41:17 PM
Quote from: Syferus on July 25, 2017, 08:01:59 PM
American sports get a lot of things right and one of them is their willingness to suspend players facing charges.. like a lot of other sports, rugby is totally backwards and will only reach a similar point in its evolution the decades to come.

They are facing charges.

They have been suspended.

They have been facing investigation for months.

No they haven't.

As happens in our jurisdiction, the matter is investigated by the PSNI who hand it over to the PPS for a decision on prosecution. After a considerable period of time, the PPS will decide that charges should be made. At this stage, the case can move to the courts where it can hang around for a long time.  The PPS will use this media publicity to bring out witnesses or even others to make similar claims to help them build a case.

Expect this to run and run with the PPS seeking adjournment after adjournment while feeding the media.. as seen with some people on this thread the presumption of innocence is soon eroded if ever there given the high profile of the accused and it doesn't take long for any jury to be poisoned be the court case begins.

It's a lot harder for the State to bring cases against rich, famous people because they surround themselves in greaseball solicitors and leak every little bit of info they can to discredit the victim. That it's even got this far should worry Mr. Jackson very much.

That maybe justice RoI but in Ni any leaking is always against the accused and the media kept fully informed.  This is well documented by others charged with similar offences and books written by the innocent.

This will be a bad time for the accused and the families of the accused.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on July 25, 2017, 09:52:26 PM
Quote from: Syferus on July 25, 2017, 09:38:35 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on July 25, 2017, 09:33:06 PM
Quote from: Syferus on July 25, 2017, 08:45:36 PM
Quote from: gallsman on July 25, 2017, 08:41:17 PM
Quote from: Syferus on July 25, 2017, 08:01:59 PM
American sports get a lot of things right and one of them is their willingness to suspend players facing charges.. like a lot of other sports, rugby is totally backwards and will only reach a similar point in its evolution the decades to come.

They are facing charges.

They have been suspended.

They have been facing investigation for months.

No they haven't.

As happens in our jurisdiction, the matter is investigated by the PSNI who hand it over to the PPS for a decision on prosecution. After a considerable period of time, the PPS will decide that charges should be made. At this stage, the case can move to the courts where it can hang around for a long time.  The PPS will use this media publicity to bring out witnesses or even others to make similar claims to help them build a case.

Expect this to run and run with the PPS seeking adjournment after adjournment while feeding the media.. as seen with some people on this thread the presumption of innocence is soon eroded if ever there given the high profile of the accused and it doesn't take long for any jury to be poisoned be the court case begins.

It's a lot harder for the State to bring cases against rich, famous people because they surround themselves in greaseball solicitors and leak every little bit of info they can to discredit the victim. That it's even got this far should worry Mr. Jackson very much.

Joe Rice and Kevin Winters are far from 'greaseball solicitors'. They are the sort of representatives who any of us would want as representatives. Typical of you to denigrate them in your implication and total prejudice against the accused.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on July 25, 2017, 10:15:00 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on July 25, 2017, 09:52:26 PM
Quote from: Syferus on July 25, 2017, 09:38:35 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on July 25, 2017, 09:33:06 PM
Quote from: Syferus on July 25, 2017, 08:45:36 PM
Quote from: gallsman on July 25, 2017, 08:41:17 PM
Quote from: Syferus on July 25, 2017, 08:01:59 PM
American sports get a lot of things right and one of them is their willingness to suspend players facing charges.. like a lot of other sports, rugby is totally backwards and will only reach a similar point in its evolution the decades to come.

They are facing charges.

They have been suspended.

They have been facing investigation for months.

No they haven't.

As happens in our jurisdiction, the matter is investigated by the PSNI who hand it over to the PPS for a decision on prosecution. After a considerable period of time, the PPS will decide that charges should be made. At this stage, the case can move to the courts where it can hang around for a long time.  The PPS will use this media publicity to bring out witnesses or even others to make similar claims to help them build a case.

Expect this to run and run with the PPS seeking adjournment after adjournment while feeding the media.. as seen with some people on this thread the presumption of innocence is soon eroded if ever there given the high profile of the accused and it doesn't take long for any jury to be poisoned be the court case begins.

It's a lot harder for the State to bring cases against rich, famous people because they surround themselves in greaseball solicitors and leak every little bit of info they can to discredit the victim. That it's even got this far should worry Mr. Jackson very much.

Joe Rice and Kevin Winters are far from 'greaseball solicitors'. They are the sort of representatives who any of us would want as representatives. Typical of you to denigrate them in your implication and total prejudice against the accused.

If you want a hired gun to try to warp the story to suit your client, sure. They don't really have a duty to the truth, but a duty to whoever is cutting them a fat cheque. Please don't get too worked up about high-powered defence solicitors, they are a strange breed in anyone's book.

That's not my interest in this, nor should it be your's or anyone else's, for that matter. You'd expect Jackson will see significant jail time if convicted seeing as he's shown no remorse and will be judged harshly in that eventuality.

Incredible that you'd get emotional about the plight of a person charged with rape when it's invariably the rape victim who suffers the most abuse online and in person from supporters of whatever famous person of the month that has sinned. To even bring the proceedings this far is a brave act because there is a real culture of silence around rape and a willingness to side with the man in many quarters.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ballinaman on July 25, 2017, 10:15:57 PM
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-40718990

Expect big changes to the tackle in rugby very soon.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on July 25, 2017, 10:22:58 PM
This is the problem that the NFL has belatedly woken up to. However the headline and the study require a little context. These donated brains were from people suspected of having CTE. It is not a random sample of donated brains so it's not quite as alarming as first glance would suggest. I've been saying for years now that nobody tackles in the NFL. They all want to lay the big hit and separate the man from the ball. If they tackled rather than hit, this would greatly help. I think rugby is heading the same way with all the crash ball centres, and the culture of the big hit rather than the good tackle is already creeping in.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ballinaman on July 25, 2017, 10:30:14 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on July 25, 2017, 10:22:58 PM
This is the problem that the NFL has belatedly woken up to. However the headline and the study require a little context. These donated brains were from people suspected of having CTE. It is not a random sample of donated brains so it's not quite as alarming as first glance would suggest. I've been saying for years now that nobody tackles in the NFL. They all want to lay the big hit and separate the man from the ball. If they tackled rather than hit, this would greatly help. I think rugby is heading the same way with all the crash ball centres, and the culture of the big hit rather than the good tackle is already creeping in.
Went to a presentation by Ross Tucker in UCD a few weeks ago on concussion. Fascinating stuff,  his research group have been collecting data on what type of collisions / tackle are most likely to cause a concussion since 2011. Everytime a HIA occurs the video and the assessment are forwarded to his research group. World rugby are funding the research. Rule changes are coming in light of the results ...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: DuffleKing on July 25, 2017, 11:56:39 PM
Quote from: Syferus on July 25, 2017, 08:26:28 PM
The police have spent months pouring over the case. If they didn't think they had a very good shot at conviction they would not charge him, and the act of charging him says they fully believe he's guilty. Save your hand wringing for someone that doesn't see how marginalized rape victims are.

I hope he never plays for Ulster or Ireland again.

It's handy enough ignoring the shite you talk about football but when you bumble your way into this sort of territory you need called out. Due process is in place for a reason you moron.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on July 26, 2017, 12:14:22 AM
Quote from: DuffleKing on July 25, 2017, 11:56:39 PM
Quote from: Syferus on July 25, 2017, 08:26:28 PM
The police have spent months pouring over the case. If they didn't think they had a very good shot at conviction they would not charge him, and the act of charging him says they fully believe he's guilty. Save your hand wringing for someone that doesn't see how marginalized rape victims are.

I hope he never plays for Ulster or Ireland again.

It's handy enough ignoring the shite you talk about football but when you bumble your way into this sort of territory you need called out. Due process is in place for a reason you moron.

The State has completed its due process and believe he is guilty of raping a young woman. Stick that in your pipe and smoke it before you go around calling anyone else childish names.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 26, 2017, 12:41:56 AM
Quote from: Shamrock Shore on July 25, 2017, 08:23:36 PM
Jazes Syferus. Hang them first and then put them on trial, eh?

Should everyone accused of something have to 'step aside' from their job or profession?

He probably would have been happy for the Birmingham six to have faced the death penalty
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on July 26, 2017, 12:50:53 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 26, 2017, 12:41:56 AM
Quote from: Shamrock Shore on July 25, 2017, 08:23:36 PM
Jazes Syferus. Hang them first and then put them on trial, eh?

Should everyone accused of something have to 'step aside' from their job or profession?

He probably would have been happy for the Birmingham six to have faced the death penalty

I'm glad you established where you see this case sitting. Comparing it to a stitch-up is far more insulting to the victim than anything I've said about Jackson or his legal team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 26, 2017, 01:18:05 AM
Quote from: Syferus on July 26, 2017, 12:50:53 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 26, 2017, 12:41:56 AM
Quote from: Shamrock Shore on July 25, 2017, 08:23:36 PM
Jazes Syferus. Hang them first and then put them on trial, eh?

Should everyone accused of something have to 'step aside' from their job or profession?

He probably would have been happy for the Birmingham six to have faced the death penalty

I'm glad you established where you see this case sitting. Comparing it to a stitch-up is far more insulting to the victim than anything I've said about Jackson or his legal team.

Who on here is insulting the victim? Put up one post to show it please..

I said you'd have been happy to have them hanged cause the pps had seen fit to have them charged, on your odd mind that makes them guilty
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: DuffleKing on July 26, 2017, 07:04:11 AM
Quote from: Syferus on July 26, 2017, 12:50:53 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 26, 2017, 12:41:56 AM
Quote from: Shamrock Shore on July 25, 2017, 08:23:36 PM
Jazes Syferus. Hang them first and then put them on trial, eh?

Should everyone accused of something have to 'step aside' from their job or profession?

He probably would have been happy for the Birmingham six to have faced the death penalty

I'm glad you established where you see this case sitting. Comparing it to a stitch-up is far more insulting to the victim than anything I've said about Jackson or his legal team.

Seriously? Are you actually that stupid?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on July 26, 2017, 08:08:06 AM
Quote from: Syferus on July 26, 2017, 12:14:22 AM
Quote from: DuffleKing on July 25, 2017, 11:56:39 PM
Quote from: Syferus on July 25, 2017, 08:26:28 PM
The police have spent months pouring over the case. If they didn't think they had a very good shot at conviction they would not charge him, and the act of charging him says they fully believe he's guilty. Save your hand wringing for someone that doesn't see how marginalized rape victims are.

I hope he never plays for Ulster or Ireland again.

It's handy enough ignoring the shite you talk about football but when you bumble your way into this sort of territory you need called out. Due process is in place for a reason you moron.

The State has completed its due process and believe he is guilty of raping a young woman. Stick that in your pipe and smoke it before you go around calling anyone else childish names.

Perhaps you should try understanding the law and the legal system before you go around telling anyone what to do.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on July 26, 2017, 08:32:26 AM
Whats Syf smoking!!

Is this why Jackson couldn't travel to the US for the New Zealand and USA tests?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on July 26, 2017, 08:36:13 AM
Quote from: Crete Boom on July 25, 2017, 08:20:02 PM
Quote from: Syferus on July 25, 2017, 08:01:59 PM
https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2017/0725/892950-paddy-jackson-stuart-olding/

Where are all the people who defended this wee bollix now?

Schmidt and Kiss should be ashamed of themselves for continuing to pick him with this hanging over him. Disgrace to both jersies.

American sports get a lot of things right and one of them is their willingness to suspend players facing charges.. like a lot of other sports, rugby is totally backwards and will only reach a similar point in its evolution the decades to come.

Innocent until proven guilty I believe the term is!! If found guilty then punish appropriately but please excuse me from condemning anybody on the internet from behind a username no matter how brave this may seem!!!
Exactly, everyone is entitled to a presumption of innocence.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on July 26, 2017, 08:42:12 AM
Quote from: Syferus on July 26, 2017, 12:14:22 AM
Quote from: DuffleKing on July 25, 2017, 11:56:39 PM
Quote from: Syferus on July 25, 2017, 08:26:28 PM
The police have spent months pouring over the case. If they didn't think they had a very good shot at conviction they would not charge him, and the act of charging him says they fully believe he's guilty. Save your hand wringing for someone that doesn't see how marginalized rape victims are.

I hope he never plays for Ulster or Ireland again.

It's handy enough ignoring the shite you talk about football but when you bumble your way into this sort of territory you need called out. Due process is in place for a reason you moron.

The State has completed its due process and believe he is guilty of raping a young woman. Stick that in your pipe and smoke it before you go around calling anyone else childish names.
This without hearing the evidence, you are straying into the relms of libel.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trueblue1234 on July 26, 2017, 10:04:50 AM
Syf has form in this area. Made a tit of himself previously when hanging a minor for hearsay. Course he didn't row back on it or admit he was wrong, just refused to accept the findings to keep himself right in his own head.

While rape is an emotional crime, there still has to be due process. If found guilty, throw whatever you like at him as it's a horrific act. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on July 26, 2017, 10:11:58 AM
Agreed, there has to be due process. And just with regards to the American sports, I wouldn't be getting too sanctimonious about it.  They seem to have a very 'PR sensitive' approach to suspensions. They have no bother cracking down on a lad who is average, or who attracts massive ire in the media, but the superstars are treated differently, especially if there's no outcry for them to be sacked.

Greg Hardy was allowed stay in the NFL, Ray Rice was only suspended when a big video was released. Jamais Winston has left behind allegations of Sexual Assault in Florida State with little trouble for him. (Serious questions about the way that was handled). Ben Roethlisberger has twice settled out of court for Sexual Assault civil suits, and for the second was was suspended for something like 4 games (!). American Sports are full of bad guys who make money for their owners, so I wouldn't be taking a moral compass reading from there.

Of course others have been summarily punished, but as I say, they tend to be guys that are either borderline in terms of making the team, or are coming to the end of a career, or the tide of public opinion is so strong that there's no option.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on July 26, 2017, 10:30:21 AM
Quote from: DuffleKing on July 26, 2017, 07:04:11 AM
Quote from: Syferus on July 26, 2017, 12:50:53 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 26, 2017, 12:41:56 AM
Quote from: Shamrock Shore on July 25, 2017, 08:23:36 PM
Jazes Syferus. Hang them first and then put them on trial, eh?

Should everyone accused of something have to 'step aside' from their job or profession?

He probably would have been happy for the Birmingham six to have faced the death penalty

I'm glad you established where you see this case sitting. Comparing it to a stitch-up is far more insulting to the victim than anything I've said about Jackson or his legal team.

Seriously? Are you actually that stupid?

The ignore function is there for a reason.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: DuffleKing on July 26, 2017, 10:41:03 AM

Actually - where is that?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on July 26, 2017, 12:02:30 PM
When you're logged in go to Profile - Account Settings. Then Modify Profile - Buddies/Ignore List - Edit Ignore List. Pop in the name of the poster you wish to ignore and click add and there you go.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on July 26, 2017, 01:38:01 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on July 26, 2017, 08:32:26 AM
Whats Syf smoking!!

Is this why Jackson couldn't travel to the US for the New Zealand and USA tests?

One could hope. It hold be ironic that his pending charges prevented him gonig to America but it wasn't enough for Joe to drop it from the squad. Whatever about Ulster, Joe could easily have taken the high road on this one because Jackson is expendable at the best of times.

It's so sad that the response here is a predictable defense of someone charged with rape. The Ched Evans thread was lamentable enough. Do you think anyone here doesn't have an opinion on this, guilt or innonce? Pretending you don't and you're whiter than white fools no one, least of all me. And libel, get off your play horses.

A cursory google search finds multiple people saying the woman is crying wolf and is targeting Jackson for money: https://forum.ybig.ie/the-rugby-thread_topic33841_page159.html

Rape victims don't get the presumption of innocence you have been bleeting for about. I would hope you've all learnt your lessons on this front now and that we're a better forum than the above..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on July 26, 2017, 01:57:40 PM
Quote from: Syferus on July 26, 2017, 01:38:01 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on July 26, 2017, 08:32:26 AM
Whats Syf smoking!!

Is this why Jackson couldn't travel to the US for the New Zealand and USA tests?

One could hope. It hold be ironic that his pending charges prevented him gonig to America but it wasn't enough for Joe to drop it from the squad. Whatever about Ulster, Joe could easily have taken the high road on this one because Jackson is expendable at the best of times.

It's so sad that the response here is a predictable defense of someone charged with rape. The Ched Evans thread was lamentable enough. Do you think anyone here doesn't have an opinion on this, guilt or innonce? Pretending you don't and you're whiter than white fools no one, least of all me. And libel, get off your play horses.

We know no details of the story how can anyone on here opine as to the 2 lads guilt or innocence? If they did it then sure throw the book at them and never let them play for Ulster or Ireland again but to accuse two lads or rape based on no evidence and ahead of due process is just wrong!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on July 26, 2017, 02:02:45 PM
Quote from: screenexile on July 26, 2017, 01:57:40 PM
Quote from: Syferus on July 26, 2017, 01:38:01 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on July 26, 2017, 08:32:26 AM
Whats Syf smoking!!

Is this why Jackson couldn't travel to the US for the New Zealand and USA tests?

One could hope. It hold be ironic that his pending charges prevented him gonig to America but it wasn't enough for Joe to drop it from the squad. Whatever about Ulster, Joe could easily have taken the high road on this one because Jackson is expendable at the best of times.

It's so sad that the response here is a predictable defense of someone charged with rape. The Ched Evans thread was lamentable enough. Do you think anyone here doesn't have an opinion on this, guilt or innonce? Pretending you don't and you're whiter than white fools no one, least of all me. And libel, get off your play horses.

We know no details of the story how can anyone on here opine as to the 2 lads guilt or innocence? If they did it then sure throw the book at them and never let them play for Ulster or Ireland again but to accuse two lads or rape based on no evidence and ahead of due process is just wrong!

Read my full post and you'll see what my aim has been.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on July 26, 2017, 02:03:01 PM
Quote from: Syferus on July 26, 2017, 01:38:01 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on July 26, 2017, 08:32:26 AM
Whats Syf smoking!!

Is this why Jackson couldn't travel to the US for the New Zealand and USA tests?

One could hope. It hold be ironic that his pending charges prevented him gonig to America but it wasn't enough for Joe to drop it from the squad. Whatever about Ulster, Joe could easily have taken the high road on this one because Jackson is expendable at the best of times.

It's so sad that the response here is a predictable defense of someone charged with rape. The Ched Evans thread was lamentable enough. Do you think anyone here doesn't have an opinion on this, guilt or innonce? Pretending you don't and you're whiter than white fools no one, least of all me. And libel, get off your play horses.

As both Jackson and Olding have already shown with BBC they are more than ready to take action to protect their reputations and hopefully they will take on the likes of you who is impugning their characters with absolutely no knowledge of the crime of which they are accused.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on July 26, 2017, 02:04:09 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on July 26, 2017, 02:03:01 PM
Quote from: Syferus on July 26, 2017, 01:38:01 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on July 26, 2017, 08:32:26 AM
Whats Syf smoking!!

Is this why Jackson couldn't travel to the US for the New Zealand and USA tests?

One could hope. It hold be ironic that his pending charges prevented him gonig to America but it wasn't enough for Joe to drop it from the squad. Whatever about Ulster, Joe could easily have taken the high road on this one because Jackson is expendable at the best of times.

It's so sad that the response here is a predictable defense of someone charged with rape. The Ched Evans thread was lamentable enough. Do you think anyone here doesn't have an opinion on this, guilt or innonce? Pretending you don't and you're whiter than white fools no one, least of all me. And libel, get off your play horses.

As both Jackson and Olding have already shown with BBC they are more than ready to take action to protect their reputations and hopefully they will take on the likes of you who is impugning their characters with absolutely no knowledge of the crime of which they are accused.

Check the time stamps on the link I posted. Cheers.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trueblue1234 on July 26, 2017, 03:43:09 PM
Quote from: Syferus on July 26, 2017, 01:38:01 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on July 26, 2017, 08:32:26 AM
Whats Syf smoking!!

Is this why Jackson couldn't travel to the US for the New Zealand and USA tests?

One could hope. It hold be ironic that his pending charges prevented him gonig to America but it wasn't enough for Joe to drop it from the squad. Whatever about Ulster, Joe could easily have taken the high road on this one because Jackson is expendable at the best of times.

It's so sad that the response here is a predictable defense of someone charged with rape. The Ched Evans thread was lamentable enough. Do you think anyone here doesn't have an opinion on this, guilt or innonce? Pretending you don't and you're whiter than white fools no one, least of all me. And libel, get off your play horses.

A cursory google search finds multiple people saying the woman is crying wolf and is targeting Jackson for money: https://forum.ybig.ie/the-rugby-thread_topic33841_page159.html

Rape victims don't get the presumption of innocence you have been bleeting for about. I would hope you've all learnt your lessons on this front now and that we're a better forum than the above..

Serious question, do you think anyone charged with a crime is automatically guilty of that crime?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: TyroneOnlooker on July 26, 2017, 04:59:58 PM
The issue with rape cases and the like in the north is that the police/pps are under a duty to accept the victim's side of the story automatically. I believe there is some kind of law of rule from the courts which says this. The purpose obviously is to encourage victims of such crimes to come forward.

The result though is that in most cases, the alleged perpetrators will be charged automatically and it is up to them to prove their innocence in court. Think of it this way for example. Victim reports a rape. Police haul in perpetrators for questioning. They give a completely different story stating their innocence, provide alibies etc. Police are still obliged to believe victim's story and charge the alleged perpetrators.

On the other hand say the crime is alleged theft. This time alleged perpetrators are called in for questioning and are able to provide police with alibies and otherwise prove they didn't commit the crime. Police are satisfied and do not recommend charging to PPS.

Two different standards for two very different crimes. Even allegations of rape can possible ruin a reputation or career forever but on the other hand you also have to weigh up the severity of the crime and effect on the victim.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: macdanger2 on July 26, 2017, 08:41:19 PM
Quote from: TyroneOnlooker on July 26, 2017, 04:59:58 PM
The issue with rape cases and the like in the north is that the police/pps are under a duty to accept the victim's side of the story automatically. I believe there is some kind of law of rule from the courts which says this. The purpose obviously is to encourage victims of such crimes to come forward.

The result though is that in most cases, the alleged perpetrators will be charged automatically and it is up to them to prove their innocence in court. Think of it this way for example. Victim reports a rape. Police haul in perpetrators for questioning. They give a completely different story stating their innocence, provide alibies etc. Police are still obliged to believe victim's story and charge the alleged perpetrators.

On the other hand say the crime is alleged theft. This time alleged perpetrators are called in for questioning and are able to provide police with alibies and otherwise prove they didn't commit the crime. Police are satisfied and do not recommend charging to PPS.

Two different standards for two very different crimes. Even allegations of rape can possible ruin a reputation or career forever but on the other hand you also have to weigh up the severity of the crime and effect on the victim.

I presume that's because the incidence of false rape accusations is significantly lower than the incidence of unreported rape.

Jackson is absolutely entitled to the presumption of innocence but it might have been wise of the IRFU to drop him without prejudice until the allegations had been investigated. It's not what would happen in a normal job but when you're a public figure / role model and representing the national side, it's a different story.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on July 26, 2017, 08:55:34 PM
Quote from: TyroneOnlooker on July 26, 2017, 04:59:58 PM
The issue with rape cases and the like in the north is that the police/pps are under a duty to accept the victim's side of the story automatically. I believe there is some kind of law of rule from the courts which says this. The purpose obviously is to encourage victims of such crimes to come forward.

The result though is that in most cases, the alleged perpetrators will be charged automatically and it is up to them to prove their innocence in court. Think of it this way for example. Victim reports a rape. Police haul in perpetrators for questioning. They give a completely different story stating their innocence, provide alibies etc. Police are still obliged to believe victim's story and charge the alleged perpetrators.

On the other hand say the crime is alleged theft. This time alleged perpetrators are called in for questioning and are able to provide police with alibies and otherwise prove they didn't commit the crime. Police are satisfied and do not recommend charging to PPS.

Two different standards for two very different crimes. Even allegations of rape can possible ruin a reputation or career forever but on the other hand you also have to weigh up the severity of the crime and effect on the victim.

It's not a duty or law to accept the victim's allegation as true, it is policy for the reason you have stated. The police take statements and pass to the PPS or a decision to proceed or prosecute.  Arrest of accused is police decision which gives them the right to question the accused. Charging is decided by PPS. Still the prosecutor must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. No right to anonymity for the accused.  PPS will let such cases run for around a year while dragging accused to court postponements so that press can report it repeatedly with the jury pool being poisoned a little more each time. Just imagine a certain poster on this thread being called for jury service. Also social media poisons the pool. No one going in with an open mind.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: FermGael on July 27, 2017, 08:39:42 AM
That works both ways .
Defence will often stall the case.
Get injunctions for the smallest things.  Put the case back time and time again.

They may seek a Preliminary Inquiry.
That means the get the witness in the box again to give their account
That means they have their statements and a verbal account.
Means when they come to trial they have two accounts to work with plus the one the witness will give to the jury.
Now thats where they can sow the seeds of doubt to the jury.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on August 22, 2017, 09:45:12 AM
Bundee Aki and Tyler Blyendaal training with Ireland this week.

Still have mixed thoughts on this whole overseas player situation.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: NAG1 on August 22, 2017, 09:54:29 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on August 22, 2017, 09:45:12 AM
Bundee Aki and Tyler Blyendaal training with Ireland this week.

Still have mixed thoughts on this whole overseas player situation.

It's a farce but it's a farce that everyone is at, from the All Blacks to England.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on August 22, 2017, 09:58:29 AM
Quote from: NAG1 on August 22, 2017, 09:54:29 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on August 22, 2017, 09:45:12 AM
Bundee Aki and Tyler Blyendaal training with Ireland this week.

Still have mixed thoughts on this whole overseas player situation.

It's a farce but it's a farce that everyone is at, from the All Blacks to England.

Yeah thats true. Would a better situation not be making overseas players who wish to play international rugby play for European, Australian & NZ Barbarian sides  rather than becoming 'token' Irish, Welsh or Englishmen?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on August 22, 2017, 10:01:22 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on August 22, 2017, 09:58:29 AM
Quote from: NAG1 on August 22, 2017, 09:54:29 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on August 22, 2017, 09:45:12 AM
Bundee Aki and Tyler Blyendaal training with Ireland this week.

Still have mixed thoughts on this whole overseas player situation.

It's a farce but it's a farce that everyone is at, from the All Blacks to England.

Yeah thats true. Would a better situation not be making overseas players who wish to play international rugby play for European, Australian & NZ Barbarian sides  rather than becoming 'token' Irish, Welsh or Englishmen?

I think we just need to change the way we look at International Rugby. You're not representing your country, you are representing your union. So CJ Stander is not representing his country, his country is South Africa. He is representing his Union which is the IRFU. Likewise the Vunapola brothers are representing the RFU, and so on.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on August 22, 2017, 10:14:48 AM
That's fair enough AZ when you put it like that.

I think the Vunipola's can't be compared to CJ etc. Did they not move to Wales as kids and the settled in England.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on August 22, 2017, 11:13:13 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on August 22, 2017, 10:01:22 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on August 22, 2017, 09:58:29 AM
Quote from: NAG1 on August 22, 2017, 09:54:29 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on August 22, 2017, 09:45:12 AM
Bundee Aki and Tyler Blyendaal training with Ireland this week.

Still have mixed thoughts on this whole overseas player situation.

It's a farce but it's a farce that everyone is at, from the All Blacks to England.

Yeah thats true. Would a better situation not be making overseas players who wish to play international rugby play for European, Australian & NZ Barbarian sides  rather than becoming 'token' Irish, Welsh or Englishmen?

I think we just need to change the way we look at International Rugby. You're not representing your country, you are representing your union. So CJ Stander is not representing his country, his country is South Africa. He is representing his Union which is the IRFU. Likewise the Vunapola brothers are representing the RFU, and so on.

I dunno. I like cheering for Ireland. I can't imagine getting excited about how the IRFU gets on.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: NAG1 on August 22, 2017, 11:18:13 AM
Quote from: Hardy on August 22, 2017, 11:13:13 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on August 22, 2017, 10:01:22 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on August 22, 2017, 09:58:29 AM
Quote from: NAG1 on August 22, 2017, 09:54:29 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on August 22, 2017, 09:45:12 AM
Bundee Aki and Tyler Blyendaal training with Ireland this week.

Still have mixed thoughts on this whole overseas player situation.

It's a farce but it's a farce that everyone is at, from the All Blacks to England.

Yeah thats true. Would a better situation not be making overseas players who wish to play international rugby play for European, Australian & NZ Barbarian sides  rather than becoming 'token' Irish, Welsh or Englishmen?

I think we just need to change the way we look at International Rugby. You're not representing your country, you are representing your union. So CJ Stander is not representing his country, his country is South Africa. He is representing his Union which is the IRFU. Likewise the Vunapola brothers are representing the RFU, and so on.

I dunno. I like cheering for Ireland. I can't imagine getting excited about how the IRFU gets on.

Did they not take the first step down this road with the 'Ireland's Call' abomination?

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on August 22, 2017, 12:56:53 PM
Quote from: Hardy on August 22, 2017, 11:13:13 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on August 22, 2017, 10:01:22 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on August 22, 2017, 09:58:29 AM
Quote from: NAG1 on August 22, 2017, 09:54:29 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on August 22, 2017, 09:45:12 AM
Bundee Aki and Tyler Blyendaal training with Ireland this week.

Still have mixed thoughts on this whole overseas player situation.

It's a farce but it's a farce that everyone is at, from the All Blacks to England.

Yeah thats true. Would a better situation not be making overseas players who wish to play international rugby play for European, Australian & NZ Barbarian sides  rather than becoming 'token' Irish, Welsh or Englishmen?

I think we just need to change the way we look at International Rugby. You're not representing your country, you are representing your union. So CJ Stander is not representing his country, his country is South Africa. He is representing his Union which is the IRFU. Likewise the Vunapola brothers are representing the RFU, and so on.

I dunno. I like cheering for Ireland. I can't imagine getting excited about how the IRFU gets on.

Are you cheering for Ireland when 3 or 4 of the lads are from South Africa, New Zealand or somewhere else?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on August 22, 2017, 01:43:00 PM
Quote from: NAG1 on August 22, 2017, 11:18:13 AM
Quote from: Hardy on August 22, 2017, 11:13:13 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on August 22, 2017, 10:01:22 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on August 22, 2017, 09:58:29 AM
Quote from: NAG1 on August 22, 2017, 09:54:29 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on August 22, 2017, 09:45:12 AM
Bundee Aki and Tyler Blyendaal training with Ireland this week.

Still have mixed thoughts on this whole overseas player situation.

It's a farce but it's a farce that everyone is at, from the All Blacks to England.

Yeah thats true. Would a better situation not be making overseas players who wish to play international rugby play for European, Australian & NZ Barbarian sides  rather than becoming 'token' Irish, Welsh or Englishmen?

I think we just need to change the way we look at International Rugby. You're not representing your country, you are representing your union. So CJ Stander is not representing his country, his country is South Africa. He is representing his Union which is the IRFU. Likewise the Vunapola brothers are representing the RFU, and so on.

I dunno. I like cheering for Ireland. I can't imagine getting excited about how the IRFU gets on.

Did they not take the first step down this road with the 'Ireland's Call' abomination?
Surely that's more of an argument in relation to "Ireland" being made up of N. Ireland and ROI.

On the "project players" argument there was a match France played last year (can't remember who it was against) and both teams had Fijian players at 11 and 14 and that stinks. The residency rule is here to stay and with limitations on the number of "foreigners" similar to English soccer of the past, then it could be workable.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: NAG1 on August 22, 2017, 01:47:45 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on August 22, 2017, 01:43:00 PM
Quote from: NAG1 on August 22, 2017, 11:18:13 AM
Quote from: Hardy on August 22, 2017, 11:13:13 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on August 22, 2017, 10:01:22 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on August 22, 2017, 09:58:29 AM
Quote from: NAG1 on August 22, 2017, 09:54:29 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on August 22, 2017, 09:45:12 AM
Bundee Aki and Tyler Blyendaal training with Ireland this week.

Still have mixed thoughts on this whole overseas player situation.

It's a farce but it's a farce that everyone is at, from the All Blacks to England.

Yeah thats true. Would a better situation not be making overseas players who wish to play international rugby play for European, Australian & NZ Barbarian sides  rather than becoming 'token' Irish, Welsh or Englishmen?

I think we just need to change the way we look at International Rugby. You're not representing your country, you are representing your union. So CJ Stander is not representing his country, his country is South Africa. He is representing his Union which is the IRFU. Likewise the Vunapola brothers are representing the RFU, and so on.

I dunno. I like cheering for Ireland. I can't imagine getting excited about how the IRFU gets on.

Did they not take the first step down this road with the 'Ireland's Call' abomination?
Surely that's more of an argument in relation to "Ireland" being made up of N. Ireland and ROI.

On the "project players" argument there was a match France played last year (can't remember who it was against) and both teams had Fijian players at 11 and 14 and that stinks. The residency rule is here to stay and with limitations on the number of "foreigners" similar to English soccer of the past, then it could be workable.

Yeah it is TB but it was a move to playing for an IRFU rather than 'Ireland' as was mentioned above, thats all.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on August 22, 2017, 01:53:53 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on August 22, 2017, 12:56:53 PM
Quote from: Hardy on August 22, 2017, 11:13:13 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on August 22, 2017, 10:01:22 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on August 22, 2017, 09:58:29 AM
Quote from: NAG1 on August 22, 2017, 09:54:29 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on August 22, 2017, 09:45:12 AM
Bundee Aki and Tyler Blyendaal training with Ireland this week.

Still have mixed thoughts on this whole overseas player situation.

It's a farce but it's a farce that everyone is at, from the All Blacks to England.

Yeah thats true. Would a better situation not be making overseas players who wish to play international rugby play for European, Australian & NZ Barbarian sides  rather than becoming 'token' Irish, Welsh or Englishmen?

I think we just need to change the way we look at International Rugby. You're not representing your country, you are representing your union. So CJ Stander is not representing his country, his country is South Africa. He is representing his Union which is the IRFU. Likewise the Vunapola brothers are representing the RFU, and so on.

I dunno. I like cheering for Ireland. I can't imagine getting excited about how the IRFU gets on.

Are you cheering for Ireland when 3 or 4 of the lads are from South Africa, New Zealand or somewhere else?

Yes, because it's called "Ireland". I can get over my reservations, suspend disbelief, etc. But if we're to be invited to consider it an IRFU team, rather than an Ireland team, specifically as a ruse to justify selecting foreigners, that would have the opposite to the intended effect for me.

Having said that, I'm just getting so cynical, fed up and unshockable about professional sport in general that this particular departure from sporting principles is just a grain of sand on the irretrievably polluted beach of pro sport.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on August 22, 2017, 02:10:57 PM
My point is that regardless of what you perceive it to be, the fact is it is not made up of Irish players, or even with tenuous links to Ireland a lá the soccer team. It contains players with no links to Ireland whatsoever apart from the fact they made a career decision to play rugby here.

So it is not 'Ireland', it is de facto the 'IRFU representative XV'

*Caveat - Peter O'Mahoney, Sean O'Brien and Donnacha Ryan would pull the head off my shoulders if I said they were not Irish, but you know what I mean.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Zulu on August 22, 2017, 02:34:36 PM
Long time since I was particularly bothered about how the Irish soccer team got on and this type of thing is pushing me down the same path with the rugby team. A bit like Hardy, I'm losing a lot of interest in pro sport as it's really more a form of entertainment rather than a team representing an area or country.

Outside of the GAA my other main sporting interest is American football and that's because I enjoy watching it as entertainment. I don't really have a team and will happily jump on a bandwagon. I watch other sports occasionally but outside of GAA, it's really just about seeing a good contest rather than being particularly bothered about the result.

I think it's a real pity international sports representation isn't kept much stricter as it means little enough anymore.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on August 22, 2017, 07:41:59 PM
Couldn't care less who is in the jersey if it gives us a better chance to win.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on August 22, 2017, 08:17:31 PM
I'm with hardy. Harder and harder to give a f**k as pro sports sell out time and again. Drugs, transfer fees, journeymen internationals. All of it erodes the passion and respect you have for the sport be it rugby, soccer, athletics or boxing. They're entertainment now not sport. You'll decide to sit down and watch game of thrones or else watch Ireland play the all-blacks. Many of the governing bodies are happy for it to go down the route of entertainment as opposed to sport as are increasing numbers of sportsmen. More money for them you see.

I have to laugh at people who tell you that something like the lions or international soccer friendlies aren't real sport. Sport as it once existed no longer persists in the modern world except at gaa club level where for the moment it remains intact.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 22, 2017, 04:54:33 PM
Good performances from Leinster and Munster but what is happening to Ulster??

Are La Rochelle just that good? Serious drubbing with 15 mins to go!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on October 22, 2017, 07:00:24 PM
Quote from: screenexile on October 22, 2017, 04:54:33 PM
Good performances from Leinster and Munster but what is happening to Ulster??

Are La Rochelle just that good? Serious drubbing with 15 mins to go!

La Rochelle are little known over here but they went through last year's Top 14 unbeaten at home.  They have been like a minor Toulon and brought in players from the Southern hemisphere and built a pack of giants and they have the Year 14 player of the year for last season.

Ulster were able to hold their own and attack consistently for the first quarter and their defence was excellent for the second quarter.  After half time they were subjected to am major onslaught by the La Rochelle pack and couldn't get out of their own 22 for the whole quarter.  They paid the price for constant defence and were worn down unable to respond when La Rochelle ran at them.

The Ulster team went to France knowing they couldn't compete on physicality but brought Trimble and Bowe onto the team to help out in this area.  However, it was a fairly local team with none of the South African's recently acquired leaving a relatively lightweight pack by French standards.

Ulster, as usual, are short of their top players, they are without Payne, Gilroy, Jackson, Deysel, Coetzee missing from any team or squad is not good.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on October 23, 2017, 10:04:24 PM
Zebo heads to France........

https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/simon-zebo-to-join-ronan-ogara-and-donnacha-ryan-at-racing-92-next-season-36253982.html (https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/simon-zebo-to-join-ronan-ogara-and-donnacha-ryan-at-racing-92-next-season-36253982.html)

Should he be treated like Sexton and still play for Ireland?

Will Schmidt enforce his current selection policy, i.e. drop Donnacha Ryan but keep Sexton while in France or will we see a similar rule to WRFU to stop international players moving from the provinces?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 23, 2017, 10:06:59 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on October 23, 2017, 10:04:24 PM
Zebo heads to France........

https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/simon-zebo-to-join-ronan-ogara-and-donnacha-ryan-at-racing-92-next-season-36253982.html (https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/simon-zebo-to-join-ronan-ogara-and-donnacha-ryan-at-racing-92-next-season-36253982.html)

Should he be treated like Sexton and still play for Ireland?

Will Schmidt enforce his current selection policy, i.e. drop Donnacha Ryan but keep Sexton while in France or will we see a similar rule to WRFU to stop international players moving from the provinces?

I think we've other options now that losing Zebo shouldn't be a problem. I don't think he'll get the same treatment as Sexton.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on October 23, 2017, 11:08:22 PM
Quote from: screenexile on October 23, 2017, 10:06:59 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on October 23, 2017, 10:04:24 PM
Zebo heads to France........

https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/simon-zebo-to-join-ronan-ogara-and-donnacha-ryan-at-racing-92-next-season-36253982.html (https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/simon-zebo-to-join-ronan-ogara-and-donnacha-ryan-at-racing-92-next-season-36253982.html)

Should he be treated like Sexton and still play for Ireland?

Will Schmidt enforce his current selection policy, i.e. drop Donnacha Ryan but keep Sexton while in France or will we see a similar rule to WRFU to stop international players moving from the provinces?

I think we've other options now that losing Zebo shouldn't be a problem. I don't think he'll get the same treatment as Sexton.

Still better than the other options.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Asal Mor on October 23, 2017, 11:19:47 PM
Quote from: trileacman on August 22, 2017, 08:17:31 PM
I'm with hardy. Harder and harder to give a f**k as pro sports sell out time and again. Drugs, transfer fees, journeymen internationals. All of it erodes the passion and respect you have for the sport be it rugby, soccer, athletics or boxing. They're entertainment now not sport. You'll decide to sit down and watch game of thrones or else watch Ireland play the all-blacks. Many of the governing bodies are happy for it to go down the route of entertainment as opposed to sport as are increasing numbers of sportsmen. More money for them you see.

I have to laugh at people who tell you that something like the lions or international soccer friendlies aren't real sport. Sport as it once existed no longer persists in the modern world except at gaa club level where for the moment it remains intact.
Great post trileacman and I would agree with nearly all of it but I think the inter-county game is still powerful at times. To see the joy it brought to Galway people this year and the devastation to Mayo people as an example. Pro sport rarely brings that level of emotion anymore.

I'd been enjoying getting into the nfl the last few years but when"franchises" start changing cities it kills it for me.

The vast salaries are just disgusting too with the misery of poverty all around us and I think the more sportstars are paid the less victory and defeat really mean to them. Again look at the devastation of the Mayo players in September compared with Conor McGregor plugging his new whisky in his post fight interview.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on October 23, 2017, 11:31:21 PM
Quote from: Asal Mor on October 23, 2017, 11:19:47 PM
Quote from: trileacman on August 22, 2017, 08:17:31 PM
I'm with hardy. Harder and harder to give a f**k as pro sports sell out time and again. Drugs, transfer fees, journeymen internationals. All of it erodes the passion and respect you have for the sport be it rugby, soccer, athletics or boxing. They're entertainment now not sport. You'll decide to sit down and watch game of thrones or else watch Ireland play the all-blacks. Many of the governing bodies are happy for it to go down the route of entertainment as opposed to sport as are increasing numbers of sportsmen. More money for them you see.

I have to laugh at people who tell you that something like the lions or international soccer friendlies aren't real sport. Sport as it once existed no longer persists in the modern world except at gaa club level where for the moment it remains intact.
Great post trileacman and I would agree with nearly all of it but I think the inter-county game is still powerful at times. To see the joy it brought to Galway people this year and the devastation to Mayo people as an example. Pro sport rarely brings that level of emotion anymore.

I'd been enjoying getting into the nfl the last few years but when"franchises" start changing cities it kills it for me.

The vast salaries are just disgusting too with the misery of poverty all around us and I think the more sportstars are paid the less victory and defeat really mean to them. Again look at the devastation of the Mayo players in September compared with Conor McGregor plugging his new whisky in his post fight interview.

I was a whole lot more invested in the Irish team in Wales going for the Grand Slam and trying to survive in the World Cup two weeks ago than I was Galway or Mayo winning or losing. Rugby players by and large aren't getting 'vast salaries' either. If you have ten years experience in my industry you'd outstrip all but the elite of the elite rugby players in salary and you can do that for 40 instead of 5-10 years without fûcking your body up in the process. And it's far from the only field where that's the case.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Asal Mor on October 24, 2017, 12:52:01 AM
I know it's the rugby thread but I was thinking nfl and soccer when referring to the vast salaries. Where you're from still means something in rugby i think and it hasnt lost it's soul yet but as a sport I'm not pushed about it(don't think there's much skill to it). Good for you that you're still invested in the Irish soccer team. I'd love to be and used to be but the only time I'd really care nowadays is when I have a few quid on them. The wages in soccer do annoy me. Maybe that's because I work in a field that's rewarding in a lot of ways but not great financially. You'd have to admire Harry Kane though who's giving up the chance to make more money to stay with Spurs. I could root for someone like Harry.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Asal Mor on October 24, 2017, 01:09:39 AM
Speaking about where you're from still meaning something in rugby I watched the Axel Foley documentary on the rte player yesterday. To say it was powerful doesn't remotely so it.justice. You'd have to be made of stone not to shed a few tears.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on October 24, 2017, 09:12:37 AM
Quote from: screenexile on October 23, 2017, 10:06:59 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on October 23, 2017, 10:04:24 PM
Zebo heads to France........

https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/simon-zebo-to-join-ronan-ogara-and-donnacha-ryan-at-racing-92-next-season-36253982.html (https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/simon-zebo-to-join-ronan-ogara-and-donnacha-ryan-at-racing-92-next-season-36253982.html)

Should he be treated like Sexton and still play for Ireland?

Will Schmidt enforce his current selection policy, i.e. drop Donnacha Ryan but keep Sexton while in France or will we see a similar rule to WRFU to stop international players moving from the provinces?

I think we've other options now that losing Zebo shouldn't be a problem. I don't think he'll get the same treatment as Sexton.

The rise of Stockdale might continue at an accelerated pace with this news.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on October 24, 2017, 09:14:47 AM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on October 24, 2017, 09:12:37 AM
Quote from: screenexile on October 23, 2017, 10:06:59 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on October 23, 2017, 10:04:24 PM
Zebo heads to France........

https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/simon-zebo-to-join-ronan-ogara-and-donnacha-ryan-at-racing-92-next-season-36253982.html (https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/simon-zebo-to-join-ronan-ogara-and-donnacha-ryan-at-racing-92-next-season-36253982.html)

Should he be treated like Sexton and still play for Ireland?

Will Schmidt enforce his current selection policy, i.e. drop Donnacha Ryan but keep Sexton while in France or will we see a similar rule to WRFU to stop international players moving from the provinces?

I think we've other options now that losing Zebo shouldn't be a problem. I don't think he'll get the same treatment as Sexton.

The rise of Stockdale might continue at an accelerated pace with this news.

Agreed. He appears to have all the attributes for international rugby
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on October 31, 2017, 11:05:36 AM
S.A. get recommendation for WC. Vote in 2 weeks.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on October 31, 2017, 11:06:57 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 31, 2017, 11:05:36 AM
S.A. get recommendation for WC. Vote in 2 weeks.

Ouch. That's a sickener
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: armaghniac on October 31, 2017, 11:07:20 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 31, 2017, 11:05:36 AM
S.A. get recommendation for WC. Vote in 2 weeks.

I blame the Casement bollix.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on October 31, 2017, 11:15:11 AM
Quote from: armaghniac on October 31, 2017, 11:07:20 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 31, 2017, 11:05:36 AM
S.A. get recommendation for WC. Vote in 2 weeks.

I blame the Casement bollix.

That's what they get for not putting Thurles in there.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bogball88 on October 31, 2017, 11:17:33 AM
Mooreland and Owenvarragh Residents Association opening the cans as we speak

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on October 31, 2017, 11:18:22 AM
Report can be found here https://www.worldrugby.org/news/291551

Venues, host cities and infrastructure a big factor in SA getting the nod. Craic wasn't a major weighting factor unfortunately.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Shamrock Shore on October 31, 2017, 11:19:40 AM
I blame roping those well know rugby experts Bono and Geldolf in to assist.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on October 31, 2017, 11:26:49 AM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on October 31, 2017, 11:18:22 AM
Report can be found here https://www.worldrugby.org/news/291551

Venues, host cities and infrastructure a big factor in SA getting the nod. Craic wasn't a major weighting factor unfortunately.

Padraic Duffy will be choking on his lunch. How very dare they cast aspersions on our grounds?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: meatsy86 on October 31, 2017, 11:49:10 AM
Had a brief skim through the full report some of the scores we have received compared to France and South Africa seem ridiculous. At one point in the report it says we received a lower score for security compared to France and South Africa. The reason given is that even though the terrorism threat level in Ireland is described as 'moderate',  because we have little experience in dealing with a major terrorist incident France and South Africa score higher.

WTF?

So because we haven't been attacked by ISIS we get a lower score. It just sounds ridiculous.

At another point in the report we get a lower score than France and South Africa due to not having held a major sporting tournament like this. Surely the whole point of the bid is because we have never held the world cup before?

Its sounding more and more like they have knit-picked at Ireland's bid in order to go with the extra £40 million they are getting from South Africa.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rossfan on October 31, 2017, 11:52:29 AM
Cork County Board laughing no doubt ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on October 31, 2017, 11:52:42 AM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on October 31, 2017, 11:18:22 AM
Report can be found here https://www.worldrugby.org/news/291551

Venues, host cities and infrastructure a big factor in SA getting the nod. Craic wasn't a major weighting factor unfortunately.

I know you are being facetious, but maybe Craic should be a major factor. We know people like coming here, and surely fan enjoyment should be a major thing?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on October 31, 2017, 11:53:08 AM
Quote from: Rossfan on October 31, 2017, 11:52:29 AM
Cork County Board laughing no doubt ;D

Frank Murphy's reach knows no bounds.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on October 31, 2017, 11:53:59 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on October 31, 2017, 11:26:49 AM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on October 31, 2017, 11:18:22 AM
Report can be found here https://www.worldrugby.org/news/291551

Venues, host cities and infrastructure a big factor in SA getting the nod. Craic wasn't a major weighting factor unfortunately.

Padraic Duffy will be choking on his lunch. How very dare they cast aspersions on our grounds?
Aye, unfortunately it was a big factor. And for the most part, the Irish venues don't offer a particularly welcoming experience.

The report said about Ireland:

"All but two of the venues require significant levels of upgrade and/or installation of technology and telecoms infrastructure. Telecommunications diversity needs to be added at all but two venues. Capacity needs to be increased at all venues to meet the required standard.

• The amount of upgrade work required introduces complexity and therefore a significant risk factor that is not is not inherent in the other two bids."

The evaluation process they've used this time was never going to suit a bid like Ireland's that was high on the feel good factor. Prior to this I think we would have won based on decent lobbying and a charm offensive.

An army of Bob Geldofs, Liam Neesons and Bonos was not going to get the scores in the right categories.

The bid probably needed a big cheque showing that money was going to be spent on venues, key infrastructure projects like Metro North and a tournament bigger fee promised.

Address these areas and maybe a tilt at 2027 is on the cards. A lukewarm 2019 tournament in Japan might cause them to better value host countries that really embrace the competition.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on October 31, 2017, 11:58:05 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on October 31, 2017, 11:52:42 AM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on October 31, 2017, 11:18:22 AM
Report can be found here https://www.worldrugby.org/news/291551

Venues, host cities and infrastructure a big factor in SA getting the nod. Craic wasn't a major weighting factor unfortunately.

I know you are being facetious, but maybe Craic should be a major factor. We know people like coming here, and surely fan enjoyment should be a major thing?
Agree with you. In trying to keep the process transparent and above board, the RW crew have probably gone too far down the route of suited consultants with spreadsheets doing the evaluation.
The overriding imponderables, like the security problems in SA and their government being flaky about hosting don't get captured.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: yellowcard on October 31, 2017, 12:01:09 PM
I had got the previous impression that the Ireland bid was going to be the winning bid from most commentators in the media. However it was mostly Irish pundits that were putting across such a view so maybe they were just completely blinkered. The bottom line is that money talks and South Africa were putting up an extra €40m so they could dress up the report whatever way they want to justify choosing South Africa. Personally I'm not overly bothered whether it came to Ireland or not although it would have been good for the economy and also good to host a world event on an all island basis.   
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: yellowcard on October 31, 2017, 12:03:17 PM
How did they justify giving NZ the world cup in 2011 when some of their venues had grassy banks for spectators on either side of the pitch? 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on October 31, 2017, 12:04:37 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on October 31, 2017, 12:03:17 PM
How did they justify giving NZ the world cup in 2011 when some of their venues had grassy banks for spectators on either side of the pitch?
This is first time they've tried this route. If they stick to it, I can't see a great spread of countries hosting it from now on.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tiempo on October 31, 2017, 12:05:37 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on October 31, 2017, 12:03:17 PM
How did they justify giving NZ the world cup in 2011 when some of their venues had grassy banks for spectators on either side of the pitch?

Justified on that basis well if the competition grows as we hope it may never be back in NZ (aye right) and so we should give it to them now just in case they never see it again.

Genuinely.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: oakleaflad on October 31, 2017, 12:07:37 PM
What's the point in having this vote next month then if countries are being told who to vote for? Sounds like South Africa had the biggest brown envelope to me.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 31, 2017, 12:07:45 PM
Dublin doesn't even have a train link to the airport. Much poorer countries do things better in this areason than we do.

Irish infrastructure reflects Irish planning. It is not a national strength.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tiempo on October 31, 2017, 12:08:31 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on October 31, 2017, 12:04:37 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on October 31, 2017, 12:03:17 PM
How did they justify giving NZ the world cup in 2011 when some of their venues had grassy banks for spectators on either side of the pitch?
This is first time they've tried this route. If they stick to it, I can't see a great spread of countries hosting it from now on.

A shakedown to squeeze the paddies out of it. Nit-picking as mentioned above. Quantifying the unquantifiable. Nebulous antics.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on October 31, 2017, 12:08:41 PM
Quote from: oakleaflad on October 31, 2017, 12:07:37 PM
What's the point in having this vote next month then if countries are being told who to vote for? Sounds like South Africa had the biggest brown envelope to me.

this is where we miss Fianna Fail in power. They invented brown envelopes.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on October 31, 2017, 12:10:09 PM
Quote from: tiempo on October 31, 2017, 12:08:31 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on October 31, 2017, 12:04:37 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on October 31, 2017, 12:03:17 PM
How did they justify giving NZ the world cup in 2011 when some of their venues had grassy banks for spectators on either side of the pitch?
This is first time they've tried this route. If they stick to it, I can't see a great spread of countries hosting it from now on.

A shakedown to squeeze the paddies out of it. Nit-picking as mentioned above. Quantifying the unquantifiable. Nebulous antics.

Welllllll I do think they are probably spot on about limitations in our grounds. I can't even remember all the GAA grounds included, but I'd imagine they would all need a fairly significant upgrade in terms of press facilities, crowd comforts etc. It's all very well saying we'll invest, but it's still a big gap.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on October 31, 2017, 12:16:55 PM
The feckers. There must have been no points for inventing the garryowen.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mouview on October 31, 2017, 12:34:03 PM
Never again, until the next time, will I invest blind faith into unwarranted commentary hype, aspirational desire and media brainwashing.
It's all down to the traffic issues with Pearse stadium I bet.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on October 31, 2017, 12:44:16 PM
GAA is to blame obviously.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tiempo on October 31, 2017, 12:51:37 PM
Still time for a late burst of pace from Fifi, right down to (specifically) the evening before...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 31, 2017, 12:59:11 PM
Quote from: oakleaflad on October 31, 2017, 12:07:37 PM
What's the point in having this vote next month then if countries are being told who to vote for? Sounds like South Africa had the biggest brown envelope to me.
It is probably to.avoid blatant corruption ala Fifa awarding Qatar the world cup.ahead of the best candidates.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Aaron Boone on October 31, 2017, 01:01:45 PM
We just have to go down there and retain it. That will show the Saffies.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on October 31, 2017, 01:03:37 PM
Saw there that NZ came last in the evaluation for 2011 and still got the WC. The report shows all 3 bids are good. Lets see if Dick Spring's "guaranteed votes" stack up.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Shamrock Shore on October 31, 2017, 01:52:35 PM
We'll boycott the semi-finals in 2023.

That will learn them!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on October 31, 2017, 02:23:37 PM
Pairc Ui Chaoimh, Pearse Stadium and Fitzgerald Stadium are 3 of the grounds that got a bit of a slating. I wonder when they visited PUC? I've seen far worse stadia hosting RWC games than PUC.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: BennyCake on October 31, 2017, 02:27:17 PM
At least now we don't have to listen about staging this rugby shite for the next 6 years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on October 31, 2017, 03:05:19 PM
I think its the mass expanses of terracing that would have let those stadiums down.

New Zealand had the odd grassy bank here and there but the other sides would have been similar to the new PUC.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: highorlow on October 31, 2017, 03:05:36 PM
QuoteStill time for a late burst of pace from Fifi, right down to (specifically) the evening before...

She was busy in Dicks(boro) last night.....


https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2017/1029/916126-dicksboro-secure-kilkenny-title-in-eight-goal-thriller/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on October 31, 2017, 03:10:26 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on October 31, 2017, 03:05:19 PM
I think its the mass expanses of terracing that would have let those stadiums down.

New Zealand had the odd grassy bank here and there but the other sides would have been similar to the new PUC.

But sure a grassy bank is worse than open terracing surely? Even the lads in Meath have copped onto that!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on October 31, 2017, 03:32:31 PM
I'm not sure if they were even used AZ.

I don't watch as much Super Rugby as previously but Hamilton is the only below par ground in NZ that I can think of.

Very disappointing and unlikely we'll get another opportunity. You can see the US/Canada being next on World Rugbys list and surely Argentina are worth a chance.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on October 31, 2017, 03:38:45 PM
I did a quick google of RWC 11 venues. Put it like this, PUC doesn't compare unfavourably. Even Exeter Stadium and Gloucester's home ground wouldn't be ahead of PUC in my estimation. I wouldn't take Thomond Park over PUC at this point.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on October 31, 2017, 03:44:58 PM
Sandy Park, used in 2015...

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g186254-d8735148-i162588281-Sandy_Park_Stadium-Exeter_Devon_England.html (https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g186254-d8735148-i162588281-Sandy_Park_Stadium-Exeter_Devon_England.html)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on October 31, 2017, 03:45:25 PM
Heres a list of the 2011 venues.

http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_menu/tournaments/rugby_world_cup_2011.shtml

Jeez from Hamilton down they are very average. It was the North Harbour one I was referring to earlier.

So disappointing!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on October 31, 2017, 03:46:59 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on October 31, 2017, 03:38:45 PM
I did a quick google of RWC 11 venues. Put it like this, PUC doesn't compare unfavourably. Even Exeter Stadium and Gloucester's home ground wouldn't be ahead of PUC in my estimation. I wouldn't take Thomond Park over PUC at this point.
100%. Kingsholm and Sandy Park nothing special in terms of capacity or facilities by the looks of it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on October 31, 2017, 04:47:30 PM
Not quite The Sun but Irish Times headline tomorrow

FOCKING ROBBED
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on November 01, 2017, 01:59:53 PM
Seems nobody is looking at poor preparation of the application and taking things for granted.

IRFU would have considered that it was Ireland's turn to host a World Cup and that France would be second in terms of having its turn although they knew that France has it all in terms of finance, experience with large tournaments and stadiums.  I think SA only entered the race at the end because of financial issues.

So, maybe IRFU didn't make the grade on prep when France and South Africa took previous applications out of the drawer, dusted them down and updated the figures while IRFU said come to us and have 'wile craic".
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on November 01, 2017, 03:07:33 PM
Worth reading Gordon D'Arcy who wrote an excellent article today in the Irish Times about the situation. Talked a lot of sense about lessons to be learned if there are to be any further bids.

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/gordon-d-arcy-tough-day-on-lansdowne-road-after-rwc-hammer-blow-1.3275818?mode=amp
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on November 01, 2017, 03:28:10 PM
I've seen it said that NZ came third in the appraisal for the 2011 RWC. If these criteria are used in a hard and fast way then only England, France and SA will ever get to host the tournament. What the document shows is that, while we may be 3rd of the 3 bids, all 3 could host an excellent tournament. We have been marked down in certain areas due to the risk of things that aren't in place failing to be put in place in time (where France and SA have these in place already). This could be saved by a full on assault by Varadkar and co publicly guaranteeing that certain things would be done by certain times. We shouldn't throw the towel in yet but yes - lessons should be learned.

Or maybe we shouldn't worry. After all Dick Spring told us that the votes were secured some time back...... ::)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on November 01, 2017, 03:41:25 PM
Regarding the votes, reading the Gerry Thornley article, it seems to be a case of:

NZ - sure we voted for them in 2011, payback time
USA - strong Irish American influence
wales - fella Celts
Scotland - fella Celts although can't be trusted
England - hopefully they listened to Teresa May
Georgia - sure we played them in a friendly
Japan - 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties with Japan

Looks flimsy though Dick won a few tight, tense votes in his day so maybe knows something we don't.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 01, 2017, 03:48:09 PM
Problem here is this process was brought in to make everything transparent. If we turn around and win this vote, there'll be some amount of awkward questions to be answered.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ardtole on November 01, 2017, 03:54:33 PM
Quote from: weareros on November 01, 2017, 03:41:25 PM
Regarding the votes, reading the Gerry Thornley article, it seems to be a case of:

NZ - sure we voted for them in 2011, payback time
USA - strong Irish American influence
wales - fella Celts
Scotland - fella Celts although can't be trusted
England - hopefully they listened to Teresa May
Georgia - sure we played them in a friendly
Japan - 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties with Japan

Looks flimsy though Dick won a few tight, tense votes in his day so maybe knows something we don't.
New Zealand have already announced they will follow the recommendation and vote for SA
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on November 01, 2017, 03:54:56 PM
Bertie was the man who could have got this over the line!
to not have the wi-fi and other basic infrastructure working in a stadium before the assessment is just ridiculous and small time

some of the venues in NZ in 2011 were like parc tailteann with grassy banks
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 01, 2017, 04:13:27 PM
Quote from: square_ball on November 01, 2017, 03:07:33 PM
Worth reading Gordon D'Arcy who wrote an excellent article today in the Irish Times about the situation. Talked a lot of sense about lessons to be learned if there are to be any further bids.

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/gordon-d-arcy-tough-day-on-lansdowne-road-after-rwc-hammer-blow-1.3275818?mode=amp
It is a long term play.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Asal Mor on November 02, 2017, 07:10:24 PM
Thought this was a superb piece from Ewan McKenna about the financial realities of hosting a World Cup.
https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/world-cup/ewan-mackenna-why-irelands-rugby-world-cup-bid-failure-should-be-celebrated-36283611.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 11, 2017, 05:39:14 PM
What halfwit allowed the two teams to lineup in these jersies? Horrible colour clash.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on November 11, 2017, 05:41:42 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 11, 2017, 05:39:14 PM
What halfwit allowed the two teams to lineup in these jersies? Horrible colour clash.

That's what happens when you have more interest in selling Jerseys than the game they are playing in.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 11, 2017, 05:44:09 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 11, 2017, 05:41:42 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 11, 2017, 05:39:14 PM
What halfwit allowed the two teams to lineup in these jersies? Horrible colour clash.

That's what happens when you have more interest in selling Jerseys than the game they are playing in.

The worst part is we have a maroon alternate jersey we could use if we really wanted to sell jerseies!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 11, 2017, 05:58:35 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 11, 2017, 05:44:09 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 11, 2017, 05:41:42 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 11, 2017, 05:39:14 PM
What halfwit allowed the two teams to lineup in these jersies? Horrible colour clash.

That's what happens when you have more interest in selling Jerseys than the game they are playing in.

The worst part is we have a maroon alternate jersey we could use if we really wanted to sell jerseies!!

The worst part is we have a maroon jersey.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 11, 2017, 06:07:35 PM
That jersey is a disgrace, I doubt it will sell much anyway.

The game is going well, 14-0 to Ireland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 11, 2017, 06:25:32 PM
SA are dire. NZ are the only decent Southern Hemisphere team at the moment. We're probsbly the second best team in the world right now. Great.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: nrico2006 on November 11, 2017, 06:28:37 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 11, 2017, 06:25:32 PM
SA are dire. NZ are the only decent Southern Hemisphere team at the moment. We're probsbly the second best team in the world right now. Great.
England?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: nrico2006 on November 11, 2017, 06:31:11 PM
Why was Sexton allowed to keep his Ireland llace and go to France when Zebo obviously cant?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on November 11, 2017, 06:36:09 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on November 11, 2017, 06:31:11 PM
Why was Sexton allowed to keep his Ireland llace and go to France when Zebo obviously cant?

Because Sexton was miles better than the next alternative, whereas Zebo's only differentiator between him and other pro 14 wings was a catchy, memorable surname .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 11, 2017, 06:39:46 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on November 11, 2017, 06:28:37 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 11, 2017, 06:25:32 PM
SA are dire. NZ are the only decent Southern Hemisphere team at the moment. We're probsbly the second best team in the world right now. Great.
England?

..the team we embarrassed a few months ago.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: nrico2006 on November 11, 2017, 06:42:28 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on November 11, 2017, 06:36:09 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on November 11, 2017, 06:31:11 PM
Why was Sexton allowed to keep his Ireland llace and go to France when Zebo obviously cant?

Because Sexton was miles better than the next alternative, whereas Zebo's only differentiator between him and other pro 14 wings was a catchy, memorable surname .

Surely the rule should either be adhered to or not? Whats the point of it if its on a player by player basis.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: nrico2006 on November 11, 2017, 06:44:29 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 11, 2017, 06:39:46 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on November 11, 2017, 06:28:37 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 11, 2017, 06:25:32 PM
SA are dire. NZ are the only decent Southern Hemisphere team at the moment. We're probsbly the second best team in the world right now. Great.
England?

..the team we embarrassed a few months ago.
But they are the team who has won the last two 6 nations. Ahead of Ireland currently.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 11, 2017, 06:46:29 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on November 11, 2017, 06:44:29 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 11, 2017, 06:39:46 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on November 11, 2017, 06:28:37 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 11, 2017, 06:25:32 PM
SA are dire. NZ are the only decent Southern Hemisphere team at the moment. We're probsbly the second best team in the world right now. Great.
England?

..the team we embarrassed a few months ago.
But they are the team who has won the last two 6 nations. Ahead of Ireland currently.

Only in the official rankings.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: nrico2006 on November 11, 2017, 08:26:52 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 11, 2017, 06:46:29 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on November 11, 2017, 06:44:29 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 11, 2017, 06:39:46 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on November 11, 2017, 06:28:37 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 11, 2017, 06:25:32 PM
SA are dire. NZ are the only decent Southern Hemisphere team at the moment. We're probsbly the second best team in the world right now. Great.
England?

..the team we embarrassed a few months ago.
But they are the team who has won the last two 6 nations. Ahead of Ireland currently.

Only in the official rankings.
In everything that counts
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 11, 2017, 08:34:46 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on November 11, 2017, 08:26:52 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 11, 2017, 06:46:29 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on November 11, 2017, 06:44:29 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 11, 2017, 06:39:46 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on November 11, 2017, 06:28:37 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 11, 2017, 06:25:32 PM
SA are dire. NZ are the only decent Southern Hemisphere team at the moment. We're probsbly the second best team in the world right now. Great.
England?

..the team we embarrassed a few months ago.
But they are the team who has won the last two 6 nations. Ahead of Ireland currently.

Only in the official rankings.
In everything that counts

Except on the field, clearly. Look, you're onto a losing bet here given we played them beat them handily this year.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on November 11, 2017, 08:35:46 PM
Great win in the challenge game this evening. No one does challenge games like Ireland!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: nrico2006 on November 11, 2017, 09:06:29 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 11, 2017, 08:34:46 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on November 11, 2017, 08:26:52 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 11, 2017, 06:46:29 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on November 11, 2017, 06:44:29 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 11, 2017, 06:39:46 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on November 11, 2017, 06:28:37 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 11, 2017, 06:25:32 PM
SA are dire. NZ are the only decent Southern Hemisphere team at the moment. We're probsbly the second best team in the world right now. Great.
England?

..the team we embarrassed a few months ago.
But they are the team who has won the last two 6 nations. Ahead of Ireland currently.

Only in the official rankings.
In everything that counts

Except on the field, clearly. Look, you're onto a losing bet here given we played them beat them handily this year.

Really? One off games count for nothing when it comes to titles. England are/have been better than Ireland for the last two years. Going by your tgeory Crystal Palace were better than Chelsea last season ffs.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: stew on November 12, 2017, 10:58:31 AM
Quote from: Syferus on November 11, 2017, 08:34:46 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on November 11, 2017, 08:26:52 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 11, 2017, 06:46:29 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on November 11, 2017, 06:44:29 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 11, 2017, 06:39:46 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on November 11, 2017, 06:28:37 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 11, 2017, 06:25:32 PM
SA are dire. NZ are the only decent Southern Hemisphere team at the moment. We're probsbly the second best team in the world right now. Great.
England?

..the team we embarrassed a few months ago.
But they are the team who has won the last two 6 nations. Ahead of Ireland currently.

Only in the official rankings.
In everything that counts

Except on the field, clearly. Look, you're onto a losing bet here given we played them beat them handily this year.
##


Correct!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Maroon Manc on November 13, 2017, 09:51:31 AM
How long did Aki & Stander have to live in Ireland before they were eligible?

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 13, 2017, 09:57:19 AM
3 years.  It's pathetic.

This is nothing to do with the lads themselves. I'm a big Munster fan, and a huge admirer of CJ Stander, but I've said it since he made his debut that it's not right. Any rugby players I've spoken to, including Keith Wood, agree. CJ has immersed himself in Munster and Ireland, and I'm sure Bundi has done the same in Connacht, but to say someone can go to any country in the world, play club rugby for 3 years and then be on the international team is nuts.

They have recently changed the rule to 5 years, but I believe Tyler Blyendall will be eligible under the old rules soon as well.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 13, 2017, 10:00:15 AM
I agree, however I felt there was an underlying racist tone last week with regard to Aki. Very disappointing.

As for the performance - SA were dire. Great to see our young lads coming through tho!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Maroon Manc on November 13, 2017, 10:11:48 AM
3 years isn't long enough but I have no issues with a player becoming eligible after spending 5 years in a country. They'd have more association with a country with a lad who has an Irish grandparent but has never been to the country.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on November 13, 2017, 11:12:29 AM
Strange one for anyone following the RL world cup in Australia, but how come Ireland win two games and lose one, fail to make the last 8 yet Somoa in another group  lose two and draw one and make the last 8...

Any ideas?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 13, 2017, 11:15:59 AM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on November 13, 2017, 10:11:48 AM
3 years isn't long enough but I have no issues with a player becoming eligible after spending 5 years in a country. They'd have more association with a country with a lad who has an Irish grandparent but has never been to the country.

2 sides to it. If you are brought up as an emmigrant child or grandchild, with an Irish upbringing, and have a genuine tie to the land, I have no problem. I have cousins in London, and I'd never tell them they were not Irish.

Also, as I said the likes of CJ and Bundi have probably immersed themselves and are fully committed to Ireland. But in general that rule is mental. How many Australians and Kiwis are playing for countries they have no tie to, other than a purely business decision to move their to get an international cap, and thereby increase their value and their contract?  How many of those lads stay in that country after they finish playing?

Of course there will always be lads who really buy in, and do like the Normans did, but for each of those, there's probably 5 or 6 that just see it as a career opportunity.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 13, 2017, 11:19:20 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on November 13, 2017, 11:12:29 AM
Strange one for anyone following the RL world cup in Australia, but how come Ireland win two games and lose one, fail to make the last 8 yet Somoa in another group  lose two and draw one and make the last 8...

Any ideas?

Different numbers of teams in each group. Ireland were in a smaller group of 3 where only the winner qualified and Samoa were in a group of 4 where the top 3 teams qualified.

I'm presuming it's a seeding system.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: DuffleKing on November 13, 2017, 11:57:18 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 13, 2017, 10:00:15 AM
I agree, however I felt there was an underlying racist tone last week with regard to Aki. Very disappointing.

As for the performance - SA were dire. Great to see our young lads coming through tho!

I agree with this 100%. Aki doesn't "look Irish" and the beating drums were ten times louder than when Stander or Payne made their debuts. Noone seems to want to say it though...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 13, 2017, 12:04:20 PM
Quote from: DuffleKing on November 13, 2017, 11:57:18 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 13, 2017, 10:00:15 AM
I agree, however I felt there was an underlying racist tone last week with regard to Aki. Very disappointing.

As for the performance - SA were dire. Great to see our young lads coming through tho!

I agree with this 100%. Aki doesn't "look Irish" and the beating drums were ten times louder than when Stander or Payne made their debuts. Noone seems to want to say it though...

Don't associate me with that lads. I said the same thing when Stander was picked.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Orchard park on November 13, 2017, 12:15:19 PM
i think thats unfair re anyone who is critical of blow in mercenary non nationals being allowed play for another country...

Stander, and Payne received plenty of negative commentary but i suppose as the number of mercenaries increases exponentially the profile of how wrong this is will also. skin colour or racist undertones has nothing to do with it
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Jim_Murphy_74 on November 13, 2017, 12:23:53 PM
Quote from: DuffleKing on November 13, 2017, 11:57:18 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 13, 2017, 10:00:15 AM
I agree, however I felt there was an underlying racist tone last week with regard to Aki. Very disappointing.

As for the performance - SA were dire. Great to see our young lads coming through tho!

I agree with this 100%. Aki doesn't "look Irish" and the beating drums were ten times louder than when Stander or Payne made their debuts. Noone seems to want to say it though...

Remember too that Stander was brought to Ireland as a "project player" ie with a view to making him Irish.   In fairness Aki seems to have settled into Connacht and  happy to stay there.  He at least seemed to give due consideration to whole thing, said he didn't necessarily feel Irish after 3 years but went with the request.  I don't think he came to Ireland as a mercenary, looking for caps. 

/Jim.



Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on November 13, 2017, 01:19:04 PM
No one noticed our own South African Rob Herring joining Stander and Aki.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 13, 2017, 02:17:13 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on November 13, 2017, 01:19:04 PM
No one noticed our own South African Rob Herring joining Stander and Aki.

He already made his debut years ago.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on November 13, 2017, 02:39:52 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 13, 2017, 11:19:20 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on November 13, 2017, 11:12:29 AM
Strange one for anyone following the RL world cup in Australia, but how come Ireland win two games and lose one, fail to make the last 8 yet Somoa in another group  lose two and draw one and make the last 8...

Any ideas?

Different numbers of teams in each group. Ireland were in a smaller group of 3 where only the winner qualified and Samoa were in a group of 4 where the top 3 teams qualified.

I'm presuming it's a seeding system.

So the weaker teams were in the 3 team groups and you needed to win them outright to compete with the top level teams in the 4 team groups?

Are Papua New Guinea good at this RL thing?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Orchard park on November 13, 2017, 03:07:12 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 13, 2017, 02:17:13 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on November 13, 2017, 01:19:04 PM
No one noticed our own South African Rob Herring joining Stander and Aki.

He already made his debut years ago.

think it was 3 years ago.
equally NON IRISH as the others
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 13, 2017, 03:18:08 PM
Quote from: Orchard park on November 13, 2017, 03:07:12 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 13, 2017, 02:17:13 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on November 13, 2017, 01:19:04 PM
No one noticed our own South African Rob Herring joining Stander and Aki.

He already made his debut years ago.

think it was 3 years ago.
equally NON IRISH as the others

Never got this fascination with non-Irish in rugby when most of our best ever soccer team sounded like they were from Liverpool.

I wouldn't be upset about having players like CJ Stander (absolute world class and would be the star of the current SA team) or even Aki who has the traits to add something we've been missing at centre.

If they help us finally make the semis the WC they will be forever remembered and this shite will be long forgotten.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Orchard park on November 13, 2017, 03:30:50 PM
the FAI milked granny rule to its last but this residency rule is a joke. so by your criteria CJ Stanbder is a good player so its ok.

he is taking some lad from Cork Con or Shannon or Young Munsters spot no matter how its dressed up.

its not like they are Pat Duignan and entitled to play for Ireland ( off and google that one Sfyeris)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 13, 2017, 04:06:27 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 13, 2017, 03:18:08 PM
Quote from: Orchard park on November 13, 2017, 03:07:12 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 13, 2017, 02:17:13 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on November 13, 2017, 01:19:04 PM
No one noticed our own South African Rob Herring joining Stander and Aki.

He already made his debut years ago.

think it was 3 years ago.
equally NON IRISH as the others

Never got this fascination with non-Irish in rugby when most of our best ever soccer team sounded like they were from Liverpool.

I wouldn't be upset about having players like CJ Stander (absolute world class and would be the star of the current SA team) or even Akki who has the traits to add something we've been missing at centre.

If they help us finally make the semis the WC they will be forever remembered and this shite will be long forgotten.

It's not shite though Syf. At least the soccer lads are supposed to have some sort of familial tie to Ireland, and as I said before, I'd be a long time waiting before I told my London born cousins that they are not Irish.

Rugby is a career decision in many cases, and while those are the rules and we are not breaking any rules, it does call into question the notion of the 'national' part of 'international' rugby. To my mind, at this stage, it is Interunion Representative Rugby.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on November 13, 2017, 04:08:17 PM
Quote from: Orchard park on November 13, 2017, 03:30:50 PM
the FAI milked granny rule to its last but this residency rule is a joke. so by your criteria CJ Stanbder is a good player so its ok.

he is taking some lad from Cork Con or Shannon or Young Munsters spot no matter how its dressed up.

its not like they are Pat Duignan and entitled to play for Ireland ( off and google that one Sfyeris)

Not sure anyone is entitled to anything especially in professional sport.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 13, 2017, 04:19:58 PM
With regard to Aki AZ, I was referring to the wider media in general and not your good self :)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tonto1888 on November 13, 2017, 04:20:23 PM
Quote from: Orchard park on November 13, 2017, 03:30:50 PM
the FAI milked granny rule to its last but this residency rule is a joke. so by your criteria CJ Stanbder is a good player so its ok.

he is taking some lad from Cork Con or Shannon or Young Munsters spot no matter how its dressed up.

its not like they are Pat Duignan and entitled to play for Ireland ( off and google that one Sfyeris)

they are entitled to play for Ireland though or else they wouldn't be playing
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 13, 2017, 05:20:47 PM
What about Tony Cascarino eh??!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mrhardyannual on November 13, 2017, 05:33:38 PM
I'm not a rugby man but enjoy watching the games. I'd say Bundee Aki has done more to popularise the game here in Mayo than Neil Francis or a dozen more former internationals whose names had to be prefaced with half the alphabet i.e. NPJ Francis. I noted that in his article Francis spoke of the GAAs "pride of the parish". I know few GAA clubs who wouldn't welcome a newcomer to the town/parish and have him playing asap if good enough. My own club benefitted over the years from lads working in the Post Office, Garda, Teachers, Bank,
CIE etc and there was no talk of blow-ins. If a local lost his place to a newcomer it was generally because he wasn't as good or didn't apply himself. The competition often brought out the best in both. Inter-county football was no different. Louth won their '57 All Ireland with two Mayomen at midfield. Has Larry Tompkins become a Corkman yet?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 13, 2017, 06:33:17 PM
I dont know what every is complaining about, i want a team to compete with the best, England has 10 times the population of Ireland, at least 5 times the no of professional rugby teams, the Underwoods were playing for England 25yrs ago, am not sure if they were born there. England played 3 south Africans, 2 samoans, 1 NW and 1 Australian in a 6 nations game a few years back, and we wondering why they are winning everything. Am all on for beating them at their own game
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 13, 2017, 06:40:18 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on November 13, 2017, 06:33:17 PM
I dont know what every is complaining about, i want a team to compete with the best, England has 10 times the population of Ireland, at least 5 times the no of professional rugby teams, the Underwoods were playing for England 25yrs ago, am not sure if they were born there. England played 3 south Africans, 2 samoans, 1 NW and 1 Australian in a 6 nations game a few years back, and we wondering why they are winning everything. Am all on for beating them at their own game

That's my point. The rule is/was stupid. For all "national" teams.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Zulu on November 13, 2017, 06:47:27 PM
I don't know how lads can justify this stuff, rugby or soccer. The rugby situation is a complete joke but a lot of the 'emigrant nation' dresses up us digging up some faint Irish connection to get an England B player to tog for us. For me it's quite simple, an Irish international (team or individual) should be Irish. That means they could be born in a different country but should identify as Irish as opposed to using it for international recognition. Living here a few years doesn't make you Irish no more than I'll ever be British though I've lived here for a while now so that residency rule is rubbish. For lads who want to win no matter the make up of our teams, why not just go the whole hog and have transfers like clubs?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 13, 2017, 06:49:00 PM
Quote from: Zulu on November 13, 2017, 06:47:27 PM
I don't know how lads can justify this stuff, rugby or soccer. The rugby situation is a complete joke but a lot of the 'emigrant nation' dresses up us digging up some faint Irish connection to get an England B player to tog for us. For me it's quite simple, an Irish international (team or individual) should be Irish. That means they could be born in a different country but should identify as Irish as opposed to using it for international recognition. Living here a few years doesn't make you Irish no more than I'll ever be British though I've lived here for a while now so that residency rule is rubbish. For lads who want to win no matter the make up of our teams, why not just go the whole hog and have transfers like clubs?

Bit like Meathman Dean Rock playing for your Dubs, eh?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 13, 2017, 07:35:58 PM
cause Ireland like every else is changing, hell where i live there more polish than Irish, better behaved they are too for that matter, every look at the french national team, many are immigrant families who came from french colonies. we got a man running the country of a indian background, Ireland do not have that big a pick to start with and will always play 2nd fiddle to gaelic, hurling, soccer etc
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 13, 2017, 09:01:02 PM
It's a joke plain and simple, if we had no Johnny Foreigner willing to play for us and the English were awash with them then you'd all have a f**king different tune. Just because a few can rumble about it seems to make it alright.

I wonder was this how the French reacted when the top 14 employed the legion of mercenaries and decimated their national rugby team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 13, 2017, 09:46:40 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 13, 2017, 09:01:02 PM
It's a joke plain and simple, if we had no Johnny Foreigner willing to play for us and the English were awash with them then you'd all have a f**king different tune. Just because a few can rumble about it seems to make it alright.

I wonder was this how the French reacted when the top 14 employed the legion of mercenaries and decimated their national rugby team.

French Rugby has been shîte for longer than they've been throwing around big money. Same goes for England.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Orchard park on November 13, 2017, 10:25:20 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 13, 2017, 06:49:00 PM
Quote from: Zulu on November 13, 2017, 06:47:27 PM
I don't know how lads can justify this stuff, rugby or soccer. The rugby situation is a complete joke but a lot of the 'emigrant nation' dresses up us digging up some faint Irish connection to get an England B player to tog for us. For me it's quite simple, an Irish international (team or individual) should be Irish. That means they could be born in a different country but should identify as Irish as opposed to using it for international recognition. Living here a few years doesn't make you Irish no more than I'll ever be British though I've lived here for a while now so that residency rule is rubbish. For lads who want to win no matter the make up of our teams, why not just go the whole hog and have transfers like clubs?

Bit like Meathman Dean Rock playing for your Dubs, eh?


??????

Garristown is Co Dublin.... an ashbourne postal address but most definitely a Dublin house.....

Think you mixed up with Michael Deegan in your Google search !!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tonto1888 on November 13, 2017, 10:28:27 PM
I'm guessing nobody on here was following Ireland in the RLWC?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on November 13, 2017, 10:40:01 PM
Quote from: tonto1888 on November 13, 2017, 10:28:27 PM
I'm guessing nobody on here was following Ireland in the RLWC?
Games were hard to find bbc seemed to give the irish ones a miss. Saw some of the png game on premier sports online so was gutted when they lost knowing that was that. Shame as they win 2 and go out and samoa draw one and progress a bit if a farce all round
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 13, 2017, 10:46:53 PM
Very few of the Irish rubgy league team be irish born
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tonto1888 on November 14, 2017, 09:53:27 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on November 13, 2017, 10:40:01 PM
Quote from: tonto1888 on November 13, 2017, 10:28:27 PM
I'm guessing nobody on here was following Ireland in the RLWC?
Games were hard to find bbc seemed to give the irish ones a miss. Saw some of the png game on premier sports online so was gutted when they lost knowing that was that. Shame as they win 2 and go out and samoa draw one and progress a bit if a farce all round

I think BBC have only shown English games so far.
It was a shame but hopefully it gives Ireland something to build on RL wise
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ashman on November 14, 2017, 10:17:23 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on November 13, 2017, 10:46:53 PM
Very few of the Irish rubgy league team be irish born

Yes , a massive snub of the grassroots game on this island.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on November 14, 2017, 11:18:53 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on November 13, 2017, 10:46:53 PM
Very few of the Irish rubgy league team be irish born

The lad interviewed on the Sunday mornings highlights program had the same Irish accent as Simon Geoghegan had back in the day.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on November 15, 2017, 01:11:05 PM
France win no-one saw that coming. Just kind of kicks us in the teeth after last nights humiliation
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Shamrock Shore on November 15, 2017, 01:19:38 PM
Seems we came fourth!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on November 15, 2017, 01:21:47 PM
We got 8 votes FFS what a disaster. If the Scots English and Welsh voted for us we would have got 9 so someone obviously didnt the fucks lol
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on November 15, 2017, 01:23:14 PM
I wouldn't put Dick Spring in charge of running a cake sale.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Aaron Boone on November 15, 2017, 01:26:15 PM
The French had kept their counsel after the independent assessment came out. Ireland had burnt a few bridges crying foul about the process.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: oakleaflad on November 15, 2017, 01:38:50 PM
The whole thing is embarrassing for World Rugby
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Maroon Manc on November 15, 2017, 01:48:35 PM
Another world cup in France, very uninspiring.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 15, 2017, 01:51:03 PM
No big loss we don't gave the infrastructure for it and while it would be nice to have it here the country has all kinds of other problems it should be dealing with first before worrying about attracting a major sporting event!

The upside is France isn't that far away for our supporters!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: yellowcard on November 15, 2017, 01:52:08 PM
Too much whinging about the initial assessment instead of actually focussing on why it failed. There was a forlorn hope that our penchant for the brown envelope might see us yet go close but we were embarrassingly defeated in the end.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: longballin on November 15, 2017, 01:55:55 PM
showing them a field of corn in west Befast probably didnt help... as bad as the Bertie Bowl.... a mirage
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on November 15, 2017, 02:02:41 PM
Would appear our fella Celts the Scots and Welsh did not vote for us. Always found them a sneaky shower. English are grand lads compared to them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Link on November 15, 2017, 02:09:43 PM
Quote from: Shamrock Shore on November 15, 2017, 01:19:38 PM
Seems we came fourth!

how?  :o
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mouview on November 15, 2017, 02:30:15 PM
I propose we withdraw in protest. Won't do it again to us so they won't.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Avondhu star on November 15, 2017, 02:37:24 PM
Quote from: oakleaflad on November 15, 2017, 01:38:50 PM
The whole thing is embarrassing for World Rugby
I'm sure they are mortified that they're the best supporters in the world. Don't they realise we are great craic?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on November 15, 2017, 02:42:34 PM
Well handy for France having to wait 4 World Cups to be host again.

The Rugby World Cup in Ireland would have been a logistical nightmare. The governing body seen this and duly made sure we were outed!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 15, 2017, 03:16:33 PM
From a security point of view a terrorist attack in france would be big issue then this world cup comes round
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 15, 2017, 04:00:36 PM
RWC and Olympics within a year. Easy pickings for ISIS
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Shamrock Shore on November 15, 2017, 04:13:21 PM
Quote from: Link on November 15, 2017, 02:09:43 PM
Quote from: Shamrock Shore on November 15, 2017, 01:19:38 PM
Seems we came fourth!

how?  :o

Being a smart orse.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on November 15, 2017, 04:18:11 PM
Stop talking shite about infrastructure etc - clearly the report was a farce. We would have hosted the WC quite well. It would have been great for the country and forced the government to spend money on things the general population need so its a shame it didn't happen. I suppose it goes to show again how totally inept Dick Spring is. Along with Bruton he collapsed the peace process and only that a change of government happened just in time you can only imagine where we'd be. In this case he announced about a year ago that we had the votes wrapped up. Seems he dropped the ball.....again.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 15, 2017, 04:26:01 PM
The Irish taxpayer didn't need to be saddled with more debt. These international tournaments aren't a net positive for the host country besides as advertisements, and we already have one of the best international brands going for tourism.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 15, 2017, 04:37:34 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on November 15, 2017, 04:18:11 PM
Stop talking shite about infrastructure etc - clearly the report was a farce. We would have hosted the WC quite well. It would have been great for the country and forced the government to spend money on things the general population need so its a shame it didn't happen. I suppose it goes to show again how totally inept Dick Spring is. Along with Bruton he collapsed the peace process and only that a change of government happened just in time you can only imagine where we'd be. In this case he announced about a year ago that we had the votes wrapped up. Seems he dropped the ball.....again.

How the f**k were people going to get around?? Our transport network is atrocious one of the main stadia isn't built yet. Dublin doesn't even have enough hotel rooms to cope with current demand how could they cope with a major international sporting event over weeks?!

If you think infrastructure had nothing to do with it you're away mad. That's even before you make the case for the waste of money!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: longballin on November 15, 2017, 04:42:02 PM
1979 million people went to Phoenix Park to see the Pope, half a million to Galway, hundreds of thousands to Cork and Dundalk all in a few days and was managed ok... it would have been sorted... but not to be so let's get over it   8)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on November 15, 2017, 04:44:46 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 15, 2017, 04:37:34 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on November 15, 2017, 04:18:11 PM
Stop talking shite about infrastructure etc - clearly the report was a farce. We would have hosted the WC quite well. It would have been great for the country and forced the government to spend money on things the general population need so its a shame it didn't happen. I suppose it goes to show again how totally inept Dick Spring is. Along with Bruton he collapsed the peace process and only that a change of government happened just in time you can only imagine where we'd be. In this case he announced about a year ago that we had the votes wrapped up. Seems he dropped the ball.....again.

How the f**k were people going to get around?? Our transport network is atrocious one of the main stadia isn't built yet. Dublin doesn't even have enough hotel rooms to cope with current demand how could they cope with a major international sporting event over weeks?!

If you think infrastructure had nothing to do with it you're away mad. That's even before you make the case for the waste of money!

Unless you think there would have been a poor uptake on tickets, the tournament would have returned a nice profit.

As for the infrastructure red herring - it's a rugby world cup. Exactly how many people are you expecting to come? Millions? Even the dubious report made it perfectly clear we could manage the event, just not as well as bigger countries who have already hosted major tournaments.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 15, 2017, 04:47:01 PM
They expected 450,000+ visitors.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 15, 2017, 04:52:15 PM
Great time for English Rugby, as for the Welsh, it's why I love beating them. Have always been about 'me'.

I think we would have hosted a fine tournament but GAA stadia aren't rugby stadia and the atmosphere would have suffered.

Not too disappointed and on the plus side it might take stop that arsehole Ewan MacKenna from popping up on my twitter feed. Christ I doubt even his mother loves him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on November 15, 2017, 04:53:17 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 15, 2017, 04:47:01 PM
They expected 450,000+ visitors.

That would be great. And - newsflash - they all wouldn't have to stay in Dublin. I know that's not the usual way we do things but hey.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AQMP on November 15, 2017, 04:56:19 PM
Quote from: longballin on November 15, 2017, 04:42:02 PM
1979 million people went to Phoenix Park to see the Pope, half a million to Galway, hundreds of thousands to Cork and Dundalk all in a few days and was managed ok... it would have been sorted... but not to be so let's get over it   8)

Some crowd alright.  I was in Galway myself, there were only 712 million there.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 15, 2017, 05:00:16 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 15, 2017, 04:52:15 PM
Great time for English Rugby, as for the Welsh, it's why I love beating them. Have always been about 'me'.

I think we would have hosted a fine tournament but GAA stadia aren't rugby stadia and the atmosphere would have suffered.

Not too disappointed and on the plus side it might take stop that arsehole Ewan MacKenna from popping up on my twitter feed. Christ I doubt even his mother loves him.

Ha ha ha ha

As for the English Rugby, couldn't agree more. The best craic in Thomond Park is when the English clubs come over. Great nights with Gloucester, Saracens and even Leicester fans. The Welsh are painful. I think they resent the fact that Ireland has suddenly decided to take more of an interest in 'their' game. And they hate it, and us.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rossfan on November 15, 2017, 05:16:05 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on November 15, 2017, 01:11:05 PM
France win no-one saw that coming. Just kind of kicks us in the teeth after last nights humiliation
Thank God.
I won't have to leave the country for 8 or 9 months in 2023.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: longballin on November 15, 2017, 05:16:20 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 15, 2017, 04:52:15 PM
Great time for English Rugby, as for the Welsh, it's why I love beating them. Have always been about 'me'.

I think we would have hosted a fine tournament but GAA stadia aren't rugby stadia and the atmosphere would have suffered.

Not too disappointed and on the plus side it might take stop that arsehole Ewan MacKenna from popping up on my twitter feed. Christ I doubt even his mother loves him.


you are so right on McKenna   such a dose  :-[
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on November 15, 2017, 05:19:11 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 15, 2017, 05:00:16 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 15, 2017, 04:52:15 PM
Great time for English Rugby, as for the Welsh, it's why I love beating them. Have always been about 'me'.

I think we would have hosted a fine tournament but GAA stadia aren't rugby stadia and the atmosphere would have suffered.

Not too disappointed and on the plus side it might take stop that arsehole Ewan MacKenna from popping up on my twitter feed. Christ I doubt even his mother loves him.

Ha ha ha ha

As for the English Rugby, couldn't agree more. The best craic in Thomond Park is when the English clubs come over. Great nights with Gloucester, Saracens and even Leicester fans. The Welsh are painful. I think they resent the fact that Ireland has suddenly decided to take more of an interest in 'their' game. And they hate it, and us.

Spot on about the half English Welsh. It would have killed them if we got to host the WC alone. Scots too. Shame on them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Arthur_Friend on November 15, 2017, 05:31:57 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 15, 2017, 05:00:16 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 15, 2017, 04:52:15 PM
Great time for English Rugby, as for the Welsh, it's why I love beating them. Have always been about 'me'.

I think we would have hosted a fine tournament but GAA stadia aren't rugby stadia and the atmosphere would have suffered.

Not too disappointed and on the plus side it might take stop that arsehole Ewan MacKenna from popping up on my twitter feed. Christ I doubt even his mother loves him.

Ha ha ha ha

As for the English Rugby, couldn't agree more. The best craic in Thomond Park is when the English clubs come over. Great nights with Gloucester, Saracens and even Leicester fans. The Welsh are painful. I think they resent the fact that Ireland has suddenly decided to take more of an interest in 'their' game. And they hate it, and us.

A Welsh friend commented to me that he disliked Irish rugby fans as they were "insufferable twats".
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on November 15, 2017, 06:17:03 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 15, 2017, 04:47:01 PM
They expected 450,000+ visitors.
if each viisitor spends an average of 2k what a boost to the economy it would have been.
Ireland is a very small country easy to get around
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 15, 2017, 06:36:51 PM
Quote from: Gmac on November 15, 2017, 06:17:03 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 15, 2017, 04:47:01 PM
They expected 450,000+ visitors.
if each viisitor spends an average of 2k what a boost to the economy it would have been.
Ireland is a very small country easy to get around

You're fooling yourself thinking this was anything close to a cash cow. The money we needed to host it was massive.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on November 15, 2017, 06:51:39 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 15, 2017, 06:36:51 PM
Quote from: Gmac on November 15, 2017, 06:17:03 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 15, 2017, 04:47:01 PM
They expected 450,000+ visitors.
if each viisitor spends an average of 2k what a boost to the economy it would have been.
Ireland is a very small country easy to get around

You're fooling yourself thinking this was anything close to a cash cow. The money we needed to host it was massive.
whatever about the tournament itself would showcasing the country to hundreds of millions of people on tv not be worth hundreds of millions of free advertising.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Avondhu star on November 15, 2017, 06:53:43 PM
Quote from: Gmac on November 15, 2017, 06:17:03 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 15, 2017, 04:47:01 PM
They expected 450,000+ visitors.
if each viisitor spends an average of 2k what a boost to the economy it would have been.
Ireland is a very small country easy to get around
Have you tried to get from Letterkenny to Tralee?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on November 15, 2017, 07:01:09 PM
Quote from: Avondhu star on November 15, 2017, 06:53:43 PM
Quote from: Gmac on November 15, 2017, 06:17:03 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 15, 2017, 04:47:01 PM
They expected 450,000+ visitors.
if each viisitor spends an average of 2k what a boost to the economy it would have been.
Ireland is a very small country easy to get around
Have you tried to get from Letterkenny to Tralee?
bus to Dublin train to Tralee
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Maroon Manc on November 15, 2017, 07:10:28 PM
Would ticket sales have covered the cost of the fee required to host the world cup?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 15, 2017, 08:37:45 PM
Quote from: Gmac on November 15, 2017, 07:01:09 PM
Quote from: Avondhu star on November 15, 2017, 06:53:43 PM
Quote from: Gmac on November 15, 2017, 06:17:03 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 15, 2017, 04:47:01 PM
They expected 450,000+ visitors.
if each viisitor spends an average of 2k what a boost to the economy it would have been.
Ireland is a very small country easy to get around
Have you tried to get from Letterkenny to Tralee?
bus to Dublin train to Tralee
And 10 hours after you set off you'd reach your destination. What's that - average of 50km/hr?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on November 15, 2017, 09:10:26 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on November 15, 2017, 08:37:45 PM
Quote from: Gmac on November 15, 2017, 07:01:09 PM
Quote from: Avondhu star on November 15, 2017, 06:53:43 PM
Quote from: Gmac on November 15, 2017, 06:17:03 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 15, 2017, 04:47:01 PM
They expected 450,000+ visitors.
if each viisitor spends an average of 2k what a boost to the economy it would have been.
Ireland is a very small country easy to get around
Have you tried to get from Letterkenny to Tralee?
bus to Dublin train to Tralee
And 10 hours after you set off you'd reach your destination. What's that - average of 50km/hr?
was there going to be games in Tralee and letterkenny featuring the same teams ? If not what's ur point.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on November 15, 2017, 09:17:34 PM
Quote from: Gmac on November 15, 2017, 09:10:26 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on November 15, 2017, 08:37:45 PM
Quote from: Gmac on November 15, 2017, 07:01:09 PM
Quote from: Avondhu star on November 15, 2017, 06:53:43 PM
Quote from: Gmac on November 15, 2017, 06:17:03 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 15, 2017, 04:47:01 PM
They expected 450,000+ visitors.
if each viisitor spends an average of 2k what a boost to the economy it would have been.
Ireland is a very small country easy to get around
Have you tried to get from Letterkenny to Tralee?
bus to Dublin train to Tralee
And 10 hours after you set off you'd reach your destination. What's that - average of 50km/hr?
was there going to be games in Tralee and letterkenny featuring the same teams ? If not what's ur point.

Exactly the final list of grounds would have been Aviva, Croke, PuC, Thomond, Ravenhill, Casement, Pearse and Kllarney so all in cities except Killarney but it is the tourist centre of Ireland so all could have coped just fine. The infrastructure is a red herring. Ravenhill was rebuilt for 20million so a similar amount thrown at Pearse and Killarney would have got them up to spec. The only problem i see on the list is the lack of any progress being made on Casement. Looking forward to the games against Wales and Scotland next year. joe wont need much of a team talk lol
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 15, 2017, 09:45:53 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on November 15, 2017, 09:17:34 PM
Quote from: Gmac on November 15, 2017, 09:10:26 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on November 15, 2017, 08:37:45 PM
Quote from: Gmac on November 15, 2017, 07:01:09 PM
Quote from: Avondhu star on November 15, 2017, 06:53:43 PM
Quote from: Gmac on November 15, 2017, 06:17:03 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 15, 2017, 04:47:01 PM
They expected 450,000+ visitors.
if each viisitor spends an average of 2k what a boost to the economy it would have been.
Ireland is a very small country easy to get around
Have you tried to get from Letterkenny to Tralee?
bus to Dublin train to Tralee
And 10 hours after you set off you'd reach your destination. What's that - average of 50km/hr?
was there going to be games in Tralee and letterkenny featuring the same teams ? If not what's ur point.

Exactly the final list of grounds would have been Aviva, Croke, PuC, Thomond, Ravenhill, Casement, Pearse and Kllarney so all in cities except Killarney but it is the tourist centre of Ireland so all could have coped just fine. The infrastructure is a red herring. Ravenhill was rebuilt for 20million so a similar amount thrown at Pearse and Killarney would have got them up to spec. The only problem i see on the list is the lack of any progress being made on Casement. Looking forward to the games against Wales and Scotland next year. joe wont need much of a team talk lol

Kilarney being the tourist center of Ireland is news to me and probably the rest of the country too.

Spend the money on sports grants and better roads if you want to do real good.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Aaron Boone on November 15, 2017, 09:47:23 PM
France play South Africa this Saturday. Bit of needle there.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LooseCannon on November 15, 2017, 11:30:47 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on November 15, 2017, 01:23:14 PM
I wouldn't put Dick Spring in charge of running a cake sale.
You should do a collection of one liners.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on November 16, 2017, 09:32:56 AM
Quote from: Syferus on November 15, 2017, 09:45:53 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on November 15, 2017, 09:17:34 PM
Quote from: Gmac on November 15, 2017, 09:10:26 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on November 15, 2017, 08:37:45 PM
Quote from: Gmac on November 15, 2017, 07:01:09 PM
Quote from: Avondhu star on November 15, 2017, 06:53:43 PM
Quote from: Gmac on November 15, 2017, 06:17:03 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 15, 2017, 04:47:01 PM
They expected 450,000+ visitors.
if each viisitor spends an average of 2k what a boost to the economy it would have been.
Ireland is a very small country easy to get around
Have you tried to get from Letterkenny to Tralee?
bus to Dublin train to Tralee
And 10 hours after you set off you'd reach your destination. What's that - average of 50km/hr?
was there going to be games in Tralee and letterkenny featuring the same teams ? If not what's ur point.

Exactly the final list of grounds would have been Aviva, Croke, PuC, Thomond, Ravenhill, Casement, Pearse and Kllarney so all in cities except Killarney but it is the tourist centre of Ireland so all could have coped just fine. The infrastructure is a red herring. Ravenhill was rebuilt for 20million so a similar amount thrown at Pearse and Killarney would have got them up to spec. The only problem i see on the list is the lack of any progress being made on Casement. Looking forward to the games against Wales and Scotland next year. joe wont need much of a team talk lol

Kilarney being the tourist center of Ireland is news to me and probably the rest of the country too.

Spend the money on sports grants and better roads if you want to do real good.

Have you ever been to Killarney? It would host a WC rugby match and hardly notice the extra few thousand people in the town. There are more hotels in the Killarney area than in any other centre in Ireland, bar Dublin and Galway.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on November 16, 2017, 09:49:11 AM
While I obviously suffer from confirmation bias, if FIFA can presume Qatar can host the world's biggest sporting event, then Ireland is more than capable of hosting an event a quarter the size.

—�-

World Cups are creating an interesting dichotomy for organisers. While every effort is being taken to ensure that competitors come from every corner and culture of the world, big money is ensuring that the tournaments are hosted in the soulless, barren spaces suitable for constructing modern stadia. It's impossible to present the culture and ethos of a nation from these spaces. So it becomes bland, identikit, dare I say American consumer style.

A trip to an Ulster Final day in Clones is all you need for evidence that the stadium should be secondary to the atmosphere. That's what you remember, not which seat you were in.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: oakleaflad on November 16, 2017, 04:20:48 PM
Ireland team to face Fiji

IRELAND: A Conway, D Sweetnam, C Farrell, S McCloskey, D Kearney, J Carbery, K Marmion; J McGrath, R Herring, A Porter, U Dillane, D Toner, R Ruddock, J Murphy, J Conan.

Replacements: J Tracy, C Healy, T Furlong, K Treadwell, CJ Stander, L McGrath, I Keatley, R Henshaw.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 16, 2017, 04:43:41 PM
Quote from: oakleaflad on November 16, 2017, 04:20:48 PM
Ireland team to face Fiji

IRELAND: A Conway, D Sweetnam, C Farrell, S McCloskey, D Kearney, J Carbery, K Marmion; J McGrath, R Herring, A Porter, U Dillane, D Toner, R Ruddock, J Murphy, J Conan.

Replacements: J Tracy, C Healy, T Furlong, K Treadwell, CJ Stander, L McGrath, I Keatley, R Henshaw.

Still baffled by how Tiernan O'Halloran isn't deemed good enough for this.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on November 16, 2017, 05:12:13 PM
What has happened to Sean Cronin, he does play for Leinster after all?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on November 16, 2017, 05:18:17 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 16, 2017, 04:43:41 PM
Quote from: oakleaflad on November 16, 2017, 04:20:48 PM
Ireland team to face Fiji

IRELAND: A Conway, D Sweetnam, C Farrell, S McCloskey, D Kearney, J Carbery, K Marmion; J McGrath, R Herring, A Porter, U Dillane, D Toner, R Ruddock, J Murphy, J Conan.

Replacements: J Tracy, C Healy, T Furlong, K Treadwell, CJ Stander, L McGrath, I Keatley, R Henshaw.

Still baffled by how Tiernan O'Halloran isn't deemed good enough for this.

I think Schmit prefers a kicking game rather than a counter attack game especially from his back three and focouses the majority of his strike moves off first phase ball or set pieces. He wants players who win gain line collisions for second and third phase ball so I don't think any Connacht players apart from Dillane and Aki fit his game plan.
Connacht play an offloading attack at all times game which is high risk high rerward type game wheras Joe puts the emphasis on a mistake/penalty free teritory game to keep the opposition under pressure, killing them off with his stike moves.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on November 16, 2017, 07:51:10 PM
Quote from: Crete Boom on November 16, 2017, 05:18:17 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 16, 2017, 04:43:41 PM
Quote from: oakleaflad on November 16, 2017, 04:20:48 PM
Ireland team to face Fiji

IRELAND: A Conway, D Sweetnam, C Farrell, S McCloskey, D Kearney, J Carbery, K Marmion; J McGrath, R Herring, A Porter, U Dillane, D Toner, R Ruddock, J Murphy, J Conan.

Replacements: J Tracy, C Healy, T Furlong, K Treadwell, CJ Stander, L McGrath, I Keatley, R Henshaw.

Still baffled by how Tiernan O'Halloran isn't deemed good enough for this.

I think Schmit prefers a kicking game rather than a counter attack game especially from his back three and focouses the majority of his strike moves off first phase ball or set pieces. He wants players who win gain line collisions for second and third phase ball so I don't think any Connacht players apart from Dillane and Aki fit his game plan.
Connacht play an offloading attack at all times game which is high risk high rerward type game wheras Joe puts the emphasis on a mistake/penalty free teritory game to keep the opposition under pressure, killing them off with his stike moves.
Connacht are moving away from that style now
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 16, 2017, 08:14:10 PM
Quote from: Hardy on November 16, 2017, 09:32:56 AM
Quote from: Syferus on November 15, 2017, 09:45:53 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on November 15, 2017, 09:17:34 PM
Quote from: Gmac on November 15, 2017, 09:10:26 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on November 15, 2017, 08:37:45 PM
Quote from: Gmac on November 15, 2017, 07:01:09 PM
Quote from: Avondhu star on November 15, 2017, 06:53:43 PM
Quote from: Gmac on November 15, 2017, 06:17:03 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 15, 2017, 04:47:01 PM
They expected 450,000+ visitors.
if each viisitor spends an average of 2k what a boost to the economy it would have been.
Ireland is a very small country easy to get around
Have you tried to get from Letterkenny to Tralee?
bus to Dublin train to Tralee
And 10 hours after you set off you'd reach your destination. What's that - average of 50km/hr?
was there going to be games in Tralee and letterkenny featuring the same teams ? If not what's ur point.

Exactly the final list of grounds would have been Aviva, Croke, PuC, Thomond, Ravenhill, Casement, Pearse and Kllarney so all in cities except Killarney but it is the tourist centre of Ireland so all could have coped just fine. The infrastructure is a red herring. Ravenhill was rebuilt for 20million so a similar amount thrown at Pearse and Killarney would have got them up to spec. The only problem i see on the list is the lack of any progress being made on Casement. Looking forward to the games against Wales and Scotland next year. joe wont need much of a team talk lol

Kilarney being the tourist center of Ireland is news to me and probably the rest of the country too.

Spend the money on sports grants and better roads if you want to do real good.

Have you ever been to Killarney? It would host a WC rugby match and hardly notice the extra few thousand people in the town. There are more hotels in the Killarney area than in any other centre in Ireland, bar Dublin and Galway.

Dublin is the tourist center of Ireland, hell its the center of put-any-word-here given how much it dominates every aspect of life in Ireland.

I have been to Killarney, but have only stayed in Tralee because it's a little more relaxed than Killarney. I still don't think our transportation infrastructure and accommodation could cope with 20-30k foreigners descending on regional towns. It'd be like multiple Feadh Ceoils without the music to distract from the sweaty, overcrowded futility of all.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on November 17, 2017, 02:28:17 PM
After all the help the IRFU gave the Italians they root for France. The Welsh were miserable and the Scotch were always b@stards. Back in 72 during the troubles the Scotch and Welsh refused to travel, the following year England did. They got a rousing reception.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on November 18, 2017, 04:35:30 PM
Boo f**king hoo
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on November 19, 2017, 09:49:38 PM
https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/why-ireland-feels-betrayed-the-inside-story-of-how-lack-of-support-from-scottish-and-welsh-allies-doomed-world-cup-bid-36332772.html (https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/why-ireland-feels-betrayed-the-inside-story-of-how-lack-of-support-from-scottish-and-welsh-allies-doomed-world-cup-bid-36332772.html)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on November 20, 2017, 09:04:33 AM
Quote from: Rudi on November 17, 2017, 02:28:17 PM
After all the help the IRFU gave the Italians they root for France. The Welsh were miserable and the Scotch were always b@stards. Back in 72 during the troubles the Scotch and Welsh refused to travel, the following year England did. They got a rousing reception.

From the jackeens.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 20, 2017, 09:07:00 AM
Any more word on Carberry? Be very disappointing if hes out long term with a fractured arm!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on November 20, 2017, 02:09:38 PM
https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/confirmed-joey-carbery-faces-stint-on-sidelines-with-broken-wrist-36336200.html (https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/confirmed-joey-carbery-faces-stint-on-sidelines-with-broken-wrist-36336200.html)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 23, 2017, 02:00:50 PM
Good to see a few more new faces. Building nicely towards 2019.

Ireland (v Argentina)

15. Rob Kearney
14. Adam Byrne
13. Chris Farrell
12. Bundee Aki
11. Jacob Stockdale
10. Jonathan Sexton
9. Conor Murray
1. Cian Healy
2. Rory Best (Captain)
3. Tadhg Furlong
4.  James Ryan
5. Iain Henderson
6. Peter O'Mahony
7. Sean O'Brien
8. CJ Stander

Replacements:
16. James Tracy
17. Dave Kilcoyne
18. John Ryan
19. Devin Toner
20. Rhys Ruddock
21. Luke McGrath
22. Ian Keatley
23. Andrew Conway
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 23, 2017, 02:05:45 PM
At least he finally dropped fúcking Toner.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 23, 2017, 02:16:10 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 23, 2017, 02:05:45 PM
At least he finally dropped fúcking Toner.

Stick to the Rossies syf
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 23, 2017, 02:34:57 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 23, 2017, 02:16:10 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 23, 2017, 02:05:45 PM
At least he finally dropped fúcking Toner.

Stick to the Rossies syf

If you're actually defending Toner it's not me that should be the one told to stay away from the rugby thread.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Orchard park on November 23, 2017, 02:39:50 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 23, 2017, 02:05:45 PM
At least he finally dropped fúcking Toner.

well if he was  going to give James Ryan meaningful game time obviously it was Toner who he would take off. But given Toner is in the subs i would think he's far from dropped in whats a rotating panel for friendly matches.

Toner is the right province not be to be dropped lightly by Schmidt, jesus look at the chances Robnoxious and the younger brother get
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 25, 2017, 04:20:59 PM
Serious result for the Scots!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 25, 2017, 04:36:05 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 25, 2017, 04:20:59 PM
Serious result for the Scots!!

Australia had a man less for full second half and Scotland scored try in first half after they'd lost man, Australia were shite though
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 25, 2017, 04:54:38 PM
There's a serious gap developing between pretty much all the NH teams and all but NZ. Ironic given the superiority complex those countries had for so long.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 25, 2017, 04:58:52 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 25, 2017, 04:54:38 PM
There's a serious gap developing between pretty much all the NH teams and all but NZ. Ironic given the superiority complex those countries had for so long.

End of long season for the SH teams.. Australia believe it or not I thought didn't get the rub of the green against England... would have been interesting to see how they would have done 15 on 15 today
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 25, 2017, 05:59:18 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 25, 2017, 04:58:52 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 25, 2017, 04:54:38 PM
There's a serious gap developing between pretty much all the NH teams and all but NZ. Ironic given the superiority complex those countries had for so long.

End of long season for the SH teams.. Australia believe it or not I thought didn't get the rub of the green against England... would have been interesting to see how they would have done 15 on 15 today

End of a long season is the same story for most of the last few years, but results haven't been this gaudy. Ffs, ten years ago we'd have been having a national parade if we'd hammered SA by as much as we did two weeks ago.

Even NZ at home playing against a rep team with poor management at the 'end of a long season' couldn't get the job done. This year has really marked a low point for the SH.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 28, 2017, 05:31:27 PM
Is the IRFU programme to keep players at home going to hold up ?

https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/munster-rugby/comment-if-peter-omahony-leaves-you-would-feel-for-him-but-you-would-feel-worse-for-munster-36360050.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 28, 2017, 05:32:56 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 28, 2017, 05:31:27 PM
Is the IRFU programme to keep players at home going to hold up ?

https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/munster-rugby/comment-if-peter-omahony-leaves-you-would-feel-for-him-but-you-would-feel-worse-for-munster-36360050.html

Yes.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Aaron Boone on November 28, 2017, 08:30:00 PM
It's a shot across the bows from O'Mahoney's agent, up the offer or he is off to Eng/France. The Sexton experience in France showed balancing club & country is grueling, he had played something like 6 games for Racing before his Leinster teammates were eased back into the fray
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Orior on December 11, 2017, 12:52:04 PM
Why do rugby players not wear gloves?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on December 11, 2017, 01:24:08 PM
You can buy gloves for rugby. Most of the balls used at that level however are fairly 'grippy' for want of a better word.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on December 11, 2017, 01:27:25 PM
Quote from: Aaron Boone on November 28, 2017, 08:30:00 PM
It's a shot across the bows from O'Mahoney's agent, up the offer or he is off to Eng/France. The Sexton experience in France showed balancing club & country is grueling, he had played something like 6 games for Racing before his Leinster teammates were eased back into the fray

The attrition rate in France is a major factor, the much heavier game leads to more and persistent injuries.  Going to France could lead to a shorter career for O'Mahoney who is a tight man in the Irish pond but would be a lightweight in France.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on December 11, 2017, 03:02:13 PM
Quote from: Orior on December 11, 2017, 12:52:04 PM
Why do rugby players not wear gloves?

Don't think you're allowed to wear gloves in rugby... Or maybe you can but they have to be fingerless as I remember BOD used to wear them.

Big result for Ulster away to Harlequins. You'd expect a backlash from Quins this time around though as they won't want to lose all their games in the pool.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on December 11, 2017, 03:34:46 PM
Quote from: screenexile on December 11, 2017, 03:02:13 PM
Quote from: Orior on December 11, 2017, 12:52:04 PM
Why do rugby players not wear gloves?

Don't think you're allowed to wear gloves in rugby... Or maybe you can but they have to be fingerless as I remember BOD used to wear them.

Big result for Ulster away to Harlequins. You'd expect a backlash from Quins this time around though as they won't want to lose all their games in the pool.

Yep their called mitts (fingerless) need to be IRB approved.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lenny on January 06, 2018, 07:14:15 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on December 11, 2017, 03:34:46 PM
Quote from: screenexile on December 11, 2017, 03:02:13 PM
Quote from: Orior on December 11, 2017, 12:52:04 PM
Why do rugby players not wear gloves?

Don't think you're allowed to wear gloves in rugby... Or maybe you can but they have to be fingerless as I remember BOD used to wear them.

Big result for Ulster away to Harlequins. You'd expect a backlash from Quins this time around though as they won't want to lose all their games in the pool.

Yep their called mitts (fingerless) need to be IRB approved.

This Jordan Larmour is a great player to watch. One of the most exciting Irish talents in a long time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Declan on January 10, 2018, 02:26:35 PM
What do our Rugby followers think of this story https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/munster-rugby/everybody-makes-mistakes-van-graan-willing-to-forgive-munster-second-rows-doping-past-36474261.html (https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/munster-rugby/everybody-makes-mistakes-van-graan-willing-to-forgive-munster-second-rows-doping-past-36474261.html)

I'd be more with Ger Gilroy's stance on it below then the coache's tbh

"What does it say to anyone in the Munster academy when a known, confessed drugs cheat who has served a ban for taking an anabolic steroid is brought into the club?," Gilroy asked.

"What does it say to the fans? What do the Munster fans have to say about this? If you are a sponsor, are you happy to be associated with the fact that this guy is representing Munster, the province and by extension, Irish rugby, and the brands that are associated with it?

"I just don't think enough of a conversation has been had about this. I don't really feel very comfortable with the fact that Irish rugby has decided that we are going to be the ones who help drug cheats rehabilitate their reputation.

"I understand that people do a crime, serve the time and need to be rehabilitated so there is a bit of conflict in that aspect to it. Maybe if he has decided to dedicate his life to a drug-free spot, fair enough, I can see something in that but we haven't see that so far.

"More of a conversation needs to be had around this and frankly, I don't think Munster should be spending money rehabilitating drugs cheats."
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 10, 2018, 02:37:01 PM
I'd be with Gilroy too, but I think he's being naive or mischievious if he doesn't think there's stuff going on anyway, Grobler or no Grobler. As it is, I wouldn't want him, and I won't be too happy when he plays for Munster.

I'd prefer Munster were allowed keep Donnacha Ryan.

Either way, my season ticket is for the East Terrace, and I usually try to get in in time to stand near the dugout. It never ceases to amaze me how much punishment these guys put up with in 80 minutes, or less, and how beat up and crocked they are coming off the field. And yet 7 days or less later, they are good to go again. I know they are hardy bucks, but jesus something doesn't add up there.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on January 10, 2018, 02:38:24 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 10, 2018, 02:37:01 PM
I'd be with Gilroy too, but I think he's being naive or mischievious if he doesn't think there's stuff going on anyway, Grobler or no Grobler. As it is, I wouldn't want him, and I won't be too happy when he plays for Munster.

I'd prefer Munster were allowed keep Donnacha Ryan.

Either way, my season ticket is for the East Terrace, and I usually try to get in in time to stand near the dugout. It never ceases to amaze me how much punishment these guys put up with in 80 minutes, or less, and how beat up and crocked they are coming off the field. And yet 7 days or less later, they are good to go again. I know they are hardy bucks, but jesus something doesn't add up there.

More than ice baths you think AZ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 10, 2018, 02:41:22 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on January 10, 2018, 02:38:24 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 10, 2018, 02:37:01 PM
I'd be with Gilroy too, but I think he's being naive or mischievious if he doesn't think there's stuff going on anyway, Grobler or no Grobler. As it is, I wouldn't want him, and I won't be too happy when he plays for Munster.

I'd prefer Munster were allowed keep Donnacha Ryan.

Either way, my season ticket is for the East Terrace, and I usually try to get in in time to stand near the dugout. It never ceases to amaze me how much punishment these guys put up with in 80 minutes, or less, and how beat up and crocked they are coming off the field. And yet 7 days or less later, they are good to go again. I know they are hardy bucks, but jesus something doesn't add up there.

More than ice baths you think AZ?

I'd say more an over reliance on pain killers and anti inflamatories. Look I'm no chemist, nor do I have a degree in sports science. But when I see the size of these lads, the punishment they take, the pain they are in and then they just do it all again a week later, you have to wonder.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 10, 2018, 02:57:05 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 10, 2018, 02:37:01 PM
I'd be with Gilroy too, but I think he's being naive or mischievious if he doesn't think there's stuff going on anyway, Grobler or no Grobler. As it is, I wouldn't want him, and I won't be too happy when he plays for Munster.

I'd prefer Munster were allowed keep Donnacha Ryan.

Either way, my season ticket is for the East Terrace, and I usually try to get in in time to stand near the dugout. It never ceases to amaze me how much punishment these guys put up with in 80 minutes, or less, and how beat up and crocked they are coming off the field. And yet 7 days or less later, they are good to go again. I know they are hardy bucks, but jesus something doesn't add up there.

As stated before I believe drugs are in all sports. He played the game got caught, life ban is the only solution. He used anabolic steroids so being allowed play is like robbing a bank, getting caught and being allowed keep the money.

Donnacha Ryan choose to leave Munster, it was his choice.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 10, 2018, 02:59:40 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 10, 2018, 02:57:05 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 10, 2018, 02:37:01 PM
I'd be with Gilroy too, but I think he's being naive or mischievious if he doesn't think there's stuff going on anyway, Grobler or no Grobler. As it is, I wouldn't want him, and I won't be too happy when he plays for Munster.

I'd prefer Munster were allowed keep Donnacha Ryan.

Either way, my season ticket is for the East Terrace, and I usually try to get in in time to stand near the dugout. It never ceases to amaze me how much punishment these guys put up with in 80 minutes, or less, and how beat up and crocked they are coming off the field. And yet 7 days or less later, they are good to go again. I know they are hardy bucks, but jesus something doesn't add up there.

As stated before I believe drugs are in all sports. He played the game got caught, life ban is the only solution. He used anabolic steroids so being allowed play is like robbing a bank, getting caught and being allowed keep the money.

Donnacha Ryan choose to leave Munster, it was his choice.

Yes he chose to because they couldn't/wouldn't give him an international contract.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on January 10, 2018, 03:15:08 PM
When you consider that for the best part of 100 years of amateur rugby, Wales - a Celtic nation and therefore short arsed - hardly produced a single winger over 6' tall, yet in the past 15 years have produced a series of 6' 4", 17st tanks who can run sub 11 second for 100m... you really don't need anymore proof that the game is awash from top to bottom with drugs.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 10, 2018, 03:33:39 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 10, 2018, 02:41:22 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on January 10, 2018, 02:38:24 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 10, 2018, 02:37:01 PM
I'd be with Gilroy too, but I think he's being naive or mischievious if he doesn't think there's stuff going on anyway, Grobler or no Grobler. As it is, I wouldn't want him, and I won't be too happy when he plays for Munster.

I'd prefer Munster were allowed keep Donnacha Ryan.

Either way, my season ticket is for the East Terrace, and I usually try to get in in time to stand near the dugout. It never ceases to amaze me how much punishment these guys put up with in 80 minutes, or less, and how beat up and crocked they are coming off the field. And yet 7 days or less later, they are good to go again. I know they are hardy bucks, but jesus something doesn't add up there.

More than ice baths you think AZ?

I'd say more an over reliance on pain killers and anti inflamatories. Look I'm no chemist, nor do I have a degree in sports science. But when I see the size of these lads, the punishment they take, the pain they are in and then they just do it all again a week later, you have to wonder.

Kimmage mentioned anti inflammatories in this interview

http://rugbylad.com/watch-luke-fitzgerald-absolutely-tears-into-paul-kimmage-in-heated-argument/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Declan on January 11, 2018, 08:19:41 AM
QuoteI'd say more an over reliance on pain killers and anti inflamatories. Look I'm no chemist, nor do I have a degree in sports science. But when I see the size of these lads, the punishment they take, the pain they are in and then they just do it all again a week later, you have to wonder.

Absolutely - there's recovery and then there's "recovery"
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 13, 2018, 03:02:00 PM
Considering the hammerings Ulster have taken lately that was a huge win!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on January 13, 2018, 03:44:53 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 13, 2018, 03:02:00 PM
Considering the hammerings Ulster have taken lately that was a huge win!!

Such an infuriating team capable of beating anyone in their day but they are so inconsistent!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on January 15, 2018, 07:22:17 PM
Tommy Bowe has announced he will retire at the end of the season.

(https://i.imgur.com/VQd0r9B.jpg)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on January 15, 2018, 07:36:22 PM
Quote from: screenexile on January 13, 2018, 03:44:53 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 13, 2018, 03:02:00 PM
Considering the hammerings Ulster have taken lately that was a huge win!!

Such an infuriating team capable of beating anyone in their day but they are so inconsistent!!

For the last few weeks Ulster couldn't defend and leaked tries all over the place but on Saturday they held La Rochelle the current best team in France. La Rochelle had some of the biggest players throughout their team and they played running rugby.  Some of the Ulster tackling was phenomenal.  Another abnormal factor was that Wayne Barnes didn't give Ulster a single penalty kick on goal all day.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on January 15, 2018, 07:43:09 PM
I think it's the right time for Tommy Bowe to retire he's had a superb career. Around the start of this decade he was as good as any winger in world rugby.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on January 15, 2018, 07:57:36 PM
Quote from: square_ball on January 15, 2018, 07:43:09 PM
I think it's the right time for Tommy Bowe to retire he's had a superb career. Around the start of this decade he was as good as any winger in world rugby.
great finisher alright
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 15, 2018, 10:25:41 PM
Great player who has the personality to match, won't be short on things to do, plenty of tv work for him I'd imagine
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LooseCannon on January 15, 2018, 10:32:36 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 15, 2018, 10:25:41 PM
Great player who has the personality to match, won't be short on things to do, plenty of tv work for him I'd imagine

And the SHOES.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tonto1888 on January 16, 2018, 09:47:49 AM
hope he enjoys his retirement, really enjoyed watching him play
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on January 17, 2018, 05:11:26 PM
Squad annouced for the 6N:

Ireland Squad (Nat West 6 Nations Championship 2018, Round 1 and 2)

FORWARDS (20)
Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster) c 106 caps
Jack Conan (Old Belvedere/Leinster) 5 caps
Sean Cronin (St Mary's College/Leinster) 56 caps
Ultan Dillane (Corinthians/Connacht) 11 caps
Tadhg Furlong (Clontarf/Leinster) 19 caps
Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster) 73 caps
Iain Henderson (Ballynahinch/Ulster) 34 caps
Rob Herring (Ballynahinch/Ulster) 3 cap
Dave Kilcoyne (UL Bohemians/Munster) 22 caps
Dan Leavy (UCD/Leinster) 4 caps
Jack McGrath (St Mary's College/Leinster) 42 caps
Jordi Murphy (Lansdowne/Leinster) 18 caps
Peter O'Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster) 42 caps
Andrew Porter (UCD/Leinster) 3 caps
Quinn Roux (Galwegians/Connacht) 3 caps
James Ryan (UCD/Leinster) 4 caps
John Ryan (Cork Constitution/Munster) 11 caps
CJ Stander (Shannon/Munster) 18 caps
Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster) 53 caps
Josh van der Flier (UCD/Leinster) 9 caps

BACKS (16)
Bundee Aki (Galwegians/Connacht) 2 caps
Joey Carbery (Clontarf/Leinster) 6 caps
Andrew Conway (Garryowen/Munster) 6 caps
Keith Earls (Young Munster/Munster) 62 caps
Chris Farrell (Young Munster/Munster) 2 caps
Robbie Henshaw (Buccaneers/Leinster) 31 caps
Rob Kearney (UCD/Leinster) 78 caps
Ian Keatley (Young Munster/Munster) 7 caps
Jordan Larmour (St Mary's College/Leinster)*
Kieran Marmion (Corinthians/Connacht) 18 caps
Fergus McFadden (Old Belvedere/Leinster) 32 caps
Luke McGrath (UCD/Leinster) 6 caps
Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster) 59 caps
Johnny Sexton (St Mary's College/Leinster) 68 caps
Rory Scannell (Dolphin/Munster) 3 caps
Jacob Stockdale (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster) 4 caps

Is Cooney not a bit hard done by? Arguably Ulster's best player this year!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tonto1888 on January 17, 2018, 05:14:51 PM
Couple of notable injury absentees
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: redhandefender on January 17, 2018, 05:19:06 PM
McCloskey and Cooney missing out for Scannell and Marmion is ballicks.

McCloskey really must have done something to Scmidt
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on January 17, 2018, 07:57:02 PM
Quote from: screenexile on January 17, 2018, 05:11:26 PM
Squad annouced for the 6N:

Ireland Squad (Nat West 6 Nations Championship 2018, Round 1 and 2)

FORWARDS (20)
Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster) c 106 caps
Jack Conan (Old Belvedere/Leinster) 5 caps
Sean Cronin (St Mary's College/Leinster) 56 caps
Ultan Dillane (Corinthians/Connacht) 11 caps
Tadhg Furlong (Clontarf/Leinster) 19 caps
Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster) 73 caps
Iain Henderson (Ballynahinch/Ulster) 34 caps
Rob Herring (Ballynahinch/Ulster) 3 cap
Dave Kilcoyne (UL Bohemians/Munster) 22 caps
Dan Leavy (UCD/Leinster) 4 caps
Jack McGrath (St Mary's College/Leinster) 42 caps
Jordi Murphy (Lansdowne/Leinster) 18 caps
Peter O'Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster) 42 caps
Andrew Porter (UCD/Leinster) 3 caps
Quinn Roux (Galwegians/Connacht) 3 caps
James Ryan (UCD/Leinster) 4 caps
John Ryan (Cork Constitution/Munster) 11 caps
CJ Stander (Shannon/Munster) 18 caps
Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster) 53 caps
Josh van der Flier (UCD/Leinster) 9 caps

BACKS (16)
Bundee Aki (Galwegians/Connacht) 2 caps
Joey Carbery (Clontarf/Leinster) 6 caps
Andrew Conway (Garryowen/Munster) 6 caps
Keith Earls (Young Munster/Munster) 62 caps
Chris Farrell (Young Munster/Munster) 2 caps
Robbie Henshaw (Buccaneers/Leinster) 31 caps
Rob Kearney (UCD/Leinster) 78 caps
Ian Keatley (Young Munster/Munster) 7 caps
Jordan Larmour (St Mary's College/Leinster)*
Kieran Marmion (Corinthians/Connacht) 18 caps
Fergus McFadden (Old Belvedere/Leinster) 32 caps
Luke McGrath (UCD/Leinster) 6 caps
Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster) 59 caps
Johnny Sexton (St Mary's College/Leinster) 68 caps
Rory Scannell (Dolphin/Munster) 3 caps
Jacob Stockdale (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster) 4 caps

Is Cooney not a bit hard done by? Arguably Ulster's best player this year!

He is just unlucky that Marmion and McGrath are just a bit better than him!! Cooney is very consistent though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: michaelg on January 17, 2018, 09:25:21 PM
Quote from: redhandefender on January 17, 2018, 05:19:06 PM
McCloskey and Cooney missing out for Scannell and Marmion is ballicks.

McCloskey really must have done something to Scmidt
Did he not go to the Euros instead of a US tour or something?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on January 17, 2018, 11:13:39 PM
See the players named as having a 'club', what's the story there, would any of those guys Ever tog out for their real local club?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on January 17, 2018, 11:18:04 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on January 17, 2018, 11:13:39 PM
See the players named as having a 'club', what's the story there, would any of those guys Ever tog out for their real local club?

No
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on January 17, 2018, 11:19:59 PM
What's with the pretence?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 17, 2018, 11:37:27 PM
Quote from: screenexile on January 17, 2018, 11:18:04 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on January 17, 2018, 11:13:39 PM
See the players named as having a 'club', what's the story there, would any of those guys Ever tog out for their real local club?

No

Sometimes they would coming back from injury or whatever. Paul O Connell played for the cookies a couple of times after injuries.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 07:00:12 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 17, 2018, 11:37:27 PM
Quote from: screenexile on January 17, 2018, 11:18:04 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on January 17, 2018, 11:13:39 PM
See the players named as having a 'club', what's the story there, would any of those guys Ever tog out for their real local club?

No

Sometimes they would coming back from injury or whatever. Paul O Connell played for the cookies a couple of times after injuries.

That happened years ago, would be A games now, the club affiliation is just so senior clubs can feel important plus if a player is affiliated to them they get extra international tickets. It's all about the tickets for the senior clubs. Take Joey Carbery his club should be Athy  8 years with Athy, 1 year Blackrock College, 1 year Clontarf. He will get referred to in the media more often as a Clontarf player and product of Blackrock than he will product of Athy RFC, bolloxolgy really.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 08:24:50 AM
Chris Henry says signing the steroid South African is unacceptable. But look at the size of Henry. He reminds me of those cheap chickens bred for their fillets. Size FF . Organic chickens might be a B.

https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/it-is-unacceptable-ireland-international-hits-out-at-signing-of-gerbrandt-grobler-36501599.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 08:34:25 AM
Quote from: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 08:24:50 AM
Chris Henry says signing the steroid South African is unacceptable. But look at the size of Henry. He reminds me of those cheap chickens bred for their fillets. Size FF . Organic chickens might be a B.

https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/it-is-unacceptable-ireland-international-hits-out-at-signing-of-gerbrandt-grobler-36501599.html

How big was Chris Henry when he was 20? I doubt he took any shortcuts, I say doubt because who the f**k knows really! Look at the size of some of the Galway hurlers!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 09:04:17 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 08:34:25 AM
Quote from: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 08:24:50 AM
Chris Henry says signing the steroid South African is unacceptable. But look at the size of Henry. He reminds me of those cheap chickens bred for their fillets. Size FF . Organic chickens might be a B.

https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/it-is-unacceptable-ireland-international-hits-out-at-signing-of-gerbrandt-grobler-36501599.html

How big was Chris Henry when he was 20? I doubt he took any shortcuts, I say doubt because who the f**k knows really! Look at the size of some of the Galway hurlers!!!
I think rugby is grotesque at this stage  . It is a freak show .
Pro sports are always going to be more extreme.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 09:16:49 AM
Quote from: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 09:04:17 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 08:34:25 AM
Quote from: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 08:24:50 AM
Chris Henry says signing the steroid South African is unacceptable. But look at the size of Henry. He reminds me of those cheap chickens bred for their fillets. Size FF . Organic chickens might be a B.

https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/it-is-unacceptable-ireland-international-hits-out-at-signing-of-gerbrandt-grobler-36501599.html

How big was Chris Henry when he was 20? I doubt he took any shortcuts, I say doubt because who the f**k knows really! Look at the size of some of the Galway hurlers!!!
I think rugby is grotesque at this stage  . It is a freak show .
Pro sports are always going to be more extreme.

Freak show I don't know, backs are getting bigger sure but forwards now need to be more athletic as the ball is in play longer and too much bulk is causing an issue. Suspect more Rugby players will test positive for EPO or any PED than can improve aerobic and anaerobic performance.

Does society reflect Pro-Sports or does Pros-Sports reflect society? Go to any gym and have a look around at the size of some of the guys in there and remind yourself these are just guys who want to look good!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 09:21:10 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 09:16:49 AM
Quote from: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 09:04:17 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 08:34:25 AM
Quote from: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 08:24:50 AM
Chris Henry says signing the steroid South African is unacceptable. But look at the size of Henry. He reminds me of those cheap chickens bred for their fillets. Size FF . Organic chickens might be a B.

https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/it-is-unacceptable-ireland-international-hits-out-at-signing-of-gerbrandt-grobler-36501599.html

How big was Chris Henry when he was 20? I doubt he took any shortcuts, I say doubt because who the f**k knows really! Look at the size of some of the Galway hurlers!!!
I think rugby is grotesque at this stage  . It is a freak show .
Pro sports are always going to be more extreme.

Freak show I don't know, backs are getting bigger sure but forwards now need to be more athletic as the ball is in play longer and too much bulk is causing an issue. Suspect more Rugby players will test positive for EPO or any PED than can improve aerobic and anaerobic performance.

Does society reflect Pro-Sports or does Pros-Sports reflect society? Go to any gym and have a look around at the size of some of the guys in there and remind yourself these are just guys who want to look good!!
What proportion of people go to gyms? How many rugby players would look normal in a suit ??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on January 18, 2018, 09:22:17 AM
I think rugby is heading for serious issues down the road. They've really done little to nothing to address head injuries and I fear the power these professional players possess is doing huge damage.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 09:41:54 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on January 18, 2018, 09:22:17 AM
I think rugby is heading for serious issues down the road. They've really done little to nothing to address head injuries and I fear the power these professional players possess is doing huge damage.

That's bollox, every rugby club in Ireland has been invited to or held concussion seminars for coaches, players and parents, referee's are now more strict than ever on high tackles which is changing the culture of tackling. Any young under age player with a concussion or a suspect concussion cannot play for 3 weeks plus 1 day after the incident.

In the Professional game independent doctors are appointed to oversee HIAs with strict return to play guidelines.

The IRFU are away ahead of concussions compared to any other sport apart from boxing. Granted two sports that are probably affected the most but a recent report showed 15% of league of Ireland players have had a concussion during one season of football and more worryingly 40% of them were not stopped from training or playing a competitive game.

I would suspect similar figures for GAA.


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 09:45:35 AM
Quote from: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 09:21:10 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 09:16:49 AM
Quote from: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 09:04:17 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 08:34:25 AM
Quote from: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 08:24:50 AM
Chris Henry says signing the steroid South African is unacceptable. But look at the size of Henry. He reminds me of those cheap chickens bred for their fillets. Size FF . Organic chickens might be a B.

https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/it-is-unacceptable-ireland-international-hits-out-at-signing-of-gerbrandt-grobler-36501599.html

How big was Chris Henry when he was 20? I doubt he took any shortcuts, I say doubt because who the f**k knows really! Look at the size of some of the Galway hurlers!!!
I think rugby is grotesque at this stage  . It is a freak show .
Pro sports are always going to be more extreme.

Freak show I don't know, backs are getting bigger sure but forwards now need to be more athletic as the ball is in play longer and too much bulk is causing an issue. Suspect more Rugby players will test positive for EPO or any PED than can improve aerobic and anaerobic performance.

Does society reflect Pro-Sports or does Pros-Sports reflect society? Go to any gym and have a look around at the size of some of the guys in there and remind yourself these are just guys who want to look good!!
What proportion of people go to gyms? How many rugby players would look normal in a suit ??

21%

https://twitter.com/SportforBusines/status/953911297363664896 (https://twitter.com/SportforBusines/status/953911297363664896)


Seriously you mustn't know many rugby if you think they are all behemoths

(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/08/b6/05/08b6056484a6da4d5574742b0452f686.jpg)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on January 18, 2018, 10:13:52 AM
Why do young players have a 3 week to return to play protocol but older (who you'd imagine are getting hit harder) players don't? While there has been some steps to address high tackles it's nowhere near strong enough. It's not just about direct impact to the head.......the brain can get a fair jolt from a collision also. Tackles aimed at stopping the offload will have to be outlawed.

The NFL was forced into taking radical steps. Money was the thing that made it happen. Rugby will be the same at some point. Guys are going into car crashes multiple times and then doing it again the following week.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 10:31:32 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on January 18, 2018, 10:13:52 AM
Why do young players have a 3 week to return to play protocol but older (who you'd imagine are getting hit harder) players don't? While there has been some steps to address high tackles it's nowhere near strong enough. It's not just about direct impact to the head.......the brain can get a fair jolt from a collision also. Tackles aimed at stopping the offload will have to be outlawed.

The NFL was forced into taking radical steps. Money was the thing that made it happen. Rugby will be the same at some point. Guys are going into car crashes multiple times and then doing it again the following week.

Young players are still developing physically, so they get a month out. It's 21 days for an adult player before they can play. Every concussion is reported to the IRFU at every level. Referees will remove a player if he suspects any kind of head injury and he will report that as well.

In the professional game they have strict return to play protocols, player cognitive responses are bench marked at the start of the season and are used as a guideline when returning to play but by no means only requirement to pass before you can play.

The choke, wrap tackles are being addressed at every level and if you make any contact with the end even if initial contact is below the shoulders it's a penalty and a good chance of a yellow card, it's a change in culture it doesn't happen immediately. Anecdotally speaking there has been a lot less head injuries this season at all levels, however it will take a few years of collecting data before a proper trend can be identified.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 10:34:47 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 09:45:35 AM
Quote from: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 09:21:10 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 09:16:49 AM
Quote from: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 09:04:17 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 08:34:25 AM
Quote from: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 08:24:50 AM
Chris Henry says signing the steroid South African is unacceptable. But look at the size of Henry. He reminds me of those cheap chickens bred for their fillets. Size FF . Organic chickens might be a B.

https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/it-is-unacceptable-ireland-international-hits-out-at-signing-of-gerbrandt-grobler-36501599.html

How big was Chris Henry when he was 20? I doubt he took any shortcuts, I say doubt because who the f**k knows really! Look at the size of some of the Galway hurlers!!!
I think rugby is grotesque at this stage  . It is a freak show .
Pro sports are always going to be more extreme.

Freak show I don't know, backs are getting bigger sure but forwards now need to be more athletic as the ball is in play longer and too much bulk is causing an issue. Suspect more Rugby players will test positive for EPO or any PED than can improve aerobic and anaerobic performance.

Does society reflect Pro-Sports or does Pros-Sports reflect society? Go to any gym and have a look around at the size of some of the guys in there and remind yourself these are just guys who want to look good!!
What proportion of people go to gyms? How many rugby players would look normal in a suit ??

21%

https://twitter.com/SportforBusines/status/953911297363664896 (https://twitter.com/SportforBusines/status/953911297363664896)


Seriously you mustn't know many rugby if you think they are all behemoths

(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/08/b6/05/08b6056484a6da4d5574742b0452f686.jpg)

I would be worried about the forwards in later life.
The young lad did a few Leinster rugby camps a few years ago and 2 of the scrum dudes came along to sign autographs and  I thought they were freaky.  Fullbacks probably wouldn't be too different to GAA sizes.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on January 18, 2018, 10:41:02 AM
I'll take your word for it as I really respect your opinion though I'm not convinced. I'm a casual rugby fan TBH but I was at the Leinster/Exeter game and there were 3 HIA's in the first 10 minutes I think. Including Sexton who despite the insistence that he's grand I'd be seriously worried about (his tackling technique is suicidal).

I had a few concussions playing gaelic football - once I finished the game and the second time my vision went blurry so I put my hand up and asked to be taken off. I went into the dressing room and togged in on my own when I was subbed. It's an issue I'm very interested in across all sports and one I'm afraid will be much worse than we realise at this time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 10:49:43 AM
Quote from: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 10:34:47 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 09:45:35 AM
Quote from: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 09:21:10 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 09:16:49 AM
Quote from: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 09:04:17 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 08:34:25 AM
Quote from: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 08:24:50 AM
Chris Henry says signing the steroid South African is unacceptable. But look at the size of Henry. He reminds me of those cheap chickens bred for their fillets. Size FF . Organic chickens might be a B.

https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/it-is-unacceptable-ireland-international-hits-out-at-signing-of-gerbrandt-grobler-36501599.html

How big was Chris Henry when he was 20? I doubt he took any shortcuts, I say doubt because who the f**k knows really! Look at the size of some of the Galway hurlers!!!
I think rugby is grotesque at this stage  . It is a freak show .
Pro sports are always going to be more extreme.

Freak show I don't know, backs are getting bigger sure but forwards now need to be more athletic as the ball is in play longer and too much bulk is causing an issue. Suspect more Rugby players will test positive for EPO or any PED than can improve aerobic and anaerobic performance.

Does society reflect Pro-Sports or does Pros-Sports reflect society? Go to any gym and have a look around at the size of some of the guys in there and remind yourself these are just guys who want to look good!!
What proportion of people go to gyms? How many rugby players would look normal in a suit ??

21%

https://twitter.com/SportforBusines/status/953911297363664896 (https://twitter.com/SportforBusines/status/953911297363664896)


Seriously you mustn't know many rugby if you think they are all behemoths

(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/08/b6/05/08b6056484a6da4d5574742b0452f686.jpg)

I would be worried about the forwards in later life.
The young lad did a few Leinster rugby camps a few years ago and 2 of the scrum dudes came along to sign autographs and  I thought they were freaky.  Fullbacks probably wouldn't be too different to GAA sizes.

I'd say if you were to do a survey on this board you will find a lot of older guys have long term injuries from playing competitive sport but if you were to ask them would they change any of it so they could have a healthy and fit body now I would I say the majority will say no, same with pro players living the moment enjoying the moment, it's what life is about.

Me personally, 2 prolapsed discs, 2 torn meniscus with cysts front and back of both knees, all from playing competitive sport into my late 30s. No regrets though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 10:58:32 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on January 18, 2018, 10:41:02 AM
I'll take your word for it as I really respect your opinion though I'm not convinced. I'm a casual rugby fan TBH but I was at the Leinster/Exeter game and there were 3 HIA's in the first 10 minutes I think. Including Sexton who despite the insistence that he's grand I'd be seriously worried about (his tackling technique is suicidal).

I had a few concussions playing gaelic football - once I finished the game and the second time my vision went blurry so I put my hand up and asked to be taken off. I went into the dressing room and togged in on my own when I was subbed. It's an issue I'm very interested in across all sports and one I'm afraid will be much worse than we realise at this time.

That Exeter game was brutal but I think those games are becoming the exception whereas a couple of years ago it looked liked they were becoming the norm. The 6 nations will be interesting in that respect so hopefully we see a reduction in head knocks and high and dangerous tackle being heavily penalized because what happens at the highest level is mimicked all the way down.

Also I agree, I think concussion education is very important. I coach a lot of rugby but I coach football as well, minor and u7 (baby-sitting) this year so heavily involved in both clubs so we discovered that when the season's overlapped that players with a head injury in one sport were still playing the other sport without informing their coach. Madness, we really needed to educate parents and players in all sports and at all levels.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 11:19:49 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 10:49:43 AM
Quote from: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 10:34:47 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 09:45:35 AM
Quote from: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 09:21:10 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 09:16:49 AM
Quote from: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 09:04:17 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 08:34:25 AM
Quote from: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 08:24:50 AM
Chris Henry says signing the steroid South African is unacceptable. But look at the size of Henry. He reminds me of those cheap chickens bred for their fillets. Size FF . Organic chickens might be a B.

https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/it-is-unacceptable-ireland-international-hits-out-at-signing-of-gerbrandt-grobler-36501599.html

How big was Chris Henry when he was 20? I doubt he took any shortcuts, I say doubt because who the f**k knows really! Look at the size of some of the Galway hurlers!!!
I think rugby is grotesque at this stage  . It is a freak show .
Pro sports are always going to be more extreme.

Freak show I don't know, backs are getting bigger sure but forwards now need to be more athletic as the ball is in play longer and too much bulk is causing an issue. Suspect more Rugby players will test positive for EPO or any PED than can improve aerobic and anaerobic performance.

Does society reflect Pro-Sports or does Pros-Sports reflect society? Go to any gym and have a look around at the size of some of the guys in there and remind yourself these are just guys who want to look good!!
What proportion of people go to gyms? How many rugby players would look normal in a suit ??

21%

https://twitter.com/SportforBusines/status/953911297363664896 (https://twitter.com/SportforBusines/status/953911297363664896)


Seriously you mustn't know many rugby if you think they are all behemoths

(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/08/b6/05/08b6056484a6da4d5574742b0452f686.jpg)

I would be worried about the forwards in later life.
The young lad did a few Leinster rugby camps a few years ago and 2 of the scrum dudes came along to sign autographs and  I thought they were freaky.  Fullbacks probably wouldn't be too different to GAA sizes.

I'd say if you were to do a survey on this board you will find a lot of older guys have long term injuries from playing competitive sport but if you were to ask them would they change any of it so they could have a healthy and fit body now I would I say the majority will say no, same with pro players living the moment enjoying the moment, it's what life is about.

Me personally, 2 prolapsed discs, 2 torn meniscus with cysts front and back of both knees, all from playing competitive sport into my late 30s. No regrets though.
Lads might have dodgy knees or whatever but they don't expose themselves to serious risk week after week.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 18, 2018, 11:24:02 AM
be different if it wasnt like for like, so if a forward rugby player tackled a hurler he'd crush him, forward on a forward or a back in rugby will be like for like, they are the same weight and size so the impacts will be realitive..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on January 18, 2018, 11:45:49 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 08:34:25 AM
Quote from: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 08:24:50 AM
Chris Henry says signing the steroid South African is unacceptable. But look at the size of Henry. He reminds me of those cheap chickens bred for their fillets. Size FF . Organic chickens might be a B.

https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/it-is-unacceptable-ireland-international-hits-out-at-signing-of-gerbrandt-grobler-36501599.html

How big was Chris Henry when he was 20? I doubt he took any shortcuts, I say doubt because who the f**k knows really! Look at the size of some of the Galway hurlers!!!


Can roids make a 20 something year old taller?

Galway hurlers are lean but not bulky in the way a Cian Healy would be.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on January 18, 2018, 11:46:42 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on January 18, 2018, 11:45:49 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 08:34:25 AM
Quote from: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 08:24:50 AM
Chris Henry says signing the steroid South African is unacceptable. But look at the size of Henry. He reminds me of those cheap chickens bred for their fillets. Size FF . Organic chickens might be a B.

https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/it-is-unacceptable-ireland-international-hits-out-at-signing-of-gerbrandt-grobler-36501599.html

How big was Chris Henry when he was 20? I doubt he took any shortcuts, I say doubt because who the f**k knows really! Look at the size of some of the Galway hurlers!!!


Can roids make a 20 something year old taller?

Galway hurlers are lean but not bulky in the way a Cian Healy would be.

Not as aggressive either.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on January 18, 2018, 11:51:55 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on January 18, 2018, 11:45:49 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 08:34:25 AM
Quote from: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 08:24:50 AM
Chris Henry says signing the steroid South African is unacceptable. But look at the size of Henry. He reminds me of those cheap chickens bred for their fillets. Size FF . Organic chickens might be a B.

https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/it-is-unacceptable-ireland-international-hits-out-at-signing-of-gerbrandt-grobler-36501599.html

How big was Chris Henry when he was 20? I doubt he took any shortcuts, I say doubt because who the f**k knows really! Look at the size of some of the Galway hurlers!!!


Can roids make a 20 something year old taller?

Galway hurlers are lean but not bulky in the way a Cian Healy would be.
I'd say the Cuala hurlers are more likely to avail of roids.
Down in Galway, they'd be partaking in more traditional rides.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on January 18, 2018, 11:52:06 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 10:31:32 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on January 18, 2018, 10:13:52 AM
Why do young players have a 3 week to return to play protocol but older (who you'd imagine are getting hit harder) players don't? While there has been some steps to address high tackles it's nowhere near strong enough. It's not just about direct impact to the head.......the brain can get a fair jolt from a collision also. Tackles aimed at stopping the offload will have to be outlawed.

The NFL was forced into taking radical steps. Money was the thing that made it happen. Rugby will be the same at some point. Guys are going into car crashes multiple times and then doing it again the following week.

Young players are still developing physically, so they get a month out. It's 21 days for an adult player before they can play. Every concussion is reported to the IRFU at every level. Referees will remove a player if he suspects any kind of head injury and he will report that as well.

In the professional game they have strict return to play protocols, player cognitive responses are bench marked at the start of the season and are used as a guideline when returning to play but by no means only requirement to pass before you can play.

The choke, wrap tackles are being addressed at every level and if you make any contact with the end even if initial contact is below the shoulders it's a penalty and a good chance of a yellow card, it's a change in culture it doesn't happen immediately. Anecdotally speaking there has been a lot less head injuries this season at all levels, however it will take a few years of collecting data before a proper trend can be identified.

That's the key bit there. It's all well and good having rules in place but sure as night follows day someone will try to find a way round it. Players deliberately not having HIA brought into action as they got a "shoulder" injury or whatever to get away with not sitting out the 21 days even if it is for their own benefit.
Independent doctors along the line is the only answer.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 11:58:05 AM
In the northern hemisphere, rugby is a game of attrition. Bosh , bosh, bosh.
Players are much bulkier than they used to be. So the hits are harder.
The concussions are scary. No sport is worth brain damage.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 12:31:16 PM
Quote from: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 11:58:05 AM
In the northern hemisphere, rugby is a game of attrition. Bosh , bosh, bosh.
Players are much bulkier than they used to be. So the hits are harder.
The concussions are scary. No sport is worth brain damage.

Rugby is trying to do something about it, what is the GAA doing, should that not be more your focus now? GAA is miles behind the ball here.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 12:35:34 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on January 18, 2018, 11:45:49 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 08:34:25 AM
Quote from: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 08:24:50 AM
Chris Henry says signing the steroid South African is unacceptable. But look at the size of Henry. He reminds me of those cheap chickens bred for their fillets. Size FF . Organic chickens might be a B.

https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/it-is-unacceptable-ireland-international-hits-out-at-signing-of-gerbrandt-grobler-36501599.html

How big was Chris Henry when he was 20? I doubt he took any shortcuts, I say doubt because who the f**k knows really! Look at the size of some of the Galway hurlers!!!


Can roids make a 20 something year old taller?

Galway hurlers are lean but not bulky in the way a Cian Healy would be.

Ha! My sport is clean, every sport is dirty, those Galway hurlers aren't skinny.

Galway forwards.     Height                  Weight                   

Cathal Mannion -          6 ft 1 in.                    88 kg.

Joe Canning -                 6ft 2 in.                     92 kg.

Joseph Cooney -            6 ft 4 in.                    96 kg.

Conor Whelan -             6 ft 0 in.                    88 kg.

Niall Burke -                   6 ft 0 in.                   94 kg.

Conor Cooney -              6 ft 4 in.                    94 kg.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 12:49:58 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 12:31:16 PM
Quote from: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 11:58:05 AM
In the northern hemisphere, rugby is a game of attrition. Bosh , bosh, bosh.
Players are much bulkier than they used to be. So the hits are harder.
The concussions are scary. No sport is worth brain damage.

Rugby is trying to do something about it, what is the GAA doing, should that not be more your focus now? GAA is miles behind the ball here.
Sure the GAA could do more but rugby is far more of concern.
The main problem in rugby is size.

https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/six-nations/neil-francis-the-french-bench-was-just-freakish-in-size-uini-atonio-is-big-enough-to-have-his-own-post-code-31011167.html

The other problem is excessive aggression

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/neurosurgeon-critical-of-rugby-s-excessive-aggression-1.2060907

"Anyone who has spent an hour picking skull fragments out of the contused frontal lobes of a teenage rugby player is entitled to an opinion on the safety of youth rugby. As a paediatric neurosurgeon, I've done this on several occasions. As a 'rugby parent', I've observed the school and club game at close quarters, from both sides of the touchline. What I've seen and heard suggests that our thinking on the subject may not be altogether rational."

The biggest risks are in rugby.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/six-nations/video-neil-francis-and-tony-ward-itll-need-a-fatality-before-people-take-cognisance-of-concussion-30984103.html

The rate of concussion in rugby is far higher. I think it is a structural problem. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 01:14:05 PM
Quote from: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 12:49:58 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 12:31:16 PM
Quote from: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 11:58:05 AM
In the northern hemisphere, rugby is a game of attrition. Bosh , bosh, bosh.
Players are much bulkier than they used to be. So the hits are harder.
The concussions are scary. No sport is worth brain damage.

Rugby is trying to do something about it, what is the GAA doing, should that not be more your focus now? GAA is miles behind the ball here.
Sure the GAA could do more but rugby is far more of concern.
The main problem in rugby is size.

https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/six-nations/neil-francis-the-french-bench-was-just-freakish-in-size-uini-atonio-is-big-enough-to-have-his-own-post-code-31011167.html

The other problem is excessive aggression

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/neurosurgeon-critical-of-rugby-s-excessive-aggression-1.2060907

"Anyone who has spent an hour picking skull fragments out of the contused frontal lobes of a teenage rugby player is entitled to an opinion on the safety of youth rugby. As a paediatric neurosurgeon, I've done this on several occasions. As a 'rugby parent', I've observed the school and club game at close quarters, from both sides of the touchline. What I've seen and heard suggests that our thinking on the subject may not be altogether rational."

The biggest risks are in rugby.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/six-nations/video-neil-francis-and-tony-ward-itll-need-a-fatality-before-people-take-cognisance-of-concussion-30984103.html

The rate of concussion in rugby is far higher. I think it is a structural problem.

Rugby is addressing it, the GAA is not though. How many ex-hurlers suffered concussions and just played on?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on January 18, 2018, 01:16:32 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 12:31:16 PM
Quote from: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 11:58:05 AM
In the northern hemisphere, rugby is a game of attrition. Bosh , bosh, bosh.
Players are much bulkier than they used to be. So the hits are harder.
The concussions are scary. No sport is worth brain damage.

Rugby is trying to do something about it, what is the GAA doing, should that not be more your focus now? GAA is miles behind the ball here.

The risks involved in gaelic games for this type of damage are much less than in rugby. That's blatantly obvious. GAA needs to do more admittedly but nothing fundamental like rugby needs to still do.

I'll be interested to see what the 6 nations holds.....some of the games in recent years have been absolutely brutal physically.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on January 18, 2018, 01:39:24 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 12:35:34 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on January 18, 2018, 11:45:49 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 08:34:25 AM
Quote from: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 08:24:50 AM
Chris Henry says signing the steroid South African is unacceptable. But look at the size of Henry. He reminds me of those cheap chickens bred for their fillets. Size FF . Organic chickens might be a B.

https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/it-is-unacceptable-ireland-international-hits-out-at-signing-of-gerbrandt-grobler-36501599.html

How big was Chris Henry when he was 20? I doubt he took any shortcuts, I say doubt because who the f**k knows really! Look at the size of some of the Galway hurlers!!!


Can roids make a 20 something year old taller?

Galway hurlers are lean but not bulky in the way a Cian Healy would be.

Ha! My sport is clean, every sport is dirty, those Galway hurlers aren't skinny.

Galway forwards.     Height                  Weight                   

Cathal Mannion -          6 ft 1 in.                    88 kg.

Joe Canning -                 6ft 2 in.                     92 kg.

Joseph Cooney -            6 ft 4 in.                    96 kg.

Conor Whelan -             6 ft 0 in.                    88 kg.

Niall Burke -                   6 ft 0 in.                   94 kg.

Conor Cooney -              6 ft 4 in.                    94 kg.

Cian Healy-                    6 ft 0 in.                    104kg.
Sean O'Brien                  6 ft 2 in.                    108 kg.
Joey Carbery                  6 ft 0 in.                    88 kg.
Robbie Henshaw             6 ft 3 in.                    103 kg.

I'm not saying "my sport is clean" but they don't look overly unnatural to term a phrase whereas IN CERTAIN POSITIONS in rugby there must be a huge onus on the players to bulk up to play in those positions and with professional contracts on offer the shortcuts may be very tempting.

When the likes of Robbie Henshaw line out at centre, he's no man mountain, yet he's 6'3" and almost 10KG heavier than any of the Galway lads of a comparable height.

I'd consider Henshaw to have a reasonable body shape just like most of the Galway hurlers. Some other lads you wouldn't like to be cleaning their cage.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 01:46:57 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 01:14:05 PM
Quote from: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 12:49:58 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 12:31:16 PM
Quote from: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 11:58:05 AM
In the northern hemisphere, rugby is a game of attrition. Bosh , bosh, bosh.
Players are much bulkier than they used to be. So the hits are harder.
The concussions are scary. No sport is worth brain damage.

Rugby is trying to do something about it, what is the GAA doing, should that not be more your focus now? GAA is miles behind the ball here.
Sure the GAA could do more but rugby is far more of concern.
The main problem in rugby is size.

https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/six-nations/neil-francis-the-french-bench-was-just-freakish-in-size-uini-atonio-is-big-enough-to-have-his-own-post-code-31011167.html

The other problem is excessive aggression

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/neurosurgeon-critical-of-rugby-s-excessive-aggression-1.2060907

"Anyone who has spent an hour picking skull fragments out of the contused frontal lobes of a teenage rugby player is entitled to an opinion on the safety of youth rugby. As a paediatric neurosurgeon, I've done this on several occasions. As a 'rugby parent', I've observed the school and club game at close quarters, from both sides of the touchline. What I've seen and heard suggests that our thinking on the subject may not be altogether rational."

The biggest risks are in rugby.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/six-nations/video-neil-francis-and-tony-ward-itll-need-a-fatality-before-people-take-cognisance-of-concussion-30984103.html

The rate of concussion in rugby is far higher. I think it is a structural problem.

Rugby is addressing it, the GAA is not though. How many ex-hurlers suffered concussions and just played on?

How many concussions occur per 1000 hours of GAA?
How many injuries occur per 1000 hours of GAA training ?


Half of rugby injuries occur in training.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 02:28:43 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on January 18, 2018, 01:39:24 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 12:35:34 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on January 18, 2018, 11:45:49 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 08:34:25 AM
Quote from: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 08:24:50 AM
Chris Henry says signing the steroid South African is unacceptable. But look at the size of Henry. He reminds me of those cheap chickens bred for their fillets. Size FF . Organic chickens might be a B.

https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/it-is-unacceptable-ireland-international-hits-out-at-signing-of-gerbrandt-grobler-36501599.html

How big was Chris Henry when he was 20? I doubt he took any shortcuts, I say doubt because who the f**k knows really! Look at the size of some of the Galway hurlers!!!


Can roids make a 20 something year old taller?

Galway hurlers are lean but not bulky in the way a Cian Healy would be.

Ha! My sport is clean, every sport is dirty, those Galway hurlers aren't skinny.

Galway forwards.     Height                  Weight                   

Cathal Mannion -          6 ft 1 in.                    88 kg.

Joe Canning -                 6ft 2 in.                     92 kg.

Joseph Cooney -            6 ft 4 in.                    96 kg.

Conor Whelan -             6 ft 0 in.                    88 kg.

Niall Burke -                   6 ft 0 in.                   94 kg.

Conor Cooney -              6 ft 4 in.                    94 kg.

Cian Healy-                    6 ft 0 in.                    104kg.
Sean O'Brien                  6 ft 2 in.                    108 kg.
Joey Carbery                  6 ft 0 in.                    88 kg.
Robbie Henshaw             6 ft 3 in.                    103 kg.

I'm not saying "my sport is clean" but they don't look overly unnatural to term a phrase whereas IN CERTAIN POSITIONS in rugby there must be a huge onus on the players to bulk up to play in those positions and with professional contracts on offer the shortcuts may be very tempting.

When the likes of Robbie Henshaw line out at centre, he's no man mountain, yet he's 6'3" and almost 10KG heavier than any of the Galway lads of a comparable height.

I'd consider Henshaw to have a reasonable body shape just like most of the Galway hurlers. Some other lads you wouldn't like to be cleaning their cage.

Prop forwards have always being big, it's the whole rugby is for all shapes and sizes and rugby players have always been bigger than GAA players but as rugby players are getting bigger and fitter so are GAA players, it's all relative.

Also don't forget the old adage, a good big un' will alway be better than a good small un'. I suppose my convoluted point is that while the finger should be pointed at rugby I wouldn't ignore any sport in terms of concussion and performance enhancing drugs. The GAA is getting more and more professional in terms of attitude all the way down the line. We don't want players feeling the pressure to bulk up, getting quicker, recover quicker just so they can play the game to the modern standard. In all sports we are losing the fun and social battle, it just feels like it's now winning is the only thing that matters.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 02:29:19 PM
Quote from: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 01:46:57 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 01:14:05 PM
Quote from: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 12:49:58 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on January 18, 2018, 12:31:16 PM
Quote from: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 11:58:05 AM
In the northern hemisphere, rugby is a game of attrition. Bosh , bosh, bosh.
Players are much bulkier than they used to be. So the hits are harder.
The concussions are scary. No sport is worth brain damage.

Rugby is trying to do something about it, what is the GAA doing, should that not be more your focus now? GAA is miles behind the ball here.
Sure the GAA could do more but rugby is far more of concern.
The main problem in rugby is size.

https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/six-nations/neil-francis-the-french-bench-was-just-freakish-in-size-uini-atonio-is-big-enough-to-have-his-own-post-code-31011167.html

The other problem is excessive aggression

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/neurosurgeon-critical-of-rugby-s-excessive-aggression-1.2060907

"Anyone who has spent an hour picking skull fragments out of the contused frontal lobes of a teenage rugby player is entitled to an opinion on the safety of youth rugby. As a paediatric neurosurgeon, I've done this on several occasions. As a 'rugby parent', I've observed the school and club game at close quarters, from both sides of the touchline. What I've seen and heard suggests that our thinking on the subject may not be altogether rational."

The biggest risks are in rugby.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/six-nations/video-neil-francis-and-tony-ward-itll-need-a-fatality-before-people-take-cognisance-of-concussion-30984103.html

The rate of concussion in rugby is far higher. I think it is a structural problem.

Rugby is addressing it, the GAA is not though. How many ex-hurlers suffered concussions and just played on?

How many concussions occur per 1000 hours of GAA?
How many injuries occur per 1000 hours of GAA training ?


Half of rugby injuries occur in training.

Tell me how many?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 18, 2018, 02:50:47 PM
I would say the nature of rugby itself means there is a greater likelihood of concussion. The body to body impacts, and heads hitting the ground, are unavoidable in a sport like that. Moreso when the gameplan for a lot of teams appears to be crash ball down the 10 channel, and recycling. The 'run to where they ain't' approach isn't followed by a lot of teams.

That said there does now appear to be a focus on getting the ball wide into non contact areas, so hopefully that will mitigate the sight of Jamie Roberts running into Basterau for a 2 yard gain, followed by a back rower doing the same.

All that said, I do think Rugby is aware and afraid of the concussion issue, and is doing something about it. I've seen the concussion protocols working at Thomond Park, even when players are thick about being hauled off, so I think the rugby lads should get credit where it's due on that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 03:44:56 PM
Some stats here:


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/premiership/11407436/Rugby-concussions-soar-by-59-per-cent-says-report.html

I'm 2014 there were 10.5 concussions per 1000 hours. The next year it was over 13.

Boxing was 17.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 03:55:54 PM
This is worth a google

The England Professional Rugby Injury Surveillance Project
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 18, 2018, 03:56:53 PM
Yes but that's because they are measuring them properly now. How many concussions are not even reported in the GAA? I know I've had several, and I never 'reported' it to anyone. (Other than the Portiuncula hospital in Ballinasloe as they did a brain scan on me!)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 04:17:48 PM
http://www.sligogaa.ie/ArticleDetail.aspx?articleid=9704

GAA Injury Database

The Medical, Scientific and Welfare Committee also presented some findings from the GAA's Injury database today. The database, under the direction of Mr John C Murphy of the MSW Committee and Dr Catherine Blake and Ms Edwenia O Malley of the UCD School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Population Science, has tracked injury data from 17 inter county Gaelic Football and 16 Inter county hurling teams since it was established in 2007.

The database shows that the most common injuries sustained in Gaelic games are;

Hamstring (football: 18.2% of all injuries, hurling: 16.5%)
Knee (11.6% of injuries – both codes)
Pelvis & Groin (football: 9.4% of all injuries, hurling: 10.4%)
Ankle (9% of all injuries – both codes)
Shoulder (football: 6.8% of all injuries, hurling: 6%)
Wrist & Hand (football: 4.2% of all injuries, hurling: 10.3%)

Mr Murphy said he was satisfied that the database showed the instance of injury in Gaelic games to be largely in line with that experienced in field sports of a similar nature such as Australian Rules football. He said that among the results that would be of particular interest to the GAA and the medical community were :

That recurrent injuries generally require significantly longer recovery periods (typical "return to play" time for a new hamstring injury is 18.5 days [football] or 16.5 days [hurling]; this rises to 41 days (f) and 30.5 days (h) for a recurrent injury)That in terms of playing time lost, the Anterior Cruciate ligament Injury (ACL) is the most severeThat a typical intercounty panel spends on average approximately 13 hours in collective training for every 1 hour of competitive game time.

That footballers are three times more likely to be concussed during a game than hurlers.

On the issue of concussion, Mr Murphy said that while the instance in Gaelic games was largely consistent with that experienced in Australian Rules football, it was important that players, managers and coaches become more aware of what concussion is, its symptoms and signs, the possible side effects and the guidelines with respect to returning to play. He said the GAA's Medical, Scientific & Welfare Committee would be actively working with in the coming months to generate greater awareness around concussion in sport. The GAA's own position paper on Concussion and various other injuries can be viewed

at http://www.gaa.ie/medical-and-player-welfare/injuries/types-of-injury/. 


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on January 18, 2018, 04:43:00 PM
No Tadhg Beirne, he's not really in the same situation as Zebo as he's coming home. Thought they would invest in him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Kuwabatake Sanjuro on January 18, 2018, 08:09:19 PM
https://twitter.com/Digger_forum/status/953569794225246208
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DTvCpwCW4AIFJ3f.jpg)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Kuwabatake Sanjuro on January 18, 2018, 08:10:15 PM
He is the South African who didn't get caught.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 08:25:01 PM
Quote from: Kuwabatake Sanjuro on January 18, 2018, 08:09:19 PM
https://twitter.com/Digger_forum/status/953569794225246208
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DTvCpwCW4AIFJ3f.jpg)
It's worse than the Dubs!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tonto1888 on January 18, 2018, 08:39:04 PM
Has that picture been posted to prove anything?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on January 18, 2018, 10:08:28 PM
Quote from: seafoid on January 18, 2018, 08:25:01 PM
Quote from: Kuwabatake Sanjuro on January 18, 2018, 08:09:19 PM
https://twitter.com/Digger_forum/status/953569794225246208
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DTvCpwCW4AIFJ3f.jpg)
It's worse than the Dubs!


It's John Hanbury after whatever diet the Polish lad has him on.

Bubbles better watch himself
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on January 21, 2018, 12:00:51 PM
When's the best time (and place) to grab tickets for the Italy game? My old college roommate is coming home from Boston for two weeks and I'd like to grab tickets from a re-seller but at the moment they're trying to charge twice face value at minimum. Will it be like Croker tickets and the sellers get more plentiful and more desperate in the week leading up to the game?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on January 21, 2018, 06:34:04 PM
Quote from: screenexile on January 13, 2018, 03:44:53 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 13, 2018, 03:02:00 PM
Considering the hammerings Ulster have taken lately that was a huge win!!

Such an infuriating team capable of beating anyone in their day but they are so inconsistent!!

As above!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on January 21, 2018, 09:20:53 PM
Quote from: Syferus on January 21, 2018, 12:00:51 PM
When's the best time (and place) to grab tickets for the Italy game? My old college roommate is coming home from Boston for two weeks and I'd like to grab tickets from a re-seller but at the moment they're trying to charge twice face value at minimum. Will it be like Croker tickets and the sellers get more plentiful and more desperate in the week leading up to the game?

Pm me I can get you two at face value.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on January 22, 2018, 10:44:06 AM
Ulster are a complete shambles!!!

http://ulsterrugby.com/news/16919#.WmXAU65l_IU
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on January 22, 2018, 08:30:24 PM
Quote from: screenexile on January 22, 2018, 10:44:06 AM
Ulster are a complete shambles!!!

http://ulsterrugby.com/news/16919#.WmXAU65l_IU

And Matt Giteau has finished in the Japanese League and is available but not on Ulster's radar.  Not only Kiss who needs to be shown the door but Cunningham(Operations Manager) and Logan(CEO)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 23, 2018, 09:04:22 AM
They've dodged a bullet with Donald imo. They should have went for the likes of Giteau.

Now is the time to give McPhillips a run at 10 - nothing to lose as they won't be near winning any silverware.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on January 23, 2018, 10:35:00 AM
Quade Cooper future still up in the air? It would be some sight to see him in Belfast?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 29, 2018, 08:53:54 AM
https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/six-nations/paul-kimmage-meets-laurent-benezech-the-whole-object-of-speaking-out-was-to-prevent-someone-dropping-dead-on-a-rugby-pitch-36537962.html

In April 2013, the director of the French anti-doping agency, Francoise Lasne, informed a Senate hearing on doping that there were more positive tests coming from rugby than any other sport. The backlash from the rugby community was extraordinary. The French Rugby Federation (FFR) and Professional League (LNR) immediately issued statements challenging Lasne's views and there were howls from coaches and players.

Benezech followed the reaction with a growing sense of despair. There was no debate. The sport was in denial, but it was obvious to Benezech that they were sitting on a runaway train: the players were getting bigger; the hits were getting harder; the game was getting faster; no one was asking questions.He called Laurent Telo, a journalist friend at Le Monde, and expressed his concern about the abuse of growth hormone and corticoids in the sport. Their interview was published on Saturday, April 6 and two months later, Dani was home alone when a bailiff arrived at their door: "Je suis huissier de justice et je cherche Monsieur Laurent Benezech."She signed for the papers and hurried back to the kitchen: Provale, the French professional players union, and 134 of its members, were pursuing Laurent for defamation and were demanding €2,000 each in costs.

From the beginning I knew it had to be a strategy of little stones," he says. "Put enough of them together and you can build a house. As we've seen in cycling, the only people who can bring big stones for the house are the police or a tribunal that would oblige people to react. But it was important for someone to start the process. I knew by speaking about it I wasn't going to change anything directly but I created a momentum, because what people denied in 2013 is obvious today.""What's the compulsion?" I ask."It wasn't a compulsion," he says.

"You had the option to walk on the beach last week but you walked into the sea: you had the option to keep all of your rugby friends but you lost them by talking about doping?""It was several things," he says.

I knew if I didn't do it, nobody else was going to do it - at least in the short term. And there was a risk of something dramatic happening and feeling guilty about it, and I have a perfect example of that: a young player at Racing - a prop like me at my old club - died from a heart attack at the age of 19."

"When was that?""A year later . . . I'll find you the date (May 28, 2014) but at least I tried. I thought I could be useful as an ex-international.""You're not the only ex-international," I counter. "But you're the only one to take a stand?""Maybe it was easier for me," he says. "Rugby was never going to be the main part of my life, or the only part of my life. I've seen plenty of players from my generation working inside the rugby world and really stuck in their past - that was never what I wanted. Rugby, for me, was a way to enjoy my childhood, my life, but there's no way my life was going to be stuck in it.



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Paul Kimmage meets Laurent Benezech: 'The whole object of speaking out was to prevent someone dropping dead on a rugby pitch'

2Laurent Benezech: 'I don't know if I could have done it in Ireland. Rugby is such a big thing in Ireland'

Paul Kiimmage

January 28 2018 5:00 PM

"That there is called the Gruuthuse Museum."

"They all have funny names, don't they?""Yes, Flemish. In here it says, 'The Belgians twice sheltered fugitive English Kings from being murdered, 1471 and 1651."

Subscribe to The Left Wing, Independent.ie's Rugby podcast in association with Laya Healthcare, with Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery for the best discussion and analysis each week. From in depth interviews with some of Irish rugby's biggest stars to unmatched insights into the provinces and the national team, The Left Wing has all your rugby needs covered.

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"I used to hate history, didn't you? It's all just a load of stuff that's already happened."

Martin McDonagh,'In Bruges'

 Laurent Benezech prefers looking forward to looking back and has never had much time for stuff that's already happened so there's no point in asking what brought him to Bruges last weekend, or what happened there. So thank God for Dani, his wife.It was her birthday. They booked a nice hotel, spent a couple of days seeing the sights and then set out for Knokke-Heist, Belgium's most affluent seaside resort. It was a bitterly cold Monday morning, the sea was slate grey and the clouds threatened rain. The tide was out and the dunes were deserted and the only colour in the place was the profusion of Maseratis and Ferraris.

They set off down the beach for a stroll and it was no surprise when the cold began to bite that Laurent stopped and offered his scarf. 'That's so typical,' she thought. Then he did something else that was typical.

He handed her his coat, pulled off his jumper and unbuckled the belt on his trousers.

"No Laurent!"He unbuttoned his shirt, gave her his vest and removed his shoes and socks.

"No Laurent!"

He walked into the sea wearing a pair of black underpants, waded out 50 metres until the water had reached his waist and he dipped under to soak his chest."No Laurent!"

He stood for a moment in the icy breeze before coming out and had almost reached the water's edge when he turned and went back in again, diving this time so that his head was fully immersed."You idiot!"

His lips were blue and his limbs were shaking violently. He tried to dry himself with the vest but she had to help him to dress and find refuge in a nearby café where they ordered hot chocolate. "I was just testing myself," he smiled, but that wasn't what she needed explained.

"It was the same when he wrote the book," she says. "We sat down and he explained what he was doing and why he was doing it, but he has never explained that inner compulsion."Why was it him? Why did he feel the need to do it? Why does he always feel that need, whatever the subject matter?"

Benezech has always been different. The eldest of two born to his parents Francois and Yvette, he grew up in Pamiers in the Midi Pyrenees where his mother was a teacher and his father worked in the postal service. Laurent wanted more. "The easy thing would have been to stay in Pamiers," he says, "but I was curious. I wanted to discover the world."Athletic and gifted at rugby, he played schoolboy for France, starred for Toulouse and made his Five Nations debut against England in March 1994. Three months later he had won five caps and beaten the All Blacks twice. In 1995, he travelled to South Africa for the World Cup and was a founder member of the first players' union when the game went professional.He was now the vice-captain of France and a pillar of the team that defeated the All Blacks again that November in Toulouse. But his fight for players' rights was not well received in the corridors of power and he would earn just 15 caps.

In the summer of '96 he signed a two-year deal with Harlequins and it was in London that he met Dani Allan, a student lawyer, for the first time. "The Laurent you see now is the Laurent I met when we were in our 20s," she says. "He was never, ever going to be the guy that ran the bar in the rugby town, or the guy that managed the local team. Rugby was a chapter in his life, but it did not define his life."Betsie, the first of their three children, was born in 1999. He played his last game of rugby a year later for Narbonne and began a new life in Paris as a marketing and communications consultant. Rugby mattered to him. He was an analyst for L'équipe, wrote two books - Anatomie d'une Partie de Rugby and Secrets du Stress but the increasing violence of the game, and the demands being made of the players, was troubling him.In April 2013, the director of the French anti-doping agency, Francoise Lasne, informed a Senate hearing on doping that there were more positive tests coming from rugby than any other sport. The backlash from the rugby community was extraordinary. The French Rugby Federation (FFR) and Professional League (LNR) immediately issued statements challenging Lasne's views and there were howls from coaches and players.

Benezech followed the reaction with a growing sense of despair. There was no debate. The sport was in denial, but it was obvious to Benezech that they were sitting on a runaway train: the players were getting bigger; the hits were getting harder; the game was getting faster; no one was asking questions.He called Laurent Telo, a journalist friend at Le Monde, and expressed his concern about the abuse of growth hormone and corticoids in the sport. Their interview was published on Saturday, April 6 and two months later, Dani was home alone when a bailiff arrived at their door: "Je suis huissier de justice et je cherche Monsieur Laurent Benezech."She signed for the papers and hurried back to the kitchen: Provale, the French professional players union, and 134 of its members, were pursuing Laurent for defamation and were demanding €2,000 each in costs. She reached for her phone and tried to call him but it went straight to voice message. She sat down and did the sums and felt the colour drain from her face.

'We're going to lose the house over this!'* * * * *A Wednesday evening west of Paris. Laurent Benezech is sitting in the kitchen of his home with a copy of his book - Rugby, Ou Sont Tes Valeurs? - that has just travelled over from Ireland.

"You signed that for me the last time I was here.""Yes," he replies."Do you remember what you said?"He opens the cover and smiles: "Paul, I don't know what this book will bring to the rugby world but at least it brought us together which is already something!""So that's the question," I say. "What did the book bring to the rugby world?"

"From the beginning I knew it had to be a strategy of little stones," he says. "Put enough of them together and you can build a house. As we've seen in cycling, the only people who can bring big stones for the house are the police or a tribunal that would oblige people to react. But it was important for someone to start the process. I knew by speaking about it I wasn't going to change anything directly but I created a momentum, because what people denied in 2013 is obvious today.""What's the compulsion?" I ask."It wasn't a compulsion," he says.

"You had the option to walk on the beach last week but you walked into the sea: you had the option to keep all of your rugby friends but you lost them by talking about doping?""It was several things," he says.

I knew if I didn't do it, nobody else was going to do it - at least in the short term. And there was a risk of something dramatic happening and feeling guilty about it, and I have a perfect example of that: a young player at Racing - a prop like me at my old club - died from a heart attack at the age of 19."

"When was that?""A year later . . . I'll find you the date (May 28, 2014) but at least I tried. I thought I could be useful as an ex-international.""You're not the only ex-international," I counter. "But you're the only one to take a stand?""Maybe it was easier for me," he says. "Rugby was never going to be the main part of my life, or the only part of my life. I've seen plenty of players from my generation working inside the rugby world and really stuck in their past - that was never what I wanted. Rugby, for me, was a way to enjoy my childhood, my life, but there's no way my life was going to be stuck in it."I escaped from the South of France: if I was living in Toulouse or Biarritz it would have been more difficult for me and I don't know if I could have done it in Ireland. Rugby is such a big thing in Ireland. I've been following what's happening there at the moment and it's difficult to step back and have an objective view.""The Grobler story?" I suggest."Yeah, that's something that really pisses me off - it's always the fault of the foreigner," he says. "We had it in France when Bernard Lapasset (the former president of the FFR) told the Senate Commission that if there was a problem with drugs in rugby it was because of the Fijians. It's always the same story - the sacrificial lamb: you take it, you kill it and blame all the sins of the community on it. And you are washed from your own sin! And that's exactly what I see with the Grobler story in Ireland.""What about the sense of vindication?" I ask. "Vindication?""Yeah, everything you said is proving to be true?""The big victory for me was what one of the judges said in his summary (at the defamation trial with Provale) - that even an authorised treatment for a rugby player can damage their health. And that's really important because one day a lawyer will take this part of my judgement and use it to attack a club or (governing body) for the damage they've caused to a player. So that was an important victory for me and one I never expected."But Dani isn't sure."The whole object of speaking out - and I know this because he sat me down and explained it the day before he met the journalist - was to prevent someone dropping dead on a rugby pitch," she says. "And so when you can say that everything he said has proven to be true, I say, 'No, it's exactly what he wanted to avoid.'"He wanted everyone to have a debate three years ago about the effects these programmes the clubs were putting on young players, and the whole point was to avoid proof of what he was saying. He knew it was happening, he just wanted them to have a debate about whether it was safe and the right thing to do."How can there be vindication when you see a kid the same age as your son taking a hit on a rugby pitch and we have no idea the effect that will have on his life? His body has been created, apparently, to take those hits and they will feed him with all sorts of things to reduce the pain so that he can go out and take those hits again. So as a mum, sitting here, you have to have a sense of wanting to protect. No one wants to stop the spectacle, we just want to make it a safe one."* * * * *He was 22 when he played against Ireland for the first time - a university game in Le Havre to celebrate the centenary of the club in 1988. A year later, he played the return fixture on a Friday night in Cork, and then travelled up to Lansdowne Road to watch Serge Blanco beat Ireland. "The Five Nations weekends were always good fun," he says. "I got a chance to see your country and enjoy a pint there."Rugby back then was his 'Madeleine de Proust' - a game he played with friends and an experience he would treasure for the rest of his life. But he lost those friends when he spoke out about doping, and he won't be in the Stade de France next weekend when France play Ireland."If I go to a rugby stadium now, or meet people in the rugby world, I'm obliged to be defensive because I know I'm not that welcome," he says. "I cannot be one hundred per cent relaxed when I'm in a rugby environment but I'll watch the game on TV and try to enjoy the show if the two teams play well.""Because of the book," I suggest. "That was the impact?""It was like being in a sand storm," he says. "You find sand grains everywhere in your life - even in parts you are not supposed to find them. You are caught in the middle of a storm and there is sand everywhere. It's something you can't believe unless you've experienced it.""I think he still suffers today," Dani says. "He's a guy that tells the awkward truth and you know what society is like? We don't really deal with that very well. The vast majority of his friends took a step back and are still reticent today about putting him forward (for anything) and that's a really horrible thing to say given they had known each other for such a long time.""It was more than I expected," Benezech shrugs. "I tried to assess the risk but I lost some clients and opportunities because they didn't want to be (associated) with something (they perceived) as negative."Isn't that incredible?" I say. "It should be the exact opposite."But Benezech, being Benezech, cuts straight to the bottom line: "No, it's not incredible at all," he says.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on January 29, 2018, 07:59:12 PM
Them pics are not physical possible without the use of steriods! Its like looking at a smaller version of the wwf beekcakes of the late 80"s
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: yellowcard on January 29, 2018, 08:16:22 PM
Since the advent of professionalism rugby has a major problem with PEDs. Any sport where size matters to extent that it does in rugby will always have people prepared to take short cuts. The furore over the Springbok only blew up because he wasn't an Irishman. When it's one of our own we don't want to know. You only have to look at the Kerry lad who failed a drugs test last year and how his manager, team mates and fellow countrymen lined up to defend him. And this was in an amateur sport
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on January 30, 2018, 04:48:11 PM
Holy f**k this is looking very very bad for the two lads. . . If proven guilty they shouldn't be playing for Ulster or Ireland again!!

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/it-was-like-a-merrygoround-at-a-carnival-ireland-rugby-stars-accused-of-rape-boasted-about-sex-on-whatsapp-36547048.html?utm_content=bufferf14da&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on January 30, 2018, 04:51:03 PM
Quote from: screenexile on January 30, 2018, 04:48:11 PM
Holy f**k this is looking very very bad for the two lads. . . If proven guilty they shouldn't be playing for Ulster or Ireland again!!

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/it-was-like-a-merrygoround-at-a-carnival-ireland-rugby-stars-accused-of-rape-boasted-about-sex-on-whatsapp-36547048.html?utm_content=bufferf14da&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Those defending them last year will be very quiet today. All the high-priced lawyers in the world won't save these scumbags.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on January 30, 2018, 05:02:02 PM
Quote from: Syferus on January 30, 2018, 04:51:03 PM
Quote from: screenexile on January 30, 2018, 04:48:11 PM
Holy f**k this is looking very very bad for the two lads. . . If proven guilty they shouldn't be playing for Ulster or Ireland again!!

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/it-was-like-a-merrygoround-at-a-carnival-ireland-rugby-stars-accused-of-rape-boasted-about-sex-on-whatsapp-36547048.html?utm_content=bufferf14da&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Those defending them last year will be very quiet today. All the high-priced lawyers in the world won't save these scumbags.

I don't remember too many on here defending them. I know personally I wanted to wait until there was more information available.

Reading that article it looks like they're fucked and rightly so!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 30, 2018, 07:55:42 PM

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/jan/30/six-nations-squads-injury-rugby-union-risks

The RFU's past two surveys of the professional game show that while the overall number of injuries decreased in 2014-15 and 2015-16, the severity of those injuries got worse.

They measure severity by the time it takes an injured player to play again. In both those two recent seasons the average was 29 days, which is within the RFU's "expected limits of variation" but only just, and a record high since it started keeping track in 2002, when the average was 16.

At the end of this season, those statistics may change again. The tackle is the cause of around 40% of injuries and the early data from this Premiership season showed the average number of tackles per match was up by 11.4%.


A rough tally shows England, France, Wales, and Ireland are all missing at least 10 players who would likely be in contention for their match-day 23 on the opening weekend. Among the wounded are those with broken bones, ripped ligaments and persistent concussion symptoms.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on January 30, 2018, 09:48:59 PM
Good article. As I said not long ago rugby thinks it's doing a good job but it's not enough.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Asal Mor on January 31, 2018, 05:05:51 AM
Quote from: Syferus on January 30, 2018, 04:51:03 PM
Quote from: screenexile on January 30, 2018, 04:48:11 PM
Holy f**k this is looking very very bad for the two lads. . . If proven guilty they shouldn't be playing for Ulster or Ireland again!!

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/it-was-like-a-merrygoround-at-a-carnival-ireland-rugby-stars-accused-of-rape-boasted-about-sex-on-whatsapp-36547048.html?utm_content=bufferf14da&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Those defending them last year will be very quiet today. All the high-priced lawyers in the world won't save these scumbags.
How would anyone have been defending them when there was no information available about the facts of the case? It wouldn't have been "let's wait for the facts to come out before we start judging" by any chance, would it?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rois on January 31, 2018, 07:23:04 AM
I discussed this with two colleagues who are season ticket holders at Ulster - their view is that whether they are found guilty of rape or not (apparently the taxi driver is going to be a key prosecution witness), the lifestyle choices these guys have made do not sit well with the family ethos of Ulster, and they wouldn't bring their children to cheer on these guys like heros.

The prosecution barrister has been brought in from England due to a perceived threat of intimidation. He is the same barrister used to prosecute loyalists convicted of the murder of Thomas Devlin, the Belfast schoolboy, and was brought in then for similar reasons.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: general_lee on January 31, 2018, 07:39:06 AM
Quote from: Asal Mor on January 31, 2018, 05:05:51 AM
Quote from: Syferus on January 30, 2018, 04:51:03 PM
Quote from: screenexile on January 30, 2018, 04:48:11 PM
Holy f**k this is looking very very bad for the two lads. . . If proven guilty they shouldn't be playing for Ulster or Ireland again!!

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/it-was-like-a-merrygoround-at-a-carnival-ireland-rugby-stars-accused-of-rape-boasted-about-sex-on-whatsapp-36547048.html?utm_content=bufferf14da&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Those defending them last year will be very quiet today. All the high-priced lawyers in the world won't save these scumbags.
How would anyone have been defending them when there was no information available about the facts of the case? It wouldn't have been "let's wait for the facts to come out before we start judging" by any chance, would it?
This is Roscommon's answer to Helen Lovejoy you're talking to
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 31, 2018, 07:49:55 AM
The girl didn't even bring this to court, it was her parents that made her do it I heard...  I feel they'll be acquitted there are more males on the jury also, whether that makes a difference or not I don't know, but the girl was blattered by her own admission so be hard to trust her version of events also!

I've no idea of the truth on this so I'm not judging but all their reputations, the girl and fellas will be ruined
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Avondhu star on January 31, 2018, 08:42:18 AM
Quote from: Rois on January 31, 2018, 07:23:04 AM
I discussed this with two colleagues who are season ticket holders at Ulster - their view is that whether they are found guilty of rape or not (apparently the taxi driver is going to be a key prosecution witness), the lifestyle choices these guys have made do not sit well with the family ethos of Ulster, and they wouldn't bring their children to cheer on these guys like heros.

The prosecution barrister has been brought in from England due to a perceived threat of intimidation. He is the same barrister used to prosecute loyalists convicted of the murder of Thomas Devlin, the Belfast schoolboy, and was brought in then for similar reasons.

First day of evidence only.
When the alleged victim is cross examined we will see if things change. Also the accused might option to give evidence which will very interesting.
It's all about creating a doubt.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Geoff Tipps on January 31, 2018, 09:21:06 AM
Quote from: Rois on January 31, 2018, 07:23:04 AM
I discussed this with two colleagues who are season ticket holders at Ulster - their view is that whether they are found guilty of rape or not (apparently the taxi driver is going to be a key prosecution witness), the lifestyle choices these guys have made do not sit well with the family ethos of Ulster, and they wouldn't bring their children to cheer on these guys like heros.

The prosecution barrister has been brought in from England due to a perceived threat of intimidation. He is the same barrister used to prosecute loyalists convicted of the murder of Thomas Devlin, the Belfast schoolboy, and was brought in then for similar reasons.

Yes whatever the outcome of the trial hard to see them playing for Ulster again.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rois on January 31, 2018, 09:40:45 AM
Quote from: Avondhu star on January 31, 2018, 08:42:18 AM
Quote from: Rois on January 31, 2018, 07:23:04 AM
I discussed this with two colleagues who are season ticket holders at Ulster - their view is that whether they are found guilty of rape or not (apparently the taxi driver is going to be a key prosecution witness), the lifestyle choices these guys have made do not sit well with the family ethos of Ulster, and they wouldn't bring their children to cheer on these guys like heros.

The prosecution barrister has been brought in from England due to a perceived threat of intimidation. He is the same barrister used to prosecute loyalists convicted of the murder of Thomas Devlin, the Belfast schoolboy, and was brought in then for similar reasons.

First day of evidence only.
When the alleged victim is cross examined we will see if things change. Also the accused might option to give evidence which will very interesting.
It's all about creating a doubt.
Agreed - but no doubting text messages that talk about spit roasts (a friend of a colleague had to explain to the board of Ulster Rugby what that was), which is where the first part of my post was going.  Not a crime if consensual.



Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 31, 2018, 09:44:58 AM
Quote from: Rois on January 31, 2018, 07:23:04 AM

"The prosecution barrister has been brought in from England due to a perceived threat of intimidation. He is the same barrister used to prosecute loyalists convicted of the murder of Thomas Devlin, the Belfast schoolboy, and was brought in then for similar reasons."

NI is really fucked up if that sort of thing  is normal.
Here is another sign.
This sort of editorial would never appear in the south.

https://m.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/editors-viewpoint/colum-eastwoods-heartbreak-puts-life-into-real-perspective-36539475.html
"The SDLP leader is to be commended for revealing in public some of his deepest private emotions.

By doing this he has reminded the people of Northern Ireland on all sides that, so often, we have more in common than that which keeps us apart.

It is a lesson that all of us should take to heart.

Too often we are quick to condemn and to strike out at something or someone who arouses our deepest displeasure.

The fact remains, however, that if we are to have lasting peace, we have to learn painfully how to live together and to try to see the humanity behind the headlines, and also in each other's lives."

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 31, 2018, 09:45:54 AM
Quote from: Rois on January 31, 2018, 09:40:45 AM
Quote from: Avondhu star on January 31, 2018, 08:42:18 AM
Quote from: Rois on January 31, 2018, 07:23:04 AM
I discussed this with two colleagues who are season ticket holders at Ulster - their view is that whether they are found guilty of rape or not (apparently the taxi driver is going to be a key prosecution witness), the lifestyle choices these guys have made do not sit well with the family ethos of Ulster, and they wouldn't bring their children to cheer on these guys like heros.

The prosecution barrister has been brought in from England due to a perceived threat of intimidation. He is the same barrister used to prosecute loyalists convicted of the murder of Thomas Devlin, the Belfast schoolboy, and was brought in then for similar reasons.

First day of evidence only.
When the alleged victim is cross examined we will see if things change. Also the accused might option to give evidence which will very interesting.
It's all about creating a doubt.
Agreed - but no doubting text messages that talk about spit roasts (a friend of a colleague had to explain to the board of Ulster Rugby what that was), which is where the first part of my post was going.  Not a crime if consensual.

The medical evidence will also be important
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 31, 2018, 09:49:26 AM
Olding is done for regardless of this. Jackson might, just might get a contract in Japan or with the Cheetahs or Southern Kings if not done.

If she was intoxicated its hard to see how the prosecution can get the verdict they want.

What would the maximum sentence be? 2-3 years?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 31, 2018, 11:16:07 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 31, 2018, 09:49:26 AM
Olding is done for regardless of this. Jackson might, just might get a contract in Japan or with the Cheetahs or Southern Kings if not done.

If she was intoxicated its hard to see how the prosecution can get the verdict they want.

What would the maximum sentence be? 2-3 years?

Did she go to the police right away? so will the medical evidence be present? Lots of questions.. horrible for anyone to go through this, takes a strong person to bring this to the police in the first place.. be interesting to see what texts/messages she had on her phone after the incident.

Initial talk is Jackson will get off with it, but as said, he'll never recover... This will be a huge lesson to anyone, nevermind whether they are famous or not, doing that sort (whether consensual) of thing will never end well
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on January 31, 2018, 11:21:00 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 31, 2018, 09:49:26 AM
Olding is done for regardless of this. Jackson might, just might get a contract in Japan or with the Cheetahs or Southern Kings if not done.

If she was intoxicated its hard to see how the prosecution can get the verdict they want.

What would the maximum sentence be? 2-3 years?

Heard 'on the grapevine' neither will play for Ulster again no matter what.

Also heard that despite the initial barrage as previous link, the defense case is very strong and the girl in question is going to come under serious scrutiny as to her private life. Belfast isn't a very big place, after all.

There are no 'winners' in this one.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Keyser soze on January 31, 2018, 11:26:22 AM
There have been some threads where lots of people have talked lots of bollocks but this one is really taking the proverbial biscuit with the amount of pure and utter bollocks talked about such a serous matter.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on January 31, 2018, 11:28:49 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 31, 2018, 11:16:07 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 31, 2018, 09:49:26 AM
Olding is done for regardless of this. Jackson might, just might get a contract in Japan or with the Cheetahs or Southern Kings if not done.

If she was intoxicated its hard to see how the prosecution can get the verdict they want.

What would the maximum sentence be? 2-3 years?

Did she go to the police right away? so will the medical evidence be present? Lots of questions.. horrible for anyone to go through this, takes a strong person to bring this to the police in the first place.. be interesting to see what texts/messages she had on her phone after the incident.

Initial talk is Jackson will get off with it, but as said, he'll never recover... This will be a huge lesson to anyone, nevermind whether they are famous or not, doing that sort (whether consensual) of thing will never end well

Did you read the article??

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/it-was-like-a-merrygoround-at-a-carnival-ireland-rugby-stars-accused-of-rape-boasted-about-sex-on-whatsapp-36547048.html?utm_content=bufferf14da&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 31, 2018, 11:30:22 AM
Quote from: Keyser soze on January 31, 2018, 11:26:22 AM
There have been some threads where lots of people have talked lots of bollocks but this one is really taking the proverbial biscuit with the amount of pure and utter bollocks talked about such a serous matter.

Its is a discussion board, people will discuss... Probably best to wait the 5 weeks and then discuss it ???
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 31, 2018, 11:39:13 AM
Quote from: screenexile on January 31, 2018, 11:28:49 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 31, 2018, 11:16:07 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 31, 2018, 09:49:26 AM
Olding is done for regardless of this. Jackson might, just might get a contract in Japan or with the Cheetahs or Southern Kings if not done.

If she was intoxicated its hard to see how the prosecution can get the verdict they want.

What would the maximum sentence be? 2-3 years?

Did she go to the police right away? so will the medical evidence be present? Lots of questions.. horrible for anyone to go through this, takes a strong person to bring this to the police in the first place.. be interesting to see what texts/messages she had on her phone after the incident.

Initial talk is Jackson will get off with it, but as said, he'll never recover... This will be a huge lesson to anyone, nevermind whether they are famous or not, doing that sort (whether consensual) of thing will never end well

Did you read the article??

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/it-was-like-a-merrygoround-at-a-carnival-ireland-rugby-stars-accused-of-rape-boasted-about-sex-on-whatsapp-36547048.html?utm_content=bufferf14da&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Wow!!! goodnight Jackson, and friends
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Keyser soze on January 31, 2018, 11:46:32 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 31, 2018, 11:30:22 AM
Quote from: Keyser soze on January 31, 2018, 11:26:22 AM
There have been some threads where lots of people have talked lots of bollocks but this one is really taking the proverbial biscuit with the amount of pure and utter bollocks talked about such a serous matter.

Its is a discussion board, people will discuss... Probably best to wait the 5 weeks and then discuss it ???

Well there is a discussion and then there is pure and utter meaningless drivel, wild speculation dressed up as portentous statement of future events, complete and utter fabrication presented as facts and irrelevant shite presented as opinion.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 31, 2018, 11:53:14 AM
Quote from: Keyser soze on January 31, 2018, 11:46:32 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 31, 2018, 11:30:22 AM
Quote from: Keyser soze on January 31, 2018, 11:26:22 AM
There have been some threads where lots of people have talked lots of bollocks but this one is really taking the proverbial biscuit with the amount of pure and utter bollocks talked about such a serous matter.

Its is a discussion board, people will discuss... Probably best to wait the 5 weeks and then discuss it ???

Well there is a discussion and then there is pure and utter meaningless drivel, wild speculation dressed up as portentous statement of future events, complete and utter fabrication presented as facts and irrelevant shite presented as opinion.

Yeah, there's that also
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 31, 2018, 12:11:23 PM
Are we not allowed to discuss it Keyser?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Avondhu star on January 31, 2018, 12:31:58 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 31, 2018, 11:30:22 AM
Quote from: Keyser soze on January 31, 2018, 11:26:22 AM
There have been some threads where lots of people have talked lots of bollocks but this one is really taking the proverbial biscuit with the amount of pure and utter bollocks talked about such a serous matter.

Its is a discussion board, people will discuss... Probably best to wait the 5 weeks and then discuss it ???

That isnt the way this place works. No fun in that
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Keyser soze on January 31, 2018, 12:36:23 PM
Sure you are Walter, but if you, amongst others, start to post pure and utter fantastical bollocks and want to call that discussion, well then I think I am entitled to point out that it is fantastical bollocks ...like f**k me Jackson might get a contract in Japan...what have you been smoking lol
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on January 31, 2018, 12:51:49 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on January 31, 2018, 11:21:00 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 31, 2018, 09:49:26 AM
Olding is done for regardless of this. Jackson might, just might get a contract in Japan or with the Cheetahs or Southern Kings if not done.

If she was intoxicated its hard to see how the prosecution can get the verdict they want.

What would the maximum sentence be? 2-3 years?

Heard 'on the grapevine' neither will play for Ulster again no matter what.

Also heard that despite the initial barrage as previous link, the defense case is very strong and the girl in question is going to come under serious scrutiny as to her private life. Belfast isn't a very big place, after all.

There are no 'winners' in this one.

The tactic of trying to diminish the victim is a well-worn one in rape cases. Nothing strong and plenty scummy and desperate about it.

MR2, you either didn't read the case or you got hit in the head to post what you did.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Avondhu star on January 31, 2018, 01:08:07 PM
Quote from: Syferus on January 31, 2018, 12:51:49 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on January 31, 2018, 11:21:00 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 31, 2018, 09:49:26 AM
Olding is done for regardless of this. Jackson might, just might get a contract in Japan or with the Cheetahs or Southern Kings if not done.

If she was intoxicated its hard to see how the prosecution can get the verdict they want.

What would the maximum sentence be? 2-3 years?

Heard 'on the grapevine' neither will play for Ulster again no matter what.

Also heard that despite the initial barrage as previous link, the defense case is very strong and the girl in question is going to come under serious scrutiny as to her private life. Belfast isn't a very big place, after all.

There are no 'winners' in this one.

The tactic of trying to diminish the victim is a well-worn one in rape cases. Nothing strong and plenty scummy and desperate about it.

MR2, you either didn't read the case or you got hit in the head to post what you did.

She is only a victim if what she says is true. Thats for the jury to decide and consent or absent of consent will be the deciding factor. Who are the victims if she is telling lies?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 31, 2018, 01:09:32 PM
Quote from: Keyser soze on January 31, 2018, 12:36:23 PM
Sure you are Walter, but if you, amongst others, start to post pure and utter fantastical bollocks and want to call that discussion, well then I think I am entitled to point out that it is fantastical bollocks ...like f**k me Jackson might get a contract in Japan...what have you been smoking lol

LOL the same stuff you inhale before posting gibberish on the Derry thread ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on January 31, 2018, 01:11:54 PM
Were 2 Munster and Ireland internationals rumoured to do something similar not so long ago. I know that was consensual but still what is wrong with rugby players these days are they trying to out do the premier league footy scum or something.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on January 31, 2018, 01:12:24 PM
Quote from: Avondhu star on January 31, 2018, 01:08:07 PM
Quote from: Syferus on January 31, 2018, 12:51:49 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on January 31, 2018, 11:21:00 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 31, 2018, 09:49:26 AM
Olding is done for regardless of this. Jackson might, just might get a contract in Japan or with the Cheetahs or Southern Kings if not done.

If she was intoxicated its hard to see how the prosecution can get the verdict they want.

What would the maximum sentence be? 2-3 years?

Heard 'on the grapevine' neither will play for Ulster again no matter what.

Also heard that despite the initial barrage as previous link, the defense case is very strong and the girl in question is going to come under serious scrutiny as to her private life. Belfast isn't a very big place, after all.

There are no 'winners' in this one.

The tactic of trying to diminish the victim is a well-worn one in rape cases. Nothing strong and plenty scummy and desperate about it.

MR2, you either didn't read the case or you got hit in the head to post what you did.

She is only a victim if what she says is true. Thats for the jury to decide and consent or absent of consent will be the deciding factor. Who are the victims if she is telling lies?

The cops saw enough evidence to charge four different people. Let that sink in.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 31, 2018, 01:15:14 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on January 31, 2018, 01:11:54 PM
Were 2 Munster and Ireland internationals rumoured to do something similar not so long ago. I know that was consensual but still what is wrong with rugby players these days are they trying to out do the premier league footy scum or something.
There was a case involving a Sunderland and England player a few years ago. Too much money and no respect for women.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Keyser soze on January 31, 2018, 01:17:55 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 31, 2018, 01:09:32 PM
Quote from: Keyser soze on January 31, 2018, 12:36:23 PM
Sure you are Walter, but if you, amongst others, start to post pure and utter fantastical bollocks and want to call that discussion, well then I think I am entitled to point out that it is fantastical bollocks ...like f**k me Jackson might get a contract in Japan...what have you been smoking lol

LOL the same stuff you inhale before posting gibberish on the Derry thread ;)

Cheeky c***  ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on January 31, 2018, 01:33:51 PM
https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/amp.independent.ie/irish-news/woman-has-regrets-over-alleged-rugby-stars-tryst-29453848.html

Oh dear here it is. IRFU sort it out
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 31, 2018, 01:39:57 PM
Quote from: Syferus on January 31, 2018, 12:51:49 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on January 31, 2018, 11:21:00 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 31, 2018, 09:49:26 AM
Olding is done for regardless of this. Jackson might, just might get a contract in Japan or with the Cheetahs or Southern Kings if not done.

If she was intoxicated its hard to see how the prosecution can get the verdict they want.

What would the maximum sentence be? 2-3 years?

Heard 'on the grapevine' neither will play for Ulster again no matter what.

Also heard that despite the initial barrage as previous link, the defense case is very strong and the girl in question is going to come under serious scrutiny as to her private life. Belfast isn't a very big place, after all.

There are no 'winners' in this one.

The tactic of trying to diminish the victim is a well-worn one in rape cases. Nothing strong and plenty scummy and desperate about it.

MR2, you either didn't read the case or you got hit in the head to post what you did.

There was no case until the other day, there was some allegations and charges brought,  and then there was some heresay



Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: caprea on January 31, 2018, 01:42:52 PM
Some lads need to go on a rape awareness course....2-3 years for rape?? Maybe in Uganda...Jackson is looking at serving 10-15 years and to me I've heard enough there is a very high probability  he will be found guilty.

Other poster saying if she intoxicated...doesn't matter..intoxication does not indicate consent.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on January 31, 2018, 01:48:15 PM
Quote from: Syferus on January 31, 2018, 12:51:49 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on January 31, 2018, 11:21:00 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 31, 2018, 09:49:26 AM
Olding is done for regardless of this. Jackson might, just might get a contract in Japan or with the Cheetahs or Southern Kings if not done.

If she was intoxicated its hard to see how the prosecution can get the verdict they want.

What would the maximum sentence be? 2-3 years?

Heard 'on the grapevine' neither will play for Ulster again no matter what.

Also heard that despite the initial barrage as previous link, the defense case is very strong and the girl in question is going to come under serious scrutiny as to her private life. Belfast isn't a very big place, after all.

There are no 'winners' in this one.

The tactic of trying to diminish the victim is a well-worn one in rape cases. Nothing strong and plenty scummy and desperate about it.

MR2, you either didn't read the case or you got hit in the head to post what you did.

You may take it up with those representing the defence. It might be scummy, it might be true, it might be false. But the only thing certain is, it's going to happen.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on January 31, 2018, 01:50:12 PM
I think its odd among all the headlines that the bits where:

Another woman entered the room when the acts were ongoing and saw nothing suggesting non-consent
Jackson said she unzipped his trousers

...are buried deep at the end of the last article.

I find it very hard to believe that if the lads had committed a crime that they would be casually texting about it the next morning. They'd surely be crapping themselves and keeping the head down and fingers crossed.

The texts are horrible, but do nothing to suggest there was no consent, and it seems very similar to the two Munster lads apart from the reaction the following day.

But the evidence of the woman who walked in on them could be key for the defence.
The actions of the fourth guy, and I'm not sure exactly what they were, but it seems he may have thought something untoward happened, so that could help the prosecution.

I'm inclined to believe they're not guilty, until evidence shows otherwise.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Avondhu star on January 31, 2018, 01:56:29 PM
Quote from: Syferus on January 31, 2018, 01:12:24 PM
Quote from: Avondhu star on January 31, 2018, 01:08:07 PM
Quote from: Syferus on January 31, 2018, 12:51:49 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on January 31, 2018, 11:21:00 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 31, 2018, 09:49:26 AM
Olding is done for regardless of this. Jackson might, just might get a contract in Japan or with the Cheetahs or Southern Kings if not done.

If she was intoxicated its hard to see how the prosecution can get the verdict they want.

What would the maximum sentence be? 2-3 years?

Heard 'on the grapevine' neither will play for Ulster again no matter what.

Also heard that despite the initial barrage as previous link, the defense case is very strong and the girl in question is going to come under serious scrutiny as to her private life. Belfast isn't a very big place, after all.

There are no 'winners' in this one.

The tactic of trying to diminish the victim is a well-worn one in rape cases. Nothing strong and plenty scummy and desperate about it.

MR2, you either didn't read the case or you got hit in the head to post what you did.

She is only a victim if what she says is true. Thats for the jury to decide and consent or absent of consent will be the deciding factor. Who are the victims if she is telling lies?

The cops saw enough evidence to charge four different people. Let that sink in.
It's not a police decision whether to charge or not.
This isn't a parking offence we are dealing with.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on January 31, 2018, 01:59:08 PM
Quote from: Hound on January 31, 2018, 01:50:12 PM
I think its odd among all the headlines that the bits where:

Another woman entered the room when the acts were ongoing and saw nothing suggesting non-consent
Jackson said she unzipped his trousers

...are buried deep at the end of the last article.

I find it very hard to believe that if the lads had committed a crime that they would be casually texting about it the next morning. They'd surely be crapping themselves and keeping the head down and fingers crossed.

The texts are horrible, but do nothing to suggest there was no consent, and it seems very similar to the two Munster lads apart from the reaction the following day.

But the evidence of the woman who walked in on them could be key for the defence.
The actions of the fourth guy, and I'm not sure exactly what they were, but it seems he may have thought something untoward happened, so that could help the prosecution.

I'm inclined to believe they're not guilty, until evidence shows otherwise.

You're daft if you think people who believe they can rape a woman wouldn't be calously joking about it afterward.

You lifted a line about a woman wandering by but somehow missed the paragraph about how the victim was numbed by the experience, you must have some Hollywood idea of rape being something that only happens with a woman being held down shouting and roaring.

Anyone who thinks the woman would put herself through this sort of ringer of moral apologists and character assassinations only for it to be lies is either blinkered or smoking some seriously strong shît. There isn't a fûcking book deal or big money in it for rape victims.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: caprea on January 31, 2018, 02:04:08 PM
There's bruising on the inner thigh, bleeding on the vaginal wall....but there's a question of evidence?

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on January 31, 2018, 02:15:55 PM
"She was bladdered"......"did she go to the police the next day".....

Some of ye really need to take a look at yourselves.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on January 31, 2018, 02:18:02 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on January 31, 2018, 02:15:55 PM
"She was bladdered"......"did she go to the police the next day".....

Some of ye really need to take a look at yourselves.

+1000
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 31, 2018, 02:20:00 PM
I think what posters are trying to say MS is whether the fact she was drunk will impact on the verdict. I'm assuming the defence will use the fact she was drunk to portray it as a regular thing and attack her background, which could see it turning messy.

I'm no law expert hence asking questions on here.

Someone made light of my assumption that the sentence might be a few years. Is that not what Ched Evans served??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on January 31, 2018, 02:23:09 PM
Evans was acquitted after a retrial I believe. Completely different case from my memory of it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 31, 2018, 02:26:23 PM
Cheers for clarifying MS. What was his initial sentence?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 31, 2018, 02:26:58 PM
Just checked. Ched Evans got 5 years!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 31, 2018, 02:28:11 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on January 31, 2018, 02:15:55 PM
"She was bladdered"......"did she go to the police the next day".....

Some of ye really need to take a look at yourselves.

I put a question mark at the end of that, I was asking the questions

some people only see and quote what they want
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on January 31, 2018, 02:29:57 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 31, 2018, 02:28:11 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on January 31, 2018, 02:15:55 PM
"She was bladdered"......"did she go to the police the next day".....

Some of ye really need to take a look at yourselves.

I put a question mark at the end of that, I was asking the questions

some people only see and quote what they want

You probably should have read the article before commenting.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 31, 2018, 02:32:35 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on January 31, 2018, 02:29:57 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 31, 2018, 02:28:11 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on January 31, 2018, 02:15:55 PM
"She was bladdered"......"did she go to the police the next day".....

Some of ye really need to take a look at yourselves.

I put a question mark at the end of that, I was asking the questions

some people only see and quote what they want

You probably should have read the article before commenting.

I'd already posted before that link became available... you shoulda checked the time of post
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: general_lee on January 31, 2018, 02:34:58 PM
Even if any or all of accused get off with the charges, based on the undisputed facts and timeline of events I've read so far; they're guilty in my eyes. Surely if she was so "bladdered" she wouldn't have been fit to consent? Was that not the case in the Ched Evans court case?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 31, 2018, 02:41:41 PM
Quote from: general_lee on January 31, 2018, 02:34:58 PM
Even if any or all of accused get off with the charges, based on the undisputed facts and timeline of events I've read so far; they're guilty in my eyes. Surely if she was so "bladdered" she wouldn't have been fit to consent? Was that not the case in the Ched Evans court case?

Ive already stated after reading the account from the prosecution in that article that they will be going down.. I was hearing stories before the case was taken to court, as you do. I was only asking the question

How many right decisions have you made when you are hammered?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: general_lee on January 31, 2018, 03:00:56 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 31, 2018, 02:41:41 PM
Quote from: general_lee on January 31, 2018, 02:34:58 PM
Even if any or all of accused get off with the charges, based on the undisputed facts and timeline of events I've read so far; they're guilty in my eyes. Surely if she was so "bladdered" she wouldn't have been fit to consent? Was that not the case in the Ched Evans court case?

Ive already stated after reading the account from the prosecution in that article that they will be going down.. I was hearing stories before the case was taken to court, as you do. I was only asking the question

How many right decisions have you made when you are hammered?
I wasn't responding to you specifically, just giving my tuppence so far.

I don't think there's any excusing this sort of behaviour.  I know when drinks in the wits out, but this involves four defendants, I know one of them is probably in the shit for trying to cover for his mates but surely out of the other three one of them should have realised what they were doing was not only completely fucked up but also completely wrong!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Keyser soze on January 31, 2018, 03:04:44 PM
It's a good job none of you clowns are on a jury as you have already decided to convict having heard a second hand report of the first day's evidence from the prosecution, coupled with some snippets of gossip around the town and on the internet.

Why bother with a trial or having a defence. Some of the comments on here beggar belief.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on January 31, 2018, 03:17:54 PM
Quote from: Keyser soze on January 31, 2018, 03:04:44 PM
It's a good job none of you clowns are on a jury as you have already decided to convict having heard a second hand report of the first day's evidence from the prosecution, coupled with some snippets of gossip around the town and on the internet.

Why bother with a trial or having a defence. Some of the comments on here beggar belief.

"Second hand report" aka a blow-by-blow description from the court room by every major outlet.

Guess what bucko, you can't invent vaginal wall bleeding..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: general_lee on January 31, 2018, 03:18:21 PM
Quote from: Keyser soze on January 31, 2018, 03:04:44 PM
It's a good job none of you clowns are on a jury as you have already decided to convict having heard a second hand report of the first day's evidence from the prosecution, coupled with some snippets of gossip around the town and on the internet.

Why bother with a trial or having a defence. Some of the comments on here beggar belief.
It's called giving an opinion! It's hardly like anyone's calling for them to locked up for life! Maybe more will come out over the course of the trial which will see people change their opinions but from what I've read so far it doesn't look good for the accused! And you can bet there are bigger clowns sitting on that jury than me
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: general_lee on January 31, 2018, 03:18:55 PM
Quote from: Syferus on January 31, 2018, 03:17:54 PM
Quote from: Keyser soze on January 31, 2018, 03:04:44 PM
It's a good job none of you clowns are on a jury as you have already decided to convict having heard a second hand report of the first day's evidence from the prosecution, coupled with some snippets of gossip around the town and on the internet.

Why bother with a trial or having a defence. Some of the comments on here beggar belief.

"Second hand report" aka a blow-by-blow description from the court room by every major outlet.

Guess what bucko, you can't invent vaginal wall bleeding..
In fairness you can get vaginal bleeding from consensual sex...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Frank_The_Tank on January 31, 2018, 03:41:55 PM
Quote from: Syferus on January 31, 2018, 01:12:24 PM
Quote from: Avondhu star on January 31, 2018, 01:08:07 PM
Quote from: Syferus on January 31, 2018, 12:51:49 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on January 31, 2018, 11:21:00 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 31, 2018, 09:49:26 AM
Olding is done for regardless of this. Jackson might, just might get a contract in Japan or with the Cheetahs or Southern Kings if not done.

If she was intoxicated its hard to see how the prosecution can get the verdict they want.

What would the maximum sentence be? 2-3 years?

Heard 'on the grapevine' neither will play for Ulster again no matter what.

Also heard that despite the initial barrage as previous link, the defense case is very strong and the girl in question is going to come under serious scrutiny as to her private life. Belfast isn't a very big place, after all.

There are no 'winners' in this one.

The tactic of trying to diminish the victim is a well-worn one in rape cases. Nothing strong and plenty scummy and desperate about it.

MR2, you either didn't read the case or you got hit in the head to post what you did.

She is only a victim if what she says is true. Thats for the jury to decide and consent or absent of consent will be the deciding factor. Who are the victims if she is telling lies?

The cops saw enough evidence to charge four different people. Let that sink in.

Its the CPS who decide if there is enough evidence to charge - and in england they also thought there was enough evidence to charge Liam Allan - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-42873618
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Minder on January 31, 2018, 03:49:50 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on January 31, 2018, 03:41:55 PM
Quote from: Syferus on January 31, 2018, 01:12:24 PM
Quote from: Avondhu star on January 31, 2018, 01:08:07 PM
Quote from: Syferus on January 31, 2018, 12:51:49 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on January 31, 2018, 11:21:00 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 31, 2018, 09:49:26 AM
Olding is done for regardless of this. Jackson might, just might get a contract in Japan or with the Cheetahs or Southern Kings if not done.

If she was intoxicated its hard to see how the prosecution can get the verdict they want.

What would the maximum sentence be? 2-3 years?

Heard 'on the grapevine' neither will play for Ulster again no matter what.

Also heard that despite the initial barrage as previous link, the defense case is very strong and the girl in question is going to come under serious scrutiny as to her private life. Belfast isn't a very big place, after all.

There are no 'winners' in this one.

The tactic of trying to diminish the victim is a well-worn one in rape cases. Nothing strong and plenty scummy and desperate about it.

MR2, you either didn't read the case or you got hit in the head to post what you did.

She is only a victim if what she says is true. Thats for the jury to decide and consent or absent of consent will be the deciding factor. Who are the victims if she is telling lies?

The cops saw enough evidence to charge four different people. Let that sink in.

Its the CPS who decide if there is enough evidence to charge - and in england they also thought there was enough evidence to charge Liam Allan - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-42873618

That was more to do with disclosure, or lack of it, they knew he was innocent and had phone records to show he was innocent. You might get a smoking gun like that here
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Frank_The_Tank on January 31, 2018, 03:51:25 PM
Quote from: Syferus on January 31, 2018, 03:17:54 PM
Quote from: Keyser soze on January 31, 2018, 03:04:44 PM
It's a good job none of you clowns are on a jury as you have already decided to convict having heard a second hand report of the first day's evidence from the prosecution, coupled with some snippets of gossip around the town and on the internet.

Why bother with a trial or having a defence. Some of the comments on here beggar belief.

"Second hand report" aka a blow-by-blow description from the court room by every major outlet.

Guess what bucko, you can't invent vaginal wall bleeding..

Guess what bucko - it doesn't indicate non-consensual sex as the prosecution even alluded too

The court then heard that a friend persuaded her to go to The Rowan, a sexual assault referral centre in Antrim.

The prosecution said that a doctor who examined her found she had bruising and bleeding.

"These findings would be consistent with blunt trauma to the area but do not demonstrate whether the intercourse was consensual or not," the prosecution added.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on January 31, 2018, 03:53:02 PM
Quote from: Keyser soze on January 31, 2018, 03:04:44 PM
It's a good job none of you clowns are on a jury as you have already decided to convict having heard a second hand report of the first day's evidence from the prosecution, coupled with some snippets of gossip around the town and on the internet.

Why bother with a trial or having a defence. Some of the comments on here beggar belief.
I think its amazing how many people think Case for Prosecution = Truth

Maybe it is, but maybe it's not.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on January 31, 2018, 03:53:20 PM
Those Frank the Tank posts won't be aging very well to say the least.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Frank_The_Tank on January 31, 2018, 03:57:40 PM
Quote from: Syferus on January 31, 2018, 03:53:20 PM
Those Frank the Tank posts won't be aging very well to say the least.

Im not sure exactly what that means - the lads may well be guilty - I just don't act as a judge without hearing all the evidence - or suggest that something such as vaginal wall bleeding would mean it was 100% rape when the prosecution themselves alluded to the fact that this is no indication if sex was consensual or not
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Keyser soze on January 31, 2018, 03:58:47 PM
Thanks Syf for agreeing that you are relying on second hand news.

Moreover it is second hand news reporting of the outline of the prosecution's case, as far as I can see they have not yet produced a scintilla of evidence in this case. Though since it is scheduled to last 5 weeks it is unlikely there would be any evidence produced on day 1.

But sure you go ahead and fill your boots spoofing nonsense like you do ad nauseum on here.


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on January 31, 2018, 04:01:13 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 31, 2018, 02:32:35 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on January 31, 2018, 02:29:57 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 31, 2018, 02:28:11 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on January 31, 2018, 02:15:55 PM
"She was bladdered"......"did she go to the police the next day".....

Some of ye really need to take a look at yourselves.

I put a question mark at the end of that, I was asking the questions

some people only see and quote what they want

You probably should have read the article before commenting.

I'd already posted before that link became available... you shoulda checked the time of post

Go check the bottom of page 412, good lad.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on January 31, 2018, 04:03:13 PM
Quote from: Keyser soze on January 31, 2018, 03:04:44 PM
It's a good job none of you clowns are on a jury as you have already decided to convict having heard a second hand report of the first day's evidence from the prosecution, coupled with some snippets of gossip around the town and on the internet.

Why bother with a trial or having a defence. Some of the comments on here beggar belief.

Which ones, exactly?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on January 31, 2018, 04:14:01 PM
Quote from: Keyser soze on January 31, 2018, 03:58:47 PM
Thanks Syf for agreeing that you are relying on second hand news.

Moreover it is second hand news reporting of the outline of the prosecution's case, as far as I can see they have not yet produced a scintilla of evidence in this case. Though since it is scheduled to last 5 weeks it is unlikely there would be any evidence produced on day 1.

But sure you go ahead and fill your boots spoofing nonsense like you do ad nauseum on here.

The only ones spoofing here are those who try to hide their sexist, victim-blaming caveman attitudes behind cliches like "innocent until proven guilty" or "she was probably bladdered".

Anyone who read the reports can tell something very wrong happened. Someone who can't admit that much immediately throw up massive red flags as regards where their heads are at or what their motivation in trying to mitigate such abhorant behaviour.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 31, 2018, 04:19:38 PM
Quote from: Syferus on January 31, 2018, 04:14:01 PM
Quote from: Keyser soze on January 31, 2018, 03:58:47 PM
Thanks Syf for agreeing that you are relying on second hand news.

Moreover it is second hand news reporting of the outline of the prosecution's case, as far as I can see they have not yet produced a scintilla of evidence in this case. Though since it is scheduled to last 5 weeks it is unlikely there would be any evidence produced on day 1.

But sure you go ahead and fill your boots spoofing nonsense like you do ad nauseum on here.

The only ones spoofing here are those who try to hide their sexist, victim-blaming caveman attitudes behind cliches like "innocent until proven guilty" or "she was probably bladdered".

Anyone who read the reports can tell something very wrong happened. Anyone who can't admit that much immediately throw up massive red flags as regards where their heads are at or what their motivation in trying to mitigate such abhorant behaviour.

Syferus, you can't say that. You don't know. You're reading a newspaper report and assuming that everything in it is true, and proven guilty.

I think they are guilty of being idiots, philistines and absolute prototypical jock dicks. Just like Murray and Zebo were back in the day. However whether they are guilty of rape, or sexual assault is not proven either way. We just have to trust that the evidence will come out in the trial and if they are guilty, then I hope they get the book thrown at them. If it was consensual, then they've committed no crime, but I wouldn't be shaking their hands for it, put it like that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Frank_The_Tank on January 31, 2018, 04:20:11 PM
Quote from: Syferus on January 31, 2018, 04:14:01 PM
Quote from: Keyser soze on January 31, 2018, 03:58:47 PM
Thanks Syf for agreeing that you are relying on second hand news.

Moreover it is second hand news reporting of the outline of the prosecution's case, as far as I can see they have not yet produced a scintilla of evidence in this case. Though since it is scheduled to last 5 weeks it is unlikely there would be any evidence produced on day 1.

But sure you go ahead and fill your boots spoofing nonsense like you do ad nauseum on here.

The only ones spoofing here are those who try to hide their sexist, victim-blaming caveman attitudes behind cliches like "innocent until proven guilty" or "she was probably bladdered".

Anyone who read the reports can tell something very wrong happened. Anyone who can't admit that much immediately throw up massive red flags as regards where their heads are at or what their motivation in trying to mitigate such abhorant behaviour.

cliches like innocent until proven guilty.....thanks for that - that's probably the stupidest thing I'll read on the Internet today.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Frank_The_Tank on January 31, 2018, 04:21:04 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 31, 2018, 04:19:38 PM
Quote from: Syferus on January 31, 2018, 04:14:01 PM
Quote from: Keyser soze on January 31, 2018, 03:58:47 PM
Thanks Syf for agreeing that you are relying on second hand news.

Moreover it is second hand news reporting of the outline of the prosecution's case, as far as I can see they have not yet produced a scintilla of evidence in this case. Though since it is scheduled to last 5 weeks it is unlikely there would be any evidence produced on day 1.

But sure you go ahead and fill your boots spoofing nonsense like you do ad nauseum on here.

The only ones spoofing here are those who try to hide their sexist, victim-blaming caveman attitudes behind cliches like "innocent until proven guilty" or "she was probably bladdered".

Anyone who read the reports can tell something very wrong happened. Anyone who can't admit that much immediately throw up massive red flags as regards where their heads are at or what their motivation in trying to mitigate such abhorant behaviour.

Syferus, you can't say that. You don't know. You're reading a newspaper report and assuming that everything in it is true, and proven guilty.

I think they are guilty of being idiots, philistines and absolute prototypical jock dicks. Just like Murray and Zebo were back in the day. However whether they are guilty of rape, or sexual assault is not proven either way. We just have to trust that the evidence will come out in the trial and if they are guilty, then I hope they get the book thrown at them. If it was consensual, then they've committed no crime, but I wouldn't be shaking their hands for it, put it like that.

+1
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on January 31, 2018, 04:24:23 PM
Innocent until proven guilty is a legal precedent, not something anyone outside of the judicial system adheres to.

It's a total cop out to try to use it and if you didn't realise that then you're even farther behind than I thought.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 31, 2018, 04:25:22 PM
Quote from: Syferus on January 31, 2018, 04:24:23 PM
Innocent until proven guilty is a legal precedent, not something anyone outside of the judicial system adheres to.

It's a total cop out to try to use it and if you didn't realise that then you're even farther behind than I thought.

Can you explain that? Do you believe that everyone arrested for everything is guilty?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Frank_The_Tank on January 31, 2018, 04:28:25 PM
Quote from: Syferus on January 31, 2018, 04:24:23 PM
Innocent until proven guilty is a legal precedent, not something anyone outside of the judicial system adheres to.

It's a total cop out to try to use it and if you didn't realise that then you're even farther behind than I thought.

Guilford 4 should never have been let out.  Dam that judicial system.  Everyone arrested should be just sent straight to jail - or better still let Syferus make up his mind on their guilt and hand down the punishment
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on January 31, 2018, 04:30:46 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 31, 2018, 04:25:22 PM
Quote from: Syferus on January 31, 2018, 04:24:23 PM
Innocent until proven guilty is a legal precedent, not something anyone outside of the judicial system adheres to.

It's a total cop out to try to use it and if you didn't realise that then you're even farther behind than I thought.

Can you explain that? Do you believe that everyone arrested for everything is guilty?

I can explain it very easily. If the evidence tells me someone is guilty I'll say they're guilty. I have no responsibility to give someone the benefit of the doubt because a court's legal precedent for a guilty verdict has not yet been reached.

It's a logical fallacy to use it in a discussion and the caveman types always hide behind it in rape cases or the sexual assault allegations of recent years. It does not work.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Boycey on January 31, 2018, 04:33:07 PM
Crock of shite, unsurprisingly...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Avondhu star on January 31, 2018, 04:36:43 PM
Quote from: Syferus on January 31, 2018, 03:17:54 PM
Quote from: Keyser soze on January 31, 2018, 03:04:44 PM
It's a good job none of you clowns are on a jury as you have already decided to convict having heard a second hand report of the first day's evidence from the prosecution, coupled with some snippets of gossip around the town and on the internet.

Why bother with a trial or having a defence. Some of the comments on here beggar belief.

"Second hand report" aka a blow-by-blow description from the court room by every major outlet.

Guess what bucko, you can't invent vaginal wall bleeding..


"blow by blow"  ooooh Vicar
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Keyser soze on January 31, 2018, 04:37:07 PM
I take it Syf that you don't have many actual personal interactions with real people.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Frank_The_Tank on January 31, 2018, 04:37:24 PM
Quote from: Syferus on January 31, 2018, 04:30:46 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 31, 2018, 04:25:22 PM
Quote from: Syferus on January 31, 2018, 04:24:23 PM
Innocent until proven guilty is a legal precedent, not something anyone outside of the judicial system adheres to.

It's a total cop out to try to use it and if you didn't realise that then you're even farther behind than I thought.

Can you explain that? Do you believe that everyone arrested for everything is guilty?

I can explain it very easily. If the evidence tells me someone is guilty I'll say they're guilty. I have no responsibility to give someone the benefit of the doubt because a court's legal precedent for a guilty verdict has not yet been reached.

It's a logical fallacy to use it in a discussion and the caveman types always hide behind it in rape cases or the sexual assault allegations of recent years. It does not work.

and what evidence have you heard so far?  Anything from the defence or just the opening prosecution details as reported by the media.  This is what the judge said to the jury pre-trial

"You are the only people who will see all the witnesses and hear all the evidence. Keep your minds open until the very end. Your views may well change as evidence unfolds."

Im not trying to hide behind anything - if the jury decides to convict them of guilty then I hope they get just sentences - but I dont pretend I know for 100% they are guilty 2 days into a trial. 

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 31, 2018, 04:37:34 PM
Quote from: Syferus on January 31, 2018, 04:30:46 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 31, 2018, 04:25:22 PM
Quote from: Syferus on January 31, 2018, 04:24:23 PM
Innocent until proven guilty is a legal precedent, not something anyone outside of the judicial system adheres to.

It's a total cop out to try to use it and if you didn't realise that then you're even farther behind than I thought.

Can you explain that? Do you believe that everyone arrested for everything is guilty?

I can explain it very easily. If the evidence tells me someone is guilty I'll say they're guilty. I have no responsibility to give someone the benefit of the doubt because a court's legal precedent for a guilty verdict has not yet been reached.

It's a logical fallacy to use it in a discussion and the caveman types always hide behind it in rape cases or the sexual assault allegations of recent years. It does not work.

What 'evidence' have you seen? I'm sure the defence will give counter evidence based on consensual relations, etc etc. I think you're jumping to conclusions here.

As I said, they may well be guilty, but coming to that conclusion on the basis of newspaper reports is presumptuous to say the least. 

And before you say anything, I am absolutely not 'victim blaming' or trying to minimise it. I'm just saying that I have no idea whether they are guilty or not, and I don't understand how you have made up your mind that they are?

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on January 31, 2018, 04:43:14 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 31, 2018, 04:37:34 PM
Quote from: Syferus on January 31, 2018, 04:30:46 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 31, 2018, 04:25:22 PM
Quote from: Syferus on January 31, 2018, 04:24:23 PM
Innocent until proven guilty is a legal precedent, not something anyone outside of the judicial system adheres to.

It's a total cop out to try to use it and if you didn't realise that then you're even farther behind than I thought.

Can you explain that? Do you believe that everyone arrested for everything is guilty?

I can explain it very easily. If the evidence tells me someone is guilty I'll say they're guilty. I have no responsibility to give someone the benefit of the doubt because a court's legal precedent for a guilty verdict has not yet been reached.

It's a logical fallacy to use it in a discussion and the caveman types always hide behind it in rape cases or the sexual assault allegations of recent years. It does not work.

What 'evidence' have you seen? I'm sure the defence will give counter evidence based on consensual relations, etc etc. I think you're jumping to conclusions here.

As I said, they may well be guilty, but coming to that conclusion on the basis of newspaper reports is presumptuous to say the least. 

And before you say anything, I am absolutely not 'victim blaming' or trying to minimise it. I'm just saying that I have no idea whether they are guilty or not, and I don't understand how you have made up your mind that they are?

Unless you think the State has lied about the literal facts of the case you've a hard time trying to pretend that something very wrong didn't happen. For the love of God, even the rapists' mate knew they'd done something or else he wouldn't have tried to get her onside, or be charged with withholding information in the first place.

This is as clear cut a rape case as you'll find AZ and I would hope you're not regressive enough to fall for the lame excuses being thrown up on this thread.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Keyser soze on January 31, 2018, 04:45:19 PM
The only thing that's clear is that you're not right in the head chap.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 31, 2018, 04:57:45 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on January 31, 2018, 04:01:13 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 31, 2018, 02:32:35 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on January 31, 2018, 02:29:57 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 31, 2018, 02:28:11 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on January 31, 2018, 02:15:55 PM
"She was bladdered"......"did she go to the police the next day".....

Some of ye really need to take a look at yourselves.

I put a question mark at the end of that, I was asking the questions

some people only see and quote what they want

You probably should have read the article before commenting.

I'd already posted before that link became available... you shoulda checked the time of post

Go check the bottom of page 412, good lad.

I did'nt read that mister, and if I had have I'd have had a different post, now run along there
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 31, 2018, 05:05:23 PM
Quote from: Syferus on January 31, 2018, 04:43:14 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 31, 2018, 04:37:34 PM
Quote from: Syferus on January 31, 2018, 04:30:46 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 31, 2018, 04:25:22 PM
Quote from: Syferus on January 31, 2018, 04:24:23 PM
Innocent until proven guilty is a legal precedent, not something anyone outside of the judicial system adheres to.

It's a total cop out to try to use it and if you didn't realise that then you're even farther behind than I thought.

Can you explain that? Do you believe that everyone arrested for everything is guilty?

I can explain it very easily. If the evidence tells me someone is guilty I'll say they're guilty. I have no responsibility to give someone the benefit of the doubt because a court's legal precedent for a guilty verdict has not yet been reached.

It's a logical fallacy to use it in a discussion and the caveman types always hide behind it in rape cases or the sexual assault allegations of recent years. It does not work.

What 'evidence' have you seen? I'm sure the defence will give counter evidence based on consensual relations, etc etc. I think you're jumping to conclusions here.

As I said, they may well be guilty, but coming to that conclusion on the basis of newspaper reports is presumptuous to say the least. 

And before you say anything, I am absolutely not 'victim blaming' or trying to minimise it. I'm just saying that I have no idea whether they are guilty or not, and I don't understand how you have made up your mind that they are?

Unless you think the State has lied about the literal facts of the case you've a hard time trying to pretend that something very wrong happened. For the love of God, even the rapists' mate knew they'd done something or else he wouldn't have tried to get her onside, or be charged with withholding information in the first place.

This is as clear cut a rape case as you'll find AZ and I would hope you're not regressive enough to fall for the lame excuses being thrown up on this thread.

I'm not 'falling' for anything. I just don't know why you are assuming that what you've read in the independent is factual? At best it's just one side of the story.

I certainly wouldn't be applauding these two yahoos, or their other two luderamán friends. But it doesn't mean they are guilty of rape.

The only way you can tell for sure, is if you are in full possession of the facts of the case.

I don't think it's copping out, or being a caveman, to suggest that the only way to know is to weigh up all the evidence in a court of law.  I'm just puzzled by your certitude that they are guilty, and I was asking what that was based on. If it's just the same as what I read, then I just think you are majorly jumping the gun.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Frank_The_Tank on January 31, 2018, 05:12:40 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 31, 2018, 05:05:23 PM
Quote from: Syferus on January 31, 2018, 04:43:14 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 31, 2018, 04:37:34 PM
Quote from: Syferus on January 31, 2018, 04:30:46 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 31, 2018, 04:25:22 PM
Quote from: Syferus on January 31, 2018, 04:24:23 PM
Innocent until proven guilty is a legal precedent, not something anyone outside of the judicial system adheres to.

It's a total cop out to try to use it and if you didn't realise that then you're even farther behind than I thought.

Can you explain that? Do you believe that everyone arrested for everything is guilty?

I can explain it very easily. If the evidence tells me someone is guilty I'll say they're guilty. I have no responsibility to give someone the benefit of the doubt because a court's legal precedent for a guilty verdict has not yet been reached.

It's a logical fallacy to use it in a discussion and the caveman types always hide behind it in rape cases or the sexual assault allegations of recent years. It does not work.

What 'evidence' have you seen? I'm sure the defence will give counter evidence based on consensual relations, etc etc. I think you're jumping to conclusions here.

As I said, they may well be guilty, but coming to that conclusion on the basis of newspaper reports is presumptuous to say the least. 

And before you say anything, I am absolutely not 'victim blaming' or trying to minimise it. I'm just saying that I have no idea whether they are guilty or not, and I don't understand how you have made up your mind that they are?

Unless you think the State has lied about the literal facts of the case you've a hard time trying to pretend that something very wrong happened. For the love of God, even the rapists' mate knew they'd done something or else he wouldn't have tried to get her onside, or be charged with withholding information in the first place.

This is as clear cut a rape case as you'll find AZ and I would hope you're not regressive enough to fall for the lame excuses being thrown up on this thread.

I'm not 'falling' for anything. I just don't know why you are assuming that what you've read in the independent is factual? At best it's just one side of the story.

I certainly wouldn't be applauding these two yahoos, or their other two luderamán friends. But it doesn't mean they are guilty of rape.

The only way you can tell for sure, is if you are in full possession of the facts of the case.

I don't think it's copping out, or being a caveman, to suggest that the only way to know is to weigh up all the evidence in a court of law.  I'm just puzzled by your certitude that they are guilty, and I was asking what that was based on. If it's just the same as what I read, then I just think you are majorly jumping the gun.

Maybe one of the facts so far Syf is talking about and alluded to earlier was vaginal bleeding.  Even though the prosecution themselves said this isn't an indication of non-conseual sex.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Minder on January 31, 2018, 05:57:47 PM
They should be jailed for referring to themselves as "top shaggers" ffs
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 31, 2018, 06:11:04 PM
Back to rugby

https://m.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/rugby/ulster-rugby/les-kiss-to-leave-ulster-rugby-post-with-immediate-effect-36552977.html

Les Kiss will leave his role as Ulster Rugby's Director Ruby with immediate effect.

The Australian joined Ulster in 2015 but has been under increasing pressure during a difficult season as Ulster crashed out of the European Champions Cup and are currently 13 points off the pace in their Guinness Pro 14 pool.

Ulster have lost three of their last fixtures, thrashed by Leinster and Connacht over the festive period before the disastrous defeat to Wasps in Coventry ended their hopes of reaching the Champions Cup knock-out stage.

"Ulster Rugby would like to thank Les for his commitment and wish him well in his future career," read a statement.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on January 31, 2018, 06:35:00 PM
Quote from: seafoid on January 31, 2018, 06:11:04 PM
Back to rugby

https://m.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/rugby/ulster-rugby/les-kiss-to-leave-ulster-rugby-post-with-immediate-effect-36552977.html

Les Kiss will leave his role as Ulster Rugby's Director Ruby with immediate effect.

The Australian joined Ulster in 2015 but has been under increasing pressure during a difficult season as Ulster crashed out of the European Champions Cup and are currently 13 points off the pace in their Guinness Pro 14 pool.

Ulster have lost three of their last fixtures, thrashed by Leinster and Connacht over the festive period before the disastrous defeat to Wasps in Coventry ended their hopes of reaching the Champions Cup knock-out stage.

"Ulster Rugby would like to thank Les for his commitment and wish him well in his future career," read a statement.

Shambles!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 31, 2018, 07:01:03 PM
Quote from: screenexile on January 31, 2018, 06:35:00 PM
Quote from: seafoid on January 31, 2018, 06:11:04 PM
Back to rugby

https://m.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/rugby/ulster-rugby/les-kiss-to-leave-ulster-rugby-post-with-immediate-effect-36552977.html

Les Kiss will leave his role as Ulster Rugby's Director Ruby with immediate effect.

The Australian joined Ulster in 2015 but has been under increasing pressure during a difficult season as Ulster crashed out of the European Champions Cup and are currently 13 points off the pace in their Guinness Pro 14 pool.

Ulster have lost three of their last fixtures, thrashed by Leinster and Connacht over the festive period before the disastrous defeat to Wasps in Coventry ended their hopes of reaching the Champions Cup knock-out stage.

"Ulster Rugby would like to thank Les for his commitment and wish him well in his future career," read a statement.

Shambles!!

Deserve all they get for shafting Brian McLaughlin. A whole overhaul is needed. Logan, Bryn Cunningham etc.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on January 31, 2018, 07:06:50 PM
Quote from: Minder on January 31, 2018, 05:57:47 PM
They should be jailed for referring to themselves as "top shaggers" ffs

Agreed.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 31, 2018, 07:26:03 PM
Quote from: gallsman on January 31, 2018, 07:06:50 PM
Quote from: Minder on January 31, 2018, 05:57:47 PM
They should be jailed for referring to themselves as "top shaggers" ffs

Agreed.

Hear, hear.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on January 31, 2018, 07:36:41 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 31, 2018, 07:01:03 PM
Quote from: screenexile on January 31, 2018, 06:35:00 PM
Quote from: seafoid on January 31, 2018, 06:11:04 PM
Back to rugby

https://m.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/rugby/ulster-rugby/les-kiss-to-leave-ulster-rugby-post-with-immediate-effect-36552977.html

Les Kiss will leave his role as Ulster Rugby's Director Ruby with immediate effect.

The Australian joined Ulster in 2015 but has been under increasing pressure during a difficult season as Ulster crashed out of the European Champions Cup and are currently 13 points off the pace in their Guinness Pro 14 pool.

Ulster have lost three of their last fixtures, thrashed by Leinster and Connacht over the festive period before the disastrous defeat to Wasps in Coventry ended their hopes of reaching the Champions Cup knock-out stage.

"Ulster Rugby would like to thank Les for his commitment and wish him well in his future career," read a statement.

Shambles!!

Deserve all they get for shafting Brian McLaughlin. A whole overhaul is needed. Logan, Bryn Cunningham etc.

+1

Unfortunately another manager will be imposed by IRFU as with Kiss. Problem is a lack of genuine depth of the squad.  Logan, Cunningham, etc have shown incompetence in the foreign recruits who have proven to be made of glass and made no impact. The academy has failed to even become close to that in Leinster in producing local talent in any numbers that can reach even Ulster level.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 31, 2018, 07:37:18 PM
Sport has changed a lot. I was reading about the Galway hurlers. Suicide vigilance is now important. Then there is gambling. Plus sexual violence. I don't remember such things being much in the news 25 years ago.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on January 31, 2018, 07:52:04 PM
Sport hasn't changed.

Communications techniques have.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 31, 2018, 08:00:28 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on January 31, 2018, 07:52:04 PM
Sport hasn't changed.

Communications techniques have.

Exactaly
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: keeperlit on January 31, 2018, 11:07:08 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on January 31, 2018, 07:52:04 PM
Sport hasn't changed.

Communications techniques have.
on the head
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 01, 2018, 09:20:31 AM
People going mental on Twitter about Best and Henderson attending the trial yesterday talking of Best being stripped of the captaincy etc.

Is it just me or is that mental? Are you not allowed to support your friends now? Attendance at a trial is hardly condoning rape.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on February 01, 2018, 12:19:07 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 01, 2018, 09:20:31 AM
People going mental on Twitter about Best and Henderson attending the trial yesterday talking of Best being stripped of the captaincy etc.

Is it just me or is that mental? Are you not allowed to support your friends now? Attendance at a trial is hardly condoning rape.

You're dead right. Reaction is totally mental, yet completely predictable where the Syferuses of the world are so prominent in social media. You have to support your friends where they claim innocence and there is doubt, but very surprised JoeS/IRFU didnt take it out of their hands and forbid them from attending
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 01, 2018, 12:27:42 PM
Quote from: Hound on February 01, 2018, 12:19:07 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 01, 2018, 09:20:31 AM
People going mental on Twitter about Best and Henderson attending the trial yesterday talking of Best being stripped of the captaincy etc.

Is it just me or is that mental? Are you not allowed to support your friends now? Attendance at a trial is hardly condoning rape.

You're dead right. Reaction is totally mental, yet completely predictable where the Syferuses of the world are so prominent in social media. You have to support your friends where they claim innocence and there is doubt, but very surprised JoeS/IRFU didnt take it out of their hands and forbid them from attending

I can't imagine the IRFU knew anything about them attending I'm sure they would have wanted to avoid the headache that was inevitable from this happening.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Maroon Manc on February 01, 2018, 12:33:39 PM
Any hope of Ireland winning a grand slam?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on February 01, 2018, 12:35:34 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 01, 2018, 12:27:42 PM
Quote from: Hound on February 01, 2018, 12:19:07 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 01, 2018, 09:20:31 AM
People going mental on Twitter about Best and Henderson attending the trial yesterday talking of Best being stripped of the captaincy etc.

Is it just me or is that mental? Are you not allowed to support your friends now? Attendance at a trial is hardly condoning rape.

You're dead right. Reaction is totally mental, yet completely predictable where the Syferuses of the world are so prominent in social media. You have to support your friends where they claim innocence and there is doubt, but very surprised JoeS/IRFU didnt take it out of their hands and forbid them from attending

I can't imagine the IRFU knew anything about them attending I'm sure they would have wanted to avoid the headache that was inevitable from this happening.

I'd say they would have been aware of it as they'd be in camp for the match this weekend. Probably unneeded attention for them. Social media over the top as usual but IRFU should just have nipped it in the bud and stopped them attending.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 01, 2018, 12:37:12 PM
Quote from: Hound on February 01, 2018, 12:19:07 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 01, 2018, 09:20:31 AM
People going mental on Twitter about Best and Henderson attending the trial yesterday talking of Best being stripped of the captaincy etc.

Is it just me or is that mental? Are you not allowed to support your friends now? Attendance at a trial is hardly condoning rape.

You're dead right. Reaction is totally mental, yet completely predictable where the Syferuses of the world are so prominent in social media. You have to support your friends where they claim innocence and there is doubt, but very surprised JoeS/IRFU didnt take it out of their hands and forbid them from attending
Rape trials are usually polarising. Most of the Twitter activity is from women.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on February 01, 2018, 01:01:16 PM
They shouldn't have been there in my opinion. IRFU mostly to blame, clueless as usual.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on February 01, 2018, 01:17:50 PM
It was reported that Gilroy and a few of the Ulster backroom team were there the previous day. So it could be some sort of rotational attendance to make sure that there are a few lads from Ulster in the gallery everyday.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 01, 2018, 01:28:01 PM
Quote from: Estimator on February 01, 2018, 01:17:50 PM
It was reported that Gilroy and a few of the Ulster backroom team were there the previous day. So it could be some sort of rotational attendance to make sure that there are a few lads from Ulster in the gallery everyday.

Why would that be? I can understand friends wanting to lend support, especially if they think they are innocent,but why would Ulster Rugby feel the need to do that?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 01, 2018, 01:31:05 PM
Ireland (v France)

15. Rob Kearney
14. Keith Earls
13. Robbie Henshaw
12. Bundee Aki
11. Jacob Stockdale
10. Johnny Sexton
9. Conor Murray

1. Cian Healy
2. Rory Best (captain)
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. James Ryan
5. Iain Henderson
6. Peter O'Mahony
7. Josh van der Flier
8. CJ Stander

Replacements:

16. Sean Cronin
17. Jack McGrath
18. John Ryan
19. Devin Toner
20. Dan Leavy
21. Luke McGrath
22. Joey Carbery
23. Fergus McFadden
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 01, 2018, 01:33:42 PM
Good looking team, hard to quibble with any selection maybe James Ryan over Toner and Luke McGrath over Marmion. Also McFadden on the bench is probably a reward for form but I think someone like Lamour should have been there for experience.

Ireland by 8
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 01, 2018, 01:35:27 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on February 01, 2018, 12:33:39 PM
Any hope of Ireland winning a grand slam?

Every hope, win Saturday and they then have 3 at home on the trot. Could be bringing serious momenteum to Twickenham.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: NAG1 on February 01, 2018, 01:36:08 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 01, 2018, 01:28:01 PM
Quote from: Estimator on February 01, 2018, 01:17:50 PM
It was reported that Gilroy and a few of the Ulster backroom team were there the previous day. So it could be some sort of rotational attendance to make sure that there are a few lads from Ulster in the gallery everyday.

Why would that be? I can understand friends wanting to lend support, especially if they think they are innocent,but why would Ulster Rugby feel the need to do that?

Think there is a clear distinction to be made here from what 'Ulster Rugby' think and do and what individual players and members of staff are doing.

To me this looks like team-mates rallying around but if the verdict goes against them, I think it will be a choice that most if not all of them will regret.

For IRFU's part I'd say they probably didnt know anything about and would want to distance themselves from the trial completely so issuing a banning order would have created the opposite of this.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 01, 2018, 01:41:18 PM
Pictures of the 'apparent girl' involved in this doing the rounds now. Wrong on all accounts that!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 01, 2018, 01:41:53 PM
Quote from: NAG1 on February 01, 2018, 01:36:08 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 01, 2018, 01:28:01 PM
Quote from: Estimator on February 01, 2018, 01:17:50 PM
It was reported that Gilroy and a few of the Ulster backroom team were there the previous day. So it could be some sort of rotational attendance to make sure that there are a few lads from Ulster in the gallery everyday.

Why would that be? I can understand friends wanting to lend support, especially if they think they are innocent,but why would Ulster Rugby feel the need to do that?

Think there is a clear distinction to be made here from what 'Ulster Rugby' think and do and what individual players and members of staff are doing.

To me this looks like team-mates rallying around but if the verdict goes against them, I think it will be a choice that most if not all of them will regret.

For IRFU's part I'd say they probably didnt know anything about and would want to distance themselves from the trial completely so issuing a banning order would have created the opposite of this.

Absolutely. But some sort of 'rotational policy' including staff and players would have to at least have the tacit acceptance of the province. I doubt it myself, which is why I asked the question.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: caprea on February 01, 2018, 01:54:35 PM
They'll need more than teammates in the pews to keep them out of prison on the evidence so far.

Is Jackson admitting to consensual sex? Is olding? Or is not known? Is their story that she was consenting for both of them? Or only Jackson? And Olding was just a spectator? Or wasn't even there? Looking forward to seeing their defence as I'm struggling to see the angle at the moment.

If it's just she was up for two of them on the night id find it hard to believe given what we have already heard around texts and witnesses (taxi driver), the physical evidence and the conspiracy charge. Plus them meeting the next day and Jackson saying he didn't have sex with her. He's not sticking to that story I take it. Why did he lie?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 01, 2018, 02:09:21 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 01, 2018, 01:35:27 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on February 01, 2018, 12:33:39 PM
Any hope of Ireland winning a grand slam?

Every hope, win Saturday and they then have 3 at home on the trot. Could be bringing serious momenteum to Twickenham.

Nobody knows what to expect from the French, bar away to England it's probably the worst fixture you could get.....but it could turn out to the best. France look like they are really struggling at the moment yet it wasn't that long ago they put it up to the All Blacks. Nobody likes to go to France and Ireland have a poor record there., promises to be a great occasion - think the loss to Scotland in R1 last year rules out any complacency this time around.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: StGallsGAA on February 01, 2018, 02:21:50 PM
Quote from: caprea on February 01, 2018, 01:54:35 PM
They'll need more than teammates in the pews to keep them out of prison on the evidence so far.

Is Jackson admitting to consensual sex? Is olding? Or is not known? Is their story that she was consenting for both of them? Or only Jackson? And Olding was just a spectator? Or wasn't even there? Looking forward to seeing their defence as I'm struggling to see the angle at the moment.

If it's just she was up for two of them on the night id find it hard to believe given what we have already heard around texts and witnesses (taxi driver), the physical evidence and the conspiracy charge. Plus them meeting the next day and Jackson saying he didn't have sex with her. He's not sticking to that story I take it. Why did he lie?

It's a sorry state of affairs for all involved and the families.  Best not speculating until they've all had their chance to speak in court.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 01, 2018, 02:34:58 PM
Quote from: Syferus on January 31, 2018, 03:17:54 PM
Quote from: Keyser soze on January 31, 2018, 03:04:44 PM
It's a good job none of you clowns are on a jury as you have already decided to convict having heard a second hand report of the first day's evidence from the prosecution, coupled with some snippets of gossip around the town and on the internet.

Why bother with a trial or having a defence. Some of the comments on here beggar belief.

"Second hand report" aka a blow-by-blow description from the court room by every major outlet.

Guess what bucko, you can't invent vaginal wall bleeding..

I know a fella who was with a girl and she ended up with a vaginal tear. Accidental and unfortunate so it's not just as simple as equating a vaginal tear with rape.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Frank_The_Tank on February 01, 2018, 02:35:21 PM
Quote from: caprea on February 01, 2018, 01:54:35 PM
They'll need more than teammates in the pews to keep them out of prison on the evidence so far.

Is Jackson admitting to consensual sex? Is olding? Or is not known? Is their story that she was consenting for both of them? Or only Jackson? And Olding was just a spectator? Or wasn't even there? Looking forward to seeing their defence as I'm struggling to see the angle at the moment.

If it's just she was up for two of them on the night id find it hard to believe given what we have already heard around texts and witnesses (taxi driver), the physical evidence and the conspiracy charge. Plus them meeting the next day and Jackson saying he didn't have sex with her. He's not sticking to that story I take it. Why did he lie?

what physical evidence?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Maroon Manc on February 01, 2018, 02:40:56 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 01, 2018, 01:35:27 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on February 01, 2018, 12:33:39 PM
Any hope of Ireland winning a grand slam?

Every hope, win Saturday and they then have 3 at home on the trot. Could be bringing serious momenteum to Twickenham.

Good to hear, from memory Ireland are often caught cold on the first weekend.

Will Lamour (think thats his name) make the starting 15 or the bench?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: oakleaflad on February 01, 2018, 02:44:40 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on February 01, 2018, 02:40:56 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 01, 2018, 01:35:27 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on February 01, 2018, 12:33:39 PM
Any hope of Ireland winning a grand slam?

Every hope, win Saturday and they then have 3 at home on the trot. Could be bringing serious momenteum to Twickenham.

Good to hear, from memory Ireland are often caught cold on the first weekend.

Will Lamour (think thats his name) make the starting 15 or the bench?
He (Larmour) hasn't this time around.

Ireland team

R Kearney, K Earls, R Henshaw, B Aki, J Stockdale, J Sexton, C Murray; C Healy, R Best, T Furlong, I Henderson, J Ryan, P O'Mahony, J van der Flier, CJ Stander.

Replacements: S Cronin, J McGrath, J Ryan, D Toner, D Leavy, L McGrath,J Carbery, F McFadden.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on February 01, 2018, 02:51:15 PM
probably best to have a separate thread for the courtcase?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 01, 2018, 03:05:13 PM
France starting a 19 year old out half against the Irish?? Wow!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Avondhu star on February 01, 2018, 04:09:15 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 01, 2018, 12:37:12 PM
Quote from: Hound on February 01, 2018, 12:19:07 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 01, 2018, 09:20:31 AM
People going mental on Twitter about Best and Henderson attending the trial yesterday talking of Best being stripped of the captaincy etc.

Is it just me or is that mental? Are you not allowed to support your friends now? Attendance at a trial is hardly condoning rape.

You're dead right. Reaction is totally mental, yet completely predictable where the Syferuses of the world are so prominent in social media. You have to support your friends where they claim innocence and there is doubt, but very surprised JoeS/IRFU didnt take it out of their hands and forbid them from attending
Rape trials are usually polarising. Most of the Twitter activity is from women.
There are so many different opinions I think we need George Hook to give us the definitive opinion
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 01, 2018, 04:12:08 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 01, 2018, 03:05:13 PM
France starting a 19 year old out half against the Irish?? Wow!!!

Ireland 4/9 to win in France, -6 points is 11/10. Not a happy hunting ground in the past but the bookies seem sure this one is in the bag. Scotland are very generously priced v a decimated Wales too.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 01, 2018, 04:13:33 PM
Best and Henderson are fûcking idiots even if they somehow think their mates are innocent despite the mountain of evidence to the contrary. Best in particular should know better than to be associating himself with something like that in public given his position. I doubt Ulster or the IRFU are delighted to see them parading around bringing more attention to an already horrible story.

Frat boys supporting frat boys. You see the same lack of common sense in every walk of life, batten-down-the-hatches support our own against all good judgement, just like the Tom Humphries case with David Walsh writing mealy-mouthed character references

And to all those trying to rail against the general reaction to this horrific story, you are the shady ones who are unwilling to face the truth. As I said before, your posts will age very badly indeed and I hope some of you will someday come to a stage in your lives when you realise the hypocrisy of the patriarchial knee-jerk response of trying to mitigate a heinous and disgusting act.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: general_lee on February 01, 2018, 04:19:51 PM
Not the smartest decision but the roasting they are getting on social media from drama queens like Syferus is way over the top. Probably should have offered their support in private but nonetheless their attendance does not equate to condoning of the alleged behaviour of the accused. I just wish people would let this trial run a few more days at least and let the bigger picture develop before hanging these men off the closest tree!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 01, 2018, 04:28:36 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 01, 2018, 04:13:33 PM
Best and Henderson are fûcking idiots even if they somehow think their mates are innocent despite the mountain of evidence to the contrary. Best in particular should know better than to be associating himself with something like that in public given his position. I doubt Ulster or the IRFU are delighted to see them parading around bringing more attention to an already horrible story.

Frat boys supporting frat boys. You see the same lack of common sense in every walk of life, batten-down-the-hatches support our own against all good judgement, just like the Tom Humphries case with David Walsh writing mealy-mouthed character references

And to all those trying to rail against the general reaction to this horrific story, you are the shady ones who are unwilling to face the truth. As I said before, your posts will age very badly indeed and I hope some of you will someday come to a stage in your lives when you realise the hypocrisy of the patriarchial knee-jerk response of trying to mitigate a heinous and disgusting act.

Genuine question. If they are found not guilty, will your stance change, or have you decided they are guilty no matter what the court decides?

For me, if they are guilty, I hope they do serious time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 01, 2018, 04:29:53 PM
Some lad on Twitter said it was witness intimidation . . . jesus wept!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on February 01, 2018, 04:30:29 PM
Best is the captain of Ireland in the week of an absolutely huge game. He's after getting an eyebrow raising contract extension for a guy of his age. His priorities this week should be on beating France and beating France only. Same applies for Henderson. The girl is being proven right about Ulster rugby defending these guys.....a few other team mates were apparently there the previous day.

If 50% of what we heard is true and these guys were mates of mine there's absolutely no way I'd be turning up in court supporting them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Frank_The_Tank on February 01, 2018, 04:32:07 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 01, 2018, 04:28:36 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 01, 2018, 04:13:33 PM
Best and Henderson are fûcking idiots even if they somehow think their mates are innocent despite the mountain of evidence to the contrary. Best in particular should know better than to be associating himself with something like that in public given his position. I doubt Ulster or the IRFU are delighted to see them parading around bringing more attention to an already horrible story.

Frat boys supporting frat boys. You see the same lack of common sense in every walk of life, batten-down-the-hatches support our own against all good judgement, just like the Tom Humphries case with David Walsh writing mealy-mouthed character references and

And to all those trying to rail against the general reaction to this horrific story, you are the shady ones who are unwilling to face the truth. As I said before, your posts will age very badly indeed and I hope some of you will someday come to a stage in your lives when you realise the hypocrisy of the patriarchial knee-jerk response of trying to mitigate a heinous and disgusting act.

Genuine question. If they are found not guilty, will your stance change, or have you decided they are guilty no matter what the court decides?

For me, if they are guilty, I hope they do serious time.

+1 if they are guilty - I'm just not as stupid to make up my mind a few days into the case.  Maybe I read the judge statement to the jury wrong - you are the only people that will hear and see all the evidence in the case apart from Syferus from Roscommon who has seen and heard it all already so he has come to his conclusion.  Care to list this mountain of evidence - you've listed the vaginal bleeding - anytime you have been challenged on the fact that the same thing can occur from consensual sex you fail to address the point.  The witness from the Taxi man does not look good for them I would agree on that point and the text messages she sent to her friend.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 01, 2018, 04:33:26 PM
Where are you getting twitter updates Screen?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 01, 2018, 04:35:09 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on February 01, 2018, 04:30:29 PM
Best is the captain of Ireland in the week of an absolutely huge game. He's after getting an eyebrow raising contract extension for a guy of his age. His priorities this week should be on beating France and beating France only. Same applies for Henderson. The girl is being proven right about Ulster rugby defending these guys.....a few other team mates were apparently there the previous day.

If 50% of what we heard is true and these guys were mates of mine there's absolutely no way I'd be turning up in court supporting them.

That crossed my mind too.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 01, 2018, 04:37:00 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on February 01, 2018, 04:30:29 PM
Best is the captain of Ireland in the week of an absolutely huge game. He's after getting an eyebrow raising contract extension for a guy of his age. His priorities this week should be on beating France and beating France only. Same applies for Henderson. The girl is being proven right about Ulster rugby defending these guys.....a few other team mates were apparently there the previous day.

If 50% of what we heard is true and these guys were mates of mine there's absolutely no way I'd be turning up in court supporting them.

Not to play devils advocate, but the girl can't see who is in the courthouse, she wouldn't have a clue who was in the gallery surely, nor less should/would it matter to her?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 01, 2018, 04:38:16 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 01, 2018, 04:28:36 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 01, 2018, 04:13:33 PM
Best and Henderson are fûcking idiots even if they somehow think their mates are innocent despite the mountain of evidence to the contrary. Best in particular should know better than to be associating himself with something like that in public given his position. I doubt Ulster or the IRFU are delighted to see them parading around bringing more attention to an already horrible story.

Frat boys supporting frat boys. You see the same lack of common sense in every walk of life, batten-down-the-hatches support our own against all good judgement, just like the Tom Humphries case with David Walsh writing mealy-mouthed character references

And to all those trying to rail against the general reaction to this horrific story, you are the shady ones who are unwilling to face the truth. As I said before, your posts will age very badly indeed and I hope some of you will someday come to a stage in your lives when you realise the hypocrisy of the patriarchial knee-jerk response of trying to mitigate a heinous and disgusting act.

Genuine question. If they are found not guilty, will your stance change, or have you decided they are guilty no matter what the court decides?

For me, if they are guilty, I hope they do serious time.

If justice is served, they will be found guilty.

Rape cases are very hard to try because a court's burden of proof is hard to reach because it's such an intimate act by its nature. You have to understand that a court finding that there isn't enough evidence to convict is not in any way a statement that someone is actually innocent. Again you and others seem to have a hard time disconnecting the legal mechanism for conviction with what someone not associated with a court will use to make a judgement as to if something untoward did happen. A court can't absolve what happened, because there is clear evidence in the medical exam of the women her texts and the defendants' texts (where one of them clearly was trying to mitigate the situation, himself saying she was hysterical and in tears after the rape).

This is a rare rape case in that the prosecution have a very strong case both in terms of physical evidence and correspondence and thus the defendants will have a hard time raking the victim's name through the mud enough to get jurors to acquit them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 01, 2018, 04:42:54 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 01, 2018, 04:38:16 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 01, 2018, 04:28:36 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 01, 2018, 04:13:33 PM
Best and Henderson are fûcking idiots even if they somehow think their mates are innocent despite the mountain of evidence to the contrary. Best in particular should know better than to be associating himself with something like that in public given his position. I doubt Ulster or the IRFU are delighted to see them parading around bringing more attention to an already horrible story.

Frat boys supporting frat boys. You see the same lack of common sense in every walk of life, batten-down-the-hatches support our own against all good judgement, just like the Tom Humphries case with David Walsh writing mealy-mouthed character references

And to all those trying to rail against the general reaction to this horrific story, you are the shady ones who are unwilling to face the truth. As I said before, your posts will age very badly indeed and I hope some of you will someday come to a stage in your lives when you realise the hypocrisy of the patriarchial knee-jerk response of trying to mitigate a heinous and disgusting act.

Genuine question. If they are found not guilty, will your stance change, or have you decided they are guilty no matter what the court decides?

For me, if they are guilty, I hope they do serious time.

If justice is served, they will be found guilty.

Rape cases are very hard to try because a court's burden of proof is hard to reach because it's such an intimate act by its nature. You have to understand that a court finding that there isn't enough evidence to convict is not in any way a statement that someone is actually innocent. Again you and others seem to have a hard time disconnecting the legal mechanism for conviction with what someone not associated with a court will use to make a judgement as to if something untoward did happen. A court can't absolve what happened, because there is clear evidence in the medical exam of the women her texts and the defendants' texts (where one of them clearly was trying to mitigate the situation, himself saying she was hysterical and in tears after the rape).

This is a rare rape case in that the prosecution have a very strong case both in terms of physical evidence and correspondence and thus the defendants will have a hard time raking the victim's name through the mud enough to get jurors to acquit them.

Is there something else other than what was reported in the paper?

I would agree that something extremely dodgy went on here, and I personally think it was a horrible situation before you even account for whether it was rape or not. I think the lads involved behaved disgracefully. The question is whether they actually raped her or not, and I just can't tell from what I've read. I would hope the jury and the court will be able to tell.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Frank_The_Tank on February 01, 2018, 04:47:45 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 01, 2018, 04:42:54 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 01, 2018, 04:38:16 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 01, 2018, 04:28:36 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 01, 2018, 04:13:33 PM
Best and Henderson are fûcking idiots even if they somehow think their mates are innocent despite the mountain of evidence to the contrary. Best in particular should know better than to be associating himself with something like that in public given his position. I doubt Ulster or the IRFU are delighted to see them parading around bringing more attention to an already horrible story.

Frat boys supporting frat boys. You see the same lack of common sense in every walk of life, batten-down-the-hatches support our own against all good judgement, just like the Tom Humphries case with David Walsh writing mealy-mouthed character references

And to all those trying to rail against the general reaction to this horrific story, you are the shady ones who are unwilling to face the truth. As I said before, your posts will age very badly indeed and I hope some of you will someday come to a stage in your lives when you realise the hypocrisy of the patriarchial knee-jerk response of trying to mitigate a heinous and disgusting act.

Genuine question. If they are found not guilty, will your stance change, or have you decided they are guilty no matter what the court decides?

For me, if they are guilty, I hope they do serious time.

If justice is served, they will be found guilty.

Rape cases are very hard to try because a court's burden of proof is hard to reach because it's such an intimate act by its nature. You have to understand that a court finding that there isn't enough evidence to convict is not in any way a statement that someone is actually innocent. Again you and others seem to have a hard time disconnecting the legal mechanism for conviction with what someone not associated with a court will use to make a judgement as to if something untoward did happen. A court can't absolve what happened, because there is clear evidence in the medical exam of the women her texts and the defendants' texts (where one of them clearly was trying to mitigate the situation, himself saying she was hysterical and in tears after the rape).

This is a rare rape case in that the prosecution have a very strong case both in terms of physical evidence and correspondence and thus the defendants will have a hard time raking the victim's name through the mud enough to get jurors to acquit them.

Is there something else other than what was reported in the paper?

I would agree that something extremely dodgy went on here, and I personally think it was a horrible situation before you even account for whether it was rape or not. I think the lads involved behaved disgracefully. The question is whether they actually raped her or not, and I just can't tell from what I've read. I would hope the jury and the court will be able to tell.

Syferus keeps on about the physical evidence - this is what the prosecution said:

The prosecution said that a doctor who examined her found she had bruising and bleeding.

"These findings would be consistent with blunt trauma to the area but do not demonstrate whether the intercourse was consensual or not," the prosecution added.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: caprea on February 01, 2018, 04:57:17 PM
It does not demonstrate one way or the other on consensuality.

It also is the most amount of physical damage you would expect to see from a non violent rape.

A lot of focus here on the first fact, a lot less on the second.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 01, 2018, 04:57:36 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 01, 2018, 04:33:26 PM
Where are you getting twitter updates Screen?

It was on Ewan MacKenna's feed. . . please don't judge me!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 01, 2018, 05:18:17 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 01, 2018, 04:57:36 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 01, 2018, 04:33:26 PM
Where are you getting twitter updates Screen?

It was on Ewan MacKenna's feed. . . please don't judge me!

Too late  :o
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on February 01, 2018, 06:03:22 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 01, 2018, 05:18:17 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 01, 2018, 04:57:36 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 01, 2018, 04:33:26 PM
Where are you getting twitter updates Screen?

It was on Ewan MacKenna's feed. . . please don't judge me!

Too late  :o

Off thread but Ewan is a very very angry man!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: caprea on February 01, 2018, 06:34:19 PM
Quote from: square_ball on February 01, 2018, 06:03:22 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 01, 2018, 05:18:17 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 01, 2018, 04:57:36 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 01, 2018, 04:33:26 PM
Where are you getting twitter updates Screen?

It was on Ewan MacKenna's feed. . . please don't judge me!

Too late  :o

Off thread but Ewan is a very very angry man!

Fairly spot on and has been for a long time on GAA funding, absolutely nutters on his opinions on Mcgregor. Doesn't seem to care for people who are simply very good at sport.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 01, 2018, 08:25:19 PM
Quote from: caprea on February 01, 2018, 06:34:19 PM
Quote from: square_ball on February 01, 2018, 06:03:22 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 01, 2018, 05:18:17 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 01, 2018, 04:57:36 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 01, 2018, 04:33:26 PM
Where are you getting twitter updates Screen?

It was on Ewan MacKenna's feed. . . please don't judge me!

Too late  :o

Off thread but Ewan is a very very angry man!

Fairly spot on and has been for a long time on GAA funding, absolutely nutters on his opinions on Mcgregor. Doesn't seem to care for people who are simply very good at sport.

Let's be frank he's an arsehole. But being arsehole doesn't make him wrong.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ballinaman on February 01, 2018, 09:02:41 PM
Apologies if this was covered already by how did the police get a hold of the whatsapp messages that the defendants sent each other the next day? Voluntarily or from whatsapp/mobile phone provider?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 01, 2018, 09:17:42 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 01, 2018, 08:25:19 PM
Quote from: caprea on February 01, 2018, 06:34:19 PM
Quote from: square_ball on February 01, 2018, 06:03:22 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 01, 2018, 05:18:17 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 01, 2018, 04:57:36 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 01, 2018, 04:33:26 PM
Where are you getting twitter updates Screen?

It was on Ewan MacKenna's feed. . . please don't judge me!

Too late  :o

Off thread but Ewan is a very very angry man!

Fairly spot on and has been for a long time on GAA funding, absolutely nutters on his opinions on Mcgregor. Doesn't seem to care for people who are simply very good at sport.

Let's be frank he's an arsehole. But being arsehole doesn't make him wrong.

A stopped clock is right twice a day... if he writes enough negative articles about EVERYTHING he's bound to be right some of the time!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 01, 2018, 09:20:55 PM
Quote from: ballinaman on February 01, 2018, 09:02:41 PM
Apologies if this was covered already by how did the police get a hold of the whatsapp messages that the defendants sent each other the next day? Voluntarily or from whatsapp/mobile phone provider?

It's clear some couldn't be recovered which means the defendants deleted at least some of the messages, another sign that points very much in the direction of guilt. WhatsApp is end-to-end encrypted so Facebook would have no access to message contents, but may have been able to provide login details for the defendants' accounts. Anyone in a given WhatsApp group would have the full chain of messages from that period.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 01, 2018, 09:24:09 PM
3 not even plastic paddies on the team and the captain being hounded by Mna na hEireann.
Truly these are momentous times.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rois on February 01, 2018, 09:27:27 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 01, 2018, 09:24:09 PM
the captain being hounded by Mna na hEireann.

Explain this to me now - mna amhain?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ballinaman on February 01, 2018, 09:30:24 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 01, 2018, 09:20:55 PM
Quote from: ballinaman on February 01, 2018, 09:02:41 PM
Apologies if this was covered already by how did the police get a hold of the whatsapp messages that the defendants sent each other the next day? Voluntarily or from whatsapp/mobile phone provider?

It's clear some couldn't be recovered which means the defendants deleted at least some of the message, another sign that points very much in the direction of guilt. WhatsApp is end-to-end encrypted so Facebook would have no access to message contents, but may have been able to provide login details for the defendants' accounts. Anyone in a given WhatsApp group would have the full chain of messages from that period.
Cheers
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 01, 2018, 09:35:53 PM
Quote from: Rois on February 01, 2018, 09:27:27 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 01, 2018, 09:24:09 PM
the captain being hounded by Mna na hEireann.

Explain this to me now - mna amhain?
It looks like #disgust was trending

Social media is very hard to "manage". It's a long way from Lansdowne Road.

https://twitter.com/search?q=%40rorybest2&src=typd




Nora Calder‏ @NoraCalder ·



2 Ireland rugby stars in court for Rape.
What's app evidence.
'We're all top shaggers'
'like a merry-go round at a carnival'
'No joke, she was in hysterics. Wasn't going to end well.'
@IrishRugby captain @RoryBest2 supported his mates in court as the girl testified
#Intimidation


Conor Mac Allister‏ @conorthomas89 ·










@RoryBest2 @SafeShaft @ActonHouseFarm

Did the defence team thank you for turning up yesterday? Nothing like a few high profile mates to intimidate an already fearful girl


 





Alison Duhan‏ @AlisonDuhan ·

Disgusted at @IrishRugby Captain @RoryBest2 and @HendersonIain attending the rape trial of their Ulster teammates today. This is Ireland's version of the #BrockTurner case in the US.

David Whelan‏ @dpawhelan ·









@Conor32Ryan @sha_byrne12

The message I took from this is that @IrishRugby supports them whether their guilty or not #rapeculture



jo‏ @bigred_joe ·

@RoryBest2 @SafeShaft @ActonHouseFarm

Attending the court case yesterday puts you right up there with @DonalOgC and @DavidWalshST when they're publicly supported a rapist/paedophile.

Michael Kinahan‏ @mickkinahan ·

The Irish Captain had no place at Rape trial supporting "the lads" It will be a very sad end to the @IrishRugby captaincy for @RoryBest2

Hugely disappointing


Rebecca Halliday‏ @beckhalliday ·

V. Disturbed by what I'm hearing in the case against #paddyjackson & friends. Even if they ARE found innocent referring to women as a "merry-go-round" and a "spit-roast" is vile. @IrishRugby, @UlsterRugby and @RoryBest2 are foolish to be seen supporting this. Sends the wrong msg!


  @KevBeirne   

Really, really disappointed that Joe Schmidt and @IrishRugby didn't even have the decency to offer a comment on @RoryBest2 and Iain Henderson attending the Jackson/Olding rape trial. Cowardly.


EricHennellyFlanagan‏ @EricHFlanagan · 

Disgusted at @RoryBest2 and @HendersonIain attending a trial of alleged rape.
They and @IrishRugby needs to take a long hard look at what message that sends out to young men and women across the country. Really sickened by it."


Not ideal.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 01, 2018, 09:51:32 PM
I'd be more concerned about the image it reflects on the jurors than the girl. If any of them have caveman mentalities the frat boys sticking by them may impact how they judge the evidence.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: caprea on February 01, 2018, 09:54:47 PM
https://twitter.com/emmacashin2006/status/959176324576407553?s=17

So looks like they had a couple of different stories over time as well as deleted messages
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 01, 2018, 10:05:01 PM
Quote from: caprea on February 01, 2018, 09:54:47 PM
https://twitter.com/emmacashin2006/status/959176324576407553?s=17

So looks like they had a couple of different stories over time as well as deleted messages

These are the things those who are choosing to not believe the victim's story are conveniently ignoring.

The actual evidence to suggest something horrible happened is overwhelming and the defendents' own actions after the fact are the clincher for anyone who has read what's came out.

I'm waiting for the victim-blaming segement of the trial to begin when the high-priced mercenaries Jackson and Olding's IRFU money has bought them try desperately to character assassinate the victim. Like clockwork we will be told the woman was drunk, is sexually promiscuous and it will be hinted that she is somehow putting herself through this ordeal is for attention, money or notoriety. That anyone could even imagine she'd be lying is incredible and an insult to what she's endured and is going to have to endure for the rest of her life for having the guts to come forward.

The victim is very brave to take on both the ingrained victim-blaming rape culture that exists and the rugby fraternity on top of it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: caprea on February 01, 2018, 10:09:33 PM
And I'll just say that I thought ched Evans should always have been found not guilty although it was a complex case.

But this trial my friends is a horse of a very different colour.

Maybe there is some astounding evidence for the defence we are yet to hear but unless we hear it the only hope those ulster boys have is a jury of dubious personal beliefs
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 01, 2018, 10:23:32 PM
Matthew of Suburbia‏ @Dreno95 · 49 min

Actually the case was thrown out until some form of media was uncovered (possibly the txts) and that's why it's going to trial. I heard something about a video too but the prosecution are holding on to what they will use until the right moment.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 01, 2018, 10:26:04 PM
The texts are what removes a lot of the he-said-she-said stuff most defence solicitors use to get rapists off these charges. Thank God for social media.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 01, 2018, 10:43:31 PM
Why wait 2 days before going to police and then forget someone (a woman) came into the room when it was all happening? She'd have been the first person you'd have in your prosecution team, her evidence and those others at the house should nail them
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 01, 2018, 10:49:28 PM
Have seen some shitty behaviour, but nothing in the "beyond reasonable doubt" category yet.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: caprea on February 01, 2018, 10:50:57 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 01, 2018, 10:43:31 PM
Why wait 2 days before going to police and then forget someone (a woman) came into the room when it was all happening? She'd have been the first person you'd have in your prosecution team, her evidence and those others at the house should nail them

The witness who walked into the room will definitely be called surely. If she is called by the persecution it's probably game over for the ulster men. If she's called by the defence it's game on.

There's probably a way of checking already who is calling her. It would be in the book of evidence submitted already I think.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: caprea on February 01, 2018, 10:51:49 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 01, 2018, 10:43:31 PM
Why wait 2 days before going to police and then forget someone (a woman) came into the room when it was all happening? She'd have been the first person you'd have in your prosecution team, her evidence and those others at the house should nail them

Why do you think she forgot someone came into the room. Not sure where you are getting that conclusion from?

The two days is absolutely irreverent. Just shows bias on your part.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 01, 2018, 10:53:13 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 01, 2018, 10:43:31 PM
Why wait 2 days before going to police and then forget someone (a woman) came into the room when it was all happening? She'd have been the first person you'd have in your prosecution team, her evidence and those others at the house should nail them

Because she was fûcking raped by two people and every statistic tells you many more cases go unreported because this process is nearly as traumatic as the event itself. Her own texts explain clearly why she was reluctant to go to the cops. It's also a scientific fact that a rape victim is a terrible witness and commonly forgets names and faces and details. It's a seriously traumatic incident and to suggest you'd have a clear-eyed recollection of it is literally insane logic.

Please have the good sense not to dress up your own lack of knowledge about what a rape victim goes through as discrepancies in her story. Are you sure you read the full story you were linked to?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Kidder81 on February 01, 2018, 11:00:32 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 01, 2018, 10:43:31 PM
Why wait 2 days before going to police and then forget someone (a woman) came into the room when it was all happening? She'd have been the first person you'd have in your prosecution team, her evidence and those others at the house should nail them

Are you on something ? When does a rape have to be reported in your world, 6 hrs, 12 hrs? Doesent count after that ?

Don't go into counselling
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 01, 2018, 11:03:44 PM
Was watching the news tonight about it and that's what came from it, that's a fact that came out from the defence questioning the girl..

Never been raped by three people before but I think I'd be at the cop shop that night if I'm being honest.. emotionally it's hard I'm sure you'd be but that's the view from someone not in that position..

How come you've so much inside knowledge on this?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rois on February 01, 2018, 11:07:07 PM
The alleged victim said she froze until she thought the third naked guy was going to join in. In that case, why or how would this other female know it wasn't consensual if she walked in during the act before this point and the girl wasn't fighting back or screaming? That she did not see or hear resistance doesn't mean consent was given.

And until this witness is called, we haven't a clue what she saw or heard!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: caprea on February 01, 2018, 11:08:36 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 01, 2018, 11:03:44 PM
Was watching the news tonight about it and that's what came from it, that's a fact that came out from the defence questioning the girl..

Never been raped by three people before but I think I'd be at the cop shop that night if I'm being honest.. emotionally it's hard I'm sure you'd be but that's the view from someone not in that position..

How come you've so much inside knowledge on this?

Fair enough on the witness, the witness is going to side with the ulster players.

I think the sentence you need to dwell on is "never been raped by three people before"
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 01, 2018, 11:13:32 PM
Completely rotten experience I'm sure!

And takes a strong person with strong family and friends around them to get through this..

If the lads raped this girl I hope they go to jail for a long time, so when the jurors give their verdict, based on all the evidence and testomonies to give the best result..

Though others here have all the info, which I didn't think was available
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: macdanger2 on February 01, 2018, 11:22:22 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 01, 2018, 10:43:31 PM
Why wait 2 days before going to police and then forget someone (a woman) came into the room when it was all happening? She'd have been the first person you'd have in your prosecution team, her evidence and those others at the house should nail them

"why wait two days before going to police...."

Ffs, that's a shite thing to come out with
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: caprea on February 01, 2018, 11:25:57 PM
I've never been raped either thank god but I'd say "completely rotten"...doesn't really cover it. I'd say life changing with frequent flashbacks that are requiring counseling to manage is a closer description of reality.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 01, 2018, 11:26:43 PM
Quote from: macdanger2 on February 01, 2018, 11:22:22 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 01, 2018, 10:43:31 PM
Why wait 2 days before going to police and then forget someone (a woman) came into the room when it was all happening? She'd have been the first person you'd have in your prosecution team, her evidence and those others at the house should nail them

"why wait two days before going to police...."

Ffs, that's a shite thing to come out with

You a dick also? This came from the defence QC, keep up
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: caprea on February 01, 2018, 11:31:01 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 01, 2018, 11:26:43 PM
Quote from: macdanger2 on February 01, 2018, 11:22:22 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 01, 2018, 10:43:31 PM
Why wait 2 days before going to police and then forget someone (a woman) came into the room when it was all happening? She'd have been the first person you'd have in your prosecution team, her evidence and those others at the house should nail them

"why wait two days before going to police...."

Ffs, that's a shite thing to come out with

You a dick also? This came from the defence QC, keep up

It's a shite thing to come out. If you were in a room with the girl would you ask her that question? Probably not. Why? Because you'd have the common sense to know it would make you sound like a really terrible person. Reflect on that..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 01, 2018, 11:33:08 PM
What's shit? The QC asking that question?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: caprea on February 01, 2018, 11:36:24 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 01, 2018, 10:43:31 PM
Why wait 2 days before going to police and then forget someone (a woman) came into the room when it was all happening? She'd have been the first person you'd have in your prosecution team, her evidence and those others at the house should nail them

Never mind the QC, the QC is doing a job, a fairly scummy job but it's the life he chose.

This is what you posted. This was your opinion. You think that's decent?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 01, 2018, 11:38:11 PM
Quote from: caprea on February 01, 2018, 11:36:24 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 01, 2018, 10:43:31 PM
Why wait 2 days before going to police and then forget someone (a woman) came into the room when it was all happening? She'd have been the first person you'd have in your prosecution team, her evidence and those others at the house should nail them

Never mind the QC, the QC is doing a job, a fairly scummy job but it's the life he chose.

This is what you posted. This was your opinion. You think that's decent?

I clarified my post, that's what came from the news, from what the QC said, hopefully you won't need a scummy QC in the future!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: macdanger2 on February 01, 2018, 11:38:55 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 01, 2018, 11:33:08 PM
What's shit? The QC asking that question?

If what you posted is a direct quote from the QC, you might want to use the quote function tbf, otherwise it's generally taken as a normal post. If it's a normal post then there's only one dick in this conversation

Edit: just saw your post, you'd want to be a bit clearer on your clarification
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: caprea on February 01, 2018, 11:40:33 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 01, 2018, 11:38:11 PM
Quote from: caprea on February 01, 2018, 11:36:24 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 01, 2018, 10:43:31 PM
Why wait 2 days before going to police and then forget someone (a woman) came into the room when it was all happening? She'd have been the first person you'd have in your prosecution team, her evidence and those others at the house should nail them

Never mind the QC, the QC is doing a job, a fairly scummy job but it's the life he chose.

This is what you posted. This was your opinion. You think that's decent?

I clarified my post, that's what came from the news, from what the QC said, hopefully you won't need a scummy QC in the future!

To me you're lying. I don't how you expected anyone to read that post and think you were quoting the QC. It read as your own opinion.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Orchard park on February 01, 2018, 11:43:41 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 01, 2018, 10:53:13 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 01, 2018, 10:43:31 PM
Why wait 2 days before going to police and then forget someone (a woman) came into the room when it was all happening? She'd have been the first person you'd have in your prosecution team, her evidence and those others at the house should nail them

Because she was fûcking raped by two people and every statistic tells you many more cases go unreported because this process is nearly as traumatic as the event itself. Her own texts explain clearly why he was reluctant to go to the cops. It's also a scientific fact that a rape victim is a terrible witness and commonly forgets names and faces and details. It's a seriously traumatic incident and to suggest you'd have a clear-eyed recollection of it is literally insane logic.

Please have the good sense not to dress up your own lack of knowledge about what a rape victim goes through as discrepancies in her story. Are you sure you read the full story you were linked to?


With you on that Syferus
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Christmas Lights on February 01, 2018, 11:44:09 PM
What an abomination of a thread this is.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: east down gael on February 01, 2018, 11:45:00 PM
There's two versions of what happened that night.one is consensual sex between three people,the other is the rape of a young woman by two men. I personally don't know what happened that night,so I won't make a judgement until all the facts are presented. What I don't understand is how those, such as syferus, are so sure they are guilty? The text messages mean nothing, indicate no guilt whatsoever.
   I hope they serve real time if they are guilty. But what happens if they are found not guilty? You'll have people condemning them as rapists who got away with it. Does that mean if you get accused of rape you're automatically a rapist?let the courts do their job for Christ sake.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: caprea on February 01, 2018, 11:46:54 PM
Quote from: Christmas Lights on February 01, 2018, 11:44:09 PM
What an abomination of a thread this is.

I've open a new thread for it. Probably best.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Stall the Bailer on February 01, 2018, 11:56:28 PM
Probably best you put allegedly in front of those acquisitions. There is a trial for a reason, to determine if they are guilty or not.   
Quote from: Orchard park on February 01, 2018, 11:43:41 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 01, 2018, 10:53:13 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 01, 2018, 10:43:31 PM
Why wait 2 days before going to police and then forget someone (a woman) came into the room when it was all happening? She'd have been the first person you'd have in your prosecution team, her evidence and those others at the house should nail them

Because she was fûcking raped by two people and every statistic tells you many more cases go unreported because this process is nearly as traumatic as the event itself. Her own texts explain clearly why he was reluctant to go to the cops. It's also a scientific fact that a rape victim is a terrible witness and commonly forgets names and faces and details. It's a seriously traumatic incident and to suggest you'd have a clear-eyed recollection of it is literally insane logic.

Please have the good sense not to dress up your own lack of knowledge about what a rape victim goes through as discrepancies in her story. Are you sure you read the full story you were linked to?


With you on that Syferus
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyssam5 on February 02, 2018, 12:39:26 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 01, 2018, 11:38:11 PM
Quote from: caprea on February 01, 2018, 11:36:24 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 01, 2018, 10:43:31 PM
Why wait 2 days before going to police and then forget someone (a woman) came into the room when it was all happening? She'd have been the first person you'd have in your prosecution team, her evidence and those others at the house should nail them

Never mind the QC, the QC is doing a job, a fairly scummy job but it's the life he chose.

This is what you posted. This was your opinion. You think that's decent?

I clarified my post, that's what came from the news, from what the QC said, hopefully you won't need a scummy QC in the future!

I read that as your own opinion as well. There were no quote marks or any reference to a QC in the post.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 02, 2018, 07:26:26 AM
Quote from: tyssam5 on February 02, 2018, 12:39:26 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 01, 2018, 11:38:11 PM
Quote from: caprea on February 01, 2018, 11:36:24 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 01, 2018, 10:43:31 PM
Why wait 2 days before going to police and then forget someone (a woman) came into the room when it was all happening? She'd have been the first person you'd have in your prosecution team, her evidence and those others at the house should nail them

Never mind the QC, the QC is doing a job, a fairly scummy job but it's the life he chose.

This is what you posted. This was your opinion. You think that's decent?

I clarified my post, that's what came from the news, from what the QC said, hopefully you won't need a scummy QC in the future!

I read that as your own opinion as well. There were no quote marks or any reference to a QC in the post.

Where would I have taken that information from then?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: oakleaflad on February 02, 2018, 09:34:48 AM
Quote from: screenexile on February 01, 2018, 03:05:13 PM
France starting a 19 year old out half against the Irish?? Wow!!!
Wow, I'm no rugby expert but what does that mean for us? Send Henshaw and Aki at their 10 at every opportunity?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on February 02, 2018, 09:36:49 AM
They've a lot of injuries in the front row I understand also. If we're focussed and do our job we've a great chance in this one.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 02, 2018, 09:37:05 AM
Right moving on from the previous.

Scotland +2
Ireland win

Decent bet this weekend? 20 pays 58.80
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 02, 2018, 10:25:08 AM
Quote from: oakleaflad on February 02, 2018, 09:34:48 AM
Quote from: screenexile on February 01, 2018, 03:05:13 PM
France starting a 19 year old out half against the Irish?? Wow!!!
Wow, I'm no rugby expert but what does that mean for us? Send Henshaw and Aki at their 10 at every opportunity?

It means Ireland will play territory and force their 10 to make decisions, the looser the game the less decisions which would suit him.

Ireland won't go down the 10 channel from 1st phase, France will have a plan for that, they will want to expose his inexperience on 4 or 5 phases and have Stander running at him.

Very confident about this game, never a good sign.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on February 02, 2018, 10:35:39 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 02, 2018, 10:25:08 AM
Quote from: oakleaflad on February 02, 2018, 09:34:48 AM
Quote from: screenexile on February 01, 2018, 03:05:13 PM
France starting a 19 year old out half against the Irish?? Wow!!!
Wow, I'm no rugby expert but what does that mean for us? Send Henshaw and Aki at their 10 at every opportunity?

It means Ireland will play territory and force their 10 to make decisions, the looser the game the less decisions which would suit him.

Ireland won't go down the 10 channel from 1st phase, France will have a plan for that, they will want to expose his inexperience on 4 or 5 phases and have Stander running at him.

Very confident about this game, never a good sign.

And so say all of us!!!!

We need to get over this thing though. We've a top 4 side in the world. Need to lose this plucky underdog shite.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 02, 2018, 10:58:35 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on February 02, 2018, 10:35:39 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 02, 2018, 10:25:08 AM
Quote from: oakleaflad on February 02, 2018, 09:34:48 AM
Quote from: screenexile on February 01, 2018, 03:05:13 PM
France starting a 19 year old out half against the Irish?? Wow!!!
Wow, I'm no rugby expert but what does that mean for us? Send Henshaw and Aki at their 10 at every opportunity?

It means Ireland will play territory and force their 10 to make decisions, the looser the game the less decisions which would suit him.

Ireland won't go down the 10 channel from 1st phase, France will have a plan for that, they will want to expose his inexperience on 4 or 5 phases and have Stander running at him.

Very confident about this game, never a good sign.

And so say all of us!!!!

We need to get over this thing though. We've a top 4 side in the world. Need to lose this plucky underdog shite.

In fairness I think that's more of a supporter thing I don't think the team see themselves as underdogs in that changing room!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on February 02, 2018, 11:54:29 AM
Quote from: screenexile on February 02, 2018, 10:58:35 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on February 02, 2018, 10:35:39 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 02, 2018, 10:25:08 AM
Quote from: oakleaflad on February 02, 2018, 09:34:48 AM
Quote from: screenexile on February 01, 2018, 03:05:13 PM
France starting a 19 year old out half against the Irish?? Wow!!!
Wow, I'm no rugby expert but what does that mean for us? Send Henshaw and Aki at their 10 at every opportunity?

It means Ireland will play territory and force their 10 to make decisions, the looser the game the less decisions which would suit him.

Ireland won't go down the 10 channel from 1st phase, France will have a plan for that, they will want to expose his inexperience on 4 or 5 phases and have Stander running at him.

Very confident about this game, never a good sign.

And so say all of us!!!!

We need to get over this thing though. We've a top 4 side in the world. Need to lose this plucky underdog shite.

In fairness I think that's more of a supporter thing I don't think the team see themselves as underdogs in that changing room!

I'd certainly hope not. They shouldn't.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on February 02, 2018, 02:49:54 PM
http://www.the42.ie/irish-schools-rugby-drug-testing-anti-doping-sport-ireland-3829581-Feb2018/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on February 02, 2018, 02:57:15 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 02, 2018, 02:49:54 PM
http://www.the42.ie/irish-schools-rugby-drug-testing-anti-doping-sport-ireland-3829581-Feb2018/

Is there any drugs testing at the McRory cup level or even Sigerson/Fitzgibbon?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on February 02, 2018, 03:01:02 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 02, 2018, 02:57:15 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 02, 2018, 02:49:54 PM
http://www.the42.ie/irish-schools-rugby-drug-testing-anti-doping-sport-ireland-3829581-Feb2018/

Is there any drugs testing at the McRory cup level or even Sigerson/Fitzgibbon?

I don't know but Sport Ireland believe Schools rugby to be a high level area for concern in doping yet the IRFU will not allow testing.

If they deemed Sigerson or McRory Cup to be high level concerns I would certainly hope the GAA would be allowing doping authorities to commence testing.

You seem to be one of rugby's sweep sweep brigade.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 02, 2018, 03:07:13 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 02, 2018, 03:01:02 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 02, 2018, 02:57:15 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 02, 2018, 02:49:54 PM
http://www.the42.ie/irish-schools-rugby-drug-testing-anti-doping-sport-ireland-3829581-Feb2018/

Is there any drugs testing at the McRory cup level or even Sigerson/Fitzgibbon?

I don't know but Sport Ireland believe Schools rugby to be a high level area for concern in doping yet the IRFU will not allow testing.

If they deemed Sigerson or McRory Cup to be high level concerns I would certainly hope the GAA would be allowing doping authorities to commence testing.

You seem to be one of rugby's sweep sweep brigade.

Bomber on his wee crusade this afternoon lads. His mummy must have fed him well at lunchtime.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on February 02, 2018, 03:13:27 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 02, 2018, 03:01:02 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 02, 2018, 02:57:15 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 02, 2018, 02:49:54 PM
http://www.the42.ie/irish-schools-rugby-drug-testing-anti-doping-sport-ireland-3829581-Feb2018/

Is there any drugs testing at the McRory cup level or even Sigerson/Fitzgibbon?

I don't know but Sport Ireland believe Schools rugby to be a high level area for concern in doping yet the IRFU will not allow testing.

If they deemed Sigerson or McRory Cup to be high level concerns I would certainly hope the GAA would be allowing doping authorities to commence testing.

You seem to be one of rugby's sweep sweep brigade.

I've no reason to sweep sweep anything, but I think the issue you have linked is one of governance rather than downright IRFU refusal;

As it stands in Ireland, schools rugby does not fall within Sport Ireland's jurisdiction and while the IRFU facilitates competitions in all four provinces, the issue is that the national governing body does not govern it.

"So I think the IRFU has been making the case that schools rugby is independent of themselves, and that's a governance issue, and that's maybe something that we would hope the IRFU can look at."

As a standalone issue I find this staggering.

Sport Ireland have raised these concerns based on the findings in NZ I presume, which is fair enough, but in the interests of all concerned it would be good for the GAA to take the lead on this and get drug testing mandatory in all U17/Minor competitions up.
We should have nothing to hide.


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 02, 2018, 03:43:14 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 02, 2018, 02:57:15 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 02, 2018, 02:49:54 PM
http://www.the42.ie/irish-schools-rugby-drug-testing-anti-doping-sport-ireland-3829581-Feb2018/

Is there any drugs testing at the McRory cup level or even Sigerson/Fitzgibbon?

No.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 02, 2018, 04:09:03 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 02, 2018, 03:13:27 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 02, 2018, 03:01:02 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 02, 2018, 02:57:15 PM
Quote from: Il Bomber Destro on February 02, 2018, 02:49:54 PM
http://www.the42.ie/irish-schools-rugby-drug-testing-anti-doping-sport-ireland-3829581-Feb2018/

Is there any drugs testing at the McRory cup level or even Sigerson/Fitzgibbon?

I don't know but Sport Ireland believe Schools rugby to be a high level area for concern in doping yet the IRFU will not allow testing.

If they deemed Sigerson or McRory Cup to be high level concerns I would certainly hope the GAA would be allowing doping authorities to commence testing.

You seem to be one of rugby's sweep sweep brigade.

I've no reason to sweep sweep anything, but I think the issue you have linked is one of governance rather than downright IRFU refusal;

As it stands in Ireland, schools rugby does not fall within Sport Ireland's jurisdiction and while the IRFU facilitates competitions in all four provinces, the issue is that the national governing body does not govern it.

"So I think the IRFU has been making the case that schools rugby is independent of themselves, and that's a governance issue, and that's maybe something that we would hope the IRFU can look at."

As a standalone issue I find this staggering.

Sport Ireland have raised these concerns based on the findings in NZ I presume, which is fair enough, but in the interests of all concerned it would be good for the GAA to take the lead on this and get drug testing mandatory in all U17/Minor competitions up.
We should have nothing to hide.

I don't know. I honestly don't think that steroids are abused to the same level in the GAA as they would be in Rugby.

The competition in school's rugby, lack of doping controls and the fact it's such a shop window for academy's and professional contracts means that there are huge rewards to dope and it could make a difference to your life so is worth the risk.

Is doping in school's for GAA really giving a child that much of an advantage and would it be worth the risk? I don't honestly think so.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 02, 2018, 04:49:23 PM
Drugs are in every sport. Some folks do steroids and the only reward is to look good.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 02, 2018, 05:24:07 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 02, 2018, 04:49:23 PM
Drugs are in every sport. Some folks do steroids and the only reward is to look good.
Rugby is more vulnerable given the importance of the breakdown in the modern game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 02, 2018, 05:58:30 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 02, 2018, 05:24:07 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 02, 2018, 04:49:23 PM
Drugs are in every sport. Some folks do steroids and the only reward is to look good.
Rugby is more vulnerable given the importance of the breakdown in the modern game.

Which is why Leinster Rugby are putting in processes to test their 5 u16 development squads and these 15 year olds are also getting massive education on supplements which are completely condemned by the IRFU for under age players due to the lack of industry regulation. If you take 2 ibuprofen you will fail a drug test. Might not suit your narrative but Leinster Rugby are trying to educate.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on February 02, 2018, 07:55:21 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 02, 2018, 05:58:30 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 02, 2018, 05:24:07 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 02, 2018, 04:49:23 PM
Drugs are in every sport. Some folks do steroids and the only reward is to look good.
Rugby is more vulnerable given the importance of the breakdown in the modern game.

Which is why Leinster Rugby are putting in processes to test their 5 u16 development squads and these 15 year olds are also getting massive education on supplements which are completely condemned by the IRFU for under age players due to the lack of industry regulation. If you take 2 ibuprofen you will fail a drug test. Might not suit your narrative but Leinster Rugby are trying to educate.

Optics? PR?

Don't tell me your that naive.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 03, 2018, 12:06:02 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 02, 2018, 04:49:23 PM
Drugs are in every sport. Some folks do steroids and the only reward is to look good.

Steroids aren't really relevant to Gaelic Sports, they would be very useful for the recovery aspect but that's it. The common output on steroids, big body etc is no use to our games. You can hardly even tackle in the game anymore. The game has shifted back to a running one....as always we are 5 years behind what the aussies do.

Stimulants, now that's where it's at for the GAA. I've always said if you tested any team on any Sunday at even club level at least 2/3 would fail. Some of the pre workout supplements sold in nutrition shops these days are essentially speed (sister compounds).

Don't think there is enough cash in Gaelic Football for any (county) team to pull off a successful peptide programme, it's really something that plagues professional games, with the cash that comes with it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 03, 2018, 12:42:09 PM
Ireland should be too good for the French today. The French are very inexperienced.

Championship prediction
Ireland
England
Scotland
France
Wales
Italy
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 03, 2018, 12:52:14 PM
The sheer level of hype around the Irish team is season is worrying. We're going to Paris in the Springtime, even the poorest French sides are hard beaten in the Stade. This could go very wrong indeed if we slip up tonight.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on February 03, 2018, 12:58:18 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 03, 2018, 12:42:09 PM
Ireland should be too good for the French today. The French are very inexperienced.

Championship prediction
Ireland
England
Scotland
France
Wales
Italy

England
Wales
Ireland/France
Scotland
Italy
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 03, 2018, 02:24:54 PM
Scotland as blunt as always. Scottish scrum half having a mare alreadu. They wont get a better chance to beat the Welsh b team
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Farrandeelin on February 03, 2018, 02:30:43 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 03, 2018, 12:52:14 PM
The sheer level of hype around the Irish team is season is worrying. We're going to Paris in the Springtime, even the poorest French aides are hard beaten in the Stade. This could go very wrong indeed if we slip up tonight.

The equivalent of the England soccer team regards hype.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 03, 2018, 05:12:30 PM
Brian Moore is some w**ker
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 03, 2018, 05:23:12 PM
https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2018/0202/937921-preview-ireland-target-victory-over-french-rabble/

"England, who Ireland visit in the final round of matches on St Patrick's Day, are missing 15 players through injury, "

Jaysus 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 03, 2018, 05:25:13 PM
Been a bit pish so far. Penalties and turnovers in abundance
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 03, 2018, 05:26:36 PM
Concussion as standard

https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2018/0203/938087-six-nations-france-v-ireland/

Bundee Aki takes the direct route against teenager Matthieu Jalibert. It's a crunching moment and both players are receiving attention on the pitch...Aki is back on his feet, but the French out-half is looking a little more groggy and is leaving the pitch, temporarily at least to go through HIA protocols...Anthony Belleau is in for his third cap 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 03, 2018, 05:37:36 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 03, 2018, 05:26:36 PM
Concussion as standard

https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2018/0203/938087-six-nations-france-v-ireland/

Bundee Aki takes the direct route against teenager Matthieu Jalibert. It's a crunching moment and both players are receiving attention on the pitch...Aki is back on his feet, but the French out-half is looking a little more groggy and is leaving the pitch, temporarily at least to go through HIA protocols...Anthony Belleau is in for his third cap

He'd a bang on the knee.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 03, 2018, 06:17:53 PM
I know we are winning but this is desperate shit. The only positive is the French defense.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on February 03, 2018, 06:29:35 PM
You have to laugh at these rugby buffers
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 03, 2018, 06:33:58 PM
They deserved that fecked around all match against a very poor french team. Amazing how many times sexton misses a decisive sitter. Watch france stuff it up their jumper for 5 mins.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lenny on February 03, 2018, 06:44:50 PM
Quote from: longballin on February 03, 2018, 06:37:04 PM
Yet again a Sexton penalty miss to cost Ireland a win. I dont get him at all.

You're right, he's useless lol
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 03, 2018, 06:44:57 PM
Ok i take it back about sexton lol
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: longballin on February 03, 2018, 06:45:39 PM
Lol!! Deleted last post... some kick Sexton!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on February 03, 2018, 06:45:53 PM
In fairness that was an amazing kick in those conditions
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 03, 2018, 06:46:38 PM
In fairness ireland should have won that in first gear how they nearly lost it was amazing
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 03, 2018, 06:48:45 PM
What was that shîte about Sexton and pressure kicks? The season was on the line with that kick. That feels like a kick that will enter folklore.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: longballin on February 03, 2018, 06:52:51 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 03, 2018, 06:48:45 PM
What was that shîte about Sexton and pressure kicks? The season was on the line with that kick.

he has blown a few in his time but that was fantastic kick in that pressure
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 03, 2018, 06:53:05 PM
Amazes me that if we lost that game people who have revelled in it.

Shit conditions. Shit game. Some finish. Clutch player.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: SHEEDY on February 03, 2018, 06:54:19 PM
Johnny sexton ye boy ye. What a kick!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 03, 2018, 07:01:08 PM
That was great. What a way to win in Paris.  8)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: TabClear on February 03, 2018, 07:06:56 PM
Great pressure kick. Good to see the cheating French bastards lose. Already manipulating the HIA rule
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Over the Bar on February 03, 2018, 07:09:39 PM
Canavan-esque from Sexton!   8)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on February 03, 2018, 07:10:43 PM
Quote from: TabClear on February 03, 2018, 07:06:56 PM
Great pressure kick. Good to see the cheating French b**tards lose. Already manipulating the HIA rule

The guilty sheepish head on the French doc!

That was unreal from Sexton. Some player. Christ but we never wear the favourite tag well
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on February 03, 2018, 07:24:50 PM
Johnny Sexton  - approaching Ollie Murphy status.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 03, 2018, 07:38:03 PM
Sexton with a 42 metre drop goal attempt, or Sexton with a 32 metre penalty attempt. He'd nail the drop goal and over think the penalty.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 03, 2018, 07:52:49 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 03, 2018, 06:53:05 PM
Amazes me that if we lost that game people who have revelled in it.

Shit conditions. Shit game. Some finish. Clutch player.

The drop goal glosses over the fact that Ireland were muck against a French side there to be taken.

What amazes me is that people's doe-eye view of Irish rugby is such that rugby by numbers is so gleefully exalted whilst the soccer teams tactics take such a hammering. People can stick the boot in gaa teams playing unentertaining fare but the rugger lads can get away with murder so long as they win.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 03, 2018, 08:10:44 PM
You're wrong trileac.

When Ireland lose playing negative rugby, the pariahs appear just as much as they do in any sport.

The biggest difference in press coverage through is that even the most cynical of Irish analysts still wants their country to win. GAA doesn't have that luxury.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: longballin on February 03, 2018, 08:23:46 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 03, 2018, 07:52:49 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 03, 2018, 06:53:05 PM
Amazes me that if we lost that game people who have revelled in it.

Shit conditions. Shit game. Some finish. Clutch player.

The drop goal glosses over the fact that Ireland were muck against a French side there to be taken.

What amazes me is that people's doe-eye view of Irish rugby is such that rugby by numbers is so gleefully exalted whilst the soccer teams tactics take such a hammering. People can stick the boot in gaa teams playing unentertaining fare but the rugger lads can get away with murder so long as they win.

Tyrone analysis of Irish rugby ... the irony   :)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: stew on February 03, 2018, 09:19:19 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on February 03, 2018, 07:10:43 PM
Quote from: TabClear on February 03, 2018, 07:06:56 PM
Great pressure kick. Good to see the cheating French b**tards lose. Already manipulating the HIA rule

The guilty sheepish head on the French doc!

That was unreal from Sexton. Some player. Christ but we never wear the favourite tag well

At what point does the referee use common sense and say, this is a leg injury and it will be treated as such, Sexton was incredulous at what was going on, f**k the French, they got what they deserved and if a Doctor cannot tell the truth about an injured player he should not be practicing medicine at sporting events!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 03, 2018, 11:56:50 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 03, 2018, 07:52:49 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 03, 2018, 06:53:05 PM
Amazes me that if we lost that game people who have revelled in it.

Shit conditions. Shit game. Some finish. Clutch player.

The drop goal glosses over the fact that Ireland were muck against a French side there to be taken.

What amazes me is that people's doe-eye view of Irish rugby is such that rugby by numbers is so gleefully exalted whilst the soccer teams tactics take such a hammering. People can stick the boot in gaa teams playing unentertaining fare but the rugger lads can get away with murder so long as they win.

WTF. Where were all the tries? We should be beating France out the gate at this stage. We are so superior to the French. I would have bagged a hat trick of tries if I was playing.

Or maybe Ireland are a good team playing to near the best of their ability who beat an average French team playing to the best of their ability in Paris. I don't think either team had a bag full of tries in them on a day like today.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 04, 2018, 12:17:55 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 03, 2018, 11:56:50 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 03, 2018, 07:52:49 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 03, 2018, 06:53:05 PM
Amazes me that if we lost that game people who have revelled in it.

Shit conditions. Shit game. Some finish. Clutch player.

The drop goal glosses over the fact that Ireland were muck against a French side there to be taken.

What amazes me is that people's doe-eye view of Irish rugby is such that rugby by numbers is so gleefully exalted whilst the soccer teams tactics take such a hammering. People can stick the boot in gaa teams playing unentertaining fare but the rugger lads can get away with murder so long as they win.

WTF. Where were all the tries? We should be beating France out the gate at this stage. We are so superior to the French. I would have bagged a hat trick of tries if I was playing.

Or maybe Ireland are a good team playing to near the best of their ability who beat an average French team playing to the best of their ability in Paris. I don't think either team had a bag full of tries in them on a day like today.

Our record against the French in Paris is abysmal... we're just supposed to rock up there on a horrible night and beat them by 30 points?

We were well in control of the match save for a sucker punch try if you'd offered it to anyone in the camp before the game thur'd Have bitten your hand off!! 3 matches at home now is an unreal position to be in after the first away win... game on!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on February 04, 2018, 12:39:53 AM
I can't say I am taken by  these modern anabolic like enhanced rugby times but I loved the pedantic low risk manner in which that game, totally lost  for all to see, was retrieved at the death by two wonderfully effected decisions. Hats off to Sexton for his O'Garaesque
effect, a presence of genius among dead and tired bodies.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 04, 2018, 03:32:40 AM
Quote from: trileacman on February 03, 2018, 07:52:49 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 03, 2018, 06:53:05 PM
Amazes me that if we lost that game people who have revelled in it.

Shit conditions. Shit game. Some finish. Clutch player.

The drop goal glosses over the fact that Ireland were muck against a French side there to be taken.

What amazes me is that people's doe-eye view of Irish rugby is such that rugby by numbers is so gleefully exalted whilst the soccer teams tactics take such a hammering. People can stick the boot in gaa teams playing unentertaining fare but the rugger lads can get away with murder so long as they win.

Teet-sucking nonsense. Win or go home. They won, and may well win a Grand Slam because of it. Tha'd probably sicken you.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Asal Mor on February 04, 2018, 04:19:36 AM
It was 80 minutes of pure scutter but what Sexton  did at the end, with the restart, the kick to Earls and the drop goal, especially in the context of his earlier miss which would have made him the fall guy, with the season on the line, was as good a piece of perfection under pressure as you'd ever see in sport. Bradyesque. I've no love for the sport or the team but you have to admire greatness.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 04, 2018, 08:30:06 AM
Quote from: Main Street on February 04, 2018, 12:39:53 AM
I can't say I am taken by  these modern anabolic like enhanced rugby times but I loved the pedantic low risk manner in which that game, totally lost  for all to see, was retrieved at the death by two wonderfully effected decisions. Hats off to Sexton for his O'Garaesque
effect, a presence of genius among dead and tired bodies.

O'Garaesque?

ROG even at the peak of his powers was on a pedestal or two below Sexton.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LooseCannon on February 04, 2018, 08:54:38 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 04, 2018, 08:30:06 AM
Quote from: Main Street on February 04, 2018, 12:39:53 AM
I can't say I am taken by  these modern anabolic like enhanced rugby times but I loved the pedantic low risk manner in which that game, totally lost  for all to see, was retrieved at the death by two wonderfully effected decisions. Hats off to Sexton for his O'Garaesque
effect, a presence of genius among dead and tired bodies.

O'Garaesque?

ROG even at the peak of his powers was on a pedestal or two below Sexton.

BULLSHIT!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 04, 2018, 08:55:22 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 04, 2018, 08:30:06 AM
Quote from: Main Street on February 04, 2018, 12:39:53 AM
I can't say I am taken by  these modern anabolic like enhanced rugby times but I loved the pedantic low risk manner in which that game, totally lost  for all to see, was retrieved at the death by two wonderfully effected decisions. Hats off to Sexton for his O'Garaesque
effect, a presence of genius among dead and tired bodies.

O'Garaesque?

ROG even at the peak of his powers was on a pedestal or two below Sexton.

Overall as an outhalf yeah but O'Gara was the man you wanted in a clutch situation. Numerous matches won with a crucial last minute drop goal/penalty and in that sense I think it was comparable to ROG.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Orior on February 04, 2018, 09:11:22 AM
Quote from: Syferus on February 04, 2018, 03:32:40 AM
Quote from: trileacman on February 03, 2018, 07:52:49 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 03, 2018, 06:53:05 PM
Amazes me that if we lost that game people who have revelled in it.

Shit conditions. Shit game. Some finish. Clutch player.

The drop goal glosses over the fact that Ireland were muck against a French side there to be taken.

What amazes me is that people's doe-eye view of Irish rugby is such that rugby by numbers is so gleefully exalted whilst the soccer teams tactics take such a hammering. People can stick the boot in gaa teams playing unentertaining fare but the rugger lads can get away with murder so long as they win.

Teet-sucking nonsense. Win or go home. They won, and may well win a Grand Slam because of it. Tha'd probably sicken you.

Chief, why all the anger?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 04, 2018, 10:45:29 AM
The kick broke French hearts. In France. And made up for the miss against NZ a few years ago. But they shouldn't have been in that position.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: brokencrossbar1 on February 04, 2018, 11:10:41 AM
First game against a tough opponent, away from home in a stadium that is traditionally difficult to win in, more or less controlled it till Sextons missed penalty which gave the French a lift, but still had the composure and balls to set up the win.....you know what I think it was a very good performance. The try was scored because of the distraction of the HIA sham. You often hear about playing the game in the moment. I know myself from playing that the few minutes after I made a mistake, got a card, decision went against me...these were key moments for my marker and they could really dent confidence. That's why transition and turnover ball is so key. This is when a team is vulnerable mentally and the French punished Ireland's mental vulnerability as they were still in the 'complaining' mode. The likes of the All Blacks reset the scrum and reset their heads and close that out. The winning score however, showed the 'reset' is there. Disciplined play, excellent work between Murray and the forwards and a cool and courageous clutch kick by Sexton.

The 6 Nations is marathon and it's all about the peaks at the right time. 3 home games in a row to build up the momentum and there's a grand slam for the winning. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on February 04, 2018, 12:55:08 PM
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on February 04, 2018, 11:10:41 AM
First game against a tough opponent, away from home in a stadium that is traditionally difficult to win in, more or less controlled it till Sextons missed penalty which gave the French a lift, but still had the composure and balls to set up the win.....you know what I think it was a very good performance. The try was scored because of the distraction of the HIA sham. You often hear about playing the game in the moment. I know myself from playing that the few minutes after I made a mistake, got a card, decision went against me...these were key moments for my marker and they could really dent confidence. That's why transition and turnover ball is so key. This is when a team is vulnerable mentally and the French punished Ireland's mental vulnerability as they were still in the 'complaining' mode. The likes of the All Blacks reset the scrum and reset their heads and close that out. The winning score however, showed the 'reset' is there. Disciplined play, excellent work between Murray and the forwards and a cool and courageous clutch kick by Sexton.

The 6 Nations is marathon and it's all about the peaks at the right time. 3 home games in a row to build up the momentum and there's a grand slam for the winning.

You are right about the disputed HIA affecting the mental attitude but the effect was amplified by Best having left the field and handed the captaincy to Sexton.  His persistent whining to the referee was never going to affect Nigel Owens' decision.  His general disposition meant he didn't settle his team before the game continued and hence the tackling was abysmal down the wing and the try was scored.  Don't think Sexton is the man to be the captain, he couldn't play the referee and is two self absorbed with his own game to take in the needs of the team in the way that Best is able to do.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 04, 2018, 02:56:39 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 04, 2018, 03:32:40 AM
Quote from: trileacman on February 03, 2018, 07:52:49 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 03, 2018, 06:53:05 PM
Amazes me that if we lost that game people who have revelled in it.

Shit conditions. Shit game. Some finish. Clutch player.

The drop goal glosses over the fact that Ireland were muck against a French side there to be taken.

What amazes me is that people's doe-eye view of Irish rugby is such that rugby by numbers is so gleefully exalted whilst the soccer teams tactics take such a hammering. People can stick the boot in gaa teams playing unentertaining fare but the rugger lads can get away with murder so long as they win.

Teet-sucking nonsense. Win or go home. They won, and may well win a Grand Slam because of it. Tha'd probably sicken you.

Playing the man and not the ball. Did you ever explain why you called hound a racist over on the Liverpool thread? G'wan an give us an explanation for that one.

I find the Irish approach very stifled, as demonstrated by our centres who are one-dimensional in attack. Kearney who was an exciting player when he came on the scene has largely developed in Girvan Dempsey mark II. Earls is a safe option as a winger not the type of "make something from nothing" guy. Can't speak too much for Stockdale as haven't seen him play but he was flatfooted yesterday for the Thomas try. He really should have got him inside the 22. Really we can't do much with the backs due to Ringrose's injury but we should be playing Lamour and by the time the WC rolls round we could have a serious FB, not an aging RK. They're too constrained though and it'll be the difference I fear between us and the English and NZ. Stander also is too lightweight as an international 8, he just doesn't have the bulk that you need in that position. A fine club 8 and a passable international 6 but he's doesn't cut it at the very highest level. Vunipola and Read are a step further ahead.

A trip to Paris is now no more daunting than a trip to Rome. France really have regressed that much. Whilst we were lashing the SA off the pitch the French couldn't even beat the Japanese at home. We're not measuring ourselves against 2nd rate nations anymore we're fighting to be top dog and pointing out deficiencies in the team shouldn't be such a problem for the gushing fan boys.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 04, 2018, 04:32:17 PM
England doing a lot of lazy running in defence and getting away with it. Lots of 5m cynicism by then going unpunished. Some great work by both centres in this game. Where's campagnaro??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 04, 2018, 06:41:24 PM
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/feb/04/italy-england-six-nations-match-report

It may be the remarkable Parisse's greatness only becomes fully apparent once the shaven-headed warrior finally retires, even if he ends up as the first player in history to feature in a century of Test defeats. In some sports that would make him a serial loser; in rugby terms, given the ceaseless adversity he has to contend with, it makes him an all-time colossus.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 04, 2018, 09:40:56 PM

https://m.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/joe-brolly-tyrone-will-continue-to-play-their-1131-formation-and-mickey-harte-is-to-blame-36564462.html


"The early signs are encouraging, apart from Tyrone, who resumed against Galway where they left off in Croke Park last August, trapped in a robotic defensive game that forbids expression"

In rugby it's called playing the percentages. In soccer it's called players not good enough.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 06, 2018, 10:42:42 AM
https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/six-nations/you-need-three-playmakers-luke-fitzgerald-puts-forward-idea-to-sort-out-irelands-blunt-attack-36572709.html

Leinster and Ireland legend Luke Fitzgerald believes Joe Schmidt must use a ball-handler in the centre or at full-back if they are to pose more of a threat offensively.

Ireland enjoyed over 70pc possession and territory in the dramatic 15-13 win in Paris on Saturday but made zero line breaks, only beat 15 defenders and rarely looked like scoring a try against Les Bleus.

France set a new record for tackles made by a team in the Six Nations with 253 in the game while captain Guilhem Guirado equalled the highest number of tackles for an individual in a Six Nations encounter with 31. The record had been held by Wales' Luke Charteris who made the same number of tackles against Schmidt's Ireland in 2015.

Each of the top four team tackle tallies have come against the Ireland since Schmidt's arrival in 2013. Two of them came in a winning cause (Scotland last year and Wales in 2015). Had Sexton's miraculous drop-goal fallen short or sailed wide, France would have made it three.

Speaking on The Left Wing Live in association with Aer Lingus, Fitzgerald said he feels that Ireland need another creative force in the midfield outside of the half-back partnership.

Asked about the performance of centres Robbie Henshaw and Bundee Aki on Saturday, he said:  "They were probably a bit curtailed in that department with the conditions. I think it's a nice combination to have, very physical and you can build plays around those guys

"Both of them can handle the ball but with Joe's gameplan often it can be more direct. He is very collision-oriented. He likes to get momentum and I think he backs Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton to act as playmakers.

"What I think and you sometimes have seen it against Wales and France. When one of those guys is caught up in a breakdown you don't have that creativity. That's why Joey Carberry or someone else in the centre, a Chris Farrell, whoever it may be, you need one more playmaker. You need three playmakers there.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Farrandeelin on February 06, 2018, 10:54:33 AM
Quote from: Asal Mor on February 04, 2018, 04:19:36 AM
It was 80 minutes of pure scutter but what Sexton  did at the end, with the restart, the kick to Earls and the drop goal, especially in the context of his earlier miss which would have made him the fall guy, with the season on the line, was as good a piece of perfection under pressure as you'd ever see in sport. Bradyesque. I've no love for the sport or the team but you have to admire greatness.

Could have written that myself. Pure class from Sexton at the end.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on February 06, 2018, 11:25:34 AM
Quote from: Farrandeelin on February 06, 2018, 10:54:33 AM
Quote from: Asal Mor on February 04, 2018, 04:19:36 AM
It was 80 minutes of pure scutter but what Sexton  did at the end, with the restart, the kick to Earls and the drop goal, especially in the context of his earlier miss which would have made him the fall guy, with the season on the line, was as good a piece of perfection under pressure as you'd ever see in sport. Bradyesque. I've no love for the sport or the team but you have to admire greatness.

Could have written that myself. Pure class from Sexton at the end.

100%. Will never tire of watching it. Even in phase 4, Sexton breaks the line through a couple of tackles. The whole 40 phases in the rain culminating in the drop kick at the end was just incredible. Sporting drama at it's very best
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 06, 2018, 11:30:36 AM
Quote from: JoG2 on February 06, 2018, 11:25:34 AM
Quote from: Farrandeelin on February 06, 2018, 10:54:33 AM
Quote from: Asal Mor on February 04, 2018, 04:19:36 AM
It was 80 minutes of pure scutter but what Sexton  did at the end, with the restart, the kick to Earls and the drop goal, especially in the context of his earlier miss which would have made him the fall guy, with the season on the line, was as good a piece of perfection under pressure as you'd ever see in sport. Bradyesque. I've no love for the sport or the team but you have to admire greatness.

Could have written that myself. Pure class from Sexton at the end.

100%. Will never tire of watching it. Even in phase 4, Sexton breaks the line through a couple of tackles. The whole 40 phases in the rain culminating in the drop kick at the end was just incredible. Sporting drama at it's very best

Brilliant discipline and control by the whole team, and Sexton's role was incredible. To not give away a penalty or a knock on in those circumstances is fantastic. And then to have to do things like the crossfield kick to make the yards, in the face of excellent defence was great as well. 41 phases I think I saw, which is coincidentally the same number of phases before ROG's matchwinner v Northampton in TP. I was there that night and the tension was unbearable. I can't imagine the stakes at International level.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: oakleaflad on February 08, 2018, 01:52:15 PM
Ireland team v Italy: Rob Kearney; Keith Earls, Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki, Jacob Stockdale; Johnny Sexton, Conor Murray; Jack McGrath, Rory Best (captain), Tadhg Furlong, Iain Henderson, Devin Toner, Peter O'Mahony, Dan Leavy, Jack Conan.

Replacements: Cian Healy, Sean Cronin, Andrew Porter, Quinn Roux, CJ Stander, Kieran Marmion, Joey Carbery, Jordan Larmour.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 08, 2018, 02:02:37 PM
I'd have like to see O'Mahoney rested. I think himself and Stander are knackered.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Mayo4Sam on February 08, 2018, 02:10:04 PM
I'd like to have seen Kearney dropped, passed it for a couple of years now, the Chicago game aside.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 08, 2018, 02:13:26 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on February 08, 2018, 02:10:04 PM
I'd like to have seen Kearney dropped, passed it for a couple of years now, the Chicago game aside.

I think you'll see Larmour come on shortly after Half Time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 08, 2018, 02:20:14 PM
So we're just playing Sexton non-stop this year? Seems like a receipe for disaster.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on February 08, 2018, 02:40:32 PM
Would have expected more changes. We should be able to beat these and put up a good score with a second string outfit.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 08, 2018, 03:03:41 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 08, 2018, 02:20:14 PM
So we're just playing Sexton non-stop this year? Seems like a receipe for disaster.

England kept Farrell and Ford on for the whole match last week and they're starting this week again it would seem fairly standard to start with your strongest team and hope to be able to take him off with half an hour to go.

Not that it will work out like that but hopefully it does.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 08, 2018, 03:30:51 PM
They need alternatives to Kearney for the RWC. The no try policy is hardly going to get them to a semí final.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on February 08, 2018, 03:33:17 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 08, 2018, 03:30:51 PM
They need alternatives to Kearney for the RWC. The no try policy is hardly going to get them to a semí final.

And moreso, Best. Nuts that he got a long contract recently.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 08, 2018, 03:54:08 PM
Ultan Dillane's mother has sadly passed away, funeral is Saturday. His father wasn't around much so they were very tight, big driving force, he's understandably devastated. May she rest in peace. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 08, 2018, 04:04:09 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 08, 2018, 03:54:08 PM
Ultan Dillane's mother has sadly passed away, funeral is Saturday. His father wasn't around much so they were very tight, big driving force, he's understandably devastated. May she rest in peace.

Sad news. RIP.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on February 08, 2018, 04:05:43 PM
Very sad news. I'd read a lot about him and how close himself and his mother were. RIP.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on February 08, 2018, 04:32:29 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 08, 2018, 03:30:51 PM
They need alternatives to Kearney for the RWC. The no try policy is hardly going to get them to a semí final.

There are plenty of alternatives for Kearney but Joe obviously doesn't feel comfortable with any of them in his system as long as Kearney is fit and ready to play!!

I think Schmitt is a little like Jack Charlton in that he feels Ireland just aren't talented enough to play a riskier attacking game and we are better off playing a controlled physical possesion game where if we win with four penalties every game so be it!!
Sadly looking at the provinces play I think Joe is wrong about Ireland's talent level but he has the six nations titles to prove his way is working although I can't see us getting past the quarter final stage at the world cup!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 08, 2018, 04:35:21 PM
He's the best coach in world rugby right now. I'd trust him before anyone else to make the right calls.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 08, 2018, 04:52:35 PM
Quote from: Crete Boom on February 08, 2018, 04:32:29 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 08, 2018, 03:30:51 PM
They need alternatives to Kearney for the RWC. The no try policy is hardly going to get them to a semí final.

There are plenty of alternatives for Kearney but Joe obviously doesn't feel comfortable with any of them in his system as long as Kearney is fit and ready to play!!

I think Schmitt is a little like Jack Charlton in that he feels Ireland just aren't talented enough to play a riskier attacking game and we are better off playing a controlled physical possesion game where if we win with four penalties every game so be it!!
Sadly looking at the provinces play I think Joe is wrong about Ireland's talent level but he has the six nations titles to prove his way is working although I can't see us getting past the quarter final stage at the world cup!
The problem is playing against a southern hemisphere team who can run past the defence. Bosh bosh is only ok between consenting adults. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on February 08, 2018, 06:42:36 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 08, 2018, 04:52:35 PM
Quote from: Crete Boom on February 08, 2018, 04:32:29 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 08, 2018, 03:30:51 PM
They need alternatives to Kearney for the RWC. The no try policy is hardly going to get them to a semí final.

There are plenty of alternatives for Kearney but Joe obviously doesn't feel comfortable with any of them in his system as long as Kearney is fit and ready to play!!

I think Schmitt is a little like Jack Charlton in that he feels Ireland just aren't talented enough to play a riskier attacking game and we are better off playing a controlled physical possesion game where if we win with four penalties every game so be it!!
Sadly looking at the provinces play I think Joe is wrong about Ireland's talent level but he has the six nations titles to prove his way is working although I can't see us getting past the quarter final stage at the world cup!
The problem is playing against a southern hemisphere team who can run past the defence. Bosh bosh is only ok between consenting adults.

Too true Seaf and to be honest when you look at England and how they have stretched their game and now maybe even Wales have turned a corner with a wide attack game!!
Scotland under Townsend have committed to a counter attack, off loading game and even Italy are playing the Connacht 2+2 attack, so apart from France who are probably the worst team in the six nations, we seem to be the only team playing what equates to Warren Ball which seems to have been abandoned by Gatland himself!!
Schmitt is a great coach but he is definitely struggling with an attacking philosophy outside of his brilliant strike plays from set pieces!!
I just think if we had a fullback who could counter attack and who is a playmaker, with Sexton and Murray who are already in place as playmakers we would in my opinion be ahead of England and be very close to the Kiwi's as the best in the world!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 08, 2018, 06:48:19 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 08, 2018, 04:52:35 PM
Quote from: Crete Boom on February 08, 2018, 04:32:29 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 08, 2018, 03:30:51 PM
They need alternatives to Kearney for the RWC. The no try policy is hardly going to get them to a semí final.

There are plenty of alternatives for Kearney but Joe obviously doesn't feel comfortable with any of them in his system as long as Kearney is fit and ready to play!!

I think Schmitt is a little like Jack Charlton in that he feels Ireland just aren't talented enough to play a riskier attacking game and we are better off playing a controlled physical possesion game where if we win with four penalties every game so be it!!
Sadly looking at the provinces play I think Joe is wrong about Ireland's talent level but he has the six nations titles to prove his way is working although I can't see us getting past the quarter final stage at the world cup!
The problem is playing against a southern hemisphere team who can run past the defence. Bosh bosh is only ok between consenting adults.

You mean the four of them we've beaten in the last 18 months or some team you've made up?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 08, 2018, 06:59:05 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 08, 2018, 06:48:19 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 08, 2018, 04:52:35 PM
Quote from: Crete Boom on February 08, 2018, 04:32:29 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 08, 2018, 03:30:51 PM
They need alternatives to Kearney for the RWC. The no try policy is hardly going to get them to a semí final.

There are plenty of alternatives for Kearney but Joe obviously doesn't feel comfortable with any of them in his system as long as Kearney is fit and ready to play!!

I think Schmitt is a little like Jack Charlton in that he feels Ireland just aren't talented enough to play a riskier attacking game and we are better off playing a controlled physical possesion game where if we win with four penalties every game so be it!!
Sadly looking at the provinces play I think Joe is wrong about Ireland's talent level but he has the six nations titles to prove his way is working although I can't see us getting past the quarter final stage at the world cup!
The problem is playing against a southern hemisphere team who can run past the defence. Bosh bosh is only ok between consenting adults.

You mean the four of them we've beaten in the last 18 months or some team you've made up?
Need to do it in a tournament though. The Autumn Internationals at the end of the SH season is the time to catch them boys. A World Cup, that they've been preparing for, is a different story.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 08, 2018, 07:05:44 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 08, 2018, 06:48:19 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 08, 2018, 04:52:35 PM
Quote from: Crete Boom on February 08, 2018, 04:32:29 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 08, 2018, 03:30:51 PM
They need alternatives to Kearney for the RWC. The no try policy is hardly going to get them to a semí final.

There are plenty of alternatives for Kearney but Joe obviously doesn't feel comfortable with any of them in his system as long as Kearney is fit and ready to play!!

I think Schmitt is a little like Jack Charlton in that he feels Ireland just aren't talented enough to play a riskier attacking game and we are better off playing a controlled physical possesion game where if we win with four penalties every game so be it!!
Sadly looking at the provinces play I think Joe is wrong about Ireland's talent level but he has the six nations titles to prove his way is working although I can't see us getting past the quarter final stage at the world cup!
The problem is playing against a southern hemisphere team who can run past the defence. Bosh bosh is only ok between consenting adults.

You mean the four of them we've beaten in the last 18 months or some team you've made up?
Autumn internationals are like the Connacht final. World Cup is like the all Ireland series.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Puckoon on February 08, 2018, 07:18:17 PM
Are 6 nations tickets all snapped up at this stage? Home, or away games.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 08, 2018, 10:34:44 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 08, 2018, 04:35:21 PM
He's the best coach in world rugby right now. I'd trust him before anyone else to make the right calls.

What's the evidence for that?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tiempo on February 08, 2018, 11:47:09 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 08, 2018, 10:34:44 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 08, 2018, 04:35:21 PM
He's the best coach in world rugby right now. I'd trust him before anyone else to make the right calls.

What's the evidence for that?

The wánkstain on syphilis keyboard for the most part, absolute quisling.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 08, 2018, 11:51:10 PM
Schmidt is a great coach. His biggest problem imho is he is a foreigner and not from one of the provinces. We had a great coach before in Gatland and got rid of him for no good reason. That was a big loss for Ireland and a big gain for Wales and the Lions.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on February 09, 2018, 12:31:54 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 08, 2018, 11:51:10 PM
Schmidt is a great coach. His biggest problem imho is he is a foreigner and not from one of the provinces. We had a great coach before in Gatland and got rid of him for no good reason. That was a big loss for Ireland and a big gain for Wales and the Lions.

Why would a foreigner be a problem? We have had foreign coaches going right back to 1996 with Murray Kid!!
Gatland got the Ireland job too soon and was inexperienced!! It didn't help him that he was seen as a Connacht man when it came to his contract renewal which left him with little support politically at board level!!

Schmidt came through Leinster so he came through a province and is our most successful provincial coach and on track to be our most successful Irish coach if he lands a slam this year especially if that slam is won away to England!!

I don't see anyone saying we should get rid of Schmidt but you can't ignore our try scoring struggles with the amount of phases and possession we average per game!! Also the selection of Kearney and our lack of playmaking from the fullback position even compared to Italy and especially compared to New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, Scotland and Wales it is a worry for us!!
Just look at the provinces at the moment , in Connacht you have O'Halloran , Ulster you have Piatau, Munster you have Zebo and Leinster you have Lamour or Nacewa!! All weapons and all light years ahead of Kearney in terms of attacking play at the moment!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 09, 2018, 02:54:55 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 08, 2018, 11:51:10 PM
Schmidt is a great coach. His biggest problem imho is he is a foreigner and not from one of the provinces. We had a great coach before in Gatland and got rid of him for no good reason. That was a big loss for Ireland and a big gain for Wales and the Lions.

If anyone thinks we're not adventurous under Joe we'd have been walking lobotomies under Gatland, even now. Schmidt being a foreigner is neither here nor there as regards his ability to coach a national side.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 09, 2018, 07:20:17 AM
A foreigner, Jesus wept.

Rugby is probably more about what you do without the ball than with it. Schmidt is simply the best coach Ireland has ever had, NZ for example don't play free flowing attacking rugby, they kick more than Ireland but are lethal on turnovers.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on February 09, 2018, 09:30:37 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 09, 2018, 07:20:17 AM
A foreigner, Jesus wept.

Rugby is probably more about what you do without the ball than with it. Schmidt is simply the best coach Ireland has ever had, NZ for example don't play free flowing attacking rugby, they kick more than Ireland but are lethal on turnovers.

They don't kick poorly and aimlessly like we often do.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 09, 2018, 11:35:40 AM
Yes they do they made Stuart Hogg, see below, look he was from a different planet in this game, people just see what they want to see. Schmidt is a shrewd coach, he focuses a lot on the core skills passing, rucking and tackling. He knows that territory is important because very few internationals teams have the capacity to score from deep, when Ireland kick it's generally to gain ground e.g. Murray kicks more contestables with Munster than he does with Ireland where his kicks will be longer and Ireland's chase is more defined, that's why the French try will drive Schmidt mad. We tend to put our favourite players on a pedestal and believe their skill set higher than it is, only Conor Murray in our backline and maybe Sexton would be in the conversation regarding best player in their position in the world. Kearney is there for his ability without the ball, specifically his positional sense, he reduces the oppositions kicking options because he sees the danger before they do, he works the pendulum very well with his wingers. Is he great ball in hand, no, would you trust to make the last ditch tackle, god no, but would you trust to be in the right position at the right time, absolutely. Our kicking is not aimless it's quite specific but at times our execution can be off and a poor kick as seen with these Hogg examples can cause a lot of problems and make a good team look poor.

https://youtu.be/5RAKs11JboI?t=27 (https://youtu.be/5RAKs11JboI?t=27)

https://youtu.be/5RAKs11JboI?t=67
(https://youtu.be/5RAKs11JboI?t=67)

https://youtu.be/5RAKs11JboI?t=130 (https://youtu.be/5RAKs11JboI?t=130)

https://youtu.be/5RAKs11JboI?t=145 (https://youtu.be/5RAKs11JboI?t=145)


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on February 09, 2018, 12:51:39 PM
Aimless was the incorrect word. Poorly executed it is far too often.

Schmidt might be a great coach (in truth I'll admit I don't know enough about the game to be too strong on this) but he's incredibly conservative and negative. Jose Mourinho without being a bollix. I'd hve high expectation for this and next seasons 6 nations and the World Cup.....we've tremendous depth pretty much everywhere bar 10 and 2. Important that Carbery and Byrne get game time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on February 09, 2018, 01:30:04 PM
I was lucky enough to be at the game in Paris, and but for the last few minutes it wasn't a particularly exciting game to be at and the only time I was off my seat was probably the drop goal!

But I watched the whole match again and my view changed as to the quality of our performance. We played a lot better than  I'd thought. Yes, without Ringrose we are a little one dimensional in midfield, but France defended really well. Still, we made territory consistently, and have to remember that all the penalties Sexton kicked were easy and close. If France hadn't conceded those each time, then we probably would have crossed the line. And France really should have been punished by a yellow card, in particular the number 5 towards the end of the first half.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on February 09, 2018, 01:39:32 PM
Quote from: Hound on February 09, 2018, 01:30:04 PM
I was lucky enough to be at the game in Paris, and but for the last few minutes it wasn't a particularly exciting game to be at and the only time I was off my seat was probably the drop goal!

But I watched the whole match again and my view changed as to the quality of our performance. We played a lot better than  I'd thought. Yes, without Ringrose we are a little one dimensional in midfield, but France defended really well. Still, we made territory consistently, and have to remember that all the penalties Sexton kicked were easy and close. If France hadn't conceded those each time, then we probably would have crossed the line. And France really should have been punished by a yellow card, in particular the number 5 towards the end of the first half.

What most people watching on TV don't appreciate is the sheer bulk and size of the French players especially when compared to the majority of the Irish team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 10, 2018, 03:26:50 PM
A good performance from Ireland so far. However the injuries to Furlong and Henshaw are a big blow to the team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Farrandeelin on February 10, 2018, 03:33:59 PM
Can anyone read into the Italy results?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 10, 2018, 04:03:42 PM
No, it's about gaining as many points plus the bonus point and move on! Good time to play them, Stockdale is living up to the hype..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 10, 2018, 04:33:06 PM
We should have kicked more.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 10, 2018, 05:30:37 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 10, 2018, 04:33:06 PM
We should have kicked more.

You can see thdo difference with Carbert and Larmour on there... too many points conceded when they were on the field!

Aside from that job done but the 2 lads out puts us on the back foot for the rest of the tournament!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 10, 2018, 05:49:08 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 10, 2018, 05:30:37 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 10, 2018, 04:33:06 PM
We should have kicked more.

You can see thdo difference with Carbert and Larmour on there... too many points conceded when they were on the field!

Aside from that job done but the 2 lads out puts us on the back foot for the rest of the tournament!!

Furlong shouldn't be gone very long.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 10, 2018, 06:19:28 PM
Wales look pathetic.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 10, 2018, 08:04:38 PM
Wales had the winning of that game. They had a try disallowed by the tmo that should have been given. They will be a tough opponent for Ireland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 10, 2018, 08:06:40 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 10, 2018, 08:04:38 PM
Wales had the winning of that game. They had a try disallowed by the tmo that should have been given. They will be a tough opponent for Ireland.

They should be easily beaten if there isn't a massive improvement over today's performance.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: David McKeown on February 10, 2018, 10:29:33 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 10, 2018, 08:04:38 PM
Wales had the winning of that game. They had a try disallowed by the tmo that should have been given. They will be a tough opponent for Ireland.

I thought the decision by the TMO was correct there was no control on the grounding by the Welsh player
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Avondhu star on February 10, 2018, 10:49:18 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 10, 2018, 06:19:28 PM
Wales look pathetic.
Like your sister last night
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 11, 2018, 01:15:32 PM
Quote from: David McKeown on February 10, 2018, 10:29:33 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 10, 2018, 08:04:38 PM
Wales had the winning of that game. They had a try disallowed by the tmo that should have been given. They will be a tough opponent for Ireland.

I thought the decision by the TMO was correct there was no control on the grounding by the Welsh player

Don't think there had to be control just downward pressure.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 11, 2018, 01:33:41 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 11, 2018, 01:15:32 PM
Quote from: David McKeown on February 10, 2018, 10:29:33 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 10, 2018, 08:04:38 PM
Wales had the winning of that game. They had a try disallowed by the tmo that should have been given. They will be a tough opponent for Ireland.

I thought the decision by the TMO was correct there was no control on the grounding by the Welsh player

Looked to me like both players hand a hand on it when it grounded first; what are the rules in that situation?

Don't think there had to be control just downward pressure.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 11, 2018, 02:24:14 PM
Really needless rule change. What was wrong with "downward pressure"?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: David McKeown on February 11, 2018, 06:32:30 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 11, 2018, 01:15:32 PM
Quote from: David McKeown on February 10, 2018, 10:29:33 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 10, 2018, 08:04:38 PM
Wales had the winning of that game. They had a try disallowed by the tmo that should have been given. They will be a tough opponent for Ireland.

I thought the decision by the TMO was correct there was no control on the grounding by the Welsh player

Don't think there had to be control just downward pressure.

I think the rule says it must be pressed down rather than merely touched down. I may have used the word control incorrectly but I still think the welsh player seemed to merely touch the ball on the ground as his hand slid off and the ball continued to come up. To me it appeared he wasn't pressing the ball down
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: grounded on February 11, 2018, 10:58:56 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 10, 2018, 08:04:38 PM
Wales had the winning of that game. They had a try disallowed by the tmo that should have been given. They will be a tough opponent for Ireland.

They will definitely be a difficult opponent for Ireland. We've really struggled to break down their defensive setup over this last few years. Btw i think the ref had the decision correct not awarding the try. But they had a number of other chances. They missed lee halfpenny big time for his kicking ability.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 12, 2018, 09:19:46 AM
Quote from: grounded on February 11, 2018, 10:58:56 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 10, 2018, 08:04:38 PM
Wales had the winning of that game. They had a try disallowed by the tmo that should have been given. They will be a tough opponent for Ireland.

They will definitely be a difficult opponent for Ireland. We've really struggled to break down their defensive setup over this last few years. Btw i think the ref had the decision correct not awarding the try. But they had a number of other chances. They missed lee halfpenny big time for his kicking ability.

Halfpenny was a huge loss, set aside his kicking he can also play! Scored two tries last week also, and can tackle as good as anyone
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: David McKeown on February 12, 2018, 09:20:54 AM
Quote from: David McKeown on February 11, 2018, 06:32:30 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 11, 2018, 01:15:32 PM
Quote from: David McKeown on February 10, 2018, 10:29:33 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 10, 2018, 08:04:38 PM
Wales had the winning of that game. They had a try disallowed by the tmo that should have been given. They will be a tough opponent for Ireland.

I thought the decision by the TMO was correct there was no control on the grounding by the Welsh player

Don't think there had to be control just downward pressure.

I think the rule says it must be pressed down rather than merely touched down. I may have used the word control incorrectly but I still think the welsh player seemed to merely touch the ball on the ground as his hand slid off and the ball continued to come up. To me it appeared he wasn't pressing the ball down

Having seen it from a different angle this morning I have changed my mind. Poor decision from TMO
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 13, 2018, 08:08:53 PM
Scotland were able to score tries against France and they didn't need a last minute drop goal either. Ireland can't afford to be either conservative or complacent.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 13, 2018, 08:16:24 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 13, 2018, 08:08:53 PM
Scotland were able to score tries against France and they didn't need a last minute drop goal either. Ireland can't afford to be either conservative or complacent.

They also allowed France to score 26 points? Can't compare games teams and and match ups! The manager/coach will be able to work out what's best for the team
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 13, 2018, 11:10:59 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 13, 2018, 08:16:24 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 13, 2018, 08:08:53 PM
Scotland were able to score tries against France and they didn't need a last minute drop goal either. Ireland can't afford to be either conservative or complacent.

They also allowed France to score 26 points? Can't compare games teams and and match ups! The manager/coach will be able to work out what's best for the team

There was a fair difference in the weather conditions between both games as well!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 13, 2018, 11:37:21 PM
I've watched a bucketload of NFL this year, where decisions cannot be made easily within the rules of the game,  and now this in the rugby.

The VARs in these sports need a simple doctrine from above: in all decisions, when it's a coin toss, the favour will always go with the attacking / defending team; whichever way the doctrine is stated. VARs then cite that as their final decision when one cannot clearly be made.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on February 14, 2018, 08:25:44 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 13, 2018, 11:37:21 PM
I've watched a bucketload of NFL this year, where decisions cannot be made easily within the rules of the game,  and now this in the rugby.

The VARs in these sports need a simple doctrine from above: in all decisions, when it's a coin toss, the favour will always go with the attacking / defending team; whichever way the doctrine is stated. VARs then cite that as their final decision when one cannot clearly be made.

Did the Rugby authorities not come out and say that the video ref made a mistake in the try that was denied to Wales?

Tough on Wales but good that the governing authorities are open about these things in a timely manner and not just be seen to back the officials to the hilt even when they are wrong.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 14, 2018, 02:05:11 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 13, 2018, 11:37:21 PM
I've watched a bucketload of NFL this year, where decisions cannot be made easily within the rules of the game,  and now this in the rugby.

The VARs in these sports need a simple doctrine from above: in all decisions, when it's a coin toss, the favour will always go with the attacking / defending team; whichever way the doctrine is stated. VARs then cite that as their final decision when one cannot clearly be made.

That's pure nonsense. The rules should be clear and easily understood and favour neither team. In American football one of the nonsenses they have is making the refs call it in real time and that call being treated with a certain reverence (clear evidence that it should be overturned) when it really shouldn't.

The TMO whiffed on this one. It happens rarely enough in rugby that there is nothing to see here, let alone do.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: TabClear on February 14, 2018, 02:43:35 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 14, 2018, 02:05:11 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 13, 2018, 11:37:21 PM
I've watched a bucketload of NFL this year, where decisions cannot be made easily within the rules of the game,  and now this in the rugby.

The VARs in these sports need a simple doctrine from above: in all decisions, when it's a coin toss, the favour will always go with the attacking / defending team; whichever way the doctrine is stated. VARs then cite that as their final decision when one cannot clearly be made.

That's pure nonsense. The rules should be clear and easily understood and favour neither team.In American football one of the nonsenses they have is making the refs call it in real time and that call being treated with a certain reverence (clear evidence that it should be overturned) when it really shouldn't.

The TMO whiffed on this one. It happens rarely enough in rugby that there is nothing to see here, let alone do.

The rules are clear generally. The problem is that certain decisions are so borderline that even with VAR its impossible to be 100% clear. If you dont see enough evidence to overturn in those situations why not go with the onfield officials original call. In certain situations they may have a better idea of what happened than VAR. Whats the alternative,balance of probability? Then it becomes really subjective.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on February 14, 2018, 03:47:32 PM
Cricket and NFL have it right. Unless it's a clear error by the officials then their call on the field stands. I think that's fair.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 14, 2018, 05:08:02 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on February 14, 2018, 03:47:32 PM
Cricket and NFL have it right. Unless it's a clear error by the officials then their call on the field stands. I think that's fair.

Most of the time there is no call on the field in rugby.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on February 21, 2018, 01:41:05 PM
Wales name a stronger team than the one that took England to the wire;

Wales (v Ireland) - L Halfpenny (Scarlets); L Williams (Saracens), S Williams, H Parkes, S Evans (all Scarlets); D Biggar (Ospreys), G Davies; R Evans, K Owens, S Lee (all Scarlets); C Hill (Dragons), AW Jones (Ospreys); A Shingler (Scarlets), J Navidi (Cardiff), R Moriarty (Gloucester). Reps: E Dee (Dragons), W Jones (Scarlets), T Francis (Exeter), B Davies, J Tipuric (both Ospreys), A Davies (Scarlets), G Anscombe (Cardiff), G North (Northampton).

I can see Ireland lose this one if Ireland don't open Wales up and score a try or two. Crash ball isn't going to work.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 21, 2018, 02:09:12 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 21, 2018, 01:41:05 PM
Wales name a stronger team than the one that took England to the wire;

Wales (v Ireland) - L Halfpenny (Scarlets); L Williams (Saracens), S Williams, H Parkes, S Evans (all Scarlets); D Biggar (Ospreys), G Davies; R Evans, K Owens, S Lee (all Scarlets); C Hill (Dragons), AW Jones (Ospreys); A Shingler (Scarlets), J Navidi (Cardiff), R Moriarty (Gloucester). Reps: E Dee (Dragons), W Jones (Scarlets), T Francis (Exeter), B Davies, J Tipuric (both Ospreys), A Davies (Scarlets), G Anscombe (Cardiff), G North (Northampton).

I can see Ireland lose this one if Ireland don't open Wales up and score a try or two. Crash ball isn't going to work.

Wales are toothless.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 21, 2018, 02:12:30 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 21, 2018, 02:09:12 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 21, 2018, 01:41:05 PM
Wales name a stronger team than the one that took England to the wire;

Wales (v Ireland) - L Halfpenny (Scarlets); L Williams (Saracens), S Williams, H Parkes, S Evans (all Scarlets); D Biggar (Ospreys), G Davies; R Evans, K Owens, S Lee (all Scarlets); C Hill (Dragons), AW Jones (Ospreys); A Shingler (Scarlets), J Navidi (Cardiff), R Moriarty (Gloucester). Reps: E Dee (Dragons), W Jones (Scarlets), T Francis (Exeter), B Davies, J Tipuric (both Ospreys), A Davies (Scarlets), G Anscombe (Cardiff), G North (Northampton).

I can see Ireland lose this one if Ireland don't open Wales up and score a try or two. Crash ball isn't going to work.

Wales are toothless.

That's what the Scots thought and the English were lucky the TMO was on their side. I'd say you youtube Liam Williams before you make comments about how toothless the Welsh might be.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 21, 2018, 02:31:56 PM
Liam Williams is a bandy legged hoor.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 21, 2018, 02:59:24 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 21, 2018, 02:12:30 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 21, 2018, 02:09:12 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 21, 2018, 01:41:05 PM
Wales name a stronger team than the one that took England to the wire;

Wales (v Ireland) - L Halfpenny (Scarlets); L Williams (Saracens), S Williams, H Parkes, S Evans (all Scarlets); D Biggar (Ospreys), G Davies; R Evans, K Owens, S Lee (all Scarlets); C Hill (Dragons), AW Jones (Ospreys); A Shingler (Scarlets), J Navidi (Cardiff), R Moriarty (Gloucester). Reps: E Dee (Dragons), W Jones (Scarlets), T Francis (Exeter), B Davies, J Tipuric (both Ospreys), A Davies (Scarlets), G Anscombe (Cardiff), G North (Northampton).

I can see Ireland lose this one if Ireland don't open Wales up and score a try or two. Crash ball isn't going to work.

Wales are toothless.

That's what the Scots thought and the English were lucky the TMO was on their side. I'd say you youtube Liam Williams before you make comments about how toothless the Welsh might be.

Wales didn't convert any of about ten trips into England's 22. Their best chance came off a ball that randomly hit a lad's knee and spilled over the try line.

If beating Scotland is your evidence of Wales being able to put big points on us, lord.. we could well win this one with a single try as our defence is fully capable of smothering them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AQMP on February 21, 2018, 03:07:47 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 21, 2018, 02:31:56 PM
Liam Williams is a bandy legged hoor.

Correct!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 21, 2018, 05:32:28 PM
Quote from: AQMP on February 21, 2018, 03:07:47 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 21, 2018, 02:31:56 PM
Liam Williams is a bandy legged hoor.

Correct!

Damn fine bandy legged hoor of a player though...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on February 22, 2018, 07:41:13 AM
Times says Furlong and Hendo both out. Porter to start with Ryan/Toner the lock combination.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 22, 2018, 12:04:31 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 21, 2018, 02:59:24 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 21, 2018, 02:12:30 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 21, 2018, 02:09:12 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 21, 2018, 01:41:05 PM
Wales name a stronger team than the one that took England to the wire;

Wales (v Ireland) - L Halfpenny (Scarlets); L Williams (Saracens), S Williams, H Parkes, S Evans (all Scarlets); D Biggar (Ospreys), G Davies; R Evans, K Owens, S Lee (all Scarlets); C Hill (Dragons), AW Jones (Ospreys); A Shingler (Scarlets), J Navidi (Cardiff), R Moriarty (Gloucester). Reps: E Dee (Dragons), W Jones (Scarlets), T Francis (Exeter), B Davies, J Tipuric (both Ospreys), A Davies (Scarlets), G Anscombe (Cardiff), G North (Northampton).

I can see Ireland lose this one if Ireland don't open Wales up and score a try or two. Crash ball isn't going to work.

Wales are toothless.

That's what the Scots thought and the English were lucky the TMO was on their side. I'd say you youtube Liam Williams before you make comments about how toothless the Welsh might be.

Wales didn't convert any of about ten trips into England's 22. Their best chance came off a ball that randomly hit a lad's knee and spilled over the try line.

If beating Scotland is your evidence of Wales being able to put big points on us, lord.. we could well win this one with a single try as our defence is fully capable of smothering them.

The absolute arrogance.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on February 22, 2018, 12:06:34 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 22, 2018, 12:04:31 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 21, 2018, 02:59:24 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 21, 2018, 02:12:30 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 21, 2018, 02:09:12 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 21, 2018, 01:41:05 PM
Wales name a stronger team than the one that took England to the wire;

Wales (v Ireland) - L Halfpenny (Scarlets); L Williams (Saracens), S Williams, H Parkes, S Evans (all Scarlets); D Biggar (Ospreys), G Davies; R Evans, K Owens, S Lee (all Scarlets); C Hill (Dragons), AW Jones (Ospreys); A Shingler (Scarlets), J Navidi (Cardiff), R Moriarty (Gloucester). Reps: E Dee (Dragons), W Jones (Scarlets), T Francis (Exeter), B Davies, J Tipuric (both Ospreys), A Davies (Scarlets), G Anscombe (Cardiff), G North (Northampton).

I can see Ireland lose this one if Ireland don't open Wales up and score a try or two. Crash ball isn't going to work.

Wales are toothless.

That's what the Scots thought and the English were lucky the TMO was on their side. I'd say you youtube Liam Williams before you make comments about how toothless the Welsh might be.

Wales didn't convert any of about ten trips into England's 22. Their best chance came off a ball that randomly hit a lad's knee and spilled over the try line.

If beating Scotland is your evidence of Wales being able to put big points on us, lord.. we could well win this one with a single try as our defence is fully capable of smothering them.

The absolute arrogance.

Just a tad.

Also,
    England for all their faults have a pretty mean defence and a lot of teams have camped on their 22 and ended up with nothing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: oakleaflad on February 22, 2018, 01:44:28 PM
Ireland team to face Wales

Ireland: Rob Kearney; Keith Earls, Chris Farrell, Bundi Aki, Jacob Stockdale; Johnny Sexton, Conor Murray; Cian Healy, Rory Best (C), Andrew Porter; James Ryan, Devin Toner; Peter O'Mahony, Dan Leavy, CJ Stander.

Reps: Sean Cronin, Jack McGrath, John Ryan, Quinn Roux, Jack Conan, Kieran Marmion, Joey Carberry, Fergus McFadden.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 22, 2018, 02:12:30 PM
Furlong is a massive loss!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 22, 2018, 02:37:07 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 22, 2018, 12:06:34 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 22, 2018, 12:04:31 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 21, 2018, 02:59:24 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 21, 2018, 02:12:30 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 21, 2018, 02:09:12 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 21, 2018, 01:41:05 PM
Wales name a stronger team than the one that took England to the wire;

Wales (v Ireland) - L Halfpenny (Scarlets); L Williams (Saracens), S Williams, H Parkes, S Evans (all Scarlets); D Biggar (Ospreys), G Davies; R Evans, K Owens, S Lee (all Scarlets); C Hill (Dragons), AW Jones (Ospreys); A Shingler (Scarlets), J Navidi (Cardiff), R Moriarty (Gloucester). Reps: E Dee (Dragons), W Jones (Scarlets), T Francis (Exeter), B Davies, J Tipuric (both Ospreys), A Davies (Scarlets), G Anscombe (Cardiff), G North (Northampton).

I can see Ireland lose this one if Ireland don't open Wales up and score a try or two. Crash ball isn't going to work.

Wales are toothless.

That's what the Scots thought and the English were lucky the TMO was on their side. I'd say you youtube Liam Williams before you make comments about how toothless the Welsh might be.

Wales didn't convert any of about ten trips into England's 22. Their best chance came off a ball that randomly hit a lad's knee and spilled over the try line.

If beating Scotland is your evidence of Wales being able to put big points on us, lord.. we could well win this one with a single try as our defence is fully capable of smothering them.

The absolute arrogance.

Just a tad.

Also,
    England for all their faults have a pretty mean defence and a lot of teams have camped on their 22 and ended up with nothing.

Schmidt's entire philosophy has been couched on quaility defense, in case you or the fella you quoted somehow missed it over the last five years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 22, 2018, 02:41:42 PM
Ireland have beaten Wales once in the last 5 meetings per the IT. I think they will need a big improvement from the French match.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 22, 2018, 03:16:29 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 22, 2018, 02:37:07 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 22, 2018, 12:06:34 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 22, 2018, 12:04:31 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 21, 2018, 02:59:24 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 21, 2018, 02:12:30 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 21, 2018, 02:09:12 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 21, 2018, 01:41:05 PM
Wales name a stronger team than the one that took England to the wire;

Wales (v Ireland) - L Halfpenny (Scarlets); L Williams (Saracens), S Williams, H Parkes, S Evans (all Scarlets); D Biggar (Ospreys), G Davies; R Evans, K Owens, S Lee (all Scarlets); C Hill (Dragons), AW Jones (Ospreys); A Shingler (Scarlets), J Navidi (Cardiff), R Moriarty (Gloucester). Reps: E Dee (Dragons), W Jones (Scarlets), T Francis (Exeter), B Davies, J Tipuric (both Ospreys), A Davies (Scarlets), G Anscombe (Cardiff), G North (Northampton).

I can see Ireland lose this one if Ireland don't open Wales up and score a try or two. Crash ball isn't going to work.

Wales are toothless.

That's what the Scots thought and the English were lucky the TMO was on their side. I'd say you youtube Liam Williams before you make comments about how toothless the Welsh might be.

Wales didn't convert any of about ten trips into England's 22. Their best chance came off a ball that randomly hit a lad's knee and spilled over the try line.

If beating Scotland is your evidence of Wales being able to put big points on us, lord.. we could well win this one with a single try as our defence is fully capable of smothering them.

The absolute arrogance.

Just a tad.

Also,
    England for all their faults have a pretty mean defence and a lot of teams have camped on their 22 and ended up with nothing.

Schmidt's entire philosophy has been couched on quaility defense, in case you or the fella you quoted somehow missed it over the last five years.

Wales have been very good at beating Ireland, if you somehow missed it over the last five years.

Only a fool would write Wales and especially Gatland off, he still hates Ireland. They'll be up for this. This will be nothing but a hard fought win, if that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on February 22, 2018, 03:18:09 PM
Quote from: oakleaflad on February 22, 2018, 01:44:28 PM
Ireland team to face Wales

Ireland: Rob Kearney; Keith Earls, Chris Farrell, Bundi Aki, Jacob Stockdale; Johnny Sexton, Conor Murray; Cian Healy, Rory Best (C), Andrew Porter; James Ryan, Devin Toner; Peter O'Mahony, Dan Leavy, CJ Stander.

Reps: Sean Cronin, Jack McGrath, John Ryan, Quinn Roux, Jack Conan, Kieran Marmion, Joey Carberry, Fergus McFadden.

It's Bundee Aki.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 22, 2018, 03:20:35 PM
Chris Farrell has had a bit of a meteoric rise. Or maybe more of a 'rebound'. Playing in France probably didn't help his Irish prospects. I have to say, watching him for Munster, he just seems to be a journeyman centre. I wouldn't have marked him down as an international. He has size, and is decent with ball in hand, but he's not a lad you'd see walking into the Leinster back line.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mouview on February 22, 2018, 03:22:25 PM
Where's Larmour, the next big thing?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on February 22, 2018, 03:30:43 PM
Quote from: mouview on February 22, 2018, 03:22:25 PM
Where's Larmour, the next big thing?

He's no Fergus McFadden!  :o
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 22, 2018, 03:34:08 PM
Quote from: mouview on February 22, 2018, 03:22:25 PM
Where's Larmour, the next big thing?

His defensive ineptitude when he came on against Italy means he's now further from the team than he was before it. It's hard to argue that he isn't a liability in Schmidt's system where tries are rare at either end in big games.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 22, 2018, 03:51:02 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 22, 2018, 03:34:08 PM
Quote from: mouview on February 22, 2018, 03:22:25 PM
Where's Larmour, the next big thing?

His defensive ineptitude when he came on against Italy means he's now further from the team than he was before it. It's hard to argue that he isn't a liability in Schmidt's system where tries are rare at either end in big games.

that's what screwed Zebo for years under Joe. He was a defensive liability. In fairness Joe told him so, and he worked hard on that aspect. Became a lot more solid.

Joe still doesn't like his laissez faire attitude and the Z though :)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 22, 2018, 03:53:13 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on February 22, 2018, 03:18:09 PM
Quote from: oakleaflad on February 22, 2018, 01:44:28 PM
Ireland team to face Wales

Ireland: Rob Kearney; Keith Earls, Chris Farrell, Bundi Aki, Jacob Stockdale; Johnny Sexton, Conor Murray; Cian Healy, Rory Best (C), Andrew Porter; James Ryan, Devin Toner; Peter O'Mahony, Dan Leavy, CJ Stander.

Reps: Sean Cronin, Jack McGrath, John Ryan, Quinn Roux, Jack Conan, Kieran Marmion, Joey Carberry, Fergus McFadden.

It's Bundee Aki.
Up Connacht
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnneycool on February 22, 2018, 04:31:21 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 22, 2018, 02:37:07 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 22, 2018, 12:06:34 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 22, 2018, 12:04:31 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 21, 2018, 02:59:24 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 21, 2018, 02:12:30 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 21, 2018, 02:09:12 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 21, 2018, 01:41:05 PM
Wales name a stronger team than the one that took England to the wire;

Wales (v Ireland) - L Halfpenny (Scarlets); L Williams (Saracens), S Williams, H Parkes, S Evans (all Scarlets); D Biggar (Ospreys), G Davies; R Evans, K Owens, S Lee (all Scarlets); C Hill (Dragons), AW Jones (Ospreys); A Shingler (Scarlets), J Navidi (Cardiff), R Moriarty (Gloucester). Reps: E Dee (Dragons), W Jones (Scarlets), T Francis (Exeter), B Davies, J Tipuric (both Ospreys), A Davies (Scarlets), G Anscombe (Cardiff), G North (Northampton).

I can see Ireland lose this one if Ireland don't open Wales up and score a try or two. Crash ball isn't going to work.

Wales are toothless.

That's what the Scots thought and the English were lucky the TMO was on their side. I'd say you youtube Liam Williams before you make comments about how toothless the Welsh might be.

Wales didn't convert any of about ten trips into England's 22. Their best chance came off a ball that randomly hit a lad's knee and spilled over the try line.

If beating Scotland is your evidence of Wales being able to put big points on us, lord.. we could well win this one with a single try as our defence is fully capable of smothering them.

The absolute arrogance.

Just a tad.

Also,
    England for all their faults have a pretty mean defence and a lot of teams have camped on their 22 and ended up with nothing.

Schmidt's entire philosophy has been couched on quaility defense, in case you or the fella you quoted somehow missed it over the last five years.

It may well be his philosophy and Ireland are good at it, but England are better at it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 22, 2018, 11:05:05 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 22, 2018, 03:20:35 PM
Chris Farrell has had a bit of a meteoric rise. Or maybe more of a 'rebound'. Playing in France probably didn't help his Irish prospects. I have to say, watching him for Munster, he just seems to be a journeyman centre. I wouldn't have marked him down as an international. He has size, and is decent with ball in hand, but he's not a lad you'd see walking into the Leinster back line.

He has size, you should have stopped your pondering there. Sadly physicality is now 70% of rugby.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on February 23, 2018, 12:25:43 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 22, 2018, 04:31:21 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 22, 2018, 02:37:07 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 22, 2018, 12:06:34 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 22, 2018, 12:04:31 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 21, 2018, 02:59:24 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 21, 2018, 02:12:30 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 21, 2018, 02:09:12 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 21, 2018, 01:41:05 PM
Wales name a stronger team than the one that took England to the wire;

Wales (v Ireland) - L Halfpenny (Scarlets); L Williams (Saracens), S Williams, H Parkes, S Evans (all Scarlets); D Biggar (Ospreys), G Davies; R Evans, K Owens, S Lee (all Scarlets); C Hill (Dragons), AW Jones (Ospreys); A Shingler (Scarlets), J Navidi (Cardiff), R Moriarty (Gloucester). Reps: E Dee (Dragons), W Jones (Scarlets), T Francis (Exeter), B Davies, J Tipuric (both Ospreys), A Davies (Scarlets), G Anscombe (Cardiff), G North (Northampton).

I can see Ireland lose this one if Ireland don't open Wales up and score a try or two. Crash ball isn't going to work.

Wales are toothless.

That's what the Scots thought and the English were lucky the TMO was on their side. I'd say you youtube Liam Williams before you make comments about how toothless the Welsh might be.

Wales didn't convert any of about ten trips into England's 22. Their best chance came off a ball that randomly hit a lad's knee and spilled over the try line.

If beating Scotland is your evidence of Wales being able to put big points on us, lord.. we could well win this one with a single try as our defence is fully capable of smothering them.

The absolute arrogance.

Just a tad.

Also,
    England for all their faults have a pretty mean defence and a lot of teams have camped on their 22 and ended up with nothing.

Schmidt's entire philosophy has been couched on quaility defense, in case you or the fella you quoted somehow missed it over the last five years.

It may well be his philosophy and Ireland are good at it, but England are better at it.

Yes and we criticise England for being so boring and sterile yet laud Schmidt as a tactical messiah. Can't have it both ways.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 23, 2018, 12:34:45 AM
Given we beat them handily last year and have won two of the last four Six Nations it's very questionable if they're better at anything than we are..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on February 23, 2018, 12:39:40 AM
The IRB rankings suggest otherwise.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 23, 2018, 12:44:17 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on February 23, 2018, 12:39:40 AM
The IRB rankings suggest otherwise.

They've continually ranked us in the top over the years only for us to never make a WC semi-final too. We beat them last time we played them. That means more than an algorithm.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 24, 2018, 03:19:29 PM
I bet the lads moaning about Aki a year ago are happy with him now..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on February 24, 2018, 03:34:25 PM
Its looking like a first win for the Irish against the Welsh in what 4 years?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: longballin on February 24, 2018, 03:34:33 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 24, 2018, 03:19:29 PM
I bet the lads moaning about Aki a year ago are happy with him now..

happy to see Ireland score and no issue with him personally but not a rule I'd agree with
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 24, 2018, 03:35:59 PM
Great performance with the tries.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 24, 2018, 03:37:17 PM
The idea that Wales were anything worthy of hand wringing seems to have been put to bed anyways.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: longballin on February 24, 2018, 03:39:19 PM
thou maybe speaketh too soon Syferus...  :(
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Mayo Mick on February 24, 2018, 03:42:43 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 24, 2018, 03:37:17 PM
The idea that Wales were anything worthy of hand wringing seems to have been put to bed anyways.

??? Only a score in it and Wales have a stronger bench. We will do well to hold on.

Bad decision not to take 3 points. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 24, 2018, 03:49:58 PM
Quote from: longballin on February 24, 2018, 03:39:19 PM
thou maybe speaketh too soon Syferus...  :(

Did I, though?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: longballin on February 24, 2018, 03:51:15 PM
hope not... Wales are a good team though Ireland has put up some show
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 24, 2018, 03:58:57 PM
Quote from: longballin on February 24, 2018, 03:51:15 PM
hope not... Wales are a good team though Ireland has put up some show

Book it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Mayo Mick on February 24, 2018, 04:00:00 PM
Lucky Murray kicked that penalty. Wales very dangerous in open play.  We need to get up the field and camp there.

Well that sealed it. Wales were no pushover
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on February 24, 2018, 04:02:20 PM
Game set and match.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 24, 2018, 04:03:17 PM
What a finish!!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: longballin on February 24, 2018, 04:03:36 PM
Great game! The Grand Slam is on.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 24, 2018, 04:05:01 PM
5 tries is a huge improvement. Great match
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 24, 2018, 04:05:53 PM
Easy peasy. If Sexton didn't have a mare we'd have put 50 on these lads.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 24, 2018, 04:08:18 PM
What about this boring Ireland team lads were talking about.

We were pretty awful in defence but overall it was a ballsy performance it takes serious effort to have that much possession in a match but Wales looked like they could carve us up anytime they had it.

Some game great to get over it!

PS. From open play Sexton was immense!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on February 24, 2018, 04:10:17 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 21, 2018, 02:09:12 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 21, 2018, 01:41:05 PM
Wales name a stronger team than the one that took England to the wire;

Wales (v Ireland) - L Halfpenny (Scarlets); L Williams (Saracens), S Williams, H Parkes, S Evans (all Scarlets); D Biggar (Ospreys), G Davies; R Evans, K Owens, S Lee (all Scarlets); C Hill (Dragons), AW Jones (Ospreys); A Shingler (Scarlets), J Navidi (Cardiff), R Moriarty (Gloucester). Reps: E Dee (Dragons), W Jones (Scarlets), T Francis (Exeter), B Davies, J Tipuric (both Ospreys), A Davies (Scarlets), G Anscombe (Cardiff), G North (Northampton).

I can see Ireland lose this one if Ireland don't open Wales up and score a try or two. Crash ball isn't going to work.

Wales are toothless.

And yet they ran through the Irish defence and scored three tries.

Toothless? Mmm.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 24, 2018, 04:11:18 PM
Big win for Ireland there, it was never going to be anything other than hard fought making a mockery of some folk calling the Welsh toothless.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 24, 2018, 04:11:55 PM
Sexton Murray Farrell and Stockdale were outstanding
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: longballin on February 24, 2018, 04:12:30 PM
Far from toothless... peeps say stuff like that to get attention
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 24, 2018, 04:13:49 PM
Quote from: longballin on February 24, 2018, 04:12:30 PM
Far from toothless... peeps say stuff like that to get attention

Not Syferus though he's . . . Oh actually you're right enough there!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: podge on February 24, 2018, 04:17:31 PM
Is there no better back up in the wings than Fergus mc fadden?  Good performance from the team- farrrel excellent
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Denn Forever on February 24, 2018, 04:17:52 PM
Best thing was no Ryle Nugent (and the win of course).
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on February 24, 2018, 04:38:03 PM
Quote from: podge on February 24, 2018, 04:17:31 PM
Is there no better back up in the wings than Fergus mc fadden?  Good performance from the team- farrrel excellent

+1

Shows that Joe Schmidt still always looking at his old reliables at Leinster, it is his weakness.  McFadden caused the game to be tighter than necessary with terrible tackling, etc.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 24, 2018, 04:41:29 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 24, 2018, 04:13:49 PM
Quote from: longballin on February 24, 2018, 04:12:30 PM
Far from toothless... peeps say stuff like that to get attention

Not Syferus though he's . . . Oh actually you're right enough there!

They got one try from a schoolboy error and gave up 50 easily scorable points. Ye don't really have much to go on to be gloating. Gatland teams hard to beat my arse. He's done and good riddance when he leaves next year.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 24, 2018, 05:45:03 PM
What was that about England's defence?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 24, 2018, 05:48:37 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 24, 2018, 05:45:03 PM
What was that about England's defence?
Only half time
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 24, 2018, 05:58:18 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 24, 2018, 05:48:37 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 24, 2018, 05:45:03 PM
What was that about England's defence?
Only half time

Do you get points off the board if you play well in the second half?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 24, 2018, 05:59:26 PM
Insufferable w**ker as usual syf.

Nigel Owens just making up rules to suit himself in this match. Not that I'll complain because he's f**king England.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 24, 2018, 06:30:10 PM
England no where near winning this match. Blaming it on the ref is some leap, but you're well used to making those.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: smelmoth on February 24, 2018, 06:44:57 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 24, 2018, 06:30:10 PM
England no where near winning this match. Blaming it on the ref is some leap, but you're well used to making those.

Scotland still in the mix.

Need France to do something next day out
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 24, 2018, 06:49:12 PM
Quote from: smelmoth on February 24, 2018, 06:44:57 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 24, 2018, 06:30:10 PM
England no where near winning this match. Blaming it on the ref is some leap, but you're well used to making those.

Scotland still in the mix.

Need France to do something next day out

England not getting a bonus point against France (who must fancy their chances now) and us beating Scotland with four tries and the tournament is over.  And even if they remain five behind heading to the final round they'd need to put four tries on us. Great chance to get the trophy in the bag early now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: under the bar on February 24, 2018, 09:23:57 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 24, 2018, 06:49:12 PM
Quote from: smelmoth on February 24, 2018, 06:44:57 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 24, 2018, 06:30:10 PM
England no where near winning this match. Blaming it on the ref is some leap, but you're well used to making those.

Scotland still in the mix.

Need France to do something next day out

England not getting a bonus point against France (who must fancy their chances now) and us beating Scotland with four tries and the tournament is over.  And even if they remain five behind heading to the final round they'd need to put five tires on us. Great chance to get the trophy in the bag early now.

Let's confine that sort of activity to history.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Orior on February 24, 2018, 09:26:52 PM
What does a team get for:

1) winning a match
2) drawing a match
3) how are bonus points decided?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: smelmoth on February 24, 2018, 09:57:02 PM
Quote from: Orior on February 24, 2018, 09:26:52 PM
What does a team get for:

1) winning a match.             4
2) drawing a match.             2
3) how are bonus points decided?     Losing by 7 or less or by scoring 4 tries. 3 bps to any team who wins all 5 games
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on February 26, 2018, 08:27:40 AM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on February 24, 2018, 04:38:03 PM
Quote from: podge on February 24, 2018, 04:17:31 PM
Is there no better back up in the wings than Fergus mc fadden?  Good performance from the team- farrrel excellent

+1

Shows that Joe Schmidt still always looking at his old reliables at Leinster, it is his weakness.  McFadden caused the game to be tighter than necessary with terrible tackling, etc.

+2

He needs to stop doing this. Tommy Bowe "trained the house down" last year and this year we have McFadden. There was big talk after he got into the squad of how well he was playing.....I watch little rugby but had seen him live against Exeter and on TV a couple of times and had remarked to people how bad he had become. A joke that he's even in the squad.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 26, 2018, 10:08:52 AM
Jamie Heaslip retired . . . didn't see that coming to be honest but maybe it was. A great servant to Ireland but he left the jersey in a better place than he found it so fair play to him!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 26, 2018, 10:37:43 AM
England have a lot of injuries this season. I wonder if that explains the Scotland performance 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 26, 2018, 11:11:41 AM
Quote from: seafoid on February 26, 2018, 10:37:43 AM
England have a lot of injuries this season. I wonder if that explains the Scotland performance

Scotland at Murrayfield are formidable to be fair,we got stung by them there last year - think they just wanted it more than England, England are now at the level where everything is geared up for the world cup and maybe New Zealand before that.

On a seperate note, any of you see the video of Laidlaw and Finn Russell? If that was the GAA there would be an outcry at the drink culture, great to see men can enjoy a win in sports - thats the way it should be.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on February 26, 2018, 11:25:55 AM
The GAA can hold it's head up high in terms of alcohol and substance abuse as well as gambling addiction. The organisation has been a world leader in most aspects of recognising and tackling the issues in these areas.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 26, 2018, 01:20:46 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 26, 2018, 10:08:52 AM
Jamie Heaslip retired . . . didn't see that coming to be honest but maybe it was. A great servant to Ireland but he left the jersey in a better place than he found it so fair play to him!
Is this a direct result of taking that knee in the back against France or was a recurring unrelated injury?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 26, 2018, 01:25:30 PM
Was it not the injury that happened in the warm up before the England game last year??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 26, 2018, 01:29:27 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 26, 2018, 01:20:46 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 26, 2018, 10:08:52 AM
Jamie Heaslip retired . . . didn't see that coming to be honest but maybe it was. A great servant to Ireland but he left the jersey in a better place than he found it so fair play to him!
Is this a direct result of taking that knee in the back against France or was a recurring unrelated injury?

It's unrelated, just a back injury from wear and tear that after two surgeries hasn't showed sufficient progress to allow him to play professional rugby. Of course you have Paul Kimmage at his Gobshite best claiming Heaslip wasn't injured at the time. Never played again. Know him since he was a kid but never got to know him, very private person. Very smart though like his brothers, will go well in the business world. He won't stay involved in rugby.  Best of luck to him, loved that try against France in Croke Park.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 26, 2018, 02:01:01 PM
The Scots are a funny lot. When they play England they go full Braveheart with the anti-English stuff.
Eddie Jones mentioned the abuse the English team got from the moment they disembarked the bus at the weekend.

Yet, when it came to voting for Independence, the Scottish rugby heartlands were the biggest Uncle Toms of all, voting the referendum down in the heaviest numbers.

Thou doth protest too much.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 26, 2018, 02:09:44 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on February 26, 2018, 02:01:01 PM
The Scots are a funny lot. When they play England they go full Braveheart with the anti-English stuff.
Eddie Jones mentioned the abuse the English team got from the moment they disembarked the bus at the weekend.

Yet, when it came to voting for Independence, the Scottish rugby heartlands were the biggest Uncle Toms of all, voting the referendum down in the heaviest numbers.

Thou doth protest too much.

Hating the English and possibly being short of money (a Scottish thing) would be a close call..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 26, 2018, 02:46:22 PM
Scotland is the Disneyland version of Ireland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Franko on February 26, 2018, 04:18:49 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 26, 2018, 01:29:27 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 26, 2018, 01:20:46 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 26, 2018, 10:08:52 AM
Jamie Heaslip retired . . . didn't see that coming to be honest but maybe it was. A great servant to Ireland but he left the jersey in a better place than he found it so fair play to him!
Is this a direct result of taking that knee in the back against France or was a recurring unrelated injury?

It's unrelated, just a back injury from wear and tear that after two surgeries hasn't showed sufficient progress to allow him to play professional rugby. Of course you have Paul Kimmage at his Gobshite best claiming Heaslip wasn't injured at the time. Never played again. Know him since he was a kid but never got to know him, very private person. Very smart though like his brothers, will go well in the business world. He won't stay involved in rugby.  Best of luck to him, loved that try against France in Croke Park.

What's Kimmage's gripe with Heaslip?  Saw a few discussions on twitter about Heaslip blocking various journalists.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on February 26, 2018, 04:24:05 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on February 26, 2018, 02:01:01 PM
The Scots are a funny lot. When they play England they go full Braveheart with the anti-English stuff.
Eddie Jones mentioned the abuse the English team got from the moment they disembarked the bus at the weekend.

Yet, when it came to voting for Independence, the Scottish rugby heartlands were the biggest Uncle Toms of all, voting the referendum down in the heaviest numbers.

Thou doth protest too much.

+1
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 26, 2018, 04:27:03 PM
Quote from: Franko on February 26, 2018, 04:18:49 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 26, 2018, 01:29:27 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 26, 2018, 01:20:46 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 26, 2018, 10:08:52 AM
Jamie Heaslip retired . . . didn't see that coming to be honest but maybe it was. A great servant to Ireland but he left the jersey in a better place than he found it so fair play to him!
Is this a direct result of taking that knee in the back against France or was a recurring unrelated injury?

It's unrelated, just a back injury from wear and tear that after two surgeries hasn't showed sufficient progress to allow him to play professional rugby. Of course you have Paul Kimmage at his Gobshite best claiming Heaslip wasn't injured at the time. Never played again. Know him since he was a kid but never got to know him, very private person. Very smart though like his brothers, will go well in the business world. He won't stay involved in rugby.  Best of luck to him, loved that try against France in Croke Park.

What's Kimmage's gripe with Heaslip?  Saw a few discussions on twitter about Heaslip blocking various journalists.

Above was when there was rumoors last year that Heaslip was going to be dropped for O'Mahoney and that he and the IRFU fabricated a story that Heaslip was injured.

Heaslip also failed a drug test in 2006 for high levels of testosterone.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tonto1888 on February 26, 2018, 04:36:09 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 26, 2018, 04:27:03 PM
Quote from: Franko on February 26, 2018, 04:18:49 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 26, 2018, 01:29:27 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 26, 2018, 01:20:46 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 26, 2018, 10:08:52 AM
Jamie Heaslip retired . . . didn't see that coming to be honest but maybe it was. A great servant to Ireland but he left the jersey in a better place than he found it so fair play to him!
Is this a direct result of taking that knee in the back against France or was a recurring unrelated injury?

It's unrelated, just a back injury from wear and tear that after two surgeries hasn't showed sufficient progress to allow him to play professional rugby. Of course you have Paul Kimmage at his Gobshite best claiming Heaslip wasn't injured at the time. Never played again. Know him since he was a kid but never got to know him, very private person. Very smart though like his brothers, will go well in the business world. He won't stay involved in rugby.  Best of luck to him, loved that try against France in Croke Park.

What's Kimmage's gripe with Heaslip?  Saw a few discussions on twitter about Heaslip blocking various journalists.

Above was when there was rumoors last year that Heaslip was going to be dropped for O'Mahoney and that he and the IRFU fabricated a story that Heaslip was injured.

Heaslip also failed a drug test in 2006 for high levels of testosterone.

really? I don't remember that, did it get a lot of coverage at the time?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 26, 2018, 04:42:31 PM
God no, Irish Sport do cover-ups as well as the UK.

It wasn't reported on as Heaslip was able to prove medically that he has high levels of naturally produced Testosterone, so no ban etc. If only he was South African.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tonto1888 on February 26, 2018, 04:43:15 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 26, 2018, 04:42:31 PM
God no, Irish Sport do cover-ups as well as the UK.

It wasn't reported on as Heaslip was able to prove medically that he has high levels of naturally produced Testosterone, so no ban etc. If only he was South African.

I didnt know that at all. Cheers
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on February 26, 2018, 04:58:58 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 24, 2018, 06:49:12 PM
Quote from: smelmoth on February 24, 2018, 06:44:57 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 24, 2018, 06:30:10 PM
England no where near winning this match. Blaming it on the ref is some leap, but you're well used to making those.

Scotland still in the mix.

Need France to do something next day out

England not getting a bonus point against France (who must fancy their chances now) and us beating Scotland with four tries and the tournament is over.  And even if they remain five behind heading to the final round they'd need to put four tries on us. Great chance to get the trophy in the bag early now.

Losing a grand slam game but still winning the championship would be very unsatisfying.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on February 26, 2018, 05:28:03 PM
Quote from: dec on February 26, 2018, 04:58:58 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 24, 2018, 06:49:12 PM
Quote from: smelmoth on February 24, 2018, 06:44:57 PM
Quote from: Syferus on February 24, 2018, 06:30:10 PM
England no where near winning this match. Blaming it on the ref is some leap, but you're well used to making those.

Scotland still in the mix.

Need France to do something next day out

England not getting a bonus point against France (who must fancy their chances now) and us beating Scotland with four tries and the tournament is over.  And even if they remain five behind heading to the final round they'd need to put four tries on us. Great chance to get the trophy in the bag early now.

Losing a grand slam game but still winning the championship would be very unsatisfying.

History remembers who wins the tournament, not who wins the last game. I'd have taken it if offered before the season.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on February 26, 2018, 09:57:08 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on February 26, 2018, 02:01:01 PM
The Scots are a funny lot. When they play England they go full Braveheart with the anti-English stuff.
Eddie Jones mentioned the abuse the English team got from the moment they disembarked the bus at the weekend.

Yet, when it came to voting for Independence, the Scottish rugby heartlands were the biggest Uncle Toms of all, voting the referendum down in the heaviest numbers.

Thou doth protest too much.

Plus 1. I dislike everything about Scotland. Strange miserable folk.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 02, 2018, 10:13:08 AM
Jonno Gibbes to step down as Ulster head coach at the end of the year. The circus that is Ulster Rugby continues. Time for Shane Logan and Bryn Cunningham to step down also. Farce of an organisation but knowing the arrogance of some of those involved I've zero sympathy for them!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: DuffleKing on March 02, 2018, 10:49:44 AM

Shane Logan and "The board" need to go if they are serious about progress. I hope they don't mind as I personally hate that organisation.

It's peculiar that the IRFU are continually willing to fund this pantomime.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 02, 2018, 11:42:59 AM
Don't forget Ulster delegates make up a portion of the IRFU. Leinster are the only province with their ducks in a row so to speak. The IRFU though are an amateur body trying to run a professional game. Ulster rugby are a shambles in every section from clubs to schools to coaching to players, they're structure. They need serious reform but it has to come from within Ulster, the IRFU can give them a framework but they have to put the work in. Ulster Rugby as a brand is pretty toxic at the moment.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on March 04, 2018, 09:14:08 AM
Little hope of change so long as they continue to draw almost full houses at Ravenhill with a huge bank of season ticket holders.  Only when people begin to vote with their feet will the penny drop. Interesting to see how 2019 tickets sell given brand toxicity because terrible team performances for the last number of years with so many head coaches and terrible signings haven't diminished sales.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 04, 2018, 01:41:03 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on March 04, 2018, 09:14:08 AM
Little hope of change so long as they continue to draw almost full houses at Ravenhill with a huge bank of season ticket holders.  Only when people begin to vote with their feet will the penny drop. Interesting to see how 2019 tickets sell given brand toxicity because terrible team performances for the last number of years with so many head coaches and terrible signings haven't diminished sales.

Season ticket prices frozen for next year but that's a load of balls seeing as there are less games in the Pro 14 and there's a very large prospect of no Champions Cup rugby as well!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 04, 2018, 02:45:19 PM
Stephen Ferris and Paddy Wallace aren't pulling any punches on Logan.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 04, 2018, 02:48:15 PM
Quote from: screenexile on March 04, 2018, 01:41:03 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on March 04, 2018, 09:14:08 AM
Little hope of change so long as they continue to draw almost full houses at Ravenhill with a huge bank of season ticket holders.  Only when people begin to vote with their feet will the penny drop. Interesting to see how 2019 tickets sell given brand toxicity because terrible team performances for the last number of years with so many head coaches and terrible signings haven't diminished sales.

Season ticket prices frozen for next year but that's a load of balls seeing as there are less games in the Pro 14 and there's a very large prospect of no Champions Cup rugby as well!!

Well in truth there is only a few champions cup games, they'll play in the grade below? The rugby played at Kingspan is usually successful so the Home fans are getting value, the away fixtures are the problem!

Been couple time this season and it's s decent night out
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 04, 2018, 03:22:02 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 04, 2018, 02:48:15 PM
Quote from: screenexile on March 04, 2018, 01:41:03 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on March 04, 2018, 09:14:08 AM
Little hope of change so long as they continue to draw almost full houses at Ravenhill with a huge bank of season ticket holders.  Only when people begin to vote with their feet will the penny drop. Interesting to see how 2019 tickets sell given brand toxicity because terrible team performances for the last number of years with so many head coaches and terrible signings haven't diminished sales.

Season ticket prices frozen for next year but that's a load of balls seeing as there are less games in the Pro 14 and there's a very large prospect of no Champions Cup rugby as well!!

Well in truth there is only a few champions cup games, they'll play in the grade below? The rugby played at Kingspan is usually successful so the Home fans are getting value, the away fixtures are the problem!

Been couple time this season and it's s decent night out

Decent night out!! Its professional sport man. Its been abysmal all season!

From players to blazers theres been no accountability at Ulster Rugby, everyone content in their little bubble. Until fans vote with their feet (which they are) nothing will change.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 04, 2018, 03:45:46 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 04, 2018, 03:22:02 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 04, 2018, 02:48:15 PM
Quote from: screenexile on March 04, 2018, 01:41:03 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on March 04, 2018, 09:14:08 AM
Little hope of change so long as they continue to draw almost full houses at Ravenhill with a huge bank of season ticket holders.  Only when people begin to vote with their feet will the penny drop. Interesting to see how 2019 tickets sell given brand toxicity because terrible team performances for the last number of years with so many head coaches and terrible signings haven't diminished sales.

Season ticket prices frozen for next year but that's a load of balls seeing as there are less games in the Pro 14 and there's a very large prospect of no Champions Cup rugby as well!!

Well in truth there is only a few champions cup games, they'll play in the grade below? The rugby played at Kingspan is usually successful so the Home fans are getting value, the away fixtures are the problem!

Been couple time this season and it's s decent night out

Decent night out!! Its professional sport man. Its been abysmal all season!

From players to blazers theres been no accountability at Ulster Rugby, everyone content in their little bubble. Until fans vote with their feet (which they are) nothing will change.

As a non supporter but someone interested in sport and watching rugby it's a good night out, I watched them beat Munster in January, they were beat off the pitch in the first half and came back and won the match. The other required a last minute try and conversion to win by a point against the Italian team.

They have suffered a lot of injuries lately and obviously the trial will have had an impact also.. there is plenty potential they just have to make it work! I just can't see huge numbers not going to watch them

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 05, 2018, 09:22:15 AM
Good read on Ulster Rugby here...

https://dementedmole.com/2018/03/04/its-grim-up-north-ulsters-malaise/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 05, 2018, 11:01:20 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 05, 2018, 09:22:15 AM
Good read on Ulster Rugby here...

https://dementedmole.com/2018/03/04/its-grim-up-north-ulsters-malaise/

I tried Walter god knows I did but I just didn't have the stamina for it!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LeoMc on March 05, 2018, 11:13:25 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 02, 2018, 10:13:08 AM
Jonno Gibbes to step down as Ulster head coach at the end of the year. The circus that is Ulster Rugby continues. Time for Shane Logan and Bryn Cunningham to step down also. Farce of an organisation but knowing the arrogance of some of those involved I've zero sympathy for them!
For a man stepping down for family reasons (Friday) it did not take him long to find another job (Monday).
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 05, 2018, 11:21:56 AM
Quote from: screenexile on March 05, 2018, 11:01:20 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 05, 2018, 09:22:15 AM
Good read on Ulster Rugby here...

https://dementedmole.com/2018/03/04/its-grim-up-north-ulsters-malaise/

I tried Walter god knows I did but I just didn't have the stamina for it!!

It was long un'. Structural change was required but poorly managed. Academy is shit. Recruitment is shit. Massive overhaul needed. Future is not bright.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 05, 2018, 11:22:30 AM
Quote from: screenexile on March 05, 2018, 11:01:20 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 05, 2018, 09:22:15 AM
Good read on Ulster Rugby here...

https://dementedmole.com/2018/03/04/its-grim-up-north-ulsters-malaise/

I tried Walter god knows I did but I just didn't have the stamina for it!!

Aye its a big read. The bit on Humphreys/McLaughlin is interesting!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on March 05, 2018, 11:22:46 AM
Quote from: LeoMc on March 05, 2018, 11:13:25 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 02, 2018, 10:13:08 AM
Jonno Gibbes to step down as Ulster head coach at the end of the year. The circus that is Ulster Rugby continues. Time for Shane Logan and Bryn Cunningham to step down also. Farce of an organisation but knowing the arrogance of some of those involved I've zero sympathy for them!
For a man stepping down for family reasons (Friday) it did not take him long to find another job (Monday).

https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2018/0305/945061-jono-gibbes-named-as-next-waikato-head-coach/ (https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2018/0305/945061-jono-gibbes-named-as-next-waikato-head-coach/)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on March 05, 2018, 11:24:36 AM
Dinny - would be interested on your view on Connacht and how they're doing with limited resources. From an outsider I'd say well but I really don't know the ins and outs of it.

Also - Leinster have massive demographic and cultural advantages on the other provinces. How much of their superiority in terms of structures is down to this?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 05, 2018, 01:01:57 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 05, 2018, 11:24:36 AM
Dinny - would be interested on your view on Connacht and how they're doing with limited resources. From an outsider I'd say well but I really don't know the ins and outs of it.

Also - Leinster have massive demographic and cultural advantages on the other provinces. How much of their superiority in terms of structures is down to this?

Connacht are punching. The Pro12 win in 2016 is all the proof you need. The big thing for Connacht was to remove the chip and align their always strong team ethic on the pitch with a business culture that needed to change, and get everyone moving in the same direction. Willie Ruane and Tom Sears before him were good appointments and Pat Lam was fantastic for Connacht at the culture level and he showed what a good coach can do. Good coaches make good players better. Connacht though are handicapped by their stadium, their avg attendance would be 7k+, whereas the other three would avg 16k+ so this reduces their ability to invest in grassroots, player wages back room teams etc and they are more dependent on the IRFU for financial support. The IRFU though know the value of Connacht.  They recruit wisely though and are very good at picking up unwanted/unspotted talent from Leinster and Munster and there is no stigma with signing for Connacht, there is the sense that Leinster players are reluctant to sign for Munster but see Connacht as opportunity to develop. For example one to watch in that sense is Sean Masterson from Portlaoise, brother of Eoghan, he's come through the clubs pathway, outstanding back-row but one thing Leinster don't need is another back-row, Connacht came knocking so he's joined their academy.

While I think Connacht have under-performed this year, you have to wait till year two and see what progress a coach is making, Keane is a good coach, good fit for Connacht, use to work with limited resources and coming from a innovative background. Connacht are a good bet for the European Challenge Cup.  So Connacht are doing well, there model works but like anything could be improved upon. New stadium would help.

As for Leinster yes numbers are important but they now have structures in place to harvest them properly. The big benefit for Leinster is how seriously schools take the Leinster Senior Cup and much they invest in coaching and facilities. These schools are essentially mini-academies, and your average training week for these guys is 3 pitch sessions, 2 gym sessions, 1 video session. This allows Leinster throw their coaching resources into the club game, 5 development squads for u16s, 3 centres of excellence for u17s and then the u18 youths. This is the route Tadgh Furlong, Joey Carberry, Adam Byrne etc have followed one to watch here is probably Ciaran Frawley, an out-half from Skerries. So Leinster have 2 pathways to identify and develop talent. Leinster also have more financial resources to fund these pathways but the problem for Leinster is like in any professional sport so much money goes towards the talent i.e. the players. So for any of the provinces once a players contract is up money has to be found from somewhere and generally costs have to be cut from other budgets such as coaching and development.

As for culture I credit Cheika for changing that on the professional playing side, recognised Leinster were soft and went about dismantling and building that back up. Then shrewd coaching appointments such as Joe Scmidt and now Stuart Lancaster have just driven standards and these guys back the Academy players which just helps grow the Academy's sense of worth. Leinster aren't perfect, the domestic game is seeing a drop off in the number of teams and participation rates are dropping particularly those kids who play in school buy have no club affiliation, they literally just give up playing. And personally I believe a strong domestic game fuels the future success of the professional game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 05, 2018, 02:27:22 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 05, 2018, 01:01:57 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 05, 2018, 11:24:36 AM
Dinny - would be interested on your view on Connacht and how they're doing with limited resources. From an outsider I'd say well but I really don't know the ins and outs of it.

Also - Leinster have massive demographic and cultural advantages on the other provinces. How much of their superiority in terms of structures is down to this?

Connacht are punching. The Pro12 win in 2016 is all the proof you need. The big thing for Connacht was to remove the chip and align their always strong team ethic on the pitch with a business culture that needed to change, and get everyone moving in the same direction. Willie Ruane and Tom Sears before him were good appointments and Pat Lam was fantastic for Connacht at the culture level and he showed what a good coach can do. Good coaches make good players better. Connacht though are handicapped by their stadium, their avg attendance would be 7k+, whereas the other three would avg 16k+ so this reduces their ability to invest in grassroots, player wages back room teams etc and they are more dependent on the IRFU for financial support. The IRFU though know the value of Connacht.  They recruit wisely though and are very good at picking up unwanted/unspotted talent from Leinster and Munster and there is no stigma with signing for Connacht, there is the sense that Leinster players are reluctant to sign for Munster but see Connacht as opportunity to develop. For example one to watch in that sense is Sean Masterson from Portlaoise, brother of Eoghan, he's come through the clubs pathway, outstanding back-row but one thing Leinster don't need is another back-row, Connacht came knocking so he's joined their academy.

While I think Connacht have under-performed this year, you have to wait till year two and see what progress a coach is making, Keane is a good coach, good fit for Connacht, use to work with limited resources and coming from a innovative background. Connacht are a good bet for the European Challenge Cup.  So Connacht are doing well, there model works but like anything could be improved upon. New stadium would help.

As for Leinster yes numbers are important but they now have structures in place to harvest them properly. The big benefit for Leinster is how seriously schools take the Leinster Senior Cup and much they invest in coaching and facilities. These schools are essentially mini-academies, and your average training week for these guys is 3 pitch sessions, 2 gym sessions, 1 video session. This allows Leinster throw their coaching resources into the club game, 5 development squads for u16s, 3 centres of excellence for u17s and then the u18 youths. This is the route Tadgh Furlong, Joey Carberry, Adam Byrne etc have followed one to watch here is probably Ciaran Frawley, an out-half from Skerries. So Leinster have 2 pathways to identify and develop talent. Leinster also have more financial resources to fund these pathways but the problem for Leinster is like in any professional sport so much money goes towards the talent i.e. the players. So for any of the provinces once a players contract is up money has to be found from somewhere and generally costs have to be cut from other budgets such as coaching and development.

As for culture I credit Cheika for changing that on the professional playing side, recognised Leinster were soft and went about dismantling and building that back up. Then shrewd coaching appointments such as Joe Scmidt and now Stuart Lancaster have just driven standards and these guys back the Academy players which just helps grow the Academy's sense of worth. Leinster aren't perfect, the domestic game is seeing a drop off in the number of teams and participation rates are dropping particularly those kids who play in school buy have no club affiliation, they literally just give up playing. And personally I believe a strong domestic game fuels the future success of the professional game.
If the GAA could flog them Staid na Gaoithe in Salthill and maybe tie it in with St Conleths in Newbridge everyone would be a winner.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on March 05, 2018, 03:02:46 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 05, 2018, 01:01:57 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 05, 2018, 11:24:36 AM
Dinny - would be interested on your view on Connacht and how they're doing with limited resources. From an outsider I'd say well but I really don't know the ins and outs of it.

Also - Leinster have massive demographic and cultural advantages on the other provinces. How much of their superiority in terms of structures is down to this?

Connacht are punching. The Pro12 win in 2016 is all the proof you need. The big thing for Connacht was to remove the chip and align their always strong team ethic on the pitch with a business culture that needed to change, and get everyone moving in the same direction. Willie Ruane and Tom Sears before him were good appointments and Pat Lam was fantastic for Connacht at the culture level and he showed what a good coach can do. Good coaches make good players better. Connacht though are handicapped by their stadium, their avg attendance would be 7k+, whereas the other three would avg 16k+ so this reduces their ability to invest in grassroots, player wages back room teams etc and they are more dependent on the IRFU for financial support. The IRFU though know the value of Connacht.  They recruit wisely though and are very good at picking up unwanted/unspotted talent from Leinster and Munster and there is no stigma with signing for Connacht, there is the sense that Leinster players are reluctant to sign for Munster but see Connacht as opportunity to develop. For example one to watch in that sense is Sean Masterson from Portlaoise, brother of Eoghan, he's come through the clubs pathway, outstanding back-row but one thing Leinster don't need is another back-row, Connacht came knocking so he's joined their academy.

While I think Connacht have under-performed this year, you have to wait till year two and see what progress a coach is making, Keane is a good coach, good fit for Connacht, use to work with limited resources and coming from a innovative background. Connacht are a good bet for the European Challenge Cup.  So Connacht are doing well, there model works but like anything could be improved upon. New stadium would help.

As for Leinster yes numbers are important but they now have structures in place to harvest them properly. The big benefit for Leinster is how seriously schools take the Leinster Senior Cup and much they invest in coaching and facilities. These schools are essentially mini-academies, and your average training week for these guys is 3 pitch sessions, 2 gym sessions, 1 video session. This allows Leinster throw their coaching resources into the club game, 5 development squads for u16s, 3 centres of excellence for u17s and then the u18 youths. This is the route Tadgh Furlong, Joey Carberry, Adam Byrne etc have followed one to watch here is probably Ciaran Frawley, an out-half from Skerries. So Leinster have 2 pathways to identify and develop talent. Leinster also have more financial resources to fund these pathways but the problem for Leinster is like in any professional sport so much money goes towards the talent i.e. the players. So for any of the provinces once a players contract is up money has to be found from somewhere and generally costs have to be cut from other budgets such as coaching and development.

As for culture I credit Cheika for changing that on the professional playing side, recognised Leinster were soft and went about dismantling and building that back up. Then shrewd coaching appointments such as Joe Scmidt and now Stuart Lancaster have just driven standards and these guys back the Academy players which just helps grow the Academy's sense of worth. Leinster aren't perfect, the domestic game is seeing a drop off in the number of teams and participation rates are dropping particularly those kids who play in school buy have no club affiliation, they literally just give up playing. And personally I believe a strong domestic game fuels the future success of the professional game.

Thanks Dinny, appreciate the time you took to post that. That all makes sense to me and explains things I might have thought but didn't know for sure.

Connacht's stadium is a big issue alright. Galway is the largest city and the team will get the biggest crowds there but it's located at one end of the province. You're right about the chip on the shoulder. As supporters some of us (definitely me) still have it (which is probably ok) but the players and organisation have got rid of it and that was needed. You can't have that negativity taking away from your energy. The development in the game across the province is unbelievable. The club here in Sligo being a case in point. Not long ago I had a very enjoyable night/morning in the rugby club on the back of a Connacht junior cup win which was a tremendous achievement at any time for the club. A good crossover from my GAA club including the coach and captain that time so it was great stuff. They won the Connacht senior cup this year though. I know the coach and he's excellent....they've just developed so well that club.

Thanks again Dinny.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 05, 2018, 04:04:26 PM
Sligo RFC are doing great stuff, even gave mighty Lansdowne a good run for it the Bateman Cup too. They should have been home and hosed in AIL 2C but hit a poor run losing to the 3 bottom teams in a row. Still you can see they are putting the work into underage (a number of Irish u20 and u18 reps as well as Connacht underage) so the basis for their success is there to see. GAA and Club Rugby seem to compliment each other well, as summer and winter sports and only at elite is there a competition for players. I would be a big fan of any club in any sport that just invests in their own underage structures and drives participation, it's the only way to sustain it and one of the reasons why the GAA is successful. The ease of transfers in rugby and soccer does not help the growth of either sport. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Orchard park on March 05, 2018, 04:06:01 PM
how many in Sligo RFC firsts play club hurling or gaelic ????
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 05, 2018, 05:31:24 PM
I know a New Zealand lad who was brought over to play rugby for Sligo. Is it common place that these clubs set up lads like the American GAA clubs do?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 05, 2018, 07:09:03 PM
Quote from: Syferus on March 05, 2018, 05:31:24 PM
I know a New Zealand lad who was brought over to play rugby for Sligo. Is it common place that these clubs set up lads like the American GAA clubs do?

Very common, clubs will bring in a player, you are allowed one overseas player i.e. non-EU package would normally be flight, accommodation and assistance finding a job. Probably looking at a package cost of 5k. Pretty much every AIL club would have an overseas player and some of the bigger Junior clubs. You will see lots of Irish lads head out to Oz on the same arrangement. If you have talent and a good attitude it's a great way to see the world.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 05, 2018, 07:18:40 PM
If Connacht had a stadium holding 16k would it be able to fill it? The population of Connacht is about one third that of Munster and Ulster.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on March 05, 2018, 09:34:47 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 05, 2018, 07:18:40 PM
If Connacht had a stadium holding 16k would it be able to fill it? The population of Connacht is about one third that of Munster and Ulster.
no.
I've gone to one Connacht game in Musgrave Park v Munster.
I swore never to go again.
more entertainment at a junior b football or hurling game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on March 07, 2018, 10:39:02 AM
Major blow to Pro14 followers as BBC lost the rights to home games for next season, includes N.Ireland, Scotland and Wales.  Premier Sports, a ppv company, has bought the rights and local rugby leaves free to air viewers.

SKY have lost out to Eir and TG4 have been pushed out as well unless someone can compel an Irish language rugby broadcast, perhaps highlights.

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/full-story-behind-bbc-losing-14376276 (https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/full-story-behind-bbc-losing-14376276)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on March 07, 2018, 02:37:45 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on March 07, 2018, 10:39:02 AM
Major blow to Pro14 followers as BBC lost the rights to home games for next season, includes N.Ireland, Scotland and Wales.  Premier Sports, a ppv company, has bought the rights and local rugby leaves free to air viewers.

SKY have lost out to Eir and TG4 have been pushed out as well unless someone can compel an Irish language rugby broadcast, perhaps highlights.

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/full-story-behind-bbc-losing-14376276 (https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/full-story-behind-bbc-losing-14376276)
Short sighted of Pro14. Should be on RTE and BBC to drum up as much interest as possible, until the Pro 14 league becomes as important to fans as the English and French leagues are to their fans. Then they could sell to a highest bidder.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on March 07, 2018, 02:58:29 PM
Longer term development has been taken over by the immediate need for cash to pay higher wages and keep players from going into the english and French leagues.  A short sighted view would be that more will turn up to see what is no longer available but the opposite will be true and the TV audience will just move on.

Already this week the SKY package went up by £4-50 with nothing to show for it.  Another £10 minimum to see Pro14 would have to be for the real diehard TV fans and with previous free service there won't be many lining up to buy in.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 07, 2018, 08:57:41 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on March 07, 2018, 10:39:02 AM
Major blow to Pro14 followers as BBC lost the rights to home games for next season, includes N.Ireland, Scotland and Wales.  Premier Sports, a ppv company, has bought the rights and local rugby leaves free to air viewers.

SKY have lost out to Eir and TG4 have been pushed out as well unless someone can compel an Irish language rugby broadcast, perhaps highlights.

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/full-story-behind-bbc-losing-14376276 (https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/full-story-behind-bbc-losing-14376276)

That's a bollix ! Easy Friday night viewing
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on March 08, 2018, 06:23:33 PM
the ulster rugby crowd might have to learn some Irish
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on March 09, 2018, 08:57:52 AM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on March 08, 2018, 06:23:33 PM
the ulster rugby crowd might have to learn some Irish

Arlene demands an Irish Language Act now!!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: oakleaflad on March 09, 2018, 09:41:11 AM
Team vs Scotland. Furlong and Ringrose start with Henderson back on the bench. J Murphy and J Larmour also been given places on the bench.

IRELAND: R Kearney, K Earls, G Ringrose, B Aki, J Stockdale, J Sexton, C Murray; C Healy, R Best, T Furlong, J Ryan, D Toner, P O'Mahony, D Leavy, CJ Stander. Replacements: S Cronin, J McGrath, A Porter, I Henderson, J Murphy, K Marmion, J Carbery, J Larmour.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 09, 2018, 09:45:45 AM
https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/six-nations/neil-francis-i-couldnt-sleep-this-week-and-came-to-a-shocking-realisation-ireland-are-now-playing-warrenball-36682460.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 09, 2018, 12:43:48 PM
Ireland by at least 10 points. Would be nice if England were battered by the French.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Fuzzman on March 09, 2018, 02:10:36 PM
Have decided to go over for the England game on Paddy's day but as yet don't have a ticket.
Don't suppose anyone has 2 hanging out of their back pocket?

I presume hen's teeth come to mind and that only those high up in clubs get them?


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 10, 2018, 03:37:39 PM
Ireland's defence are under a lot of pressure when teams go wide on them!!

We should be comfortable here but liable to concede a try every time Scotland has the ball.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: longballin on March 10, 2018, 03:56:09 PM
Looks comfortable from where i'm sitting.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 10, 2018, 03:57:20 PM
Six Nations in the bag. England ain't scoring four tries against both France and us.

Scotland were paper tigers.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on March 10, 2018, 04:09:53 PM
Quote from: Fuzzman on March 09, 2018, 02:10:36 PM
Have decided to go over for the England game on Paddy's day but as yet don't have a ticket.
Don't suppose anyone has 2 hanging out of their back pocket?

I presume hen's teeth come to mind and that only those high up in clubs get them?
Might be a few going spare if you hang around the Laganside courthouse in Belfast next Friday afternoon.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 10, 2018, 04:16:25 PM
Ah I'm ultra paranoid. Scotland butchered at least 2 nailed on chances though there are problems in that defence to work on for next week.

Should be the championship barring something ridiculous from England.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 10, 2018, 05:17:22 PM
Quote from: Fuzzman on March 09, 2018, 02:10:36 PM
Have decided to go over for the England game on Paddy's day but as yet don't have a ticket.
Don't suppose anyone has 2 hanging out of their back pocket?

I presume hen's teeth come to mind and that only those high up in clubs get them?
Depending on this match now the English fans may decide to ditch some of their tickets.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 10, 2018, 06:43:12 PM
England embarrassed . If Ireland beat them next week that would be three in a row for England, pressure on Eddie to quit?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 10, 2018, 06:49:08 PM
3 in 5. Joe Schmidt what a coach. He deserves a grand slam.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 10, 2018, 07:09:06 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 10, 2018, 06:43:12 PM
England embarrassed . If Ireland beat them next week that would be three in a row for England, pressure on Eddie to quit?

Nope.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: grounded on March 10, 2018, 07:23:46 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 09, 2018, 12:43:48 PM
Ireland by at least 10 points. Would be nice if England were battered by the French.

You're on fire!!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 10, 2018, 07:36:56 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 10, 2018, 06:43:12 PM
England embarrassed . If Ireland beat them next week that would be three in a row for England, pressure on Eddie to quit?
He has a big mouth and it looks like the Nigels were overtrained
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CiKe on March 10, 2018, 08:11:05 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 10, 2018, 07:36:56 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 10, 2018, 06:43:12 PM
England embarrassed . If Ireland beat them next week that would be three in a row for England, pressure on Eddie to quit?
He has a big mouth and it looks like the Nigels were overtrained

Bad run if they are but do them no harm to get their egoes bruised 18months out. Don't think there are any standout coaches around waiting to step into the wings.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on March 10, 2018, 08:33:50 PM
Well that proved to be easy. I think we can beat the English as well next week, provided we don't have any injuries during the week.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 10, 2018, 09:24:26 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on March 10, 2018, 08:33:50 PM
Well that proved to be easy. I think we can beat the English as well next week, provided we don't have any injuries during the week.

Probably all on the sauce I'd say! Free one for England
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: galwayman on March 10, 2018, 09:31:22 PM
It's still a very tough task to beat England at Twickenham despite their back to back defeats in the last two games.
Much like we are difficult to beat at the Aviva they are likewise at Twickers.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 10, 2018, 09:33:28 PM
Quote from: grounded on March 10, 2018, 07:23:46 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 09, 2018, 12:43:48 PM
Ireland by at least 10 points. Would be nice if England were battered by the French.

You're on fire!!!!
To be fair shorts odds on that double.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on March 11, 2018, 08:17:13 AM
I've just backed Ireland at 5/6 on Betfair to win the Six Nations. It's still on offer.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 11, 2018, 08:32:54 AM
Quote from: Hardy on March 11, 2018, 08:17:13 AM
I've just backed Ireland at 5/6 on Betfair to win the Six Nations. It's still on offer.

That's the grand slam betting!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on March 11, 2018, 09:21:16 AM
Taking Italy out of the equation, has anyone won an away fixture other than Ireland?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on March 11, 2018, 11:28:46 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 11, 2018, 08:32:54 AM
Quote from: Hardy on March 11, 2018, 08:17:13 AM
I've just backed Ireland at 5/6 on Betfair to win the Six Nations. It's still on offer.

That's the grand slam betting!

It's not. It's disappeared now but this morning there was a "To win the Six Nations" market, with only one contender - Ireland 5/6. I just put on the minimum bet of €2 out of curiosity to see what would happen. It's still there under "My Bets", but my account hasn't been debited so I assume the bet will be voided.

Update: my account has now been debited by the €2 so the bet still stands for now.

Further update: The market has reappeared, now titled "To win the Six Nations but not the Grand Slam" and the detail on my bet has been similarly adjusted. I suppose I could complain that that wasn't what I signed up for but I know they'll just use the "obvious error" clause.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 11, 2018, 11:53:34 AM
Quote from: Hardy on March 11, 2018, 11:28:46 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 11, 2018, 08:32:54 AM
Quote from: Hardy on March 11, 2018, 08:17:13 AM
I've just backed Ireland at 5/6 on Betfair to win the Six Nations. It's still on offer.

That's the grand slam betting!

It's not. It's disappeared now but this morning there was a "To win the Six Nations" market, with only one contender - Ireland 5/6. I just put on the minimum bet of €2 out of curiosity to see what would happen. It's still there under "My Bets", but my account hasn't been debited so I assume the bet will be voided.

Update: my account has now been debited by the €2 so the bet still stands for now.

Further update: The market has reappeared, now titled "To win the Six Nations but not the Grand Slam" and the detail on my bet has been similarly adjusted. I suppose I could complain that that wasn't what I signed up for but I know they'll just use the "obvious error" clause.

They screw you over online betting! I'd a bet done a while back and thinking this was a steal when they voided my bet claiming an error on their part, they only refunded my stake after I'd complained two days later!

Still it's evens for Ireland to win in England, totally depends on Ireland's attitude, they haven't even played that well! So if they muster up some decent form for the English then they might win, massive game to win their.

When did they win last?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Boycey on March 11, 2018, 12:05:45 PM
I looked on Betfair this morning and could see Ireland 5/6 to win 6Nations but not the Grand Slam, is this the bet you did?

I thought it was clever wording, in effect its backing them to draw or lose next week??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on March 11, 2018, 01:33:48 PM
I did my bet at about 7:50. The link said "To win the Six Nations". When I checked around 11:00+ my bet slip just said "To win the Six Nations". A few minutes later it had been changed to "but not ..."
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 11, 2018, 02:39:07 PM
Ireland beat England''s grand slam attempts 3 times in the last few years. England will want to return the favour.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on March 12, 2018, 12:04:06 AM
Quote from: seafoid on March 11, 2018, 02:39:07 PM
Ireland beat England''s grand slam attempts 3 times in the last few years. England will want to return the favour.

They certainly will but we are capable of beating them over there. Will need to play very well but I think we can do it. We shouldn't fear this....we're the number 2 ranked team in the world for a reason. But we need to go at it with absolutely everything.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 12, 2018, 12:59:11 PM
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2018/mar/12/six-nations-talking-points-from-the-weekends-action

England require dramatic improvement to beat Ireland

When the post-match debate centres on whether England were poorer in Murrayfield or Paris, there is definitely trouble at mill. They never looked remotely likely to score the four tries required to retain a mathematical interest in the Six Nations title race and it would have been distinctly rough justice on France had the visitors sneaked home late on in Saint Denis. One or two England players felt afterwards they might have received a penalty for French defenders going off their feet at the final ruck under the posts; it would still not have erased the horrors of the previous 79 minutes. In many ways this was even worse than Edinburgh; until the latter stages, Eddie Jones's side made barely any consistent attacking headway and will need a dramatic improvement to topple the Grand Slam-chasing Ireland. The last time England lost three Six Nations games on the trot was 12 years ago. Robert Kitson

) Ireland are relentless but their defence is suspect

Whatever the opinions about Ireland and their method – and there has been curious dissent over the way they play – they make you tackle. This was not quite the record-breaking 256-tackle fest France were put through in round one, but the 190 tackles Scotland had to make is enough to be getting on with in Dublin. Ireland are nothing if not relentless. Another curiosity, though, is the fallibility of their own Andy Farrell-constructed defence. Three home games, seven tries conceded – and they were carved up enough times by Scotland to make that tally seem flattering. Whether England prove the team to exploit this remains to be seen. Michael Aylwin 

While Wales can point to narrow defeats in Twickenham and Dublin, they are trailing the Irish because, at a time when their gameplan is evolving, they lack the accuracy of the champions. Some of their play against Italy was sublime, passing in contact, running clever support lines and sensing space, but they were also guilty of over-exuberance and conceded too many penalties.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on March 12, 2018, 01:28:15 PM
There's a bit of sense in that as Scotland butchered two good try scoring chances when the game was still in the mix but in fairness to Sexton he did a fine job in saving one of them by slowing up the play and forcing the pass which didn't come off.
Stockdale missed a few tackles and someone flew up once and was caught in no man's land for another Scottish opportunity.

Fair play to the Irish lads though, they took most of what was on offer and it didn't look like the scots would close the margin.

England were poor yet again against the French, devoid of a plan it seems, but the French near gifted them the win at the death by not getting the kick in touch with the clock already run out!
Had to laugh a Paul O'Connell talking over the commentry at the second last English lineout about not complicating it and just ensuring you win possession and build, just as they were f**king it up much to Brian Moores histrionics.
;D


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on March 12, 2018, 02:35:42 PM
Quote from: Hardy on March 11, 2018, 11:28:46 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 11, 2018, 08:32:54 AM
Quote from: Hardy on March 11, 2018, 08:17:13 AM
I've just backed Ireland at 5/6 on Betfair to win the Six Nations. It's still on offer.

That's the grand slam betting!

It's not. It's disappeared now but this morning there was a "To win the Six Nations" market, with only one contender - Ireland 5/6. I just put on the minimum bet of €2 out of curiosity to see what would happen. It's still there under "My Bets", but my account hasn't been debited so I assume the bet will be voided.

Update: my account has now been debited by the €2 so the bet still stands for now.

Further update: The market has reappeared, now titled "To win the Six Nations but not the Grand Slam" and the detail on my bet has been similarly adjusted. I suppose I could complain that that wasn't what I signed up for but I know they'll just use the "obvious error" clause.
I'd urge caution on taking advantage of mistakes by bookies.

After a non-runner was declared in a race about 18 months ago, Skybet made a hash of the re-pricing. I then bet on all 3 of the remaining runners, which would have left me with a guaranteed profit of €50 or €60, no matter which of the 3 won.
Skybet then noticed, and voided all 3 of the bets, which was fair enough. But then they banned me from all promotions and restricted my bets so the most I could win for any bet was €50. Hoors!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 12, 2018, 08:05:33 PM
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2018/mar/12/ireland-new-heights-new-zealand-game-enticing-prospect
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 12, 2018, 08:20:47 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 12, 2018, 08:05:33 PM
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2018/mar/12/ireland-new-heights-new-zealand-game-enticing-prospect

First comment is talking about us dealing with being favourites, despite the fact we've been the pick of the bunch overall in Europe for most of the last five years and have continually beaten all but NZ from the south. Jesus wept. They've dealt with being favoured admirably.

English writers hyping up an Authumn test with NZ to try and puff us up when only the third Grand Slam in our history is on the table. I know which of the two matches everyone in Ireland would prefer to win.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on March 13, 2018, 12:11:55 PM
Cian Healy had a shoulder injury it seems, it looked a lot worse on Saturday all the same.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 13, 2018, 12:18:37 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on March 13, 2018, 12:11:55 PM
Cian Healy had a shoulder injury it seems, it looked a lot worse on Saturday all the same.


Is he out??

Big loss. Serious ball carrier and against England you need 4 props!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 13, 2018, 12:30:19 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on March 13, 2018, 12:11:55 PM
Cian Healy had a shoulder injury it seems, it looked a lot worse on Saturday all the same.

He looked to be sparked out to me!! I'd say he'll play this weekend if it's just a "stinger".
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on March 13, 2018, 01:04:37 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 13, 2018, 12:18:37 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on March 13, 2018, 12:11:55 PM
Cian Healy had a shoulder injury it seems, it looked a lot worse on Saturday all the same.


Is he out??

Big loss. Serious ball carrier and against England you need 4 props!

No he's in.

Considering a lot of people thought it was a HIA you'd hope the IRFU are doing the right thing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 13, 2018, 01:39:12 PM
IRFU have said he received a stinger to the shoulder/trapezius area and is fit for selection. Has put in serious shifts when playing this 6 Nations so they'll do everything to keep him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on March 13, 2018, 01:43:00 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 13, 2018, 12:18:37 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on March 13, 2018, 12:11:55 PM
Cian Healy had a shoulder injury it seems, it looked a lot worse on Saturday all the same.


Is he out??

Big loss. Serious ball carrier and against England you need 4 props!
healy has had some turnaround he looked finished during last years tour of USA and Japan but has been impressive in the six nations , looks to have lost a few kgs which given him a bit more mobility
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: grounded on March 13, 2018, 08:05:00 PM
Quote from: Gmac on March 13, 2018, 01:43:00 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 13, 2018, 12:18:37 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on March 13, 2018, 12:11:55 PM
Cian Healy had a shoulder injury it seems, it looked a lot worse on Saturday all the same.




Is he out??

Big loss. Serious ball carrier and against England you need 4 props!
healy has had some turnaround he looked finished during last years tour of USA and Japan but has been impressive in the six nations , looks to have lost a few kgs which given him a bit more mobility

Great post. After such a meteoric rise early in his career he sort of stalled for a while there. Loosing that bulk has definitely helped with his mobility and he is playing great stuff for Leinster and Ireland(back to the form early in his career). Although he is only 30, the stresses placed on the bodies of these players will generally lead to shorter career spans. I suppose that's in the back of his mind.
     Saying that, at the minute there is a great mix of experience and youth in this Irish setup. Really exciting times. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on March 13, 2018, 09:13:55 PM
Quote from: grounded on March 13, 2018, 08:05:00 PM
Quote from: Gmac on March 13, 2018, 01:43:00 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 13, 2018, 12:18:37 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on March 13, 2018, 12:11:55 PM
Cian Healy had a shoulder injury it seems, it looked a lot worse on Saturday all the same.




Is he out??

Big loss. Serious ball carrier and against England you need 4 props!
healy has had some turnaround he looked finished during last years tour of USA and Japan but has been impressive in the six nations , looks to have lost a few kgs which given him a bit more mobility

Great post. After such a meteoric rise early in his career he sort of stalled for a while there. Loosing that bulk has definitely helped with his mobility and he is playing great stuff for Leinster and Ireland(back to the form early in his career). Although he is only 30, the stresses placed on the bodies of these players will generally lead to shorter career spans. I suppose that's in the back of his mind.
     Saying that, at the minute there is a great mix of experience and youth in this Irish setup. Really exciting times.

Whilst it's a gruelling position they normally get 50 to 55 minutes max whereas poor Mike Ross had to last the 80 or the Irish scrum was reversing at a serious rate of noughts.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 14, 2018, 08:15:54 AM
What's everyone's thoughts about Saturday? My heart days Ireland, head says England won't lose 3 in a row!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 14, 2018, 08:38:23 AM
I thought it was going to be a clash of 2 unbeaten sides for the prize of the Grand Slam. Then England went and lost to Scotland. Eddie J said he knew what was wrong . Then they lost to France 

I read somewhere that England had 15 injuries going in to the tournament. . I think something is not right with England. So am tentatively hopeful for the right result. But I remember 2003
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 14, 2018, 09:56:47 AM
Quote from: seafoid on March 14, 2018, 08:38:23 AM
I thought it was going to be a clash of 2 unbeaten sides for the prize of the Grand Slam. Then England went and lost to Scotland. Eddie J said he knew what was wrong . Then they lost to France 

I read somewhere that England had 15 injuries going in to the tournament. . I think something is not right with England. So am tentatively hopeful for the right result. But I remember 2003

They may have injuries but those are squad players bar Youngs
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: HiMucker on March 14, 2018, 10:01:18 AM
England look lost.  They look like a team that doesn't believe in what they are doing.  They will bring fierce intensity in the opening 20mins.  If Ireland can take the lead during this period I think they will win comfortably.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 14, 2018, 10:07:15 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 14, 2018, 09:56:47 AM
Quote from: seafoid on March 14, 2018, 08:38:23 AM
I thought it was going to be a clash of 2 unbeaten sides for the prize of the Grand Slam. Then England went and lost to Scotland. Eddie J said he knew what was wrong . Then they lost to France 

I read somewhere that England had 15 injuries going in to the tournament. . I think something is not right with England. So am tentatively hopeful for the right result. But I remember 2003

They may have injuries but those are squad players bar Youngs
The squad is important given the injury rate. Henshaw and van der Flier didn't make it to the end of the tournament . Ringrose is third choice in his position but he lined out the other day.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 14, 2018, 10:14:58 AM
Ringrose is 1st choice when fit and available.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on March 14, 2018, 10:16:56 AM
Quote from: seafoid on March 14, 2018, 10:07:15 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 14, 2018, 09:56:47 AM
Quote from: seafoid on March 14, 2018, 08:38:23 AM
I thought it was going to be a clash of 2 unbeaten sides for the prize of the Grand Slam. Then England went and lost to Scotland. Eddie J said he knew what was wrong . Then they lost to France 

I read somewhere that England had 15 injuries going in to the tournament. . I think something is not right with England. So am tentatively hopeful for the right result. But I remember 2003

They may have injuries but those are squad players bar Youngs
The squad is important given the injury rate. Henshaw and van der Flier didn't make it to the end of the tournament . Ringrose is third choice in his position but he lined out the other day.

Neither did the other big centre Chris Farrell from the north who plays for Munster.

Is Ultan Dillane back in the reckoning?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 14, 2018, 10:27:58 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 14, 2018, 10:14:58 AM
Ringrose is 1st choice when fit and available.
Fair enough but first choice players aren't always fit, available or in form.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 14, 2018, 10:28:12 AM
Dillane is in the squad, would have featured against Italy except for the death of his mother. Just another example of the depth Schmidt is creating:- Henderson 26, Dillane 24, Ryan 21. It's why Donnacha Ryan 34 didn't get a national contract.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on March 14, 2018, 10:32:30 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 14, 2018, 10:14:58 AM
Ringrose is 1st choice when fit and available.

Yeah I'd agree with that too. Although the way rugby is played now it's impossible to pick a preferred first choice 15 with the amount of injuries. The squad depth at the moment is incredible bar the obvious drop in quality in replacements at 9 & 10 (only because they are amongst the worlds best in their position)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on March 14, 2018, 10:36:03 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 14, 2018, 10:28:12 AM
Dillane is in the squad, would have featured against Italy except for the death of his mother. Just another example of the depth Schmidt is creating:- Henderson 26, Dillane 24, Ryan 21. It's why Donnacha Ryan 34 didn't get a national contract.

Schmidt is not making the players. The provinces are. If anything he was too slow to blood lads but thankfully has learned the lesson. The depth in Irish rugby at the moment is significant.

Ryan was offered a contract but it was for buttons. You'd have to question Best getting one at 35 by that rationale.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 14, 2018, 10:40:59 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 14, 2018, 10:28:12 AM
Dillane is in the squad, would have featured against Italy except for the death of his mother. Just another example of the depth Schmidt is creating:- Henderson 26, Dillane 24, Ryan 21. It's why Donnacha Ryan 34 didn't get a national contract.

But Heaslip did, and now he's retired while Donnacha is flying in France. And we have as many/more back rows and potential 8s as we have locks.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 14, 2018, 10:48:29 AM
Quote from: square_ball on March 14, 2018, 10:32:30 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 14, 2018, 10:14:58 AM
Ringrose is 1st choice when fit and available.

Yeah I'd agree with that too. Although the way rugby is played now it's impossible to pick a preferred first choice 15 with the amount of injuries. The squad depth at the moment is incredible bar the obvious drop in quality in replacements at 9 & 10 (only because they are amongst the worlds best in their position)
It's very hard to combine being a top.shagger with unerring penalty kicking.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 14, 2018, 10:49:47 AM
Ireland seem to be in a good positon in terms of squad depth ahead of the World Cup.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on March 14, 2018, 10:52:24 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 14, 2018, 10:36:03 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 14, 2018, 10:28:12 AM
Dillane is in the squad, would have featured against Italy except for the death of his mother. Just another example of the depth Schmidt is creating:- Henderson 26, Dillane 24, Ryan 21. It's why Donnacha Ryan 34 didn't get a national contract.

Schmidt is not making the players. The provinces are. If anything he was too slow to blood lads but thankfully has learned the lesson. The depth in Irish rugby at the moment is significant.

Ryan was offered a contract but it was for buttons. You'd have to question Best getting one at 35 by that rationale.

Probably because of his level headed approach to leading/organising the team rather than being a world leading hooker.  The other options for captain are not great.  Sexton is not a captain he fails to see the bigger picture in needing to ensure others are just as important as him. Note how Wales scored immediately after he stood arguing with the referee about a Welsh HIA instead of organising his team to be ready for the next attack.  Murray seems to be the next choice when Sexton goes off and while less self absorbed than Sexton he is not the answer. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 14, 2018, 10:56:10 AM
The rugby community is really getting behind Doddie Weir who has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease


https://doddiegump.com
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 14, 2018, 10:58:11 AM
Quote from: seafoid on March 14, 2018, 10:56:10 AM
The rugby community is really getting behind Doddie Weir who has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease


https://doddiegump.com

It's a very sad story
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 14, 2018, 10:58:54 AM
Quote from: square_ball on March 14, 2018, 10:32:30 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 14, 2018, 10:14:58 AM
Ringrose is 1st choice when fit and available.

Yeah I'd agree with that too. Although the way rugby is played now it's impossible to pick a preferred first choice 15 with the amount of injuries. The squad depth at the moment is incredible bar the obvious drop in quality in replacements at 9 & 10 (only because they are amongst the worlds best in their position)

The drop off from Murray to Marmion is incredible and I like Marmion, wouldn't be a fan of McGrath. Murray is player of the tournament for me.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 14, 2018, 11:00:31 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 14, 2018, 10:40:59 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 14, 2018, 10:28:12 AM
Dillane is in the squad, would have featured against Italy except for the death of his mother. Just another example of the depth Schmidt is creating:- Henderson 26, Dillane 24, Ryan 21. It's why Donnacha Ryan 34 didn't get a national contract.

But Heaslip did, and now he's retired while Donnacha is flying in France. And we have as many/more back rows and potential 8s as we have locks.

Heaslip was World Class, apples and oranges.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 14, 2018, 11:04:54 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 14, 2018, 11:00:31 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 14, 2018, 10:40:59 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 14, 2018, 10:28:12 AM
Dillane is in the squad, would have featured against Italy except for the death of his mother. Just another example of the depth Schmidt is creating:- Henderson 26, Dillane 24, Ryan 21. It's why Donnacha Ryan 34 didn't get a national contract.

But Heaslip did, and now he's retired while Donnacha is flying in France. And we have as many/more back rows and potential 8s as we have locks.

Heaslip was World Class, apples and oranges.

*was. He wasn't world class when they gave him the new contract, and there were several lads knocking on the door in the  back row. Donnacha Ryan was a very important contributor to Ireland and Munster, and they let him walk.

I don't think it's Leinster bias by the way, I just think it was a poor business decision at that time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 14, 2018, 11:07:50 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 14, 2018, 10:36:03 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 14, 2018, 10:28:12 AM
Dillane is in the squad, would have featured against Italy except for the death of his mother. Just another example of the depth Schmidt is creating:- Henderson 26, Dillane 24, Ryan 21. It's why Donnacha Ryan 34 didn't get a national contract.

Schmidt is not making the players. The provinces are. If anything he was too slow to blood lads but thankfully has learned the lesson. The depth in Irish rugby at the moment is significant.

Ryan was offered a contract but it was for buttons. You'd have to question Best getting one at 35 by that rationale.

The facts don't back up that assertion. Just look at Ryan who played for Ireland before Leinster, Porter, Stockdale and Lamour from this season alone. Dillane, Van De Flier, Carberry etc He is in year 5 and has given 50 1st caps.

Ryan wasn't offered a national contract but a provincial one with Munster and it wasn't for buttons either. Ryan made a personal choice to go to France.

Hooker is a concern going forward.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 14, 2018, 11:24:14 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 14, 2018, 10:58:54 AM
Quote from: square_ball on March 14, 2018, 10:32:30 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 14, 2018, 10:14:58 AM
Ringrose is 1st choice when fit and available.

Yeah I'd agree with that too. Although the way rugby is played now it's impossible to pick a preferred first choice 15 with the amount of injuries. The squad depth at the moment is incredible bar the obvious drop in quality in replacements at 9 & 10 (only because they are amongst the worlds best in their position)

The drop off from Murray to Marmion is incredible and I like Marmion, wouldn't be a fan of McGrath. Murray is player of the tournament for me.

I think Cooney should have got more game time this 6 nations. Hes been outstanding behind an awful Ulster pack all season. McGrath has a world class pack to play behind.

It would show real balls if Schmidt left Murray and Sexton at home this summer and made Carberry his first choice 10 and let the other lads battle it out for 9.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Jim_Murphy_74 on March 14, 2018, 11:24:30 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 14, 2018, 10:36:03 AM
Ryan was offered a contract but it was for buttons. You'd have to question Best getting one at 35 by that rationale.

It would appear that Joe and his team feel Rory will still be the man come WC 2019.

No real reason to think he won't be.

/Jim.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 14, 2018, 11:26:09 AM
Best is so anonymous. Do we really lose anything by starting Cronin? I think he carries a much better treat from play too.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 14, 2018, 11:26:35 AM
Quote from: Jim_Murphy_74 on March 14, 2018, 11:24:30 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 14, 2018, 10:36:03 AM
Ryan was offered a contract but it was for buttons. You'd have to question Best getting one at 35 by that rationale.

It would appear that Joe and his team feel Rory will still be the man come WC 2019.

No real reason to think he won't be.

/Jim.

Best is a leader and just a hard nosed f*ck.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 14, 2018, 11:27:01 AM
Quote from: Syferus on March 14, 2018, 11:26:09 AM
Best is so anonymous. Do we really lose anything by starting Cronin? I think he carries a much better treat from play too.

Ignorance.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Jim_Murphy_74 on March 14, 2018, 11:27:13 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 14, 2018, 11:07:50 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 14, 2018, 10:36:03 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 14, 2018, 10:28:12 AM
Dillane is in the squad, would have featured against Italy except for the death of his mother. Just another example of the depth Schmidt is creating:- Henderson 26, Dillane 24, Ryan 21. It's why Donnacha Ryan 34 didn't get a national contract.

Schmidt is not making the players. The provinces are. If anything he was too slow to blood lads but thankfully has learned the lesson. The depth in Irish rugby at the moment is significant.

Ryan was offered a contract but it was for buttons. You'd have to question Best getting one at 35 by that rationale.

The facts don't back up that assertion. Just look at Ryan who played for Ireland before Leinster, Porter, Stockdale and Lamour from this season alone. Dillane, Van De Flier, Carberry etc He is in year 5 and has given 50 1st caps.


Correct, some of the above were brought to Ireland camps very early in the careers after being picked out by Schmidt.  He has been conservative to date but results are on his side.  Of course surpassing our record of quarter-finals in World Cup is the remaining acid test.

/Jim.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 14, 2018, 11:29:21 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 14, 2018, 11:27:01 AM
Quote from: Syferus on March 14, 2018, 11:26:09 AM
Best is so anonymous. Do we really lose anything by starting Cronin? I think he carries a much better treat from play too.

Ignorance.

I see some pretty damn wonky throwing from our captain most matches. Knowing Schmidt he thinks he's somehow much better than Cronin at the busy work but I wouldn't be so convinced.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 14, 2018, 11:30:22 AM
Quote from: Jim_Murphy_74 on March 14, 2018, 11:27:13 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 14, 2018, 11:07:50 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 14, 2018, 10:36:03 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 14, 2018, 10:28:12 AM
Dillane is in the squad, would have featured against Italy except for the death of his mother. Just another example of the depth Schmidt is creating:- Henderson 26, Dillane 24, Ryan 21. It's why Donnacha Ryan 34 didn't get a national contract.

Schmidt is not making the players. The provinces are. If anything he was too slow to blood lads but thankfully has learned the lesson. The depth in Irish rugby at the moment is significant.

Ryan was offered a contract but it was for buttons. You'd have to question Best getting one at 35 by that rationale.

The facts don't back up that assertion. Just look at Ryan who played for Ireland before Leinster, Porter, Stockdale and Lamour from this season alone. Dillane, Van De Flier, Carberry etc He is in year 5 and has given 50 1st caps.


Correct, some of the above were brought to Ireland camps very early in the careers after being picked out by Schmidt.  He has been conservative to date but results are on his side.  Of course surpassing our record of quarter-finals in World Cup is the remaining acid test.

/Jim.

3 championships in 5 years is a far greater achievement than failure to win 2 one-off games. 6 nations is the bread and butter.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GaillimhIarthair on March 14, 2018, 11:41:06 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 14, 2018, 11:30:22 AM
Quote from: Jim_Murphy_74 on March 14, 2018, 11:27:13 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 14, 2018, 11:07:50 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 14, 2018, 10:36:03 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 14, 2018, 10:28:12 AM
Dillane is in the squad, would have featured against Italy except for the death of his mother. Just another example of the depth Schmidt is creating:- Henderson 26, Dillane 24, Ryan 21. It's why Donnacha Ryan 34 didn't get a national contract.

Schmidt is not making the players. The provinces are. If anything he was too slow to blood lads but thankfully has learned the lesson. The depth in Irish rugby at the moment is significant.

Ryan was offered a contract but it was for buttons. You'd have to question Best getting one at 35 by that rationale.

The facts don't back up that assertion. Just look at Ryan who played for Ireland before Leinster, Porter, Stockdale and Lamour from this season alone. Dillane, Van De Flier, Carberry etc He is in year 5 and has given 50 1st caps.


Correct, some of the above were brought to Ireland camps very early in the careers after being picked out by Schmidt.  He has been conservative to date but results are on his side.  Of course surpassing our record of quarter-finals in World Cup is the remaining acid test.

/Jim.

3 championships in 5 years is a far greater achievement than failure to win 2 one-off games. 6 nations is the bread and butter.
Agreed, BUT, we need to progress past a WC Qtr Final at the very least next time round - we have underachieved in a couple of WC's to this point.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 14, 2018, 11:41:36 AM
Anyone heading to Japan?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 14, 2018, 11:56:12 AM
Quote from: Syferus on March 14, 2018, 11:29:21 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 14, 2018, 11:27:01 AM
Quote from: Syferus on March 14, 2018, 11:26:09 AM
Best is so anonymous. Do we really lose anything by starting Cronin? I think he carries a much better treat from play too.

Ignorance.

I see some pretty damn wonky throwing from our captain most matches. Knowing Schmidt he thinks he's somehow much better than Cronin at the busy work but I wouldn't be so convinced.

The only issue I have with Best is his lineout consistency. It's probably been the chink in his armour for a few years. Around the pitch, and in the scrum, he seems solid enough.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 14, 2018, 11:56:33 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 14, 2018, 11:41:36 AM
Anyone heading to Japan?

I doubt it. Typical Joe Pro-Leinster bias!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sweeper 123 on March 14, 2018, 11:58:17 AM
and we would know who is better - I think Joe is getting it pretty right on; Best is a great player
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 14, 2018, 11:59:38 AM
Quote from: GaillimhIarthair on March 14, 2018, 11:41:06 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 14, 2018, 11:30:22 AM
Quote from: Jim_Murphy_74 on March 14, 2018, 11:27:13 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 14, 2018, 11:07:50 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 14, 2018, 10:36:03 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 14, 2018, 10:28:12 AM
Dillane is in the squad, would have featured against Italy except for the death of his mother. Just another example of the depth Schmidt is creating:- Henderson 26, Dillane 24, Ryan 21. It's why Donnacha Ryan 34 didn't get a national contract.

Schmidt is not making the players. The provinces are. If anything he was too slow to blood lads but thankfully has learned the lesson. The depth in Irish rugby at the moment is significant.

Ryan was offered a contract but it was for buttons. You'd have to question Best getting one at 35 by that rationale.

The facts don't back up that assertion. Just look at Ryan who played for Ireland before Leinster, Porter, Stockdale and Lamour from this season alone. Dillane, Van De Flier, Carberry etc He is in year 5 and has given 50 1st caps.


Correct, some of the above were brought to Ireland camps very early in the careers after being picked out by Schmidt.  He has been conservative to date but results are on his side.  Of course surpassing our record of quarter-finals in World Cup is the remaining acid test.

/Jim.

3 championships in 5 years is a far greater achievement than failure to win 2 one-off games. 6 nations is the bread and butter.
Agreed, BUT, we need to progress past a WC Qtr Final at the very least next time round - we have underachieved in a couple of WC's to this point.

I don't disagree but I wouldn't get hung up on the WC as higher barometer of success than consistency in the 6 nations. It's too easy a stick to beat people with.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 14, 2018, 12:00:38 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 14, 2018, 11:41:36 AM
Anyone heading to Japan?

I am thinking about it just because Japan is on my bucket list. Will be expensive.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 14, 2018, 12:23:06 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 14, 2018, 12:00:38 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 14, 2018, 11:41:36 AM
Anyone heading to Japan?

I am thinking about it just because Japan is on my bucket list. Will be expensive.

You have a year to get some sort of coaching role!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 14, 2018, 12:25:39 PM
Fellas in work are already looking at the supplier audit schedule next year trying to organise dates to coincide with the WC as if nobody knows what they are at!  :D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: passedit on March 14, 2018, 12:27:33 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 14, 2018, 11:41:36 AM
Anyone heading to Japan?

I have two tickets for each of Ireland's group games, cost me over a grand but suspect this will be a drop in the ocean compared with the overall cost of the trip. Japan has been on the missus's bucket list for a while. I finally caved in when they scheduled the world cup for there. Anybody been there before?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on March 14, 2018, 12:46:39 PM
Best will be 37 when the next World Cup starts. Hard to believe he'll be playing to the level required. Are there any top hookers playing well at international level at 37?

Schmidt learned his lesson of being too conservative with young prospects at the last world cup. He has adapted admirably.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 14, 2018, 12:48:40 PM
Quote from: passedit on March 14, 2018, 12:27:33 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 14, 2018, 11:41:36 AM
Anyone heading to Japan?

I have two tickets for each of Ireland's group games, cost me over a grand but suspect this will be a drop in the ocean compared with the overall cost of the trip. Japan has been on the missus's bucket list for a while. I finally caved in when they scheduled the world cup for there. Anybody been there before?

Got offered tickets for the Scotland game the other day and said yes. Flights around 500-600. Apparently a very expensive country but would be a once in a lifetime trip.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Clov on March 14, 2018, 12:57:32 PM
I don't think any of you will regret going - a great country.
I went to the 2002 world cup and enjoyed every minute.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on March 14, 2018, 02:02:09 PM
Blow to EJ as two of his backbone are ruled out for season:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/43403423 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/43403423)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on March 14, 2018, 02:21:04 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 14, 2018, 11:26:35 AM
Quote from: Jim_Murphy_74 on March 14, 2018, 11:24:30 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 14, 2018, 10:36:03 AM
Ryan was offered a contract but it was for buttons. You'd have to question Best getting one at 35 by that rationale.

It would appear that Joe and his team feel Rory will still be the man come WC 2019.

No real reason to think he won't be.

/Jim.

Best is a leader and just a hard nosed f*ck.

He is also a key man in the choke tackle and turnover ball, although less noticeable this year.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 14, 2018, 02:27:29 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 14, 2018, 12:23:06 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 14, 2018, 12:00:38 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 14, 2018, 11:41:36 AM
Anyone heading to Japan?

I am thinking about it just because Japan is on my bucket list. Will be expensive.

You have a year to get some sort of coaching role!

Ha! No chance. Although the Irish u20s coach was a former assistant coach of mine so I do wonder where I went wrong*  :)

* more money in IT.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Jim_Murphy_74 on March 14, 2018, 03:40:51 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 14, 2018, 11:30:22 AM
3 championships in 5 years is a far greater achievement than failure to win 2 one-off games. 6 nations is the bread and butter.

Don't disagree but I think he will want to improve on the World Cup after last time.

/Jim.



Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 14, 2018, 03:52:20 PM
A potential WC 1/4 final v South Africa could be very difficult. I'm just glad it wont be Argentina.

Is there any more word on a potential match against New Zealand in the US this autumn??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on March 14, 2018, 04:01:15 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on March 14, 2018, 02:02:09 PM
Blow to EJ as two of his backbone are ruled out for season:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/43403423 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/43403423)
Like Hendo for us, I don't think Lawes works in the back row, unless in emergencies. A very good lock though.

Vunipola has been the massive loss from 8. Don't think there'll be a huge difference between Hughes and whoever ends up replacing him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on March 14, 2018, 04:13:34 PM
Quote from: Hound on March 14, 2018, 04:01:15 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on March 14, 2018, 02:02:09 PM
Blow to EJ as two of his backbone are ruled out for season:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/43403423 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/43403423)
Like Hendo for us, I don't think Lawes works in the back row, unless in emergencies. A very good lock though.

Vunipola has been the massive loss from 8. Don't think there'll be a huge difference between Hughes and whoever ends up replacing him.

Virtually provides a starting place for Haskell.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on March 14, 2018, 04:56:49 PM
This is an interesting talking point for Saturday ;

http://www.the42.ie/ireland-six-nations-referee-england-3902803-Mar2018/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on March 14, 2018, 04:57:44 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 14, 2018, 03:52:20 PM
A potential WC 1/4 final v South Africa could be very difficult. I'm just glad it wont be Argentina.

Is there any more word on a potential match against New Zealand in the US this autumn??

f**king Italy.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on March 14, 2018, 05:25:47 PM
Interesting thoughts on the game on Sat form Eddie Jones in this talk last year;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-btm103ZXN4#t=17m43s


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on March 14, 2018, 05:51:09 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 14, 2018, 03:52:20 PM
A potential WC 1/4 final v South Africa could be very difficult. I'm just glad it wont be Argentina.

Is there any more word on a potential match against New Zealand in the US this autumn??

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_end-of-year_rugby_union_internationals

10 November 2018 Ireland     v     Argentina Aviva Stadium, Dublin

17 November 2018 Ireland     v     New Zealand Aviva Stadium, Dublin

24 November 2018 Ireland     v    Tier 2 nation Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bamboo on March 14, 2018, 07:16:55 PM
I see Eddie thinks we're 'scummy' and that Wales is a 'sh*tty little place'. Lots of apologising going on tonight to cover his tracks.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 14, 2018, 07:17:45 PM
Quote from: bamboo on March 14, 2018, 07:16:55 PM
I see Eddie thinks we're 'scummy' and that Wales is a 'sh*tty little place'. Lots of apologising going on tonight to cover his tracks.

He's a bit of a **** is Eddie.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 14, 2018, 07:36:24 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 14, 2018, 07:17:45 PM
Quote from: bamboo on March 14, 2018, 07:16:55 PM
I see Eddie thinks we're 'scummy' and that Wales is a 'sh*tty little place'. Lots of apologising going on tonight to cover his tracks.

He's a bit of a **** is Eddie.
He is very arrogant but the talk is very interesting
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 14, 2018, 08:03:40 PM
https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2018/0314/947482-eddie-jones-apologises-for-scummy-irish-slur/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: brokencrossbar1 on March 14, 2018, 09:11:32 PM
Have that wee speech on repeat all week and England will be ripped apart
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Aaron Boone on March 14, 2018, 10:46:24 PM
U wonder who had that nugget in the locker the last 8 months. 2 straight losses for England and it appears.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on March 14, 2018, 11:11:16 PM
Quote from: Aaron Boone on March 14, 2018, 10:46:24 PM
U wonder who had that nugget in the locker the last 8 months. 2 straight losses for England and it appears.

Eddie would not be loved by many in English rugby, his nature doesn't endear him to many and with the recent losses there will be plenty willing to move against him.  The premiership clubs do not have a great relationship with the RFU and the rate of attrition on their players in the England squad is proving very costly.  Eddie has been critical of the levels of fitness achieved by the clubs with the England players.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on March 14, 2018, 11:26:55 PM
England look overtrained, physically and mentally
they did a mini preseason camp before the six nations

completely clueless in the last two games.
poor skill levels
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 15, 2018, 04:29:25 AM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on March 14, 2018, 11:26:55 PM
England look overtrained, physically and mentally
they did a mini preseason camp before the six nations

completely clueless in the last two games.
poor skill levels

Cue a 10 point England win.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Asal Mor on March 15, 2018, 09:03:08 AM
Matt Williams was on Second Captains and said the fact that one of the assistant refs for Saturday took part in an English training session was "unheard of". World Rugby are apparently very annoyed about it and investigating the matter.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 15, 2018, 09:04:03 AM
Quote from: Asal Mor on March 15, 2018, 09:03:08 AM
Matt Williams was on Second Captains and said the fact that one of the assistant refs for Saturday took part in an English training session was "unheard of". World Rugby are apparently very annoyed about it and investigating the matter.

Sure just drop him so if they are very annoyed.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 15, 2018, 09:10:42 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 15, 2018, 09:04:03 AM
Quote from: Asal Mor on March 15, 2018, 09:03:08 AM
Matt Williams was on Second Captains and said the fact that one of the assistant refs for Saturday took part in an English training session was "unheard of". World Rugby are apparently very annoyed about it and investigating the matter.

Sure just drop him so if they are very annoyed.

I know when I was managing our senior team in the latter stages of the club finals I would have asked referee's to come in and do talks about what referees are looking for in games and how to work with different styles of referees.. this though has crossed the line in that he's actually working the match!!

Unless he was there before the appointment, which would have been grand, anything else I'd say they would have no other outcome other than to get someone else
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on March 15, 2018, 09:28:15 AM
This is actually working in our favour but we should just shut up and get on with it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 15, 2018, 09:33:54 AM
England aim to be like NZ but if they lose they might end up 5th
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Asal Mor on March 15, 2018, 09:38:42 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 15, 2018, 09:28:15 AM
This is actually working in our favour but we should just shut up and get on with it.
I think it will too. Ireland are refusing to comment on it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 15, 2018, 10:09:02 AM
If they can beat England at Twickers it will be some achievement.
In 1972 Ireland beat England and France away but Scotland and Wales refused to play in Ireland. That probably would have been another grand slam. And there haven't been many
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on March 15, 2018, 10:23:37 AM
If there was a possibility of the players losing focus after winning the tournament, the Eddie Jones comments and the assistant referee controversy should help sharpen Ireland again.

On EJ, I've always reckoned that with our glare firmly fixed on England, we tend not to notice how boorish Australian sports people are. Though even by Australian standards, Jones is in senior hurling for trash talking.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 15, 2018, 10:34:44 AM
I've always said that. The Aussies are the worst I've ever seen for boorishness (as you put it) and arrogance.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on March 15, 2018, 12:41:33 PM
Absolutely agree. Complete absence of sportsmanship.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: passedit on March 15, 2018, 12:57:31 PM
I think the compromise rules opened most Irish people's eyes to the 'sportsmanship' of the Aussies.
BTW I hit the first page of this thread by mistake and the first post is a real blast from the past, the year of Ireland's last grand slam. Some familiar and almost forgotton names in there. Fergus Mc Fadden wtf!

Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on October 27, 2009, 05:26:16 PM
39-man panel for Ireland's upcoming Guinness Series of internationals against Australia, Fiji and South Africa:

Tommy Bowe (Ospreys)
Neil Best (Northampton Saints)
Tony Buckley (Shannon/Munster)
Darren Cave (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
Tom Court (Malone/Ulster)
Sean Cronin (Buccaneers/Connacht)*
Leo Cullen (Blackrock College/Leinster)
Gordon D'Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster)
Gavin Duffy (Galwegians/Connacht)
Keith Earls (Young Munster/Munster)
Stephen Ferris (Dungannon/Ulster)
Luke Fitzgerald (Blackrock College/Leinster)
Jerry Flannery (Shannon/Munster)
John Fogarty (De La Salle Palmerston/Leinster)*
John Hayes (Bruff/Munster)
Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster)*
Jamie Heaslip (Naas/Leinster)
Chris Henry (Ballymena/Ulster)*
Marcus Horan (Shannon/Munster)
Shane Horgan (Boyne/Leinster)
Robert Kearney (UCD/Leinster)
Denis Leamy (Cork Constitution/Munster)
Fergus McFadden (UCD/Leinster)*
Donncha O'Callaghan (Cork Constitution/Munster)
Paul O'Connell (Young Munster/Munster)
Brian O'Driscoll (UCD/Leinster)
Ronan O'Gara (Cork Constitution/Munster)
Tomas O'Leary (Dolphin/Munster)
Sean O'Brien (Clontarf/Leinster)*
Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster)
Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster)
Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster)
Jonathan Sexton (St.Mary's College/Leinster)*
Peter Stringer (Shannon/Munster)
Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster)*
Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster)
David Wallace (Garryowen/Munster)
Paddy Wallace (Ballymena/Ulster)
Brett Wilkinson (Galwegians/Connacht)*

* Denotes uncapped player


Looks like the end of the road for Quinny, Girve and Mal O'Kelly. Good to see the likes of Cronin and O'Brien involved. Unlike O'Sullivan, Kidney doesn't appear to have any hesitation about giving the younger unproven talent a chance.

How does Gavin Duffy keep getting called up to these squads though?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on March 15, 2018, 01:37:03 PM
Hartley, Sinckler, Kruis and Haskell all come in for England on Saturday. Speaks volumes as to what is about to unfold.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Jim_Murphy_74 on March 15, 2018, 01:51:35 PM
Quote from: passedit on March 15, 2018, 12:57:31 PM
I think the compromise rules opened most Irish people's eyes to the 'sportsmanship' of the Aussies.
BTW I hit the first page of this thread by mistake and the first post is a real blast from the past, the year of Ireland's last grand slam. Some familiar and almost forgotton names in there. Fergus Mc Fadden wtf!

I guess it's the same Fergus McFadden that featured in the squad for Wales game this year?

/Jim.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 15, 2018, 01:56:47 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on March 15, 2018, 01:37:03 PM
Hartley, Sinckler, Kruis and Haskell all come in for England on Saturday. Speaks volumes as to what is about to unfold.

It'll be war!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on March 15, 2018, 01:57:03 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TJSbbz7OmE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TJSbbz7OmE)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Maroon Manc on March 15, 2018, 02:08:43 PM
What odds were Ireland before they played Wales in 09?

Am i right to assume there's more expectancy on here to beat England then their was a few ago?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: passedit on March 15, 2018, 02:12:45 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on March 15, 2018, 01:37:03 PM
Hartley, Sinckler, Kruis and Haskell all come in for England on Saturday. Speaks volumes as to what is about to unfold.

As does the weather forecast. Comes to something when Ireland teams are praying for dry sod as opposed to the great leveller. That many changes  has to have a destabilising effect though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on March 15, 2018, 02:19:18 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on March 15, 2018, 02:08:43 PM
What odds were Ireland before they played Wales in 09?

Am i right to assume there's more expectancy on here to beat England then their was a few ago?

Duno, England are still England and still a team that hasn't been beaten at home under Jones.

Just me or do I find it hard to believe this team will lose three straight?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 15, 2018, 02:32:02 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on March 15, 2018, 02:19:18 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on March 15, 2018, 02:08:43 PM
What odds were Ireland before they played Wales in 09?

Am i right to assume there's more expectancy on here to beat England then their was a few ago?

Duno, England are still England and still a team that hasn't been beaten at home under Jones.

Just me or do I find it hard to believe this team will lose three straight?

They're playing the best team in Europe so it's pretty believable to me.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on March 15, 2018, 02:38:32 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on March 15, 2018, 02:19:18 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on March 15, 2018, 02:08:43 PM
What odds were Ireland before they played Wales in 09?

Am i right to assume there's more expectancy on here to beat England then their was a few ago?

Duno, England are still England and still a team that hasn't been beaten at home under Jones.

Just me or do I find it hard to believe this team will lose three straight?

No. 17 coming up in Lotto last 2 weeks has no bearing on its likelihood of occurring this week.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on March 15, 2018, 03:47:53 PM
Quote from: Syferus on March 15, 2018, 02:32:02 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on March 15, 2018, 02:19:18 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on March 15, 2018, 02:08:43 PM
What odds were Ireland before they played Wales in 09?

Am i right to assume there's more expectancy on here to beat England then their was a few ago?

Duno, England are still England and still a team that hasn't been beaten at home under Jones.

Just me or do I find it hard to believe this team will lose three straight?

They're playing the best team in Europe so it's pretty believable to me.

Well, anyone can win when it's the best team in Europe v the second best team in Europe. No matter what way you flip it.

Unless you are about to argue the 'toothless Welsh' (who are 2nd in the six nations) are now better than England. Up to you really.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 15, 2018, 04:00:54 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on March 15, 2018, 03:47:53 PM
Quote from: Syferus on March 15, 2018, 02:32:02 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on March 15, 2018, 02:19:18 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on March 15, 2018, 02:08:43 PM
What odds were Ireland before they played Wales in 09?

Am i right to assume there's more expectancy on here to beat England then their was a few ago?

Duno, England are still England and still a team that hasn't been beaten at home under Jones.

Just me or do I find it hard to believe this team will lose three straight?

They're playing the best team in Europe so it's pretty believable to me.

Well, anyone can win when it's the best team in Europe v the second best team in Europe. No matter what way you flip it.

Unless you are about to argue the 'toothless Welsh' (who are 2nd in the six nations) are now better than England. Up to you really.

Wales were very toothless against England and we had them in the bag for most of our match too. It's disappointing that you missed those things.

England may well end up the fifth best team in Europe so I wouldn't be so quick to label this 1 v 2.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 15, 2018, 04:11:36 PM
5th best team in Europe. Wise up Syf!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on March 15, 2018, 04:12:20 PM
Quote from: Syferus on March 15, 2018, 04:00:54 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on March 15, 2018, 03:47:53 PM
Quote from: Syferus on March 15, 2018, 02:32:02 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on March 15, 2018, 02:19:18 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on March 15, 2018, 02:08:43 PM
What odds were Ireland before they played Wales in 09?

Am i right to assume there's more expectancy on here to beat England then their was a few ago?

Duno, England are still England and still a team that hasn't been beaten at home under Jones.

Just me or do I find it hard to believe this team will lose three straight?

They're playing the best team in Europe so it's pretty believable to me.

Well, anyone can win when it's the best team in Europe v the second best team in Europe. No matter what way you flip it.

Unless you are about to argue the 'toothless Welsh' (who are 2nd in the six nations) are now better than England. Up to you really.

Wales were very toothless against England and we had them in the bag for most of our match too. It's disappointing that you missed those things.

England may well end up the fifth best team in Europe so I wouldn't be so quick to label this 1 v 2.

Yet some might say a TMO decision cost them a try and win v England.

And if Anscombe hadn't of tossed that suicide pass when Wales had 3 men over v Ireland?

Wouldn't be so quick to write teams off, especially in the six nations. England will be fully up for this one, their team picked suggests they are going to war with Ireland. They'll be hurting after the past two games and history shows they struggle badly after Lions tours so I'd cut them a slight..slight bit of slack.They'll love nothing more than to ruin the party.

They've lost two straight, doesn't mean they are a bad team after winning something like 25 in 26. Seemed completely implausible they'd be on cusp of potentially losing three straight just over a month ago.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 15, 2018, 04:17:47 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 15, 2018, 04:11:36 PM
5th best team in Europe. Wise up Syf!

They literally could be after Saturday.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 15, 2018, 04:23:20 PM
I'm going with GOTB's post!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 15, 2018, 04:39:48 PM
Quote from: Syferus on March 15, 2018, 04:17:47 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 15, 2018, 04:11:36 PM
5th best team in Europe. Wise up Syf!

They literally could be after Saturday.
The Daily Telegraph also brought up 5th if they lose and other results go against them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 15, 2018, 04:45:45 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 15, 2018, 04:39:48 PM
Quote from: Syferus on March 15, 2018, 04:17:47 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 15, 2018, 04:11:36 PM
5th best team in Europe. Wise up Syf!

They literally could be after Saturday.
The Daily Telegraph also brought up 5th if they lose and other results go against them.

Aye I know they could but that doesn't make them the 5th best side in Europe in my opinion!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gabriel_Hurl on March 15, 2018, 05:12:02 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 15, 2018, 09:04:03 AM
Quote from: Asal Mor on March 15, 2018, 09:03:08 AM
Matt Williams was on Second Captains and said the fact that one of the assistant refs for Saturday took part in an English training session was "unheard of". World Rugby are apparently very annoyed about it and investigating the matter.

Sure just drop him so if they are very annoyed.

World Rugby have

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/mar/15/world-rugby-oversight-match-official-england-training?CMP=share_btn_tw
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Asal Mor on March 15, 2018, 09:54:56 PM
Didn't realise they had actually given it the go-ahead in the first place.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 16, 2018, 07:55:31 AM
https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/neil-francis-eddie-jones-reaping-what-he-has-sowed-with-exhausted-england-36706869.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 16, 2018, 03:37:17 PM
For the rugby geeks out there - best podcast about.

https://soundcloud.com/dementedmole/molecast-004
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on March 16, 2018, 03:52:05 PM
The one worry I have about Ireland is if we do not have same territory and possession as we have in last few games can we get enough scores to win don't know if we can strike from deep
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 16, 2018, 03:55:08 PM
I think to win we're going to have to play in a similar fashion to the NZ game in Chicago. England will put up a wall and smash anything that moves.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 16, 2018, 03:59:36 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 16, 2018, 03:55:08 PM
I think to win we're going to have to play in a similar fashion to the NZ game in Chicago. England will put up a wall and smash anything that moves.
Sexton and Murray may double up on the padding.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thebigfella on March 16, 2018, 03:59:50 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 16, 2018, 07:55:31 AM
https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/neil-francis-eddie-jones-reaping-what-he-has-sowed-with-exhausted-england-36706869.html

"The term 'tactical periodisation' which Jones picked up from a meeting with Pep Guardiola may be of value in the girly game but trying to make training so intense that it is easier to operate and think clearly especially in the last quarter is a great idea if all you are doing is kicking a ball around. Tiki-taka doesn't happen in Rugby Union."

Neil Francis really is a complete utter knob.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 16, 2018, 04:03:12 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 16, 2018, 03:59:36 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 16, 2018, 03:55:08 PM
I think to win we're going to have to play in a similar fashion to the NZ game in Chicago. England will put up a wall and smash anything that moves.
Sexton and Murray may double up on the padding.

Big time. Haskell and Hartley will try and decapitate them!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 16, 2018, 04:28:04 PM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/liam-toland-england-will-aim-to-dominate-corridor-of-power-1.3428731
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 16, 2018, 05:48:21 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 16, 2018, 04:03:12 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 16, 2018, 03:59:36 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 16, 2018, 03:55:08 PM
I think to win we're going to have to play in a similar fashion to the NZ game in Chicago. England will put up a wall and smash anything that moves.
Sexton and Murray may double up on the padding.

Big time. Haskell and Hartley will try and decapitate them!
Yep I fully expect some of them to spend some time on the naughty step.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 16, 2018, 10:58:54 PM
If Ireland keep their discipline and force England into giving away penalties then they should see the game through. If they get dragged into a war then they will lose
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: BarryBreensBandage on March 17, 2018, 01:02:27 AM
Play their straight up the middle game in the first half because it will be attrition to start with.
Hopefully tire the English out, go in half time level or slightly up, and open up in the second half.
It will be the greatest Irish victory of all time if they win at Twickenham tomorrow.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 17, 2018, 02:51:29 AM
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on March 17, 2018, 01:02:27 AM
Play their straight up the middle game in the first half because it will be attrition to start with.
Hopefully tire the English out, go in half time level or slightly up, and open up in the second half.
It will be the greatest Irish victory of all time if they win at Twickenham tomorrow.

Ya what. The tournament is already won. There's literally dozens of wins that we've had in recent years that would be bigger than this one.

It won't even be the greatest Irish victory against England in 12 months if we do it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Asal Mor on March 17, 2018, 04:05:13 AM
Quote from: Syferus on March 17, 2018, 02:51:29 AM
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on March 17, 2018, 01:02:27 AM
Play their straight up the middle game in the first half because it will be attrition to start with.
Hopefully tire the English out, go in half time level or slightly up, and open up in the second half.
It will be the greatest Irish victory of all time if they win at Twickenham tomorrow.

Ya what. The tournament is already won. There's literally dozens of wins that we've had in recent years that would be bigger than this one.

It won't even be the greatest Irish victory against England in 12 months if we do it.
I'd doubt there's one Irish player who would agree with that, but sure what would they know? Aside from the World Cup quarter-final, this will be the biggest international game they have played in.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on March 17, 2018, 04:13:15 AM
Quote from: Syferus on March 17, 2018, 02:51:29 AM
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on March 17, 2018, 01:02:27 AM
Play their straight up the middle game in the first half because it will be attrition to start with.
Hopefully tire the English out, go in half time level or slightly up, and open up in the second half.
It will be the greatest Irish victory of all time if they win at Twickenham tomorrow.

Ya what. The tournament is already won. There's literally dozens of wins that we've had in recent years that would be bigger than this one.

It won't even be the greatest Irish victory against England in 12 months if we do it.
worst sports take of the year
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 17, 2018, 04:24:23 AM
Quote from: Asal Mor on March 17, 2018, 04:05:13 AM
Quote from: Syferus on March 17, 2018, 02:51:29 AM
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on March 17, 2018, 01:02:27 AM
Play their straight up the middle game in the first half because it will be attrition to start with.
Hopefully tire the English out, go in half time level or slightly up, and open up in the second half.
It will be the greatest Irish victory of all time if they win at Twickenham tomorrow.

Ya what. The tournament is already won. There's literally dozens of wins that we've had in recent years that would be bigger than this one.

It won't even be the greatest Irish victory against England in 12 months if we do it.
I'd doubt there's one Irish player who would agree with that, but sure what would they know? Aside from the World Cup quarter-final, this will be the biggest international game they have played in.

The quality of your takes on rugby players leave a hell of a lot to be desired.

To the other poster - playing and beating a England team down in the dumps with only pride to play for isn't the same as playing one going for a Grand Slam on the crest of a 20 game or so winning streak.

The trinket for us is bigger this year in that we can collect the imaginary title of Grand Slam champions but there have been many bigger matches Ireland have faced over the last ten or fifteen years.

If this was two unbeaten teams going to head to head for a Six Nations and a Grand Slam you may have had some case, as it stands it's the champions against a team without even a winning record on the season. And if we lose it doesn't change much at all. The only pressure on players is to get their Grand Slam bonuses. This is not the climatic match it was advertised to be at the start of the season.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 17, 2018, 06:37:45 AM
In time honoured Irish tradition the team that wants it more will win it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Aaron Boone on March 17, 2018, 07:56:44 AM
Grand Slam Day.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 17, 2018, 08:33:44 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 17, 2018, 06:37:45 AM
In time honoured Irish tradition the team that wants it more will win it.

Passion!


If there's anything at all in England, it will come out today. I know the players won't be taken in by the confidence in the media etc. but I'm fearful of England in London. I'm going to say England rain on our parade like we did to them previously.

Syferus, if you think the players look at a potential Grand Slam as you do, a nice bonus but job done already, then you are mental.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lenny on March 17, 2018, 08:38:56 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 17, 2018, 08:33:44 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 17, 2018, 06:37:45 AM
In time honoured Irish tradition the team that wants it more will win it.

Passion!


If there's anything at all in England, it will come out today. I know the players won't be taken in by the confidence in the media etc. but I'm fearful of England in London. I'm going to say England rain on our parade like we did to them previously.

Syferus, if you think the players look at a potential Grand Slam as you do, a nice bonus but job done already, then you are mental.

We'll beat them well today. They're in disarray making 10 changes and low in confidence. We've a settled side and full of confidence. They'll be fired up and fresh but we should wear them down and see the game out comfortably.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 17, 2018, 08:46:42 AM
Quote from: lenny on March 17, 2018, 08:38:56 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 17, 2018, 08:33:44 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 17, 2018, 06:37:45 AM
In time honoured Irish tradition the team that wants it more will win it.

Passion!


If there's anything at all in England, it will come out today. I know the players won't be taken in by the confidence in the media etc. but I'm fearful of England in London. I'm going to say England rain on our parade like we did to them previously.

Syferus, if you think the players look at a potential Grand Slam as you do, a nice bonus but job done already, then you are mental.

We'll beat them well today. They're in disarray making 10 changes and low in confidence. We've a settled side and full of confidence. They'll be fired up and fresh but we should wear them down and see the game out comfortably.

I see a war of attrition in difficult conditions. England in an arm wrestle are hard to beat.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: passedit on March 17, 2018, 10:26:10 AM
Just heading to the game now. It's absolutely baltic in London. Absolute slugfest coming. traveling in hope rather than expectation
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 17, 2018, 10:53:10 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 17, 2018, 08:46:42 AM
Quote from: lenny on March 17, 2018, 08:38:56 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 17, 2018, 08:33:44 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 17, 2018, 06:37:45 AM
In time honoured Irish tradition the team that wants it more will win it.

Passion!


If there's anything at all in England, it will come out today. I know the players won't be taken in by the confidence in the media etc. but I'm fearful of England in London. I'm going to say England rain on our parade like we did to them previously.

Syferus, if you think the players look at a potential Grand Slam as you do, a nice bonus but job done already, then you are mental.

We'll beat them well today. They're in disarray making 10 changes and low in confidence. We've a settled side and full of confidence. They'll be fired up and fresh but we should wear them down and see the game out comfortably.

I see a war of attrition in difficult conditions. England in an arm wrestle are hard to beat.

That would be my take which is why I am disappointed Farrell is starting at 10. Probably the best 10 in Europe and will give England control that has been lacking, no surprise that he has paired with his club 9 as well.

Peter O'Mahony really needs to step it up today, himself Stander and Leavy will be the key in defence if they can dominate their direct opponents I think we will suck the life out of England's power game. This could be a repeat of Paris with Ireland leaving it late where Pro14 fitness levels kick in and a tired England team hand Ireland the grand slam...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on March 17, 2018, 11:16:01 AM
Quote from: Syferus on March 17, 2018, 04:24:23 AM
Quote from: Asal Mor on March 17, 2018, 04:05:13 AM
Quote from: Syferus on March 17, 2018, 02:51:29 AM
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on March 17, 2018, 01:02:27 AM
Play their straight up the middle game in the first half because it will be attrition to start with.
Hopefully tire the English out, go in half time level or slightly up, and open up in the second half.
It will be the greatest Irish victory of all time if they win at Twickenham tomorrow.

Ya what. The tournament is already won. There's literally dozens of wins that we've had in recent years that would be bigger than this one.

It won't even be the greatest Irish victory against England in 12 months if we do it.
I'd doubt there's one Irish player who would agree with that, but sure what would they know? Aside from the World Cup quarter-final, this will be the biggest international game they have played in.

The quality of your takes on rugby players leave a hell of a lot to be desired.

To the other poster - playing and beating a England team down in the dumps with only pride to play for isn't the same as playing one going for a Grand Slam on the crest of a 20 game or so winning streak.

The trinket for us is bigger this year in that we can collect the imaginary title of Grand Slam champions but there have been many bigger matches Ireland have faced over the last ten or fifteen years.

If this was two unbeaten teams going to head to head for a Six Nations and a Grand Slam you may have had some case, as it stands it's the champions against a team without even a winning record on the season. And if we lose it doesn't change much at all. The only pressure on players is to get their Grand Slam bonuses. This is not the climatic match it was advertised to be at the start of the season.

They say it is going to be very cold, though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GaillimhIarthair on March 17, 2018, 11:28:05 AM
It's going to be an absolute slug fest in the conditions - huge performances required from our back row in particular.  I would agree with Dinny, our better fitness levels could see us through late on - fingernails will be well bitten by around 4.30 or so!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on March 17, 2018, 12:31:23 PM
Quote from: Hardy on March 17, 2018, 11:16:01 AM

They say it is going to be very cold, though.

;D ;D

Using big words is tough sometimes ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Lar Naparka on March 17, 2018, 02:17:30 PM
Quote from: Syferus on March 17, 2018, 02:51:29 AM
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on March 17, 2018, 01:02:27 AM
Play their straight up the middle game in the first half because it will be attrition to start with.
Hopefully tire the English out, go in half time level or slightly up, and open up in the second half.
It will be the greatest Irish victory of all time if they win at Twickenham tomorrow.

Ya what. The tournament is already won. There's literally dozens of wins that we've had in recent years that would be bigger than this one.

It won't even be the greatest Irish victory against England in 12 months if we do it.
That's a matter of opinion Syf and right now you appear to be on your own as per usual.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 17, 2018, 03:16:58 PM
"Greatest Irish victory of all time"

This is looking like the easiest win of the tournament at the moment..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 17, 2018, 03:27:27 PM
Quote from: Syferus on March 17, 2018, 03:16:58 PM
"Greatest Irish victory of all time"

This is looking like the easiest win of the tournament at the moment..

Your knowledge of rugby surpassed by your knowledge of law  ::)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 17, 2018, 03:29:38 PM
Quote from: screenexile on March 17, 2018, 03:27:27 PM
Quote from: Syferus on March 17, 2018, 03:16:58 PM
"Greatest Irish victory of all time"

This is looking like the easiest win of the tournament at the moment..

Your knowledge of rugby surpassed by your knowledge of law  ::)

Did you look at the score?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 17, 2018, 03:32:28 PM
Quote from: Syferus on March 17, 2018, 03:29:38 PM
Quote from: screenexile on March 17, 2018, 03:27:27 PM
Quote from: Syferus on March 17, 2018, 03:16:58 PM
"Greatest Irish victory of all time"

This is looking like the easiest win of the tournament at the moment..

Your knowledge of rugby surpassed by your knowledge of law  ::)

Did you look at the score?
By no means over Syf. Not by a long chalk.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: galwayman on March 17, 2018, 03:35:45 PM
There's only 9 points in it ffs.
A converted try and a penalty surpasses that.
So hardly the "easiest win of the tournament".
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 17, 2018, 03:36:39 PM
Ref getting fed up with England so they'll have a man binned in the second half.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on March 17, 2018, 03:40:08 PM
Lucky enough try right on half time. Hard to see the Irish letting this lead slip now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 17, 2018, 03:46:04 PM
Quote from: galwayman on March 17, 2018, 03:35:45 PM
There's only 9 points in it ffs.
A converted try and a penalty surpasses that.
So hardly the "easiest win of the tournament".

Ya rly?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mrdeeds on March 17, 2018, 03:47:01 PM
We getting benefit of doubt with TMO.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lenny on March 17, 2018, 03:49:37 PM
Quote from: lenny on March 17, 2018, 08:38:56 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 17, 2018, 08:33:44 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 17, 2018, 06:37:45 AM
In time honoured Irish tradition the team that wants it more will win it.

Passion!


If there's anything at all in England, it will come out today. I know the players won't be taken in by the confidence in the media etc. but I'm fearful of England in London. I'm going to say England rain on our parade like we did to them previously.

Syferus, if you think the players look at a potential Grand Slam as you do, a nice bonus but job done already, then you are mental.

We'll beat them well today. They're in disarray making 10 changes and low in confidence. We've a settled side and full of confidence. They'll be fired up and fresh but we should wear them down and see the game out comfortably.

Not as comfortable as I thought it would be. The first try was probably a knock on so we got some luck there. The third was superbly taken but a bit lucky that it didn't flick his hand and that the goal area was extended by the english. Second try was class. We managed the game very well when o'mahoney was in the bin.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 17, 2018, 03:51:43 PM
Slap it up them but that final try was shocking for England to give up. 80 seconds to see out, a man up and they concede a scrum. Then a free kick. Then a penalty. You could hear Hartley roaring at them about discipline. Brilliant stuff from Stockdale.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: longballin on March 17, 2018, 03:53:33 PM
Quote from: lenny on March 17, 2018, 03:49:37 PM
Quote from: lenny on March 17, 2018, 08:38:56 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 17, 2018, 08:33:44 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 17, 2018, 06:37:45 AM
In time honoured Irish tradition the team that wants it more will win it.

Passion!


If there's anything at all in England, it will come out today. I know the players won't be taken in by the confidence in the media etc. but I'm fearful of England in London. I'm going to say England rain on our parade like we did to them previously.

Syferus, if you think the players look at a potential Grand Slam as you do, a nice bonus but job done already, then you are mental.

We'll beat them well today. They're in disarray making 10 changes and low in confidence. We've a settled side and full of confidence. They'll be fired up and fresh but we should wear them down and see the game out comfortably.

Not as comfortable as I thought it would be. The first try was probably a knock on so we got some luck there. The third was superbly taken but a bit lucky that it didn't flick his hand and that the goal area was extended by the english. Second try was class. We managed the game very well when o'mahoney was in the bin.

You have high standards! 16 ahead at half time... feels comfortable where I'm sitting  8)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 17, 2018, 04:19:42 PM
Best is still throwing the ball like he's had five pints of Guiness before the match..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lenny on March 17, 2018, 04:23:29 PM
Quote from: longballin on March 17, 2018, 03:53:33 PM
Quote from: lenny on March 17, 2018, 03:49:37 PM
Quote from: lenny on March 17, 2018, 08:38:56 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 17, 2018, 08:33:44 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 17, 2018, 06:37:45 AM
In time honoured Irish tradition the team that wants it more will win it.

Passion!


If there's anything at all in England, it will come out today. I know the players won't be taken in by the confidence in the media etc. but I'm fearful of England in London. I'm going to say England rain on our parade like we did to them previously.

Syferus, if you think the players look at a potential Grand Slam as you do, a nice bonus but job done already, then you are mental.

We'll beat them well today. They're in disarray making 10 changes and low in confidence. We've a settled side and full of confidence. They'll be fired up and fresh but we should wear them down and see the game out comfortably.

Not as comfortable as I thought it would be. The first try was probably a knock on so we got some luck there. The third was superbly taken but a bit lucky that it didn't flick his hand and that the goal area was extended by the english. Second try was class. We managed the game very well when o'mahoney was in the bin.

You have high standards! 16 ahead at half time... feels comfortable where I'm sitting  8)

I thought we'd be that far ahead but wasn't thinking we'd need to be a bit lucky to get that lead.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Cunny Funt on March 17, 2018, 04:27:02 PM
Just switched over a try for England a lifeline or too little too late for them?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on March 17, 2018, 04:27:29 PM
Around about now we should have Stockdale's intercept try.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 17, 2018, 04:28:12 PM
Daly is a niggly, mouthy p***k.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 17, 2018, 04:48:10 PM
Brilliant stuff. 3 tries from England but they looked fairly toothless.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 17, 2018, 04:54:30 PM
Fantastic result. They really were the best team in the competition. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 17, 2018, 04:55:39 PM
Almost feels anticlimactic as we were so much better than them. Scoreline very flattering to England.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 17, 2018, 05:01:59 PM
Called it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 17, 2018, 05:13:22 PM
Lá dár saol
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on March 17, 2018, 05:13:58 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 17, 2018, 04:55:39 PM
Almost feels anticlimactic as we were so much better than them. Scoreline very flattering to England.

You nearly want it to be a nail biter and backs to wall stuff up to the last minute.

But we'll take it!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: grounded on March 17, 2018, 05:14:10 PM
Fantastic. Really,really exciting times for Irish rugby. Brilliant blend of youth and experience at the minute. Our pack dominated throughout..roll on Japan
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: armaghniac on March 17, 2018, 06:35:24 PM
Thon Stockdale is built like a rugby player, but has some great acceleration.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 17, 2018, 07:40:19 PM
ITV

https://youtu.be/UFWIGK21mAo

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on March 17, 2018, 07:55:31 PM
Well done the Scummies.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 17, 2018, 07:59:54 PM
Quote from: Hardy on March 17, 2018, 07:55:31 PM
Well done the Scummies.
And well done to Eddie for exacting revenge for last year
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 17, 2018, 08:13:24 PM
Matt Williams made reference to the injuries Sexton has been carrying this season, particularly a lower back injury that has been effecting his kicking.

That lad is going to be ground to dust by the time he retires.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on March 17, 2018, 08:32:15 PM
That was an easier finish to the tournament than expected. Looking back there were some moments when it all nearly came off the rails, the Sexton drop goal against the French and Stockdales interception against the Welsh were the key moments of the tournament.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bannside on March 17, 2018, 08:59:27 PM
Unreal.. new territory. This Joe S. Man taking us to new territory.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Aaron Boone on March 17, 2018, 08:59:52 PM
Quote from: Syferus on March 17, 2018, 08:13:24 PM
Matt Williams made reference to the injuries Sexton has been carrying this season, particularly a lower back injury that has been effecting his kicking.

That lad is going to be ground to dust by the time he retires.

Leinster have massive match v Saracens in 2 weeks. No rest yet for Jonny.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on March 17, 2018, 09:03:30 PM
Quote from: bannside on March 17, 2018, 08:59:27 PM
Unreal.. new territory. This Joe S. Man taking us to new territory.

A win is a win.

Ireland didn't play overly well, took whatever chances came their way with a little bit of luck going our way and still beat England at Twickenham. You'd be happy with that every other year all the same.

Sexton needs wrapped in cotton wool till the world cup.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on March 17, 2018, 09:20:25 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 17, 2018, 04:55:39 PM
Almost feels anticlimactic as we were so much better than them. Scoreline very flattering to England.
Sexton's drop goal in Paris. The rest seems like an anti-climax after that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 17, 2018, 09:24:26 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on March 17, 2018, 09:20:25 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 17, 2018, 04:55:39 PM
Almost feels anticlimactic as we were so much better than them. Scoreline very flattering to England.
Sexton's drop goal in Paris. The rest seems like an anti-climax after that.
That was the platform for everything else. The bonus point against the Jocks pivotal too as prior to the first match a lot of people thought today would be the Championship decider.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 17, 2018, 11:07:36 PM
Amazes me that people were doubting  Schmidt coming into the tournament. 30 players used and apart from McFadden none looked out of their depth.

So comfortable today, England just didn't have the questions I thought they would pose and look stale already under Jones. I wouldn't bet against back to back Grand Slams.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on March 17, 2018, 11:56:42 PM
There are still serious issues with the ability of teams even as bad as England to score tries almost at will down the wings.  Luckily some of these attacks were messed up by the attacking side but quite a few were successful.

Today showed again that there are irish players who cannot be depended on to defend the open spaces in the wings and at times the opposition is easily able to effect two or three on one situations with ease.

Stockdale for all of his ability to score a try is a very poor defender and is often left flapping at thin air as attackers run past him. Also Ringrose was left in the same situation at least twice today and on a number of occasions against Scotland.  All the hype on Ringrose ignores his poor tackling when wrong footed especially when  the attackers are coming at speed. 

Schmidt is a lucky coach and that is great. Sexton's drop goal, playing McFadden, Stockdale's breakaway try, the poor Scottish passing in scoring positions, rejuvenation of Kearney, England only able to play with intensity, simplicity and speed in the last 15 minutes of games and no major refereeing decisions going against them.

All those one off events that only occur some of the time all came together for Ireland, any one of them failing would have made major changes to the overall result.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RealSpiritof98 on March 18, 2018, 12:38:19 AM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on March 17, 2018, 11:56:42 PM
There are still serious issues with the ability of teams even as bad as England to score tries almost at will down the wings.  Luckily some of these attacks were messed up by the attacking side but quite a few were successful.

Today showed again that there are irish players who cannot be depended on to defend the open spaces in the wings and at times the opposition is easily able to effect two or three on one situations with ease.

Stockdale for all of his ability to score a try is a very poor defender and is often left flapping at thin air as attackers run past him. Also Ringrose was left in the same situation at least twice today and on a number of occasions against Scotland.  All the hype on Ringrose ignores his poor tackling when wrong footed especially when  the attackers are coming at speed. 

Schmidt is a lucky coach and that is great. Sexton's drop goal, playing McFadden, Stockdale's breakaway try, the poor Scottish passing in scoring positions, rejuvenation of Kearney, England only able to play with intensity, simplicity and speed in the last 15 minutes of games and no major refereeing decisions going against them.

All those one off events that only occur some of the time all came together for Ireland, any one of them failing would have made major changes to the overall result.

Jesus Christ what did Jeremy Cornyn do on you. 3 grand slams in our history, ffs chill out
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ONeill on March 18, 2018, 12:47:24 AM
Just don't like rugby.  Something about rugby people that bothers me.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 18, 2018, 01:06:18 AM
Quote from: ONeill on March 18, 2018, 12:47:24 AM
Just don't like rugby.  Something about rugby people that bothers me.
Shoulder to shoulder O'Neill.

I used to be like that (about "rugby people", I have always liked rugby) until the wains went to rugby and then I realised the problem was mine, not theirs.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on March 18, 2018, 01:12:18 AM
The notion that Ireland are the second best team in the world is nonsense. Heard it all before in 2007, 2009 and 2014/15. It wasn't true then and it isn't now.

New Zealand obviously, Australia almost certainly and South Africa probably, are all more likely to win a World Cup than Ireland.

England will get it together again next year, Wales under Gatland tend to peak for World Cups and France showed signs of improvement this year and could be a lot better next year.

Ireland did what they had to do in this tournament and fair play to them for that but the dice was loaded in their favour after the British Lions tour. England's players are mostly knackered since then and are flogged by their clubs in a way Ireland's players aren't. Wales had an extensive injury list and will be reasonably happy with their lot this year.

Irish rugby cant have it both ways. We constantly hear about how the IRFU manage their players very well, and that's true - they do - the players are not flogged and generally get the optimum recovery time between matches. The Pro 14 is basically a player management exercise for most of the season.

But that means Ireland have an inbuilt advantage during an average Six Nations, and even more so in the ones the year after a British Lions tour.

That inbuilt advantage disappears at a World Cup, when the other teams have a chance to finally get their players fit and ready.

Most of the other top rugby countries have a history of raising their game a level at a World Cup. Ireland always seem to drop a level in comparison.

Until Ireland reach at least a World Cup semi-final, they are not breaking any new ground. And the road to a semi-final will have to go through either New Zealand, or more likely South Africa in a quarter-final.

I wouldn't be putting much money on them passing that hurdle.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: quit yo jibbajabba on March 18, 2018, 01:27:52 AM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on March 17, 2018, 11:56:42 PM
There are still serious issues with the ability of teams even as bad as England to score tries almost at will down the wings.  Luckily some of these attacks were messed up by the attacking side but quite a few were successful.

Today showed again that there are irish players who cannot be depended on to defend the open spaces in the wings and at times the opposition is easily able to effect two or three on one situations with ease.

Stockdale for all of his ability to score a try is a very poor defender and is often left flapping at thin air as attackers run past him. Also Ringrose was left in the same situation at least twice today and on a number of occasions against Scotland.  All the hype on Ringrose ignores his poor tackling when wrong footed especially when  the attackers are coming at speed. 

Schmidt is a lucky coach and that is great. Sexton's drop goal, playing McFadden, Stockdale's breakaway try, the poor Scottish passing in scoring positions, rejuvenation of Kearney, England only able to play with intensity, simplicity and speed in the last 15 minutes of games and no major refereeing decisions going against them.

All those one off events that only occur some of the time all came together for Ireland, any one of them failing would have made major changes to the overall result.

Jesus christ. Just won a grand slam. 3rd time ever? 2nd time in my/your life time. And all u can do is cime out with this shit? Go take a look at yerself chap. Maybe dont watch the game if it annoys u this much. Tinternet was made for and ruined by arseholes like you
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 18, 2018, 03:14:28 AM
It's crazy to think I was nearly twenty before I saw Ireland win even a Six Nations but now we have four titles in nine years and two Grand Slams in the same period, doubling what we'd achieved in our entire history before that. The rugby lads should be rightly proud of themselves tonight. Rugby is our #1 representative sport now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bannside on March 18, 2018, 03:51:03 AM
Giving the English a kick up the hole is always good. To do it twice (and so publicly too) in the space of a few days ( (Cheltenham too) is even better.  Great week to be Irish.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: charlieTully on March 18, 2018, 06:52:42 AM
Quote from: Syferus on March 18, 2018, 03:14:28 AM
It's crazy to think I was nearly twenty before I saw Ireland win even a Six Nations but now we have four titles in nine years and two Grand Slams in the same period, doubling what we'd achieved in our entire history before that. The rugby lads should be rightly proud of themselves tonight. Rugby is our #1 representative sport now.

Good job. It's not like you will ever see Roscommon win an All Ireland. Haha ya p***k.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: An Watcher on March 18, 2018, 07:15:55 AM
Really surprised at the negativity on here from Irish people.  Jesus Christ celebrate, it's only our third ever grand slam.  Teams need luck to win these things, I remember new Zealand beating France in the world cup final a few years back and really riding their luck.  There was no doubt they were the best team in the tournament and France has struggled to the final.
Congratulations to the team, Joe Schmidt and the IRFU for doing what they are doing especially when the pool of players to choose from is so much smaller than England and France.  Well done.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 18, 2018, 07:33:05 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on March 18, 2018, 01:12:18 AM
The notion that Ireland are the second best team in the world is nonsense. Heard it all before in 2007, 2009 and 2014/15. It wasn't true then and it isn't now.

New Zealand obviously, Australia almost certainly and South Africa probably, are all more likely to win a World Cup than Ireland.

England will get it together again next year, Wales under Gatland tend to peak for World Cups and France showed signs of improvement this year and could be a lot better next year.

Ireland did what they had to do in this tournament and fair play to them for that but the dice was loaded in their favour after the British Lions tour. England's players are mostly knackered since then and are flogged by their clubs in a way Ireland's players aren't. Wales had an extensive injury list and will be reasonably happy with their lot this year.

Irish rugby cant have it both ways. We constantly hear about how the IRFU manage their players very well, and that's true - they do - the players are not flogged and generally get the optimum recovery time between matches. The Pro 14 is basically a player management exercise for most of the season.

But that means Ireland have an inbuilt advantage during an average Six Nations, and even more so in the ones the year after a British Lions tour.

That inbuilt advantage disappears at a World Cup, when the other teams have a chance to finally get their players fit and ready.

Most of the other top rugby countries have a history of raising their game a level at a World Cup. Ireland always seem to drop a level in comparison.

Until Ireland reach at least a World Cup semi-final, they are not breaking any new ground. And the road to a semi-final will have to go through either New Zealand, or more likely South Africa in a quarter-final.

I wouldn't be putting much money on them passing that hurdle.
Given the size of the players, the force of the hits ,the anti inflammatories and the concussion, injuries are the new x factor. Injuries are increasing in frequency and duration.
Ireland have a well balanced squad and some very good players. But they have to win a qf.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 18, 2018, 08:54:51 AM
They are the 2nd best team in the world right now; who knows about 18months time! South africa and the aussies are crap right now and we beat them! Win a grand slam and all people can do is look at the negatives! Sad fucks!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on March 18, 2018, 09:01:13 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 18, 2018, 08:54:51 AM
They are the 2nd best team in the world right now; who knows about 18months time! South africa and the aussies are crap right now and we beat them! Win a grand slam and all people can do is look at the negatives! Sad f**ks!!

Are we the 2nd best team as the standard has dropped elsewhere or have we really many world class players? Serious question, I know feck all about rugby.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on March 18, 2018, 09:16:26 AM
Quote from: Itchy on March 18, 2018, 09:01:13 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 18, 2018, 08:54:51 AM
They are the 2nd best team in the world right now; who knows about 18months time! South africa and the aussies are crap right now and we beat them! Win a grand slam and all people can do is look at the negatives! Sad f**ks!!

Are we the 2nd best team as the standard has dropped elsewhere or have we really many world class players? Serious question, I know feck all about rugby.

Ireland have been in the running for 2nd best team in the world for 10+years. England, Wales, Aus, SA have all popped their heads ahead for a while. Now it's Ireland's turn. Staying there for any length of time comes down mainly to injuries and partly to form.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: whitegoodman on March 18, 2018, 09:18:34 AM
We have world class front row, back row and half backs.  The rest revolves around a world class coach.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on March 18, 2018, 09:22:06 AM
Winning aside, Schmitt has been able to increase his pool of players with Stockdale, James Ryan, bundi aki and the other big centre coming in and adding something to the team.
Carbery is still a fair bit off but he's capable and will improve accordingly.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: straightred on March 18, 2018, 09:26:19 AM
Quote from: Syferus on March 18, 2018, 03:14:28 AM
It's crazy to think I was nearly twenty before I saw Ireland win even a Six Nations but now we have four titles in nine years and two Grand Slams in the same period, doubling what we'd achieved in our entire history before that. The rugby lads should be rightly proud of themselves tonight. Rugby is our #1 representative sport now.

beating the tans always tastes good no matter what the sport is.  However will you stop with the #1 business. Its got the #1 bandwagon - i'll concede that but there are no stats to back your last sentence up. We need to do it at a world cup before i'll be convinced. In a competition that has (at a big push) 8 or 9 good teams we have never got to the last 4. That's really poor. This time we will have a top 4 seeding so let's see can we live up to it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 18, 2018, 10:45:16 AM
QuoteThere are still serious issues with the ability of teams even as bad as England to score tries almost at will down the wings.

The same England who were back to back champions coming into it, ranked number 2 in the world, completed a clean sweep in Australia, unbeaten at home since 2015, unbeaten at home in the 6 nations in 6 years.

You don't score tries at will down the wings against Ireland, you are playing against a very tight defensive line with massive line speed, so to get an outside edge who have to either execute on the gain line under immense pressure or you play from deep, by playing from deep you can get the edge but it's generally behind the gain line and the drift will catch you or if you do get over the gain line, the scramble always has the angle. Tries against Ireland generally come because of tiredness or lack of trust through combinations having not settled. Stockdale has had three different 13s inside him 2 from Leinster and 1 from Munster.

QuoteStockdale for all of his ability to score a try is a very poor defender and is often left flapping at thin air as attackers run past him. Also Ringrose was left in the same situation at least twice today and on a number of occasions against Scotland.  All the hype on Ringrose ignores his poor tackling when wrong footed especially when  the attackers are coming at speed

You don't become a Schmidt player by being a poor defender, Stockdale if isolated has to make decisions a lot his decisions come off such as the two intercepts, it's easy focus on the bad decisions when he stepped in rather that trusting his inside man. This 21 year old kid as scored 7 tries in the 6 nations I will take that attacking threat with any on the job defensive learning as the trade-off is very much in the positive column. Ringrose is a superb defender his reading of the game from 13 the hardest position to defend by mile is second to none. You swear Ireland lost this game.

QuoteSchmidt is a lucky coach and that is great. Sexton's drop goal, playing McFadden, Stockdale's breakaway try, the poor Scottish passing in scoring positions, rejuvenation of Kearney, England only able to play with intensity, simplicity and speed in the last 15 minutes of games and no major refereeing decisions going against them.

You don't win 3 championships in 5 years through luck, you don't beat every test playing nation in the world through luck, you don't win 12 games in a row through luck, you don't win a 6 nations using 30 players through luck and you certainly don't score a drop goal after 40 phases of rugby through luck. England played with too much emotion and energy in the 1st 15 mins, they couldn't control it and the last 15 mins that mammoth defensive set when Ireland were down to 14 took it's toil married with replacements and a desperate England trying to salvage pride but Ireland were in control and never once looked like losing that game. That's not luck, that's player belief in the coaching and players executing that belief on the pitch. As for refereeing decisions, Ireland got no luck in Paris, Murray was constantly targeted by England yesterday but good teams control what they can control. They don't need the Gods or luck and you know what Ireland are a fine damn rugby team and even if you have no interest in rugby but understand team sports and the values of good coaching, good execution under intense pressure, high work-rate, strong discipline and an intense will to win then if you can, sit back take a sip of your beer and just admire this Irish rugby team.


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: DuffleKing on March 18, 2018, 11:57:10 AM
Quote from: Itchy on March 18, 2018, 09:01:13 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 18, 2018, 08:54:51 AM
They are the 2nd best team in the world right now; who knows about 18months time! South africa and the aussies are crap right now and we beat them! Win a grand slam and all people can do is look at the negatives! Sad f**ks!!

Are we the 2nd best team as the standard has dropped elsewhere or have we really many world class players? Serious question, I know feck all about rugby.

World class players currently: Healy / McGrath, furlong, SOB, sexton and Murray
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 18, 2018, 12:00:41 PM
Quote from: DuffleKing on March 18, 2018, 11:57:10 AM
Quote from: Itchy on March 18, 2018, 09:01:13 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 18, 2018, 08:54:51 AM
They are the 2nd best team in the world right now; who knows about 18months time! South africa and the aussies are crap right now and we beat them! Win a grand slam and all people can do is look at the negatives! Sad f**ks!!

Are we the 2nd best team as the standard has dropped elsewhere or have we really many world class players? Serious question, I know feck all about rugby.

World class players currently: Healy / McGrathetter than him now., furlong, SOB, sexton and Murray

Injury O'Brien? Stander and O'Mahony are both better than him now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: DuffleKing on March 18, 2018, 12:27:46 PM
Quote from: Syferus on March 18, 2018, 12:00:41 PM
Quote from: DuffleKing on March 18, 2018, 11:57:10 AM
Quote from: Itchy on March 18, 2018, 09:01:13 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 18, 2018, 08:54:51 AM
They are the 2nd best team in the world right now; who knows about 18months time! South africa and the aussies are crap right now and we beat them! Win a grand slam and all people can do is look at the negatives! Sad f**ks!!

Are we the 2nd best team as the standard has dropped elsewhere or have we really many world class players? Serious question, I know feck all about rugby.

World class players currently: Healy / McGrathetter than him now., furlong, SOB, sexton and Murray

Injury O'Brien? Stander and O'Mahony are both better than him now.

Aye, this month when he's injured. A fit SOB is a world class back row whatever way you look at it. Stander and O'Mahoney are excellent players in their own right but not in my view "world class". As with all things though, you'll know best so I'll defer to the vast knowledge bank you've amassed googling on your da's tablet under the bed while you're supposed to be doing your homework.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on March 18, 2018, 12:36:05 PM
I think Ireland have to sacrafice notions of a GS at next year's 6 Nations to give the World Cup a proper go.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 18, 2018, 12:43:23 PM
Quote from: DuffleKing on March 18, 2018, 12:27:46 PM
Quote from: Syferus on March 18, 2018, 12:00:41 PM
Quote from: DuffleKing on March 18, 2018, 11:57:10 AM
Quote from: Itchy on March 18, 2018, 09:01:13 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 18, 2018, 08:54:51 AM
They are the 2nd best team in the world right now; who knows about 18months time! South africa and the aussies are crap right now and we beat them! Win a grand slam and all people can do is look at the negatives! Sad f**ks!!

Are we the 2nd best team as the standard has dropped elsewhere or have we really many world class players? Serious question, I know feck all about rugby.

World class players currently: Healy / McGrathetter than him now., furlong, SOB, sexton and Murray

Injury O'Brien? Stander and O'Mahony are both better than him now.

Aye, this month when he's injured. A fit SOB is a world class back row whatever way you look at it. Stander and O'Mahoney are excellent players in their own right but not in my view "world class". As with all things though, you'll know best so I'll defer to the vast knowledge bank you've amassed googling on your da's tablet under the bed while you're supposed to be doing your homework.

You sound like a proper tît there. Someone says something you don't like and you try to play the man immediately.

When exactly is O'Brien not injured? Stander outplayed him the last season he was fit too. Nostalgia for the O'Brien of five years ago.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Taylor on March 18, 2018, 12:47:54 PM
Quote from: Syferus on March 18, 2018, 12:43:23 PM
Quote from: DuffleKing on March 18, 2018, 12:27:46 PM
Quote from: Syferus on March 18, 2018, 12:00:41 PM
Quote from: DuffleKing on March 18, 2018, 11:57:10 AM
Quote from: Itchy on March 18, 2018, 09:01:13 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 18, 2018, 08:54:51 AM
They are the 2nd best team in the world right now; who knows about 18months time! South africa and the aussies are crap right now and we beat them! Win a grand slam and all people can do is look at the negatives! Sad f**ks!!

Are we the 2nd best team as the standard has dropped elsewhere or have we really many world class players? Serious question, I know feck all about rugby.

World class players currently: Healy / McGrathetter than him now., furlong, SOB, sexton and Murray

Injury O'Brien? Stander and O'Mahony are both better than him now.

Aye, this month when he's injured. A fit SOB is a world class back row whatever way you look at it. Stander and O'Mahoney are excellent players in their own right but not in my view "world class". As with all things though, you'll know best so I'll defer to the vast knowledge bank you've amassed googling on your da's tablet under the bed while you're supposed to be doing your homework.

You sound like a proper tît there. Someone says something you don't like and you try to play the man immediately.

When exactly is O'Brien not injured? Stander outplayed him the last season he was fit too. Nostalgia for the ao'Btien of five years ago.

;D ;D ;D ;D

That gave some a right laugh there.

Syf saying someone sounds like a tit and then saying someone plays the man when they don't like what is said.

Top top WUMMING
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 18, 2018, 01:06:59 PM
Quote from: Taylor on March 18, 2018, 12:47:54 PM
Quote from: Syferus on March 18, 2018, 12:43:23 PM
Quote from: DuffleKing on March 18, 2018, 12:27:46 PM
Quote from: Syferus on March 18, 2018, 12:00:41 PM
Quote from: DuffleKing on March 18, 2018, 11:57:10 AM
Quote from: Itchy on March 18, 2018, 09:01:13 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 18, 2018, 08:54:51 AM
They are the 2nd best team in the world right now; who knows about 18months time! South africa and the aussies are crap right now and we beat them! Win a grand slam and all people can do is look at the negatives! Sad f**ks!!

Are we the 2nd best team as the standard has dropped elsewhere or have we really many world class players? Serious question, I know feck all about rugby.

World class players currently: Healy / McGrathetter than him now., furlong, SOB, sexton and Murray

Injury O'Brien? Stander and O'Mahony are both better than him now.

Aye, this month when he's injured. A fit SOB is a world class back row whatever way you look at it. Stander and O'Mahoney are excellent players in their own right but not in my view "world class". As with all things though, you'll know best so I'll defer to the vast knowledge bank you've amassed googling on your da's tablet under the bed while you're supposed to be doing your homework.

You sound like a proper tît there. Someone says something you don't like and you try to play the man immediately.

When exactly is O'Brien not injured? Stander outplayed him the last season he was fit too. Nostalgia for the ao'Btien of five years ago.

;D ;D ;D ;D

That gave some a right laugh there.

Syf saying someone sounds like a tit and then saying someone plays the man when they don't like what is said.

Top top WUMMING

You clearly don't know what trolling looks like.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 18, 2018, 05:59:38 PM
SOB has barely been fit for a sustained period of time since his breakthrough season as an elite player. The way Leavy in particular played in the 6 Nations, I wouldn't be changing the first choice back row, and I'm a massive SOB fan.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: An Watcher on March 18, 2018, 07:47:35 PM
No harm in a bit of competition for places
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 18, 2018, 08:36:49 PM
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2018/mar/17/eddie-jones-feels-chill-of-the-fans-after-uncomfortable-defeat-by-ireland
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 19, 2018, 12:13:58 PM
Some sad people complaining on here.

Typical armchair 6 nations fans who know everything about the game then never a peep out of them for the rest of the year.

Saturday was class!! Legends.

Now to rest Sexton, Murray and Best for Australia. Lets see how Carberry, Marmion, Cooney etc get on.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 19, 2018, 12:29:48 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 19, 2018, 12:13:58 PM
Some sad people complaining on here.

Typical armchair 6 nations fans who know everything about the game then never a peep out of them for the rest of the year.

Saturday was class!! Legends.

Now to rest Sexton, Murray and Best for Australia. Lets see how Carberry, Marmion, Cooney etc get on.

And Jackson ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: nrico2006 on March 19, 2018, 12:58:57 PM
Zebo would have been another useful addition. Shame about the double standards.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 19, 2018, 01:01:34 PM
Stockdale  reminds me of BOD in 2000.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 19, 2018, 01:08:09 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 19, 2018, 12:29:48 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 19, 2018, 12:13:58 PM
Some sad people complaining on here.

Typical armchair 6 nations fans who know everything about the game then never a peep out of them for the rest of the year.

Saturday was class!! Legends.

Now to rest Sexton, Murray and Best for Australia. Lets see how Carberry, Marmion, Cooney etc get on.

And Jackson ?

If hes proven innocent then I think he should go. Don't tell Syf!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 19, 2018, 01:11:42 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 19, 2018, 12:29:48 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 19, 2018, 12:13:58 PM
Some sad people complaining on here.

Typical armchair 6 nations fans who know everything about the game then never a peep out of them for the rest of the year.

Saturday was class!! Legends.

Now to rest Sexton, Murray and Best for Australia. Lets see how Carberry, Marmion, Cooney etc get on.

And Jackson ?
God's gift to the Sheilas
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 19, 2018, 01:14:12 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 19, 2018, 01:11:42 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 19, 2018, 12:29:48 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 19, 2018, 12:13:58 PM
Some sad people complaining on here.

Typical armchair 6 nations fans who know everything about the game then never a peep out of them for the rest of the year.

Saturday was class!! Legends.

Now to rest Sexton, Murray and Best for Australia. Lets see how Carberry, Marmion, Cooney etc get on.

And Jackson ?
God's gift to the Sheilas

Top kicker
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 19, 2018, 04:21:43 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 19, 2018, 12:29:48 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 19, 2018, 12:13:58 PM
Some sad people complaining on here.

Typical armchair 6 nations fans who know everything about the game then never a peep out of them for the rest of the year.

Saturday was class!! Legends.

Now to rest Sexton, Murray and Best for Australia. Lets see how Carberry, Marmion, Cooney etc get on.

And Jackson ?

You're plumbing new depths trying to wring a joke out of a rape trial.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on March 19, 2018, 09:05:04 PM
I thought Dan Leavy was the player of the six nations. He hardly gets a mention. Sean O Brien will hardly wear 7 again if this man can stay injury free.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on March 19, 2018, 09:31:20 PM
Quote from: Rudi on March 19, 2018, 09:05:04 PM
I thought Dan Leavy was the player of the six nations. He hardly gets a mention. Sean O Brien will hardly wear 7 again if this man can stay injury free.

+1
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on March 20, 2018, 12:51:07 AM
Just looking at likely future opponents in the world cup I see Ireland are likely to be facing Samoa in the group stages. Samoa have to beat Spain in a playoff to qualify. Samoa v Ireland will be a hard game with a lot of hard hits and possible injuries.

Bundee Aki also is of Samoan stock.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on March 20, 2018, 01:13:42 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on March 18, 2018, 12:36:05 PM
I think Ireland have to sacrafice notions of a GS at next year's 6 Nations to give the World Cup a proper go.

The fixtures for next year's Six Nations were actually announced last year at the same time as the 2018 fixtures. Ireland v England is in the first week.

I can't see them taking it easy to save themselves for the World Cup. If they beat England in the first week the Grand Slam hype will go into instant overdrive especially with France at home as well.

2019 Six Nations fixtures:

February 1st/2nd
France v Wales Fri 8.00
Scotland v Italy Sat 2.15
Ireland v England Sat 4.45

February 9th/10th
Scotland v Ireland Sat 2.15
Italy v Wales Sat 4.45
England v France Sun 3.00

February 16th/17th
Rest week

February 23rd/24th
France v Scotland Sat 2.15
Wales v England Sat 4.45
Italy v Ireland Sun 3.00

March 2nd/3rd
Rest week

March 9th/10th
Scotland v Wales Sat 2.15
England v Italy Sat 4.45
Ireland v France Sun 3.00

March 16th
Italy v France Sat 12.30
Wales v Ireland Sat 2.45
England v Scotland 5.00
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on March 20, 2018, 10:55:27 AM
Tremendous achievement for Ireland to win the Grand Slam, great future ahead for Irish Rugby and to go to places like Paris and Twickenham and do it, erases any doubts about the mentality of these lads.

Also thoughts are with Jordi Murphy at this stage who'll be suffering with one serious hangover if the pics / videos of past few days are anything to go by!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Fuzzman on March 20, 2018, 12:38:55 PM
What a day!!
Got a ticket for £45. I kid you not but not gonna tell you how as I'll use this technique again.
It did help thought having the full St Patrick's day gear on ;-)

Probably one of the best days out on my own, EVER!!
At half time I was down on the front near sideline throwing those wee small rugby balls up into the crowd to jeers from the Brits and everyone calling for the next one.

Those chariots took one hell of a beating Maggie T.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on March 20, 2018, 01:15:31 PM
Quote from: Fuzzman on March 20, 2018, 12:38:55 PM

It did help thought having the full St Patrick's day gear on ;-)


Not the green suit, black boots, ginger beard and top hat with ginger hair hanging out, again?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 21, 2018, 09:49:46 AM
I was reading an article about the 2009 Grand Slam and what was interesting about it was how rare the achievement was . It was Neil Francis in the Sunday Tribune

"And it was time enough for Jones to sink Paul O'Connell's heart into his boots as that last kick took flight, enough too for him to see Murphy collect, run around for a second unsure as to what to do and then kick the ball, the heartache, the jibes and 61 years of hurt high into the Millennium Stadium stands.
Ain't it grand?
Back to our old friend Aristotle again – character is that which reveals moral purpose, exposing the class of things, a man chooses to avoid. Ireland chose to win and they showed the sort of character which, for 61 years, has been missing. They've come close, and, yes, they were lucky yesterday but they showed a tenacity of purpose and strength of character which no team in this country of ours has ever matched. "

I couldn't imagine that being written today
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on March 21, 2018, 12:08:10 PM
Even this year when we were in my opinion clearly better than the other sides we had to rely on nothing short of a miracle in Paris and an intercept against Wales. Grand slams are incredibly hard to do.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: shark on March 21, 2018, 12:28:16 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 21, 2018, 12:08:10 PM
Even this year when we were in my opinion clearly better than the other sides we had to rely on nothing short of a miracle in Paris and an intercept against Wales. Grand slams are incredibly hard to do.

All true.

I think what is so impressive about this year though is how well Ireland coped with injuries. The Wales game especially where you could argue that 5 certain starters were missing. Whether they are all certain starters now may not be true, especially in O'Brien's case.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GaillimhIarthair on March 21, 2018, 12:43:10 PM
Quote from: shark on March 21, 2018, 12:28:16 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 21, 2018, 12:08:10 PM
Even this year when we were in my opinion clearly better than the other sides we had to rely on nothing short of a miracle in Paris and an intercept against Wales. Grand slams are incredibly hard to do.

All true.

I think what is so impressive about this year though is how well Ireland coped with injuries. The Wales game especially where you could argue that 5 certain starters were missing. Whether they are all certain starters now may not be true, especially in O'Brien's case.
You would worry for O'Brien on the back of all the consecutive injuries he has endured in the past few years - I doubt he has much more top level rugby left in his locker at this stage - hope Im wrong.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on March 21, 2018, 12:49:00 PM
Quote from: shark on March 21, 2018, 12:28:16 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 21, 2018, 12:08:10 PM
Even this year when we were in my opinion clearly better than the other sides we had to rely on nothing short of a miracle in Paris and an intercept against Wales. Grand slams are incredibly hard to do.

All true.

I think what is so impressive about this year though is how well Ireland coped with injuries. The Wales game especially where you could argue that 5 certain starters were missing. Whether they are all certain starters now may not be true, especially in O'Brien's case.

Which is the clear and obvious area we had to improve if we want to make an impact at a World Cup. Squad depth.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 21, 2018, 12:53:11 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 21, 2018, 12:08:10 PM
Even this year when we were in my opinion clearly better than the other sides we had to rely on nothing short of a miracle in Paris and an intercept against Wales. Grand slams are incredibly hard to do.

No doubt about it they are hard to do. I always found it difficult to understand how Wales not so long ago did it 3 times in 7 years with an OKish team a team that often in between grand slams was fighting not to get the wooden spoon.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 21, 2018, 01:18:21 PM
It definitely feels different this time though . . . in 2009 it felt like the pinnacle whereas this time it's more of a run on the ladder.

This group of players are looking for more and 18 months time will be a big test!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on March 21, 2018, 02:01:09 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on March 21, 2018, 12:53:11 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 21, 2018, 12:08:10 PM
Even this year when we were in my opinion clearly better than the other sides we had to rely on nothing short of a miracle in Paris and an intercept against Wales. Grand slams are incredibly hard to do.

No doubt about it they are hard to do. I always found it difficult to understand how Wales not so long ago did it 3 times in 7 years with an OKish team a team that often in between grand slams was fighting not to get the wooden spoon.

Gatland is a great coach to be fair, he's done very well at Wales.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on March 21, 2018, 02:42:07 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 21, 2018, 12:08:10 PM
Even this year when we were in my opinion clearly better than the other sides we had to rely on nothing short of a miracle in Paris and an intercept against Wales. Grand slams are incredibly hard to do.

Agree on Paris that was a Hail Mary kick but we were winning v Wales at the time of the intercept plus it was on the half way line. Not as if wales were camped on the line and they were certain to score if that ball went to hand.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 21, 2018, 04:23:05 PM
The schedule really helped. 3 home games in the middle and the knackered England at the end 

Next year has England on day 1
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: StGallsGAA on March 21, 2018, 11:55:56 PM
Quote from: screenexile on March 21, 2018, 01:18:21 PM
It definitely feels different this time though . . . in 2009 it felt like the pinnacle whereas this time it's more of a run on the ladder.

This group of players are looking for more and 18 months time will be a big test!
Not a f**king hope in the RWC.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 22, 2018, 09:57:24 AM
Quote from: StGallsGAA on March 21, 2018, 11:55:56 PM
Quote from: screenexile on March 21, 2018, 01:18:21 PM
It definitely feels different this time though . . . in 2009 it felt like the pinnacle whereas this time it's more of a run on the ladder.

This group of players are looking for more and 18 months time will be a big test!
Not a f**king hope in the RWC.

We are literally the 2nd best team in the world at the minute . . . of course it depends on a lot of things but surely that hast o be the target and it is definitely achievable!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: passedit on March 23, 2018, 01:05:23 PM
Quote from: screenexile on March 22, 2018, 09:57:24 AM
Quote from: StGallsGAA on March 21, 2018, 11:55:56 PM
Quote from: screenexile on March 21, 2018, 01:18:21 PM
It definitely feels different this time though . . . in 2009 it felt like the pinnacle whereas this time it's more of a run on the ladder.

This group of players are looking for more and 18 months time will be a big test!
Not a f**king hope in the RWC.

We are literally the 2nd best team in the world at the minute . . . of course it depends on a lot of things but surely that hast o be the target and it is definitely achievable!

Luck has to be better than last time when the team was eviscerated in the French game making them easy pickings a week later. Depth is probably better now but I'm not sure they could still withstand comparable losses this time round either.

Last saturday was strange, for such a momentous achievement, I found it all a bit flat probably because  I'm not sure I've ever been as cold at a sporting event but mainly because there was never a doubt about the outcome from the fifth minute on. I was expecting a lot more from the English but Ireland completely bossed them. The trys at the end only took the bad look of it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 23, 2018, 03:53:49 PM
https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2018/0323/949555-stockdale-named-six-nations-player-of-the-championship/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 24, 2018, 08:53:14 AM
How does a man start to look for tickets to the NZ game in November?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 24, 2018, 01:45:48 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 24, 2018, 08:53:14 AM
How does a man start to look for tickets to the NZ game in November?

Same, daughter torturing me for going
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on March 26, 2018, 01:06:52 PM
You lads know anyone that is member of a club in IRFU, that's your most reliable chance.

Sometimes there is pre registration before tickets go online if you keep an eye on the IRFU site but I don't know about the All Blacks....demand will be huge.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on March 26, 2018, 01:09:14 PM
Best chance is to buy the total autumn package when it becomes available.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 26, 2018, 02:52:40 PM
Neil Francis proving himself once again to be a completely ignorant knob
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 26, 2018, 03:11:24 PM
Actually I find the insecure self-righteous GAA supporter on Twitter to be the knobs. Neil Francis wrote that article to get a response, same way that Ewan MacKenna wrote one during the week, both write for INM. By paying homage to him or MacKenna you are just giving them oxygen. Better off ignoring their ilk completely.  Swinging dick competition as to who can get the bigger reaction.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 26, 2018, 03:14:42 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 26, 2018, 03:11:24 PM
Actually I find the insecure self-righteous GAA supporter on Twitter to be the knobs. Neil Francis wrote that article to get a response, same way that Ewan MacKenna wrote one during the week, both write for INM. By paying homage to him or MacKenna you are just giving them oxygen. Better off ignoring their ilk completely.  Swinging dick competition as to who can get the bigger reaction.

Be careful now Dinny you know our Ewan doesn't like being talked about on discussion boards . . .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 26, 2018, 03:20:19 PM
Quote from: screenexile on March 26, 2018, 03:14:42 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 26, 2018, 03:11:24 PM
Actually I find the insecure self-righteous GAA supporter on Twitter to be the knobs. Neil Francis wrote that article to get a response, same way that Ewan MacKenna wrote one during the week, both write for INM. By paying homage to him or MacKenna you are just giving them oxygen. Better off ignoring their ilk completely.  Swinging dick competition as to who can get the bigger reaction.

Be careful now Dinny you know our Ewan doesn't like being talked about on discussion boards . . .

Ha! Wonder does he get the irony in that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 26, 2018, 03:30:25 PM
"Franno" is demonstrably wrong though. Not that the Indo editors are particularly renowned but was anyone in the building even aware that they published an article about how rugby is now the sport of the people where the final quarter of it was devoted to praising Blackrock, Belvedere and Glenstal Abbey? Laughable.

Just because someone like MacKenna is a tit doesn't mean other ones shouldn't be called out, especially when they inexplicably have a national platform to spout from.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 26, 2018, 03:36:42 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 26, 2018, 03:30:25 PM
"Franno" is demonstrably wrong though. Not that the Indo editors are particularly renowned but was anyone in the building even aware that they published an article about how rugby is now the sport of the people where the final quarter of it was devoted to praising Blackrock, Belvedere and Glenstal Abbey? Laughable.

Just because someone like MacKenna is a tit doesn't mean other ones shouldn't be called out, especially when they inexplicably have a national platform to spout from.

Reverse snobbery is just as bad.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 26, 2018, 03:49:36 PM
Saying he's wrong, which he patently is, isn't snobbery.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 26, 2018, 03:53:12 PM
You have to laugh at the attitude of some GAA people towards rugby. What ever happened to loving both games??

Snobbery certainly exists within the GAA. A case point being the attitude towards Casement Park and the lack of respect for residents.

Step forward Jarlath Burns!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 26, 2018, 03:57:44 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 26, 2018, 03:49:36 PM
Saying he's wrong, which he patently is, isn't snobbery.

No but saying he's wrong while have a dig at three schools is what exactly? To me your projecting your own snobbery towards fee paying schools.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 26, 2018, 04:15:21 PM
Haven't seen the article but does McKenna make reference to the number of privately educated Dublin GAA stars.

https://www.buzz.ie/gaa/long-read-dublin-gaa-danger-leaving-working-class-behind-243759
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 26, 2018, 04:18:43 PM
https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/six-nations/ewan-mackenna-private-schools-and-elite-class-culture-is-why-rugby-will-never-be-embraced-by-country-like-the-gaa-36557141.html (https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/six-nations/ewan-mackenna-private-schools-and-elite-class-culture-is-why-rugby-will-never-be-embraced-by-country-like-the-gaa-36557141.html)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 26, 2018, 04:20:31 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 26, 2018, 03:57:44 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 26, 2018, 03:49:36 PM
Saying he's wrong, which he patently is, isn't snobbery.

No but saying he's wrong while have a dig at three schools is what exactly? To me your projecting your own snobbery towards fee paying schools.

Point out where I had a dig at the schools?


I made reference to the fact that, in Ireland, rugby is clearly still very much an elitist sport, regardless of how many sit down to watch the national team play one of its biggest matches of the last ten years. The developmental route to the professional game very much goes through those elite schools. When you're arguing that it's "the sport of the people" that point becomes particularly relevant.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 26, 2018, 04:23:47 PM
With the GAA well.on.its way to becoming an elite spectator sport through the Super 8, following the Irish rugby might well become a more popular watch.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 26, 2018, 04:29:24 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 26, 2018, 04:20:31 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 26, 2018, 03:57:44 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 26, 2018, 03:49:36 PM
Saying he's wrong, which he patently is, isn't snobbery.

No but saying he's wrong while have a dig at three schools is what exactly? To me your projecting your own snobbery towards fee paying schools.

Point out where I had a dig at the schools?


I made reference to the fact that, in Ireland, rugby is clearly still very much an elitist sport, regardless of how many sit down to watch the national team play one of its biggest matches of the last ten years. The developmental route to the professional game very much goes through those elite schools. When you're arguing that it's "the sport of the people" that point becomes particularly relevant.

I think, in fairness, Limerick is less elite, and that's my biggest exposure by far. Of course you have the posh clubs like Garryowen, but it's relatively posh. Glenstal Abbey in Murroe (good hurling country) is fee paying, but I think St. Munchins, Crescent Comprehensive and Castletroy College all play in the Senior Cup and are not fee paying.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 26, 2018, 04:38:28 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 26, 2018, 03:53:12 PM
You have to laugh at the attitude of some GAA people towards rugby. What ever happened to loving both games??

Snobbery certainly exists within the GAA. A case point being the attitude towards Casement Park and the lack of respect for residents.

Step forward Jarlath Burns!

Of course it exists, but what's that got to do with whether Francis is right or wrong on his arguement that rugby is becoming the national sport? Lots of people, myself included, love both sports. That doesn't mean I feel some ridiculous need to make preposterous claims about rugby though.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 26, 2018, 04:46:16 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 26, 2018, 04:20:31 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 26, 2018, 03:57:44 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 26, 2018, 03:49:36 PM
Saying he's wrong, which he patently is, isn't snobbery.

No but saying he's wrong while have a dig at three schools is what exactly? To me your projecting your own snobbery towards fee paying schools.

Point out where I had a dig at the schools?


I made reference to the fact that, in Ireland, rugby is clearly still very much an elitist sport, regardless of how many sit down to watch the national team play one of its biggest matches of the last ten years. The developmental route to the professional game very much goes through those elite schools. When you're arguing that it's "the sport of the people" that point becomes particularly relevant.

Why mention the schools at all then, you brought them up not me?

Rugby is not an elitist sport, anyone can join their local rugby club, my own rugby club has 22 teams including women's, girls and disability, how many GAA clubs can match that? The development route doesn't very much go through the elite schools. There are many pathways. Jacob Stockdale did not got to a fee paying school and he just won player of the 6 nations. Joey Carberry, Tadgh Furlong, Bundee Aki, Iain Henderson, Keith Earls also all starters, non-fee paying schools.

Do you increase your chances of a professional career if you go to a Michael's, Belvo or a Blackrock, absolutely, the culture of rugby in those schools the same way the culture of football in St Jarleths's improves your chances but it's not the only pathway.

The likes of Francis and MacKenna try to polarise people, I wouldn't give them oxygen.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 26, 2018, 04:53:04 PM
I agree with a lot of that Dinny. Down here there are several rugby clubs in towns like my own, Newport, which is just a village really. The same people involved are with the soccer club and the GAA club.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 26, 2018, 04:54:46 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 26, 2018, 04:46:16 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 26, 2018, 04:20:31 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 26, 2018, 03:57:44 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 26, 2018, 03:49:36 PM
Saying he's wrong, which he patently is, isn't snobbery.

No but saying he's wrong while have a dig at three schools is what exactly? To me your projecting your own snobbery towards fee paying schools.

Point out where I had a dig at the schools?


I made reference to the fact that, in Ireland, rugby is clearly still very much an elitist sport, regardless of how many sit down to watch the national team play one of its biggest matches of the last ten years. The developmental route to the professional game very much goes through those elite schools. When you're arguing that it's "the sport of the people" that point becomes particularly relevant.

Why mention the schools at all then, you brought them up not me?

Rugby is not an elitist sport, anyone can join their local rugby club, my own rugby club has 22 teams including women's, girls and disability, how many GAA clubs can match that? The development route doesn't very much go through the elite schools. There are many pathways. Jacob Stockdale did not got to a fee paying school and he just won player of the 6 nations. Joey Carberry, Tadgh Furlong, Bundee Aki, Iain Henderson, Keith Earls also all starters, non-fee paying schools.

Do you increase your chances of a professional career if you go to a Michael's, Belvo or a Blackrock, absolutely, the culture of rugby in those schools the same way the culture of football in St Jarleths's improves your chances but it's not the only pathway.

The likes of Francis and MacKenna try to polarise people, I wouldn't give them oxygen.

Several, around the country I would imagine. How many rugby clubs can match it, as of a matter of interest?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 26, 2018, 04:56:19 PM
There's fûck all elitism out west in rugby. There isn't any room for it for one. Bit of a mischaracterisation to focus on some Leinster schools and ignore what's happening in the rest of the country.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on March 26, 2018, 05:01:37 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 26, 2018, 04:46:16 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 26, 2018, 04:20:31 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 26, 2018, 03:57:44 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 26, 2018, 03:49:36 PM
Saying he's wrong, which he patently is, isn't snobbery.

No but saying he's wrong while have a dig at three schools is what exactly? To me your projecting your own snobbery towards fee paying schools.

Point out where I had a dig at the schools?


I made reference to the fact that, in Ireland, rugby is clearly still very much an elitist sport, regardless of how many sit down to watch the national team play one of its biggest matches of the last ten years. The developmental route to the professional game very much goes through those elite schools. When you're arguing that it's "the sport of the people" that point becomes particularly relevant.

Why mention the schools at all then, you brought them up not me?

Rugby is not an elitist sport, anyone can join their local rugby club, my own rugby club has 22 teams including women's, girls and disability, how many GAA clubs can match that? The development route doesn't very much go through the elite schools. There are many pathways. Jacob Stockdale did not got to a fee paying school and he just won player of the 6 nations. Joey Carberry, Tadgh Furlong, Bundee Aki, Iain Henderson, Keith Earls also all starters, non-fee paying schools.

Do you increase your chances of a professional career if you go to a Michael's, Belvo or a Blackrock, absolutely, the culture of rugby in those schools the same way the culture of football in St Jarleths's improves your chances but it's not the only pathway.

The likes of Francis and MacKenna try to polarise people, I wouldn't give them oxygen.

Play myself lads and I'm far from elite  ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 26, 2018, 05:07:10 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 26, 2018, 04:54:46 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 26, 2018, 04:46:16 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 26, 2018, 04:20:31 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 26, 2018, 03:57:44 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 26, 2018, 03:49:36 PM
Saying he's wrong, which he patently is, isn't snobbery.

No but saying he's wrong while have a dig at three schools is what exactly? To me your projecting your own snobbery towards fee paying schools.

Point out where I had a dig at the schools?


I made reference to the fact that, in Ireland, rugby is clearly still very much an elitist sport, regardless of how many sit down to watch the national team play one of its biggest matches of the last ten years. The developmental route to the professional game very much goes through those elite schools. When you're arguing that it's "the sport of the people" that point becomes particularly relevant.

Why mention the schools at all then, you brought them up not me?

Rugby is not an elitist sport, anyone can join their local rugby club, my own rugby club has 22 teams including women's, girls and disability, how many GAA clubs can match that? The development route doesn't very much go through the elite schools. There are many pathways. Jacob Stockdale did not got to a fee paying school and he just won player of the 6 nations. Joey Carberry, Tadgh Furlong, Bundee Aki, Iain Henderson, Keith Earls also all starters, non-fee paying schools.

Do you increase your chances of a professional career if you go to a Michael's, Belvo or a Blackrock, absolutely, the culture of rugby in those schools the same way the culture of football in St Jarleths's improves your chances but it's not the only pathway.

The likes of Francis and MacKenna try to polarise people, I wouldn't give them oxygen.

Several, around the country I would imagine. How many rugby clubs can match it, as of a matter of interest?

Not many particularly the disability side. Does disability hurling or football exist? Genuinely don't know but I know the FAI have led way and now how 1000s participating in their football for all programs and the IRFU are following suit, very much in it's infancy with only I think 9 or 10 special needs team in Leinster. Girls rugby is growing at a massive rate, 7s is a big winner in the schools, very similar to ladies football in that manner. I get the image of rugby with MacKenna and Francis doing their best to ensure that stereotype exists. But once you move away from large cities and towns the cross pollination between GAA clubs, soccers clubs and rugby clubs is such that they probably struggle to exist if their members were one sport only.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LooseCannon on March 26, 2018, 09:47:22 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 26, 2018, 05:07:10 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 26, 2018, 04:54:46 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 26, 2018, 04:46:16 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 26, 2018, 04:20:31 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 26, 2018, 03:57:44 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 26, 2018, 03:49:36 PM
Saying he's wrong, which he patently is, isn't snobbery.

No but saying he's wrong while have a dig at three schools is what exactly? To me your projecting your own snobbery towards fee paying schools.

Point out where I had a dig at the schools?


I made reference to the fact that, in Ireland, rugby is clearly still very much an elitist sport, regardless of how many sit down to watch the national team play one of its biggest matches of the last ten years. The developmental route to the professional game very much goes through those elite schools. When you're arguing that it's "the sport of the people" that point becomes particularly relevant.

Why mention the schools at all then, you brought them up not me?

Rugby is not an elitist sport, anyone can join their local rugby club, my own rugby club has 22 teams including women's, girls and disability, how many GAA clubs can match that? The development route doesn't very much go through the elite schools. There are many pathways. Jacob Stockdale did not got to a fee paying school and he just won player of the 6 nations. Joey Carberry, Tadgh Furlong, Bundee Aki, Iain Henderson, Keith Earls also all starters, non-fee paying schools.

Do you increase your chances of a professional career if you go to a Michael's, Belvo or a Blackrock, absolutely, the culture of rugby in those schools the same way the culture of football in St Jarleths's improves your chances but it's not the only pathway.

The likes of Francis and MacKenna try to polarise people, I wouldn't give them oxygen.

Several, around the country I would imagine. How many rugby clubs can match it, as of a matter of interest?

Not many particularly the disability side. Does disability hurling or football exist? Genuinely don't know but I know the FAI have led way and now how 1000s participating in their football for all programs and the IRFU are following suit, very much in it's infancy with only I think 9 or 10 special needs team in Leinster. Girls rugby is growing at a massive rate, 7s is a big winner in the schools, very similar to ladies football in that manner. I get the image of rugby with MacKenna and Francis doing their best to ensure that stereotype exists. But once you move away from large cities and towns the cross pollination between GAA clubs, soccers clubs and rugby clubs is such that they probably struggle to exist if their members were one sport only.
Emm, I can't imagine wheelchair hurling to be honest. Can't really imagine it for football either.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 26, 2018, 09:49:09 PM
Quote from: LooseCannon on March 26, 2018, 09:47:22 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 26, 2018, 05:07:10 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 26, 2018, 04:54:46 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 26, 2018, 04:46:16 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 26, 2018, 04:20:31 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 26, 2018, 03:57:44 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 26, 2018, 03:49:36 PM
Saying he's wrong, which he patently is, isn't snobbery.

No but saying he's wrong while have a dig at three schools is what exactly? To me your projecting your own snobbery towards fee paying schools.

Point out where I had a dig at the schools?


I made reference to the fact that, in Ireland, rugby is clearly still very much an elitist sport, regardless of how many sit down to watch the national team play one of its biggest matches of the last ten years. The developmental route to the professional game very much goes through those elite schools. When you're arguing that it's "the sport of the people" that point becomes particularly relevant.

Why mention the schools at all then, you brought them up not me?

Rugby is not an elitist sport, anyone can join their local rugby club, my own rugby club has 22 teams including women's, girls and disability, how many GAA clubs can match that? The development route doesn't very much go through the elite schools. There are many pathways. Jacob Stockdale did not got to a fee paying school and he just won player of the 6 nations. Joey Carberry, Tadgh Furlong, Bundee Aki, Iain Henderson, Keith Earls also all starters, non-fee paying schools.

Do you increase your chances of a professional career if you go to a Michael's, Belvo or a Blackrock, absolutely, the culture of rugby in those schools the same way the culture of football in St Jarleths's improves your chances but it's not the only pathway.

The likes of Francis and MacKenna try to polarise people, I wouldn't give them oxygen.

Several, around the country I would imagine. How many rugby clubs can match it, as of a matter of interest?

Not many particularly the disability side. Does disability hurling or football exist? Genuinely don't know but I know the FAI have led way and now how 1000s participating in their football for all programs and the IRFU are following suit, very much in it's infancy with only I think 9 or 10 special needs team in Leinster. Girls rugby is growing at a massive rate, 7s is a big winner in the schools, very similar to ladies football in that manner. I get the image of rugby with MacKenna and Francis doing their best to ensure that stereotype exists. But once you move away from large cities and towns the cross pollination between GAA clubs, soccers clubs and rugby clubs is such that they probably struggle to exist if their members were one sport only.
Emm, I can't imagine wheelchair hurling to be honest. Can't really imagine it for football either.

Why would it have to involve wheelchairs? There's a hell of a lot of different disabilities.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 26, 2018, 10:05:16 PM
Stunned by that comment.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: yellowcard on March 26, 2018, 10:15:57 PM
I'd watch all of the 6 nations matches and if an Irish province got to say the last 4 of the European Cup I might tune in. Other than that I don't follow Pro14 games nor have I ever attended an AI league match. For me it's all about the 'event' and the sense of national identity that comes from watching your country. It also helps that it is one of the few 32 county sports.

However the game itself doesn't really excite me if I'm honest. Take away all the marketing, tribalism and the full houses at big international matches and I think you'd see a sport that has become increasingly about size, power and grunt rather than any great level of skill. If Ireland lose in rugby I'd be disappointed for about 5 minutes which would not be the case when it comes to the Gaa. This emphasis on size and power would concern me and so would the concussion issue. It will take someone to get very seriously injured or worse for rugby to sit up and tackle this issue properly.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LooseCannon on March 26, 2018, 10:44:53 PM
Quote from: Syferus on March 26, 2018, 09:49:09 PM
Quote from: LooseCannon on March 26, 2018, 09:47:22 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 26, 2018, 05:07:10 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 26, 2018, 04:54:46 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 26, 2018, 04:46:16 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 26, 2018, 04:20:31 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 26, 2018, 03:57:44 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 26, 2018, 03:49:36 PM
Saying he's wrong, which he patently is, isn't snobbery.

No but saying he's wrong while have a dig at three schools is what exactly? To me your projecting your own snobbery towards fee paying schools.

Point out where I had a dig at the schools?


I made reference to the fact that, in Ireland, rugby is clearly still very much an elitist sport, regardless of how many sit down to watch the national team play one of its biggest matches of the last ten years. The developmental route to the professional game very much goes through those elite schools. When you're arguing that it's "the sport of the people" that point becomes particularly relevant.

Why mention the schools at all then, you brought them up not me?

Rugby is not an elitist sport, anyone can join their local rugby club, my own rugby club has 22 teams including women's, girls and disability, how many GAA clubs can match that? The development route doesn't very much go through the elite schools. There are many pathways. Jacob Stockdale did not got to a fee paying school and he just won player of the 6 nations. Joey Carberry, Tadgh Furlong, Bundee Aki, Iain Henderson, Keith Earls also all starters, non-fee paying schools.

Do you increase your chances of a professional career if you go to a Michael's, Belvo or a Blackrock, absolutely, the culture of rugby in those schools the same way the culture of football in St Jarleths's improves your chances but it's not the only pathway.

The likes of Francis and MacKenna try to polarise people, I wouldn't give them oxygen.

Several, around the country I would imagine. How many rugby clubs can match it, as of a matter of interest?

Not many particularly the disability side. Does disability hurling or football exist? Genuinely don't know but I know the FAI have led way and now how 1000s participating in their football for all programs and the IRFU are following suit, very much in it's infancy with only I think 9 or 10 special needs team in Leinster. Girls rugby is growing at a massive rate, 7s is a big winner in the schools, very similar to ladies football in that manner. I get the image of rugby with MacKenna and Francis doing their best to ensure that stereotype exists. But once you move away from large cities and towns the cross pollination between GAA clubs, soccers clubs and rugby clubs is such that they probably struggle to exist if their members were one sport only.
Emm, I can't imagine wheelchair hurling to be honest. Can't really imagine it for football either.

Why would it have to involve wheelchairs? There's a hell of a lot of different disabilities.

I meant to elaborate further. It's  a hell of a lot more difficult to come up with disability sports in the GAA. Sorry about the wheelchair comment, I was trying to compare it to other disability sports to show how it wouldn't work. Actually now that I think of it, there is wheelchair ground hurling. A guy I know works with people with physical disabilities, and it's one of the games that they play.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LooseCannon on March 26, 2018, 10:46:36 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 26, 2018, 10:05:16 PM
Stunned by that comment.
You should be I elaborated below. I didn't mean for it to sound prejudicial about disabilities. Apologies.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Zulu on March 26, 2018, 11:07:59 PM
There is disability hurling and football with more variations being developed at the moment.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 27, 2018, 06:15:58 AM
Quote from: LooseCannon on March 26, 2018, 10:46:36 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 26, 2018, 10:05:16 PM
Stunned by that comment.
You should be I elaborated below. I didn't mean for it to sound prejudicial about disabilities. Apologies.

No worries.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 27, 2018, 06:19:56 AM
Quote from: Zulu on March 26, 2018, 11:07:59 PM
There is disability hurling and football with more variations being developed at the moment.

Great to hear, the rewards are fantastic.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: NAG1 on March 27, 2018, 11:01:53 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 27, 2018, 06:19:56 AM
Quote from: Zulu on March 26, 2018, 11:07:59 PM
There is disability hurling and football with more variations being developed at the moment.

Great to hear, the rewards are fantastic.

The Disability Hurling well established now, a great development for inclusion.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on March 27, 2018, 12:23:30 PM
Quote from: Syferus on March 26, 2018, 09:49:09 PM
Quote from: LooseCannon on March 26, 2018, 09:47:22 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 26, 2018, 05:07:10 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 26, 2018, 04:54:46 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 26, 2018, 04:46:16 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 26, 2018, 04:20:31 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 26, 2018, 03:57:44 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 26, 2018, 03:49:36 PM
Saying he's wrong, which he patently is, isn't snobbery.

No but saying he's wrong while have a dig at three schools is what exactly? To me your projecting your own snobbery towards fee paying schools.

Point out where I had a dig at the schools?


I made reference to the fact that, in Ireland, rugby is clearly still very much an elitist sport, regardless of how many sit down to watch the national team play one of its biggest matches of the last ten years. The developmental route to the professional game very much goes through those elite schools. When you're arguing that it's "the sport of the people" that point becomes particularly relevant.

Why mention the schools at all then, you brought them up not me?

Rugby is not an elitist sport, anyone can join their local rugby club, my own rugby club has 22 teams including women's, girls and disability, how many GAA clubs can match that? The development route doesn't very much go through the elite schools. There are many pathways. Jacob Stockdale did not got to a fee paying school and he just won player of the 6 nations. Joey Carberry, Tadgh Furlong, Bundee Aki, Iain Henderson, Keith Earls also all starters, non-fee paying schools.

Do you increase your chances of a professional career if you go to a Michael's, Belvo or a Blackrock, absolutely, the culture of rugby in those schools the same way the culture of football in St Jarleths's improves your chances but it's not the only pathway.

The likes of Francis and MacKenna try to polarise people, I wouldn't give them oxygen.

Several, around the country I would imagine. How many rugby clubs can match it, as of a matter of interest?

Not many particularly the disability side. Does disability hurling or football exist? Genuinely don't know but I know the FAI have led way and now how 1000s participating in their football for all programs and the IRFU are following suit, very much in it's infancy with only I think 9 or 10 special needs team in Leinster. Girls rugby is growing at a massive rate, 7s is a big winner in the schools, very similar to ladies football in that manner. I get the image of rugby with MacKenna and Francis doing their best to ensure that stereotype exists. But once you move away from large cities and towns the cross pollination between GAA clubs, soccers clubs and rugby clubs is such that they probably struggle to exist if their members were one sport only.
Emm, I can't imagine wheelchair hurling to be honest. Can't really imagine it for football either.

Why would it have to involve wheelchairs? There's a hell of a lot of different disabilities.

There is wheelchair hurling, in it's infancy.

http://ulster.gaa.ie/2017/10/ireland-wheelchair-hurling-championships/ (http://ulster.gaa.ie/2017/10/ireland-wheelchair-hurling-championships/)

Not sure what that's got to do with the price of bread though!


I'd say most GAA clubs of a reasonable size have 20 plus teams.

We've a small catchment, not even a village and between hurling and camogie we'd put out almost 20 teams from U6's to adult in both codes and we don't bother the big ball.

Not sure why people bother with this shít from McKenna and Neil Francis, column inches for the eejits to get wound up about.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on March 27, 2018, 01:01:55 PM
Ya - I'd heard of the wheelchair hurling alright and seen some pictures and reports on websites.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 27, 2018, 01:15:01 PM
On the "why a wheelchair" discussion, it's pretty obvious that it came about because the discussion was around rugby and "wheelchair rugby" is an established concept. No need to go looking to take any more offense then you already do Syferus.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on March 27, 2018, 01:16:14 PM
For the record my GAA club has 19 teams covering male and female from 5 years to adult. Sligo RFC is in our area and we've a brilliant relationship with them. A lot of crossover in terms of players even if they're more of a county setup if you like than a club. Their current coach is a coach in our club also and has coached our seniors as well as at intercounty level. Rugby has its elite element without doubt but mostly people just like sport. And that's kind of as it should be. GAA is my preference but watch and enjoy lots of other sports.

Journalism is gone.....all about clicks.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on March 27, 2018, 01:23:13 PM
Not exactly on topic, but what are the thoughts on Irish chances this weekend in the European Cup(s)?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 27, 2018, 01:26:38 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on March 27, 2018, 01:23:13 PM
Not exactly on topic, but what are the thoughts on Irish chances this weekend in the European Cup(s)?

If both sides had a full quota I'd say Munster and Leinster victories. Now I reckon both games are very much 50/50. If I was a betting man I'd back Leinster and Toulon.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 27, 2018, 01:30:59 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 27, 2018, 01:26:38 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on March 27, 2018, 01:23:13 PM
Not exactly on topic, but what are the thoughts on Irish chances this weekend in the European Cup(s)?

If both sides had a full quota I'd say Munster and Leinster victories. Now I reckon both games are very much 50/50. If I was a betting man I'd back Leinster and Toulon.

Me too. The Munster list of injuries is incredible.

Simon Zebo
Andrew Conway
Keith Earls
Tyler Blendaal
Chris Farrell
Chris Cloete
Jaco Taute
Tommy O'Donnell

All probably first teamers and all out. Zebo and Conway may play some part.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 27, 2018, 01:50:41 PM
Munster have lost their 11, 13, 15 and 15. Very hard to replace those players. The have a punchers chance but hard not to see a Toulon win. I think Leinster will win but not without a scare.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 27, 2018, 01:55:23 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 27, 2018, 01:50:41 PM
Munster have lost their 11, 13, 15 and 15. Very hard to replace those players. The have a punchers chance but hard not to see a Toulon win. I think Leinster will win but not without a scare.

You could say they've lost 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15. Would it shock you if the Munster starting lineup had Blyendaal, Conway,  Taute, Farrell, Earls and Zebo?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 27, 2018, 02:04:01 PM
I think Keatley would start ahead of Blyendaal but yea wouldn't surprised if he did start. Munster will play a tight controlling game, if the Munster back-row can perform to the standard CJ and POM set in the 6 nations they will give themselves that chance. Bastareaud in midfield needs to be contained.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on March 27, 2018, 02:07:46 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 27, 2018, 02:04:01 PM
I think Keatley would start ahead of Blyendaal but yea wouldn't surprised if he did start. Munster will play a tight controlling game, if the Munster back-row can perform to the standard CJ and POM set in the 6 nations they will give themselves that chance. Bastareaud in midfield needs to be contained.

He's certainly coming back to the fore recently, he's an absolute monster - a throwback in many ways.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 27, 2018, 02:28:53 PM
I'm trying to think who the back 7 will be. You're probably looking at something like lined up v the Scarlets, which is a bit of a scary thought. I might need a few pints on the Terrace this SAturday! May be something like

Murray, Keatley, Wooten, Arnold, Scannell, Sweetnam (if he's ok) and JJ Hanrahan at fullback.

God, I need a drink now.

This could be our Laz Malloy moment. "Is there anyone in the stand who can play on the wing? Please report to the Munster dressing room".
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LooseCannon on March 27, 2018, 03:24:59 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 27, 2018, 02:28:53 PM
I'm trying to think who the back 7 will be. You're probably looking at something like lined up v the Scarlets, which is a bit of a scary thought. I might need a few pints on the Terrace this SAturday! May be something like

Murray, Keatley, Wooten, Arnold, Scannell, Sweetnam (if he's ok) and JJ Hanrahan at fullback.

God, I need a drink now.

This could be our Laz Malloy moment. "Is there anyone in the stand who can play on the wing? Please report to the Munster dressing room".
;D ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 28, 2018, 08:36:12 AM
Last year

"Bundee wants to be on a winning team that plays good rugby and has a very good coach"

This year

https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/grand-slam-hero-aki-insists-pretournament-criticism-didnt-faze-him-36751182.html

The IRFU did very well to keep him in Ireland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GaillimhIarthair on March 28, 2018, 08:57:27 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 27, 2018, 02:28:53 PM
I'm trying to think who the back 7 will be. You're probably looking at something like lined up v the Scarlets, which is a bit of a scary thought. I might need a few pints on the Terrace this SAturday! May be something like

Murray, Keatley, Wooten, Arnold, Scannell, Sweetnam (if he's ok) and JJ Hanrahan at fullback.

God, I need a drink now.

This could be our Laz Malloy moment. "Is there anyone in the stand who can play on the wing? Please report to the Munster dressing room".
LOL!!  A good buddy of mine from your own county tells that story everytime we meet up for a few pints - imagine the social media craic if that happened today!!  :D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 31, 2018, 04:05:28 PM
Don't know how Owens have Murray that try. All the chat between them suggested the fumble had gone backwards (which it had) and the tmo just changed his mind at the end and goes "ah, I'd say that went forward".

Munster living very, very dangerously at the minute.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on March 31, 2018, 04:15:50 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 28, 2018, 08:36:12 AM
Last year

"Bundee wants to be on a winning team that plays good rugby and has a very good coach"

This year

https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/grand-slam-hero-aki-insists-pretournament-criticism-didnt-faze-him-36751182.html

The IRFU did very well to keep him in Ireland.

Ali has done a hell of a lot for rugby and for sport in general in Connacht. High character fella, sport needs more like him. Anyone begrudging him this chance really doesn't have a clue what they're talking about.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 31, 2018, 05:11:58 PM
That was absolute class!!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 31, 2018, 05:21:18 PM
Ashton  :D

The look on his face at the end was priceless.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: shark on March 31, 2018, 05:22:46 PM
Outrageous from Conway. Claremont & Leinster double tomorrow and it'll be some weekend in Dublin in 3 weeks.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 31, 2018, 05:37:44 PM
Yup, try of the year. Not sure Munster were the better team overall but the scrum and lineout were brilliant. The "forward' pass to Bastareuad probably cancels out giving Murray the Munster opener so not sure Toulon can feel too aggrieved.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 31, 2018, 05:48:18 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 31, 2018, 05:21:18 PM
Ashton  :D

The look on his face at the end was priceless.

You could not beat Ashton enough times the arrogant English p***k!!! Great to see!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 31, 2018, 06:22:20 PM
I'm f**king wrecked.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: David McKeown on March 31, 2018, 06:22:36 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 31, 2018, 05:37:44 PM
Yup, try of the year. Not sure Munster were the better team overall but the scrum and lineout were brilliant. The "forward' pass to Bastareuad probably cancels out giving Murray the Munster opener so not sure Toulon can feel too aggrieved.

Don't know about that. The pass looked flat. The knock on the ruck was very marginal. I thought the TMO only gave it because he thought it would be a scrum. He seemed shocked when Owens said so I may award the try?  Not convinced the TMO was too sure what was happening.

I think Minster got a marginal call on the Zebo decision in the opening minute.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 31, 2018, 06:45:47 PM
The "safest" one I felt was the knock on at the ruck. There was no way it went forward. Clearly went the tiniest bit backward and then bounced forward, as described in commentary.

The pass to Bastareuad was ever so slightly forward to me.

The Zebo one I'm not sure about. Think he went for the ball.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on March 31, 2018, 09:30:19 PM
Sensational by Conway. He would have played a big part in 6N but for injury.

Are Munster away no matter who wins between Clermont and Racing?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 31, 2018, 09:37:15 PM
Yes.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on March 31, 2018, 09:46:17 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 31, 2018, 09:37:15 PM
Yes.
Cheers.
Tough assignment so.
Although I don't think either of them are as good as Toulon, but need a decent ref away from home
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Aaron Boone on March 31, 2018, 09:46:57 PM
100 per cent.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on April 01, 2018, 10:16:35 AM
Nigel Owens definitely helped yesterday
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on April 01, 2018, 10:25:30 AM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on April 01, 2018, 10:16:35 AM
Nigel Owens definitely helped yesterday

Loads of people saying that because they remember thr zebo incident and the murray try but both decisions were correct though. Likewise Toulons try could have been calked either way but again it was the right decision. The only major mistake he actually made was not allowing Munster to play on when they scored in the corner
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on April 01, 2018, 01:16:09 PM
Murray's one definitely wasn't correct. Ball clearly didn't go forward out of his hand.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on April 01, 2018, 02:27:08 PM
Quote from: gallsman on April 01, 2018, 01:16:09 PM
Murray's one definitely wasn't correct. Ball clearly didn't go forward out of his hand.
Just before second half started commentator said that once the Toulon player touched it with his hand, the ball was free for Murray to take. Didn't matter whether it went forward or back, according to him. Although I'd wonder why they looked at it so long if that was the case, so he could well be wrong. I thought ball went back first then bounced forward. Think that means "not forward", even though it ended up going forward.

I don't know how anyone could say Zebo didnt deliberately knock the ball out of Ashton's hands. It was the only thing he could do to stop the try and he did it very well. Maybe you could argue he didn't deliberately knock it out of play, even though that could be the only result.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on April 01, 2018, 03:20:13 PM
My understanding (possibly incorrect) is that the ruck would only have been over at that point, and thus enabled Murray to play the ball, if he had knocked it on and this given Munster an advantage.

Regardless of the technicalities, none of that takes away from the brilliance of Murray in noticing what had happened.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on April 01, 2018, 03:28:46 PM
Any links for the leinster match forgot it was on bt sports ffs
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: our_fella on April 01, 2018, 03:56:55 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on April 01, 2018, 03:28:46 PM
Any links for the leinster match forgot it was on bt sports ffs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luvI_NX6_HQ
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on April 01, 2018, 04:01:22 PM
Quote from: our_fella on April 01, 2018, 03:56:55 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on April 01, 2018, 03:28:46 PM
Any links for the leinster match forgot it was on bt sports ffs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luvI_NX6_HQ

Cheers for that
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on April 01, 2018, 04:46:30 PM
Brilliant try there from Leavy.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on April 01, 2018, 05:29:25 PM
Great Leinster performance. Leavy just gets better and better. Ryan, too.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on April 01, 2018, 05:32:37 PM
Good second half. Absorbed a lot of pressure in the first half.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: SHEEDY on April 01, 2018, 05:48:10 PM
Leinster look like champions in waiting. Outstanding performances all over the field especially nacewa, ryan, toner and leavy. Serious strength from the bench now as well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on April 01, 2018, 06:27:29 PM
Betfair:
Leinster 1.7
Racing 4.3
Munster 5.8
Scarlets 7.2
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on April 01, 2018, 07:02:38 PM
Where do Leinster play their semi? Does it have to be at a neutral venue?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on April 01, 2018, 07:05:54 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on April 01, 2018, 07:02:38 PM
Where do Leinster play their semi? Does it have to be at a neutral venue?

Leinster at home.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: grounded on April 01, 2018, 08:29:03 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on April 01, 2018, 05:48:10 PM
Leinster look like champions in waiting. Outstanding performances all over the field especially nacewa, ryan, toner and leavy. Serious strength from the bench now as well.

Definitely. A notable mention to The Kiwi James lowe who i thought was fantastic as well. A very astute signing
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on April 03, 2018, 02:00:25 PM
Quote from: gallsman on April 01, 2018, 07:05:54 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on April 01, 2018, 07:02:38 PM
Where do Leinster play their semi? Does it have to be at a neutral venue?

Leinster at home.

A "neutral" home venue. Doing a Dubs on it - it's not our home stadium....honest!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on April 03, 2018, 02:03:00 PM
Leinster look frightening. Llanelli won't be able for that, and I don't think Racing 92 or Munster would beat them in Bilbao either.

As for Munster, a very tough task awaits. The thoughts of a team with Donnacha Ryan knocking Munster out is hard to take.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on April 03, 2018, 02:23:37 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on April 03, 2018, 02:00:25 PM
Quote from: gallsman on April 01, 2018, 07:05:54 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on April 01, 2018, 07:02:38 PM
Where do Leinster play their semi? Does it have to be at a neutral venue?

Leinster at home.

A "neutral" home venue. Doing a Dubs on it - it's not our home stadium....honest!

Leinster are not allowed play more than 2 Pro14 games in the Aviva, bit of a push to compare them to Dublin. This is an unusual year in that they will manage 4 games there.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: shark on April 03, 2018, 03:07:24 PM
If Scarlets had lost to La Rochelle, then Leinster would be travelling to France again. Despite winning 6/6 in their group and coming out top seeds. The whole setup for semi finals is bewildering.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: An Watcher on April 03, 2018, 03:19:47 PM
semi-final bracket would be set in advance, and that the home team would be designated based on "performances by clubs during the pool stages as well as the achievement of a winning a quarter-final match away from home".

I always thought home advantage for the semi finalists was based on who were the higher seeds after the groups.  First 3 seeds this year were Leinster, Clermont and Munster.  I would have thought Munster would get home advantage in the semis as Clermont were out.  Don't see the reasoning behind this although I'm sure the Irish provinces benefited from this in the past?  Or is this the first year of this?  Can't see the reasoning
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: shark on April 03, 2018, 03:38:37 PM
Quote from: An Watcher on April 03, 2018, 03:19:47 PM
semi-final bracket would be set in advance, and that the home team would be designated based on "performances by clubs during the pool stages as well as the achievement of a winning a quarter-final match away from home".

I always thought home advantage for the semi finalists was based on who were the higher seeds after the groups.  First 3 seeds this year were Leinster, Clermont and Munster.  I would have thought Munster would get home advantage in the semis as Clermont were out.  Don't see the reasoning behind this although I'm sure the Irish provinces benefited from this in the past?  Or is this the first year of this?  Can't see the reasoning

It's not the first year of it. And I understand the reasoning, but I don't agree with it. Leinster were lucky Scarlets won (as far as Home county advantage goes), but luck shouldn't come in to it. Higher seeds after group stages should have Home advantage, in my opinion.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on April 03, 2018, 03:47:02 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on April 03, 2018, 02:23:37 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on April 03, 2018, 02:00:25 PM
Quote from: gallsman on April 01, 2018, 07:05:54 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on April 01, 2018, 07:02:38 PM
Where do Leinster play their semi? Does it have to be at a neutral venue?

Leinster at home.

A "neutral" home venue. Doing a Dubs on it - it's not our home stadium....honest!

Leinster are not allowed play more than 2 Pro14 games in the Aviva, bit of a push to compare them to Dublin. This is an unusual year in that they will manage 4 games there.

A little bit of a stretch but not much.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on April 03, 2018, 03:49:21 PM
Ah in fairness, where else could they play?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on April 03, 2018, 03:52:30 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 03, 2018, 03:49:21 PM
Ah in fairness, where else could they play?

The Dubs or Leinster?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on April 03, 2018, 03:53:09 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 03, 2018, 03:49:21 PM
Ah in fairness, where else could they play?
Parnell Park.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on April 03, 2018, 03:54:59 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on April 03, 2018, 03:52:30 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 03, 2018, 03:49:21 PM
Ah in fairness, where else could they play?

The Dubs or Leinster?

Leinster
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on April 03, 2018, 03:55:16 PM
Dublin play 3 maybe 4 games away a year. Every other game league or championship is in CP. That was 10 last year I believe.

Leinster this year will play 4 maybe 5 (Pro14 final) in the Aviva, they will also play 11 games in the RDS and 14 Away games. 

Not remotely close.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on April 03, 2018, 04:00:38 PM
Wasn't there some rule about not being able to play a home semi within a certain distance of your actual home ground? Maybe it's gone or maybe I'm imagining it.

In the league Dublin play half their games away. They mostly play at Croke Park in the Leinster championship because the Leinster council (made up of all the counties in Leinster) decide that is how it should be.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Orchard park on April 03, 2018, 04:10:36 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on April 03, 2018, 03:55:16 PM
Dublin play 3 maybe 4 games away a year. Every other game league or championship is in CP. That was 10 last year I believe.

Leinster this year will play 4 maybe 5 (Pro14 final) in the Aviva, they will also play 11 games in the RDS and 14 Away games. 

Not remotely close.

sure they cant fill the RDS for most games..........
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on April 03, 2018, 04:14:28 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on April 03, 2018, 04:00:38 PM
Wasn't there some rule about not being able to play a home semi within a certain distance of your actual home ground? Maybe it's gone or maybe I'm imagining it.

In the league Dublin play half their games away. They mostly play at Croke Park in the Leinster championship because the Leinster council (made up of all the counties in Leinster) decide that is how it should be.

You are imagining it. The Leinster Council are irrelevant on a rugby thread.

Fact is Dublin played 4 games away from home in the League, they played 4 games including the final at home. In the Championship they played 1 neutral ground and a further 5 championship games including the final at home. No competition in the world would accept it. I mean look at the fuss being generated by the Scarlets over Leinster getting to play them in the Aviva even though no rule is broken.

Bottom line 4 Away, 1 Neutral and 9 games at home is not in the slightest compared to Leinster who last season played 12 at the RDS, 3 at the Aviva, 1 Neutral and 14 games away from home. It is disingenuous to say otherwise.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bannside on April 03, 2018, 05:16:32 PM
I was at the Aviva on Sunday last to see a superb Leinster team blow away the European champs. Thoroughly enjoyable occasion, it was my first venture to the new Aviva and the first class rugby was only surpassed on the day by the first class pints of Guinness in Slatterys. They wont be my last!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on April 04, 2018, 08:55:27 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on April 03, 2018, 04:14:28 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on April 03, 2018, 04:00:38 PM
Wasn't there some rule about not being able to play a home semi within a certain distance of your actual home ground? Maybe it's gone or maybe I'm imagining it.

In the league Dublin play half their games away. They mostly play at Croke Park in the Leinster championship because the Leinster council (made up of all the counties in Leinster) decide that is how it should be.

You are imagining it. The Leinster Council are irrelevant on a rugby thread.

Fact is Dublin played 4 games away from home in the League, they played 4 games including the final at home. In the Championship they played 1 neutral ground and a further 5 championship games including the final at home. No competition in the world would accept it. I mean look at the fuss being generated by the Scarlets over Leinster getting to play them in the Aviva even though no rule is broken.

Bottom line 4 Away, 1 Neutral and 9 games at home is not in the slightest compared to Leinster who last season played 12 at the RDS, 3 at the Aviva, 1 Neutral and 14 games away from home. It is disingenuous to say otherwise.

You're forgetting the O'Byrne Cup.  ;) I know Dublin put a 3rd team into that but Leinster often have something approaching a 3rd string in Pro14 games (and like Dublin still win mostly).

I'm not saying it's exactly the same but it's a little "convenient".
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on April 04, 2018, 09:11:00 AM
Yea Dublin played 1 game in Parnell Park this year, 3k turned up and they drew. Leinster never put a 3rd team in the Pro14, another disingenuous comment, you obviously have an a issue with Leinster Rugby so pointless engaging when facts and figures are ignored in favour of opinion.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on April 04, 2018, 09:15:50 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on April 04, 2018, 09:11:00 AM
Yea Dublin played 1 game in Parnell Park this year, 3k turned up and they drew. Leinster never put a 3rd team in the Pro14, another disingenuous comment, you obviously have an a issue with Leinster Rugby so pointless engaging when facts and figures are ignored in favour of opinion.

How many players have played for Leinster this season?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on April 04, 2018, 09:22:54 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on April 04, 2018, 09:15:50 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on April 04, 2018, 09:11:00 AM
Yea Dublin played 1 game in Parnell Park this year, 3k turned up and they drew. Leinster never put a 3rd team in the Pro14, another disingenuous comment, you obviously have an a issue with Leinster Rugby so pointless engaging when facts and figures are ignored in favour of opinion.

How many players have played for Leinster this season?

No idea, tell me.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on April 04, 2018, 09:24:29 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on April 04, 2018, 09:22:54 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on April 04, 2018, 09:15:50 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on April 04, 2018, 09:11:00 AM
Yea Dublin played 1 game in Parnell Park this year, 3k turned up and they drew. Leinster never put a 3rd team in the Pro14, another disingenuous comment, you obviously have an a issue with Leinster Rugby so pointless engaging when facts and figures are ignored in favour of opinion.

How many players have played for Leinster this season?

No idea, tell me.

OK. Sorry for annoying you.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on April 04, 2018, 09:35:40 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on April 04, 2018, 09:24:29 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on April 04, 2018, 09:22:54 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on April 04, 2018, 09:15:50 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on April 04, 2018, 09:11:00 AM
Yea Dublin played 1 game in Parnell Park this year, 3k turned up and they drew. Leinster never put a 3rd team in the Pro14, another disingenuous comment, you obviously have an a issue with Leinster Rugby so pointless engaging when facts and figures are ignored in favour of opinion.

How many players have played for Leinster this season?

No idea, tell me.

OK. Sorry for annoying you.

Sarcasm or not I am going to frame that, a Seanie apology  ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on April 04, 2018, 09:39:10 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on April 04, 2018, 09:35:40 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on April 04, 2018, 09:24:29 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on April 04, 2018, 09:22:54 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on April 04, 2018, 09:15:50 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on April 04, 2018, 09:11:00 AM
Yea Dublin played 1 game in Parnell Park this year, 3k turned up and they drew. Leinster never put a 3rd team in the Pro14, another disingenuous comment, you obviously have an a issue with Leinster Rugby so pointless engaging when facts and figures are ignored in favour of opinion.

How many players have played for Leinster this season?

No idea, tell me.

OK. Sorry for annoying you.

Sarcasm or not I am going to frame that, a Seanie apology  ;)

Not sarcastic. I was only making a few tongue in cheek comments, kind of probing the situation and it annoyed you. I don't want to annoy anyone especially a sound enough lad like yourself. I'll fight my corner tooth and nail but is it worth pissing off good people - no, not really.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on April 04, 2018, 09:54:40 AM
You're grand, I wasn't annoyed until you brought Dublin into it :)

BTW, I am not even a big Leinster fan, I go to more Kildare games than Leinster games and haven't been to the RDS in years for a game. However was at the Aviva Sunday and might make the Pro14 final if they make it. #bandwagon
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on April 04, 2018, 09:58:40 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on April 04, 2018, 09:54:40 AM
You're grand, I wasn't annoyed until you brought Dublin into it :)

BTW, I am not even a big Leinster fan, I go to more Kildare games than Leinster games and haven't been to the RDS in years for a game. However was at the Aviva Sunday and might make the Pro14 final if they make it. #bandwagon

Ah I know your view on the Dublin thing so I was poking you a little bit. We'll have to have a few pints some day and revisit it.  ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on April 04, 2018, 10:01:29 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on April 04, 2018, 09:58:40 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on April 04, 2018, 09:54:40 AM
You're grand, I wasn't annoyed until you brought Dublin into it :)

BTW, I am not even a big Leinster fan, I go to more Kildare games than Leinster games and haven't been to the RDS in years for a game. However was at the Aviva Sunday and might make the Pro14 final if they make it. #bandwagon

Ah I know your view on the Dublin thing so I was poking you a little bit. We'll have to have a few pints some day and revisit it.  ;D

Need AZ to organise a charity golf event.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on April 04, 2018, 10:55:42 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on April 04, 2018, 10:01:29 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on April 04, 2018, 09:58:40 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on April 04, 2018, 09:54:40 AM
You're grand, I wasn't annoyed until you brought Dublin into it :)

BTW, I am not even a big Leinster fan, I go to more Kildare games than Leinster games and haven't been to the RDS in years for a game. However was at the Aviva Sunday and might make the Pro14 final if they make it. #bandwagon

Ah I know your view on the Dublin thing so I was poking you a little bit. We'll have to have a few pints some day and revisit it.  ;D

Need AZ to organise a charity golf event.

Seconded.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on April 04, 2018, 12:49:33 PM
Whatever about that, I checked, and Leinster have used 52 players in the Pro 14. 20 backs and 32 forwards. But I don't think there's anything unusual about that.

Munster have used 50. 22 backs and 28 forwards.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on April 04, 2018, 02:20:22 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 04, 2018, 12:49:33 PM
Whatever about that, I checked, and Leinster have used 52 players in the Pro 14. 20 backs and 32 forwards. But I don't think there's anything unusual about that.

Munster have used 50. 22 backs and 28 forwards.

I knew it had to be into the late 40's early 50's. I accept though the physicality of rugby means teams have to carry vastly bigger squads than other sports like GAA or soccer.

I'd be interested to see how this compares to the English and French sides.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rich Ricci on April 21, 2018, 04:56:51 PM
Ruthless stuff from Leinster here. Sexton is a class act.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on April 21, 2018, 05:02:44 PM
Quote from: Rich Ricci on April 21, 2018, 04:56:51 PM
Ruthless stuff from Leinster here. Sexton is a class act.

Hard to see Munster or Racing living with that!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on April 21, 2018, 07:49:22 PM
Leinster looked good today and could have Sean O'Brien back for the final.

The only thing I could see stopping them is the hot weather in Bilbao in mid May.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on April 21, 2018, 08:51:18 PM
Ulster were well on top during the second half, getting the bonus point means they have to beat Munster away with bonus point to stay in contention I think. Though I doubt that very much.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on April 22, 2018, 05:24:07 PM
Munster were well beaten in the other semi today it seems.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rich Ricci on April 22, 2018, 05:34:05 PM
Strange choice not to start to Zebo I'd have thought. Any updates I was following had him making a huge difference.

His replacement also got taken apart by Thomas who was involved in 3 tries.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Orchard park on April 22, 2018, 05:38:05 PM
Quote from: Rich Ricci on April 22, 2018, 05:34:05 PM
Strange choice not to start to Zebo I'd have thought. Any updates I was following had him making a huge difference.

His replacement also got taken apart by Thomas who was involved in 3 tries.

Lunacy decision not to play zebo
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on April 22, 2018, 08:26:31 PM
Two semi finals in a row where Munster were comprehensively out matched. Hard to watch.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on April 22, 2018, 09:08:11 PM
Few smart signings needed!! Too many passengers on that Munster squad
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: David McKeown on April 22, 2018, 09:34:37 PM
I thought it a strange performance from Munster who despite being outmatched could have gotten something from the game but too many errors when in great positions combined with some cute hoorism (tackling the ref to prevent a try) stopped them from ever getting back into it after their very poor start. Zebo's exclusion was a strange one which cost Munster dear. Would still fancy Leinster in the final though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on April 23, 2018, 06:39:01 AM
Quote from: David McKeown on April 22, 2018, 09:34:37 PM
I thought it a strange performance from Munster who despite being outmatched could have gotten something from the game but too many errors when in great positions combined with some cute hoorism (tackling the ref to prevent a try) stopped them from ever getting back into it after their very poor start. Zebo's exclusion was a strange one which cost Munster dear. Would still fancy Leinster in the final though.

Think Leinster would beat the pick of Munster and Racing at the minute....playing great stuff
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LooseCannon on April 23, 2018, 08:38:28 AM
Quote from: Insane Bolt on April 23, 2018, 06:39:01 AM
Quote from: David McKeown on April 22, 2018, 09:34:37 PM
I thought it a strange performance from Munster who despite being outmatched could have gotten something from the game but too many errors when in great positions combined with some cute hoorism (tackling the ref to prevent a try) stopped them from ever getting back into it after their very poor start. Zebo's exclusion was a strange one which cost Munster dear. Would still fancy Leinster in the final though.

Think Leinster would beat the pick of Munster and Racing at the minute....playing great stuff

Well, Munster are missing Tyler B, Chris Farrell, Jaco Taute, Chris Cloete, Tommy O'Donnell
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on April 23, 2018, 08:47:08 AM
Quote from: LooseCannon on April 23, 2018, 08:38:28 AM
Quote from: Insane Bolt on April 23, 2018, 06:39:01 AM
Quote from: David McKeown on April 22, 2018, 09:34:37 PM
I thought it a strange performance from Munster who despite being outmatched could have gotten something from the game but too many errors when in great positions combined with some cute hoorism (tackling the ref to prevent a try) stopped them from ever getting back into it after their very poor start. Zebo's exclusion was a strange one which cost Munster dear. Would still fancy Leinster in the final though.

Think Leinster would beat the pick of Munster and Racing at the minute....playing great stuff

Well, Munster are missing Tyler B, Chris Farrell, Jaco Taute, Chris Cloete, Tommy O'Donnell

I think Cloete was missed very badly yesterday.

Tadhg Beirne will be a good signing but the disparity in the schools and academy between Munster and Leinster is very apparent. Munster are just not producing backs like Ringrose, Larmour etc. They'll always be 'hard to beat' but when you come up against elite teams in big matches, that's not enough.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on April 23, 2018, 10:23:31 AM
I'm not privy to the exact nature/numbers within Munster schools but surely a bigger push needs to be made to get players through from clubs. Leinster got O'Brien, Furlong and Carberry (went to Blackrock at 16) through clubs. Frawley looking like another potential
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LooseCannon on April 23, 2018, 02:06:07 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 23, 2018, 08:47:08 AM
Quote from: LooseCannon on April 23, 2018, 08:38:28 AM
Quote from: Insane Bolt on April 23, 2018, 06:39:01 AM
Quote from: David McKeown on April 22, 2018, 09:34:37 PM
I thought it a strange performance from Munster who despite being outmatched could have gotten something from the game but too many errors when in great positions combined with some cute hoorism (tackling the ref to prevent a try) stopped them from ever getting back into it after their very poor start. Zebo's exclusion was a strange one which cost Munster dear. Would still fancy Leinster in the final though.

Think Leinster would beat the pick of Munster and Racing at the minute....playing great stuff

Well, Munster are missing Tyler B, Chris Farrell, Jaco Taute, Chris Cloete, Tommy O'Donnell

I think Cloete was missed very badly yesterday.

Tadhg Beirne will be a good signing but the disparity in the schools and academy between Munster and Leinster is very apparent. Munster are just not producing backs like Ringrose, Larmour etc. They'll always be 'hard to beat' but when you come up against elite teams in big matches, that's not enough.

Schools, schools, schools.
You know yourself. Leinster can comfortably have a club academy, as well as a schools academy.
Not as many schools in Munster, nor is it near the level of the money-racket that Leinster schools is.
A lot more fee paying schools in Dublin alone, than in Munster. Patrician College Newbridge is the only non fee-paying school that enters THE Leinster Schools Senior Cup.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on April 23, 2018, 11:53:21 PM
Quote from: LooseCannon on April 23, 2018, 02:06:07 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 23, 2018, 08:47:08 AM
Quote from: LooseCannon on April 23, 2018, 08:38:28 AM
Quote from: Insane Bolt on April 23, 2018, 06:39:01 AM
Quote from: David McKeown on April 22, 2018, 09:34:37 PM
I thought it a strange performance from Munster who despite being outmatched could have gotten something from the game but too many errors when in great positions combined with some cute hoorism (tackling the ref to prevent a try) stopped them from ever getting back into it after their very poor start. Zebo's exclusion was a strange one which cost Munster dear. Would still fancy Leinster in the final though.

Think Leinster would beat the pick of Munster and Racing at the minute....playing great stuff

Well, Munster are missing Tyler B, Chris Farrell, Jaco Taute, Chris Cloete, Tommy O'Donnell

I think Cloete was missed very badly yesterday.

Tadhg Beirne will be a good signing but the disparity in the schools and academy between Munster and Leinster is very apparent. Munster are just not producing backs like Ringrose, Larmour etc. They'll always be 'hard to beat' but when you come up against elite teams in big matches, that's not enough.

Schools, schools, schools.
You know yourself. Leinster can comfortably have a club academy, as well as a schools academy.
Not as many schools in Munster, nor is it near the level of the money-racket that Leinster schools is.
A lot more fee paying schools in Dublin alone, than in Munster. Patrician College Newbridge is the only non fee-paying school that enters THE Leinster Schools Senior Cup.

Ha!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on April 24, 2018, 01:06:14 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on April 23, 2018, 11:53:21 PM
Quote from: LooseCannon on April 23, 2018, 02:06:07 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 23, 2018, 08:47:08 AM
Quote from: LooseCannon on April 23, 2018, 08:38:28 AM
Quote from: Insane Bolt on April 23, 2018, 06:39:01 AM
Quote from: David McKeown on April 22, 2018, 09:34:37 PM
I thought it a strange performance from Munster who despite being outmatched could have gotten something from the game but too many errors when in great positions combined with some cute hoorism (tackling the ref to prevent a try) stopped them from ever getting back into it after their very poor start. Zebo's exclusion was a strange one which cost Munster dear. Would still fancy Leinster in the final though.

Think Leinster would beat the pick of Munster and Racing at the minute....playing great stuff

Well, Munster are missing Tyler B, Chris Farrell, Jaco Taute, Chris Cloete, Tommy O'Donnell

I think Cloete was missed very badly yesterday.

Tadhg Beirne will be a good signing but the disparity in the schools and academy between Munster and Leinster is very apparent. Munster are just not producing backs like Ringrose, Larmour etc. They'll always be 'hard to beat' but when you come up against elite teams in big matches, that's not enough.

Schools, schools, schools.
You know yourself. Leinster can comfortably have a club academy, as well as a schools academy.
Not as many schools in Munster, nor is it near the level of the money-racket that Leinster schools is.
A lot more fee paying schools in Dublin alone, than in Munster. Patrician College Newbridge is the only non fee-paying school that enters THE Leinster Schools Senior Cup.

Ha!

No wonder Naas CBS have passed them out. Have the Dominican College taken up football instead?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on April 24, 2018, 07:16:58 AM
I believe Skerries play Senior Cup and is not fee paying, but they may not be in the top tier, certainly never get near the business end.

Do the fee schools use money raised from parents to employ full time rugby coaches, is that where the advantage comes from re fee paying schools? Though I think the fact they put so much emphasis on rugby as the be all and end all in those schools plays a big part too
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on April 25, 2018, 12:34:18 PM
The following schools are invited to attend the Leinster Schools Senior Cup, they can decline and go via the league and Vinnie Murray Cup route

All fee paying

St Michaels Ballsbridge
Blackrock College
Old Belvedere, Dublin City
Clongowes Wood, Clane, Kildare
Terenure
St Marys, Templelogue

The following Schools compete in the Leinster Schools Senior League 1A, 2 sections, top 4 in each section qualify for their league quarter-finals and the Leinster Senior Cup. Those who don't qualify go via the Murray Cup. Winners and runners-up of the Murray Cup qualify for the Senior Cup.

Fee paying

Gonzaga, Ranelagh
Roscrea
St Andrews, Booterstown
Old Wesley, Ballinteer
CUS, Dublin City
St Gerards, Bray
Newbridge College
Castleknock
Kings Hospital, Palmerstown
Monkstown CBC, Monkstown

Non-fee paying

Pres Bray
Kilkenny
St Fintans, Sutton

Top 5 teams in League 1B qualify for Vinnie Murray Cup

Fee Paying

High School, Rathgar
Wilson's Hospital, Multyfarnham

Non fee paying

Mount Temple, Clontarf
Skerries Community School
De la Salle, Churchtown
St Pats, Navan
Newpark, Blackrock

The schools above are the ones who could have won the Leinster Schools Senior Cup this year, 18 Fee paying and 8 non-fee paying but realistically only the top 6 plus the odd outlier such as Roscrea, Newbridge, Kilkenny and St Fintans last year.

To answer Hound's question yes Fee paying schools employ paid coaches, anything from 2 up to 10 covering all age groups, this money is paid across by fees paid and certainly not by the state, that raises a different debate altogether as to why the state are paying fee-paying schools teacher salaries.

They also invest heavily in facilities including gym and 4G pitches. The 6 top schools are effectively mini-academies. They would have 2/3 pitch sessions a week, video analysis and 3 morning gym sessions, some schools would partake in warm-weather training. These 6 schools are producing ready made athletes without Leinster having to spend a cent, this allows Leinster focus on the other schools and the club pathway.

Those 6 schools are successful because of money (always follow the money) and culture, those kids eat, breathe and live rugby generally from 15 years of age when they have a sniff of JCT through to 19 years of age, many burn out and fade away but a good few will go on to Leinster Academies etc.

Personally I don't believe it's healthy system but by jesus is it effective in producing rugby players.

As a side note there close to another 30 teams below those playing in various development leagues etc. So probably close to 60 schools fielding senior rugby teams unheard of 20 years ago.






Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Orchard park on April 25, 2018, 12:47:59 PM
its producing some effective rugby players and hundreds who no longer play any sport.........

serves the purposes the IRFU professional teams want so nobody shouts stop
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on April 28, 2018, 05:02:56 PM
Ulster favourites against Munster! Am I missing something here?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GaillimhIarthair on April 28, 2018, 05:24:38 PM
Great send off for Muldoon in the Sportsground this afternoon - an absolute gentleman to his boots and hope the coaching gig works out for him at Bristol next season and beyond.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on April 28, 2018, 07:40:16 PM
Quote from: GaillimhIarthair on April 28, 2018, 05:24:38 PM
Great send off for Muldoon in the Sportsground this afternoon - an absolute gentleman to his boots and hope the coaching gig works out for him at Bristol next season and beyond.
Lovely video as well

http://www.the42.ie/john-muldoon-tribute-video-3981970-Apr2018

Up Portumna !
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on April 29, 2018, 12:06:11 AM
Why is the state paying the salaries of teachers in fee paying schools when they use so much ancillary money to pay for rugby coaches?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LeoMc on April 30, 2018, 09:44:59 AM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on April 29, 2018, 12:06:11 AM
Why is the state paying the salaries of teachers in fee paying schools when they use so much ancillary money to pay for rugby coaches?
Every child is entitled to a State education. The fees are for the extras (coaches), not the basics (education).
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on April 30, 2018, 09:55:49 AM
Jees there's some kick up in Leinster about a couple of their lads moving up North!

It'll all be for nought unless Ulster get a decent coach in. . . is there any word on who they've got?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on April 30, 2018, 11:52:54 AM
Quote from: LeoMc on April 30, 2018, 09:44:59 AM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on April 29, 2018, 12:06:11 AM
Why is the state paying the salaries of teachers in fee paying schools when they use so much ancillary money to pay for rugby coaches?
Every child is entitled to a State education. The fees are for the extras (coaches), not the basics (education).
Then why don't the parents send them to a non fee paying school?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on April 30, 2018, 12:22:01 PM
Quote from: screenexile on April 30, 2018, 09:55:49 AM
Jees there's some kick up in Leinster about a couple of their lads moving up North!

It'll all be for nought unless Ulster get a decent coach in. . . is there any word on who they've got?

Serious arrogance in the media regarding this. Ulster are one of the biggest clubs in Europe albeit having a poor season. Going by the story in the Irish Times today it looks like Carberry will have little choice in the matter. If Joe Schmidt tells you to go, you go!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LeoMc on April 30, 2018, 12:45:52 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on April 30, 2018, 11:52:54 AM
Quote from: LeoMc on April 30, 2018, 09:44:59 AM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on April 29, 2018, 12:06:11 AM
Why is the state paying the salaries of teachers in fee paying schools when they use so much ancillary money to pay for rugby coaches?
Every child is entitled to a State education. The fees are for the extras (coaches), not the basics (education).
Then why don't the parents send them to a non fee paying school?
I would assume they want and are willing to pay for the extras.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on April 30, 2018, 01:00:48 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 30, 2018, 12:22:01 PM
Quote from: screenexile on April 30, 2018, 09:55:49 AM
Jees there's some kick up in Leinster about a couple of their lads moving up North!

It'll all be for nought unless Ulster get a decent coach in. . . is there any word on who they've got?

Serious arrogance in the media regarding this. Ulster are one of the biggest clubs in Europe albeit having a poor season. Going by the story in the Irish Times today it looks like Carberry will have little choice in the matter. If Joe Schmidt tells you to go, you go!
Irish rugby is not free market. It's more socialist. Ulster need an outhalf and Leinster have a few spares .
The whole thing is geared towards the national team and looking at the trophies collected in the Professional era versus pre it is a good system.   
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on April 30, 2018, 01:14:02 PM
Quote from: seafoid on April 30, 2018, 01:00:48 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 30, 2018, 12:22:01 PM
Quote from: screenexile on April 30, 2018, 09:55:49 AM
Jees there's some kick up in Leinster about a couple of their lads moving up North!

It'll all be for nought unless Ulster get a decent coach in. . . is there any word on who they've got?

Serious arrogance in the media regarding this. Ulster are one of the biggest clubs in Europe albeit having a poor season. Going by the story in the Irish Times today it looks like Carberry will have little choice in the matter. If Joe Schmidt tells you to go, you go!
Irish rugby is not free market. It's more socialist. Ulster need an outhalf and Leinster have a few spares .
The whole thing is geared towards the national team and looking at the trophies collected in the Professional era versus pre it is a good system.

I agree. We have to maximise our playing pool and if that means lads having to go north or whest then so be it!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on April 30, 2018, 01:30:35 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 30, 2018, 12:22:01 PM
Quote from: screenexile on April 30, 2018, 09:55:49 AM
Jees there's some kick up in Leinster about a couple of their lads moving up North!

It'll all be for nought unless Ulster get a decent coach in. . . is there any word on who they've got?

Serious arrogance in the media regarding this. Ulster are one of the biggest clubs in Europe albeit having a poor season. Going by the story in the Irish Times today it looks like Carberry will have little choice in the matter. If Joe Schmidt tells you to go, you go!

The joys/woes of centralised contracts.

The IRFU call the shots, not Leinster or Ulster.

Carberry will do well in Ulster, first choice, plenty of game time and all that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on April 30, 2018, 01:33:37 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on April 30, 2018, 01:30:35 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 30, 2018, 12:22:01 PM
Quote from: screenexile on April 30, 2018, 09:55:49 AM
Jees there's some kick up in Leinster about a couple of their lads moving up North!

It'll all be for nought unless Ulster get a decent coach in. . . is there any word on who they've got?

Serious arrogance in the media regarding this. Ulster are one of the biggest clubs in Europe albeit having a poor season. Going by the story in the Irish Times today it looks like Carberry will have little choice in the matter. If Joe Schmidt tells you to go, you go!

The joys/woes of centralised contracts.

The IRFU call the shots, not Leinster or Ulster.

Carberry will do well in Ulster, first choice, plenty of game time and all that.


I actually don't Carberry is on a central contract? There's only about 12-15 players in Ireland on them as far as I know - mainly established starters.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on April 30, 2018, 01:53:40 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 30, 2018, 01:33:37 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on April 30, 2018, 01:30:35 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 30, 2018, 12:22:01 PM
Quote from: screenexile on April 30, 2018, 09:55:49 AM
Jees there's some kick up in Leinster about a couple of their lads moving up North!

It'll all be for nought unless Ulster get a decent coach in. . . is there any word on who they've got?

Serious arrogance in the media regarding this. Ulster are one of the biggest clubs in Europe albeit having a poor season. Going by the story in the Irish Times today it looks like Carberry will have little choice in the matter. If Joe Schmidt tells you to go, you go!

The joys/woes of centralised contracts.

The IRFU call the shots, not Leinster or Ulster.

Carberry will do well in Ulster, first choice, plenty of game time and all that.


I actually don't Carberry is on a central contract? There's only about 12-15 players in Ireland on them as far as I know - mainly established starters.

Seems to be a few strategic commentators complaining about it as well . . . D'Arcy/O'Driscoll/Francis seem to be very vocal about it.

Are they maybe being asked to push it from the powers that be in Belfield?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on April 30, 2018, 02:06:43 PM
Francis quoting Churchill in his latest article.

Tells you everything you need to know about that westbrit S.E!!

As for D'arcy he'd eat himself if he could.

BOD is entitled to his opinion but I'd say looking back he regrets saying what he did.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rosnarun on April 30, 2018, 02:52:31 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 30, 2018, 01:33:37 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on April 30, 2018, 01:30:35 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 30, 2018, 12:22:01 PM
Quote from: screenexile on April 30, 2018, 09:55:49 AM
Jees there's some kick up in Leinster about a couple of their lads moving up North!

It'll all be for nought unless Ulster get a decent coach in. . . is there any word on who they've got?

Serious arrogance in the media regarding this. Ulster are one of the biggest clubs in Europe albeit having a poor season. Going by the story in the Irish Times today it looks like Carberry will have little choice in the matter. If Joe Schmidt tells you to go, you go!

The joys/woes of centralised contracts.

The IRFU call the shots, not Leinster or Ulster.

Carberry will do well in Ulster, first choice, plenty of game time and all that.


I actually don't Carberry is on a central contract? There's only about 12-15 players in Ireland on them as far as I know - mainly established starters.


so why would the IRFU be involved in the contract discussion.
do some of the have lesser IRFU contracts . that the way they started out  like the 1st 15 on A (or elite) contracts and next  15 on reduced value B contract and so on top one used to be about 150K plus bonus'
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on April 30, 2018, 03:31:31 PM
Quote from: rosnarun on April 30, 2018, 02:52:31 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 30, 2018, 01:33:37 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on April 30, 2018, 01:30:35 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 30, 2018, 12:22:01 PM
Quote from: screenexile on April 30, 2018, 09:55:49 AM
Jees there's some kick up in Leinster about a couple of their lads moving up North!

It'll all be for nought unless Ulster get a decent coach in. . . is there any word on who they've got?

Serious arrogance in the media regarding this. Ulster are one of the biggest clubs in Europe albeit having a poor season. Going by the story in the Irish Times today it looks like Carberry will have little choice in the matter. If Joe Schmidt tells you to go, you go!

The joys/woes of centralised contracts.

The IRFU call the shots, not Leinster or Ulster.

Carberry will do well in Ulster, first choice, plenty of game time and all that.


I actually don't Carberry is on a central contract? There's only about 12-15 players in Ireland on them as far as I know - mainly established starters.


so why would the IRFU be involved in the contract discussion.
do some of the have lesser IRFU contracts . that the way they started out  like the 1st 15 on A (or elite) contracts and next  15 on reduced value B contract and so on top one used to be about 150K plus bonus'

Not 100% sure but the likes of Zebo wasn't on a central contract as far as I know. Neither was Donnacha Ryan.

The IRFU would be getting involved in this scenario as I believe Ulster approached them for a suitable replacement following the decision to terminate Jacksons contract. I think Jackson was centrally contracted.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: oakleaflad on April 30, 2018, 03:37:22 PM
Dan McFarland is the new Ulster head coach
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: OgraAnDun on April 30, 2018, 03:44:30 PM
Quote from: oakleaflad on April 30, 2018, 03:37:22 PM
Dan McFarland is the new Ulster head coach

In January 2019.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on April 30, 2018, 04:02:52 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on April 30, 2018, 03:44:30 PM
Quote from: oakleaflad on April 30, 2018, 03:37:22 PM
Dan McFarland is the new Ulster head coach

In January 2019.

This is a strange one! Director of Rugby to be appointed and then Farrell/Easterby to whip them into shape?

Obviously the two mentioned will have Ireland duties also.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on April 30, 2018, 08:10:42 PM
Quote from: OgraAnDun on April 30, 2018, 03:44:30 PM
Quote from: oakleaflad on April 30, 2018, 03:37:22 PM
Dan McFarland is the new Ulster head coach

In January 2019.
https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/connacht-rugby/connacht-to-part-ways-with-head-coach-kieran-keane-after-just-one-season-in-charge-36860093.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mrdeeds on April 30, 2018, 10:04:13 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on April 30, 2018, 11:52:54 AM
Quote from: LeoMc on April 30, 2018, 09:44:59 AM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on April 29, 2018, 12:06:11 AM
Why is the state paying the salaries of teachers in fee paying schools when they use so much ancillary money to pay for rugby coaches?
Every child is entitled to a State education. The fees are for the extras (coaches), not the basics (education).
Then why don't the parents send them to a non fee paying school?

The state pay a certain amount of staff based on enrolment numbers. Schools will pay some staff privately with fees to hire extra teachers and reduce class sizes.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on May 03, 2018, 08:06:38 PM
SKY loses all rugby for 2018-19, might still have English Championship.

Aviva English Premiership had already gone to BT and the remaining European rugby has been taken by BT as well. 

Eir Sport has taken Pro14 for RoI but will licence one game per round (21) to free to air channel most likely TG4.

Premier Sports, a subscription channel, has taken Pro14 for UK and will licence one game per round (21) to its own free to air channel called Free Sports.

BBC NI, Wales and Scotland have all lost Pro14 rugby.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on May 03, 2018, 08:08:12 PM
Quote from: mrdeeds on April 30, 2018, 10:04:13 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on April 30, 2018, 11:52:54 AM
Quote from: LeoMc on April 30, 2018, 09:44:59 AM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on April 29, 2018, 12:06:11 AM
Why is the state paying the salaries of teachers in fee paying schools when they use so much ancillary money to pay for rugby coaches?
Every child is entitled to a State education. The fees are for the extras (coaches), not the basics (education).
Then why don't the parents send them to a non fee paying school?

The state pay a certain amount of staff based on enrolment numbers. Schools will pay some staff privately with fees to hire extra teachers and reduce class sizes.
Which is wrong
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on May 03, 2018, 09:12:40 PM
Andrew Trimble hanging them up.

Obviously a bit mad upstairs with all that God stuff. But a player I've immense respect for. Burst onto the scene as a Centre until everyone worked out he couldn't offload. Went quiet for a few years and then came back a raging bull of a winger, an absolute horror show to run into. And he even sort of learned how to offload.

His greatest tackles over the past decade would make great viewing.

Enjoy retirement lad.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on May 03, 2018, 09:18:18 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on May 03, 2018, 09:12:40 PM
Andrew Trimble hanging them up.

Obviously a bit mad upstairs with all that God stuff. But a player I've immense respect for. Burst onto the scene as a Centre until everyone worked out he couldn't offload. Went quiet for a few years and then came back a raging bull of a winger, an absolute horror show to run into. And he even sort of learned how to offload.

His greatest tackles over the past decade would make great viewing.

Enjoy retirement lad.

Didn't know about the god stuff. Didn't rate him as a player, he was a horrid poor centre.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on May 04, 2018, 12:41:42 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on May 03, 2018, 08:06:38 PM
SKY loses all rugby for 2018-19, might still have English Championship.

Aviva English Premiership had already gone to BT and the remaining European rugby has been taken by BT as well. 

Eir Sport has taken Pro14 for RoI but will licence one game per round (21) to free to air channel most likely TG4.

Premier Sports, a subscription channel, has taken Pro14 for UK and will licence one game per round (21) to its own free to air channel called Free Sports.

BBC NI, Wales and Scotland have all lost Pro14 rugby.
Pro 14 not worth an extra 9.99 per month
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LeoMc on May 04, 2018, 12:44:50 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on May 03, 2018, 08:08:12 PM
Quote from: mrdeeds on April 30, 2018, 10:04:13 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on April 30, 2018, 11:52:54 AM
Quote from: LeoMc on April 30, 2018, 09:44:59 AM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on April 29, 2018, 12:06:11 AM
Why is the state paying the salaries of teachers in fee paying schools when they use so much ancillary money to pay for rugby coaches?
Every child is entitled to a State education. The fees are for the extras (coaches), not the basics (education).
Then why don't the parents send them to a non fee paying school?

The state pay a certain amount of staff based on enrolment numbers. Schools will pay some staff privately with fees to hire extra teachers and reduce class sizes.
Which is wrong
Why?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on May 12, 2018, 04:27:42 PM
Any game predictions ? gonna say Leinster by 7
Hope Ryan plays well
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on May 12, 2018, 04:36:14 PM
Any live streams?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: armaghniac on May 12, 2018, 04:38:48 PM
Quote from: Insane Bolt on May 12, 2018, 04:36:14 PM
Any live streams?

(http://78.media.tumblr.com/38c8a7a4d8321f18ada5d92d6c4fe50d/tumblr_nlob5nR9LO1r2kyjno1_500.gif)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on May 12, 2018, 04:51:29 PM
Jesús, Lambie gone in no time at all.

Quote from: Insane Bolt on May 12, 2018, 04:36:14 PM
Any live streams?

Yes. Lots.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Boycey on May 12, 2018, 04:55:04 PM
Saw earlier the late great Jonah Lomu would have been 43 today so thought it was a great reason to post this clip 😎 https://youtu.be/pCJfRizqcs0
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on May 12, 2018, 05:41:36 PM
Quote from: armaghniac on May 12, 2018, 04:38:48 PM
Quote from: Insane Bolt on May 12, 2018, 04:36:14 PM
Any live streams?

(http://78.media.tumblr.com/38c8a7a4d8321f18ada5d92d6c4fe50d/tumblr_nlob5nR9LO1r2kyjno1_500.gif)

Cheers 🖕
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on May 12, 2018, 05:42:14 PM
Quote from: gallsman on May 12, 2018, 04:51:29 PM
Jesús, Lambie gone in no time at all.

Quote from: Insane Bolt on May 12, 2018, 04:36:14 PM
Any live streams?

Yes. Lots.

Cheers 🖕
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on May 12, 2018, 06:02:13 PM
Oh I'm sorry, was your previous contribution an actual request, rather than just a question?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on May 12, 2018, 06:17:03 PM
Quote from: gallsman on May 12, 2018, 06:02:13 PM
Oh I'm sorry, was your previous contribution an actual request, rather than just a question?

🤡
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on May 12, 2018, 06:35:28 PM
https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2018/0512/963002-champions-cup-final-leinster-v-racing-92-build-up/

78 mins PENALTY LEINSTER

Isa Nacewa with his second penalty...would be harder to miss in truth, but that is Leinster ahead for the first time

Leinster 15-12 Racing 92
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on May 12, 2018, 06:37:27 PM
Well done Leinster, tough on Racing
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on May 12, 2018, 06:57:56 PM
Great result for Leinster.  A consolation prize for the 2016 pro 12 I suppose. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on May 12, 2018, 08:49:22 PM
A great result for Leinster today. Not a classic by any means but the result is all that counts. That adds the European cup to the grand slam. All done without Sean O'Brien one of Ireland and Leinsters best players touching the ball.

The future of the Ireland and Leinster teams looks bright. The next world cup is less than 18 months away and I can't wait.





Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on May 12, 2018, 08:50:56 PM
f**k Leinster.



ah so, well done to them. A serious, serious outfit. I hope they get absolutely pissed for the entire next week!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LooseCannon on May 13, 2018, 12:02:21 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on May 12, 2018, 08:50:56 PM
f**k Leinster.



ah so, well done to them. A serious, serious outfit. I hope they get absolutely pissed for the entire next week!
At least I'm not the only Offaly man to shout for Munster.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on May 13, 2018, 08:27:46 AM
Shows what an elite fee paying boarding school system can do when they can splurge money on youth rugby teams
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on May 18, 2018, 12:54:00 PM
Was lucky enough to spend last weekend in Bilbao

Fantastic weekend, what a great place Bilbao is. Eating and drinking are two of my favourite things, and for those it's awesome! Locals very friendly. Lovely underground system, feels modern and recent unlike others I've been in. We walked most of the time, but €1.60 could save a 20/25 min walk if going from one end to the other.

What a great stadium too. Would encourage me to return to take in an Athletic game. 

Game was unbelievably tense. Thankfully the lads got over the line, if not the try line!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Boycey on May 24, 2018, 06:41:26 PM
What eejit thought 6:30 on Champions League Final night was a good time for the PRO14 Final? I'm in Dublin Saturday during the day and looked into heading to it today and couldn't believe the timing. Not a bit of wonder there are so many tickets on DoneDeal
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gerrykeegan on May 24, 2018, 06:59:55 PM
Final was moved to 6.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Boycey on May 24, 2018, 07:02:46 PM
Same difference really?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on May 25, 2018, 02:09:00 PM
World Rugby has announced today a trialing of a lower tackle height. To be trialed at the U20s World Champs starting next week. Tackles above the nipple line will be illegal in the trial.

I saw a lot of high tackles in last weeks Monaghan Tyrone game, no HIAs and poorly punished by the referee, Dessie Ward would have seen red under rugby rules for his clothes hanger on Conor Meyler. Lads whinge about concussion in rugby but at least rugby is proactive the GAA needs to get it's shit in order.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on May 27, 2018, 12:59:59 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on May 25, 2018, 02:09:00 PM
World Rugby has announced today a trialing of a lower tackle height. To be trialed at the U20s World Champs starting next week. Tackles above the nipple line will be illegal in the trial.

I saw a lot of high tackles in last weeks Monaghan Tyrone game, no HIAs and poorly punished by the referee, Dessie Ward would have seen red under rugby rules for his clothes hanger on Conor Meyler. Lads whinge about concussion in rugby but at least rugby is proactive the GAA needs to get it's shit in order.

There's a difference in the two games though. Matty Donnelly gets clotheslined every match and wins a free from it. The vast majority of them are unrewarding of a red card.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on May 27, 2018, 09:54:26 AM
Quote from: trileacman on May 27, 2018, 12:59:59 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on May 25, 2018, 02:09:00 PM
World Rugby has announced today a trialing of a lower tackle height. To be trialed at the U20s World Champs starting next week. Tackles above the nipple line will be illegal in the trial.

I saw a lot of high tackles in last weeks Monaghan Tyrone game, no HIAs and poorly punished by the referee, Dessie Ward would have seen red under rugby rules for his clothes hanger on Conor Meyler. Lads whinge about concussion in rugby but at least rugby is proactive the GAA needs to get it's shit in order.

There's a difference in the two games though. Matty Donnelly gets clotheslined every match and wins a free from it. The vast majority of them are unrewarding of a red card.

What does that mean?

BTW it's Donnelly that more the offender than offended against as frustration get to him increasingly.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on May 27, 2018, 02:35:09 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on May 27, 2018, 09:54:26 AM
Quote from: trileacman on May 27, 2018, 12:59:59 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on May 25, 2018, 02:09:00 PM
World Rugby has announced today a trialing of a lower tackle height. To be trialed at the U20s World Champs starting next week. Tackles above the nipple line will be illegal in the trial.

I saw a lot of high tackles in last weeks Monaghan Tyrone game, no HIAs and poorly punished by the referee, Dessie Ward would have seen red under rugby rules for his clothes hanger on Conor Meyler. Lads whinge about concussion in rugby but at least rugby is proactive the GAA needs to get it's shit in order.

There's a difference in the two games though. Matty Donnelly gets clotheslined every match and wins a free from it. The vast majority of them are unrewarding of a red card.

What does that mean?

BTW it's Donnelly that more the offender than offended against as frustration get to him increasingly.

If you think every tackle with an arm over a shoulder should be a red card you're talking shit.

You're other suggestion is also complete bull.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on May 27, 2018, 04:48:53 PM
Quote from: trileacman on May 27, 2018, 02:35:09 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on May 27, 2018, 09:54:26 AM
Quote from: trileacman on May 27, 2018, 12:59:59 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on May 25, 2018, 02:09:00 PM
World Rugby has announced today a trialing of a lower tackle height. To be trialed at the U20s World Champs starting next week. Tackles above the nipple line will be illegal in the trial.

I saw a lot of high tackles in last weeks Monaghan Tyrone game, no HIAs and poorly punished by the referee, Dessie Ward would have seen red under rugby rules for his clothes hanger on Conor Meyler. Lads whinge about concussion in rugby but at least rugby is proactive the GAA needs to get it's shit in order.

There's a difference in the two games though. Matty Donnelly gets clotheslined every match and wins a free from it. The vast majority of them are unrewarding of a red card.

What does that mean?

BTW it's Donnelly that more the offender than offended against as frustration get to him increasingly.

If you think every tackle with an arm over a shoulder should be a red card you're talking shit.

You're other suggestion is also complete bull.

If anyone is talking bull it is yourself.

Poor Mattie Donnelly finds himself being forced to play in a Harte system that doesn't suit him, one where talent is secondary to athleticism.  An extremely talented youngster, he finds himself in his prime, over conditioned and regularly frustrated in inter county games as he rarely reaches the heights to which he aspires given his immense talent as a youth. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on May 27, 2018, 06:46:19 PM
Maybe thats cause he got no natural speed and no amount of training will change that
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on May 27, 2018, 07:36:20 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on May 27, 2018, 04:48:53 PM
Quote from: trileacman on May 27, 2018, 02:35:09 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on May 27, 2018, 09:54:26 AM
Quote from: trileacman on May 27, 2018, 12:59:59 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on May 25, 2018, 02:09:00 PM
World Rugby has announced today a trialing of a lower tackle height. To be trialed at the U20s World Champs starting next week. Tackles above the nipple line will be illegal in the trial.

I saw a lot of high tackles in last weeks Monaghan Tyrone game, no HIAs and poorly punished by the referee, Dessie Ward would have seen red under rugby rules for his clothes hanger on Conor Meyler. Lads whinge about concussion in rugby but at least rugby is proactive the GAA needs to get it's shit in order.

There's a difference in the two games though. Matty Donnelly gets clotheslined every match and wins a free from it. The vast majority of them are unrewarding of a red card.

What does that mean?

BTW it's Donnelly that more the offender than offended against as frustration get to him increasingly.

If you think every tackle with an arm over a shoulder should be a red card you're talking shit.

You're other suggestion is also complete bull.

If anyone is talking bull it is yourself.

Poor Mattie Donnelly finds himself being forced to play in a Harte system that doesn't suit him, one where talent is secondary to athleticism.  An extremely talented youngster, he finds himself in his prime, over conditioned and regularly frustrated in inter county games as he rarely reaches the heights to which he aspires given his immense talent as a youth.

He'd have reason to be frustrated if he was playing div 3 football and being humiliated on the field by Fermanagh.

This is a rugby thread and we were discussing high tackles and head injuries. If you want to use it as a platform to have a go at harte or Matty then go ahead, I really don't give a f**k.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on May 28, 2018, 03:51:23 PM
Quote from: trileacman on May 27, 2018, 07:36:20 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on May 27, 2018, 04:48:53 PM
Quote from: trileacman on May 27, 2018, 02:35:09 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on May 27, 2018, 09:54:26 AM
Quote from: trileacman on May 27, 2018, 12:59:59 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on May 25, 2018, 02:09:00 PM
World Rugby has announced today a trialing of a lower tackle height. To be trialed at the U20s World Champs starting next week. Tackles above the nipple line will be illegal in the trial.

I saw a lot of high tackles in last weeks Monaghan Tyrone game, no HIAs and poorly punished by the referee, Dessie Ward would have seen red under rugby rules for his clothes hanger on Conor Meyler. Lads whinge about concussion in rugby but at least rugby is proactive the GAA needs to get it's shit in order.

There's a difference in the two games though. Matty Donnelly gets clotheslined every match and wins a free from it. The vast majority of them are unrewarding of a red card.

What does that mean?

BTW it's Donnelly that more the offender than offended against as frustration get to him increasingly.

If you think every tackle with an arm over a shoulder should be a red card you're talking shit.

You're other suggestion is also complete bull.

If anyone is talking bull it is yourself.

Poor Mattie Donnelly finds himself being forced to play in a Harte system that doesn't suit him, one where talent is secondary to athleticism.  An extremely talented youngster, he finds himself in his prime, over conditioned and regularly frustrated in inter county games as he rarely reaches the heights to which he aspires given his immense talent as a youth.

He'd have reason to be frustrated if he was playing div 3 football and being humiliated on the field by Fermanagh.

This is a rugby thread and we were discussing high tackles and head injuries. If you want to use it as a platform to have a go at harte or Matty then go ahead, I really don't give a f**k.

Well don't bring Donnelly and the GAA into the topic.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on May 28, 2018, 03:52:40 PM
Olding secures a squad place for next season.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/44279107 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/44279107)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on May 28, 2018, 03:54:37 PM
Another Ulster & Ireland player calls it a day.  Let's hope his future isn't blighted by his last few injuries.......

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/44279099 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/44279099)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: oakleaflad on May 31, 2018, 02:03:19 PM
Joey Carbery is joining Munster
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on May 31, 2018, 02:07:57 PM
Whither Keatley? I think he should have left Munster once the fans got on his back. It was always too much to try to regain his confidence with the threat of ridicule hanging over his every potential error. He's a good player and would probably prosper in England or somewhere.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on May 31, 2018, 02:15:00 PM
Keatley going north to mentor McPhillips possibly??

Murray, Carberry, Arnold, Farrell, Conway and Earls is a serious attacking threat!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on May 31, 2018, 02:27:25 PM
Great move for Carbery and for Munster.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on May 31, 2018, 03:20:56 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on May 31, 2018, 02:27:25 PM
Great move for Carbery and for Munster.

Ulster can hardly complain that Carbery has gone south. They're a shit show of their own making at Ravenhill but they need a world class 10 and soon!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on May 31, 2018, 06:14:51 PM
Penny for the thoughts of JJ Hanrahan.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on June 01, 2018, 02:13:29 PM
Leinster not happy. Calling it forced migration.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 01, 2018, 03:16:21 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 01, 2018, 02:13:29 PM
Leinster not happy. Calling it forced migration.

Get over it Leinster. Ireland comes first!

They've Sexton, Byrne, Frawley and Harry Byrne coming through the ranks. They'll be fine.

Carbery will probably return after the 2 year stint is up.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on June 01, 2018, 03:35:11 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 01, 2018, 02:13:29 PM
Leinster not happy. Calling it forced migration.

Boo hoo.

Henshaw.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on June 01, 2018, 04:20:46 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on June 01, 2018, 03:35:11 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 01, 2018, 02:13:29 PM
Leinster not happy. Calling it forced migration.

Boo hoo.

Henshaw.

Henshaw was out of contract. Carberry had two years to run so hardly comparable. Plus Henshaw is from Leinster.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 01, 2018, 04:34:12 PM
Dinny was this an official Leinster statement or more pedalling via OTB??

Ironically he might have been more suited to Ulsters style of play but sure the big bad north is a scary place according to Gilroy & McIntyre  :o
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on June 01, 2018, 05:17:52 PM
It's more their unofficial stance but forced migration is how they refer to it.

Yea Ulster play a closer brand but too much noise a lot of empty around Ulster. Will wait and see if Munster impose their style on Joey. He's a pretty poor tactical kicker so will be interesting.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on June 03, 2018, 10:06:45 PM
The Irish lads had a brilliant weekend at the London 7s in Twickenham.

Got to the semi-finals, which was a huge upset. Finished ahead of the likes of NZ and Aus. Well beaten by eventual winners Fiji in the semis, but the third place playoff v England was great. Went 14-0 up with 2 trys from Jordan Conroy (a total speedster - "Air Jordan" the commentators were calling him), but England then took over and were 19-14 ahead with time just up.

Then Conroy scored a fabulous try in the corner to level matters, and the drop goal conversion from the touchline was nailed to secure the bronze medal! Great fun!

Anyone know anything about Conroy? I've heard him as being from Offaly, Westmeath and Roscommon. Buccaneers are his club I know. Of course 7s is a lot different to 15s, but he looks an exceptional talent.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on June 04, 2018, 01:11:15 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 01, 2018, 04:20:46 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on June 01, 2018, 03:35:11 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 01, 2018, 02:13:29 PM
Leinster not happy. Calling it forced migration.

Boo hoo.

Henshaw.

Henshaw was out of contract. Carberry had two years to run so hardly comparable. Plus Henshaw is from Leinster.

Sure so is AZOffaly!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on June 04, 2018, 09:05:47 PM
Quote from: Hound on June 03, 2018, 10:06:45 PM
The Irish lads had a brilliant weekend at the London 7s in Twickenham.

Got to the semi-finals, which was a huge upset. Finished ahead of the likes of NZ and Aus. Well beaten by eventual winners Fiji in the semis, but the third place playoff v England was great. Went 14-0 up with 2 trys from Jordan Conroy (a total speedster - "Air Jordan" the commentators were calling him), but England then took over and were 19-14 ahead with time just up.

Then Conroy scored a fabulous try in the corner to level matters, and the drop goal conversion from the touchline was nailed to secure the bronze medal! Great fun!

Anyone know anything about Conroy? I've heard him as being from Offaly, Westmeath and Roscommon. Buccaneers are his club I know. Of course 7s is a lot different to 15s, but he looks an exceptional talent.

Conroy is from Tullamore, an out and out speed merchant. Scored some sensational tries in the AIL for Tullamore and now Buccs who he joined as part of a dev contract with Connacht.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on June 04, 2018, 09:34:49 PM
There's a long history of Offaly lads not having a feckin clue what province they're from!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on June 05, 2018, 07:39:46 AM
I see Daniel Brennan playing for France in U20 World Cup, son of Trevor........big lad
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 06, 2018, 05:55:35 PM
Predicted team for Saturday.

Good to see a few changes.

Ireland (possible team to face Australia): Rob Kearney; Keith Earls, Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki, Jacob Stockdale; Joey Carbery, Conor Murray; Jack McGrath, Rob Herring, John Ryan; Iain Henderson, James Ryan; Peter O'Mahony (capt), Jordi Murphy, CJ Stander.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on June 08, 2018, 09:03:52 AM
Major egg on the face of the incompetent IRFU with the story of their refusal of a women's tour to Australia getting out. The Aussies were covering the accommodation costs too for our women's team when they were over there. Serious kick in the teeth for the women's game but typical of the IRFU to be honest.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on June 08, 2018, 09:04:29 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 01, 2018, 04:20:46 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on June 01, 2018, 03:35:11 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 01, 2018, 02:13:29 PM
Leinster not happy. Calling it forced migration.

Boo hoo.

Henshaw.

Henshaw was out of contract. Carberry had two years to run so hardly comparable. Plus Henshaw is from Leinster.

Ya - when he turned out to be good.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on June 08, 2018, 10:48:47 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 01, 2018, 04:20:46 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on June 01, 2018, 03:35:11 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 01, 2018, 02:13:29 PM
Leinster not happy. Calling it forced migration.

Boo hoo.

Henshaw.

Henshaw was out of contract. Carberry had two years to run so hardly comparable. Plus Henshaw is from Leinster.

Maybe Carbery's girlfirend is from Cork?
Maybe the media market is bigger in Limerick than in Athy?
Maybe he can garner more corporate sponsorship form JP Mcmanus than from Denis O'Brien?
He will be playing with Conor Murray, Chris Farrell and Keith Earls which will be mean better combinations for Ireland cause there is no way a modern rugby player can develop such important partnerships in irish training??
Maybe the only way he can reach the level needed to star for Ireland is playing in the champions cup for Munster?

Henshaw played his local club rugby from U6's in Connacht. His dad played for the same club, his Unlce the same and he was a prop for Connacht. Henshaw played for his local school which is a Connacht rugby school and played all his provincial schools and youths rugby for Connacht and came through the Connacht academy so in fairness I don't think Leinster are able to claim him as one of their own from till he had the great choice of signing a contract for Ireland playing for Leinster or move abroad to France or England. In fairnes to Neil Francis he still calls Henshaw a Connacht player in most of his colums and always will see him as a bogger from out in bandit country!!!

Ah schadenfreude while extremely petty is so fulfilling at times, just ask the Rossies!! ;D

To be honest it's not as if Leinster are losing their star player,in reality they are losing an exciting and hugely talented but as yet unproven utility back/third choice outhalf. Ross Byrne could beat out Carbery in time at Ireland level as he has at provincial level and the yonger Byrne will be there to back up him and Sexton next year. Sylvester form the U20's and Lamour will give them plenty of young talent in the back three.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on June 08, 2018, 10:50:47 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on June 08, 2018, 09:03:52 AM
Major egg on the face of the incompetent IRFU with the story of their refusal of a women's tour to Australia getting out. The Aussies were covering the accommodation costs too for our women's team when they were over there. Serious kick in the teeth for the women's game but typical of the IRFU to be honest.

Why is it typical of the IRFU? How did the Irish women's International Rules team get on in Australia?

Do you know all the facts because I don't and I would know a lot more about the inner workings of the IRFU than you?

All I have seen is a lot of whinging and moaning from the usual self-entitled current & ex-internationals who do absolutely nothing at a grass roots level. Women's rugby is a shambles, these women want a top down model when like the GAA it needs to be driven bottom up. Leinster rugby for all their success made a profit of less than €200k this season. Gender equality is great in theory but it doesn't pay the bills and is a subsided cost, the International Men's game pays nearly all the bills. A million euro or there abouts was reduced from grass roots funding to pay for the women's 7s game, Leinster's 5 u16 developement squads have had their S&C coaches removed to save costs.

There is a far bigger picture than sending 30 amateurs who are by no means elite athletes to Australia. These women never offer solutions, let them propose a funding model that is self-sufficient and see how far they get. The women's World Cup squad was a toxic environment by all accounts, there is a reason why a lot of those players aren't involved.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on June 08, 2018, 10:58:17 AM
Quote from: Crete Boom on June 08, 2018, 10:48:47 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 01, 2018, 04:20:46 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on June 01, 2018, 03:35:11 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 01, 2018, 02:13:29 PM
Leinster not happy. Calling it forced migration.

Boo hoo.

Henshaw.

Henshaw was out of contract. Carberry had two years to run so hardly comparable. Plus Henshaw is from Leinster.

Maybe Carbery's girlfirend is from Cork?
Maybe the media market is bigger in Limerick than in Athy?
Maybe he can garner more corporate sponsorship form JP Mcmanus than from Denis O'Brien?
He will be playing with Conor Murray, Chris Farrell and Keith Earls which will be mean better combinations for Ireland cause there is no way a modern rugby player can develop such important partnerships in irish training??
Maybe the only way he can reach the level needed to star for Ireland is playing in the champions cup for Munster?

Henshaw played his local club rugby from U6's in Connacht. His dad played for the same club, his Unlce the same and he was a prop for Connacht. Henshaw played for his local school which is a Connacht rugby school and played all his provincial schools and youths rugby for Connacht and came through the Connacht academy so in fairness I don't think Leinster are able to claim him as one of their own from till he had the great choice of signing a contract for Ireland playing for Leinster or move abroad to France or England. In fairnes to Neil Francis he still calls Henshaw a Connacht player in most of his colums and always will see him as a bogger from out in bandit country!!!

Ah schadenfreude while extremely petty is so fulfilling at times, just ask the Rossies!! ;D

To be honest it's not as if Leinster are losing their star player,in reality they are losing an exciting and hugely talented but as yet unproven utility back/third choice outhalf. Ross Byrne could beat out Carbery in time at Ireland level as he has at provincial level and the yonger Byrne will be there to back up him and Sexton next year. Sylvester form the U20's and Lamour will give them plenty of young talent in the back three.

I was tongue in cheek about Henshaw. I coached Joey for 2 years and know his Dad pretty well and his girlfriend is from Kildare Town. The benefits are obvious for Irish rugby, it's still a forced migration as he was not out of contract, he didn't want to move period. Henshaw saw the opportunity and it's worked out pretty well for him hopefully it works out for Joey with the Munster Barbarians.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 08, 2018, 11:07:02 AM
P Jackson has signed a 2 year deal with Perpignan!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on June 08, 2018, 11:12:15 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 08, 2018, 10:50:47 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on June 08, 2018, 09:03:52 AM
Major egg on the face of the incompetent IRFU with the story of their refusal of a women's tour to Australia getting out. The Aussies were covering the accommodation costs too for our women's team when they were over there. Serious kick in the teeth for the women's game but typical of the IRFU to be honest.

Why is it typical of the IRFU? How did the Irish women's International Rules team get on in Australia?

Do you know all the facts because I don't and I would know a lot more about the inner workings of the IRFU than you?

All I have seen is a lot of whinging and moaning from the usual self-entitled current & ex-internationals who do absolutely nothing at a grass roots level. Women's rugby is a shambles, these women want a top down model when like the GAA it needs to be driven bottom up. Leinster rugby for all their success made a profit of less than €200k this season. Gender equality is great in theory but it doesn't pay the bills and is a subsided cost, the International Men's game pays nearly all the bills. A million euro or there abouts was reduced from grass roots funding to pay for the women's 7s game, Leinster's 5 u16 developement squads have had their S&C coaches removed to save costs.

There is a far bigger picture than sending 30 amateurs who are by no means elite athletes to Australia. These women never offer solutions, let them propose a funding model that is self-sufficient and see how far they get. The women's World Cup squad was a toxic environment by all accounts, there is a reason why a lot of those players aren't involved.

International rules - there's a stretch!!!!! Ladies footballers and camogie players are governed by separate organisations but I don't think there's much to defend on the gaelic games side. A lot to do but getting there and as you say pretty strong at grassroots. The camogies and ladies football allstars travel to play exhibition games much like their male counterparts. The womens AFL is only going into it's 3rd season and I'm sure some international rules game will evolve in time and I'd be confident the LGFA wouldn't refuse such a generous gesture and try to cover it up.

It's gas that you seem to have a different attitude to money when it applies to GAA versus rugby. We've had this out before and agreed to disagree so I'll not push it.

I'm sure the Leinster U-16's are not self funding, are they? Should they get together and propose a self sufficient funding model for themselves? Ireland women won the 6 nations not long ago but appear to be rapidly falling behind as other countries turn pro (are these other teams self sufficient.....I severely doubt it) and our women are left behind. I suppose it underlines the prevailing attitude in rugby circles which led to them trying to get rid of Connacht (something they'd do in the morning if they thought they'd get away with it). They've no real interest in developing the game beyond it's traditional strongholds. They've no real interest in the women's game but they go through the motions for the sake of PR.

More girls need to play and stay playing team sports. This will benefit not just them but society as a whole. The international team, whose 6 nations games are televised, is a huge shop window for rugby in that regard. To me that's more important that bulking up 15 year boys olds in gyms.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Boycey on June 08, 2018, 11:13:11 AM
Good for Jackson, I hope people let him let him get on with his career and life in peace now..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on June 08, 2018, 11:59:09 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on June 08, 2018, 11:12:15 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 08, 2018, 10:50:47 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on June 08, 2018, 09:03:52 AM
Major egg on the face of the incompetent IRFU with the story of their refusal of a women's tour to Australia getting out. The Aussies were covering the accommodation costs too for our women's team when they were over there. Serious kick in the teeth for the women's game but typical of the IRFU to be honest.

Why is it typical of the IRFU? How did the Irish women's International Rules team get on in Australia?

Do you know all the facts because I don't and I would know a lot more about the inner workings of the IRFU than you?

All I have seen is a lot of whinging and moaning from the usual self-entitled current & ex-internationals who do absolutely nothing at a grass roots level. Women's rugby is a shambles, these women want a top down model when like the GAA it needs to be driven bottom up. Leinster rugby for all their success made a profit of less than €200k this season. Gender equality is great in theory but it doesn't pay the bills and is a subsided cost, the International Men's game pays nearly all the bills. A million euro or there abouts was reduced from grass roots funding to pay for the women's 7s game, Leinster's 5 u16 developement squads have had their S&C coaches removed to save costs.

There is a far bigger picture than sending 30 amateurs who are by no means elite athletes to Australia. These women never offer solutions, let them propose a funding model that is self-sufficient and see how far they get. The women's World Cup squad was a toxic environment by all accounts, there is a reason why a lot of those players aren't involved.

International rules - there's a stretch!!!!! Ladies footballers and camogie players are governed by separate organisations but I don't think there's much to defend on the gaelic games side. A lot to do but getting there and as you say pretty strong at grassroots. The camogies and ladies football allstars travel to play exhibition games much like their male counterparts. The womens AFL is only going into it's 3rd season and I'm sure some international rules game will evolve in time and I'd be confident the LGFA wouldn't refuse such a generous gesture and try to cover it up.

It's gas that you seem to have a different attitude to money when it applies to GAA versus rugby. We've had this out before and agreed to disagree so I'll not push it.

I'm sure the Leinster U-16's are not self funding, are they? Should they get together and propose a self sufficient funding model for themselves? Ireland women won the 6 nations not long ago but appear to be rapidly falling behind as other countries turn pro (are these other teams self sufficient.....I severely doubt it) and our women are left behind. I suppose it underlines the prevailing attitude in rugby circles which led to them trying to get rid of Connacht (something they'd do in the morning if they thought they'd get away with it). They've no real interest in developing the game beyond it's traditional strongholds. They've no real interest in the women's game but they go through the motions for the sake of PR.

More girls need to play and stay playing team sports. This will benefit not just them but society as a whole. The international team, whose 6 nations games are televised, is a huge shop window for rugby in that regard. To me that's more important that bulking up 15 year boys olds in gyms.

So separate bodies for camoige and Ladies football, that's real progress.
So no organised international competitions for Ladies football or Camoige, that's real progress. Before you start berating a organisation that you are not a member of, look at the gender issues in the GAA, which you are a member of, who as you admit don't even govern women's football or camoige.

The Irish women's team are a joke, the structures are a joke. Ignorant opinions only feed their egos. Of course women's sport is massively important but a trip to Australia which will be far from free, is not needed. The IRFU need to fix the pathway first, they are looking at a sustainable model for the women's game which is growing exponentially in Leinster, I can't speak for the other provinces.

You do realise women's rugby is only shown live because of the IRFU who build the women's and 20s games into the TV rights?  These was a ratings success for RTE but transferring that interest into corporate sponsorship and bums on seats for the women's game is proving difficult.

The North Midlands u16 dev squad have a sponsor that paid for gear and another that paid for video analysis. Leinster provided the coaches but have let the S&C guys go and if you think S&C is about bulking up then I question why I even bother engaging with you on this topic.

The reason why inter-county camoige and football are light years ahead of the women's rugby is because the structures are right. The skill level at display is miles ahead of the equivalent skills in women's rugby, which is quite frankly awful. Women's rugby is a young sport people want it to run before it can even crawl. England, France and Australia are large countries with the money to finance, NZ have the culuture and the corporate backing, they can afford professional teams Ireland can't period. If the IRFU were to start immediately funding the women's game as professional, say goodbye to Bundee Aki, Gary Ringrose, Conor Murray etc as their salaries will be cut, suddenly game management is gone, Ireland will not be as competitive, corporate funding gets reduced, TV rights go down, prize money reduced..

Imagine the whinging then.....


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on June 08, 2018, 12:16:31 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 08, 2018, 10:58:17 AM
Quote from: Crete Boom on June 08, 2018, 10:48:47 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 01, 2018, 04:20:46 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on June 01, 2018, 03:35:11 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 01, 2018, 02:13:29 PM
Leinster not happy. Calling it forced migration.

Boo hoo.

Henshaw.

Henshaw was out of contract. Carberry had two years to run so hardly comparable. Plus Henshaw is from Leinster.

Maybe Carbery's girlfirend is from Cork?
Maybe the media market is bigger in Limerick than in Athy?
Maybe he can garner more corporate sponsorship form JP Mcmanus than from Denis O'Brien?
He will be playing with Conor Murray, Chris Farrell and Keith Earls which will be mean better combinations for Ireland cause there is no way a modern rugby player can develop such important partnerships in irish training??
Maybe the only way he can reach the level needed to star for Ireland is playing in the champions cup for Munster?

Henshaw played his local club rugby from U6's in Connacht. His dad played for the same club, his Unlce the same and he was a prop for Connacht. Henshaw played for his local school which is a Connacht rugby school and played all his provincial schools and youths rugby for Connacht and came through the Connacht academy so in fairness I don't think Leinster are able to claim him as one of their own from till he had the great choice of signing a contract for Ireland playing for Leinster or move abroad to France or England. In fairnes to Neil Francis he still calls Henshaw a Connacht player in most of his colums and always will see him as a bogger from out in bandit country!!!

Ah schadenfreude while extremely petty is so fulfilling at times, just ask the Rossies!! ;D

To be honest it's not as if Leinster are losing their star player,in reality they are losing an exciting and hugely talented but as yet unproven utility back/third choice outhalf. Ross Byrne could beat out Carbery in time at Ireland level as he has at provincial level and the yonger Byrne will be there to back up him and Sexton next year. Sylvester form the U20's and Lamour will give them plenty of young talent in the back three.

I was tongue in cheek about Henshaw. I coached Joey for 2 years and know his Dad pretty well and his girlfriend is from Kildare Town. The benefits are obvious for Irish rugby, it's still a forced migration as he was not out of contract, he didn't want to move period. Henshaw saw the opportunity and it's worked out pretty well for him hopefully it works out for Joey with the Munster Barbarians.

I was on a wind up too and look I know you are a proud Kildare man Dinny and I can totally see why you should be pissed off at this but you can see now why everybody in Connacht was fuming at what happened under the same influence of the IRFU and the national team setup. Like Connacht this was a big deal for Athy club rugby so I feel your frustration. Hopefully though when he is an Ireland star he might be back at Leinster or at least he will show a path for any young fella in the club to think I can realistically play pro and play for Ireland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on June 08, 2018, 12:31:56 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 08, 2018, 11:07:02 AM
P Jackson has signed a 2 year deal with Perpignan!
Perpignan are Catalan. They do their own thing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on June 09, 2018, 12:18:13 PM
Really good, tough test match so far.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on June 09, 2018, 12:37:04 PM
Harsh decision for the Aussie try
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on June 09, 2018, 12:40:00 PM
Quote from: Rudi on June 09, 2018, 12:37:04 PM
Harsh decision for the Aussie try

Nothing harsh about it. Blatant foul play earlier.

Delighted for that wonderful and exemplary Christian Folau after the way he pointed at Ryan before touching down.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on June 09, 2018, 12:53:04 PM
Aussie's have been very good Ireland have been quite toothless even with so much ball this half Australia look dangerous every time they get the ball!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on June 09, 2018, 12:57:57 PM
Moronic stuff from Murray there. He was right about the Aussie dark arts but cursing at the ref is just idiotic.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on June 09, 2018, 01:02:04 PM
Ireland were awful. Folau top class.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on June 09, 2018, 01:04:31 PM
We need to lose a few games to keep the other countries' spirits up.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Orchard park on June 09, 2018, 01:17:26 PM
How will rte and  the irish times deal with this setback. I though any team Schimdt put out was guarantted to win.

Young Ryan's record of never losing a professional game gone now.....
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on June 09, 2018, 02:24:15 PM
Quote from: Orchard park on June 09, 2018, 01:17:26 PM
How will rte and  the irish times deal with this setback. I though any team Schimdt put out was guarantted to win.

Young Ryan's record of never losing a professional game gone now.....

This shïte at the end of the rugby season is just for sponsors and not for viewers. Who gives a shît if we win or lose any of these games, they don't even effect our WC seeding at this point.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Orchard park on June 09, 2018, 03:52:38 PM
Conor Murray certainly gave a shite....... I accept you  dont
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on June 16, 2018, 11:56:09 AM
HT 16-14 to ireland but with possesion and territory ireland should be a lot further ahead.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 16, 2018, 12:00:46 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on June 16, 2018, 11:56:09 AM
HT 16-14 to ireland but with possesion and territory ireland should be a lot further ahead.

Not really. The posession has been mainly in the middle third without making huge gains into the Aussie 22
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on June 16, 2018, 12:52:53 PM
2 yellow cards to 1....mad stat that. A nervy last few mins now
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on June 16, 2018, 01:02:15 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 16, 2018, 12:00:46 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on June 16, 2018, 11:56:09 AM
HT 16-14 to ireland but with possesion and territory ireland should be a lot further ahead.

Not really. The posession has been mainly in the middle third without making huge gains into the Aussie 22

Ireland in control for most of the match and yet still made it nervy for themselves in the end
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 16, 2018, 01:08:49 PM
Great win. Defence excellent from both sides. All to play for now
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on June 16, 2018, 04:45:08 PM
South Africa - England is absolutely cracking again
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on June 16, 2018, 05:04:25 PM
Quote from: gallsman on June 16, 2018, 04:45:08 PM
South Africa - England is absolutely cracking again

Plenty of hand bags too which is good to watch
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Orchard park on June 16, 2018, 05:16:21 PM
It's probably the only country in the world I would prefer to see England beating
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on June 16, 2018, 05:33:21 PM
Quote from: Orchard park on June 16, 2018, 05:16:21 PM
It's probably the only country in the world I would prefer to see England beating

I dont know wales and france have been quite annoying in recent years so was alwaya happy to see England beat them although maybe not now with that cnut Jones in charge.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Orchard park on June 16, 2018, 06:33:04 PM
I 'm not keeping it to rugby..

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on June 16, 2018, 08:07:33 PM
Jones has lost 6 in a row. You would wonder if he will be around much longer
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Kuwabatake Sanjuro on June 16, 2018, 09:10:41 PM
Sindo ad on the radio claiming another "historic" win for Ireland. When historians are looking back on this period of Irish history they are going to be very busy on the subject of rugby.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: DuffleKing on June 17, 2018, 06:57:47 AM

How would you go about watching the game back?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Mayo4Sam on June 18, 2018, 12:42:32 PM
AZ or Dinny, can you explain what's happening underage with Ireland?
Beat Japan, just about to stay in the top level of the world U-20 comp. everything you hear about Leinster talks about the conveyor belt of talent. These don't seem compatible
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on June 18, 2018, 12:53:18 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on June 18, 2018, 12:42:32 PM
AZ or Dinny, can you explain what's happening underage with Ireland?
Beat Japan, just about to stay in the top level of the world U-20 comp. everything you hear about Leinster talks about the conveyor belt of talent. These don't seem compatible

Would be interested in Dinny's answer. It was weird - we almost beat the AB's in the first game and then could have won all other our games but didn't. Thankfully we saved ourselves by beating Japan but my gut feeling (based on very little I admit) is that we aren't probably as bad as the results might indicate.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on June 18, 2018, 01:56:22 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on June 18, 2018, 12:53:18 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on June 18, 2018, 12:42:32 PM
AZ or Dinny, can you explain what's happening underage with Ireland?
Beat Japan, just about to stay in the top level of the world U-20 comp. everything you hear about Leinster talks about the conveyor belt of talent. These don't seem compatible

Would be interested in Dinny's answer. It was weird - we almost beat the AB's in the first game and then could have won all other our games but didn't. Thankfully we saved ourselves by beating Japan but my gut feeling (based on very little I admit) is that we aren't probably as bad as the results might indicate.
Bad tournament rather than bad team in my view. As you said, we could have won every game, yet could also have lost to Japan! Definitely questions to be answered though regarding whether there was something amiss in terms of management, preparation, focus, etc. Somebody somewhere will get the blame I'm sure!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 18, 2018, 02:09:59 PM
Open to correction but in my opinion we tend to struggle at this tournament (bar the year we had Ryan, Stockdale, Porter etc.) due to the physicality and intense nature of regular games. Injuries and squad size really take their toll and our 2nd and 3rd choice in key positions isnt of the standard to that of opposition. Our sides tend to be a lot smaller and pitted in an extremely tough group - France (winners) and S.A (3rd place) we struggled - even though we could have beat them! Coupled with the fact it was arguably the best underage side Georgia have produced.

I'm not trying to make excuses for a disappointing tournament but the end goal is to produce professional players and we'll be fine in that department. Like an exceptional minor GAA side and an average one, you tend to get 2-3 seniors max!

This article on England tells you winning it isnt the be all and end all.

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/englands-2016-u20-world-cup-winning-side-now/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on June 18, 2018, 02:32:16 PM
8/13 to beat Australia.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on June 18, 2018, 03:07:28 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 18, 2018, 02:09:59 PM
Open to correction but in my opinion we tend to struggle at this tournament (bar the year we had Ryan, Stockdale, Porter etc.) due to the physicality and intense nature of regular games. Injuries and squad size really take their toll and our 2nd and 3rd choice in key positions isnt of the standard to that of opposition. Our sides tend to be a lot smaller and pitted in an extremely tough group - France (winners) and S.A (3rd place) we struggled - even though we could have beat them! Coupled with the fact it was arguably the best underage side Georgia have produced.

I'm not trying to make excuses for a disappointing tournament but the end goal is to produce professional players and we'll be fine in that department. Like an exceptional minor GAA side and an average one, you tend to get 2-3 seniors max!

This article on England tells you winning it isnt the be all and end all.

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/englands-2016-u20-world-cup-winning-side-now/

It's very much about development but 2 of the best 3 sides this year Fra and SA were in Ireland's group and we had them in the first two games and we went toe toe with them. After that physicality, those 2 were big sides, lost confidence, lack of squad depth takes it toil. Ireland dominated possession and territory against Georgia, couldn't take their opportunities though. Georgia rode their luck and took their chances. Scotland though was a poor performance and that was the one that reflects poorly on the group as a whole. Noel Mc though has had a poor year, he will learn from it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on June 18, 2018, 04:44:16 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 18, 2018, 02:09:59 PM
Open to correction but in my opinion we tend to struggle at this tournament (bar the year we had Ryan, Stockdale, Porter etc.) due to the physicality and intense nature of regular games. Injuries and squad size really take their toll and our 2nd and 3rd choice in key positions isnt of the standard to that of opposition. Our sides tend to be a lot smaller and pitted in an extremely tough group - France (winners) and S.A (3rd place) we struggled - even though we could have beat them! Coupled with the fact it was arguably the best underage side Georgia have produced.

I'm not trying to make excuses for a disappointing tournament but the end goal is to produce professional players and we'll be fine in that department. Like an exceptional minor GAA side and an average one, you tend to get 2-3 seniors max!

This article on England tells you winning it isnt the be all and end all.

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/englands-2016-u20-world-cup-winning-side-now/
4 of them held back by injuries
England had 18 or something on the injury list at the start of the 6N
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on June 20, 2018, 04:34:14 PM
Quote from: Rudi on June 18, 2018, 02:32:16 PM
8/13 to beat Australia.

Won't be rushing to the bookies on those odds - it's an evens game for both sides I feel. Genia will be a miss to the Wallbies.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on June 20, 2018, 06:51:20 PM
Heineken Champions Cup 2018-19 draw

Pool One: Leinster, Wasps, Toulouse, Bath

Pool Two: Castres, Exeter Chiefs, Munster, Gloucester

Pool Three: Saracens, Glasgow Warriors, Lyon, Cardiff Blues

Pool Four: Scarlets, Racing 92, Leicester Tigers, Ulster

Pool Five: Montpellier, Newcastle Falcons, Edinburgh, Toulon


Challenge Cup 2018-19 draw

Pool One: Northampton, Clermont Auvergne, Dragons, Timisoara Saracens

Pool Two: Pau, Ospreys, Worcester, Stade Francais

Pool Three: Sale Sharks, Connacht, Bordeaux-Begles, Perpignan

Pool Four: La Rochelle, Zebre, Bristol, Enisei-STM

Pool Five: Benetton, Harlequins, Agen, Grenoble
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lfdown2 on June 23, 2018, 12:00:10 PM
Any links for the game?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on June 23, 2018, 12:34:56 PM
Quote from: lfdown2 on June 23, 2018, 12:00:10 PM
Any links for the game?

We'll see what this Irish team is made of now!!! Set up for a great finish Aussie in the ascendancy here!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on June 23, 2018, 12:38:47 PM
Quote from: screenexile on June 23, 2018, 12:34:56 PM
Quote from: lfdown2 on June 23, 2018, 12:00:10 PM
Any links for the game?

We'll see what this Irish team is made of now!!! Set up for a great finish Aussie in the ascendancy here!
Aussies have bossed the last period and feels like they'll finish it off now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on June 23, 2018, 12:43:30 PM
Ireland can't get a hold of the ball
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on June 23, 2018, 01:03:14 PM
Edge of the seat stuff there. Some effort in the last 20 mins to keep the Aussie's at bay. Great to get the series win, well earned
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on June 23, 2018, 01:04:46 PM
Fair play that was manly stuff!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on June 23, 2018, 01:06:48 PM
Good finish. I'm sure Chieka will be magnanimous  ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: DuffleKing on June 24, 2018, 07:48:11 AM

Is there anywhere these matches can be watched?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on June 24, 2018, 12:41:56 PM
Quote from: DuffleKing on June 24, 2018, 07:48:11 AM

Is there anywhere these matches can be watched?

Somebody put up the whole of last weeks match on youtube. They might do the same with yesterdays
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 26, 2018, 09:54:50 AM
Good read from the mole on Eddie Jones!

https://dementedmole.com/2018/06/25/eddie-jonestown-massacre/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on June 26, 2018, 01:18:51 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 26, 2018, 09:54:50 AM
Good read from the mole on Eddie Jones!

https://dementedmole.com/2018/06/25/eddie-jonestown-massacre/

Excellent points in relation to amount of games they play in Premiership. You couldn't like Jones if you reared him....England rugby deserves him. The 'blazers' at HQ are equally arrogant pricks. For me the stand out choice as coach was Conor O'Shea....but they wouldn't have a paddy about the place.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on June 27, 2018, 08:02:08 AM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/44614257

A great player, enjoy your retirement.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on June 27, 2018, 10:02:37 AM
We'll always have 2006. Was never a 'great' player, but he was brilliant :) Quick pass, ankle tap tackles and a quick brain, exemplified by taking advantage of Bobo's booboo. Hope we see him around Thomond Park more often now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 27, 2018, 11:07:45 AM
Early access tickets on sale for NZ game - if you are a Vodafone customer!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on June 27, 2018, 12:17:56 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 27, 2018, 11:07:45 AM
Early access tickets on sale for NZ game - if you are a Vodafone customer!
Got a couple this morn.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on June 27, 2018, 12:29:06 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 27, 2018, 12:17:56 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 27, 2018, 11:07:45 AM
Early access tickets on sale for NZ game - if you are a Vodafone customer!
Got a couple this morn.

Seen some onine there for £289 and that was the cheapest !! are you only allowed 2 tickets Tony through Vodafone (of which I'm not a customer  >:( )
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on June 27, 2018, 03:10:39 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 27, 2018, 12:29:06 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 27, 2018, 12:17:56 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 27, 2018, 11:07:45 AM
Early access tickets on sale for NZ game - if you are a Vodafone customer!
Got a couple this morn.

Seen some onine there for £289 and that was the cheapest !! are you only allowed 2 tickets Tony through Vodafone (of which I'm not a customer  >:( )
Didn't get mine through Vodafone. I had a presale code.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on June 27, 2018, 07:01:23 PM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/northern_ireland

Gibson was all their daddies 😎
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: our_fella on June 27, 2018, 08:54:48 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 27, 2018, 03:10:39 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 27, 2018, 12:29:06 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 27, 2018, 12:17:56 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 27, 2018, 11:07:45 AM
Early access tickets on sale for NZ game - if you are a Vodafone customer!
Got a couple this morn.

Seen some onine there for £289 and that was the cheapest !! are you only allowed 2 tickets Tony through Vodafone (of which I'm not a customer  >:( )
Didn't get mine through Vodafone. I had a presale code.

Where do. You get said code as a Vodafone customer??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on July 18, 2018, 12:26:05 PM
Sam Warburton the Wales Captain has retired from rugby. That is a big blow for Wales.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on July 18, 2018, 03:20:38 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on July 18, 2018, 12:26:05 PM
Sam Warburton the Wales Captain has retired from rugby. That is a big blow for Wales.

The shape of things to come from the crash ball carriers and those tasked with tackling them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on July 18, 2018, 03:27:10 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on July 18, 2018, 03:20:38 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on July 18, 2018, 12:26:05 PM
Sam Warburton the Wales Captain has retired from rugby. That is a big blow for Wales.

The shape of things to come from the crash ball carriers and those tasked with tackling them.

It's not the crash or the tackle. It's the ruck area, it's a complete war zone.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on July 19, 2018, 02:09:09 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on July 18, 2018, 03:27:10 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on July 18, 2018, 03:20:38 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on July 18, 2018, 12:26:05 PM
Sam Warburton the Wales Captain has retired from rugby. That is a big blow for Wales.

The shape of things to come from the crash ball carriers and those tasked with tackling them.

It's not the crash or the tackle. It's the ruck area, it's a complete war zone.

Is that true Dinny? Most of the injuries the likes of Peter O'Mahony, CJ Stander, Jack O'Donoghue etc that I watch closely seem to be shoulders, arms, necks etc from collisions, rather than wrestling in a ruck situation. I suppose 'clearing out' was very dangerous and they still don't really enforce the dangerous clearouts.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on July 19, 2018, 03:27:59 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on July 19, 2018, 02:09:09 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on July 18, 2018, 03:27:10 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on July 18, 2018, 03:20:38 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on July 18, 2018, 12:26:05 PM
Sam Warburton the Wales Captain has retired from rugby. That is a big blow for Wales.

The shape of things to come from the crash ball carriers and those tasked with tackling them.

It's not the crash or the tackle. It's the ruck area, it's a complete war zone.

Is that true Dinny? Most of the injuries the likes of Peter O'Mahony, CJ Stander, Jack O'Donoghue etc that I watch closely seem to be shoulders, arms, necks etc from collisions, rather than wrestling in a ruck situation. I suppose 'clearing out' was very dangerous and they still don't really enforce the dangerous clearouts.

yea it's the clear-outs, lads flying off their feet. The three you named are all back-row forwards who undertake the most punishment, high tackle counts, constantly at the coal-face trying to turn over ball. There's a reason Heaslip stayed out of rucks and never got injured :)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on July 19, 2018, 04:58:18 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on July 19, 2018, 03:27:59 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on July 19, 2018, 02:09:09 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on July 18, 2018, 03:27:10 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on July 18, 2018, 03:20:38 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on July 18, 2018, 12:26:05 PM
Sam Warburton the Wales Captain has retired from rugby. That is a big blow for Wales.

The shape of things to come from the crash ball carriers and those tasked with tackling them.

It's not the crash or the tackle. It's the ruck area, it's a complete war zone.

Is that true Dinny? Most of the injuries the likes of Peter O'Mahony, CJ Stander, Jack O'Donoghue etc that I watch closely seem to be shoulders, arms, necks etc from collisions, rather than wrestling in a ruck situation. I suppose 'clearing out' was very dangerous and they still don't really enforce the dangerous clearouts.

yea it's the clear-outs, lads flying off their feet. The three you named are all back-row forwards who undertake the most punishment, high tackle counts, constantly at the coal-face trying to turn over ball. There's a reason Heaslip stayed out of rucks and never got injured :)

The term 'ruck inspector' was made for him and Richie Gray
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on July 19, 2018, 07:15:39 PM
Paul o Connells last involvement in a rugby game was being cleaned out of a ruck against France in 2015 wc

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on August 10, 2018, 08:34:51 PM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/45141330

Well deserved 👍
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on August 18, 2018, 05:00:10 PM
Thinking of coming from states for all black game in November tickets are sold out on Ticketmaster any other outlets or places to look
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on August 31, 2018, 09:24:10 AM
http://www.the42.ie/bristol-bears-lam-piers-oconor-4210572-Aug2018/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on August 31, 2018, 03:51:21 PM
Bristol Bears? For fecks sake, what Bears have they in Bristol. Bare Arses maybe.

Bristol Brigands, or something nautical would surely have been better if you need a dodgy sobriquet.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on August 31, 2018, 03:55:54 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on August 31, 2018, 03:51:21 PM
Bristol Bears? For fecks sake, what Bears have they in Bristol. Bare Arses maybe.

Bristol Brigands, or something nautical would surely have been better if you need a dodgy sobriquet.
Bristol slave merchants would be historically accurate
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on August 31, 2018, 04:18:51 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on August 31, 2018, 03:51:21 PM
Bristol Bears? For fecks sake, what Bears have they in Bristol. Bare Arses maybe.

Bristol Brigands, or something nautical would surely have been better if you need a dodgy sobriquet.

The Munster Turnips will be a great one when it appears!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on August 31, 2018, 04:33:23 PM
Quote from: screenexile on August 31, 2018, 04:18:51 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on August 31, 2018, 03:51:21 PM
Bristol Bears? For fecks sake, what Bears have they in Bristol. Bare Arses maybe.

Bristol Brigands, or something nautical would surely have been better if you need a dodgy sobriquet.

The Munster Turnips will be a great one when it appears!!

You say that like it's a bad thing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owenmoresider on August 31, 2018, 04:51:36 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on August 31, 2018, 03:51:21 PM
Bristol Bears? For fecks sake, what Bears have they in Bristol. Bare Arses maybe.

Bristol Brigands, or something nautical would surely have been better if you need a dodgy sobriquet.
The complete capitulation of professional sport to corporatism with these identity rebrands is depressing. At least Leinster had the good sense to shuffle the whole "Leinster Lions" thing out of existence years ago.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on August 31, 2018, 05:30:48 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on August 31, 2018, 03:51:21 PM
Bristol Bears? For fecks sake, what Bears have they in Bristol. Bare Arses maybe.

Bristol Brigands, or something nautical would surely have been better if you need a dodgy sobriquet.

Bristol Brigands sounds worse.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on August 31, 2018, 05:57:33 PM
Quote from: Owenmoresider on August 31, 2018, 04:51:36 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on August 31, 2018, 03:51:21 PM
Bristol Bears? For fecks sake, what Bears have they in Bristol. Bare Arses maybe.

Bristol Brigands, or something nautical would surely have been better if you need a dodgy sobriquet.
The complete capitulation of professional sport to corporatism with these identity rebrands is depressing. At least Leinster had the good sense to shuffle the whole "Leinster Lions" thing out of existence years ago.

The Munster Stags didn't last long either. I think they were told to 'goawayouttathatyelangers'
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on August 31, 2018, 05:58:00 PM
Quote from: Syferus on August 31, 2018, 05:30:48 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on August 31, 2018, 03:51:21 PM
Bristol Bears? For fecks sake, what Bears have they in Bristol. Bare Arses maybe.

Bristol Brigands, or something nautical would surely have been better if you need a dodgy sobriquet.

Bristol Brigands sounds worse.

Maybe, but at least it makes more sense. Bristol Bears. Jaysus. Bristol Buccaneers?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on August 31, 2018, 06:13:18 PM
Bristol bears sounds very gay

https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=bear
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on August 31, 2018, 06:15:12 PM
Quote from: seafoid on August 31, 2018, 06:13:18 PM
Bristol bears sounds very gay

https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=bear

o.....kay. Not what I was thinking, but work away.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on August 31, 2018, 07:24:39 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on August 31, 2018, 06:15:12 PM
Quote from: seafoid on August 31, 2018, 06:13:18 PM
Bristol bears sounds very gay

https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=bear

o.....kay. Not what I was thinking, but work away.

Every day is a school day........
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on August 31, 2018, 11:29:00 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on August 31, 2018, 05:58:00 PM
Quote from: Syferus on August 31, 2018, 05:30:48 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on August 31, 2018, 03:51:21 PM
Bristol Bears? For fecks sake, what Bears have they in Bristol. Bare Arses maybe.

Bristol Brigands, or something nautical would surely have been better if you need a dodgy sobriquet.

Bristol Brigands sounds worse.

Maybe, but at least it makes more sense. Bristol Bears. Jaysus. Bristol Buccaneers?
Just "Bristol"?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on August 31, 2018, 11:33:24 PM
Will anyone call them anything else?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on September 01, 2018, 11:32:23 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on August 31, 2018, 11:33:24 PM
Will anyone call them anything else?

The Bath supporters were calling them something different last night😜
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on September 03, 2018, 10:50:15 AM
Jesus, Leinster making Dublin's sub bench look shallow, what strength and depth.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on September 03, 2018, 01:44:22 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on September 03, 2018, 10:50:15 AM
Jesus, Leinster making Dublin's sub bench look shallow, what strength and depth.

Went to the Ulster game and while they made hard work of beating an under strength Scarlets team they'll be happy regardless as they'll improve over the season.

Wasnt a full house and Ulster were not great but the new signings looked good and they should improve over the season once the walking wounded come back
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on September 15, 2018, 09:15:57 AM
All Blacks go from 12-0 up to 21-12 down against SA  good game
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on September 15, 2018, 09:22:15 AM
HT SA 24-17 up
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on September 15, 2018, 10:20:02 AM
Some test match. Not often I would be cheering on the boks
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: David McKeown on September 15, 2018, 10:26:34 AM
What a match that was
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on September 15, 2018, 10:27:13 AM
Great win for SA, gives everyone else a glimmer of hope, some turn around from getting beat 59-0
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on September 15, 2018, 10:27:43 AM
Can't believe NZ passed up on a drop kick at the end what were they thinking of
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on September 15, 2018, 10:28:53 AM
My thoughts exactly - arrogance. Great to see a SA win
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on September 15, 2018, 10:30:55 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on September 15, 2018, 10:28:53 AM
My thoughts exactly - arrogance. Great to see a SA win

Drop goal would have been taken had it been knock out. All Blacks don't do arrogance......England on the other hand😂
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on September 15, 2018, 10:56:30 AM
Fancy Australia to cover handicap against Pumas
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: David McKeown on September 15, 2018, 11:56:48 AM
Quote from: Insane Bolt on September 15, 2018, 10:56:30 AM
Fancy Australia to cover handicap against Pumas

Need to improve their set pieces second half
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on September 15, 2018, 12:59:28 PM
Another away win. Great stuff. Argentina had about 3 tries ruled out by the narrowest of margins. 2 very entertaining games today.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on September 15, 2018, 01:19:11 PM
Quote from: Insane Bolt on September 15, 2018, 10:56:30 AM
Fancy Australia to cover handicap against Pumas

I can pick them😂
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on September 26, 2018, 12:26:34 PM
Sounds like Murray is properly fûcked.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on September 26, 2018, 12:42:41 PM
Quote from: Syferus on September 26, 2018, 12:26:34 PM
Sounds like Murray is properly fûcked.

Have you heard anything concrete?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on September 26, 2018, 04:40:53 PM
Quote from: screenexile on September 26, 2018, 12:42:41 PM
Quote from: Syferus on September 26, 2018, 12:26:34 PM
Sounds like Murray is properly fûcked.

Have you heard anything concrete?

https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2018/0926/998176-upon-his-request-i-cant-comment-on-conors-injury/

You don't tell the club staff not to go into detail if you think it's something minor. Van Graan actually scored a bit of an own goal telling the public why he wasn't going into detail on the injury because it was far more telling than if he just refused to comment. I hadn't been keeping up with club rugby but they signed a foreign scrum-half to replace Murray, you don't waste one of those import slots on someone if you think Murray's going to be back in the near term.

The obvious worst case scenario is the continuous BS reports from Heaslip's camp of him "progressing well" with his back injury and then having to retire before even getting near a pitch. A neck injury is serious at the best of times, nevermind if you're unsure of when or if you'll be able to come back.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Jim_Murphy_74 on September 27, 2018, 04:39:44 PM
Quote from: Syferus on September 26, 2018, 04:40:53 PM
Quote from: screenexile on September 26, 2018, 12:42:41 PM
Quote from: Syferus on September 26, 2018, 12:26:34 PM
Sounds like Murray is properly fûcked.

Have you heard anything concrete?

https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2018/0926/998176-upon-his-request-i-cant-comment-on-conors-injury/

You don't tell the club staff not to go into detail if you think it's something minor. Van Graan actually scored a bit of an own goal telling the public why he wasn't going into detail on the injury because it was far more telling than if he just refused to comment. I hadn't been keeping up with club rugby but they signed a foreign scrum-half to replace Murray, you don't waste one of those import slots on someone if you think Murray's going to be back in the near term.

The obvious worst case scenario is the continuous BS reports from Heaslip's camp of him "progressing well" with his back injury and then having to retire before even getting near a pitch. A neck injury is serious at the best of times, nevermind if you're unsure of when or if you'll be able to come back.

As a counter balance said foreign scrum-half is on a four-month contract which does not smack of permanence.  Throw in the fact that Murray is about to become the highest paid IRFU player.  Given what happened with Heaslip would the IRFU really again spend all that money on a crocked player?

Speculative points but then again so is yours.
/Jim.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on September 27, 2018, 04:54:30 PM
Quote from: Jim_Murphy_74 on September 27, 2018, 04:39:44 PM
Quote from: Syferus on September 26, 2018, 04:40:53 PM
Quote from: screenexile on September 26, 2018, 12:42:41 PM
Quote from: Syferus on September 26, 2018, 12:26:34 PM
Sounds like Murray is properly fûcked.

Have you heard anything concrete?

https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2018/0926/998176-upon-his-request-i-cant-comment-on-conors-injury/

You don't tell the club staff not to go into detail if you think it's something minor. Van Graan actually scored a bit of an own goal telling the public why he wasn't going into detail on the injury because it was far more telling than if he just refused to comment. I hadn't been keeping up with club rugby but they signed a foreign scrum-half to replace Murray, you don't waste one of those import slots on someone if you think Murray's going to be back in the near term.

The obvious worst case scenario is the continuous BS reports from Heaslip's camp of him "progressing well" with his back injury and then having to retire before even getting near a pitch. A neck injury is serious at the best of times, nevermind if you're unsure of when or if you'll be able to come back.

As a counter balance said foreign scrum-half is on a four-month contract which does not smack of permanence.  Throw in the fact that Murray is about to become the highest paid IRFU player.  Given what happened with Heaslip would the IRFU really again spend all that money on a crocked player?

Speculative points but then again so is yours.
/Jim.

It means he's at least expected to be hampered until after Christmas and then you can't even be sure he'll be back for the Six Nations (this would undoubtedly be made public by Murray's camp in some manner to ease concerns about his health if they knew as he has plenty of money riding on it).

I'm sure the scrum-half's contract is open-ended so that it can be extended if we get to Christmas and nothing has changed. If it was just a case of a minor injury for a couple of months Munster would likely use a cheaper academy product to fill in.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on October 06, 2018, 05:38:42 PM
South Africa looking very impressive again v NZ. 30-13 with 20 to go, still wouldn't back again the hoors tho.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: pbat on October 06, 2018, 05:43:02 PM
Anyone on here considering Japan for the world cup next year. Thinking of doing 3 weeks.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on October 06, 2018, 06:00:12 PM
Surely to feck NZ are not going to steal this one
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on October 06, 2018, 06:03:11 PM
FFS just like when we bottled it a few yrs ago, ridiculous stuff
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on October 06, 2018, 06:03:45 PM
Jesus, tough one for SA to take. They're on course for a big showing in Japan.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on October 07, 2018, 09:34:34 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 06, 2018, 06:03:11 PM
FFS just like when we bottled it a few yrs ago, ridiculous stuff
Yeah posted about this yesterday (albeit on the wrong thread as I was "under the weather") but definitely lost their bottle. You can say what you want about the relentless nature of the All Blacks but coughing up those points with 20 mins to go isn't good enough.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Aaron Boone on October 12, 2018, 11:05:49 PM
Brilliant by the full Leinster team tonight, 50 points on Wasps. They could field two teams.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 13, 2018, 04:26:57 AM
https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/his-reputation-was-destroyed-stuart-olding-seeks-reimbursement-of-his-legal-costs-after-rugby-rape-trial-37415079.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 13, 2018, 10:47:10 AM
Quote from: Aaron Boone on October 12, 2018, 11:05:49 PM
Brilliant by the full Leinster team tonight, 50 points on Wasps. They could field two teams.

Will anyone get close to them in Europe this year?? James Lowe is some addition can we get him Irish qualified??!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 13, 2018, 02:55:21 PM
Freddie Burns...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on October 13, 2018, 03:30:12 PM
Overseas at the min. Anyone got a link for Munster?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on October 13, 2018, 04:19:39 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 13, 2018, 02:55:21 PM
Freddie Burns...

Nice couple of minutes from the lad lol
Still not as bad as this bell end
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1914XF8afo
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 13, 2018, 04:33:43 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on October 13, 2018, 03:30:12 PM
Overseas at the min. Anyone got a link for Munster?




Radio

http://icecast2.rte.ie/radio1

Exter vs Munster. Exter/Exeter is like camera/camra in the Irish accent
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on October 15, 2018, 11:59:00 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 13, 2018, 04:19:39 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 13, 2018, 02:55:21 PM
Freddie Burns...

Nice couple of minutes from the lad lol
Still not as bad as this bell end
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1914XF8afo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wg1UJ36FPnQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wg1UJ36FPnQ)

2.10 minutes in.

You only get a glimpse of it, but one of his teammates was rightly pissed off at him. Cost the game along with missing a sitter penalty just before that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 17, 2018, 05:28:13 PM
Lads anybody know how you would go about getting tickets for Cardiff in March??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on October 18, 2018, 12:24:34 PM
Anyone heading to Japan.

Booked flights the other day. £680 return for 10 days in Japan.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on October 18, 2018, 12:52:00 PM
Quote from: screenexile on October 17, 2018, 05:28:13 PM
Lads anybody know how you would go about getting tickets for Cardiff in March??

There are tickets for majority of six nations games on Viagogo.

I got tickets to a Murrayfield game off it a few years ago, bit expensive unfortunately though. I put it on the credit card and took the sting off.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on October 18, 2018, 01:11:22 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on October 18, 2018, 12:24:34 PM
Anyone heading to Japan.

Booked flights the other day. £680 return for 10 days in Japan.

I am thinking of going, that's a great price. Have you any tickets sorted? What's accommodation like price wise?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on October 18, 2018, 01:16:48 PM
Quote from: screenexile on October 17, 2018, 05:28:13 PM
Lads anybody know how you would go about getting tickets for Cardiff in March??

A lot will depend on how results have gone.....it could be a grand slam decider.....or a dead rubber. First round of games Ireland play England in Dublin, Wales away to the French......if Wales have nothing to play for tickets should be no problem. 2 years ago I got mine direct from Llanelli secretary.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on October 18, 2018, 01:40:42 PM
Quote from: Insane Bolt on October 18, 2018, 01:11:22 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on October 18, 2018, 12:24:34 PM
Anyone heading to Japan.

Booked flights the other day. £680 return for 10 days in Japan.

I am thinking of going, that's a great price. Have you any tickets sorted? What's accommodation like price wise?

We booked flights through Korea which was cheaper. Have accommodation through a friend in Tokyo for a few nights luckily. Heading to the Scotland game then down the country and home via Osaka. Need to look about accommodation for later in the trip.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: passedit on October 18, 2018, 01:57:17 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on October 18, 2018, 01:40:42 PM
Quote from: Insane Bolt on October 18, 2018, 01:11:22 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on October 18, 2018, 12:24:34 PM
Anyone heading to Japan.

Booked flights the other day. £680 return for 10 days in Japan.

I am thinking of going, that's a great price. Have you any tickets sorted? What's accommodation like price wise?

We booked flights through Korea which was cheaper. Have accommodation through a friend in Tokyo for a few nights luckily. Heading to the Scotland game then down the country and home via Osaka. Need to look about accommodation for later in the trip.

Talk me through the Korea angle? I've got the ticket package for the group games but haven't sorted flights yet.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on October 18, 2018, 02:35:45 PM
Quote from: passedit on October 18, 2018, 01:57:17 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on October 18, 2018, 01:40:42 PM
Quote from: Insane Bolt on October 18, 2018, 01:11:22 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on October 18, 2018, 12:24:34 PM
Anyone heading to Japan.

Booked flights the other day. £680 return for 10 days in Japan.

I am thinking of going, that's a great price. Have you any tickets sorted? What's accommodation like price wise?

We booked flights through Korea which was cheaper. Have accommodation through a friend in Tokyo for a few nights luckily. Heading to the Scotland game then down the country and home via Osaka. Need to look about accommodation for later in the trip.

Talk me through the Korea angle? I've got the ticket package for the group games but haven't sorted flights yet.

Heathrow - Seoul (2 hour stopover) and connect to Tokyo.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: passedit on October 18, 2018, 03:53:21 PM
Ah right, travelling through not booked through. I couldn't get anything up to to today. Now quoting 590 from London via Vienna. cheapest out of Dublin is a kick in the arse off two grand.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on October 18, 2018, 03:55:16 PM
590 is a great price! Book it. :D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on October 20, 2018, 01:38:02 PM
Very harsh red card for Cipriani.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 20, 2018, 02:45:44 PM
Quote from: Insane Bolt on October 20, 2018, 01:38:02 PM
Very harsh red card for Cipriani.

Definitely! I know it's player safety and all but they've gone too cautious with the thing now!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on October 20, 2018, 08:28:27 PM
Zebo making a tool of himself against Ulster.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: grounded on October 20, 2018, 08:32:23 PM
Quote from: passedit on October 18, 2018, 01:57:17 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on October 18, 2018, 01:40:42 PM
Quote from: Insane Bolt on October 18, 2018, 01:11:22 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on October 18, 2018, 12:24:34 PM
Anyone heading to Japan.

Booked flights the other day. £680 return for 10 days in Japan.

I am thinking of going, that's a great price. Have you any tickets sorted? What's accommodation like price wise?

We booked flights through Korea which was cheaper. Have accommodation through a friend in Tokyo for a few nights luckily. Heading to the Scotland game then down the country and home via Osaka. Need to look about accommodation for later in the trip.

Talk me through the Korea angle? I've got the ticket package for the group games but haven't sorted flights yet.

Looking at the skyscanner site their was a few flight options there going from Dublin. Obviously dates may not be suitable there. I

https://www.skyscanner.ie/transport/flights/dub/tyoa/190920/191005/?adults=1&children=0&adultsv2=1&childrenv2=&infants=0&cabinclass=economy&rtn=1&preferdirects=false&outboundaltsenabled=false&inboundaltsenabled=false&ref=home#results
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 20, 2018, 10:42:33 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on October 20, 2018, 08:28:27 PM
Zebo making a tool of himself against Ulster.

Was it that bad?? Jesus there's some coverage for something so minor!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on October 20, 2018, 10:45:44 PM
Quote from: screenexile on October 20, 2018, 10:42:33 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on October 20, 2018, 08:28:27 PM
Zebo making a tool of himself against Ulster.

Was it that bad?? Jesus there's some coverage for something so minor!
Definitely not as bad as is being made out but no need for it either. I have 2 lads play rugby and I'd put my toe in their hole if they did it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 20, 2018, 11:02:54 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on October 20, 2018, 10:45:44 PM
Quote from: screenexile on October 20, 2018, 10:42:33 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on October 20, 2018, 08:28:27 PM
Zebo making a tool of himself against Ulster.

Was it that bad?? Jesus there's some coverage for something so minor!
Definitely not as bad as is being made out but no need for it either. I have 2 lads play rugby and I'd put my toe in their hole if they did it.

Totally agree!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on October 21, 2018, 04:47:47 PM
Leinster having stern task today. Love Sean Cronin .....what a player😎
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on October 21, 2018, 05:02:35 PM
Toulouse win by a point, Leinster's first loss in 11.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on October 21, 2018, 05:42:02 PM
Some game. But madness by Leinster to kick possession to Toulouse with 2 mins on clock, they were always going to hold on and run it down.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on October 21, 2018, 05:47:37 PM
Quote from: weareros on October 21, 2018, 05:42:02 PM
Some game. But madness by Leinster to kick possession to Toulouse with 2 mins on clock, they were always going to hold on and run it down.

Agree, strange decision by Johnny.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 23, 2018, 01:49:02 PM
https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/rugby/irfus-fiveyear-plan-targets-world-cup-semis-and-two-six-nations-crowns-37448883.html

The IRFU have targeted semi-final places at the next two World Cups as part of their new five-year strategic plan.
The men's team has also been tasked with landing two of the next five Six Nations titles and holding a spot in the top three of the world rankings.
At provincial level, the IRFU want to see Irish teams land two more European titles by 2023 and at least two PRO14 crowns.


http://www.irishrugby.ie/downloads/IRFU_Strategic_Plan_2018-2023.pdf
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: michaelg on October 23, 2018, 08:25:32 PM
Not sure if the recent BT Shoulder to Sholder documentary has been discussed yet on this thread.   Despite his expensive education, BOD is clearly not the sharpest knife in the drawer.  Complete lack of empathy displayed throughout.  Also, time given to Belfast Republican sympathiser seemed misplaced given segment that followed relating to Ulster players injured in IRA bomb on return from Ireland training camp before the 18987 World Cup.  "Wrong place, wrong time" was how BOD dexcribed it.  Never mind the fact that the bomb should not have been exploded in the first place.  Poor documentary with little insight provided.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on October 23, 2018, 08:35:42 PM
In the context of the rugby players (which is the focus of the programme rather than a general Troubles documentary), they were in the wrong place at the wrong time, given the intended target was a judge in the car in front. I think it was pretty even-handed whilst acknowledging you can't please everyone on this topic. Colin McCusker summed up his feelings well and probably that of a lot of the Unionist community, that it is possible to be an Irish man, an Ulsterman (sic) and a British citizen.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: michaelg on October 23, 2018, 08:55:50 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on October 23, 2018, 08:35:42 PM
In the context of the rugby players (which is the focus of the programme rather than a general Troubles documentary), they were in the wrong place at the wrong time, given the intended target was a judge in the car in front. I think it was pretty even-handed whilst acknowledging you can't please everyone on this topic. Colin McCusker summed up his feelings well and probably that of a lot of the Unionist community, that it is possible to be an Irish man, an Ulsterman (sic) and a British citizen.
Absolutely.  A point clearly lost on the grinning buffoon BOD.  As for your point about it not being a general Troubles documentary, why then include the interview with yon clown from the Falls Road?  The section about attending the 12th July parade in Loughgall was also completely overplayed / overblown.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on October 23, 2018, 09:03:50 PM
I got the impression that fella wandered into that shot rather than an "invited guest". He was holding a mug of tea so presumably lives nearby. I think you are being too hard on BOD as he probably represents a lot of people down south who have been insulated from what has happened up here and accordingly know very little and care even less.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: michaelg on October 23, 2018, 09:34:32 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on October 23, 2018, 09:03:50 PM
I got the impression that fella wandered into that shot rather than an "invited guest". He was holding a mug of tea so presumably lives nearby. I think you are being too hard on BOD as he probably represents a lot of people down south who have been insulated from what has happened up here and accordingly know very little and care even less.
Just thought it was a pretty poor documentary.  Assuming he got handsomely paid for his endeavours, the least he could have done was  carry out a bit of research in advance.  Had he done so, perhaps he would have been able to tease out some of the interesting points relating to identity which you referred to above.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on October 23, 2018, 10:47:23 PM
In fairness his target audience was the English so it was not exactly going to be groundbreaking for people here.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Taylor on October 24, 2018, 08:03:49 AM
Quote from: michaelg on October 23, 2018, 09:34:32 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on October 23, 2018, 09:03:50 PM
I got the impression that fella wandered into that shot rather than an "invited guest". He was holding a mug of tea so presumably lives nearby. I think you are being too hard on BOD as he probably represents a lot of people down south who have been insulated from what has happened up here and accordingly know very little and care even less.
Just thought it was a pretty poor documentary.  Assuming he got handsomely paid for his endeavours, the least he could have done was  carry out a bit of research in advance.  Had he done so, perhaps he would have been able to tease out some of the interesting points relating to identity which you referred to above.

Agree, I thought it was a piss poor documentary. Little or no insight or depth
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: pbat on October 27, 2018, 07:15:39 PM
Lads looking into Japan next year. I am thinking of waiting and go out for the Japan game and get the last 3 group games. That's from the 28th Sept - 12th Oct. Also might stay till the weekend of the 20th to take in the quarter final. But if I did I would maybe fly out of Japan for 5-6 days to take in some sun and maybe somewhere cheaper for a week. Any suggestions that would be worth looking into that are 2-3 hours flight from Tokyo?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on October 27, 2018, 08:44:02 PM
I reckon the Phillipines could be worth a shout pbat. Apparently a great spot. Like Thailand only cheaper.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on November 03, 2018, 05:30:37 PM
England get hometown decision at end.....to be fair if I was English I would say correct decision.....if SA feel hard done by. Still feel Boks will be bigger threat come World Cup.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 03, 2018, 05:49:01 PM
Quote from: Insane Bolt on November 03, 2018, 05:30:37 PM
England get hometown decision at end.....to be fair if I was English I would say correct decision.....if SA feel hard done by. Still feel Boks will be bigger threat come World Cup.

Boks made too many mistakes... the drop goal was on at the end but they didn't go for it when they should have.

England were dominated for large parts of the game bound to be worrying for them!

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 03, 2018, 10:48:47 PM
Walk in the park as expected ... Tadhg Beirne is some player fantastic the competition in the 2nd and back row is great. Henderson will be getting worried I think!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on November 04, 2018, 12:16:36 AM
Quote from: michaelg on October 23, 2018, 08:25:32 PM
Not sure if the recent BT Shoulder to Sholder documentary has been discussed yet on this thread.   Despite his expensive education, BOD is clearly not the sharpest knife in the drawer.  Complete lack of empathy displayed throughout.  Also, time given to Belfast Republican sympathiser seemed misplaced given segment that followed relating to Ulster players injured in IRA bomb on return from Ireland training camp before the 18987 World Cup.  "Wrong place, wrong time" was how BOD dexcribed it.  Never mind the fact that the bomb should not have been exploded in the first place.  Poor documentary with little insight provided.
An expensive private education doesn't mean anything
If you're not the sharpest then exclusivity won't remedy it
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on November 04, 2018, 10:25:23 AM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on November 04, 2018, 12:16:36 AM
Quote from: michaelg on October 23, 2018, 08:25:32 PM
Not sure if the recent BT Shoulder to Sholder documentary has been discussed yet on this thread.   Despite his expensive education, BOD is clearly not the sharpest knife in the drawer.  Complete lack of empathy displayed throughout.  Also, time given to Belfast Republican sympathiser seemed misplaced given segment that followed relating to Ulster players injured in IRA bomb on return from Ireland training camp before the 18987 World Cup.  "Wrong place, wrong time" was how BOD dexcribed it.  Never mind the fact that the bomb should not have been exploded in the first place.  Poor documentary with little insight provided.
An expensive private education doesn't mean anything
If you're not the sharpest then exclusivity won't remedy it

Your own education was not inexpensive, possibly quite expensive depending on the state school you attended.

O'Driscoll's family like many in RoI were prepared and able to buy a different education from that available from the state.  There was no guarantee of the educational outcome for their son but attending Blackrock opened so many other doors for him him both sporting and social in RoI.  That's what his parents bought for him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 04, 2018, 10:54:49 AM
He didn't go to Eton  ::). Day fees when he was at school would have been less than 5 grand a year.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 06, 2018, 08:59:15 AM
https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/munster-rugby/johnny-sexton-sent-a-lovely-gift-to-anthony-foleys-son-dan-on-his-birthday-37497008.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 06, 2018, 01:02:28 PM
https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/its-pretty-special-conor-murray-scoops-world-player-of-the-year-award-in-france-37497541.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 10, 2018, 03:33:10 PM
Seriously impressive from the English so far!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 10, 2018, 05:00:10 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 10, 2018, 03:33:10 PM
Seriously impressive from the English so far!

PHEW!! That was a close one.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 10, 2018, 05:07:30 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 10, 2018, 05:00:10 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 10, 2018, 03:33:10 PM
Seriously impressive from the English so far!

PHEW!! That was a close one.
What a pity!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 10, 2018, 05:47:17 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on November 10, 2018, 05:07:30 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 10, 2018, 05:00:10 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 10, 2018, 03:33:10 PM
Seriously impressive from the English so far!

PHEW!! That was a close one.
What a pity!

New Zealand keeping their powder dry for the second best team in the world ..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on November 10, 2018, 06:21:44 PM
Good performance from England in their challenge match against the all blacks.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Orior on November 10, 2018, 07:37:51 PM
Is this the Ireland A team or B team?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on November 10, 2018, 07:42:28 PM
Tough test as always when against the Pumas. O'Brien has no luck with injuries.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 10, 2018, 07:44:06 PM
Larmour and Best are having a mare here!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on November 10, 2018, 07:47:41 PM
Aki the only one of the backs making any gains
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 10, 2018, 07:58:11 PM
Serious improvement needed for next Saturday.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 10, 2018, 08:02:20 PM
Leavy is a cracking player he's had some impact!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on November 10, 2018, 08:11:33 PM
O'Mahony superb as usual.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lenny on November 10, 2018, 08:14:48 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 10, 2018, 08:02:20 PM
Leavy is a cracking player he's had some impact!

He's much better than obrien at this stage. He changed the match.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: pbat on November 10, 2018, 08:17:55 PM
Not sure about Heaslip, is he aiming to become the Dessie (state the bloody obvious) Dolan of rugby pundits.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Scarlet on November 10, 2018, 08:59:35 PM
Didn't get to see it, but how did Larmour do?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bannside on November 10, 2018, 09:38:22 PM
Jordan didn't get into the game as much as expected...it kind of passed him by. The Pumas were on his tail every time he touched the ball and by his own standards made little yardage. Rob looks nailed on to hold the no 15  jersey for a while yet..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 10, 2018, 10:12:19 PM
He was badly exposed under the high ball on a few
occasions and didn't get space to show what he can do.

He definitely looks like an impact player of Kearney is fit he'll play there.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 10, 2018, 11:11:35 PM
Argentina+17 points was a superb bet!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on November 12, 2018, 12:58:22 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 10, 2018, 10:12:19 PM
He was badly exposed under the high ball on a few
occasions and didn't get space to show what he can do.

He definitely looks like an impact player of Kearney is fit he'll play there.
Ireland in general looked poor under the high ball, i.e. the man going up for it and a lack of bodies in the way of the chasing catcher which seems to be an OK thing to do now going by both other games on the TV over the weekend.

Hard getting used to Ryle Nugent of Channel 4 all the same.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 12, 2018, 01:40:25 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on November 12, 2018, 12:58:22 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 10, 2018, 10:12:19 PM
He was badly exposed under the high ball on a few
occasions and didn't get space to show what he can do.

He definitely looks like an impact player of Kearney is fit he'll play there.
Ireland in general looked poor under the high ball, i.e. the man going up for it and a lack of bodies in the way of the chasing catcher which seems to be an OK thing to do now going by both other games on the TV over the weekend.

Hard getting used to Ryle Nugent of Channel 4 all the same.
If the weather is dry I'd be more worried about runners than the high ball, especially as the All Black's kicking game wasn't too special against England.

I'd worry about Best - if he isn't right on his game the Ireland lineout will get minced.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on November 12, 2018, 01:45:30 PM
Forecast for a dry day.....have gone for All Blacks -6 10/11
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Frank_The_Tank on November 12, 2018, 02:09:12 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on November 12, 2018, 01:40:25 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on November 12, 2018, 12:58:22 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 10, 2018, 10:12:19 PM
He was badly exposed under the high ball on a few
occasions and didn't get space to show what he can do.

He definitely looks like an impact player of Kearney is fit he'll play there.
Ireland in general looked poor under the high ball, i.e. the man going up for it and a lack of bodies in the way of the chasing catcher which seems to be an OK thing to do now going by both other games on the TV over the weekend.

Hard getting used to Ryle Nugent of Channel 4 all the same.
If the weather is dry I'd be more worried about runners than the high ball, especially as the All Black's kicking game wasn't too special against England.

I'd worry about Best - if he isn't right on his game the Ireland lineout will get minced.

Agree with that - wonder does Toner start - he isnt as good as some of the other options from Open play but a while asset at lineout time - 6ft 10 will do that for you
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 12, 2018, 02:11:39 PM
Retallick was unreal on Sat v England. I like Henderson but the lineout was poor on Sat. Obviously Best takes a big element of responsibility here.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Frank_The_Tank on November 12, 2018, 02:42:38 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 12, 2018, 02:11:39 PM
Retallick was unreal on Sat v England. I like Henderson but the lineout was poor on Sat. Obviously Best takes a big element of responsibility here.

Yip arguably best player in world this year although not in the nominees for world rugby player of the year - but he is playing at the level of 2014 when he won it.  Also have to factor him and Whitelock both missing in the Ireland win vs NZ in Chicago - obv still a great day for Irish rugby to eventually get the win over the ABs but they had a makeshift 2nd row that day.  They will be coming to Ireland this weekend with a fully fit 15 (AFAIK) and maybe looking to a bit of a backlash from a poor enough performance themselves vs England.  Head saying NZ by 10-20 points - Heart says Ireland by 5
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on November 12, 2018, 02:53:45 PM
Larmour is brilliant, but he looked a long way short of international calibre full back. Bar against the likes of USA and Pro 14 games, I'm hoping he sticks to the wing for Ireland/Leinster for a while.

Earls not quite at his form of last year. I think Conway deserves more field time.

Second row going to be a big call for Schmidt. Hendo probably down to 4th choice now.
Centre tough call as well. I would have said it was certain it would be Ringrose and Henshaw (assuming everyone fit), but Ted was my man of the match on Saturday and it would be very tough on him if he wasn't in. I wonder would there be merit in giving Henshaw some game time at full back (although obviously not for this weekend).   
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: NAG1 on November 12, 2018, 02:56:09 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 12, 2018, 02:42:38 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 12, 2018, 02:11:39 PM
Retallick was unreal on Sat v England. I like Henderson but the lineout was poor on Sat. Obviously Best takes a big element of responsibility here.

Yip arguably best player in world this year although not in the nominees for world rugby player of the year - but he is playing at the level of 2014 when he won it.  Also have to factor him and Whitelock both missing in the Ireland win vs NZ in Chicago - obv still a great day for Irish rugby to eventually get the win over the ABs but they had a makeshift 2nd row that day.  They will be coming to Ireland this weekend with a fully fit 15 (AFAIK) and maybe looking to a bit of a backlash from a poor enough performance themselves vs England.  Head saying NZ by 10-20 points - Heart says Ireland by 5

Wish I had your optimism I can see a bit of a hammering coming unfortunately, hope I am wrong.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 12, 2018, 04:31:24 PM
Henshaw and Murray both ruled out. Murray was never going to play and rightly so. Would love to see John Cooney get a chance but unlikely.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on November 13, 2018, 10:54:41 AM
See the FOGS had a new song out today.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on November 17, 2018, 07:00:03 PM
how long does this pre-match sing song (and now a dance) go on for?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 17, 2018, 07:03:45 PM
For years you never hear a word when the haka was been done; now u can barely hear it! Thats what u get with a bunch jump on the band wagon supporters,f**king worse than english supporters
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on November 17, 2018, 07:15:42 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on November 17, 2018, 07:03:45 PM
For years you never hear a word when the haka was been done; now u can barely hear it! Thats what u get with a bunch jump on the band wagon supporters,f**king worse than english supporters

In fairness, the Haka is about intimidating and not showing respect for opponents!

I have no issue with the crowd showing no respect for such a tradition.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 17, 2018, 07:22:29 PM
Yeah well we didn't have a problem with it before
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on November 17, 2018, 07:28:51 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on November 17, 2018, 07:22:29 PM
Yeah well we didn't have a problem with it before

Maybe that was part of our problem before?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on November 17, 2018, 07:32:50 PM
First replay showed a clear Kearney knock on. Rte commentary ignores it until the same replay came round again. Pathetic.

Good start though, NZ are rattled
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Boycey on November 17, 2018, 07:35:10 PM
I like the haka and loved the theatre of it the couple times I was lucky enough to be present for it. Not sure it's intimidating..

The commentators are doing my head in, not sure they'll last the 80+ minutes
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on November 17, 2018, 07:37:15 PM
Great game between the top two of the nine really creditable countries that play Rugby.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Boycey on November 17, 2018, 07:44:48 PM
It's 1st against 2nd in the world, you would think to hear the pair of boys we were plucky 50/1 outsiders.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Farrandeelin on November 17, 2018, 07:48:35 PM
NZ are poor.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on November 17, 2018, 07:50:13 PM
Quote from: Farrandeelin on November 17, 2018, 07:48:35 PM
NZ are poor.

Ireland are playing well we are told and are winning by 3 points (a penalty)!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on November 17, 2018, 07:51:34 PM
Quote from: Boycey on November 17, 2018, 07:44:48 PM
It's 1st against 2nd in the world, you would think to hear the pair of boys we were plucky 50/1 outsiders.

In fairness we have beaten them only once in 30 attempts!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on November 17, 2018, 08:18:00 PM
All blacks are on the ropes, can the Irish deliver the knock out blow?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 17, 2018, 08:25:38 PM
Stockdalr is some hoor for scoring tries
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on November 17, 2018, 08:39:33 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 17, 2018, 08:25:38 PM
Stockdalr is some hoor for scoring tries

Was some 5 mins for him alright after he should have given away one if Read hadn't fucked it up.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Over the Bar on November 17, 2018, 08:44:29 PM
Worryingly a lot of Irish experience has left the field for the crunch period of the game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on November 17, 2018, 08:58:21 PM
Great win for the Irish who made the All Blacks look average at best on the day. Ireland took control of the contest and closed out the game well very.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 17, 2018, 08:58:48 PM
Too drawer stuff!!

Best friendly result I've seen this long time!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on November 17, 2018, 08:59:43 PM
Greatest win ever, fair play.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on November 17, 2018, 09:00:14 PM
Better team from beginning to end. There was no NZ surge after 60 mins or anything.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on November 17, 2018, 09:02:15 PM
The Irish fans in the Aviva Cheering an Irish Protestant man!

Great to see!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on November 17, 2018, 09:04:51 PM
Fair fcks to that rugby team, a magnificent display. Some of those supporters were remarkable in that they could hop up and down like yoyos and not spill a drop of drink.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GJL on November 17, 2018, 09:11:02 PM
Great result and fantastic atmosphere. The soccer powers that be should take note.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thejuice on November 17, 2018, 09:25:43 PM
Been watching Irish rugby since the late 80's and after year after year of wooden spoons, moral victory after moral victory, to think we could be beating the all blacks quite confidently is something that I find hard to believe at times. Some achievement and no reason why we now shouldn't be seen as real World Cup contenders.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on November 17, 2018, 09:34:03 PM
To beat a Country that eats, sleeps and thinks Rugby is a huge achievement. Especially when you look at how much of a minority sport Rugby is on this Island.

Does not even make the list below

(https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/storage.publisherplus.ie/media.balls.ie/uploads/2018/03/06150744/PArticipation-rates-ESRI.png)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 17, 2018, 09:35:07 PM
Who got man of the match?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: grounded on November 17, 2018, 09:42:31 PM
Quote from: Over the Bar on November 17, 2018, 08:44:29 PM
Worryingly a lot of Irish experience has left the field for the crunch period of the game.


I think that's the difference with this Ireland team now. Strength in depth even with our big injury list.

All blacks didn't play well because we didn't let them!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: yellowcard on November 17, 2018, 09:42:58 PM
O'Mahoney got motm. Bruising encounter Ireland are now no1 contenders to take the All Blacks World Cup crown away from them next year.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on November 17, 2018, 09:45:27 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on November 17, 2018, 09:42:58 PM
O'Mahoney got motm. Bruising encounter Ireland are now no1 contenders to take the All Blacks World Cup crown away from them next year.

The important word there is now. A lot can change in 6 months. Important to remain grounded.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mrdeeds on November 17, 2018, 09:50:27 PM
Quote from: GJL on November 17, 2018, 09:11:02 PM
Great result and fantastic atmosphere. The soccer powers that be should take note.

What could soccer learn? Get elite South African and Kiwi players to become Irish players after a few years residency in order to compete at a game that only a handful of countries are good at as opposed to the most popular sport worldwide? I actually enjoy rugby but find it hard how soccer can learn from it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 17, 2018, 09:54:47 PM
Why is it even in the most positive of situations there's some tïts who think they're smart enough to do an end-around on logic and play the cardboard cutout contrarian? The usual crap here.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tiempo on November 17, 2018, 10:12:40 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 17, 2018, 09:54:47 PM
Why is it even in the most positive of situations there's some tïts who think they're smart enough to do an end-around on logic and play the cardboard cutout contrarian? The usual crap here.

What part of what he/she said is wrong? Christ you have an epic superiority complex, goes hand in hand with the one dimensional quisling tribute gig i suppose.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on November 17, 2018, 10:14:16 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 17, 2018, 09:54:47 PM
Why is it even in the most positive of situations there's some tïts who think they're smart enough to do an end-around on logic and play the cardboard cutout contrarian? The usual crap here.
Finally, you have come out Sy and have been frank with your chronic shortcomings. Is it the 10 step program? regardless, I wish you well on your journey.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 17, 2018, 10:18:46 PM
Quote from: Main Street on November 17, 2018, 10:14:16 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 17, 2018, 09:54:47 PM
Why is it even in the most positive of situations there's some tïts who think they're smart enough to do an end-around on logic and play the cardboard cutout contrarian? The usual crap here.
Finally, you have come out Sy and have been frank with your chronic shortcomings. Is it the 10 step program? regardless, I wish you well on your journey.

You try so hard to get quips in but they usually fall as flat as Monaghan's attack.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Orior on November 17, 2018, 10:19:08 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 17, 2018, 09:54:47 PM
Why is it even in the most positive of situations there's some tïts who think they're smart enough to do an end-around on logic and play the cardboard cutout contrarian? The usual crap here.

I dare you to say something nice.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on November 17, 2018, 10:42:58 PM
Sy can't but highlight some negativity out of the most positive of situations.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Aaron Boone on November 17, 2018, 10:54:32 PM
I see USA Eagles defeated Romania 31-5 in Bucharest today. They won't be a complete pushover for the Ireland squad next Saturday.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 17, 2018, 11:10:49 PM
Great win for Ireland, should been more! A lot will change between now and the world cup@ there have to be a lot of changes on that all-black team as a number of players are not up to it anymore! I they not an inch of the world cup team of 2015! I Ireland need another winger and abit more scoring threat! I Ireland abrasive style could come a cropper against a heavier South Africa team who play a similar style
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on November 17, 2018, 11:33:01 PM
Quote from: mrdeeds on November 17, 2018, 09:50:27 PM
Quote from: GJL on November 17, 2018, 09:11:02 PM
Great result and fantastic atmosphere. The soccer powers that be should take note.

What could soccer learn? Get elite South African and Kiwi players to become Irish players after a few years residency in order to compete at a game that only a handful of countries are good at as opposed to the most popular sport worldwide? I actually enjoy rugby but find it hard how soccer can learn from it.

There are 9 real Rugby nations!  There are up on 60 decent Soccer nations, maybe more? These continuous comparisons of success are pathetic at this stage.

Soccer is a worldwide popular game! Rugby has a few hot spots here and there. And is virtually unknown everywhere else.

Success in both sports can not be measured the same!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Frank_The_Tank on November 17, 2018, 11:38:36 PM
Quote from: mrdeeds on November 17, 2018, 09:50:27 PM
Quote from: GJL on November 17, 2018, 09:11:02 PM
Great result and fantastic atmosphere. The soccer powers that be should take note.

What could soccer learn? Get elite South African and Kiwi players to become Irish players after a few years residency in order to compete at a game that only a handful of countries are good at as opposed to the most popular sport worldwide? I actually enjoy rugby but find it hard how soccer can learn from it.

As opposed to the England rejects who declare for Ireland soccer having never even lived in the country. Is the latest recruit not of English and Nigerian descent.  One thing soccer team could learn is you need to appoint world class coaches - not someone whos best achievement is winning a few titles in Scotland and a few 6th place finishes in the Premier League.  And a co-manager who no doubt was an unreal player but achieved diddly squat as a manager before getting drafted in to co-manange the country
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Frank_The_Tank on November 17, 2018, 11:47:38 PM
unreal performance from Ireland tonight - I thought NZ would bounce back from a poor enough display against England but too hold that team try-less was an superb defensive effort.  Ireland actually probably had the bestter chances as well - thinking of Kearney just adjudged to have knocked on when scoring in first half which was then ruled out.  And in the second half butched two lines outs in the second half both with 70+ mins on the clock - if they had have secured a try from either of those it would have left the last few mins heart-rate a little lower when watching.

Think one of the most important things Schmidt is building is a good squad which was the Achilles heal in 2015 world cup when picked up some injuries.  The 23 that played tonight were all superb and then you have O'Brien/Murray/Leavy/Henshaw which you could all argue should be on the first 15.  Also think they should look at the selection policy - Zebo is playing great stuff in France and would be great extra cover for anywhere in the back 3. 

Would still have NZ as favourites for the world cup - Ireland have a 6 nations campaign to get through with hopefully picking up no bad injuries and the players have European season to complete.  NZ team were probably running a bit on empty having just played 6 or 7 games in 2 months in Super rugby and then England
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mrdeeds on November 17, 2018, 11:55:58 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 17, 2018, 11:38:36 PM
Quote from: mrdeeds on November 17, 2018, 09:50:27 PM
Quote from: GJL on November 17, 2018, 09:11:02 PM
Great result and fantastic atmosphere. The soccer powers that be should take note.

What could soccer learn? Get elite South African and Kiwi players to become Irish players after a few years residency in order to compete at a game that only a handful of countries are good at as opposed to the most popular sport worldwide? I actually enjoy rugby but find it hard how soccer can learn from it.

As opposed to the England rejects who declare for Ireland soccer having never even lived in the country. Is the latest recruit not of English and Nigerian descent.  One thing soccer team could learn is you need to appoint world class coaches - not someone whos best achievement is winning a few titles in Scotland and a few 6th place finishes in the Premier League.  And a co-manager who no doubt was an unreal player but achieved diddly squat as a manager before getting drafted in to co-manange the country

The latest recruit was born in Dublin. Appoint a world class manager. In soccer? Who do you suggest   Pep, Unrai, Scolari? Would Denis O Brien cover a percentage? Could we stop Duffy playing much club football so he could concentrate on his international career. To compare soccer in Ireland with the EPL next door to rugby with centralised contracts that can discard a player like Zebo is mad.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on November 18, 2018, 12:07:00 AM
Just got to watch the game there as we were out at football til late. Can we not just enjoy what was a magnificent victory against the very best in the game without the usual aul guff? That was some group effort for 80 mins, serious heart. Amazing night at Lansdowne. Would loved to have been there tonight to witness that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 18, 2018, 12:09:31 AM
At this stage I'd be happpy with a wooden spoon in the 6N and no injuries... what are the chances??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 18, 2018, 12:31:16 AM
Just home. Some atmosphere at the match. All Blacks not at the races and the Irish lineout a worry but the discipline to not give away much is top notch. Not reading a massive lot into it tbh - top tier sides and on another day the result could easily be reversed.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rossfan on November 18, 2018, 12:40:55 AM
So are our West Brits Champions of the 9 Country Rugby World or what? ??
If not why are there so many bandwagoners most of whom never seen a club rubby game in their lives yahooing and roaring tonight?

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 18, 2018, 12:42:59 AM
Quote from: Rossfan on November 18, 2018, 12:40:55 AM
So are our West Brits Champions of the 9 Country Rugby World or what? ??
If not why are there so many bandwagoners most of whom never seen a club rubby game in their lives yahooing and roaring tonight?
You must keep good club attendance records.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 18, 2018, 12:43:25 AM
Quote from: Rossfan on November 18, 2018, 12:40:55 AM
So are our West Brits Champions of the 9 Country Rugby World or what? ??
If not why are there so many bandwagoners most of whom never seen a club rubby game in their lives yahooing and roaring tonight?

Eh? Worst thing ever happened was Roscommon getting internet access! Poor sheep feel used now!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 18, 2018, 12:50:03 AM
It was a great performance from Ireland. Keeping the all blacks from scoring a try in a winning effort is some achievement.

We have some squad of players at this stage with real strength in depth at all positions with the possible exception of winger. If he is still playing well I would take Zebo to the world cup. There is no harm done in breaking that self imposed rule with a world cup on the line.



Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Mikhail Prokhorov on November 18, 2018, 01:56:31 AM
another friendly win for the guoys, il be back when they actually win a knock out match that matters  ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on November 18, 2018, 02:21:14 AM
NZ herald and top rugby reporter Gregor Paul,
not falling for the misfiring All Black's excuse

Ireland can now claim to be the best team in the world after producing a stunning performance that was brave, creative and relentless.

They deserved the win and with it, they deserve to be seen as world rugby's best team even if the rankings don't agree.

They were unbreakable. They were so resolute that you have to wonder what was in each and every one of heir engines.

It will be a long, long time before we witness a performance that brave. They were the better team. They had an answer to everything the All Blacks threw at them and they never panicked, never looked overawed by the occasion.
As for the All Blacks, they were almost as good and that is something that will hurt. The word almost. It's not normally there but the truth of things at the moment is that Ireland versus New Zealand is the great rivalry of the modern age.

And maybe, just maybe, Ireland having won two of the last three can say they are edging it.
They kept New Zealand try-less and that's something in itself that speaks to their quality. And talking of quality, it has to be acknowledged that this was the game of the season – a brilliant frenetic test, drive to an emotional frenzy by an atmosphere that was electric.
There was plenty of character about the way the All Blacks kept fighting to find that one break – that one moment that would give them what they needed, what they wanted, but just not enough composure and clinical edge.

What made it so special was the commitment. It's rare indeed to see two teams give such compelling defensive performances in the same game.
It hardly happened in the first half and it became apparent that the speed of the opening 40 minutes and the amount of effort both team had put in, that there was going to be a different ball game to be had in the second half. Or at least later in the game when fatigue had to bite and the contest had to start opening up.

Patience was going to be the critical factor. Ireland weren't going to give up anything easily. They were going to scrap for every ball, give all they had to make every tackle and find a way to keep the All Blacks out.

And if there was something the All Blacks didn't have it was patience. They were too eager to throw the pass that wasn't on. Too jittery when chances came their way.

Kieran Read couldn't gather a charge down when the line was open. Barrett threw a pass back to an Irishman after he'd broken free. Reiko Ioane did the same and it looked like the pressure had got to the All Blacks.

Ireland's relentless defence had unnerved them. They played like they were a little red in the head – not blue as they want to be in these big games.

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=12162088 (https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=12162088)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Ball Hopper on November 18, 2018, 03:17:34 AM
So who will be more motivated if they meet again in 2019?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Farrandeelin on November 18, 2018, 07:13:20 AM
Quote from: Syferus on November 17, 2018, 10:18:46 PM
Quote from: Main Street on November 17, 2018, 10:14:16 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 17, 2018, 09:54:47 PM
Why is it even in the most positive of situations there's some tïts who think they're smart enough to do an end-around on logic and play the cardboard cutout contrarian? The usual crap here.
Finally, you have come out Sy and have been frank with your chronic shortcomings. Is it the 10 step program? regardless, I wish you well on your journey.

You try so hard to get quips in but they usually fall as flat as Monaghan's attack.

Says a Roscommon man...the irony.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LCohen on November 18, 2018, 09:43:55 AM
Soccer and rugby are different. Any comparison is strained/forced

The reality is beating BZ at rugby is one of the most difficult challenges in sport. Last night we succeeded in that challenge. A cause for celebration and only a knob wouldn't see that or bring themselves to admit that.

Added satisfaction comes the fact that this was no fluke, it is something we have built towards, NZ picked their best available side, were not impacted by a significant number of injuries and were desperate to get a result (there is no way that losing to Ireland in their last head to head before the RWC was in any way acceptable to Hansen)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on November 18, 2018, 10:20:52 AM
The thing is there's room for improvement in this team. There were a number of errors that can be worked on, so it's not as if we've peaked early.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Shamrock Shore on November 18, 2018, 10:56:49 AM
Am I wrong in thinking Rory Best is a weak link in that team?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 18, 2018, 11:00:52 AM
Quote from: Shamrock Shore on November 18, 2018, 10:56:49 AM
Am I wrong in thinking Rory Best is a weak link in that team?

Well the manager coach, who'd be best placed to know stuff about rugby,  thinks not. If we look at his replacement last night, was he better?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on November 18, 2018, 11:03:24 AM
3 or 4 line outs were lost after Rory's departure.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 18, 2018, 11:06:08 AM
Quote from: Main Street on November 18, 2018, 11:03:24 AM
3 or 4 line outs were lost after Rory's departure.

Best game is more than line outs but you're right about that. Best must have better leader qualities and he puts in serious tackles during the game
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on November 18, 2018, 11:31:26 AM
Quote from: Rossfan on November 18, 2018, 12:40:55 AM
So are our West Brits Champions of the 9 Country Rugby World or what? ??
If not why are there so many bandwagoners most of whom never seen a club rubby game in their lives yahooing and roaring tonight?

How dare you say it's a 9 country sport... it's 10 when you count Argentina.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on November 18, 2018, 11:34:35 AM
Quote from: Shamrock Shore on November 18, 2018, 10:56:49 AM
Am I wrong in thinking Rory Best is a weak link in that team?

Only in the minds of some Leinster and Munster people.

Cronin has some extra speed but his line outs last night prevented Ireland putting up quite a score on NZ.

Best is still the best option in terms of experience, all round game and leadership.  Look how many times he was into the ruck with O'Mahoney, how well he led the scrum and how he took the right decisions for the team.

When Sexton, he who would be captain, wanted to go again for the line out at the end of the first half, Best told him to take the score, impetuous Sexton wasn't pleased but those 3 points made it a two score game for a long time and made it more difficult for NZ.  That's what you get with Best, he may not be the best hooker but he brings much more to the team than Cronin, Scannell or Herring.

Fair play to Toner on last nights performance given being out of favour as first choice for a while.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on November 18, 2018, 11:51:07 AM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on November 18, 2018, 11:34:35 AM
Quote from: Shamrock Shore on November 18, 2018, 10:56:49 AM
Am I wrong in thinking Rory Best is a weak link in that team?

Only in the minds of some Leinster and Munster people.

Cronin has some extra speed but his line outs last night prevented Ireland putting up quite a score on NZ.

Best is still the best option in terms of experience, all round game and leadership.  Look how many times he was into the ruck with O'Mahoney, how well he led the scrum and how he took the right decisions for the team.

When Sexton, he who would be captain, wanted to go again for the line out at the end of the first half, Best told him to take the score, impetuous Sexton wasn't pleased but those 3 points made it a two score game for a long time and made it more difficult for NZ.  That's what you get with Best, he may not be the best hooker but he brings much more to the team than Cronin, Scannell or Herring.

Fair play to Toner on last nights performance given being out of favour as first choice for a while.
Lineouts were cat as all the lineout leaders were off
No Toner, no POM and it falls apart
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sam03/05 on November 18, 2018, 12:28:19 PM
Winning a pre season friendly is not much to get excited about
Give me a shout after the world cup see what happens then
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LCohen on November 18, 2018, 01:03:26 PM
Quote from: sam03/05 on November 18, 2018, 12:28:19 PM
Winning a pre season friendly is not much to get excited about
Give me a shout after the world cup see what happens then

Unlikely anybody will be giving you a shout on anything rugby related.

It's not a pre season friendly. For the guts of 100 years these games were the pinnacle of the sport. They are still vitally important. Ireland are unlikely to play a more important game between now and a RWC quarterfinal
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on November 18, 2018, 01:10:12 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on November 18, 2018, 11:34:35 AM
Quote from: Shamrock Shore on November 18, 2018, 10:56:49 AM
Am I wrong in thinking Rory Best is a weak link in that team?

Only in the minds of some Leinster and Munster people.

Cronin has some extra speed but his line outs last night prevented Ireland putting up quite a score on NZ.

Best is still the best option in terms of experience, all round game and leadership.  Look how many times he was into the ruck with O'Mahoney, how well he led the scrum and how he took the right decisions for the team.

When Sexton, he who would be captain, wanted to go again for the line out at the end of the first half, Best told him to take the score, impetuous Sexton wasn't pleased but those 3 points made it a two score game for a long time and made it more difficult for NZ.  That's what you get with Best, he may not be the best hooker but he brings much more to the team than Cronin, Scannell or Herring.

Fair play to Toner on last nights performance given being out of favour as first choice for a while.



I wouldn't know much about lineouts but it seemed to me that Cronin threw the ball exactly where he was supposed to for both lineouts that were lost. In both cases, NZ out-jumped the receiver, which wasn't happening when Toner and O'Mahony were on.

I don't know much about being a rugby captain either and leadership is an intangible concept, but Best seems to have it in abundance and more than his rivals for the hooker position. If it were not for that I'd say Cronin would be the first choice.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 18, 2018, 01:19:13 PM
Quote from: Hardy on November 18, 2018, 01:10:12 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on November 18, 2018, 11:34:35 AM
Quote from: Shamrock Shore on November 18, 2018, 10:56:49 AM
Am I wrong in thinking Rory Best is a weak link in that team?

Only in the minds of some Leinster and Munster people.

Cronin has some extra speed but his line outs last night prevented Ireland putting up quite a score on NZ.

Best is still the best option in terms of experience, all round game and leadership.  Look how many times he was into the ruck with O'Mahoney, how well he led the scrum and how he took the right decisions for the team.

When Sexton, he who would be captain, wanted to go again for the line out at the end of the first half, Best told him to take the score, impetuous Sexton wasn't pleased but those 3 points made it a two score game for a long time and made it more difficult for NZ.  That's what you get with Best, he may not be the best hooker but he brings much more to the team than Cronin, Scannell or Herring.

Fair play to Toner on last nights performance given being out of favour as first choice for a while.



I wouldn't know much about lineouts but it seemed to me that Cronin threw the ball exactly where he was supposed to for both lineouts that were lost. In both cases, NZ out-jumped the receiver, which wasn't happening when Toner and O'Mahony were on.

I don't know much about being a rugby captain either and leadership is an intangible concept, but Best seems to have it in abundance and more than his rivals for the hooker position. If it were not for that I'd say Cronin would be the first choice.

So by your own admission, you don't know much
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on November 18, 2018, 01:29:15 PM
What is it with the ongoing wind up attempts here and all over social media on the friendly crap.

Only 9 countries play it to a high standard? How many teams can realistically win the world cup in soccer, the sam maguire, the liam mccarthy, the world baseball, the olympic basketball and the list goes on?

Worse is i think some people are convinced of their arguments.

We are number one in the world, for now, at rugby. It should be celebrated.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on November 18, 2018, 01:52:23 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on November 18, 2018, 01:29:15 PM
What is it with the ongoing wind up attempts here and all over social media on the friendly crap.

Only 9 countries play it to a high standard? How many teams can realistically win the world cup in soccer, the sam maguire, the liam mccarthy, the world baseball, the olympic basketball and the list goes on?

Worse is i think some people are convinced of their arguments.

We are number one in the world, for now, at rugby. It should be celebrated.

It's just ballbags being ballbags, no point trying to find sense in it.. There's at least 3 on this 1 page of the thread alone!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: BallyroanAbu on November 18, 2018, 01:59:49 PM
Not to take down the general chest beating tone,  as world ranking points go on Monday we are still the second best team in the world.  But on the positive I don't think I have ever seen an Irish team as competitive with an All Blacks team  through an entire game.

A couple of things from the GAA's point of view,  is the growth of Rugby a good thing I think not.  The vast majority will never succeed but a high proportion of elite athletes will.  They may not play for Leinster and Munster but they will be picked up by lower level English Clubs.  Gaelic Football and Rugby would require many of the same attributes.

Are we the biggest bandwagon nation in the world ?  Is it a bad thing just a question.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on November 18, 2018, 02:06:06 PM
Quote from: BallyroanAbu on November 18, 2018, 01:59:49 PM
Not to take down general chest beating as world ranking points go on Monday we are still second best team in the world.  But on the positive I don't think I have ever seen an Irish team as competitive with an All Blacks Team through an entire game.

You keep reading the word 'relentless' re last night's performance. Foot on the pedal from start to finish
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LooseCannon on November 18, 2018, 03:30:12 PM
Quote from: Main Street on November 18, 2018, 11:03:24 AM
3 or 4 line outs were lost after Rory's departure.
But you could also argue that big Dev was taken off at that time as well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on November 18, 2018, 04:42:51 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 18, 2018, 01:19:13 PM
Quote from: Hardy on November 18, 2018, 01:10:12 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on November 18, 2018, 11:34:35 AM
Quote from: Shamrock Shore on November 18, 2018, 10:56:49 AM
Am I wrong in thinking Rory Best is a weak link in that team?

Only in the minds of some Leinster and Munster people.

Cronin has some extra speed but his line outs last night prevented Ireland putting up quite a score on NZ.

Best is still the best option in terms of experience, all round game and leadership.  Look how many times he was into the ruck with O'Mahoney, how well he led the scrum and how he took the right decisions for the team.

When Sexton, he who would be captain, wanted to go again for the line out at the end of the first half, Best told him to take the score, impetuous Sexton wasn't pleased but those 3 points made it a two score game for a long time and made it more difficult for NZ.  That's what you get with Best, he may not be the best hooker but he brings much more to the team than Cronin, Scannell or Herring.

Fair play to Toner on last nights performance given being out of favour as first choice for a while.



I wouldn't know much about lineouts but it seemed to me that Cronin threw the ball exactly where he was supposed to for both lineouts that were lost. In both cases, NZ out-jumped the receiver, which wasn't happening when Toner and O'Mahony were on.

I don't know much about being a rugby captain either and leadership is an intangible concept, but Best seems to have it in abundance and more than his rivals for the hooker position. If it were not for that I'd say Cronin would be the first choice.

So by your own admission, you don't know much

Did you have a point?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on November 18, 2018, 05:56:21 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on November 18, 2018, 01:29:15 PM
What is it with the ongoing wind up attempts here and all over social media on the friendly crap.

Only 9 countries play it to a high standard? How many teams can realistically win the world cup in soccer, the sam maguire, the liam mccarthy, the world baseball, the olympic basketball and the list goes on?

Worse is i think some people are convinced of their arguments.

We are number one in the world, for now, at rugby. It should be celebrated.
The Philosopher / Polemicist 🤔 McKenna was at his work.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on November 18, 2018, 06:00:25 PM
I just can not warm to that guy at all.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Lar Naparka on November 18, 2018, 06:07:54 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 18, 2018, 01:19:13 PM
Quote from: Hardy on November 18, 2018, 01:10:12 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on November 18, 2018, 11:34:35 AM
Quote from: Shamrock Shore on November 18, 2018, 10:56:49 AM
Am I wrong in thinking Rory Best is a weak link in that team?

Only in the minds of some Leinster and Munster people.

Cronin has some extra speed but his line outs last night prevented Ireland putting up quite a score on NZ.

Best is still the best option in terms of experience, all round game and leadership.  Look how many times he was into the ruck with O'Mahoney, how well he led the scrum and how he took the right decisions for the team.

When Sexton, he who would be captain, wanted to go again for the line out at the end of the first half, Best told him to take the score, impetuous Sexton wasn't pleased but those 3 points made it a two score game for a long time and made it more difficult for NZ.  That's what you get with Best, he may not be the best hooker but he brings much more to the team than Cronin, Scannell or Herring.

Fair play to Toner on last nights performance given being out of favour as first choice for a while.



I wouldn't know much about lineouts but it seemed to me that Cronin threw the ball exactly where he was supposed to for both lineouts that were lost. In both cases, NZ out-jumped the receiver, which wasn't happening when Toner and O'Mahony were on.

I don't know much about being a rugby captain either and leadership is an intangible concept, but Best seems to have it in abundance and more than his rivals for the hooker position. If it were not for that I'd say Cronin would be the first choice.

So by your own admission, you don't know much
???
Am I missing something?
I see nowt wrong with what Hardy observations here. Dunno about Cronin being first choice but the rest is spot on.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on November 18, 2018, 06:12:42 PM
Great day, happy as a pig in shit, even though I tipped NZ😩. Atmosphere was best I have ever experienced since Michael Kiernan dropped the goal against England in 1985.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 18, 2018, 06:15:30 PM
Test Rugby has been around for almost 150 years, to claim the The Rugby World Cup is all the matters and is the only barometer of success is to disrespect all that has gone before.

Rugby has it's own set of values and traditions and like Cricket it puts great emphasis on Test matches. To impose soccer's concept of 'friendlies' or the GAA's 'challenge game' on to these games is at worst ignorance or at best disingenuous.

What is amuses me is posters here criticising rugby for having a tiered model yet almost in the same breath they are calling for the same in GAA football and knowing it exists in hurling.

Now rugby might never be a big a national sport as begrudgary but yesterday's victory should be something Ireland as a whole should be proud of. It was commitment personified.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 18, 2018, 06:45:55 PM
Quote from: Lar Naparka on November 18, 2018, 06:07:54 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 18, 2018, 01:19:13 PM
Quote from: Hardy on November 18, 2018, 01:10:12 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on November 18, 2018, 11:34:35 AM
Quote from: Shamrock Shore on November 18, 2018, 10:56:49 AM
Am I wrong in thinking Rory Best is a weak link in that team?

Only in the minds of some Leinster and Munster people.

Cronin has some extra speed but his line outs last night prevented Ireland putting up quite a score on NZ.

Best is still the best option in terms of experience, all round game and leadership.  Look how many times he was into the ruck with O'Mahoney, how well he led the scrum and how he took the right decisions for the team.

When Sexton, he who would be captain, wanted to go again for the line out at the end of the first half, Best told him to take the score, impetuous Sexton wasn't pleased but those 3 points made it a two score game for a long time and made it more difficult for NZ.  That's what you get with Best, he may not be the best hooker but he brings much more to the team than Cronin, Scannell or Herring.

Fair play to Toner on last nights performance given being out of favour as first choice for a while.



I wouldn't know much about lineouts but it seemed to me that Cronin threw the ball exactly where he was supposed to for both lineouts that were lost. In both cases, NZ out-jumped the receiver, which wasn't happening when Toner and O'Mahony were on.

I don't know much about being a rugby captain either and leadership is an intangible concept, but Best seems to have it in abundance and more than his rivals for the hooker position. If it were not for that I'd say Cronin would be the first choice.

So by your own admission, you don't know much
???
Am I missing something?
I see nowt wrong with what Hardy observations here. Dunno about Cronin being first choice but the rest is spot on.

So if Best throws them he'd be throwing them to the right place?  And those in the line out don't catch them?

I don't think Ireland are great at line outs regardless of Toner or not. But Best isn't just there to do lineouts, but most of what you said is right, you don't know much  ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 18, 2018, 06:50:57 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 18, 2018, 06:45:55 PM
Quote from: Lar Naparka on November 18, 2018, 06:07:54 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 18, 2018, 01:19:13 PM
Quote from: Hardy on November 18, 2018, 01:10:12 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on November 18, 2018, 11:34:35 AM
Quote from: Shamrock Shore on November 18, 2018, 10:56:49 AM
Am I wrong in thinking Rory Best is a weak link in that team?

Only in the minds of some Leinster and Munster people.

Cronin has some extra speed but his line outs last night prevented Ireland putting up quite a score on NZ.

Best is still the best option in terms of experience, all round game and leadership.  Look how many times he was into the ruck with O'Mahoney, how well he led the scrum and how he took the right decisions for the team.

When Sexton, he who would be captain, wanted to go again for the line out at the end of the first half, Best told him to take the score, impetuous Sexton wasn't pleased but those 3 points made it a two score game for a long time and made it more difficult for NZ.  That's what you get with Best, he may not be the best hooker but he brings much more to the team than Cronin, Scannell or Herring.

Fair play to Toner on last nights performance given being out of favour as first choice for a while.



I wouldn't know much about lineouts but it seemed to me that Cronin threw the ball exactly where he was supposed to for both lineouts that were lost. In both cases, NZ out-jumped the receiver, which wasn't happening when Toner and O'Mahony were on.

I don't know much about being a rugby captain either and leadership is an intangible concept, but Best seems to have it in abundance and more than his rivals for the hooker position. If it were not for that I'd say Cronin would be the first choice.

So by your own admission, you don't know much
???
Am I missing something?
I see nowt wrong with what Hardy observations here. Dunno about Cronin being first choice but the rest is spot on.

So if Best throws them he'd be throwing them to the right place?  And those in the line out don't catch them?

I don't think Ireland are great at line outs regardless of Toner or not. But Best isn't just there to do lineouts, but most of what you said is right, you don't know much  ;)

The tît in chief.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dougal Maguire on November 18, 2018, 07:09:11 PM
Don't be so hard on yourself but the truth is you've posted some half baked nonsense on this board on virtually every thread on which you've commented
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Frank_The_Tank on November 18, 2018, 07:10:32 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on November 18, 2018, 01:52:23 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on November 18, 2018, 01:29:15 PM
What is it with the ongoing wind up attempts here and all over social media on the friendly crap.

Only 9 countries play it to a high standard? How many teams can realistically win the world cup in soccer, the sam maguire, the liam mccarthy, the world baseball, the olympic basketball and the list goes on?

Worse is i think some people are convinced of their arguments.

We are number one in the world, for now, at rugby. It should be celebrated.

It's just ballbags being ballbags, no point trying to find sense in it.. There's at least 3 on this 1 page of the thread alone!

Agreed..the same clowns no doubtwould have been on saying Ireland no rocks if they had have lost the game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LCohen on November 18, 2018, 07:12:45 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on November 18, 2018, 05:56:21 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on November 18, 2018, 01:29:15 PM
What is it with the ongoing wind up attempts here and all over social media on the friendly crap.

Only 9 countries play it to a high standard? How many teams can realistically win the world cup in soccer, the sam maguire, the liam mccarthy, the world baseball, the olympic basketball and the list goes on?

Worse is i think some people are convinced of their arguments.

We are number one in the world, for now, at rugby. It should be celebrated.
The Philosopher / Polemicist 🤔 McKenna was at his work.

He is an idiot. He argues that Canada vs Germany (because the winner quailifies for RWC) is a bigger game that a matchup between the top 2 ranked sides in the world (because it was a mere friendly). The man is an idiot. He borrows his "friendly" stuff from one sport and foists it ignorantly onto another.

He argues that because the people of Ireland were largely unaware of the RWC qualifier then it cannot a rugby country. Given the mass ignorance of junior provincial knock out games in recent weeks he must also contend that Ireland is not a hurling, camogie or indeed Gaelic football country. Who is his editor and are they offering their resignation?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 18, 2018, 07:34:56 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 18, 2018, 07:12:45 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on November 18, 2018, 05:56:21 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on November 18, 2018, 01:29:15 PM
What is it with the ongoing wind up attempts here and all over social media on the friendly crap.

Only 9 countries play it to a high standard? How many teams can realistically win the world cup in soccer, the sam maguire, the liam mccarthy, the world baseball, the olympic basketball and the list goes on?

Worse is i think some people are convinced of their arguments.

We are number one in the world, for now, at rugby. It should be celebrated.
The Philosopher / Polemicist 🤔 McKenna was at his work.

He is an idiot. He argues that Canada vs Germany (because the winner quailifies for RWC) is a bigger game that a matchup between the top 2 ranked sides in the world (because it was a mere friendly). The man is an idiot. He borrows his "friendly" stuff from one sport and foists it ignorantly onto another.

He argues that because the people of Ireland were largely unaware of the RWC qualifier then it cannot a rugby country. Given the mass ignorance of junior provincial knock out games in recent weeks he must also contend that Ireland is not a hurling, camogie or indeed Gaelic football country. Who is his editor and are they offering their resignation?

He has a real axe to grind with Rygby and always has I reckon some of the lads on the Rugby team used to bully him at school.

A tit of the highest order he'll live that we're talking about him again on the board!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on November 18, 2018, 07:39:46 PM
I just don't get how he is regarded as a serious journalist.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LCohen on November 18, 2018, 07:44:38 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on November 18, 2018, 07:39:46 PM
I just don't get how he is regarded as a serious journalist.

Certainly someone at the Independent should be looking at his output. He is not reporting events he is attempting some form of insight and contextualisation. But he is hopelessly inadequate on both fronts.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: yellowcard on November 18, 2018, 07:52:02 PM
Those claiming that McKenna is a tit, an idiot, a ball bag and a clown are only doing so because they disagree with him. Which is fine. However McKenna is an excellent journalist and whilst I don't always agree with him, he never takes the populist approach and is willing to ask the hard questions that a proper journalist should. Some people mightn't always like this as it is human nature to want to join in with the team that is winning but the likes of McKenna and Kimmage are rarely ever too far off the mark either.

Rather than attack McKenna with personal insults it would be better if the points he raised were dissected and debunked where relevant. It's easy to join in with the mob and particularly in the aftermath of a victory like last nights but it doesn't make some of the points that he made in last weeks article any less relevant.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LCohen on November 18, 2018, 07:56:14 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on November 18, 2018, 07:52:02 PM
Those claiming that McKenna is a tit, an idiot, a ball bag and a clown are only doing so because they disagree with him. Which is fine. However McKenna is an excellent journalist and whilst I don't always agree with him, he never takes the populist approach and is willing to ask the hard questions that a proper journalist should. Some people mightn't always like this as it is human nature to want to join in with the team that is winning but the likes of McKenna and Kimmage are rarely ever too far off the mark either.

Rather than attack McKenna with personal insults it would be better if the points he raised were dissected and debunked where relevant. It's easy to join in with the mob and particularly in the aftermath of a victory like last nights but it doesn't make some of the points that he made in last weeks article any less relevant.

Post 7327
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: yellowcard on November 18, 2018, 08:18:44 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 18, 2018, 07:56:14 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on November 18, 2018, 07:52:02 PM
Those claiming that McKenna is a tit, an idiot, a ball bag and a clown are only doing so because they disagree with him. Which is fine. However McKenna is an excellent journalist and whilst I don't always agree with him, he never takes the populist approach and is willing to ask the hard questions that a proper journalist should. Some people mightn't always like this as it is human nature to want to join in with the team that is winning but the likes of McKenna and Kimmage are rarely ever too far off the mark either.

Rather than attack McKenna with personal insults it would be better if the points he raised were dissected and debunked where relevant. It's easy to join in with the mob and particularly in the aftermath of a victory like last nights but it doesn't make some of the points that he made in last weeks article any less relevant.

Post 7327

Fair enough, that was one of his points and one I would disagree with him on. But it's not enough for me to think he is an idiot either.

He did make some other good points about player welfare, player nationality and the medicalisation of the sport that media and former players ever rarely get asked about.



Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 18, 2018, 08:25:36 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on November 18, 2018, 08:18:44 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 18, 2018, 07:56:14 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on November 18, 2018, 07:52:02 PM
Those claiming that McKenna is a tit, an idiot, a ball bag and a clown are only doing so because they disagree with him. Which is fine. However McKenna is an excellent journalist and whilst I don't always agree with him, he never takes the populist approach and is willing to ask the hard questions that a proper journalist should. Some people mightn't always like this as it is human nature to want to join in with the team that is winning but the likes of McKenna and Kimmage are rarely ever too far off the mark either.

Rather than attack McKenna with personal insults it would be better if the points he raised were dissected and debunked where relevant. It's easy to join in with the mob and particularly in the aftermath of a victory like last nights but it doesn't make some of the points that he made in last weeks article any less relevant.

Post 7327

Fair enough, that was one of his points and one I would disagree with him on. But it's not enough for me to think he is an idiot either.

He did make some other good points about player welfare, player nationality and the medicalisation of the sport that media and former players ever rarely get asked about.


For players nationally, is he consistent across all sports?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Lar Naparka on November 18, 2018, 08:28:00 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 18, 2018, 06:45:55 PM
Quote from: Lar Naparka on November 18, 2018, 06:07:54 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 18, 2018, 01:19:13 PM
Quote from: Hardy on November 18, 2018, 01:10:12 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on November 18, 2018, 11:34:35 AM
Quote from: Shamrock Shore on November 18, 2018, 10:56:49 AM
Am I wrong in thinking Rory Best is a weak link in that team?

Only in the minds of some Leinster and Munster people.

Cronin has some extra speed but his line outs last night prevented Ireland putting up quite a score on NZ.

Best is still the best option in terms of experience, all round game and leadership.  Look how many times he was into the ruck with O'Mahoney, how well he led the scrum and how he took the right decisions for the team.

When Sexton, he who would be captain, wanted to go again for the line out at the end of the first half, Best told him to take the score, impetuous Sexton wasn't pleased but those 3 points made it a two score game for a long time and made it more difficult for NZ.  That's what you get with Best, he may not be the best hooker but he brings much more to the team than Cronin, Scannell or Herring.

Fair play to Toner on last nights performance given being out of favour as first choice for a while.



I wouldn't know much about lineouts but it seemed to me that Cronin threw the ball exactly where he was supposed to for both lineouts that were lost. In both cases, NZ out-jumped the receiver, which wasn't happening when Toner and O'Mahony were on.

I don't know much about being a rugby captain either and leadership is an intangible concept, but Best seems to have it in abundance and more than his rivals for the hooker position. If it were not for that I'd say Cronin would be the first choice.

So by your own admission, you don't know much
???
Am I missing something?
I see nowt wrong with what Hardy observations here. Dunno about Cronin being first choice but the rest is spot on.

So if Best throws them he'd be throwing them to the right place?  And those in the line out don't catch them?

I don't think Ireland are great at line outs regardless of Toner or not. But Best isn't just there to do lineouts, but most of what you said is right, you don't know much  ;)
Geez, what am I to make of that? Best is also the pack leader and for anyone on the sideline, it can be difficult to know what goes on out on the field at times but Best fits the job description to a tee- he never goes up exhorting his colleagues and he leads from the front- all the time. Best certainly isn't just there to throw in the ball. He does an above average job at that and at every other facet of the game as well.
However, I don't see any point in nit picking or ballbagging either.
It was an historic win and let's just take it for what it's worth.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: yellowcard on November 18, 2018, 08:35:50 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 18, 2018, 08:25:36 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on November 18, 2018, 08:18:44 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 18, 2018, 07:56:14 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on November 18, 2018, 07:52:02 PM
Those claiming that McKenna is a tit, an idiot, a ball bag and a clown are only doing so because they disagree with him. Which is fine. However McKenna is an excellent journalist and whilst I don't always agree with him, he never takes the populist approach and is willing to ask the hard questions that a proper journalist should. Some people mightn't always like this as it is human nature to want to join in with the team that is winning but the likes of McKenna and Kimmage are rarely ever too far off the mark either.

Rather than attack McKenna with personal insults it would be better if the points he raised were dissected and debunked where relevant. It's easy to join in with the mob and particularly in the aftermath of a victory like last nights but it doesn't make some of the points that he made in last weeks article any less relevant.

Post 7327

Fair enough, that was one of his points and one I would disagree with him on. But it's not enough for me to think he is an idiot either.

He did make some other good points about player welfare, player nationality and the medicalisation of the sport that media and former players ever rarely get asked about.


For players nationally, is he consistent across all sports?

I honestly don't know but few other other sports define nationality so loosely. Cricket possibly.

Personally I don't think Aki, Stander or Van der Flier should be playing in a green jersey. They aren't Irish and have no bloodline connection with the country. Other than being bought by a provincial side to make a living here, they would be lining out for their own countries.

However those are the rules even if I strongly disagree with them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 18, 2018, 08:40:20 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on November 18, 2018, 08:35:50 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 18, 2018, 08:25:36 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on November 18, 2018, 08:18:44 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 18, 2018, 07:56:14 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on November 18, 2018, 07:52:02 PM
Those claiming that McKenna is a tit, an idiot, a ball bag and a clown are only doing so because they disagree with him. Which is fine. However McKenna is an excellent journalist and whilst I don't always agree with him, he never takes the populist approach and is willing to ask the hard questions that a proper journalist should. Some people mightn't always like this as it is human nature to want to join in with the team that is winning but the likes of McKenna and Kimmage are rarely ever too far off the mark either.

Rather than attack McKenna with personal insults it would be better if the points he raised were dissected and debunked where relevant. It's easy to join in with the mob and particularly in the aftermath of a victory like last nights but it doesn't make some of the points that he made in last weeks article any less relevant.

Post 7327

Fair enough, that was one of his points and one I would disagree with him on. But it's not enough for me to think he is an idiot either.

He did make some other good points about player welfare, player nationality and the medicalisation of the sport that media and former players ever rarely get asked about.


For players nationally, is he consistent across all sports?

I honestly don't know but few other other sports define nationality so loosely. Cricket possibly.

Personally I don't think Aki, Stander or Van der Flier should be playing in a green jersey. They aren't Irish and have no bloodline connection with the country. Other than being bought by a provincial side to make a living here, they would be lining out for their own countries.

However those are the rules even if I strongly disagree with them.

Big Cas? Bloodline debatable even by him
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Armaghtothebone on November 18, 2018, 08:41:11 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on November 18, 2018, 08:35:50 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 18, 2018, 08:25:36 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on November 18, 2018, 08:18:44 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 18, 2018, 07:56:14 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on November 18, 2018, 07:52:02 PM
Those claiming that McKenna is a tit, an idiot, a ball bag and a clown are only doing so because they disagree with him. Which is fine. However McKenna is an excellent journalist and whilst I don't always agree with him, he never takes the populist approach and is willing to ask the hard questions that a proper journalist should. Some people mightn't always like this as it is human nature to want to join in with the team that is winning but the likes of McKenna and Kimmage are rarely ever too far off the mark either.

Rather than attack McKenna with personal insults it would be better if the points he raised were dissected and debunked where relevant. It's easy to join in with the mob and particularly in the aftermath of a victory like last nights but it doesn't make some of the points that he made in last weeks article any less relevant.

Post 7327

Fair enough, that was one of his points and one I would disagree with him on. But it's not enough for me to think he is an idiot either.

He did make some other good points about player welfare, player nationality and the medicalisation of the sport that media and former players ever rarely get asked about.


For players nationally, is he consistent across all sports?

I honestly don't know but few other other sports define nationality so loosely. Cricket possibly.

Personally I don't think Aki, Stander or Van der Flier should be playing in a green jersey. They aren't Irish and have no bloodline connection with the country. Other than being bought by a provincial side to make a living here, they would be lining out for their own countries.

However those are the rules even if I strongly disagree with them.

Josh van der Flier

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_van_der_Flier

You twat
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LCohen on November 18, 2018, 08:41:20 PM
The Welsh FA pour over team sheets from English club fixtures looking for players with Welsh sounding surnames. They approach these guys to see if they might qualify for Wales and whether they have any interest in playing for Wales. They got to a European Semi final with a lot of boys recruited by that means. Is it legitimate?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 18, 2018, 08:43:11 PM
I think it was a mark of the level of excellence achieved by the team, no different to KK a few years ago or the Dubs now.
They are a tribute to Irish sport.

As Dan Shanahan said one time it is a privilege to be playing against Cork and Tipp .. and bating them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Donnellys Hollow on November 18, 2018, 08:43:50 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on November 18, 2018, 08:35:50 PM
I honestly don't know but few other other sports define nationality so loosely. Cricket possibly.

Personally I don't think Aki, Stander or Van der Flier should be playing in a green jersey. They aren't Irish and have no bloodline connection with the country. Other than being bought by a provincial side to make a living here, they would be lining out for their own countries.

However those are the rules even if I strongly disagree with them.

(http://www.alternativephysics.org/comedy/img/facepalm.jpg)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on November 18, 2018, 08:46:08 PM
McKenna produces some very good articles, I think sometimes he takes a pointedly contrarian view on a subject and then begins writing these particular articles, those are the ones that invariably fail imo.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LCohen on November 18, 2018, 08:47:04 PM
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on November 18, 2018, 08:43:50 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on November 18, 2018, 08:35:50 PM
I honestly don't know but few other other sports define nationality so loosely. Cricket possibly.

Personally I don't think Aki, Stander or Van der Flier should be playing in a green jersey. They aren't Irish and have no bloodline connection with the country. Other than being bought by a provincial side to make a living here, they would be lining out for their own countries.

However those are the rules even if I strongly disagree with them.

(http://www.alternativephysics.org/comedy/img/facepalm.jpg)




https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nC7s17K2uMY
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 18, 2018, 08:47:45 PM
Quote from: Lar Naparka on November 18, 2018, 08:28:00 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 18, 2018, 06:45:55 PM
Quote from: Lar Naparka on November 18, 2018, 06:07:54 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 18, 2018, 01:19:13 PM
Quote from: Hardy on November 18, 2018, 01:10:12 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on November 18, 2018, 11:34:35 AM
Quote from: Shamrock Shore on November 18, 2018, 10:56:49 AM
Am I wrong in thinking Rory Best is a weak link in that team?

Only in the minds of some Leinster and Munster people.

Cronin has some extra speed but his line outs last night prevented Ireland putting up quite a score on NZ.

Best is still the best option in terms of experience, all round game and leadership.  Look how many times he was into the ruck with O'Mahoney, how well he led the scrum and how he took the right decisions for the team.

When Sexton, he who would be captain, wanted to go again for the line out at the end of the first half, Best told him to take the score, impetuous Sexton wasn't pleased but those 3 points made it a two score game for a long time and made it more difficult for NZ.  That's what you get with Best, he may not be the best hooker but he brings much more to the team than Cronin, Scannell or Herring.

Fair play to Toner on last nights performance given being out of favour as first choice for a while.



I wouldn't know much about lineouts but it seemed to me that Cronin threw the ball exactly where he was supposed to for both lineouts that were lost. In both cases, NZ out-jumped the receiver, which wasn't happening when Toner and O'Mahony were on.

I don't know much about being a rugby captain either and leadership is an intangible concept, but Best seems to have it in abundance and more than his rivals for the hooker position. If it were not for that I'd say Cronin would be the first choice.

So by your own admission, you don't know much
???
Am I missing something?
I see nowt wrong with what Hardy observations here. Dunno about Cronin being first choice but the rest is spot on.

So if Best throws them he'd be throwing them to the right place?  And those in the line out don't catch them?

I don't think Ireland are great at line outs regardless of Toner or not. But Best isn't just there to do lineouts, but most of what you said is right, you don't know much  ;)
Geez, what am I to make of that? Best is also the pack leader and for anyone on the sideline, it can be difficult to know what goes on out on the field at times but Best fits the job description to a tee- he never goes up exhorting his colleagues and he leads from the front- all the time. Best certainly isn't just there to throw in the ball. He does an above average job at that and at every other facet of the game as well.
However, I don't see any point in nit picking or ballbagging either.
It was an historic win and let's just take it for what it's worth.

This was about Hardys post admitting he knew nothing lineouts etc... while at the same time giving an opinion on having Best on the team! Clearly more intelligent people on the sport (the manager) feel he's more important and a better player overall than the other replacements..

This is a result business and Ireland are number 2 beating the number 1 team if he was wrong and results went against him he'd know about it! Plus people with limited knowledge (like myself btw) will look at Best as the weak link!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: yellowcard on November 18, 2018, 08:49:42 PM
Quote from: Armaghtothebone on November 18, 2018, 08:41:11 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on November 18, 2018, 08:35:50 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 18, 2018, 08:25:36 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on November 18, 2018, 08:18:44 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 18, 2018, 07:56:14 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on November 18, 2018, 07:52:02 PM
Those claiming that McKenna is a tit, an idiot, a ball bag and a clown are only doing so because they disagree with him. Which is fine. However McKenna is an excellent journalist and whilst I don't always agree with him, he never takes the populist approach and is willing to ask the hard questions that a proper journalist should. Some people mightn't always like this as it is human nature to want to join in with the team that is winning but the likes of McKenna and Kimmage are rarely ever too far off the mark either.

Rather than attack McKenna with personal insults it would be better if the points he raised were dissected and debunked where relevant. It's easy to join in with the mob and particularly in the aftermath of a victory like last nights but it doesn't make some of the points that he made in last weeks article any less relevant.

Post 7327

Fair enough, that was one of his points and one I would disagree with him on. But it's not enough for me to think he is an idiot either.

He did make some other good points about player welfare, player nationality and the medicalisation of the sport that media and former players ever rarely get asked about.


For players nationally, is he consistent across all sports?

I honestly don't know but few other other sports define nationality so loosely. Cricket possibly.

Personally I don't think Aki, Stander or Van der Flier should be playing in a green jersey. They aren't Irish and have no bloodline connection with the country. Other than being bought by a provincial side to make a living here, they would be lining out for their own countries.

However those are the rules even if I strongly disagree with them.

Josh van der Flier

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_van_der_Flier

You twat

Fair enough Van der Flier is Irish so, easy mistake.

Doesn't make the nationality argument any less relevant though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 18, 2018, 08:51:34 PM
Easy to make? If they ain't called O'Toole eh ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LCohen on November 18, 2018, 08:57:39 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on November 18, 2018, 08:49:42 PM
Quote from: Armaghtothebone on November 18, 2018, 08:41:11 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on November 18, 2018, 08:35:50 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 18, 2018, 08:25:36 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on November 18, 2018, 08:18:44 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 18, 2018, 07:56:14 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on November 18, 2018, 07:52:02 PM
Those claiming that McKenna is a tit, an idiot, a ball bag and a clown are only doing so because they disagree with him. Which is fine. However McKenna is an excellent journalist and whilst I don't always agree with him, he never takes the populist approach and is willing to ask the hard questions that a proper journalist should. Some people mightn't always like this as it is human nature to want to join in with the team that is winning but the likes of McKenna and Kimmage are rarely ever too far off the mark either.

Rather than attack McKenna with personal insults it would be better if the points he raised were dissected and debunked where relevant. It's easy to join in with the mob and particularly in the aftermath of a victory like last nights but it doesn't make some of the points that he made in last weeks article any less relevant.

Post 7327

Fair enough, that was one of his points and one I would disagree with him on. But it's not enough for me to think he is an idiot either.

He did make some other good points about player welfare, player nationality and the medicalisation of the sport that media and former players ever rarely get asked about.


For players nationally, is he consistent across all sports?

I honestly don't know but few other other sports define nationality so loosely. Cricket possibly.

Personally I don't think Aki, Stander or Van der Flier should be playing in a green jersey. They aren't Irish and have no bloodline connection with the country. Other than being bought by a provincial side to make a living here, they would be lining out for their own countries.

However those are the rules even if I strongly disagree with them.

Josh van der Flier

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_van_der_Flier

You twat

Fair enough Van der Flier is Irish so, easy mistake.

Doesn't make the nationality argument any less relevant though.

Maybe McKenna should interview Brent Cockbain about the legitimacy of his Welsh caps. Could be interesting
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on November 18, 2018, 08:58:40 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 18, 2018, 08:47:45 PM
Quote from: Lar Naparka on November 18, 2018, 08:28:00 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 18, 2018, 06:45:55 PM
Quote from: Lar Naparka on November 18, 2018, 06:07:54 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 18, 2018, 01:19:13 PM
Quote from: Hardy on November 18, 2018, 01:10:12 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on November 18, 2018, 11:34:35 AM
Quote from: Shamrock Shore on November 18, 2018, 10:56:49 AM
Am I wrong in thinking Rory Best is a weak link in that team?

Only in the minds of some Leinster and Munster people.

Cronin has some extra speed but his line outs last night prevented Ireland putting up quite a score on NZ.

Best is still the best option in terms of experience, all round game and leadership.  Look how many times he was into the ruck with O'Mahoney, how well he led the scrum and how he took the right decisions for the team.

When Sexton, he who would be captain, wanted to go again for the line out at the end of the first half, Best told him to take the score, impetuous Sexton wasn't pleased but those 3 points made it a two score game for a long time and made it more difficult for NZ.  That's what you get with Best, he may not be the best hooker but he brings much more to the team than Cronin, Scannell or Herring.

Fair play to Toner on last nights performance given being out of favour as first choice for a while.



I wouldn't know much about lineouts but it seemed to me that Cronin threw the ball exactly where he was supposed to for both lineouts that were lost. In both cases, NZ out-jumped the receiver, which wasn't happening when Toner and O'Mahony were on.

I don't know much about being a rugby captain either and leadership is an intangible concept, but Best seems to have it in abundance and more than his rivals for the hooker position. If it were not for that I'd say Cronin would be the first choice.

So by your own admission, you don't know much
???
Am I missing something?
I see nowt wrong with what Hardy observations here. Dunno about Cronin being first choice but the rest is spot on.

So if Best throws them he'd be throwing them to the right place?  And those in the line out don't catch them?

I don't think Ireland are great at line outs regardless of Toner or not. But Best isn't just there to do lineouts, but most of what you said is right, you don't know much  ;)
Geez, what am I to make of that? Best is also the pack leader and for anyone on the sideline, it can be difficult to know what goes on out on the field at times but Best fits the job description to a tee- he never goes up exhorting his colleagues and he leads from the front- all the time. Best certainly isn't just there to throw in the ball. He does an above average job at that and at every other facet of the game as well.
However, I don't see any point in nit picking or ballbagging either.
It was an historic win and let's just take it for what it's worth.

This was about Hardys post admitting he knew nothing lineouts etc... while at the same time giving an opinion on having Best on the team! Clearly more intelligent people on the sport (the manager) feel he's more important and a better player overall than the other replacements..

This is a result business and Ireland are number 2 beating the number 1 team if he was wrong and results went against him he'd know about it! Plus people with limited knowledge (like myself btw) will look at Best as the weak link!

How did you think this was going to go when you started?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on November 18, 2018, 09:05:41 PM
If that game should not be considered a friendly and should instead be considered a very important test match, Can someone explain to me why Ireland often win these test matches yet fail so miserably in world cups so far. I read someone saying that will be most important match before the world cup which to me is just nonsense. No trophy was handed out and surely, for example, a winner takes all game for example hrs England for grand slam would be more important. Strikes me rugby over hypes the shite out of every game, there are warriors everywhere etc etc. As someone said there are 10 odd top teams in the world and the fact it took 100 years for one to beat another says more about Ireland than anything. It was a great win, enthralling game but for f**k sake take a chill pill and stop hyping it up to something it's not.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 18, 2018, 09:13:08 PM
Quote from: Itchy on November 18, 2018, 09:05:41 PM
If that game should not be considered a friendly and should instead be considered a very important test match, Can someone explain to me why Ireland often win these test matches yet fail so miserably in world cups so far. I read someone saying that will be most important match before the world cup which to me is just nonsense. No trophy was handed out and surely, for example, a winner takes all game for example hrs England for grand slam would be more important. Strikes me rugby over hypes the shite out of every game, there are warriors everywhere etc etc. As someone said there are 10 odd top teams in the world and the fact it took 100 years for one to beat another says more about Ireland than anything. It was a great win, enthralling game but for f**k sake take a chill pill and stop hyping it up to something it's not.

It's a measure of where you are in the pecking order and beating the best means you are at the very least competitive, Ireland have not had good tournament management that includes depth of squad and having the luxury of resting players and having a fully fit squad! And you need serious luck also
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on November 18, 2018, 09:14:18 PM
One other thing. Just because rugby tells you November is in Autumn doesn't mean it is!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LCohen on November 18, 2018, 09:20:15 PM
Quote from: Itchy on November 18, 2018, 09:14:18 PM
One other thing. Just because rugby tells you November is in Autumn doesn't mean it is!!

What season is it?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LCohen on November 18, 2018, 09:29:26 PM
Quote from: Itchy on November 18, 2018, 09:05:41 PM
If that game should not be considered a friendly and should instead be considered a very important test match, Can someone explain to me why Ireland often win these test matches yet fail so miserably in world cups so far. I read someone saying that will be most important match before the world cup which to me is just nonsense. No trophy was handed out and surely, for example, a winner takes all game for example hrs England for grand slam would be more important. Strikes me rugby over hypes the shite out of every game, there are warriors everywhere etc etc. As someone said there are 10 odd top teams in the world and the fact it took 100 years for one to beat another says more about Ireland than anything. It was a great win, enthralling game but for f**k sake take a chill pill and stop hyping it up to something it's not.

It's not a friendly because the game places so much significance on the game.

Historically we have not only struggled to win World Cup quarterfinals but also to beat Southern Hemisphere top tier countries in Autumn Internationals. The latter has now changed and the last 2 or 3 RWCs have been even more frustrating. Injuries were a big thing the last time but we have a big hurdle to get over next year

It was me who contended that yesterday's game was the most important game until the 2019 RWC q/f. If we are in the trenches in the RWC and in need of that bit extra where do you think players and management will be going to for evidence to build self belief to strive for that but extra? Possibly last night? I think so
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on November 18, 2018, 09:39:47 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 18, 2018, 09:20:15 PM
Quote from: Itchy on November 18, 2018, 09:14:18 PM
One other thing. Just because rugby tells you November is in Autumn doesn't mean it is!!

What season is it?

Well that is interesting as I always understood November to be winter but a quick Google tells me the world now says it's autumn. However I was chatting with a gang at work other day and we all were agreed it was in winter. So was November ever in winter or what's the story. Are me and my work colleagues all thick and now re- educated by rugby?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LCohen on November 18, 2018, 09:42:37 PM
Quote from: Itchy on November 18, 2018, 09:39:47 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 18, 2018, 09:20:15 PM
Quote from: Itchy on November 18, 2018, 09:14:18 PM
One other thing. Just because rugby tells you November is in Autumn doesn't mean it is!!

What season is it?

Well that is interesting as I always understood November to be winter but a quick Google tells me the world now says it's autumn. However I was chatting with a gang at work other day and we all were agreed it was in winter. So was November ever in winter or what's the story. Are me and my work colleagues all thick and now re- educated by rugby?

Self diagnosis can be dangerous but not always inaccurate
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on November 18, 2018, 09:47:44 PM
Never ever heard November referred to as a Winter month. Similar with February, lot of chat about Spring but it ain't Spring either.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on November 18, 2018, 09:50:59 PM
Everything I've ever known is a lie. I fell like I'm in the Truman show.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Lar Naparka on November 18, 2018, 10:15:32 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 18, 2018, 08:47:45 PM
Quote from: Lar Naparka on November 18, 2018, 08:28:00 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 18, 2018, 06:45:55 PM
Quote from: Lar Naparka on November 18, 2018, 06:07:54 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 18, 2018, 01:19:13 PM
Quote from: Hardy on November 18, 2018, 01:10:12 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on November 18, 2018, 11:34:35 AM
Quote from: Shamrock Shore on November 18, 2018, 10:56:49 AM
Am I wrong in thinking Rory Best is a weak link in that team?

Only in the minds of some Leinster and Munster people.

Cronin has some extra speed but his line outs last night prevented Ireland putting up quite a score on NZ.

Best is still the best option in terms of experience, all round game and leadership.  Look how many times he was into the ruck with O'Mahoney, how well he led the scrum and how he took the right decisions for the team.

When Sexton, he who would be captain, wanted to go again for the line out at the end of the first half, Best told him to take the score, impetuous Sexton wasn't pleased but those 3 points made it a two score game for a long time and made it more difficult for NZ.  That's what you get with Best, he may not be the best hooker but he brings much more to the team than Cronin, Scannell or Herring.

Fair play to Toner on last nights performance given being out of favour as first choice for a while.



I wouldn't know much about lineouts but it seemed to me that Cronin threw the ball exactly where he was supposed to for both lineouts that were lost. In both cases, NZ out-jumped the receiver, which wasn't happening when Toner and O'Mahony were on.

I don't know much about being a rugby captain either and leadership is an intangible concept, but Best seems to have it in abundance and more than his rivals for the hooker position. If it were not for that I'd say Cronin would be the first choice.

So by your own admission, you don't know much
???
Am I missing something?
I see nowt wrong with what Hardy observations here. Dunno about Cronin being first choice but the rest is spot on.

So if Best throws them he'd be throwing them to the right place?  And those in the line out don't catch them?

I don't think Ireland are great at line outs regardless of Toner or not. But Best isn't just there to do lineouts, but most of what you said is right, you don't know much  ;)
Geez, what am I to make of that? Best is also the pack leader and for anyone on the sideline, it can be difficult to know what goes on out on the field at times but Best fits the job description to a tee- he never goes up exhorting his colleagues and he leads from the front- all the time. Best certainly isn't just there to throw in the ball. He does an above average job at that and at every other facet of the game as well.
However, I don't see any point in nit picking or ballbagging either.
It was an historic win and let's just take it for what it's worth.

This was about Hardys post admitting he knew nothing lineouts etc... while at the same time giving an opinion on having Best on the team! Clearly more intelligent people on the sport (the manager) feel he's more important and a better player overall than the other replacements..

This is a result business and Ireland are number 2 beating the number 1 team if he was wrong and results went against him he'd know about it! Plus people with limited knowledge (like myself btw) will look at Best as the weak link!
Ah, I see what you mean now. Fair enough.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: macdanger2 on November 18, 2018, 10:39:01 PM
Quote from: Itchy on November 18, 2018, 09:39:47 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 18, 2018, 09:20:15 PM
Quote from: Itchy on November 18, 2018, 09:14:18 PM
One other thing. Just because rugby tells you November is in Autumn doesn't mean it is!!

What season is it?

Well that is interesting as I always understood November to be winter but a quick Google tells me the world now says it's autumn. However I was chatting with a gang at work other day and we all were agreed it was in winter. So was November ever in winter or what's the story. Are me and my work colleagues all thick and now re- educated by rugby?

Traditionally in Celtic Ireland, November was seen as being the beginning of winter - as evidenced by October being named "Deireadh Fomhar"
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Cunny Funt on November 18, 2018, 10:57:26 PM
Do New Zealand call theses challenges "spring Internationals" seeing that its late spring over there?

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dolph1 on November 18, 2018, 10:59:20 PM
While beating New Zealand is an achievement it still doesn't hide the fact that the win is tainted by using foreign mercenaries to achieve the result. You can't really call it an 'Irish" win when you're stacking your team with lads who have no actual ties to the country they play for.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 18, 2018, 11:03:48 PM
Quote from: Dolph1 on November 18, 2018, 10:59:20 PM
While beating New Zealand is an achievement it still doesn't hide the fact that the win is tainted by using foreign mercenaries to achieve the result. You can't really call it an 'Irish" win when you're stacking your team with lads who have no actual ties to the country they play for.

Do you apply that logic to all sports within Ireland that have 'foreigners' ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on November 18, 2018, 11:12:56 PM
England have a much bigger pick in Rugby and they have players from Tonga, Samoa and NZ. The rules are their so Ireland and others take advantage of it. They should change the eligibility rule to 5 years instead of 3. Bundee Aki was probaly never in Ireland before, and 3 years later he was an Ireland International.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on November 18, 2018, 11:18:06 PM
Quote from: macdanger2 on November 18, 2018, 10:39:01 PM
Quote from: Itchy on November 18, 2018, 09:39:47 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 18, 2018, 09:20:15 PM
Quote from: Itchy on November 18, 2018, 09:14:18 PM
One other thing. Just because rugby tells you November is in Autumn doesn't mean it is!!

What season is it?

Well that is interesting as I always understood November to be winter but a quick Google tells me the world now says it's autumn. However I was chatting with a gang at work other day and we all were agreed it was in winter. So was November ever in winter or what's the story. Are me and my work colleagues all thick and now re- educated by rugby?

Traditionally in Celtic Ireland, November was seen as being the beginning of winter - as evidenced by October being named "Deireadh Fomhar"

Ah that makes sense now. I'm a celt and rugby heads aren't
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dougal Maguire on November 18, 2018, 11:40:27 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on November 18, 2018, 08:35:50 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 18, 2018, 08:25:36 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on November 18, 2018, 08:18:44 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 18, 2018, 07:56:14 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on November 18, 2018, 07:52:02 PM
Those claiming that McKenna is a tit, an idiot, a ball bag and a clown are only doing so because they disagree with him. Which is fine. However McKenna is an excellent journalist and whilst I don't always agree with him, he never takes the populist approach and is willing to ask the hard questions that a proper journalist should. Some people mightn't always like this as it is human nature to want to join in with the team that is winning but the likes of McKenna and Kimmage are rarely ever too far off the mark either.

Rather than attack McKenna with personal insults it would be better if the points he raised were dissected and debunked where relevant. It's easy to join in with the mob and particularly in the aftermath of a victory like last nights but it doesn't make some of the points that he made in last weeks article any less relevant.

Post 7327

Fair enough, that was one of his points and one I would disagree with him on. But it's not enough for me to think he is an idiot either.

He did make some other good points about player welfare, player nationality and the medicalisation of the sport that media and former players ever rarely get asked about.


For players nationally, is he consistent across all sports?

I honestly don't know but few other other sports define nationality so loosely. Cricket possibly.

Personally I don't think Aki, Stander or Van der Flier should be playing in a green jersey. They aren't Irish and have no bloodline connection with the country. Other than being bought by a provincial side to make a living here, they would be lining out for their own countries.

However those are the rules even if I strongly disagree with them.
Are you Jamie Bryson?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: CornerBackNo2 on November 18, 2018, 11:53:09 PM
Quote from: Dougal Maguire on November 18, 2018, 11:40:27 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on November 18, 2018, 08:35:50 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 18, 2018, 08:25:36 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on November 18, 2018, 08:18:44 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 18, 2018, 07:56:14 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on November 18, 2018, 07:52:02 PM
Those claiming that McKenna is a tit, an idiot, a ball bag and a clown are only doing so because they disagree with him. Which is fine. However McKenna is an excellent journalist and whilst I don't always agree with him, he never takes the populist approach and is willing to ask the hard questions that a proper journalist should. Some people mightn't always like this as it is human nature to want to join in with the team that is winning but the likes of McKenna and Kimmage are rarely ever too far off the mark either.

Rather than attack McKenna with personal insults it would be better if the points he raised were dissected and debunked where relevant. It's easy to join in with the mob and particularly in the aftermath of a victory like last nights but it doesn't make some of the points that he made in last weeks article any less relevant.

Post 7327

Fair enough, that was one of his points and one I would disagree with him on. But it's not enough for me to think he is an idiot either.

He did make some other good points about player welfare, player nationality and the medicalisation of the sport that media and former players ever rarely get asked about.


For players nationally, is he consistent across all sports?

I honestly don't know but few other other sports define nationality so loosely. Cricket possibly.

Personally I don't think Aki, Stander or Van der Flier should be playing in a green jersey. They aren't Irish and have no bloodline connection with the country. Other than being bought by a provincial side to make a living here, they would be lining out for their own countries.

However those are the rules even if I strongly disagree with them.
Are you Jamie Bryson?

Van Der Flier born and raised in Dublin I believe.....?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dolph1 on November 18, 2018, 11:56:46 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 18, 2018, 11:03:48 PM
Quote from: Dolph1 on November 18, 2018, 10:59:20 PM
While beating New Zealand is an achievement it still doesn't hide the fact that the win is tainted by using foreign mercenaries to achieve the result. You can't really call it an 'Irish" win when you're stacking your team with lads who have no actual ties to the country they play for.

Do you apply that logic to all sports within Ireland that have 'foreigners' ?

In this case some of the players have 0% connection to the country so realistically it's makes the win null and void as "Ireland".

At least Jack Charlton's lads had a granny (except Cascarino)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 19, 2018, 12:04:51 AM
90 players alone were born in England!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dolph1 on November 19, 2018, 12:37:14 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 19, 2018, 12:04:51 AM
90 players alone were born in England!

You need to clarify what you're saying. 90 players with irish roots? You didn't make sense there.

Doesn't escape the fact we are pretending players on the national rugby team are irish. It's basically being a Man City supporter in recent years. Buying your way to success. There's f**k all pride in that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on November 19, 2018, 06:31:28 AM
Van Der Flier was born and raised in Wicklow, to a father born and raised in Finglas. If you don't think he should be playing for Ireland, you need a long hard look at yourself.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dougal Maguire on November 19, 2018, 07:31:57 AM
Quote from: gallsman on November 19, 2018, 06:31:28 AM
Van Der Flier was born and raised in Wicklow, to a father born and raised in Finglas. If you don't think he should be playing for Ireland, you need a long hard look at yourself.
As I said, I think he's Jamie Bryson.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LCohen on November 19, 2018, 08:29:22 AM
Quote from: Dolph1 on November 18, 2018, 10:59:20 PM
While beating New Zealand is an achievement it still doesn't hide the fact that the win is tainted by using foreign mercenaries to achieve the result. You can't really call it an 'Irish" win when you're stacking your team with lads who have no actual ties to the country they play for.

Your argument is therefore is that any ROI soccer team with 2 or more guys who first considered themselves Irish when the carrot of international football was dangled before them had been "stacked" with mercenaries and therefore tainted??

Soccer is in an even worse state that most think then
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LCohen on November 19, 2018, 08:32:31 AM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 18, 2018, 11:12:56 PM
England have a much bigger pick in Rugby and they have players from Tonga, Samoa and NZ. The rules are their so Ireland and others take advantage of it. They should change the eligibility rule to 5 years instead of 3. Bundee Aki was probaly never in Ireland before, and 3 years later he was an Ireland International.

To be fair to England they don't have project players. Teo is there on the granny rule but the rest of those guys have spent most of all their lives in England
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 19, 2018, 08:41:40 AM
Th 6N has a structural problem in that England and France have much bigger pools of players than the other 4 .
When England get organised they can dominate for years just because of that.
Thehistory of Irish rugby in the amateur era is a testament to the distribution of rugby players in the competition.
The project players are a way of balancing the competition and making it interesting,. At the end of the day it is a pro sport and
if punters are not interested there is no money.
In the same way he Pro 12 was extended to 14 for TV purposes.

Regarding Bundee- he was not the finished article when he arrived at Connacht. But what a player he is now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on November 19, 2018, 09:32:55 AM
The bigger pools is actually working to their disadvantage SF hence why there is such a kick up on the structure of the european tournament. Ireland , Scotland and pretty much Wales have a large number of players playing top level rugby. England and France have at best the same number of players exposed to this level. However Ireland Scotland and Wales have the same guys year in year out gaining experience while England do not necessarily as the teams that are in europe vary year on year. This is hurting them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 19, 2018, 09:52:35 AM
Quote from: imtommygunn on November 19, 2018, 09:32:55 AM
The bigger pools is actually working to their disadvantage SF hence why there is such a kick up on the structure of the european tournament. Ireland , Scotland and pretty much Wales have a large number of players playing top level rugby. England and France have at best the same number of players exposed to this level. However Ireland Scotland and Wales have the same guys year in year out gaining experience while England do not necessarily as the teams that are in europe vary year on year. This is hurting them.

That's true but over the longer term England has the advantages because experience in the smaller unions eventually gets old. It's the Man Utd/Barcelona/Crossmaglen problem- you can't drop the top players in a winning team and  when they retire en masse there are no replacements for them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: oakleaflad on November 19, 2018, 10:05:48 AM
On the residency rule lads, I don't actually think we need them to be competitive as some has suggested. Henshaw in for Aki and O'Brien in for Stander and our side isn't much (if any) worse. All it does is add that extra bit of depth to the squad. People say New Zealand weren't at their best but we were missing Murray, Henshaw, O'Brien, Leavy too so weren't exactly at full strength ourselves.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 19, 2018, 10:12:17 AM
Quote from: oakleaflad on November 19, 2018, 10:05:48 AM
On the residency rule lads, I don't actually think we need them to be competitive as some has suggested. Henshaw in for Aki and O'Brien in for Stander and our side isn't much (if any) worse. All it does is add that extra bit of depth to the squad. People say New Zealand weren't at their best but we were missing Murray, Henshaw, O'Brien, Leavy too so weren't exactly at full strength ourselves.
You do need replacements for the World Cup though and RWC is highly attritional so you need them even more
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: yellowcard on November 19, 2018, 10:58:44 AM
Quote from: Dougal Maguire on November 19, 2018, 07:31:57 AM
Quote from: gallsman on November 19, 2018, 06:31:28 AM
Van Der Flier was born and raised in Wicklow, to a father born and raised in Finglas. If you don't think he should be playing for Ireland, you need a long hard look at yourself.
As I said, I think he's Jamie Bryson.

I'd thought he was a Springbok when I pooled him in with Aki and Stander, seems I was wrong and he is in fact irish. I like Bundee Aki and he seems like a bit of a character but he should not be playing for Ireland.

Why would you deliberately conflate this with Jamie Bryson's school of thought, I'm not with you.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on November 19, 2018, 11:12:01 AM
Quote from: CornerBackNo2 on November 18, 2018, 11:53:09 PM
Quote from: Dougal Maguire on November 18, 2018, 11:40:27 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on November 18, 2018, 08:35:50 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 18, 2018, 08:25:36 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on November 18, 2018, 08:18:44 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 18, 2018, 07:56:14 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on November 18, 2018, 07:52:02 PM
Those claiming that McKenna is a tit, an idiot, a ball bag and a clown are only doing so because they disagree with him. Which is fine. However McKenna is an excellent journalist and whilst I don't always agree with him, he never takes the populist approach and is willing to ask the hard questions that a proper journalist should. Some people mightn't always like this as it is human nature to want to join in with the team that is winning but the likes of McKenna and Kimmage are rarely ever too far off the mark either.

Rather than attack McKenna with personal insults it would be better if the points he raised were dissected and debunked where relevant. It's easy to join in with the mob and particularly in the aftermath of a victory like last nights but it doesn't make some of the points that he made in last weeks article any less relevant.

Post 7327

Fair enough, that was one of his points and one I would disagree with him on. But it's not enough for me to think he is an idiot either.

He did make some other good points about player welfare, player nationality and the medicalisation of the sport that media and former players ever rarely get asked about.


For players nationally, is he consistent across all sports?

I honestly don't know but few other other sports define nationality so loosely. Cricket possibly.

Personally I don't think Aki, Stander or Van der Flier should be playing in a green jersey. They aren't Irish and have no bloodline connection with the country. Other than being bought by a provincial side to make a living here, they would be lining out for their own countries.

However those are the rules even if I strongly disagree with them.
Are you Jamie Bryson?

Van Der Flier born and raised in Dublin I believe.....?

He's got a big Dub accent when interviewed the other night well. He didn't pick that up last week.

Look,
  that's the rules, NZ do the same, England, France, whoever, get over yourselves.

As for the game, it was pretty tight throughout and yes NZ lads were making mistakes you don't normally see from All Blacks, but maybe we need to credit the Irish lads with giving them something to think about and they were under huge pressure for the full 80 minutes, something Ireland have failed to do in the recent past.
Schmitt probably got it right with starting big Dev and in fairness to Dev he offers a lot more that lineout now. He can tackle and even now when he is tackled himself he doesn't hit the floor as quick as he used to and less likely to turnover ball. The flip side of this is that Henderson brings fresh physicality to the pack when introduced and is bloody good at counter rucking when the need arises. Yes, the lineout struggles and that needs looked at for 2019 as kicking to touch is a big attacking platform for Ireland and that was poor on Saturday night. I think three times Ireland failed to win them cleanly and let NZ off a bit.
Not a big fan of Marmions box kicking but Kearney went after them like a man possessed and made them work for Ireland. Kearney can probably count himself lucky to not pick up a yellow when he upended the fullback in the air and whilst he'd only eyes for the ball it didn't look good and the much maligned Barnes kept his cards in his pocket and was consistent as Ireland were looking a yellow at the end of the first half when NZ were conceding penalty after penalty.

Hansen is already at his work proclaiming Ireland  are favourites for the WC and whist Schmitt is shrewd enough to not buy into that, you'd fear that the media in Ireland go all out on this just like their English counterparts are.

Good win but no medals are handed out yet.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 19, 2018, 11:18:49 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on November 19, 2018, 11:12:01 AM
Quote from: CornerBackNo2 on November 18, 2018, 11:53:09 PM
Quote from: Dougal Maguire on November 18, 2018, 11:40:27 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on November 18, 2018, 08:35:50 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 18, 2018, 08:25:36 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on November 18, 2018, 08:18:44 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 18, 2018, 07:56:14 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on November 18, 2018, 07:52:02 PM
Those claiming that McKenna is a tit, an idiot, a ball bag and a clown are only doing so because they disagree with him. Which is fine. However McKenna is an excellent journalist and whilst I don't always agree with him, he never takes the populist approach and is willing to ask the hard questions that a proper journalist should. Some people mightn't always like this as it is human nature to want to join in with the team that is winning but the likes of McKenna and Kimmage are rarely ever too far off the mark either.

Rather than attack McKenna with personal insults it would be better if the points he raised were dissected and debunked where relevant. It's easy to join in with the mob and particularly in the aftermath of a victory like last nights but it doesn't make some of the points that he made in last weeks article any less relevant.

Post 7327

Fair enough, that was one of his points and one I would disagree with him on. But it's not enough for me to think he is an idiot either.

He did make some other good points about player welfare, player nationality and the medicalisation of the sport that media and former players ever rarely get asked about.


For players nationally, is he consistent across all sports?

I honestly don't know but few other other sports define nationality so loosely. Cricket possibly.

Personally I don't think Aki, Stander or Van der Flier should be playing in a green jersey. They aren't Irish and have no bloodline connection with the country. Other than being bought by a provincial side to make a living here, they would be lining out for their own countries.

However those are the rules even if I strongly disagree with them.
Are you Jamie Bryson?

Van Der Flier born and raised in Dublin I believe.....?

He's got a big Dub accent when interviewed the other night well. He didn't pick that up last week.

Look,
  that's the rules, NZ do the same, England, France, whoever, get over yourselves.

As for the game, it was pretty tight throughout and yes NZ lads were making mistakes you don't normally see from All Blacks, but maybe we need to credit the Irish lads with giving them something to think about and they were under huge pressure for the full 80 minutes, something Ireland have failed to do in the recent past.
Schmitt probably got it right with starting big Dev and in fairness to Dev he offers a lot more that lineout now. He can tackle and even now when he is tackled himself he doesn't hit the floor as quick as he used to and less likely to turnover ball. The flip side of this is that Henderson brings fresh physicality to the pack when introduced and is bloody good at counter rucking when the need arises. Yes, the lineout struggles and that needs looked at for 2019 as kicking to touch is a big attacking platform for Ireland and that was poor on Saturday night. I think three times Ireland failed to win them cleanly and let NZ off a bit.
Not a big fan of Marmions box kicking but Kearney went after them like a man possessed and made them work for Ireland. Kearney can probably count himself lucky to not pick up a yellow when he upended the fullback in the air and whilst he'd only eyes for the ball it didn't look good and the much maligned Barnes kept his cards in his pocket and was consistent as Ireland were looking a yellow at the end of the first half when NZ were conceding penalty after penalty.

Hansen is already at his work proclaiming Ireland  are favourites for the WC and whist Schmitt is shrewd enough to not buy into that, you'd fear that the media in Ireland go all out on this just like their English counterparts are.

Good win but no medals are handed out yet.

The danger is that it's a timing issue like getting excited about beating Kilkenny in the Leinster final in 2012
The AIF was going fine until Shefflin put his foot on the pedal.
The rest was pure group psychology.

If you give an elite team one opening when it is down to the wire they will kill you. 
As Tyson said, everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on November 19, 2018, 11:22:40 AM
Quote from: seafoid on November 19, 2018, 09:52:35 AM
Quote from: imtommygunn on November 19, 2018, 09:32:55 AM
The bigger pools is actually working to their disadvantage SF hence why there is such a kick up on the structure of the european tournament. Ireland , Scotland and pretty much Wales have a large number of players playing top level rugby. England and France have at best the same number of players exposed to this level. However Ireland Scotland and Wales have the same guys year in year out gaining experience while England do not necessarily as the teams that are in europe vary year on year. This is hurting them.

That's true but over the longer term England has the advantages because experience in the smaller unions eventually gets old. It's the Man Utd/Barcelona/Crossmaglen problem- you can't drop the top players in a winning team and  when they retire en masse there are no replacements for them.

If that held it would already have happened though as Ireland had what they thought was a once in a lifetime crop with O'Driscoll etc. N.B. All the teams you mention are clubs.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Farrandeelin on November 19, 2018, 11:31:52 AM
Christ lads, can people not enjoy a win? I'm not the greatest of rugby fans, I'll be the first to admit it, but as someone else said to be able to look the All Blacks in the eye and beat them twice in a row, or 2 out of 3 maybe, (see my rugby knowledge) but that would be unthinkable in the 90s.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Maroon Manc on November 19, 2018, 11:38:43 AM
Ireland strength in depth is very impressive but one issue was the lineout after Best & Toner went off, which one of the two was missed more or was it a combination of losing the two of them?

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 19, 2018, 01:00:04 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on November 19, 2018, 11:38:43 AM
Ireland strength in depth is very impressive but one issue was the lineout after Best & Toner went off, which one of the two was missed more or was it a combination of losing the two of them?

And O'Mahoney. Sean Cronin is average from the lineout, but I wouldn't say it's Rory's strength either.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on November 19, 2018, 01:57:23 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 19, 2018, 01:00:04 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on November 19, 2018, 11:38:43 AM
Ireland strength in depth is very impressive but one issue was the lineout after Best & Toner went off, which one of the two was missed more or was it a combination of losing the two of them?

And O'Mahoney. Sean Cronin is average from the lineout, but I wouldn't say it's Rory's strength either.
Best and Marmion were about the only two lads I noticed who made multiple errors. Best's probably hurt more. But our lineout and scrum were immaculate when he was on the field and Best has to get a lot of credit for that. He also seems to have great leadership skills. But he's now very much in veteran stage and if he starts in the World Cup, I wonder would he be the oldest starting player of any of the Tier 1 teams? I would like to see Schmidt give 2 starts in the 6N to someone else just to have that other option.

Similarly Carberry needs a couple of 6N starts, just in case Johnny gets crocked.

Marmion's errors were mostly poor box kicks, but generally did well. Of course, Murray is arguably the best scrum half around, but with him not being there we perhaps kicked less ball to NZ than we would have if he'd started.

I think both Leavy and Van Der Flier are well ahead of O'Brien at this stage. I'd focus Seanie on Number 8 for the rest of the year and let him fight it out with Conan at Leinster and CJ at Ireland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 19, 2018, 02:27:56 PM
Frank McNally in the Irish Times

"But wrong-footed or not, there were still several pairs of All Black legs, and a matching number of arms, between Stockdale and the line. Then he chipped the ball over them, and chased it like an electrified ferret."

what a fabulous line
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 19, 2018, 02:33:27 PM
It's great to beat the All Blacks of course it is but we shouldn't be getting carried away. People talking of World Cups and the likes are losing the run of themselves.

The goal has to be a semi final as we've never done it before and anything above that is a bonus and the way it should be.

On any given day it's looking like Ireland/England/NZ/South Africa could beat eachother and you'd have to expect Wales and Australia would still fancy themselves in a one off. We will not win a Grand Slam in the upcoming 6 Nations.

There's a long way to go and we could get a load of injuries during the 6 Nations or even in the pool stages of the World Cup so we should all calm the baps.

We're in a good place let's hope we stay there.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Cunny Funt on November 19, 2018, 02:47:54 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 19, 2018, 02:33:27 PM
It's great to beat the All Blacks of course it is but we shouldn't be getting carried away. People talking of World Cups and the likes are losing the run of themselves.

The goal has to be a semi final as we've never done it before and anything above that is a bonus and the way it should be.

On any given day it's looking like Ireland/England/NZ/South Africa could beat eachother and you'd have to expect Wales and Australia would still fancy themselves in a one off. We will not win a Grand Slam in the upcoming 6 Nations.

There's a long way to go and we could get a load of injuries during the 6 Nations or even in the pool stages of the World Cup so we should all calm the baps.

We're in a good place let's hope we stay there.

Why not? the momentum is there to win it but not the end of the world if they don't.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 19, 2018, 03:13:45 PM
Quote from: Cunny Funt on November 19, 2018, 02:47:54 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 19, 2018, 02:33:27 PM
It's great to beat the All Blacks of course it is but we shouldn't be getting carried away. People talking of World Cups and the likes are losing the run of themselves.

The goal has to be a semi final as we've never done it before and anything above that is a bonus and the way it should be.

On any given day it's looking like Ireland/England/NZ/South Africa could beat eachother and you'd have to expect Wales and Australia would still fancy themselves in a one off. We will not win a Grand Slam in the upcoming 6 Nations.

There's a long way to go and we could get a load of injuries during the 6 Nations or even in the pool stages of the World Cup so we should all calm the baps.

We're in a good place let's hope we stay there.

Why not? the momentum is there to win it but not the end of the world if they don't.

I just don't think it's sustainable. . . we conceivably could but England/Wales/France/Scotland will all be trying to knock us down if they get a chance. Our lads will have to maintain a very high level of performance over that time with a very short rest period.

I'd be happy enough if we didn't win the GS to dampen expectation a bit.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 19, 2018, 03:19:36 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 19, 2018, 03:13:45 PM
Quote from: Cunny Funt on November 19, 2018, 02:47:54 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 19, 2018, 02:33:27 PM
It's great to beat the All Blacks of course it is but we shouldn't be getting carried away. People talking of World Cups and the likes are losing the run of themselves.

The goal has to be a semi final as we've never done it before and anything above that is a bonus and the way it should be.

On any given day it's looking like Ireland/England/NZ/South Africa could beat eachother and you'd have to expect Wales and Australia would still fancy themselves in a one off. We will not win a Grand Slam in the upcoming 6 Nations.

There's a long way to go and we could get a load of injuries during the 6 Nations or even in the pool stages of the World Cup so we should all calm the baps.

We're in a good place let's hope we stay there.

Why not? the momentum is there to win it but not the end of the world if they don't.

I just don't think it's sustainable. . . we conceivably could but England/Wales/France/Scotland will all be trying to knock us down if they get a chance. Our lads will have to maintain a very high level of performance over that time with a very short rest period.

I'd be happy enough if we didn't win the GS to dampen expectation a bit.
Me too. A semifinal is more important
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: An Watcher on November 19, 2018, 03:50:22 PM
I hope all this effort is not in vain as Ireland are due to meet the All Blacks or South Africa in the quarter finals of the world cup.  With everything going to form it'll be Ireland v SA.  Tough no matter how you look at it
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on November 19, 2018, 04:03:14 PM
Quote from: Dolph1 on November 18, 2018, 11:56:46 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 18, 2018, 11:03:48 PM
Quote from: Dolph1 on November 18, 2018, 10:59:20 PM
While beating New Zealand is an achievement it still doesn't hide the fact that the win is tainted by using foreign mercenaries to achieve the result. You can't really call it an 'Irish" win when you're stacking your team with lads who have no actual ties to the country they play for.

Do you apply that logic to all sports within Ireland that have 'foreigners' ?

In this case some of the players have 0% connection to the country so realistically it's makes the win null and void as "Ireland".

At least Jack Charlton's lads had a granny (except Cascarino)

I think the Aki thing is cynical to a point where it might see a rule change. It wasnt a case of a player happening to be here. It was a structured and methodical pursuit of a promising center for the national team knowing we didnt have a minor in that position coming through. Thats what annoys the Kiwis. The fact they do tbe exact same is not the point as far as they are concerned.

Connaught have been taking 16 and 17 year old south africans and putting them in boarding school. Oh look, 20 and eligible for Ireland. And in positions that we just happen to be light in.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 19, 2018, 04:08:12 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 19, 2018, 04:03:14 PM
Quote from: Dolph1 on November 18, 2018, 11:56:46 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 18, 2018, 11:03:48 PM
Quote from: Dolph1 on November 18, 2018, 10:59:20 PM
While beating New Zealand is an achievement it still doesn't hide the fact that the win is tainted by using foreign mercenaries to achieve the result. You can't really call it an 'Irish" win when you're stacking your team with lads who have no actual ties to the country they play for.

Do you apply that logic to all sports within Ireland that have 'foreigners' ?

In this case some of the players have 0% connection to the country so realistically it's makes the win null and void as "Ireland".

At least Jack Charlton's lads had a granny (except Cascarino)

I think the Aki thing is cynical to a point where it might see a rule change. It wasnt a case of a player happening to be here. It was a structured and methodical pursuit of a promising center for the national team knowing we didnt have a minor in that position coming through. Thats what annoys the Kiwis. The fact they do tbe exact same is not the point as far as they are concerned.

Connaught have been taking 16 and 17 year old south africans and putting them in boarding school. Oh look, 20 and eligible for Ireland. And in positions that we just happen to be light in.

The perception that New Zealand poach young lads from abroad more than anyone else is very over exaggerated. As an example, for the time period of 2005-2017, the following are the numbers of players who made their first appearance and born at home, versus born abroad.

New Zealand - 107 debutants. 90 born in New Zealand, 17 outside. 84.11% at home
England - 126 debutants. 94 born in England, 32 outside. 74.60% at home.
Ireland - 106 debutants. 82 born in Ireland, 24 outside. 77.36% at home.


Australia are the worst. They had only 72.97% of players debuting in that timeframe born in Australia. 30 out of 111 were born outside Australia.

South Africa are the best. They had 96.40% born in South Africa, with only 4 out of 111 born outside South Africa.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/international/89379984/england-revealed-as-the-home-of-the-poacher (https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/international/89379984/england-revealed-as-the-home-of-the-poacher)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dolph1 on November 19, 2018, 04:18:46 PM
Quote from: gallsman on November 19, 2018, 06:31:28 AM
Van Der Flier was born and raised in Wicklow, to a father born and raised in Finglas. If you don't think he should be playing for Ireland, you need a long hard look at yourself.

So? There are a couple of others who invalidated that win at the weekend from being an actual Irish win.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Maroon Manc on November 19, 2018, 04:35:43 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 19, 2018, 04:08:12 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 19, 2018, 04:03:14 PM
Quote from: Dolph1 on November 18, 2018, 11:56:46 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 18, 2018, 11:03:48 PM
Quote from: Dolph1 on November 18, 2018, 10:59:20 PM
While beating New Zealand is an achievement it still doesn't hide the fact that the win is tainted by using foreign mercenaries to achieve the result. You can't really call it an 'Irish" win when you're stacking your team with lads who have no actual ties to the country they play for.

Do you apply that logic to all sports within Ireland that have 'foreigners' ?

In this case some of the players have 0% connection to the country so realistically it's makes the win null and void as "Ireland".

At least Jack Charlton's lads had a granny (except Cascarino)

I think the Aki thing is cynical to a point where it might see a rule change. It wasnt a case of a player happening to be here. It was a structured and methodical pursuit of a promising center for the national team knowing we didnt have a minor in that position coming through. Thats what annoys the Kiwis. The fact they do tbe exact same is not the point as far as they are concerned.

Connaught have been taking 16 and 17 year old south africans and putting them in boarding school. Oh look, 20 and eligible for Ireland. And in positions that we just happen to be light in.

The perception that New Zealand poach young lads from abroad more than anyone else is very over exaggerated. As an example, for the time period of 2005-2017, the following are the numbers of players who made their first appearance and born at home, versus born abroad.

New Zealand - 107 debutants. 90 born in New Zealand, 17 outside. 84.11% at home
England - 126 debutants. 94 born in England, 32 outside. 74.60% at home.
Ireland - 106 debutants. 82 born in Ireland, 24 outside. 77.36% at home.


Australia are the worst. They had only 72.97% of players debuting in that timeframe born in Australia. 30 out of 111 were born outside Australia.

South Africa are the best. They had 96.40% born in South Africa, with only 4 out of 111 born outside South Africa.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/international/89379984/england-revealed-as-the-home-of-the-poacher (https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/international/89379984/england-revealed-as-the-home-of-the-poacher)

Wouldn't have thought Ireland had that many although several of those would have Irish blood in them like Marmion, Carbery, McGrath, Murphy & Dillane all have Irish blood in them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on November 19, 2018, 04:37:43 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 19, 2018, 04:08:12 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 19, 2018, 04:03:14 PM
Quote from: Dolph1 on November 18, 2018, 11:56:46 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 18, 2018, 11:03:48 PM
Quote from: Dolph1 on November 18, 2018, 10:59:20 PM
While beating New Zealand is an achievement it still doesn't hide the fact that the win is tainted by using foreign mercenaries to achieve the result. You can't really call it an 'Irish" win when you're stacking your team with lads who have no actual ties to the country they play for.

Do you apply that logic to all sports within Ireland that have 'foreigners' ?

In this case some of the players have 0% connection to the country so realistically it's makes the win null and void as "Ireland".

At least Jack Charlton's lads had a granny (except Cascarino)

I think the Aki thing is cynical to a point where it might see a rule change. It wasnt a case of a player happening to be here. It was a structured and methodical pursuit of a promising center for the national team knowing we didnt have a minor in that position coming through. Thats what annoys the Kiwis. The fact they do tbe exact same is not the point as far as they are concerned.

Connaught have been taking 16 and 17 year old south africans and putting them in boarding school. Oh look, 20 and eligible for Ireland. And in positions that we just happen to be light in.

The perception that New Zealand poach young lads from abroad is very over exaggerated.

Maybe, maybe not. But they have a cultural and historical link to the south seas that we dont habe with SA
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on November 19, 2018, 04:42:40 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 19, 2018, 04:08:12 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 19, 2018, 04:03:14 PM
Quote from: Dolph1 on November 18, 2018, 11:56:46 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 18, 2018, 11:03:48 PM
Quote from: Dolph1 on November 18, 2018, 10:59:20 PM
While beating New Zealand is an achievement it still doesn't hide the fact that the win is tainted by using foreign mercenaries to achieve the result. You can't really call it an 'Irish" win when you're stacking your team with lads who have no actual ties to the country they play for.

Do you apply that logic to all sports within Ireland that have 'foreigners' ?

In this case some of the players have 0% connection to the country so realistically it's makes the win null and void as "Ireland".

At least Jack Charlton's lads had a granny (except Cascarino)

I think the Aki thing is cynical to a point where it might see a rule change. It wasnt a case of a player happening to be here. It was a structured and methodical pursuit of a promising center for the national team knowing we didnt have a minor in that position coming through. Thats what annoys the Kiwis. The fact they do tbe exact same is not the point as far as they are concerned.

Connaught have been taking 16 and 17 year old south africans and putting them in boarding school. Oh look, 20 and eligible for Ireland. And in positions that we just happen to be light in.

The perception that New Zealand poach young lads from abroad more than anyone else is very over exaggerated. As an example, for the time period of 2005-2017, the following are the numbers of players who made their first appearance and born at home, versus born abroad.

New Zealand - 107 debutants. 90 born in New Zealand, 17 outside. 84.11% at home
England - 126 debutants. 94 born in England, 32 outside. 74.60% at home.
Ireland - 106 debutants. 82 born in Ireland, 24 outside. 77.36% at home.


Australia are the worst. They had only 72.97% of players debuting in that timeframe born in Australia. 30 out of 111 were born outside Australia.

South Africa are the best. They had 96.40% born in South Africa, with only 4 out of 111 born outside South Africa.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/international/89379984/england-revealed-as-the-home-of-the-poacher (https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/international/89379984/england-revealed-as-the-home-of-the-poacher)

I get that. The issue I have certainly  isnt with non Irish born players from tbe diaspora (O'Gara would be an example) or even lads who land here and stay. There is a cynicism around the IRFU approach that we will be discussing more in the next few years that is pushing the envelope..

We will field a majority non Irish born side in tbe next 10 years. At least under Charlton they were duaspora by and large.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 19, 2018, 04:53:18 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 19, 2018, 04:42:40 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 19, 2018, 04:08:12 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 19, 2018, 04:03:14 PM
Quote from: Dolph1 on November 18, 2018, 11:56:46 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 18, 2018, 11:03:48 PM
Quote from: Dolph1 on November 18, 2018, 10:59:20 PM
While beating New Zealand is an achievement it still doesn't hide the fact that the win is tainted by using foreign mercenaries to achieve the result. You can't really call it an 'Irish" win when you're stacking your team with lads who have no actual ties to the country they play for.

Do you apply that logic to all sports within Ireland that have 'foreigners' ?

In this case some of the players have 0% connection to the country so realistically it's makes the win null and void as "Ireland".

At least Jack Charlton's lads had a granny (except Cascarino)

I think the Aki thing is cynical to a point where it might see a rule change. It wasnt a case of a player happening to be here. It was a structured and methodical pursuit of a promising center for the national team knowing we didnt have a minor in that position coming through. Thats what annoys the Kiwis. The fact they do tbe exact same is not the point as far as they are concerned.

Connaught have been taking 16 and 17 year old south africans and putting them in boarding school. Oh look, 20 and eligible for Ireland. And in positions that we just happen to be light in.

The perception that New Zealand poach young lads from abroad more than anyone else is very over exaggerated. As an example, for the time period of 2005-2017, the following are the numbers of players who made their first appearance and born at home, versus born abroad.

New Zealand - 107 debutants. 90 born in New Zealand, 17 outside. 84.11% at home
England - 126 debutants. 94 born in England, 32 outside. 74.60% at home.
Ireland - 106 debutants. 82 born in Ireland, 24 outside. 77.36% at home.


Australia are the worst. They had only 72.97% of players debuting in that timeframe born in Australia. 30 out of 111 were born outside Australia.

South Africa are the best. They had 96.40% born in South Africa, with only 4 out of 111 born outside South Africa.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/international/89379984/england-revealed-as-the-home-of-the-poacher (https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/international/89379984/england-revealed-as-the-home-of-the-poacher)

I get that. The issue I have certainly  isnt with non Irish born players from tbe diaspora (O'Gara would be an example) or even lads who land here and stay. There is a cynicism around the IRFU approach that we will be discussing more in the next few years that is pushing the envelope..

We will field a majority non Irish born side in tbe next 10 years. At least under Charlton they were duaspora by and large.

;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: podge on November 19, 2018, 08:34:23 PM
What's the status with the Munster centre originally from Tyrone who had at least one great game in last years 6 nations - Farrell?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 19, 2018, 08:50:43 PM
Quote from: podge on November 19, 2018, 08:34:23 PM
What's the status with the Munster centre originally from Tyrone who had at least one great game in last years 6 nations - Farrell?

Back in full training this week think he had an ACL tear he could be a good backup for centre if he can get his form back.

MacKenna heavily suggesting there was something untoward about Murray's absence... Is there anything to it?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: podge on November 19, 2018, 09:01:14 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 19, 2018, 08:50:43 PM
Quote from: podge on November 19, 2018, 08:34:23 PM
What's the status with the Munster centre originally from Tyrone who had at least one great game in last years 6 nations - Farrell?

Back in full training this week think he had an ACL tear he could be a good backup for centre if he can get his form back.

MacKenna heavily suggesting there was something untoward about Murray's absence... Is there anything to it?

There was some rumour was there not that the unity was more serious than what was being made public and perhaps career threatening ? Could be balls of course. He would be a serious loss.

I am surprised that Cooney is not further up the peck girder- I would have him as the no 2 Scrum half
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on November 19, 2018, 09:11:53 PM
Quote from: Dolph1 on November 19, 2018, 04:18:46 PM
Quote from: gallsman on November 19, 2018, 06:31:28 AM
Van Der Flier was born and raised in Wicklow, to a father born and raised in Finglas. If you don't think he should be playing for Ireland, you need a long hard look at yourself.

So? There are a couple of others who invalidated that win at the weekend from being an actual Irish win.

www.tinder.com
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 19, 2018, 09:20:59 PM
Quote from: podge on November 19, 2018, 09:01:14 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 19, 2018, 08:50:43 PM
Quote from: podge on November 19, 2018, 08:34:23 PM
What's the status with the Munster centre originally from Tyrone who had at least one great game in last years 6 nations - Farrell?

Back in full training this week think he had an ACL tear he could be a good backup for centre if he can get his form back.

MacKenna heavily suggesting there was something untoward about Murray's absence... Is there anything to it?

There was some rumour was there not that the unity was more serious than what was being made public and perhaps career threatening ? Could be balls of course. He would be a serious loss.

I am surprised that Cooney is not further up the peck girder- I would have him as the no 2 Scrum half

The rumour is more that he's serving a hushed suspension for misbehaving and there was no real injury at all!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Never beat the deeler on November 20, 2018, 05:12:02 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 19, 2018, 04:08:12 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 19, 2018, 04:03:14 PM
Quote from: Dolph1 on November 18, 2018, 11:56:46 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 18, 2018, 11:03:48 PM
Quote from: Dolph1 on November 18, 2018, 10:59:20 PM
While beating New Zealand is an achievement it still doesn't hide the fact that the win is tainted by using foreign mercenaries to achieve the result. You can't really call it an 'Irish" win when you're stacking your team with lads who have no actual ties to the country they play for.

Do you apply that logic to all sports within Ireland that have 'foreigners' ?

In this case some of the players have 0% connection to the country so realistically it's makes the win null and void as "Ireland".

At least Jack Charlton's lads had a granny (except Cascarino)

I think the Aki thing is cynical to a point where it might see a rule change. It wasnt a case of a player happening to be here. It was a structured and methodical pursuit of a promising center for the national team knowing we didnt have a minor in that position coming through. Thats what annoys the Kiwis. The fact they do tbe exact same is not the point as far as they are concerned.

Connaught have been taking 16 and 17 year old south africans and putting them in boarding school. Oh look, 20 and eligible for Ireland. And in positions that we just happen to be light in.

The perception that New Zealand poach young lads from abroad more than anyone else is very over exaggerated. As an example, for the time period of 2005-2017, the following are the numbers of players who made their first appearance and born at home, versus born abroad.

New Zealand - 107 debutants. 90 born in New Zealand, 17 outside. 84.11% at home
England - 126 debutants. 94 born in England, 32 outside. 74.60% at home.
Ireland - 106 debutants. 82 born in Ireland, 24 outside. 77.36% at home.


Australia are the worst. They had only 72.97% of players debuting in that timeframe born in Australia. 30 out of 111 were born outside Australia.

South Africa are the best. They had 96.40% born in South Africa, with only 4 out of 111 born outside South Africa.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/international/89379984/england-revealed-as-the-home-of-the-poacher (https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/international/89379984/england-revealed-as-the-home-of-the-poacher)

Just looking at Australia being the 'worst'. That percentage is pretty much in line with the percentage of Australians born in Australia. (71.8%, stats from 2015)
For NZ, the percentage would be 74.8%, so the percentage of rugby players born in NZ is higher than the general population trend.
Irish people born in Ireland is reported as 82.7%.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on November 20, 2018, 07:24:33 AM
Murray was on SC a could of weeks ago and was adamant there was nothing untoward about things other than it being a serious neck injury. Expects to be back soon.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: nrico2006 on November 20, 2018, 10:14:21 AM
Read this the other day - obviously some Irish boys that shouldn't be on the list.

http://www.americasrugbynews.com/2018/01/30/foreign-born-players-2018-six-nations/ (http://www.americasrugbynews.com/2018/01/30/foreign-born-players-2018-six-nations/)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on November 20, 2018, 11:21:41 AM
Quote from: gallsman on November 20, 2018, 07:24:33 AM
Murray was on SC a could of weeks ago and was adamant there was nothing untoward about things other than it being a serious neck injury. Expects to be back soon.
Well Murray would hardly say anything different, but yep, clearly he's been dealing with a neck injury and he's just about ready to rock.

It was very odd the way they played it. Apparently not releasing anything to do with the injury is to do with not adversely affecting future contract negotiations. But it does leave it open for people to come up with spurious reasons, and no better tube than Spewan to dive right in. Like the shite he comes out with about this being a friendly non-competitive match. He's presumably dumbfounded as to why Ireland tried so hard to become a test playing nation in cricket, when all the 5 day matches they'll ever play will be "friendlies".  ::)
At least it gives more people the opportunity to realise what a tit he is.
 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on November 20, 2018, 11:46:01 AM
Quote from: nrico2006 on November 20, 2018, 10:14:21 AM
Read this the other day - obviously some Irish boys that shouldn't be on the list.

http://www.americasrugbynews.com/2018/01/30/foreign-born-players-2018-six-nations/ (http://www.americasrugbynews.com/2018/01/30/foreign-born-players-2018-six-nations/)

4 Realistically for Ireland who were born outside the country but not reared here, i.e. residency and grandparent rule.

I suppose that level of detail isn't there and that may give a truer reflection of what is going on if they included the year of residency and age at residency.
Same will apply for various other countries too.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 20, 2018, 12:18:46 PM
Irish Rugby players are all being educated on GDPR, their medical data is their's to control and they are refusing the IRFU to give more detailed responses on injuries.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Keyser soze on November 20, 2018, 12:28:36 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 20, 2018, 12:18:46 PM
Irish Rugby players are all being educated on GDPR, their medical data is their's to control and they are refusing the IRFU to give more detailed responses on injuries.

Heh???
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 20, 2018, 12:37:43 PM
Quote from: Keyser soze on November 20, 2018, 12:28:36 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 20, 2018, 12:18:46 PM
Irish Rugby players are all being educated on GDPR, their medical data is their's to control and they are refusing the IRFU to give more detailed responses on injuries.

Heh???

Have you not heard about GDPR?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on November 20, 2018, 12:50:20 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 19, 2018, 08:50:43 PM
Quote from: podge on November 19, 2018, 08:34:23 PM
What's the status with the Munster centre originally from Tyrone who had at least one great game in last years 6 nations - Farrell?

Back in full training this week think he had an ACL tear he could be a good backup for centre if he can get his form back.

MacKenna heavily suggesting there was something untoward about Murray's absence... Is there anything to it?

That clown would.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on November 20, 2018, 01:18:32 PM
That sort of cryptic Innuendo (but not enough to get you into trouble) is fired out left, right and centre these days, it must only get noticed when it's close to home.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on November 20, 2018, 01:34:44 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 20, 2018, 12:18:46 PM
Irish Rugby players are all being educated on GDPR, their medical data is their's to control and they are refusing the IRFU to give more detailed responses on injuries.
Of course they don't have to give it out, but it seems very OTT. If Toulon (or whoever) offer a 750k contract to a lad, presumably they'd be demanding full disclosure on injury history with stiff penalties built in for anything not identified. Their insurance alone would probably demand it.

And it will definitely lead to numpties making up stories about drug bans and mental illness to justify absences where only silence has been forthcoming. I don't see it as a trend that will be continued. I see initially they refused to say what Leavy's injury was at the weekend, but on Monday they decided to let the press know it was a neck strain.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on November 20, 2018, 01:48:25 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on November 20, 2018, 01:18:32 PM
That sort of cryptic Innuendo (but not enough to get you into trouble) is fired out left, right and centre these days, it must only get noticed when it's close to home.

He's the type of fella to be scouring twitter and the likes for anything untoward that might 'sell'.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on November 20, 2018, 01:55:49 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 20, 2018, 12:37:43 PM
Quote from: Keyser soze on November 20, 2018, 12:28:36 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 20, 2018, 12:18:46 PM
Irish Rugby players are all being educated on GDPR, their medical data is their's to control and they are refusing the IRFU to give more detailed responses on injuries.

Heh???

Have you not heard about GDPR?
So are soccer players.

There is a question, which im sure will be tested in court, about scouting reports and medical reports. Its not about hiding from the IRFU, its about hiding from prospective French clubs.

Or put another way, club doctor treats player a. Who owns the report.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 20, 2018, 01:57:38 PM
Quote from: Hound on November 20, 2018, 01:34:44 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 20, 2018, 12:18:46 PM
Irish Rugby players are all being educated on GDPR, their medical data is their's to control and they are refusing the IRFU to give more detailed responses on injuries.
Of course they don't have to give it out, but it seems very OTT. If Toulon (or whoever) offer a 750k contract to a lad, presumably they'd be demanding full disclosure on injury history with stiff penalties built in for anything not identified. Their insurance alone would probably demand it.

And it will definitely lead to numpties making up stories about drug bans and mental illness to justify absences where only silence has been forthcoming. I don't see it as a trend that will be continued. I see initially they refused to say what Leavy's injury was at the weekend, but on Monday they decided to let the press know it was a neck strain.

You are missing the point, Leamy refused to release the data. Irish rugby players are taking ownership of their own data.

I don't have an issue with it but as you said you will get clowns on social media and mainstream media making up stories but is that any different as to what happens now anyway?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 20, 2018, 01:59:55 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 20, 2018, 01:55:49 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 20, 2018, 12:37:43 PM
Quote from: Keyser soze on November 20, 2018, 12:28:36 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 20, 2018, 12:18:46 PM
Irish Rugby players are all being educated on GDPR, their medical data is their's to control and they are refusing the IRFU to give more detailed responses on injuries.

Heh???

Have you not heard about GDPR?
So are soccer players.

There is a question, which im sure will be tested in court, about scouting reports and medical reports. Its not about hiding from the IRFU, its about hiding from prospective French clubs.

Or put another way, club doctor treats player a. Who owns the report.

The patient of course, it's his/her medical record. Hello Hippocratic Oath!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Keyser soze on November 20, 2018, 02:09:42 PM
But they couldn't hold it from their employer without being in breach of contract I imagine. They may be able to dictate what they, or the employer, puts into the public domain.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on November 20, 2018, 02:26:11 PM
Quote from: Keyser soze on November 20, 2018, 02:09:42 PM
But they couldn't hold it from their employer without being in breach of contract I imagine. They may be able to dictate what they, or the employer, puts into the public domain.

That's what the conversation is about ffs - the fact that the data isn't in the public domain.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on November 20, 2018, 02:38:37 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 20, 2018, 01:57:38 PM
Quote from: Hound on November 20, 2018, 01:34:44 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 20, 2018, 12:18:46 PM
Irish Rugby players are all being educated on GDPR, their medical data is their's to control and they are refusing the IRFU to give more detailed responses on injuries.
Of course they don't have to give it out, but it seems very OTT. If Toulon (or whoever) offer a 750k contract to a lad, presumably they'd be demanding full disclosure on injury history with stiff penalties built in for anything not identified. Their insurance alone would probably demand it.

And it will definitely lead to numpties making up stories about drug bans and mental illness to justify absences where only silence has been forthcoming. I don't see it as a trend that will be continued. I see initially they refused to say what Leavy's injury was at the weekend, but on Monday they decided to let the press know it was a neck strain.

You are missing the point, Leamy refused to release the data. Irish rugby players are taking ownership of their own data.

I don't have an issue with it but as you said you will get clowns on social media and mainstream media making up stories but is that any different as to what happens now anyway?
Not missing the point. Clearly it was Leavy's decision, or maybe they were waiting on Leavy's permission. But  something changed and the info was released, with Leavy's permission. As I said I don't think we'll see Murray's position repeated too often as there is little to gain and BS rumours to deal with.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 20, 2018, 02:57:20 PM
Heaslip started this carry on. No surprise there with his ego.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on November 20, 2018, 03:17:03 PM
Kimmage always seemed to smell a rat with Heaslip, his subsequent retirement stopped him in his tracks, although it probably wouldn't stop the same boy from digging further.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: yellowcard on November 20, 2018, 03:28:52 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on November 20, 2018, 03:17:03 PM
Kimmage always seemed to smell a rat with Heaslip, his subsequent retirement stopped him in his tracks, although it probably wouldn't stop the same boy from digging further.

Didn't Heaslip explain himself by saying that he simply had an abnormally high natural level of testosterone. I'm not totally sure that Kimmage bought it.



Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on November 20, 2018, 04:32:05 PM
Heaslip 'failed' a test (later cleared of any wrongdoing). I think it was around the time (open to correction) that the normal ratio for testosterone was re-evaluated from 6/1 to 4/1. He apparently naturally passed out a 5/1 natural ratio. Something like that. But then there was talk of oxygen tents and the likes - I think Kimmage took issue with that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on November 20, 2018, 06:46:57 PM
Do any of us really think rugby is not awash with drug cheats. Look at the muscle some of them are putting on, not possible with out "help"
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on November 20, 2018, 06:57:27 PM
Quote from: Itchy on November 20, 2018, 06:46:57 PM
Do any of us really think rugby is not awash with drug cheats. Look at the muscle some of them are putting on, not possible with out "help"

Tell that to Luke Fitzgerald.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on November 20, 2018, 08:15:35 PM
* 'Ireland' victory null and void
* meaningless friendly
* juiced up
* November isn't even Autumn

That's pretty much the life sucked out of the party now, time to move on  ;D

How are we shaping up to take on the USA?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on November 20, 2018, 10:13:19 PM
Don't forget it was "invalidated"   :o

Sure if we set a world record against them it won't be valid anyway so what is even the point ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 20, 2018, 10:27:22 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on November 20, 2018, 08:15:35 PM
* 'Ireland' victory null and void
* meaningless friendly
* juiced up
* November isn't even Autumn

That's pretty much the life sucked out of the party now, time to move on  ;D

How are we shaping up to take on the USA?
;D

You couldn't make up some of the shite you read on here.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on November 20, 2018, 10:33:22 PM
There's something about Brian O'Driscoll that is irritating
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Never beat the deeler on November 21, 2018, 12:13:32 AM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 20, 2018, 01:55:49 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 20, 2018, 12:37:43 PM
Quote from: Keyser soze on November 20, 2018, 12:28:36 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 20, 2018, 12:18:46 PM
Irish Rugby players are all being educated on GDPR, their medical data is their's to control and they are refusing the IRFU to give more detailed responses on injuries.

Heh???

Have you not heard about GDPR?
So are soccer players.

There is a question, which im sure will be tested in court, about scouting reports and medical reports. Its not about hiding from the IRFU, its about hiding from prospective French clubs.

Or put another way, club doctor treats player a. Who owns the report.

I'm struggling to believe this is a genuine question
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: nrico2006 on November 21, 2018, 08:08:25 AM
Brilliant achievement beating the All Blacks but I sometimes wonder of the context of these Autumn games against the SH teams.  They are essentially friendlies against teams who are in their off season are they not?  Seems to be a lot of over-reaction given this perspective.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 21, 2018, 08:41:26 AM
Lads can we please stop with the 'friendlies' rubbish. No such thing exists in professional test match rugby.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 21, 2018, 08:43:16 AM
Quote from: nrico2006 on November 21, 2018, 08:08:25 AM
Brilliant achievement beating the All Blacks but I sometimes wonder of the context of these Autumn games against the SH teams.  They are essentially friendlies against teams who are in their off season are they not?  Seems to be a lot of over-reaction given this perspective.
The World Cup is the only thing  that counts at this stage
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 21, 2018, 08:45:37 AM
https://mobile.twitter.com/tierneytalks/status/1063746255711608832
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on November 21, 2018, 09:10:35 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 21, 2018, 08:41:26 AM
Lads can we please stop with the 'friendlies' rubbish. No such thing exists in professional test match rugby.

Why would we, that's what they are.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 21, 2018, 09:12:26 AM
Quote from: Itchy on November 21, 2018, 09:10:35 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 21, 2018, 08:41:26 AM
Lads can we please stop with the 'friendlies' rubbish. No such thing exists in professional test match rugby.

Why would we, that's what they are.

Fair enough itchy. I don't see people putting their body on the line in that manner as a friendly.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 21, 2018, 09:27:30 AM
https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/brent-pope-special-moment-with-legend-ollie-campbell-summed-up-what-all-blacks-scalp-meant-to-irish-rugby-37548339.html

On Saturday after the game, I failed to a recognise a man under a peaked cap with what I thought was a bundle of programmes to sell. It was no less than one of the greats of the Irish game, Ollie Campbell. So excited was one of rugby's true gentleman that he was collecting them for posterity, so proud of his country's achievements in finally doing what he and so many great Irish players never could, to beat the All Blacks on home soil.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on November 21, 2018, 10:26:50 AM
We Irish sure like to wallow, we aren't happy unless we get a pasting at sport but win the accolade as plucky losers and moral victors. Why can't we just celebrate a great victory by a team united in representing the 4 provinces of Ireland. As a northerner who has been jokingly called British from time to time by Southern "colleagues" perhaps I am a bit sensitive to the shit being thrown at some of these players. If they have made their home here or have blood ties thats good enough for me. Irish Rugby will be the stronger in future for their contribution if for no other reason than they have raised the bar. As a life long Gael and Armagh man I only wish we could claim a few Dubs to help us along the way, at least Rugby has been able to balance the Provincial clubs out to offset the dominance of Leinster.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on November 21, 2018, 11:39:16 AM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 21, 2018, 10:26:50 AM
We Irish sure like to wallow, we aren't happy unless we get a pasting at sport but win the accolade as plucky losers and moral victors. Why can't we just celebrate a great victory by a team united in representing the 4 provinces of Ireland. As a northerner who has been jokingly called British from time to time by Southern "colleagues" perhaps I am a bit sensitive to the shit being thrown at some of these players. If they have made their home here or have blood ties thats good enough for me. Irish Rugby will be the stronger in future for their contribution if for no other reason than they have raised the bar. As a life long Gael and Armagh man I only wish we could claim a few Dubs to help us along the way, at least Rugby has been able to balance the Provincial clubs out to offset the dominance of Leinster.

Having the likes of Payne, Bundee Aki and CJ represent Ireland is an honor really. They have come from a international system that has expected them to win world cups and I think it has rubbed off on the Irish team.

From a young age I've followed rugby and before Declan Kidney I remember the team being talked about as a team capable of winning the six nation's but we always fell short. There were even times when Ireland put in piss poor wc performances.

The Joe Schmidt era is an era of expectation. We are expected to win the six nation's, we are expected to perform in the world cup. We don't have any excuses anymore. We have beaten the best in the world, we have won two grand slams, we have had our first series win in Australia. When it comes to performing in team sorts the Irish mentality is not great but these wins have given the team confidence by doing what has never been done before.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on November 21, 2018, 01:39:30 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjfVx5tYXLA&feature=youtu.be&t=0m25s
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dougal Maguire on November 21, 2018, 01:48:48 PM
Jim Neilly's reaction on Radio Ulster at the final whistle is one of the best I've ever heard. Raw passion at its greatest. For those who would like to hear it go to BBC iPlayer chose radio ulster Good Morning Ulster 19/11/2018 and scroll forward to 2.23.00
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 21, 2018, 01:49:40 PM
Quote from: Solo_run on November 21, 2018, 11:39:16 AM
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 21, 2018, 10:26:50 AM
We Irish sure like to wallow, we aren't happy unless we get a pasting at sport but win the accolade as plucky losers and moral victors. Why can't we just celebrate a great victory by a team united in representing the 4 provinces of Ireland. As a northerner who has been jokingly called British from time to time by Southern "colleagues" perhaps I am a bit sensitive to the shit being thrown at some of these players. If they have made their home here or have blood ties thats good enough for me. Irish Rugby will be the stronger in future for their contribution if for no other reason than they have raised the bar. As a life long Gael and Armagh man I only wish we could claim a few Dubs to help us along the way, at least Rugby has been able to balance the Provincial clubs out to offset the dominance of Leinster.

Having the likes of Payne, Bundee Aki and CJ represent Ireland is an honor really. They have come from a international system that has expected them to win world cups and I think it has rubbed off on the Irish team.

From a young age I've followed rugby and before Declan Kidney I remember the team being talked about as a team capable of winning the six nation's but we always fell short. There were even times when Ireland put in piss poor wc performances.

The Joe Schmidt era is an era of expectation. We are expected to win the six nation's, we are expected to perform in the world cup. We don't have any excuses anymore. We have beaten the best in the world, we have won two grand slams, we have had our first series win in Australia. When it comes to performing in team sorts the Irish mentality is not great but these wins have given the team confidence by doing what has never been done before.

If you seriously think those lads aren't just additive to an excellent academy and player management system in place in the provinces then I don't know what to say. The reason Ireland is successful is because we got our act together at home at the advent of the provincial game. Everything is built off that, not some fanciful idea of three imports bringing a winning mentality.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on November 21, 2018, 01:56:30 PM
Yeah, read a good article somewhere about when we were amateur, everything was amateur, but the professional era has been the making of us.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 21, 2018, 06:03:58 PM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/gordon-d-arcy-ireland-are-serious-contenders-for-world-cup-1.3704765
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 21, 2018, 09:08:40 PM
https://mobile.twitter.com/RoyalFamily/status/1065250328784846848
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 21, 2018, 11:01:11 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 21, 2018, 09:08:40 PM
https://mobile.twitter.com/RoyalFamily/status/1065250328784846848

#notmycaptain
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 21, 2018, 11:10:54 PM
Most successful Irish Captain?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on November 22, 2018, 08:10:15 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 20, 2018, 01:59:55 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 20, 2018, 01:55:49 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 20, 2018, 12:37:43 PM
Quote from: Keyser soze on November 20, 2018, 12:28:36 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 20, 2018, 12:18:46 PM
Irish Rugby players are all being educated on GDPR, their medical data is their's to control and they are refusing the IRFU to give more detailed responses on injuries.

Heh???

Have you not heard about GDPR?
So are soccer players.

There is a question, which im sure will be tested in court, about scouting reports and medical reports. Its not about hiding from the IRFU, its about hiding from prospective French clubs.

Or put another way, club doctor treats player a. Who owns the report.

The patient of course, it's his/her medical record. Hello Hippocratic Oath!
Fine. So are teams, in all sports, within the law announcing player injuries?

Who owns performance stats and training reports? Scouting reports? Are team a entitled to request team b's tactical plans?

There are loads of potential implications.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 22, 2018, 08:51:56 AM
You don't know what contracts these players have signed up to and agreed, disclosure of these things is either allowed or not, depending on the contract I'd assume..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 22, 2018, 09:34:05 AM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 22, 2018, 08:10:15 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 20, 2018, 01:59:55 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 20, 2018, 01:55:49 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 20, 2018, 12:37:43 PM
Quote from: Keyser soze on November 20, 2018, 12:28:36 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 20, 2018, 12:18:46 PM
Irish Rugby players are all being educated on GDPR, their medical data is their's to control and they are refusing the IRFU to give more detailed responses on injuries.

Heh???

Have you not heard about GDPR?
So are soccer players.

There is a question, which im sure will be tested in court, about scouting reports and medical reports. Its not about hiding from the IRFU, its about hiding from prospective French clubs.

Or put another way, club doctor treats player a. Who owns the report.

The patient of course, it's his/her medical record. Hello Hippocratic Oath!
Fine. So are teams, in all sports, within the law announcing player injuries?

Who owns performance stats and training reports? Scouting reports? Are team a entitled to request team b's tactical plans?

There are loads of potential implications.

Welcome to the world of GDPR!!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on November 22, 2018, 10:08:26 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 22, 2018, 08:51:56 AM
You don't know what contracts these players have signed up to and agreed, disclosure of these things is either allowed or not, depending on the contract I'd assume..
Contracts cant supersede the law.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 22, 2018, 01:35:58 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 22, 2018, 10:08:26 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 22, 2018, 08:51:56 AM
You don't know what contracts these players have signed up to and agreed, disclosure of these things is either allowed or not, depending on the contract I'd assume..
Contracts cant supersede the law.

So the players can give their permission to use this?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trueblue1234 on November 22, 2018, 01:44:41 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 22, 2018, 01:35:58 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 22, 2018, 10:08:26 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 22, 2018, 08:51:56 AM
You don't know what contracts these players have signed up to and agreed, disclosure of these things is either allowed or not, depending on the contract I'd assume..
Contracts cant supersede the law.

So the players can give their permission to use this?

They can give permission on how their data is used but can't be forced to by a contract.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 22, 2018, 01:56:52 PM
Quote from: trueblue1234 on November 22, 2018, 01:44:41 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 22, 2018, 01:35:58 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 22, 2018, 10:08:26 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 22, 2018, 08:51:56 AM
You don't know what contracts these players have signed up to and agreed, disclosure of these things is either allowed or not, depending on the contract I'd assume..
Contracts cant supersede the law.

So the players can give their permission to use this?

They can give permission on how their data is used but can't be forced to by a contract.

Well if this information became available then they would have wanted it to, otherwise they would be in trouble, GDPR is in from last April I think so most organisations will be well up to speed on these things.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: oakleaflad on November 22, 2018, 02:21:15 PM
Ireland v USA: Addison, Conway, Ringrose, McCloskey, Sweetnam, Carbery, Cooney; Kilcoyne, N Scannell, Bealham, Beirne, Henderson, Ruddock, Murphy, Conan.
Replacements: Herring, Healy, Ryan, Roux, van der Flier, McGrath, Byrne, Arnold.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on November 22, 2018, 02:26:33 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 22, 2018, 01:56:52 PM
Quote from: trueblue1234 on November 22, 2018, 01:44:41 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 22, 2018, 01:35:58 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 22, 2018, 10:08:26 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 22, 2018, 08:51:56 AM
You don't know what contracts these players have signed up to and agreed, disclosure of these things is either allowed or not, depending on the contract I'd assume..
Contracts cant supersede the law.

So the players can give their permission to use this?

They can give permission on how their data is used but can't be forced to by a contract.

Well if this information became available then they would have wanted it to, otherwise they would be in trouble, GDPR is in from last April I think so most organisations will be well up to speed on these things.

Well thats the point.

I think you will see more of this as current players retire rather than rock the boat now.

But the lack of information about Murrays injury strikes me as him refusing to allow it out. But obviously thats just my opinion.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 22, 2018, 04:08:45 PM
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2018/nov/21/johnny-sexton-ireland-fly-half-world-player-of-year-contender

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/nov/19/ireland-new-zealand-rugby-world-cup-joe-schmidt
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 22, 2018, 05:21:48 PM
https://www.oddschecker.com/rugby-union/rugby-world-cup/rugby-world-cup-2019/winner

4/1
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on November 22, 2018, 10:51:38 PM
So is this next autumn friendly not a friendly? I see Ireland made 14 changes to line up which sounds like a friendly to me.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: nrico2006 on November 23, 2018, 07:56:11 AM
Quote from: Itchy on November 22, 2018, 10:51:38 PM
So is this next autumn friendly not a friendly? I see Ireland made 14 changes to line up which sounds like a friendly to me.

Surely by now you would know that there is no such thing as a 'friendly' inprofessional test match rugby.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on November 23, 2018, 08:49:12 AM
Quote from: oakleaflad on November 22, 2018, 02:21:15 PM
Ireland v USA: Addison, Conway, Ringrose, McCloskey, Sweetnam, Carbery, Cooney; Kilcoyne, N Scannell, Bealham, Beirne, Henderson, Ruddock, Murphy, Conan.
Replacements: Herring, Healy, Ryan, Roux, van der Flier, McGrath, Byrne, Arnold.
Christ that's a good line up.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 23, 2018, 11:44:56 AM
As stated before to impose soccer's concept of 'friendlies' or the GAA's 'challenge game' on to these games is at worst ignorance or at best disingenuous. Brendan O'Brien sums it up pretty well in today's examiner.


https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/sport/columnists/brendan-obrien/each-to-their-own-test-was-anything-but-meaningless-friendly-887264.html? (https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/sport/columnists/brendan-obrien/each-to-their-own-test-was-anything-but-meaningless-friendly-887264.html?)


Martin O'Neill wasn't the only one to rein in his enthusiasm when the Nations League was thrust upon us this year but he paid a bigger price for his indifference to it than most.

There was always the sense that the now former Republic of Ireland manager never quite grasped the true value of Uefa's prized new project.

"The bigger picture is the Euro qualifiers," O'Neill said as recently as last Saturday, seemingly unaware that words like 'relegation' don't tend to go down too well with the people signing the cheques, regardless of context.



It was an error in judgment that contributed to the Derry man departing his post, but, to be fair, he was far from alone this week in confusing what exactly constitutes a competitive fixture and what we can safely say is a 'friendly'.

We all know where this is going, right?

Ireland's defeat of New Zealand in the Aviva Stadium last Saturday wasn't long in luring the usual suspects out into the endless, lawless prairies of the internet, their ire and withering comments on what they saw as the diluted value of the entire exercise polluting Twitter and Facebook as well as pubs and offices all over the country.

That some don't care for rugby is fine. Each to their own. That some insist on peddling the line that this was 'only a friendly' is beyond tiresome.

It is a view shaped by an inability to see sport through any other prism but that which they have become accustomed and wedded.

It is a refusal to look at the world through anyone else's eyes.

The sporting landscape makes for a stunning vista but so many choose to revel in their tunnel vision.

It is a blind indifference that brings to mind the tourist who decamps to the Costa del Sol, starts the day with a fry-up, ends it with a pint in the nearest Irish pub and then moans about the fact that there are just too many Spaniards about the place.

Or, 'foreigners', as some would put it.

What transpired in Dublin last weekend unfolded beyond the bounds of what most sports fans have come to recognise as 'normal' competitive structures. It wasn't a final, or even a group game. It wasn't a qualifier. And yet it wasn't a friendly either.

It was a Test match. Anyone who watched 30 seconds of it could see that this was no relation to the Republic of Ireland v Northern Ireland.

That it all happened on a week when football was sidetracked by the botch job that is the Nations League and the accompanying round-up of grim friendlies only accentuated the value of what rugby has always had in these fixtures — and the threat now posed to them in World Rugby vice-president Agustin Pichot's plans for the sport's own version of Uefa's new convoluted construct.

Rugby is an outlier in this sense. Not unique.

It isn't so long since the Ryder Cup was being lambasted by the fun busters.

A nothing event, we were told. A makey-up construct devoid of real meaning. A bastardised team event in a sport where individuality is everything.

If there isn't a tournament wall chart to map it all, some will just never take it seriously.



What else could we pour scorn on because it doesn't 'conform'?

The annual Boat Race? 189 years old it may be, but what is it just two crews stuffed with college boys cruising down the Thames?

Or Test cricket? Two centuries of tradition and competition but maybe we should dismiss it all as a litany of mere 'friendlies'.

Or maybe we should accept them for what they are.

"The aim of English Test cricket is, in fact, mainly to beat Australia," said the English cricketer Jim Laker almost 60 years ago. That still stands.

It doesn't have to be any more complicated than that. India v Pakistan in a Test series is a standalone event. Try telling 1.5 billion people on the subcontinent it's really just a friendly.

When England won the Ashes back in 2005 the team was paraded through London from the Mansion House to Trafalgar Square.

Tony Blair hosted them at 10 Downing Street.

It may have been overblown but people weren't prompted to line the streets in their thousands by a game without meaning.



Winning the Ashes didn't have any wider ramifications in a pure sporting sense beyond that five-test, two-month series and yet it still reads as one of the most captivating sporting chapters in modern times.

The same will be said about Ireland v New Zealand by those of a less jaundiced view for decades to come.

People forget how far the national team has had to travel just to get to a point where they can beat New Zealand twice in three attempts.

Ireland went 23 games and 25 years between 1979 and 2002 without a single win against one of the three Sanzar giants.

It's only in the last four years where they have been begun to win more games than they've lost against them.

Japan next year remains the ultimate barometer for this Ireland team and their success, or otherwise, there will decide just how last weekend's win is ultimately framed.

Whatever happens next, it was anything but a meaningless friendly
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 23, 2018, 02:08:12 PM
Good post Dinny.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on November 23, 2018, 07:52:31 PM
I look forward to blood and thunder as the gladiators (or sub gladiators more accurately) of Ireland face the warriors from the USA. There will be hard yards, unbelievable tackle counts and much drinking of Hino.
Ireland's sub gladiators will win by 20 points and then the Irish media will realise that Ireland A could actually play Ireland B in the world cup final.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on November 23, 2018, 11:41:59 PM
Good article a few posts above, I buy it all apart from the Ryder Cup; not a huge Golf fan but can watch Golf on occasion and get excited, but the RC ??? Perfect for the likes of McIlroy who struggles for (& with) a National Identity.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 24, 2018, 06:54:10 AM
Quote from: Itchy on November 23, 2018, 07:52:31 PM
I look forward to blood and thunder as the gladiators (or sub gladiators more accurately) of Ireland face the warriors from the USA. There will be hard yards, unbelievable tackle counts and much drinking of Hino.
Ireland's sub gladiators will win by 20 points and then the Irish media will realise that Ireland A could actually play Ireland B in the world cup final.

You sir are a tit.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 24, 2018, 08:31:38 AM
There is still a way to go to the RWC but to be in the top 2 now means certain scenarios
come within reach, injuries, psychology and luck excepted.

If they did pull it off it would be bigger than Fermanagh winning San.

https://mobile.twitter.com/matt9dawson/status/1065553031385763843
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on November 24, 2018, 08:43:11 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 24, 2018, 06:54:10 AM
Quote from: Itchy on November 23, 2018, 07:52:31 PM
I look forward to blood and thunder as the gladiators (or sub gladiators more accurately) of Ireland face the warriors from the USA. There will be hard yards, unbelievable tackle counts and much drinking of Hino.
Ireland's sub gladiators will win by 20 points and then the Irish media will realise that Ireland A could actually play Ireland B in the world cup final.

You sir are a tit.

Crazy way to get a little attention

Todays team shows serious strength and depth. Tickets cheaper I know, but has this game sold out? None available online
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on November 24, 2018, 09:07:20 AM
Quote from: JoG2 on November 24, 2018, 08:43:11 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 24, 2018, 06:54:10 AM
Quote from: Itchy on November 23, 2018, 07:52:31 PM
I look forward to blood and thunder as the gladiators (or sub gladiators more accurately) of Ireland face the warriors from the USA. There will be hard yards, unbelievable tackle counts and much drinking of Hino.
Ireland's sub gladiators will win by 20 points and then the Irish media will realise that Ireland A could actually play Ireland B in the world cup final.

You sir are a tit.

Crazy way to get a little attention

Todays team shows serious strength and depth. Tickets cheaper I know, but has this game sold out? None available online

Yes sold out. USA bring 20k supporters with them such is the importance of this test match and 100 million expected to tune in to hear Ryle Nugent commentate on the biggest game the USA has ever played.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 24, 2018, 09:44:24 AM
Meanwhile in Caaaaaaaavan...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: michaelg on November 24, 2018, 10:35:52 AM
Has anyone managed to secure any tickets for  the World Cup next year?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on November 24, 2018, 10:36:31 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 24, 2018, 09:44:24 AM
Meanwhile in Caaaaaaaavan...

Meanwhile in cavan pre season friendlies are taking place with no one taking them too seriously and no one predicting glory on the result of same.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Frank_The_Tank on November 24, 2018, 11:05:38 AM
Quote from: Itchy on November 24, 2018, 10:36:31 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 24, 2018, 09:44:24 AM
Meanwhile in Caaaaaaaavan...

Meanwhile in cavan pre season friendlies are taking place with no one taking them too seriously and no one predicting glory on the result of same.

No doubt you'll be the first clown on the bandwagon come world cup time
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on November 24, 2018, 11:08:39 AM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 24, 2018, 11:05:38 AM
Quote from: Itchy on November 24, 2018, 10:36:31 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 24, 2018, 09:44:24 AM
Meanwhile in Caaaaaaaavan...

Meanwhile in cavan pre season friendlies are taking place with no one taking them too seriously and no one predicting glory on the result of same.

No doubt you'll be the first clown on the bandwagon come world cup time

You rugby fans are very touchy, one calls me a clown the other a tit.

I'm sorry but this sport is over hyped by the D4 RTE media most of whom came out of the same private schools your rugby heros did (except the imported ones).
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Mikhail Prokhorov on November 24, 2018, 11:34:17 AM
So is today's game v USA a friendly but last week was competitive???  ::)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 24, 2018, 11:48:00 AM
Quote from: Itchy on November 24, 2018, 10:36:31 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 24, 2018, 09:44:24 AM
Meanwhile in Caaaaaaaavan...

Meanwhile in cavan pre season friendlies are taking place with no one taking them too seriously and no one predicting glory on the result of same.

I know it's the one time of the year ye can't be bate by Roscommon but do you really have to take the opportunity to pick fights with everyone else?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on November 24, 2018, 02:47:26 PM
Quote from: Mikhail Prokhorov on November 24, 2018, 11:34:17 AM
So is today's game v USA a friendly but last week was competitive???  ::)
Is it really that hard to understand Tests are competitive to varying degrees depending on the opposition? Bit like Championship, Armagh v Tyrone in 1st round of Ulster Championship beat lumps out of other, say the loser draws Waterford in the back door, same overall competition - different intensity and approach.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Frank_The_Tank on November 24, 2018, 03:06:25 PM
Quote from: Itchy on November 24, 2018, 11:08:39 AM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 24, 2018, 11:05:38 AM
Quote from: Itchy on November 24, 2018, 10:36:31 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 24, 2018, 09:44:24 AM
Meanwhile in Caaaaaaaavan...

Meanwhile in cavan pre season friendlies are taking place with no one taking them too seriously and no one predicting glory on the result of same.

No doubt you'll be the first clown on the bandwagon come world cup time

You rugby fans are very touchy, one calls me a clown the other a tit.

I'm sorry but this sport is over hyped by the D4 RTE media most of whom came out of the same private schools your rugby heros did (except the imported ones).

Your obviously not a fan of it - no problem - why do you feel the need to come on to a thread and WUM on a sport you dont like.  You made it quite clear you think the games is a friendly in your initial post - why do you feel the need to keep repeating that?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on November 24, 2018, 04:50:25 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 24, 2018, 03:06:25 PM
Quote from: Itchy on November 24, 2018, 11:08:39 AM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on November 24, 2018, 11:05:38 AM
Quote from: Itchy on November 24, 2018, 10:36:31 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 24, 2018, 09:44:24 AM
Meanwhile in Caaaaaaaavan...

Meanwhile in cavan pre season friendlies are taking place with no one taking them too seriously and no one predicting glory on the result of same.

No doubt you'll be the first clown on the bandwagon come world cup time

You rugby fans are very touchy, one calls me a clown the other a tit.

I'm sorry but this sport is over hyped by the D4 RTE media most of whom came out of the same private schools your rugby heros did (except the imported ones).

Your obviously not a fan of it - no problem - why do you feel the need to come on to a thread and WUM on a sport you dont like.  You made it quite clear you think the games is a friendly in your initial post - why do you feel the need to keep repeating that?

That's those big titted-clowns for ye, their need for a virtual fix is insatiable ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on November 24, 2018, 05:19:13 PM
I'm a sage sent to enlighten ye rugby boys with truth and wisdom. What sort of sage would I be if I gave up that easily.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on November 24, 2018, 06:44:31 PM
Jesus coukd be a big shock on the cards here at 7-7, if US pull of this shock win it would make them the world's No1 team (official rugby fan ranking)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: spuds on November 24, 2018, 06:45:38 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on November 24, 2018, 02:47:26 PM
Quote from: Mikhail Prokhorov on November 24, 2018, 11:34:17 AM
So is today's game v USA a friendly but last week was competitive???  ::)
Is it really that hard to understand Tests are competitive to varying degrees depending on the opposition? Bit like Championship, Armagh v Tyrone in 1st round of Ulster Championship beat lumps out of other, say the loser draws Waterford in the back door, same overall competition - different intensity and approach.
Well if Waterford are beat that's their season over. If the good old US of A are beat v Ireland what happens next?

Rugby is the greatest myth ever told, over and over again. You want to believe it is a test and not a bigged up once off game, away with you, to me it's all a bit like the emperor's new clothes.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on November 24, 2018, 07:02:29 PM
Quote from: spuds on November 24, 2018, 06:45:38 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on November 24, 2018, 02:47:26 PM
Quote from: Mikhail Prokhorov on November 24, 2018, 11:34:17 AM
So is today's game v USA a friendly but last week was competitive???  ::)
Is it really that hard to understand Tests are competitive to varying degrees depending on the opposition? Bit like Championship, Armagh v Tyrone in 1st round of Ulster Championship beat lumps out of other, say the loser draws Waterford in the back door, same overall competition - different intensity and approach.
Well if Waterford are beat that's their season over. If the good old US of A are beat v Ireland what happens next?

Rugby is the greatest myth ever told, over and over again. You want to believe it is a test and not a bigged up once off game, away with you, to me it's all a bit like the emperor's new clothes.

Clown tit
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 26, 2018, 08:53:52 AM
Irish rugby and Irish rowing recognised as world class

https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2018/1125/1013289-world-rugby-awards/

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/other-sports/dominic-casey-named-world-rowing-coach-of-the-year-1.3708637
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Harold Disgracey on November 26, 2018, 09:02:02 AM
Andy Farrell to replace Schmidt after the 2019 World Cup.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 26, 2018, 09:33:53 AM
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on November 26, 2018, 09:02:02 AM
Andy Farrell to replace Schmidt after the 2019 World Cup.

Very strange announcement. . . he's going to "finish coaching"?

Cant understand why one of the World's top coaches would just stop at the height of this powers. The All Blacks or the Lions are probably both falling over themselves to have him I would have thought the Lions would be a great fit for him if he's looking to take a step back.

Good luck to him though he owes Irish Rugby nothing the results of his hard work are there to see!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 26, 2018, 10:10:50 AM
Quote from: screenexile on November 26, 2018, 09:33:53 AM
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on November 26, 2018, 09:02:02 AM
Andy Farrell to replace Schmidt after the 2019 World Cup.

Very strange announcement. . . he's going to "finish coaching"?

Cant understand why one of the World's top coaches would just stop at the height of this powers. The All Blacks or the Lions are probably both falling over themselves to have him I would have thought the Lions would be a great fit for him if he's looking to take a step back.

Good luck to him though he owes Irish Rugby nothing the results of his hard work are there to see!
a few years ago one of his kids was very sick
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Maroon Manc on November 26, 2018, 11:03:19 AM
On paper Irelands best 15 looks around a similar level to the England team that won the World Cup or am I way off the mark?

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 26, 2018, 11:18:45 AM
Quote from: seafoid on November 26, 2018, 10:10:50 AM
Quote from: screenexile on November 26, 2018, 09:33:53 AM
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on November 26, 2018, 09:02:02 AM
Andy Farrell to replace Schmidt after the 2019 World Cup.

Very strange announcement. . . he's going to "finish coaching"?

Cant understand why one of the World's top coaches would just stop at the height of this powers. The All Blacks or the Lions are probably both falling over themselves to have him I would have thought the Lions would be a great fit for him if he's looking to take a step back.

Good luck to him though he owes Irish Rugby nothing the results of his hard work are there to see!
a few years ago one of his kids was very sick

Didn't realise that at all his son has epilepsy as a result of a brain tumour from when he was 4.

https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/six-nations/irish-news/joe-schmidt-ill-park-rugby-for-a-while-to-care-for-my-sick-son-31085146.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 26, 2018, 11:52:04 AM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on November 26, 2018, 11:03:19 AM
On paper Irelands best 15 looks around a similar level to the England team that won the World Cup or am I way off the mark?

Tough one to answer. That England team was a serious outfit. Quite an old side and played generally a 10 man game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on November 26, 2018, 01:52:24 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 24, 2018, 08:31:38 AM
There is still a way to go to the RWC but to be in the top 2 now means certain scenarios
come within reach, injuries, psychology and luck excepted.

If they did pull it off it would be bigger than Fermanagh winning San.

https://mobile.twitter.com/matt9dawson/status/1065553031385763843

Fermanagh aren't ranked the second strongest team ad probably never will be.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 26, 2018, 02:17:56 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on November 26, 2018, 01:52:24 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 24, 2018, 08:31:38 AM
There is still a way to go to the RWC but to be in the top 2 now means certain scenarios
come within reach, injuries, psychology and luck excepted.

If they did pull it off it would be bigger than Fermanagh winning San.

https://mobile.twitter.com/matt9dawson/status/1065553031385763843

Fermanagh aren't ranked the second strongest team ad probably never will be.

Weakest team in the old 5 nations by a very long shot
Still behind Scotland when you include 6N

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_Nations_Championship#Overall

Grand Slams

England 13
France 9
Wales 11
Ireland 3

Wooden spoons

England 25
France   18
Wales      21
Scotland  33
Ireland   36
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on November 26, 2018, 02:47:53 PM
130 odd wooden spoons? Is that possible? Doesn't that mean you lose every game?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trueblue1234 on November 26, 2018, 02:54:51 PM
No just last.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on November 26, 2018, 03:00:02 PM
Quote from: Itchy on November 26, 2018, 02:47:53 PM
130 odd wooden spoons? Is that possible? Doesn't that mean you lose every game?
124 tournaments.

The stats includes when the wooden spoon was shared. They only started using points difference in recent years (since early 90s I think).

Don't have to lose every game to "win" the wooden spoon. Bottom team is enough. Italy won it 13 times (only failed to win it 6 times!)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on November 26, 2018, 03:16:53 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 26, 2018, 02:17:56 PM
Weakest team in the old 5 nations by a very long shot
Still behind Scotland when you include 6N

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_Nations_Championship#Overall

Grand Slams

England 13
France 9
Wales 11
Ireland 3

Wooden spoons

England 25
France   18
Wales      21
Scotland  33
Ireland   36

Interesting that Ireland seems to do well from the picking of Player of the Tournament awards, which began in 2004:

7: Ireland (won 4 championships in that time)
4: Wales (4 titles)
2: Scotland (0 titles)
1: Italy (0 titles)
1: England (3 titles)
0: France (3 titles)

D'Arcy, O'Driscoll (3), Bowe, O'Connell and Stockdale being the 7 Irish winners.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Syferus on November 26, 2018, 03:17:31 PM
Farrell seems the smart choice to replace Schmidt. I read that the only teams to prevent the All Blacks scoring a try in 23 years were us a week ago and the Lions last summer, both defensively coached by Farrell. Clearly he was about to get a head coaching job somewhere, so why not with us and try to ensure some continuity with our best ever management team post-WC?

England may come to regret letting Farrell walk in the aftermath of the Lancaster disaster.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 26, 2018, 03:19:47 PM
Quote from: Hound on November 26, 2018, 03:16:53 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 26, 2018, 02:17:56 PM
Weakest team in the old 5 nations by a very long shot
Still behind Scotland when you include 6N

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_Nations_Championship#Overall

Grand Slams

England 13
France 9
Wales 11
Ireland 3

Wooden spoons

England 25
France   18
Wales      21
Scotland  33
Ireland   36

Interesting that Ireland seems to do well from the picking of Player of the Tournament awards, which began in 2004:

7: Ireland (won 4 championships in that time)
4: Wales (4 titles)
2: Scotland (0 titles)
1: Italy (0 titles)
1: England (3 titles)
0: France (3 titles)

D'Arcy, O'Driscoll (3), Bowe, O'Connell and Stockdale being the 7 Irish winners.

Ireland of all the countries reacted the best to professionalism (if you ignore drugs etc)
I was reading about France the other day . They have been a mess for 3 or 4 years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on November 26, 2018, 03:39:48 PM
Quote from: Hound on November 26, 2018, 03:16:53 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 26, 2018, 02:17:56 PM
Weakest team in the old 5 nations by a very long shot
Still behind Scotland when you include 6N

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_Nations_Championship#Overall

Grand Slams

England 13
France 9
Wales 11
Ireland 3

Wooden spoons

England 25
France   18
Wales      21
Scotland  33
Ireland   36

Interesting that Ireland seems to do well from the picking of Player of the Tournament awards, which began in 2004:

7: Ireland (won 4 championships in that time)
4: Wales (4 titles)
2: Scotland (0 titles)
1: Italy (0 titles)
1: England (3 titles)
0: France (3 titles)

D'Arcy, O'Driscoll (3), Bowe, O'Connell and Stockdale being the 7 Irish winners.
You can attach a degree of skepticism to some of those awards due to them being done by public vote.
Ronnie O'Brien was player of the tournament a couple of times.


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 26, 2018, 03:56:03 PM


From the Torygraph . The view from Sasana . It's interesting how others see us. 

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2018/11/26/ireland-juggernaut-will-not-derailed-joe-schmidts-decision/

Joe Cary

Ireland juggernaut will not be derailed by Joe Schmidt's decision - it's all part of the masterplan
Andy Farrell will take over from Joe Schmidt next year CREDIT: PA


Joe Schmidt's decision to quit as Ireland head coach after next year's World Cup has come as no surprise.
Heavily trailed for weeks, the Kiwi all but confirmed he would go in his press conference following Saturday's win over the United States when he let slip that his bosses at the IRFU had urged him not to be "rash", adding that they were keen to continue discussions if he "changed his mind". Amusingly, Schmidt appeared to realise what he had just said, and tried his best to backtrack. But it was too late. It's about the only time he has dropped the ball in the five years he has been at the helm.
The big question now is how his departure in 12 months' time - and Andy Farrell's takeover as the main man - is likely to impact on Irish rugby, which is enjoying a period of unprecedented success and stability at the moment.
Second in the world rankings, Ireland's win over the All Blacks 10 days ago would have put them top of the pile had England held on in their clash against the world champions the previous week. A thriving provincial scene (led by Leinster, where Schmidt's impact was also felt as head coach from 2010 until 2013), central contracts, prolific academies, one of the strongest schools set-ups in the world... in some respects you would not want to be the coach taking over from Schmidt as the only way to go is down.
Farrell has a decent amount of credit in the bank. His stock is high after last year's Lions tour and Ireland's 2018 campaign; his ignominious exit from England in 2015 long forgotten. In an interview with The Daily Telegraph a fortnight ago, the IRFU's chief executive Philip Browne touted the Englishman for the top job should Schmidt move on, dismissing concerns about his lack of experience as a No 1. "Andy has been in international set-ups, and in the Lions set-up," Browne said. "He is more than capable of stepping up."
That may be so. And Farrell will certainly benefit from the structures and systems put in place by Schmidt and David Nucifora, the IRFU's performance director. Together the two men have got the Ireland set-up humming, shuffling players between provinces to ensure there is always a steady stream of talent coming through in every position, setting standards, ensuring continuity.
But we have seen before how coaches announcing their decisions to go in advance of their leaving date can alter a team dynamic. A patchy Six Nations, a less-than-brilliant World Cup, and the mood could sour before Farrell even takes over. Suddenly the prospect of a hard man, an Englishman, taking over the reins, might not be so popular.
Right now, with Ireland sweeping the board in Sunday's World Rugby awards, it is difficult to imagine that happening. The Irish juggernaut appears well set. And in many respects this move is typical Schmidt. All part of the masterplan. Rather than keep answering questions about his future, he has opted instead to remove all doubt and go with total clarity (presumably the decision to retire from coaching altogether is to prevent any possible speculation about the All Blacks role, one he can always reverse at a later date).
Now he can focus solely on trying to win Ireland the World Cup. He has 12 months to finish on a high.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on November 26, 2018, 04:42:01 PM
Quote from: Syferus on November 26, 2018, 03:17:31 PM
Farrell seems the smart choice to replace Schmidt. I read that the only teams to prevent the All Blacks scoring a try in 23 years were us a week ago and the Lions last summer, both defensively coached by Farrell. Clearly he was about to get a head coaching job somewhere, so why not with us and try to ensure some continuity with our best ever management team post-WC?

England may come to regret letting Farrell walk in the aftermath of the Lancaster disaster.
Farrell is definitely the right choice.

How much credit he should get for the shut outs (versus the head coach and/or the players on the day) is open for debate. Clearly himself and Lancaster failed for England, and who was most to blame for that also open to debate. Lancaster seems to be doing brilliantly for Leinster and most people give him more credit than Cullen, and who knows whether that's right or wrong.

Second in commands to great managers don't have that great a record when going alone. Ferguson's second in commands at ManU often failed when moving on. Neil Francis in the Sindo (prone to exaggeration, but others can comment whether this is BS or not) said that over many years 34 of Bill Belichick's coaches (Francis rates Belichick as one of the greatest coaches in any sport ever) moved on to other jobs, and only 1 was successful  ;D 

QuoteThe Belichick coaching tree is a salutary lesson for organisations that think they have hired someone who has supped on the salmon of knowledge. Eight of Belichick's assistant coaches have been hired as NFL coaches. Seven assistant coaches have become head coaches at NCAA level. Nineteen assistant coaches have been eagerly recruited to be assistant coaches in other franchises. That's a lot of coaches who worked with The Man, who probably thought they knew what was what. Knew the systems, heard the crucial calls being made. They could do that. They have experienced it. No!

Only one coach, Nick Saban, has been a success. The rest of them, who coached brilliantly talented rosters, floundered badly. They posted losing records and shuffled away into the shadows, barely acknowledging the lack of intellectual breadth and intuition. You either have it or you don't. A singular lack of personality. Found out!

But Andy Farrell is the obvious choice to succeed Joe. Whether he'll work our or not is a different issue!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 27, 2018, 08:23:42 AM
http://sport24.lefigaro.fr/rugby/xv-de-france/actualites/le-xv-de-france-ne-repond-plus-934821

Les Bleus ont perdu pour la première fois de leur histoire face aux Fidji. Une humiliation de plus pour cette génération sans caractère.
Évidemment, dans les jours qui viennent, on va se pencher sur les causes profondes, structurelles, récurrentes de ce fiasco majuscule . Ridicule. Grotesque.

France lost for the first time in their history to Fiji. Another humiliation for this characterless team. Obviously in the next few days we will look at the
deep, recurring, structural causes of this major fiasco.
Ridiculous. Grotesque


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 06, 2018, 10:04:50 AM
Discuss

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/brian-o-driscoll-opens-up-about-use-of-legal-painkillers-when-he-was-playing-1.3721692
Brian O'Driscoll opens up about use of legal painkillers when he was playing

'It almost became like habit' says former Ireland and Lions captain

Gavin Cummiskey



Brian O'Driscoll leaves the field injured in his last match for Leinster, against Glasgow in May 2014. Photograph: Patrick Bolger/Inpho.
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The prescription painkillers Difene and co-codamol were regularly handed out  to Leinster and Ireland rugby players so they could 'play their best game', former Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll has revealed.
"I'd have been part of teams where the doctor would have walked down the bus on the way to games inquiring who wanted what in advance [of kick-off]," said O'Driscoll on Off The Ball. "For me, for the last couple of seasons, part of my match prep would have been a Difene and couple of co-codamol."
O'Driscoll was speaking in the context of a International Rugby Players' survey that revealed 45 per cent of players feel pressured by coaches and staff to play while injured.
He never felt such pressure.
"In the Leinster and Irish set-ups you could get your hands on difene. You got to fight your case a bit more now, and prove their necessity. Drug cabinets that might have been open once upon a time are very much shut and inaccessible.
"It used to be for sleepers as well. Diazepam [valium] to try and counteract what would happen with the caffeine [tablets] because they couldn't sleep.
"I'm not saying it was the culture but it happened."
Asked to explain the value of such drugs, by OTB presenter Joe Molloy, he replied, "Just a painkiller if I was carrying something. You know what? It almost became like habit, where it gave me a fighting chance if I wasn't feeling 100 percent that it might have levelled it up."

'Perfectly legal'
"Which might have been most of the time?" asked Molloy.
"Which was probably a lot of the time. That is the reality of it. I wouldn't have been the only one doing that. It was usually the older players, just to get you to balance the equilibrium, almost of feeling okay.
"I'm sure at times in my subconscious I would have taken it where maybe I could have done without it," O'Driscoll continued. "If it is perfectly legal there is no need for TUEs [Therapeutic Use Exemptions] , give yourself a chance of playing your best game.
"I also had caffeine before games. I'd have three little tablets of caffeine, like chewing gum. You'd get into a routine where I knew exactly what I was doing, I had it down to the final seconds. As soon as I ran out on the pitch I'd bash it away and do my pre-warm up before we got together with the team.
"That was part and parcel of the last four or five years of my career."
Difene, co-codamol and Diazepam all require prescriptions to purchase in a pharmacy.
On the related issue of player welfare, O'Driscoll added: "This definitely comes into the realms of player welfare where they won't protect [players] from themselves, from taking these things.
"You play games, you make money, you've a better quality of life. It's a simple pyramid; you've more chance of success the more you play.

No adverse effects
"I wouldn't change a whole lot, now . . . I haven't felt any adverse effects. Ask me at 75 and see what the state of my insides are like. I didn't take so many Difene that I'm concerned but there would be players out there taking them every single day, that can't be good for you. "
Also during the interview on Wednesday Night Rugby concerns were raised about the damage Difene does to a person's insides.
"I'd never take Difene on an empty stomach. That would absolutely pull your stomach apart. I was always very conscious not to take it with orange juice or a cup of coffee. You'd need to eat and make sure you've a full stomach and I never had an issue."
O'Driscoll, Ireland's most capped player and record try scorer, retired from rugby in 2014.
"It's always something that stayed with me," said the 39 year old. "I'd have some Difene in my golf bag now. Might not take one before I tee off but stiffen up on the round I might take a Difene."
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on December 06, 2018, 10:25:12 AM
This cannot be a surprise. The punishment these lads take, they have to be taking painkillers just to turn around and play the next week.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on December 06, 2018, 10:39:11 AM
The use of these painkillers was the cause of Lewis Moody being diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 2005.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 06, 2018, 10:49:54 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on December 06, 2018, 10:25:12 AM
This cannot be a surprise. The punishment these lads take, they have to be taking painkillers just to turn around and play the next week.
It is all about money . So is concussion
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on December 06, 2018, 10:55:59 AM
Quote from: seafoid on December 06, 2018, 10:49:54 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on December 06, 2018, 10:25:12 AM
This cannot be a surprise. The punishment these lads take, they have to be taking painkillers just to turn around and play the next week.
It is all about money . So is concussion

That is professional sport.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on December 06, 2018, 10:58:21 AM
I wonder is it the same at high level inter county football/hurling in August/September when games are coming thick and fast?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on December 06, 2018, 11:07:11 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on December 06, 2018, 10:58:21 AM
I wonder is it the same at high level inter county football/hurling in August/September when games are coming thick and fast?

O'Driscoll put in his book he used to take Ibuprofen prior to games to start the recovery process as soon as possible. This story doesn't surprise me at all.

I'd say it's not as rampant in the GAA, for all intents and purposes they aren't in the same league contact wise.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 06, 2018, 12:43:00 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on December 06, 2018, 10:55:59 AM
Quote from: seafoid on December 06, 2018, 10:49:54 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on December 06, 2018, 10:25:12 AM
This cannot be a surprise. The punishment these lads take, they have to be taking painkillers just to turn around and play the next week.
It is all about money . So is concussion

That is professional sport.
Maybe rugby shouldn't be professional, Dinny.
Being a gym bunny is one thing when the sport is based on avoiding people .
Rugby is all about attrition and bodies aren't designed for professional attrition.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 06, 2018, 12:47:25 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on December 06, 2018, 10:58:21 AM
I wonder is it the same at high level inter county football/hurling in August/September when games are coming thick and fast?
You could probably measure intensity levels of rugby vs GAA over say 70 vs 80 mins and then recovery times.
The GAA season is definitely shorter at the highest level. What counts is the frequency of pharma use over the long term.

In fairness the IRFU have done a good job reducing the exposure of players to too many matches but the body recovery issue is still a problem.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on December 06, 2018, 01:53:43 PM
Quote from: seafoid on December 06, 2018, 12:43:00 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on December 06, 2018, 10:55:59 AM
Quote from: seafoid on December 06, 2018, 10:49:54 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on December 06, 2018, 10:25:12 AM
This cannot be a surprise. The punishment these lads take, they have to be taking painkillers just to turn around and play the next week.
It is all about money . So is concussion

That is professional sport.
Maybe rugby shouldn't be professional, Dinny.
Being a gym bunny is one thing when the sport is based on avoiding people .
Rugby is all about attrition and bodies aren't designed for professional attrition.

At least being professional means being accountable, unlike the GAA they treat concussion and player burn-out seriously..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on December 06, 2018, 01:53:58 PM
Quote from: seafoid on December 06, 2018, 12:47:25 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on December 06, 2018, 10:58:21 AM
I wonder is it the same at high level inter county football/hurling in August/September when games are coming thick and fast?
You could probably measure intensity levels of rugby vs GAA over say 70 vs 80 mins and then recovery times.
The GAA season is definitely shorter at the highest level. What counts is the frequency of pharma use over the long term.

In fairness the IRFU have done a good job reducing the exposure of players to too many matches but the body recovery issue is still a problem.
The IRFU have, but the Premiership in England is an absolute grind. The big boys like Saracens etc. can rotate squads to a certain extent but I'd say some of the smaller teams have boys patched together going across the white line.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on December 06, 2018, 01:57:04 PM
Btw I say if you did a quick poll of the serious footballers such as AZ or BC1 I would be surprised if they've never taken pain killing pills or injection to play an important match..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on December 06, 2018, 03:14:02 PM
Yeah I've taken painkillers before a match not that often but definitely 2/3 times . . . I remember on one occasion thinking I wouldn't be fit for a match and the manager landed at my house before the game "The doc says they're strong but they'll sort you out"

I was 23 and had a badly bruised thumb. They didn't sort me out I couldn't catch the ball but the other times were just niggly injuries where I probably didn't need them but took them anyway as they were available.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 06, 2018, 03:37:43 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on December 06, 2018, 01:53:58 PM
Quote from: seafoid on December 06, 2018, 12:47:25 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on December 06, 2018, 10:58:21 AM
I wonder is it the same at high level inter county football/hurling in August/September when games are coming thick and fast?
You could probably measure intensity levels of rugby vs GAA over say 70 vs 80 mins and then recovery times.
The GAA season is definitely shorter at the highest level. What counts is the frequency of pharma use over the long term.

In fairness the IRFU have done a good job reducing the exposure of players to too many matches but the body recovery issue is still a problem.
The IRFU have, but the Premiership in England is an absolute grind. The big boys like Saracens etc. can rotate squads to a certain extent but I'd say some of the smaller teams have boys patched together going across the white line.
France is just as bad
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 06, 2018, 03:38:57 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on December 06, 2018, 01:53:43 PM
Quote from: seafoid on December 06, 2018, 12:43:00 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on December 06, 2018, 10:55:59 AM
Quote from: seafoid on December 06, 2018, 10:49:54 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on December 06, 2018, 10:25:12 AM
This cannot be a surprise. The punishment these lads take, they have to be taking painkillers just to turn around and play the next week.
It is all about money . So is concussion

That is professional sport.
Maybe rugby shouldn't be professional, Dinny.
Being a gym bunny is one thing when the sport is based on avoiding people .
Rugby is all about attrition and bodies aren't designed for professional attrition.

At least being professional means being accountable, unlike the GAA they treat concussion and player burn-out seriously..
What sort of compensation fund have the IRFU got for concussion at this stage ?
Professional does not mean accountable. Shur look at American football. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on December 06, 2018, 03:48:59 PM
Quote from: seafoid on December 06, 2018, 03:38:57 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on December 06, 2018, 01:53:43 PM
Quote from: seafoid on December 06, 2018, 12:43:00 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on December 06, 2018, 10:55:59 AM
Quote from: seafoid on December 06, 2018, 10:49:54 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on December 06, 2018, 10:25:12 AM
This cannot be a surprise. The punishment these lads take, they have to be taking painkillers just to turn around and play the next week.
It is all about money . So is concussion

That is professional sport.
Maybe rugby shouldn't be professional, Dinny.
Being a gym bunny is one thing when the sport is based on avoiding people .
Rugby is all about attrition and bodies aren't designed for professional attrition.

At least being professional means being accountable, unlike the GAA they treat concussion and player burn-out seriously..
What sort of compensation fund have the IRFU got for concussion at this stage ?
Professional does not mean accountable. Shur look at American football.

Why would they need compensation? Is there a litany of reports showing concussions causing premature death or health issues? Sensationalist!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 06, 2018, 03:58:15 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on December 06, 2018, 03:48:59 PM
Quote from: seafoid on December 06, 2018, 03:38:57 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on December 06, 2018, 01:53:43 PM
Quote from: seafoid on December 06, 2018, 12:43:00 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on December 06, 2018, 10:55:59 AM
Quote from: seafoid on December 06, 2018, 10:49:54 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on December 06, 2018, 10:25:12 AM
This cannot be a surprise. The punishment these lads take, they have to be taking painkillers just to turn around and play the next week.
It is all about money . So is concussion

That is professional sport.
Maybe rugby shouldn't be professional, Dinny.
Being a gym bunny is one thing when the sport is based on avoiding people .
Rugby is all about attrition and bodies aren't designed for professional attrition.

At least being professional means being accountable, unlike the GAA they treat concussion and player burn-out seriously..
What sort of compensation fund have the IRFU got for concussion at this stage ?
Professional does not mean accountable. Shur look at American football.

Why would they need compensation? Is there a litany of reports showing concussions causing premature death or health issues? Sensationalist!

All the great cover ups like fags, asbestos, Magdalen laundries, NFL concussion, US gym rape etc ended up costing a lot of money.
I can't remember the name but Connacht signed a decent Kiwi winding down his career a few years ago for full back iirc. He went into the Regional hosp for a checkup and the doctor told him to retire immediately. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: oakleaflad on December 06, 2018, 04:12:02 PM
Quote from: seafoid on December 06, 2018, 03:58:15 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on December 06, 2018, 03:48:59 PM
Quote from: seafoid on December 06, 2018, 03:38:57 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on December 06, 2018, 01:53:43 PM
Quote from: seafoid on December 06, 2018, 12:43:00 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on December 06, 2018, 10:55:59 AM
Quote from: seafoid on December 06, 2018, 10:49:54 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on December 06, 2018, 10:25:12 AM
This cannot be a surprise. The punishment these lads take, they have to be taking painkillers just to turn around and play the next week.
It is all about money . So is concussion

That is professional sport.
Maybe rugby shouldn't be professional, Dinny.
Being a gym bunny is one thing when the sport is based on avoiding people .
Rugby is all about attrition and bodies aren't designed for professional attrition.

At least being professional means being accountable, unlike the GAA they treat concussion and player burn-out seriously..
What sort of compensation fund have the IRFU got for concussion at this stage ?
Professional does not mean accountable. Shur look at American football.

Why would they need compensation? Is there a litany of reports showing concussions causing premature death or health issues? Sensationalist!

All the great cover ups like fags, asbestos, Magdalen laundries, NFL concussion, US gym rape etc ended up costing a lot of money.
I can't remember the name but Connacht signed a decent Kiwi winding down his career a few years ago for full back iirc. He went into the Regional hosp for a checkup and the doctor told him to retire immediately.
Anyone know who? Was thinking Mils Muliaina but he went on to play for Zebre and then in the USA after Connacht.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 06, 2018, 04:53:25 PM
Quote from: oakleaflad on December 06, 2018, 04:12:02 PM
Quote from: seafoid on December 06, 2018, 03:58:15 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on December 06, 2018, 03:48:59 PM
Quote from: seafoid on December 06, 2018, 03:38:57 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on December 06, 2018, 01:53:43 PM
Quote from: seafoid on December 06, 2018, 12:43:00 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on December 06, 2018, 10:55:59 AM
Quote from: seafoid on December 06, 2018, 10:49:54 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on December 06, 2018, 10:25:12 AM
This cannot be a surprise. The punishment these lads take, they have to be taking painkillers just to turn around and play the next week.
It is all about money . So is concussion

That is professional sport.
Maybe rugby shouldn't be professional, Dinny.
Being a gym bunny is one thing when the sport is based on avoiding people .
Rugby is all about attrition and bodies aren't designed for professional attrition.

At least being professional means being accountable, unlike the GAA they treat concussion and player burn-out seriously..
What sort of compensation fund have the IRFU got for concussion at this stage ?
Professional does not mean accountable. Shur look at American football.

Why would they need compensation? Is there a litany of reports showing concussions causing premature death or health issues? Sensationalist!

All the great cover ups like fags, asbestos, Magdalen laundries, NFL concussion, US gym rape etc ended up costing a lot of money.
I can't remember the name but Connacht signed a decent Kiwi winding down his career a few years ago for full back iirc. He went into the Regional hosp for a checkup and the doctor told him to retire immediately.
Anyone know who? Was thinking Mils Muliaina but he went on to play for Zebre and then in the USA after Connacht.

Connacht secondrow Craig Clarke announces his retirement
Thirty-year-old New Zealander sustained 10 concussions in a 22-month period

Craig Clarke in action against Leinster during this season's RaboDirect Pro 12 clash at the Showgrounds. Photograph: Inpho

Gavin Cummiskey


Wed, Jun 4, 2014, 01:00
First published:Wed, Jun 4, 2014, 01:00
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Craig Clarke's retirement from rugby was confirmed yesterday by Connacht.
The 30-year-old New Zealander was stood down after the Saracens match in January and it was subsequently revealed he had sustained 10 concussions in 22 months.
Neither Connacht coach Pat Lam nor Clarke were available for interview yesterday. This meant no explanation was provided for how a player could sustain so many head traumas in such a short space of time and be allowed to continue playing.
It is also unclear how the problem only became apparent after Clarke signed a three -year deal with the province last year.
A highly respected leader, having captained the Chiefs to back-to-back Super rugby titles, Clarke's main regret on leaving the game was he never became an All Black.
"While I will always be disappointed not to have worn the black jersey of my country, I will sleep easy knowing that I gave it a real crack, particularly in my last three seasons playing in New Zealand," said Clarke via a Connacht press release
"Craig was obviously one of the biggest signings we've ever had at Connacht and it was huge for us to get someone of his experience," said Lam, also via an email. "But he also had all the qualities of a Connacht team man and we are extremely disappointed for him that his time with the club has been cut short. . . ."
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: oakleaflad on December 06, 2018, 04:57:01 PM
Quote from: seafoid on December 06, 2018, 04:53:25 PM
Quote from: oakleaflad on December 06, 2018, 04:12:02 PM
Quote from: seafoid on December 06, 2018, 03:58:15 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on December 06, 2018, 03:48:59 PM
Quote from: seafoid on December 06, 2018, 03:38:57 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on December 06, 2018, 01:53:43 PM
Quote from: seafoid on December 06, 2018, 12:43:00 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on December 06, 2018, 10:55:59 AM
Quote from: seafoid on December 06, 2018, 10:49:54 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on December 06, 2018, 10:25:12 AM
This cannot be a surprise. The punishment these lads take, they have to be taking painkillers just to turn around and play the next week.
It is all about money . So is concussion

That is professional sport.
Maybe rugby shouldn't be professional, Dinny.
Being a gym bunny is one thing when the sport is based on avoiding people .
Rugby is all about attrition and bodies aren't designed for professional attrition.

At least being professional means being accountable, unlike the GAA they treat concussion and player burn-out seriously..
What sort of compensation fund have the IRFU got for concussion at this stage ?
Professional does not mean accountable. Shur look at American football.

Why would they need compensation? Is there a litany of reports showing concussions causing premature death or health issues? Sensationalist!

All the great cover ups like fags, asbestos, Magdalen laundries, NFL concussion, US gym rape etc ended up costing a lot of money.
I can't remember the name but Connacht signed a decent Kiwi winding down his career a few years ago for full back iirc. He went into the Regional hosp for a checkup and the doctor told him to retire immediately.
Anyone know who? Was thinking Mils Muliaina but he went on to play for Zebre and then in the USA after Connacht.

Connacht secondrow Craig Clarke announces his retirement
Thirty-year-old New Zealander sustained 10 concussions in a 22-month period

Craig Clarke in action against Leinster during this season's RaboDirect Pro 12 clash at the Showgrounds. Photograph: Inpho

Gavin Cummiskey


Wed, Jun 4, 2014, 01:00
First published:Wed, Jun 4, 2014, 01:00
•   0
•   
•   
•   
•   More Sharing Services
Craig Clarke's retirement from rugby was confirmed yesterday by Connacht.
The 30-year-old New Zealander was stood down after the Saracens match in January and it was subsequently revealed he had sustained 10 concussions in 22 months.
Neither Connacht coach Pat Lam nor Clarke were available for interview yesterday. This meant no explanation was provided for how a player could sustain so many head traumas in such a short space of time and be allowed to continue playing.
It is also unclear how the problem only became apparent after Clarke signed a three -year deal with the province last year.
A highly respected leader, having captained the Chiefs to back-to-back Super rugby titles, Clarke's main regret on leaving the game was he never became an All Black.
"While I will always be disappointed not to have worn the black jersey of my country, I will sleep easy knowing that I gave it a real crack, particularly in my last three seasons playing in New Zealand," said Clarke via a Connacht press release
"Craig was obviously one of the biggest signings we've ever had at Connacht and it was huge for us to get someone of his experience," said Lam, also via an email. "But he also had all the qualities of a Connacht team man and we are extremely disappointed for him that his time with the club has been cut short. . . ."
Cheers! Jesus, 10 concussions in 22 months! He should have been stopped before then.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 06, 2018, 06:02:10 PM
Neil Francis

"I could not comprehend how big the Toulon pack was when they won their first Heineken Cup in 2013 in Dublin. Bakkies Botha, Danie Roussow, Carl Haymen and Andrew Sheridan were in the sponsors' room standing around like Redwoods unaware of their sheer physical size while people gawped in slack-jawed amazement.
The biggest and most powerful mercenaries that money could buy. Power and size win cups evidently The human race is constantly evolving but international forwards are constantly coming in ahead of the average"

Kimmage on drugs and rubby

https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/six-nations/paul-kimmage-meets-laurent-benezech-the-whole-object-of-speaking-out-was-to-prevent-someone-dropping-dead-on-a-rugby-pitch-36537962.html

But obviously gaelic football is far worse
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on December 07, 2018, 09:04:40 AM
Quote from: seafoid on December 06, 2018, 06:02:10 PM
Neil Francis

"I could not comprehend how big the Toulon pack was when they won their first Heineken Cup in 2013 in Dublin. Bakkies Botha, Danie Roussow, Carl Haymen and Andrew Sheridan were in the sponsors' room standing around like Redwoods unaware of their sheer physical size while people gawped in slack-jawed amazement.
The biggest and most powerful mercenaries that money could buy. Power and size win cups evidently The human race is constantly evolving but international forwards are constantly coming in ahead of the average"

Kimmage on drugs and rubby

https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/six-nations/paul-kimmage-meets-laurent-benezech-the-whole-object-of-speaking-out-was-to-prevent-someone-dropping-dead-on-a-rugby-pitch-36537962.html

But obviously gaelic football is far worse

Plus big Bastareaud who wasn't far off those guys even back then as a young(ish) centre.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on December 07, 2018, 09:40:17 AM
Quote from: seafoid on December 06, 2018, 06:02:10 PM
Neil Francis

"I could not comprehend how big the Toulon pack was when they won their first Heineken Cup in 2013 in Dublin. Bakkies Botha, Danie Roussow, Carl Haymen and Andrew Sheridan were in the sponsors' room standing around like Redwoods unaware of their sheer physical size while people gawped in slack-jawed amazement.
The biggest and most powerful mercenaries that money could buy. Power and size win cups evidently The human race is constantly evolving but international forwards are constantly coming in ahead of the average"

Kimmage on drugs and rubby

https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/six-nations/paul-kimmage-meets-laurent-benezech-the-whole-object-of-speaking-out-was-to-prevent-someone-dropping-dead-on-a-rugby-pitch-36537962.html

But obviously gaelic football is far worse

To be fair, that's not what Dinny was saying. He's pointing out that Rugby have protocols on head injuries and concussions which are well known and followed fairly strictly. The GAA is trying to address it, but it's still very amateurish.

In terms of risk of concussion, of course Rugby has more opportunities. The game has changed to a more powerful collision sport, and the tackles this autumn from the like of Eoin Farrell are a bit worrying, but there are strict penalties for head hunting, and strict procedures for evaluating and replacing players with suspected head injuries.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 07, 2018, 10:27:38 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on December 07, 2018, 09:40:17 AM
Quote from: seafoid on December 06, 2018, 06:02:10 PM
Neil Francis

"I could not comprehend how big the Toulon pack was when they won their first Heineken Cup in 2013 in Dublin. Bakkies Botha, Danie Roussow, Carl Haymen and Andrew Sheridan were in the sponsors' room standing around like Redwoods unaware of their sheer physical size while people gawped in slack-jawed amazement.
The biggest and most powerful mercenaries that money could buy. Power and size win cups evidently The human race is constantly evolving but international forwards are constantly coming in ahead of the average"

Kimmage on drugs and rubby

https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/six-nations/paul-kimmage-meets-laurent-benezech-the-whole-object-of-speaking-out-was-to-prevent-someone-dropping-dead-on-a-rugby-pitch-36537962.html

But obviously gaelic football is far worse

To be fair, that's not what Dinny was saying. He's pointing out that Rugby have protocols on head injuries and concussions which are well known and followed fairly strictly. The GAA is trying to address it, but it's still very amateurish.

In terms of risk of concussion, of course Rugby has more opportunities. The game has changed to a more powerful collision sport, and the tackles this autumn from the like of Eoin Farrell are a bit worrying, but there are strict penalties for head hunting, and strict procedures for evaluating and replacing players with suspected head injuries.

We do not know how many concussions are grand before there is brain damage.
We do know that the heavier players are the heavier the collisions. Maybe players are more likely to get hurt when they are tired. Has anyone looked into it?

Rugby is about crashing into fellas when it isn't about identifying space and running into
https://youtu.be/xIKq-WNXzEU
See 2:24

Comparing GAA to rugby for long term damage ignores the structural differences. Obviously the GAA needs to do more but it is not existential. It is for the IRFU
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Jim_Murphy_74 on December 07, 2018, 10:35:21 AM
Quote from: seafoid on December 07, 2018, 10:27:38 AM

https://youtu.be/zuuObGsB0No

See 2:24


At 2:24 I see Peter Hook banging away on the bass but not to the level he would cause concussion to himself or anyone else....

/Jim.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 07, 2018, 10:48:48 AM
Quote from: Jim_Murphy_74 on December 07, 2018, 10:35:21 AM
Quote from: seafoid on December 07, 2018, 10:27:38 AM

https://youtu.be/zuuObGsB0No

See 2:24


At 2:24 I see Peter Hook banging away on the bass but not to the level he would cause concussion to himself or anyone else....

/Jim.
Good call. Concussion will tear the IRFU apart

https://youtu.be/xIKq-WNXzEU
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on December 07, 2018, 11:24:05 AM
Seafoid.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 07, 2018, 01:12:23 PM
Shontayne Hape

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11264856

As far as I know GAA doesn't have any cases like this
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Denn Forever on December 13, 2018, 11:43:19 AM
So it may not have been all on conditioning.  Or maybe it was.

https://soulsofmyworld.com/schmidt-strikes-back-condemns-unions-decision/index.php?ad=JS30+all-IE&fbclid=IwAR0J0hGKoeGqkS3QluSr-CTASY3YyMQTzQbSe5wjEMrTYt-X7xy1IMCQjkU

Hopefully their legacy won't be tarnished.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on December 13, 2018, 04:29:21 PM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/46550462

Very sad.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Denn Forever on December 13, 2018, 05:02:44 PM
Very sad.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on December 13, 2018, 07:49:09 PM
That's the future of this game as it stands and why I wouldn't let my kids anywhere near it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on December 14, 2018, 09:47:42 PM
Good result for Ulster tonight. Good season from billy burns and he can force his way onto the Ireland squad.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on December 14, 2018, 09:55:23 PM
Ulster have turned a corner, a lot of it down to injured players getting back and the new players have bedded in
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 15, 2018, 03:12:44 PM
Henshaw is injured again.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on December 16, 2018, 06:16:35 PM
Munster are learning that Carberry is not the man when the pressure is on in European Cup rugby.  He could have kicked them to victory but fluffed his lines.  Hanrahan must be furious being kept off the team to give Carberry his chance to play with Murray.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on December 16, 2018, 06:18:10 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on December 16, 2018, 06:16:35 PM
Munster are learning that Carberry is not the man when the pressure is on in European Cup rugby.  He could have kicked them to victory but fluffed his lines.  Hanrahan must be furious being kept off the team to give Carberry his chance to play with Murray.

Carberry missed a host of chances yesterday, he'll hardly be considered for the World Cup
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on December 20, 2018, 07:45:53 PM
http://www.606v2.com/t68278-stephen-jones-best-ever-world-rugby-xv-he-s-ever-seen-in-his-entire-life

Had to check this wasn't an April fools😂, but to each their own I suppose.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on December 20, 2018, 08:16:19 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on December 16, 2018, 06:18:10 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on December 16, 2018, 06:16:35 PM
Munster are learning that Carberry is not the man when the pressure is on in European Cup rugby.  He could have kicked them to victory but fluffed his lines.  Hanrahan must be furious being kept off the team to give Carberry his chance to play with Murray.

Carberry missed a host of chances yesterday, he'll hardly be considered for the World Cup

By moving him to Munster Schmidt has made Carberry the understudy. Other options are not great either with Billy Burns now being talked about. Bleyendaal is injury prone. Ian Keatley, Madigan and Hanrahan? Jackson is gone.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on December 20, 2018, 09:12:15 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on December 20, 2018, 08:16:19 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on December 16, 2018, 06:18:10 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on December 16, 2018, 06:16:35 PM
Munster are learning that Carberry is not the man when the pressure is on in European Cup rugby.  He could have kicked them to victory but fluffed his lines.  Hanrahan must be furious being kept off the team to give Carberry his chance to play with Murray.

Carberry missed a host of chances yesterday, he'll hardly be considered for the World Cup

By moving him to Munster Schmidt has made Carberry the understudy. Other options are not great either with Billy Burns now being talked about. Bleyendaal is injury prone. Ian Keatley, Madigan and Hanrahan? Jackson is gone.
Ross Byrne was in the Autumn Int. panel.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on December 21, 2018, 11:46:39 PM
Ulster hitting good form at the minute, think that's four on the bounce
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on December 22, 2018, 12:26:55 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on December 21, 2018, 11:46:39 PM
Ulster hitting good form at the minute, think that's four on the bounce
Lot of boys rested for Europe. Munster were toothless but you can only beat what's in front of you. Match against Racing will be a big test.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on January 12, 2019, 01:44:56 PM
Jamie Heaslip talks too much!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 12, 2019, 02:33:56 PM
Quote from: screenexile on January 12, 2019, 01:44:56 PM
Jamie Heaslip talks too much!!

He's hard to listen to. Dorrrrrrce not much better.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on January 12, 2019, 02:47:48 PM
Impressive from Leinster and Munster there... have Ulster any chance today??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on January 12, 2019, 05:08:24 PM
On the right side of two forward pass decisions, Ulster make it 3 out of 3 in the Champions cup for Irish teams.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 12, 2019, 05:15:25 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on December 22, 2018, 12:26:55 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on December 21, 2018, 11:46:39 PM
Ulster hitting good form at the minute, think that's four on the bounce
Lot of boys rested for Europe. Munster were toothless but you can only beat what's in front of you. Match against Racing will be a big test.

Passed with a team missing some decent players to boot
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on January 12, 2019, 05:19:28 PM
Fair play Ulster I didn't think they would win looked like Racing could score anytime they got inside the 22 but they butchered a right few chances.

Finn Russell probably had his worst game this season with no kicks made 2 block downs and a missed touch!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 12, 2019, 06:34:10 PM
Quote from: screenexile on January 12, 2019, 05:19:28 PM
Fair play Ulster I didn't think they would win looked like Racing could score anytime they got inside the 22 but they butchered a right few chances.

Finn Russell probably had his worst game this season with no kicks made 2 block downs and a missed touch!!

Russell was brutal as was Ulster's kicker, Burns. Which would have made the score similar anyways.

The away performances will be Ulsters downfall unfortunately. Shanahan had his best ever game for Ulster, was always worried when he played but today he was on point
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on January 12, 2019, 07:10:15 PM
Shocked at how poor Racing were for a team tipped to rival Leinster to win the whole thing. They were desperately poor in the first half and as the lads have said Russell had a shocker. Apologies in the changing rooms for him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mrdeeds on January 13, 2019, 09:25:48 AM
Anyone see Zebo's Instagram post? Seems to be implying the Ulster crowd shouting some awful stuff.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on January 13, 2019, 09:35:15 AM
Quote from: mrdeeds on January 13, 2019, 09:25:48 AM
Anyone see Zebo's Instagram post? Seems to be implying the Ulster crowd shouting some awful stuff.
Saw it and wouldn't be entirely surprised if a few idiots crossed the line. The booing was also pathetic.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 13, 2019, 11:42:30 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 13, 2019, 09:35:15 AM
Quote from: mrdeeds on January 13, 2019, 09:25:48 AM
Anyone see Zebo's Instagram post? Seems to be implying the Ulster crowd shouting some awful stuff.
Saw it and wouldn't be entirely surprised if a few idiots crossed the line. The booing was also pathetic.

So fans don't boo ex rival players? Get a grip ya eejit! You've watched sport before? Some players get special attention from supporters. And some cross the line.. His antics after scoring in France last game set him up for this. A nothing story
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on January 13, 2019, 11:55:03 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 13, 2019, 11:42:30 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 13, 2019, 09:35:15 AM
Quote from: mrdeeds on January 13, 2019, 09:25:48 AM
Anyone see Zebo's Instagram post? Seems to be implying the Ulster crowd shouting some awful stuff.
Saw it and wouldn't be entirely surprised if a few idiots crossed the line. The booing was also pathetic.

So fans don't boo ex rival players? Get a grip ya eejit! You've watched sport before? Some players get special attention from supporters. And some cross the line.. His antics after scoring in France last game set him up for this. A nothing story
It was clearly racist abuse (you nordie nitwit)  that Zebo highlighted. There is no excuse for that. Nordie racist behaviour in sports stadiums should receive the same repugnance as elsewhere.

"A tough place to play but great effort from the boys, 2 important points on the road. Also I hope my ears deceived me with some comments directed my way from the crowd. #NotOn. Django wins in the end."
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on January 13, 2019, 11:58:02 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 13, 2019, 11:42:30 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 13, 2019, 09:35:15 AM
Quote from: mrdeeds on January 13, 2019, 09:25:48 AM
Anyone see Zebo's Instagram post? Seems to be implying the Ulster crowd shouting some awful stuff.
Saw it and wouldn't be entirely surprised if a few idiots crossed the line. The booing was also pathetic.

So fans don't boo ex rival players? Get a grip ya eejit! You've watched sport before? Some players get special attention from supporters. And some cross the line.. His antics after scoring in France last game set him up for this. A nothing story
Him accusing some of the Ulster fans of racist abuse is a nothing story?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 13, 2019, 11:58:48 AM
Quote from: Main Street on January 13, 2019, 11:55:03 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 13, 2019, 11:42:30 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 13, 2019, 09:35:15 AM
Quote from: mrdeeds on January 13, 2019, 09:25:48 AM
Anyone see Zebo's Instagram post? Seems to be implying the Ulster crowd shouting some awful stuff.
Saw it and wouldn't be entirely surprised if a few idiots crossed the line. The booing was also pathetic.

So fans don't boo ex rival players? Get a grip ya eejit! You've watched sport before? Some players get special attention from supporters. And some cross the line.. His antics after scoring in France last game set him up for this. A nothing story
It was clearly racist abuse (you nordie nitwit)  that Zebo highlighted. There is no excuse for that. Nordie racist behaviour in sports stadiums should receive the same repugnance as elsewhere.

I said people crossed the line you southern twat.. it happens
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on January 13, 2019, 12:02:50 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 13, 2019, 11:58:48 AM
Quote from: Main Street on January 13, 2019, 11:55:03 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 13, 2019, 11:42:30 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 13, 2019, 09:35:15 AM
Quote from: mrdeeds on January 13, 2019, 09:25:48 AM
Anyone see Zebo's Instagram post? Seems to be implying the Ulster crowd shouting some awful stuff.
Saw it and wouldn't be entirely surprised if a few idiots crossed the line. The booing was also pathetic.

So fans don't boo ex rival players? Get a grip ya eejit! You've watched sport before? Some players get special attention from supporters. And some cross the line.. His antics after scoring in France last game set him up for this. A nothing story
It was clearly racist abuse (you nordie nitwit)  that Zebo highlighted. There is no excuse for that. Nordie racist behaviour in sports stadiums should receive the same repugnance as elsewhere.

I said people crossed the line you southern twat.. it happens
Racially abusing him is alright because he wiped Lowry's eye a few months ago?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 13, 2019, 12:04:04 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 13, 2019, 11:58:02 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 13, 2019, 11:42:30 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 13, 2019, 09:35:15 AM
Quote from: mrdeeds on January 13, 2019, 09:25:48 AM
Anyone see Zebo's Instagram post? Seems to be implying the Ulster crowd shouting some awful stuff.
Saw it and wouldn't be entirely surprised if a few idiots crossed the line. The booing was also pathetic.

So fans don't boo ex rival players? Get a grip ya eejit! You've watched sport before? Some players get special attention from supporters. And some cross the line.. His antics after scoring in France last game set him up for this. A nothing story
Him accusing some of the Ulster fans of racist abuse is a nothing story?

Racist abuse is and has been going on in Ireland for years. Anyone caught hurling it at these games should be banned for life.. has there been a formal complaint put forward by him or club?

Watched it and had few friends at it, they didn't hear any in fairness.. plenty abuse given no racial
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 13, 2019, 12:05:27 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 13, 2019, 12:02:50 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 13, 2019, 11:58:48 AM
Quote from: Main Street on January 13, 2019, 11:55:03 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 13, 2019, 11:42:30 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 13, 2019, 09:35:15 AM
Quote from: mrdeeds on January 13, 2019, 09:25:48 AM
Anyone see Zebo's Instagram post? Seems to be implying the Ulster crowd shouting some awful stuff.
Saw it and wouldn't be entirely surprised if a few idiots crossed the line. The booing was also pathetic.

So fans don't boo ex rival players? Get a grip ya eejit! You've watched sport before? Some players get special attention from supporters. And some cross the line.. His antics after scoring in France last game set him up for this. A nothing story
It was clearly racist abuse (you nordie nitwit)  that Zebo highlighted. There is no excuse for that. Nordie racist behaviour in sports stadiums should receive the same repugnance as elsewhere.

I said people crossed the line you southern twat.. it happens
Racially abusing him is alright because he wiped Lowry's eye a few months ago?

You're thicker than I thought, where did I say racial abuse is fine?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on January 13, 2019, 12:06:39 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 13, 2019, 12:04:04 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 13, 2019, 11:58:02 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 13, 2019, 11:42:30 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 13, 2019, 09:35:15 AM
Quote from: mrdeeds on January 13, 2019, 09:25:48 AM
Anyone see Zebo's Instagram post? Seems to be implying the Ulster crowd shouting some awful stuff.
Saw it and wouldn't be entirely surprised if a few idiots crossed the line. The booing was also pathetic.

So fans don't boo ex rival players? Get a grip ya eejit! You've watched sport before? Some players get special attention from supporters. And some cross the line.. His antics after scoring in France last game set him up for this. A nothing story
Him accusing some of the Ulster fans of racist abuse is a nothing story?

Racist abuse is and has been going on in Ireland for years. Anyone caught hurling it at these games should be banned for life.. has there been a formal complaint put forward by him or club?

Watched it and had few friends at it, they didn't hear any in fairness.. plenty abuse given no racial
LOL they must have good hearing to be able to hear everything everyone said. I was at it and didn't hear any either but he has implied it did happen. It could have been 1 person out of the 18000 or so at it but I'm not going to say it didn't happen as I didn't hear it  ::)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on January 13, 2019, 12:08:08 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 13, 2019, 12:05:27 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 13, 2019, 12:02:50 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 13, 2019, 11:58:48 AM
Quote from: Main Street on January 13, 2019, 11:55:03 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 13, 2019, 11:42:30 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 13, 2019, 09:35:15 AM
Quote from: mrdeeds on January 13, 2019, 09:25:48 AM
Anyone see Zebo's Instagram post? Seems to be implying the Ulster crowd shouting some awful stuff.
Saw it and wouldn't be entirely surprised if a few idiots crossed the line. The booing was also pathetic.

So fans don't boo ex rival players? Get a grip ya eejit! You've watched sport before? Some players get special attention from supporters. And some cross the line.. His antics after scoring in France last game set him up for this. A nothing story
It was clearly racist abuse (you nordie nitwit)  that Zebo highlighted. There is no excuse for that. Nordie racist behaviour in sports stadiums should receive the same repugnance as elsewhere.

I said people crossed the line you southern twat.. it happens
Racially abusing him is alright because he wiped Lowry's eye a few months ago?

You're thicker than I thought, where did I say racial abuse is fine?
You said it happens and was a nothing story. That implies that you think it's okay. You're just as thick as we already think  ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 13, 2019, 12:11:52 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 13, 2019, 12:06:39 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 13, 2019, 12:04:04 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 13, 2019, 11:58:02 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 13, 2019, 11:42:30 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 13, 2019, 09:35:15 AM
Quote from: mrdeeds on January 13, 2019, 09:25:48 AM
Anyone see Zebo's Instagram post? Seems to be implying the Ulster crowd shouting some awful stuff.
Saw it and wouldn't be entirely surprised if a few idiots crossed the line. The booing was also pathetic.

So fans don't boo ex rival players? Get a grip ya eejit! You've watched sport before? Some players get special attention from supporters. And some cross the line.. His antics after scoring in France last game set him up for this. A nothing story
Him accusing some of the Ulster fans of racist abuse is a nothing story?

Racist abuse is and has been going on in Ireland for years. Anyone caught hurling it at these games should be banned for life.. has there been a formal complaint put forward by him or club?

Watched it and had few friends at it, they didn't hear any in fairness.. plenty abuse given no racial
LOL they must have good hearing to be able to hear everything everyone said. I was at it and didn't hear any either but he has implied it did happen. It could have been 1 person out of the 18000 or so at it but I'm not going to say it didn't happen as I didn't hear it  ::)

You'll get muppets at every game, too much drink and no sense.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on January 13, 2019, 12:14:35 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 13, 2019, 12:11:52 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 13, 2019, 12:06:39 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 13, 2019, 12:04:04 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 13, 2019, 11:58:02 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 13, 2019, 11:42:30 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 13, 2019, 09:35:15 AM
Quote from: mrdeeds on January 13, 2019, 09:25:48 AM
Anyone see Zebo's Instagram post? Seems to be implying the Ulster crowd shouting some awful stuff.
Saw it and wouldn't be entirely surprised if a few idiots crossed the line. The booing was also pathetic.

So fans don't boo ex rival players? Get a grip ya eejit! You’ve watched sport before? Some players get special attention from supporters. And some cross the line.. His antics after scoring in France last game set him up for this. A nothing story
Him accusing some of the Ulster fans of racist abuse is a nothing story?

Racist abuse is and has been going on in Ireland for years. Anyone caught hurling it at these games should be banned for life.. has there been a formal complaint put forward by him or club?

Watched it and had few friends at it, they didn't hear any in fairness.. plenty abuse given no racial
LOL they must have good hearing to be able to hear everything everyone said. I was at it and didn't hear any either but he has implied it did happen. It could have been 1 person out of the 18000 or so at it but I'm not going to say it didn't happen as I didn't hear it  ::)

You'll get muppets at every game, too much drink and no sense.
Aye sure there were idiots roaring away when Ulster were taking their kicks let alone Finn Russell.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 13, 2019, 12:19:35 PM
The roaring during kicks is very rare to be fair to the proper supporters. I'm actually amazed at how still it is at Ravenhill during it.. it's not the same in France it's always booed
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 13, 2019, 12:36:35 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 13, 2019, 12:08:08 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 13, 2019, 12:05:27 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 13, 2019, 12:02:50 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 13, 2019, 11:58:48 AM
Quote from: Main Street on January 13, 2019, 11:55:03 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 13, 2019, 11:42:30 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 13, 2019, 09:35:15 AM
Quote from: mrdeeds on January 13, 2019, 09:25:48 AM
Anyone see Zebo's Instagram post? Seems to be implying the Ulster crowd shouting some awful stuff.
Saw it and wouldn't be entirely surprised if a few idiots crossed the line. The booing was also pathetic.

So fans don't boo ex rival players? Get a grip ya eejit! You've watched sport before? Some players get special attention from supporters. And some cross the line.. His antics after scoring in France last game set him up for this. A nothing story
It was clearly racist abuse (you nordie nitwit)  that Zebo highlighted. There is no excuse for that. Nordie racist behaviour in sports stadiums should receive the same repugnance as elsewhere.

I said people crossed the line you southern twat.. it happens
Racially abusing him is alright because he wiped Lowry's eye a few months ago?

You're thicker than I thought, where did I say racial abuse is fine?
You said it happens and was a nothing story. That implies that you think it's okay. You're just as thick as we already think  ;)

You're making things up, I didnt imply it was ok, I'll read it out to you again, it's Sunday and you're probably tired. I said his antics last game were going to set him up for abuse, at no point in that post did I say it was ok or he was going to get racial abuse.. you made that bit up all by yourself...

And the 'We think' bit? Wtf age are you?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Kidder81 on January 13, 2019, 03:10:36 PM
Is there a thread MR2 doesent make a c**t out of himself ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 13, 2019, 03:17:30 PM
Quote from: Kidder81 on January 13, 2019, 03:10:36 PM
Is there a thread MR2 doesent make a c**t out of himself ?

Is there a post/thread you don't stalk me on?

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 13, 2019, 03:55:51 PM
One thing the game proved is Zebo is miles off the player Stockdale already is!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on January 13, 2019, 08:43:09 PM
Zebo seems to imply there was  racist comments coming from the crowd. Cant believe it myself but if true then thats disgracefull
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 13, 2019, 08:51:36 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on January 13, 2019, 08:43:09 PM
Zebo seems to imply there was  racist comments coming from the crowd. Cant believe it myself but if true then thats disgracefull

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/european-cup/no-complaint-from-racing-about-alleged-abuse-directed-at-simon-zebo-1.3756441%3fmode=amp
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on January 14, 2019, 12:40:33 PM
(https://beta-static.photobucket.com/images/uu206/Hardyarse/0/e57881b8-5aad-469c-852a-afb3309d10da-original.png?width=960&height=540&fit=bounds) (https://beta.photobucket.com/u/Hardyarse/p/e57881b8-5aad-469c-852a-afb3309d10da)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Taylor on January 14, 2019, 01:01:50 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 13, 2019, 08:51:36 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on January 13, 2019, 08:43:09 PM
Zebo seems to imply there was  racist comments coming from the crowd. Cant believe it myself but if true then thats disgracefull

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/european-cup/no-complaint-from-racing-about-alleged-abuse-directed-at-simon-zebo-1.3756441%3fmode=amp

Ulster Rugby have just emailed members....

Ulster Rugby has been informed of an alleged incident which took place during Saturday's game versus Racing 92, involving abuse directed from the West Terrace towards an opposition player.

The club strongly condemns all forms of abuse and, if there is evidence of ticket holders taking part in any such behaviour, we will take the strongest possible action.

If you saw or heard anything in relation to this alleged incident, please send a detailed account, in confidence, to standup@ulsterrugby.com or phone 028 9049 3222.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on January 14, 2019, 01:24:25 PM
Quote from: Hardy on January 14, 2019, 12:40:33 PM
(https://beta-static.photobucket.com/images/uu206/Hardyarse/0/e57881b8-5aad-469c-852a-afb3309d10da-original.png?width=960&height=540&fit=bounds) (https://beta.photobucket.com/u/Hardyarse/p/e57881b8-5aad-469c-852a-afb3309d10da)
;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Take yer points on January 14, 2019, 05:47:53 PM
I'm not a frequent visitor to Ulster games but get my hands on a couple of tickets every now and again and use it as an excuse for a night out. Was at a game towards the end of 2017 and two fellas in front of us (mid 60's at a guess) insisted on making monkey noises at a certain Harlequins player every time he ran past us. When confronted by my brother they laughed and said "sure its all part of the craic"

At the end of the game we let them know exactly what we thought of them and left. No one else around us spoke up but we got a good few nods of approval when we did. There are always a few idiots no matter where you go but as usual they are in the minority.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 15, 2019, 10:59:12 AM
Gerry Thornley: We're now seeing the fruits of the Irish youth programme
Provinces place far greater trust in youngsters to help them punch above their weight
about 3 hours ago

Gerry Thornley



For only the second time in the competition's history there could be five Pro14 clubs in the knock-out stages of the Heineken Champions Cup.
No doubt this will prompt the usual Anglo-French bleatings about there being no relegation in the Premiership and the Pro14 as the primary reason for this. But the penny may have started to drop that the reasons go deeper than that.
Dimitri Yachvili, the former Biarritz and France scrum-half with the spindly legs and deadly left boot, was in the RDS last Saturday as a television analyst with beIN Sport.
On foot of Leinster's 29-13 bonus point win, Yachvili admitted that the French clubs have fallen behind their Pro14 rivals. The "restrictive" game which most of the clubs adhere to is enough to shine in the Top 14 but, he believes, the French do not look at what is being done elsewhere.
In the Pro14, he maintains, the games are faster, the intensity is higher and sequences of play are longer. Despite less financial resources than the French clubs, Yachvili has come to the view that Celtic teams are a couple of steps ahead in their thinking on the game.
He notes that whereas there were no Celtic teams in the knockout stages three seasons ago, there were three two seasons ago and again last season, which could now rise to five after next weekend's final round of pool matches.
Admittedly, none of them are there yet. As things stand, Munster, Ulster and Leinster all need to win, at home to Exeter, away to Leicester and away to Wasps, to nail down qualification.
Dimitri Yachvili is seen playing for Biarritz against Toulon in 2012 Photograph: Billy Stickland/Inpho
Higher tempo
But this could be the third time this decade, following on from the 2011-12 (when accompanied by Edinburgh and Cardiff) and 2013-14 seasons, when all three advance.
!
!

Blue Billywig Video PlayerIn those campaigns Connacht also competed in the Heineken Champions Cup but failed to qualify, so if they were to beat Bordeaux on Saturday and reach the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup, it would be the first time all four advanced.
Conceivably, Scotland could provide two quarter-finalists for the first time ever. By contrast, there may only be one or two French teams, although there could be three if Montpellier win away to Edinburgh.
After the Premiership provided five quarter-finalists three seasons ago, as was the case last year Saracens may be the only English team in the last eight, although Exeter are still in the mix too.
But Leinster probably possess the healthiest strength in depth in Europe, and all their replacements had plenty of experience
That the Pro14 could well be the bulk suppliers for the knock-out stages is no surprise to Yachvili. The Pro14 is generally played at a higher tempo, he believes, with more elaborate strike plays, and individual technique is superior to that of the Top 14.
It's good to hear an leading ex-French international with a voice say such things. So, not for the first time in these pages, let's hear it for the Guinness Pro14, and specifically the Irish provinces.
There's been a few occasions too many this year when some Pro14 coaches have sent notably under-strength teams for away fixtures, notably against Leinster and Munster, but the rugby is of an unappreciated quality.
The Welsh regions, it's true, have taken a backward step, especially the Scarlets. So too the Cheetahs.
But Treviso and Zebre have improved significantly in the last two seasons. Zebre may not compete for the play-offs, but they play the enterprising brand of rugby Yachvili talks about.
Leinster's Adam Byrne runs in a try during the Heineken Champions Cup, round five clash with Toulouse at RDS, Dublin on Janaury 12th Photograph: Dan Sheridan/Inpho
Christmas time quality
Few games have underlined the quality of the Pro14, and the Irish provinces, than some of the derbies over Christmas. The Leinster-Connacht, Munster-Leinster and Connacht-Munster were truly high quality affairs.
In addition to the prevailing quality of rugby in the Pro14, Yachvili added, the Pro14 clubs make the Heineken Champions Cup their priority and, granted, the last point undoubtedly has some validity.
Each of the provincial coaching staffs plot for blocks of the season, with management of player minutes (meticulously overseen from on high) designed to enable them to be fully loaded with frontliners come the return to European action.
It's striking to note that last weekend's Irish four-timer in round five, emulated an unbeaten round one (when Munster drew away against Exeter) and the four wins in round three as well.
The return to Europe has found all four provinces primed and ready, albeit round two should serve as a cautionary tale, when three of the four lost.
Furthermore, for all the plotting, Leinster were still handicapped by injuries to a host of experienced internationals in Devin Toner, Dan Leavy, Sean O'Brien, Johnny Sexton, Robbie Henshaw and Rob Kearney, as well as James Lowe. That's almost half their normal starting team.
Dave Kearney scores a try against Toulouse Photograph: Oisin Keniry/Inpho
But Leinster probably possess the healthiest strength in depth in Europe, and all their replacements had plenty of experience at this level, even the relatively younger ones such as Ross Byrne (23), Rory O'Loughlin (24) and Jordan Larmour (21).
They have already accumulated 61, 53 and 32 caps for Leinster, and for Byrne (who started both European wins over Montpellier last season as well as the Pro14 semi-final win over Munster) this was a 14th Champions Cup appearance, an eighth for O'Loughlin and an 11th for Larmour.
England are regular finalists in the Under-20 World Cup and France won it last year, but their clubs seem compelled to play more expensively assembled players, often brought in from abroad.
With the exception of Toulouse again of late, the Irish provinces place a far greater trust in young players. Meantime, the investment in Joey Carbery has been augmented by player movement, and is already reaping a rich dividend.   
It's why it's not the end of the world if a provincial team in the Pro14 is not stacked with stellar names. It's partly why the provinces punch way above their financial weight in Europe, and why Ireland do so as well internationally.
There's the odd complaint out there when provincial teams are less than fully loaded, especially for derby games, but by and large most of us are with the programme now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on January 17, 2019, 11:20:22 AM
6 Nations coming up.

Would it be a big deal if Ireland didn't win it?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on January 17, 2019, 11:20:53 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on January 17, 2019, 11:20:22 AM
6 Nations coming up.

Would it be a big deal if Ireland didn't win it?

Nope... we've won the Grand Slam last year everything has to go on the World Cup. Our best case scenario is not have any serious 6 month type injuries and make sure that we have another 15-20 lads who behind our first 15 who can get some top level rugby under their belt in preparation for September.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 17, 2019, 11:23:28 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on January 17, 2019, 11:20:22 AM
6 Nations coming up.

Would it be a big deal if Ireland didn't win it?

Personally would rather see Carbery and a few other combinations tested. Namely tighthead, No. 8 and scrumhalf - hopefully Cooney.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on January 17, 2019, 11:31:38 AM
Quote from: screenexile on January 17, 2019, 11:20:53 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on January 17, 2019, 11:20:22 AM
6 Nations coming up.

Would it be a big deal if Ireland didn't win it?

Nope

With England at home in the first game you'd hope for the win just because it's England and that little shit Eddie Jones, but if a loss meant a reversal in Japan in the knockout stages then it would be worth it.

Joe needs to get the squad peaking later on in the year.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 19, 2019, 05:14:52 PM
Ulster were lucky there to an extent! How these lads don't end up in A&E every night is beyond me!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on January 19, 2019, 06:15:36 PM
Munster v Exeter is feisty. Munster not firing at all.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Boycey on January 19, 2019, 06:15:44 PM
Shocking decision making from Munster here.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on January 19, 2019, 06:18:21 PM
Quote from: Boycey on January 19, 2019, 06:15:44 PM
Shocking decision making from Munster here.
Error count will be massive for that half and Exeter fancy their chances as going to the corner when they get a chance.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on January 19, 2019, 09:30:48 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 19, 2019, 05:14:52 PM
Ulster were lucky there to an extent! How these lads don't end up in A&E every night is beyond me!

Cooney is a class act can't understand why he isn't higher up the pecking order for Ireland.

Good to see Henderson with a full game as well!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Aaron Boone on January 19, 2019, 09:51:17 PM
Plenty of pride in 9-county Ulster tonight.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 19, 2019, 10:04:07 PM
Will be up against it but considering how poor they have been at this level for a few years it a boost to the Ulster players.. tough ask in the quarter finals though Leinster or Racing I heard
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on January 19, 2019, 11:04:54 PM
In the Quarter Finals

5 Pro14 teams
2 Top 14 teams
1 Premiership team
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on January 20, 2019, 07:33:04 PM
Despite the English and French dismantling the original structures of the European Cup and moulding them to what they thought were to their own advantage, we have only one English and two French teams in the quarter finals. However, you could still see an English - French final

Saracens v Glasgow
Leinster v Ulster
Edinburgh v Munster
Racing 92 v Toulouse

Semi finals

(Saracens v Glasgow) v (Edinburgh v Munster)

(Leinster v Ulster) v (Racing 92 v Toulouse)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: shark on January 20, 2019, 08:37:06 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on January 20, 2019, 07:33:04 PM
Despite the English and French dismantling the original structures of the European Cup and moulding them to what they thought were to their own advantage, we have only one English and two French teams in the quarter finals. However, you could still see an English - French final

Saracens v Glasgow
Leinster v Ulster
Edinburgh v Munster
Racing 92 v Toulouse

Semi finals

(Saracens v Glasgow) v (Edinburgh v Munster)

(Leinster v Ulster) v (Racing 92 v Toulouse)

Also decent chance of all Irish final. Have to fancy Saracens to beat Glasgow, but if Munster beat Edinburgh they'd have Saracens in Dublin. Leinster favourites on the other side, although they'll be travelling to France if they beat Ulster.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on January 20, 2019, 08:58:40 PM
Quote from: shark on January 20, 2019, 08:37:06 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on January 20, 2019, 07:33:04 PM
Despite the English and French dismantling the original structures of the European Cup and moulding them to what they thought were to their own advantage, we have only one English and two French teams in the quarter finals. However, you could still see an English - French final

Saracens v Glasgow
Leinster v Ulster
Edinburgh v Munster
Racing 92 v Toulouse

Semi finals

(Saracens v Glasgow) v (Edinburgh v Munster)

(Leinster v Ulster) v (Racing 92 v Toulouse)

Also decent chance of all Irish final. Have to fancy Saracens to beat Glasgow, but if Munster beat Edinburgh they'd have Saracens in Dublin. Leinster favourites on the other side, although they'll be travelling to France if they beat Ulster.

No, Munster will only have home country advantage if they are playing Glasgow.

https://www.epcrugby.com/2019/01/20/heineken-champions-cup-semi-finals/

SEMI-FINAL 1 – winner of QF 1: Saracens v Glasgow Warriors will play the winner of QF 2: Edinburgh Rugby v Munster Rugby
SEMI-FINAL 2 – winner of QF 3: Leinster Rugby v Ulster Rugby will play the winner of QF 4: Racing 92 v Toulouse

The semi-final matches will be played at venues designated by EPCR, and the following clubs will have home country advantage in their respective matches:

SEMI-FINAL 1

If Saracens (ranked No 1) and Edinburgh Rugby (ranked No 4) win their quarter-finals, Saracens will have home country advantage
If Saracens (ranked No 1) and Munster Rugby (ranked No 5) win their quarter-finals, Saracens will have home country advantage
If Edinburgh Rugby (ranked No 4) and Glasgow Warriors (ranked No 8) win their quarter-finals, the semi-final will be played in Scotland
If Munster Rugby (ranked No 5) and Glasgow Warriors (ranked No 8) win their quarter-finals, Munster will have home country advantage

SEMI-FINAL 2

If Racing 92 (ranked No 2) and Leinster Rugby (ranked No 3) win their quarter-finals, Racing 92 will have home country advantage
If Racing 92 (ranked No 2) and Ulster Rugby (ranked No 6) win their quarter-finals, Racing 92 will have home country advantage
If Leinster Rugby (ranked No 3) and Toulouse (ranked No 7) win their quarter-finals, Leinster will have home country advantage
If Ulster Rugby (ranked No 6) and Toulouse (ranked No 7) win their quarter-finals, Ulster will have home country advantage
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: shark on January 20, 2019, 09:03:26 PM
Quote from: dec on January 20, 2019, 08:58:40 PM
Quote from: shark on January 20, 2019, 08:37:06 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on January 20, 2019, 07:33:04 PM
Despite the English and French dismantling the original structures of the European Cup and moulding them to what they thought were to their own advantage, we have only one English and two French teams in the quarter finals. However, you could still see an English - French final

Saracens v Glasgow
Leinster v Ulster
Edinburgh v Munster
Racing 92 v Toulouse

Semi finals

(Saracens v Glasgow) v (Edinburgh v Munster)

(Leinster v Ulster) v (Racing 92 v Toulouse)

Also decent chance of all Irish final. Have to fancy Saracens to beat Glasgow, but if Munster beat Edinburgh they'd have Saracens in Dublin. Leinster favourites on the other side, although they'll be travelling to France if they beat Ulster.

No, Munster will only have home country advantage if they are playing Glasgow.

https://www.epcrugby.com/2019/01/20/heineken-champions-cup-semi-finals/

SEMI-FINAL 1 – winner of QF 1: Saracens v Glasgow Warriors will play the winner of QF 2: Edinburgh Rugby v Munster Rugby
SEMI-FINAL 2 – winner of QF 3: Leinster Rugby v Ulster Rugby will play the winner of QF 4: Racing 92 v Toulouse

The semi-final matches will be played at venues designated by EPCR, and the following clubs will have home country advantage in their respective matches:

SEMI-FINAL 1

If Saracens (ranked No 1) and Edinburgh Rugby (ranked No 4) win their quarter-finals, Saracens will have home country advantage
If Saracens (ranked No 1) and Munster Rugby (ranked No 5) win their quarter-finals, Saracens will have home country advantage
If Edinburgh Rugby (ranked No 4) and Glasgow Warriors (ranked No 8) win their quarter-finals, the semi-final will be played in Scotland
If Munster Rugby (ranked No 5) and Glasgow Warriors (ranked No 8) win their quarter-finals, Munster will have home country advantage

SEMI-FINAL 2

If Racing 92 (ranked No 2) and Leinster Rugby (ranked No 3) win their quarter-finals, Racing 92 will have home country advantage
If Racing 92 (ranked No 2) and Ulster Rugby (ranked No 6) win their quarter-finals, Racing 92 will have home country advantage
If Leinster Rugby (ranked No 3) and Toulouse (ranked No 7) win their quarter-finals, Leinster will have home country advantage
If Ulster Rugby (ranked No 6) and Toulouse (ranked No 7) win their quarter-finals, Ulster will have home country advantage

ah ok, they changed the system.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on January 20, 2019, 10:03:35 PM
Quote from: shark on January 20, 2019, 09:03:26 PM
ah ok, they changed the system.

Yes, before it was if a lower seed won a QF they would get home advantage in the semi.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on January 21, 2019, 10:36:45 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 19, 2019, 06:18:21 PM
Quote from: Boycey on January 19, 2019, 06:15:44 PM
Shocking decision making from Munster here.
Error count will be massive for that half and Exeter fancy their chances as going to the corner when they get a chance.

Wasn't impressed by Munster at all and although they defended well, were very poor with the ball and struggled to put too many phases together without knocking on or box kicking. O'Mahoney knocked on at least three times in the first half and killed the momentum.

They'll do well to beat Edinburgh unless they get a bit more creative.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Geoff Tipps on January 21, 2019, 10:39:55 AM
Tadhg Beirne out of two opening games of Six Nations - knee injury.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 21, 2019, 10:41:07 AM
Munster beat a very good team.. they'll beat Edinburgh, not by much but will have enough experience to get over the line..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 21, 2019, 10:41:54 AM
If you match Munsters physicality (few can do it) you have a chance as they lack creativity. A bit like Ireland I suppose.

Real shame about Beirne. Has been unreal past few weeks.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 21, 2019, 10:45:58 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on January 21, 2019, 10:36:45 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 19, 2019, 06:18:21 PM
Quote from: Boycey on January 19, 2019, 06:15:44 PM
Shocking decision making from Munster here.
Error count will be massive for that half and Exeter fancy their chances as going to the corner when they get a chance.

Wasn't impressed by Munster at all and although they defended well, were very poor with the ball and struggled to put too many phases together without knocking on or box kicking. O'Mahoney knocked on at least three times in the first half and killed the momentum.

They'll do well to beat Edinburgh unless they get a bit more creative.

Exeter were the better team I felt. The stadium was very nervous, even though the atmosphere was good, it was tense. Munster made a few errors when opportunities presented themselves, and I thought Conor Murray was poor enough by his standards. Delighted for Carberry to have the nuts to kick that vital penalty though, especially after Castres away.

One thing that was encouraging was the Munster set piece seemed to be well on top against a solid pack. Garces let Exeter away with getting offside in rolling mauls quite a lot I thought, which I think didn't help Munster when they wanted to suck Exeter in.

That said, they looked very creative against Gloucester last week, and very solid and workmanlike against Exeter this week. They are a mile off Leinster's standard, but they're trending in the right direction again. Tadhg Beirne is brilliant. Himself and James Ryan would be a very solid second row.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 21, 2019, 10:47:29 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 21, 2019, 10:41:54 AM
If you match Munsters physicality (few can do it) you have a chance as they lack creativity. A bit like Ireland I suppose.

Real shame about Beirne. Has been unreal past few weeks.

They are a lot more creative than they used to be. They are not Leinster, but they have strike runners now. Conway, Earls and Haley can run with the ball, and Carberry has made a difference. Farrell is important in the centre. This is the best they've been in  a few years in my opinion, but they have a lot more to do.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 21, 2019, 10:52:14 AM
Oh I dont mean to slate AZ. They've definitely improved.

I just mean if you can match them physically (Sarries, Exeter, Toulouse, Racing & Leinster obv) then you have a chance.

I'd still like to see more runners (Earls/Conway) coming off 1st/2nd phase.

As a neutral Andrew Conway is way ahead of Larmour in my opinion as Irelands number 23. A class act.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on January 21, 2019, 10:54:31 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on January 21, 2019, 10:45:58 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on January 21, 2019, 10:36:45 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 19, 2019, 06:18:21 PM
Quote from: Boycey on January 19, 2019, 06:15:44 PM
Shocking decision making from Munster here.
Error count will be massive for that half and Exeter fancy their chances as going to the corner when they get a chance.

Wasn't impressed by Munster at all and although they defended well, were very poor with the ball and struggled to put too many phases together without knocking on or box kicking. O'Mahoney knocked on at least three times in the first half and killed the momentum.

They'll do well to beat Edinburgh unless they get a bit more creative.

Exeter were the better team I felt. The stadium was very nervous, even though the atmosphere was good, it was tense. Munster made a few errors when opportunities presented themselves, and I thought Conor Murray was poor enough by his standards. Delighted for Carberry to have the nuts to kick that vital penalty though, especially after Castres away.

One thing that was encouraging was the Munster set piece seemed to be well on top against a solid pack. Garces let Exeter away with getting offside in rolling mauls quite a lot I thought, which I think didn't help Munster when they wanted to suck Exeter in.

That said, they looked very creative against Gloucester last week, and very solid and workmanlike against Exeter this week. They are a mile off Leinster's standard, but they're trending in the right direction again. Tadhg Beirne is brilliant. Himself and James Ryan would be a very solid second row.

Interesting watching it on Channel 4 with Heaslip providing the Irish dimension.

When Murray was taken off the girl co commentating expressed her surprise at such a player being taken off with the game still in the mix. Heaslip responded that he wouldn't be surprised if Schmit has rung the Munster Staff in the stand to get him taken off.

Highlights the difference in who calls the shots in Ireland and England.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on January 21, 2019, 11:24:33 AM
I doubt that very much. He wasn't playing very well. At one stage he should have slipped Earls in in the corner, right in front of me. Instead he checked back and got swallowed up and it ended in a turnover. Given their (Exeter's) strength I thought he should have been managing the game a bit better and let Carberry do a few kicks for position, rather than box kicking all the time. Exeter were never really turned, and their lineout wasn't brilliant. I'd have liked to put them under pressure close to their own line rather than box kicking the ball away or running into brick walls.

Matthewson is an ex All Black, and there were very few complaints in the crowd when Murray was replaced. Tadgh Beirne was far more worrying on the day, but fair play to Billy Holland he played like a man on fire for the 10 minutes he was on.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on January 21, 2019, 02:00:10 PM
While Murray is the best box kicking scrum half in the world, boy did he overdo it against Exeter! I wonder what % of time Munster reclaimed clean call from the box kick. Well under 50%. Handing possession away time after time after time. Carberry hardly saw any ball.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 21, 2019, 02:07:26 PM
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2019/01/21/three-irish-two-scottish-clubs-still-champions-cup-pro14-best/

Given that three Irish and two Scottish sides have made it through to the quarter-finals claims were quickly made on social media that this proves the Pro14 is the strongest of the domestic leagues and that tired old jibe – would the French and English demand that further changes were made to the Champions Cup so that they could compete?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on January 22, 2019, 04:00:52 PM
https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/champions-cup/ulster-issue-lifetime-ban-to-supporter-for-verbal-abuse-aimed-at-simon-zebo-37737521.html

Credit where it's due Ulster have done well to weed out this asshole and get him banned!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 22, 2019, 04:10:59 PM
Pity he wasn't named and shamed!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Jeepers Creepers on January 22, 2019, 04:28:11 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 22, 2019, 04:10:59 PM
Pity he wasn't named and shamed!!
Front page of the Sunday world soon, no doubt.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Kidder81 on January 22, 2019, 09:20:01 PM
Really surprised at this, Milltown Row said it was a non story
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 22, 2019, 09:35:44 PM
Quote from: Kidder81 on January 22, 2019, 09:20:01 PM
Really surprised at this, Milltown Row said it was a non story

It is stalker. They got one clampit from 18,000 and banned him for life you twat
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on January 23, 2019, 10:04:01 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 22, 2019, 09:35:44 PM
Quote from: Kidder81 on January 22, 2019, 09:20:01 PM
Really surprised at this, Milltown Row said it was a non story

It is stalker. They got one clampit from 18,000 and banned him for life you twat

Big Ulster Rugby fan at work reckons they were calling him Django which he believes is his nickname when at Munster.

Never heard of it myself.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 29, 2019, 09:02:45 AM
 the Irish teams have won 17, drawn one and lost one of 19 games against English clubs in the last two seasons in the Heineken Cup. That's a staggering statistic.
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/six-nations-o-gara-optimistic-despite-threat-from-farrell-and-england-pack-1.3773926
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: podge on January 29, 2019, 06:34:55 PM
Does anyone else feel that this whole perception of the Irish game being a bore fest is a bit overplayed/ exaggerated? I know I am probably looking through green tinted glasses but i don't see a lot different between Ireland and the other teams' styles, bar an exceptional level of defensive and personal discipline.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on January 30, 2019, 10:57:07 AM
Quote from: podge on January 29, 2019, 06:34:55 PM
Does anyone else feel that this whole perception of the Irish game being a bore fest is a bit overplayed/ exaggerated? I know I am probably looking through green tinted glasses but i don't see a lot different between Ireland and the other teams' styles, bar an exceptional level of defensive and personal discipline.

I'd hardly be taking lessons of boring rugby from England who are ostensibly renowned for their crash ball approach the last while and especially with Eddie in charge and not forgetting their World Cup win where Jonny Wilkinson kicked everything that came into sight.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 30, 2019, 11:06:57 AM
Its a sure sign they fear us when they are slagging us!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on January 30, 2019, 11:08:45 AM
What some foreign coaches find "boring" about Ireland is the lack of mistakes.

Ringrose and Stockdale are as exciting in their position as anyone in the competition and they will get plenty of ball. Earls probably too. Hopefully his quiet spell at the moment is down to Munster's style, not his form.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 31, 2019, 03:06:22 PM
Very interesting read

English rugby injuries

https://www.englandrugby.com/mm/Document/General/General/01/32/91/95/InjurySurveillanceReport2016-17_English.pdf

For the first time hamstring injuries and concussion feature in the top three injuries resulting in more than
84 days absence. The reasons for this change in the severity profile for hamstring injury severity profile
are unclear. The number of concussions requiring more than 3 months absence has also increased.
This likely reflects a trend to more conservative management of players who have sustained two or
more concussions in a 12-month period.

Due to the rise in both the incidence and severity of match injuries, the burden of match injury
(a combination of both incidence and severity) increased to 3054 days absence per 1000 hours
for Premiership injuries which is above the upper limit of expected variation.

• For the sixth consecutive season, the most commonly reported match injury was concussion
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on January 31, 2019, 03:25:38 PM
England team looks shaky enough in the back row compared to Ireland. Could be the winning of the game. Interesting to see how Manu Tuilagi gets on, Elliot Daly too. Ireland should have too much you would think.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 31, 2019, 03:50:46 PM
You'd imagine the Ireland back row will bully England. VdF is as hard as nails with a serious engine. Curry in for a tough time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on January 31, 2019, 07:47:38 PM
Ireland should be far too experienced for that England line-up. Eddie's mind games should prove to be a waste of time. Nowell not long back from injury and Daly hasn't been great for Wasps lately, but he some left on him for kicking from distance.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on January 31, 2019, 08:19:41 PM
In the past These type of games were always a banana skin for Ireland but lately we really have held up very well in them and if we win Saturday it's another good sign  . for Ireland this year all roads lead to World Cup quarter final that's the game we have to win
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 01, 2019, 11:28:15 AM
Quote from: Gmac on January 31, 2019, 08:19:41 PM
In the past These type of games were always a banana skin for Ireland but lately we really have held up very well in them and if we win Saturday it's another good sign  . for Ireland this year all roads lead to World Cup quarter final that's the game we have to win

England weren't a million miles off NZ in the autumn internationals on a wet, shitty day in Twickenham, so whilst I think Ireland should win tomorrow it wouldn't be a surprise.

1/3 are pretty short odds all the same.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on February 01, 2019, 08:29:09 PM
Really enjoyable U20 game. Plenty of mistakes plenty of good open play.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 01, 2019, 08:33:52 PM
French playing particularly well but Wales have been awful so far!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 01, 2019, 09:03:41 PM
Ireland under 20s get the better of England. A good omen for tomorrow I hope.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 01, 2019, 09:15:12 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 01, 2019, 08:33:52 PM
French playing particularly well but Wales have been awful so far!!

A very poor Wales team and now favs
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 01, 2019, 09:38:05 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 01, 2019, 09:15:12 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 01, 2019, 08:33:52 PM
French playing particularly well but Wales have been awful so far!!

A very poor Wales team and now favs

2 shite teams!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on February 01, 2019, 09:39:21 PM
France give Wales 3 tries on a plate. Wales poor team though
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 01, 2019, 09:39:58 PM
It is turning into a great game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sportacus on February 01, 2019, 09:44:35 PM
Why so many empty seats in Paris?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 01, 2019, 09:52:45 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on February 01, 2019, 09:44:35 PM
Why so many empty seats in Paris?

France have been poor for a number of years now... the same thing will happen Ireland when our inevitable tough spell comes again!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sportacus on February 01, 2019, 09:58:43 PM
Really?  I thought Ireland home games have been sell outs all down the years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on February 01, 2019, 10:44:44 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on February 01, 2019, 09:58:43 PM
Really?  I thought Ireland home games have been sell outs all down the years.

Indeed, we've been heading down for 30+ years, never mind a spare seat, and 20 of those were fairly lean years.

According to the TalkSport, lots of Welsh fans couldn't get across to Paris due to the weather
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on February 01, 2019, 11:06:20 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 01, 2019, 09:52:45 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on February 01, 2019, 09:44:35 PM
Why so many empty seats in Paris?

France have been poor for a number of years now... the same thing will happen Ireland when our inevitable tough spell comes again!
Not the weather in Wales seeing flights cancelled?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 02, 2019, 05:21:19 AM
I was reading a book about the 1999 5 nations. Ireland
played 4 won 1
Shows how much progress Ireland have made since
They won the Grand Slam a decade later

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: grounded on February 02, 2019, 12:58:08 PM
Quote from: Rudi on February 01, 2019, 08:29:09 PM
Really enjoyable U20 game. Plenty of mistakes plenty of good open play.

It was great to watch. England seemed to have them strangled at the end particularly with the yellow card but the lads finished brilliant.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on February 02, 2019, 04:10:48 PM
Rory Best described the autumn international as "Friendlies" the anti rugby Bastard.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Boycey on February 02, 2019, 04:33:40 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on February 01, 2019, 10:44:44 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on February 01, 2019, 09:58:43 PM
Really?  I thought Ireland home games have been sell outs all down the years.

Indeed, we've been heading down for 30+ years, never mind a spare seat, and 20 of those were fairly lean years.

According to the TalkSport, lots of Welsh fans couldn't get across to Paris due to the weather

A few years back, maybe 4/5, I was able to get Ireland vs Scotland tickets on general sale through ticketmaster
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on February 02, 2019, 05:49:03 PM
So far England much the better side. Kicking game excellent and defensive fielding excellent. Look really up ago it. Earls and Henshaw nightmares.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 02, 2019, 05:50:00 PM
Going badly at half time. Ireland never like being favourites.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on February 02, 2019, 06:15:59 PM
That miss for England could prove costly.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mouview on February 02, 2019, 06:17:27 PM
Murray very poor today.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on February 02, 2019, 06:24:44 PM
Pass forward for the try
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: shawshank on February 02, 2019, 06:25:16 PM
The difference between friendlies and championship games.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on February 02, 2019, 06:30:19 PM
Beat New Zealand and Irish press put us out at no. 1 forgetting that's at the end of their long season. We been poor the day
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on February 02, 2019, 06:31:17 PM
Quote from: shawshank on February 02, 2019, 06:25:16 PM
The difference between friendlies and championship games.

Exactly. Winning the McKenna cup of rugby means nothing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on February 02, 2019, 06:32:14 PM
Lot of speed in that England team. Making Ireland looking old and tired today. But probably better going into World Cup with the weight of expectations off their hashtag shoulder to shoulder.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on February 02, 2019, 06:35:21 PM
Now in a hammering terrority. Disappointing
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 02, 2019, 06:35:26 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on February 02, 2019, 06:30:19 PM
Beat New Zealand and Irish press put us out at no. 1 forgetting that's at the end of their long season. We been poor the day

Jesus!!

The same way we didn't win the WC beating NZ we haven't lost it today. As I've said no injuries is the main aim of the 6N.

In fairness the English have been better... there's not much between the top teams and England are up there. It's not the end of the world!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on February 02, 2019, 06:40:51 PM
Jesus some beating handed out by the English boys!!! At least we won't  be scratching our heads about who we won back to back grand slams when we lose another world cup quarter final in Sept!!
Joe will have his work cut out to get back in the groove away to the Scots next week!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on February 02, 2019, 06:40:57 PM
Deserved win for the English and few thought they would win that easy. Kick up the ass that the Irish needed after losing the run of themselves after a few autumn international wins.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 02, 2019, 06:42:01 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 02, 2019, 06:35:26 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on February 02, 2019, 06:30:19 PM
Beat New Zealand and Irish press put us out at no. 1 forgetting that's at the end of their long season. We been poor the day

Jesus!!

The same way we didn't win the WC beating NZ we haven't lost it today. As I've said no injuries is the main aim of the 6N.

In fairness the English have been better... there's not much between the top teams and England are up there. It's not the end of the world!

England needed the win more !
Nice cool build up to the World Cup now
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on February 02, 2019, 06:44:40 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 02, 2019, 06:35:26 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on February 02, 2019, 06:30:19 PM
Beat New Zealand and Irish press put us out at no. 1 forgetting that's at the end of their long season. We been poor the day

Jesus!!

The same way we didn't win the WC beating NZ we haven't lost it today. As I've said no injuries is the main aim of the 6N.

In fairness the English have been better... there's not much between the top teams and England are up there. It's not the end of the world!

Will do no harm.  Save the pain for later in year. 6N should be used to give lads game time and work on things.

WC is main thing this year.  Keep fresh for it and have a full squad. Remember Ireland's teams will have knock out games in Europen Cup etc.

Great chance for this highly talented squad in WC - it should be the priority in 2019.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 02, 2019, 06:54:13 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on January 31, 2019, 03:25:38 PM
England team looks shaky enough in the back row compared to Ireland. Could be the winning of the game. Interesting to see how Manu Tuilagi gets on, Elliot Daly too. Ireland should have too much you would think.

That went well. England by far superior. Ireland now face a nightmare in Edinburgh.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 02, 2019, 06:54:40 PM
We played poorly giving England a 14 point platform to start the game. Slade was offside for that contentious try as well. That is what cost us the game in the end.

Henshaw wasn't great, we should have played Larmour if we wanted to win the game. Henshaw might benefit from more playing time at full back but where will he get it?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 02, 2019, 06:58:10 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 02, 2019, 06:54:40 PM
We played poorly giving England a 14 point platform to start the game. Slade was offside for that contentious try as well. That is what cost us the game in the end.

Henshaw wasn't great, we should have played Larmour if we wanted to win the game. Henshaw might benefit from more playing time at full back but where will he get it?

It wasn't!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on February 02, 2019, 07:05:21 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 02, 2019, 06:58:10 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 02, 2019, 06:54:40 PM
We played poorly giving England a 14 point platform to start the game. Slade was offside for that contentious try as well. That is what cost us the game in the end.

Henshaw wasn't great, we should have played Larmour if we wanted to win the game. Henshaw might benefit from more playing time at full back but where will he get it?

It wasn't!

You can not blame anyone or anything outside of ourselves that cost us the game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 02, 2019, 07:12:33 PM
Poor day. Key men under cooked. Not often a Schmidt team tactically outplayed.

To the haters posting on here. Get a life you cretins.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on February 02, 2019, 07:42:37 PM
After taking some time to calm down... Ireland can either learn from this loss or wither away. I hate saying it but Ireland always seem to mess up before a world cup. I would be lying if I said I wasn't annoyed but the loss isn't a bad thing, alleviates the pressure on Ireland a little. I would rather teams target England rather than Ireland come September.

Anyhow back to the game, it was ridiculous to play Henshaw at the back against England of all teams and Larmour should have started in that position from the start. England were very fortunate with two of their tries, had we a more experienced full back it would have been a lot closer. Hopefully this puts an end to Schmidt experimenting with Henshaw as a fullback option.

It was a complete reversal from last year only this time England were way more aggressive than Ireland and that's what set the teams apart. In addition to the lack of intensity there seems to have been a lot of passes going astray and luckily van der flier was there to clean up.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 02, 2019, 08:45:52 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on February 02, 2019, 07:05:21 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 02, 2019, 06:58:10 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 02, 2019, 06:54:40 PM
We played poorly giving England a 14 point platform to start the game. Slade was offside for that contentious try as well. That is what cost us the game in the end.

Henshaw wasn't great, we should have played Larmour if we wanted to win the game. Henshaw might benefit from more playing time at full back but where will he get it?

It wasn't!

You can not blame anyone or anything outside of ourselves that cost us the game.

According to the panel on tv 3 it was offside. The first 2 tries conceded were badly defended if Stockdale was a bit unlucky with the bounce of the ball. The fourth try conceded was the result of desperation play from Ireland. England were the better side no doubt but Ireland let themselves down.

Did anyone else think the English players were offside/obstructing Irish players from contesting the high ball from Murrays box kicks.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: laoislad on February 02, 2019, 08:53:20 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on February 02, 2019, 06:15:59 PM
That miss for England could prove costly.
Did it?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 02, 2019, 09:16:45 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 02, 2019, 08:45:52 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on February 02, 2019, 07:05:21 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 02, 2019, 06:58:10 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 02, 2019, 06:54:40 PM
We played poorly giving England a 14 point platform to start the game. Slade was offside for that contentious try as well. That is what cost us the game in the end.

Henshaw wasn't great, we should have played Larmour if we wanted to win the game. Henshaw might benefit from more playing time at full back but where will he get it?

It wasn't!

You can not blame anyone or anything outside of ourselves that cost us the game.

According to the panel on tv 3 it was offside. The first 2 tries conceded were badly defended if Stockdale was a bit unlucky with the bounce of the ball. The fourth try conceded was the result of desperation play from Ireland. England were the better side no doubt but Ireland let themselves down.

Did anyone else think the English players were offside/obstructing Irish players from contesting the high ball from Murrays box kicks.

Was in the bar watching UTV coverage and the line they had across the pitch shows him onside!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 02, 2019, 09:18:30 PM
No point making excuses about Garces. England were much better and Jones had his homework well done. Physical upfront and they obviously fancied Henshaw as vulnerable. Big Dev nearly decapitated somebody and wasn't pulled for it so you give and you take. Ireland aren't a bad team overnight and it's only Game 1 so nobody has won anything yet. Scotland will be no pushovers either so hope for plenty of improvement over the next matches and finish the tournament with everyone healthy.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on February 02, 2019, 09:24:01 PM
Murray kept kicking the ball away.
Caveman rugby
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on February 02, 2019, 09:54:01 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on February 02, 2019, 09:24:01 PM
Murray kept kicking the ball away.
Caveman rugby

Yeah. But when he did give it to the other backs they just ran into tackles and never once looked like breaking the line.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on February 03, 2019, 12:31:26 AM
Quote from: trailer on February 02, 2019, 09:54:01 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on February 02, 2019, 09:24:01 PM
Murray kept kicking the ball away.
Caveman rugby

Yeah. But when he did give it to the other backs they just ran into tackles and never once looked like breaking the line.

Both points true. England's line speed was excellent. They did defend with 13 players across the field and only 2 at the back . Game was crying for popped balls over the top. Kick chase types instead of aerial bombardment into the flawless May. Irelands kicking game was poor.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dougal Maguire on February 03, 2019, 12:50:14 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 02, 2019, 09:18:30 PM
No point making excuses about Garces. England were much better and Jones had his homework well done. Physical upfront and they obviously fancied Henshaw as vulnerable. Big Dev nearly decapitated somebody and wasn't pulled for it so you give and you take. Ireland aren't a bad team overnight and it's only Game 1 so nobody has won anything yet. Scotland will be no pushovers either so hope for plenty of improvement over the next matches and finish the tournament with everyone healthy.
I'm only logging on now. Haven't read earlier posts but in fairness it would be hard to find one as sensible and informed as this one. Apart possibly from the comment about exploiting Henshaw. In my opinion they recognised Earles as being more vulnerable to the high ball
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Over the Bar on February 03, 2019, 01:38:19 AM
The myth that Stockdale is the world's best in his position is hard to support.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on February 03, 2019, 02:37:48 AM
Quote from: Over the Bar on February 03, 2019, 01:38:19 AM
The myth that Stockdale is the world's best in his position is hard to support.
he started out great but faded badly
English line speed in defense killed Ireland and I thought Ireland should have kicked in behind them sometimes to turn them and not let them tee off on us , also Ireland stuck in their own end of the pitch for way too long inviting the English to push right up on us , plus English winning the collisions
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on February 03, 2019, 07:42:38 AM
Can't understand the grief Henshaw is getting. He was fine and will improve with every game. Earls was poor, Larmour was no better. Stockdale started really well, but once he made the mistake that cost the try his performance dipped. Ringrose was by miles our best back. Aki very quiet, as was CJ. Sexton mediocre, Murray poor.

Ryan dominated by Itjoe. I thought the latter should have been man of the match.

England treated the match like a cup final. We didn't match their will.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: galwayman on February 03, 2019, 08:26:48 AM
Quote from: Hound on February 03, 2019, 07:42:38 AM
Can't understand the grief Henshaw is getting. He was fine and will improve with every game. Earls was poor, Larmour was no better. Stockdale started really well, but once he made the mistake that cost the try his performance dipped. Ringrose was by miles our best back. Aki very quiet, as was CJ. Sexton mediocre, Murray poor.

Ryan dominated by Itjoe. I thought the latter should have been man of the match.

England treated the match like a cup final. We didn't match their will.
Thought Johnny May was exceptional
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: David McKeown on February 03, 2019, 10:02:29 AM
Ill start this by saying that England where the far superior team and deserved their win so this is not sour grapes at all but yesterday again highlighted why I hate the inconsistent use of technology in sport.  For example the TMO was not used for a matter of fact of decision about a line out near midfield at the end of the first half from their England made a great move and had Ireland pinned deep in seconds ultimately settling for a penalty following a matter of opinion decision being referred to the TMO.  Had the midfield line out gone upstairs its likely Ireland would have had the line out and would have been the team on the attack at the end of the half.  On such things games can change.

Similarly why not go back to analyse whether or not the pass was forward in the build up to the Try why only look at the offside position which unless you have clever graphics to account for the fact the camera is directly in line is unlikely to be particularly accurate. I have no idea whether or not the pass was forward but surely it could and should have been looked at and if it was forward Ireland can feel aggrieved given the crucial point they were at in the match. Again on such things games can change.

Now I am not for a second suggesting that had the TMO been used differently that the result would have been different but its impossible to know what would have happened.  However when the TMO is used to only examine certain things it can lead to massive injustices to teams that were wronged and for me thats enough reason not to use it if its not going to be used for everything.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 03, 2019, 10:15:18 AM
Would agree with that David re. the peculiar approach some refs have to use of the TMO. They have the tech there to make the correct decision which could ultimately impact on who wins the Championship and it is often ignored. French refs seem to have their mind made up.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 03, 2019, 10:16:27 AM
Quote from: Dougal Maguire on February 03, 2019, 12:50:14 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 02, 2019, 09:18:30 PM
No point making excuses about Garces. England were much better and Jones had his homework well done. Physical upfront and they obviously fancied Henshaw as vulnerable. Big Dev nearly decapitated somebody and wasn't pulled for it so you give and you take. Ireland aren't a bad team overnight and it's only Game 1 so nobody has won anything yet. Scotland will be no pushovers either so hope for plenty of improvement over the next matches and finish the tournament with everyone healthy.
I'm only logging on now. Haven't read earlier posts but in fairness it would be hard to find one as sensible and informed as this one. Apart possibly from the comment about exploiting Henshaw. In my opinion they recognised Earles as being more vulnerable to the high ball
Agree about Earls. Tactical changes aren't all that common so when he was hauled ashore it was obvious he was getting roasted.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 03, 2019, 10:21:38 AM
England dominated from the start, I didn't think they'd be able to keep the intensity up but they did..

Didn't help that Ireland played into their hands with game plan, coupled with the fact that they had their worst day at Headquarters.

Johnny May was the best player yesterday, not sure how he didn't get MOM though I'm sure the ones from a rugby background could explain that!

England kicked the ball more yesterday than I've seen before. Possibly Ireland got England's gameplay wrong and didn't adopt during play.

Anyways was a great late afternoon in the pub and curry afterwards. Roll on Scotland

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: playwiththewind1st on February 03, 2019, 10:38:55 AM
Excellent training regime for the new season!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on February 03, 2019, 10:41:36 AM
What is baffling me is that by putting Henshaw in as a fullback every man and his dog knew he was going to be targeted. We literally told England where the teams weakness is and they were happy to exploit it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on February 03, 2019, 11:36:26 AM
Quote from: Solo_run on February 03, 2019, 10:41:36 AM
What is baffling me is that by putting Henshaw in as a fullback every man and his dog knew he was going to be targeted. We literally told England where the teams weakness is and they were happy to exploit it.
Did anybody here mention that weakness before the game?

Has kicking the ball to touch or hitting the awkward ball down the sideline gone out of favour in Ireland's game? or was that just an O'Gara specific skill?
England's use of the kicked ball towards touch and into space looked vastly more effective than Ireland's repetitive hit and hope tactics?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 04, 2019, 10:05:34 AM
Quote from: Rudi on February 03, 2019, 12:31:26 AM
Quote from: trailer on February 02, 2019, 09:54:01 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on February 02, 2019, 09:24:01 PM
Murray kept kicking the ball away.
Caveman rugby

Yeah. But when he did give it to the other backs they just ran into tackles and never once looked like breaking the line.

Both points true. England's line speed was excellent. They did defend with 13 players across the field and only 2 at the back . Game was crying for popped balls over the top. Kick chase types instead of aerial bombardment into the flawless May. Irelands kicking game was poor.

Was thinking that myself although I'm no Joe Schmitt.

When this great linespead and with 13 across the field surely a wee grubber between two onrushing English men would have got them rethinking that approach rather than keep doing what they expect you to do and lads getting clobbered behind the gain line.

Murray was poor again and not long back from a very long layoff, the decision making and touch aren't there yet.

England played the game of their lives and Ireland as poor as they've been in a good few years so you'd hope that the shoulder to shoulder brigade in the press calm down and let Ireland prepare well for the World Cup as that is all that matters in this rugby year.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: highorlow on February 04, 2019, 10:06:52 AM
QuoteBoth points true. England's line speed was excellent. They did defend with 13 players across the field and only 2 at the back .

They were offside most of the time.

This will sound like sour grapes but the ref did everything he could to help England. When was the last time a crooked throw was given in the line out? Cost us 3 points before half time which was crucial. We won a box kick and no ruck got formed but he decides to give England the scrum as the "attacking" team. Try was clearly offside but even the TMO was in on the act. No harm to get a kick up the arse anyhow. Hype was getting too much.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 04, 2019, 10:15:49 AM
Quote from: highorlow on February 04, 2019, 10:06:52 AM
QuoteBoth points true. England's line speed was excellent. They did defend with 13 players across the field and only 2 at the back .

They were offside most of the time.

This will sound like sour grapes but the ref did everything he could to help England. When was the last time a crooked throw was given in the line out? Cost us 3 points before half time which was crucial. We won a box kick and no ruck got formed but he decides to give England the scrum as the "attacking" team. Try was clearly offside but even the TMO was in on the act. No harm to get a kick up the arse anyhow. Hype was getting too much.

Agree that Garces was brutal - numerous errors. However as stated we didn't deserve to win it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 04, 2019, 10:45:40 AM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/liam-toland-england-come-up-with-perfect-blueprint-to-defeat-ireland-1.3780715

Liam Toland: England come up with perfect blueprint to defeat Ireland
South Africa would have the wherewithal to replicate England's successful tactics
There's no good time to lose a match, but with so much interest in the Joe Schmidt bank losing games in this Six Nations is not a problem. But the manner in which it was lost is.
Last week I didn't reflect on the Eddie Jones' one-liners but his bottom line where an 80 per cent win ratio compared favourably versus Schmidt's 74 per cent win ratio. I also pinpointed the five second recycle Ireland needed to impose on the visitors at ruck time.
Well I counted every recycle from the moment Tuilagi caught England's first lineout right up to their first try. Every single one was less than two seconds.
Could Keith Earls et al have made a different defensive read as Jonny May touched down? Possibly, but the speed, power and variety with which England attacked Ireland in that opening two minutes pushed the Irish defensive systems to the absolute limit.
Which other teams are now out there waiting for their shot at the Irish, and can they mimic the English approach?
Rassie Erasmus is an extremely intelligent rugby man with a deep knowledge of Irish rugby and will be plotting for the strong possibility of an Irish–Springbok quarter-final at the World Cup.

The Boks are getting better all the time and, boy, do they like power. A new phrase crops up in professional sport every season, but after only 15 minutes sitting in the stands up popped the tackle stats on my monitor – 'dominated tackles'. It wasn't accompanied with a definition but one assumes it's the ball carrier being dominated whilst being tackled.
Ireland's famed (and predictable) one out carrier was being hit (smashed) well behind the gain line. When they stole a few yards they were chopped down by the Vunipolas et al with a serious need to resource and simply protect the Irish carrier and ball. Ireland had to flood in just to keep up. And after 15 minutes England had 13 dominated tackles to Ireland's zero. It got worse.
•   Mako Vunipola: England state of mind as key as physical dominance
•   Chastened Ireland emphatically put back in their box
•   John Cooney gets to realise a dream on a nightmare evening
Tadhg Furlong's progress is halted by the combined tackles from England's Mark Wilson and Maro Itoje during the Six Nations clash at the Aviva Stadium. Photograph: Billy Stickland/Inpho

For all those reasons we needed Sean O'Brien, Tadhg Beirne, Iain Henderson and Rhys Ruddock more than ever before. Of the starting second and back row players there was only one go forward carrier in James Ryan. Horses for courses, alright, but facing such power and a rapid recycle time was our enemy; an inability to slow it all down.
In this environment individuals lacking game time looked decidedly uncomfortable. Passing became sluggish and inaccurate, field positioning became muddled and boy did England come with a plan.

Monster tackler

When Courtney Lawes smashed Garry Ringrose late in the game, I finally accepted that England have been working on their systems so much that a player of Lawes' physical make up could make the intelligent defensive read as tried to get outside the smothering English defence.
Lawes made a quality read and Ringrose felt all the weight of a monster tackler. The result was penalty to England and a corner stone play from Ireland had been nullified by a second row.
Violent aggression requires tip-top timing and when it is slightly out players get badly injured – Earls will testify to this
Other systems England brought to the game included an extremely clever 'escort' of the Conor Murray box kick. Never before have I seen a system to manage the space between the arriving Irish player and the intended English recipient. Most teams will have a lazy runner filling the space but England went much further in setting a traffic jam, which was entirely legal, which made it almost impossible for Ireland to engage in a contest.
Another one of Ireland's major tactics nullified. Plan B?

England went further with a phenomenal aerial display from Jonny May, a wonderful kicking game exposing Ireland's systems and the back three. Jones and his backroom team may giggle at 'boring Ireland' but the volume of kicking Ben Youngs undertook was miles ahead of Conor Murray. The difference? Youngs' kicking wasn't always accurate, but it kept Ireland pinned back and vulnerable to his side's aggressive defence.
Ireland fullback Robbie Henshaw competes for the ball with England's Jonny May during the Six Nations match at the Aviva stadium. Photograph: Dan Mullan/Getty Images

A word on aggression.

Violent aggression requires tip-top timing and when it is slightly out players get badly injured – Earls will testify to this. There are less obvious ones, such as Tuilagi's shoulder entry into an Irish breakdown.
So yet another English tactic came into play – the grubber kick finding space and forcing Ireland to turn
Why is this important? Because it's instructive when it comes to who can mimic England? Along with a superior systems sheet England, like New Zealand before them in 2016, brought a fair degree of controlled aggression that oft times spilled over. Both times we lost. Other teams will mimic this approach and we require a system to not just cope but prosper.

A foothold
Then for some reason, Tom Curry's sin bin, the English pace fell drastically. For a long period England looked almost rudderless, shifting over and back without anything like the pace they opened with. With the game slowing Ireland gained a foothold, their defence reloaded quicker and came off the line to frustrate England.

So yet another English tactic came into play – the grubber kick finding space and forcing Ireland to turn. One such grubber came from nothing and resulted in England's second try.
How will Schmidt and his leaders reflect on last Saturday? It's horses for courses as every Six Nations match brings with it entirely different challenges. Scotland are totally different.
In Saturday's pressure environment having only eight scrums showed extraordinary skills from both teams, but one crucial Irish lineout malfunctioned and under English pressure the go-to Ireland plays were shut down.
There's obviously no need to panic, but it was a poor start for Ireland and the manner of it will encourage our real competition down the line. Scotland are worthy opponents but South Africa remain a huge threat.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on February 04, 2019, 11:24:05 AM
Didn't think the 3rd try was offside. Definitely a forward pass. Pity 3 second rows are injured. Beirne is a huge loss.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 04, 2019, 11:42:19 AM
Surprisingly losing to England doesn't greatly bother me for a couple of reasons.

1 – The Hype. It was already getting way out of hand after the Autumn NZ win. As a sample, some of the recent musings of Neil Francis and Brian O'Driscoll were embarrassing. The sort of hubris that hasn't been seen in D4 land since the peak of the Celtic Tiger, roysh. Imagine if Ireland won the 6 Nations and there was a 6 month run in to the WC of non-stop, ever worsening bs. 
With so many players living here in a goldfish bowl, it's hard for them to avoid it.

2- Schmidt-ball unpicked – Chasing box kicks and bludgeoning up the middle came badly unstuck on Saturday. Better for it happen now that in a QF against South Africa. As mentioned by a few people, Ireland were utterly predictable for most of it and only started to use chips and grubbers after half time. Surely the world player of the year can see that the opposition are completely banking on Ireland are playing one way and mix it up. At least make them guess and second guess.
It quickly become obvious that the targets for aerial treatment, Nowell and May were well able to cope. Even if they were struggling, England made sure to have a swarm of supporting players in the drop zone.

What happened to territorial kicking also? I was listening to Matt Williams during the week and he predicted that England would kick deep into Ireland territory because Ireland's style dictates that they don't enjoy bringing the ball back from deep. On a day where handling errors were common for players collecting the ball in retreat, Ireland rarely looked to put England in reverse. 

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 04, 2019, 11:50:35 AM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on February 04, 2019, 11:42:19 AM
Surprisingly losing to England doesn't greatly bother me for a couple of reasons.

1 – The Hype. It was already getting way out of hand after the Autumn NZ win. As a sample, some of the recent musings of Neil Francis and Brian O'Driscoll were embarrassing. The sort of hubris that hasn't been seen in D4 land since the peak of the Celtic Tiger, roysh. Imagine if Ireland won the 6 Nations and there was a 6 month run in to the WC of non-stop, ever worsening bs. 
With so many players living here in a goldfish bowl, it's hard for them to avoid it.

2- Schmidt-ball unpicked – Chasing box kicks and bludgeoning up the middle came badly unstuck on Saturday. Better for it happen now that in a QF against South Africa. As mentioned by a few people, Ireland were utterly predictable for most of it and only started to use chips and grubbers after half time. Surely the world player of the year can see that the opposition are completely banking on Ireland are playing one way and mix it up. At least make them guess and second guess.
It quickly become obvious that the targets for aerial treatment, Nowell and May were well able to cope. Even if they were struggling, England made sure to have a swarm of supporting players in the drop zone.

What happened to territorial kicking also? I was listening to Matt Williams during the week and he predicted that England would kick deep into Ireland territory because Ireland's style dictates that they don't enjoy bringing the ball back from deep. On a day where handling errors were common for players collecting the ball in retreat, Ireland rarely looked to put England in reverse.

No harm losing as long as you learn from the loss
Back to back slams are very hard as well

I hope England do it and go to the World Cup with the favourites tag.
Jones obviously did a lot of work with the team. Schmidt has to do the same in time for Japan
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: spuds on February 04, 2019, 12:50:24 PM
Between      https://youtu.be/JpMe-oWzICQ

& Paddy Power adds you have to laugh  ;D.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Taylor on February 04, 2019, 01:17:20 PM
Outcoached and outplayed.

How many times did Sexton kick from open play?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 06, 2019, 08:59:57 AM
"Every team needs a few tinkers"  - Sylvester Linnane

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/gordon-d-arcy-ireland-will-need-a-plan-c-to-get-to-a-world-cup-semi-final-1.3783360

"The damage Keith Earls sustained from illegal Tom Curry and Maro Itoje hits meant Robbie Henshaw's first start at fullback in three years was handicapped by an injured winger struggling to cover ground. In the second half there were two young men either side of him."
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 06, 2019, 05:34:22 PM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/rob-kearney-set-to-be-among-four-ireland-changes-for-murrayfield-1.3784383?mode=amp


Rob Kearney is set to be recalled to the Irish starting XV for Saturday's must-win Six Nations match against Scotland in Murrayfield when the team is announced at lunchtime on Thursday.

The ripple effect of Garry Ringrose's hamstring injury is likely to see Robbie Henshaw revert to outside centre, a more familiar position for him in latter years, after the experiment of playing him at fullback for only a second time at Test level in last Saturday's opening 32-20 defeat at home by England.

With Devin Toner (ankle) and CJ Stander (facial injury) also ruled out, Quinn Roux and Jack Conan are expected to be named in their place – which would mean a full Six Nations debut for Roux and a second start in the Championship for Conan, who played in the win at home against Italy last season.

Further beefing up the pack, the likelihood is that Seán O'Brien will also be restored at openside in place of Josh van der Flier in a fourth change to the starting XV.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 07, 2019, 07:40:16 AM
Jesus Neil Francis is a complete ass clown!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on February 07, 2019, 02:34:25 PM
Ireland team v Scotland: R Kearney; K Earls, C Farrell, B Aki, J Stockdale; J Sexton, C Murray; C Healy, R Best (capt), T Furlong; Q Roux, J Ryan; P O'Mahony, S O'Brien, J Conan.

Replacements: S Cronin, D Kilcoyne, A Porter, U Dillane, J Van der Flier, J Cooney, J Carbery, J Larmour.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sportacus on February 07, 2019, 04:32:27 PM
For some reason Joe wouldn't admit it at the press conference, but I reckon he dropped Henshaw.  He spoofed away instead about a dead leg.  Strange one as he's not afraid to be ruthless.  Making Scotland out to be top class as well. They are indeed a good team, but Joe was definitely working the press.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 07, 2019, 04:36:54 PM
I don't think he did drop Henshaw he would definitely be ahead of Farrell in the centre!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 08, 2019, 11:36:24 AM
Quote from: screenexile on February 07, 2019, 04:36:54 PM
I don't think he did drop Henshaw he would definitely be ahead of Farrell in the centre!!

I can see where Sportacus is coming from but it would be a bit extreme to fake an injury to Henshaw to attempt to save face in getting Kearney back in as fullback. That would make its way into the public sphere in time if true.

Henshaw may well be injured and playing him at fullback the previous day out wasn't that successful but serious questions need asked of Sexton, Murray and Best as all three were well below par. If they are as poor and one dimensional again tomorrow I can the Scots beating us.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 08, 2019, 01:21:36 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 08, 2019, 11:36:24 AM
Quote from: screenexile on February 07, 2019, 04:36:54 PM
I don’t think he did drop Henshaw he would definitely be ahead of Farrell in the centre!!

I can see where Sportacus is coming from but it would be a bit extreme to fake an injury to Henshaw to attempt to save face in getting Kearney back in as fullback. That would make its way into the public sphere in time if true.

Henshaw may well be injured and playing him at fullback the previous day out wasn't that successful but serious questions need asked of Sexton, Murray and Best as all three were well below par. If they are as poor and one dimensional again tomorrow I can the Scots beating us.


Best has been blowing hot and cold for a while now. The miles on the clock are starting to show and when you're bolloxed you're not going to have many straight throws into a lineout. Scotland are no pushovers but hopefully the Irish lads have been sufficiently stung from the English match to give them a bit of a battering.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 08, 2019, 01:29:05 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 08, 2019, 01:21:36 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 08, 2019, 11:36:24 AM
Quote from: screenexile on February 07, 2019, 04:36:54 PM
I don't think he did drop Henshaw he would definitely be ahead of Farrell in the centre!!

I can see where Sportacus is coming from but it would be a bit extreme to fake an injury to Henshaw to attempt to save face in getting Kearney back in as fullback. That would make its way into the public sphere in time if true.

Henshaw may well be injured and playing him at fullback the previous day out wasn't that successful but serious questions need asked of Sexton, Murray and Best as all three were well below par. If they are as poor and one dimensional again tomorrow I can the Scots beating us.


Best has been blowing hot and cold for a while now. The miles on the clock are starting to show and when you're bolloxed you're not going to have many straight throws into a lineout. Scotland are no pushovers but hopefully the Irish lads have been sufficiently stung from the English match to give them a bit of a battering.

That's if there's anything in the tank. Team don't look fresh to me.

It would be nice to see some vigour back in them.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on February 08, 2019, 11:24:05 PM
Interested to see how sean o Brien goes tomorrow are his best days behind him ?
The Scotls like to attack from all over the field but can't see Ireland playing along with them and expect Ireland to keep ball with the forwards and grind out the win 22-15
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 09, 2019, 01:37:01 AM
I hope the bus arrives on time this time
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bannside on February 09, 2019, 08:31:09 AM
IF, Ireland are to have any chance in the World Cup they should treat this year's 6 Nations like the way Jim Gavin treats the National League. Use it to develop the squad, try out tactics, etc, but don't be throwing the kitchen sink at it.

Joe Schmidts positive contribution and legacy to Irish Rugby will be largely judged on whether we can get to a world cup semi final at the very least later this year. Anything we get from a 6 Nations in a world cup year is a bonus, that's all.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on February 09, 2019, 01:27:12 PM
Windy conditions today will be a great leveller. Apprehensive about this game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on February 09, 2019, 01:29:19 PM
Quote from: bannside on February 09, 2019, 08:31:09 AM
IF, Ireland are to have any chance in the World Cup they should treat this year's 6 Nations like the way Jim Gavin treats the National League. Use it to develop the squad, try out tactics, etc, but don't be throwing the kitchen sink at it.

Joe Schmidts positive contribution and legacy to Irish Rugby will be largely judged on whether we can get to a world cup semi final at the very least later this year. Anything we get from a 6 Nations in a world cup year is a bonus, that's all.

I have a feeling he's already doing this!

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on February 09, 2019, 02:30:30 PM
Why the fcuk did Murray not go under posts😳
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on February 09, 2019, 02:32:06 PM
And a blind touch judge😩
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on February 09, 2019, 02:35:09 PM
Lovely jubbly
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on February 09, 2019, 02:51:56 PM
Game on again...Ireland look out on their feet
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on February 09, 2019, 03:00:42 PM
Not too sure why Quinn Roux is on the team. From what I have seen he is mediocre.

Carberry playing much like how Ireland played last week. I am questioning whether Ireland have bothered to show up for this week's game with two fortunate tries. If this was Wales or England then Ireland would be getting punished.

Ireland's passing game has been shicking, there have been too many mistakes made. The passes being made are too risky and they aren't keeping it tight.

The kicking game has been utterly crap. I'm actually worried that Scotland will come out and replicate Ireland's box kicking and beating them at it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on February 09, 2019, 03:05:33 PM
Quote from: Solo_run on February 09, 2019, 03:00:42 PM
Not too sure why Quinn Roux is on the team. From what I have seen he is mediocre.

Carberry playing much like how Ireland played last week. I am questioning whether Ireland have bothered to show up for this week's game with two fortunate tries. If this was Wales or England then Ireland would be getting punished.

Ireland's passing game has been shicking, there have been too many mistakes made. The passes being made are too risky and they aren't keeping it tight.

The kicking game has been utterly crap. I'm actually worried that Scotland will come out and replicate Ireland's box kicking and beating them at it.

Ireland out of jail there a couple of times. They look leaderless
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sportacus on February 09, 2019, 03:06:19 PM
Stockdale having a great game, going forward and defence.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on February 09, 2019, 03:17:20 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on February 09, 2019, 03:06:19 PM
Stockdale having a great game, going forward and defence.

Agree, having a blinder.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 09, 2019, 03:18:57 PM
Last year Ireland were lucky with the injuries. Not so much this year
It's really a who has the least injuries competition
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on February 09, 2019, 03:21:42 PM
Quote from: Solo_run on February 09, 2019, 03:00:42 PM
Not too sure why Quinn Roux is on the team. From what I have seen he is mediocre.

Carberry playing much like how Ireland played last week. I am questioning whether Ireland have bothered to show up for this week's game with two fortunate tries. If this was Wales or England then Ireland would be getting punished.

Ireland's passing game has been shicking, there have been too many mistakes made. The passes being made are too risky and they aren't keeping it tight.

The kicking game has been utterly crap. I'm actually worried that Scotland will come out and replicate Ireland's box kicking and beating them at it.
donncha  Ryan  would be nice to have now
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on February 09, 2019, 03:30:23 PM
Fcuk this is giving me the yips
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on February 09, 2019, 03:45:11 PM
Fresh legs needed
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on February 09, 2019, 03:48:34 PM
They have tightened up their passing in the second half. Every meter counts.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on February 09, 2019, 04:09:00 PM
Not pretty but take it
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 09, 2019, 05:50:49 PM
Poor enough second half and while Ireland didn't play particularly well given the system failure last week and the injuries this week it's a decent away win and plenty to build on moving to the France game.

We'll rest plenty against Italy and effectively it's 4 weeks until the next big game which is plenty of time to recover and regroup. We're not as good as many believed but equally we aren't as bad as many made out after last week!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: podge on February 09, 2019, 09:00:53 PM
I thought Rory Best had a fine game today. He does seem to have a lot of critics but he is a leader. I hope he can make it to the World Cup.  Also thought Kearney did well

Now that 6 nations is basically out of reach, and complete capitulation should be out of the question after today, I would like to see them giving a lot of the back up a few runs out to build experience for them and to rest a few of the more experienced such as Best, o'mahomy, sexton etc
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 09, 2019, 09:18:25 PM
Sextons last game should be Italy.. enjoy that and prepare for World Cup, he takes some abuse
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 10, 2019, 03:01:51 PM
JESUS!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 10, 2019, 03:51:54 PM
England motoring.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 10, 2019, 04:19:30 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 10, 2019, 03:51:54 PM
England motoring.

Yeah makes me feel better about last week... England are a serious outfit that seem to be peaking!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 10, 2019, 05:34:13 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 10, 2019, 04:19:30 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 10, 2019, 03:51:54 PM
England motoring.

Yeah makes me feel better about last week... England are a serious outfit that seem to be peaking!

Peaking too early, I hope. Teams will catch on to their kicking game soon enough
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 11, 2019, 08:34:23 AM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/liam-toland-scottish-errors-may-not-save-us-at-the-world-cup-1.3788690


Liam Toland: Scottish errors may not save us at the World Cup
Errors by the hosts not limited to time with ball in hand, but also out of possession

Liam Toland

   
 
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Peter O'Mahony was man-of-the-match in a crucial game low on skill but high, very high, on mentality. Had Ireland lost this game it would have been a mighty blow below the World Cup water line.
Ireland should never have come close to losing this game when factoring in how awful Scotland were at times, so error-prone that I wondered aloud were their players all working nights last week. Ireland did not lose, and will take major positives. What a defeat could have done to the Irish mentally would have been unthinkable.
Round one in Dublin was all about blueprints. It was about England's methodology in negating so much of Joe Schmidt's technical prowess around the box kick, outplaying and shutting down the Irish wide game. Scotland were always going to be an entirely different proposition. The English blueprint would be impossible to create. So what happened?
Scotland have so much talent who can play at times a brand of rugby that I really want to watch. I found myself at times shouting support in a vain attempt to get them to make that last crucial pass or select the right play. Not because I wanted them to win, but because it's so infuriating to watch their error count building in the knowledge that the Irish players and management would also spot the errors and react accordingly.
To be fair to both sides, the conditions were difficult. That said, you have to ask yourself if the home team adapted to the conditions, which were well flagged, as well as the the visiting team. Ireland reacted, with players like Jacob Stockdale using all his physique and pace off Johnny Sexton in exposing an ill-disciplined Scottish side.
Pushed passes
When I say ill-disciplined I'm thinking of Scotland shutting off at crucial times – dropped balls, pushed passes, forward passes and a defence that wasn't concentrating and executing when necessary. The Scottish errors weren't limited to their time with the ball in hand, but equally when they didn't have possession.
!
!

Blue Billywig Video PlayerConor Murray kicked as he has done so many times before, but often went a wee bit longer, with the scrumhalf opting to keep the ball in play. This may have been a nod to the Scottish lineout or simply a tactical ploy to invite a Scottish counter and the inevitable error. Either way Murray was backing his defence. The Irish lineout, with so many changes, performed 100 per cent. The scrum I'll address below.
As Scotland drifted into an error-strewn phase Ireland cleverly switched tempo and tactics – lineout, mauls etc...An added bonus to this process would be big ball carriers. Irish forwards carry but unfortunately for very limited yardage. Chris Farrell has already shown this season he is able to dismantle sides – witness his man-of-the-match performance against a poor Edinburgh in Cork. For Ireland it was a powerful performing Rob Kearney and Stockdale who racked up the metres gained – there's no issue there but with Farrell being so big and athletic given the right opportunity he'll create huge value for those around him.
Scrums
Areas of concern? The closing scrum, the defensive decision-making in the wider channels and the inability to carry the ball away from the deep trenches.
On Friday I noted the opportunities that went a begging in the Aviva when England's scrum was vulnerable. The last three scrums in Edinburgh provided a further window into that world.
The third scrum was a major struggle, but the second of those closing three set-pieces on 77 minutes resulted in a penalty for Scotland. The fixture was dead at this point, so no harm done, but imagine we have that same scrum against South Africa in the closing minutes of a World Cup quarter-final. Would a similar outcome cost Ireland an historic semi-final? Tendai Mtawarira, the "Beast", will be one who will maximise this potential.

At the heart of this is time played. Tadhg Furlong is our world-class tighthead, with Andrew Porter behind him. But how much pitch time is Porter actually getting? Ten minutes here and there?
Even with Leinster he is not getting the minutes in the one position where training is less effectual. Game-time must provide the only real learning environment. Porter is Schmidt's number two tighthead and must get more, much more, game-time in preparation for facing the "Beast".

Defensive reading

For obvious individual and unit rustiness reasons, the defensive reading from Ireland's 13, 14 and 15 (and 11) is not quite on the money. For example, just before half time Kearney made a read and hit on the Scottish wide play on the 23rd phase. Huw Jones was 8m from the Irish touchline and 10m from the Irish try line. Stockdale was bursting a gut to get to Jones when Kearney stepped in to smash the Scottish centre.
The problem was that Tommy Seymour was free in the tram tracks. A quality pass and Seymour scores. Jones's pass forced Seymour to check and the try was gone, with Stockdale slipping past Kearney to pull him down. Decisions such as these are costly when teams like Argentina are flying high and accurate. World Cup semi-final teams, that is.

A good metal win for Ireland, but I wonder what the conditions will be like on Sunday, September 22nd, in Yokohama City when we meet Scotland? Scottish errors may not save us then!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 11, 2019, 09:17:10 AM
After a couple of years of gradually losing interest, I'm now all but given up on rugby.

I fell for the game big time 20 years ago. Loved the constant strategic challenge of territory or possession. I loved the fact that the perfect formation seemed to consist of small fat man, tall ungainly men, a handful of testosterone-fuelled athletic freaks, and a couple of less-brave sorts out wide. The respect for referees was astonishing. That men could batter lumps out of each other for an hour and a half, then walk off arm-in-arm, did the heart good. And of course the 4 green fields all on show together at international level.

But if truth be told, it bores me senseless now. It is rugby league of 20 years ago, except with aimless box kicks thrown in at random intervals. It's no longer a game of skill or incision. It's just a series of over-sized, drug-fuelled robots playing a game of patience, waiting for a mistake to happen on the other side, while ensuring you make none yourself.

As a game I cannot see how it can fix itself either. They'll just keep getting bigger and stronger, and everyone will continue to pretend that it's entirely normal for Celtic nations to produce eons of  6' 4", 18 stone, finely tuned athletes.

I do fear that within 20 years, there will be a trend of pro rugby players dying in their early fifties from massive heart failure and brain haemorrhages. It's awful that we will have to wait for this to happen before the game can go back to being fun.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on February 11, 2019, 09:29:13 AM
As a non rugby rugby fan, is the success of the club game in Ireland now catching up with the national team?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on February 11, 2019, 09:39:21 AM
Rugby has evolved, and it's mainly the northern hemisphere teams trying to catch up with the southern hemisphere teams. They have closed the gap considerably, but I think that Irish teams have always been too conservative in their play. Wales, Scotland always seem to have a few tricks up their sleeve....quick line outs, tap penalties etc.....Ireland....box kick😩. For me Murray is too ponderous....move the effing ball quick....Ireland have great backs. Maybe all this is part of Joe's cunning plan.....but I would rather lose playing an expansive game than win 9-6 on kicks.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 11, 2019, 10:26:34 AM
Quote from: Insane Bolt on February 11, 2019, 09:39:21 AM
Rugby has evolved, and it's mainly the northern hemisphere teams trying to catch up with the southern hemisphere teams. They have closed the gap considerably, but I think that Irish teams have always been too conservative in their play. Wales, Scotland always seem to have a few tricks up their sleeve....quick line outs, tap penalties etc.....Ireland....box kick😩. For me Murray is too ponderous....move the effing ball quick....Ireland have great backs. Maybe all this is part of Joe's cunning plan.....but I would rather lose playing an expansive game than win 9-6 on kicks.

A big good 'un is always better than a small good 'un...

Rugby when played well is a fine sport (so is gaelic football) but when you've a hoard of a backroom team with stats coming out their arses players are more or less playing to a set pattern with the off the cuff stuff few and far between.

I think Ireland are over coached but I do think we don't have the real flair players who can play with their heads up and make decisions and execute in the heat of action. Sexton is a good enough outhalf and is a brave soul but he's not going to engineer something out of nothing and at the same time Schmitt seems to be that type of manager not to allow it anyway. Murray has lost his zip and now you don't go into a blind panic when he is replaced.

Ireland are punching above their weight at the minute but sadly still a bit off claiming a World Cup. Hope I'm wrong though.

Anyone else think that England have blocking the kick chasers down to a fine art?

France are a shambles of a team but some fine individual talent there.


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: oakleaflad on February 11, 2019, 10:40:06 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 11, 2019, 10:26:34 AM
Quote from: Insane Bolt on February 11, 2019, 09:39:21 AM
Rugby has evolved, and it's mainly the northern hemisphere teams trying to catch up with the southern hemisphere teams. They have closed the gap considerably, but I think that Irish teams have always been too conservative in their play. Wales, Scotland always seem to have a few tricks up their sleeve....quick line outs, tap penalties etc.....Ireland....box kick😩. For me Murray is too ponderous....move the effing ball quick....Ireland have great backs. Maybe all this is part of Joe's cunning plan.....but I would rather lose playing an expansive game than win 9-6 on kicks.

A big good 'un is always better than a small good 'un...

Rugby when played well is a fine sport (so is gaelic football) but when you've a hoard of a backroom team with stats coming out their arses players are more or less playing to a set pattern with the off the cuff stuff few and far between.

I think Ireland are over coached but I do think we don't have the real flair players who can play with their heads up and make decisions and execute in the heat of action. Sexton is a good enough outhalf and is a brave soul but he's not going to engineer something out of nothing and at the same time Schmitt seems to be that type of manager not to allow it anyway. Murray has lost his zip and now you don't go into a blind panic when he is replaced.

Ireland are punching above their weight at the minute but sadly still a bit off claiming a World Cup. Hope I'm wrong though.

Anyone else think that England have blocking the kick chasers down to a fine art?

France are a shambles of a team but some fine individual talent there.
Really noticed this against France. As soon as they knew the box kick was coming men were filtering back to get in the way and stop there being any sort of a decent kick chase.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on February 11, 2019, 10:51:08 AM
I've always admired the Welsh because they play an open expansive game no matter what team lines out. England are back on track....they have a seriously strong squad, and have sidelined Hartley, Cole and Brown quietly. Still think their discipline will be their downfall....in particular Itoje and Farrell.....although captaincy seems to have settled him. Ireland have either SA or All Blacks to look forward to in Japan.....hope they can get back to where they were last season.
If there was a transfer market I would break the bank for Barrett and McKenzie.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 11, 2019, 12:31:20 PM
Quote from: Insane Bolt on February 11, 2019, 10:51:08 AM
I've always admired the Welsh because they play an open expansive game no matter what team lines out. England are back on track....they have a seriously strong squad, and have sidelined Hartley, Cole and Brown quietly. Still think their discipline will be their downfall....in particular Itoje and Farrell.....although captaincy seems to have settled him. Ireland have either SA or All Blacks to look forward to in Japan.....hope they can get back to where they were last season.
If there was a transfer market I would break the bank for Barrett and McKenzie.

Send Aki back. Swap deal? ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 11, 2019, 12:51:40 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 11, 2019, 09:17:10 AM
After a couple of years of gradually losing interest, I'm now all but given up on rugby.

I fell for the game big time 20 years ago. Loved the constant strategic challenge of territory or possession. I loved the fact that the perfect formation seemed to consist of small fat man, tall ungainly men, a handful of testosterone-fuelled athletic freaks, and a couple of less-brave sorts out wide. The respect for referees was astonishing. That men could batter lumps out of each other for an hour and a half, then walk off arm-in-arm, did the heart good. And of course the 4 green fields all on show together at international level.

But if truth be told, it bores me senseless now. It is rugby league of 2 years ago, except with aimless box kicks thrown in at random intervals. It's no longer a game of skill or incision. It's just a series of over-sized, drug-fuelled robots playing a game of patience, waiting for a mistake to happen on the other side, while ensuring you make none yourself.

As a game I cannot see how it can fix itself either. They'll just keep getting bigger and stronger, and everyone will continue to pretend that it's entirely normal for Celtic nations to produce sons of  6' 4", 18 stone, finely tuned athletes.

I do fear that within 20 years, there will be a trend of pro rugby players dying in their early fifties from massive heart failure and brain haemorrhages. It's awful that we will have to wait for this to happen before the game can go back to being run.

Great post, Wobbler

Professionalism has changed the game for the worse.
English Injury stats are brutal

https://www.englandrugby.com/mm/Document/General/General/01/32/91/95/InjurySurveillanceReport2016-17_English.pdf

"The average severity of match injuries (the time taken to return to play) for the 2016-17 season was
32 days. This is the first time this figure has risen above the expected upper limit of season to season
variation. This is largely driven by the increase in injuries in the three highest severity groupings (8-
28 days, 28-84 days and >84 days absence).

• For the first time hamstring injuries and concussion feature in the top three injuries resulting in more than
84 days absence. The reasons for this change in the severity profile for hamstring injury severity profile
are unclear. The number of concussions requiring more than 3 months absence has also increased.
This likely reflects a trend to more conservative management of players who have sustained two or
more concussions in a 12-month period. "


Players get paid salaries to expose themselves week in week out to what are gladiatorial risks
Ireland is maybe less bad because the schedules are managed by the IRFU but French and English players are expected to
perform through the hits and collisions.

Nobody knows what long term damage players have already sustained



Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on February 11, 2019, 09:09:59 PM
https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/leinster-rugby/one-of-the-hardest-decisions-ive-ever-had-to-make-sean-obrien-confirms-london-irish-switch-37804687.html

London Irish have officially confirmed that Sean O'Brien will join the club from Leinster after the 2019 World Cup. The flanker will join the Premiership side in December 2019, bringing to an end his time with Leinster and Ireland. The 31-year-old, who turns 32 on Thursday, has played for his home province 122 times as well as winning 54 Ireland caps. He has signed a three-season deal with London Irish, where he will link up with Director of Rugby Declan Kidney and head coach Les Kiss, who previously coached O'Brien with the Ireland team.

Speaking about the move, O'Brien stressed that it wasn't an easy choice to end his career in Ireland. "This is one of the hardest decisions that I have ever had to make," O'Brien said. "I have played all my rugby in Ireland. "With Tullow, with Leinster and with Ireland and to move from the place I call home and that I love so much, was not easy. "That being said, I feel that the time has come to explore other opportunities, to challenge myself at a new environment, in a new city, with a new club and against different players and teams on a weekly basis. London Irish and what they are about is a club that I feel I can grow with and also contribute to and I feel that they have a set up and an ethos that will make me feel at home...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on February 12, 2019, 10:58:57 AM
Probably should put this in the wtf thread. The Independent have Bundee Aki, Connor Murray & Jacob Stockdale (fair enough) on the 6 nations team of the week. Akis passing is brutal & Connor Murray has to be up there with the worst kickers in the game at the moment.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 12, 2019, 11:06:21 AM
Quote from: Rudi on February 12, 2019, 10:58:57 AM
Probably should put this in the wtf thread. The Independent have Bundee Aki, Connor Murray & Jacob Stockdale (fair enough) on the 6 nations team of the week. Akis passing is brutal & Connor Murray has to be up there with the worst kickers in the game at the moment.

In fairness his kicking game has been the best in the world until this season so I wouldn't be giving him too much stick. Ben Youngs played well though so would probably feel a but hard done by.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 12, 2019, 11:13:45 AM
Conor Murray's form has been so-so since he came back from injury. He was poor against Exeter in the HEC as well. However he is still one of the best 9s in the world, and I think we need to calm down a bit.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on February 12, 2019, 11:28:24 AM
Quote from: Rudi on February 12, 2019, 10:58:57 AM
Probably should put this in the wtf thread. The Independent have Bundee Aki, Connor Murray & Jacob Stockdale (fair enough) on the 6 nations team of the week. Akis passing is brutal & Connor Murray has to be up there with the worst kickers in the game at the moment.

Listening a bit too much to Shag Horgan and Matty Wullliams there mate!! ;)

The problem with Bundee in the England game especially was he was in at first receiver too much when he is best used as a second or third option from rucks where he can use his strength to tie in defenders at the gain line or take them out with a quick offload or break!!

The problem against Scotland & England with the centers and back three was the passing was slightly to the back shoulder rather than out in front and this was confounded with slow ruck ball and slow service from Murray! It's very unusual for any of Joe's teams to have inaccurate passing and slow ruck ball so I would be confident this will be rectified sooner rather than later!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 12, 2019, 11:34:22 AM
Quote from: Crete Boom on February 12, 2019, 11:28:24 AM
Quote from: Rudi on February 12, 2019, 10:58:57 AM
Probably should put this in the wtf thread. The Independent have Bundee Aki, Connor Murray & Jacob Stockdale (fair enough) on the 6 nations team of the week. Akis passing is brutal & Connor Murray has to be up there with the worst kickers in the game at the moment.

Listening a bit too much to Shag Horgan and Matty Wullliams there mate!! ;)

The problem with Bundee in the England game especially was he was in at first receiver too much when he is best used as a second or third option from rucks where he can use his strength to tie in defenders at the gain line or take them out with a quick offload or break!!

The problem against Scotland & England with the centers and back three was the passing was slightly to the back shoulder rather than out in front and this was confounded with slow ruck ball and slow service from Murray! It's very unusual for any of Joe's teams to have inaccurate passing and slow ruck ball so I would be confident this will be rectified sooner rather than later!!

Yeah also our kick chase has been fairly non existent for 2 games there which is very unlike Ireland!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 12, 2019, 11:43:22 AM
Our rucking has been poor, which means Murray is under the type of pressure that he's just not use to. This is compounded by his rustiness and his accuracy has suffered. Still one of the best 9s in World Rugby.

Bundee Aki has never been noted for his passing, he's not there to pass and if does find himself in the 1st receiver role it's generally because something has gone wrong in the first 3/4 phases - that's a typical pattern for JS, he won't plan for more than that as the variables will just become unmanageable.

He would never admit it but Ireland look they are holding back, apart from Stockdale's try there has been a distinct lack of innovation. Almost like he's keeping his powder dry...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 12, 2019, 11:48:51 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 12, 2019, 11:43:22 AM
Our rucking has been poor, which means Murray is under the type of pressure that he's just not use to. This is compounded by his rustiness and his accuracy has suffered. Still one of the best 9s in World Rugby.

Bundee Aki has never been noted for his passing, he's not there to pass and if does find himself in the 1st receiver role it's generally because something has gone wrong in the first 3/4 phases - that's a typical pattern for JS, he won't plan for more than that as the variables will just become unmanageable.

He would never admit it but Ireland look they are holding back, apart from Stockdale's try there has been a distinct lack of innovation. Almost like he's keeping his powder dry...
I think Joe Schmidt and Jim Gavin may be operating the same playbook
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 12, 2019, 11:50:39 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 12, 2019, 11:43:22 AM
Our rucking has been poor, which means Murray is under the type of pressure that he's just not use to. This is compounded by his rustiness and his accuracy has suffered. Still one of the best 9s in World Rugby.

Bundee Aki has never been noted for his passing, he's not there to pass and if does find himself in the 1st receiver role it's generally because something has gone wrong in the first 3/4 phases - that's a typical pattern for JS, he won't plan for more than that as the variables will just become unmanageable.

He would never admit it but Ireland look they are holding back, apart from Stockdale's try there has been a distinct lack of innovation. Almost like he's keeping his powder dry...

Is it that Ireland are being poor in the ruck or other teams are improving in this area. It definitely seems strange that things that were previously huge strengths are now weaknesses particularly when you know how high performing the group is from coaching to players and the players have been producing the goods for their provinces in the HEC... it does seem to suggest that they want to peak at the right time which is certainly not now
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 12, 2019, 12:30:29 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 12, 2019, 11:50:39 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 12, 2019, 11:43:22 AM
Our rucking has been poor, which means Murray is under the type of pressure that he's just not use to. This is compounded by his rustiness and his accuracy has suffered. Still one of the best 9s in World Rugby.

Bundee Aki has never been noted for his passing, he's not there to pass and if does find himself in the 1st receiver role it's generally because something has gone wrong in the first 3/4 phases - that's a typical pattern for JS, he won't plan for more than that as the variables will just become unmanageable.

He would never admit it but Ireland look they are holding back, apart from Stockdale's try there has been a distinct lack of innovation. Almost like he's keeping his powder dry...

Is it that Ireland are being poor in the ruck or other teams are improving in this area. It definitely seems strange that things that were previously huge strengths are now weaknesses particularly when you know how high performing the group is from coaching to players and the players have been producing the goods for their provinces in the HEC... it does seem to suggest that they want to peak at the right time which is certainly not now

Good coaching from England, they brought lots of physicality, Scotland tried to emulate but don't have the same physical intensity. We've also had two French refs in a row, they allow the breakdown to be a battle zone, we would have seen a completely different game in the Aviva if a Southern Hemisphere ref was in charge, they demand quick ball and penalise accordingly.  But Ireland would have known this, they were outsmarted.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on February 12, 2019, 12:59:22 PM
Quote from: Crete Boom on February 12, 2019, 11:28:24 AM
Quote from: Rudi on February 12, 2019, 10:58:57 AM
Probably should put this in the wtf thread. The Independent have Bundee Aki, Connor Murray & Jacob Stockdale (fair enough) on the 6 nations team of the week. Akis passing is brutal & Connor Murray has to be up there with the worst kickers in the game at the moment.

Listening a bit too much to Shag Horgan and Matty Wullliams there mate!! ;)

The problem with Bundee in the England game especially was he was in at first receiver too much when he is best used as a second or third option from rucks where he can use his strength to tie in defenders at the gain line or take them out with a quick offload or break!!

The problem against Scotland & England with the centers and back three was the passing was slightly to the back shoulder rather than out in front and this was confounded with slow ruck ball and slow service from Murray! It's very unusual for any of Joe's teams to have inaccurate passing and slow ruck ball so I would be confident this will be rectified sooner rather than later!!

Dunno about that. I'm told Joe don't allow no offloads nohow.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on February 12, 2019, 01:01:17 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 12, 2019, 11:43:22 AM
Our rucking has been poor, which means Murray is under the type of pressure that he's just not use to. This is compounded by his rustiness and his accuracy has suffered. Still one of the best 9s in World Rugby.

Bundee Aki has never been noted for his passing, he's not there to pass and if does find himself in the 1st receiver role it's generally because something has gone wrong in the first 3/4 phases - that's a typical pattern for JS, he won't plan for more than that as the variables will just become unmanageable.

He would never admit it but Ireland look they are holding back, apart from Stockdale's try there has been a distinct lack of innovation. Almost like he's keeping his powder dry...

I get that feeling too.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on February 12, 2019, 01:02:26 PM
Quote from: Hardy on February 12, 2019, 12:59:22 PM
Quote from: Crete Boom on February 12, 2019, 11:28:24 AM
Quote from: Rudi on February 12, 2019, 10:58:57 AM
Probably should put this in the wtf thread. The Independent have Bundee Aki, Connor Murray & Jacob Stockdale (fair enough) on the 6 nations team of the week. Akis passing is brutal & Connor Murray has to be up there with the worst kickers in the game at the moment.

Listening a bit too much to Shag Horgan and Matty Wullliams there mate!! ;)

The problem with Bundee in the England game especially was he was in at first receiver too much when he is best used as a second or third option from rucks where he can use his strength to tie in defenders at the gain line or take them out with a quick offload or break!!

The problem against Scotland & England with the centers and back three was the passing was slightly to the back shoulder rather than out in front and this was confounded with slow ruck ball and slow service from Murray! It's very unusual for any of Joe's teams to have inaccurate passing and slow ruck ball so I would be confident this will be rectified sooner rather than later!!

Dunno about that. I'm told Joe don't allow no offloads nohow.
Well Bundee is allowed offload for Connacht anyway! ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 12, 2019, 01:06:26 PM
Jeez I dunno about the holding back lads.

Can you really do that in professional sport??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 12, 2019, 01:46:52 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 12, 2019, 01:06:26 PM
Jeez I dunno about the holding back lads.

Can you really do that in professional sport??

I'd say you can but it's a big risk!! Dublin are doing it at the minute.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 12, 2019, 01:52:58 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 12, 2019, 01:06:26 PM
Jeez I dunno about the holding back lads.

Can you really do that in professional sport??

Was wondering that myself, granted if Ireland don't win the 6N's it won't be the end of Joe's tenure so the pressure might be off in that regard.
If Eddie Jones had another poor 6N's campaign he and his team would have been under severe pressure, they're now hot favourites to win the WC and everything in between now.  ;)

I get the not putting too many new plays out there in Feb and March as these will be analysed to death come the World Cup, but the general handling, tackling, support etc etc is lacking zip and with a few lads injured you'd think some of the marginal squad players would be busting their balls to put on a good show and book a seat on the plane.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on February 12, 2019, 02:06:24 PM
England now second favourites for WC at 4/1....Ireland out to 5/1 from 7/2.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 12, 2019, 02:20:10 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 12, 2019, 01:46:52 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 12, 2019, 01:06:26 PM
Jeez I dunno about the holding back lads.

Can you really do that in professional sport??

I'd say you can but it's a big risk!! Dublin are doing it at the minute.
Dublin were 4/7 to win the League. It might be a bookie scam, you know
Very hard for punters to know what is going on and then you have will they wont they with Brexit
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 12, 2019, 02:35:40 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 12, 2019, 01:46:52 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 12, 2019, 01:06:26 PM
Jeez I dunno about the holding back lads.

Can you really do that in professional sport??

I'd say you can but it's a big risk!! Dublin are doing it at the minute.

Bit of a difference in the National League and 6 nations  ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 12, 2019, 03:17:11 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 12, 2019, 02:35:40 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 12, 2019, 01:46:52 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 12, 2019, 01:06:26 PM
Jeez I dunno about the holding back lads.

Can you really do that in professional sport??

I'd say you can but it's a big risk!! Dublin are doing it at the minute.

Bit of a difference in the National League and 6 nations  ;D

It's not really though the team has already won a few championships and Grand Slams so while most years it is important this time it isn't really. Semi Final is the making or breaking of this team!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 12, 2019, 03:17:38 PM
Just goes to show what a great world cup is ahead.

Ireland
England
Wales
New Zealand
South Africa

All capable of winning it.

Scotland could take anyone out on their day. Do the Wallabies have a kick in them left under Cheika? I can't profess to know much about Japan but raw emotion, at home they are going to cause Ireland and Scotland (without being too arrogant) bother as they look to 1/2 that group. The French are the French....you can never write them off, especially in a World Cup (although they are certainly building for 2023 moreso).

The English under Jones are bullies - I don't mean that in a critical way, I quite like Jones - when they play in his likeness they are a tough nut to crack, in your face and uncompromising. They hurt Ireland undoubtedly a few weeks ago....but I don't think Schmidt will be too gutted to take the attention off his men in the weeks/months to come with Eddie loving the limelight, but he might find the continually criminally underrated Gatland waiting in the long grass Saturday week....
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: NAG1 on February 12, 2019, 03:49:15 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 12, 2019, 03:17:38 PM
Just goes to show what a great world cup is ahead.

Ireland
England
Wales
New Zealand
South Africa

All capable of winning it.

Scotland could take anyone out on their day. Do the Wallabies have a kick in them left under Cheika? I can't profess to know much about Japan but raw emotion, at home they are going to cause Ireland and Scotland (without being too arrogant) bother as they look to 1/2 that group. The French are the French....you can never write them off, especially in a World Cup (although they are certainly building for 2023 moreso).

The English under Jones are bullies - I don't mean that in a critical way, I quite like Jones - when they play in his likeness they are a tough nut to crack, in your face and uncompromising. They hurt Ireland undoubtedly a few weeks ago....but I don't think Schmidt will be too gutted to take the attention off his men in the weeks/months to come with Eddie loving the limelight, but he might find the continually criminally underrated Gatland waiting in the long grass Saturday week....

Genuine question has there been one yet?

Great one off game yes but has there been a great tournament? I dont think so.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 12, 2019, 04:01:29 PM
I thought 2015 was a great World Cup. Obviously the final wasn't the best, I think teams are a lot more even coming into this World Cup than ever before.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 12, 2019, 04:36:12 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 12, 2019, 03:17:11 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 12, 2019, 02:35:40 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 12, 2019, 01:46:52 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 12, 2019, 01:06:26 PM
Jeez I dunno about the holding back lads.

Can you really do that in professional sport??

I'd say you can but it's a big risk!! Dublin are doing it at the minute.

Bit of a difference in the National League and 6 nations  ;D

It's not really though the team has already won a few championships and Grand Slams so while most years it is important this time it isn't really. Semi Final is the making or breaking of this team!!

Their intent is to win every game but I think we will see a modified game plan for the World Cup, JS is not revealing his hand. Whereas Eddie Jones had to go for it or he would have been out of a job. I actually think Wales as well are not revealing their full hand.

Still the 6 nations is compelling as always.

As an aside I think Ireland need Joey Carberry to continue his growth and usurp Sexton for Ireland to have a real chance.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 12, 2019, 05:02:50 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 12, 2019, 04:36:12 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 12, 2019, 03:17:11 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 12, 2019, 02:35:40 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 12, 2019, 01:46:52 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 12, 2019, 01:06:26 PM
Jeez I dunno about the holding back lads.

Can you really do that in professional sport??

I'd say you can but it's a big risk!! Dublin are doing it at the minute.

Bit of a difference in the National League and 6 nations  ;D

It's not really though the team has already won a few championships and Grand Slams so while most years it is important this time it isn't really. Semi Final is the making or breaking of this team!!

Their intent is to win every game but I think we will see a modified game plan for the World Cup, JS is not revealing his hand. Whereas Eddie Jones had to go for it or he would have been out of a job. I actually think Wales as well are not revealing their full hand.

Still the 6 nations is compelling as always.

As an aside I think Ireland need Joey Carberry to continue his growth and usurp Sexton for Ireland to have a real chance.

The problem with England showing their hand now is that expectations are being ramped up with comparisons to 2003
It is the same crap as with the soccer


https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2019/02/12/beat-wales-england-can-start-talked-breath-2003-vintage/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 12, 2019, 05:05:16 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 12, 2019, 05:02:50 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 12, 2019, 04:36:12 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 12, 2019, 03:17:11 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 12, 2019, 02:35:40 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 12, 2019, 01:46:52 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 12, 2019, 01:06:26 PM
Jeez I dunno about the holding back lads.

Can you really do that in professional sport??

I'd say you can but it's a big risk!! Dublin are doing it at the minute.

Bit of a difference in the National League and 6 nations  ;D

It's not really though the team has already won a few championships and Grand Slams so while most years it is important this time it isn't really. Semi Final is the making or breaking of this team!!

Their intent is to win every game but I think we will see a modified game plan for the World Cup, JS is not revealing his hand. Whereas Eddie Jones had to go for it or he would have been out of a job. I actually think Wales as well are not revealing their full hand.

Still the 6 nations is compelling as always.

As an aside I think Ireland need Joey Carberry to continue his growth and usurp Sexton for Ireland to have a real chance.

The problem with England showing their hand now is that expectations are being ramped up with comparisons to 2003
It is the same crap as with the soccer


https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2019/02/12/beat-wales-england-can-start-talked-breath-2003-vintage/

And sure what's wrong with that??!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on February 12, 2019, 07:20:30 PM
Think England have a straight forward run to the semi finals.....where hopefully they will meet All Blacks. If Ireland can get over SA then they will most likely face Wales in the semi final.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 15, 2019, 09:05:00 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 11, 2019, 09:17:10 AM
After a couple of years of gradually losing interest, I'm now all but given up on rugby.

I fell for the game big time 20 years ago. Loved the constant strategic challenge of territory or possession. I loved the fact that the perfect formation seemed to consist of small fat man, tall ungainly men, a handful of testosterone-fuelled athletic freaks, and a couple of less-brave sorts out wide. The respect for referees was astonishing. That men could batter lumps out of each other for an hour and a half, then walk off arm-in-arm, did the heart good. And of course the 4 green fields all on show together at international level.

But if truth be told, it bores me senseless now. It is rugby league of 20 years ago, except with aimless box kicks thrown in at random intervals. It's no longer a game of skill or incision. It's just a series of over-sized, drug-fuelled robots playing a game of patience, waiting for a mistake to happen on the other side, while ensuring you make none yourself.

As a game I cannot see how it can fix itself either. They'll just keep getting bigger and stronger, and everyone will continue to pretend that it's entirely normal for Celtic nations to produce eons of  6' 4", 18 stone, finely tuned athletes.

I do fear that within 20 years, there will be a trend of pro rugby players dying in their early fifties from massive heart failure and brain haemorrhages. It's awful that we will have to wait for this to happen before the game can go back to being fun.


Things are probably  going to get a lot worse before they get worse

More money means more games and bigger players

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/equity-firms-lining-up-to-acquire-slices-of-world-rugby-cake-1.3794306

Equity firms lining up to acquire slices of world rugby cake

Current revenue model of the global game likely to be replaced by new arrangements
about 8 hours ago
Gerry Thornley



CVC Capital Partners – the private equity firm who recently secured a 27 per cent stake in Premiership Rugby Limited – are one of several such firms who are in negotiations with the Guinness Pro14 and other tournaments and Unions around the rugby world with a view to acquiring similar stakes.
Rugby appears to be reaching something of a crossroads, with the current revenue model in the global game, which is largely dependent upon TV rights, set to be replaced by a more streamlined arrangement.
As things stand, rugby has a very fragmented market, wherein the six main unions or federations in Europe sell their autumn internationals to, potentially, six different broadcasters.
The Six Nations is seeking to aggregate their television rights in order to reap a bigger dividend, and are in advanced negotiations over a new collective deal also incorporating their autumn Test matches which could come into place from 2022 onwards.
CVC and other equity and investment parties have also entered the picture like never before, and are talking to Unions and Federations, as well as tournaments, around the world. Equity firms bring another degree of expertise in television and broadcasting rights, and other platforms.
When PRL jumped the gun, selling a 27 per cent share to CVC for a reported €225m to €260m – it assuredly intensified these off-field negotiations, with other tournaments and Unions fearful of falling behind the Premiership's new-found wealth.
But without a crystal ball entering this period of flux – which is liable to run for quite some time – no-one can possibly say how it might all pan out.
That so many outside financial interests are exploring investment in rugby suggest the sport is undervalued, but equity firms are not inclined to invest for the good of a sport's health.
A report in The Guardian last September when PRL were in negotiations with CVC, under the headline "CVC ownership of F1 should serve as a warning to Premiership Rugby", stated that CVC paid approximately €1.24 billion for its majority stake in Formula One in 2006 and over the next decade estimates suggest that it made up to £3.5 billion (€3.1 billion).
A fortune
In 2014 it is reported they took in €307.5m from a turnover of €1.1b, at that point representing a return on investment of more than 350 per cent.
According to the report, CVC employed Bernie Ecclestone to continue running F1, and state-backed venues willing to pay a fortune for the PR value of hosting F1 left the classic European tracks repeatedly making a loss and, in cases such as Silverstone and Monza, in danger of bankruptcy. In switching from free-to-air TV to more lucrative pay-per-view deals, F1's worldwide audience has fallen by 137 million since 2010.
Amid the manifold off-field discussions which are taking place World Rugby, and primarily its vice-president Agustin Pichot, are striving to bring into fruition a World Nations League. This plan would have the Six Nations and Rugby Championship be retained, but along with June and November windows would become part of the proposed annual league, culminating in semi-finals and a final.
The Six Nations are reluctant to see its tournament become part of a global TV broadcasting arrangement, thus potentially diminishing its share of revenues from European rugby's flagship event and its historical status as a standalone tournament, as well as devaluing the World Cup.
The Six Nations are understood to be in advanced discussions regarding a proposal to pool the broadcasting rights of all their home fixtures – including the Six nations and autumn Tests – in order to increase their value. This would also, most likely, constitute a pre-emptive strike against the proposed World Nations League.
It would seem safe to presume that such a proposal for aggregated TV rights would see at least some of the Six Nations move from free-to-air to a subscription-based model. The current six-year deal with the BBC and ITV in the UK for television rights to the Six Nations doesn't expire end until 2022, so any new deal could not come into being until then.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on February 15, 2019, 09:26:40 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 12, 2019, 04:36:12 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 12, 2019, 03:17:11 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 12, 2019, 02:35:40 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 12, 2019, 01:46:52 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 12, 2019, 01:06:26 PM
Jeez I dunno about the holding back lads.

Can you really do that in professional sport??

I'd say you can but it's a big risk!! Dublin are doing it at the minute.

Bit of a difference in the National League and 6 nations  ;D

It's not really though the team has already won a few championships and Grand Slams so while most years it is important this time it isn't really. Semi Final is the making or breaking of this team!!

Their intent is to win every game but I think we will see a modified game plan for the World Cup, JS is not revealing his hand. Whereas Eddie Jones had to go for it or he would have been out of a job. I actually think Wales as well are not revealing their full hand.

Still the 6 nations is compelling as always.

As an aside I think Ireland need Joey Carberry to continue his growth and usurp Sexton for Ireland to have a real chance.

Interesting Dinny. I've suspected this for a while myself but when I've suggested it to others who know more about rugby than I do I've been laughed out of it. I think Sexton's performances have dipped for a while now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on February 15, 2019, 11:51:35 AM
Give a man a reputation as an early riser and he can sleep 'til noon.
- Mark Twain.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 15, 2019, 12:08:33 PM
Jeez lads. Go after Murrays form if you are going to go after anyone.

Dan Carter wasn't tearing up any trees prior to 2015.

Not saying we are going to win it this year but JS is the man and Joey the perfect replacement at this stage.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 15, 2019, 12:50:40 PM
Go after Murray?? FFS.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 15, 2019, 01:08:32 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 15, 2019, 12:50:40 PM
Go after Murray?? FFS.

For the sensitive one....Discuss :D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 15, 2019, 01:13:01 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on February 15, 2019, 09:26:40 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 12, 2019, 04:36:12 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 12, 2019, 03:17:11 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 12, 2019, 02:35:40 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 12, 2019, 01:46:52 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 12, 2019, 01:06:26 PM
Jeez I dunno about the holding back lads.

Can you really do that in professional sport??

I'd say you can but it's a big risk!! Dublin are doing it at the minute.

Bit of a difference in the National League and 6 nations  ;D

It's not really though the team has already won a few championships and Grand Slams so while most years it is important this time it isn't really. Semi Final is the making or breaking of this team!!

Their intent is to win every game but I think we will see a modified game plan for the World Cup, JS is not revealing his hand. Whereas Eddie Jones had to go for it or he would have been out of a job. I actually think Wales as well are not revealing their full hand.

Still the 6 nations is compelling as always.

As an aside I think Ireland need Joey Carberry to continue his growth and usurp Sexton for Ireland to have a real chance.

Interesting Dinny. I've suspected this for a while myself but when I've suggested it to others who know more about rugby than I do I've been laughed out of it. I think Sexton's performances have dipped for a while now.

Time waits for no man, Sexton good player, good control but plays on the line and pays the price with his body. We are guilty in this country of keeping our sporting hero's around past their sell by date. Carberry plays on the line too as do all Leinster schooled 10s but his range of passing is superior and his eye for a gap much better, he if can get more control and better defensively while improving his out of hand kicking he will offer more than Sexton.

People are afraid of change, why was Carberry sent to Munster by JS. Part of a bigger picture, bigger plan. If Sexton is our only option in the WC we won't make it past the quarters.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 15, 2019, 03:50:09 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 15, 2019, 01:13:01 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on February 15, 2019, 09:26:40 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 12, 2019, 04:36:12 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 12, 2019, 03:17:11 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 12, 2019, 02:35:40 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 12, 2019, 01:46:52 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 12, 2019, 01:06:26 PM
Jeez I dunno about the holding back lads.

Can you really do that in professional sport??

I'd say you can but it's a big risk!! Dublin are doing it at the minute.

Bit of a difference in the National League and 6 nations  ;D

It's not really though the team has already won a few championships and Grand Slams so while most years it is important this time it isn't really. Semi Final is the making or breaking of this team!!

Their intent is to win every game but I think we will see a modified game plan for the World Cup, JS is not revealing his hand. Whereas Eddie Jones had to go for it or he would have been out of a job. I actually think Wales as well are not revealing their full hand.

Still the 6 nations is compelling as always.

As an aside I think Ireland need Joey Carberry to continue his growth and usurp Sexton for Ireland to have a real chance.

Interesting Dinny. I've suspected this for a while myself but when I've suggested it to others who know more about rugby than I do I've been laughed out of it. I think Sexton's performances have dipped for a while now.

Time waits for no man, Sexton good player, good control but plays on the line and pays the price with his body. We are guilty in this country of keeping our sporting hero's around past their sell by date. Carberry plays on the line too as do all Leinster schooled 10s but his range of passing is superior and his eye for a gap much better, he if can get more control and better defensively while improving his out of hand kicking he will offer more than Sexton.

People are afraid of change, why was Carberry sent to Munster by JS. Part of a bigger picture, bigger plan. If Sexton is our only option in the WC we won't make it past the quarters.

Sexton faced similar issues when up against O'Gara.

O'Gara was the safe pair of hands who controlled the game with his kicking but lacked that bit of vision with the ball in his hands. He'd been there and worn the teeshirt though and the bright, young thing in Sexton had to wait his time to win the No. 10 jersey.

Post WC, I can see Carbery as first choice.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 15, 2019, 03:52:57 PM
Sexton will be the 10 at the W.C barring any kind of injury. He still is ahead in nearly every aspect.

That said, Sexton is likely to be targeted as normal - makes sense for his heir to be ready.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 15, 2019, 03:58:37 PM
I think Sexton is mad to still be playing. Did he fail another HIA at the weekend?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 15, 2019, 07:42:30 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 15, 2019, 03:50:09 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 15, 2019, 01:13:01 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on February 15, 2019, 09:26:40 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 12, 2019, 04:36:12 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 12, 2019, 03:17:11 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 12, 2019, 02:35:40 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 12, 2019, 01:46:52 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 12, 2019, 01:06:26 PM
Jeez I dunno about the holding back lads.

Can you really do that in professional sport??

I'd say you can but it's a big risk!! Dublin are doing it at the minute.

Bit of a difference in the National League and 6 nations  ;D

It's not really though the team has already won a few championships and Grand Slams so while most years it is important this time it isn't really. Semi Final is the making or breaking of this team!!

Their intent is to win every game but I think we will see a modified game plan for the World Cup, JS is not revealing his hand. Whereas Eddie Jones had to go for it or he would have been out of a job. I actually think Wales as well are not revealing their full hand.

Still the 6 nations is compelling as always.

As an aside I think Ireland need Joey Carberry to continue his growth and usurp Sexton for Ireland to have a real chance.

Interesting Dinny. I've suspected this for a while myself but when I've suggested it to others who know more about rugby than I do I've been laughed out of it. I think Sexton's performances have dipped for a while now.

Time waits for no man, Sexton good player, good control but plays on the line and pays the price with his body. We are guilty in this country of keeping our sporting hero's around past their sell by date. Carberry plays on the line too as do all Leinster schooled 10s but his range of passing is superior and his eye for a gap much better, he if can get more control and better defensively while improving his out of hand kicking he will offer more than Sexton.

People are afraid of change, why was Carberry sent to Munster by JS. Part of a bigger picture, bigger plan. If Sexton is our only option in the WC we won't make it past the quarters.

Sexton faced similar issues when up against O'Gara.

O'Gara was the safe pair of hands who controlled the game with his kicking but lacked that bit of vision with the ball in his hands. He'd been there and worn the teeshirt though and the bright, young thing in Sexton had to wait his time to win the No. 10 jersey.

Post WC, I can see Carbery as first choice.

Ahead of Jackson?  :-X
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bannside on February 15, 2019, 10:57:45 PM
Cooney must be in the mix somewhere too
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 15, 2019, 11:46:24 PM
Quote from: bannside on February 15, 2019, 10:57:45 PM
Cooney must be in the mix somewhere too

Cooney is a far better player than Carberry
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bannside on February 16, 2019, 10:12:01 AM
Cooney definitely top class and If he'd been to the Leinster Academy they would raving about him. I'd say in international terms he would be level with Joey and both a notch behind Sexton who is world class, but needs to show that class in the autumn of 2019. The other two both massive squad additions as the likelihood is the position will be rotated between the 3 of them. Could Cooney go to 15 after Rob Kearney is finished? I'd say he could play anywhere.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 16, 2019, 10:28:26 AM
Quote from: bannside on February 16, 2019, 10:12:01 AM
Cooney definitely top class and If he'd been to the Leinster Academy they would raving about him. I'd say in international terms he would be level with Joey and both a notch behind Sexton who is world class, but needs to show that class in the autumn of 2019. The other two both massive squad additions as the likelihood is the position will be rotated between the 3 of them. Could Cooney go to 15 after Rob Kearney is finished? I'd say he could play anywhere.

Cooney was at Leinster pre Connacht BS.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Newbridge Exile on February 16, 2019, 12:01:43 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 16, 2019, 10:28:26 AM
Quote from: bannside on February 16, 2019, 10:12:01 AM
Cooney definitely top class and If he'd been to the Leinster Academy they would raving about him. I'd say in international terms he would be level with Joey and both a notch behind Sexton who is world class, but needs to show that class in the autumn of 2019. The other two both massive squad additions as the likelihood is the position will be rotated between the 3 of them. Could Cooney go to 15 after Rob Kearney is finished? I'd say he could play anywhere.

Cooney was at Leinster pre Connacht BS.
Yep was with Leinster from 2011 to 2014 then went on loan to Connacht before signing permanently with them
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bannside on February 16, 2019, 08:14:52 PM
Cheers lads. Didn't know that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 18, 2019, 11:43:41 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 15, 2019, 07:42:30 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 15, 2019, 03:50:09 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 15, 2019, 01:13:01 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on February 15, 2019, 09:26:40 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 12, 2019, 04:36:12 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 12, 2019, 03:17:11 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 12, 2019, 02:35:40 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 12, 2019, 01:46:52 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 12, 2019, 01:06:26 PM
Jeez I dunno about the holding back lads.

Can you really do that in professional sport??

I'd say you can but it's a big risk!! Dublin are doing it at the minute.

Bit of a difference in the National League and 6 nations  ;D

It's not really though the team has already won a few championships and Grand Slams so while most years it is important this time it isn't really. Semi Final is the making or breaking of this team!!

Their intent is to win every game but I think we will see a modified game plan for the World Cup, JS is not revealing his hand. Whereas Eddie Jones had to go for it or he would have been out of a job. I actually think Wales as well are not revealing their full hand.

Still the 6 nations is compelling as always.

As an aside I think Ireland need Joey Carberry to continue his growth and usurp Sexton for Ireland to have a real chance.

Interesting Dinny. I've suspected this for a while myself but when I've suggested it to others who know more about rugby than I do I've been laughed out of it. I think Sexton's performances have dipped for a while now.

Time waits for no man, Sexton good player, good control but plays on the line and pays the price with his body. We are guilty in this country of keeping our sporting hero's around past their sell by date. Carberry plays on the line too as do all Leinster schooled 10s but his range of passing is superior and his eye for a gap much better, he if can get more control and better defensively while improving his out of hand kicking he will offer more than Sexton.

People are afraid of change, why was Carberry sent to Munster by JS. Part of a bigger picture, bigger plan. If Sexton is our only option in the WC we won't make it past the quarters.

Sexton faced similar issues when up against O'Gara.

O'Gara was the safe pair of hands who controlled the game with his kicking but lacked that bit of vision with the ball in his hands. He'd been there and worn the teeshirt though and the bright, young thing in Sexton had to wait his time to win the No. 10 jersey.

Post WC, I can see Carbery as first choice.

Ahead of Jackson?  :-X

Who?  8)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on February 23, 2019, 06:33:38 PM
No bodder to Wales. Some catch for the try.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on February 23, 2019, 06:39:35 PM
Quote from: Rudi on February 23, 2019, 06:33:38 PM
No bodder to Wales. Some catch for the try.

Wales deserved to win....great intensity.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on February 23, 2019, 06:51:53 PM
Quote from: Insane Bolt on February 23, 2019, 06:39:35 PM
Quote from: Rudi on February 23, 2019, 06:33:38 PM
No bodder to Wales. Some catch for the try.

Wales deserved to win....great intensity.

The stats would say so too.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 23, 2019, 07:09:43 PM
It gives Ireland a chance now. Bonus point win against Italy tomorrow will set us up nicely for the final two games.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on February 23, 2019, 07:40:16 PM
Quote from: Rudi on February 23, 2019, 06:51:53 PM
Quote from: Insane Bolt on February 23, 2019, 06:39:35 PM
Quote from: Rudi on February 23, 2019, 06:33:38 PM
No bodder to Wales. Some catch for the try.

Wales deserved to win....great intensity.

The stats would say so too.

The John Terry team talk did the job😂
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 24, 2019, 03:35:49 PM
Do we think this will stop the anti Rory Best brigade?? Cronin is having a mare here!!

We'll get the bonus point win but it's far from professional!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lynchbhoy on February 24, 2019, 03:38:39 PM
Forward pass. But italy given the try.

This 6N is worse than ever for forward passes.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on February 24, 2019, 03:42:25 PM
Kearney😡
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 24, 2019, 04:20:28 PM
Murray has made some very simple errors getting robbed too one leading to a try and the other probably costing us one!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on February 24, 2019, 04:44:01 PM
Shocking one dimensional stuff. Sexton is a moody one. Murray and Cronin poor. Earls probably our best.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on February 24, 2019, 05:03:30 PM
Stockdale's GAA pedigree to the fore at the end. Looked for the pass rather than the kick.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 24, 2019, 05:06:04 PM
We were down a lot of players from our first choice 15 and still got the win. The lineout is a worry though. Best can't go on forever, Toner and James Ryan were missed.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on February 24, 2019, 06:01:25 PM
Wasn't great but a bonus point win all the same.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 24, 2019, 06:20:25 PM
Was like a re-run of the 2007 RWC that!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 24, 2019, 07:56:43 PM
Awfull shite, schmidt is certainly keeping all his aces hidden for the wc lol. Worrying that so many players are out of form and even more worryingly is that they are kept on the field for so long.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: DuffleKing on February 24, 2019, 08:48:16 PM

Zero relevance to the WC. Second half of the club season and then an international prep cycle before then. The 6 nations is a stand alone tournament where the most relevant WC info is who are viable options in various positions and who can't be trusted
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on February 24, 2019, 09:21:11 PM
Perhaps after today, the southern media will realise that Rory Best has to remain the number one choice hooker never mind his role as captain.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Orior on February 25, 2019, 08:50:40 AM
Quote from: trailer on February 24, 2019, 05:03:30 PM
Stockdale's GAA pedigree to the fore at the end. Looked for the pass rather than the kick.

WUM
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 25, 2019, 09:13:37 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 24, 2019, 06:20:25 PM
Was like a re-run of the 2007 RWC that!

Anybody ever find out the truth about that world cup. From beating SA and Oz in the build up to being lucky to scrape past Georgia. Rumours were flying around about a key play makers gambling debts and infidelity others just put it down to poor prep with players being burnt out after lifting too many weights in the gym. None of the players said nowt. Let's hope we don't have a repeat f**k up this time
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: oakleaflad on February 25, 2019, 10:06:39 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 24, 2019, 05:06:04 PM
We were down a lot of players from our first choice 15 and still got the win. The lineout is a worry though. Best can't go on forever, Toner and James Ryan were missed.
Lineout was poor but as you say we were missing players. I'd say Ryan, Toner, Henderson and Beirne would be our first 4 options and none of those started. It was the basic handling errors that most worried me, well into the double digits.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on February 25, 2019, 11:09:17 AM
Quote from: DuffleKing on February 24, 2019, 08:48:16 PM

Zero relevance to the WC. Second half of the club season and then an international prep cycle before then. The 6 nations is a stand alone tournament where the most relevant WC info is who are viable options in various positions and who can't be trusted

Agree, it's SA or All Blacks in QF that's important.....have to be right for that game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 25, 2019, 12:35:25 PM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/rugby-needs-to-make-itself-smaller-weaker-and-less-dangerous-1.3803699

Rugby needs to make itself smaller, weaker and less dangerous
Once famously a game for all shapes and sizes, that is quite clearly no longer the case

Brian O'Connor



Has rugby to regress to ensure its future? It's a counterintuitive concept, against all of sport's higher-faster-stronger aspirations. But progress has taken the game to a point where it is getting too big, too strong and too dangerous.
The weekend's Six Nations action once again exhibited what much of elite rugby has become, play after play of superbly conditioned athletes crashing into each other with at times near-heroic levels of commitment.
It is a different species to pre-professional days of 25 years ago. What was once about the creation of space is now about the construction of space through players running tactical lines that effectively make them human wrecking balls.
It doesn't mean the modern game can't contain skill and wit and imagination. In fact it highlights even more the breathtaking talents of those rare players able to execute those qualities under the most extreme pressure.
But to employ that most clichéd of rugby euphemisms, those qualities are too often an optional cherry on top of a vast exercise in physicality.
The toll of bigger and stronger not only being an ambition but a requirement is increasingly being pointed out as both unhealthy and unsustainable. Conditioning was supposed to protect players. Instead it has helped make hits harder and the game more brutal.
It's something the sport eventually has to properly address, not just in terms of current player welfare but in the vital matter of ensuring future generations play the game.
Because how sustainable or healthy can its outlook be with ever increasing awareness of the physical cost involved in playing professionally – especially in relation to concussion – and too often the tragic toll on those aspiring to be pros.
Inevitably when focus turns to rugby's dangers there is often a knee-jerk reaction to dismiss criticism as hostility from those ignorant of the game's nuances. But dismissing general perceptions of rugby's dangers is a cop-out the game can't afford.

Blue Billywig Video PlayerFrance's daily sports publication, L'Equipe, is hardly in the business of cutting the ground out from underneath its own commercial feet. But in December, after the death of 18-year-old Stade Francais academy player Nicolas Chauvin, it bluntly outlined the reality.
•   Boxing needs a single, unified world heavyweight champion
•   League of Ireland should appreciate what it is – not fret about what it isn't
•   Something cringey about recent evidence of unbearable 'Corkness' of Cork
Cardiac arrest
Chauvin was playing for Stade Francais's Under-21 team when he was caught in a two man tackle that broke his neck, caused cardiac arrest and cut off the oxygen supply to his brain. His death was the third linked to rugby in France in 2018 alone.
Dreadful evidence of the tragic toll the game can take when things go wrong is hardly confined to a single country.
It makes rugby's general future intimately bound up in individual parental quandaries as to whether or not this is a game they're comfortable with their children playing.
"From now on, we know. And no one can pretend there is still any doubt. Rugby kills," declared the L'Equipe editorial.
"Rugby kills because with professionalisation (sic) a rough game has become a violent game. Rugby kills because it believed that preparation protected everything, that the players' bodies could take more tackles, could take harder, higher tackles, often made by two defenders simultaneously. Rugby kills because we did not want to see that it could kill," it added.
It's the context in which rugby has to address its core evolutionary problem; how a game rooted in contact can dilute that contact enough to make the game safer.
Because dilution is required. Professional players continually putting their bodies through the punishment required to compete at the highest level is incredible. But is it something a lot of parent want their kids to aspire to.
For its own sake rugby needs to return to being a game of evasion rather the collision.
No doubt there are finicky concepts that might help in that direction such as increasing the size of the pitch, reducing the numbers of players on it or are allowed be substituted. There is also the option of weight restrictions at underage level in particular.
But if the root issue is ever increasing size then logically the major solution is to reverse that trend.
No rugby expertise is required to find such a prospect fascinating. It's a construct against everything elite sport is supposed to be about in terms of perpetual progress. It certainly flies in the face of all those clichés about how standing still really means going backwards.
Real issues
But if moving forwards means even more risk, then standing still to properly examine the very real issues rugby faces must represent some sort of progress.
Certainly with growing awareness of the dangers of concussion, and the inevitability of it occurring in a sport that revolves around impact, it is unrealistic to expect there's no cost to this obsession with size and power that threatens to make rugby too dangerous for its own good.
That means the game has to figure out what it wants to be. There's a spectacle in watching huge behemoths colliding with one another. But it has to be asked it is a sustainable spectacle considering the risks involved.
Many within the game will insist such risks are far outweighed by the benefits young players in particular get from playing rugby, as if it is somehow singular from all other sports in terms of character development. But that's the sort of sidestep we see all too rarely on the pitch.
How to place the priority on skill rather than power is a hugely difficult square to circle for those in authority. Risk can never be eliminated from such a physical game. But rugby is evolving in a way that threatens to cut the ground out from underneath its own feet.
It was once famously a game for all shapes and sizes. Progress means it hasn't been that for some time. Rugby would do well to try and find a different kind of progress though and also keep in mind how advancement and improvement aren't synonymous.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: grounded on February 25, 2019, 01:49:43 PM
Is this a misprint?

, after the death of 18-year-old Stade Francais academy player Nicolas Chauvin, it bluntly outlined the reality.
•   Boxing needs a single, unified world heavyweight champion
•   League of Ireland should appreciate what it is – not fret about what it isn't
•   Something cringey about recent evidence of unbearable 'Corkness' of Cork
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 25, 2019, 01:54:09 PM
Quote from: grounded on February 25, 2019, 01:49:43 PM
Is this a misprint?

, after the death of 18-year-old Stade Francais academy player Nicolas Chauvin, it bluntly outlined the reality.
•   Boxing needs a single, unified world heavyweight champion
•   League of Ireland should appreciate what it is – not fret about what it isn't
•   Something cringey about recent evidence of unbearable 'Corkness' of Cork
Probably embedded links to other stories, picked up in the cut n paste.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: grounded on February 25, 2019, 01:55:49 PM
Anyway a very interesting read. It does touch on a number of topics including bio banding in youth rugby.
        Lots of questions in the article about changing from a collission based to an evasion based sport but no real suggestions on how to get there. Still excellent food for thought.
         
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on February 25, 2019, 02:19:04 PM


Rugby needs to make itself smaller, weaker and less dangerous
Once famously a game for all shapes and sizes, that is quite clearly no longer the case

It's still all shapes and sizes....Liam Williams MOM on Saturday.....rugby is far more athletic now, and fitness levels are far greater.....but I don't think there is much difference in player size now than say 20 plus years ago....with the odd exception.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: grounded on February 25, 2019, 03:22:58 PM
Quote from: Insane Bolt on February 25, 2019, 02:19:04 PM


Rugby needs to make itself smaller, weaker and less dangerous
Once famously a game for all shapes and sizes, that is quite clearly no longer the case

It's still all shapes and sizes....Liam Williams MOM on Saturday.....rugby is far more athletic now, and fitness levels are far greater.....but I don't think there is much difference in player size now than say 20 plus years ago....with the odd exception.

You can get the actual link from this article. They have definitely changed in particular the height and weight of the backs.

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.joe.ie/amp/sport/graph-bigger-is-better-check-out-how-the-size-of-rugby-players-has-changed-in-the-last-40-years-434067
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on February 25, 2019, 03:37:02 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 25, 2019, 01:54:09 PM
Quote from: grounded on February 25, 2019, 01:49:43 PM
Is this a misprint?

, after the death of 18-year-old Stade Francais academy player Nicolas Chauvin, it bluntly outlined the reality.
•   Boxing needs a single, unified world heavyweight champion
•   League of Ireland should appreciate what it is – not fret about what it isn't
•   Something cringey about recent evidence of unbearable 'Corkness' of Cork
Probably embedded links to other stories, picked up in the cut n paste.

For someone whose job on this board revolves around copying and pasting, he's feckin brutal at it!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 25, 2019, 04:03:00 PM
Quote from: Hound on February 25, 2019, 03:37:02 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 25, 2019, 01:54:09 PM
Quote from: grounded on February 25, 2019, 01:49:43 PM
Is this a misprint?

, after the death of 18-year-old Stade Francais academy player Nicolas Chauvin, it bluntly outlined the reality.
•   Boxing needs a single, unified world heavyweight champion
•   League of Ireland should appreciate what it is – not fret about what it isn't
•   Something cringey about recent evidence of unbearable 'Corkness' of Cork
Probably embedded links to other stories, picked up in the cut n paste.

For someone whose job on this board revolves around copying and pasting, he's feckin brutal at it!
;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 25, 2019, 05:02:23 PM
Quote from: Insane Bolt on February 25, 2019, 02:19:04 PM


Rugby needs to make itself smaller, weaker and less dangerous
Once famously a game for all shapes and sizes, that is quite clearly no longer the case

It's still all shapes and sizes....Liam Williams MOM on Saturday.....rugby is far more athletic now, and fitness levels are far greater.....but I don't think there is much difference in player size now than say 20 plus years ago....with the odd exception.

Ah here, there's a difference between 10 years ago.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on February 25, 2019, 05:13:03 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 25, 2019, 05:02:23 PM
Quote from: Insane Bolt on February 25, 2019, 02:19:04 PM


Rugby needs to make itself smaller, weaker and less dangerous
Once famously a game for all shapes and sizes, that is quite clearly no longer the case

It's still all shapes and sizes....Liam Williams MOM on Saturday.....rugby is far more athletic now, and fitness levels are far greater.....but I don't think there is much difference in player size now than say 20 plus years ago....with the odd exception.

Ah here, there's a difference between 10 years ago.

Really....well for debate purposes.....Ireland 2009 backs...Kearney, Horgan, D'Arcy, O'Driscoll, Bowe, Sexton, O'Leary.......2019....Kearney, Earls, Stockdale, Aki, Henshaw, Stockdale, Sexton, Murray.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: oakleaflad on February 25, 2019, 05:18:50 PM
Quote from: Insane Bolt on February 25, 2019, 05:13:03 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 25, 2019, 05:02:23 PM
Quote from: Insane Bolt on February 25, 2019, 02:19:04 PM


Rugby needs to make itself smaller, weaker and less dangerous
Once famously a game for all shapes and sizes, that is quite clearly no longer the case

It's still all shapes and sizes....Liam Williams MOM on Saturday.....rugby is far more athletic now, and fitness levels are far greater.....but I don't think there is much difference in player size now than say 20 plus years ago....with the odd exception.

Ah here, there's a difference between 10 years ago.

Really....well for debate purposes.....Ireland 2009 backs...Kearney, Horgan, D'Arcy, O'Driscoll, Bowe, Sexton, O'Leary.......2019....Kearney, Earls, Stockdale, Aki, Henshaw, Stockdale, Sexton, Murray.
I think that only helps to prove yourself wrong. Only Horgan would be bigger than the equivalent today (Earls)? There's a big difference at 12 and 13 especially.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on February 25, 2019, 05:34:26 PM
Quote from: oakleaflad on February 25, 2019, 05:18:50 PM
Quote from: Insane Bolt on February 25, 2019, 05:13:03 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 25, 2019, 05:02:23 PM
Quote from: Insane Bolt on February 25, 2019, 02:19:04 PM


Rugby needs to make itself smaller, weaker and less dangerous
Once famously a game for all shapes and sizes, that is quite clearly no longer the case

It's still all shapes and sizes....Liam Williams MOM on Saturday.....rugby is far more athletic now, and fitness levels are far greater.....but I don't think there is much difference in player size now than say 20 plus years ago....with the odd exception.

Ah here, there's a difference between 10 years ago.

Really....well for debate purposes.....Ireland 2009 backs...Kearney, Horgan, D'Arcy, O'Driscoll, Bowe, Sexton, O'Leary.......2019....Kearney, Earls, Stockdale, Aki, Henshaw, Stockdale, Sexton, Murray.
I think that only helps to prove yourself wrong. Only Horgan would be bigger than the equivalent today (Earls)? There's a big difference at 12 and 13 especially.

Aki would be a stone heavier than O'Driscoll...Henshaw  the exception 4 inches taller and 10kg heavier.
What about the likes of Liam Williams of Wales and All Black Damian McKenzie?
Anyway have to agree that the likes of Sockdale would have been a second row in my day.....way back in black and white 😜
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on February 28, 2019, 09:59:28 AM
  http://www.ticketmaster.ie/clubpresale    (http://www.ticketmaster.ie/clubpresale)

World Cup warmup games if anyone wants to buy.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 28, 2019, 10:22:33 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on February 28, 2019, 09:59:28 AM
  http://www.ticketmaster.ie/clubpresale    (http://www.ticketmaster.ie/clubpresale)

World Cup warmup games if anyone wants to buy.
How do you select kids ticket separately? I have tried to buy 2 adults and 2 kids but all 4 are coming up full price?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 28, 2019, 10:40:14 AM
They had a good few injuries this year.
Last year not so much
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 01, 2019, 09:12:07 AM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/matt-williams-lack-of-leadership-is-the-reason-for-ireland-s-on-field-crisis-1.3810094
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 01, 2019, 09:46:45 AM
Talk about your massive over reactions over a couple of indifferent performances!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on March 01, 2019, 10:23:04 AM
Any thoughts on Ireland being purposely undercooked with the coming months ahead? I'd say they aren't too worried.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on March 01, 2019, 10:35:36 AM
Quote from: screenexile on March 01, 2019, 09:46:45 AM
Talk about your massive over reactions over a couple of indifferent performances!!!
That's always the way with Irish rugby.
Before the New Zealand game last November there was gloom after an insipid display against Argentina.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 01, 2019, 10:38:50 AM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on March 01, 2019, 10:35:36 AM
Quote from: screenexile on March 01, 2019, 09:46:45 AM
Talk about your massive over reactions over a couple of indifferent performances!!!
That's always the way with Irish rugby.
Before the New Zealand game last November there was gloom after an insipid display against Argentina.

I think it's modern life. Everything is either wonderful or crap. The middle ground where the majority of things tend to be has been abandoned.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trueblue1234 on March 01, 2019, 11:18:43 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 01, 2019, 10:38:50 AM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on March 01, 2019, 10:35:36 AM
Quote from: screenexile on March 01, 2019, 09:46:45 AM
Talk about your massive over reactions over a couple of indifferent performances!!!
That's always the way with Irish rugby.
Before the New Zealand game last November there was gloom after an insipid display against Argentina.

I think it's modern life. Everything is either wonderful or crap. The middle ground where the majority of things tend to be has been abandoned.

This has to be one of the worst posts I've seen on this board. Absolute nonsense.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Kickham csc on March 01, 2019, 11:31:03 AM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on March 01, 2019, 10:23:04 AM
Any thoughts on Ireland being purposely undercooked with the coming months ahead? I'd say they aren't too worried.

Apparently England are training really hard, so I think Ireland have not prioritized the 6 nations this year.

Hope that's the case

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on March 01, 2019, 11:34:25 AM
Quote from: Kickham csc on March 01, 2019, 11:31:03 AM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on March 01, 2019, 10:23:04 AM
Any thoughts on Ireland being purposely undercooked with the coming months ahead? I'd say they aren't too worried.

Apparently England are training really hard, so I think Ireland have not prioritized the 6 nations this year.

Hope that's the case

Eddie Jones is in a different place to Schmitt and needs a good 6N's to stay in the job. Up until Wales found them out they were the second coming of Jesus and his disciples...

Now they're getting critised for no plan B. Sound familiar.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 01, 2019, 11:40:19 AM
Quote from: trueblue1234 on March 01, 2019, 11:18:43 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 01, 2019, 10:38:50 AM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on March 01, 2019, 10:35:36 AM
Quote from: screenexile on March 01, 2019, 09:46:45 AM
Talk about your massive over reactions over a couple of indifferent performances!!!
That's always the way with Irish rugby.
Before the New Zealand game last November there was gloom after an insipid display against Argentina.

I think it's modern life. Everything is either wonderful or crap. The middle ground where the majority of things tend to be has been abandoned.

This has to be one of the worst posts I've seen on this board. Absolute nonsense.

It's the most accurate post on here . . . you're either good or you're shit there is no in between anymore and this is only exacerbated by 24 hour media coverage and clickbait and having to stay relevant. Saying "ah yeah we've been off a couple of games but we'll come good soon" doesn't sell many papers or get too many clicks.

Ireland in crisis or Johnny Sexton is taking too many hits is how everything is now!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 01, 2019, 11:48:46 AM
Quote from: trueblue1234 on March 01, 2019, 11:18:43 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 01, 2019, 10:38:50 AM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on March 01, 2019, 10:35:36 AM
Quote from: screenexile on March 01, 2019, 09:46:45 AM
Talk about your massive over reactions over a couple of indifferent performances!!!
That's always the way with Irish rugby.
Before the New Zealand game last November there was gloom after an insipid display against Argentina.

I think it's modern life. Everything is either wonderful or crap. The middle ground where the majority of things tend to be has been abandoned.

This has to be one of the worst posts I've seen on this board. Absolute nonsense.

I have been on this board nearly 15 years, that is some statement.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Jim_Murphy_74 on March 01, 2019, 11:49:24 AM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on March 01, 2019, 10:23:04 AM
Any thoughts on Ireland being purposely undercooked with the coming months ahead? I'd say they aren't too worried.

Sexton certainly seemed wound up about things after Italy game so it's hard to know.

At the end of the day Ireland have a uniform way of playing and it relies on ruck ball and winning the collisions.  If the forwards are a little undercooked (or injuries & changes in personnel break continuity) then the ball to Murray is going to be poor, then that will throw things out of kilter.  Add in that Murray is struggling a bit post injury and Sexton is trying to get game time under the belt too.


The other is that even though they coped with Bundee Aki last season Ireland are best with Henshaw and particularly Ringrose in the centre to make things happen.

Missing Kearney against England also disrupted things.   Putting Henshaw there really disrupted things and I doubt they would have done that if it wasn't with an eye on later in the year.   

So potentially they are slightly under-cooked but I think they are rattled by how these things have effected them.   There was a narrative that we had so many lads in every position.  The fact is that even with good replacements, the injuries have caused a lot of disruption and they need to consider that.

So as long as they are just rattled and not mentally scarred then they can recover.   This time out Ireland have toughest game first with Scotland rather than last as they had in 2015.   

The other is that as per All-Blacks game last year Schmidt does seem able to plan and get team to deliver for a big one-off game.   

His tenure (despite all that has been delivered in 6 nations) will be judged on winning a World Cup quarter-final. Really all evidence to date points that that's within the ability.

/Jim.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on March 01, 2019, 12:02:07 PM
Quote from: Jim_Murphy_74 on March 01, 2019, 11:49:24 AM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on March 01, 2019, 10:23:04 AM
Any thoughts on Ireland being purposely undercooked with the coming months ahead? I'd say they aren't too worried.

Sexton certainly seemed wound up about things after Italy game so it's hard to know.

At the end of the day Ireland have a uniform way of playing and it relies on ruck ball and winning the collisions.  If the forwards are a little undercooked (or injuries & changes in personnel break continuity) then the ball to Murray is going to be poor, then that will throw things out of kilter.  Add in that Murray is struggling a bit post injury and Sexton is trying to get game time under the belt too.


The other is that even though they coped with Bundee Aki last season Ireland are best with Henshaw and particularly Ringrose in the centre to make things happen.

Missing Kearney against England also disrupted things.   Putting Henshaw there really disrupted things and I doubt they would have done that if it wasn't with an eye on later in the year.   

So potentially they are slightly under-cooked but I think they are rattled by how these things have effected them.   There was a narrative that we had so many lads in every position.  The fact is that even with good replacements, the injuries have caused a lot of disruption and they need to consider that.

So as long as they are just rattled and not mentally scarred then they can recover.   This time out Ireland have toughest game first with Scotland rather than last as they had in 2015.   

The other is that as per All-Blacks game last year Schmidt does seem able to plan and get team to deliver for a big one-off game.   

His tenure (despite all that has been delivered in 6 nations) will be judged on winning a World Cup quarter-final. Really all evidence to date points that that's within the ability.

/Jim.

Aki a good man when everyone else is motoring well, when they aren't - you just feel he offers little more other than obvious physical momentum. I've long wondered just how good he actually is.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Jim_Murphy_74 on March 01, 2019, 12:05:56 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on March 01, 2019, 11:34:25 AM
Quote from: Kickham csc on March 01, 2019, 11:31:03 AM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on March 01, 2019, 10:23:04 AM
Any thoughts on Ireland being purposely undercooked with the coming months ahead? I'd say they aren't too worried.

Apparently England are training really hard, so I think Ireland have not prioritized the 6 nations this year.

Hope that's the case

Eddie Jones is in a different place to Schmitt and needs a good 6N's to stay in the job. Up until Wales found them out they were the second coming of Jesus and his disciples...

Now they're getting critised for no plan B. Sound familiar.

Their plan A is suited to the World Cup and knock-out rugby.  It might cause hysteria in the press but Jones won't be swayed.   The other things is that Wales played really well against them.

A conservative game won it for them in 2003 and got them to the final in 2007 (where SA adapted a pretty similar kicking game).

When NZ were under pressure in 2011 they went a similar route when facing big nations. 

Jones is cunning enough to know there is little champagne rugby at the business end of World Cups. 

/Jim.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Jim_Murphy_74 on March 01, 2019, 12:13:34 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on March 01, 2019, 12:02:07 PM
Aki a good man when everyone else is motoring well, when they aren't - you just feel he offers little more other than obvious physical momentum. I've long wondered just how good he actually is.

I remember him scoring a try last year against Italy.  He used his bulk to burst through 3 Italian forwards close to the line.  He ignored a massive overlap to do that.  I thought at the time great try but Joe won't be happy that overlap wasn't used.

When things are going well and Plan A is being disrupted then Ringrose give you something that most other options in the centre don't.

/Jim.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trueblue1234 on March 01, 2019, 12:48:10 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 01, 2019, 11:48:46 AM
Quote from: trueblue1234 on March 01, 2019, 11:18:43 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 01, 2019, 10:38:50 AM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on March 01, 2019, 10:35:36 AM
Quote from: screenexile on March 01, 2019, 09:46:45 AM
Talk about your massive over reactions over a couple of indifferent performances!!!
That's always the way with Irish rugby.
Before the New Zealand game last November there was gloom after an insipid display against Argentina.

I think it's modern life. Everything is either wonderful or crap. The middle ground where the majority of things tend to be has been abandoned.

This has to be one of the worst posts I've seen on this board. Absolute nonsense.

I have been on this board nearly 15 years, that is some statement.
;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on March 01, 2019, 01:36:28 PM
Interesting stuff from Gatland here -

https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/warren-gatland-reveals-what-he-feels-are-the-differences-between-irish-welsh-and-english-players-37868377.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 01, 2019, 01:48:33 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on March 01, 2019, 01:36:28 PM
Interesting stuff from Gatland here -

https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/warren-gatland-reveals-what-he-feels-are-the-differences-between-irish-welsh-and-english-players-37868377.html
What percentage of Irish players these days have come through private education? I wouldn't have thought it would be a massive number.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on March 01, 2019, 03:09:32 PM
Quote from: trueblue1234 on March 01, 2019, 11:18:43 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 01, 2019, 10:38:50 AM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on March 01, 2019, 10:35:36 AM
Quote from: screenexile on March 01, 2019, 09:46:45 AM
Talk about your massive over reactions over a couple of indifferent performances!!!
That's always the way with Irish rugby.
Before the New Zealand game last November there was gloom after an insipid display against Argentina.

I think it's modern life. Everything is either wonderful or crap. The middle ground where the majority of things tend to be has been abandoned.

This has to be one of the worst posts I've seen on this board. Absolute nonsense.

I think it's absolutely brilliant, one of the best I've ever seen.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 01, 2019, 03:15:24 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 01, 2019, 01:48:33 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on March 01, 2019, 01:36:28 PM
Interesting stuff from Gatland here -

https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/warren-gatland-reveals-what-he-feels-are-the-differences-between-irish-welsh-and-english-players-37868377.html
What percentage of Irish players these days have come through private education? I wouldn't have thought it would be a massive number.

Jeez Tony I'd say its well over half. Furlong and O'Brien are the only Leinster players (AFAIK) that didn't come from the private school route.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Keyser soze on March 01, 2019, 04:08:26 PM
Quote from: trueblue1234 on March 01, 2019, 12:48:10 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 01, 2019, 11:48:46 AM
Quote from: trueblue1234 on March 01, 2019, 11:18:43 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 01, 2019, 10:38:50 AM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on March 01, 2019, 10:35:36 AM
Quote from: screenexile on March 01, 2019, 09:46:45 AM
Talk about your massive over reactions over a couple of indifferent performances!!!
That's always the way with Irish rugby.
Before the New Zealand game last November there was gloom after an insipid display against Argentina.

I think it's modern life. Everything is either wonderful or crap. The middle ground where the majority of things tend to be has been abandoned.

This has to be one of the worst posts I've seen on this board. Absolute nonsense.

I have been on this board nearly 15 years, that is some statement.
;)

Well played TB, you caught a big one there.

In fact it's one of the most superlative windups ever imho.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 01, 2019, 07:43:05 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 01, 2019, 03:15:24 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 01, 2019, 01:48:33 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on March 01, 2019, 01:36:28 PM
Interesting stuff from Gatland here -

https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/warren-gatland-reveals-what-he-feels-are-the-differences-between-irish-welsh-and-english-players-37868377.html
What percentage of Irish players these days have come through private education? I wouldn't have thought it would be a massive number.

Jeez Tony I'd say its well over half. Furlong and O'Brien are the only Leinster players (AFAIK) that didn't come from the private school route.
I didnt mention Leinster. What do you call a private school?

Best went to Portadown College, Stockdale to Wallace, I now fellas in Athlone who were at school with Henshaw and they certainly aren't private school types. Is St Munchin's a fee paying school? If I was guessing I'd say it's just over half from what I would class a private school.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 04, 2019, 10:24:50 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 01, 2019, 07:43:05 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 01, 2019, 03:15:24 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 01, 2019, 01:48:33 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on March 01, 2019, 01:36:28 PM
Interesting stuff from Gatland here -

https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/warren-gatland-reveals-what-he-feels-are-the-differences-between-irish-welsh-and-english-players-37868377.html
What percentage of Irish players these days have come through private education? I wouldn't have thought it would be a massive number.

Jeez Tony I'd say its well over half. Furlong and O'Brien are the only Leinster players (AFAIK) that didn't come from the private school route.
I didnt mention Leinster. What do you call a private school?

Best went to Portadown College, Stockdale to Wallace, I now fellas in Athlone who were at school with Henshaw and they certainly aren't private school types. Is St Munchin's a fee paying school? If I was guessing I'd say it's just over half from what I would class a private school.

Just quickly went through the Irish match day squad v England and excluded the overseas players

Robbie Henshaw non-fee
Keith Earls non-fee
Jordan Larmour
Garry Ringrose 
Joey Carbery non-fee
Jacob Stockdale non-fee
Johnny Sexton
Conor Murray non-fee
John Cooney
Cian Healy
Dave Kilcoyne non-fee
Rory Best  non-fee
Sean Cronin non-fee
Tadhg Furlong non-fee
Andrew Porter
Devin Toner
James Ryan
Peter O'Mahony
Josh van der Flier
Sean O'Brien non-fee
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 04, 2019, 10:29:48 AM
Good stuff DB.

Did Carbery not end up at Blackrock for his leaving?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 04, 2019, 10:43:59 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 04, 2019, 10:29:48 AM
Good stuff DB.

Did Carbery not end up at Blackrock for his leaving?

Joey spend five years in secondary school in Athy, his final year on a scholarship to Blackrock. That practice is no longer allowed as essentially your Leinster Youths team, which provides the most players to Leinster Rugby after Blackrock and St Michaels, is an u18 team and the fee-payng schools who were signing those young lads on scholarship for 1 year to bolster their ranks are u19.

The practice was frowned upon by the old boys. Roscrea brought a court case, still not fully settled.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 04, 2019, 11:03:25 AM
Interesting.

Never realised youths provided such numbers outside the big schools.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 04, 2019, 01:30:38 PM
So, are we agreeing that I was correct?  ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on March 08, 2019, 09:02:10 PM
U20s look good. Hognett looks excellent.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Harold Disgracey on March 08, 2019, 09:21:35 PM
Super game. Six nation champions with a game in hand. Josh Wycherley & Casey were superb.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 08, 2019, 09:27:12 PM
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on March 08, 2019, 09:21:35 PM
Super game. Six nation champions with a game in hand. Josh Wycherley & Casey were superb.
Anything to Fineen Wycherley? Hardly a common name in those parts. Fineen a big cub.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Harold Disgracey on March 08, 2019, 11:06:25 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 08, 2019, 09:27:12 PM
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on March 08, 2019, 09:21:35 PM
Super game. Six nation champions with a game in hand. Josh Wycherley & Casey were superb.
Anything to Fineen Wycherley? Hardly a common name in those parts. Fineen a big cub.
Younger brother I believe.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on March 10, 2019, 02:59:58 PM
France +13......that's a big spread
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on March 10, 2019, 03:04:02 PM
Good man Rory😎....maybe have to repeat this later on golf thread😜
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on March 10, 2019, 03:16:55 PM
Ireland receiving ball from a standing start can't break tackle
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 10, 2019, 03:40:09 PM
Who said the wraparound didn't work anymore... much more Ireland like performance thank god controlling the game!

Will be interesting to see how we go when France get some possession.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 10, 2019, 03:47:11 PM
Henderson has been immense!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on March 10, 2019, 03:52:23 PM
They should be out of sight given the possession they have had. Solid so far.....would like to see some variations at line out...quick throw to front etc.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on March 10, 2019, 04:25:22 PM
Great stuff...Earls playing superbly 👍👍
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on March 10, 2019, 04:26:12 PM
Probably the easiest ever win for Ireland against France in the six/five nations.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on March 10, 2019, 04:36:52 PM
Refs instructions lost in translation 😩 haven't heard him speak French yet😂
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 10, 2019, 04:47:58 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on March 10, 2019, 04:26:12 PM
Probably the easiest ever win for Ireland against France in the six/five nations.

Ireland should be on about 40 pts by now this French team are awfull can't believe they made Wales look so bad in that first half in the first match.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 10, 2019, 04:54:01 PM
Let's hope this doesn't go down to pts because Ireland have thrown away about a 40 pt difference today
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on March 10, 2019, 04:55:10 PM
Spread covered with that conversion....don't see how ref can award try with no clear grounding.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thejuice on March 10, 2019, 10:30:43 PM
If we beat Wales we'll be basically handing the trophy to England. Perhaps we should send out the second team to give them a run out and save the big guns for the World Cup
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on March 10, 2019, 10:38:45 PM
When the ref awarded a penalty to Ireland well inside the french 25 , why did they not choose a tap and go penalty instead of a risky throw in or scrum?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on March 10, 2019, 10:51:35 PM
Quote from: Main Street on March 10, 2019, 10:38:45 PM
When the ref awarded a penalty to Ireland well inside the french 25 , why did they not choose a tap and go penalty instead of a risky throw in or scrum?

Scrum - draws in 8 defenders and a scrum half to a small space and allows space wide for players to beat a man on the outside. Also allows you to run set piece plays. Modern day scrums are practically guaranteed possession. I'd say todays was the first ireland lost against the head in play all year.

Lineout - sets up a maul which is nearly impossible to legally defend against.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on March 10, 2019, 11:07:25 PM
Quote from: trileacman on March 10, 2019, 10:51:35 PM
Quote from: Main Street on March 10, 2019, 10:38:45 PM
When the ref awarded a penalty to Ireland well inside the french 25 , why did they not choose a tap and go penalty instead of a risky throw in or scrum?

Scrum - draws in 8 defenders and a scrum half to a small space and allows space wide for players to beat a man on the outside. Also allows you to run set piece plays. Modern day scrums are practically guaranteed possession. I'd say todays was the first ireland lost against the head in play all year.

Lineout - sets up a maul which is nearly impossible to legally defend against.
Losing that scrum was a freak event, however they also lost a line out  when a tap and go penalty would have brought the ruck to within a whisker of the try line.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: HiMucker on March 11, 2019, 08:29:43 AM
Could someone explain what needs to happen next week for Ireland to win the 6Ns?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on March 11, 2019, 08:36:58 AM
Quote from: HiMucker on March 11, 2019, 08:29:43 AM
Could someone explain what needs to happen next week for Ireland to win the 6Ns?

Scotland needs to beat England, and Ireland beat Wales.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: David McKeown on March 11, 2019, 09:38:04 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 11, 2019, 08:36:58 AM
Quote from: HiMucker on March 11, 2019, 08:29:43 AM
Could someone explain what needs to happen next week for Ireland to win the 6Ns?

Scotland needs to beat England, and Ireland beat Wales.

Not that it will matter but what happens if England don't get the bonus point and Ireland beat Wales by 65 points more than England beat Scotland. Does it go to head to head or points difference?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on March 11, 2019, 10:34:09 AM
Quote from: David McKeown on March 11, 2019, 09:38:04 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 11, 2019, 08:36:58 AM
Quote from: HiMucker on March 11, 2019, 08:29:43 AM
Could someone explain what needs to happen next week for Ireland to win the 6Ns?

Scotland needs to beat England, and Ireland beat Wales.

Not that it will matter but what happens if England don't get the bonus point and Ireland beat Wales by 65 points more than England beat Scotland. Does it go to head to head or points difference?
Keep it real and just ask what's the tiebreaker when two or more teams are tied on points.
Answer is  points difference.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: David McKeown on March 11, 2019, 11:10:48 AM
Quote from: Main Street on March 11, 2019, 10:34:09 AM
Quote from: David McKeown on March 11, 2019, 09:38:04 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 11, 2019, 08:36:58 AM
Quote from: HiMucker on March 11, 2019, 08:29:43 AM
Could someone explain what needs to happen next week for Ireland to win the 6Ns?

Scotland needs to beat England, and Ireland beat Wales.

Not that it will matter but what happens if England don't get the bonus point and Ireland beat Wales by 65 points more than England beat Scotland. Does it go to head to head or points difference?
Keep it real and just ask what's the tiebreaker when two or more teams are tied on points.
Answer is  points difference.

Cheers.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 11, 2019, 11:13:33 AM
Heading to Cardiff at the weekend . . . any places that we should check out in particular??? (Pubs obviously)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on March 11, 2019, 12:16:47 PM
Quote from: screenexile on March 10, 2019, 03:47:11 PM
Henderson has been immense!

Getting very good at ripping the ball out in the tackle is our Iain.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gawa316 on March 11, 2019, 04:06:37 PM
Quote from: Main Street on March 11, 2019, 10:34:09 AM
Quote from: David McKeown on March 11, 2019, 09:38:04 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 11, 2019, 08:36:58 AM
Quote from: HiMucker on March 11, 2019, 08:29:43 AM
Could someone explain what needs to happen next week for Ireland to win the 6Ns?

Scotland needs to beat England, and Ireland beat Wales.

Not that it will matter but what happens if England don't get the bonus point and Ireland beat Wales by 65 points more than England beat Scotland. Does it go to head to head or points difference?
Keep it real and just ask what's the tiebreaker when two or more teams are tied on points.
Answer is  points difference.

Could Wales win the every game (Grand Slam) and not win the championship?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 11, 2019, 04:09:03 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on March 11, 2019, 04:06:37 PM
Quote from: Main Street on March 11, 2019, 10:34:09 AM
Quote from: David McKeown on March 11, 2019, 09:38:04 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 11, 2019, 08:36:58 AM
Quote from: HiMucker on March 11, 2019, 08:29:43 AM
Could someone explain what needs to happen next week for Ireland to win the 6Ns?

Scotland needs to beat England, and Ireland beat Wales.

Not that it will matter but what happens if England don't get the bonus point and Ireland beat Wales by 65 points more than England beat Scotland. Does it go to head to head or points difference?
Keep it real and just ask what's the tiebreaker when two or more teams are tied on points.
Answer is  points difference.

Could Wales win the every game (Grand Slam) and not win the championship?

No. . . you get an extra 3 points for a Grand slam!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gawa316 on March 11, 2019, 05:00:40 PM
Quote from: screenexile on March 11, 2019, 04:09:03 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on March 11, 2019, 04:06:37 PM
Quote from: Main Street on March 11, 2019, 10:34:09 AM
Quote from: David McKeown on March 11, 2019, 09:38:04 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 11, 2019, 08:36:58 AM
Quote from: HiMucker on March 11, 2019, 08:29:43 AM
Could someone explain what needs to happen next week for Ireland to win the 6Ns?

Scotland needs to beat England, and Ireland beat Wales.



Not that it will matter but what happens if England don't get the bonus point and Ireland beat Wales by 65 points more than England beat Scotland. Does it go to head to head or points difference?
Keep it real and just ask what's the tiebreaker when two or more teams are tied on points.
Answer is  points difference.

Could Wales win the every game (Grand Slam) and not win the championship?

No. . . you get an extra 3 points for a Grand slam!

Ah never knew that, cheers.

On another note any good sites out there for watching 6 nations highlights?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on March 11, 2019, 05:45:01 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on March 11, 2019, 05:00:40 PM
Quote from: screenexile on March 11, 2019, 04:09:03 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on March 11, 2019, 04:06:37 PM
Quote from: Main Street on March 11, 2019, 10:34:09 AM
Quote from: David McKeown on March 11, 2019, 09:38:04 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 11, 2019, 08:36:58 AM
Quote from: HiMucker on March 11, 2019, 08:29:43 AM
Could someone explain what needs to happen next week for Ireland to win the 6Ns?

Scotland needs to beat England, and Ireland beat Wales.

Ah never knew that, cheers.

On another note any good sites out there for watching 6 nations highlights?

Not that it will matter but what happens if England don't get the bonus point and Ireland beat Wales by 65 points more than England beat Scotland. Does it go to head to head or points difference?
Keep it real and just ask what's the tiebreaker when two or more teams are tied on points.
Answer is  points difference.

Could Wales win the every game (Grand Slam) and not win the championship?

No. . . you get an extra 3 points for a Grand slam!

There is a Guinness Six Nations channel on Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL5bAcVfbxSAs-UM5f5ncWg/

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on March 11, 2019, 06:20:27 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on March 11, 2019, 05:00:40 PM
Quote from: screenexile on March 11, 2019, 04:09:03 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on March 11, 2019, 04:06:37 PM
Quote from: Main Street on March 11, 2019, 10:34:09 AM
Quote from: David McKeown on March 11, 2019, 09:38:04 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 11, 2019, 08:36:58 AM
Quote from: HiMucker on March 11, 2019, 08:29:43 AM
Could someone explain what needs to happen next week for Ireland to win the 6Ns?

Scotland needs to beat England, and Ireland beat Wales.



Not that it will matter but what happens if England don't get the bonus point and Ireland beat Wales by 65 points more than England beat Scotland. Does it go to head to head or points difference?
Keep it real and just ask what's the tiebreaker when two or more teams are tied on points.
Answer is  points difference.

Could Wales win the every game (Grand Slam) and not win the championship?

No. . . you get an extra 3 points for a Grand slam!

Ah never knew that, cheers.

On another note any good sites out there for watching 6 nations highlights?

Is BBCiplayer available where you are. You can watch highlights on it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 11, 2019, 06:51:10 PM
Quote from: screenexile on March 11, 2019, 04:09:03 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on March 11, 2019, 04:06:37 PM
Quote from: Main Street on March 11, 2019, 10:34:09 AM
Quote from: David McKeown on March 11, 2019, 09:38:04 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 11, 2019, 08:36:58 AM
Quote from: HiMucker on March 11, 2019, 08:29:43 AM
Could someone explain what needs to happen next week for Ireland to win the 6Ns?

Scotland needs to beat England, and Ireland beat Wales.

Not that it will matter but what happens if England don't get the bonus point and Ireland beat Wales by 65 points more than England beat Scotland. Does it go to head to head or points difference?
Keep it real and just ask what's the tiebreaker when two or more teams are tied on points.
Answer is  points difference.

Could Wales win the every game (Grand Slam) and not win the championship?

No. . . you get an extra 3 points for a Grand slam!

Aye I was wondering that yesterday
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on March 11, 2019, 07:27:17 PM
Quote from: Insane Bolt on March 11, 2019, 06:20:27 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on March 11, 2019, 05:00:40 PM
Quote from: screenexile on March 11, 2019, 04:09:03 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on March 11, 2019, 04:06:37 PM
Quote from: Main Street on March 11, 2019, 10:34:09 AM
Quote from: David McKeown on March 11, 2019, 09:38:04 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 11, 2019, 08:36:58 AM
Quote from: HiMucker on March 11, 2019, 08:29:43 AM
Could someone explain what needs to happen next week for Ireland to win the 6Ns?

Scotland needs to beat England, and Ireland beat Wales.



Not that it will matter but what happens if England don't get the bonus point and Ireland beat Wales by 65 points more than England beat Scotland. Does it go to head to head or points difference?
Keep it real and just ask what's the tiebreaker when two or more teams are tied on points.
Answer is  points difference.

Could Wales win the every game (Grand Slam) and not win the championship?

No. . . you get an extra 3 points for a Grand slam!

Ah never knew that, cheers.

On another note any good sites out there for watching 6 nations highlights?

Is BBCiplayer available where you are. You can watch highlights on it.
youtube has the full game and highlights
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 12, 2019, 04:19:18 PM
Schmidt hasn't beaten Wales in Cardiff
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on March 12, 2019, 04:21:25 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 12, 2019, 04:19:18 PM
Schmidt hasn't beaten Wales in Cardiff

First time for everything
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on March 15, 2019, 08:00:48 PM
Last 6 nations game for Best, Schmidt, Gatland, WynnJones?....even money game, roof open...fancy Ireland
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Harold Disgracey on March 15, 2019, 09:04:23 PM
Great stuff from the U20s, grinding out the Grand Slam.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on March 15, 2019, 09:15:57 PM
Quote from: Insane Bolt on March 15, 2019, 08:00:48 PM
Last 6 nations game for Best, Schmidt, Gatland, WynnJones?....even money game, roof open...fancy Ireland
o brien ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LooseCannon on March 15, 2019, 10:02:10 PM
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on March 15, 2019, 09:04:23 PM
Great stuff from the U20s, grinding out the Grand Slam.
Great try by Reilly. One to watch for Connacht in the future. I believe he's playing AIL with Buccaneers of Athlone at the moment. Something we've been lacking in our 9s at senior level is the ability to snipe like he did a couple of times tonight. Davies from Wales is decent at sniping, as was Mike Phillips (remember him?). Will be interesting to see how his future pans out. Considering that he wasn't even in the 23, 'twas some going to get the winner. Serious gas. He's made his mark, hopefully there's more to come, seems a good passer, ability to snipe. Only thing we didn't see him do was kick.
He's the man of the moment and deservedly so.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 15, 2019, 10:41:06 PM
Quote from: Insane Bolt on March 15, 2019, 08:00:48 PM
Last 6 nations game for Best, Schmidt, Gatland, WynnJones?....even money game, roof open...fancy Ireland

I'd like to say Ireland will win both have momentum but Wales more and at home should just sway it, would hate for Jones to steal it based on Ireland wining
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on March 15, 2019, 10:42:08 PM
It was a good game and a good performance from Ireland under 20s. They did it without their first choice half backs who dropped out late in the day before the game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 16, 2019, 07:58:47 AM
Noel McNamara played county minor footballyr with Clare. He's a.good egg.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 16, 2019, 01:26:01 PM
Italy butchering chance after chance here Ffs
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 16, 2019, 02:26:25 PM
Italy are a f**king joke should have scored about 5 tries. Their half backs are both useless. Why oh why have they not brought a kiwi outhalf in years ago who could at leat kick the points
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on March 16, 2019, 02:50:58 PM
That's the second time this 6N Ireland have conceded in the first 2 minutes. Everyone is kicking the ball against them now and they can't seem to cope.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 16, 2019, 03:06:59 PM
Worrying amount of penalties already
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 16, 2019, 03:27:21 PM
Pretty much nothing going right. Well done lads
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on March 16, 2019, 03:28:03 PM
Have we ever conceded  this amount of penalties in a half under Schmidt? This a big lead in wet conditions  away from home?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 16, 2019, 03:35:33 PM
Apart from one half against France, Ireland have been w**k this year.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on March 16, 2019, 03:35:42 PM
Did Ireland want the roof open ? Looking like a terrible call
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: podge on March 16, 2019, 04:01:29 PM
Ref is killing us
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on March 16, 2019, 04:04:57 PM
Ireland won't be winning any WC or getting in to the last 4. They seem very brittle.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on March 16, 2019, 04:07:27 PM
Wales have dominated us all over and after 15 mins our heads dropped and we have looked well and truly beaten!! If Gatland wasn't a conservative coach the Welsh could open up and hammer us!! What's really disappointing is that at international level in a game that matters the Welsh beat us 9 times out of 10 which is something Irish rugby needs to look at cause it is not as if there is a huge talent difference between us and the Welsh!! It just seems they believe and know they can beat us even if we have a slightly more talented team on the pitch!!!
Also we now head into the world cup on a downward spiral in terms of form and I don't think good performances by the provinces to end the season will necessarily make that much of a difference!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on March 16, 2019, 04:15:34 PM
Quinny giving out about the ref now!! While the ref hasn't done us any favours I would have him down the bottom of the list of why we are taking a beating at the moment!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on March 16, 2019, 04:17:14 PM
Looks like they've downed tools since Schmidt has announced he's leaving.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on March 16, 2019, 04:19:27 PM
Quote from: trailer on March 16, 2019, 04:17:14 PM
Looks like they've downed tools since Schmidt has announced he's leaving.
A month ago I would have been confident of the opposite not so much now!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on March 16, 2019, 04:20:42 PM
Why not take Sexton Murray and all subs on the starters really haven't shown up
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gerrykeegan on March 16, 2019, 04:22:35 PM
Who was Sexton mouthing off about last week making mistakes. He's been muck today. I'd be reminding him of that
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on March 16, 2019, 04:24:14 PM
Quote from: Gmac on March 16, 2019, 04:20:42 PM
Why not take Sexton Murray and all subs on the starters really haven't shown up

At this stage it would be no harm to throw in Carty and Marmion. It just hasn't happened for Murray and Sexton all tournament!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: galwayman on March 16, 2019, 04:24:40 PM
Bullied all over the pitch.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on March 16, 2019, 04:27:15 PM
Cian Healy must have naked pictures of Schmidt. If he's not giving a penalty away he's throwing the ball away. A shitebag.
Although from 1 to 15 they've been f**king muck.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on March 16, 2019, 04:29:49 PM
I know it's not the refs fault but he's most definitely a ****.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on March 16, 2019, 04:29:54 PM
It was poor sportsmanship from the IRFU to demand an open roof stadium with a deluge being forecast.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 16, 2019, 04:32:24 PM
Take it all back compared to ireland italy and their half backs looked immense. Joe really can be a stubborn f**k
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on March 16, 2019, 04:33:16 PM
I don't want to blame the ref but come give the Welsh a yellow!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Farrandeelin on March 16, 2019, 04:34:06 PM
Saving themselves for the Autumn?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on March 16, 2019, 04:39:44 PM
Humiliation.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on March 16, 2019, 04:43:53 PM
Fair play to Gatland , 3 grand slams in his Wales tenure which is equal to Ireland's amount in 136 years of Home/Five/Six nations rugby!
Wales and England looking a lot stronger than us heading into the World Cup?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on March 16, 2019, 04:55:38 PM
While today was disappointing I am glad Ireland are not going into the world cup as favourites. It has never suited us to be favourites. I am still looking forward to the world cup. We did beat New Zealand in the Autumn.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 16, 2019, 04:57:42 PM
Opening the roof backfired massively. Knock on count for Ireland must be huge. Regroup and get ready for the WC and now that expectations have been re-aligned that should be seen as a positive.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 16, 2019, 05:03:19 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 16, 2019, 04:57:42 PM
Opening the roof backfired massively. Knock on count for Ireland must be huge. Regroup and get ready for the WC and now that expectations have been re-aligned that should be seen as a positive.

Meh!! Same for both teams. Going into the World Cup without any expectation is fine. We're not as bad as we looked today let's get through the club season without injury we'll grand!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on March 16, 2019, 05:04:09 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on March 16, 2019, 04:55:38 PM
While today was disappointing I am glad Ireland are not going into the world cup as favourites. It has never suited us to be favourites. I am still looking forward to the world cup. We did beat New Zealand in the Autumn.

I hope you are right but when you look at the teams that go far in the World Cup they back it up whether they are favourites are not!! Momentum is huge going to a World Cup as well and we don't have that at all now!! I just worry for our confidence and teams now know if they get ahead of us early we struggle to chase games. Throw in the pressure of never getting past a quarter final I think it will be tough in the world cup!! I still think having Joe in charge is a huge advantage to us so I still have hope of a World Cup semi!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 16, 2019, 05:09:47 PM
Quote from: screenexile on March 16, 2019, 05:03:19 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 16, 2019, 04:57:42 PM
Opening the roof backfired massively. Knock on count for Ireland must be huge. Regroup and get ready for the WC and now that expectations have been re-aligned that should be seen as a positive.

Meh!! Same for both teams. Going into the World Cup without any expectation is fine. We're not as bad as we looked today let's get through the club season without injury we'll grand!!
Conditions the same for both teams but the outcome not the same for both teams when you INSIST on it being opened and then can't handle the conditions. You look a bit foolish in that case.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on March 16, 2019, 05:11:41 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 16, 2019, 05:09:47 PM
Quote from: screenexile on March 16, 2019, 05:03:19 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 16, 2019, 04:57:42 PM
Opening the roof backfired massively. Knock on count for Ireland must be huge. Regroup and get ready for the WC and now that expectations have been re-aligned that should be seen as a positive.

Meh!! Same for both teams. Going into the World Cup without any expectation is fine. We're not as bad as we looked today let's get through the club season without injury we'll grand!!
Conditions the same for both teams but the outcome not the same for both teams when you INSIST on it being opened and then can't handle the conditions. You look a bit foolish in that case.
And shite for the spectators in first rows, though most looked too pissed to care.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on March 16, 2019, 06:23:03 PM
England must have found out Wales won the slam and were out of reach at half time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 16, 2019, 06:58:55 PM
Some match. Pity the jocks couldn't hold on.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on March 16, 2019, 07:44:53 PM
No excuses Ireland were outplayed in all sectors....they never threatened the Welsh line ....so ......we go across to Twickenham😂 swing low....then holding on for a draw....
rugby is fickle....Wales look good, Ireland not so good, England...full of empty promises....
roll on the World Cup 😎
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Helix. on March 16, 2019, 07:48:05 PM
Quote from: Insane Bolt on March 16, 2019, 07:44:53 PM
No excuses Ireland were outplayed in all sectors....they never threatened the Welsh line ....so ......we go across to Twickenham😂 swing low....then holding on for a draw....
rugby is fickle....Wales look good, Ireland not so good, England...full of empty promises....
roll on the World Cup 😎

4 warm up games  before the WC will be interesting hopefully build back up some level of momentum and keep injuries to minimum. Roll on the WC is right  :)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sheugh Water on March 16, 2019, 09:12:45 PM
Overhyped team
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 16, 2019, 09:58:52 PM
There's not a team in the North that go with New Zealand in a crunch World Cup game. there only threat might come from south africa
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 16, 2019, 10:32:23 PM
Let's get it simple, a semi final appearance will be a huge improvement
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 17, 2019, 09:36:08 AM
A semi final at least should be par for their ranking but as yesterday showed though we often bottle it when it matters and seeing as a QF will be against NZ or SA then we are fecked
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on March 17, 2019, 10:39:43 AM
Not a wind up question, but a general thought.

Has the last 12 months went to some of the Irish players heads.....?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on March 17, 2019, 11:04:06 AM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on March 17, 2019, 10:39:43 AM
Not a wind up question, but a general thought.

Has the last 12 months went to some of the Irish players heads.....?

I wouldn't say that.

Ireland are far from an exceptionally talented team. Their gameplan under Schmidt is based primarily on minimising mistakes, and applying a relentless, punishing tempo once the screw is turned.

The problem with this system is that it's nigh-on impossible to maintain for a prolonged period of time. Players are humans, not machines. They all feed off each other, and once standards slip at all, they'll slip across the board. And it's bloody difficult to hit a reset switch in your brain halfway through a game.

Ireland need a plan B for the World Cup, one which sees the shackles being taken off, if only for a few minutes - when a game is slipping away. But tbh I'm not sure if we've the players to do off-the-cuff.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: BarryBreensBandage on March 17, 2019, 02:50:07 PM
Ireland have a record breaking try scorer in Stockdale. How much quality ball did he get in the whole 6N?
Kearney had the opportunity to pass him the ball on numerous occasions and predictably cut inside and got tackled.
Another thing I can't understand is why did Schmidt announce he was leaving when he did?
Why does this happen continually in all sports? Why did he not just say we will wait until the end of 2019 to see what will happen. If Ireland do well in the world Cup it won't matter, but they haven't looked the same team as last year.
I hope, as some have suggested, that they are holding back.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 17, 2019, 09:57:04 PM
Zebo should still be on the panel. I why was the exception make for sexton but no one else
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: nrico2006 on March 18, 2019, 07:57:42 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 17, 2019, 09:57:04 PM
Zebo should still be on the panel. I why was the exception make for sexton but no one else

Bit of a joke situation to be fair.  Zebo on form should be on the panel and you can't make exceptions to the rule if you want to appear fair/consistent. 

As mentioned, Schmidt didn't need to announce he was leaving, usually doesn't pan out well for a teams fortunes.  When you want to leave, just go.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: BarryBreensBandage on March 18, 2019, 10:22:10 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 17, 2019, 09:57:04 PM
Zebo should still be on the panel. I why was the exception make for sexton but no one else
I agree with you, but it wouldn't matter a shite. He wouldn't get the ball. Look how hard it is for our backs, 11-14, to get on the ball. It's shocking that players of the calibre of Ringrose, Earls and Stockdale have to feed off scraps, and only really see the ball when there's no other option. I would say Zebo is happy out.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on March 18, 2019, 12:52:00 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 17, 2019, 11:04:06 AM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on March 17, 2019, 10:39:43 AM
Not a wind up question, but a general thought.

Has the last 12 months went to some of the Irish players heads.....?

I wouldn't say that.

Ireland are far from an exceptionally talented team. Their gameplan under Schmidt is based primarily on minimising mistakes, and applying a relentless, punishing tempo once the screw is turned.

The problem with this system is that it's nigh-on impossible to maintain for a prolonged period of time. Players are humans, not machines. They all feed off each other, and once standards slip at all, they'll slip across the board. And it's bloody difficult to hit a reset switch in your brain halfway through a game.

Ireland need a plan B for the World Cup, one which sees the shackles being taken off, if only for a few minutes - when a game is slipping away. But tbh I'm not sure if we've the players to do off-the-cuff.

I think there are some, Kearney, Ringrose and even Earls is a good open field runner. Problem is that if they deviate from the rigid game plan then they're gone with Schmitt.
What once made Ireland strong is now their achilles heel. Predictable with their lack of offloads meaning teams can go through the phases with them, slow down the ball and Ireland will either box kick, kick to the corner or go for a wrap around. If a knock on doesn't occur in the meantime.

Healy giving penalties away for fun at the minute.

I think some of these lads have gone to the well once too often for a good world cup.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 20, 2019, 03:42:09 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 17, 2019, 09:57:04 PM
Zebo should still be on the panel. I why was the exception make for sexton but no one else
Ireland probably don't have the strength in depth to be so choosy. The interests of the provinces and the national team aren't always
in perfect alignment.
Bit of a nightmare tournament considering the expectations going into it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on March 20, 2019, 04:26:49 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 17, 2019, 09:57:04 PM
Zebo should still be on the panel. I why was the exception make for sexton but no one else

Paddy Jackson was still very unreliable at that stage....in a sporting sense.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on March 22, 2019, 09:26:54 PM
Jack Carthy in mighty form for Connacht. 20 mins turns game on its head.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on March 23, 2019, 01:22:23 PM
If Zebo was to be recalled for World Cup it would be at full back and the issue would now be his fitness.  Since going to France his body shape has changed and his fitness will have reduced to that found in the Top 14. He would need to be pulled into the Irish squad system and conditioned to the level of the existing players.

Despite the hype over the last couple of years about the depth of talent available in Irish rugby its not that great.

Injuries that will be inevitable during the world cup have had an effect on the team selection for the 6 nations.

Making Kearney your first choice full back denies the wingers the ball needed to be a real attacking force.  Kearney's default move is to hold the ball and then run at an angle into the centre while ignoring the winger on the outside.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on March 25, 2019, 12:54:41 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on March 23, 2019, 01:22:23 PM
If Zebo was to be recalled for World Cup it would be at full back and the issue would now be his fitness. Since going to France his body shape has changed and his fitness will have reduced to that found in the Top 14. He would need to be pulled into the Irish squad system and conditioned to the level of the existing players.

Despite the hype over the last couple of years about the depth of talent available in Irish rugby its not that great.

Injuries that will be inevitable during the world cup have had an effect on the team selection for the 6 nations.

Making Kearney your first choice full back denies the wingers the ball needed to be a real attacking force.  Kearney's default move is to hold the ball and then run at an angle into the centre while ignoring the winger on the outside.

Go on....say what you mean, he's fat. He's about 5-6kg overweight. Easy lost if your leaading the right lifestyle.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 25, 2019, 01:17:40 PM
Josh VdF out for rest of the season with groin injury. Jeez the injuries to back rowers is brutal.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 30, 2019, 01:10:32 PM
Great quick thinking from Earls and Murray managed to get a suplex in on his opposite number. Great work altogether.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on March 30, 2019, 02:22:00 PM
Both sides passing up great chances.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on March 30, 2019, 02:27:31 PM
Earls great try
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on March 30, 2019, 05:32:26 PM
Any streams lads. Overseas here.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on March 30, 2019, 06:25:21 PM
Try reddit rugby streams
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 30, 2019, 06:44:08 PM
Ulster doing very well here can't see them holding in though!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 30, 2019, 06:50:21 PM
Quote from: screenexile on March 30, 2019, 06:44:08 PM
Ulster doing very well here can't see them holding in though!

The bookies have it -19 points..can't see them winning but so far they have been decent
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 30, 2019, 06:56:49 PM
That is huge!! What a mistake after doing the hard work!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on March 30, 2019, 06:58:13 PM
Stockdale blew it. He should have held the ball in 2 hands and dived and scored.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 30, 2019, 06:58:58 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on March 30, 2019, 06:58:13 PM
Stocdale blew it. He should have held the ball in 2 hands and dived and scored.

Jeez really bad mistake after doing so well doh!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on March 30, 2019, 06:59:10 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on March 30, 2019, 06:58:13 PM
Stocdale blew it. He should have held the ball in 2 hands and dived and scored.

Chris Ashton moment 😩
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on March 30, 2019, 07:22:50 PM
Dan Leavy out for the year.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 30, 2019, 07:23:57 PM
Great try!!! How did he miss that kick??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 30, 2019, 07:41:07 PM
Ulster threw that away ... Seeious game of Rugby very enjoyable!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 30, 2019, 07:43:38 PM
Stockdale will ge having nightmares. Disappointed but realistically leinster have a much better chance of going all the way.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 30, 2019, 07:45:32 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on March 30, 2019, 07:43:38 PM
Stockdale will ge having nightmares. Disappointed but realistically leinster have a much better chance of going all the way.

??? Don't understand that if Ulster win today they've beaten the best team in it... they didn't so good luck to Leinster!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Aaron Boone on March 30, 2019, 09:55:55 PM
#9countyarmy
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 30, 2019, 10:07:07 PM
Three great performances from Irish teams
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on March 31, 2019, 03:15:20 PM
Why didn't ulster intentionally give a penalty away with 3 mins left and at least give themselves a chance of getting one more possession and a chance to score and win , think it would be better strategy than hoping Leinster turn it over or give penalty away   7 points would have won it for them
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on March 31, 2019, 04:05:13 PM
Very harsh red card for Toulouse 10, great response though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on March 31, 2019, 05:12:26 PM
Great game....Toulouse deserving winners...Leinster next.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on April 01, 2019, 09:53:56 AM
Saracens and Toulouse definitely the best two teams of the weekend.
Munster and Leinster both blessed. Arguably the 6th and 7th best teams of the weekend!

Edinburgh and Ulster were the better teams on the day, just the two massive turning points turning the games completely around. As the Irish Times eloquently put the Munster turning point:

"Contact was perfunctory, although that wouldn't have seemed the case in gauging the reaction of the prone player in real time".

In other words, a blatant dive and feigning of injury by Tadhg Beirne was the crucial turning point of the match! There was no way the pen would have been given had he stood his ground, very smart "soccer style" thinking.

But as with the Stockdale incident, the turning point had to be taken advantage of and it was the brilliance of Keith Earls and Jack Conan that grasped the victories from the jaws of defeat for Munster and Leinster. And Ross Byrne's winning kick was sensational given his injury!

Two cracking semis to look forward to on Easter weekend.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on April 01, 2019, 09:58:01 AM
Didn't see the Edinburgh Munster game. Ulster pushed Leinster to the limit. It was a close run thing between two good teams, Leinster just had the edge on experience and depth of squad.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on April 02, 2019, 02:37:43 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on April 01, 2019, 09:58:01 AM
Didn't see the Edinburgh Munster game. Ulster pushed Leinster to the limit. It was a close run thing between two good teams, Leinster just had the edge on experience and depth of squad.

Home advantage help also. though a mate of mine was at the match and he said the experience was unreal
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on April 02, 2019, 03:05:37 PM
Jack McGrath to Ulster. Big signing. He won't get it all his own way though as Eric O'Sullivan has been excellent this season.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LooseCannon on April 02, 2019, 05:32:23 PM
Quote from: Hound on April 01, 2019, 09:53:56 AM
Saracens and Toulouse definitely the best two teams of the weekend.
Munster and Leinster both blessed. Arguably the 6th and 7th best teams of the weekend!

Edinburgh and Ulster were the better teams on the day, just the two massive turning points turning the games completely around. As the Irish Times eloquently put the Munster turning point:

"Contact was perfunctory, although that wouldn't have seemed the case in gauging the reaction of the prone player in real time".

In other words, a blatant dive and feigning of injury by Tadhg Beirne was the crucial turning point of the match! There was no way the pen would have been given had he stood his ground, very smart "soccer style" thinking.

But as with the Stockdale incident, the turning point had to be taken advantage of and it was the brilliance of Keith Earls and Jack Conan that grasped the victories from the jaws of defeat for Munster and Leinster. And Ross Byrne's winning kick was sensational given his injury!

Two cracking semis to look forward to on Easter weekend.
https://twitter.com/threeredkings/status/1112432593797111808?s=21
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: michaelg on April 02, 2019, 05:45:17 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 02, 2019, 03:05:37 PM
Jack McGrath to Ulster. Big signing. He won't get it all his own way though as Eric O'Sullivan has been excellent this season.
Ulster fast becoming Leinster B Team.  How come more emphasis is not being placed on Ulster developing their own players?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: NAG1 on April 03, 2019, 12:02:09 PM
Quote from: michaelg on April 02, 2019, 05:45:17 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 02, 2019, 03:05:37 PM
Jack McGrath to Ulster. Big signing. He won't get it all his own way though as Eric O'Sullivan has been excellent this season.
Ulster fast becoming Leinster B Team.  How come more emphasis is not being placed on Ulster developing their own players?

The structure is ridiculous, schools cup is the be all and end all, so a good majority of the players are burnt out by 18 and dont even continue in the game at any level.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on April 03, 2019, 01:32:14 PM
Quote from: NAG1 on April 03, 2019, 12:02:09 PM
Quote from: michaelg on April 02, 2019, 05:45:17 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 02, 2019, 03:05:37 PM
Jack McGrath to Ulster. Big signing. He won't get it all his own way though as Eric O'Sullivan has been excellent this season.
Ulster fast becoming Leinster B Team.  How come more emphasis is not being placed on Ulster developing their own players?

The structure is ridiculous, schools cup is the be all and end all, so a good majority of the players are burnt out by 18 and dont even continue in the game at any level.
I wouldn't say they are burnt out, they just end up going to university and may play a bit of club and/or a bit of university rugby the same as most other sports. I know a few lads from Armagh on the Ulster u18s from school and club route and very few of them will make it and especially if Ulster keep dropping people in from other provinces but I don't think that is alien to Ulster rugby. Aaron Sexton from Bangor Grammar is tipped for the top and hopefully he doesn't fall victim to lads being parachuted in from elsewhere.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on April 03, 2019, 01:40:35 PM
I was unfortunate enough to see the video on Twitter of Leavy's leg being buckled in that ruck. Awful. He'll be doing well to come back from that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on April 03, 2019, 02:02:17 PM
Quote from: NAG1 on April 03, 2019, 12:02:09 PM
Quote from: michaelg on April 02, 2019, 05:45:17 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 02, 2019, 03:05:37 PM
Jack McGrath to Ulster. Big signing. He won't get it all his own way though as Eric O'Sullivan has been excellent this season.
Ulster fast becoming Leinster B Team.  How come more emphasis is not being placed on Ulster developing their own players?

The structure is ridiculous, schools cup is the be all and end all, so a good majority of the players are burnt out by 18 and dont even continue in the game at any level.

Do they lose many from students heading off to university in GB? I have read that there are a sizeable number go to uni in England or Scotland and I would imagine that is more common for students from "Protestant" grammar schools who make up pretty much all of the Schools Cup teams.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on April 03, 2019, 02:12:03 PM
I think its more a case they weren't producing forwards, or those with a hard edge. The production line for backs has been pretty decent.

Kieran Campbell and Willie Anderson said the Academy were putting a big emphasis on producing more hard nosed forwards in the next few years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on April 03, 2019, 02:38:54 PM
Quote from: michaelg on April 02, 2019, 05:45:17 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 02, 2019, 03:05:37 PM
Jack McGrath to Ulster. Big signing. He won't get it all his own way though as Eric O'Sullivan has been excellent this season.
Ulster fast becoming Leinster B Team.  How come more emphasis is not being placed on Ulster developing their own players?

Strange statement . . . never something you'd hear about a soccer club. How many soccer clubs have 2/3 starter quality players for each position?? It's not how the market works if you're a professional side and have 2-3 players good enough to play in a first team in the same position then you're not going to be able to keep them all!!

As Nucifora has said Ireland is the priority and if Ireland can build that kind of depth for the international team then that will be better for the greater good of the Irish team. I'm sure Leinster get some kind of compensation for it so good luck to Ulster!!!

Having McGrath, Porter, Healy all playing first team Rugby at the top club level has to be a good thing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on April 03, 2019, 03:22:09 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on April 03, 2019, 01:40:35 PM
I was unfortunate enough to see the video on Twitter of Leavy's leg being buckled in that ruck. Awful. He'll be doing well to come back from that.

ACL PCL Severe Hamstring tear and tore a bicep tendon in his knee. 15 - 18 months between surgeries and recoveries is the estimate.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on April 03, 2019, 05:38:01 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on April 03, 2019, 03:22:09 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on April 03, 2019, 01:40:35 PM
I was unfortunate enough to see the video on Twitter of Leavy's leg being buckled in that ruck. Awful. He'll be doing well to come back from that.

ACL PCL Severe Hamstring tear and tore a bicep tendon in his knee. 15 - 18 months between surgeries and recoveries is the estimate.
Poor lad but still has age on his side.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: michaelg on April 03, 2019, 07:27:13 PM
Quote from: screenexile on April 03, 2019, 02:38:54 PM
Quote from: michaelg on April 02, 2019, 05:45:17 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 02, 2019, 03:05:37 PM
Jack McGrath to Ulster. Big signing. He won't get it all his own way though as Eric O'Sullivan has been excellent this season.
Ulster fast becoming Leinster B Team.  How come more emphasis is not being placed on Ulster developing their own players?

Strange statement . . . never something you'd hear about a soccer club. How many soccer clubs have 2/3 starter quality players for each position?? It's not how the market works if you're a professional side and have 2-3 players good enough to play in a first team in the same position then you're not going to be able to keep them all!!

As Nucifora has said Ireland is the priority and if Ireland can build that kind of depth for the international team then that will be better for the greater good of the Irish team. I'm sure Leinster get some kind of compensation for it so good luck to Ulster!!!

Having McGrath, Porter, Healy all playing first team Rugby at the top club level has to be a good thing.
Not sure what's strange about my statement.  Irish rugby is administered on a provincial basis and it's the responsibility of each province to develop and bring through players for the Ireland side.  If only one province is developing players and monopolising the limited number of spaces in the 4 professional teams, that's not a good thing. 

Also, although professionalism in rugby has been in place for the last couple of decades or so, playing for Ulster/Leinster/Munster & Connaught was the dream for many a player making their way in the game. Young lads starting out in school and club rugby in Ulster are arguably going to be more inclined to stick at it if there is a clear and achievable pathway to a professional career with Ulster.
 
Finally, the 4 provincial sides are not really the same as professional football clubs, given the 100+ years of representative rugby that has gone before the introduction of professionalism.  As is is the case in rugby as in football, however, fans also prefer and can identify with local players who have made it into the team.  For these reasons, more emphasis should indeed be placed on Ulster developing our own players, instead of relying on Leinster's cast-offs.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on April 05, 2019, 12:29:44 AM
Been 20yrs since they won the cup. Where's the improvement in the team player development in that time scale. The Better Leinster men that the regular blow ins from south africa
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on April 05, 2019, 10:19:25 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on April 05, 2019, 12:29:44 AM
Been 20yrs since they won the cup. Where's the improvement in the team player development in that time scale. The Better Leinster men that the regular blow ins from south africa

Think the days of 2nd rate Saffas are over. Another thing that Nucifora must take credit for. Bigger clubs than Ulster (Leicester/Bath) have struggled with the rigors of professional rugby. McFarland from the outset appears a top coach and potentially a future Irish coach if he keeps progressing the side.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on April 12, 2019, 10:29:38 PM
Ulster qualified this match against Leinster in a couple of weeks is going to be a complete ball of dung!!

Anybody want to buy 4 tickets off me at face value??

Thought not!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on April 13, 2019, 07:05:38 AM
Connacht seem to be producing good players and they wouldn't have a fraction of the schools rugby or club rugby that Ulster has
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on April 13, 2019, 10:29:23 AM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on April 13, 2019, 07:05:38 AM
Connacht seem to be producing good players and they wouldn't have a fraction of the schools rugby or club rugby that Ulster has

Part of the problem for Ulster is that its academy is serving the IRFU by taking in so many Leinster players to the exclusion of local talent.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on April 13, 2019, 10:35:24 AM
If the quality of player isn't coming through in Ulster then they would be mad not to avail of players that don't make the Leinster academy - for example Timoney and O'Sullivan.

As stated before the issue has been primarily not producing forwards. The correct steps are being taken to address this which should bare fruit in the next couple of years. There is no doubt the Ulster academy are producing high quality backs - Balacoune, Little and Lowry to name a few.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: michaelg on April 13, 2019, 10:54:20 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 13, 2019, 10:35:24 AM
If the quality of player isn't coming through in Ulster then they would be mad not to avail of players that don't make the Leinster academy - for example Timoney and O'Sullivan.

As stated before the issue has been primarily not producing forwards. The correct steps are being taken to address this which should bare fruit in the next couple of years. There is no doubt the Ulster academy are producing high quality backs - Balacoune, Little and Lowry to name a few.
Some finish by big Bobby last night
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on April 13, 2019, 11:22:27 AM
Quote from: michaelg on April 13, 2019, 10:54:20 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 13, 2019, 10:35:24 AM
If the quality of player isn't coming through in Ulster then they would be mad not to avail of players that don't make the Leinster academy - for example Timoney and O'Sullivan.

As stated before the issue has been primarily not producing forwards. The correct steps are being taken to address this which should bare fruit in the next couple of years. There is no doubt the Ulster academy are producing high quality backs - Balacoune, Little and Lowry to name a few.
Some finish by big Bobby last night

Unreal. He's some finisher. Darcy no slouch and he burnt him
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Aaron Boone on April 14, 2019, 12:03:13 AM
Leinster quite shabby the last month by their own high standards. Toulouse have a toughie on Sunday night v Clermont, but are in great form to give Leinster a test on Easter Sunday.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on April 20, 2019, 05:49:28 PM
Didn't get to see Munster game, but they were up against it. Leinster have it all to do tomorrow.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on April 20, 2019, 07:37:42 PM
Quote from: Insane Bolt on April 20, 2019, 05:49:28 PM
Didn't get to see Munster game, but they were up against it. Leinster have it all to do tomorrow.
I see some absolute Muppet in full Munster supporter kit (jersey and suede loafers) went onto the pitch to remonstrate with Billy Vunipola. Billy should have knocked him into Row Z.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on April 20, 2019, 07:40:52 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on April 20, 2019, 07:37:42 PM
Quote from: Insane Bolt on April 20, 2019, 05:49:28 PM
Didn't get to see Munster game, but they were up against it. Leinster have it all to do tomorrow.
I see some absolute Muppet in full Munster supporter kit (jersey and suede loafers) went onto the pitch to remonstrate with Billy Vunipola. Billy should have knocked him into Row Z.
He should have told the referee about a few rules
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on April 20, 2019, 09:17:16 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on April 20, 2019, 07:37:42 PM
Quote from: Insane Bolt on April 20, 2019, 05:49:28 PM
Didn't get to see Munster game, but they were up against it. Leinster have it all to do tomorrow.
I see some absolute Muppet in full Munster supporter kit (jersey and suede loafers) went onto the pitch to remonstrate with Billy Vunipola. Billy should have knocked him into Row Z.

Agreed, apparently Billy was booed all day by the wonderful Munster supporters.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on April 21, 2019, 03:22:42 PM
Very warm day.....benches to play big role today I feel.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on April 21, 2019, 03:31:00 PM
Great finish
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on April 21, 2019, 03:54:27 PM
Cronin big loss
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on April 21, 2019, 05:10:52 PM
Well done Leinster....solid performance.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on April 21, 2019, 05:17:14 PM
Very comfortable. Saracens will be much tougher
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on April 21, 2019, 05:23:10 PM
Will be a cracking final
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on April 21, 2019, 05:31:40 PM
Still plenty of tickets available...Newcastle a good spot for a session 😎
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on April 21, 2019, 05:41:01 PM
Been a few times to Newcastle, would fear I wouldn't get to see the game!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on April 21, 2019, 05:50:26 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 21, 2019, 05:41:01 PM
Been a few times to Newcastle, would fear I wouldn't get to see the game!

5 o'clock dangerous kick off time😜
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on April 27, 2019, 09:40:18 AM
Fighting talk......


https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/munster-rugby/ewan-mackenna-munster-used-to-embody-everything-great-about-irish-sport-but-those-days-are-long-gone-38053524.html (https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/munster-rugby/ewan-mackenna-munster-used-to-embody-everything-great-about-irish-sport-but-those-days-are-long-gone-38053524.html)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on April 28, 2019, 08:19:52 PM
Pretty decent article in the Sindo by Neil Francis, def worth a read.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on April 28, 2019, 08:38:48 PM
https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/neil-francis-save-your-disgust-for-the-real-issues-38056364.html (https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/neil-francis-save-your-disgust-for-the-real-issues-38056364.html)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on May 05, 2019, 09:15:33 AM
Ulster revival continues but Glasgow at home will be a much greater test.

Leinster will not be too worried about Munster in their semi final.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on May 05, 2019, 11:51:38 AM
Was at the match and Ulster weren't great. Did enough to get over the line
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on May 05, 2019, 12:13:42 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 05, 2019, 11:51:38 AM
Was at the match and Ulster weren't great. Did enough to get over the line

Which is something they couldn't manage much in the last few years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on May 07, 2019, 06:53:02 PM
Paddy Jackson finally going to London Irish. Good signing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on May 07, 2019, 08:58:40 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on May 07, 2019, 06:53:02 PM
Paddy Jackson finally going to London Irish. Good signing.
There were losing their promotion playoff at HT I think. Did they come back and win?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on May 07, 2019, 09:23:33 PM
Quote from: Hound on May 07, 2019, 08:58:40 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on May 07, 2019, 06:53:02 PM
Paddy Jackson finally going to London Irish. Good signing.
There were losing their promotion playoff at HT I think. Did they come back and win?

They won 20 out of 22 games in the league, first two go up?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Farrandeelin on May 07, 2019, 09:36:32 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on May 07, 2019, 06:53:02 PM
Paddy Jackson finally going to London Irish. Good signing.

Was thinking when I saw an 'I believe her' post on Instagram earlier.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: toby47 on May 08, 2019, 11:49:47 AM
London Irish have signed fly-half Paddy Jackson for their return to the Premiership from French club Perpignan.

It is just over a year since the 27-year-old's contract with the Irish RFU was terminated in the wake of being found not guilty of rape after a trial.

He and team-mate Stuart Olding were acquitted, but they were sacked over messages exchanged via text and social media, which were revealed in court.




Irish have not revealed the length of Jackson's contract with the club.

He will reunite with former coaches Declan Kidney and Les Kiss at Irish. Kidney awarded Jackson the first of his 25 Ireland caps in 2013, while Kiss has coached the stand-off at both Ulster and Ireland.

"Players of the calibre of Paddy Jackson do not become available very often and both myself and Les are looking forward to working with him in the future" Kidney said.

"He is a player with proven international quality who we feel will add value to our squad, and it is pleasing that Paddy sees London Irish as a part of his future."

Irish returned to the Premiership after a season in the Championship - they won the second tier by 13 points, recording wins in 20 of their 22 games.

In June 2018, IRFU performance director David Nucifora said Jackson and Olding could return to play for Ireland in the future, but currently Ireland only select players who play for one of the country's four Pro14 sides.

"I'm delighted to be joining London Irish next season at such an exciting and pivotal time for everyone involved with the club," Jackson said.

"London Irish have a clear vision for where they want to be and I look forward to being part of it."




From BBC
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Taylor on May 08, 2019, 12:18:51 PM
The #ibelieveher crew are out in force again on social media.

London Irish obviously weighed up all the risks beforehand but I see their sponsors are being targeted.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on May 08, 2019, 12:45:11 PM
Quote from: Taylor on May 08, 2019, 12:18:51 PM
The #ibelieveher crew are out in force again on social media.

London Irish obviously weighed up all the risks beforehand but I see their sponsors are being targeted.
They are f**king idiots. Speaking of which has Syf taken retirement or is he under a(nother) new identity?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on May 08, 2019, 01:20:25 PM
Quote from: Taylor on May 08, 2019, 12:18:51 PM
The #ibelieveher crew are out in force again on social media.

London Irish obviously weighed up all the risks beforehand but I see their sponsors are being targeted.

Weighed up that the guy is a talented rugby player and went for him..

That crowded would have you believing they will pay half when it comes to taking them out for dinner!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on May 08, 2019, 01:49:00 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on May 08, 2019, 12:45:11 PM
Quote from: Taylor on May 08, 2019, 12:18:51 PM
The #ibelieveher crew are out in force again on social media.

London Irish obviously weighed up all the risks beforehand but I see their sponsors are being targeted.
They are f**king idiots. Speaking of which has Syf taken retirement or is he under a(nother) new identity?
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D5-A1EEWAAAVPQW.jpg:large)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Taylor on May 08, 2019, 02:15:11 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 08, 2019, 01:20:25 PM
Quote from: Taylor on May 08, 2019, 12:18:51 PM
The #ibelieveher crew are out in force again on social media.

London Irish obviously weighed up all the risks beforehand but I see their sponsors are being targeted.

Weighed up that the guy is a talented rugby player and went for him..

That crowded would have you believing they will pay half when it comes to taking them out for dinner!

Off course he is a talented player but any club taking him on obviously had to factor in the 'backlash'.
Money talks.
The #ibelieveher crew understand that putting pressure on the sponsors is the only way they can get to him or have an impact on his future.

Looks like want to ensure he never plays rugby again in the UK or Ireland when he wasnt found guilty?  ::)

Bundle of fuckwits
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on May 08, 2019, 04:19:43 PM
How many of these sponsors are going to get intimidated by the social media attacks on Jackson?



PRINCIPLE SPONSOR

POWERDAY

Powerday is a family owned Recycling and Waste management company founded in 1980 by Michael Crossan, the company Chairman. Powerday provides solutions to businesses and organisations across London and beyond. Powerday operate the largest Materials Recovery Facility in Southern England from its nine acre Old Oak Sidings site in Willesden, North West London.

ELITE SPONSORS

KELTBRAY GROUP

Keltbray Group is a UK leading specialist business, which offers engineering, construction, demolition, decommissioning, remediation, rail, environmental services and reinforced concrete frame solutions. The company dates back to 1976, employs more than 1,400 people, and is a key player in developing and maintaining Britain's built environment. Keltbray has grown from a small groundworks company to a £369 million Group of companies.

9 GROUP

Established in 2001, by CEO, James Palmer, 9 Group continues to provide a range of traditional fixed and mobile voice services to business customers, but they have expanded that portfolio in recent years, offering a suite of data connectivity and IT services as well as developing their own cloud communications platform called "eve."


CASH CONVERTERS

Cash Converters came over from Australia and launched its first store in the UK in 1991. We have pioneered the buying and selling of pre-owned goods in the UK. Bringing the operation alongside leading high street retailers, visit one of the many hugely successful stores around the UK and you'll find a wide selection of products on sale.

PHD GROUP

PHD Group of Companies, based in West London, have been providing innovative solutions to the construction and event industries across the UK and internationally for more than 30 years. As a group we can provide an array of services from scaffolding access, event structures, private client construction, scaffold hoists and mast climbers to complete logistic packages. PHD's innovative approach provides clients with the best integration of products and services to meet their project requirements.

VGC GROUP

The VGC Group delivers people, projects and services to the UK's construction and rail industries. The company operates in all types of civil engineering environments including roads and bridges, airports, nuclear facilities, utilities, and mainline and underground rail. VGC are one of the largest labour and staff suppliers to the UK's construction and rail companies and also undertake rail and construction contracts.

ANGLOTECH SOLUTIONS

Anglotech Solutions is one of the UK's largest independent suppliers of copiers, printers and MFP technologies. Operating nationally, the company has thrived in and around London in recent years with world renowned manufacturers Canon, HP and Ricoh among its growing list of partners.


PUMP TECHNOLOGY

Aldermaston based Pump Technology was established in 1992 and quickly became known in the industry as the place to go to for commercial and industrial sewage and waste water pumping systems.

GUINNESS

Guinness continue their proud sponsorship of London Irish, having supported the club since 1992, complementing their strong association with rugby on both a domestic and international scale. Being our longest standing sponsor to date, they are truly a part of the London Irish family and have been supporters of 'The Craic' on matchdays at the Madejski as well as the ever popular Guinness Village on our annual St Patrick's Party Match.

PADDY IRISH WHISKEY

A Hi-Spirits brand, Paddy is a triple distilled blended Irish Whiskey, made form a unique blend of pot still, malt and grain whiskeys. Paddy owes its name to the legendary distillery salesman, Paddy Flaherty. Famed throughout his native county Cork for buying rounds of his favourite tiple, he became so synonymous with the whiskey he sold, that in 1913 the distillery owners paid him the ultimate tribute by renaming the whiskey 'Paddy' in his honour.

XBLADES SPORTS

OFFICIAL KIT SUPPLIER

XBlades Sports are London Irish's official kit supplier. The partnership sees XBlades using their expertise as a leading worldwide rugby clothing, equipment and footwear manufacturer to provide London Irish's home and away kit at senior and academy levels, plus associated training wear and leisure apparel.

A global sports brand well-known throughout rugby league and union, XBlades also provides a wide range of footwear, protection, sports apparel and leisurewear to community clubs and casual sportsmen and women, using its partnership with dozens of elite players in both codes who adopt the role of XBlades Ambassadors to continually develop its products.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on May 08, 2019, 05:13:00 PM
The main money in Irish at the minute is from Crossan himself with some other investors and sponsors. He's not going blind into this and is throwing serious cash at good signings so I can't imagine he'll lose much sleep over it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on May 08, 2019, 07:48:41 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on May 08, 2019, 05:13:00 PM
The main money in Irish at the minute is from Crossan himself with some other investors and sponsors. He's not going blind into this and is throwing serious cash at good signings so I can't imagine he'll lose much sleep over it.

Irish moving back into West London also. Think they will ground share with Brentford.

Sure to attract decent crowds with the calibre of players signed.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on May 08, 2019, 11:27:26 PM
The final this weekend should be a cracker! Fancy Saracens, they are close in the betting with the English team slight favourites.  Leinster at full strength?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: michaelg on May 09, 2019, 07:09:45 AM
What has happened to Munster's support?  It seems to have fallen off the cliff edge.  They no longer travel in their thousands for away European fixtures and there were only 10,000 at recent Pro 14 playoff.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on May 09, 2019, 07:28:11 AM
Quote from: michaelg on May 09, 2019, 07:09:45 AM
What has happened to Munster's support?  It seems to have fallen off the cliff edge.  They no longer travel in their thousands for away European fixtures and there were only 10,000 at recent Pro 14 playoff.

Lack of success....when winning everyone wants to be on the bandwagon.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on May 09, 2019, 09:31:56 AM
Quote from: michaelg on May 09, 2019, 07:09:45 AM
What has happened to Munster's support?  It seems to have fallen off the cliff edge.  They no longer travel in their thousands for away European fixtures and there were only 10,000 at recent Pro 14 playoff.

Limerick Hurling gearing up for another long summer.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on May 09, 2019, 10:43:05 AM
Quote from: Insane Bolt on May 09, 2019, 07:28:11 AM
Quote from: michaelg on May 09, 2019, 07:09:45 AM
What has happened to Munster's support?  It seems to have fallen off the cliff edge.  They no longer travel in their thousands for away European fixtures and there were only 10,000 at recent Pro 14 playoff.

Lack of success....when winning everyone wants to be on the bandwagon.

I go to every game in Thomond Park, and I've said it before. There's a key support of about 8-10k. The bandwagon rolls around for European games, and league games against big opponents. That said, the style Munster are playing is not entertaining in any way, and the whole thing has gone flat. They seem to have plateau'd at the level of semi finalist, and quite a bit behind the top 3 or 4 teams. Casual fans just don't want to pay money to watch Conor Murray box kicking.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on May 09, 2019, 10:47:26 AM
Thoughts on Jones and Flannery leaving? Did they jump ship or were they pushed?

The Munster attack has/had to change. With the quality of backs they have it was just too predictable, bar the Gloucester game (who are no great shakes).

Ironically if Rob Howley comes in, the Welsh fans didn't like his approach, despite their recent winning record.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LooseCannon on May 09, 2019, 11:18:03 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on May 09, 2019, 10:47:26 AM
Thoughts on Jones and Flannery leaving? Did they jump ship or were they pushed?

The Munster attack has/had to change. With the quality of backs they have it was just too predictable, bar the Gloucester game (who are no great shakes).

Ironically if Rob Howley comes in, the Welsh fans didn't like his approach, despite their recent winning record.
In fairness, the Welsh game was/is largely dictated by Warrenball.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on May 10, 2019, 09:02:28 PM
Paddy Jackson and mná ná hÉireann is like something out of mythology

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/may/10/paddy-jackson-revived-career-backward-step-feminism
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on May 10, 2019, 11:28:55 PM
Quote from: seafoid on May 10, 2019, 09:02:28 PM
Paddy Jackson and mná ná hÉireann is like something out of mythology

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/may/10/paddy-jackson-revived-career-backward-step-feminism

Has anyone read that? Pure piss
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on May 10, 2019, 11:59:59 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 10, 2019, 11:28:55 PM
Quote from: seafoid on May 10, 2019, 09:02:28 PM
Paddy Jackson and mná ná hÉireann is like something out of mythology

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/may/10/paddy-jackson-revived-career-backward-step-feminism

Has anyone read that? Pure piss
Read a few paragraphs. Another ball of shite.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on May 11, 2019, 06:02:22 PM
Leinster 10 all with Saracens at half time. It looks like being a tight game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on May 11, 2019, 06:15:32 PM
2 standout teams in the competition so wasn't going to he anything other than tight. Both defences are super.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Frank_The_Tank on May 11, 2019, 06:19:19 PM
Poor from Luke McGrath just before HT..10-3 up and clock in the red he should have put it off the park.  Goes for a box kick..pen conceded..Farrell kicks to corner and Sarries work a try and Farrell converts to go in level at HT..could be a costly error
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on May 11, 2019, 06:46:18 PM
Maybe its all psy ops ahead of the World Cup
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on May 11, 2019, 06:53:28 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on May 11, 2019, 06:19:19 PM
Poor from Luke McGrath just before HT..10-3 up and clock in the red he should have put it off the park.  Goes for a box kick..pen conceded..Farrell kicks to corner and Sarries work a try and Farrell converts to go in level at HT..could be a costly error

100%. Such an average player. Wouldn't have him near the RWC squad.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: David McKeown on May 11, 2019, 06:56:35 PM
In the end the key decisions go Saracens way and as a result they are victorious. Two excellent teams who produced a great final.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on May 11, 2019, 07:14:55 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on May 11, 2019, 06:53:28 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on May 11, 2019, 06:19:19 PM
Poor from Luke McGrath just before HT..10-3 up and clock in the red he should have put it off the park.  Goes for a box kick..pen conceded..Farrell kicks to corner and Sarries work a try and Farrell converts to go in level at HT..could be a costly error

100%. Such an average player. Wouldn't have him near the RWC squad.

Serious mistake there was absolutely no need for it!!

I think that game will cost him his place! You'd imagine Cooney and Marmion will be there!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on May 11, 2019, 07:28:26 PM
Quote from: screenexile on May 11, 2019, 07:14:55 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on May 11, 2019, 06:53:28 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on May 11, 2019, 06:19:19 PM
Poor from Luke McGrath just before HT..10-3 up and clock in the red he should have put it off the park.  Goes for a box kick..pen conceded..Farrell kicks to corner and Sarries work a try and Farrell converts to go in level at HT..could be a costly error

100%. Such an average player. Wouldn't have him near the RWC squad.

Serious mistake there was absolutely no need for it!!

I think that game will cost him his place! You'd imagine Cooney and Marmion will be there!

He done the same with 2 mins to go against NZ in November. You can't be at that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on May 11, 2019, 07:41:02 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on May 11, 2019, 07:28:26 PM
Quote from: screenexile on May 11, 2019, 07:14:55 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on May 11, 2019, 06:53:28 PM
Quote from: Frank_The_Tank on May 11, 2019, 06:19:19 PM
Poor from Luke McGrath just before HT..10-3 up and clock in the red he should have put it off the park.  Goes for a box kick..pen conceded..Farrell kicks to corner and Sarries work a try and Farrell converts to go in level at HT..could be a costly error

100%. Such an average player. Wouldn't have him near the RWC squad.

Serious mistake there was absolutely no need for it!!

I think that game will cost him his place! You'd imagine Cooney and Marmion will be there!

He done the same with 2 mins to go against NZ in November. You can't be at that.
Was watching it later as i recorded it. Proper dunce! Was shouting at tv for him just just knock it out! Regroup ht!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on May 11, 2019, 09:09:18 PM
Vunipola try down to four small players trying to drag down a giant while Kearney stood back gormlessly watching.

Wonder boy of the media, Larmour, was caught out too often, his credentials for claiming an Ireland full back spot were swept away with poor ball handling when on his own inside the 22 on a number of occasions. Also had a lesson from Liam Williams on how to play on the wing, had the ball stripped from him when a sure try was on if he had passed the ball.

Sexton spent too much time tackling big men when he should be the playmaker. Leinster needed a captain and today it wasn't Sexton.

Leinster couldn't match the strength and physical size of Saracens from 1 to 15.

The depth of the Leinster squad wasn't there despite how it is hyped up.

The money of Saracens paid off with ability to bring in top players and build a very strong squad.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on May 11, 2019, 09:15:37 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on May 11, 2019, 09:09:18 PM
Vunipola try down to four small players trying to drag down a giant while Kearney stood back gormlessly watching.

Wonder boy of the media, Larmour, was caught out too often, his credentials for claiming an Ireland full back spot were swept away with poor ball handling when on his own inside the 22 on a number of occasions. Also had a lesson from Liam Williams on how to play on the wing, had the ball stripped from him when a sure try was on if he had passed the ball.

Sexton spent too much time tackling big men when he should be the playmaker. Leinster needed a captain and today it wasn't Sexton.

Leinster couldn't match the strength and physical size of Saracens from 1 to 15.

The depth of the Leinster squad wasn't there despite how it is hyped up.

The money of Saracens paid off with ability to bring in top players and build a very strong squad.

Some credit for McCall also
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: michaelg on May 11, 2019, 09:28:08 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 11, 2019, 09:15:37 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on May 11, 2019, 09:09:18 PM
Vunipola try down to four small players trying to drag down a giant while Kearney stood back gormlessly watching.

Wonder boy of the media, Larmour, was caught out too often, his credentials for claiming an Ireland full back spot were swept away with poor ball handling when on his own inside the 22 on a number of occasions. Also had a lesson from Liam Williams on how to play on the wing, had the ball stripped from him when a sure try was on if he had passed the ball.

Sexton spent too much time tackling big men when he should be the playmaker. Leinster needed a captain and today it wasn't Sexton.

Leinster couldn't match the strength and physical size of Saracens from 1 to 15.

The depth of the Leinster squad wasn't there despite how it is hyped up.

The money of Saracens paid off with ability to bring in top players and build a very strong squad.

Some credit for McCall also
SUFTUM
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on May 11, 2019, 09:31:47 PM
I'm no Leinster fan but a few points OB.

- Leinster arguably missing 3 starters in Leavy, Van Der Flier and you could say Carbery. That would have made a fair difference.

- Leinster reached the European final playing in 3rd gear all season.

- Saracens brought a fair few of those lads through the academy - Farrell, George, Kruis, Itoje to name a few. 2 Vunipolas joined as young lads.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on May 11, 2019, 10:50:56 PM
Jackson Wray was definitely in the Sarries Academy and I think Goode was too. Yes they have cash to pay top dollar but that's an impressive conveyor belt.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on May 12, 2019, 01:51:32 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on May 11, 2019, 09:31:47 PM
I'm no Leinster fan but a few points OB.

- Leinster arguably missing 3 starters in Leavy, Van Der Flier and you could say Carbery. That would have made a fair difference.

- Leinster reached the European final playing in 3rd gear all season.

- Saracens brought a fair few of those lads through the academy - Farrell, George, Kruis, Itoje to name a few. 2 Vunipolas joined as young lads.

I don't think you can say Carbery to be fair!

What were the thoughts on Garces? I didn't get to give the game my full attention but he seemed to still be very slack on the offside/coming in from the side/supporting your body weight particularly in Sarries favour?

Did any of you more knowledgeable rugby heads think this??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: andoireabu on May 12, 2019, 04:01:40 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on May 11, 2019, 09:31:47 PM
I'm no Leinster fan but a few points OB.

- Leinster arguably missing 3 starters in Leavy, Van Der Flier and you could say Carbery. That would have made a fair difference. bollocks. They have the squad they have and they have advantages over the the other 3 provinces. You don't see many moving from the other three provinces to leinster. One way traffic.

- Leinster reached the European final playing in 3rd gear all season. so what? If they coast to the final but can't lift themselves for the final, that is their problem. Nobody else's

- Saracens brought a fair few of those lads through the academy - Farrell, George, Kruis, Itoje to name a few. 2 Vunipolas joined as young lads.

Few points bolded above.

Saracens were the better team. Ijote probably should have got the line but even so, Leinster never looked the better team. Garces was poor is certain aspects but he didnt lose leinster that game.

Walter, you are a decent poster on the rugby threads but i think you are wrong here. Leinster wouldn't have won if van der flier, leavy and carbery had started. Saracens were just better
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on May 12, 2019, 06:49:35 AM
Not saying they would have won, but certainly Leavy is a massive loss. Most physical loose forward in Irish rugby.

IMO its a testament to their squad the fact they have played in 3rd gear all season that they reached a final.

Regarding Garces, yeah he was sloppy but we all knew that coming into the game. Leinster knew Saracens have a rush defence yet didn't vary it. Even a few grubbers, cross field kicks to Lowe would have made them think.

The two turning points were Ringrose failing to exploit the 5 on 3 and McGrath. Is it any wonder they tried to poach Casey from Munster  ;D

The worry for me was it all looked very similar to Ireland and is what we could see if we meet the Saffas in Japan unless Schmidt varies it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on May 12, 2019, 08:33:28 AM
Quote from: screenexile on May 12, 2019, 01:51:32 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on May 11, 2019, 09:31:47 PM
I'm no Leinster fan but a few points OB.

- Leinster arguably missing 3 starters in Leavy, Van Der Flier and you could say Carbery. That would have made a fair difference.

- Leinster reached the European final playing in 3rd gear all season.

- Saracens brought a fair few of those lads through the academy - Farrell, George, Kruis, Itoje to name a few. 2 Vunipolas joined as young lads.

I don't think you can say Carbery to be fair!

What were the thoughts on Garces? I didn't get to give the game my full attention but he seemed to still be very slack on the offside/coming in from the side/supporting your body weight particularly in Sarries favour?

Did any of you more knowledgeable rugby heads think this??
It was known before the game that Garces doesn't give a shit about refereeing the breakdown. That's the way he referees. French refs should never be allowed near these big finals.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Falcao on May 12, 2019, 10:19:03 AM
Wasn't McGrath's call to keep the ball in play just before half time
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on May 12, 2019, 10:53:32 AM
Quote from: Falcao on May 12, 2019, 10:19:03 AM
Wasn't McGrath's call to keep the ball in play just before half time

Who's was it then? Surely a 9 has to take some element of responsibility as a key player. Just like a pre set move where a back sees a gap and go. There's a framework and you play what's in front of you.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: David McKeown on May 12, 2019, 12:48:21 PM
I wouldn't claim to be a rugby expert but I thought Saracens came out on the right side of a lot of key decisions. For their yellow card there were three separate penalty offences in the one attack. For Leinster's it was one. Vunipola got away with a pretty clear to me deliberate knock on and the taking out of Kearney could easily have been yellow. In the build up to the last penalty and yellow card Williams clearly spilled the ball forward when collecting the high ball. Similarly before the last try a Saracens player dropped the ball forward in a tackle. All those went Saracens way. Not saying they weren't deserved victors but on such decisions games can change. I think had Leinster got those decisions they may have gone on to win. That's the nature of top level sports I suppose. Does go strengthen my belief for me at least that if video replay isn't used for everything it shouldn't be used for anything.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on May 12, 2019, 02:19:18 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on May 11, 2019, 09:31:47 PM
I'm no Leinster fan but a few points OB.

- Leinster arguably missing 3 starters in Leavy, Van Der Flier and you could say Carbery. That would have made a fair difference.

- Leinster reached the European final playing in 3rd gear all season.

- Saracens brought a fair few of those lads through the academy - Farrell, George, Kruis, Itoje to name a few. 2 Vunipolas joined as young lads.

No doubt that Leinster missed out in not having Leavy in place of O'Brien and Van de Flier to strengthen the defence. Carberry would have made no difference because Sexton was never coming off the field but he would have been better on the wing in full back position than Larmour who was not near the game. Ireland in the World Cup will find the same problem in not having enough players of size and strength and too many just past their peak like O'Brien, Kearney, etc.

It looks now that Leinster were actually playing at the best they could throughout the competition. This 3rd gear theory was blown away in the knockout rounds where their invincibility was in doubt. The IRFU player protection scheme and then injuries on return makes it hard to develop the core team that Saracens have in the Premiership.

They do have some of their own players who are overpaid through all sorts of schemes to keep them from going elsewhere. The Vunipolas were hardly 2 lads who turned up but were brought to Saracens already known for being top men. Billy wanted to join Mako as he didn't want to play against him. Skelton had a huge influence on the game and between him and B Vunipola, Lenister had no answer to their physicality and strength. No one coming on for Leinster was anywhere near as good as those they would replace whereas every man on the Saracens bench made an impact. The addition of Williams and Maitland has given Saracens an edge in attack that few can match.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on May 12, 2019, 03:44:45 PM
Elliott Daly joining the party next year as well. Only hope of bearing them is catching them cold in the 1/4 final after a tough 6 nations!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on May 13, 2019, 07:36:11 AM

There seems to be a structural problem,

https://www.newstalk.com/sport/joe-schmidt-andy-dunne-838374

"I'd nearly absolve all the players of blame," Dunne stated in conversation with Off the Ball, "I think the coaching staff are far too oppressive, and far too dictatorial about the style of play."
"Schmidt seems to want to control 12 to 15 phases from the stand at all times, and he needs to reverse out of that fast.
"There are too much rucks, and I've said this for a long period of time.
"It seems all the international coaches, or certainly those in the Six Nations, went away and analysed what we did in 2018 and worked out pretty quickly that if you match us physically we don't have much else in the locker.
"Once we've been matched physically in the England game and the Wales game, we've been unmercifully hammered on both days.

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/billy-vunipola-delivers-special-performance-to-find-salvation-1.3889588

And so we witnessed a replay of England destroying Joe Schmidt's Ireland last February in Dublin. That victory showcased power and pressure – Itoje and Kruis – mixed with Owen Farrell's accuracy. This victory brought the very same heat mixed with Vunipola climbing inside Sexton's tactical mind.
Twice the 20-stoner cast his shadow over the Irish playmaker, daring him to fling pre-ordained passes.
"The intercepts for me are fun because [Sexton] kept doing them," said Vunipola. "He's amazing at those plays. If you let them unfold he can pick you apart. That's what he did in the first half. He uses those little plays to give them momentum and to get in behind you. I just saw it as an opportunity to get in his eye line to see if he was smart enough not to play those balls. Not saying he is not smart. I just kept putting myself in that channel. He kept throwing them. Luckily I did catch it because I think it would have been a penalty. I enjoyed it as much as scoring the try."

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Insane Bolt on May 13, 2019, 08:53:21 AM
Saracens deserving winners.....they are a super side. Leinster should have gone in at ht 10-3 up, but they failed to score in second half....so can have no complaints really. Keith Wood summed up Itoje.....the type of player you hated playing against.....but would love on your own team. Saracens will be very hard to stop over next 3-5 years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on May 13, 2019, 09:52:27 AM
Quote from: Insane Bolt on May 13, 2019, 08:53:21 AM
Saracens deserving winners.....they are a super side. Leinster should have gone in at ht 10-3 up, but they failed to score in second half....so can have no complaints really. Keith Wood summed up Itoje.....the type of player you hated playing against.....but would love on your own team. Saracens will be very hard to stop over next 3-5 years.

Have to agree with this - Leinster will long rue shipping that try just before HT. If they got in ahead at that stage who knows but Saracens are extremely well drilled, extremely fit and extremely methodical. I had in my head it was like fighting quicksand during a bit of the 2nd half, they loved the battle.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on May 14, 2019, 08:05:44 PM
Did anyone else follow Alex Goode's session on Instagram and Twitter?!  ;D

https://www.ruck.co.uk/timelined-the-full-story-of-alex-goodes-incredible-drinking-session/ (https://www.ruck.co.uk/timelined-the-full-story-of-alex-goodes-incredible-drinking-session/)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on May 17, 2019, 10:55:14 PM
Jesus Ulster took some tanking this evening...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: michaelg on May 17, 2019, 11:06:12 PM
Quote from: screenexile on May 17, 2019, 10:55:14 PM
Jesus Ulster took some tanking this evening...
Was very poor.  You would think Best would have learnt how to throw it in to the line-out by now.  Still not convinced by Burns at 10.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on May 17, 2019, 11:21:29 PM
Didn't see it but that's a serious humping at that level in the last 4 of a competition. Shit one for Best and Cave to go out on.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on May 17, 2019, 11:50:57 PM
Glasgow were big favourites for this game before the start in fairness, but a bigger defeat than expected. Home advantage plays a big part in these games
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on May 26, 2019, 09:57:44 PM
Sean O Brien is out of the rugby world cup with a hip injury that requires surgery. :'( it is a shame to see his Ireland career end in such a way. It is bad news for Irelands world cup chances. We can't afford any more injuries in the back row.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on May 26, 2019, 10:56:01 PM
The only luck O'Brien has is bad luck. His body has taken some battering but not entirely unexpected considering how he plays. He's definitely a gamble for London Irish.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on May 27, 2019, 11:40:58 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on May 26, 2019, 10:56:01 PM
The only luck O'Brien has is bad luck. His body has taken some battering but not entirely unexpected considering how he plays. He's definitely a gamble for London Irish.

450K a year guaranteed gamble. Madness on their side.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on May 27, 2019, 12:09:35 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 17, 2019, 11:50:57 PM
Glasgow were big favourites for this game before the start in fairness, but a bigger defeat than expected. Home advantage plays a big part in these games

glasgow played the better rugby to be fair.

Leinster were holding on in the first half only for a charge down by Luke McGrath on the ponderous Stuart Hogg that kept in play by the spin on the ball and Ringrose was only too happy to plunk down on top of it.

Lowe and Larmour saw very little action in the Leinster gameplan and I think nearing the end of the second half Leinster had almost 20 phases on the Glasgow 20 metre line and it crabbed left, then right and back again.
Box kicks and phase after phase for little gain is a hard watch.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on May 27, 2019, 12:30:56 PM
Leinster certainly had the luck when Hogg went off.  Yellow for Kearney was much of a loss as he continues to play well below the standards he had set over 12 months ago. Larmour continues to fall so short of the hype in the media.  How often does he rush forward flail an arm at the on-coming player who just glides part him leaving the wing open?

Ringrose is also struggling to come back to his best which is worrying for Ireland but Henshaw was well on top of his game.  Hopefully Schmidt can see past McGrath to Cooney, his box kicking was such a waste of possession.

Sexton continues to be a worry with his need to get too involved in tackling big men as a key defender which often leaves him stunned or injured. His form has yet to return and is another worry for Ireland.

Will Ireland pay for the successful season for Leinster and little real time for players to recover before the summer international games come around?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on May 28, 2019, 03:42:35 PM
Ireland's 44-man pre-World Cup training squad

Forwards (24)

Hookers: Rory Best, Sean Cronin, Rob Herring, Niall Scannell

Looseheads: Cian Healy, Dave Kilcoyne, Jack McGrath

Tightheads: Finlay Bealham, Tadhg Furlong, Andrew Porter, John Ryan

Second-rows: Tadhg Beirne, Ultan Dillane, Iain Henderson, Jean Kleyn, James Ryan, Devin Toner

Back-rows: Jack Conan, Jordi Murphy, Tommy O'Donnell, Peter O'Mahony, Rhys Ruddock, CJ Stander, Josh van der Flier


Backs (20)

Scrum-halves: John Cooney, Kieran Marmion, Luke McGrath, Conor Murray

Out-halves: Ross Byrne, Joey Carbery, Jack Carty, Johnny Sexton

Centres: Bundee Aki, Chris Farrell, Robbie Henshaw, Garry Ringrose, Rory Scannell

Back three: Andrew Conway, Keith Earls, Mike Haley, Dave Kearney, Rob Kearney, Jordan Larmour, Jacob Stockdale.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dougal Maguire on May 29, 2019, 05:49:45 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on May 26, 2019, 10:56:01 PM
The only luck O'Brien has is bad luck. His body has taken some battering but not entirely unexpected considering how he plays. He's definitely a gamble for London Irish.
[/quote
Some bad stuff going around social media about him at the moment
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on May 29, 2019, 07:25:55 AM
Quote from: Dougal Maguire on May 29, 2019, 05:49:45 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on May 26, 2019, 10:56:01 PM
The only luck O'Brien has is bad luck. His body has taken some battering but not entirely unexpected considering how he plays. He's definitely a gamble for London Irish.
Some bad stuff going around social media about him at the moment
Has he made a tit of himself whilst out on the lash?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dougal Maguire on May 29, 2019, 08:38:03 AM
Bit of a dick actually
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on May 29, 2019, 08:49:46 AM
Quote from: Dougal Maguire on May 29, 2019, 08:38:03 AM
Bit of a dick actually
Oh dear has he got the oul fella out?! He'd do well not to give Irish any excuse to put him up the road considering the condition he's in and the flak they'll get when Jackson starts playing. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on May 29, 2019, 10:53:39 AM
Is it even true? Sure wasn't that long ago there was much worse going around about a certain UFC fighter that seemed to blow over extremely quickly.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dougal Maguire on May 29, 2019, 11:13:50 AM
Allegedly he was using his equipment for more mundane renal purposes
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Geoff Tipps on May 29, 2019, 11:30:52 AM
Quote from: Dougal Maguire on May 29, 2019, 11:13:50 AM
Allegedly he was using his equipment for more mundane renal purposes

Outside of where he should have been doing it and unfortunately someone got caught in the crossfire  ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Jim_Murphy_74 on May 29, 2019, 11:54:52 AM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on May 29, 2019, 10:53:39 AM
Is it even true? Sure wasn't that long ago there was much worse going around about a certain UFC fighter that seemed to blow over extremely quickly.

Ewan McKenna is tweeting about this.  He has a regular enough pattern of using twitter to generate interest in a story that he might be of a mind to write.  He did it to great effect recently when he took a swipe a Munster Rugby team and bandwagon.   He also kept the speculation on Conor Murray going in this way.

He claims on twitter feed that he has 3 eye-witness accounts from trusted sources.  Given his dislike of rugby he could try and keep this going in social media and then publish a story on it.

More likely though it will disappear, dismissed as high-jinks.

/Jim.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dougal Maguire on May 29, 2019, 12:06:41 PM
Not very high jinks for the guy on the receiving end who, I understand, is pretty pissed off about the whole thing
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on May 29, 2019, 12:27:43 PM
Quote from: Jim_Murphy_74 on May 29, 2019, 11:54:52 AM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on May 29, 2019, 10:53:39 AM
Is it even true? Sure wasn't that long ago there was much worse going around about a certain UFC fighter that seemed to blow over extremely quickly.

Ewan McKenna is tweeting about this.  He has a regular enough pattern of using twitter to generate interest in a story that he might be of a mind to write.  He did it to great effect recently when he took a swipe a Munster Rugby team and bandwagon.   He also kept the speculation on Conor Murray going in this way.

He claims on twitter feed that he has 3 eye-witness accounts from trusted sources.  Given his dislike of rugby he could try and keep this going in social media and then publish a story on it.

More likely though it will disappear, dismissed as high-jinks.

/Jim.

Didn't happen then.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: oakleaflad on May 29, 2019, 12:28:27 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on May 29, 2019, 08:49:46 AM
Quote from: Dougal Maguire on May 29, 2019, 08:38:03 AM
Bit of a dick actually
Oh dear has he got the oul fella out?! He'd do well not to give Irish any excuse to put him up the road considering the condition he's in and the flak they'll get when Jackson starts playing.
Urine for a shock when you find out
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on May 29, 2019, 12:35:37 PM
Quote from: Dougal Maguire on May 29, 2019, 12:06:41 PM
Not very high jinks for the guy on the receiving end who, I understand, is pretty pissed off about the whole thing

Pissed OFF??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on May 29, 2019, 01:07:24 PM
Someone on Twitter is crying that he should be nailed for indecent exposure and common assault.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rossfan on June 02, 2019, 11:20:59 AM
https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/pro14/leinster-rugby-double-probe-academy-player-hospitalised-and-member-of-public-urinated-on-following-pro14-win-38171141.html

Can you imagine the public (and GAAboard from certain posters) fury and condemnation if it was a bunch if "Gah thugs".
Shane Ross would be threatening to stop all funding etc etc
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LooseCannon on June 02, 2019, 01:53:41 PM
Quote from: Rossfan on June 02, 2019, 11:20:59 AM
https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/pro14/leinster-rugby-double-probe-academy-player-hospitalised-and-member-of-public-urinated-on-following-pro14-win-38171141.html

Can you imagine the public (and GAAboard from certain posters) fury and condemnation if it was a bunch if "Gah thugs".
Shane Ross would be threatening to stop all funding etc etc
Or even if it was a Munster player.
No bacon and cabbage men in Ross's constituency I tell ya.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on June 02, 2019, 08:48:12 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on May 29, 2019, 01:07:24 PM
Someone on Twitter is crying that he should be nailed for indecent exposure and common assault.
If he played any other sport he would. The IRFU have no stick here, so that is that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on June 04, 2019, 04:09:08 PM
A ranking of the 40 clubs in Europe? (From Daily Telegraph)

Record explainer: Wins-Losses-Draws, change from last rankings. All league and Champions Cup/Challenge Cup matches are counted (not Premiership Rugby Cup).

40. Perpignan (2-29-1, down two)

39. Kings (2-18-1, no change)

38. Zebre (6-21, up two)

37. Dragons (7-19-1, no change)

36. Grenoble (7-23-2, down three)

35. Newcastle Falcons (8-20, up one)

34. Cheetahs (8-12-1, up one)

33. Pau (12-20, up one)

32. Agen (10-21-1, no change)

31. Leicester Tigers (8-20, down one)

30. Cardiff Blues (12-15, down three)

29. Scarlets (11-17, down three)

28. Worcester (14-15, up one)

27. Toulon (14-18, up four)

26. Bristol (11-15, up two)

25. Wasps (10-17-1, down two)

24. UBB (14-16-2, down four)

23. Stade Francais (16-16, down four)

22. Sale Sharks (16-12-2, down one)

21. Ospreys (15-13, up three)

20. Montpellier (17-15-1, up two)

19. Bath (11-14-3, up six)

18. Edinburgh (15-13, down three)

17. Harlequins (15-15, down one)

16. Castres (18-14, down four)

15. Benetton (15-11-2, up three)

14. Connacht (17-12, no change)

13. Northampton (15-15, up four)

12. Ulster (19-9-2, down two)

11. Racing 92 (20-13-1, down two)

10. Lyon (18-14-1, up one)

9. La Rochelle (24-12, up four)

8. Gloucester (16-13-1, no change)

7. Glasgow Warriors (21-9, down one)

6. Clermont (25-7-3, up one)

5. Munster (22-8-1, down one)

4. Exeter Chiefs (20-9-1, up one)

3. Toulouse (27-5-2, no change)

2. Leinster (24-7-1, no change)

1. Saracens (27-6, no change)

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on June 04, 2019, 06:26:07 PM
Saracens are demonstrably the best. I wonder what the comparative levels of expenditure are for the top 5.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Harold Disgracey on June 04, 2019, 09:37:55 PM
Ireland U20s beat England 42-26 in their opening U20:World Cup game & a cracking game it was.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 05, 2019, 07:30:09 AM
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on June 04, 2019, 09:37:55 PM
Ireland U20s beat England 42-26 in their opening U20:World Cup game & a cracking game it was.

Superb game. Ireland missing a few starters in Penney, Byrne and Moloney. Very talented bunch. Be very interesting to see how Casey develops at 9. Best pass I've seen in Irish rugby since Stringer.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on June 05, 2019, 10:23:41 AM
Highlights from the game:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=228&v=_-Vrkc5OZhA

Very brief highlights, so its hard to tell, but it doesn't look like Ireland were playing expansive rugby, seems like a similar approach to the senior side.
Some very quick thinking for Ireland's second try.
Neither of the two England yellow cards are shown, but the replacement prop can have no complaints about the red.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on June 05, 2019, 11:09:10 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 05, 2019, 07:30:09 AM
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on June 04, 2019, 09:37:55 PM
Ireland U20s beat England 42-26 in their opening U20:World Cup game & a cracking game it was.

Superb game. Ireland missing a few starters in Penney, Byrne and Moloney. Very talented bunch. Be very interesting to see how Casey develops at 9. Best pass I've seen in Irish rugby since Stringer.

Moloney is quality, another kid from Athy. He came through the club game, family would have a GAA background. Don't think Leinster will ever shake the "Elite Schools" tag thanks to certain journalists but they really are tapping into some talent from non-traditional rugby areas. There is a 16 year old 6'6 African Irish kid from Tallaght currently training with the Leinster Youths. Serious talent coming through.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on June 06, 2019, 09:33:13 AM
Quote from: Rossfan on June 02, 2019, 11:20:59 AM
https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/pro14/leinster-rugby-double-probe-academy-player-hospitalised-and-member-of-public-urinated-on-following-pro14-win-38171141.html

Can you imagine the public (and GAAboard from certain posters) fury and condemnation if it was a bunch if "Gah thugs".
Shane Ross would be threatening to stop all funding etc etc

Not much talk of the ex Leinster Legend allegedly knocking seven bells out of an academy player.

If true the Guards should be looking into that rather than the IRFU.

Oh, no charges were pressed. That's alright then.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Geoff Tipps on June 06, 2019, 02:05:01 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on June 06, 2019, 09:33:13 AM
Quote from: Rossfan on June 02, 2019, 11:20:59 AM
https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/pro14/leinster-rugby-double-probe-academy-player-hospitalised-and-member-of-public-urinated-on-following-pro14-win-38171141.html

Can you imagine the public (and GAAboard from certain posters) fury and condemnation if it was a bunch if "Gah thugs".
Shane Ross would be threatening to stop all funding etc etc

Not much talk of the ex Leinster Legend allegedly knocking seven bells out of an academy player.

If true the Guards should be looking into that rather than the IRFU.

Oh, no charges were pressed. That's alright then.

Was Stan Wright. Hardly a legend!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on June 06, 2019, 02:29:31 PM
Quote from: Geoff Tipps on June 06, 2019, 02:05:01 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on June 06, 2019, 09:33:13 AM
Quote from: Rossfan on June 02, 2019, 11:20:59 AM
https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/pro14/leinster-rugby-double-probe-academy-player-hospitalised-and-member-of-public-urinated-on-following-pro14-win-38171141.html

Can you imagine the public (and GAAboard from certain posters) fury and condemnation if it was a bunch if "Gah thugs".
Shane Ross would be threatening to stop all funding etc etc

Not much talk of the ex Leinster Legend allegedly knocking seven bells out of an academy player.

If true the Guards should be looking into that rather than the IRFU.

Oh, no charges were pressed. That's alright then.

Was Stan Wright. Hardly a legend!

Punch thrown on drunken night out. Nothing to see here. Happens every weekend in every town around the country (unfortunately).

Not news worthy.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on June 06, 2019, 05:44:19 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on June 06, 2019, 02:29:31 PM
Quote from: Geoff Tipps on June 06, 2019, 02:05:01 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on June 06, 2019, 09:33:13 AM
Quote from: Rossfan on June 02, 2019, 11:20:59 AM
https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/pro14/leinster-rugby-double-probe-academy-player-hospitalised-and-member-of-public-urinated-on-following-pro14-win-38171141.html

Can you imagine the public (and GAAboard from certain posters) fury and condemnation if it was a bunch if "Gah thugs".
Shane Ross would be threatening to stop all funding etc etc

Not much talk of the ex Leinster Legend allegedly knocking seven bells out of an academy player.

If true the Guards should be looking into that rather than the IRFU.

Oh, no charges were pressed. That's alright then.

Was Stan Wright. Hardly a legend!

Punch thrown on drunken night out. Nothing to see here. Happens every weekend in every town around the country (unfortunately).

Not news worthy.
Aye reporting of it as an Academy player whilst factually correct has been designed to create a worse impression than there probably is. It has been reported that he gave Jack Dunne a dig. Jack Dunne is 20 so he's a grown man and he's about 6' 7"!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on June 07, 2019, 10:23:44 AM
The tackle by the english lad on Hoddnett in the u20 game warranted jail time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on June 25, 2019, 11:14:54 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on June 06, 2019, 09:33:13 AM
Quote from: Rossfan on June 02, 2019, 11:20:59 AM
https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/pro14/leinster-rugby-double-probe-academy-player-hospitalised-and-member-of-public-urinated-on-following-pro14-win-38171141.html

Can you imagine the public (and GAAboard from certain posters) fury and condemnation if it was a bunch if "Gah thugs".
Shane Ross would be threatening to stop all funding etc etc

Not much talk of the ex Leinster Legend allegedly knocking seven bells out of an academy player.

If true the Guards should be looking into that rather than the IRFU.

Oh, no charges were pressed. That's alright then.

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/se%C3%A1n-o-brien-sanctioned-for-dublin-pub-incident-1.3936040

1. An internal IRFU investigation into O'Brien's actions on May 26th.
"The IRFU have investigated an incident of inappropriate behaviour by a player which occurred on 26th May 2019 (Sunday night)," read an IRFU statement. "The player has expressed his deep regret and has been sanctioned in line with the provisions of his contract."

2.London Irish recently lost a 27-year sponsorship arrangement with Guinness after Diageo, the parent company, objected to the signing another Ireland international Paddy Jackson.

3. Leinster stated on June 5th that a separate investigation into an assault by former player Stanley Wright (40) on a Leinster academy player, at a private team function in the early hours of May 26th in the Intercontinental hotel, has concluded to the "satisfaction of all parties." The academy player (20) was knocked unconscious by a punch from Wright. He was hospitalised but Leinster stated that he "has made a full recovery." The player did not to press charges.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on June 25, 2019, 11:23:24 AM
What do you want them to do, one is an ex player. The other one is essentially an ex player with next move already confirmed.

Not great news or PR, but hardly Leinsters problem either.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on June 25, 2019, 11:46:25 AM
Quote from: seafoid on June 25, 2019, 11:14:54 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on June 06, 2019, 09:33:13 AM
Quote from: Rossfan on June 02, 2019, 11:20:59 AM
https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/pro14/leinster-rugby-double-probe-academy-player-hospitalised-and-member-of-public-urinated-on-following-pro14-win-38171141.html

Can you imagine the public (and GAAboard from certain posters) fury and condemnation if it was a bunch if "Gah thugs".
Shane Ross would be threatening to stop all funding etc etc

Not much talk of the ex Leinster Legend allegedly knocking seven bells out of an academy player.

If true the Guards should be looking into that rather than the IRFU.

Oh, no charges were pressed. That's alright then.

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/se%C3%A1n-o-brien-sanctioned-for-dublin-pub-incident-1.3936040

1. An internal IRFU investigation into O'Brien's actions on May 26th.
"The IRFU have investigated an incident of inappropriate behaviour by a player which occurred on 26th May 2019 (Sunday night)," read an IRFU statement. "The player has expressed his deep regret and has been sanctioned in line with the provisions of his contract."

2.London Irish recently lost a 27-year sponsorship arrangement with Guinness after Diageo, the parent company, objected to the signing another Ireland international Paddy Jackson.

3. Leinster stated on June 5th that a separate investigation into an assault by former player Stanley Wright (40) on a Leinster academy player, at a private team function in the early hours of May 26th in the Intercontinental hotel, has concluded to the "satisfaction of all parties." The academy player (20) was knocked unconscious by a punch from Wright. He was hospitalised but Leinster stated that he "has made a full recovery." The player did not to press charges.
Not sure of the relevance of #2 to #1 and #3.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on June 25, 2019, 04:24:55 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 25, 2019, 11:46:25 AM
Quote from: seafoid on June 25, 2019, 11:14:54 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on June 06, 2019, 09:33:13 AM
Quote from: Rossfan on June 02, 2019, 11:20:59 AM
https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/pro14/leinster-rugby-double-probe-academy-player-hospitalised-and-member-of-public-urinated-on-following-pro14-win-38171141.html

Can you imagine the public (and GAAboard from certain posters) fury and condemnation if it was a bunch if "Gah thugs".
Shane Ross would be threatening to stop all funding etc etc

Not much talk of the ex Leinster Legend allegedly knocking seven bells out of an academy player.

If true the Guards should be looking into that rather than the IRFU.

Oh, no charges were pressed. That's alright then.

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/se%C3%A1n-o-brien-sanctioned-for-dublin-pub-incident-1.3936040

1. An internal IRFU investigation into O'Brien's actions on May 26th.
"The IRFU have investigated an incident of inappropriate behaviour by a player which occurred on 26th May 2019 (Sunday night)," read an IRFU statement. "The player has expressed his deep regret and has been sanctioned in line with the provisions of his contract."

2.London Irish recently lost a 27-year sponsorship arrangement with Guinness after Diageo, the parent company, objected to the signing another Ireland international Paddy Jackson.

3. Leinster stated on June 5th that a separate investigation into an assault by former player Stanley Wright (40) on a Leinster academy player, at a private team function in the early hours of May 26th in the Intercontinental hotel, has concluded to the "satisfaction of all parties." The academy player (20) was knocked unconscious by a punch from Wright. He was hospitalised but Leinster stated that he "has made a full recovery." The player did not to press charges.
Not sure of the relevance of #2 to #1 and #3.
Well Guinness sponsor Ireland, but they'll hardly pull sponsorship because someone acted despicably due to drink!
Seanie will never wear the green jersey again anyway.

Apparently it wasn't deliberate as I had assumed it was. He was simply blind drunk and had no idea where he was. Has a reputation of being more susceptible to drink that his rugger bugger mates and has disrobed before in public places due to drink. You'd think his "mates" might have looked after him before he got himself into trouble. I'm sure the victim has got a nice few quid not to press charges. Certainly tarnishes Seanie's reputation
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on June 25, 2019, 07:58:13 PM
It looks like the old band is reforming in Ireland by stealth.

Farrell has been the Irish defence coach and will be Ireland manager after the World Cup, Lancaster is already with Leinster, Rowntree will join Munster for the new season and now Catt will join Ireland later this year.

IRFU has brought the previous English coaching team to Ireland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on June 25, 2019, 08:38:59 PM
Quote from: Hound on June 25, 2019, 04:24:55 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 25, 2019, 11:46:25 AM
Quote from: seafoid on June 25, 2019, 11:14:54 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on June 06, 2019, 09:33:13 AM
Quote from: Rossfan on June 02, 2019, 11:20:59 AM
https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/pro14/leinster-rugby-double-probe-academy-player-hospitalised-and-member-of-public-urinated-on-following-pro14-win-38171141.html

Can you imagine the public (and GAAboard from certain posters) fury and condemnation if it was a bunch if "Gah thugs".
Shane Ross would be threatening to stop all funding etc etc

Not much talk of the ex Leinster Legend allegedly knocking seven bells out of an academy player.

If true the Guards should be looking into that rather than the IRFU.

Oh, no charges were pressed. That's alright then.

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/se%C3%A1n-o-brien-sanctioned-for-dublin-pub-incident-1.3936040

1. An internal IRFU investigation into O'Brien's actions on May 26th.
"The IRFU have investigated an incident of inappropriate behaviour by a player which occurred on 26th May 2019 (Sunday night)," read an IRFU statement. "The player has expressed his deep regret and has been sanctioned in line with the provisions of his contract."

2.London Irish recently lost a 27-year sponsorship arrangement with Guinness after Diageo, the parent company, objected to the signing another Ireland international Paddy Jackson.

3. Leinster stated on June 5th that a separate investigation into an assault by former player Stanley Wright (40) on a Leinster academy player, at a private team function in the early hours of May 26th in the Intercontinental hotel, has concluded to the "satisfaction of all parties." The academy player (20) was knocked unconscious by a punch from Wright. He was hospitalised but Leinster stated that he "has made a full recovery." The player did not to press charges.
Not sure of the relevance of #2 to #1 and #3.
Well Guinness sponsor Ireland, but they'll hardly pull sponsorship because someone acted despicably due to drink!
Seanie will never wear the green jersey again anyway.

Apparently it wasn't deliberate as I had assumed it was. He was simply blind drunk and had no idea where he was. Has a reputation of being more susceptible to drink that his rugger bugger mates and has disrobed before in public places due to drink. You'd think his "mates" might have looked after him before he got himself into trouble. I'm sure the victim has got a nice few quid not to press charges. Certainly tarnishes Seanie's reputation

Well now, if it's not within their values...
Title: Rugby World Cup
Post by: passedit on July 26, 2019, 12:49:01 PM
Anybody travelling?

Waiting on delivery of two tickets for the group stages Got this today by email and text

Your DHL Express ​shipment with waybill number ******** from PIA CORPORATION C/O RUGBY WORLD CUP 2019 OC is arriving in the country and will require customs clearance. There is import duty/tax due on your shipment. The amount is £ 16.84.

Click here to securely pay online, view the duty/tax calculation and download the relevant documents to avoid any impact on delivery.

Initially thought scam now not so sure. anybody else get this?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on August 14, 2019, 02:34:39 PM
Fully expected John Cooney to be on the plane I think he's a better player than Luke McGrath and can cover Out half. . . seems strange!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on August 14, 2019, 02:39:16 PM
Quote from: screenexile on August 14, 2019, 02:34:39 PM
Fully expected John Cooney to be on the plane I think he's a better player than Luke McGrath and can cover Out half. . . seems strange!!

Is Carbery more important than Sexton at this stage.

Beirne needs to be on the plane as well. Offers something different.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on August 14, 2019, 03:22:43 PM
Quote from: screenexile on August 14, 2019, 02:34:39 PM
Fully expected John Cooney to be on the plane I think he's a better player than Luke McGrath and can cover Out half. . . seems strange!!

In addition he can kick points with considerable accuracy. Important versatility when the regular 10s are showing tendencies to be easily injured.

So far, Cooney, Bealham, Haley, Scannell and Dillane have been told they are not good enough.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on August 14, 2019, 03:27:33 PM
Quote from: screenexile on August 14, 2019, 02:34:39 PM
Fully expected John Cooney to be on the plane I think he's a better player than Luke McGrath and can cover Out half. . . seems strange!!

For me he'd be slightly behind McGrath ability wise but theres not much between them. I thought having that kicking ability would have edged him ahead of McGrath in the final squad. In saying that if Murray gets injured the gap between him and the rest is huge.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on August 14, 2019, 05:22:40 PM
Quote from: square_ball on August 14, 2019, 03:27:33 PM
Quote from: screenexile on August 14, 2019, 02:34:39 PM
Fully expected John Cooney to be on the plane I think he's a better player than Luke McGrath and can cover Out half. . . seems strange!!

For me he'd be slightly behind McGrath ability wise but theres not much between them. I thought having that kicking ability would have edged him ahead of McGrath in the final squad. In saying that if Murray gets injured the gap between him and the rest is huge.

Given how poorly McGrath played when the pressure was on against Saracens I found it strange he's still so high up the pecking order.

I'm no expert I suppose and maybe they're seeing something we're not day in day out but the range of positions Cooney can play and his kicking would have him ahead of McGrath and possibly Marmion as well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on August 14, 2019, 05:28:13 PM
McGrath was generally very good for Leinster last season though. That kick in the final was an error but hard to know if he was playing to orders. He has played in much more pressurised games than Cooney (and Marmion) so maybe that tipped it in his favour. And also I find that as Cooney is a kicker it masks a lot of things. If he comes off the pitch scoring 20 points people assume he's had a great game. I suppose that's why Schmidt is paid the big bucks to make those decisions.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on August 15, 2019, 10:38:41 AM
Quote from: square_ball on August 14, 2019, 05:28:13 PM
McGrath was generally very good for Leinster last season though. That kick in the final was an error but hard to know if he was playing to orders. He has played in much more pressurised games than Cooney (and Marmion) so maybe that tipped it in his favour. And also I find that as Cooney is a kicker it masks a lot of things. If he comes off the pitch scoring 20 points people assume he's had a great game. I suppose that's why Schmidt is paid the big bucks to make those decisions.

Not kicking to touch against Saracens was a joint decision. It's quite common for Leinster to do this. The follwing against Munster the same situation arose and they didn't kick to touch either and this time they won a penalty which they converted.

I'm also surprised Cooney was dropped as he can also cover No. 10, especially with Carbery now due to miss all the warm up games and training
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on August 16, 2019, 08:03:10 AM
McGrath also kicked the ball away against the All Blacks last November with 90 seconds on the clock. Near causing heart failure in the Aviva.

I think he's prone to regular brain farts and hope he doesn't make the 31. Can we speed up the development of Craig Casey please. Like a young Aaron Smith.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on August 17, 2019, 09:11:05 AM
Letting Cooney go looks even more like the wrong move......

https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/rugby-world-cup-2019/doubts-grow-over-joey-carberys-world-cup-hopes-after-munster-outhalf-undergoes-ankle-procedure-38410393.html (https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/rugby-world-cup-2019/doubts-grow-over-joey-carberys-world-cup-hopes-after-munster-outhalf-undergoes-ankle-procedure-38410393.html)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on August 22, 2019, 11:24:40 PM
I see Kleyn has been selected in the second row for the game against England on saturday. I hope he doesn't make the final squad. It is supposed to be an Irish team. We might have a quarter final against Soith Africa and we could have 2 South Africans in the pack. I don't think that is s good thing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on August 22, 2019, 11:34:35 PM
Both teams are going at it in terms of team selection. Must be very nerve-wracking for players and coaches as an injury now could be curtains.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on August 22, 2019, 11:45:33 PM
Jack Carty's great firm of last season seems to have been forgotten. Seems "playing for Leinster" is a tie break winner in all these decisions.

I've a feeling we're slipping into our usual World Cup funk.

Think the "Development player" thing is now gone too far.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on August 24, 2019, 04:03:06 PM
At least our supporters won't be getting carried away this time!!!

Very worrying far too static going forward whereas England attack the line at speed.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Ed Ricketts on August 24, 2019, 04:57:36 PM
Pure shite. Some amount of work to do in the next month.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on August 24, 2019, 04:59:21 PM
An absolutely embarassment - no hope for WC
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on August 24, 2019, 05:20:14 PM
I didn't see it and I know it's only a pre-WC warm-up. But still... That's a hosing by any marker. Read on a report that lineout faced a total collapse which I can't say is surprising as that has been coming for a while.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on August 24, 2019, 05:20:25 PM
Schmidt announcing he's gone has ruined it all.

Ireland are a shambles.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on August 24, 2019, 05:43:32 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on August 24, 2019, 05:20:14 PM
I didn't see it and I know it's only a pre-WC warm-up. But still... That's a hosing by any marker. Read on a report that lineout faced a total collapse which I can't say is surprising as that has been coming for a while.
toner has to play end of story , no pace is going to kill us again  seems the wc is a year too late for this team
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on August 24, 2019, 05:57:03 PM
Nothing learned from the hammering by England in the Six Nations. Irish players receive the ball standing still and then move from foot to foot while deciding which way to go. English players receive the ball while moving at speed and most times that player has another moving at speed just off him and sometimes there's a third running as a decoy. We seem to be streets behind tactically.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on August 24, 2019, 08:06:30 PM
An rud is annamh is iontach
2018 was unforgettable

In French as well

https://youtu.be/rRFw54vUEPY
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on August 24, 2019, 08:08:40 PM
Learnt some man can't throw, chronic
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on August 24, 2019, 08:11:21 PM
After watching that. I nearly think them lads were on the drink, can't remember Ireland so bad
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on August 24, 2019, 08:30:07 PM
Best is 18 months late retiring
And now Joe has nobody ready to replace him from the start
Stander is very aptly named, most of the time he just stands there

Carty could end up starting the pool games
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on August 24, 2019, 08:57:01 PM
Jesus win a few challenges games yer the world no 1, lose a few and you might not get out of the group stages of the world cup. Funny.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on August 24, 2019, 09:58:35 PM
It will be all ok on the big day. As long as we don't pick up any more injuries to key players in the next 2 games. England are the type of team that will run up a big score if they get on top. It was also very hot today, not typical wintry rugby playing conditions which contributed to the outcome.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on August 25, 2019, 08:46:07 AM
It's all about performing on the big stage

Limerick hammered Tipp in June

https://mobile.twitter.com/ShaneSaint/status/1145346439519846401

The All Ireland isn't won in  June

https://youtu.be/ipMYwLtDESg

Schmidt is the best coach we ever had . They will be ready for Scotland
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on August 25, 2019, 09:10:56 AM
Quote from: seafoid on August 25, 2019, 08:46:07 AM
It's all about performing on the big stage

Limerick hammered Tipp in June

https://mobile.twitter.com/ShaneSaint/status/1145346439519846401

The All Ireland isn't won in  June

https://youtu.be/ipMYwLtDESg

Schmidt is the best coach we ever had . They will be ready for Scotland

All true, but there can be no dressing up yesturday. That is the World Cup...if Sexton doesn't make it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: galwayman on August 25, 2019, 09:22:44 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on August 24, 2019, 09:58:35 PM
It will be all ok on the big day. As long as we don't pick up any more injuries to key players in the next 2 games. England are the type of team that will run up a big score if they get on top. It was also very hot today, not typical wintry rugby playing conditions which contributed to the outcome.
I'm not sure I agree that it will be all ok on the big day.
This team has been in obvious decline since the start of this year - the 6N was the proof of that.
You can't just switch form on and off like a tap.
Now Scotland aren't up to much so we will probably beat them and top the group.
But the way the teams have performed in 2019 up to now there is no chance of us beating either NZ or South Africa in a quarter final.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on August 25, 2019, 10:11:11 AM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on August 25, 2019, 09:10:56 AM
Quote from: seafoid on August 25, 2019, 08:46:07 AM
It's all about performing on the big stage

Limerick hammered Tipp in June

https://mobile.twitter.com/ShaneSaint/status/1145346439519846401

The All Ireland isn't won in  June

https://youtu.be/ipMYwLtDESg

Schmidt is the best coach we ever had . They will be ready for Scotland

All true, but there can be no dressing up yesturday. That is the World Cup...if Sexton doesn't make it.

Not too late to send for Jackson, Zebo and Ryan, maybe even Madigan. Perhaps John Cooney could be persuaded back with Ultan Dillane.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LilySavage on August 25, 2019, 11:11:28 AM
The last thing they need now is Wacko Jacko joining the squad for obvious reasons. Zebo and Ryan would improve the squad for sure.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on August 25, 2019, 05:49:29 PM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/dark-clouds-gather-as-ireland-captain-rory-best-runs-out-of-road-1.3996697
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on August 26, 2019, 08:21:27 AM
As long as they were winning the Nucifora strategy of only picking Irish-based players was maybe coherent. But now ? 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Farrandeelin on August 26, 2019, 12:43:43 PM
Arra sure they'll be grand. Sure they beat the All Blacks a couple of months back.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on August 27, 2019, 07:12:47 AM
https://www.offtheball.com/sport/keith-wood-rory-best-898093
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on August 30, 2019, 01:13:16 PM
Quote from: seafoid on August 27, 2019, 07:12:47 AM
https://www.offtheball.com/sport/keith-wood-rory-best-898093

Wales make wholesale changes, Ireland really need to put on a show.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on August 30, 2019, 01:27:25 PM
https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12506/11797494/joe-schmidt-felix-jones-south-aifrca-role-an-awkward-situation

He might not need to worry about the Quarter Finals depending if last week was a one off.....we'll find out tomorrow.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on August 31, 2019, 04:29:25 PM
Better but still not great Wales with a 2nd string team on . . . a lot of work to do!1
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on August 31, 2019, 07:00:04 PM
Everyone okay now?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on September 01, 2019, 03:05:42 AM
One thing I think that's pretty clear is for Ireland to win group and give the quarters a rattle  they have to stick to the boring gameplan of carrying around the rucks possession rugby bash it up the middle and hope something opens for Stockdale  ,win the territory game and keep ball in opposing half .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on September 02, 2019, 11:32:21 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on August 31, 2019, 07:00:04 PM
Everyone okay now?

Decision time for Joel.

One or both Kearneys should be staying at home, Addison, Conway showed something different on Saturday that neither Kearney have shown in a long time. Earls and Stockdale will go. Dave Kearney I've never got TBH.
David Kilcoyne has probably done enough to get a squad place now, but Hooker is still a concern with none of the three excelling of late.

Aki is safe, along with Henshaw and Ringrose, Farrell might lose out as he was quiet again on Saturday.

Will big Devin lose out to the new SA lad????

Out half is going to be a crossed fingers and hope for the best stuff with both Carbery and Sexton struggling with injuries. I honestly believe Carbery is number 1 now or should be.
Ditto with Murray.
A lot of holy water needed for this squad.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: playwiththewind1st on September 02, 2019, 11:39:42 AM
I doubt that Rory Best will do holy water - he doesn't even sing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on September 02, 2019, 01:17:38 PM
Devin Toner didn't make it, kleyn goes instead unfortunately. Marmion didn't make it at scrumhalf. Murray and Mcgrath are the only 2 scrumhalves picked. Carty made it at flyhalf with 3 outhalves going.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on September 02, 2019, 01:19:17 PM
Toner doesnt make the squad? Seems bizarre.

Only saw the last 30 mins of the Wales match. I thought Ringrose, who I love, was shockingly bad. I was unable to pick out anyone who was good!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Ambrose on September 02, 2019, 01:33:55 PM
Some strange decisions alright, I suppose Toner is recovering from injury, but I would have hoped to see him on the plane to Japan.

(https://img.rasset.ie/00129ec5-614.jpg?ratio=1)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on September 02, 2019, 08:46:55 PM
Disappointed for toner , think Ringrose played on the wing when he came on , bottom line Ireland will be exiting at quarter final stage again .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LCohen on September 02, 2019, 09:02:00 PM
Quote from: Hound on September 02, 2019, 01:19:17 PM
I was unable to pick out anyone who was good!

Kilcoyne? The starting front row? Jane Ryan? Carry? Aki? Conway? Stockdale in first half?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on September 02, 2019, 09:10:38 PM
Dissappointed not to see Toner on the plane to Japan, I like seeing Irishmen playing for Ireland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: MayoBuck on September 02, 2019, 11:15:34 PM
Quote from: LCohen on September 02, 2019, 09:02:00 PM
Quote from: Hound on September 02, 2019, 01:19:17 PM
I was unable to pick out anyone who was good!

Kilcoyne? The starting front row? Jane Ryan? Carry? Aki? Conway? Stockdale in first half?

He said he only saw the last 30 minutes. We were pretty poor in that period.

Toner should have been picked when it was a marginal call but I suppose Schmidt doesn't care when he's away after the world cup.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on September 02, 2019, 11:36:01 PM
Learn from last world cups.

Ireland will make the quarter finals this year even if they try their best not to. There is no obstacle.

The only way to win a World Cup is to put your most serious competition to bed. Ireland can only do that if firing on all cylinders.

If I was Schmidt i would play my B team throughout the group stage and hit the quarter finals with a completely fresh first team. If that's New Zealand, then so be it. We have a better chance of beating NZ with a fresh XV than we do of beating SA with a rolled up mess of a team. And then we would have momentum.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tiempo on September 03, 2019, 12:24:02 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on September 02, 2019, 11:36:01 PM
Learn from last world cups.

Ireland will make the quarter finals this year even if they try their best not to. There is no obstacle.

The only way to win a World Cup is to put your most serious competition to bed. Ireland can only do that if firing on all cylinders.

If I was Schmidt i would play my B team throughout the group stage and hit the quarter finals with a completely fresh first team. If that's New Zealand, then so be it. We have a better chance of beating NZ with a fresh XV than we do of beating SA with a rolled up mess of a team. And then we would have momentum.

1000% on the money.
And they failed to recognise this at the last world cup too throwing the kitchen sink at France only for circumstances to ruin them and go down in flames v Argentina when they could have been unloading both barrels fresh at NZ
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on September 03, 2019, 02:28:20 AM
Quote from: tiempo on September 03, 2019, 12:24:02 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on September 02, 2019, 11:36:01 PM
Learn from last world cups.

Ireland will make the quarter finals this year even if they try their best not to. There is no obstacle.

The only way to win a World Cup is to put your most serious competition to bed. Ireland can only do that if firing on all cylinders.

If I was Schmidt i would play my B team throughout the group stage and hit the quarter finals with a completely fresh first team. If that's New Zealand, then so be it. We have a better chance of beating NZ with a fresh XV than we do of beating SA with a rolled up mess of a team. And then we would have momentum.

1000% on the money.
And they failed to recognise this at the last world cup too throwing the kitchen sink at France only for circumstances to ruin them and go down in flames v Argentina when they could have been unloading both barrels fresh at NZ
this is what Argentina did in last wc targeted the quarter final came second in their group and smashed Ireland, the good news for Ireland is Scotland and Japan are up first so if they win these games most starters will get a good rest before either nz or sa
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on September 03, 2019, 08:37:46 AM
Argentina had their toughest pool fixture v NZ first up in 2015. The winners were always going to top that group and the losers were going to be runners up as it was a very weak group. Therefore they were always going to be very well prepped for a QF. That's where it will work in Ireland's favour this year. Tough 2 fixtures to start then hopefully rest key players for the QF.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on September 03, 2019, 09:06:51 AM
Quote from: trileacman on September 02, 2019, 09:10:38 PM
Dissappointed not to see Toner on the plane to Japan, I like seeing Irishmen playing for Ireland.

The question is, are the naturalised players that much better than Toner?

I've often thought Aki is not overly special for being a starting centre for example. he's good sure....but is he that much better than he's picked ahead of?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on September 03, 2019, 12:23:26 PM
Quote from: tiempo on September 03, 2019, 12:24:02 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on September 02, 2019, 11:36:01 PM
Learn from last world cups.

Ireland will make the quarter finals this year even if they try their best not to. There is no obstacle.

The only way to win a World Cup is to put your most serious competition to bed. Ireland can only do that if firing on all cylinders.

If I was Schmidt i would play my B team throughout the group stage and hit the quarter finals with a completely fresh first team. If that's New Zealand, then so be it. We have a better chance of beating NZ with a fresh XV than we do of beating SA with a rolled up mess of a team. And then we would have momentum.

1000% on the money.
And they failed to recognise this at the last world cup too throwing the kitchen sink at France only for circumstances to ruin them and go down in flames v Argentina when they could have been unloading both barrels fresh at NZ

Scotland first, whilst a sticky enough game aren't big ignorant crash ball merchants, so you'd hope to put out the strongest team to get the job done and pick up no injuries. Win this a Schmidt can pick and chose who plays what in the next few games.

Japan next, you'd hope to give squad members game time and maybe try to run in a few trys with expansive game.

Then Russia, really empty the bench and wrap delicate members in cotton wool.

Finally Samoa who depending on other games vrs Scotland may still be in the mix and may be physical enough if let be.

If the first game was a win then its really a decision whether to go at NZ fresh or SA with a team coming off the back of a must win game against Samoa if Scotland get the better of that first game.

SA and NZ play first and then its plain sailing for both of them till the quarter finals. They'll both be fresh

England have their two hardest pool games at the end of the pool with Argentina and France. Here's hoping that bolloxes them  ;D


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 03, 2019, 03:10:37 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on September 03, 2019, 12:23:26 PM
Quote from: tiempo on September 03, 2019, 12:24:02 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on September 02, 2019, 11:36:01 PM
Learn from last world cups.

Ireland will make the quarter finals this year even if they try their best not to. There is no obstacle.

The only way to win a World Cup is to put your most serious competition to bed. Ireland can only do that if firing on all cylinders.

If I was Schmidt i would play my B team throughout the group stage and hit the quarter finals with a completely fresh first team. If that's New Zealand, then so be it. We have a better chance of beating NZ with a fresh XV than we do of beating SA with a rolled up mess of a team. And then we would have momentum.

1000% on the money.
And they failed to recognise this at the last world cup too throwing the kitchen sink at France only for circumstances to ruin them and go down in flames v Argentina when they could have been unloading both barrels fresh at NZ

Scotland first, whilst a sticky enough game aren't big ignorant crash ball merchants, so you'd hope to put out the strongest team to get the job done and pick up no injuries. Win this a Schmidt can pick and chose who plays what in the next few games.

Japan next, you'd hope to give squad members game time and maybe try to run in a few trys with expansive game.

Then Russia, really empty the bench and wrap delicate members in cotton wool.

Finally Samoa who depending on other games vrs Scotland may still be in the mix and may be physical enough if let be.

If the first game was a win then its really a decision whether to go at NZ fresh or SA with a team coming off the back of a must win game against Samoa if Scotland get the better of that first game.

SA and NZ play first and then its plain sailing for both of them till the quarter finals. They'll both be fresh

England have their two hardest pool games at the end of the pool with Argentina and France. Here's hoping that bolloxes them  ;D
Japan are at home and beat South Africa in 2015 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on September 03, 2019, 03:37:40 PM
I think in relation to Kleyn and Aki they are not much better than the second rows and centres we have. There is not much point in them being on the team, i would prefer to see Irish players like Toner getting in the squad and Henshaw and Ringrose starting in the centre.

In relation to Stander at number 8, I am happy enough to see him there as when he started out he was by far the best we had at the position. Conan might be a challenger now but there is really nobody else there.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on September 03, 2019, 04:30:11 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on September 03, 2019, 03:37:40 PM
I think in relation to Kleyn and Aki they are not much better than the second rows and centres we have. There is not much point in them being on the team, i would prefer to see Irish players like Toner getting in the squad and Henshaw and Ringrose starting in the centre.

In relation to Stander at number 8, I am happy enough to see him there as when he started out he was by far the best we had at the position. Conan might be a challenger now but there is really nobody else there.

Stander is very much second best at 8.  His best days for Ireland are behind him, he is now so predictable if he can get his hands on the ball that the opposition have his number and sort him out. Conan must be a starter.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on September 03, 2019, 04:45:53 PM
Quote from: seafoid on September 03, 2019, 03:10:37 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on September 03, 2019, 12:23:26 PM
Quote from: tiempo on September 03, 2019, 12:24:02 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on September 02, 2019, 11:36:01 PM
Learn from last world cups.

Ireland will make the quarter finals this year even if they try their best not to. There is no obstacle.

The only way to win a World Cup is to put your most serious competition to bed. Ireland can only do that if firing on all cylinders.

If I was Schmidt i would play my B team throughout the group stage and hit the quarter finals with a completely fresh first team. If that's New Zealand, then so be it. We have a better chance of beating NZ with a fresh XV than we do of beating SA with a rolled up mess of a team. And then we would have momentum.

1000% on the money.
And they failed to recognise this at the last world cup too throwing the kitchen sink at France only for circumstances to ruin them and go down in flames v Argentina when they could have been unloading both barrels fresh at NZ

Scotland first, whilst a sticky enough game aren't big ignorant crash ball merchants, so you'd hope to put out the strongest team to get the job done and pick up no injuries. Win this a Schmidt can pick and chose who plays what in the next few games.

Japan next, you'd hope to give squad members game time and maybe try to run in a few trys with expansive game.

Then Russia, really empty the bench and wrap delicate members in cotton wool.

Finally Samoa who depending on other games vrs Scotland may still be in the mix and may be physical enough if let be.

If the first game was a win then its really a decision whether to go at NZ fresh or SA with a team coming off the back of a must win game against Samoa if Scotland get the better of that first game.

SA and NZ play first and then its plain sailing for both of them till the quarter finals. They'll both be fresh

England have their two hardest pool games at the end of the pool with Argentina and France. Here's hoping that bolloxes them  ;D
Japan are at home and beat South Africa in 2015

I know they are and they did, but if you've aspirations of playing beyond a quarter final then playing Japan in Japan with a Japanese referee shouldn't bother you.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on September 04, 2019, 08:53:30 AM
I'd be very wary of Japan. I think they'll run both ourselves and the Scots close, and might even sneak a win.

I think CJ's a busted flush. The amount of penalties he gives away and turnovers he gives away always seem to be ignored and the very odd (these days) 10 metre carry gets praised to high heaven.

I see Thornley in the Times today reckons the omission of Addison means Carberry must be pencilled in for some game time at 15 in the world cup.  Not sure I'd draw that conclusion, but Larmour a bit lucky to hold on to his place.

Still can't get over Dev. It does not seem to be injury related judging by the reports I've read. Drico and Darcy expressing surprise but still not criticising Schmidt. Matt Williams on the other hand not afraid to criticise him at all (seems to be history there) - says he heard that since January they've been on a plan to get rid of Toner from the squad!
You could kind of, maybe, understand it if Kleyn was a superstar, but there's be no sign of that!

Dinny, what's your take on it?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 04, 2019, 04:26:21 PM
Other punters are saying that Toner's form hasn't recovered since he was injured and that they want more power . They have to get past the quarterfinals this time.
Is Best finished ?

https://youtu.be/EuuD5M61IFE
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on September 04, 2019, 05:24:44 PM
Quote from: seafoid on September 04, 2019, 04:26:21 PM
Other punters are saying that Toner's form hasn't recovered since he was injured and that they want more power . They have to get past the quarterfinals this time.
Is Best finished ?

https://youtu.be/EuuD5M61IFE

Not finished....but becoming dangerously inconsistent
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on September 04, 2019, 08:35:11 PM
Quote from: Hound on September 04, 2019, 08:53:30 AM

I think CJ's a busted flush. The amount of penalties he gives away and turnovers he gives away always seem to be ignored and the very odd (these days) 10 metre carry gets praised to high heaven.

I see Thornley in the Times today reckons the omission of Addison means Carberry must be pencilled in for some game time at 15 in the world cup.  Not sure I'd draw that conclusion, but Larmour a bit lucky to hold on to his place.

Still can't get over Dev.

Conan must become the first choice 8, CJ has little new to offer, he can't do more than a couple of metres at best.

Larmour should have been left at home awaiting an injury call up. Addison has so much more to offer at 15, in the centre and as another place kicker when Sexton's and Carberry's turn out to be worse than thought as they fail in Japan. Larmour too often goes awol.

Not many can get over the lack of loyalty to Toner.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on September 04, 2019, 09:20:35 PM
The forwards in particular have had a big dip in form with Ryan the only one keeping his play up to previous standards and he's not there long ,wonder is the wear and tear of Ireland's game plan and the provinces in general having an affect on them and how many teeth rattling collisions can u have before the body and mind starts to deteriorate
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 05, 2019, 12:03:34 AM
Toner very strong at line out, at 6ft 11in anybody be handy at that height. With Best throwing average on a good day, I keep Toner there for line out, though he offers nothing else. The blow in, I know little about but if u playing All-blacks or S Africa in the last 8 the scrummaging in the pack must be top rate and he often this.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on September 05, 2019, 12:39:37 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on September 04, 2019, 08:35:11 PM
Quote from: Hound on September 04, 2019, 08:53:30 AM

I think CJ's a busted flush. The amount of penalties he gives away and turnovers he gives away always seem to be ignored and the very odd (these days) 10 metre carry gets praised to high heaven.

I see Thornley in the Times today reckons the omission of Addison means Carberry must be pencilled in for some game time at 15 in the world cup.  Not sure I'd draw that conclusion, but Larmour a bit lucky to hold on to his place.

Still can't get over Dev.

Conan must become the first choice 8, CJ has little new to offer, he can't do more than a couple of metres at best.

Larmour should have been left at home awaiting an injury call up. Addison has so much more to offer at 15, in the centre and as another place kicker when Sexton's and Carberry's turn out to be worse than thought as they fail in Japan. Larmour too often goes awol.

Not many can get over the lack of loyalty to Toner.

There is no loyalty in professional sport.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 05, 2019, 01:07:25 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on September 05, 2019, 12:39:37 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on September 04, 2019, 08:35:11 PM
Quote from: Hound on September 04, 2019, 08:53:30 AM

I think CJ's a busted flush. The amount of penalties he gives away and turnovers he gives away always seem to be ignored and the very odd (these days) 10 metre carry gets praised to high heaven.

I see Thornley in the Times today reckons the omission of Addison means Carberry must be pencilled in for some game time at 15 in the world cup.  Not sure I'd draw that conclusion, but Larmour a bit lucky to hold on to his place.

Still can't get over Dev.

Conan must become the first choice 8, CJ has little new to offer, he can't do more than a couple of metres at best.

Larmour should have been left at home awaiting an injury call up. Addison has so much more to offer at 15, in the centre and as another place kicker when Sexton's and Carberry's turn out to be worse than thought as they fail in Japan. Larmour too often goes awol.

Not many can get over the lack of loyalty to Toner.

There is no loyalty in professional sport.
The printer at work still believes in him.
There is a message on it now that says "Reorder Toner"
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 05, 2019, 02:49:21 PM
Injuries banjaxed the squad in 2015
Toner could still make it

https://youtu.be/38upQjuTMQA
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: BarryBreensBandage on September 07, 2019, 04:29:02 PM
A good send off for Schmidt and Best today. But its hard to believe Ireland are no.1 in the world.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on September 07, 2019, 05:31:47 PM
A good performance from Ireland today and no injuries to key players. Earls hurt his knee again but it doesn't look too bad.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on September 07, 2019, 09:17:10 PM
Oh no! Ranked No.1 by beating Wales.

Except in 2007, the team list at No.1 in the rankings before the world cup has gone on to win it!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on September 08, 2019, 12:18:41 AM
Cerys to win the world cup tonight after crushing Wales in two challenge matches. Time for a new play or perhaps an rte documentary
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 08, 2019, 09:44:02 AM
No. 1 on paper only, any team that took 50 against England 3wks bck no right to be rated no. 1
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on September 08, 2019, 10:00:28 AM
Those rankings are practically irrelevant now. The England match did no harm in tempering expectations. Some srrious game management required to keep lads fit. Sexton took a late hit off someone yesterday and I suspect he'll get plenty of that treatment in the WC.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on September 14, 2019, 03:56:36 PM
Looking like Henshaw is out of the World Cup and Addison heading out as a replacement.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on September 14, 2019, 09:22:59 PM
That is a shame for him. However Ringrose is the better outside centre.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Ball Hopper on September 17, 2019, 03:47:05 PM
Threat of rain in Japan.  If the Ireland/Scotland game is postponed, it will not be rescheduled.  Instead, it will be called a draw.

Should be in the WTF thread?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on September 17, 2019, 04:26:03 PM
Welsh coach Rob Howley sent home from the World Cup for some betting related offence

https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/49733089
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on September 17, 2019, 04:49:52 PM
Quote from: Ball Hopper on September 17, 2019, 03:47:05 PM
Threat of rain in Japan.  If the Ireland/Scotland game is postponed, it will not be rescheduled.  Instead, it will be called a draw.

Should be in the WTF thread?

Can't be true surely.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on September 17, 2019, 04:54:32 PM
Quote from: Ball Hopper on September 17, 2019, 03:47:05 PM
Threat of rain in Japan.  If the Ireland/Scotland game is postponed, it will not be rescheduled.  Instead, it will be called a draw.

Should be in the WTF thread?
How else do you think they manage cancelled games at tournaments like this?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on September 17, 2019, 05:06:18 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on September 17, 2019, 04:54:32 PM
Quote from: Ball Hopper on September 17, 2019, 03:47:05 PM
Threat of rain in Japan.  If the Ireland/Scotland game is postponed, it will not be rescheduled.  Instead, it will be called a draw.

Should be in the WTF thread?
How else do you think they manage cancelled games at tournaments like this?

Was there not a rainstorm at the Euros a few years ago, they had to play a game the next day. Turkey are in my head for some reason.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Helix. on September 17, 2019, 06:44:48 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on September 17, 2019, 05:06:18 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on September 17, 2019, 04:54:32 PM
Quote from: Ball Hopper on September 17, 2019, 03:47:05 PM
Threat of rain in Japan.  If the Ireland/Scotland game is postponed, it will not be rescheduled.  Instead, it will be called a draw.

Should be in the WTF thread?
How else do you think they manage cancelled games at tournaments like this?

Was there not a rainstorm at the Euros a few years ago, they had to play a game the next day. Turkey are in my head for some reason.

It was actually England vs Poland Euro 2012

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/19941036
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Never beat the deeler on September 18, 2019, 01:49:18 AM
Yep, I read an article a couple of weeks ago on this.

There is a scenario that say, Australia, Fiji and Wales each beat each other in Pool D. Australia go into their last game against Namibia looking for a points difference boost win against Namibia.
Pissing rain, the game is a draw and Australia are out.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on September 18, 2019, 09:53:57 AM
Not Irish Rugby related as such....but what a way to start the World Cup on Sat Morning properly.....South Africa and New Zealand could be a classic.

Even France / Argies beforehand I'd quietly expect to be a barnstormer.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on September 18, 2019, 11:04:03 AM
Big blow for Wales that's the last think you'd need before a big tournament!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: quit yo jibbajabba on September 18, 2019, 11:28:40 AM
Yeah what were the odds on that

:P
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on September 18, 2019, 11:38:46 AM
Quote from: screenexile on September 18, 2019, 11:04:03 AM
Big blow for Wales that's the last think you'd need before a big tournament!!

Been reading that he's apparently been betting on Wales first scores in games and designing plays to help this, something about Webb not making the WC squad too.

Disaster altogether for the Welsh.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on September 18, 2019, 12:56:15 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on September 18, 2019, 11:38:46 AM
Quote from: screenexile on September 18, 2019, 11:04:03 AM
Big blow for Wales that's the last think you'd need before a big tournament!!

Been reading that he's apparently been betting on Wales first scores in games and designing plays to help this, something about Webb not making the WC squad too.

Disaster altogether for the Welsh.

Any links to the articles?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: under the bar on September 18, 2019, 01:10:39 PM
Sky Sports all over it!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 18, 2019, 01:36:30 PM
Quote from: trailer on September 18, 2019, 12:56:15 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on September 18, 2019, 11:38:46 AM
Quote from: screenexile on September 18, 2019, 11:04:03 AM
Big blow for Wales that's the last think you'd need before a big tournament!!

Been reading that he's apparently been betting on Wales first scores in games and designing plays to help this, something about Webb not making the WC squad too.

Disaster altogether for the Welsh.
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/sep/18/wales-attempt-to-steady-ship-after-rob-howley-bombshell-at-rugby-world-cup

Any links to the articles?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Joeythelips on September 18, 2019, 03:10:46 PM
Surely they are ready for a World Cup by now, its hard to see his loss having a huge effect. Wales are on of the favourites and this might actually help them in some ways as it will take attention off the team and expectations may be reduced. They have a nice path to a semi final and this could galvanise the squad.

From what I have seen over the past year I would have the All Blacks as favourites followed by South Africa, then slightly behind I would have England, Ireland, Wales and Australia all on the same level.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Joeythelips on September 18, 2019, 03:11:23 PM
Quote from: Joeythelips on September 18, 2019, 03:10:46 PM
Surely Wales are ready for a World Cup by now, its hard to see his loss having a huge effect. Wales are one of the favourites and this might actually help them in some ways as it will take attention off the team and expectations may be reduced. They have a nice path to a semi final and this could galvanise the squad.

From what I have seen over the past year I would have the All Blacks as favourites followed by South Africa, then slightly behind I would have England, Ireland, Wales and Australia all on the same level.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 18, 2019, 04:27:46 PM
The Irish game is very well plugged in globally given Rassie Erasmus is managing SA and Cheika is the equivalent with the Australians
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on September 19, 2019, 07:01:04 PM
Irish media poking the South Africans a lot about steroids probably not a smart strategy from them when we have a potential quarter final with them ,
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on September 20, 2019, 09:59:03 AM
Conway and Lamour to start

Conway showed he can beat a man in the warm up games, Lamour needs to show that hes more than just a gap filler, prefer Addison but Joe knows best.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on September 20, 2019, 12:24:45 PM
Russia and Japan going hell for leather here there's no way they keep this pace up!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Farrandeelin on September 20, 2019, 10:44:36 PM
What channels are these games on? Was looking at virgin media and no sign. NZ v SA should be a cracker.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: IolarCoisCuain on September 20, 2019, 11:58:50 PM
TV coverage guide here Farr: https://www.the42.ie/rwc-tv-guide-4815451-Sep2019/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on September 21, 2019, 12:22:19 AM
They are all live  on itv. Rte just has the Ireland games and all the knock out stages.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Farrandeelin on September 21, 2019, 07:39:03 AM
Quote from: IolarCoisCuain on September 20, 2019, 11:58:50 PM
TV coverage guide here Farr: https://www.the42.ie/rwc-tv-guide-4815451-Sep2019/

Quote from: Capt Pat on September 21, 2019, 12:22:19 AM
They are all live  on itv. Rte just has the Ireland games and all the knock out stages.

Thanks. For some reason I thought virgin were showing them all!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Aaron Boone on September 22, 2019, 07:53:13 AM
Cometh the hour.....

Best of luck to the lads.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gawa316 on September 22, 2019, 07:56:15 AM
Anyone got a decent link?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Targetman on September 22, 2019, 08:38:51 AM
RTE 2 or ITV both showing it
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on September 22, 2019, 09:21:30 AM
Scotland are dung.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 22, 2019, 09:22:40 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on September 22, 2019, 09:21:30 AM
Scotland are dung.
Japan could beat them
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gawa316 on September 22, 2019, 09:26:35 AM
Quote from: Targetman on September 22, 2019, 08:38:51 AM
RTE 2 or ITV both showing it

Living in the states but got a decent ITV stream
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 22, 2019, 10:25:15 AM
Ireland are very robotic, and hardly pass out wide where a player takes it on the run, not standing start. Playing entire game through the pack not gonna work against a bigger and heavier South Africa pack. Goal kicking poor the day also. Understandable in the poor weather in 2nd half but not the 1st
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on September 22, 2019, 10:27:19 AM
Shocking match. As poor a game of rugby as I've ever seen. England would have put 50 points on Scotland today.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: BarryBreensBandage on September 22, 2019, 10:49:52 AM
Have to say I enjoyed watching that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on September 22, 2019, 11:17:01 AM
Ireland showed no intensity in that game because they didn't have to. If that was all Scotland have, they would be better off losing to Japan because NZ will beat them with the same ease.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on September 22, 2019, 11:32:46 AM
I am very happy with that performance. 27-3 against Scotland at a neutral venue is a great performance. Things went our way, like the weather in the second half. It wasn't Scotlands best performance either. Looking forward to the rest of the group now and a possible quarter final against South Africa.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on September 22, 2019, 11:51:07 AM
Still some crying on here... if you'd been offered a bonus point win and not conceding a try against Scotland the week after the England match anybody would have bitten your hand off!!

Job done and plenty of confidence going into the next few games. Preparation for the South Africa match begins now seeing as we know where we stand.

Pack we're excellent and I thought Chris Farrell was very promising when he came on he has a bit of X factor which will be needed for the later rounds.

Onwards and upwards!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on September 22, 2019, 12:25:51 PM
Quote from: screenexile on September 22, 2019, 11:51:07 AM
Still some crying on here... if you'd been offered a bonus point win and not conceding a try against Scotland the week after the England match anybody would have bitten your hand off!!

Job done and plenty of confidence going into the next few games. Preparation for the South Africa match begins now seeing as we know where we stand.

Pack we're excellent and I thought Chris Farrell was very promising when he came on he has a bit of X factor which will be needed for the later rounds.

Onwards and upwards!!
Exactly. Professional job and the second choice starters were good.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on September 22, 2019, 12:39:05 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on September 22, 2019, 12:25:51 PM
Quote from: screenexile on September 22, 2019, 11:51:07 AM
Still some crying on here... if you'd been offered a bonus point win and not conceding a try against Scotland the week after the England match anybody would have bitten your hand off!!

Job done and plenty of confidence going into the next few games. Preparation for the South Africa match begins now seeing as we know where we stand.

Pack we're excellent and I thought Chris Farrell was very promising when he came on he has a bit of X factor which will be needed for the later rounds.

Onwards and upwards!!
Exactly. Professional job and the second choice starters were good.

Today was all about beating Scotland, Getting the Bonus point and no injuries or Cards. A good game to get out of the way early. Job done!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Ball Hopper on September 22, 2019, 05:39:52 PM
Anyone think the stadia so far are superior looking to any of our provincial grounds? 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Lar Naparka on September 22, 2019, 09:55:23 PM
Quote from: Ball Hopper on September 22, 2019, 05:39:52 PM
Anyone think the stadia so far are superior looking to any of our provincial grounds?
Definitely. I don't think I have ever seen anything like the stadium today for the Irish game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on September 22, 2019, 10:30:42 PM
Quote from: Lar Naparka on September 22, 2019, 09:55:23 PM
Quote from: Ball Hopper on September 22, 2019, 05:39:52 PM
Anyone think the stadia so far are superior looking to any of our provincial grounds?
Definitely. I don't think I have ever seen anything like the stadium today for the Irish game.

I was in that stadium 17 years ago to see Gary Breen score a peach if a goal against Saudi Arabia!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: highorlow on September 22, 2019, 10:31:39 PM
QuoteDefinitely. I don't think I have ever seen anything like the stadium today for the Irish game.

Not that impressive. Big running track isn't great. Like Murrayfield .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: passedit on September 23, 2019, 03:40:19 AM
Quote from: highorlow on September 22, 2019, 10:31:39 PM
QuoteDefinitely. I don't think I have ever seen anything like the stadium today for the Irish game.

Not that impressive. Big running track isn't great. Like Murrayfield .

Was at the game and agree ground was nothing special, like Murrayfield. Tbf the Japanese were well organised and it was easy to get in and away from. I could definitely get used to having beer brought to my seat!

This was more like the Ireland of last year I thought. The rest of the group games are now about making sure everyone is healthy for SA. Apparently they are down a few bodies after the New Zealand game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 23, 2019, 08:27:35 AM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/liam-toland-clinical-ireland-do-their-job-with-distinction-1.4026546

"when we look at a vulnerable Irish breakdown we find one such example. Garry Ringrose carried a one out pass around the fringes of the Scottish defence and was immediately vulnerable to blue jerseys.

Then, go tobann, the two Irish props, Cian Healy and Tadhg Furlong, came barrelling in, low as the grass and smashed Hamish Watson, the only Scot that could affect a turnover, backwards. Unfortunately Watson's match was over, but both Ringrose and the ball remained Irish."

Senior hurling
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Taylor on September 23, 2019, 08:46:01 AM
Clinical performance and got the result.
Boring rugby but thats what it will take.

For the SA game I imagine we will need to be more expansive because of the strength of their pack but would have to assume Joe has a plan in mind for that game.

Scotland are really horrible - could struggle to get out of the group
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on September 23, 2019, 11:23:24 AM
Ireland will be in the position to take it easy going into the quarter finals provided nothing shocking happens from here.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 23, 2019, 07:03:36 PM
Best got a lot of stick after the England match but he put in a good shift including a try.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Joeythelips on September 23, 2019, 10:55:34 PM
It was all about the result, Ireland's real world cup begins in the next round now bar a disaster against Japan. The reality is that Ireland hammered Scotland, they may not be a side on the level of a South Africa but they are no mugs. Ireland in works cups have a poor record of performing against teams when they are favourites also so it's a cracking result in my book.

Next up we have Japan, we get through that and we can start resting our stars so we are 100% ready for South Africa. We manage to win that and we are in a great place.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on September 23, 2019, 11:17:33 PM
Quote from: seafoid on September 23, 2019, 07:03:36 PM
Best got a lot of stick after the England match but he put in a good shift including a try.

Thought he had his best game for a while against the Scots
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on September 24, 2019, 04:13:55 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on September 23, 2019, 11:17:33 PM
Quote from: seafoid on September 23, 2019, 07:03:36 PM
Best got a lot of stick after the England match but he put in a good shift including a try.

Thought he had his best game for a while against the Scots

Job done and with some lads who'd been dung in the 6N and against England finding a bit of form, albeit the Scots rolled over to get their bellies tickled...

South Africa looked formidable enough in getting beat by the All Blacks.  They crucified the All Black scrum but All Blacks aren't inclined to give many away and get the ball out the back quick pronto anyway.

There's absolutely no pretense now in putting a ball straight into the scrum...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Never beat the deeler on September 26, 2019, 01:34:22 AM
Watched the Uruguay v Fiji game last night - really enjoyable stuff. The Fijians would frustrate you if you were a fan!

Uruguay similar, just throwing the ball around. Captain was real emotional after the game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walt Jabsco on September 26, 2019, 09:16:46 PM
Quote from: Ball Hopper on September 22, 2019, 05:39:52 PM
Anyone think the stadia so far are superior looking to any of our provincial grounds?

https://twitter.com/DrewMerson/status/1172881823686373376

This one is
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on September 26, 2019, 09:23:34 PM
Quote from: Walt Jabsco on September 26, 2019, 09:16:46 PM
Quote from: Ball Hopper on September 22, 2019, 05:39:52 PM
Anyone think the stadia so far are superior looking to any of our provincial grounds?

https://twitter.com/DrewMerson/status/1172881823686373376

This one is
Pretty much all better than this...

(https://cdn-02.independent.ie/incoming/article37242737.ece/db9a3/AUTOCROP/w1125/60casement2.jpg)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 27, 2019, 09:52:07 AM


1. The Irish squad is probably the best we have ever had in terms of versatility .

2. Sexton is injured again. SA will probably target him if he plays in the QF. A number of players have been banjaxed following crunching tackles including that Scottish player
Hamish Watson. How should Ireland deal with this threat ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on September 27, 2019, 11:00:34 AM
Quote from: seafoid on September 27, 2019, 09:52:07 AM


1. The Irish squad is probably the best we have ever had in terms of versatility .

2. Sexton is injured again. SA will probably target him if he plays in the QF. A number of players have been banjaxed following crunching tackles including that Scottish player
Hamish Watson. How should Ireland deal with this threat ?

Beat Japan in the morning and they can all have a two week rest until the Springboks....South Africa suppose in a fairly similar comfortable spot barring an upset of epic proportions.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on September 28, 2019, 12:37:36 AM
 A few surprises in the Japan team for Tomorrow.
1 朣楢琴执执
2 瑩浻牡楧硰执
3 执獧浻牡楧
4 敬瑦 瀰絸朣杢
5 执獧扻捡杫
6 潲湵 潣潬
7 昣昸昸慢正
9 敷止瑩札慲楤
10 湥楬敮牡氬晥
11 瑦戠瑯潴牦
12 浯潴 捥捥浩条
13 洭穯氭湩慥牧
14 摡敩瑮琨灯捥
15 捥捥 慢正
16 牧畯摮椭慭敧
17 獭氭湩慥牧摡
18 敩瑮琨灯
19 捥捥捥慢正
20 牧畯摮椭慭
21 敧楬敮牡 札散散汩
22 整 牰杯瀻
23 獯瑩潩敲慬
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on September 28, 2019, 01:58:28 AM
More than a few surprises considering they're all chinamen.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gawa316 on September 28, 2019, 03:02:30 AM
I can't work out these feckin time differences!

Ireland are kicking off in 5 hours correct?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Ball Hopper on September 28, 2019, 03:11:31 AM
Quote from: gawa316 on September 28, 2019, 03:02:30 AM
I can't work out these feckin time differences!

Ireland are kicking off in 5 hours correct?

gawa:  Starts 15 minutes after midnight California time, while the Argentina/Tonga game starts at 9:45pm tonight (Friday).
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gawa316 on September 28, 2019, 03:28:38 AM
Quote from: Ball Hopper on September 28, 2019, 03:11:31 AM
Quote from: gawa316 on September 28, 2019, 03:02:30 AM
I can't work out these feckin time differences!

Ireland are kicking off in 5 hours correct?

gawa:  Starts 15 minutes after midnight California time, while the Argentina/Tonga game starts at 9:45pm tonight (Friday).

Good man! Tomorrow is going to be a nightmare...Ireland game followed by Liverpool at 4.30a and then the 3 childer all have football games, with a feckin picture day thrown in for good measure!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 28, 2019, 08:56:06 AM
Carty is playing well. Up the Rossies !

https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby-world-cup-2019/2019/0927/1078653-jack-carty-ireland-japan-football-soccer/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on September 28, 2019, 09:00:21 AM
Not great here to be honest. Not playing to our obvious advantages
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on September 28, 2019, 09:01:45 AM
Getting their fill of it from the Japanese.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 28, 2019, 09:34:47 AM
Japan play it out wide to great effect, we in turn can't string 3/4 passes out wide as we just kick possession away. Not even using the heavier pack to out advance.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on September 28, 2019, 09:38:38 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on September 28, 2019, 09:34:47 AM
Japan play it out wide to great effect, we in turn can string 3/4 passes out wide as we just kick possession away. Not even using the heavier pack to out advance.

You get the feeling we could get done here!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on September 28, 2019, 09:40:26 AM
Quote from: From the Bunker on September 28, 2019, 09:38:38 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on September 28, 2019, 09:34:47 AM
Japan play it out wide to great effect, we in turn can string 3/4 passes out wide as we just kick possession away. Not even using the heavier pack to out advance.

You get the feeling we could get done here!

Definitely. Their control of the game has been very poor. Mistakes leading to handy penalties. Japan don't look like tiring.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 28, 2019, 09:43:22 AM
South Africa ate Japan in a warm up game last month, so it doesn't ode well for us.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on September 28, 2019, 09:43:49 AM
Usual world cup choke from Ireland. Beat Argentina for fun everytime then meet them in the world cup and always struggle. Send the c team to Japan recently and win the series comfortably come to the world cup and we are lucky not to being stuffed here.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on September 28, 2019, 09:45:39 AM
This could end badly and will I think >:(
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 28, 2019, 09:46:30 AM
Ah, am saying nothing. Brutal
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on September 28, 2019, 09:48:01 AM
Overthrow at lineout: Penalty 3pts
Murray delaying take the ball out of the scrum: Penalty 3pts
Accidental Offside: Try and Conversation.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Farrandeelin on September 28, 2019, 09:48:44 AM
20 mins left. Don't panic.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on September 28, 2019, 09:49:31 AM
It's ok. Ireland beat New Zealand in a friendly once so there's always a chance they'll beat them in the quarter.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 28, 2019, 09:50:34 AM
Wish we try play rugby like Japan, spreading the ball out among the backs stretching the play.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on September 28, 2019, 09:52:48 AM
Quote from: RedHand88 on September 28, 2019, 09:49:31 AM
It's ok. Ireland beat New Zealand in a friendly once so there's always a chance they'll beat them in the quarter.

They nred to get to the QF first
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 28, 2019, 09:53:29 AM
Ireland have a better panel than previous World Cups.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 28, 2019, 09:59:51 AM
They been shocking out there the day, how they haven't tramped over Japan in the front row beggars believe
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 28, 2019, 10:02:08 AM
We fucked
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on September 28, 2019, 10:03:06 AM
Think we're beat here!

Japan deserve to win if we do manage something (and there's no evidence we will) we'd be stealing it!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on September 28, 2019, 10:08:43 AM
Given a lesson on how to play rugby by the minnows.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on September 28, 2019, 10:09:31 AM
Has there ever been a team that thought their shite smells roses as much as ireland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on September 28, 2019, 10:12:04 AM
Glad Schmidt is going. An important game in the WC and he rests his best.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gawa316 on September 28, 2019, 10:13:27 AM
What was Carberry thinking, kicking that out?!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bannside on September 28, 2019, 10:14:25 AM
Cleaned out in the line outs and Devin Toner sitting at home!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: fearsiuil on September 28, 2019, 10:14:36 AM
Quote from: gawa316 on September 28, 2019, 10:13:27 AM
What was Carberry thinking, kicking that out?!!
Holding on to losing bonus point.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 28, 2019, 10:14:41 AM
I know Japan are at home, beat South Africa last world Cup, but they are basically a tier 2 nation who got hammered by a new look South Africa, while we were 1 of 5 teams with an eye on winning it. Sexton in hindsight carrying this team. We came as no:1 team but leave rated 6 or 7.A tier 2 team can play good rugby playing among the backs, we still stuck in the 90's just using forwards, with no back gameplan
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on September 28, 2019, 10:14:46 AM
Joe scmidt has no plan b. As soon as we go behind we always lose. Christ it might be a good thing nit to trach the QF
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Farrandeelin on September 28, 2019, 10:15:59 AM
Quote from: Itchy on September 28, 2019, 10:09:31 AM
Has there ever been a team that thought their shite smells roses as much as ireland.

It's the media. We talk about the English soccer team, but the Irish rugby team is just as bad.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Angelo on September 28, 2019, 10:16:41 AM
Beaten by a bunch of fat lads in nappies!!!!

;D

#teamofthem
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on September 28, 2019, 10:17:11 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on September 28, 2019, 10:14:46 AM
Joe scmidt has no plan b. As soon as we go behind we always lose. Christ it might be a good thing nit to trach the QF

Joe Schmidt is an idiot - the whole management are. How can you rest your best players for such an important game?!

Absolutely embarassing. Ireland rugby always chokes on the big stage.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Angelo on September 28, 2019, 10:17:20 AM
Quote from: screenexile on September 28, 2019, 10:03:06 AM
Think we're beat here!

Japan deserve to win if we do manage something (and there's no evidence we will) we'd be stealing it!

We're????
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 28, 2019, 10:17:54 AM
Outside of Earls, there is a total lack of speed in the team too.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on September 28, 2019, 10:22:15 AM
Writing was on the wall after Scotland game and ye all fecking ignored it with the vast majority of commentators too. Heaslip, Tommy bowe and the rest of the cheer leaders slabbering about "they don't understand the negativity" around this team. Well they do today.

Ireland are devoid of ideas apart from prey on opposition mistakes.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on September 28, 2019, 10:22:40 AM
Quote from: Itchy on September 28, 2019, 10:09:31 AM
Has there ever been a team that thought their shite smells roses as much as ireland.

Nope.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on September 28, 2019, 10:25:40 AM
Ewan Mckenna in fine form on twitter!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on September 28, 2019, 10:26:50 AM
Quote from: Farrandeelin on September 28, 2019, 10:15:59 AM
Quote from: Itchy on September 28, 2019, 10:09:31 AM
Has there ever been a team that thought their shite smells roses as much as ireland.

It's the media. We talk about the English soccer team, but the Irish rugby team is just as bad.

Exactly there's a sickening sycophancy about Irish rugby both in the media and also in general society.   
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on September 28, 2019, 10:27:31 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on September 28, 2019, 10:14:41 AM
I know Japan are at home, beat South Africa last world Cup, but they are basically a tier 2 nation who got hammered by a new look South Africa, while we were 1 of 5 teams with an eye on winning it. Sexton in hindsight carrying this team. We came as no:1 team but leave rated 6 or 7.A tier 2 team can play good rugby playing among the backs, we still stuck in the 90's just using forwards, with no back gameplan

Catch yourself on ffs
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on September 28, 2019, 10:31:37 AM
Ireland don't enjoy playing in hot conditions. The big defeat to England last month was also played on a very hot day. We are still not out of it and still got a losing bonus point today.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on September 28, 2019, 10:32:25 AM
Quote from: gallsman on September 28, 2019, 10:27:31 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on September 28, 2019, 10:14:41 AM
I know Japan are at home, beat South Africa last world Cup, but they are basically a tier 2 nation who got hammered by a new look South Africa, while we were 1 of 5 teams with an eye on winning it. Sexton in hindsight carrying this team. We came as no:1 team but leave rated 6 or 7.A tier 2 team can play good rugby playing among the backs, we still stuck in the 90's just using forwards, with no back gameplan

Catch yourself on ffs

In fairness not thst long ago we were but the last 12mths the form has dropped off a cliff and not much has been done to rectify it
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on September 28, 2019, 10:36:41 AM
Nearly a year ago! Since the All Blacks we've been brutal and one win against a brutal Scotland team and a b team game against Wales doesn't change that.

Anyone who genuinely thought Ireland were going to Japan with even an outside shot needs their head examined. Most of the chat beforehand was about, assuming, we made it out of the group, whether the springboks or all blacks would annihilate us the most.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on September 28, 2019, 10:37:21 AM
Just need Scotland to beat Japan by 9 points and everything is Rosey again.

We simply do not have the depth to put in a second team. A huge mistake by management today putting out a weaker team, just goes to show you there was a serious understating of Japan's ability to play Rugby.

Should have won the two opening games and then make changes to key personnel.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on September 28, 2019, 10:42:15 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on September 28, 2019, 10:31:37 AM
Ireland don't enjoy playing in hot conditions. The big defeat to England last month was also played on a very hot day. We are still not out of it and still got a losing bonus point today.

It was not very hot.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on September 28, 2019, 10:46:08 AM
Humbled by the Japanese. Yet another World Cup where the Irish are flattering to deceive.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on September 28, 2019, 10:48:59 AM
Quote from: Solo_run on September 28, 2019, 10:37:21 AM
Just need Scotland to beat Japan by 9 points and everything is Rosey again.

We simply do not have the depth to put in a second team. A huge mistake by management today putting out a weaker team, just goes to show you there was a serious understating of Japan's ability to play Rugby.

Should have won the two opening games and then make changes to key personnel.

Based on the games they've played to date, is there any reason whatsoever to think the Scots are capable of this?

Japan didn't win today through reckless, fearless rugby that paid off. They took us on up front and dominated is. Other than the opening quarter they executed their gameplan perfectly.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: straightred on September 28, 2019, 10:53:55 AM
Quote from: gallsman on September 28, 2019, 10:48:59 AM
Quote from: Solo_run on September 28, 2019, 10:37:21 AM
Just need Scotland to beat Japan by 9 points and everything is Rosey again.

We simply do not have the depth to put in a second team. A huge mistake by management today putting out a weaker team, just goes to show you there was a serious understating of Japan's ability to play Rugby.

Should have won the two opening games and then make changes to key personnel.

Based on the games they've played to date, is there any reason whatsoever to think the Scots are capable of this?

Japan didn't win today through reckless, fearless rugby that paid off. They took us on up front and dominated is. Other than the opening quarter they executed their gameplan perfectly.

Fixtures are well set up for Japan. They play Samoa on the 5th and Scotland on the 13th. Scotland play russia on the 9th and Japan on the 13th. Big difference in turnaround time
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Boycey on September 28, 2019, 10:54:58 AM
There are a lot of yis quite happy they were beaten, strange lot..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on September 28, 2019, 11:01:50 AM
Quote from: RedHand88 on September 28, 2019, 10:42:15 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on September 28, 2019, 10:31:37 AM
Ireland don't enjoy playing in hot conditions. The big defeat to England last month was also played on a very hot day. We are still not out of it and still got a losing bonus point today.

It was not very hot.

Very hot for a game of rugby which in Ireland is a winter sport.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on September 28, 2019, 11:05:14 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on September 28, 2019, 11:01:50 AM
Quote from: RedHand88 on September 28, 2019, 10:42:15 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on September 28, 2019, 10:31:37 AM
Ireland don't enjoy playing in hot conditions. The big defeat to England last month was also played on a very hot day. We are still not out of it and still got a losing bonus point today.

It was not very hot.

Very hot for a game of rugby which in Ireland is a winter sport.

It was hotter in Dublin a month ago. Were they training in a fridge?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on September 28, 2019, 11:10:11 AM
Quote from: gallsman on September 28, 2019, 10:48:59 AM
Quote from: Solo_run on September 28, 2019, 10:37:21 AM
Just need Scotland to beat Japan by 9 points and everything is Rosey again.

We simply do not have the depth to put in a second team. A huge mistake by management today putting out a weaker team, just goes to show you there was a serious understating of Japan's ability to play Rugby.

Should have won the two opening games and then make changes to key personnel.

Based on the games they've played to date, is there any reason whatsoever to think the Scots are capable of this?

Japan didn't win today through reckless, fearless rugby that paid off. They took us on up front and dominated is. Other than the opening quarter they executed their gameplan perfectly.

Scotland have everything to play for assuming nothing goes wrong for them during the rest of this tournament and unlike Ireland they will have to play their best available 15 which Ireland should have done today.

A lot of things went right for Japan today along with playing incredibly disciplined rugby. Ireland not scoring anything in the second half was embarassing.

Japan should be respected in world rugby and while the initial thoughts are "wow, this is embarassing for us" you have to realise Japan are a top 10 rugby team. So are Scotland and we have lost to them before.

I don't think I can forgive the management for changing the team when it was essentially a game that would see us out of the group stages. Now we can't afford to rest players for the next two games.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on September 28, 2019, 11:13:16 AM
Quote from: Boycey on September 28, 2019, 10:54:58 AM
There are a lot of yis quite happy they were beaten, strange lot..

Really? I haven't read one part expressing happiness or pleasure with the result.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on September 28, 2019, 11:14:25 AM
In fairness Top 10 ranking doesn't mean a lot compared to soccer. There is only a handful of Rugby playing countries. It's good to see teams like Japan emerge. They don't play boring kick rugby, very slick with the hands.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on September 28, 2019, 11:21:18 AM
Horrible performance against a team who were at the top of their game.

Not good enough it's a huge blow to confidence having 2 really bad performances in such a short space of time.

Obviously the other 2 matches are formalities but not the momentum you want when a big game looms in a few weeks!

I fancy Japan to beat the Scots.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: An Watcher on September 28, 2019, 11:22:13 AM
If the Scots beat the Japanese can we still win the group?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on September 28, 2019, 11:22:29 AM
Quote from: rodney trotter on September 28, 2019, 11:14:25 AM
In fairness Top 10 ranking doesn't mean a lot compared to soccer. There is only a handful of Rugby playing countries. It's good to see teams like Japan emerge. They don't play boring kick rugby, very slick with the hands.

What would Irelands rank be based on World Cup results alone?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on September 28, 2019, 11:24:09 AM
Quote from: rodney trotter on September 28, 2019, 11:14:25 AM
In fairness Top 10 ranking doesn't mean a lot compared to soccer. There is only a handful of Rugby playing countries. It's good to see teams like Japan emerge. They don't play boring kick rugby, very slick with the hands.

Japan and Scotland are 1 or 2 places apart in the world rankings.

Last week Ireland looked clinical, sharp and controlled. While we won comfortably, it required the best to get the job done.

A week later, play a weakened team against similar level of
Opposiition. Things ok for 20 minutes. Next 60 minutes Ireland are dominated all over the field. Bland, predictable rugby and underestimating of the opposition. Adding to this, it was against home opposition.

Against England it was clear as day that a second/third choice players cannot cope.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on September 28, 2019, 11:25:25 AM
I think part of the problem is that the grouping of countries as "Tier 1" and "Tier 2" is misleading. The top Tier 2 teams like Fiji and Japan are much closer to tier 1 nations (the absolute elite aside) than they are to the other Tier 2 nations. Kind of like where Argentina were 20 years ago.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on September 28, 2019, 11:26:04 AM
Quote from: An Watcher on September 28, 2019, 11:22:13 AM
If the Scots beat the Japanese can we still win the group?

The most likely scenario is that Scotland will have to beat Japan by 8/9 points.

If Japan don't get a bonus point against Samoa  then they only have to lose to Scotland.

All of this is assuming Ireland get bonus point wins against Samoa and Russia.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on September 28, 2019, 11:30:35 AM
Quote from: gallsman on September 28, 2019, 11:25:25 AM
I think part of the problem is that the grouping of countries as "Tier 1" and "Tier 2" is misleading. The top Tier 2 teams like Fiji and Japan are much closer to tier 1 nations (the absolute elite aside) than they are to the other Tier 2 nations. Kind of like where Argentina were 20 years ago.

Look at it now

You have Australia, France, Japan, SA currently ranked as tier 2 nations.

Scotland, Argentina, Fiji and Georgia are in the 3rd tier.

Based on rankings after this weekend Ireland could become a tier 2 team again.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on September 28, 2019, 11:35:37 AM
I shuddered when I heard Schmidt say before the game that they'd tried hard not to underestimate Japan, or words to that effect. In fairness it was in response to a question about underestimating Japan but that always betrays a dangerous mindset. Why would he even be thinking that?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Boycey on September 28, 2019, 11:44:07 AM
Quote from: gallsman on September 28, 2019, 11:13:16 AM
Quote from: Boycey on September 28, 2019, 10:54:58 AM
There are a lot of yis quite happy they were beaten, strange lot..

Really? I haven't read one part expressing happiness or pleasure with the result.

"Beaten by a load of fat lads in nappies - smiley face"

Most of it is more subtle but a definite lightness in the air that they've been put back in their place so to speak.....
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: BarryBreensBandage on September 28, 2019, 11:45:16 AM
Quote from: Solo_run on September 28, 2019, 11:24:09 AM
Quote from: rodney trotter on September 28, 2019, 11:14:25 AM
In fairness Top 10 ranking doesn't mean a lot compared to soccer. There is only a handful of Rugby playing countries. It's good to see teams like Japan emerge. They don't play boring kick rugby, very slick with the hands.

Japan and Scotland are 1 or 2 places apart in the world rankings.

Last week Ireland looked clinical, sharp and controlled. While we won comfortably, it required the best to get the job done.

A week later, play a weakened team against similar level of
Opposiition. Things ok for 20 minutes. Next 60 minutes Ireland are dominated all over the field. Bland, predictable rugby and underestimating of the opposition. Adding to this, it was against home opposition.

Against England it was clear as day that a second/third choice players cannot cope.

I think a lot went for Japan today, but Fortune Favours the Brave.
The worrying thing is how Ireland's heads drop if it is put up to them.
They don't try and make their own luck.
A year ago, as someone mentioned, they just ran over the top of teams.
Another thing, when they won the Grand Slam and beat the All Blacks, Stockdale was scoring a try a game.
How many times did he receive the ball today?
One of the best wing players in the world, and he never gets the ball, never mind in an attacking position.
Compare to how many times Earls gets the ball and you'd have to question the gameplan.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tintin25 on September 28, 2019, 11:54:39 AM
I wouldn't be surprised if Scotland beat Japan handy enough.  Consistency the problem for Japan, they were hammered by Scotland following the SA win in 2015.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on September 28, 2019, 12:10:39 PM
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on September 28, 2019, 11:45:16 AM
Quote from: Solo_run on September 28, 2019, 11:24:09 AM
Quote from: rodney trotter on September 28, 2019, 11:14:25 AM
In fairness Top 10 ranking doesn't mean a lot compared to soccer. There is only a handful of Rugby playing countries. It's good to see teams like Japan emerge. They don't play boring kick rugby, very slick with the hands.

Japan and Scotland are 1 or 2 places apart in the world rankings.

Last week Ireland looked clinical, sharp and controlled. While we won comfortably, it required the best to get the job done.

A week later, play a weakened team against similar level of
Opposiition. Things ok for 20 minutes. Next 60 minutes Ireland are dominated all over the field. Bland, predictable rugby and underestimating of the opposition. Adding to this, it was against home opposition.

Against England it was clear as day that a second/third choice players cannot cope.

I think a lot went for Japan today, but Fortune Favours the Brave.
The worrying thing is how Ireland's heads drop if it is put up to them.
They don't try and make their own luck.
A year ago, as someone mentioned, they just ran over the top of teams.
Another thing, when they won the Grand Slam and beat the All Blacks, Stockdale was scoring a try a game.
How many times did he receive the ball today?
One of the best wing players in the world, and he never gets the ball, never mind in an attacking position.
Compare to how many times Earls gets the ball and you'd have to question the gameplan.

No offence to Stockdale but he had one good season and since then he hasn't been that great. He has put on weight by the look of him and because of that he has arguably lost a bit of pace.

However you could also question the kicks they received today. We played our third choice kicker whose performance was up and down. We use tactics where the kicker controls the game, he did it on and off but not enough.

I'm not sure about Kearney anymore, I haven't had confidence in him for a while. Seems like he has been working on his tan though.



Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on September 28, 2019, 12:56:21 PM
Quote from: An Watcher on September 28, 2019, 11:22:13 AM
If the Scots beat the Japanese can we still win the group?
Yes, Japan are only 3 points ahead in the table now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on September 28, 2019, 01:14:36 PM
Samoa have still to be beaten. If we play like this again, we could also lose that and be on way home.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: t_mac on September 28, 2019, 01:19:44 PM
Quote from: Main Street on September 28, 2019, 12:56:21 PM
Quote from: An Watcher on September 28, 2019, 11:22:13 AM
If the Scots beat the Japanese can we still win the group?
Yes, Japan are only 3 points ahead in the table now.

Who would have guessed, Ireland choke at a world cup, the irony is on the wireless they were questioning should they not have rested key players, I presume the thinking being it was a training game.  ::)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on September 28, 2019, 01:36:04 PM
Quote from: weareros on September 28, 2019, 01:14:36 PM
Samoa have still to be beaten. If we play like this again, we could also lose that and be on way home.
The question is if scotland beat Japan, can  Ireland finish first?  the answer is yes. And thats the most likely outcome, even considering the other possible outcomes.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on September 28, 2019, 01:52:21 PM
There is something poetic to ireland being beaten by a Japan team with only 7 Japanese players.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Ed Ricketts on September 28, 2019, 02:34:15 PM
Wow, how embarrassing! Schmidt has to carry the can for that. Gambled with team selection and failed miserably to get his men in the right headspace for that match. Considering how listless everything appeared, it also wouldn't be surprising to discover that Ireland had over trained in the week prior.

Players aren't without fault, obviously enough. Particularly the leadership group of Best, O'Mahony, Stander, Murray, etc. Rugby is a game of momentum, and Japan were given way too much opportunity to get up a head of steam toward the end of the first half. That's when the game got away.

Probably still limp into the quarter finals, but that's us done. Confidence was already low and there won't be any recovery from today. Another quarter final exit and another stain of failure on the biggest stage for several of our greatest ever players.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thejuice on September 28, 2019, 03:52:18 PM
The lads looked wrecked at half time whereas the Japanese team jogged into the dressing room. Looked like a losing team even though we were up by 3.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on September 28, 2019, 04:21:17 PM
(https://i.ibb.co/2dfDNFf/EFj-XJy8-Ww-AET40d.jpg)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on September 28, 2019, 04:36:46 PM
The best warning of an impending Irish implosion is Neil Francis writing that sort of dung.

This followed the classic upset pattern. Favourites ease into a lead, don't push on, underdogs get a bit if breathing space and start to play, underdogs start to believe, crowd gets behind them, referee gets caught up in it too, favourites realise they're in trouble and try to wrestle back control, the more they try to force it the more they turn into a disorganised rabble.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: nrico2006 on September 28, 2019, 04:55:56 PM
Quote from: Itchy on September 28, 2019, 01:52:21 PM
There is something poetic to ireland being beaten by a Japan team with only 7 Japanese players.

The Irish team is nearly as bad sure.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: omaghjoe on September 28, 2019, 04:58:56 PM
Quote from: Itchy on September 28, 2019, 01:52:21 PM
There is something poetic to ireland being beaten by a Japan team with only 7 Japanese players.

Ha... ireland can hardly claim the moral high ground on that front.... not only is there the "residents" but a good portion dont even identify as Irish.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rrhf on September 28, 2019, 04:59:25 PM
Was there a few Mayo lads on there today?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: omaghjoe on September 28, 2019, 05:14:23 PM
Any1 else find the whole thing hilarious.
Living in the states I discovered that I dont give a toss about rugby and that interest in it in ireland is mostly feigned on the masses by a rugby bias media.
Good for the hits but apart from that it's just a case of toss and hide the egg.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Farrandeelin on September 28, 2019, 05:20:32 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on September 28, 2019, 05:14:23 PM
Any1 else find the whole thing hilarious.
Living in the states I discovered that I dont give a toss about rugby and that interest in it in ireland is mostly feigned on the masses by a rugby bias media.
Good for the hits but apart from that it's just a case of toss and hide the egg.

Not a rugby fan myself by any means, but Japan seemed to play a more 'expansive' running game than Ireland. Ireland seemed to play get the ball and run into the nearest Japanese player and down.

Youre 100% right about the media element though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: BennyCake on September 28, 2019, 05:21:43 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on September 28, 2019, 05:14:23 PM
Any1 else find the whole thing hilarious.
Living in the states I discovered that I dont give a toss about rugby and that interest in it in ireland is mostly feigned on the masses by a rugby bias media.
Good for the hits but apart from that it's just a case of toss and hide the egg.

It's a load of shite. Glad to see them beat. Just hope they go home early so we can stop being bombarded with it all.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on September 28, 2019, 05:25:50 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on September 28, 2019, 04:55:56 PM
Quote from: Itchy on September 28, 2019, 01:52:21 PM
There is something poetic to ireland being beaten by a Japan team with only 7 Japanese players.

The Irish team is nearly as bad sure.

Quote from: omaghjoe on September 28, 2019, 04:58:56 PM
Quote from: Itchy on September 28, 2019, 01:52:21 PM
There is something poetic to ireland being beaten by a Japan team with only 7 Japanese players.

Ha... ireland can hardly claim the moral high ground on that front.... not only is there the "residents" but a good portion dont even identify as Irish.

That's the "poetry" he's on about lads ffs. Do try and keep up.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 28, 2019, 05:28:22 PM
It would be hard to begrudge it to Japan.
There were a number of first team players missing
The replacements made very little impact.

Novenas on now for Scotland against Japan.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on September 28, 2019, 05:47:39 PM
Don't wish anything ill on any Irish team and never like to see an Irish team lose.
The amount of hype from Donnybrook and the media at large is overwhelming.
The hype which is none of the players fault, has put huge unreal pressure on the squad.
The reality is that Rugby is a minority sport in this country.



Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on September 28, 2019, 05:51:06 PM
Why do people want their own fecking country beat :o

Then talking about poetic justice with seven Japanese players. Anyone who feels like that- did you support Ireland in the Jack charlton era?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on September 28, 2019, 06:16:25 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on September 28, 2019, 05:47:39 PM
Don't wish anything ill on any Irish team and never like to see an Irish team lose.
The amount of hype from Donnybrook and the media at large is overwhelming.
The hype which is none of the players fault, has put huge unreal pressure on the squad.
The reality is that Rugby is a minority sport in this country.

Did you not get the memo? #thisisrugbycountry
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 28, 2019, 06:42:09 PM
Been watching rugby from 1990, even got a grasp on the rules unlike many watching it. Ireland are very mechanical, watch New Zealand play, all players have good ball skills, compare Kieran Read to CJ Stander, Dempsey to Barrett/ Ben Smith, Ryan to new zealand locks, Ireland go into contact they go to ground, New Zealand always look to try get the pass away. Japan are no big shakes but rely on getting the ball away and to their backs. Ireland bck play is and always was poor to watch. Gotta look at the way players are trained to play and  limited hand /ball skills.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thejuice on September 28, 2019, 06:47:03 PM
I don't understand the ill will towards the team. There's plenty of support for the team even if it is a bit bandwagon, which I would include myself but it's far from fabricated. Perhaps I'm spared the hype as I don't watch or listen to Rte or read mainstream newspapers but that has nothing to do with the players. All that said you cannot be anything but happy for Japan. They played much better than us for about 70% of the game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 28, 2019, 06:48:44 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqLEgGUd4XQ
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 28, 2019, 06:51:14 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on September 28, 2019, 05:47:39 PM
Don't wish anything ill on any Irish team and never like to see an Irish team lose.
The amount of hype from Donnybrook and the media at large is overwhelming.
The hype which is none of the players fault, has put huge unreal pressure on the squad.
The reality is that Rugby is a minority sport in this country.
It's a small country
Small countries do that sort of thing
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on September 28, 2019, 07:18:52 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on September 28, 2019, 06:42:09 PM
Been watching rugby from 1990, even got a grasp on the rules unlike many watching it. Ireland are very mechanical, watch New Zealand play, all players have good ball skills, compare Kieran Read to CJ Stander, Dempsey to Barrett/ Ben Smith, Ryan to new zealand locks, Ireland go into contact they go to ground, New Zealand always look to try get the pass away. Japan are no big shakes but rely on getting the ball away and to their backs. Ireland bck play is and always was poor to watch. Gotta look at the way players are trained to play and  limited hand /ball skills.

You might wanna spend another 30 years getting familar with the sport. Japan won that match up front today.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on September 28, 2019, 09:19:17 PM
https://twitter.com/FrankmcnallyIT/status/1177909296203358208?s=20

But sure at least they're having a nice sing song.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on September 28, 2019, 09:38:16 PM
Joe would be wise to rest the players who started today against the Russians. Sexton should be able to start the next day. Carty is not bad but he is no jonny Sexton.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on September 28, 2019, 09:51:16 PM
Quote from: gallsman on September 28, 2019, 05:25:50 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on September 28, 2019, 04:55:56 PM
Quote from: Itchy on September 28, 2019, 01:52:21 PM
There is something poetic to ireland being beaten by a Japan team with only 7 Japanese players.

The Irish team is nearly as bad sure.

Quote from: omaghjoe on September 28, 2019, 04:58:56 PM
Quote from: Itchy on September 28, 2019, 01:52:21 PM
There is something poetic to ireland being beaten by a Japan team with only 7 Japanese players.

Ha... ireland can hardly claim the moral high ground on that front.... not only is there the "residents" but a good portion dont even identify as Irish.

That's the "poetry" he's on about lads ffs. Do try and keep up.

At 5 we are far from worst offender: England 6, Wales 8 and Scotland 14 have more, and Japan has 15. The international game has become a bit of a joke.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on September 28, 2019, 10:26:03 PM
Quote from: weareros on September 28, 2019, 09:51:16 PM
Quote from: gallsman on September 28, 2019, 05:25:50 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on September 28, 2019, 04:55:56 PM
Quote from: Itchy on September 28, 2019, 01:52:21 PM
There is something poetic to ireland being beaten by a Japan team with only 7 Japanese players.

The Irish team is nearly as bad sure.

Quote from: omaghjoe on September 28, 2019, 04:58:56 PM
Quote from: Itchy on September 28, 2019, 01:52:21 PM
There is something poetic to ireland being beaten by a Japan team with only 7 Japanese players.

Ha... ireland can hardly claim the moral high ground on that front.... not only is there the "residents" but a good portion dont even identify as Irish.

That's the "poetry" he's on about lads ffs. Do try and keep up.

At 5 we are far from worst offender: England 6, Wales 8 and Scotland 14 have more, and Japan has 15. The international game has become a bit of a joke.

"We" left one of our greatest servants at home and brought a south African with zero ireland roots instead. It's a laughing stock and it's only right that a team that lives by the sword should die by the sword
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on September 28, 2019, 10:39:36 PM
Quote from: weareros on September 28, 2019, 09:51:16 PM
Quote from: gallsman on September 28, 2019, 05:25:50 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on September 28, 2019, 04:55:56 PM
Quote from: Itchy on September 28, 2019, 01:52:21 PM
There is something poetic to ireland being beaten by a Japan team with only 7 Japanese players.

The Irish team is nearly as bad sure.

Quote from: omaghjoe on September 28, 2019, 04:58:56 PM
Quote from: Itchy on September 28, 2019, 01:52:21 PM
There is something poetic to ireland being beaten by a Japan team with only 7 Japanese players.

Ha... ireland can hardly claim the moral high ground on that front.... not only is there the "residents" but a good portion dont even identify as Irish.

That's the "poetry" he's on about lads ffs. Do try and keep up.

At 5 we are far from worst offender: England 6, Wales 8 and Scotland 14 have more, and Japan has 15. The international game has become a bit of a joke.

Who are the 8 I'm the Welsh squad?

Ireland have a history with the likes of Michael Bent who played for Ireland before ever playing for Leinster ffs.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Scoring Zone on September 28, 2019, 11:23:46 PM
it just looks again like a peaking issue, schmidt is on year 5, there is a lot to say in successful coaches usually run in 4 year cycles (olympic cycles) - leinster leaked within 4 years and tailed of, guardiola and that barca side, the recent madrid side and you will probably see it in the liverpool and man city teams shortly - huge peak in irish rugby in 2018 ( and we where only getting over the line in a lot of games)  in personnel, club and country after that the only way is down and stagnation and it won't be admitted but the key players are not at there peak or injury prone and it just we are at the back end of the cycle and there will be a sorry exit i'm afraid - but would live to be wrong
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on September 29, 2019, 12:12:00 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on September 28, 2019, 09:38:16 PM
Joe would be wise to rest the players who started today against the Russians. Sexton should be able to start the next day. Carty is not bad but he is no jonny Sexton.
Not much you can do when the pack is going backwards

In any other tier 1 nation Best would have been retired 3/4 years ago, and if he wanted more rugby he'd be gone off abroad for a while

Far too much loyalty to players over the hill or imports.
The lack of squad development is laughable in some key positions and knowing for 2 years what sort of game Japan were going to play and the warm weather conditions over there, to start such a team 6 days after the first game was amateur
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on September 29, 2019, 01:40:11 AM
Quote from: gallsman on September 28, 2019, 10:39:36 PM
Quote from: weareros on September 28, 2019, 09:51:16 PM
Quote from: gallsman on September 28, 2019, 05:25:50 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on September 28, 2019, 04:55:56 PM
Quote from: Itchy on September 28, 2019, 01:52:21 PM
There is something poetic to ireland being beaten by a Japan team with only 7 Japanese players.

The Irish team is nearly as bad sure.

Quote from: omaghjoe on September 28, 2019, 04:58:56 PM
Quote from: Itchy on September 28, 2019, 01:52:21 PM
There is something poetic to ireland being beaten by a Japan team with only 7 Japanese players.

Ha... ireland can hardly claim the moral high ground on that front.... not only is there the "residents" but a good portion dont even identify as Irish.

That's the "poetry" he's on about lads ffs. Do try and keep up.

At 5 we are far from worst offender: England 6, Wales 8 and Scotland 14 have more, and Japan has 15. The international game has become a bit of a joke.

Who are the 8 I'm the Welsh squad?

Ireland have a history with the likes of Michael Bent who played for Ireland before ever playing for Leinster ffs.

Here's 7. Too tired to find the 8th and check every feckin Davies or Williams to see where they were born. Majority Eng, but foreign is foreign.

Jake ball
Thomas Francis
Aaron Shingler
Amos
North
Parkes
Davies
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on September 29, 2019, 07:26:20 AM
 
Quote from: weareros on September 29, 2019, 01:40:11 AM
Majority Eng, but foreign is foreign.

That's just not true at all.

Most of those are incomparable to, say, the case with Ali or Kleyn who have been pure project players.

George North's mother is Welsh and he's lived in Wales since he was a kid. He speaks frigging Welsh. He's Welsh in a way our lads will never be Irish. Not the same at all.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: David McKeown on September 29, 2019, 07:49:33 AM
Quote from: gallsman on September 29, 2019, 07:26:20 AM
Quote from: weareros on September 29, 2019, 01:40:11 AM
Majority Eng, but foreign is foreign.

That's just not true at all.

Most of those are incomparable to, say, the case with Ali or Kleyn who have been pure project players.

George North's mother is Welsh and he's lived in Wales since he was a kid. He speaks frigging Welsh. He's Welsh in a way our lads will never be Irish. Not the same at all.

You have to have some way of defining it though surely. I mean what if I'm your example Norths mother was Irish but the other two things were still true. What if he didn't move till his late teens or didn't speak Welsh. Would it still be different?

More and more now professional international sport is not about the best players from countries competing but instead the are representative teams of who the sporting body could sign up and shoe horn into meeting the criteria to play. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on September 29, 2019, 08:12:41 AM
What if what if what if.

What ifs are irrelevant in the face of actual events and facts.

George North is Welsh and plays for Wales. CJ Stander isn't Irish.

Trying to draw any sort of equivalence between the two is laughable.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on September 29, 2019, 08:37:04 AM
I'm with Gallsman on this. You simply cannot compare lads parachuted in on a residency rule, to the detriment of locals players, with kids who grow up in the country they play for albeit after being born elsewhere.

I did a quick check, and of those Wales players mentioned, a good few have  been living in Wales since the age of 4 or younger. Even those who qualify though a relation are not valid comparisons with "rugby tourists".
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on September 29, 2019, 08:46:27 AM
Quote from: gallsman on September 29, 2019, 07:26:20 AM
Quote from: weareros on September 29, 2019, 01:40:11 AM
Majority Eng, but foreign is foreign.

That's just not true at all.

Most of those are incomparable to, say, the case with Ali or Kleyn who have been pure project players.

George North's mother is Welsh and he's lived in Wales since he was a kid. He speaks frigging Welsh. He's Welsh in a way our lads will never be Irish. Not the same at all.

Wales have been using the granny rule like big Jack for about the last 20 years. They have always had a large number of English lads playing. George North maybe not the best example of this though as you could then claim oGara and Heaslip were foreigners! Ican't think of too many recent Irish caps from the diaspora, Addison? As for the residency thing it's a farce but everyone does it thankfully it will be extended to 5 years. The worst offender was Ricky flutey. Qualified for England and a few months later moved to play club rugby in France.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on September 29, 2019, 09:02:37 AM
Wales so far showing how it's done
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on September 29, 2019, 09:31:05 AM
That number 12 for Australia is hard to shift when he gets it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on September 29, 2019, 10:48:16 AM
Well done Wales that Aussie missing touch near the end needs a kicking. Wales are a reverse Ireland get spanked by the the tri-nations in friendlies but win when it matters. Their 6 nations record and world cup record shits on ours in the professional era and yet they aren't any better.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on September 29, 2019, 10:51:13 AM
Great game
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: grounded on September 29, 2019, 10:56:50 AM
You have got to give it to the Welsh. Appreciate it is only the pool stage but they have definitely got a resilience and doggedeness that Ireland are sadly lacking at the minute.
         Wyn Jones was fantastic and is the heart of the team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: EBX on September 29, 2019, 01:15:24 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on September 28, 2019, 05:51:06 PM
Why do people want their own fecking country beat :o

Then talking about poetic justice with seven Japanese players. Anyone who feels like that- did you support Ireland in the Jack charlton era?

Because I have no time for Bourgeois Nationalists telling me that I have to answer Ar-land's Call....
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on September 29, 2019, 01:18:41 PM
Quote from: gallsman on September 29, 2019, 07:26:20 AM
Quote from: weareros on September 29, 2019, 01:40:11 AM
Majority Eng, but foreign is foreign.

That's just not true at all.

Most of those are incomparable to, say, the case with Ali or Kleyn who have been pure project players.

George North's mother is Welsh and he's lived in Wales since he was a kid. He speaks frigging Welsh. He's Welsh in a way our lads will never be Irish. Not the same at all.

And Parkes who scored one of their tries against the Aussies, how do you classify him? A New Zealander or Welshman?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on September 29, 2019, 02:20:14 PM
http://www.americasrugbynews.com/2019/01/30/foreign-born-players-in-2019-six-nations/

Scotland 19
Italy & Wales 9
England 8
Ireland 7
France 3
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 29, 2019, 02:56:34 PM
Knock out UK born based players there, but I say England have the most.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 29, 2019, 03:53:01 PM
Quote from: Scoring Zone on September 28, 2019, 11:23:46 PM
it just looks again like a peaking issue, schmidt is on year 5, there is a lot to say in successful coaches usually run in 4 year cycles (olympic cycles) - leinster leaked within 4 years and tailed of, guardiola and that barca side, the recent madrid side and you will probably see it in the liverpool and man city teams shortly - huge peak in irish rugby in 2018 ( and we where only getting over the line in a lot of games)  in personnel, club and country after that the only way is down and stagnation and it won't be admitted but the key players are not at there peak or injury prone and it just we are at the back end of the cycle and there will be a sorry exit i'm afraid - but would live to be wrong
It's a widespread model but it doesn't apply to the Dublin footballers...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on September 29, 2019, 05:09:38 PM
I would say this issue would be more relevant to soccer than rugby
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on September 29, 2019, 07:21:13 PM
Quote from: weareros on September 29, 2019, 01:18:41 PM
Quote from: gallsman on September 29, 2019, 07:26:20 AM
Quote from: weareros on September 29, 2019, 01:40:11 AM
Majority Eng, but foreign is foreign.

That's just not true at all.

Most of those are incomparable to, say, the case with Ali or Kleyn who have been pure project players.

George North's mother is Welsh and he's lived in Wales since he was a kid. He speaks frigging Welsh. He's Welsh in a way our lads will never be Irish. Not the same at all.

And Parkes who scored one of their tries against the Aussies, how do you classify him? A New Zealander or Welshman?

He's clearly a kiwi. This isn't difficult, I don't know why you're struggling so much.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on September 29, 2019, 08:58:50 PM
Quote from: gallsman on September 29, 2019, 07:21:13 PM
Quote from: weareros on September 29, 2019, 01:18:41 PM
Quote from: gallsman on September 29, 2019, 07:26:20 AM
Quote from: weareros on September 29, 2019, 01:40:11 AM
Majority Eng, but foreign is foreign.

That's just not true at all.

Most of those are incomparable to, say, the case with Ali or Kleyn who have been pure project players.

George North's mother is Welsh and he's lived in Wales since he was a kid. He speaks frigging Welsh. He's Welsh in a way our lads will never be Irish. Not the same at all.

And Parkes who scored one of their tries against the Aussies, how do you classify him? A New Zealander or Welshman?

He's clearly a kiwi. This isn't difficult, I don't know why you're struggling so much.

Not struggling. My original point is that all the 5 nations teams are filled to gills with foreigners and as such the game is now a sham. Wales won a game today thanks to a try from a player that should be illegal in normal circumstances. And as such it is a worthless victory. Don't care if one of them grew up in Wales and can speak Welsh. Looking at the link above is enough to prove my point.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 29, 2019, 09:05:53 PM
Ireland at the RWC

1991 vs Australia QF
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoX4zkNUGsM

1995 v France QF
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZ--6S2o9Zk

1999 v Argentina Lens Group
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZ86PiVp8rg

2003 v France QF
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLt6fA8_27Q

2007 vs Argentina Group
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whIg69g6MIk

2011 vs Wales QF
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1jB0460nJE

2015 vs Argentina QF
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XESjMQPcvFY

A very sad record
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mwxga8udIio
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on September 29, 2019, 09:06:07 PM
Quote from: Solo_run on September 29, 2019, 05:09:38 PM
I would say this issue would be more relevant to soccer than rugby

I'm nor sure. Soccer requires a passport plus certain criteria. Rugby requires residency for 5 years.

I read Connacht have a group of 16 year olds in boarding school. At 21 they are eligible to play for Ireland (and SA if course). Soccer can't simply do that.

Its an issue, and while the bigger kids are doing it, so will we.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on September 29, 2019, 09:16:57 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on September 29, 2019, 09:06:07 PM
Quote from: Solo_run on September 29, 2019, 05:09:38 PM
I would say this issue would be more relevant to soccer than rugby

I'm nor sure. Soccer requires a passport plus certain criteria. Rugby requires residency for 5 years.

I read Connacht have a group of 16 year olds in boarding school. At 21 they are eligible to play for Ireland (and SA if course). Soccer can't simply do that.

Its an issue, and while the bigger kids are doing it, so will we.

Ha! Ha! Quite possibly one the most ridiculous statements I have seen on this board in a while.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on September 30, 2019, 10:25:36 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on September 29, 2019, 09:16:57 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on September 29, 2019, 09:06:07 PM
Quote from: Solo_run on September 29, 2019, 05:09:38 PM
I would say this issue would be more relevant to soccer than rugby

I'm nor sure. Soccer requires a passport plus certain criteria. Rugby requires residency for 5 years.

I read Connacht have a group of 16 year olds in boarding school. At 21 they are eligible to play for Ireland (and SA if course). Soccer can't simply do that.

Its an issue, and while the bigger kids are doing it, so will we.

Ha! Ha! Quite possibly one the most ridiculous statements I have seen on this board in a while.

;D ;D ;D I know we are not the biggest rugby heads here out west but I think we can tell the difference between a few 16 year old lads from Kildare that go to Clongowes and South Africans!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on September 30, 2019, 10:58:47 AM
Quote from: Crete Boom on September 30, 2019, 10:25:36 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on September 29, 2019, 09:16:57 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on September 29, 2019, 09:06:07 PM
Quote from: Solo_run on September 29, 2019, 05:09:38 PM
I would say this issue would be more relevant to soccer than rugby

I'm nor sure. Soccer requires a passport plus certain criteria. Rugby requires residency for 5 years.

I read Connacht have a group of 16 year olds in boarding school. At 21 they are eligible to play for Ireland (and SA if course). Soccer can't simply do that.

Its an issue, and while the bigger kids are doing it, so will we.

Ha! Ha! Quite possibly one the most ridiculous statements I have seen on this board in a while.

;D ;D ;D I know we are not the biggest rugby heads here out west but I think we can tell the difference between a few 16 year old lads from Kildare that go to Clongowes and South Africans!!!

Bit of false equivalence going on here if you are equating George North with CJ Stander.  My views on international qualification are long held, and I think I said it here before. For example, I am a massive fan of CJ, and he has immersed himself in the Munster and Ireland culture, and into his local community in Castleconnell, but he's not Irish. He has no ties to Ireland other than the time he has spent here playing Professional Rugby.

I have no problem with someone with genuine Irish ties playing for Ireland, soccer, rugby or anything else. As a nation of emigrants, I think it's churlish to say that someone like Mick McCarthy is not Irish. If you have Irish familial ties, and you are brought up with a genuine sense of Irish identity, and hold an Irish passport, then I think you are Irish. Same for the equivalent Welsh, Scots and everyone else. I'd have no issue with Mike Haley playing for Ireland, and obviously lads like Ronan O'Gara and Jamie Heaslip.

But you can't tell me that Jean Kleyn is, or feels, Irish. The 5 year rule is an improvement, but it's still effectively a 'Rugby Union Representative Team' as opposed to a National representative team. It's not #teamofus it's #teamofirfuaffiliatedprofessionalplayers.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on September 30, 2019, 11:56:01 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on September 29, 2019, 09:16:57 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on September 29, 2019, 09:06:07 PM
Quote from: Solo_run on September 29, 2019, 05:09:38 PM
I would say this issue would be more relevant to soccer than rugby

I'm nor sure. Soccer requires a passport plus certain criteria. Rugby requires residency for 5 years.

I read Connacht have a group of 16 year olds in boarding school. At 21 they are eligible to play for Ireland (and SA if course). Soccer can't simply do that.

Its an issue, and while the bigger kids are doing it, so will we.

Ha! Ha! Quite possibly one the most ridiculous statements I have seen on this board in a while.
Why?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on September 30, 2019, 12:11:44 PM
At least the Tongans are definitely muck so we should be able to get our 2 bonus points from the next 2 games.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on September 30, 2019, 01:13:20 PM
Quote from: screenexile on September 30, 2019, 12:11:44 PM
At least the Tongans are definitely muck so we should be able to get our 2 bonus points from the next 2 games.

Samoa are filthy.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 30, 2019, 01:33:33 PM
Quote from: Crete Boom on September 30, 2019, 10:25:36 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on September 29, 2019, 09:16:57 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on September 29, 2019, 09:06:07 PM
Quote from: Solo_run on September 29, 2019, 05:09:38 PM
I would say this issue would be more relevant to soccer than rugby

I'm nor sure. Soccer requires a passport plus certain criteria. Rugby requires residency for 5 years.

I read Connacht have a group of 16 year olds in boarding school. At 21 they are eligible to play for Ireland (and SA if course). Soccer can't simply do that.

Its an issue, and while the bigger kids are doing it, so will we.

Ha! Ha! Quite possibly one the most ridiculous statements I have seen on this board in a while.

;D ;D ;D I know we are not the biggest rugby heads here out west but I think we can tell the difference between a few 16 year old lads from Kildare that go to Clongowes and South Africans!!!
Yis
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on September 30, 2019, 02:07:40 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on September 30, 2019, 01:13:20 PM
Quote from: screenexile on September 30, 2019, 12:11:44 PM
At least the Tongans are definitely muck so we should be able to get our 2 bonus points from the next 2 games.

Samoa are filthy.

Yes Samoa as well... need to pay more attention!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on September 30, 2019, 02:23:31 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on September 30, 2019, 11:56:01 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on September 29, 2019, 09:16:57 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on September 29, 2019, 09:06:07 PM
Quote from: Solo_run on September 29, 2019, 05:09:38 PM
I would say this issue would be more relevant to soccer than rugby

I'm nor sure. Soccer requires a passport plus certain criteria. Rugby requires residency for 5 years.

I read Connacht have a group of 16 year olds in boarding school. At 21 they are eligible to play for Ireland (and SA if course). Soccer can't simply do that.

Its an issue, and while the bigger kids are doing it, so will we.

Ha! Ha! Quite possibly one the most ridiculous statements I have seen on this board in a while.
Why?

It's not true. Show me where you read it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on September 30, 2019, 02:50:53 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on September 30, 2019, 10:58:47 AM
Quote from: Crete Boom on September 30, 2019, 10:25:36 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on September 29, 2019, 09:16:57 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on September 29, 2019, 09:06:07 PM
Quote from: Solo_run on September 29, 2019, 05:09:38 PM
I would say this issue would be more relevant to soccer than rugby

I'm nor sure. Soccer requires a passport plus certain criteria. Rugby requires residency for 5 years.

I read Connacht have a group of 16 year olds in boarding school. At 21 they are eligible to play for Ireland (and SA if course). Soccer can't simply do that.

Its an issue, and while the bigger kids are doing it, so will we.

Ha! Ha! Quite possibly one the most ridiculous statements I have seen on this board in a while.

;D ;D ;D I know we are not the biggest rugby heads here out west but I think we can tell the difference between a few 16 year old lads from Kildare that go to Clongowes and South Africans!!!

Bit of false equivalence going on here if you are equating George North with CJ Stander.  My views on international qualification are long held, and I think I said it here before. For example, I am a massive fan of CJ, and he has immersed himself in the Munster and Ireland culture, and into his local community in Castleconnell, but he's not Irish. He has no ties to Ireland other than the time he has spent here playing Professional Rugby.

I have no problem with someone with genuine Irish ties playing for Ireland, soccer, rugby or anything else. As a nation of emigrants, I think it's churlish to say that someone like Mick McCarthy is not Irish. If you have Irish familial ties, and you are brought up with a genuine sense of Irish identity, and hold an Irish passport, then I think you are Irish. Same for the equivalent Welsh, Scots and everyone else. I'd have no issue with Mike Haley playing for Ireland, and obviously lads like Ronan O'Gara and Jamie Heaslip.

But you can't tell me that Jean Kleyn is, or feels, Irish. The 5 year rule is an improvement, but it's still effectively a 'Rugby Union Representative Team' as opposed to a National representative team. It's not #teamofus it's #teamofirfuaffiliatedprofessionalplayers.
You wouldn't concede that CJ has become at least 30% Irish? :)  Cj had not played international senior level for SA. Do you not regard the new nationals as bona fide Irish nationals? That someone who has resided here for 3 to 5 years is not entitled to become an Irish citizen and entitled to the benefits of an Irish citizen in all applicable spheres of Irish society? Is there still a sense of a them and us? That there is no way on earth that he/she is part of the real Irish? is there a 5 year or 10 year or a  20 year barrier to becoming a "one of us"?  Accent? If CJ acquired a Munster accent, would that help his claim to be regarded as one of us?

Increasingly I hear about this "team of us". Who are  the"us"?  Are the "us" supposed to be the real Irish or the arbiters of who is a real Irish?
What's the criteria for being one of the "us"?
Is Mick McCarthy one of us?  of course Mick passes the "team of us" test.  What about John Aldridge? he had a very slim distant connection with Ireland at the time of his declaration, never would have passed any  "team of us" test  but is he regarded as being "one of us" now? Would you like to tell John face to face that he's not one us?
Like John, most all  3rd generation foreign born have the right to become an Irish citizen (the unique one granny rule). Are they a part of the "team of us" diaspora?
Is there not a classification that John could fall under , a he's a "one of us - in progress"? that given a bit of time and possibly learn how to play a bit of  gaelic, he'll become a bona fide  "one of us"? :)

So what should we have, objective criteria for international eligibility based on best practice and based upon individual players legal rights.
or an international eligibility criteria  subjectively based upon who the "team of us " approve as being Irish enough?




Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on September 30, 2019, 03:01:41 PM
Aquiring a passport and citizenship might be a start.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on September 30, 2019, 03:07:04 PM
Still reckon we'll top the group.
So long at it's not too hot/humid, Japan style of play will actually suit the Scots.

Managing Sexton is key. Him being fit for the QF is more important than who we face. I'd play him against Russia, to get gametime under the belt, but leave him out for Samoa - not worth risking injury against those hoors! Let Carberry have that start, with an otherwise full team. Murray really needs to step up his leadership when Sexton's not there. Of all the disappointing performances on Saturday, he was the biggest disappointment.

My outlandish prediction for the QF is that Ringrose starts on the wing. (Assuming we've two other fit centres!). Two of Farrell, Aki, Henshaw to start. Between Larmour and Earls for the bench place, most likely Earls.
Jordi Murphy might not be far away from the team either, if he has the impact I expect him to have. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on September 30, 2019, 04:18:45 PM
The selection of Kleyn is not making any sense as he hasn't even made the bench in Ireland's 2 toughest pool games , would have been nice to have toner near end of Japan game when the line out was going downhill, also if u look at most teams they do not throw the ball straight into the line out especially to the front but if u watch Ireland straight down the middle every time little bit naive there .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 30, 2019, 04:36:52 PM
Quote from: Gmac on September 30, 2019, 04:18:45 PM
The selection of Kleyn is not making any sense as he hasn't even made the bench in Ireland's 2 toughest pool games , would have been nice to have toner near end of Japan game when the line out was going downhill, also if u look at most teams they do not throw the ball straight into the line out especially to the front but if u watch Ireland straight down the middle every time little bit naive there .
I think Kleyn was picked with the QF in mind
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on September 30, 2019, 04:53:38 PM
Quote from: Hound on September 30, 2019, 03:07:04 PM
Still reckon we'll top the group.
So long at it's not too hot/humid, Japan style of play will actually suit the Scots.

Managing Sexton is key. Him being fit for the QF is more important than who we face. I'd play him against Russia, to get gametime under the belt, but leave him out for Samoa - not worth risking injury against those hoors! Let Carberry have that start, with an otherwise full team. Murray really needs to step up his leadership when Sexton's not there. Of all the disappointing performances on Saturday, he was the biggest disappointment.

My outlandish prediction for the QF is that Ringrose starts on the wing. (Assuming we've two other fit centres!). Two of Farrell, Aki, Henshaw to start. Between Larmour and Earls for the bench place, most likely Earls.
Jordi Murphy might not be far away from the team either, if he has the impact I expect him to have.

Found it really strange after his kicking masterclass against the Scots that I can only remember one proper up and under against the Japanese and the high ball supposedly a very weak part of their game.

Makes you wonder if it was a ploy not to do that now after the Scotland match to keep the powder dry for a QF.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: omaghjoe on September 30, 2019, 09:47:28 PM
Problem as I see it is not so much rugby or even the media bias for it, but professionalism.
Ive completely lost interest in soccer mainly for the mercenary nature of it but I'd still watch a bit of the WC mainly I think because it actually means something.

Rugby now has even destroyed the international competition by allowing all these non-nationals to play as long as they adhere to some lax criteria. The IRFU would have to take some flack for that also as they are completely geared up to the success of the International Team so they will do whatever it takes to have the best players play for them.

Bottom line is professionalism destroys sport any Corinthian ideal that a sport has will be instantly quashed when money is involved.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: highorlow on October 01, 2019, 12:52:28 PM
Quotehttps://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/rugby-world-cup-2019/world-rugby-admitted-that-referee-got-three-penalties-wrong-in-saturdays-shock-loss-to-japan-joe-schmidt-38550571.html

Cost us the match.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 01, 2019, 01:17:51 PM
Quote from: highorlow on October 01, 2019, 12:52:28 PM
Quotehttps://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/rugby-world-cup-2019/world-rugby-admitted-that-referee-got-three-penalties-wrong-in-saturdays-shock-loss-to-japan-joe-schmidt-38550571.html

Cost us the match.

Doesn't really matter a whole lot we're still going to qualify it's the performance that was disappointing!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on October 01, 2019, 02:28:24 PM
Quote from: Hound on September 30, 2019, 03:07:04 PM
Still reckon we'll top the group.
So long at it's not too hot/humid, Japan style of play will actually suit the Scots.

Managing Sexton is key. Him being fit for the QF is more important than who we face. I'd play him against Russia, to get gametime under the belt, but leave him out for Samoa - not worth risking injury against those hoors! Let Carberry have that start, with an otherwise full team. Murray really needs to step up his leadership when Sexton's not there. Of all the disappointing performances on Saturday, he was the biggest disappointment.

My outlandish prediction for the QF is that Ringrose starts on the wing. (Assuming we've two other fit centres!). Two of Farrell, Aki, Henshaw to start. Between Larmour and Earls for the bench place, most likely Earls.
Jordi Murphy might not be far away from the team either, if he has the impact I expect him to have.

Why Carbery? I didn't see the Japan game but didn't Carty play pretty well and Carbery, em, didn't?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 01, 2019, 04:08:36 PM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/world-rugby-confirms-mistakes-made-by-officials-in-japan-defeat-1.4036178

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has received confirmation from World Rugby that three penalties awarded to Japan during last Sunday's historic 19-12 defeat to the host nation in Shizuoka were incorrect calls by Australian referee Angus Gardner and his match officials.
"We were penalised for offside four times and we've now got the feedback that three of those were incorrect calls," said Schmidt from Ireland team base on Rokko Island. "People were asking us about our discipline.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on October 01, 2019, 05:03:32 PM
Quote from: seafoid on October 01, 2019, 04:08:36 PM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/world-rugby-confirms-mistakes-made-by-officials-in-japan-defeat-1.4036178

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has received confirmation from World Rugby that three penalties awarded to Japan during last Sunday's historic 19-12 defeat to the host nation in Shizuoka were incorrect calls by Australian referee Angus Gardner and his match officials.
"We were penalised for offside four times and we've now got the feedback that three of those were incorrect calls," said Schmidt from Ireland team base on Rokko Island. "People were asking us about our discipline.

Cringe.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on October 01, 2019, 08:25:40 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on October 01, 2019, 02:28:24 PM
Quote from: Hound on September 30, 2019, 03:07:04 PM
Still reckon we'll top the group.
So long at it's not too hot/humid, Japan style of play will actually suit the Scots.

Managing Sexton is key. Him being fit for the QF is more important than who we face. I'd play him against Russia, to get gametime under the belt, but leave him out for Samoa - not worth risking injury against those hoors! Let Carberry have that start, with an otherwise full team. Murray really needs to step up his leadership when Sexton's not there. Of all the disappointing performances on Saturday, he was the biggest disappointment.

My outlandish prediction for the QF is that Ringrose starts on the wing. (Assuming we've two other fit centres!). Two of Farrell, Aki, Henshaw to start. Between Larmour and Earls for the bench place, most likely Earls.
Jordi Murphy might not be far away from the team either, if he has the impact I expect him to have.

Why Carbery? I didn't see the Japan game but didn't Carty play pretty well and Carbery, em, didn't?
Not unlike a lot of players, Carty played very well in the first half, but was awful in the second. Carberry was also poor, but it was his first game in ages.
Bringing 3 10s means it makes sense to play your first choice twice and the other pair, once each. Then, based on form, Schmidt can decide who should be bench for the QF.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on October 01, 2019, 08:32:37 PM
Quote from: Hound on October 01, 2019, 08:25:40 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on October 01, 2019, 02:28:24 PM
Quote from: Hound on September 30, 2019, 03:07:04 PM
Still reckon we'll top the group.
So long at it's not too hot/humid, Japan style of play will actually suit the Scots.

Managing Sexton is key. Him being fit for the QF is more important than who we face. I'd play him against Russia, to get gametime under the belt, but leave him out for Samoa - not worth risking injury against those hoors! Let Carberry have that start, with an otherwise full team. Murray really needs to step up his leadership when Sexton's not there. Of all the disappointing performances on Saturday, he was the biggest disappointment.

My outlandish prediction for the QF is that Ringrose starts on the wing. (Assuming we've two other fit centres!). Two of Farrell, Aki, Henshaw to start. Between Larmour and Earls for the bench place, most likely Earls.
Jordi Murphy might not be far away from the team either, if he has the impact I expect him to have.

Why Carbery? I didn't see the Japan game but didn't Carty play pretty well and Carbery, em, didn't?
Not unlike a lot of players, Carty played very well in the first half, but was awful in the second. Carberry was also poor, but it was his first game in ages.
Bringing 3 10s means it makes sense to play your first choice twice and the other pair, once each. Then, based on form, Schmidt can decide who should be bench for the QF.

Carty had a penalty early on and instead of taking the points or the easy kick into the corner he tried the cross kick to Earls. You only try that hail mary shit when you have a penalty to fall back on not INSTEAD of the penalty. Needed a kick up the hole for that alone
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on October 01, 2019, 08:38:38 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 01, 2019, 08:32:37 PM
Quote from: Hound on October 01, 2019, 08:25:40 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on October 01, 2019, 02:28:24 PM
Quote from: Hound on September 30, 2019, 03:07:04 PM
Still reckon we'll top the group.
So long at it's not too hot/humid, Japan style of play will actually suit the Scots.

Managing Sexton is key. Him being fit for the QF is more important than who we face. I'd play him against Russia, to get gametime under the belt, but leave him out for Samoa - not worth risking injury against those hoors! Let Carberry have that start, with an otherwise full team. Murray really needs to step up his leadership when Sexton's not there. Of all the disappointing performances on Saturday, he was the biggest disappointment.

My outlandish prediction for the QF is that Ringrose starts on the wing. (Assuming we've two other fit centres!). Two of Farrell, Aki, Henshaw to start. Between Larmour and Earls for the bench place, most likely Earls.
Jordi Murphy might not be far away from the team either, if he has the impact I expect him to have.

Why Carbery? I didn't see the Japan game but didn't Carty play pretty well and Carbery, em, didn't?
Not unlike a lot of players, Carty played very well in the first half, but was awful in the second. Carberry was also poor, but it was his first game in ages.
Bringing 3 10s means it makes sense to play your first choice twice and the other pair, once each. Then, based on form, Schmidt can decide who should be bench for the QF.

Carty had a penalty early on and instead of taking the points or the easy kick into the corner he tried the cross kick to Earls. You only try that hail mary shit when you have a penalty to fall back on not INSTEAD of the penalty. Needed a kick up the hole for that alone
Yeah, you could certainly argue that, and i'd say the majority would agree.
Personally I prefer "go for the throat" type rugby and don't let the opposition away with just the 3. (Obviously circumstances dependant).
In that case, I'd argue Earls made a mistake in grabbing the ball when he'd no chance of keeping it in (would have been an Ireland 5m lineout had he just let it go. ). And it did turn out to be a rangefinder for Carty, as he nailed his next attempt to set up Ringrose for his try.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on October 02, 2019, 12:58:23 PM
Thought the yanks might put it up to the French for a while, but seems to have been a canter.

NZ sowing it into Canada as expected. All three Barrett brothers going in for trys.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on October 02, 2019, 01:29:24 PM
Quote from: Hound on October 02, 2019, 12:58:23 PM
Thought the yanks might put it up to the French for a while, but seems to have been a canter.

NZ sowing it into Canada as expected. All three Barrett brothers going in for trys.

It was 12-9 with about 15-20 minutes left. France got late tries that completely flattered them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 03, 2019, 12:43:55 PM
Jesus it's hard watching lads!!!!

I imagine it's tough out there and getting tougher but still we need this fecking try!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 03, 2019, 12:47:06 PM
Phew!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on October 03, 2019, 12:48:20 PM
Quote from: screenexile on October 03, 2019, 12:43:55 PM
Jesus it's hard watching lads!!!!

I imagine it's tough out there and getting tougher but still we need this fecking try!

I'd give Russia a lot of credit.

Bundee Ake shouldn't be seen in an Ireland jersey again though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: t_mac on October 03, 2019, 01:08:33 PM
Russia must be awesome.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on October 03, 2019, 01:11:02 PM
Quote from: t_mac on October 03, 2019, 01:08:33 PM
Russia must be awesome.

The handling errors from Ireland have been astonishing. What have they been doing for the last few weeks
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on October 03, 2019, 01:13:25 PM
We are setting ourselves up nicely for a perfect ambush of the cocky All-Blacks. A bonus point struggle against the Samoans will be final piece of the jigsaw.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on October 03, 2019, 01:18:09 PM
Can you wear gloves in Rugby?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on October 03, 2019, 01:19:33 PM
Long past time people faced facts - we play stone age rugby. Today we made a pathetic team of ex wrestlers look reasonable. Our players have any creativity or flair sucked out of them by this setup. But of course you can't question Joe.....drives me daft.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on October 03, 2019, 01:22:51 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on October 03, 2019, 01:18:09 PM
Can you wear gloves in Rugby?
Yep.

Remember Andy Goode? He always wore them and apparently he's getting great mileage on social media over it
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on October 03, 2019, 01:24:51 PM
And BOD. Had a pair myself.  8)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on October 03, 2019, 01:27:34 PM
Johnny talking shite there about how good the Russians were. Such garbage.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: grounded on October 03, 2019, 01:36:28 PM
Do Ireland qualify if they beat Samoa with a bonus point? What are the possible permutations given scotland now play Japan?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on October 03, 2019, 01:40:35 PM
Quote from: grounded on October 03, 2019, 01:36:28 PM
Do Ireland qualify if they beat Samoa with a bonus point? What are the possible permutations given scotland now play Japan?

Scotland need to pick up bonus points all around and obviously need to beat Japan and the referees will make sure that doesn't happen  :o
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on October 03, 2019, 01:41:46 PM
Quote from: grounded on October 03, 2019, 01:36:28 PM
Do Ireland qualify if they beat Samoa with a bonus point? What are the possible permutations given scotland now play Japan?

If Scotland beat Japan, I think Ireland still win the group with a bonus point win v Samoa?

Ireland currently have 11 points,
Japan have 9,
Scotland and Samoa have 5

So if Ireland end up with 16, then Japan would need to beat Scotland and Samoa to pass them out, which would eliminate Samoa and Scotland.
Scotland wouldn't be able to catch them as their max is 15,
Samoa's max would be 12 I suppose, if Ireland beat them with a BP.

So a Bonus Point win will definitely get them 2nd, and if Scotland beat Japan (or Samoa beat Japan) then the BP win v Samoa would be enough to win the group I think.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on October 03, 2019, 01:42:47 PM
I think there has only been one or two plus handicaps won so far, all of the minnows (bar 1 or 2)have kept it below what the bookies sugested would be the score..

The bigger eams are not getting too carried away at stuffing these teams, the bonus point is important though. didnt see the game but was the conditions bad, weather wise?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on October 03, 2019, 01:47:43 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 03, 2019, 01:42:47 PM
I think there has only been one or two plus handicaps won so far, all of the minnows (bar 1 or 2)have kept it below what the bookies sugested would be the score..

The bigger eams are not getting too carried away at stuffing these teams, the bonus point is important though. didnt see the game but was the conditions bad, weather wise?

They talk as if the humidity inside the roofed stadium is like a sauna and the amount of handling errors by all teams is way up.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on October 03, 2019, 01:48:25 PM
Who are we likely to play in the world cup final?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: markl121 on October 03, 2019, 01:54:49 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 03, 2019, 01:48:25 PM
Who are we likely to play in the world cup final?
japan, the rematch
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: highorlow on October 03, 2019, 01:59:33 PM
QuoteWho are we likely to play in the world cup final?

Brazil or Germany
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 03, 2019, 02:40:42 PM
Quote from: grounded on October 03, 2019, 01:36:28 PM
Do Ireland qualify if they beat Samoa with a bonus point? What are the possible permutations given scotland now play Japan?

Strange we haven't had a full team on yet and haven't really executed the last 2 games.

You're kind of hoping the lads are keeping plenty back for the Quarter Final but would they really do that?? Can you afford to do it??

I hope so but it's hardly something you can count on.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Scarlet on October 03, 2019, 02:50:06 PM
I don't know how we have any right to hold anything back after losing to Japan.
Even today they were very poor for swathes of the game. There is no way we are going to turn a switch when a Tier 1 team comes for us.

Also we are so slow and predictable. Can we not try to mix it up a bit more. Throwing the ball around after 75 minutes v Russia isn't worth a shite.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: oliverkelly on October 03, 2019, 02:59:36 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 01, 2019, 08:32:37 PM
Quote from: Hound on October 01, 2019, 08:25:40 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on October 01, 2019, 02:28:24 PM
Quote from: Hound on September 30, 2019, 03:07:04 PM
Still reckon we'll top the group.
So long at it's not too hot/humid, Japan style of play will actually suit the Scots.

Managing Sexton is key. Him being fit for the QF is more important than who we face. I'd play him against Russia, to get gametime under the belt, but leave him out for Samoa - not worth risking injury against those hoors! Let Carberry have that start, with an otherwise full team. Murray really needs to step up his leadership when Sexton's not there. Of all the disappointing performances on Saturday, he was the biggest disappointment.

My outlandish prediction for the QF is that Ringrose starts on the wing. (Assuming we've two other fit centres!). Two of Farrell, Aki, Henshaw to start. Between Larmour and Earls for the bench place, most likely Earls.
Jordi Murphy might not be far away from the team either, if he has the impact I expect him to have.

Why Carbery? I didn't see the Japan game but didn't Carty play pretty well and Carbery, em, didn't?
Not unlike a lot of players, Carty played very well in the first half, but was awful in the second. Carberry was also poor, but it was his first game in ages.
Bringing 3 10s means it makes sense to play your first choice twice and the other pair, once each. Then, based on form, Schmidt can decide who should be bench for the QF.

Carty had a penalty early on and instead of taking the points or the easy kick into the corner he tried the cross kick to Earls. You only try that hail mary shit when you have a penalty to fall back on not INSTEAD of the penalty. Needed a kick up the hole for that alone

Any comment on Sexton doing the same thing today?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on October 03, 2019, 05:17:50 PM
Quote from: t_mac on October 03, 2019, 01:08:33 PM
Russia must be awesome.

Russia were awesome
The conditions didn't suit Ireland.
It's only been 5 days since the last game.
The ball was oval.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on October 03, 2019, 06:59:29 PM
The quarter final is all that matters to Ireland, it doesn't matter how they get there or who they play they have to target that game and make it to a semi and anything can happen then , they are a bit unlucky with their opponents being nz or sa but that's the way it is , hopefully the longer they are there the more they get accustomed to the humidity and on their day they are a match for anyone .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on October 03, 2019, 07:14:29 PM
They very unlucky with the slippy ball too, coming from a country with such a dry climate makes it very difficult to handle wet ball.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on October 03, 2019, 07:19:45 PM
Jesus the snipers are out.

Like when EOS was complaining that Ireland should have won by 40-50 points, I wonder whether he then would have been happy if Ringrose had have made a clean take in the 79th minute?

Knocking their pan out in this game made no sense. Putting significant mental gymnastics into this game made no sense. Putting your body on the lines in this game made no sense. They did what was needed and did it with plenty of time to spare.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on October 03, 2019, 10:12:15 PM
I wonder if Eddie O'Sullivan had any explanation for why Ireland didn't put 40 or 50 points on Georgia and Namibia in 2007. Still no explanation for the poor performances in that world cup 12 years later.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on October 04, 2019, 09:17:28 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on October 03, 2019, 07:19:45 PM
Jesus the snipers are out.

Like when EOS was complaining that Ireland should have won by 40-50 points, I wonder whether he then would have been happy if Ringrose had have made a clean take in the 79th minute?

Knocking their pan out in this game made no sense. Putting significant mental gymnastics into this game made no sense. Putting your body on the lines in this game made no sense. They did what was needed and did it with plenty of time to spare.

I'd agree with most of that but I'm not sure that when the big game comes in two weekends time that you can suddenly turn a switch on and suddenly hit peak performance against either SA or New Zealand.

The spark isn't there at the minute and like you I hope that they can go up a few cogs in performance come the time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 04, 2019, 10:00:54 AM
they are too dependent on Mr Sexton . When he goes off they don't know what to do
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on October 04, 2019, 10:45:20 AM
The Italian anthem, and the player reaction, always a reminder that Ireland's Call doesn't really cut it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 04, 2019, 11:02:17 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on October 04, 2019, 10:45:20 AM
The Italian anthem, and the player reaction, always a reminder that Ireland's Call doesn't really cut it.

What a load of nonsense... they're professional athletes representing their country do they need a song to make them play better??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: fearsiuil on October 04, 2019, 11:29:19 AM
Quote from: screenexile on October 04, 2019, 11:02:17 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on October 04, 2019, 10:45:20 AM
The Italian anthem, and the player reaction, always a reminder that Ireland's Call doesn't really cut it.

What a load of nonsense... they're professional athletes representing their country do they need a song to make them play better??

You could be on to something.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 04, 2019, 12:00:51 PM
Italy very close to getting a try then the prop does a spear tackle?? I'd say O'Shea is going mental!! They started the half well too!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on October 04, 2019, 12:02:43 PM
Quote from: screenexile on October 04, 2019, 11:02:17 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on October 04, 2019, 10:45:20 AM
The Italian anthem, and the player reaction, always a reminder that Ireland's Call doesn't really cut it.

What a load of nonsense... they're professional athletes representing their country do they need a song to make them play better??
They're not all playing for their country  ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on October 04, 2019, 12:51:50 PM
Quote from: screenexile on October 04, 2019, 12:00:51 PM
Italy very close to getting a try then the prop does a spear tackle?? I'd say O'Shea is going mental!! They started the half well too!
What an idiot. Ruined the game
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on October 04, 2019, 01:14:54 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 04, 2019, 12:51:50 PM
Quote from: screenexile on October 04, 2019, 12:00:51 PM
Italy very close to getting a try then the prop does a spear tackle?? I'd say O'Shea is going mental!! They started the half well too!
What an idiot. Ruined the game
2 idiots. 1 and 17 both should have got the line.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: grounded on October 05, 2019, 09:02:01 AM
Argentina look up for this one. Ref will have a massive say in this one. Particularly how he refs the breakdown.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on October 05, 2019, 09:20:59 AM
Plenty of handling errors already in this one.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on October 05, 2019, 09:25:18 AM
Game over.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: grounded on October 05, 2019, 09:28:31 AM
Lots of handling errors both sides. Red card. Clumsy more than malicious. Farrell dipping down and there is a clear height difference, but thats the rules
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on October 05, 2019, 09:30:13 AM
Ffs was looking forward to this game
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 05, 2019, 09:30:53 AM
These tackles were barely a yellow last Yr, you got a 6ft 8in giant tacking a man barely 6ft was started to bend down as your man hit him. If the man a bck rower 6ft 4in tackle was fine. Does ever player judge the size of the player before tacking.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on October 05, 2019, 10:08:35 AM
I thought the red card was harsh. Farrell wasn't hurt at all in the tackle. If the argentine was being malicious Farrell would have been knocked out. Farrell was very low when being tackled as well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on October 05, 2019, 10:09:06 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 05, 2019, 09:30:53 AM
These tackles were barely a yellow last Yr, you got a 6ft 8in giant tacking a man barely 6ft was started to bend down as your man hit him. If the man a bck rower 6ft 4in tackle was fine. Does ever player judge the size of the player before tacking.

That's really my issue here too. This law is genuinely discriminatory against lock forwards.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on October 05, 2019, 10:09:54 AM
My initial thought was harsh but on second glance it's technically a red. Unfortunately we have to go through these changes/decisions or lawyers will have it turning into tag rugby.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 05, 2019, 11:21:36 AM
The rule will see big men send off for coming of their line at speed and smaller men crouching down to take the hit,
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on October 05, 2019, 11:22:44 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on October 05, 2019, 10:09:54 AM
My initial thought was harsh but on second glance it's technically a red. Unfortunately we have to go through these changes/decisions or lawyers will have it turning into tag rugby.
It was definitely technically a red. Farrell had dipped a fraction, but not enough.

However, if Farrell had committed the exact same tackle on, say, the Argie scrum half, it would have been yellow as they would have said the very slight dip was enough mitigation to reduce it from red.
England had two blatant yellow cards (Sinckler and Tuilagi) that weren't given. Eng, NZ and the Aussies are reffed differently to everyone else. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 05, 2019, 11:26:50 AM
Wana see dangerous hit on small men Samoa up against Japan now 🤔
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: grounded on October 05, 2019, 11:32:00 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on October 05, 2019, 10:09:54 AM
My initial thought was harsh but on second glance it's technically a red. Unfortunately we have to go through these changes/decisions or lawyers will have it turning into tag rugby.

It was interesting to see how Owens reviewed the tackle on video before giving the red. I think he mentioned the perceived intentions of the tackler and that he hadnt made enough of an effort to go lower and had led with the shoulder.
              What was lost in the video slo mo was the real time speed of the tackle, which all happened in a fraction of a second. The big lock was just too slow to react to Farrell dipping to evade.
              The rugby hierarchy had to respond to the issue of head injury and this was their response.
               Can they bring the sport back to one of evasion rather than collision, without spoiling the spectacle?
             
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: grounded on October 05, 2019, 12:33:52 PM
A lot of very dangerous hits also take place around rucks. Players from both sides hitting the opposition rucks where the players are bound with their heads in very vulnerable positions.

Samoa still in with a shot of upsetting the odds here
             
           
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on October 05, 2019, 12:41:48 PM
Samoa would be dangerous if they could pass and hold on to the ball when it matters
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on October 05, 2019, 01:28:21 PM
I'm beginning to think this WC is a fix.

World Rugby has come out this week and said the penalties against Ireland in Japan shouldn't have been given.

I'm the match against Samoa

1) Samoa knew they were going to be able to do nothing from their own 5 yard line.

2) A crooked feed into the scrum giving Japan the scrum resulting in the try.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 05, 2019, 01:46:18 PM
Have seen a straight line feed in yrs, used to be you could see the hooker fight to tap the ball bck, Ruck clear outs more dangerous than accidental high tackles. Many player lying with head down and men running in with shoulders to clean out rucks.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: grounded on October 05, 2019, 01:51:34 PM
Quote from: Solo_run on October 05, 2019, 01:28:21 PM
I'm beginning to think this WC is a fix.

World Rugby has come out this week and said the penalties against Ireland in Japan shouldn't have been given.

I'm the match against Samoa

1) Samoa knew they were going to be able to do nothing from their own 5 yard line.

2) A crooked feed into the scrum giving Japan the scrum resulting in the try.

An absolutely bizarre decision by Samoa to scrum under their own posts after being under pressure in the previous scrums. 

Was the penalty for a crooked feed? Cant remember the last time ive even seen a call for that.  Or was it for no attempt to hook? I didnt hear his reasoning.

Anyway, its entirely Ireland's own fault for the position we are in. Took the Japanese challenge too lightly and paid for it.

I think that win means Japan can still loose against scotland and qualify provided they get a loosing bonus point? I assume Ireland have to win with a bonus point to ensure they qualify?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: shark on October 05, 2019, 02:09:27 PM
Quote from: grounded on October 05, 2019, 01:51:34 PM
Quote from: Solo_run on October 05, 2019, 01:28:21 PM
I'm beginning to think this WC is a fix.

World Rugby has come out this week and said the penalties against Ireland in Japan shouldn't have been given.

I'm the match against Samoa

1) Samoa knew they were going to be able to do nothing from their own 5 yard line.

2) A crooked feed into the scrum giving Japan the scrum resulting in the try.

An absolutely bizarre decision by Samoa to scrum under their own posts after being under pressure in the previous scrums. 

Was the penalty for a crooked feed? Cant remember the last time ive even seen a call for that.  Or was it for no attempt to hook? I didnt hear his reasoning.

Anyway, its entirely Ireland's own fault for the position we are in. Took the Japanese challenge too lightly and paid for it.

I think that win means Japan can still loose against scotland and qualify provided they get a loosing bonus point? I assume Ireland have to win with a bonus point to ensure they qualify?

If Ireland win with a bonus point then Japan would need to win, or lose with 2 bonus points, to finish 1st. If Ireland win without a bonus point then will only be in trouble if Scotland win with bonus and Japan are within 7. All 3 would be on same points.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Taylor on October 07, 2019, 10:27:34 AM
Typhoon Hagibis could yet put Ireland out.

If the typhoon causes Saturdays game to be cancelled and it isnt rescheduled to the Sunday then the game is declared a draw and Ireland are out  :-\
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on October 07, 2019, 10:41:38 AM
Quote from: Taylor on October 07, 2019, 10:27:34 AM
Typhoon Hagibis could yet put Ireland out.

If the typhoon causes Saturdays game to be cancelled and it isnt rescheduled to the Sunday then the game is declared a draw and Ireland are out  :-\
If Japan beat Scotland, we'd still be 2nd !
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Taylor on October 07, 2019, 11:11:49 AM
Quote from: Hound on October 07, 2019, 10:41:38 AM
Quote from: Taylor on October 07, 2019, 10:27:34 AM
Typhoon Hagibis could yet put Ireland out.

If the typhoon causes Saturdays game to be cancelled and it isnt rescheduled to the Sunday then the game is declared a draw and Ireland are out  :-\
If Japan beat Scotland, we'd still be 2nd !

Apologies Hound - you are correct - we could be put out...........
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 08, 2019, 12:00:09 PM
Another red card in the Canada Boks game... have to say I thought that one was very harsh!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on October 08, 2019, 02:56:23 PM
It wouldn't be a Rugby World Cup without a Revolution from the French....

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/rugby-world-cup-2019-england-vs-france-guilhem-guirado-mourad-boudjellal-jacques-brunel-a9146166.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on October 08, 2019, 08:51:37 PM
Quote from: screenexile on October 08, 2019, 12:00:09 PM
Another red card in the Canada Boks game... have to say I thought that one was very harsh!!
It was a cheap shot and got what it deserved. A side-on shoulder to the head/neck of a blindsided player is as clear a red card as you'll see.

Watch it again:
https://www.sarugbymag.co.za/watch-larsens-red-card/ (https://www.sarugbymag.co.za/watch-larsens-red-card/)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 09, 2019, 10:25:59 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on October 08, 2019, 08:51:37 PM
Quote from: screenexile on October 08, 2019, 12:00:09 PM
Another red card in the Canada Boks game... have to say I thought that one was very harsh!!
It was a cheap shot and got what it deserved. A side-on shoulder to the head/neck of a blindsided player is as clear a red card as you'll see.

Watch it again:
https://www.sarugbymag.co.za/watch-larsens-red-card/ (https://www.sarugbymag.co.za/watch-larsens-red-card/)


AH I just think a few weeks ago it's a yellow but that's how it is now so no point grumbling about it.

Good to see Scotland taking advantage after Ireland beat up Russia the last day!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on October 09, 2019, 04:46:58 PM
Looks like England / France is off.....this is getting slightly, uncomfortable.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 09, 2019, 09:49:49 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on October 09, 2019, 04:46:58 PM
Looks like England / France is off.....this is getting slightly, uncomfortable.

Mental!!! If our last pool match against the French 4 years ago had been called off there's every reason to believe we'd have beaten Argentina!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on October 09, 2019, 10:50:35 PM
Quote from: screenexile on October 09, 2019, 09:49:49 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on October 09, 2019, 04:46:58 PM
Looks like England / France is off.....this is getting slightly, uncomfortable.

Mental!!! If our last pool match against the French 4 years ago had been called off there's every reason to believe we'd have beaten Argentina!!

Unfortunately typhoons don't occur in Cardiff.  :P
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on October 10, 2019, 12:33:17 AM
Can't have England Vs France called off and expect Scotland to play surely
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on October 10, 2019, 12:39:22 PM
What a shambles of a tournament.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on October 10, 2019, 12:43:43 PM
Sergio Parisse didn't deserve to finish a career like that.

No matter what odds, Italy had a chance against New Zealand. It beggars belief that you can just write off a game due to Natural Cause (that will pass).

On the other hand....England are absolutely laughing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on October 10, 2019, 01:12:08 PM
The English lads have time to head back home and come back for the 1/4 final!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on October 10, 2019, 06:49:33 PM
Why couldn't they have brought the matches forward?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on October 10, 2019, 08:00:08 PM
Why is everyone getting annoyed? This was obviously factored in beforehand. Going to Japan would have ensured that there was the possibility of a game being cancelled.

The problem is that they should have had plans to rearrange a game or move it, with it being agreed by all countries. If the countries agreed, then why make a fuss?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on October 10, 2019, 08:16:03 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 10, 2019, 08:00:08 PM
Why is everyone getting annoyed? This was obviously factored in beforehand. Going to Japan would have ensured that there was the possibility of a game being cancelled.

The problem is that they should have had plans to rearrange a game or move it, with it being agreed by all countries. If the countries agreed, then why make a fuss?

That's exactly why everyone is annoyed. Italy had a (very remote) change of beating NZ and getting through. That is now taken away from them. As Sergio Parisse said, it would have been interesting to see what would have happened had NZ required the points to get through.

It just undermines the whole tournament in my view, and even teams that are through anyway now get an extra week's rest. Not having a contingency plan for a tournament being played in Typhoon season is amateurish and ridiculous.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on October 10, 2019, 08:35:15 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on October 10, 2019, 08:16:03 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 10, 2019, 08:00:08 PM
Why is everyone getting annoyed? This was obviously factored in beforehand. Going to Japan would have ensured that there was the possibility of a game being cancelled.

The problem is that they should have had plans to rearrange a game or move it, with it being agreed by all countries. If the countries agreed, then why make a fuss?

That's exactly why everyone is annoyed. Italy had a (very remote) change of beating NZ and getting through. That is now taken away from them. As Sergio Parisse said, it would have been interesting to see what would have happened had NZ required the points to get through.

It just undermines the whole tournament in my view, and even teams that are through anyway now get an extra week's rest. Not having a contingency plan for a tournament being played in Typhoon season is amateurish and ridiculous.

So why wasn't it highlighted before? Surely this was in known by the associations?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on October 10, 2019, 08:51:32 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on October 10, 2019, 12:39:22 PM
What a shambles of a tournament.

It's a joke tournament anyway,  whole group stages mostly a waste of time. Giving draws due to bad weather is just bonkers
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on October 10, 2019, 09:16:43 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 10, 2019, 08:51:32 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on October 10, 2019, 12:39:22 PM
What a shambles of a tournament.

It's a joke tournament anyway,  whole group stages mostly a waste of time. Giving draws due to bad weather is just bonkers

Itchy again commenting on a sport he hates. Sad really.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 10, 2019, 10:52:55 PM
Italy had zero chance against New Zealand reserve team. England, France or as straight forward
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on October 10, 2019, 10:55:45 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on October 10, 2019, 12:39:22 PM
What a shambles of a tournament.

Ewan is right about it all.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Angelo on October 10, 2019, 11:44:23 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on October 10, 2019, 09:16:43 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 10, 2019, 08:51:32 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on October 10, 2019, 12:39:22 PM
What a shambles of a tournament.

It's a joke tournament anyway,  whole group stages mostly a waste of time. Giving draws due to bad weather is just bonkers

Itchy again commenting on a sport he hates. Sad really.

Meeeeoooowwwwwww.

It's a joke "sport" where about 3 countries take it seriously and another 4 take it half seriously and another 4 or 5 countries that take a passing interest in it.

What has happened regard the cancellations just validates that is the farce we knew it was.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on October 11, 2019, 12:05:34 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on October 10, 2019, 09:16:43 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 10, 2019, 08:51:32 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on October 10, 2019, 12:39:22 PM
What a shambles of a tournament.

It's a joke tournament anyway,  whole group stages mostly a waste of time. Giving draws due to bad weather is just bonkers

Itchy again commenting on a sport he hates. Sad really.

Walter posting about a poster he hates, sad really.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on October 11, 2019, 09:15:40 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 10, 2019, 10:52:55 PM
Italy had zero chance against New Zealand reserve team. England, France or as straight forward

They deserved the chance to try and stay in the tournament. Sport is full of David v Golaith moments. Indeed the Japanese know this only too well considering the South African game at the last world cup.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on October 11, 2019, 03:12:18 PM
With the typhoon due to hit, games cancelled, potentially more games to be cancelled, England and NZ being given an extra weeks break, WR admitting to costly errors in the IrevJap game, Japan's bonus point try against Samoa, the state of the rugby pitch for tomorrows game it is safe to conclude that this tournament is becoming even more of a joke.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on October 11, 2019, 03:30:39 PM
Quote from: Solo_run on October 11, 2019, 03:12:18 PM
With the typhoon due to hit, games cancelled, potentially more games to be cancelled, England and NZ being given an extra weeks break, WR admitting to costly errors in the IrevJap game, Japan's bonus point try against Samoa, the state of the rugby pitch for tomorrows game it is safe to conclude that this tournament is becoming even more of a joke.
Started great, but it's gone pear shaped solid.

However, nobody remembers what happens in the group stages (other than the occasional surprising exit, such as England last time). It's from the QF onwards that decides if a World Cup is a success or not, and there seems to be a lot of potential cracking matches to come.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on October 11, 2019, 05:11:10 PM
I think if you're being entirely honest about it, the group games in every sporting tournament are a bit shit in comparison to the knockout stages.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 12, 2019, 11:55:45 AM
So Irish imports Aki and Kleyn sing Ireland call, our Northern lads do not, and we worried about Irish men issues, some Born Irish men don't see them selves Irish as I don't know why we give Aki and Co a hard time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 12, 2019, 11:57:25 AM
His head high stuff getting silly, Stockdale more responsible for that (not his fault as he falling) that Samoan couldn't get any lower
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: shark on October 12, 2019, 12:23:11 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 12, 2019, 11:55:45 AM
So Irish imports Aki and Kleyn sing Ireland call, our Northern lads do not, and we worried about Irish men issues, some Born Irish men don't see them selves Irish as I don't know why we give Aki and Co a hard time.

Best used to sing it. Has explained that he found it unhelpful to be too wound up when trying to throw in to an early lineout.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on October 12, 2019, 12:24:08 PM
Aki while shown great ability has always shown he can be a serious liability.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 12, 2019, 12:27:32 PM
State of the rte commentary. Wanted red for Samoan hit on Stockdale, saying there's no mitigation when Stockdale clearly fell into the tackle. Then they want only yellow for Aki and start inventing the Samoan falling into the tackle despite the fact it was clearly Ali's hit that flattened him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 12, 2019, 12:29:22 PM
If Stockdale is a few inches smaller the first is a red but the Aki call was right.

Very unfortunate though you can see how it happened.

This is going to be another stutter to the finish line!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on October 12, 2019, 12:36:27 PM
If you get 8 tries do you get 2  bonus points?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on October 12, 2019, 12:37:55 PM
On the new high tackles, could you not fabricate a yellow/red card by just taking the hit and running into a players shoulder?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 12, 2019, 12:38:11 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 12, 2019, 12:36:27 PM
If you get 8 tries do you get 2  bonus points?

If only!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 12, 2019, 12:38:28 PM
Quote from: Nanderson on October 12, 2019, 12:37:55 PM
On the new high tackles, could you not fabricate a yellow/red card by just taking the hit and running into a players shoulder?

Are you from Tyrone???
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on October 12, 2019, 12:38:51 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 12, 2019, 12:36:27 PM
If you get 8 tries do you get 2  bonus points?

Only get the one for the 4.

I can see Sexton coming off although I think he should play at least another 10-15 minutes.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on October 12, 2019, 12:52:58 PM
Will Ireland top the group if the game tomorrow (looking more likely now) is cancelled?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on October 12, 2019, 12:55:21 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 12, 2019, 12:52:58 PM
Will Ireland top the group if the game tomorrow (looking more likely now) is cancelled?

No. Japan will also be on 16 and will win the h2h
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: David McKeown on October 12, 2019, 12:55:43 PM
Quote from: screenexile on October 12, 2019, 12:29:22 PM
If Stockdale is a few inches smaller the first is a red but the Aki call was right.

Very unfortunate though you can see how it happened.

This is going to be another stutter to the finish line!

I can see why it's given but the Samoan player has a slightly unnatural body shape as if he's about to try a sidestep and is lower than expected and Aki steps rather than runs into the tackle. I don't see it being much worse than the Lamb one
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: David McKeown on October 12, 2019, 12:56:21 PM
Quote from: Solo_run on October 12, 2019, 12:55:21 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 12, 2019, 12:52:58 PM
Will Ireland top the group if the game tomorrow (looking more likely now) is cancelled?

No. Japan will also be on 16 and will win the h2h

Pending legal action from Scotland of course
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on October 12, 2019, 12:58:04 PM
Quote from: David McKeown on October 12, 2019, 12:55:43 PM
Quote from: screenexile on October 12, 2019, 12:29:22 PM
If Stockdale is a few inches smaller the first is a red but the Aki call was right.

Very unfortunate though you can see how it happened.

This is going to be another stutter to the finish line!

I can see why it's given but the Samoan player has a slightly unnatural body shape as if he's about to try a sidestep and is lower than expected and Aki steps rather than runs into the tackle. I don't see it being much worse than the Lamb one

It's one of those tackles that is open to interpretation. However to me Aki didn't do enough to go down low. The speed they were going at each other didn't help but you still need to be aiming low in the tackle.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on October 12, 2019, 01:01:29 PM
Quote from: David McKeown on October 12, 2019, 12:56:21 PM
Quote from: Solo_run on October 12, 2019, 12:55:21 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 12, 2019, 12:52:58 PM
Will Ireland top the group if the game tomorrow (looking more likely now) is cancelled?

No. Japan will also be on 16 and will win the h2h

Pending legal action from Scotland of course

I think Scotland should get to play the game even if it is behind closed doors in another part of the country. World Rugby should have considered this when they awarded Japan the WC.

That being said, Scotland signed off on the tournament rules. That is a legal agreement. If Scotland are given the chance to play the  game it is going to piss Italy off.

The whole thing is a sham.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 12, 2019, 01:01:46 PM
Look at the two tackles. The Samoan lad was bent over 90 degrees or more. Barely possible to do anything more to avoid contact with the head. Aki didn't.

Both decisions correct.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on October 12, 2019, 01:09:58 PM
Why is there no clamour to tier the World Cup the same way there is the GAA championship? There's nearly as many people in Samoa as there is in Tyrone.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: David McKeown on October 12, 2019, 01:15:17 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 12, 2019, 01:01:46 PM
Look at the two tackles. The Samoan lad was bent over 90 degrees or more. Barely possible to do anything more to avoid contact with the head. Aki didn't.

Both decisions correct.

Suppose it depends what you are looking for. Lamb sees Stockdale coming a mile away so no excuse to be anywhere near Stockdale's head whereas Aki is a very broken piece of play that happens much more quickly.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on October 12, 2019, 01:18:05 PM
Quote from: trileacman on October 12, 2019, 01:09:58 PM
Why is there no clamour to tier the World Cup the same way there is the GAA championship? There's nearly as many people in Samoa as there is in Tyrone.

Why are so many "GAA people" going out of their ways to be offended by another sport?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on October 12, 2019, 01:21:21 PM
Quote from: trileacman on October 12, 2019, 01:09:58 PM
Why is there no clamour to tier the World Cup the same way there is the GAA championship? There's nearly as many people in Samoa as there is in Tyrone.

It's already tiered  ::)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on October 12, 2019, 01:22:03 PM
That should have been a yellow for the Farrell-esque tackle as he didn't wrap the player.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 12, 2019, 01:22:20 PM
Quote from: David McKeown on October 12, 2019, 01:15:17 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 12, 2019, 01:01:46 PM
Look at the two tackles. The Samoan lad was bent over 90 degrees or more. Barely possible to do anything more to avoid contact with the head. Aki didn't.

Both decisions correct.

Suppose it depends what you are looking for. Lamb sees Stockdale coming a mile away so no excuse to be anywhere near Stockdale's head whereas Aki is a very broken piece of play that happens much more quickly.

There is an excuse for him being near the head - Stockdale dipped into the tackle. Lam literally couldn't do anything more. He's unfortunate that the letter of the law mandates he has to go off despite the fact that Stockdale caused the head contact by going low, not his tackle.

Whether Aki's tackle was in broken play or not is completely irrelevant. He made absolutely no effort to get low, nor was the ball carrier dipping the way Stockdale was.

Berry got both decisions absolutely correct.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on October 12, 2019, 01:23:32 PM
The framework is there, Berry explained really, both cards spot on.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 12, 2019, 01:27:01 PM
Lenihan now saying the rredef was merited and only mitigation could be the ball carrier dipping into the tackle.

If they appeal it on that basis, there's not a chance he'll get off. The only mitigation under the framework that they could possibly hope for would be that the tackle was reactionary because of how the ball had ping ponged around just before but even that would be very, very unlikely in my book.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on October 12, 2019, 01:34:34 PM
Ireland have 3 really quick players stockade Larmour and Conway be nice to see them starting , they have what we have always lacked real pace .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on October 12, 2019, 01:38:43 PM
Quote from: Gmac on October 12, 2019, 01:34:34 PM
Ireland have 3 really quick players stockade Larmour and Conway be nice to see them starting , they have what we have always lacked real pace .

I actually think Stockdale has lost a lot of his pace.

Kearney is way passed his best.

Conway has been consistent and exceptional.

Larmour is awkward but fast and intelligent with the ball.

Earls is intelligent, lost a bit of his pace but his timing is generally quite good.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: David McKeown on October 12, 2019, 01:40:21 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 12, 2019, 01:22:20 PM
Quote from: David McKeown on October 12, 2019, 01:15:17 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 12, 2019, 01:01:46 PM
Look at the two tackles. The Samoan lad was bent over 90 degrees or more. Barely possible to do anything more to avoid contact with the head. Aki didn't.

Both decisions correct.

Suppose it depends what you are looking for. Lamb sees Stockdale coming a mile away so no excuse to be anywhere near Stockdale's head whereas Aki is a very broken piece of play that happens much more quickly.

There is an excuse for him being near the head - Stockdale dipped into the tackle. Lam literally couldn't do anything more. He's unfortunate that the letter of the law mandates he has to go off despite the fact that Stockdale caused the head contact by going low, not his tackle.

Whether Aki's tackle was in broken play or not is completely irrelevant. He made absolutely no effort to get low, nor was the ball carrier dipping the way Stockdale was.

Berry got both decisions absolutely correct.

It's far from irrelevant if you say Lamb got low but not low enough when he had relatively speaking considerable time to do so but still isn't low enough that's aggravating when compared to Aki not getting low despite having little to no time to do so. Stockdales dip is not that late either it's not like Lamb shouldn't have been in a position to react.

I also don't agree that's there's enough of a difference between the amount of dip between the ball carriers to make the decisive difference when the relative angles of the players are considered.

All that said I can see why the decisions were made but could also have understood if they had gone the other way.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on October 12, 2019, 01:43:38 PM
Delighted Samoa were beaten - shame Ireland didn't destroy them after what happened against Japan.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 12, 2019, 01:48:04 PM
Quote from: Solo_run on October 12, 2019, 01:43:38 PM
Delighted Samoa were beaten - shame Ireland didn't destroy them after what happened against Japan.

Pretty sure getting beat 47-5 playing against 14 men is destroyed!

Good controlled and commanding performance with 14 men. Yes Samoa weren't up to much but being so comfortable being a man down is bound to help confidence.

Don't think it really matters who we play the next round if you want to get far in this comp you need to beat these teams so just put the head down and go for it!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 12, 2019, 01:50:11 PM
Played Alot better the day both still need bring abit more width especially inside the opposite 20 line, Still not looking good for either New Zealand or South Africa
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on October 12, 2019, 01:51:39 PM
Quote from: screenexile on October 12, 2019, 01:48:04 PM
Quote from: Solo_run on October 12, 2019, 01:43:38 PM
Delighted Samoa were beaten - shame Ireland didn't destroy them after what happened against Japan.

Pretty sure getting beat 47-5 playing against 14 men is destroyed!

Good controlled and commanding performance with 14 men. Yes Samoa weren't up to much but being so comfortable being a man down is bound to help confidence.

Don't think it really matters who we play the next round if you want to get far in this comp you need to beat these teams so just put the head down and go for it!!

Samoa literally gifted Japan the bonus point in the last minute of the game when they played. If Japan didn't get that bonus point it would have been Ireland finishing top regardless.

So would have preferred a record breaking score tbh.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: David McKeown on October 12, 2019, 01:53:59 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 12, 2019, 01:22:20 PM
Quote from: David McKeown on October 12, 2019, 01:15:17 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 12, 2019, 01:01:46 PM
Look at the two tackles. The Samoan lad was bent over 90 degrees or more. Barely possible to do anything more to avoid contact with the head. Aki didn't.

Both decisions correct.

Suppose it depends what you are looking for. Lamb sees Stockdale coming a mile away so no excuse to be anywhere near Stockdale's head whereas Aki is a very broken piece of play that happens much more quickly.

There is an excuse for him being near the head - Stockdale dipped into the tackle. Lam literally couldn't do anything more. He's unfortunate that the letter of the law mandates he has to go off despite the fact that Stockdale caused the head contact by going low, not his tackle.

Whether Aki's tackle was in broken play or not is completely irrelevant. He made absolutely no effort to get low, nor was the ball carrier dipping the way Stockdale was.

Berry got both decisions absolutely correct.

I've watched it again. You are correct Aki seems to drive up somewhat. Red card was the correct decision.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on October 12, 2019, 02:20:35 PM
The only mitigating thing you could say about the red card is that the Samoan ran into Aki. As opposed to Aki going after him high.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on October 12, 2019, 02:50:10 PM
Regardless of the merits or otherwise of the sending off of Aki, Ireland play better without him and this has been the case over the last year.  He is a liability in giving away penalties. Aki being unavailable even for the rest of the Irish time in the tournament will not necessarily be a hindrance to the starting line out. Just leaves Ireland with a gap in centre cover for remaining games which might well just be one.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: under the bar on October 12, 2019, 05:10:13 PM
So is Aki now a dirty Samoan in the best selling newspaper in the 26? ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on October 12, 2019, 06:17:34 PM
Aki isn't a dirty player, he didn't mean to tackle the Samoan like that. However he didn't orientate himself correctly to tackle the player and unfortunately it doesn't matter how much time he had. I correct call was made by the referee but I don't think he should be banned for the next game because of it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on October 13, 2019, 10:15:39 AM
Wales struggling with Uruguay. Wales leading by a point at half time. A Uruguay win would mean a Wales v England quarter final.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: David McKeown on October 13, 2019, 12:39:50 PM
So the All Blacks then.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: grounded on October 13, 2019, 12:41:30 PM
Wow! Japan well worth their lead. Great handling skills and tries.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 13, 2019, 02:05:26 PM
Massive weak for Irish sport ahead

Can the BIG score more goals than Switzerland ?

Can the rugby team beat the voices in their head and dump New Zealand out of the competition ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 13, 2019, 02:19:59 PM
Quote from: seafoid on October 13, 2019, 02:05:26 PM
Can the rugby team beat the voices in their head and dump New Zealand out of the competition ?

Whatever about voices in their head, they can't beat the ABs.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on October 13, 2019, 02:21:16 PM
Going by some reports Ireland and New Zealand didn't want the Scotland game to go ahead.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: balladmaker on October 13, 2019, 02:31:25 PM
Quote from: Solo_run on October 13, 2019, 02:21:16 PM
Going by some reports Ireland and New Zealand didn't want the Scotland game to go ahead.

So they wanted to play each other?  I can see why NZ would want to play Ireland, but not the other way round.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: shark on October 13, 2019, 02:51:23 PM
Quote from: Solo_run on October 13, 2019, 02:21:16 PM
Going by some reports Ireland and New Zealand didn't want the Scotland game to go ahead.

Stephen Jones is not credible.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on October 13, 2019, 02:54:15 PM
Quote from: balladmaker on October 13, 2019, 02:31:25 PM
Quote from: Solo_run on October 13, 2019, 02:21:16 PM
Going by some reports Ireland and New Zealand didn't want the Scotland game to go ahead.

So they wanted to play each other?  I can see why NZ would want to play Ireland, but not the other way round.

South Africa are a big team and Ireland's brute (and energy sapping) game might not be as effective there. It could disrupt the all blacks. Bit of rain that makes handling hard and you never know. Thought the Scotland Japan second half was enthralling. The Scots left it too late to figure out how to beat them but put up some effort in the end when a hammering at one stage  was looking likely.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: grounded on October 13, 2019, 02:54:59 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 13, 2019, 02:19:59 PM
Quote from: seafoid on October 13, 2019, 02:05:26 PM
Can the rugby team beat the voices in their head and dump New Zealand out of the competition ?

Whatever about voices in their head, they can't beat the ABs.

And Armagh, Tyrone, Derry and Donegal could never win an All Ireland and they did. Through pure drive and determination(with some fantastic players of course). They can win and knock the All Blacks out. They have the talent and i think we will win.
     
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: grounded on October 13, 2019, 03:13:55 PM
On another note the refs have had a massive bearing on the winners upto this stage. Although the Japanese have been magnificent and a breath of fresh air they have had the benefit of favourable ref decisions against Ireland, Samoa and again today particularly around rucks.
         Lets hope we come out on the right side of the decisions next saturday if we are to beat the AB's. 
     
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on October 13, 2019, 03:38:19 PM
Quote from: weareros on October 13, 2019, 02:54:15 PM
Quote from: balladmaker on October 13, 2019, 02:31:25 PM
Quote from: Solo_run on October 13, 2019, 02:21:16 PM
Going by some reports Ireland and New Zealand didn't want the Scotland game to go ahead.

So they wanted to play each other?  I can see why NZ would want to play Ireland, but not the other way round.

South Africa are a big team and Ireland's brute (and energy sapping) game might not be as effective there. It could disrupt the all blacks. Bit of rain that makes handling hard and you never know. Thought the Scotland Japan second half was enthralling. The Scots left it too late to figure out how to beat them but put up some effort in the end when a hammering at one stage  was looking likely.

The Kiwis play most of their important rugby in shite wet conditions like we do in the Northen hemisphere unlike say the Aussies so it won't be any advantage to us unfortunately.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 13, 2019, 05:27:08 PM
Quote from: grounded on October 13, 2019, 02:54:59 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 13, 2019, 02:19:59 PM
Quote from: seafoid on October 13, 2019, 02:05:26 PM
Can the rugby team beat the voices in their head and dump New Zealand out of the competition ?

Whatever about voices in their head, they can't beat the ABs.

And Armagh, Tyrone, Derry and Donegal could never win an All Ireland and they did. Through pure drive and determination(with some fantastic players of course). They can win and knock the All Blacks out. They have the talent and i think we will win.
     

Get off the beer, work in the morning.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: grounded on October 13, 2019, 07:52:38 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 13, 2019, 05:27:08 PM
Quote from: grounded on October 13, 2019, 02:54:59 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 13, 2019, 02:19:59 PM
Quote from: seafoid on October 13, 2019, 02:05:26 PM
Can the rugby team beat the voices in their head and dump New Zealand out of the competition ?

Whatever about voices in their head, they can't beat the ABs.

And Armagh, Tyrone, Derry and Donegal could never win an All Ireland and they did. Through pure drive and determination(with some fantastic players of course). They can win and knock the All Blacks out. They have the talent and i think we will win.
     

Get off the beer, work in the morning.

Cool. Well done
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lenny on October 13, 2019, 09:42:56 PM
Quote from: grounded on October 13, 2019, 07:52:38 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 13, 2019, 05:27:08 PM
Quote from: grounded on October 13, 2019, 02:54:59 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 13, 2019, 02:19:59 PM
Quote from: seafoid on October 13, 2019, 02:05:26 PM
Can the rugby team beat the voices in their head and dump New Zealand out of the competition ?

Whatever about voices in their head, they can't beat the ABs.

And Armagh, Tyrone, Derry and Donegal could never win an All Ireland and they did. Through pure drive and determination(with some fantastic players of course). They can win and knock the All Blacks out. They have the talent and i think we will win.
     

Get off the beer, work in the morning.

Cool. Well done

Heard we've got a solicitor going out for the Bundee Aki hearing. Have we missed a trick in not sending Fergal Logan?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on October 14, 2019, 12:39:24 PM
Quote from: lenny on October 13, 2019, 09:42:56 PM
Quote from: grounded on October 13, 2019, 07:52:38 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 13, 2019, 05:27:08 PM
Quote from: grounded on October 13, 2019, 02:54:59 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 13, 2019, 02:19:59 PM
Quote from: seafoid on October 13, 2019, 02:05:26 PM
Can the rugby team beat the voices in their head and dump New Zealand out of the competition ?

Whatever about voices in their head, they can't beat the ABs.

And Armagh, Tyrone, Derry and Donegal could never win an All Ireland and they did. Through pure drive and determination(with some fantastic players of course). They can win and knock the All Blacks out. They have the talent and i think we will win.
     

Get off the beer, work in the morning.

Cool. Well done

Heard we've got a solicitor going out for the Bundee Aki hearing. Have we missed a trick in not sending Fergal Logan?

Safer off without him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on October 14, 2019, 03:55:41 PM
Three game ban for Aki.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 14, 2019, 04:06:10 PM
Expected and shouldn't unduly affect the team.

Huge ask against the All Blacks but I just have a feeling that we've been holding back. That move for the first try against Samoa isn't something that just appeared without having been worked on, we've barely kicked the ball all year when it was a central tenet of our gameplan in 2018 also there's no way that one out runner shite is gonna fly against New Zealand Schmidt knows that.

There's every possibility we get beat of course but I think we'll see something more like the Ireland we've been expecting this weekend. Hopefully it will be enough.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on October 14, 2019, 09:58:39 PM
I thought the sending off was harsh as well. The 3 game ban is too harsh also. They should appeal it if they can.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on October 15, 2019, 08:31:45 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on October 14, 2019, 09:58:39 PM
I thought the sending off was harsh as well. The 3 game ban is too harsh also. They should appeal it if they can.

It is arguably harsh, but the law is crystal clear.

Red card. 6 week suspension. Reduced to 3 for previous good record.

While there can be mitigating factors, even those leave very little room for subjectivity as they are clearly laid out.

QuoteThe independent Judicial Committee was chaired by Adam Casselden SC (Australia) joined by former international coach Frank Hadden (Scotland) and former referee Valeriu Toma (Romania).

The player sought to overturn the red card. Having considered all the angles of the incident, together with evidence from the player and his representatives, the committee upheld the decision of the referee.

The committee considered the High Tackle Sanction Framework and decided the following:

- There was direct contact of the player's left shoulder to the ball carrier's head
- The Judicial Committee did not accept that there was a low degree of danger
- Although the tackle occurred quickly, the player's tackle height was high and it was accepted he did not make a definite attempt to change his height in order to avoid the ball carrier's head
- The committee did not accept that there was sufficient evidence of a sudden drop in the ball carrier's height
- The tackle was an attempted dominant tackle, rather than a reactionary tackle, and in any event there was no immediate release as the player wrapped his arms around the Samoa No.10
- The player was in open space and had a clear line of sight before the contact
- There are accordingly no clear and obvious mitigating factors

Therefore, on the balance of probabilities, the committee did not find that the referee's decision was wrong and the red card was upheld.

Given the above outcomes, the committee applied World Rugby's mandatory minimum mid-range entry point, which was introduced in 2017 to protect player welfare, deter high contact and prevent head injuries. This resulted in a starting point of a six-week suspension.

Taking into account the mitigating factors that are considered in relation to sanction, including the player's good disciplinary record, the committee reduced the six-week entry point by the maximum permitted three weeks, resulting in a sanction of three weeks, which equates to three matches in the context of Rugby World Cup 2019.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on October 16, 2019, 02:57:28 PM
Heading out there today hope they can give a performance that at least rattles the kiwis , was in Chicago in 16 would be nice to see that again.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: magpie seanie on October 16, 2019, 03:17:54 PM
Quote from: Gmac on October 16, 2019, 02:57:28 PM
Heading out there today hope they can give a performance that at least rattles the kiwis , was in Chicago in 16 would be nice to see that again.

Was in Chicago that day myself and it was absolutely fantastic.

This is a very different assignment though. Perhaps as some allude to, Joe Schmidt has masterminded this all along and Ireland will produce a performance miles above any for 12 months. That's what it will take to be competitive in this game. I just don't see why we'd play below par all season and in this competition and then suddenly be ready for this one game. I'd be very doubtful about this one to be honest. Hope I'm wrong.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: grounded on October 16, 2019, 04:30:20 PM
Quote from: Gmac on October 16, 2019, 02:57:28 PM
Heading out there today hope they can give a performance that at least rattles the kiwis , was in Chicago in 16 would be nice to see that again.

Atmosphere should be brilliant. Good luck and enjoy. 
Its a shame about Aki, seems harsh.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 17, 2019, 01:22:05 AM
All-blacks got too much out wide, it be tight for 60mins but all-blacks pull away to win  by 10+ points. They are odds on to do 3 in a row but not a inch on their last team in 2015 which was probably Rugby greatest ever team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on October 17, 2019, 10:02:21 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 17, 2019, 01:22:05 AM
All-blacks got too much out wide, it be tight for 60mins but all-blacks pull away to win  by 10+ points. They are odds on to do 3 in a row but not a inch on their last team in 2015 which was probably Rugby greatest ever team.

Some serious men in that squad that aren't there now. New Zealand just keep churning them out....although they are considered more fallible now I suppose.

Don't see Ireland winning if I'm perfectly honest, the form hasn't been great. Stockdale could crap on his foot, chip it over a defence line and it would fall for him in shape of a lovely clean rugby ball a year ago - just not happened for him in this RWC so far. Too much pressure on Sexton and physically, looking at the teams this morning I don't think Ireland can go at NZ like prior, not to mention we have very few players in form right now that could lead the team around.

But....it's a one off game, every bit of pressure will be on New Zealand. We know some of the refs calls can change a game drastically.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: oakleaflad on October 17, 2019, 10:22:57 AM
Ireland team to face New Zealand: R Kearney; K Earls, G Ringrose, R Henshaw, J Stockdale; J Sexton, C Murray; C Healy, R Best (capt), T Furlong; I Henderson, James Ryan; Peter O'Mahony, Josh van der Flier, CJ Stander. Reps: N Scannell, D Kilcoyne, A Porter, T Beirne, R Ruddock, Luke McGrath, J Carbery, J Larmour.

As expected with Conway probably the unlucky one.



Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 17, 2019, 05:34:27 PM
Conway unlucky to miss out and picking Kearney is a mistake.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Owen Brannigan on October 17, 2019, 08:23:13 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 17, 2019, 05:34:27 PM
Conway unlucky to miss out and picking Kearney is a mistake.

+1

A bigger mistake in the years of prep allowed to Schmidt that he failed to develop another full back. Larmour is a few years off and Kearney reached his sell-by date a year or two ago.  All of his moves are so predictable.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on October 18, 2019, 08:03:13 AM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on October 17, 2019, 08:23:13 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 17, 2019, 05:34:27 PM
Conway unlucky to miss out and picking Kearney is a mistake.

+1

A bigger mistake in the years of prep allowed to Schmidt that he failed to develop another full back. Larmour is a few years off and Kearney reached his sell-by date a year or two ago.  All of his moves are so predictable.

He has moves?

Gives us a fighters chance tomorrow. 2/1. Looking forward to it.  Hon Ireland!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Franko on October 18, 2019, 05:52:39 PM
Will get hammered for this if I'm wrong but this is a mismatch.

New Zealand by 15+
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: HiMucker on October 18, 2019, 05:56:52 PM
Ireland 3 tries before 25mins. To hang on for a skin of their teeth famous victory
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 18, 2019, 06:35:41 PM
Quote from: oakleaflad on October 17, 2019, 10:22:57 AM
Ireland team to face New Zealand: R Kearney; K Earls, G Ringrose, R Henshaw, J Stockdale; J Sexton, C Murray; C Healy, R Best (capt), T Furlong; I Henderson, James Ryan; Peter O'Mahony, Josh van der Flier, CJ Stander. Reps: N Scannell, D Kilcoyne, A Porter, T Beirne, R Ruddock, Luke McGrath, J Carbery, J Larmour.

As expected with Conway probably the unlucky one.

Strongest team, probably.
A contrast to previous World Cups where the key players were banjaxed come qf time.
This is the match they have been waiting for.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on October 18, 2019, 06:43:11 PM
I'd be half confident of a win. NZ's form line for the past couple of years is that they'll blow an amateur side out of the water, but are far from the convincing beast of yesteryear against a professional outfit.

Biggest worry would be the reshuffle required if Henshaw is just too rusty, when he inevitably blows u early. Earls to centre is just not one of those things I wang to see ever again.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 18, 2019, 08:02:57 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on October 18, 2019, 06:43:11 PM
I'd be half confident of a win. NZ's form line for the past couple of years is that they'll blow an amateur side out of the water, but are far from the convincing beast of yesteryear against a professional outfit.

Biggest worry would be the reshuffle required if Henshaw is just too rusty, when he inevitably blows u early. Earls to centre is just not one of those things I wang to see ever again.
They will have to play better than they have all year to be in with a fighting chance.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Farrandeelin on October 18, 2019, 09:04:26 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on October 18, 2019, 06:43:11 PM
I'd be half confident of a win. NZ's form line for the past couple of years is that they'll blow an amateur side out of the water, but are far from the convincing beast of yesteryear against a professional outfit.

Biggest worry would be the reshuffle required if Henshaw is just too rusty, when he inevitably blows u early. Earls to centre is just not one of those things I wang to see ever again.

Agree about NZ form. Ireland's own form is worrying too however. Is kick off at 9am?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on October 18, 2019, 09:27:42 PM
Is it not 1115?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Farrandeelin on October 18, 2019, 10:10:23 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on October 18, 2019, 09:27:42 PM
Is it not 1115?

Could be. I'm not the most reliable rugby person.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on October 18, 2019, 10:28:51 PM
11.15.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: highorlow on October 18, 2019, 10:44:46 PM
Harsh on Kearney lads. Conway definitely hard done by. Probably won't matter as they are 10 points better than the best we can offer, unless they have an off day like v France in '07.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Olly on October 18, 2019, 11:06:58 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on October 18, 2019, 06:43:11 PM
I'd be half confident of a win.

:o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: BennyCake on October 18, 2019, 11:57:27 PM
Quote from: Olly on October 18, 2019, 11:06:58 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on October 18, 2019, 06:43:11 PM
I'd be half confident of a win.

:o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o

Don't worry. It will all be over soon.

Can't feckin' wait.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Farrandeelin on October 19, 2019, 07:26:58 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on October 18, 2019, 10:28:51 PM
11.15.

What game is on before it?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on October 19, 2019, 07:44:23 AM
We're gona do it lads!!!  8)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on October 19, 2019, 07:47:26 AM
Australia, NZ, Wales, SA quad.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: illdecide on October 19, 2019, 09:36:12 AM
Not a big Rugby man tbh but would always watch Ireland but couldn't wait to wake up this morning for this game...nervous as hell. All this talk about NZ being big finishers (last 20 mins) hopefully if its tight coming into this period that doesn't play on their heads.

C'mon Ireland
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Farrandeelin on October 19, 2019, 09:48:57 AM
England will hammer them I'd say.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 19, 2019, 10:03:04 AM
The big difference between now and the 2015 qf is that they have a decent pick. Most of the key players were unable to play against Argentina due to injury  4 years ago.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 19, 2019, 11:04:45 AM
Quote from: seafoid on October 19, 2019, 10:03:04 AM
The big difference between now and the 2015 qf is that they have a decent pick. Most of the key players were unable to play against Argentina due to injury  4 years ago.

England very impressive there a big statement they're second favourites from what I can see now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on October 19, 2019, 11:09:40 AM
I'm no expert but was Australia defence not a bit shit and their decision making even more shit?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: theticklemister on October 19, 2019, 11:14:56 AM
New Zealand to beat the handicap. Ireland to crumble. Shoulder to Shoulder a pile of balls.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on October 19, 2019, 11:18:03 AM
Fields of Athenry belting out around the stadium while NZ do the Haka...spine tingling
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: theticklemister on October 19, 2019, 11:18:59 AM
Quote from: Solo_run on October 19, 2019, 11:18:03 AM
Fields of Athenry belting out around the stadium while NZ do the Haka...spine tingling

Gonna make the all blacks angrier
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: michaelg on October 19, 2019, 11:24:26 AM
Quote from: theticklemister on October 19, 2019, 11:14:56 AM
New Zealand to beat the handicap. Ireland to crumble. Shoulder to Shoulder a pile of balls.
Let it go FFS
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Farrandeelin on October 19, 2019, 11:38:07 AM
Finally out of the Ireland half...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on October 19, 2019, 11:41:20 AM
Getting destroyed here.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on October 19, 2019, 11:42:03 AM
I think rugby fans are going to learn the difference between a challenge game and a championship game today.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: clarshack on October 19, 2019, 11:42:12 AM
Hiding
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Mikhail Prokhorov on October 19, 2019, 11:43:06 AM
Quote from: weareros on October 19, 2019, 11:41:20 AM
Getting destroyed here.

hardly surprising, this is a competitive game not a friendly, NZ by 50
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Square Ball on October 19, 2019, 11:43:21 AM
Lights out
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: illdecide on October 19, 2019, 11:45:53 AM
Think Ireland don't know what's hit them...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on October 19, 2019, 11:47:34 AM
Twice in good positions Earls has lost the ball.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 19, 2019, 11:48:28 AM
Quote from: Farrandeelin on October 19, 2019, 11:38:07 AM
Finally out of the Ireland half...
This is senior hurling
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Ambrose on October 19, 2019, 11:48:45 AM
Quote from: Solo_run on October 19, 2019, 11:18:03 AM
Fields of Athenry belting out around the stadium while NZ do the Haka...spine tingling

Pity they couldn't drown out Ireland's Call. Embarrassing


Quote from: Hardy on September 22, 2007, 03:32:14 PM
We've come for pay, we've come to cower,
Come to be dour and be boring.
We have come to fumble and drop the ball
From the four paid franchises of Ireland.

Ireland, Ireland, we've neither guts nor balls.
Shoulder to shoulder, we'll stumble, trip and fall.
We'll stumble trip and fall.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on October 19, 2019, 11:50:06 AM
Need to recover quickly or this will be almighty trimming.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: armaghniac on October 19, 2019, 11:57:59 AM
Jebus. I'm expecting the Armagh senior final tomorrow to be more competitive than this.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on October 19, 2019, 11:59:33 AM
Irish rugby is the greatest hype machine in the planet. This will be a serious hammering and you dont need to be an expert in rugby to see that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on October 19, 2019, 12:00:02 PM
No pace on that Irish team. One of the few with pace Lamour prevented a try in his cameo as replacement and when he went off Henshaw immediately lost ball that led to a try.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on October 19, 2019, 12:00:51 PM
Ireland defeats at quarter finals are almost a given at this stage but I must say the defeats were a lot more palatable when the players were Irish.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on October 19, 2019, 12:01:33 PM
 Cant catch a ball to save our lives pretty fundamental problem.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 19, 2019, 12:01:50 PM
Mistake after mistake can't hold on to the ball anything we've tried has been easily sniffed out just a horrific performance.

Aligned to that NZ have been phenomenal!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Ambrose on October 19, 2019, 12:09:15 PM
Quote from: screenexile on October 19, 2019, 12:01:50 PM
Mistake after mistake can't hold on to the ball anything we've tried has been easily sniffed out just a horrific performance.

Aligned to that NZ have been phenomenal!!

New Zealand are just too good, Ireland have neither the time nor space to play, it looks like NZ have extra players on the field.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 19, 2019, 12:12:42 PM
Laughably shite.

That shoulder from O'Mahony just absolutely moronic stuff.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on October 19, 2019, 12:14:26 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 19, 2019, 11:59:33 AM
Irish rugby is the greatest hype machine in the planet. This will be a serious hammering and you dont need to be an expert in rugby to see that.

This
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on October 19, 2019, 12:14:40 PM
The only positive is they are saving us another hammering from England.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Cunny Funt on October 19, 2019, 12:14:43 PM
That half couldn't have gone much much. The irish lads like rabbits caught in headlights. Best hope for Ireland is for New Zealand to ease off 2nd half with a tougher semi final to come.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on October 19, 2019, 12:16:00 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 19, 2019, 12:12:42 PM
Laughably shite.

That shoulder from O'Mahony just absolutely moronic stuff.

Silly but goes on all the time. Owens being a tit as usual always has a hard on for NZ
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Farrandeelin on October 19, 2019, 12:17:08 PM
Quote from: weareros on October 19, 2019, 12:14:40 PM
The only positive is they are saving us another hammering from England.

Yes. They'd crucify us.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Cunny Funt on October 19, 2019, 12:20:17 PM
Quote from: screenexile on October 19, 2019, 12:01:50 PM
Mistake after mistake can't hold on to the ball anything we've tried has been easily sniffed out just a horrific performance.

Aligned to that NZ have been phenomenal!!

Not organised against a clinical team. Can't cope with their pace and skillset. This is looking like a record World Cup defeat for Ireland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on October 19, 2019, 12:20:25 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 19, 2019, 12:16:00 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 19, 2019, 12:12:42 PM
Laughably shite.

That shoulder from O'Mahony just absolutely moronic stuff.

Silly but goes on all the time. Owens being a tit as usual always has a hard on for NZ

Yeh ref is such a bollix, we def would've scored a try there  ::)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on October 19, 2019, 12:21:16 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 19, 2019, 12:12:42 PM
Laughably shite.

That shoulder from O'Mahony just absolutely moronic stuff.
Yep. It was absolutely pointless. Dropping the shoulder in wasn't meant to clean the man out.

England would put 40 on that Ireland team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 19, 2019, 12:29:48 PM
Stockdale needs to get off to f**k!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Farrandeelin on October 19, 2019, 12:34:17 PM
Quote from: screenexile on October 19, 2019, 12:29:48 PM
Stockdale needs to get off to f**k!!

He's terrible.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: illdecide on October 19, 2019, 12:36:21 PM
Fu**king brutal stuff, are they that good or are we just pure dung?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 19, 2019, 12:37:41 PM
It's like being hammered by Kilkenny in their pomp. They even have a Kieran and a Richie.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on October 19, 2019, 12:38:28 PM
Relax lads. We're number one in the world.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on October 19, 2019, 12:39:06 PM
They are good but we are paying the price for the negative rugby drilled into us over the years. And unfortunately it will be more of the same with the awful Farrell.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tatler Jack on October 19, 2019, 12:39:17 PM
Quote from: seafoid on October 19, 2019, 12:37:41 PM
It's like being hammered by Kilkenny in their pomp. They even have a Kieran and a Richie.

And a Coady!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on October 19, 2019, 12:39:25 PM
Quote from: illdecide on October 19, 2019, 12:36:21 PM
Fu**king brutal stuff, are they that good or are we just pure dung?
Both, but it's easy to be good when the opposition aren't putting pressure on you. To be fair the match is going according to recent form.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on October 19, 2019, 12:41:36 PM
29 points down - had Schmidt made any changes?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: theticklemister on October 19, 2019, 12:42:09 PM
Do we go into tommy Murphy Cup after this?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on October 19, 2019, 12:42:54 PM
Could be a quiet few years under Farrell and Catt.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on October 19, 2019, 12:47:01 PM
Quote from: Solo_run on October 19, 2019, 12:41:36 PM
29 points down - had Schmidt made any changes?

Would be like rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tatler Jack on October 19, 2019, 12:47:21 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on October 19, 2019, 12:42:54 PM
Could be a quiet few years under Farrell and Catt.

Is that a promise. If only.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on October 19, 2019, 12:47:42 PM
This should hopefully mark the death of IRFU only letting players play for Ireland as long as they play in Ireland. I think it somewhat stunts the growth of the team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: t_mac on October 19, 2019, 12:49:08 PM
Turn over to Brexit, at least that will be close. :)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on October 19, 2019, 12:51:44 PM
Keep it under 50 lads.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on October 19, 2019, 12:54:09 PM
This doesn't look like a match between the two best teams in the world.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on October 19, 2019, 12:54:52 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on October 19, 2019, 12:54:09 PM
This doesn't look like a match between the two best teams in the world.

Ireland shouldn't even be in the top 8
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 19, 2019, 12:55:21 PM
On the previous 4 World Cup games and this yrs 6 nations and Ireland have been bad in all how did anyone think they were going to turn up and turn it on. New Zealand beat Australia 35:nil and beat South Africa comfortable. They were always going to ate us. Only plus from this game is that The All-black will put the over confident Englanders in their place.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 19, 2019, 12:57:00 PM
Solo run, yeah some more home growth players will make Ireland Better indeed lol
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 19, 2019, 01:00:25 PM
First score after 68mins, nearly thought we go the full 80 without a score
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on October 19, 2019, 01:01:04 PM
At least they didn't become the first Irish team not to score in a World cup game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: theticklemister on October 19, 2019, 01:03:56 PM
That try secures us tier 1 football next year
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hardy on October 19, 2019, 01:04:17 PM
Idiotic Irish supporters singing. Loser mentality.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on October 19, 2019, 01:14:37 PM
Even the lad with big  hair from Stranger Things scores a try against us.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on October 19, 2019, 01:15:13 PM
Heaviest World cup defeat for Ireland enough said.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on October 19, 2019, 01:17:29 PM
Thanks Joe and Rory for your success in Irish rugby. However the time for them to go was before this world cup. The writing has been on the wall for sometime and the hard but necessary changes were not made.

Not looking forward to the Farrell era.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 19, 2019, 01:17:46 PM
This team got beat by Japan, putting us up against a team was biting at the bullet to put the Irish upstarts in their place. We got zero game out wide at all and the minute we met a bigger front 5 we were fucked.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tatler Jack on October 19, 2019, 01:17:57 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 19, 2019, 01:00:25 PM
First score after 68mins, nearly thought we go the full 80 without a score

Left the comeback too late? 😜
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on October 19, 2019, 01:18:32 PM
Is that the end of RTE's coverage of the World Cup?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 19, 2019, 01:19:31 PM
Rory Best long term replacement should been in place 4yrs ago, what excately is Ireland game plan out wide.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on October 19, 2019, 01:23:09 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 19, 2019, 01:19:31 PM
Rory Best long term replacement should been in place 4yrs ago, what excately is Ireland game plan out wide.

Not just Rory.

Kearney shouldn't be anywhere near the team these days.

Stockdale had one good season and done nothing since.

Back up options for Fky-half are very poor. Carberry doesnt know what a penalty try means and Carty I just do not rate.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on October 19, 2019, 01:23:54 PM
This competition with or without an in form Ireland has to have been one of the most boring tournaments ever!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Farrandeelin on October 19, 2019, 01:25:43 PM
Quote from: Hardy on October 19, 2019, 01:04:17 PM
Idiotic Irish supporters singing. Loser mentality.

Yep.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: shawshank on October 19, 2019, 01:27:39 PM
The difference between championship and friendlies emphasised once again. Its just some ruby supporters don't understand that. 🤷‍♂️
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 19, 2019, 01:29:13 PM
Think Japan brought a bit quality to this world Cup but I expect a much heavier South African team to overun
them tomorrow.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on October 19, 2019, 01:29:32 PM
Quote from: shawshank on October 19, 2019, 01:27:39 PM
The difference between championship and friendlies emphasised once again. Its just some ruby supporters don't understand that. 🤷‍♂️

100%
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Aaron Boone on October 19, 2019, 01:29:43 PM
Cracking win for England earlier too.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 19, 2019, 01:32:32 PM
The All-Blacks don't even like to lose friendlies as you call them, problem is this Team peaked 18-24 months ago  especially beating England away and between poor form, manager leaving and old age profile we been in free fall since.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 19, 2019, 01:35:11 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on October 19, 2019, 01:23:54 PM
This competition with or without an in form Ireland has to have been one of the most boring tournaments ever!
The football this year was worse
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 19, 2019, 01:38:46 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 19, 2019, 01:32:32 PM
The All-Blacks don't even like to lose friendlies as you call them, problem is this Team peaked 18-24 months ago  especially beating England away and between poor form, manager leaving and old age profile we been in free fall since.
Tactics moved on since 2018 and Ireland didn't adjust. Japan and NZ were easily able to bypass Ireland, as were England and Wales in the 6N.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on October 19, 2019, 01:44:29 PM
Problem was the Japan game - easier and more suitable V South Africa.

But took eye off ball v Japan - too cocky.  Got found out. 

Smidt announcing he was going didn't help either.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 19, 2019, 01:45:14 PM
A quarter final against South Africa would have gone no differently. We'd have been utterly demolished.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on October 19, 2019, 02:04:14 PM
Quote from: seafoid on October 19, 2019, 01:35:11 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on October 19, 2019, 01:23:54 PM
This competition with or without an in form Ireland has to have been one of the most boring tournaments ever!
The football this year was worse

;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on October 19, 2019, 02:11:05 PM
Why is the "peaked too early" crap rolled out after every world cup failure?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Farrandeelin on October 19, 2019, 02:12:27 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on October 19, 2019, 02:11:05 PM
Why is the "peaked too early" crap rolled out after every world cup failure?

They didn't peak at all this year.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: grounded on October 19, 2019, 02:14:55 PM
A really humbling defeat there. I did think we were better than that result but there you go. Hard to take any positives from the day. At times it seemed we were actually playing a different game altogether than New Zealand, with their quick off loads and delivery vs our constant slow grinding approach.
               Sad end for Best who along with Joe Schmidt has given us far more good days than bad.
           
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thejuice on October 19, 2019, 02:47:43 PM
Quote from: Farrandeelin on October 19, 2019, 02:12:27 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on October 19, 2019, 02:11:05 PM
Why is the "peaked too early" crap rolled out after every world cup failure?

They didn't peak at all this year.

They peaked last year. It's been on a downward curve ever since.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thejuice on October 19, 2019, 02:55:34 PM
They left the only Meathman in the squad at home. Sure what chance had we after that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: BennyCake on October 19, 2019, 03:00:52 PM
Thank f**k for that!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 19, 2019, 03:06:55 PM
Quote from: thejuice on October 19, 2019, 02:47:43 PM
Quote from: Farrandeelin on October 19, 2019, 02:12:27 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on October 19, 2019, 02:11:05 PM
Why is the "peaked too early" crap rolled out after every world cup failure?

They didn't peak at all this year.

They peaked last year. It's been on a downward curve ever since.

Normal teams peak and decline. Man Utd, Barcelona, Limerick hurlers. Dublin footballers obviously don't

Matt Williams calls Ireland's 2018 style "low risk high attrition"
You can see it in the phases leading up to the drop goal against France in that year's 6N.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRFw54vUEPY

Rugby evolved in the meantime
And Stockdale didn't score one try at this World Cup
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on October 19, 2019, 03:22:38 PM
The worst thing about the All-Blacks is they don't even let you amble up the field at the speed of a snail   for a line out, and if you launch a Garryown that is supposed to cause pandemonium not only can they do a mighty catch that a Gaelic footballer could only dream of, but they launch an all our attack from it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on October 19, 2019, 03:43:54 PM
On to supporting whoever are playing England.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gawa316 on October 19, 2019, 04:09:11 PM
A lot of delight in here after I'm assuming your country got beat in a World Cup quarter final...strange
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 19, 2019, 05:03:10 PM
https://mobile.twitter.com/RTErugby/status/1185536461379997696
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 19, 2019, 05:24:59 PM
No delight, just a reality check that we were never going to beat the All-Blacks, we hoped to be on the other side of the draw and hope someone would knock them out.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sportacus on October 19, 2019, 07:32:14 PM
This team rose to great heights but have been in decline for over a year.  Today was a low ebb in terms of errors and lack of belief.  Arguably the weakest team to reach the quarters it turned out.  It will take some shine off the Schmidt era, but we got a bit ahead of ourselves to be honest.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Olly on October 19, 2019, 07:38:24 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on October 18, 2019, 06:43:11 PM
I'd be half confident of a win.

:o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 20, 2019, 08:19:18 AM
Wales-France definitely have the two best anthems with both team and fans singing it. Which, as the collective Irish rugby media let us know yesterday, is what really matters.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Angelo on October 20, 2019, 08:24:52 AM
That was very enjoyable yesterday to see the nation's darlings flop once again and in humiliating circumstances.

I think this really sums up your average Irish rugby follower, getting hammered in the last minutes on the biggest stage of the game, in a tournament had so much expectation of and everyone is smiling and waving frantically about it.

https://twitter.com/towncat2/status/1185532938416467968

Deep down, nobody really cares, you didn't see any sad, dejected faces in the crowd yesterday - it's merely a social outing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 20, 2019, 09:31:10 AM
France gonna France!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on October 20, 2019, 10:10:51 AM
Wales got Lucky!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on October 20, 2019, 10:21:32 AM
Quote from: From the Bunker on October 20, 2019, 10:10:51 AM
Wales got Lucky!

France let down by act of thuggery
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 20, 2019, 10:54:43 AM
France's inability to capitalise when they were on top in the first half with the extra man is what ultimately cost them. They actually played brilliantly after going down and really frustrated Wales.

The red card was particularly moronic for someone who's 6'7. Kind of difficult to hide it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on October 20, 2019, 11:35:07 AM
The camera angles have been very good this World Cup.  I saw some of the tries on the analysis there and it's super.

Camera above the pitch is very good.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Orior on October 20, 2019, 11:54:29 AM
I thought forward passes in Rugby were not allowed? Japan seem to do that a lot.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on October 20, 2019, 12:00:49 PM
Quote from: Orior on October 20, 2019, 11:54:29 AM
I thought forward passes in Rugby were not allowed? Japan seem to do that a lot.

Noticed that myself, I think in one play there was 3 forward passes
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on October 20, 2019, 12:04:14 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 20, 2019, 12:00:49 PM
Quote from: Orior on October 20, 2019, 11:54:29 AM
I thought forward passes in Rugby were not allowed? Japan seem to do that a lot.

Noticed that myself, I think in one play there was 3 forward passes

Thought that myself. There has been a multitude of forward passing in this competition.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on October 20, 2019, 12:46:53 PM
Looking ahead to the next 4 year cycle Ireland and their new coaches will need to develop Carberry into a world class #10 which I am sure he has the ability to be with sexton hitting 38 in 2023 he probably won't be much more than a bit part player if even. We also need a new #9 whether thats gonna be McGrath who is definatley able to lead the new team or someone coming from the u20 squads of previous years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on October 20, 2019, 01:20:10 PM
Quote from: Nanderson on October 20, 2019, 12:46:53 PM
Looking ahead to the next 4 year cycle Ireland and their new coaches will need to develop Carberry into a world class #10 which I am sure he has the ability to be with sexton hitting 38 in 2023 he probably won't be much more than a bit part player if even. We also need a new #9 whether thats gonna be McGrath who is definatley able to lead the new team or someone coming from the u20 squads of previous years.

Carberry not good enough, there has to be a better player to go with.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on October 20, 2019, 01:26:12 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 20, 2019, 01:20:10 PM
Quote from: Nanderson on October 20, 2019, 12:46:53 PM
Looking ahead to the next 4 year cycle Ireland and their new coaches will need to develop Carberry into a world class #10 which I am sure he has the ability to be with sexton hitting 38 in 2023 he probably won't be much more than a bit part player if even. We also need a new #9 whether thats gonna be McGrath who is definatley able to lead the new team or someone coming from the u20 squads of previous years.

Carberry not good enough, there has to be a better player to go with.

Definitely not Carty.

There's a few positions Ireland need to improve upon.

I think there should be a change to the law about players being allowed to play for Ireland only if they play here.

I think we need that experience of playing in different leagues across the world. If Leinster are producing a conveyor belt of talent in one area and only have 1 first team player and 2 replacements anything being that needs to be allowed to develop in another league.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: David McKeown on October 20, 2019, 01:33:15 PM
Quote from: Solo_run on October 20, 2019, 01:26:12 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 20, 2019, 01:20:10 PM
Quote from: Nanderson on October 20, 2019, 12:46:53 PM
Looking ahead to the next 4 year cycle Ireland and their new coaches will need to develop Carberry into a world class #10 which I am sure he has the ability to be with sexton hitting 38 in 2023 he probably won't be much more than a bit part player if even. We also need a new #9 whether thats gonna be McGrath who is definatley able to lead the new team or someone coming from the u20 squads of previous years.

Carberry not good enough, there has to be a better player to go with.

Definitely not Carty.

There's a few positions Ireland need to improve upon.

I think there should be a change to the law about players being allowed to play for Ireland only if they play here.

I think we need that experience of playing in different leagues across the world. If Leinster are producing a conveyor belt of talent in one area and only have 1 first team player and 2 replacements anything being that needs to be allowed to develop in another league.

I was arguing about this yesterday. Is the pay discrepancies between here and France as much as they were a few years back when this rule was introduced?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on October 20, 2019, 02:19:05 PM
Quote from: David McKeown on October 20, 2019, 01:33:15 PM
Quote from: Solo_run on October 20, 2019, 01:26:12 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 20, 2019, 01:20:10 PM
Quote from: Nanderson on October 20, 2019, 12:46:53 PM
Looking ahead to the next 4 year cycle Ireland and their new coaches will need to develop Carberry into a world class #10 which I am sure he has the ability to be with sexton hitting 38 in 2023 he probably won't be much more than a bit part player if even. We also need a new #9 whether thats gonna be McGrath who is definatley able to lead the new team or someone coming from the u20 squads of previous years.

Carberry not good enough, there has to be a better player to go with.

Definitely not Carty.

There's a few positions Ireland need to improve upon.

I think there should be a change to the law about players being allowed to play for Ireland only if they play here.

I think we need that experience of playing in different leagues across the world. If Leinster are producing a conveyor belt of talent in one area and only have 1 first team player and 2 replacements anything being that needs to be allowed to develop in another league.

I was arguing about this yesterday. Is the pay discrepancies between here and France as much as they were a few years back when this rule was introduced?

I think the past discrepancies are huge and the way club rugby is run in France has destroyed the international teams. I think Toulon are owned by a billionaire.

Ireland should show players to go but they should also only allow a set amount of players to leave from each province - but not hinder their chances to play for Ireland
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on October 20, 2019, 02:46:09 PM
Quote from: Solo_run on October 20, 2019, 02:19:05 PM
Quote from: David McKeown on October 20, 2019, 01:33:15 PM
Quote from: Solo_run on October 20, 2019, 01:26:12 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 20, 2019, 01:20:10 PM
Quote from: Nanderson on October 20, 2019, 12:46:53 PM
Looking ahead to the next 4 year cycle Ireland and their new coaches will need to develop Carberry into a world class #10 which I am sure he has the ability to be with sexton hitting 38 in 2023 he probably won't be much more than a bit part player if even. We also need a new #9 whether thats gonna be McGrath who is definatley able to lead the new team or someone coming from the u20 squads of previous years.


Carberry not good enough, there has to be a better player to go with.

Definitely not Carty.

There's a few positions Ireland need to improve upon.

I think there should be a change to the law about players being allowed to play for Ireland only if they play here.

I think we need that experience of playing in different leagues across the world. If Leinster are producing a conveyor belt of talent in one area and only have 1 first team player and 2 replacements anything being that needs to be allowed to develop in another league.

I was arguing about this yesterday. Is the pay discrepancies between here and France as much as they were a few years back when this rule was introduced?

I think the past discrepancies are huge and the way club rugby is run in France has destroyed the international teams. I think Toulon are owned by a billionaire.

Ireland should show players to go but they should also only allow a set amount of players to leave from each province - but not hinder their chances to play for Ireland
Absolutely agree with allowing players to go and experience different leagues and nationalities. Look at O'Gara, he jumped at the chance of experiencing something new as a coach and it should be something that Ireland should be encouraging. On ROG it would be good to see him involved with the Irish setup in years to come. Hes won a top 14 league and a super rugby championship as a coach and is now head coach in the top 14.   
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sportacus on October 20, 2019, 03:40:13 PM
Hopefully a new number 9 will be more interested in quick ball than those stupid box kicks
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Scoring Zone on October 20, 2019, 07:00:15 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 20, 2019, 01:20:10 PM
Quote from: Nanderson on October 20, 2019, 12:46:53 PM
Looking ahead to the next 4 year cycle Ireland and their new coaches will need to develop Carberry into a world class #10 which I am sure he has the ability to be with sexton hitting 38 in 2023 he probably won't be much more than a bit part player if even. We also need a new #9 whether thats gonna be McGrath who is definatley able to lead the new team or someone coming from the u20 squads of previous years.

Carberry not good enough, there has to be a better player to go with.

If there is a serious push on this WC Quarter Final thing, and the WC is the be all and end all then Healy, O'Mahony, Sexton, Kearney and Earls have to be culled and serious questions over Stander, Murray, Klyne, Murphy and blood brand new players with an effective game plan - this will probably lead to some very hard to watch years but it is either continue with what has been done before and peak mid-WC Cycle or get to a semi final - I don't think this will happen but I do think that the squad is in decline after 4-5 brilliant years (excluding 2015 WC) and a few players that you only get every 3 or 4 generations, BO'D, P'OC, J Sexton, Conor Murray etc. The barrel is dry and it will be tough watching for a while but it was good while it lasted
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 20, 2019, 08:21:47 PM
I think it's a process.
Things they did well :
-playing and beating Southern Hemisphere beforehand (unimaginable 10-15 years ago )
- squad management in the pool stage

What didn't work
- Team didn't peak for the tournament
- Lack of flexibility against Japan

I think they'll learn a lot from this and you never know, they might get a handy quarterfinal next time
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on October 20, 2019, 08:32:52 PM
Quote from: seafoid on October 20, 2019, 08:21:47 PM
I think it's a process.
Things they did well :
-playing and beating Southern Hemisphere beforehand (unimaginable 10-15 years ago )
- squad management in the pool stage

What didn't work
- Team didn't peak for the tournament
- Lack of flexibility against Japan

I think they'll learn a lot from this and you never know, they might get a handy quarterfinal next time

They had handy QF draws in 2011 and 2015 and choked. Its seems to be mental thing too. Wales who over the last 20  yrs havent been much better have a far superior record in world cups AND 6 nations
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 20, 2019, 08:57:37 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 20, 2019, 08:32:52 PM
Quote from: seafoid on October 20, 2019, 08:21:47 PM
I think it's a process.
Things they did well :
-playing and beating Southern Hemisphere beforehand (unimaginable 10-15 years ago )
- squad management in the pool stage

What didn't work
- Team didn't peak for the tournament
- Lack of flexibility against Japan

I think they'll learn a lot from this and you never know, they might get a handy quarterfinal next time

They had handy QF draws in 2011 and 2015 and choked. Its seems to be mental thing too. Wales who over the last 20  yrs havent been much better have a far superior record in world cups AND 6 nations
Wales are in a different league. They have qualified for 3 semi finals vs our 0. They have more Grand Slams in recent history. They are like say Meath whereas we would be Kildare.
Getting Ireland to where it is now took  lot of work but more work needs to be done to get it past the quarter final stage. That also means throwing the ball around a bit.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on October 20, 2019, 09:11:32 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 20, 2019, 01:20:10 PM
Quote from: Nanderson on October 20, 2019, 12:46:53 PM
Looking ahead to the next 4 year cycle Ireland and their new coaches will need to develop Carberry into a world class #10 which I am sure he has the ability to be with sexton hitting 38 in 2023 he probably won't be much more than a bit part player if even. We also need a new #9 whether thats gonna be McGrath who is definatley able to lead the new team or someone coming from the u20 squads of previous years.

Carberry not good enough, there has to be a better player to go with.
I'm sure NZ weren't too sure about Barrett as a world class 10 as he was always in and out of the team in his first few years depending on other players forms and carter still bossing it. Its amazing what a run of games could do for a player. Remember that sexton had a rough enough start to his Ireland career as the people still thought that O'Gara was the man but look how Johnny changed the team for the better once he got a continued run of games
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on October 20, 2019, 10:10:24 PM
Quote from: Nanderson on October 20, 2019, 09:11:32 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 20, 2019, 01:20:10 PM
Quote from: Nanderson on October 20, 2019, 12:46:53 PM
Looking ahead to the next 4 year cycle Ireland and their new coaches will need to develop Carberry into a world class #10 which I am sure he has the ability to be with sexton hitting 38 in 2023 he probably won't be much more than a bit part player if even. We also need a new #9 whether thats gonna be McGrath who is definatley able to lead the new team or someone coming from the u20 squads of previous years.

Carberry not good enough, there has to be a better player to go with.
I'm sure NZ weren't too sure about Barrett as a world class 10 as he was always in and out of the team in his first few years depending on other players forms and carter still bossing it. Its amazing what a run of games could do for a player. Remember that sexton had a rough enough start to his Ireland career as the people still thought that O'Gara was the man but look how Johnny changed the team for the better once he got a continued run of games

I would hope over the next 4 years the provinces develop 3/4 fly half's that are capable.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: whitegoodman on October 20, 2019, 10:29:59 PM
There is one over in London that would suffice
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: fearsiuil on October 20, 2019, 11:03:25 PM
We'll always have Chicargo.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on October 20, 2019, 11:40:02 PM
Quote from: whitegoodman on October 20, 2019, 10:29:59 PM
There is one over in London that would suffice

Yep and a moment of professionalism would have secured his place, but getting involved in situations has cost him dearly
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 21, 2019, 12:13:18 AM
Kimmage getting his claws stuck into Heaslip... will be interesting how that ends up!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 21, 2019, 07:51:01 AM
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-world-cup/2019/10/20/ireland-rugby-world-cup-post-mortem-does-andy-farrell-go/

Ireland Rugby World Cup post-mortem: where does Andy Farrell go from here?

Tom Cary, in tokyo
20 OCTOBER 2019 • 12:41PM


"There was no fairytale ending for Joe Schmidt following Ireland's loss to New Zealand on Saturday, it was as close to sporting horror as you can get.

For all the Six Nations titles, the series win in Australia, those two historic victories over the All Blacks, Schmidt's teams did no better than any other Ireland team when it came to the World Cup. That is now seven quarter-final defeats out of seven for the men in green. An unwanted 100 per cent record.

Where does Andy Farrell go from here, then, to ensure his Ireland side can progress further than the last eight when the tournament arrives once again in 2023? Tom Cary offers four solutions.

1. Out with the deadwood

Farrell has some big calls to make player-wise with some of his biggest names nearing the end of the road. So much was made of Schmidt's decision to stick with his tried-and-trusted players for the New Zealand game. The ones who had served him so well in breaking the All Blacks hoodoo and winning all those Six Nations titles. But it was painful to watch them on Saturday; toothless, one-dimensional, powerless to do anything when the All Blacks started at 100mph.

Rory Best has retired so that decision at least has been made for Farrell. And to be honest, the only reason the 37 year-old was still playing was because there were no real alternatives. Niall Scannell and Sean Cronin have had their chances but neither has made a compelling case. Maybe this is a chance to promote an exciting young talent such as Leinster's 21 year-old hooker Ronan Kelleher?

As for the rest of the old guard - Rob Kearney, Conor Murray, Johnny Sexton, Peter O'Mahony, Cian Healy, Keith Earls - will Farrell swing the axe in a bid to make a fresh start? It would be a huge statement. The biggest decision, of course, surrounds Sexton. The 34 year-old, who still has two years left on his central contract, said on the eve of the All Blacks game that he felt he still had a few more years left in him. "After the World Cup you guys [the media] will probably turn on us, start calling for our heads and saying we're too old. Saying the next batch have to come through. I can see it already. But, I've no doubt we've got a few years left."

There is no doubt he remains Ireland's best fly-half. But will he start in 2023? No. So is it time to build a new team around someone else? Big decision.


2. Evolve Ireland's game

The difference between New Zealand and Ireland in November 2018 and New Zealand and Ireland in October 2019 was startling. After losing in Dublin, Steve Hansen was bold enough to rip it up and start again. When Damian McKenzie got injured, he moved Barrett, the best fly-half in the world, to 15 and put Richie Mo'unga at 10. New Zealand became more rather than less adventurous.

Ireland, by contrast, stuck rigidly to their gameplan. Of course, no one expects them to play like New Zealand. They have neither the players nor the skills to do so. But they could show a little more ambition. New Zealand offloaded 14 times and made 18 clean line breaks on Saturday night. Ireland offloaded three times and made two clean breaks. Schmidt's conservatism was a problem. Once they were behind they had no way of chasing the game. As Earls said: "It's hard enough playing against them with our A game, never mind our D game."

Farrell has never been a head coach so it remains to be seen what his philosophy will be. He is bringing in former England star Mike Catt and Leinster scrum coach John Fogarty to assist him - neither appointment appears to have inspired much confidence in fans - while Simon Easterby is contracted until next summer. Will the new coaching ticket look to move Ireland's game on or will they stick with Schmidt's gameplan?


3. Pick on form not experience

"A World Cup is a lot about form," said Ireland's scrum coach Simon Easterby before the pool game against Samoa. "Very quickly it starts and very quickly it can be over. We have to look at it and balance selection experience but also form at the time."

In light of this truth bomb, you couldn't help but feel a bit sorry for Andrew Conway, Jordan Larmour and Rhys Ruddock on Saturday. Conway, who scored three pool stage tries, was probably Ireland's form winger at the World Cup. Yet he did not even make the 23 on Saturday as Schmidt stayed true to his 'bankers' Keith Earls and Jacob Stockdale, neither of whom had scored a try all tournament. The gamble backfired.

Ruddock, likewise, lost out to Peter O'Mahony, who at 30 years of age, looks knackered. As for Larmour, one of Ireland's truly exciting young talents, he just never seemed to be trusted by Schmidt. Similarly Craig Gilroy and Simon Zebo. Too risky. Compare and contrast with New Zealand - who dropped Owen Franks, Ben Smith and Rieko Ioane (213 caps between them) after the defeat by Australia in August, bringing in Nepo Laulala, Sevu Reece and George Bridge. It was utterly ruthless. And it paid off spectacularly.


4. Change the culture

Farrell could do worse than try to cultivate a more positive, open environment. Schmidt was the greatest coach Ireland have ever had. No question. But boy was he intense. His obsession with the minutiae, his desire to control every aspect of the operation, was full on.

When things were going well, players and coaches bought into it. When the weren't, there is no doubt his overbearing style wore down his players, as well as making relations with the Fourth Estate that bit more tense, which had a knock-on effect on the squad. There are already signs Farrell is keen to start afresh on this front, making a good impression on the occasions he was put up for the media in Japan.

But he did not appear in the wake of the defeat, nor did he speak the following day. It might have been wise to get out ahead of the story after such a catastrophic game. To all intents and purposes he is now the boss. It is his reputation which is now on the line."

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Jim_Murphy_74 on October 21, 2019, 10:15:57 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 20, 2019, 01:20:10 PM
Quote from: Nanderson on October 20, 2019, 12:46:53 PM
Looking ahead to the next 4 year cycle Ireland and their new coaches will need to develop Carberry into a world class #10 which I am sure he has the ability to be with sexton hitting 38 in 2023 he probably won't be much more than a bit part player if even. We also need a new #9 whether thats gonna be McGrath who is definatley able to lead the new team or someone coming from the u20 squads of previous years.

Carberry not good enough, there has to be a better player to go with.


He seems the best bet at the moment.  For scrumhalf I would nearly put Cooney and Marmion ahead of Murray, let alone McGrath.  Of course neither even saw the plane to Japan.

I hear a lot of criticism of Best and his age.  Really though, did Scannell or Cronin put any kind of pressure on him?

Still think Henderson and Ryan have plenty to offer.

I would say that Beirne, Conway, Ruddock and Larmer all showed enough in pool stages to be starters yesterday.  Probably wouldn't have made a difference. 

Other than Connacht, I haven't seen our provinces play hugely imaginative rugby.  In fact Leinster have gone from having a bit of flair to quite a forward-driven game.   A bit like Ireland they came unstuck when they met a team that met them on that.   Munster or Ulster haven't exactly set the world alight.

Also I wonder would people tolerate a poor Six Nations campaign again after last year?  Hard to take that on the grounds of winning a match 4 years away? 

We could rock up the next World Cup playing expansive rugby to get bet up by a bunch of grunts playing a narrow, forwards driven game............

To be honest we might not ever again see a run like the first 5 years of Joe's reign.

/Jim.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on October 21, 2019, 11:13:20 AM
Quote from: seafoid on October 20, 2019, 08:21:47 PM
I think it's a process.
Things they did well :
-playing and beating Southern Hemisphere beforehand (unimaginable 10-15 years ago )
- squad management in the pool stage

What didn't work
- Team didn't peak for the tournament
- Lack of flexibility against Japan

I think they'll learn a lot from this and you never know, they might get a handy quarterfinal next time

Farrell will need time to fill the key roles in the team with lads who'll still be at their peak in 4 years time and that may mean a few poor 6N campaigns in the interim.

Sexton, Murray, Kearney and the likes are passed their best and should only play peripheral roles in the next few squads, if at all to allow younger blood to bed in for 2023.

Carbery has been poor but I wouldn't be discarding him just yet.

Is it too late to get some of these lads to try and offload in the tackle as Ireland are predictable as fúck with their pick and go through 10 to 20 phases.
That'll work against the Scots or Italians but not the top teams.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on October 21, 2019, 11:45:26 AM
Quote from: Jim_Murphy_74 on October 21, 2019, 10:15:57 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 20, 2019, 01:20:10 PM
Quote from: Nanderson on October 20, 2019, 12:46:53 PM
Looking ahead to the next 4 year cycle Ireland and their new coaches will need to develop Carberry into a world class #10 which I am sure he has the ability to be with sexton hitting 38 in 2023 he probably won't be much more than a bit part player if even. We also need a new #9 whether thats gonna be McGrath who is definatley able to lead the new team or someone coming from the u20 squads of previous years.

Carberry not good enough, there has to be a better player to go with.


He seems the best bet at the moment.  For scrumhalf I would nearly put Cooney and Marmion ahead of Murray, let alone McGrath.  Of course neither even saw the plane to Japan.

I hear a lot of criticism of Best and his age.  Really though, did Scannell or Cronin put any kind of pressure on him?

Still think Henderson and Ryan have plenty to offer.

I would say that Beirne, Conway, Ruddock and Larmer all showed enough in pool stages to be starters yesterday.  Probably wouldn't have made a difference. 

Other than Connacht, I haven't seen our provinces play hugely imaginative rugby.  In fact Leinster have gone from having a bit of flair to quite a forward-driven game.   A bit like Ireland they came unstuck when they met a team that met them on that.   Munster or Ulster haven't exactly set the world alight.

Also I wonder would people tolerate a poor Six Nations campaign again after last year?  Hard to take that on the grounds of winning a match 4 years away? 

We could rock up the next World Cup playing expansive rugby to get bet up by a bunch of grunts playing a narrow, forwards driven game............

To be honest we might not ever again see a run like the first 5 years of Joe's reign.

/Jim.

Leinster's style is evolving, expect more off-loading and expanse this season. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 21, 2019, 11:54:03 AM
We need to start over again as we have done for the previous 7 world cups. Yes Schmidt brought the team great success but twice failed in the ultimate test and there were many many reasons for it. but chiefly for me were the fact the game plan didn't evolve or there wasn't another game plan and also too much loyalty to "experienced" players.

As Hansen said Ireland's experience was of not winning. It started at the beginning of the year in the 6N and the malaise continued to the England drubbing and the Japan defeat. While 2018 was great it was a year too early and Schmidt kept picking the same lads all year when they weren't delivering.

I'd be happy enough to sacrifice the next 3 6 Nations and just gearing everything towards 2023. We'll see I suppose.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Jim_Murphy_74 on October 21, 2019, 12:09:26 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 21, 2019, 11:45:26 AM
Leinster's style is evolving, expect more off-loading and expanse this season.

Hopefully, would be good to see it across the provinces.  Especially if we have a desire to adapt that for the national game.

I remember reading an article on how the New Zealand manager works with NZ based Super Rugby franchises to have a consistency of approach to tactics and style.

/Jim.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 21, 2019, 01:51:45 PM
Quote from: Jim_Murphy_74 on October 21, 2019, 12:09:26 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 21, 2019, 11:45:26 AM
Leinster's style is evolving, expect more off-loading and expanse this season.

Hopefully, would be good to see it across the provinces.  Especially if we have a desire to adapt that for the national game.

I remember reading an article on how the New Zealand manager works with NZ based Super Rugby franchises to have a consistency of approach to tactics and style.

/Jim.

Ireland supposedly have that approach as well!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 21, 2019, 02:29:22 PM
It's a total system failure. The question is whether or not they learn anything from it. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on October 21, 2019, 08:03:04 PM
Was at both Tokyo semis and the size and speed of kiwis and especially sa is unbelievable, Ireland can't seem to peak for World Cups like the other teams do , I don't think the next few years will be good  we are way behind wales on current form .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on October 21, 2019, 08:33:57 PM
Quote from: screenexile on October 21, 2019, 12:13:18 AM
Kimmage getting his claws stuck into Heaslip... will be interesting how that ends up!!!
The story being no one knows what the story is. Heaslip has questions to answer but at the same time it's annoying to see the Twitter gobshites revel in it with assumptions of guilt (again?). Kimmage's second go at Heaslip?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Subbie on October 22, 2019, 02:59:29 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on October 21, 2019, 08:33:57 PM
Quote from: screenexile on October 21, 2019, 12:13:18 AM
Kimmage getting his claws stuck into Heaslip... will be interesting how that ends up!!!
The story being no one knows what the story is. Heaslip has questions to answer but at the same time it's annoying to see the Twitter gobshites revel in it with assumptions of guilt (again?). Kimmage's second go at Heaslip?
So you think Heaslip has zero questions to answer ?
Nothing to see here, move along ???
Big call Benny , Kimmage is holding back here to see what he can flush out first I think
There is more to this than what we are seeing now I think

It'll be interesting to see how it pans out
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tonto1888 on October 22, 2019, 06:38:31 AM
Quote from: The Subbie on October 22, 2019, 02:59:29 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on October 21, 2019, 08:33:57 PM
Quote from: screenexile on October 21, 2019, 12:13:18 AM
Kimmage getting his claws stuck into Heaslip... will be interesting how that ends up!!!
The story being no one knows what the story is. Heaslip has questions to answer but at the same time it's annoying to see the Twitter gobshites revel in it with assumptions of guilt (again?). Kimmage's second go at Heaslip?
So you think Heaslip has zero questions to answer ?
Nothing to see here, move along ???
Big call Benny , Kimmage is holding back here to see what he can flush out first I think
There is more to this than what we are seeing now I think

It'll be interesting to see how it pans out

If it's true and the Irish sports council didn't send him the letter, what did heaslip hope you gain by telling that story? Did he genuinely make a mistake or is he attempting to cover something up
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: highorlow on October 22, 2019, 08:47:22 AM
Good lord

https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/rugby-world-cup-2019/i-would-be-dreading-coming-back-to-ireland-jeanmarie-stander-slams-disrespectful-media-38615025.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on October 22, 2019, 09:24:27 AM
Quote from: The Subbie on October 22, 2019, 02:59:29 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on October 21, 2019, 08:33:57 PM
Quote from: screenexile on October 21, 2019, 12:13:18 AM
Kimmage getting his claws stuck into Heaslip... will be interesting how that ends up!!!
The story being no one knows what the story is. Heaslip has questions to answer but at the same time it's annoying to see the Twitter gobshites revel in it with assumptions of guilt (again?). Kimmage's second go at Heaslip?
So you think Heaslip has zero questions to answer ?
Nothing to see here, move along ???
Big call Benny , Kimmage is holding back here to see what he can flush out first I think
There is more to this than what we are seeing now I think

It'll be interesting to see how it pans out
I quite literally wrote that Heaslip has questions to answer in my reply ???
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 22, 2019, 05:00:48 PM
https://www.irishrugby.ie/irfu/strategic-plan/

Headline targets page 16

World cup semifinal or better 2019 and 2023
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: IolarCoisCuain on October 22, 2019, 07:09:59 PM
Quote from: highorlow on October 22, 2019, 08:47:22 AM
Good lord

https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/rugby-world-cup-2019/i-would-be-dreading-coming-back-to-ireland-jeanmarie-stander-slams-disrespectful-media-38615025.html

Now, that's all a lot of nonsense. I don't know what she's thinking about coming out with ... my God, she's beautiful.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on October 22, 2019, 09:46:40 PM
Quote from: The Subbie on October 22, 2019, 02:59:29 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on October 21, 2019, 08:33:57 PM
Quote from: screenexile on October 21, 2019, 12:13:18 AM
Kimmage getting his claws stuck into Heaslip... will be interesting how that ends up!!!
The story being no one knows what the story is. Heaslip has questions to answer but at the same time it's annoying to see the Twitter gobshites revel in it with assumptions of guilt (again?). Kimmage's second go at Heaslip?
So you think Heaslip has zero questions to answer ?
Nothing to see here, move along ???
Big call Benny , Kimmage is holding back here to see what he can flush out first I think
There is more to this than what we are seeing now I think

It'll be interesting to see how it pans out

My reading too. Kimmage knows the story and is trying to draw Heaslip out into a trap. If he says nothing and ignores it, he is guilty as.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Subbie on October 23, 2019, 01:47:44 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on October 22, 2019, 09:24:27 AM
Quote from: The Subbie on October 22, 2019, 02:59:29 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on October 21, 2019, 08:33:57 PM
Quote from: screenexile on October 21, 2019, 12:13:18 AM
Kimmage getting his claws stuck into Heaslip... will be interesting how that ends up!!!
The story being no one knows what the story is. Heaslip has questions to answer but at the same time it's annoying to see the Twitter gobshites revel in it with assumptions of guilt (again?). Kimmage's second go at Heaslip?
So you think Heaslip has zero questions to answer ?
Nothing to see here, move along ???
Big call Benny , Kimmage is holding back here to see what he can flush out first I think
There is more to this than what we are seeing now I think

It'll be interesting to see how it pans out
I quite literally wrote that Heaslip has questions to answer in my reply ???

Yes seen that but I took it from your comment re the twitter warriors that you are not fully convinced re any wrongdoing on Heaslips behalf
That could be me taking things up the wrong way , if that's the case then fair enough
Like I said my viewpoint is that there is more to this , much much more

If Heaslip could come out and say to Kimmage "publish and be damned " then that would make clear to everyone that its Kimmage needs tinfoil hat & he's seeing drug use and conspiracy everywhere.

The only thing is the bould Jamie hasn't said a thing and unless he refutes the suggestion of an allegation - which is all it is at the minute - then he's looking dodgier and dodgier the longer his silence continues
An unambiguous statement from Heaslip and the Sports council will put out the fire completely.

Matt Coopers ignoring of Kimmages reasonable request  doesn't exactly look the greatest either, with a book to sell I would have thought both Heaslip and Cooper would be happy to stay in the public eye and increase the books profile, the noticeable retreat is revealing .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on October 23, 2019, 07:40:37 AM
The twitter warriors that I'm referring to are the same balloons who think Froome broke his leg / faked it on purpose to avoid a UCI ban - same shite all the time, they totally put me off the whole doping area. Digger, swift girl (sometimes), our Ewan can tinfoil hat with the best of them at times too.

I'd say Kimmage has more up his sleeve myself. Hopefully Heaslip will provide answers, I doubt too many will be satisfied with what he says regardless.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Subbie on October 23, 2019, 09:27:18 AM
Right , get ya now Benny
I follow digger on Twitter and he does see conspiracy around every corner.

Heaslip , more so than any other current or recently retired Irish rugby player seems to typify the privately schooled "jock" that few warm too
There will be plenty lining up hoping to see him taken down a peg or two.

Must look up this Swift Girl to see how she compares to digger forum and Kimmage for anti doping evangelicism
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on October 23, 2019, 10:04:12 AM
Not to stick the head in the sand and defend Heaslip, but his failed test was as a result of re clarification on the ratio of Testosterone in humans threshold.

He (naturally) apparently was 5:1....the new classification was 4:1....it's close enough to kind of explain, it's not out of the question that he was a freak. Although it does raise questions on microdosing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 23, 2019, 08:14:53 PM
There was an interesting article about cash strapped Southern Hemisphere rugby teams.

https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2019/1022/1084939-all-blacks-coach-calls-for-global-season/


There is more TV money in the Northern Hemisphere. The IRFU had income of EUR 87 m last year
New Zealand Rugby had EUR 109 m and it's their country's top sport.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on October 24, 2019, 09:26:58 AM
Looking back at this debate, Andy Dunne was on the money in what he was saying on the occasions when Quinlan let him speak.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyU76KyIcWE

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 24, 2019, 10:21:33 AM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on October 24, 2019, 09:26:58 AM
Looking back at this debate, Andy Dunne was on the money in what he was saying on the occasions when Quinlan let him speak.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyU76KyIcWE

God he pretty much nails it!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on October 24, 2019, 12:34:37 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on October 23, 2019, 10:04:12 AM
Not to stick the head in the sand and defend Heaslip, but his failed test was as a result of re clarification on the ratio of Testosterone in humans threshold.

He (naturally) apparently was 5:1....the new classification was 4:1....it's close enough to kind of explain, it's not out of the question that he was a freak. Although it does raise questions on microdosing.

Fine. So why spin it? Why pretend one agency tested him over another?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on October 24, 2019, 12:48:08 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on October 24, 2019, 12:34:37 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on October 23, 2019, 10:04:12 AM
Not to stick the head in the sand and defend Heaslip, but his failed test was as a result of re clarification on the ratio of Testosterone in humans threshold.

He (naturally) apparently was 5:1....the new classification was 4:1....it's close enough to kind of explain, it's not out of the question that he was a freak. Although it does raise questions on microdosing.

Fine. So why spin it? Why pretend one agency tested him over another?

I can't answer that, but for such a fine a margin - I would be inclined to believe that the story is as it is. As to why he said it was one agency over another? Perhaps he's an idiot....I really find that one strange myself.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on October 24, 2019, 02:09:35 PM
I am quite cynical when it come to drugs but knowing Heaslip's Dad, a man who testified against Slobodan Milosevic during war crimes trial in the Hague, I would be very very surprised. What I will say though, Jamie completed his degree in Biomedical Engineering as a full-time student before becoming a professional rugby player. That's a lot S&C to make up on........
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on October 25, 2019, 01:20:46 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 24, 2019, 02:09:35 PM
I am quite cynical when it come to drugs but knowing Heaslip's Dad, a man who testified against Slobodan Milosevic during war crimes trial in the Hague, I would be very very surprised. What I will say though, Jamie completed his degree in Biomedical Engineering as a full-time student before becoming a professional rugby player. That's a lot S&C to make up on........
heaslip was very rarely injured or never really until his last game .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Boycey on October 26, 2019, 11:33:13 AM
New Zealand put to the sword by England in convincing fashion.... England better in every department of the game..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 26, 2019, 11:35:35 AM
Quote from: Boycey on October 26, 2019, 11:33:13 AM
New Zealand put to the sword by England in convincing fashion.... England better in every department of the game..

We clearly softened them up last week...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on October 26, 2019, 11:38:45 AM
Quote from: Boycey on October 26, 2019, 11:33:13 AM
New Zealand put to the sword by England in convincing fashion.... England better in every department of the game..

Nz were dung confirms how shit we were last week. England very impressive should win it now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on October 26, 2019, 12:32:37 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 26, 2019, 11:38:45 AM
Quote from: Boycey on October 26, 2019, 11:33:13 AM
New Zealand put to the sword by England in convincing fashion.... England better in every department of the game..

Nz were dung confirms how shit we were last week. England very impressive should win it now.

Looked a class above New Zealand
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on October 26, 2019, 12:38:25 PM
That Irish heavy defeat looks worse now. Fair play to England they are very much the team to beat in the final.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Mayo4Sam on October 26, 2019, 12:48:33 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 24, 2019, 02:09:35 PM
I am quite cynical when it come to drugs but knowing Heaslip's Dad, a man who testified against Slobodan Milosevic during war crimes trial in the Hague, I would be very very surprised. What I will say though, Jamie completed his degree in Biomedical Engineering as a full-time student before becoming a professional rugby player. That's a lot S&C to make up on........

Don't think you can read anything into that in fairness Dinny

We both had a share in a start up, thought he was as big a pr!ck as you could meet. Equally doesn't make him any more or less likely to have take PEDs
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Mayo4Sam on October 26, 2019, 12:49:11 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on October 26, 2019, 12:38:25 PM
That Irish heavy defeat looks worse now. Fair play to England they are very much the team to beat in the final.

You could see Gatland engineering a win against them
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on October 26, 2019, 01:36:29 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on October 26, 2019, 12:49:11 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on October 26, 2019, 12:38:25 PM
That Irish heavy defeat looks worse now. Fair play to England they are very much the team to beat in the final.

You could see Gatland engineering a win against them

Possibly, will England play as well again? Was thst their final? Alway hard, in whatever sport, is to replicate a fantastic semi-final performance.

On the game, England were excellent from the first whistle.  Dominant in every facet of the game and in fairness, never looked like losing. 

Could, and should, have been a lot worse for New Zealand.  Remember this England team hammered Ireland pre-Japan.

Be interesting to see how England go in the Six Nations in the New Year.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on October 26, 2019, 02:45:46 PM
Quote from: marty34 on October 26, 2019, 01:36:29 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on October 26, 2019, 12:49:11 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on October 26, 2019, 12:38:25 PM
That Irish heavy defeat looks worse now. Fair play to England they are very much the team to beat in the final.

You could see Gatland engineering a win against them

Possibly, will England play as well again? Was thst their final? Alway hard, in whatever sport, is to replicate a fantastic semi-final performance.

On the game, England were excellent from the first whistle.  Dominant in every facet of the game and in fairness, never looked like losing. 

Could, and should, have been a lot worse for New Zealand.  Remember this England team hammered Ireland pre-Japan.

Be interesting to see how England go in the Six Nations in the New Year.

Could England be roided up? That is the big question for me. A very convincing peerformance today against rugbys naturally outstanding team. It is only a year and a half since Ireland beat England at Twickenham 24-15. Now England are on a differnent level to Ireland.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on October 26, 2019, 05:40:39 PM
Maybe they aimed to peak for the WC like a serious team with a top coach? Jones made no bones about what his ultimate goal was when England were getting tanked near the start of his reign.

Looking forward to tomorrow, I'd say England would prefer to play South Africa in the final tbh, Wales would have zero fear and could take them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Angelo on October 26, 2019, 05:49:26 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on October 26, 2019, 02:45:46 PM
Quote from: marty34 on October 26, 2019, 01:36:29 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on October 26, 2019, 12:49:11 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on October 26, 2019, 12:38:25 PM
That Irish heavy defeat looks worse now. Fair play to England they are very much the team to beat in the final.

You could see Gatland engineering a win against them

Possibly, will England play as well again? Was thst their final? Alway hard, in whatever sport, is to replicate a fantastic semi-final performance.

On the game, England were excellent from the first whistle.  Dominant in every facet of the game and in fairness, never looked like losing. 

Could, and should, have been a lot worse for New Zealand.  Remember this England team hammered Ireland pre-Japan.

Be interesting to see how England go in the Six Nations in the New Year.

Could England be roided up? That is the big question for me. A very convincing peerformance today against rugbys naturally outstanding team. It is only a year and a half since Ireland beat England at Twickenham 24-15. Now England are on a differnent level to Ireland.

It's rugby - they're all roided up.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 26, 2019, 05:55:04 PM
South Africa in the final would be a bigger threat than Wales, NZ went with a young team and the like of Cane, Ben Smith, and Loane not starting, looking a strange decision but England and their blow in dominated the match. Christ that bollacks Farrell hard to like.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on October 26, 2019, 06:02:20 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 26, 2019, 05:55:04 PM
South Africa in the final would be a bigger threat than Wales, NZ went with a young team and the like of Cane, Ben Smith, and Loane not starting, looking a strange decision but England and their blow in dominated the match. Christ that bollacks Farrell hard to like.

Farrell from a strong Irish family background. Maybe the IRFU could have done a Charlton and we would all think he is great
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on October 26, 2019, 08:23:08 PM
Ireland dusted England in 2007 too but who ended up in final , we have no wc pedigree and the longer the famine continues the harder it gets mentally.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on October 26, 2019, 09:11:43 PM
This has been coming for ages. Jones, unlike Schmidt, wasn't afraid to cast off, what he saw as dead wood and replace them with exciting, raw ball carriers who are explosive on and off the ball. Tuilagi, Curry, Underhill, Sinckler etc. are enough to give any team nightmares. Accompanied by Vunipola, Jamie George, Itoje, May, Farrell etc. it can't come as a surprise that they are in the mix. Also no surprise that the spine of the team is made up of Saracens players.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on October 26, 2019, 09:22:39 PM
Fair point Tony. Both had hookers who were captains. Schmidt kept his captain beyond his sell by date the other is sat at home. Granted England had Jamie George to step up but the point still stands.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lenny on October 26, 2019, 09:38:00 PM
Quote from: Gmac on October 26, 2019, 08:23:08 PM
Ireland dusted England in 2007 too but who ended up in final , we have no wc pedigree and the longer the famine continues the harder it gets mentally.

Ireland didn't lose because ee have no world cup pedigree, we lost because we were nowhere near the right level throughout the whole tournament. Nacewa's comments about scmidt being too cautious as a coach were probably accurate. We've been going backwards as a team for a while and a rebuilding process needs to start now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on October 26, 2019, 10:14:11 PM
Quote from: lenny on October 26, 2019, 09:38:00 PM
Quote from: Gmac on October 26, 2019, 08:23:08 PM
Ireland dusted England in 2007 too but who ended up in final , we have no wc pedigree and the longer the famine continues the harder it gets mentally.

Ireland didn't lose because ee have no world cup pedigree, we lost because we were nowhere near the right level throughout the whole tournament. Nacewa's comments about scmidt being too cautious as a coach were probably accurate. We've been going backwards as a team for a while and a rebuilding process needs to start now.
bullshit they can't be coaches fault every time
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on October 26, 2019, 10:54:44 PM
It's all about planning what you want to win
A year and a half ago on paddys day we thought we were great
A grand slam beating England in Twickenham- lethal
England didn't give a f**k about losing that or 1 later to Wales 12 months later
They had one thing in mind
Now their 80 mins away
Where are we ? 😪😪
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on October 26, 2019, 11:04:43 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on October 24, 2019, 12:48:08 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on October 24, 2019, 12:34:37 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on October 23, 2019, 10:04:12 AM
Not to stick the head in the sand and defend Heaslip, but his failed test was as a result of re clarification on the ratio of Testosterone in humans threshold.

He (naturally) apparently was 5:1....the new classification was 4:1....it's close enough to kind of explain, it's not out of the question that he was a freak. Although it does raise questions on microdosing.

Fine. So why spin it? Why pretend one agency tested him over another?

I can't answer that, but for such a fine a margin - I would be inclined to believe that the story is as it is. As to why he said it was one agency over another? Perhaps he's an idiot....I really find that one strange myself.
Heaslip has nothing to answer for and certainly not to people who value conjecture over 'substance'.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 27, 2019, 12:38:57 AM
Quote from: Main Street on October 26, 2019, 11:04:43 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on October 24, 2019, 12:48:08 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on October 24, 2019, 12:34:37 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on October 23, 2019, 10:04:12 AM
Not to stick the head in the sand and defend Heaslip, but his failed test was as a result of re clarification on the ratio of Testosterone in humans threshold.

He (naturally) apparently was 5:1....the new classification was 4:1....it's close enough to kind of explain, it's not out of the question that he was a freak. Although it does raise questions on microdosing.

Fine. So why spin it? Why pretend one agency tested him over another?

I can't answer that, but for such a fine a margin - I would be inclined to believe that the story is as it is. As to why he said it was one agency over another? Perhaps he's an idiot....I really find that one strange myself.
Heaslip has nothing to answer for and certainly not to people who value conjecture over 'substance'.

Any veil of uncertainty in any sport should be answered otherwise what's the point??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on October 27, 2019, 01:02:27 AM
(https://scontent-dub4-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/73029518_2546279902157080_9102037131978604544_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&_nc_oc=AQmpicjj4Ksv1g-kIFMo9jlQzKeliuB7m314cSEfPfyCyhPABr4CP6kX6cGIzxiZV7M&_nc_ht=scontent-dub4-1.xx&oh=ea13dae6de414bd20214be0ecd9ba63a&oe=5E521E5E)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on October 27, 2019, 02:20:00 AM
The front page of the New Zealand Herald on Sunday

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EH2A1stXUAE0PUg?format=jpg&name=900x900)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lenny on October 27, 2019, 07:59:06 AM
Quote from: Gmac on October 26, 2019, 10:14:11 PM
Quote from: lenny on October 26, 2019, 09:38:00 PM
Quote from: Gmac on October 26, 2019, 08:23:08 PM
Ireland dusted England in 2007 too but who ended up in final , we have no wc pedigree and the longer the famine continues the harder it gets mentally.

Ireland didn't lose because ee have no world cup pedigree, we lost because we were nowhere near the right level throughout the whole tournament. Nacewa's comments about scmidt being too cautious as a coach were probably accurate. We've been going backwards as a team for a while and a rebuilding process needs to start now.
bullshit they can't be coaches fault every time

i wasn't implying it was the coaches fault. It was a collective fault, the players have been poor enough for a while and the coaches haven't covered themselves in glory either.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on October 27, 2019, 10:15:22 AM
For a semi final this has been absolutely terrible. And that's being kind.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on October 27, 2019, 10:28:59 AM
Quote from: square_ball on October 27, 2019, 10:15:22 AM
For a semi final this has been absolutely terrible. And that's being kind.
England will be rubbing their hands. Terrible mistakes from S.A.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Farrandeelin on October 27, 2019, 10:31:32 AM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on October 27, 2019, 02:20:00 AM
The front page of the New Zealand Herald on Sunday

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EH2A1stXUAE0PUg?format=jpg&name=900x900)

That's the winning mentality of the All Blacks.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 27, 2019, 10:54:38 AM
Am happy enough to S Africa are in the final, they have the pack to match England, England be big favourites especially if South Africa kick possession of the all the time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on October 27, 2019, 11:19:18 AM
Quote from: screenexile on October 27, 2019, 12:38:57 AM
Quote from: Main Street on October 26, 2019, 11:04:43 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on October 24, 2019, 12:48:08 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on October 24, 2019, 12:34:37 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on October 23, 2019, 10:04:12 AM
Not to stick the head in the sand and defend Heaslip, but his failed test was as a result of re clarification on the ratio of Testosterone in humans threshold.

He (naturally) apparently was 5:1....the new classification was 4:1....it's close enough to kind of explain, it's not out of the question that he was a freak. Although it does raise questions on microdosing.

Fine. So why spin it? Why pretend one agency tested him over another?

I can't answer that, but for such a fine a margin - I would be inclined to believe that the story is as it is. As to why he said it was one agency over another? Perhaps he's an idiot....I really find that one strange myself.
Heaslip has nothing to answer for and certainly not to people who value conjecture over 'substance'.

Any veil of uncertainty in any sport should be answered otherwise what's the point??
That's nonsense when the the  slightest of veils of uncertainty are  based on conjecture and cynicism. Heaslip has nothing  remotely relating to value to answer for.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on October 27, 2019, 12:40:59 PM
Quote from: Farrandeelin on October 27, 2019, 10:31:32 AM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on October 27, 2019, 02:20:00 AM
The front page of the New Zealand Herald on Sunday


That's the winning mentality of the All Blacks.

Ah, they are a real Rugby nation. Truth be told countries like Ireland toy with the idea.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 27, 2019, 04:22:28 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on October 27, 2019, 12:40:59 PM
Quote from: Farrandeelin on October 27, 2019, 10:31:32 AM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on October 27, 2019, 02:20:00 AM
The front page of the New Zealand Herald on Sunday


That's the winning mentality of the All Blacks.

Ah, they are a real Rugby nation. Truth be told countries like Ireland toy with the idea.

That is one of the  consequences of having the  GAA as the number 1 sports org.

The best athletes play the GAA sports. Rugby gets a few but not enough.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on October 27, 2019, 04:41:57 PM
Do the best athletes play GAA sports?

They are split between aussie rules, soccer, GAA and rugby. There's nothing to say the better ones play GAA. It's not like th GAA ones who went to soccer are bad.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 27, 2019, 04:56:03 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on October 27, 2019, 04:41:57 PM
Do the best athletes play GAA sports?

They are split between aussie rules, soccer, GAA and rugby. There's nothing to say the better ones play GAA. It's not like th GAA ones who went to soccer are bad.
It's not. I would say that GAA has the biggest pool. Doesn't mean anything beyond that
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on October 27, 2019, 05:03:54 PM
That doesn't mean the best athletes play/choose GAA over other sports.

Some of those rugby boys I'd love to have seen play GAA at the top level. O'Driscoll / Kearney in particular.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on October 27, 2019, 05:43:25 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on October 27, 2019, 05:03:54 PM
That doesn't mean the best athletes play/choose GAA over other sports.

Some of those rugby boys I'd love to have seen play GAA at the top level. O'Driscoll / Kearney in particular.

Kearney definitely
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on October 27, 2019, 06:27:55 PM
What makes you think they'd have anywhere near the ball skill to play GAA. Like I've said before, skillset for rugby has a much lower bar than soccer, Football or Hurling.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on October 27, 2019, 06:35:35 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 27, 2019, 06:27:55 PM
What makes you think they'd have anywhere near the ball skill to play GAA. Like I've said before, skillset for rugby has a much lower bar than soccer, Football or Hurling.

I'd argue a scum half, fly half and inside centre is just as talented. Not really comparable, like saying a GAA player wouldn't make it in rugby when truth is, they are pretty much tailor made for Backs.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on October 27, 2019, 06:59:02 PM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on October 27, 2019, 05:43:25 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on October 27, 2019, 05:03:54 PM
That doesn't mean the best athletes play/choose GAA over other sports.

Some of those rugby boys I'd love to have seen play GAA at the top level. O'Driscoll / Kearney in particular.

Kearney definitely

Kearney played for Louth Minors I'm nearly sure.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on October 27, 2019, 07:24:33 PM
https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/paul-kimmage-i-have-more-questions-for-jamie-heaslip-but-will-he-answer-them-38634240.html

I suspect Kimmage has nothing up his sleeve after reading this tbh, trying to flush Heaslip & Cooper out to give him answers.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on October 27, 2019, 07:27:03 PM
Quote from: Main Street on October 27, 2019, 11:19:18 AM
Quote from: screenexile on October 27, 2019, 12:38:57 AM
Quote from: Main Street on October 26, 2019, 11:04:43 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on October 24, 2019, 12:48:08 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on October 24, 2019, 12:34:37 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on October 23, 2019, 10:04:12 AM
Not to stick the head in the sand and defend Heaslip, but his failed test was as a result of re clarification on the ratio of Testosterone in humans threshold.

He (naturally) apparently was 5:1....the new classification was 4:1....it's close enough to kind of explain, it's not out of the question that he was a freak. Although it does raise questions on microdosing.

Fine. So why spin it? Why pretend one agency tested him over another?

I can't answer that, but for such a fine a margin - I would be inclined to believe that the story is as it is. As to why he said it was one agency over another? Perhaps he's an idiot....I really find that one strange myself.
Heaslip has nothing to answer for and certainly not to people who value conjecture over 'substance'.

Any veil of uncertainty in any sport should be answered otherwise what's the point??
That's nonsense when the the  slightest of veils of uncertainty are  based on conjecture and cynicism. Heaslip has nothing  remotely relating to value to answer for.

He has to answer why he got his test fail story wrong.

Kimmage is calling him out on denying there is any doping in rugby today.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on October 27, 2019, 07:50:48 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on October 27, 2019, 06:35:35 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 27, 2019, 06:27:55 PM
What makes you think they'd have anywhere near the ball skill to play GAA. Like I've said before, skillset for rugby has a much lower bar than soccer, Football or Hurling.

I'd argue a scum half, fly half and inside centre is just as talented. Not really comparable, like saying a GAA player wouldn't make it in rugby when truth is, they are pretty much tailor made for Backs.

Well we will have to agree to differ. I have seen people who have played GAA adapt pretty well to different positions in rugby but I have never seen a rugby player be able to adapt to playing GAA or soccer without looking hopelessly clumsy. That's just my experience.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on October 27, 2019, 08:04:03 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 27, 2019, 07:50:48 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on October 27, 2019, 06:35:35 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 27, 2019, 06:27:55 PM
What makes you think they'd have anywhere near the ball skill to play GAA. Like I've said before, skillset for rugby has a much lower bar than soccer, Football or Hurling.

I'd argue a scum half, fly half and inside centre is just as talented. Not really comparable, like saying a GAA player wouldn't make it in rugby when truth is, they are pretty much tailor made for Backs.

Well we will have to agree to differ. I have seen people who have played GAA adapt pretty well to different positions in rugby but I have never seen a rugby player be able to adapt to playing GAA or soccer without looking hopelessly clumsy. That's just my experience.

Aye Cavan a real yardstick for talent!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 27, 2019, 08:14:03 PM

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/irish-rugby-must-look-to-gaa-s-top-talent-for-a-brighter-future-1.4056933?mode=amp
The "freaks" can be found inside this island's most fiercely protected strongholds, Kilkenny hurling and Kerry football, who periodically gift rugby delicious crumbs like Willie Duggan or Mick Galwey. Cork possesses thousands of gifted athletes who never get anywhere near an oval ball. The Ó hAilpín brothers from Fiji were just as athletic as Sevu Reece. Seán Óg still works in the bank. Setanta settled in Sydney.

What's never been so obvious is if the Ireland team's bulk supplier continues to be two fee-paying schools separated by the Rock road in south county Dublin, then the Fields of Athenry being sung with gusto during the haka will remain the high water mark for Irish rugby at World Cups, because the balance of power will never change.

"Our preparation was brilliant, I thought," said Josh van der Flier.

There has never been enough Jamens Ryans and Paul O'Connells together in the same team. That's always been the problem. Maybe that is about to change. The coming generation of professionals might produce a good enough spread of athletes.New Zealand replace greatness with greatness. Devin Toner filled the O'Connell gap until Ryan was ready. If you want to find a line of Jack Goodhues or Barrett brothers then scout the Laois juvenile football scene. Roscommon has plenty more Jack Cartys.

Otherwise, forget about living with any generation of All Blacks.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on October 27, 2019, 08:24:37 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on October 27, 2019, 08:04:03 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 27, 2019, 07:50:48 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on October 27, 2019, 06:35:35 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 27, 2019, 06:27:55 PM
What makes you think they'd have anywhere near the ball skill to play GAA. Like I've said before, skillset for rugby has a much lower bar than soccer, Football or Hurling.

I'd argue a scum half, fly half and inside centre is just as talented. Not really comparable, like saying a GAA player wouldn't make it in rugby when truth is, they are pretty much tailor made for Backs.

Well we will have to agree to differ. I have seen people who have played GAA adapt pretty well to different positions in rugby but I have never seen a rugby player be able to adapt to playing GAA or soccer without looking hopelessly clumsy. That's just my experience.

Aye Cavan a real yardstick for talent!

And Derry is?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on October 27, 2019, 09:46:16 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 27, 2019, 08:24:37 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on October 27, 2019, 08:04:03 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 27, 2019, 07:50:48 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on October 27, 2019, 06:35:35 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 27, 2019, 06:27:55 PM
What makes you think they'd have anywhere near the ball skill to play GAA. Like I've said before, skillset for rugby has a much lower bar than soccer, Football or Hurling.

I'd argue a scum half, fly half and inside centre is just as talented. Not really comparable, like saying a GAA player wouldn't make it in rugby when truth is, they are pretty much tailor made for Backs.

Well we will have to agree to differ. I have seen people who have played GAA adapt pretty well to different positions in rugby but I have never seen a rugby player be able to adapt to playing GAA or soccer without looking hopelessly clumsy. That's just my experience.

Aye Cavan a real yardstick for talent!

And Derry is?

You know it  8)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: under the bar on October 27, 2019, 10:28:52 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 27, 2019, 08:24:37 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on October 27, 2019, 08:04:03 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 27, 2019, 07:50:48 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on October 27, 2019, 06:35:35 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 27, 2019, 06:27:55 PM
What makes you think they'd have anywhere near the ball skill to play GAA. Like I've said before, skillset for rugby has a much lower bar than soccer, Football or Hurling.

I'd argue a scum half, fly half and inside centre is just as talented. Not really comparable, like saying a GAA player wouldn't make it in rugby when truth is, they are pretty much tailor made for Backs.

Well we will have to agree to differ. I have seen people who have played GAA adapt pretty well to different positions in rugby but I have never seen a rugby player be able to adapt to playing GAA or soccer without looking hopelessly clumsy. That's just my experience.

Aye Cavan a real yardstick for talent!

And Derry is?

Tyrone's bitch... ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 27, 2019, 11:01:14 PM
Not very Christian language now utb go away and say 3 Rosaries for your penance!!

#prayformickey
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on October 28, 2019, 09:49:17 AM
Quote from: From the Bunker on October 27, 2019, 12:40:59 PM
Quote from: Farrandeelin on October 27, 2019, 10:31:32 AM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on October 27, 2019, 02:20:00 AM
The front page of the New Zealand Herald on Sunday


That's the winning mentality of the All Blacks.

Ah, they are a real Rugby nation. Truth be told countries like Ireland toy with the idea.

There is no tolerance of glorious defeats in NZ and they're highly critical of anything other than excellence.
That's the harsh environment for a NZ manager and player. They all know it and embrace it for what it is.

Maybe that's why they are so consistently good.

England all the same were magnificent at all facets of the game and whilst much will be made of Ford and the backs the MOTM for me was the lad Curry in the back row. He was phenomenal throughout, must have won three or four turn overs himself alone.

SA were monstrous in the tackle yesterday and the Welsh crash ball tactic (much like Irelands) was just getting hammered back time and time again meaning there was little for Biggar to work with and he was poor enough himself but the doggedness of the Welsh kept them in the game till the end.

SA just about deserved the win.

As much as that wee shít Matt Dawson was ranting on five live on Saturday morning about how great England were and just give them the cup now type attitude it really is hard to look past them but can they hit those highs again and wee Eddie was right about getting the recovery right, that'll be as much mental as physical this coming week.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Subbie on October 28, 2019, 09:51:04 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on October 27, 2019, 07:24:33 PM
https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/paul-kimmage-i-have-more-questions-for-jamie-heaslip-but-will-he-answer-them-38634240.html

I suspect Kimmage has nothing up his sleeve after reading this tbh, trying to flush Heaslip & Cooper out to give him answers.

Do you not think it is strange that Heaslip sits on some type of world anti doping board yet cannot get his own story right about a doping issue and does nothing to clarify matters ?
I do and I'd say a lot of others would too.

If it's a simple mix up or elevated testosterone then speak up and back it up otherwise the doubts will remain and grow legs
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Farrandeelin on October 28, 2019, 10:20:56 AM
Fair enough so FtB et al. However Ireland is either a top level rugby country or we're not. The media think we are, but are we really?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on October 28, 2019, 10:47:41 AM
In terms of World Cup performances obviously not. Never past the quarter finals. Good Provincial teams and perform well in 6 nations. Beat Nz in Chicago and once in Dublin but not when it mattered and outclassed in WC

There only is a handful of Rugby playing Countries,so being a top team isn't a huge accolade. Ireland has 4 Provincial teams and everything isn't geared towards improving the National team. If Ireland weren't competitive with those resources there would be something wrong


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on October 28, 2019, 10:56:30 AM
Quote from: rodney trotter on October 28, 2019, 10:47:41 AM
In terms of World Cup performances obviously not. Never past the quarter finals. Good Provincial teams and perform well in 6 nations. Beat Nz in Chicago and once in Dublin but not when it mattered and outclassed in WC

There only is a handful of Rugby playing Countries,so being a top team isn't a huge accolade. Ireland has 4 Provincial teams and everything isn't geared towards improving the National team. If Ireland weren't competitive with those resources there would be something wrong

is you mean?

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on October 28, 2019, 11:01:17 AM
How many South Africans or Kiwis have played for Ireland.? Those players were brought to the province knowing they would be eligible for Ireland in 3 years.
Joey Carberry moved to Munster on advice of the National team, better chance of playing
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on October 28, 2019, 11:04:28 AM
Quote from: rodney trotter on October 28, 2019, 11:01:17 AM

Yes meant is
How many South Africans or Kiwis have played for Ireland.? Those players were brought to the province knowing they would be eligible for Ireland in 3 years.
Joey Carberry moved to Munster on advice of the National team, better chance of playing
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on October 28, 2019, 11:07:02 AM
The drop in form in less than 12 mths was incredible and only surpassed by an even faster and greater drop in form in 2007
We still dont know wtf happened then and Im not entirely sure wtf has happened this time either!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on October 28, 2019, 12:12:02 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 28, 2019, 11:07:02 AM
The drop in form in less than 12 mths was incredible and only surpassed by an even faster and greater drop in form in 2007
We still dont know wtf happened then and Im not entirely sure wtf has happened this time either!

It was coming.

Too many lads have had too many dinners and their best days were behind them.

Joe wasn't ruthless enough early enough or he really didn't fancy those coming through the ranks.

How Farrell goes about the 6N's will be interesting.

Does he keep some of the old guard to bed in new blood or go for broke with lads who'll be in their prime come 2023?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 28, 2019, 12:37:34 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 28, 2019, 11:07:02 AM
The drop in form in less than 12 mths was incredible and only surpassed by an even faster and greater drop in form in 2007
We still dont know wtf happened then and Im not entirely sure wtf has happened this time either!
Tipp 2018
Waterford 2018
Galway 2019
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on October 28, 2019, 01:01:45 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on October 28, 2019, 12:12:02 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 28, 2019, 11:07:02 AM
The drop in form in less than 12 mths was incredible and only surpassed by an even faster and greater drop in form in 2007
We still dont know wtf happened then and Im not entirely sure wtf has happened this time either!

It was coming.

Too many lads have had too many dinners and their best days were behind them.

Joe wasn't ruthless enough early enough or he really didn't fancy those coming through the ranks.

How Farrell goes about the 6N's will be interesting.

Does he keep some of the old guard to bed in new blood or go for broke with lads who'll be in their prime come 2023?

Time to try something different, time to be ruthless. I think we all knew Best was fairly finished coming into the tournament....sentiment and probably if we are honest, lack of competition brought him there. Easy to say now, but look at England with Dylan Hartley/Jamie George.

I don't want to stick the knife into the Irish team because nobody expected the NZ loss to be as absolutely destructive but the questions have to be asked, would Tom Curry have made the Irish starting 15 coming from nowhere less than a year before the WC? I really don't think he would have and you have to ask if Schmidt was too loyal to some (Earls is another one who's been on easy street unchallenged for a good few years without justifying it).

Ireland are a damn good rugby nation but they've absolutely had shocker in past 12 months. Perhaps they fell into the trap of becoming too one dimensional?

One year ago I would have been confident Ireland could win the World Cup, I mean you can never be sure but they were at their absolute peak. Farrell was there, he knows what went right and what went wrong. Personally I'm of the belief a six nations is a six nations, they are yearly - our cycle must be a World Cup one.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on October 28, 2019, 01:42:12 PM
A bad 6 nations with the same faces could lead to Farrell losing his job. A poor 6 nations with a 'new' team/style will buy him some team possibly?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on October 28, 2019, 01:59:02 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on October 28, 2019, 01:01:45 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on October 28, 2019, 12:12:02 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 28, 2019, 11:07:02 AM
The drop in form in less than 12 mths was incredible and only surpassed by an even faster and greater drop in form in 2007
We still dont know wtf happened then and Im not entirely sure wtf has happened this time either!

It was coming.

Too many lads have had too many dinners and their best days were behind them.

Joe wasn't ruthless enough early enough or he really didn't fancy those coming through the ranks.

How Farrell goes about the 6N's will be interesting.

Does he keep some of the old guard to bed in new blood or go for broke with lads who'll be in their prime come 2023?

Time to try something different, time to be ruthless. I think we all knew Best was fairly finished coming into the tournament....sentiment and probably if we are honest, lack of competition brought him there. Easy to say now, but look at England with Dylan Hartley/Jamie George.

I don't want to stick the knife into the Irish team because nobody expected the NZ loss to be as absolutely destructive but the questions have to be asked, would Tom Curry have made the Irish starting 15 coming from nowhere less than a year before the WC? I really don't think he would have and you have to ask if Schmidt was too loyal to some (Earls is another one who's been on easy street unchallenged for a good few years without justifying it).

Ireland are a damn good rugby nation but they've absolutely had shocker in past 12 months. Perhaps they fell into the trap of becoming too one dimensional?

One year ago I would have been confident Ireland could win the World Cup, I mean you can never be sure but they were at their absolute peak. Farrell was there, he knows what went right and what went wrong. Personally I'm of the belief a six nations is a six nations, they are yearly - our cycle must be a World Cup one.

I'm in agreement with you but say Farrell does discard some of the older ones or maybe uses them sparingly and some results aren't great, do you think he'll get time to change the players and even the game Ireland play?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 28, 2019, 02:47:22 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on October 28, 2019, 09:49:17 AM
Quote from: From the Bunker on October 27, 2019, 12:40:59 PM
Quote from: Farrandeelin on October 27, 2019, 10:31:32 AM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on October 27, 2019, 02:20:00 AM
The front page of the New Zealand Herald on Sunday


That's the winning mentality of the All Blacks.

Ah, they are a real Rugby nation. Truth be told countries like Ireland toy with the idea.

There is no tolerance of glorious defeats in NZ and they're highly critical of anything other than excellence.
That's the harsh environment for a NZ manager and player. They all know it and embrace it for what it is.

Maybe that's why they are so consistently good.

England all the same were magnificent at all facets of the game and whilst much will be made of Ford and the backs the MOTM for me was the lad Curry in the back row. He was phenomenal throughout, must have won three or four turn overs himself alone.

SA were monstrous in the tackle yesterday and the Welsh crash ball tactic (much like Irelands) was just getting hammered back time and time again meaning there was little for Biggar to work with and he was poor enough himself but the doggedness of the Welsh kept them in the game till the end.

SA just about deserved the win.

As much as that wee shít Matt Dawson was ranting on five live on Saturday morning about how great England were and just give them the cup now type attitude it really is hard to look past them but can they hit those highs again and wee Eddie was right about getting the recovery right, that'll be as much mental as physical this coming week.
NZ remind me of Kilkenny hurlers.
The pursuit of excellence.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on October 28, 2019, 03:07:51 PM
Quote from: seafoid on October 28, 2019, 02:47:22 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on October 28, 2019, 09:49:17 AM
Quote from: From the Bunker on October 27, 2019, 12:40:59 PM
Quote from: Farrandeelin on October 27, 2019, 10:31:32 AM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on October 27, 2019, 02:20:00 AM
The front page of the New Zealand Herald on Sunday


That's the winning mentality of the All Blacks.

Ah, they are a real Rugby nation. Truth be told countries like Ireland toy with the idea.

There is no tolerance of glorious defeats in NZ and they're highly critical of anything other than excellence.
That's the harsh environment for a NZ manager and player. They all know it and embrace it for what it is.

Maybe that's why they are so consistently good.

England all the same were magnificent at all facets of the game and whilst much will be made of Ford and the backs the MOTM for me was the lad Curry in the back row. He was phenomenal throughout, must have won three or four turn overs himself alone.

SA were monstrous in the tackle yesterday and the Welsh crash ball tactic (much like Irelands) was just getting hammered back time and time again meaning there was little for Biggar to work with and he was poor enough himself but the doggedness of the Welsh kept them in the game till the end.

SA just about deserved the win.

As much as that wee shít Matt Dawson was ranting on five live on Saturday morning about how great England were and just give them the cup now type attitude it really is hard to look past them but can they hit those highs again and wee Eddie was right about getting the recovery right, that'll be as much mental as physical this coming week.
NZ remind me of Kilkenny hurlers.
The pursuit of excellence.

And the key thing is modesty - very grounded lads.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on October 28, 2019, 03:26:59 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 27, 2019, 06:27:55 PM
What makes you think they'd have anywhere near the ball skill to play GAA. Like I've said before, skillset for rugby has a much lower bar than soccer, Football or Hurling.

GAA football has to be the easiest to learn, catch, hand pass, kick towards a 3m target! Helps if you're fit too
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on October 28, 2019, 03:37:12 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 28, 2019, 03:26:59 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 27, 2019, 06:27:55 PM
What makes you think they'd have anywhere near the ball skill to play GAA. Like I've said before, skillset for rugby has a much lower bar than soccer, Football or Hurling.

GAA football has to be the easiest to learn, catch, hand pass, kick towards a 3m target! Helps if you're fit too

I'd say rugby would be hard enough to learn - skills needed. People probably think it's just about strength but some of the offloads in the tackle is super.

I always wonder why gaa players complain about a weeks break in championship matches and then they have to play the following week.

I know rugby guys are pros but the physicality is something shocking.  The body takes a serious pounding in comparsion to gaa or soccer or other sports.  It's pure physical hits but yet they're out again the next week.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on October 28, 2019, 03:38:23 PM
Quote from: marty34 on October 28, 2019, 03:07:51 PM
Quote from: seafoid on October 28, 2019, 02:47:22 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on October 28, 2019, 09:49:17 AM
Quote from: From the Bunker on October 27, 2019, 12:40:59 PM
Quote from: Farrandeelin on October 27, 2019, 10:31:32 AM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on October 27, 2019, 02:20:00 AM
The front page of the New Zealand Herald on Sunday


That's the winning mentality of the All Blacks.

Ah, they are a real Rugby nation. Truth be told countries like Ireland toy with the idea.

There is no tolerance of glorious defeats in NZ and they're highly critical of anything other than excellence.
That's the harsh environment for a NZ manager and player. They all know it and embrace it for what it is.

Maybe that's why they are so consistently good.

England all the same were magnificent at all facets of the game and whilst much will be made of Ford and the backs the MOTM for me was the lad Curry in the back row. He was phenomenal throughout, must have won three or four turn overs himself alone.

SA were monstrous in the tackle yesterday and the Welsh crash ball tactic (much like Irelands) was just getting hammered back time and time again meaning there was little for Biggar to work with and he was poor enough himself but the doggedness of the Welsh kept them in the game till the end.

SA just about deserved the win.

As much as that wee shít Matt Dawson was ranting on five live on Saturday morning about how great England were and just give them the cup now type attitude it really is hard to look past them but can they hit those highs again and wee Eddie was right about getting the recovery right, that'll be as much mental as physical this coming week.
NZ remind me of Kilkenny hurlers.
The pursuit of excellence.

And the key thing is modesty - very grounded lads.

You can be nothing but modest when you know you're only gifted that jersey until someone better comes along and everyone is busting their balls to get that jersey from you.

Everyone is expendable.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on October 28, 2019, 03:54:44 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on October 28, 2019, 03:38:23 PM
Quote from: marty34 on October 28, 2019, 03:07:51 PM
Quote from: seafoid on October 28, 2019, 02:47:22 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on October 28, 2019, 09:49:17 AM
Quote from: From the Bunker on October 27, 2019, 12:40:59 PM
Quote from: Farrandeelin on October 27, 2019, 10:31:32 AM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on October 27, 2019, 02:20:00 AM
The front page of the New Zealand Herald on Sunday


That's the winning mentality of the All Blacks.

Ah, they are a real Rugby nation. Truth be told countries like Ireland toy with the idea.

There is no tolerance of glorious defeats in NZ and they're highly critical of anything other than excellence.
That's the harsh environment for a NZ manager and player. They all know it and embrace it for what it is.

Maybe that's why they are so consistently good.

England all the same were magnificent at all facets of the game and whilst much will be made of Ford and the backs the MOTM for me was the lad Curry in the back row. He was phenomenal throughout, must have won three or four turn overs himself alone.

SA were monstrous in the tackle yesterday and the Welsh crash ball tactic (much like Irelands) was just getting hammered back time and time again meaning there was little for Biggar to work with and he was poor enough himself but the doggedness of the Welsh kept them in the game till the end.

SA just about deserved the win.

As much as that wee shít Matt Dawson was ranting on five live on Saturday morning about how great England were and just give them the cup now type attitude it really is hard to look past them but can they hit those highs again and wee Eddie was right about getting the recovery right, that'll be as much mental as physical this coming week.
NZ remind me of Kilkenny hurlers.
The pursuit of excellence.

And the key thing is modesty - very grounded lads.

You can be nothing but modest when you know you're only gifted that jersey until someone better comes along and everyone is busting their balls to get that jersey from you.

Everyone is expendable.

Not sure - look at Real Madrid for example, a crowd of superstars but full of egos.  No modesty at all!

It's only in certain teams - Kilkenny, Dublin footballers, Barca, and New Zealand etc.  It's about the culture of the team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on October 28, 2019, 03:55:49 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on October 28, 2019, 01:59:02 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on October 28, 2019, 01:01:45 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on October 28, 2019, 12:12:02 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 28, 2019, 11:07:02 AM
The drop in form in less than 12 mths was incredible and only surpassed by an even faster and greater drop in form in 2007
We still dont know wtf happened then and Im not entirely sure wtf has happened this time either!

It was coming.

Too many lads have had too many dinners and their best days were behind them.

Joe wasn't ruthless enough early enough or he really didn't fancy those coming through the ranks.

How Farrell goes about the 6N's will be interesting.

Does he keep some of the old guard to bed in new blood or go for broke with lads who'll be in their prime come 2023?

Time to try something different, time to be ruthless. I think we all knew Best was fairly finished coming into the tournament....sentiment and probably if we are honest, lack of competition brought him there. Easy to say now, but look at England with Dylan Hartley/Jamie George.

I don't want to stick the knife into the Irish team because nobody expected the NZ loss to be as absolutely destructive but the questions have to be asked, would Tom Curry have made the Irish starting 15 coming from nowhere less than a year before the WC? I really don't think he would have and you have to ask if Schmidt was too loyal to some (Earls is another one who's been on easy street unchallenged for a good few years without justifying it).

Ireland are a damn good rugby nation but they've absolutely had shocker in past 12 months. Perhaps they fell into the trap of becoming too one dimensional?

One year ago I would have been confident Ireland could win the World Cup, I mean you can never be sure but they were at their absolute peak. Farrell was there, he knows what went right and what went wrong. Personally I'm of the belief a six nations is a six nations, they are yearly - our cycle must be a World Cup one.

I'm in agreement with you but say Farrell does discard some of the older ones or maybe uses them sparingly and some results aren't great, do you think he'll get time to change the players and even the game Ireland play?

Think we have to be realistic, nobody really likes saying it but England have (so far) cracked it. They were 5th in Six Nations just two years ago. I went to Wikipedia there to look up their team during that tournament, they have changed maybe 5-6 starters in two years (those being the older kinda guys, Brown, Hartley, Haskell, Robshaw etc). But the one thing caught my eye - the Ireland team that actually played that tournament was pretty much the exact same team as our World Cup team - I think just on first glance Van Der Flier was the only difference really in the starting 15.

I probably sound ageist, but time waits for no man in professional sports - except Alun Wyn Jones. He is eternal.

I mean I didn't have a problem with any of the Ireland team a year ago as I said prior but I think the squad went stale....I know we don't have a massive pick but we maybe should have realised that some races were ran and made the hard calls that Eddie Jones and Gatland to an extent (Jamie Roberts was hard for Gatland to drop for example) did.

It's hard to call, I think upon appointment a coach should be given his four years no matter what....I mean obviously a 5th place finish in a six nations like England had, will have people looking Farrell binned but you have to commit to the cycle surely.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 28, 2019, 04:09:25 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on October 28, 2019, 03:55:49 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on October 28, 2019, 01:59:02 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on October 28, 2019, 01:01:45 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on October 28, 2019, 12:12:02 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 28, 2019, 11:07:02 AM
The drop in form in less than 12 mths was incredible and only surpassed by an even faster and greater drop in form in 2007
We still dont know wtf happened then and Im not entirely sure wtf has happened this time either!

It was coming.

Too many lads have had too many dinners and their best days were behind them.

Joe wasn't ruthless enough early enough or he really didn't fancy those coming through the ranks.

How Farrell goes about the 6N's will be interesting.

Does he keep some of the old guard to bed in new blood or go for broke with lads who'll be in their prime come 2023?

Time to try something different, time to be ruthless. I think we all knew Best was fairly finished coming into the tournament....sentiment and probably if we are honest, lack of competition brought him there. Easy to say now, but look at England with Dylan Hartley/Jamie George.

I don't want to stick the knife into the Irish team because nobody expected the NZ loss to be as absolutely destructive but the questions have to be asked, would Tom Curry have made the Irish starting 15 coming from nowhere less than a year before the WC? I really don't think he would have and you have to ask if Schmidt was too loyal to some (Earls is another one who's been on easy street unchallenged for a good few years without justifying it).

Ireland are a damn good rugby nation but they've absolutely had shocker in past 12 months. Perhaps they fell into the trap of becoming too one dimensional?

One year ago I would have been confident Ireland could win the World Cup, I mean you can never be sure but they were at their absolute peak. Farrell was there, he knows what went right and what went wrong. Personally I'm of the belief a six nations is a six nations, they are yearly - our cycle must be a World Cup one.

I'm in agreement with you but say Farrell does discard some of the older ones or maybe uses them sparingly and some results aren't great, do you think he'll get time to change the players and even the game Ireland play?

Think we have to be realistic, nobody really likes saying it but England have (so far) cracked it. They were 5th in Six Nations just two years ago. I went to Wikipedia there to look up their team during that tournament, they have changed maybe 5-6 starters in two years (those being the older kinda guys, Brown, Hartley, Haskell, Robshaw etc). But the one thing caught my eye - the Ireland team that actually played that tournament was pretty much the exact same team as our World Cup team - I think just on first glance Van Der Flier was the only difference really in the starting 15.

I probably sound ageist, but time waits for no man in professional sports - except Alun Wyn Jones. He is eternal.

I mean I didn't have a problem with any of the Ireland team a year ago as I said prior but I think the squad went stale....I know we don't have a massive pick but we maybe should have realised that some races were ran and made the hard calls that Eddie Jones and Gatland to an extent (Jamie Roberts was hard for Gatland to drop for example) did.

It's hard to call, I think upon appointment a coach should be given his four years no matter what....I mean obviously a 5th place finish in a six nations like England had, will have people looking Farrell binned but you have to commit to the cycle surely.
England hammered Ireland in the 6N
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/five-things-we-learned-ireland-outplayed-in-kicking-game-1.3781449
"Ireland lost the vast majority of the collisions, the evidence obvious to the naked eye and starkly illustrated in one of the data measuring tools. During the 80-minutes England made well over 40 dominant tackles to Ireland's eight, a graphic illustration of which team bossed the collisions.
As a rule of thumb on the day, Ireland's ruck ball was slow, which meant that they had to send numbers in to rescue the ball and were therefore at a numerical disadvantage as they sought avenues to attack. England could accelerate off the line in defence and were able to win the contact more often than not against stationary or slow moving Irish ball-carriers."

That set the tone for the year and it never improved.
Some of the players are past it.
Plus Ireland need a new playing style.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on October 28, 2019, 04:52:09 PM
Quote from: marty34 on October 28, 2019, 03:37:12 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 28, 2019, 03:26:59 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 27, 2019, 06:27:55 PM
What makes you think they'd have anywhere near the ball skill to play GAA. Like I've said before, skillset for rugby has a much lower bar than soccer, Football or Hurling.

GAA football has to be the easiest to learn, catch, hand pass, kick towards a 3m target! Helps if you're fit too

I'd say rugby would be hard enough to learn - skills needed. People probably think it's just about strength but some of the offloads in the tackle is super.

I always wonder why gaa players complain about a weeks break in championship matches and then they have to play the following week.

I know rugby guys are pros but the physicality is something shocking.  The body takes a serious pounding in comparsion to gaa or soccer or other sports.  It's pure physical hits but yet they're out again the next week.

All brainless beef, bashing into each other. It is the one sport I'd advise young kids against playing if they want to be good footballers. Add to that the amount of steroids in it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on October 28, 2019, 05:09:00 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 28, 2019, 04:52:09 PM
Quote from: marty34 on October 28, 2019, 03:37:12 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 28, 2019, 03:26:59 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 27, 2019, 06:27:55 PM
What makes you think they'd have anywhere near the ball skill to play GAA. Like I've said before, skillset for rugby has a much lower bar than soccer, Football or Hurling.

GAA football has to be the easiest to learn, catch, hand pass, kick towards a 3m target! Helps if you're fit too

I'd say rugby would be hard enough to learn - skills needed. People probably think it's just about strength but some of the offloads in the tackle is super.

I always wonder why gaa players complain about a weeks break in championship matches and then they have to play the following week.

I know rugby guys are pros but the physicality is something shocking.  The body takes a serious pounding in comparsion to gaa or soccer or other sports.  It's pure physical hits but yet they're out again the next week.

All brainless beef, bashing into each other. It is the one sport I'd advise young kids against playing if they want to be good footballers. Add to that the amount of steroids in it.

Gaelic football is heading like rugby - more time in gym, all sideways passing and ball goes back to opposition and it all starts again.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on October 28, 2019, 05:12:21 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 28, 2019, 04:52:09 PM
Quote from: marty34 on October 28, 2019, 03:37:12 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 28, 2019, 03:26:59 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 27, 2019, 06:27:55 PM
What makes you think they'd have anywhere near the ball skill to play GAA. Like I've said before, skillset for rugby has a much lower bar than soccer, Football or Hurling.

GAA football has to be the easiest to learn, catch, hand pass, kick towards a 3m target! Helps if you're fit too

I'd say rugby would be hard enough to learn - skills needed. People probably think it's just about strength but some of the offloads in the tackle is super.

I always wonder why gaa players complain about a weeks break in championship matches and then they have to play the following week.

I know rugby guys are pros but the physicality is something shocking.  The body takes a serious pounding in comparsion to gaa or soccer or other sports.  It's pure physical hits but yet they're out again the next week.

All brainless beef, bashing into each other. It is the one sport I'd advise young kids against playing if they want to be good footballers. Add to that the amount of steroids in it.

You might be surprised what your average GAA club player would test for.....
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on October 28, 2019, 05:38:41 PM
Correct, recreational and PEDs. I wouldn't be lambasting other sports while thinking the GAA's shit don't stink.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on October 28, 2019, 06:30:07 PM
Quote from: marty34 on October 28, 2019, 05:09:00 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 28, 2019, 04:52:09 PM
Quote from: marty34 on October 28, 2019, 03:37:12 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 28, 2019, 03:26:59 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 27, 2019, 06:27:55 PM
What makes you think they'd have anywhere near the ball skill to play GAA. Like I've said before, skillset for rugby has a much lower bar than soccer, Football or Hurling.

GAA football has to be the easiest to learn, catch, hand pass, kick towards a 3m target! Helps if you're fit too

I'd say rugby would be hard enough to learn - skills needed. People probably think it's just about strength but some of the offloads in the tackle is super.

I always wonder why gaa players complain about a weeks break in championship matches and then they have to play the following week.

I know rugby guys are pros but the physicality is something shocking.  The body takes a serious pounding in comparsion to gaa or soccer or other sports.  It's pure physical hits but yet they're out again the next week.

All brainless beef, bashing into each other. It is the one sport I'd advise young kids against playing if they want to be good footballers. Add to that the amount of steroids in it.

Gaelic football is heading like rugby - more time in gym, all sideways passing and ball goes back to opposition and it all starts again.

I agree it is, more reason to avoid it. Plus the teams at the top like Dublin are not playing like that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on October 28, 2019, 07:40:08 PM
Quote from: marty34 on October 28, 2019, 05:09:00 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 28, 2019, 04:52:09 PM
Quote from: marty34 on October 28, 2019, 03:37:12 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 28, 2019, 03:26:59 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 27, 2019, 06:27:55 PM
What makes you think they'd have anywhere near the ball skill to play GAA. Like I've said before, skillset for rugby has a much lower bar than soccer, Football or Hurling.

GAA football has to be the easiest to learn, catch, hand pass, kick towards a 3m target! Helps if you're fit too

I'd say rugby would be hard enough to learn - skills needed. People probably think it's just about strength but some of the offloads in the tackle is super.

I always wonder why gaa players complain about a weeks break in championship matches and then they have to play the following week.

I know rugby guys are pros but the physicality is something shocking.  The body takes a serious pounding in comparsion to gaa or soccer or other sports.  It's pure physical hits but yet they're out again the next week.

All brainless beef, bashing into each other. It is the one sport I'd advise young kids against playing if they want to be good footballers. Add to that the amount of steroids in it.

Gaelic football is heading like rugby - more time in gym, all sideways passing and ball goes back to opposition and it all starts again.

Not forgetting both games are bombarded with rule changes.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on October 28, 2019, 07:50:33 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on October 28, 2019, 07:40:08 PM
Quote from: marty34 on October 28, 2019, 05:09:00 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 28, 2019, 04:52:09 PM
Quote from: marty34 on October 28, 2019, 03:37:12 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 28, 2019, 03:26:59 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 27, 2019, 06:27:55 PM
What makes you think they'd have anywhere near the ball skill to play GAA. Like I've said before, skillset for rugby has a much lower bar than soccer, Football or Hurling.

GAA football has to be the easiest to learn, catch, hand pass, kick towards a 3m target! Helps if you're fit too

I'd say rugby would be hard enough to learn - skills needed. People probably think it's just about strength but some of the offloads in the tackle is super.

I always wonder why gaa players complain about a weeks break in championship matches and then they have to play the following week.

I know rugby guys are pros but the physicality is something shocking.  The body takes a serious pounding in comparsion to gaa or soccer or other sports.  It's pure physical hits but yet they're out again the next week.

All brainless beef, bashing into each other. It is the one sport I'd advise young kids against playing if they want to be good footballers. Add to that the amount of steroids in it.

Gaelic football is heading like rugby - more time in gym, all sideways passing and ball goes back to opposition and it all starts again.

Not forgetting both games are bombarded with rule changes.

The thing about rugby is everybody knows and understands the rules.  Nobody chats back.

They are, for rugby people, very easy to understand.

In gaelic football, nobody has a clue what a proper tackle is and after a game, everybody talks about the referee.  He's the scapegoat, the easiest person to blame.

Referee should speak to teams before game and say just play the game.  A lot of the frustration is games comes down to the rules especially the tackle.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on October 28, 2019, 10:09:43 PM
This refereeing comparison sickens my hole too. Two completely different games to ref. I'll give you theres is total respect for ref in rugby that all sports should learn from. However, rugby has to be the easiest to referee, as vast majority of contact is tight beside the referee and mostly its very slow moving.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on October 28, 2019, 11:42:05 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 28, 2019, 10:09:43 PM
This refereeing comparison sickens my hole too. Two completely different games to ref. I'll give you theres is total respect for ref in rugby that all sports should learn from. However, rugby has to be the easiest to referee, as vast majority of contact is tight beside the referee and mostly its very slow moving.

Every sport should be easy to referee but gaelic is dynamite - too much slabbering from players.  Game is too slow nowadays - all sideways passing..boring.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on October 29, 2019, 12:31:21 AM
Quote from: marty34 on October 28, 2019, 11:42:05 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 28, 2019, 10:09:43 PM
This refereeing comparison sickens my hole too. Two completely different games to ref. I'll give you theres is total respect for ref in rugby that all sports should learn from. However, rugby has to be the easiest to referee, as vast majority of contact is tight beside the referee and mostly its very slow moving.

Every sport should be easy to referee but gaelic is dynamite - too much slabbering from players.  Game is too slow nowadays - all sideways passing..boring.

Unfortunately it's all about interpretation of the rules by the referee, the players need to know how the ref goes about his job, some are sticklers about this and some about that. The best referee is the consistent one who applies all the rules all the time. But that won't be an entertaining game, in my view that is.

The best refs talk to players and explain and are honest if they make a mistake, they ain't paid professionals and it's a pastime rather than a job.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 09:35:51 AM
It amuses when people people put GAA games on some sort of pedestal skill wise.

I have seen inter-county footballers trying to play Junior Rugby, most recently Aaron Kernan played J2 for Dundalk, admirable effort but poor tackler, couldn't pass but could run hard. Pretty much like your average inter-county hurler or footballer.

2 sports where tackling and passing are skills that aren't valued.

As for slow you will never see GAA games played at this pace. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNEAkIWMD64 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNEAkIWMD64)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on October 29, 2019, 10:02:09 AM
Quote from: marty34 on October 28, 2019, 11:42:05 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 28, 2019, 10:09:43 PM
This refereeing comparison sickens my hole too. Two completely different games to ref. I'll give you theres is total respect for ref in rugby that all sports should learn from. However, rugby has to be the easiest to referee, as vast majority of contact is tight beside the referee and mostly its very slow moving.

Every sport should be easy to referee but gaelic is dynamite - too much slabbering from players.  Game is too slow nowadays - all sideways passing..boring.


Why anyone would describe rugby as easy to referee is bewildering. Knowing where you can push the boundaries of what today's referee will allow, is possibly the single most telling contribution anyone can make to a ruck.

Referees get things wrong in rugby just as often as in any other sport. But, and to rugby's eternal credit, the accepted principle is to man the f**k up, accept that refs make mistakes, and get on with it. As a result, players don't dwell on decisions and don't try to use them against referees.


The now accepted culture of cheating, contesting and complaining in Gaelic Football is horrendous. The really odd thing being that the black card gave referees a simple and viable option to change this attitude forever.... yet they declined to use it. Idiocy.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 29, 2019, 10:07:07 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 09:35:51 AM
It amuses when people people put GAA games on some sort of pedestal skill wise.

I have seen inter-county footballers trying to play Junior Rugby, most recently Aaron Kernan played J2 for Dundalk, admirable effort but poor tackler, couldn't pass but could run hard. Pretty much like your average inter-county hurler or footballer.

2 sports where tackling and passing are skills that aren't valued.

As for slow you will never see GAA games played at this pace. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNEAkIWMD64 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNEAkIWMD64)
2 teams going hell for leather in the hurling final might isn't that shabby.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 29, 2019, 10:16:57 AM
Brian O'Driscoll: 'We got a lesson in how to play knock-out rugby'
Rethink needed on system and sharper focus on grassroots, former Ireland captain

Gerry Thornley in Tokyo


https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/brian-o-driscoll-we-got-a-lesson-in-how-to-play-knock-out-rugby-1.4064926

Brian O'Driscoll has called on Irish rugby to radically change its approach, and place an emphasis on skills, particularly passing, from grassroots level upwards.

In acknowledging that Ireland's game did not evolve sufficiently in 2019 under Joe Schmidt, O'Driscoll has said this was the biggest lesson to be learned from the World Cup.

"Weirdly, it didn't seem as bad second time," said the former Irish captain of the All Blacks' 46-14 quarter-final win. "Watching it live I thought it was tragic and then second time it was just those pressure points. With the way the All Blacks were playing I don't know if we were ever going to win that game because that's the differential between the two teams – if they're on their game and we're on our game they win."

O'Driscoll highlighted Johnny Sexton's missed touchfinder and "a brilliant bit of athleticism from [Richie] Mo'unga", as well as the possible "14-point turnaround if Kearns doesn't crowd Johnny", as examples of those pressure points.

"So they taught us a lesson in passing, and that for me was the most stark contrast. I've never seen passing like that. Joe has always prided his teams on being good passing teams. On the basis of that we still have a long way to go because I don't think I've ever seen a team as good at it, and it allowed them to play any sort of way. They could play that width-width game but then they were also pretty ferocious on both sides of the tackle.

"We got absolutely served up. We got a lesson in how to play knock-out rugby and how to play hard and physical. They grow with confidence when they score tries, there's no chasing them when you're 17-0 down. You know the game is over. They don't concede simple tries.


"England showed the blueprint again, we'd done it previously – you've got to stay in front. When they get an early score it's tough to turn it."

Greatest strength
The shortfall in passing was not, said O'Driscoll, confined to the Irish senior team. "We've got to have a rethink within our systems and our grassroots that that has to be more of a focus. It's New Zealand's greatest strength, the skillset of their teams, their under-age teams. They're better passers than us."

He cited examples of coaching at under-age camps, when he tells them: "Usain Bolt can't run as fast as I can pass a ball. So why do you pass? To get people into space, to use the width.

"I think we still have some way to go. We've got some nice passers, but not everyone's second nature is to throw a 10-metre pass without thinking. It's just not. That has to become the norm, where it doesn't matter what your number on your back is."

England braced for South Africa's physical onslaught
Gerry Thornley: England set to be worthiest World Cup winners
France's Jerome Garces to referee Rugby World Cup final

Incorporating that into Ireland's under-age game, he added: "It doesn't need to be a knee-jerk but we've got to evolve the game, and that's one way of making it easier, becoming very good passers of the ball."

O'Driscoll maintains that over the last decade Schmidt's tenure "has been immense". Having cited all the many milestones, he said: "He's driven Irish rugby, the Irish media, and the Irish public's expectations to a level that maybe we don't ordinarily compete at.

"That's a good and bad thing because when you dip below it you leave yourself open to be chopped at the knees or given a hard time.

"He has absolutely maximised the potential of that team over the course of the six years with them. But yet, in the final year, he failed to evolve the team when he needed to."

Double negative
Opponents, now more respectful, analysed Ireland more.

"On top of that, the team weren't doing that gameplan as well, so it was a double negative," said O'Driscoll.

This was compounded by being physically dominated by England last January. "I don't know if our year ever recovered from that. It completely took the wind out of our sails after riding that crest of a wave from the New Zealand game. And the lack of evolution probably hurt us. It hurt him a bit because it felt as if we ran out of ideas."

O'Driscoll, speaking in Tokyo on Monday in his capacity as an ambassador of the World Cup's official partners Land Rover, said the trust placed in Schmidt by the players was understandable after his methods had delivered so much success, but he felt Ireland became too setpiece-focused as opposed to multi-phase.

"We were a bit risk-averse. You look at the off-load stats. We've got to make the game a bit easier for ourselves. You've got to try and push offloads a little bit more, encourage it and you've got to practice it."

That aspect of Leinster's game had evolved recently, he said, but "we've historically been poor offloaders".

"That's an obvious opportunity to evolve any gameplan; changing the point of contact and not having as many rucks, not making it as confrontational and using our skillsets or fast-feet of [Jordan] Larmour, [Jacob] Stockdale and [Keith] Earls, who didn't seem to have a lot of opportunity in this World Cup."

Some leeway
O'Driscoll, who has played with Mike Catt and worked with Andy Farrell, says the latter may be slightly on the back foot but will be given some leeway, albeit he and Ireland need success in the here and now. Nor can there be a cull of all the players who might not make the next World Cup, not least as "we don't have eight or 10 ready-made replacements".


"I think when you look at some of our best players coming to the winter of their career it creates a nervousness. Conor Murray, Johnny Sexton, Peter O'Mahony's body looked pretty beaten up. But excitement comes with that opportunity of seeing more Joey Carbery, seeing more of whatever half-back comes in, seeing more of hopefully Dan Leavy getting back fit."

Paul O'Connell has assured O'Driscoll that there's a new wave of talent coming through the Munster academy, especially up front.

"There is reason to have hope. But am I immediately expecting a bounce back? I think there's going to be a bedding-in process," said O'Driscoll, who would be well disposed toward giving James Ryan the captaincy at 23, the same age he first led Ireland, but was more inclined to wait a year or so, with Sexton assuming the mantle in the interim.

World order
As for Sunday's final, O'Driscoll says wryly: "I'll get hung, drawn and quartered but for the first time I think it would be great if England won. I said it would be great if you could get an England-Wales final, just for the world order, and it's brilliant that England have beaten New Zealand. I think that was important, and the manner in which they did it all the more so.

"But I think the way England have played and the way they've progressed, it would be good if they were able to play somewhat like that and deliver a performance that was worthy of world champions."

"Huge credit to South Africa for managing to get to a World Cup final the way they have played but," he added with a wry grin, "we are trying to promote the game."
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 10:48:14 AM
Quote from: seafoid on October 29, 2019, 10:07:07 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 09:35:51 AM
It amuses when people people put GAA games on some sort of pedestal skill wise.

I have seen inter-county footballers trying to play Junior Rugby, most recently Aaron Kernan played J2 for Dundalk, admirable effort but poor tackler, couldn't pass but could run hard. Pretty much like your average inter-county hurler or footballer.

2 sports where tackling and passing are skills that aren't valued.

As for slow you will never see GAA games played at this pace. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNEAkIWMD64 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNEAkIWMD64)
2 teams going hell for leather in the hurling final might isn't that shabby.

The ball provides the pace in hurling. The biggest cheer is often when a defender wins the ball and huffs it 70m down the field. Am I wrong? Hardly a skill that few can master?

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Pearse Blue on October 29, 2019, 10:58:41 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 10:48:14 AM
Quote from: seafoid on October 29, 2019, 10:07:07 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 09:35:51 AM
It amuses when people people put GAA games on some sort of pedestal skill wise.

I have seen inter-county footballers trying to play Junior Rugby, most recently Aaron Kernan played J2 for Dundalk, admirable effort but poor tackler, couldn't pass but could run hard. Pretty much like your average inter-county hurler or footballer.

2 sports where tackling and passing are skills that aren't valued.

As for slow you will never see GAA games played at this pace. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNEAkIWMD64 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNEAkIWMD64)
2 teams going hell for leather in the hurling final might isn't that shabby.

The ball provides the pace in hurling. The biggest cheer is often when a defender wins the ball and huffs it 70m down the field. Am I wrong? Hardly a skill that few can master?
Sorry, is he trying to say rugby is more skillful than hurling?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trueblue1234 on October 29, 2019, 11:07:47 AM
Quote from: Pearse Blue on October 29, 2019, 10:58:41 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 10:48:14 AM
Quote from: seafoid on October 29, 2019, 10:07:07 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 09:35:51 AM
It amuses when people people put GAA games on some sort of pedestal skill wise.

I have seen inter-county footballers trying to play Junior Rugby, most recently Aaron Kernan played J2 for Dundalk, admirable effort but poor tackler, couldn't pass but could run hard. Pretty much like your average inter-county hurler or footballer.

2 sports where tackling and passing are skills that aren't valued.

As for slow you will never see GAA games played at this pace. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNEAkIWMD64 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNEAkIWMD64)
2 teams going hell for leather in the hurling final might isn't that shabby.

The ball provides the pace in hurling. The biggest cheer is often when a defender wins the ball and huffs it 70m down the field. Am I wrong? Hardly a skill that few can master?
Sorry, is he trying to say rugby is more skillful than hurling?

Here comes the Cavalry....
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 11:18:50 AM
Quote from: Pearse Blue on October 29, 2019, 10:58:41 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 10:48:14 AM
Quote from: seafoid on October 29, 2019, 10:07:07 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 09:35:51 AM
It amuses when people people put GAA games on some sort of pedestal skill wise.

I have seen inter-county footballers trying to play Junior Rugby, most recently Aaron Kernan played J2 for Dundalk, admirable effort but poor tackler, couldn't pass but could run hard. Pretty much like your average inter-county hurler or footballer.

2 sports where tackling and passing are skills that aren't valued.

As for slow you will never see GAA games played at this pace. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNEAkIWMD64 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNEAkIWMD64)
2 teams going hell for leather in the hurling final might isn't that shabby.

The ball provides the pace in hurling. The biggest cheer is often when a defender wins the ball and huffs it 70m down the field. Am I wrong? Hardly a skill that few can master?
Sorry, is he trying to say rugby is more skillful than hurling?

Top level professional sports have their skills performed at a level way higher than inter-county hurling or football. And in terms of say Cricket, NBA, Soccer astronomically higher. 

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Ethan Tremblay on October 29, 2019, 12:57:39 PM
Not sure on your point Dinny? Intercounty gaa players perform their skills at the highest level they can.  The player at the receiving end of a 70m pass taking the ball on their stick is a skill not many can master.   

There is an elite level of skill applied to most sports where some will only reach the pinnacle.  Most GAA, rugby and soccer players can play snooker, that doesn't mean because they cannot hit a 147 snooker is a superior sport in terms of skill. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on October 29, 2019, 01:03:16 PM
Quote from: Ethan Tremblay on October 29, 2019, 12:57:39 PM
Not sure on your point Dinny? Intercounty gaa players perform their skills at the highest level they can.  The player at the receiving end of a 70m pass taking the ball on their stick is a skill not many can master.   

There is an elite level of skill applied to most sports where some will only reach the pinnacle.  Most GAA, rugby and soccer players can play snooker, that doesn't mean because they cannot hit a 147 snooker is a superior sport in terms of skill.

But I suppose the point is that its relatively easy to reach the pinnacle in Gaelic games compared to other sports. Doubly so in a minnow county - how hard is it to become Carlow's hurling back up keeper?

Not that it matters, but making the Olympics, NFL or EPL is far, far tougher than county
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on October 29, 2019, 01:40:19 PM
Quote from: Pearse Blue on October 29, 2019, 10:58:41 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 10:48:14 AM
Quote from: seafoid on October 29, 2019, 10:07:07 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 09:35:51 AM
It amuses when people people put GAA games on some sort of pedestal skill wise.

I have seen inter-county footballers trying to play Junior Rugby, most recently Aaron Kernan played J2 for Dundalk, admirable effort but poor tackler, couldn't pass but could run hard. Pretty much like your average inter-county hurler or footballer.

2 sports where tackling and passing are skills that aren't valued.

As for slow you will never see GAA games played at this pace. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNEAkIWMD64 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNEAkIWMD64)
2 teams going hell for leather in the hurling final might isn't that shabby.

The ball provides the pace in hurling. The biggest cheer is often when a defender wins the ball and huffs it 70m down the field. Am I wrong? Hardly a skill that few can master?
Sorry, is he trying to say rugby is more skillful than hurling?

He is. I contend it is easily the least skilled of any field sport I have witnessed where brawn and power are 95% of the requirement.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on October 29, 2019, 01:44:53 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 10:48:14 AM
Quote from: seafoid on October 29, 2019, 10:07:07 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 09:35:51 AM
It amuses when people people put GAA games on some sort of pedestal skill wise.

I have seen inter-county footballers trying to play Junior Rugby, most recently Aaron Kernan played J2 for Dundalk, admirable effort but poor tackler, couldn't pass but could run hard. Pretty much like your average inter-county hurler or footballer.

2 sports where tackling and passing are skills that aren't valued.

As for slow you will never see GAA games played at this pace. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNEAkIWMD64 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNEAkIWMD64)
2 teams going hell for leather in the hurling final might isn't that shabby.

The ball provides the pace in hurling. The biggest cheer is often when a defender wins the ball and huffs it 70m down the field. Am I wrong? Hardly a skill that few can master?

Well it has to be better than winning the ball in defence and then handpass it back to the keeper who handpasses it back to the fullback then he handpasses to the corner back then he handpasses it back to the keeper .......
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Franko on October 29, 2019, 02:11:11 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 10:48:14 AM
Quote from: seafoid on October 29, 2019, 10:07:07 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 09:35:51 AM
It amuses when people people put GAA games on some sort of pedestal skill wise.

I have seen inter-county footballers trying to play Junior Rugby, most recently Aaron Kernan played J2 for Dundalk, admirable effort but poor tackler, couldn't pass but could run hard. Pretty much like your average inter-county hurler or footballer.

2 sports where tackling and passing are skills that aren't valued.

As for slow you will never see GAA games played at this pace. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNEAkIWMD64 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNEAkIWMD64)
2 teams going hell for leather in the hurling final might isn't that shabby.

The ball provides the pace in hurling. The biggest cheer is often when a defender wins the ball and huffs it 70m down the field. Am I wrong? Hardly a skill that few can master?

But it is...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 02:44:07 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 29, 2019, 01:40:19 PM
Quote from: Pearse Blue on October 29, 2019, 10:58:41 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 10:48:14 AM
Quote from: seafoid on October 29, 2019, 10:07:07 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 09:35:51 AM
It amuses when people people put GAA games on some sort of pedestal skill wise.

I have seen inter-county footballers trying to play Junior Rugby, most recently Aaron Kernan played J2 for Dundalk, admirable effort but poor tackler, couldn't pass but could run hard. Pretty much like your average inter-county hurler or footballer.

2 sports where tackling and passing are skills that aren't valued.

As for slow you will never see GAA games played at this pace. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNEAkIWMD64 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNEAkIWMD64)
2 teams going hell for leather in the hurling final might isn't that shabby.

The ball provides the pace in hurling. The biggest cheer is often when a defender wins the ball and huffs it 70m down the field. Am I wrong? Hardly a skill that few can master?
Sorry, is he trying to say rugby is more skillful than hurling?

He is. I contend it is easily the least skilled of any field sport I have witnessed where brawn and power are 95% of the requirement.

Actually you can't compare skills, my point the international rugby skills are executed at a standard way above inter-county GAA. Walter Walsh plays J1 (7 levels below International) rugby for New Ross and he's not a particularly good rugby player but an amazingly skilful hurler and plays at the highest level possible, the skills aren't transferable. Your lack of knowledge around rugby is really showing up here. It's obvious you never played the game.

Ben Youngs, Johnny May, Owen Farrell, Anthony Watson  and Elliot Day would all be smaller that your average inter-county midfielder, full-forward or fullback, hardly big strong powerful men.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on October 29, 2019, 02:52:21 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 02:44:07 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 29, 2019, 01:40:19 PM
Quote from: Pearse Blue on October 29, 2019, 10:58:41 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 10:48:14 AM
Quote from: seafoid on October 29, 2019, 10:07:07 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 09:35:51 AM
It amuses when people people put GAA games on some sort of pedestal skill wise.

I have seen inter-county footballers trying to play Junior Rugby, most recently Aaron Kernan played J2 for Dundalk, admirable effort but poor tackler, couldn't pass but could run hard. Pretty much like your average inter-county hurler or footballer.

2 sports where tackling and passing are skills that aren't valued.

As for slow you will never see GAA games played at this pace. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNEAkIWMD64 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNEAkIWMD64)
2 teams going hell for leather in the hurling final might isn't that shabby.

The ball provides the pace in hurling. The biggest cheer is often when a defender wins the ball and huffs it 70m down the field. Am I wrong? Hardly a skill that few can master?
Sorry, is he trying to say rugby is more skillful than hurling?

He is. I contend it is easily the least skilled of any field sport I have witnessed where brawn and power are 95% of the requirement.

Actually you can't compare skills, my point the international rugby skills are executed at a standard way above inter-county GAA. Walter Walsh plays J1 (7 levels below International) rugby for New Ross and he's not a particularly good rugby player but an amazingly skilful hurler and plays at the highest level possible, the skills aren't transferable. Your lack of knowledge around rugby is really showing up here. It's obvious you never played the game.

Ben Youngs, Johnny May, Owen Farrell, Anthony Watson  and Elliot Day would all be smaller that your average inter-county midfielder, full-forward or fullback, hardly big strong powerful men.

Walter is lots of things on a hurling field but that's not one of them.

He's cack handed and a very deliberate hurler, i.e not a natural.
His physical attributes make up for his inefficiencies as a hurler but gets found out quite regularly at the top level.

I'm not sure where your argument is going but yes, Farrell, Watson and the lads are elite athletes in their field, i.e Rugby but most couldn't hit snow off a rope with a hurl but why would they?

Sweetnam for instance had the potential to be a fine hurler for Cork and was pacey but not outstandingly so at hurling and is played on the wing for Munster and similar, pacey but nothing spectacular!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 03:11:45 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on October 29, 2019, 02:52:21 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 02:44:07 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 29, 2019, 01:40:19 PM
Quote from: Pearse Blue on October 29, 2019, 10:58:41 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 10:48:14 AM
Quote from: seafoid on October 29, 2019, 10:07:07 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 09:35:51 AM
It amuses when people people put GAA games on some sort of pedestal skill wise.

I have seen inter-county footballers trying to play Junior Rugby, most recently Aaron Kernan played J2 for Dundalk, admirable effort but poor tackler, couldn't pass but could run hard. Pretty much like your average inter-county hurler or footballer.

2 sports where tackling and passing are skills that aren't valued.

As for slow you will never see GAA games played at this pace. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNEAkIWMD64 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNEAkIWMD64)
2 teams going hell for leather in the hurling final might isn't that shabby.

The ball provides the pace in hurling. The biggest cheer is often when a defender wins the ball and huffs it 70m down the field. Am I wrong? Hardly a skill that few can master?
Sorry, is he trying to say rugby is more skillful than hurling?

He is. I contend it is easily the least skilled of any field sport I have witnessed where brawn and power are 95% of the requirement.

Actually you can't compare skills, my point the international rugby skills are executed at a standard way above inter-county GAA. Walter Walsh plays J1 (7 levels below International) rugby for New Ross and he's not a particularly good rugby player but an amazingly skilful hurler and plays at the highest level possible, the skills aren't transferable. Your lack of knowledge around rugby is really showing up here. It's obvious you never played the game.

Ben Youngs, Johnny May, Owen Farrell, Anthony Watson  and Elliot Day would all be smaller that your average inter-county midfielder, full-forward or fullback, hardly big strong powerful men.

Walter is lots of things on a hurling field but that's not one of them.

He's cack handed and a very deliberate hurler, i.e not a natural.
His physical attributes make up for his inefficiencies as a hurler but gets found out quite regularly at the top level.

I'm not sure where your argument is going but yes, Farrell, Watson and the lads are elite athletes in their field, i.e Rugby but most couldn't hit snow off a rope with a hurl but why would they?

Sweetnam for instance had the potential to be a fine hurler for Cork and was pacey but not outstandingly so at hurling and is played on the wing for Munster and similar, pacey but nothing spectacular!

Wait, what's this, you don't have to be skilful to play inter-county hurling?

Because to play international rugby you have to be very very skilful in your position.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on October 29, 2019, 03:21:59 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on October 29, 2019, 02:52:21 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 02:44:07 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 29, 2019, 01:40:19 PM
Quote from: Pearse Blue on October 29, 2019, 10:58:41 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 10:48:14 AM
Quote from: seafoid on October 29, 2019, 10:07:07 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 09:35:51 AM
It amuses when people people put GAA games on some sort of pedestal skill wise.

I have seen inter-county footballers trying to play Junior Rugby, most recently Aaron Kernan played J2 for Dundalk, admirable effort but poor tackler, couldn't pass but could run hard. Pretty much like your average inter-county hurler or footballer.

2 sports where tackling and passing are skills that aren't valued.

As for slow you will never see GAA games played at this pace. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNEAkIWMD64 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNEAkIWMD64)
2 teams going hell for leather in the hurling final might isn't that shabby.

The ball provides the pace in hurling. The biggest cheer is often when a defender wins the ball and huffs it 70m down the field. Am I wrong? Hardly a skill that few can master?
Sorry, is he trying to say rugby is more skillful than hurling?

He is. I contend it is easily the least skilled of any field sport I have witnessed where brawn and power are 95% of the requirement.

Actually you can't compare skills, my point the international rugby skills are executed at a standard way above inter-county GAA. Walter Walsh plays J1 (7 levels below International) rugby for New Ross and he's not a particularly good rugby player but an amazingly skilful hurler and plays at the highest level possible, the skills aren't transferable. Your lack of knowledge around rugby is really showing up here. It's obvious you never played the game.

Ben Youngs, Johnny May, Owen Farrell, Anthony Watson  and Elliot Day would all be smaller that your average inter-county midfielder, full-forward or fullback, hardly big strong powerful men.

Walter is lots of things on a hurling field but that's not one of them.

He's cack handed and a very deliberate hurler, i.e not a natural.
His physical attributes make up for his inefficiencies as a hurler but gets found out quite regularly at the top level.

I'm not sure where your argument is going but yes, Farrell, Watson and the lads are elite athletes in their field, i.e Rugby but most couldn't hit snow off a rope with a hurl but why would they?

Sweetnam for instance had the potential to be a fine hurler for Cork and was pacey but not outstandingly so at hurling and is played on the wing for Munster and similar, pacey but nothing spectacular!
You have doubled down on his point for him
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on October 29, 2019, 03:25:56 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 03:11:45 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on October 29, 2019, 02:52:21 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 02:44:07 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 29, 2019, 01:40:19 PM
Quote from: Pearse Blue on October 29, 2019, 10:58:41 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 10:48:14 AM
Quote from: seafoid on October 29, 2019, 10:07:07 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 09:35:51 AM
It amuses when people people put GAA games on some sort of pedestal skill wise.

I have seen inter-county footballers trying to play Junior Rugby, most recently Aaron Kernan played J2 for Dundalk, admirable effort but poor tackler, couldn't pass but could run hard. Pretty much like your average inter-county hurler or footballer.

2 sports where tackling and passing are skills that aren't valued.

As for slow you will never see GAA games played at this pace. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNEAkIWMD64 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNEAkIWMD64)
2 teams going hell for leather in the hurling final might isn't that shabby.

The ball provides the pace in hurling. The biggest cheer is often when a defender wins the ball and huffs it 70m down the field. Am I wrong? Hardly a skill that few can master?
Sorry, is he trying to say rugby is more skillful than hurling?

He is. I contend it is easily the least skilled of any field sport I have witnessed where brawn and power are 95% of the requirement.

Actually you can't compare skills, my point the international rugby skills are executed at a standard way above inter-county GAA. Walter Walsh plays J1 (7 levels below International) rugby for New Ross and he's not a particularly good rugby player but an amazingly skilful hurler and plays at the highest level possible, the skills aren't transferable. Your lack of knowledge around rugby is really showing up here. It's obvious you never played the game.

Ben Youngs, Johnny May, Owen Farrell, Anthony Watson  and Elliot Day would all be smaller that your average inter-county midfielder, full-forward or fullback, hardly big strong powerful men.

Walter is lots of things on a hurling field but that's not one of them.

He's cack handed and a very deliberate hurler, i.e not a natural.
His physical attributes make up for his inefficiencies as a hurler but gets found out quite regularly at the top level.

I'm not sure where your argument is going but yes, Farrell, Watson and the lads are elite athletes in their field, i.e Rugby but most couldn't hit snow off a rope with a hurl but why would they?

Sweetnam for instance had the potential to be a fine hurler for Cork and was pacey but not outstandingly so at hurling and is played on the wing for Munster and similar, pacey but nothing spectacular!

Wait, what's this, you don't have to be skilful to play inter-county hurling?

Because to play international rugby you have to be very very skilful in your position.

Is that why Ireland had an inordinate amount of knock ons and fumbles in Japan?

Big Walter is skillful enough but at top level IC level he can be found out, that's what I'm saying.

Cian Healy has hands like feet but he doesn't need them to be anything else as he's there to push in a scrum and tackle.
If he does get the ball in his hands, he runs straight as a die, gets tackled, falls down and then presents the ball back to someone else. That takes years and years of practice and nurturing, video analysis, specialist coaching and the rest.

Deft offloads or quick hands he isn't.

How does Sweetnam rate at the rugby?

He's the only lad I can think off that had/has the potential to be a top level hurler and I'm assuming he must be handy enough at the Rugby.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on October 29, 2019, 03:27:29 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on October 29, 2019, 03:21:59 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on October 29, 2019, 02:52:21 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 02:44:07 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 29, 2019, 01:40:19 PM
Quote from: Pearse Blue on October 29, 2019, 10:58:41 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 10:48:14 AM
Quote from: seafoid on October 29, 2019, 10:07:07 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 09:35:51 AM
It amuses when people people put GAA games on some sort of pedestal skill wise.

I have seen inter-county footballers trying to play Junior Rugby, most recently Aaron Kernan played J2 for Dundalk, admirable effort but poor tackler, couldn't pass but could run hard. Pretty much like your average inter-county hurler or footballer.

2 sports where tackling and passing are skills that aren't valued.

As for slow you will never see GAA games played at this pace. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNEAkIWMD64 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNEAkIWMD64)
2 teams going hell for leather in the hurling final might isn't that shabby.

The ball provides the pace in hurling. The biggest cheer is often when a defender wins the ball and huffs it 70m down the field. Am I wrong? Hardly a skill that few can master?
Sorry, is he trying to say rugby is more skillful than hurling?

He is. I contend it is easily the least skilled of any field sport I have witnessed where brawn and power are 95% of the requirement.

Actually you can't compare skills, my point the international rugby skills are executed at a standard way above inter-county GAA. Walter Walsh plays J1 (7 levels below International) rugby for New Ross and he's not a particularly good rugby player but an amazingly skilful hurler and plays at the highest level possible, the skills aren't transferable. Your lack of knowledge around rugby is really showing up here. It's obvious you never played the game.

Ben Youngs, Johnny May, Owen Farrell, Anthony Watson  and Elliot Day would all be smaller that your average inter-county midfielder, full-forward or fullback, hardly big strong powerful men.

Walter is lots of things on a hurling field but that's not one of them.

He's cack handed and a very deliberate hurler, i.e not a natural.
His physical attributes make up for his inefficiencies as a hurler but gets found out quite regularly at the top level.

I'm not sure where your argument is going but yes, Farrell, Watson and the lads are elite athletes in their field, i.e Rugby but most couldn't hit snow off a rope with a hurl but why would they?

Sweetnam for instance had the potential to be a fine hurler for Cork and was pacey but not outstandingly so at hurling and is played on the wing for Munster and similar, pacey but nothing spectacular!
You have doubled down on his point for him

If his point is that you can't compare one code to another, then yes he's right.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Ethan Tremblay on October 29, 2019, 03:38:54 PM
I suppose gaa football is comparable to AFL, where a highly physical/intensive game is mixed with a great deal of skill.  AFL is known to be cut throat so reaching the top of that sport  is hard.  When the compromise rules are played, you can see amateur intercounty players more than hold their own against professional sportsmen, who as their full time job, hone their skills on a daily basis to maximum efficiency. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 03:55:56 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on October 29, 2019, 03:25:56 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 03:11:45 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on October 29, 2019, 02:52:21 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 02:44:07 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 29, 2019, 01:40:19 PM
Quote from: Pearse Blue on October 29, 2019, 10:58:41 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 10:48:14 AM
Quote from: seafoid on October 29, 2019, 10:07:07 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 09:35:51 AM
It amuses when people people put GAA games on some sort of pedestal skill wise.

I have seen inter-county footballers trying to play Junior Rugby, most recently Aaron Kernan played J2 for Dundalk, admirable effort but poor tackler, couldn't pass but could run hard. Pretty much like your average inter-county hurler or footballer.

2 sports where tackling and passing are skills that aren't valued.

As for slow you will never see GAA games played at this pace. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNEAkIWMD64 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNEAkIWMD64)
2 teams going hell for leather in the hurling final might isn't that shabby.

The ball provides the pace in hurling. The biggest cheer is often when a defender wins the ball and huffs it 70m down the field. Am I wrong? Hardly a skill that few can master?
Sorry, is he trying to say rugby is more skillful than hurling?

He is. I contend it is easily the least skilled of any field sport I have witnessed where brawn and power are 95% of the requirement.

Actually you can't compare skills, my point the international rugby skills are executed at a standard way above inter-county GAA. Walter Walsh plays J1 (7 levels below International) rugby for New Ross and he's not a particularly good rugby player but an amazingly skilful hurler and plays at the highest level possible, the skills aren't transferable. Your lack of knowledge around rugby is really showing up here. It's obvious you never played the game.

Ben Youngs, Johnny May, Owen Farrell, Anthony Watson  and Elliot Day would all be smaller that your average inter-county midfielder, full-forward or fullback, hardly big strong powerful men.

Walter is lots of things on a hurling field but that's not one of them.

He's cack handed and a very deliberate hurler, i.e not a natural.
His physical attributes make up for his inefficiencies as a hurler but gets found out quite regularly at the top level.

I'm not sure where your argument is going but yes, Farrell, Watson and the lads are elite athletes in their field, i.e Rugby but most couldn't hit snow off a rope with a hurl but why would they?

Sweetnam for instance had the potential to be a fine hurler for Cork and was pacey but not outstandingly so at hurling and is played on the wing for Munster and similar, pacey but nothing spectacular!

Wait, what's this, you don't have to be skilful to play inter-county hurling?

Because to play international rugby you have to be very very skilful in your position.

Is that why Ireland had an inordinate amount of knock ons and fumbles in Japan?

Big Walter is skillful enough but at top level IC level he can be found out, that's what I'm saying.

Cian Healy has hands like feet but he doesn't need them to be anything else as he's there to push in a scrum and tackle.
If he does get the ball in his hands, he runs straight as a die, gets tackled, falls down and then presents the ball back to someone else. That takes years and years of practice and nurturing, video analysis, specialist coaching and the rest.

Deft offloads or quick hands he isn't.

How does Sweetnam rate at the rugby?

He's the only lad I can think off that had/has the potential to be a top level hurler and I'm assuming he must be handy enough at the Rugby.

He was a prospect when he broke through and deserved his Irish Cap but he looks like he has plateaued, solid Pro14 winger and European squad player for Munster. Can't see him at 26 getting back into contention for Ireland selection.  Sport is as much mental as technical or tactical and I think his confidence has suffered for some reason. Interestingly he also played underage hockey for Ireland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: highorlow on October 29, 2019, 06:06:13 PM
The irony is this Irish teams decline commenced around the same time as Simon Zebo's departure to France.

For all that Joe achieved with us over the years he or the IRFU can't be forgiven for this nonsense policy of not picking foreign based players (unless of course your Sexton or Wood).
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 29, 2019, 06:28:13 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 11:18:50 AM
Quote from: Pearse Blue on October 29, 2019, 10:58:41 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 10:48:14 AM
Quote from: seafoid on October 29, 2019, 10:07:07 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on October 29, 2019, 09:35:51 AM
It amuses when people people put GAA games on some sort of pedestal skill wise.

I have seen inter-county footballers trying to play Junior Rugby, most recently Aaron Kernan played J2 for Dundalk, admirable effort but poor tackler, couldn't pass but could run hard. Pretty much like your average inter-county hurler or footballer.

2 sports where tackling and passing are skills that aren't valued.

As for slow you will never see GAA games played at this pace. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNEAkIWMD64 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNEAkIWMD64)
2 teams going hell for leather in the hurling final might isn't that shabby.

The ball provides the pace in hurling. The biggest cheer is often when a defender wins the ball and huffs it 70m down the field. Am I wrong? Hardly a skill that few can master?
Sorry, is he trying to say rugby is more skillful than hurling?

Top level professional sports have their skills performed at a level way higher than inter-county hurling or football. And in terms of say Cricket, NBA, Soccer astronomically higher.
With all due respect Dinny, that is a stupid argument. By definition a sport with a max catchment of 5m will have different parameters to one with 3 bn. You can't assert from that that  the sport with the max catchment of 5m has negligible skill levels even if you are from Leinster and into GF. Also I don't think cricket in England  pulls its players from a much bigger pool than Gaelic Football does.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sportacus on October 29, 2019, 06:35:56 PM
I heard someone on the radio say there are about 150 Irish professionals to pick from.  When you think about it that way, it's hoping for a miracle to think we could reach a WC Final.  It's a tiny pick.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 29, 2019, 08:38:23 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on October 29, 2019, 06:35:56 PM
I heard someone on the radio say there are about 150 Irish professionals to pick from.  When you think about it that way, it's hoping for a miracle to think we could reach a WC Final.  It's a tiny pick.
New Zealand Rugby's income is only 20% higher than that of the IRFU, I think , and they pay the pro salaries too so Ireland wouldn't be that far off in terms of numbers of pro players.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on October 29, 2019, 09:13:26 PM
Quote from: seafoid on October 29, 2019, 08:38:23 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on October 29, 2019, 06:35:56 PM
I heard someone on the radio say there are about 150 Irish professionals to pick from.  When you think about it that way, it's hoping for a miracle to think we could reach a WC Final.  It's a tiny pick.
New Zealand Rugby's income is only 20% higher than that of the IRFU, I think , and they pay the pro salaries too so Ireland wouldn't be that far off in terms of numbers of pro players.
We have a silly rule thst you must plsy in Ireland to play for Ireland, so it definitely reduces the amount playing abroad
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Subbie on October 30, 2019, 12:59:41 AM
Quote from: Ethan Tremblay on October 29, 2019, 03:38:54 PM
I suppose gaa football is comparable to AFL, where a highly physical/intensive game is mixed with a great deal of skill.  AFL is known to be cut throat so reaching the top of that sport  is hard.  When the compromise rules are played, you can see amateur intercounty players more than hold their own against professional sportsmen, who as their full time job, hone their skills on a daily basis to maximum efficiency.

When the compromise rules are played all I see is the Aussies displaying much much better ball handling skills than us
Their kicking skills aren't too hot but their hand passing and handling are miles ahead of our lads
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Never beat the deeler on October 30, 2019, 04:20:03 AM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on October 29, 2019, 09:13:26 PM
Quote from: seafoid on October 29, 2019, 08:38:23 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on October 29, 2019, 06:35:56 PM
I heard someone on the radio say there are about 150 Irish professionals to pick from.  When you think about it that way, it's hoping for a miracle to think we could reach a WC Final.  It's a tiny pick.
New Zealand Rugby's income is only 20% higher than that of the IRFU, I think , and they pay the pro salaries too so Ireland wouldn't be that far off in terms of numbers of pro players.
We have a silly rule thst you must plsy in Ireland to play for Ireland, so it definitely reduces the amount playing abroad

No we don't
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 30, 2019, 07:50:52 AM
Quote from: Never beat the deeler on October 30, 2019, 04:20:03 AM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on October 29, 2019, 09:13:26 PM
Quote from: seafoid on October 29, 2019, 08:38:23 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on October 29, 2019, 06:35:56 PM
I heard someone on the radio say there are about 150 Irish professionals to pick from.  When you think about it that way, it's hoping for a miracle to think we could reach a WC Final.  It's a tiny pick.
New Zealand Rugby's income is only 20% higher than that of the IRFU, I think , and they pay the pro salaries too so Ireland wouldn't be that far off in terms of numbers of pro players.
We have a silly rule thst you must plsy in Ireland to play for Ireland, so it definitely reduces the amount playing abroad

No we don't

Yeah we do... so do New Zealand!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Taylor on October 30, 2019, 08:40:44 AM
Quote from: screenexile on October 30, 2019, 07:50:52 AM
Quote from: Never beat the deeler on October 30, 2019, 04:20:03 AM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on October 29, 2019, 09:13:26 PM
Quote from: seafoid on October 29, 2019, 08:38:23 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on October 29, 2019, 06:35:56 PM
I heard someone on the radio say there are about 150 Irish professionals to pick from.  When you think about it that way, it's hoping for a miracle to think we could reach a WC Final.  It's a tiny pick.
New Zealand Rugby's income is only 20% higher than that of the IRFU, I think , and they pay the pro salaries too so Ireland wouldn't be that far off in terms of numbers of pro players.
We have a silly rule thst you must plsy in Ireland to play for Ireland, so it definitely reduces the amount playing abroad

No we don't

Yeah we do... so do New Zealand!!!

Em....Sexton.....Racing Metro anyone?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on October 30, 2019, 08:51:45 AM
Quote from: Taylor on October 30, 2019, 08:40:44 AM
Quote from: screenexile on October 30, 2019, 07:50:52 AM
Quote from: Never beat the deeler on October 30, 2019, 04:20:03 AM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on October 29, 2019, 09:13:26 PM
Quote from: seafoid on October 29, 2019, 08:38:23 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on October 29, 2019, 06:35:56 PM
I heard someone on the radio say there are about 150 Irish professionals to pick from.  When you think about it that way, it's hoping for a miracle to think we could reach a WC Final.  It's a tiny pick.
New Zealand Rugby's income is only 20% higher than that of the IRFU, I think , and they pay the pro salaries too so Ireland wouldn't be that far off in terms of numbers of pro players.
We have a silly rule thst you must plsy in Ireland to play for Ireland, so it definitely reduces the amount playing abroad

No we don't

Yeah we do... so do New Zealand!!!

Em....Sexton.....Racing Metro anyone?
Sefton got a free pass.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 30, 2019, 08:54:29 AM
The Martin O'Neill problem

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/justin-marshall-ireland-s-great-gameplan-became-predictable-1.4066202
"I didn't think they'd evolved," he said. "I think very much like Wales were tactically, they had a great gameplan that they believed in but it is predictable and it gets analysed.
"They have great players that could implement that gameplan, but when you look at Ireland and where they got to, successfully beating the All Blacks, I felt they needed to create something that the rest of the world hadn't seen and they didn't.
"They came out and played the same gameplan they had been playing, the All Blacks came out and analysed it. They've been beaten by it before, and they were aware of what Ireland would bring. and they didn't bring anything different.
"I hadn't seen any evidence during the build-up to the Rugby World Cup or during the pool stages when Japan knocked them over to show that they had evolved.
"Can I put my finger on it that it was Joe Schmidt. I don't think he's a coach that doesn't want to be creative and doesn't want to evolve. It has to fall back to him thinking that this is what he had to work with, yet this is what he selected, so this is all he can do."


The IRFU were sure we would get to a semi final. It is in their latest strategy. David Nucifora needs to be very honest about this failure.
The policy of only picking those who play in Ireland might be justifiable if the team is doing well but when it's carrying 6 or 7 passengers it isn't.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Taylor on October 30, 2019, 09:50:39 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on October 30, 2019, 08:51:45 AM
Quote from: Taylor on October 30, 2019, 08:40:44 AM
Quote from: screenexile on October 30, 2019, 07:50:52 AM
Quote from: Never beat the deeler on October 30, 2019, 04:20:03 AM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on October 29, 2019, 09:13:26 PM
Quote from: seafoid on October 29, 2019, 08:38:23 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on October 29, 2019, 06:35:56 PM
I heard someone on the radio say there are about 150 Irish professionals to pick from.  When you think about it that way, it's hoping for a miracle to think we could reach a WC Final.  It's a tiny pick.
New Zealand Rugby's income is only 20% higher than that of the IRFU, I think , and they pay the pro salaries too so Ireland wouldn't be that far off in terms of numbers of pro players.
We have a silly rule thst you must plsy in Ireland to play for Ireland, so it definitely reduces the amount playing abroad

No we don't

Yeah we do... so do New Zealand!!!

Em....Sexton.....Racing Metro anyone?
Sefton got a free pass.

So it isnt a rule then?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 30, 2019, 09:52:30 AM
Have you ever heard of an exception to the rule???
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on October 30, 2019, 10:19:09 AM
Eoin Reddan was picked when he was playing with Wasps. Zebo likely would have been picked but himself and Schmidt didn't get along.

Darrell will probaly have him back in the Squad. Going back a while Keith Wood was picked when playing with Harlequins
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 30, 2019, 10:42:58 AM
As far as I can see the "rule" was brought in by Schmidt and Sexton is the only one an allowance was made for.

The cases mentioned were with other coaches. Geordan Murphy only ever played for Leicester and was a mainstay for Ireland for a long time but Schmidt changed it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on October 30, 2019, 10:44:29 AM
Quote from: Taylor on October 30, 2019, 08:40:44 AM
Quote from: screenexile on October 30, 2019, 07:50:52 AM
Quote from: Never beat the deeler on October 30, 2019, 04:20:03 AM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on October 29, 2019, 09:13:26 PM
Quote from: seafoid on October 29, 2019, 08:38:23 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on October 29, 2019, 06:35:56 PM
I heard someone on the radio say there are about 150 Irish professionals to pick from.  When you think about it that way, it's hoping for a miracle to think we could reach a WC Final.  It's a tiny pick.
New Zealand Rugby's income is only 20% higher than that of the IRFU, I think , and they pay the pro salaries too so Ireland wouldn't be that far off in terms of numbers of pro players.
We have a silly rule thst you must plsy in Ireland to play for Ireland, so it definitely reduces the amount playing abroad

No we don't

Yeah we do... so do New Zealand!!!

Em....Sexton.....Racing Metro anyone?

Exactly. They made an exception for him, which caused ructions.

Do you think Zebo didn't make Japan on ability?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on October 30, 2019, 10:45:26 AM
Quote from: rodney trotter on October 30, 2019, 10:19:09 AM
Eoin Reddan was picked when he was playing with Wasps. Zebo likely would have been picked but himself and Schmidt didn't get along.

Darrell will probaly have him back in the Squad. Going back a while Keith Wood was picked when playing with Harlequins

Its much more recent than Reddan and Woods
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: highorlow on October 30, 2019, 12:21:23 PM
We need to get Pat Lam on board.

Best thing now is that we have a total disaster in the 6 nations and give Farrell the sack and bring in Lam.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on October 30, 2019, 01:13:31 PM
Was there not issues with Zebo similar to PJ? I thought he didn't get on with Schmidt because of his party ways
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on October 30, 2019, 01:32:39 PM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/irfu-policy-on-foreign-based-players-clear-in-ireland-squad-1.3103214?mode=amp (https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/irfu-policy-on-foreign-based-players-clear-in-ireland-squad-1.3103214?mode=amp)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 30, 2019, 02:04:36 PM
Quote from: highorlow on October 30, 2019, 12:21:23 PM
We need to get Pat Lam on board.

Best thing now is that we have a total disaster in the 6 nations and give Farrell the sack and bring in Lam.
I was thinking the same thing
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LooseCannon on October 30, 2019, 03:02:40 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on October 30, 2019, 10:19:09 AM
Eoin Reddan was picked when he was playing with Wasps. Zebo likely would have been picked but himself and Schmidt didn't get along.

Darrell will probaly have him back in the Squad. Going back a while Keith Wood was picked when playing with Harlequins
Tommy Bowe was with the Ospreys as well, wasn't he?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on October 30, 2019, 03:20:01 PM
Quote from: LooseCannon on October 30, 2019, 03:02:40 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on October 30, 2019, 10:19:09 AM
Eoin Reddan was picked when he was playing with Wasps. Zebo likely would have been picked but himself and Schmidt didn't get along.

Darrell will probaly have him back in the Squad. Going back a while Keith Wood was picked when playing with Harlequins
Tommy Bowe was with the Ospreys as well, wasn't he?
Until 2012. Schmidt took over in 2013
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on October 31, 2019, 12:23:06 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 30, 2019, 01:13:31 PM
Was there not issues with Zebo similar to PJ? I thought he didn't get on with Schmidt because of his party ways

Murray and Zebo got into a bit of bother about a night out alright, but wasn't in any way like the Jackson thing because in the latter there was a compliant about non consent.

Look Zebo went to France, it was his choice - he also is about 2 stone overweight since he went. It would be different if he was in the shape of his life.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Pearse Blue on October 31, 2019, 12:31:28 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on October 31, 2019, 12:23:06 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 30, 2019, 01:13:31 PM
Was there not issues with Zebo similar to PJ? I thought he didn't get on with Schmidt because of his party ways

Murray and Zebo got into a bit of bother about a night out alright, but wasn't in any way like the Jackson thing because in the latter there was a compliant about non consent.

Look Zebo went to France, it was his choice - he also is about 2 stone overweight since he went. It would be different if he was in the shape of his life.
A lot of people can't seem to accept that Ireland were shite, the whole tournament and what happened was predicted from the outset. What difference would Zebo have made? My estimate is none. Get over it, also, the 1/4 finals in a rugby world cup isn't bad for Ireland, saying its the countries 4th/5th sport
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Taylor on October 31, 2019, 12:48:28 PM
Quote from: Pearse Blue on October 31, 2019, 12:31:28 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on October 31, 2019, 12:23:06 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 30, 2019, 01:13:31 PM
Was there not issues with Zebo similar to PJ? I thought he didn't get on with Schmidt because of his party ways

Murray and Zebo got into a bit of bother about a night out alright, but wasn't in any way like the Jackson thing because in the latter there was a compliant about non consent.

Look Zebo went to France, it was his choice - he also is about 2 stone overweight since he went. It would be different if he was in the shape of his life.
A lot of people can't seem to accept that Ireland were shite, the whole tournament and what happened was predicted from the outset. What difference would Zebo have made? My estimate is none. Get over it, also, the 1/4 finals in a rugby world cup isn't bad for Ireland, saying its the countries 4th/5th sport

Or to put it another way - 9 countries take it seriously and Ireland are the second worst out of all of them.

To say the 1/4 finals isnt bad is factually incorrect for a team that was ranked number 1 a few weeks earlier
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on October 31, 2019, 12:55:07 PM
Quote from: Pearse Blue on October 31, 2019, 12:31:28 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on October 31, 2019, 12:23:06 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 30, 2019, 01:13:31 PM
Was there not issues with Zebo similar to PJ? I thought he didn't get on with Schmidt because of his party ways

Murray and Zebo got into a bit of bother about a night out alright, but wasn't in any way like the Jackson thing because in the latter there was a compliant about non consent.

Look Zebo went to France, it was his choice - he also is about 2 stone overweight since he went. It would be different if he was in the shape of his life.
A lot of people can't seem to accept that Ireland were shite, the whole tournament and what happened was predicted from the outset. What difference would Zebo have made? My estimate is none. Get over it, also, the 1/4 finals in a rugby world cup isn't bad for Ireland, saying its the countries 4th/5th sport

Think people have a right to be a bit disappointed in what happened now. Regardless of where it might be in the ranking, fact is Ireland have/had a world class team but unfortunately it just looks like they were the best team in the world 12 months too early.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LooseCannon on October 31, 2019, 01:59:53 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on October 30, 2019, 03:20:01 PM
Quote from: LooseCannon on October 30, 2019, 03:02:40 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on October 30, 2019, 10:19:09 AM
Eoin Reddan was picked when he was playing with Wasps. Zebo likely would have been picked but himself and Schmidt didn't get along.

Darrell will probaly have him back in the Squad. Going back a while Keith Wood was picked when playing with Harlequins
Tommy Bowe was with the Ospreys as well, wasn't he?
Until 2012. Schmidt took over in 2013
Was Eoin Reddan not back with Leinster at that stage?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on October 31, 2019, 03:23:12 PM
Quote from: LooseCannon on October 31, 2019, 01:59:53 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on October 30, 2019, 03:20:01 PM
Quote from: LooseCannon on October 30, 2019, 03:02:40 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on October 30, 2019, 10:19:09 AM
Eoin Reddan was picked when he was playing with Wasps. Zebo likely would have been picked but himself and Schmidt didn't get along.

Darrell will probaly have him back in the Squad. Going back a while Keith Wood was picked when playing with Harlequins
Tommy Bowe was with the Ospreys as well, wasn't he?
Until 2012. Schmidt took over in 2013
Was Eoin Reddan not back with Leinster at that stage?
Yes.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on November 01, 2019, 11:19:04 AM
The shortlist for Rugby Player of the Year was released.
Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa),
Tom Curry (England),
Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa),
Ardie Savea (New Zealand) and
Joe Taufete'e (USA).

Surprised none of Itoje, Farrell, or Liam Williams made the list.
AWJ and Taufete'e could be replaced by any of the three I've listed.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on November 01, 2019, 01:36:47 PM
Quote from: Estimator on November 01, 2019, 11:19:04 AM
The shortlist for Rugby Player of the Year was released.
Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa),
Tom Curry (England),
Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa),
Ardie Savea (New Zealand) and
Joe Taufete'e (USA).

Surprised none of Itoje, Farrell, or Liam Williams made the list.
AWJ and Taufete'e could be replaced by any of the three I've listed.

IF South Africa win tomorrow morning, the omission of Pollard and De Klerk will be glaring.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on November 01, 2019, 06:12:57 PM
England to win by a bit to spare tomorrow morning?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 01, 2019, 06:47:16 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on November 01, 2019, 06:12:57 PM
England to win by a bit to spare tomorrow morning?

Minimum 7
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 01, 2019, 06:59:40 PM
Who are we hoping for? For myself, I'd like to see Rassie and Felix win it, but I am surprised by how ambivalent I am towards England. in rugby I normally don't like to see England even win the toss, but I have to say this team is great to watch.

I'll predict England by 13.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 01, 2019, 08:02:15 PM
I would like to see a Northern Hemisphere win. Plus it might inspire Ireland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 01, 2019, 08:09:49 PM
South Africa in a bore fest
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on November 01, 2019, 08:31:09 PM
Like most of the games in this World Cup - I don't care!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Farrandeelin on November 01, 2019, 08:35:30 PM
England will probably win but I hope they don't.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 01, 2019, 08:44:59 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 01, 2019, 08:31:09 PM
Like most of the games in this World Cup - I don't care!
So same as the Gaelic football this year, then  :o
At least there's hurling  :)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 01, 2019, 10:30:04 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 01, 2019, 06:59:40 PM
Who are we hoping for? For myself, I'd like to see Rassie and Felix win it, but I am surprised by how ambivalent I am towards England. in rugby I normally don't like to see England even win the toss, but I have to say this team is great to watch.

I'll predict England by 13.
I'm the same. I find it hard to do anything but admire what they did to NZ in that first 20 mins. Respect for the players but the fans always help me to root for the other team! RSA were my pick before the tournament but think they'll be the losers.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 02, 2019, 12:52:15 AM
It should be England by a good bit but you never know what might happen in a final.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Aaron Boone on November 02, 2019, 08:16:38 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on November 02, 2019, 12:52:15 AM
It should be England by a good bit but you never know what might happen in a final.

It will unite the nation.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 02, 2019, 10:14:37 AM
England are getting horsed out of it in the scrum
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Ambrose on November 02, 2019, 10:39:46 AM
That looked forward. Oh dear.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 02, 2019, 10:40:26 AM
Oh u have little faith!! 😊😊
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: MayoBuck on November 02, 2019, 10:44:50 AM
Quote from: Ambrose on November 02, 2019, 10:39:46 AM
That looked forward. Oh dear.

If you look at the original camera angle it was flat.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 02, 2019, 10:50:01 AM
England's heavies getting beat up the real heavy Mob. Obvious now England played exceptional against New Zealand who themselves were very poor on the day.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on November 02, 2019, 10:50:53 AM
Chariot for sale.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 02, 2019, 10:51:55 AM
Game played totally on South Africa's terms while England made way too many stupid errors. Great to see Erasmus win seems like a good character and sure it's always great to see England beat!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on November 02, 2019, 10:54:55 AM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on November 01, 2019, 01:36:47 PM
Quote from: Estimator on November 01, 2019, 11:19:04 AM
The shortlist for Rugby Player of the Year was released.
Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa),
Tom Curry (England),
Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa),
Ardie Savea (New Zealand) and
Joe Taufete'e (USA).

Surprised none of Itoje, Farrell, or Liam Williams made the list.
AWJ and Taufete'e could be replaced by any of the three I've listed.

IF South Africa win tomorrow morning, the omission of Pollard and De Klerk will be glaring.

Looks criminal right now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Square Ball on November 02, 2019, 10:55:48 AM
Amazing, few gave them any chance at the start of the tournament.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Farrandeelin on November 02, 2019, 10:56:34 AM
Poor Eddie Jones lol.

Well done the Springboks.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: An Watcher on November 02, 2019, 11:01:18 AM
Good enough for them, matt Dawson said yesterday that if you were picking a combined 15 you'd have 15 England players. What do you think now matt
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Denn Forever on November 02, 2019, 11:06:20 AM
Where did Ryle Nugent go?  Pleasure watching RTE Rugby now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on November 02, 2019, 11:24:59 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on November 02, 2019, 10:50:01 AM
England's heavies getting beat up the real heavy Mob. Obvious now England played exceptional against New Zealand who themselves were very poor on the day.

Fair to say that South Africa played exceptional and England very poor today. What odds were the springboks before this tournament  started? Many Irish thought they could beat them if they played them in the quarter finals.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on November 02, 2019, 11:37:51 AM
Any Irishman who believed that is a moron. SA win the rugby championship and drew away to NZ. Their form was ominous.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 02, 2019, 12:46:49 PM
Most Irish I know believed a 1/4 vs RSA or the All Blacks was the end of the road.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 02, 2019, 12:58:13 PM
A surprising result today. I really thought England had it in the bag after the New Zealand performance. Tuilagi hardly got the ball today. South africa controlled most of the game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: under the bar on November 02, 2019, 01:13:33 PM
Typical English media. First question to Eddie Jones at pitch-side was "do you view that as success or failure?"
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on November 02, 2019, 05:08:06 PM
Field position is nearly as important in rugby now as it is in Amercian football sa played a lot of the game in England's  half , scrum and line out still very important won them the game .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 02, 2019, 05:39:54 PM
That's team or Alot of it lost a game 57_nil 2yrs ago
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 02, 2019, 06:32:01 PM
There was about 6 times they asked the players about not getting on the pitch for warm up due to being in traffic! That was the excuse the media was pushing!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on November 03, 2019, 09:23:54 AM
Heaslip clarifies. Very strange stuff

https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/jamie-heaslip-apologises-for-unintentional-error-of-detail-after-confirming-that-he-did-not-fail-drug-test-38655719.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on November 03, 2019, 10:30:35 AM
https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/other-rugby/paul-kimmage-jamie-heaslip-has-finally-spoken-but-forgive-me-if-i-was-expecting-more-38655646.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on November 04, 2019, 10:29:47 AM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 03, 2019, 09:23:54 AM
Heaslip clarifies. Very strange stuff

https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/jamie-heaslip-apologises-for-unintentional-error-of-detail-after-confirming-that-he-did-not-fail-drug-test-38655719.html

Yeah this is just a strange affair all round - Heaslip does not come off very intelligent in this, but from what I know about him he's not exactly undereducated either.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on November 04, 2019, 05:10:10 PM
https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/munster-rugby/munster-handed-huge-boost-with-two-springbok-world-cup-stars-set-to-join-province-in-2020-38659376.html

This is an interesting one! Snyman will be a hero down there.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 04, 2019, 06:24:10 PM
Just a pity it's not until next season.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on November 05, 2019, 11:38:11 AM
Saracens docked 35 points and fined £5.3m for breaching salary cap rules - http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/50300756

Just looking at their line up:
George, Farrell, Vunipola brothers, Itoje, Kruis, Daly

Plus:
Williams (Wales)
Maitland and Taylor (Scotland)
Koch (SA)

No wonder they have breached the salary cap.

Will they lose any titles won over the last few years??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on November 05, 2019, 12:17:44 PM
Quote from: Estimator on November 05, 2019, 11:38:11 AM
Saracens docked 35 points and fined £5.3m for breaching salary cap rules - http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/50300756

Just looking at their line up:
George, Farrell, Vunipola brothers, Itoje, Kruis, Daly

Plus:
Williams (Wales)
Maitland and Taylor (Scotland)
Koch (SA)

No wonder they have breached the salary cap.

Will they lose any titles won over the last few years??

Throw in Alex Goode who'll be well paid, Will Skelton, Brad Barrett, Wigglesworth and Ben Spencer will soon be on big terms.....

They have a serious squad.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on November 05, 2019, 12:49:26 PM
Quote from: Estimator on November 05, 2019, 11:38:11 AM
Saracens docked 35 points and fined £5.3m for breaching salary cap rules - http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/50300756

Just looking at their line up:
George, Farrell, Vunipola brothers, Itoje, Kruis, Daly

Plus:
Williams (Wales)
Maitland and Taylor (Scotland)
Koch (SA)

No wonder they have breached the salary cap.

Will they lose any titles won over the last few years??

Unless they're not allowed play in HEC, not much good to Munster 😀
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 05, 2019, 01:09:33 PM
I think they're all within the pay scale but Saracens got creative and offered players loads of Joint Ventures with the MD where the players are involved in business dealings that are separate from their playing contracts!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 08, 2019, 08:43:40 AM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/matt-williams-national-coaching-plan-must-address-recurrent-world-cup-failure-1.4075868

Matt Williams: National coaching plan must address recurrent World Cup failure
Farrell needs to be brave and embrace what is a daunting challenge


Over the past 20 years Irish teams have played powerfully during the Six Nations tournaments, then travelled to the RWC, full of hope, only to fail at every quarter-final.

Ireland and Italy are now the only two countries from the Six Nations and The Rugby Championship who have not made a Rugby World Cup semi-final.

It is time for Irish rugby to embark on a change of thinking surrounding the national team's preparation for RWC 2023. As Einstein put it: "The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them".

If Irish rugby repeats what it has always done, then quarter-final failure awaits us again in 2023. A paradigm shift is required. Ireland needs new thinking to win at RWC 2023.

An independent committee to review the national team's processes must be established, with the aim of creating a new national coaching plan. This plan must detail the leadership, structure and the playing style of how rugby needs to be performed across all professional Irish teams for success to be achieved in France and beyond.

This review would obviously include Andy Farrell. However, Ireland must look outside the IRFU for independent experiences to offer guidance for the change that is essential within Irish rugby.

Graham Henry and Wayne Smith are the men to seek out. Both are wise and experienced rugby men who have lost a RWC quarter-final and gone on to lift the William Webb Ellis trophy.

The greatest rugby document I have ever read is the NZRFU's review, produced after New Zealand were defeated in the 2007 quarter-final by France.

While the media was full of demands for "lopping off the heads" of the coach, Graham Henry, assistant coach Wayne Smith and captain Ritchie McCaw, the NZRFU wisely brought in an independent team of consultants and conducted a deep analysis of the national team's performance and charted a course towards future success.


New Zealand rugby implemented the recommendations of that process and reappointed Henry, Smith and McCaw in their senior roles. History tells us that New Zealand won the next two World Cups (in 2011 under Henry) and it took one of England's greatest ever performances to knock them out of the third.

National effort
If Ireland are to fulfil their undoubted potential at a Word Cup it will require a national effort.

Joe Schmidt has been Ireland's greatest ever coach. He has rightly been applauded and should be celebrated for his wonderful successes. Despite his gargantuan efforts he has also proved one man can not do it alone.

It is clear to me one major aspect the national review must consider is the need for the appointment of an independent selector to act as an adviser to the national coach. Grant Fox, the former great outhalf, acted in this role for New Zealand.

New Zealand rugby has a national plan of how they want to play the game. If we watch the Kiwis Super franchises, we can observe a distinct style of rugby. Ireland must journey down a similar path. This process will take time and should not be rushed.

This places Farrell under great pressure from day one, as he has to act now as the Six Nations matches are approaching fast. He also must prove he is the solution, not part of the problem. Farrell should follow Rassie Erasmus's advice and turn the pressure of this situation into a golden opportunity.

Farrell must focus on new playing processes for Ireland to perform with success in the Six Nations and on the tour to Australia. Preparation time is frustratingly short. A shrewd move by Farrell would be to adopt the ready-made playing template sitting in D4. Leinster's current philosophy of play is an excellent fit for the national team.

In attack, Leinster use footwork before contact. As do England, Wales, Australia and New Zealand. Currently, Ireland do not.

Leinster have a varied attack using mauls, attacking kicks, forward runners and wide backs attack. As do England, New Zealand, Australia, Wales and South Africa. Ireland do not.

Leinster use attacking shape with co-ordinated interaction between the forwards and the backs to create a "whole of team" attack. They attack from turn over ball, counterattack, as well as set play. As do England, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa. . . just about every team except Ireland.

In the long term a national coaching plan is required where all the provincial teams will be required to fall in behind the national team plan and play the "Irish way". Right now and for the last 20 years "the Irish way" has been impossible to define. Farrell must give "the Irish way" life.

Attacking options
That does not mean Muster have to play like Leinster. It means all the provinces have to play a style and work on skill sets that can be transferred to the international stage.

This immensely difficult task will be the making or breaking of Andy Farrell as a head coach. If we continue to witness an Irish team as bereft of attacking options under Farrell as we did at RWC 2019 then, sadly, Farrell will be replaced before the next Lions tour.

I know that is very harsh and unjust, but it is also the reality. Coaching is a tough business that's becoming brutal. As a player in Rugby League, Andy Farrell was one of the bravest I have ever seen.

He now needs to be the same as a coach.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 29, 2019, 09:53:20 AM
 https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/conor-o-shea-appointed-england-performance-director-1.4099062
Conor O'Shea will join the Rugby Football Union as director of performance rugby next year, the governing body has announced.

Irishman O'Shea resigned as Italy head coach this month and was previously director of rugby at Harlequins.

"I am privileged and honoured and it is an incredible opportunity to join at a really exciting time for English rugby," said the 49-year-old, who will become the RFU's director of performance rugby.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on November 29, 2019, 10:27:36 AM
Arguably a step up for O'Shea
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 29, 2019, 10:34:33 AM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on November 29, 2019, 10:27:36 AM
Arguably a step up for O'Shea

It's an indictment on Irish Rugby that someone of his calibre has not been involved in the last 10 years!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 04, 2019, 07:29:53 PM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/irfu-review-admits-ireland-caught-cold-by-japan-at-world-cup-1.4104769
IRFU review admits Ireland caught cold by Japan at World Cup ???

The IRFU's review into the 2019 World Cup has accepted that there were mistakes in the build-up to the tournament and during it, most notably in not developing Ireland's game, in underestimating Japan and in not giving the staff and players sufficient help in dealing with the anxiety that crept into the squad from the beginning of the Six Nations onwards.
Some of these findings, and more, were divulged at a briefing with the media today by the union's performance director David Nucifora, who earlier today presented the review to the IRFU's Management Committee and Professional Game Board.
The review followed the process adopted at the same juncture in 2015, with a survey of players and staff before the World Cup, conducted by the same outside source, supplemented by interviews with key personnel after the tournament, which were conducted by Nucifora himself.
The report contains over 50 recommendations, some "operational and boring but useful for us for the next Rugby World Cup, " said Nucifora, but the first one in relation to Ireland's quarter-final exit was whether the team's game had developed sufficiently.
"I know there's been criticism over a period of what we should do, offload or counter-attack more," acknowledged Nucifora, who never mentioned Joe Schmidt, or any of his assistants by name, although it's clear the buck stops with the now departed head coach.
"It's not as if coaching staff don't consider that, they consider everything. A coach is like a risk assessor in insurance," he added, "who assesses the strengths and weaknesses of his own team and opposition.
"I believe leading into the World Cup, post-Six Nations, those things were all assessed and the strength of the team was the strength and clarity of how they play. That doesn't come overnight, it comes from being drilled intensely over a long period of time. Change would have been difficult."
Nucifora stressed that coaches have a limited time frame to develop games, confined mostly to the eight to ten weeks before the World Cup given the match intensity of the Six Nations. But, crucially, having said all that, Nucifora concluded: "Should we have developed our game further? Potentially yes, with the benefit of hindsight."
Maintaining that "our coaches" have been good at making decisions over a long period of time, that change would have crested risk, and citing the examples of the All Blacks, England and the relatively consistent game employed by South Africa, Nucifora concluded: "There's an argument for both sides around style, but should we have armed our players with more tools? I think, with benefit of hindsight, we should have. It's not absolutely certain that we'd definitely have gotten a better result. It could have been worse, and all turned to custard."
The next most notable finding of the report, according to Nucifora, were issues around anxiety/stress in Ireland's performance, arising from the expectation generated by the achievements of 2018. These were compounded by a deflating Six Nations and the defeat by an underestimated Japan and an overt focus on the opening pool game against Scotland.
"This was very relevant for us before and during the tournament, I think that at the end of 2018 we were now the front-runners. And I'm still getting my head around this but to deal with that mentality and how you handle pressure and expectation of being the best, as we came into Six Nations and we genuinely did; the bell curve started to drop with performances.
"Straight away, there was a level of anxiety. Some of it was stress, it can manifest itself in staff and players. Going into the world's biggest competition, we probably underestimated the level of support we needed to give staff around that area, helping them manage the expectation that was on them which came from the success they'd had.

"Players and staff, they're all human and have other lives and stresses. To be able to manage those things, the stress and expectation of performance is a big area for us to look at and service our staff. Our performance psychology needs to be improved, as well as health and well-being. We need to continually upgrade, upskill how we utilise those disciplines because if we continue to do well, manage to get on top, near the top we need to be able to manage it better."
Nucifora admitted the primary focus in the build-up to the tournament was on the Scottish game, as it was perceived as "our biggest pool game".
"Everything we worked towards was to have success (in that game). We achieved that, but we've asked the question is did we get it wrong in not coupling it up? With a six day turnaround, how would people respond when climbing the mountain and get the same level of focus, enthusiasm to perform against the home side who had nothing to lose?
"We underestimated the intensity of what Japan were able to play at, that genuinely surprised us," said Nucifora, somewhat damningly. "Coupled with coming off Scotland, how we dealt with it, we got a few things wrong. If we had our time again, our focus would have been split more evenly about how we go about it."
Not that Ireland would have changed their game strategy, he added, but in terms of their preparation and mindset, "there were learnings for us."
"Dropping that Japanese game sets a tone, a mood. Stress, anxiety, wanting to perform, that damaged us and there was more pressure on us to perform to the level we wanted to perform at."
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on January 03, 2020, 09:37:33 PM
Big statement from Ulster against a string Munster side.

They were fairly brutal though will be an interesting few weeks in the European Cup.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on January 03, 2020, 11:51:40 PM
Quote from: screenexile on January 03, 2020, 09:37:33 PM
Big statement from Ulster against a string Munster side.

They were fairly brutal though will be an interesting few weeks in the European Cup.
Cooney must be in with a decent shout in Farrell's plans.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 04, 2020, 12:00:09 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 03, 2020, 11:51:40 PM
Quote from: screenexile on January 03, 2020, 09:37:33 PM
Big statement from Ulster against a string Munster side.

They were fairly brutal though will be an interesting few weeks in the European Cup.
Cooney must be in with a decent shout in Farrell's plans.

Was at it last night, a cracking game and Cooney has to be in with a shout! His try last night was great, some pace on him too. On a side note, for a night out with the mates or with the family Ravenhill/Kingspan have it spot on
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on January 05, 2020, 07:12:41 PM
It's not just the Cooney is playing so well, Murray is absolutely awful. Living off his reputation for a couple of years. It's a no contest now for the Irish number 9 jersey.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 11, 2020, 05:46:28 AM
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/taoiseach-pledges-extra-10m-to-new-connacht-rugby-stadium-1.4136334
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GaillimhIarthair on January 11, 2020, 10:16:32 AM
Quote from: seafoid on January 11, 2020, 05:46:28 AM
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/taoiseach-pledges-extra-10m-to-new-connacht-rugby-stadium-1.4136334
A great boost for Connacht Rugby indeed.  Easily known there is an election around the corner the way the 20 million was announced - the 10m LSSIF announcement early yesterday and then Sean Kyne springs the additional 10m late afternoon!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on January 11, 2020, 11:14:07 AM
Big risk for Munster to pick JJ for Sunday, despite him having trained feck all this week.

If his dodgy hamstring goes in the first half they're going to look pretty silly. Hopefully they can pull off (another) miracle and also do everyone else a favour by knocking out Saracens.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 11, 2020, 01:19:31 PM
Quote from: Hound on January 11, 2020, 11:14:07 AM
Big risk for Munster to pick JJ for Sunday, despite him having trained feck all this week.

If his dodgy hamstring goes in the first half they're going to look pretty silly. Hopefully they can pull off (another) miracle and also do everyone else a favour by knocking out Saracens.

Saracens are a man down for the whole match, they'll be lucky to win that one! Munster have been poor recently
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on January 12, 2020, 08:42:21 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 11, 2020, 01:19:31 PM
Quote from: Hound on January 11, 2020, 11:14:07 AM
Big risk for Munster to pick JJ for Sunday, despite him having trained feck all this week.

If his dodgy hamstring goes in the first half they're going to look pretty silly. Hopefully they can pull off (another) miracle and also do everyone else a favour by knocking out Saracens.

Saracens are a man down for the whole match, they'll be lucky to win that one! Munster have been poor recently
Saracens 2nd team playing with 14 men near the whole match still won. Ospreys must have been a right pile of pish
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on January 12, 2020, 10:23:21 AM
Quote from: Hound on January 12, 2020, 08:42:21 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 11, 2020, 01:19:31 PM
Quote from: Hound on January 11, 2020, 11:14:07 AM
Big risk for Munster to pick JJ for Sunday, despite him having trained feck all this week.

If his dodgy hamstring goes in the first half they're going to look pretty silly. Hopefully they can pull off (another) miracle and also do everyone else a favour by knocking out Saracens.

Saracens are a man down for the whole match, they'll be lucky to win that one! Munster have been poor recently
Saracens 2nd team playing with 14 men near the whole match still won. Ospreys must have been a right pile of pish

Does this impact on Saracens' Euro campaign or is it just the Premiership in England?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on January 12, 2020, 10:54:03 AM
Quote from: Hound on January 12, 2020, 08:42:21 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 11, 2020, 01:19:31 PM
Quote from: Hound on January 11, 2020, 11:14:07 AM
Big risk for Munster to pick JJ for Sunday, despite him having trained feck all this week.

If his dodgy hamstring goes in the first half they're going to look pretty silly. Hopefully they can pull off (another) miracle and also do everyone else a favour by knocking out Saracens.

Saracens are a man down for the whole match, they'll be lucky to win that one! Munster have been poor recently
Saracens 2nd team playing with 14 men near the whole match still won. Ospreys must have been a right pile of pish
Saracens could have beaten Ospreys with 13 men. Ospreys have lost nearly every match this season.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 12, 2020, 04:48:09 PM
Munster 2 up after 65 mins
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on January 12, 2020, 04:55:46 PM
Quote from: seafoid on January 12, 2020, 04:48:09 PM
Munster 2 up after 65 mins

Spoke too soon
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 12, 2020, 05:35:35 PM
The competition shows how money is allied with success and how big city teams took over from regional teams with history as the years went by

Brive won in 96 but it's  a small town and wouldn't have a notion of qualifying now.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Rugby_Champions_Cup#Wins_by_club
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on January 12, 2020, 06:08:25 PM
Quote from: seafoid on January 12, 2020, 05:35:35 PM
The competition shows how money is allied with success and how big city teams took over from regional teams with history as the years went by

Brive won in 96 but it's  a small town and wouldn't have a notion of qualifying now.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Rugby_Champions_Cup#Wins_by_club
Not unsurprising as the game was made professional around the same time. Saracens are a case in point to the extent of cheating the salary cap to ram the squad full of England players. It's a shame for Exeter Chiefs etc. who have been beaten finalists on more than one occasion whilst trying to play within the cap.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on January 13, 2020, 09:18:18 AM
That was a great effort by Munster.

Maybe easy to say in hindsight, but they should have been braver with their last penalty. 5 metres out, in front of the posts and in the last two plays had been a whisker away from getting over the line. 3 points was not enough.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on January 13, 2020, 09:57:51 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 12, 2020, 10:54:03 AM
Quote from: Hound on January 12, 2020, 08:42:21 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 11, 2020, 01:19:31 PM
Quote from: Hound on January 11, 2020, 11:14:07 AM
Big risk for Munster to pick JJ for Sunday, despite him having trained feck all this week.

If his dodgy hamstring goes in the first half they're going to look pretty silly. Hopefully they can pull off (another) miracle and also do everyone else a favour by knocking out Saracens.

Saracens are a man down for the whole match, they'll be lucky to win that one! Munster have been poor recently
Saracens 2nd team playing with 14 men near the whole match still won. Ospreys must have been a right pile of pish
Saracens could have beaten Ospreys with 13 men. Ospreys have lost nearly every match this season.

The Welsh regions are a shambles at the moment.....Wonder what the plan is to fix that, Webb won't single handily sort out The Ospreys.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 15, 2020, 05:02:58 PM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/johnny-sexton-confirmed-as-new-ireland-captain-for-six-nations-1.4140794

Ireland 2020 Guinness Six Nations squad

Forwards (19):
Max Deegan (Leinster, uncapped)
Caelan Doris (Leinster, uncapped)
Ultan Dillane (Connacht, 14 caps)
Tadhg Furlong (Leinster, 41 caps)
Cian Healy (Leinster, 95 caps)
Dave Heffernan (Connacht, 1 cap)
Iain Henderson (Ulster, 53 caps)
Rob Herring (Ulster, 8 caps)
Ronan Kelleher (Leinster,0 caps)
Dave Kilcoyne (Munster, 36 caps)
Jack McGrath (Leinster, 56 caps)
Jack O'Donoghue (Munster, 2 caps)
Peter O'Mahony (Munster, 64 caps)
Tom O'Toole (Ulster, uncapped)
Andrew Porter (Leinster, 23 caps)
James Ryan (Leinster, 23 caps)
CJ Stander (Munster, 38 caps)
Devin Toner (Leinster, 67 caps)
Josh van der Flier (Leinster, 23 caps)

Backs (16):
Will Addison (Ulster, 4 caps)
Bundee Aki (Connacht, 23 caps)
Billy Burns (Ulster, 0 caps)
Ross Byrne (Leinster, 3 caps)
Andrew Conway (Munster, 18 caps)
John Cooney (Ulster, 8 caps)
Keith Earls (Munster, 82 caps)
Chris Farrell (Munster, 9 caps)
Robbie Henshaw (Leinster, 40 caps)
Dave Kearney (Leinster, 19 caps)
Jordan Larmour (Leinster, 21 caps)
Luke McGrath (Leinster, 19 caps)
Conor Murray (Munster, 78 caps)
Garry Ringrose (Leinster, 28 caps)
Jonathan Sexton (Leinster, capt, 88 caps)
Jacob Stockdale (Ulster, 25 caps)

Development Players:
Ryan Baird (Leinster)
Robert Baloucoune (Ulster)
Harry Byrne (Leinster)
Will Connors (Leinster).
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on January 15, 2020, 05:04:25 PM
Looks like McCloskey is never getting himself into contention. Pity. Surely worth his place.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on January 16, 2020, 03:37:50 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on January 15, 2020, 05:04:25 PM
Looks like McCloskey is never getting himself into contention. Pity. Surely worth his place.

Aki and Henshaw have done very little to get themselves in there ... looks like Schmidt part 2 with form players missing out over "tried and trusted".
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 17, 2020, 10:34:58 AM
Devin Toner is back and Jean Kleyn isn't.
Funny old world
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on January 17, 2020, 12:31:13 PM
Quote from: seafoid on January 17, 2020, 10:34:58 AM
Devin Toner is back and Jean Kleyn isn't.
Funny old world

Will Devin be going to the WC in 4 years?  Very unlikely

Will Sexton be going to the WC in 4 years?   Very Unlikely

I get that Farrell is probably looking to have a reasonably experienced spine for the upcoming 6N's in the hope of not taking a battering in the big games but I'd like to think both will be phased out if not this year then definitely the next to allow those lads to come through that will be leading the team in 4 years.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on January 17, 2020, 01:26:49 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on January 17, 2020, 12:31:13 PM
Quote from: seafoid on January 17, 2020, 10:34:58 AM
Devin Toner is back and Jean Kleyn isn't.
Funny old world

Will Devin be going to the WC in 4 years?  Very unlikely

Will Sexton be going to the WC in 4 years?   Very Unlikely

I get that Farrell is probably looking to have a reasonably experienced spine for the upcoming 6N's in the hope of not taking a battering in the big games but I'd like to think both will be phased out if not this year then definitely the next to allow those lads to come through that will be leading the team in 4 years.

Take a look at that French squad - that's World Cup planning
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on January 17, 2020, 01:36:02 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on January 17, 2020, 01:26:49 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on January 17, 2020, 12:31:13 PM
Quote from: seafoid on January 17, 2020, 10:34:58 AM
Devin Toner is back and Jean Kleyn isn't.
Funny old world

Will Devin be going to the WC in 4 years?  Very unlikely

Will Sexton be going to the WC in 4 years?   Very Unlikely

I get that Farrell is probably looking to have a reasonably experienced spine for the upcoming 6N's in the hope of not taking a battering in the big games but I'd like to think both will be phased out if not this year then definitely the next to allow those lads to come through that will be leading the team in 4 years.

Take a look at that French squad - that's World Cup planning

New Coach and 20 uncapped players.

No messing about there but he could well be looking over his shoulder if there's a few poor performances. The French rugby public are more unforgiving than the Irish.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on January 17, 2020, 03:24:29 PM
I actually agree with Farrell. There may be a soft 6 Nations to win here which will have no bearing on the World Cup. England and France will be struggling with the condensed season and not being able to rest lads from club games.

Wales will take a while to find their feet with a new coach and the shambles going on in the WRU.

Scotland and Italy are still basket cases.

2 Years out from the World Cup South Africa were a complete basket case and went on to win. England also had a horrific run of games when we had our best season ever and they got to the WC Final. World cup planning has been happening too early and resulting in form lads not getting in the team or squad for the World Cup so it'll do no harm to change it up!

I can't for the life of me figure out why lads on form like McCloskey and Rhys Ruddock aren't on the squad!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Angelo on January 17, 2020, 03:26:48 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on January 17, 2020, 01:36:02 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on January 17, 2020, 01:26:49 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on January 17, 2020, 12:31:13 PM
Quote from: seafoid on January 17, 2020, 10:34:58 AM
Devin Toner is back and Jean Kleyn isn't.
Funny old world

Will Devin be going to the WC in 4 years?  Very unlikely

Will Sexton be going to the WC in 4 years?   Very Unlikely

I get that Farrell is probably looking to have a reasonably experienced spine for the upcoming 6N's in the hope of not taking a battering in the big games but I'd like to think both will be phased out if not this year then definitely the next to allow those lads to come through that will be leading the team in 4 years.

Take a look at that French squad - that's World Cup planning

New Coach and 20 uncapped players.

No messing about there but he could well be looking over his shoulder if there's a few poor performances. The French rugby public are more unforgiving than the Irish.

The Dalai Lama is more unforgiving than the Irish rugby public.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on January 17, 2020, 05:07:22 PM
Ireland need to rebuild and aim for the next world cup. I don't see a problem with older players staying, they are needed so new players can learn from them. Whilst the world cup highlighted the face we didn't have a team up for challenging the world cup the players still possessed talent. The likes of Toner and Sexton most certainly will not be at the next world cup but there is no harm having them around for a year or two to bring on the new players.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on January 18, 2020, 09:34:42 PM
Not related to Irish rugby but Saracens have been relegated for cheating. Not following salary cap rules I believe.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on January 18, 2020, 09:40:29 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on January 18, 2020, 09:34:42 PM
Not related to Irish rugby but Saracens have been relegated for cheating. Not following salary cap rules I believe.
I feel sorry for the likes of Exeter who it seems have stuck to the cap, topped the Gallagher Premiership only to be beaten by Sarries in the final which is how it's decided. It's a f**king disgrace. They were docked a load of points and fined at the start of the season but they have been relegated for not putting their house in order - it looks like they were trying to keep going this season without making the required changes. They had most of the spine of that England team so there was no way they were paying Itoje, Farrell, George, Daly, Vunipola(s), Liam Williams, Alex Goode etc. and staying within the cap. Everyone knew it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on January 18, 2020, 11:44:41 PM
Quote from: Solo_run on January 17, 2020, 05:07:22 PM
Ireland need to rebuild and aim for the next world cup. I don't see a problem with older players staying, they are needed so new players can learn from them. Whilst the world cup highlighted the face we didn't have a team up for challenging the world cup the players still possessed talent. The likes of Toner and Sexton most certainly will not be at the next world cup but there is no harm having them around for a year or two to bring on the new players.
Sorry, but they don't
The six nations is rugby's bread and butter.
Aim to win the six nations and naturally refresh the team and squad.
NZ don't really plan for WC they just bring through form players into their national set up.
SA was a bit of a fluke imho. Their hardest game was vs NZ in group
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on January 19, 2020, 01:16:38 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on January 18, 2020, 11:44:41 PM
Quote from: Solo_run on January 17, 2020, 05:07:22 PM
Ireland need to rebuild and aim for the next world cup. I don't see a problem with older players staying, they are needed so new players can learn from them. Whilst the world cup highlighted the face we didn't have a team up for challenging the world cup the players still possessed talent. The likes of Toner and Sexton most certainly will not be at the next world cup but there is no harm having them around for a year or two to bring on the new players.
Sorry, but they don't
The six nations is rugby's bread and butter.
Aim to win the six nations and naturally refresh the team and squad.
NZ don't really plan for WC they just bring through form players into their national set up.
SA was a bit of a fluke imho. Their hardest game was vs NZ in group

Realistically we aren't going to win the 6 nations. There are going to be significant changes this year and next.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on January 19, 2020, 01:26:20 PM
Quote from: Solo_run on January 19, 2020, 01:16:38 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on January 18, 2020, 11:44:41 PM
Quote from: Solo_run on January 17, 2020, 05:07:22 PM
Ireland need to rebuild and aim for the next world cup. I don't see a problem with older players staying, they are needed so new players can learn from them. Whilst the world cup highlighted the face we didn't have a team up for challenging the world cup the players still possessed talent. The likes of Toner and Sexton most certainly will not be at the next world cup but there is no harm having them around for a year or two to bring on the new players.
Sorry, but they don't
The six nations is rugby's bread and butter.
Aim to win the six nations and naturally refresh the team and squad.
NZ don't really plan for WC they just bring through form players into their national set up.
SA was a bit of a fluke imho. Their hardest game was vs NZ in group

Realistically we aren't going to win the 6 nations. There are going to be significant changes this year and next.

Why aren't we going to win?? England are rightly favourites but a lot can happen in the tournament after the WC and we're more than capable of beating the others and England in a one off!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on January 20, 2020, 11:05:55 AM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on January 18, 2020, 11:44:41 PM
Quote from: Solo_run on January 17, 2020, 05:07:22 PM
Ireland need to rebuild and aim for the next world cup. I don't see a problem with older players staying, they are needed so new players can learn from them. Whilst the world cup highlighted the face we didn't have a team up for challenging the world cup the players still possessed talent. The likes of Toner and Sexton most certainly will not be at the next world cup but there is no harm having them around for a year or two to bring on the new players.
Sorry, but they don't
The six nations is rugby's bread and butter.
Aim to win the six nations and naturally refresh the team and squad.
NZ don't really plan for WC they just bring through form players into their national set up.
SA was a bit of a fluke imho. Their hardest game was vs NZ in group

Really????
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on January 20, 2020, 12:29:50 PM
When you look at the Top 4 teams in the 6Nations since its inception, their records are all very similar to one another:

Wales have won 5 C'ships, 4 Grand Slams and 4 Triple Crowns
France have won 5 C'ships and 3 Grand Slams
England have won 6 C'ships, 2 Grand Slams, 4 Triple Crowns, and 9 Millennium Trophies.
Ireland have won 4 C'ships, 2 Grand Slams, 5 Triple Crowns, and 11 Millennium Trophies

Both France and Wales have been recipients of the Wooden Spoon over the last 20yrs as well.

What really separates the teams are their World Cup exploits (last 20years).  Ireland have yet to win a quarter final.  England have done so 3 times, getting to the final on each occasion.  France have the same record as England in the quarter-finals, getting to 1 final and 2 semi-finals.  Wales have been to the semi-finals twice. 

Should we take some short term pain in the 6nations, by introducing a few more inexperienced players and discarding a few more of the elder statesmen, in order to build towards 2023?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on January 20, 2020, 12:31:32 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on January 20, 2020, 11:05:55 AM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on January 18, 2020, 11:44:41 PM
Quote from: Solo_run on January 17, 2020, 05:07:22 PM
Ireland need to rebuild and aim for the next world cup. I don't see a problem with older players staying, they are needed so new players can learn from them. Whilst the world cup highlighted the face we didn't have a team up for challenging the world cup the players still possessed talent. The likes of Toner and Sexton most certainly will not be at the next world cup but there is no harm having them around for a year or two to bring on the new players.
Sorry, but they don't
The six nations is rugby's bread and butter.
Aim to win the six nations and naturally refresh the team and squad.
NZ don't really plan for WC they just bring through form players into their national set up.
SA was a bit of a fluke imho. Their hardest game was vs NZ in group

Really????

Yeah coz they also fluked the Southern Hemisphere equivalent of the 6N's in 2019.



;)

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on January 20, 2020, 12:34:01 PM
Quote from: Estimator on January 20, 2020, 12:29:50 PM
When you look at the Top 4 teams in the 6Nations since its inception, their records are all very similar to one another:

Wales have won 5 C'ships, 4 Grand Slams and 4 Triple Crowns
France have won 5 C'ships and 3 Grand Slams
England have won 6 C'ships, 2 Grand Slams, 4 Triple Crowns, and 9 Millennium Trophies.
Ireland have won 4 C'ships, 2 Grand Slams, 5 Triple Crowns, and 11 Millennium Trophies

Both France and Wales have been recipients of the Wooden Spoon over the last 20yrs as well.

What really separates the teams are their World Cup exploits (last 20years).  Ireland have yet to win a quarter final.  England have done so 3 times, getting to the final on each occasion.  France have the same record as England in the quarter-finals, getting to 1 final and 2 semi-finals.  Wales have been to the semi-finals twice. 

Should we take some short term pain in the 6nations, by introducing a few more inexperienced players and discarding a few more of the elder statesmen, in order to build towards 2023?

That can be the only option, surely. Of course we have a serious issue with Carberry - I'm becoming of the opinion that he might be close to being a write off at this stage. Farrell has been around the block with these cycles - the lions. I actually think he'll do well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on January 20, 2020, 04:20:18 PM
Quote from: Estimator on January 20, 2020, 12:29:50 PM
When you look at the Top 4 teams in the 6Nations since its inception, their records are all very similar to one another:

Wales have won 5 C'ships, 4 Grand Slams and 4 Triple Crowns
France have won 5 C'ships and 3 Grand Slams
England have won 6 C'ships, 2 Grand Slams, 4 Triple Crowns, and 9 Millennium Trophies.
Ireland have won 4 C'ships, 2 Grand Slams, 5 Triple Crowns, and 11 Millennium Trophies

Both France and Wales have been recipients of the Wooden Spoon over the last 20yrs as well.

What really separates the teams are their World Cup exploits (last 20years).  Ireland have yet to win a quarter final.  England have done so 3 times, getting to the final on each occasion.  France have the same record as England in the quarter-finals, getting to 1 final and 2 semi-finals.  Wales have been to the semi-finals twice. 

Should we take some short term pain in the 6nations, by introducing a few more inexperienced players and discarding a few more of the elder statesmen, in order to build towards 2023?

What's the fascination with the WC?
It is of course a pile of shite in which there is only 8 good teams and about 2 of which can realistically win it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on January 20, 2020, 04:26:19 PM
Bective Rangers, goys.

https://twitter.com/BeWarmers/status/1218482611183652864?s=09
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on January 21, 2020, 10:23:21 AM
Quote from: Estimator on January 20, 2020, 12:29:50 PM

When you look at the Top 4 teams in the 6Nations since its inception, their records are all very similar to one another:

Wales have won 5 C'ships, 4 Grand Slams and 4 Triple Crowns
France have won 5 C'ships and 3 Grand Slams
England have won 6 C'ships, 2 Grand Slams, 4 Triple Crowns, and 9 Millennium Trophies.
Ireland have won 4 C'ships, 2 Grand Slams, 5 Triple Crowns, and 11 Millennium Trophies


Had a look at the second place finishes as well in the 6 Nations. For the record its –
Wales – 2
France – 3
England – 8
Ireland – 7

Some of those 2nd place finishes have been on score difference from the C'ship winners (England and Ireland have 3 each)
Some are on score difference from 3rd and below (England 3, France 2, Ireland 1)

England and Ireland have clearly been the most consistent performers, but I'm sure both nations would swap their respective 6 Nation records for what the Welsh have done over the last 20 years.

Also I see McCloskey has received a belated call up.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on January 23, 2020, 01:21:46 PM
Finn Russell bucked out of the Scotland squad.

Scotland will struggle in Dublin!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on January 23, 2020, 01:39:08 PM
Massive stroke of luck for Ireland and Farrell. Looks like he's out indefinitely.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on January 23, 2020, 04:27:50 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on January 23, 2020, 01:39:08 PM
Massive stroke of luck for Ireland and Farrell. Looks like he's out indefinitely.

Is it really??

We still have a decent team and the lads are all fairly confident after good European performances I'd have fancied us to easily turnover Scotland with Russell playing anyway!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on January 23, 2020, 07:39:51 PM
Russell is their best player so it must have been some infringement to get sent back to Paris.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on January 23, 2020, 08:12:16 PM
He wouldn't or couldn't stop drinking in the team hotel on sunday night. Later in the week he returned to France which was his own decision.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on January 23, 2020, 08:51:40 PM
Silly lad. He'll have known the repercussions although it's clear he and the SRU don't see eye to eye after the falling out with his Da. Foolish.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on January 24, 2020, 09:22:52 AM
Quote from: screenexile on January 23, 2020, 04:27:50 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on January 23, 2020, 01:39:08 PM
Massive stroke of luck for Ireland and Farrell. Looks like he's out indefinitely.

Is it really??

We still have a decent team and the lads are all fairly confident after good European performances I'd have fancied us to easily turnover Scotland with Russell playing anyway!

Yeah agreed, but if anyone had the ability on the Scottish team to cause bother, it was him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on January 24, 2020, 01:55:41 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on January 23, 2020, 08:12:16 PM
He wouldn't or couldn't stop drinking in the team hotel on sunday night. Later in the week he returned to France which was his own decision.

Monetarily he's probably better off staying with Racing as I'm sure they're paying much more than whatever supplements the SRU are giving him.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on January 25, 2020, 09:57:26 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on January 24, 2020, 01:55:41 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on January 23, 2020, 08:12:16 PM
He wouldn't or couldn't stop drinking in the team hotel on sunday night. Later in the week he returned to France which was his own decision.

Monetarily he's probably better off staying with Racing as I'm sure they're paying much more than whatever supplements the SRU are giving him.
Clubs don't dock you wages for being called up for international team!

He was terrible v us in the World Cup, but he has been in very good form this season, so a definite big loss. Big chance for young Hastings now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on January 30, 2020, 09:12:57 PM
Teams for the match on Saturday:

Ireland: J Larmour; A Conway, G Ringrose, B Aki, J Stockdale; J Sexton, C Murray; C Healy, R Herring, T Furlong; I Henderson, J Ryan; CJ Stander, J van der Flier, C Doris.

Replacements: R Kelleher, D Kilcoyne, A Porter, D Toner, P O'Mahony, J Cooney, R Byrne, R Henshaw.

Scotland:[Hogg, capt (Exeter Chiefs); Maitland (Saracens), Jones (Glasgow Warriors), Johnson (Glasgow Warriors), Kinghorn (Edinburgh); Hastings (Glasgow Warriors), Price (Glasgow Warriors); Sutherland (Edinburgh), Brown (Glasgow Warriors), Z Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors); Cummings (Glasgow Warriors), J Gray (Glasgow Warriors); J Ritchie (Edinburgh), Watson (Edinburgh), Haining (Edinburgh).

Replacements: McInally (Edinburgh), Dell (London Irish), Berghan (Edinburgh), Toolis (Edinburgh), Du Preez (Worcester Warriors), G Horne (Glasgow Warriors), Hutchinson (Northampton Saints), Harris (Gloucester).
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 01, 2020, 07:05:53 PM
Lucky to get the win there today. Hogg should have scored that try.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 01, 2020, 07:08:39 PM
Few lads anonymous today - Stockdale, Healy despite his 3 starts. Murray sure to be benched for Wales.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 01, 2020, 11:23:31 PM
At home against a team ranked as bad as Italy that's as poor a performance you'll get. I don't know where to start with how Ireland performed. Scotland will wonder how they didn't get a win
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 01, 2020, 11:25:41 PM
No expert on scrum half play, but I find Murray ponderous and predictable.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 02, 2020, 01:45:50 PM
It's a familiar GAA scenario when the team goes off the boil.

3rd would be an achievement based on that.
Getting young lads experience should be the priority.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 02, 2020, 03:49:49 PM
England really struggling against the French. 17-0 to the French at half time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 02, 2020, 08:21:30 PM
Great to see Jones beaten like that slabbering all week like an absolute p***k!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 02, 2020, 09:59:26 PM
Eddie is a tool. Highlight was that kick from Bouthier. 85m cannon!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 03, 2020, 09:38:47 AM
Was willing to see what happened Saturday, thought Ireland would win handy enough. But then you see what the French have done, basically purge the whole old guard and come up with a performance like that v England.

I mean they still have the rest of the tournament to go, but why do Ireland play it safe? Wales could smash Ireland this week. Few Irish players as previously mentioned very much fighting for their jerseys now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: toby47 on February 03, 2020, 11:20:58 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 02, 2020, 09:59:26 PM
Eddie is a tool. Highlight was that kick from Bouthier. 85m cannon!

unbelievable kick that was!

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on February 03, 2020, 12:54:01 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 01, 2020, 11:25:41 PM
No expert on scrum half play, but I find Murray ponderous and predictable.

I think he's very overrated. Box kick after box kick. Even in good positions.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 03, 2020, 02:27:33 PM
Quote from: trailer on February 03, 2020, 12:54:01 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 01, 2020, 11:25:41 PM
No expert on scrum half play, but I find Murray ponderous and predictable.

I think he's very overrated. Box kick after box kick. Even in good positions.

He's world class at the box kick.

Unfortunately he's ran the same con too many times.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 03, 2020, 02:27:59 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 02, 2020, 09:59:26 PM
Eddie is a tool. Highlight was that kick from Bouthier. 85m cannon!

Jonny May scored two fantastic tries but he needed a boot up the hole for not playing to the whistle in the first half when the french scored a try.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 03, 2020, 03:31:11 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 03, 2020, 02:27:59 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 02, 2020, 09:59:26 PM
Eddie is a tool. Highlight was that kick from Bouthier. 85m cannon!

Jonny May scored two fantastic tries but he needed a boot up the hole for not playing to the whistle in the first half when the french scored a try.
Was weird to see in professional sport.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 03, 2020, 04:23:00 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 03, 2020, 02:27:33 PM
Quote from: trailer on February 03, 2020, 12:54:01 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 01, 2020, 11:25:41 PM
No expert on scrum half play, but I find Murray ponderous and predictable.

I think he's very overrated. Box kick after box kick. Even in good positions.

He's world class at the box kick.

Unfortunately he's ran the same con too many times.

https://www.newstalk.com/sport/joe-schmidt-andy-dunne-838374

"It seems all the international coaches, or certainly those in the Six Nations, went away and analysed what we did in 2018 and worked out pretty quickly that if you match us physically we don't have much else in the locker.

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/billy-vunipola-delivers-special-performance-to-find-salvation-1.3889588

"The intercepts for me are fun because [Sexton] kept doing them," said Vunipola. "He's amazing at those plays. If you let them unfold he can pick you apart. That's what he did in the first half. He uses those little plays to give them momentum and to get in behind you. I just saw it as an opportunity to get in his eye line to see if he was smart enough not to play those balls. Not saying he is not smart. I just kept putting myself in that channel. He kept throwing them. Luckily I did catch it because I think it would have been a penalty. I enjoyed it as much as scoring the try."
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on February 03, 2020, 09:12:41 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 03, 2020, 02:27:33 PM
Quote from: trailer on February 03, 2020, 12:54:01 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 01, 2020, 11:25:41 PM
No expert on scrum half play, but I find Murray ponderous and predictable.

I think he's very overrated. Box kick after box kick. Even in good positions.

He's world class at the box kick.

Unfortunately he's ran the same con too many times.

It's literally kicking the ball to the other team. There's nothing world class about it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 04, 2020, 09:17:46 AM
Quote from: trailer on February 03, 2020, 09:12:41 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 03, 2020, 02:27:33 PM
Quote from: trailer on February 03, 2020, 12:54:01 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 01, 2020, 11:25:41 PM
No expert on scrum half play, but I find Murray ponderous and predictable.

I think he's very overrated. Box kick after box kick. Even in good positions.

He's world class at the box kick.

Unfortunately he's ran the same con too many times.

It's literally kicking the ball to the other team. There's nothing world class about it.

It's a game of territory.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 04, 2020, 09:34:53 AM
I can't think of one other scrum half in history who has box-kicked anything close to the monotonous regularity of Murray. Rugby might be a game of territory but the sheer unusualness of it as a tactic makes me think it is more a reflex than a ploy.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 04, 2020, 10:51:38 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 04, 2020, 09:34:53 AM
I can't think of one other scrum half in history who has box-kicked anything close to the monotonous regularity of Murray. Rugby might be a game of territory but the sheer unusualness of it as a tactic makes me think it is more a reflex than a ploy.

I'm actually for Murray taking a few games on the sidelines, I think he's too comfortable.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 04, 2020, 11:42:28 AM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 04, 2020, 09:17:46 AM
Quote from: trailer on February 03, 2020, 09:12:41 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 03, 2020, 02:27:33 PM
Quote from: trailer on February 03, 2020, 12:54:01 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 01, 2020, 11:25:41 PM
No expert on scrum half play, but I find Murray ponderous and predictable.

I think he's very overrated. Box kick after box kick. Even in good positions.

He's world class at the box kick.

Unfortunately he's ran the same con too many times.

It's literally kicking the ball to the other team. There's nothing world class about it.

It's a game of territory.
It's a game of attrition these days

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 04, 2020, 11:55:42 AM
Quote from: seafoid on February 04, 2020, 11:42:28 AM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 04, 2020, 09:17:46 AM
Quote from: trailer on February 03, 2020, 09:12:41 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 03, 2020, 02:27:33 PM
Quote from: trailer on February 03, 2020, 12:54:01 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 01, 2020, 11:25:41 PM
No expert on scrum half play, but I find Murray ponderous and predictable.

I think he's very overrated. Box kick after box kick. Even in good positions.

He's world class at the box kick.

Unfortunately he's ran the same con too many times.

It's literally kicking the ball to the other team. There's nothing world class about it.

It's a game of territory.
It's a game of attrition these days

True - and if Ireland aren't the bully. They pretty much have nothing left only Murray box kicking and hoping Kearney got on the end of it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on February 04, 2020, 01:44:04 PM
If Ireland played a territorial game then would you not see  Murray offload to Sexton and the kick to touch, just as in the halycon days of Stringer and O'Gara?  Has Johnny not that skill in his repertoire?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: moysider on February 04, 2020, 02:04:33 PM
Murray starts again. Only changes injury enforced.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: NAG1 on February 04, 2020, 02:05:39 PM
Quote from: Main Street on February 04, 2020, 01:44:04 PM
If Ireland played a territorial game then would you not see  Murray offload to Sexton and the kick to touch, just as in the halycon days of Stringer and O'Gara?  Has Johnny not that skill in his repertoire?

I think people are getting carried away, do you think he is kicking that often off his own bat?
He is working to a tactical plan from the management.

If not after his second or third unauthorised box kick he would be sitting on the sidelines kicking his heels.

Rugby is a massively structured game.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 04, 2020, 02:26:06 PM
Quote from: NAG1 on February 04, 2020, 02:05:39 PM
Quote from: Main Street on February 04, 2020, 01:44:04 PM
If Ireland played a territorial game then would you not see  Murray offload to Sexton and the kick to touch, just as in the halycon days of Stringer and O'Gara?  Has Johnny not that skill in his repertoire?

I think people are getting carried away, do you think he is kicking that often off his own bat?
He is working to a tactical plan from the management.

If not after his second or third unauthorised box kick he would be sitting on the sidelines kicking his heels.

Rugby is a massively structured game.

Especially in the N.Hemisphere teams....
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 04, 2020, 02:36:00 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 04, 2020, 02:26:06 PM
Quote from: NAG1 on February 04, 2020, 02:05:39 PM
Quote from: Main Street on February 04, 2020, 01:44:04 PM
If Ireland played a territorial game then would you not see  Murray offload to Sexton and the kick to touch, just as in the halycon days of Stringer and O'Gara?  Has Johnny not that skill in his repertoire?

I think people are getting carried away, do you think he is kicking that often off his own bat?
He is working to a tactical plan from the management.

If not after his second or third unauthorised box kick he would be sitting on the sidelines kicking his heels.

Rugby is a massively structured game.

Especially in the N.Hemisphere teams....

Robbie Henshaw was asked about the difference between Schmidt and Farrell and he mentioned that Farrell was more relaxed about structure and that they'd more license to play what was in front of them.
There wasn't much sense of that on Saturday, but I suppose if you've played robotically for a few years then that's hard to shake off.

I can see Wales beating us this weekend but you'd hope for some invention from some of the leaders in the team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 04, 2020, 03:08:42 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 04, 2020, 02:36:00 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 04, 2020, 02:26:06 PM
Quote from: NAG1 on February 04, 2020, 02:05:39 PM
Quote from: Main Street on February 04, 2020, 01:44:04 PM
If Ireland played a territorial game then would you not see  Murray offload to Sexton and the kick to touch, just as in the halycon days of Stringer and O'Gara?  Has Johnny not that skill in his repertoire?

I think people are getting carried away, do you think he is kicking that often off his own bat?
He is working to a tactical plan from the management.

If not after his second or third unauthorised box kick he would be sitting on the sidelines kicking his heels.

Rugby is a massively structured game.

Especially in the N.Hemisphere teams....

Robbie Henshaw was asked about the difference between Schmidt and Farrell and he mentioned that Farrell was more relaxed about structure and that they'd more license to play what was in front of them.
There wasn't much sense of that on Saturday, but I suppose if you've played robotically for a few years then that's hard to shake off.

I can see Wales beating us this weekend but you'd hope for some invention from some of the leaders in the team.
There were some signs of change but it will take time
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 04, 2020, 03:50:15 PM
Henshaw is dirt too. I remind all the fanboys heralding his coming as the 2nd BOD. Big ad campaign for him from day 1 and he has really failed to deliver. Not that it's his fault but the adulation he got at the start of his career by the media big boys was laughable.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Crete Boom on February 04, 2020, 04:05:37 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 04, 2020, 03:50:15 PM
Henshaw is dirt too. I remind all the fanboys heralding his coming as the 2nd BOD. Big ad campaign for him from day 1 and he has really failed to deliver. Not that it's his fault but the adulation he got at the start of his career by the media big boys was laughable.

That ad campaign only started when he was at Leinster and he was tearing it up for Connacht for two years before that and playing well for Ireland( the England game in the 2015 six nations and the France game in the 2015 world cup!!). So to say he has never delivered is harsh.
In fairness he looked the part playing 13 for Connacht with Bundee in a system that focused on attacking heads up rugby.
Maybe you could argue he has failed to deliver since his controversial move to Leinster.
Maybe a move back home to Connacht might be best for him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Scarlet on February 05, 2020, 03:09:59 PM
OK so hear me out as I am being shot down in a rugby WhatsApp group by lads who know a lot more than me BUT...
I'm told that there are serious lads coming up...BUT...not many new faces
I'm told that there are new tactics in place...BUT...Box Kick Murray is still at it and we have no width or offloads
I'm told that Andy Farrell is just in the door...BUT...he knows these lads inside out already and knows who could be brought in too.

Then I was totally shot down for saying we should feck one 6 Nations series for the sake of building...BUT...then you read stuff about the IRFU (no matter they say) care more for the 6 Nations as it brings coin and they can't afford a bad year.
Are we going to settle this year and do OK, and then rebuild next year?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 05, 2020, 03:18:52 PM
Quote from: Captain Scarlet on February 05, 2020, 03:09:59 PM
OK so hear me out as I am being shot down in a rugby WhatsApp group by lads who know a lot more than me BUT...
I'm told that there are serious lads coming up...BUT...not many new faces
I'm told that there are new tactics in place...BUT...Box Kick Murray is still at it and we have no width or offloads
I'm told that Andy Farrell is just in the door...BUT...he knows these lads inside out already and knows who could be brought in too.

Then I was totally shot down for saying we should feck one 6 Nations series for the sake of building...BUT...then you read stuff about the IRFU (no matter they say) care more for the 6 Nations as it brings coin and they can't afford a bad year.
Are we going to settle this year and do OK, and then rebuild next year?

There are good players coming through, problem is....they are mostly Leinster players and will they get the gametime needed? 

Farrell will be a good coach, I was a bit disheartened at the weekend....but it was a win none the less against Scotland. Suppose he didn't have the luxury of a summer or November series to get some testing out of the way either so perhaps I was too harsh in wanting Earls, Aki and Murray dropped.

I don't think you can ever bum off a six nations, but seeing in what France have done and still managed to hammer what was the RWC Finalists, makes you wonder if someone was brave enough, who knows. The French as RWC hosts are definitely planning for the future but they might just have stumbled upon gold....if.....they can sort out their away form, which I suppose is irrelevant in 2023
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 05, 2020, 03:33:03 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 05, 2020, 03:18:52 PM
Quote from: Captain Scarlet on February 05, 2020, 03:09:59 PM
OK so hear me out as I am being shot down in a rugby WhatsApp group by lads who know a lot more than me BUT...
I'm told that there are serious lads coming up...BUT...not many new faces
I'm told that there are new tactics in place...BUT...Box Kick Murray is still at it and we have no width or offloads
I'm told that Andy Farrell is just in the door...BUT...he knows these lads inside out already and knows who could be brought in too.

Then I was totally shot down for saying we should feck one 6 Nations series for the sake of building...BUT...then you read stuff about the IRFU (no matter they say) care more for the 6 Nations as it brings coin and they can't afford a bad year.
Are we going to settle this year and do OK, and then rebuild next year?

There are good players coming through, problem is....they are mostly Leinster players and will they get the gametime needed? 

Farrell will be a good coach, I was a bit disheartened at the weekend....but it was a win none the less against Scotland. Suppose he didn't have the luxury of a summer or November series to get some testing out of the way either so perhaps I was too harsh in wanting Earls, Aki and Murray dropped.

I don't think you can ever bum off a six nations, but seeing in what France have done and still managed to hammer what was the RWC Finalists, makes you wonder if someone was brave enough, who knows. The French as RWC hosts are definitely planning for the future but they might just have stumbled upon gold....if.....they can sort out their away form, which I suppose is irrelevant in 2023
I can see why Farrell is taking the conservative approach as the boys above him in the IRFU probably want a fairly seamless transition from Joe. However, I would agree with you regarding the bravery to start again on his own terms, however the paymasters need to give him that freedom to build for the future even if that means waiting for success. Continuing with the old tactics isn't going to do him any favours and I think some of these lads are ready to be moved on.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Ed Ricketts on February 05, 2020, 10:12:30 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 05, 2020, 03:18:52 PM
Quote from: Captain Scarlet on February 05, 2020, 03:09:59 PM
OK so hear me out as I am being shot down in a rugby WhatsApp group by lads who know a lot more than me BUT...
I'm told that there are serious lads coming up...BUT...not many new faces
I'm told that there are new tactics in place...BUT...Box Kick Murray is still at it and we have no width or offloads
I'm told that Andy Farrell is just in the door...BUT...he knows these lads inside out already and knows who could be brought in too.

Then I was totally shot down for saying we should feck one 6 Nations series for the sake of building...BUT...then you read stuff about the IRFU (no matter they say) care more for the 6 Nations as it brings coin and they can't afford a bad year.
Are we going to settle this year and do OK, and then rebuild next year?

There are good players coming through, problem is....they are mostly Leinster players and will they get the gametime needed? 

Farrell will be a good coach, I was a bit disheartened at the weekend....but it was a win none the less against Scotland. Suppose he didn't have the luxury of a summer or November series to get some testing out of the way either so perhaps I was too harsh in wanting Earls, Aki and Murray dropped.

I don't think you can ever bum off a six nations, but seeing in what France have done and still managed to hammer what was the RWC Finalists, makes you wonder if someone was brave enough, who knows. The French as RWC hosts are definitely planning for the future but they might just have stumbled upon gold....if.....they can sort out their away form, which I suppose is irrelevant in 2023

France won the last two U20 World Cups. Ireland finished 8th and 11th in those competitions.

Probably fair to say that France are better positioned to revamp their squad at the minute.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on February 06, 2020, 08:13:19 AM
Money and ranking points are also very important in terms of why Farrell is not really able to experiment and needs to try and win every game. Although the selection is way too conservative for my liking.

Every nation gets around £15M for competing in the 6N, with the following top-up depending on finishing position:

1st: £6m (£5m)
2nd. £3.5m (£3.7m)
3rd. £2.5m (£2.7m)
4th. £2m (£2.2m)
5th. £1.5m (£1.7m)
6th. £1.2m (£1m)
- figures in brackets is the prizemoney if there's no grand slam.

So a £1.5m difference between 2nd and 4th. IRFU will be keen to pocket that.

The World Cup draw takes place in November this year. So that makes this 6N and this year's Autumn Internationals very important in determining the seedings for the draw. No idea why they make the draw so ridiculously early!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 06, 2020, 10:13:29 AM
Quote from: Ed Ricketts on February 05, 2020, 10:12:30 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 05, 2020, 03:18:52 PM
Quote from: Captain Scarlet on February 05, 2020, 03:09:59 PM
OK so hear me out as I am being shot down in a rugby WhatsApp group by lads who know a lot more than me BUT...
I'm told that there are serious lads coming up...BUT...not many new faces
I'm told that there are new tactics in place...BUT...Box Kick Murray is still at it and we have no width or offloads
I'm told that Andy Farrell is just in the door...BUT...he knows these lads inside out already and knows who could be brought in too.

Then I was totally shot down for saying we should feck one 6 Nations series for the sake of building...BUT...then you read stuff about the IRFU (no matter they say) care more for the 6 Nations as it brings coin and they can't afford a bad year.
Are we going to settle this year and do OK, and then rebuild next year?

There are good players coming through, problem is....they are mostly Leinster players and will they get the gametime needed? 

Farrell will be a good coach, I was a bit disheartened at the weekend....but it was a win none the less against Scotland. Suppose he didn't have the luxury of a summer or November series to get some testing out of the way either so perhaps I was too harsh in wanting Earls, Aki and Murray dropped.

I don't think you can ever bum off a six nations, but seeing in what France have done and still managed to hammer what was the RWC Finalists, makes you wonder if someone was brave enough, who knows. The French as RWC hosts are definitely planning for the future but they might just have stumbled upon gold....if.....they can sort out their away form, which I suppose is irrelevant in 2023

France won the last two U20 World Cups. Ireland finished 8th and 11th in those competitions.

Probably fair to say that France are better positioned to revamp their squad at the minute.
Not necessarily. Ireland have James Ryan and co waiting to take over from the current incumbents
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Art Mc Crory’s Sofa on February 06, 2020, 02:07:31 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 06, 2020, 10:13:29 AM
Quote from: Ed Ricketts on February 05, 2020, 10:12:30 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 05, 2020, 03:18:52 PM
Quote from: Captain Scarlet on February 05, 2020, 03:09:59 PM
OK so hear me out as I am being shot down in a rugby WhatsApp group by lads who know a lot more than me BUT...
I'm told that there are serious lads coming up...BUT...not many new faces
I'm told that there are new tactics in place...BUT...Box Kick Murray is still at it and we have no width or offloads
I'm told that Andy Farrell is just in the door...BUT...he knows these lads inside out already and knows who could be brought in too.

Then I was totally shot down for saying we should feck one 6 Nations series for the sake of building...BUT...then you read stuff about the IRFU (no matter they say) care more for the 6 Nations as it brings coin and they can't afford a bad year.
Are we going to settle this year and do OK, and then rebuild next year?

There are good players coming through, problem is....they are mostly Leinster players and will they get the gametime needed? 

Farrell will be a good coach, I was a bit disheartened at the weekend....but it was a win none the less against Scotland. Suppose he didn't have the luxury of a summer or November series to get some testing out of the way either so perhaps I was too harsh in wanting Earls, Aki and Murray dropped.

I don't think you can ever bum off a six nations, but seeing in what France have done and still managed to hammer what was the RWC Finalists, makes you wonder if someone was brave enough, who knows. The French as RWC hosts are definitely planning for the future but they might just have stumbled upon gold....if.....they can sort out their away form, which I suppose is irrelevant in 2023

France won the last two U20 World Cups. Ireland finished 8th and 11th in those competitions.

Probably fair to say that France are better positioned to revamp their squad at the minute.
Not necessarily. Ireland have James Ryan and co waiting to take over from the current incumbents

Who's "James Ryan and co." I'm looking forward to that long list.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 06, 2020, 03:22:00 PM
Murray starts again....

Here's hoping he improves given the confidence Farrell is showing in him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 06, 2020, 03:47:32 PM
Quote from: Art Mc Crory's Sofa on February 06, 2020, 02:07:31 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 06, 2020, 10:13:29 AM
Quote from: Ed Ricketts on February 05, 2020, 10:12:30 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 05, 2020, 03:18:52 PM
Quote from: Captain Scarlet on February 05, 2020, 03:09:59 PM
OK so hear me out as I am being shot down in a rugby WhatsApp group by lads who know a lot more than me BUT...
I'm told that there are serious lads coming up...BUT...not many new faces
I'm told that there are new tactics in place...BUT...Box Kick Murray is still at it and we have no width or offloads
I'm told that Andy Farrell is just in the door...BUT...he knows these lads inside out already and knows who could be brought in too.

Then I was totally shot down for saying we should feck one 6 Nations series for the sake of building...BUT...then you read stuff about the IRFU (no matter they say) care more for the 6 Nations as it brings coin and they can't afford a bad year.
Are we going to settle this year and do OK, and then rebuild next year?

There are good players coming through, problem is....they are mostly Leinster players and will they get the gametime needed? 

Farrell will be a good coach, I was a bit disheartened at the weekend....but it was a win none the less against Scotland. Suppose he didn't have the luxury of a summer or November series to get some testing out of the way either so perhaps I was too harsh in wanting Earls, Aki and Murray dropped.

I don't think you can ever bum off a six nations, but seeing in what France have done and still managed to hammer what was the RWC Finalists, makes you wonder if someone was brave enough, who knows. The French as RWC hosts are definitely planning for the future but they might just have stumbled upon gold....if.....they can sort out their away form, which I suppose is irrelevant in 2023

France won the last two U20 World Cups. Ireland finished 8th and 11th in those competitions.

Probably fair to say that France are better positioned to revamp their squad at the minute.
Not necessarily. Ireland have James Ryan and co waiting to take over from the current incumbents

Who's "James Ryan and co." I'm looking forward to that long list.

Ireland Under-20s reached the  World Cup final in 2016
So they are ahead of the 2019 French under 20s


https://www.irishrugby.ie/2016/05/23/ireland-squad-named-for-world-rugby-u-20-championship/

IRELAND UNDER-20 Squad (2016 World Rugby U-20 Championship, Manchester, England):

Backs (12):

Stephen Kerins (Sligo/Connacht)
Niall Saunders (Epsom College/Exiles)
Bill Johnston (Garryowen/Munster) *
Johnny McPhillips (Queen's University/Ulster)
Conor O'Brien (Clontarf/Leinster)
Shane Daly (Cork Constitution/Munster)
Jimmy O'Brien (UCD/Leinster)
Paul Kiernan (UCC/Munster)
Jacob Stockdale (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
Terry Kennedy (St. Mary's College/Leinster)
Hugo Keenan (UCD/Leinster)
Matthew Byrne (Terenure College/Leinster)

Forwards (16):

Andrew Porter (UCD/Leinster)
James Bollard (Dublin UniversityLeinster)
Vakh Abdaladze (Clontarf/Leinster) *
Adam McBurney (Ballymena/Ulster)
Vincent O'Brien (Cork Constitution/Munster) *
Conor Kenny (Buccaneers/Connacht)
Ben Betts (Young Munster/Munster)
Cillian Gallagher (Sligo/Connacht)
James Ryan (Lansdowne/Leinster) (capt)
Sean O'Connor (Cashel/Munster)
Evan Mintern (Cork Constitution/Munster) *
Greg Jones (UCD/Leinster)
Will Connors (UCD/Leinster)
Max Deegan (Lansdowne/Leinster)
Kelvin Brown (Shannon/Munster)
David Aspil St. Mary's College RFC/Leinster) *
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 06, 2020, 04:33:49 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 06, 2020, 03:47:32 PM
Quote from: Art Mc Crory's Sofa on February 06, 2020, 02:07:31 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 06, 2020, 10:13:29 AM
Quote from: Ed Ricketts on February 05, 2020, 10:12:30 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 05, 2020, 03:18:52 PM
Quote from: Captain Scarlet on February 05, 2020, 03:09:59 PM
OK so hear me out as I am being shot down in a rugby WhatsApp group by lads who know a lot more than me BUT...
I'm told that there are serious lads coming up...BUT...not many new faces
I'm told that there are new tactics in place...BUT...Box Kick Murray is still at it and we have no width or offloads
I'm told that Andy Farrell is just in the door...BUT...he knows these lads inside out already and knows who could be brought in too.

Then I was totally shot down for saying we should feck one 6 Nations series for the sake of building...BUT...then you read stuff about the IRFU (no matter they say) care more for the 6 Nations as it brings coin and they can't afford a bad year.
Are we going to settle this year and do OK, and then rebuild next year?

There are good players coming through, problem is....they are mostly Leinster players and will they get the gametime needed? 

Farrell will be a good coach, I was a bit disheartened at the weekend....but it was a win none the less against Scotland. Suppose he didn't have the luxury of a summer or November series to get some testing out of the way either so perhaps I was too harsh in wanting Earls, Aki and Murray dropped.

I don't think you can ever bum off a six nations, but seeing in what France have done and still managed to hammer what was the RWC Finalists, makes you wonder if someone was brave enough, who knows. The French as RWC hosts are definitely planning for the future but they might just have stumbled upon gold....if.....they can sort out their away form, which I suppose is irrelevant in 2023

France won the last two U20 World Cups. Ireland finished 8th and 11th in those competitions.

Probably fair to say that France are better positioned to revamp their squad at the minute.
Not necessarily. Ireland have James Ryan and co waiting to take over from the current incumbents

Who's "James Ryan and co." I'm looking forward to that long list.

Ireland Under-20s reached the  World Cup final in 2016
So they are ahead of the 2019 French under 20s


https://www.irishrugby.ie/2016/05/23/ireland-squad-named-for-world-rugby-u-20-championship/

IRELAND UNDER-20 Squad (2016 World Rugby U-20 Championship, Manchester, England):

Backs (12):

Stephen Kerins (Sligo/Connacht)
Niall Saunders (Epsom College/Exiles)
Bill Johnston (Garryowen/Munster) *
Johnny McPhillips (Queen's University/Ulster)
Conor O'Brien (Clontarf/Leinster)
Shane Daly (Cork Constitution/Munster)
Jimmy O'Brien (UCD/Leinster)
Paul Kiernan (UCC/Munster)
Jacob Stockdale (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
Terry Kennedy (St. Mary's College/Leinster)
Hugo Keenan (UCD/Leinster)
Matthew Byrne (Terenure College/Leinster)

Forwards (16):

Andrew Porter (UCD/Leinster)
James Bollard (Dublin UniversityLeinster)
Vakh Abdaladze (Clontarf/Leinster) *
Adam McBurney (Ballymena/Ulster)
Vincent O'Brien (Cork Constitution/Munster) *
Conor Kenny (Buccaneers/Connacht)
Ben Betts (Young Munster/Munster)
Cillian Gallagher (Sligo/Connacht)
James Ryan (Lansdowne/Leinster) (capt)
Sean O'Connor (Cashel/Munster)
Evan Mintern (Cork Constitution/Munster) *
Greg Jones (UCD/Leinster)
Will Connors (UCD/Leinster)
Max Deegan (Lansdowne/Leinster)
Kelvin Brown (Shannon/Munster)
David Aspil St. Mary's College RFC/Leinster) *

I'd say getting 4 from the one team is probably as good as it gets at this stage.

Have I missed anyone?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 06, 2020, 05:06:07 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 06, 2020, 04:33:49 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 06, 2020, 03:47:32 PM
Quote from: Art Mc Crory's Sofa on February 06, 2020, 02:07:31 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 06, 2020, 10:13:29 AM
Quote from: Ed Ricketts on February 05, 2020, 10:12:30 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 05, 2020, 03:18:52 PM
Quote from: Captain Scarlet on February 05, 2020, 03:09:59 PM
OK so hear me out as I am being shot down in a rugby WhatsApp group by lads who know a lot more than me BUT...
I'm told that there are serious lads coming up...BUT...not many new faces
I'm told that there are new tactics in place...BUT...Box Kick Murray is still at it and we have no width or offloads
I'm told that Andy Farrell is just in the door...BUT...he knows these lads inside out already and knows who could be brought in too.

Then I was totally shot down for saying we should feck one 6 Nations series for the sake of building...BUT...then you read stuff about the IRFU (no matter they say) care more for the 6 Nations as it brings coin and they can't afford a bad year.
Are we going to settle this year and do OK, and then rebuild next year?

There are good players coming through, problem is....they are mostly Leinster players and will they get the gametime needed? 

Farrell will be a good coach, I was a bit disheartened at the weekend....but it was a win none the less against Scotland. Suppose he didn't have the luxury of a summer or November series to get some testing out of the way either so perhaps I was too harsh in wanting Earls, Aki and Murray dropped.

I don't think you can ever bum off a six nations, but seeing in what France have done and still managed to hammer what was the RWC Finalists, makes you wonder if someone was brave enough, who knows. The French as RWC hosts are definitely planning for the future but they might just have stumbled upon gold....if.....they can sort out their away form, which I suppose is irrelevant in 2023

France won the last two U20 World Cups. Ireland finished 8th and 11th in those competitions.

Probably fair to say that France are better positioned to revamp their squad at the minute.
Not necessarily. Ireland have James Ryan and co waiting to take over from the current incumbents

Who's "James Ryan and co." I'm looking forward to that long list.

Ireland Under-20s reached the  World Cup final in 2016
So they are ahead of the 2019 French under 20s


https://www.irishrugby.ie/2016/05/23/ireland-squad-named-for-world-rugby-u-20-championship/

IRELAND UNDER-20 Squad (2016 World Rugby U-20 Championship, Manchester, England):

Backs (12):

Stephen Kerins (Sligo/Connacht)
Niall Saunders (Epsom College/Exiles)
Bill Johnston (Garryowen/Munster) *
Johnny McPhillips (Queen's University/Ulster)
Conor O'Brien (Clontarf/Leinster)
Shane Daly (Cork Constitution/Munster)
Jimmy O'Brien (UCD/Leinster)
Paul Kiernan (UCC/Munster)
Jacob Stockdale (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
Terry Kennedy (St. Mary's College/Leinster)
Hugo Keenan (UCD/Leinster)
Matthew Byrne (Terenure College/Leinster)

Forwards (16):

Andrew Porter (UCD/Leinster)
James Bollard (Dublin UniversityLeinster)
Vakh Abdaladze (Clontarf/Leinster) *
Adam McBurney (Ballymena/Ulster)
Vincent O'Brien (Cork Constitution/Munster) *
Conor Kenny (Buccaneers/Connacht)
Ben Betts (Young Munster/Munster)
Cillian Gallagher (Sligo/Connacht)
James Ryan (Lansdowne/Leinster) (capt)
Sean O'Connor (Cashel/Munster)
Evan Mintern (Cork Constitution/Munster) *
Greg Jones (UCD/Leinster)
Will Connors (UCD/Leinster)
Max Deegan (Lansdowne/Leinster)
Kelvin Brown (Shannon/Munster)
David Aspil St. Mary's College RFC/Leinster) *

I'd say getting 4 from the one team is probably as good as it gets at this stage.

Have I missed anyone?
Add the other good young lads like Doris and Larmour etc
Ireland isn't too shabby in terms of Mol an Óige .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on February 07, 2020, 09:31:40 PM
Another good win for the U20s this evening. Commentator said it was the first time Ireland have won 7 consecutive games in the 6 Nations at this level. They've put themselves in a decent position to win back to back Slams.  The entire Irish bench were from Leinster.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on February 08, 2020, 08:53:26 AM
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=12306986

South Africa reportedly in talks to leave the Rugby Championship and join the 6 Nations. The move to happen after the next World Cup.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Denn Forever on February 08, 2020, 12:29:45 PM
Tired of playing the all-blacks?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on February 08, 2020, 01:03:10 PM
Quote from: Estimator on February 08, 2020, 08:53:26 AM
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=12306986

South Africa reportedly in talks to leave the Rugby Championship and join the 6 Nations. The move to happen after the next World Cup.

All tied up with the CVC attempt to buy into the 6 Nations and take commercial control.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 08, 2020, 02:25:54 PM
Getting bossed in the scrum and at the breakdown, not good
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 08, 2020, 02:44:21 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on February 08, 2020, 02:25:54 PM
Getting bossed in the scrum and at the breakdown, not good

Now maybe people will realise what was meant when they said Best was an excellent scrummager!!

Playing with good intent but a lot of errors and agains the breeze in the second half will be more difficult!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 08, 2020, 04:16:19 PM
So Farrell is ok now... that's good!

Very good performance much more like the Ireland of 2018!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 08, 2020, 04:27:25 PM
That is Irelands best performance in a good while. The bonus point secured against Wales a much better team than Scotland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sportacus on February 08, 2020, 04:51:23 PM
Pretty damn good.  Why are we so lifeless in World Cups?  Bullied Wales at times which is a rare thing.  Conway was in the zone. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on February 08, 2020, 05:40:44 PM
That was a good watch, especially impressive in dominating the last 1/4 to get the bonus try.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 08, 2020, 05:49:00 PM
From where I was sittinf it looked like Poitre was riding Ireland. Murray much better today and all round it was hard to pick out a passenger. Bodes well for the rest of the campaign.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 08, 2020, 06:02:08 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 08, 2020, 05:49:00 PM
From where I was sittinf it looked like Poitre was riding Ireland. Murray much better today and all round it was hard to pick out a passenger. Bodes well for the rest of the campaign.

Watching the Scottish game and Ireland shouldn't fear England next day out!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on February 08, 2020, 06:02:39 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 08, 2020, 05:49:00 PM
From where I was sittinf it looked like Poitre was riding Ireland. Murray much better today and all round it was hard to pick out a passenger. Bodes well for the rest of the campaign.
The commentators though he did good and his decisions held up to scrutiny. He awarded that try to ireland on the assumption that the touch down (unseen) must have been kosher, I thought in that circumstance he'd award the 5m scrum.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 08, 2020, 06:21:40 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 08, 2020, 06:02:08 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 08, 2020, 05:49:00 PM
From where I was sittinf it looked like Poitre was riding Ireland. Murray much better today and all round it was hard to pick out a passenger. Bodes well for the rest of the campaign.

Watching the Scottish game and Ireland shouldn't fear England next day out!

Wouldn't be reading too much into that it's horrible up in Edinburgh.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 08, 2020, 06:26:02 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 08, 2020, 06:21:40 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 08, 2020, 06:02:08 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 08, 2020, 05:49:00 PM
From where I was sittinf it looked like Poitre was riding Ireland. Murray much better today and all round it was hard to pick out a passenger. Bodes well for the rest of the campaign.

Watching the Scottish game and Ireland shouldn't fear England next day out!

Wouldn't be reading too much into that it's horrible up in Edinburgh.

I know that, I'm talking about the Rugby!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 08, 2020, 09:33:52 PM
Quote from: gallsman on February 08, 2020, 01:03:10 PM
Quote from: Estimator on February 08, 2020, 08:53:26 AM
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=12306986

South Africa reportedly in talks to leave the Rugby Championship and join the 6 Nations. The move to happen after the next World Cup.

All tied up with the CVC attempt to buy into the 6 Nations and take commercial control.

There is more money in the 6N


France and the UK are richer and have bigger populations than NZ and Oz

South Africa would make more money.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on February 08, 2020, 10:57:19 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 08, 2020, 09:33:52 PM
Quote from: gallsman on February 08, 2020, 01:03:10 PM
Quote from: Estimator on February 08, 2020, 08:53:26 AM
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=12306986

South Africa reportedly in talks to leave the Rugby Championship and join the 6 Nations. The move to happen after the next World Cup.

All tied up with the CVC attempt to buy into the 6 Nations and take commercial control.

There is more money in the 6N


France and the UK are richer and have bigger populations than NZ and Oz

South Africa would make more money.

Thanks for the unsolicited explanation.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AZOffaly on February 09, 2020, 12:03:47 AM
is that seafsplaining?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: macdanger2 on February 09, 2020, 12:13:27 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 09, 2020, 12:03:47 AM
is that seafsplaining?

;D ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on February 09, 2020, 02:53:26 AM
Anyone else think sexton is a bad choice for captain , never seems to have good rapport with the  ref and seems to whine a lot , Paul o Connell was kind of like that too but not as bad as sexton
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 09, 2020, 01:52:31 PM
Quote from: Gmac on February 09, 2020, 02:53:26 AM
Anyone else think sexton is a bad choice for captain , never seems to have good rapport with the  ref and seems to whine a lot , Paul o Connell was kind of like that too but not as bad as sexton
I enjoyed the bit where he yapped about a Welsh player having his foot over the line and then kicked into touch from 5m away!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 10, 2020, 11:19:38 AM
Big win for Ireland. Poite was kind to them though in two big decisions I thought though, no real way to be sure VDF was over the line for his try and Henderson probably could have seen yellow on another day for his seatbelt tackle. I'd also argue Parkes try probably should have been given.

That aside, was great to see Conway do his thing. Really good player. CJ Stander delivered a performance you know he has in him (yet could be all over the place in England next round). Sexton had one shocker kick but after that was his usual self. England will give them a hell of a test and will see themselves as the only team able to stop an Irish Grand Slam....we'll see.

All in all, I'm glad for Farrell - he's pulled out two wins in two, you can't argue with that even if I was looking player X/Y/Z out after Scotland (and before!)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 10, 2020, 11:33:35 AM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 10, 2020, 11:19:38 AM
Big win for Ireland. Poite was kind to them though in two big decisions I thought though, no real way to be sure VDF was over the line for his try and Henderson probably could have seen yellow on another day for his seatbelt tackle. I'd also argue Parkes try probably should have been given.

That aside, was great to see Conway do his thing. Really good player. CJ Stander delivered a performance you know he has in him (yet could be all over the place in England next round). Sexton had one shocker kick but after that was his usual self. England will give them a hell of a test and will see themselves as the only team able to stop an Irish Grand Slam....we'll see.

All in all, I'm glad for Farrell - he's pulled out two wins in two, you can't argue with that even if I was looking player X/Y/Z out after Scotland (and before!)

The look of pure frustration on Poite's face when he dished out the yellow card to Stander just after he'd won MOTM was priceless.

A positive enough day for Ireland but I think when Wales had possession in the first half in particular they were gaining easy yardage just by going through the phases and that would be a concern as Ireland had the ball for most of that half thankfully but that won't happen every day.

The Scots maybe aren't as bad as they were in the WC and gave England their fill of it only for Hogg to have yet another brainfart.

The Scots scrum was better than Irelands and they were bested by the English, so we'll have our work cut out there as well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Taylor on February 10, 2020, 12:21:36 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 10, 2020, 11:19:38 AM
Big win for Ireland. Poite was kind to them though in two big decisions I thought though, no real way to be sure VDF was over the line for his try and Henderson probably could have seen yellow on another day for his seatbelt tackle. I'd also argue Parkes try probably should have been given.

That aside, was great to see Conway do his thing. Really good player. CJ Stander delivered a performance you know he has in him (yet could be all over the place in England next round). Sexton had one shocker kick but after that was his usual self. England will give them a hell of a test and will see themselves as the only team able to stop an Irish Grand Slam....we'll see.

All in all, I'm glad for Farrell - he's pulled out two wins in two, you can't argue with that even if I was looking player X/Y/Z out after Scotland (and before!)

What about the French?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 10, 2020, 12:25:41 PM
Quote from: Taylor on February 10, 2020, 12:21:36 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 10, 2020, 11:19:38 AM
Big win for Ireland. Poite was kind to them though in two big decisions I thought though, no real way to be sure VDF was over the line for his try and Henderson probably could have seen yellow on another day for his seatbelt tackle. I'd also argue Parkes try probably should have been given.

That aside, was great to see Conway do his thing. Really good player. CJ Stander delivered a performance you know he has in him (yet could be all over the place in England next round). Sexton had one shocker kick but after that was his usual self. England will give them a hell of a test and will see themselves as the only team able to stop an Irish Grand Slam....we'll see.

All in all, I'm glad for Farrell - he's pulled out two wins in two, you can't argue with that even if I was looking player X/Y/Z out after Scotland (and before!)

What about the French?

You know how the English are.....
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 10, 2020, 01:45:36 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 10, 2020, 11:33:35 AM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 10, 2020, 11:19:38 AM
Big win for Ireland. Poite was kind to them though in two big decisions I thought though, no real way to be sure VDF was over the line for his try and Henderson probably could have seen yellow on another day for his seatbelt tackle. I'd also argue Parkes try probably should have been given.

That aside, was great to see Conway do his thing. Really good player. CJ Stander delivered a performance you know he has in him (yet could be all over the place in England next round). Sexton had one shocker kick but after that was his usual self. England will give them a hell of a test and will see themselves as the only team able to stop an Irish Grand Slam....we'll see.

All in all, I'm glad for Farrell - he's pulled out two wins in two, you can't argue with that even if I was looking player X/Y/Z out after Scotland (and before!)

The look of pure frustration on Poite's face when he dished out the yellow card to Stander just after he'd won MOTM was priceless.

A positive enough day for Ireland but I think when Wales had possession in the first half in particular they were gaining easy yardage just by going through the phases and that would be a concern as Ireland had the ball for most of that half thankfully but that won't happen every day.

The Scots maybe aren't as bad as they were in the WC and gave England their fill of it only for Hogg to have yet another brainfart.

The Scots scrum was better than Irelands and they were bested by the English, so we'll have our work cut out there as well.
On the VDF try, I'd agree that there didn't seem to be any conclusive evidence of a try. However, and I'm open to correction, I thought this was related to the question asked by the ref i.e. on-field decision is a try and the TMO responds "I can see no reason to not award the try". French refs do what they want anyway. I do think though that Hadley Parkes did lose control before grounding it.

The rest of the championship is interesting as France's performance yesterday against Italy was peculiar given the way they battered England and it's hard to read anything into England beating Scotland in those conditions. It could be decided on the last day again.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 10, 2020, 02:01:00 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 10, 2020, 01:45:36 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 10, 2020, 11:33:35 AM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 10, 2020, 11:19:38 AM
Big win for Ireland. Poite was kind to them though in two big decisions I thought though, no real way to be sure VDF was over the line for his try and Henderson probably could have seen yellow on another day for his seatbelt tackle. I'd also argue Parkes try probably should have been given.

That aside, was great to see Conway do his thing. Really good player. CJ Stander delivered a performance you know he has in him (yet could be all over the place in England next round). Sexton had one shocker kick but after that was his usual self. England will give them a hell of a test and will see themselves as the only team able to stop an Irish Grand Slam....we'll see.

All in all, I'm glad for Farrell - he's pulled out two wins in two, you can't argue with that even if I was looking player X/Y/Z out after Scotland (and before!)

The look of pure frustration on Poite's face when he dished out the yellow card to Stander just after he'd won MOTM was priceless.

A positive enough day for Ireland but I think when Wales had possession in the first half in particular they were gaining easy yardage just by going through the phases and that would be a concern as Ireland had the ball for most of that half thankfully but that won't happen every day.

The Scots maybe aren't as bad as they were in the WC and gave England their fill of it only for Hogg to have yet another brainfart.

The Scots scrum was better than Irelands and they were bested by the English, so we'll have our work cut out there as well.
On the VDF try, I'd agree that there didn't seem to be any conclusive evidence of a try. However, and I'm open to correction, I thought this was related to the question asked by the ref i.e. on-field decision is a try and the TMO responds "I can see no reason to not award the try". French refs do what they want anyway. I do think though that Hadley Parkes did lose control before grounding it.

The rest of the championship is interesting as France's performance yesterday against Italy was peculiar given the way they battered England and it's hard to read anything into England beating Scotland in those conditions. It could be decided on the last day again.

I think the French in general do as they please. Looking forward to the 2023 World Cup inevitable implosion already.

I'd put the French performance down to their arrogance, they knew they had the game won and it was almost an offence to them to have to complete the game. They'll need to learn that kind of ruthlessness....also, maybe the old accusation of the French still rings true....they aren't the fittest team in the world.

The Parkes try is an interesting one, yes he lost control - but.....he did ground the ball with his finger. It's incredibly harsh I thought, if you consider his line, the tackle and the gain.....I wouldn't have been surprised had it been given. I think he got that one in Cardiff.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: topofthesoil on February 12, 2020, 11:39:18 AM
could be a nice wee gran slam on the cards
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 12, 2020, 11:58:40 AM
With England and France away still??

We have a decent chance of a championship after the BP win against the Welsh but I can't see us getting through both those games unscathed. It's not impossible but odds wouldn't be great!

Edit: 7/1 actually if you're so confident go for it!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 12, 2020, 12:13:18 PM
Quote from: topofthesoil on February 12, 2020, 11:39:18 AM
could be a nice wee gran slam on the cards

The heavy lifting is still to come
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 12, 2020, 01:47:15 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 12, 2020, 11:58:40 AM
With England and France away still??

We have a decent chance of a championship after the BP win against the Welsh but I can't see us getting through both those games unscathed. It's not impossible but odds wouldn't be great!

Edit: 7/1 actually if you're so confident go for it!!
I'd agree. The France first half v England is the best performance of the championship but some old habits in the Italy match. Ireland and England haven't been massively impressive so hard to know how it will finish up! Ireland v France on the last day could be spicy.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on February 19, 2020, 05:07:56 PM
Ireland unchanged for the game against England.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on February 19, 2020, 08:04:12 PM
Quote from: Estimator on February 19, 2020, 05:07:56 PM
Ireland unchanged for the game against England.
if it wasn't for a retirement and a couple of injuries it's basically the same team that got embarrassed at the World Cup , hopefully they can blend in a bit of youth over next couple of six nations with an eye on 23 wc , as a side not will dan leavy be back playing soon , team's fortunes seem to go down hill around same time he got hurt.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on February 21, 2020, 03:09:01 PM
Quote from: Estimator on February 19, 2020, 05:07:56 PM
Ireland unchanged for the game against England.
One change-Toner in for Henderson with Dillane promoted to the bench.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 21, 2020, 03:50:57 PM
Quote from: Estimator on February 21, 2020, 03:09:01 PM
Quote from: Estimator on February 19, 2020, 05:07:56 PM
Ireland unchanged for the game against England.
One change-Toner in for Henderson with Dillane promoted to the bench.

His wife had a baby and he is taking the game off. It is not like he had the baby himself ffs.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 21, 2020, 04:09:01 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 21, 2020, 03:50:57 PM
Quote from: Estimator on February 21, 2020, 03:09:01 PM
Quote from: Estimator on February 19, 2020, 05:07:56 PM
Ireland unchanged for the game against England.
One change-Toner in for Henderson with Dillane promoted to the bench.

His wife had a baby and he is taking the game off. It is not like he had the baby himself ffs.

He's been due a wee spell on sidelines anyway.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Denn Forever on February 21, 2020, 04:31:43 PM
No worries. We have Bono on our side.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Taylor on February 21, 2020, 04:35:04 PM
Quote from: Denn Forever on February 21, 2020, 04:31:43 PM
No worries. We have Bono on our side.

Did I miss where Bono become a motivational speaker for sports teams?
f**k me, it's embarrassing letting that get out in the public domain
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 21, 2020, 05:00:49 PM
Quote from: Taylor on February 21, 2020, 04:35:04 PM
Quote from: Denn Forever on February 21, 2020, 04:31:43 PM
No worries. We have Bono on our side.

Did I miss where Bono become a motivational speaker for sports teams?
f**k me, it's embarrassing letting that get out in the public domain

I duno, I quite like Pride to this day....not overly keen on anything else.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 21, 2020, 05:16:34 PM
Bono MBE  ::)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 22, 2020, 04:08:31 PM
Is there a more frustrating fixture to watch. 2 teams giving the ball away to each other for fun. When did Italy last win a 6 nations match ffs
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on February 22, 2020, 05:16:01 PM
France have their beautiful flair back, super to watch.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 22, 2020, 06:15:46 PM
Dan Biggar is the most annoying winger in the history of sport. McEnroe had nothing on this cnut.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on February 22, 2020, 06:32:10 PM
Fabulous game. Wonderful hectic entertainment.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on February 22, 2020, 06:46:22 PM
Great game, full blooded.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on February 22, 2020, 06:52:31 PM
Absolutely fantastic game. France look great, they've been off the boil for far too long. Ntamack looks like he'll be a special player for years to come.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 22, 2020, 07:05:14 PM
France are looking a lot better than they have been in recent years but I still think we have a good chance against them in paris. We just need a win tomorrow against the English and another grand slam could be on the way.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on February 22, 2020, 07:28:51 PM
Is that all...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 23, 2020, 03:35:29 PM
Jesus we're shite!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 23, 2020, 03:37:41 PM
It was going to be hard enough without gifting 2 tries
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Farrandeelin on February 23, 2020, 03:45:09 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 22, 2020, 07:05:14 PM
France are looking a lot better than they have been in recent years but I still think we have a good chance against them in paris. We just need a win tomorrow against the English and another grand slam could be on the way.

If only things fit into place like you said they would.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on February 23, 2020, 03:49:21 PM
Give Byrne a run at 10 , get Doris and Dillane in and give them some game time
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 23, 2020, 04:56:41 PM
A lousy performance from Irleand. Gave away 2 soft tries to open the game and never really got  back into it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on February 23, 2020, 05:03:59 PM
Sexton & Murray had shockers.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: moysider on February 23, 2020, 05:19:57 PM
Quote from: Rudi on February 23, 2020, 05:03:59 PM
Sexton & Murray had shockers.

But he ll keep picking them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Denn Forever on February 23, 2020, 05:32:49 PM
Bonp not a motivation speaker.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 24, 2020, 03:26:52 PM
Quote from: Rudi on February 23, 2020, 05:03:59 PM
Sexton & Murray had shockers.

Thanks lad's, it was great having you....
Time to give fresh legs a good go at it in the last two games.

With the amount of strapping on Sextons leg it's no wonder he's pulling his kicks.

Big Stockdale also had a mare and whilst England were dominant they're no great shakes either.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on February 24, 2020, 03:41:23 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 24, 2020, 03:26:52 PM
Quote from: Rudi on February 23, 2020, 05:03:59 PM
Sexton & Murray had shockers.

Thanks lad's, it was great having you....
Time to give fresh legs a good go at it in the last two games.

With the amount of strapping on Sextons leg it's no wonder he's putting his kicks.

Big Stockdale also had a mare and whilst England were dominant they're no great shakes either.
It's a bit harsh lumping Sexton in with Murray. Sexton was very good against Scotland and Wales and poor against England. Murray was mediocre against Scotland, good against Wales and poor v England. And he's had countless poor performances in the last year. 8-8-4 vs 6-7-4 in terms of marks out of 10.

Time to go with Cooney and Sexton. And you're probably giving the kicking tee to Cooney.

Earls and Conway on the wings. Doris at 8 with Stander to 6. Leave POM off altogether for Italy to give Deegan a chance from the bench. Kilcoyne to start.

With Sexton though, I do think there'd be merit in both Leinster and Ireland turning him into a finisher. The last 20 minutes.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 25, 2020, 09:32:07 AM
Jones had to apologise for his "If it were a cricket match we could have declared at half time comment"

Madness he was 100% right!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 25, 2020, 09:48:23 AM
Quote from: Hound on February 24, 2020, 03:41:23 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 24, 2020, 03:26:52 PM
Quote from: Rudi on February 23, 2020, 05:03:59 PM
Sexton & Murray had shockers.

Thanks lad's, it was great having you....
Time to give fresh legs a good go at it in the last two games.

With the amount of strapping on Sextons leg it's no wonder he's putting his kicks.

Big Stockdale also had a mare and whilst England were dominant they're no great shakes either.
It's a bit harsh lumping Sexton in with Murray. Sexton was very good against Scotland and Wales and poor against England. Murray was mediocre against Scotland, good against Wales and poor v England. And he's had countless poor performances in the last year. 8-8-4 vs 6-7-4 in terms of marks out of 10.

Time to go with Cooney and Sexton. And you're probably giving the kicking tee to Cooney.

Earls and Conway on the wings. Doris at 8 with Stander to 6. Leave POM off altogether for Italy to give Deegan a chance from the bench. Kilcoyne to start.

With Sexton though, I do think there'd be merit in both Leinster and Ireland turning him into a finisher. The last 20 minutes.

This exactly but only if he can play without all that shíte on his leg.

I think it was madness making him captain as there's added pressure to start him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 25, 2020, 10:02:37 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 24, 2020, 03:26:52 PM
Quote from: Rudi on February 23, 2020, 05:03:59 PM
Sexton & Murray had shockers.

Thanks lad's, it was great having you....
Time to give fresh legs a good go at it in the last two games.

With the amount of strapping on Sextons leg it's no wonder he's pulling his kicks.

Big Stockdale also had a mare and whilst England were dominant they're no great shakes either.

He's another who has went off a cliff too. Christ we had some serious players in serious form.....just in the wrong year  :'(
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on February 25, 2020, 06:33:14 PM
Rugby game V Italy is now off!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 25, 2020, 07:22:30 PM
Quote from: marty34 on February 25, 2020, 06:33:14 PM
Rugby game V Italy is now off!!!

Not officially....but Dept Health are recommending it is called off.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 26, 2020, 08:53:36 AM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 25, 2020, 07:22:30 PM
Quote from: marty34 on February 25, 2020, 06:33:14 PM
Rugby game V Italy is now off!!!

Not officially....but Dept Health are recommending it is called off.

Bad work not even informing the IRFU before that statement was put out.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Taylor on February 26, 2020, 08:59:11 AM
So we are still letting flights land from affected regions but are recommending calling of the game.

We really are a bunch of imbeciles in this country sometimes  :o
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mouview on February 26, 2020, 09:26:41 AM
Quote from: Taylor on February 26, 2020, 08:59:11 AM
So we are still letting flights land from affected regions but are recommending calling of the game.

We really are a bunch of imbeciles in this country sometimes  :o

I'd say commercial and air travel is of a higher priority than a glorified challenge match somehow.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 26, 2020, 09:28:28 AM
Quote from: mouview on February 26, 2020, 09:26:41 AM
Quote from: Taylor on February 26, 2020, 08:59:11 AM
So we are still letting flights land from affected regions but are recommending calling of the game.

We really are a bunch of imbeciles in this country sometimes  :o

I'd say commercial and air travel is of a higher priority than a glorified challenge match somehow.

I think the point is why call off the match if you're still going to let a few thousand Italians into the country that weekend anyway??!!

And anyway isn't all sport just a glorified challenge match??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Taylor on February 26, 2020, 09:48:42 AM
Quote from: screenexile on February 26, 2020, 09:28:28 AM
Quote from: mouview on February 26, 2020, 09:26:41 AM
Quote from: Taylor on February 26, 2020, 08:59:11 AM
So we are still letting flights land from affected regions but are recommending calling of the game.

We really are a bunch of imbeciles in this country sometimes  :o

I'd say commercial and air travel is of a higher priority than a glorified challenge match somehow.

I think the point is why call off the match if you're still going to let a few thousand Italians into the country that weekend anyway??!!

And anyway isn't all sport just a glorified challenge match??

Exactly.

Doesnt make any sense no matter how you look at it
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mouview on February 26, 2020, 12:04:32 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 26, 2020, 09:28:28 AM
Quote from: mouview on February 26, 2020, 09:26:41 AM
Quote from: Taylor on February 26, 2020, 08:59:11 AM
So we are still letting flights land from affected regions but are recommending calling of the game.

We really are a bunch of imbeciles in this country sometimes  :o

I'd say commercial and air travel is of a higher priority than a glorified challenge match somehow.

I think the point is why call off the match if you're still going to let a few thousand Italians into the country that weekend anyway??!!

And anyway isn't all sport just a glorified challenge match??

If the match is called off, then there be would be no or much less reason for Italians to travel to the country. Quite a few sporting events in Italy have been cancelled and a number of Serie A matches are being played behind closed doors. In this light, it would look rather strange for the rugby match not to be (potentially) affected.

I don't think the powers-that-be would make such a decision lightly or without taking on board good advice. We're not as imbecilic in this country as you think.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 26, 2020, 12:08:40 PM
Quote from: mouview on February 26, 2020, 12:04:32 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 26, 2020, 09:28:28 AM
Quote from: mouview on February 26, 2020, 09:26:41 AM
Quote from: Taylor on February 26, 2020, 08:59:11 AM
So we are still letting flights land from affected regions but are recommending calling of the game.

We really are a bunch of imbeciles in this country sometimes  :o

I'd say commercial and air travel is of a higher priority than a glorified challenge match somehow.

I think the point is why call off the match if you're still going to let a few thousand Italians into the country that weekend anyway??!!

And anyway isn't all sport just a glorified challenge match??

If the match is called off, then there be would be no or much less reason for Italians to travel to the country. Quite a few sporting events in Italy have been cancelled and a number of Serie A matches are being played behind closed doors. In this light, it would look rather strange for the rugby match not to be (potentially) affected.

I don't think the powers-that-be would make such a decision lightly or without taking on board good advice. We're not as imbecilic in this country as you think.

If I've booked to go somewhere foreign along with hotels and the event I planned on seeing is called off you can bet I'm still going!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Taylor on February 26, 2020, 12:10:41 PM
Quote from: mouview on February 26, 2020, 12:04:32 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 26, 2020, 09:28:28 AM
Quote from: mouview on February 26, 2020, 09:26:41 AM
Quote from: Taylor on February 26, 2020, 08:59:11 AM
So we are still letting flights land from affected regions but are recommending calling of the game.

We really are a bunch of imbeciles in this country sometimes  :o

I'd say commercial and air travel is of a higher priority than a glorified challenge match somehow.

I think the point is why call off the match if you're still going to let a few thousand Italians into the country that weekend anyway??!!

And anyway isn't all sport just a glorified challenge match??

If the match is called off, then there be would be no or much less reason for Italians to travel to the country. Quite a few sporting events in Italy have been cancelled and a number of Serie A matches are being played behind closed doors. In this light, it would look rather strange for the rugby match not to be (potentially) affected.

I don't think the powers-that-be would make such a decision lightly or without taking on board good advice. We're not as imbecilic in this country as you think.

So you think fans wouldnt travel if there is no game?
Considering they have already paid their air fare and accommodation.

Not to mention the umpteen flights arriving from the affected areas on a daily basis and the people going about their business to different parts of this country.

I cant see the benefit in calling of the game without taking other precautions

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on February 26, 2020, 01:25:02 PM
Has to be called off. Everything might have been fine, but if one case was introduced to the country because of the game, then it would go down as one of the biggest disregards for public safety in the history of the state. The virus will come anyway; but that's no reason to go out of our way to speed up the chances.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 26, 2020, 02:35:50 PM
Confirmed cancelled now - RTE
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: toby47 on February 26, 2020, 03:13:53 PM
Game off & rest of the tournament in doubt
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: macdanger2 on February 28, 2020, 02:51:22 PM
From rte.ie
QuoteAnd while Johnny Sexton quipped that he would have preferred to play the game behind closed doors that option was not viable due to medical considerations.

What would be the medical considerations around playing behind closed doors?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on March 08, 2020, 04:40:56 PM
Wouldn't it have made more sense to play the game behind closed doors and stop the fans travelling than to stop the game and allow the fans to travel.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on March 08, 2020, 04:42:17 PM
The French grand slam dream is over. Ireland to get the backlash in Paris.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on March 08, 2020, 04:44:45 PM
When the IRB call Italy's 2 remaining games as draws then a bonus point win for Ireland next week would secure the 6 nations
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on March 09, 2020, 10:38:01 AM
France v Ireland off due to the the coronavirus
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on March 09, 2020, 10:51:49 AM
Looks like all the final weekend fixtures are now off
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 09, 2020, 12:48:24 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on March 09, 2020, 10:38:01 AM
France v Ireland off due to the the coronavirus

So why play yesterdays games? Is Ireland taking that measure? Or is it from the association ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 09, 2020, 01:10:50 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 09, 2020, 12:48:24 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on March 09, 2020, 10:38:01 AM
France v Ireland off due to the the coronavirus

So why play yesterdays games? Is Ireland taking that measure? Or is it from the association ?
France have banned all gatherings over 1000 people.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 09, 2020, 02:07:19 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 09, 2020, 01:10:50 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 09, 2020, 12:48:24 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on March 09, 2020, 10:38:01 AM
France v Ireland off due to the the coronavirus

So why play yesterdays games? Is Ireland taking that measure? Or is it from the association ?
France have banned all gatherings over 1000 people.
senior hurling
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 22, 2020, 10:16:06 AM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/karen-robinson-walton-i-am-looking-at-him-i-say-benjamin-what-have-we-done-1.4208226
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Taylor on March 22, 2020, 04:15:32 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 22, 2020, 10:16:06 AM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/karen-robinson-walton-i-am-looking-at-him-i-say-benjamin-what-have-we-done-1.4208226

Jesus - harrowing stuff.

That was one tough read - heart goes out to that lady and her family
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 23, 2020, 06:01:46 PM
Quote from: Taylor on March 22, 2020, 04:15:32 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 22, 2020, 10:16:06 AM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/karen-robinson-walton-i-am-looking-at-him-i-say-benjamin-what-have-we-done-1.4208226

Jesus - harrowing stuff.

That was one tough read - heart goes out to that lady and her family

Harrowing!  absolutely terrifying experience to go through
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on April 21, 2020, 09:20:03 AM
Any thoughts on James Cronin's positive test being ruled accidental because the pharmacy accidentally have him the wrong bag and then he didn't notice the pills he was taking had somebody else's name on the box and bottle and even though they weren't what he was supposed to be taking he just took a load of pills that had a banned substance in them? Accidentally of course.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on April 21, 2020, 09:30:37 AM


It's a bit like when ya head to McD's drive through, order your Big Mac meal and you drive away to open it up and it's a flipping chick wrap!

You'll just carry on eating it  :)

If they accept that excuse then it's a sham
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on April 21, 2020, 09:33:09 AM
Well they have accepted it, and he's been given a 1 month been for his carelessness. His ban is April-May 2020...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on April 21, 2020, 09:35:44 AM
Quote from: gallsman on April 21, 2020, 09:33:09 AM
Well they have accepted it, and he's been given a 1 month been for his carelessness. His ban is April-May 2020...

I'd have liked to have seen that evidence

So he's banned while no games will be played? Expect some other cases to be sorted during this period then,
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on April 21, 2020, 09:39:16 AM
Quote from: gallsman on April 21, 2020, 09:20:03 AM
Any thoughts on James Cronin's positive test being ruled accidental because the pharmacy accidentally have him the wrong bag and then he didn't notice the pills he was taking had somebody else's name on the box and bottle and even though they weren't what he was supposed to be taking he just took a load of pills that had a banned substance in them? Accidentally of course.

If that's taken as true then the pharmacy in question should really be in the shit for doling out the wrong drugs to the wrong person.

Surely he'd have read the label, no?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on April 21, 2020, 09:45:17 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on April 21, 2020, 09:39:16 AM
Quote from: gallsman on April 21, 2020, 09:20:03 AM
Any thoughts on James Cronin's positive test being ruled accidental because the pharmacy accidentally have him the wrong bag and then he didn't notice the pills he was taking had somebody else's name on the box and bottle and even though they weren't what he was supposed to be taking he just took a load of pills that had a banned substance in them? Accidentally of course.

If that's taken as true then the pharmacy in question should really be in the shit for doling out the wrong drugs to the wrong person.

Surely he'd have read the label, no?

In fairness I wouldn't know one drug from the next on a label and the names on the labels are very small. But I'd like to see the label in question
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on April 21, 2020, 09:58:26 AM
They probably don't drug test GAA refs though...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on April 21, 2020, 09:59:05 AM
Quote from: imtommygunn on April 21, 2020, 09:58:26 AM
They probably don't drug test GAA refs though...

Eye tests would be a start
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on April 21, 2020, 10:06:02 AM
If true the pharmacy should certainly be questioned, although surely from time to time genuine mistakes like that happen.

However, just snaffling a load of pills? That have someone else's name on the box/bottle you don't know the name of? Oil the other one.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on April 21, 2020, 10:07:15 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 21, 2020, 09:45:17 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on April 21, 2020, 09:39:16 AM
Quote from: gallsman on April 21, 2020, 09:20:03 AM
Any thoughts on James Cronin's positive test being ruled accidental because the pharmacy accidentally have him the wrong bag and then he didn't notice the pills he was taking had somebody else's name on the box and bottle and even though they weren't what he was supposed to be taking he just took a load of pills that had a banned substance in them? Accidentally of course.

If that's taken as true then the pharmacy in question should really be in the shit for doling out the wrong drugs to the wrong person.

Surely he'd have read the label, no?

In fairness I wouldn't know one drug from the next on a label and the names on the labels are very small. But I'd like to see the label in question

You'd just pick up a prescription and start horsing pills into you? Wouldn't check the bottle/box to look at the dosage even?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on April 21, 2020, 10:12:26 AM
Quote from: gallsman on April 21, 2020, 10:07:15 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 21, 2020, 09:45:17 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on April 21, 2020, 09:39:16 AM
Quote from: gallsman on April 21, 2020, 09:20:03 AM
Any thoughts on James Cronin's positive test being ruled accidental because the pharmacy accidentally have him the wrong bag and then he didn't notice the pills he was taking had somebody else's name on the box and bottle and even though they weren't what he was supposed to be taking he just took a load of pills that had a banned substance in them? Accidentally of course.

If that's taken as true then the pharmacy in question should really be in the shit for doling out the wrong drugs to the wrong person.

Surely he'd have read the label, no?

In fairness I wouldn't know one drug from the next on a label and the names on the labels are very small. But I'd like to see the label in question

You'd just pick up a prescription and start horsing pills into you? Wouldn't check the bottle/box to look at the dosage even?

As an athlete you are responsible for everything goes in your body. There is no exemption.

Ergo, he's responsible completely, albeit on diminished grounds.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Taylor on April 21, 2020, 10:16:03 AM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on April 21, 2020, 10:12:26 AM
Quote from: gallsman on April 21, 2020, 10:07:15 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 21, 2020, 09:45:17 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on April 21, 2020, 09:39:16 AM
Quote from: gallsman on April 21, 2020, 09:20:03 AM
Any thoughts on James Cronin's positive test being ruled accidental because the pharmacy accidentally have him the wrong bag and then he didn't notice the pills he was taking had somebody else's name on the box and bottle and even though they weren't what he was supposed to be taking he just took a load of pills that had a banned substance in them? Accidentally of course.

If that's taken as true then the pharmacy in question should really be in the shit for doling out the wrong drugs to the wrong person.

Surely he'd have read the label, no?

In fairness I wouldn't know one drug from the next on a label and the names on the labels are very small. But I'd like to see the label in question

You'd just pick up a prescription and start horsing pills into you? Wouldn't check the bottle/box to look at the dosage even?

As an athlete you are responsible for everything goes in your body. There is no exemption.

Ergo, he's responsible completely, albeit on diminished grounds.

Exactly what I thought - irrespective of the litany of mistakes that occurred up until that point he took the stuff.

May also be coincidental it has been released at this time........
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on April 21, 2020, 10:18:37 AM
Diminished grounds only applicable if you swallow (lol) the story given.

To be honest, in my opinion, you'd have to be either corrupt or an absolute moron to buy that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on April 21, 2020, 10:25:57 AM
To be honest I'd be highly surprised if this is a one off anyway. Doping in sport (in my opinion) is vast. You ever notice they tend to throw some young buck under the bus every so often?

The lad from Monaghan GAA there a few years ago for example - you think he's the only fella in the GAA dabbles? I know of people in my own club that take pre workouts that would fail a blood test (if they did them....)

Of course Rugby being a professional sport the tests will be more thorough but I suspect this is more than a one off in all areas of Rugby Union. Was always very keen to learn who Gatland suspected was doping for Wales.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on April 21, 2020, 10:29:45 AM
Quote from: gallsman on April 21, 2020, 10:07:15 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 21, 2020, 09:45:17 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on April 21, 2020, 09:39:16 AM
Quote from: gallsman on April 21, 2020, 09:20:03 AM
Any thoughts on James Cronin's positive test being ruled accidental because the pharmacy accidentally have him the wrong bag and then he didn't notice the pills he was taking had somebody else's name on the box and bottle and even though they weren't what he was supposed to be taking he just took a load of pills that had a banned substance in them? Accidentally of course.

If that's taken as true then the pharmacy in question should really be in the shit for doling out the wrong drugs to the wrong person.

Surely he'd have read the label, no?

In fairness I wouldn't know one drug from the next on a label and the names on the labels are very small. But I'd like to see the label in question

You'd just pick up a prescription and start horsing pills into you? Wouldn't check the bottle/box to look at the dosage even?


No, and I've limited use of pills, but the last set I got for my gout naproxen's I think, I never looked at the name on the box, I just assumed they were for me when I picked them up. Daft I know but that's what I did, If I ever get pills again I'll check!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LeoMc on April 21, 2020, 12:04:19 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 23, 2020, 06:01:46 PM
Quote from: Taylor on March 22, 2020, 04:15:32 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 22, 2020, 10:16:06 AM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/karen-robinson-walton-i-am-looking-at-him-i-say-benjamin-what-have-we-done-1.4208226

Jesus - harrowing stuff.

That was one tough read - heart goes out to that lady and her family

Harrowing!  absolutely terrifying experience to go through
I had been aware of her and Bens father from Twitter as they do a lot of raising awareness into brain injuries. I hadn't realised he was from here.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: yellowcard on April 21, 2020, 02:52:52 PM
Quote from: gallsman on April 21, 2020, 10:06:02 AM
If true the pharmacy should certainly be questioned, although surely from time to time genuine mistakes like that happen.

However, just snaffling a load of pills? That have someone else's name on the box/bottle you don't know the name of? Oil the other one.

Would Cronin not have a case against the pharmacy, he has suffered serious reputational damage as a result of the negligence of the pharmacist. Not to mention the 'other James Cronin' who presumably also took medication which was not intended for him. Cronin must be seething with the pharmacy if they genuinely administered him with the wrong drugs.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on April 21, 2020, 03:06:20 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on April 21, 2020, 12:04:19 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 23, 2020, 06:01:46 PM
Quote from: Taylor on March 22, 2020, 04:15:32 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 22, 2020, 10:16:06 AM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/karen-robinson-walton-i-am-looking-at-him-i-say-benjamin-what-have-we-done-1.4208226

Jesus - harrowing stuff.

That was one tough read - heart goes out to that lady and her family

Harrowing!  absolutely terrifying experience to go through
I had been aware of her and Bens father from Twitter as they do a lot of raising awareness into brain injuries. I hadn't realised he was from here.
It's unfortunate for the young lad and his family but I think there have been significant improvements in concussion management as a result of this. Even at Medallion some of the hits are huge and you can have a relatively slightly made up lad getting smashed by a 16 stone bruiser.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on April 21, 2020, 03:34:17 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on April 21, 2020, 02:52:52 PM
Quote from: gallsman on April 21, 2020, 10:06:02 AM
If true the pharmacy should certainly be questioned, although surely from time to time genuine mistakes like that happen.

However, just snaffling a load of pills? That have someone else's name on the box/bottle you don't know the name of? Oil the other one.

Would Cronin not have a case against the pharmacy, he has suffered serious reputational damage as a result of the negligence of the pharmacist. Not to mention the 'other James Cronin' who presumably also took medication which was not intended for him. Cronin must be seething with the pharmacy if they genuinely administered him with the wrong drugs.

The only negligence was his own. It's his fault, that's how doping works. There is no grey area.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 21, 2020, 07:56:36 AM
Leinster and Ulster got their arses handed to them on plates at the weekend. This means that the standard in Ireland has fallen behind. How will Nucifora respond ?


https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2020/0919/1166248-cullen-leinster-got-a-little-bit-spooked/

Leo Cullen felt Leinster got "spooked" by their poor start against Saracens as their double hopes were shattered by the Champions Cup holders.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 21, 2020, 05:08:28 PM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/the-offload-saracens-prove-pro14-is-not-fit-for-purpose-1.4359761

The Offload: Saracens prove Pro14 is not fit for purpose
The alternative to fans in stadiums, according to the IRFU, is financial collapse

Gavin Cummiskey


Senior officials from the GAA, IRFU and the FAI have warned the Oireachtas committee on Covid-19 response of the financial hardships their associations face should sports matches continue to be played behind closed doors long-term in Ireland.



South African solution
There is a clear pattern. Every time a super club rises to the top of European rugby - be it Saracens or Toulon before them - the Irish provinces huff and puff but cannot blow the house down.

When the coach of a team that has gone 25 games unbeaten - bookended by Champions Cup defeats to Sarries - talks about his players being "spooked" on the biggest day of the season you can safely assume that deeper problems than preparation or physicality exist.

Leo Cullen knows better than the rest of us that Munster, Ulster, nor any other Pro14 side, offer little to no preparation for the examination Saracens gave Leinster's set piece. That suffocating pressure does not exist week to week because the Pro14 is not fit for purpose. Not without the real South African franchises and not with the current rabble of uncompetitive outfits.

There are multiple examples of why the Irish provinces need to escape their current 'domestic' league but here's one; the 2018 World Player of the Year was rested for a grand final that Leinster won pulling up.

The Scarlets blew both Leinster and Munster out of the water to capture the 2017 title only for their best forward, Tadhg Beirne, to move to Limerick.Welsh sides lack the organisation and interest to make the Pro14 work. The Scots are not good enough because their best players play for English and French clubs. The Italians and fifth string South African offerings are an embarrassment.

Leinster must wait until next year's Champions Cup quarter-finals before they can truly know how far they have progressed.

What's the definition of insanity again?

CVC - rugby's new commercial partners - can fix this with one signature. If the Springboks director of rugby Rassie Erasmus can get the Bulls, Stormers, Lions and Sharks into an expanded Pro14 the Irish provinces will very quickly learn how to cope with the next English and French blitz.


The alternative is to get used to last weekend's results.

Word of mouth
"If these projections were to materialise, the very existence of professional rugby on the island would be under significant threat in 2021. Our audited financial statements for the period to July 31st 2020 will show an actual record financial loss of more than €35 million" - Philip Browne CEO of the IRFU

SOS
Philip Browne's SOS to the government last Friday morning should be commended. Throughout this pandemic, and financial crisis that bleeds Irish rugby of €5 million a month, the chief executive has shown leadership by providing clear and unvarnished reality checks.

Philip Browne appeared before the Oireachtas Special Committee on Covid-19 Response to outline the IRFU's severe financial losses for the year. Photograph: PA
Philip Browne appeared before the Oireachtas Special Committee on Covid-19 Response to outline the IRFU's severe financial losses for the year. Photograph: PA
Browne's financial prudence must have led to some interesting chit chats with his former FAI counterpart over the years.

The glassy horse shoe on Lansdowne road is the game's major problem. As Browne told the Oireachtas Covid-19 Response Committee, unless international rugby can accommodate supporters "in meaningful numbers" at the Aviva, Thomond Park and Kingspan stadium, "the whole rugby infrastructure built over the last 150 years is under threat."

Munster and Ulster are in the worst financial trouble, says Browne, but a plan has been handed over for Government approval to allow the most cherished fan of all to return to watch international matches this year: the 10-year ticket holder.

There is €32 million worth of these rugby lovers awaiting permission to attend matches. The 51,700 capacity stadium could take in 18,000 with one metre social distancing but 12,000 would cover the 10-year and premium ticket holders. The grave concern of Cillian De Gascun and his Nphet colleagues is how and where these supporters would congregate before and after games.

This is the health versus wealth debate with all its impossible conundrums, but fans in stadiums appeared to work in France, England and Australia over the weekend. The alternative, according to Browne, is financial collapse.


By the numbers
12,000 - the number of supporters needed at the Avvia stadium (capacity 51,700) for the IRFU to invoice €32 million's worth of 10-year and premium ticket holders.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on September 21, 2020, 05:57:06 PM
But the goys have been telling us for years how much better run they are...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 21, 2020, 06:10:47 PM
Roysh
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on September 21, 2020, 07:15:00 PM
Quote from: seafoid on September 21, 2020, 06:10:47 PM
Roysh

All the goys in the IRFU on 4 day weeks have more time to drink the H bombs in Keilys.

On a slightly serious note, when did the LoI become more financially robust than provincial rugby? And them much more reliant on gates
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on September 21, 2020, 07:48:52 PM
Quote from: seafoid on September 21, 2020, 05:08:28 PM

This is the health versus wealth debate with all its impossible conundrums, but fans in stadiums appeared to work in France, England and Australia over the weekend. The alternative, according to Browne, is financial collapse.
Bizarre line

It's not as if people were suddenly going to drop dead of Covid inside stadiums

The only way we can work out whether "it works" is over a long period of time and if it's implemented on a widespread basis

Atalanta v Valencia shows that such events can and very likely will contribute to virus spread
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Never beat the deeler on September 22, 2020, 01:14:01 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on September 21, 2020, 07:48:52 PM
Quote from: seafoid on September 21, 2020, 05:08:28 PM

This is the health versus wealth debate with all its impossible conundrums, but fans in stadiums appeared to work in France, England and Australia over the weekend. The alternative, according to Browne, is financial collapse.
Bizarre line

It's not as if people were suddenly going to drop dead of Covid inside stadiums

The only way we can work out whether "it works" is over a long period of time and if it's implemented on a widespread basis

Atalanta v Valencia shows that such events can and very likely will contribute to virus spread


The last 3 months in Australia, a widely dispersed population with distinct individual areas - a federation of states:
Total cases 19,255, population approx 24.99m. 1 case in 1,300
Majority of these were in victoria, which is not allowing sports - 18,215 cases in 6.65m pop. 1 in 365 people

The rest of Australia, where sports are allowed, each have varying levels of restrictions. Holistically, the number of cases have been very low:
1040 cases in 18.34m pop, or 1 in 17,600 people.

Compare this to Ireland's cases in the same period - 7,566 in population of 4.95m or 1 in 654 (taken from worldometers, seems to be for 26 counties only)

So Victoria has a high level of cases, no sport allowed. Ireland has similar volumes per population - sport allowed but restricted numbers of spectators.
Remainder of Aus has an extremely low volume of cases and still restricting numbers of spectators
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 26, 2020, 11:34:43 AM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/matt-williams-the-sky-is-not-falling-in-on-irish-rugby-but-ireland-do-need-a-new-plan-1.4363512

One thing is certain, playing the same tactics as Ireland did at the Rugby World Cup and the Six Nations matches of earlier this year will result in continued failure.
Ireland's success hinges on Andy Farrell producing an invigorated game plan that puts doubt into opposition minds and maximises the considerable talent of the current pool of Irish players
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on September 26, 2020, 02:02:44 PM
If the provinces, and Leinster in particular, are a barometer for the national team's fortunes then we can't expect too much success for a while.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on September 27, 2020, 10:29:43 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on September 26, 2020, 02:02:44 PM
If the provinces, and Leinster in particular, are a barometer for the national team's fortunes then we can't expect too much success for a while.

The Times had a talking head saying Leinster need to rely less on the acadamy and sign big established names.

Less than a week after the CEO said without twice the bailout the FAI got professional rugby ends next year.

Think that through
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on September 27, 2020, 11:54:58 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on September 27, 2020, 10:29:43 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on September 26, 2020, 02:02:44 PM
If the provinces, and Leinster in particular, are a barometer for the national team's fortunes then we can't expect too much success for a while.

The Times had a talking head saying Leinster need to rely less on the acadamy and sign big established names.

Less than a week after the CEO said without twice the bailout the FAI got professional rugby ends next year.

Think that through

It's mad a month ago Leinster we're going for an unbeaten season and had "the best 2 teams in Ireland"

They aren't a basket case after one bad performance against Saracens!!

Also I wouldn't read too much into Leinster's bearing on the Ireland team let's see how Ireland get on for a few games first before panicking.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on September 28, 2020, 12:37:04 AM
Quote from: screenexile on September 27, 2020, 11:54:58 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on September 27, 2020, 10:29:43 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on September 26, 2020, 02:02:44 PM
If the provinces, and Leinster in particular, are a barometer for the national team's fortunes then we can't expect too much success for a while.

The Times had a talking head saying Leinster need to rely less on the acadamy and sign big established names.

Less than a week after the CEO said without twice the bailout the FAI got professional rugby ends next year.

Think that through

It's mad a month ago Leinster we're going for an unbeaten season and had "the best 2 teams in Ireland"

They aren't a basket case after one bad performance against Saracens!!

Also I wouldn't read too much into Leinster's bearing on the Ireland team let's see how Ireland get on for a few games first before panicking.
Leinster are a good team but their record was a nonsense as the Pro14 is poor fare. Healy got dominated last week and I think his time is up. Sarries heavy England packs have bullied Ireland at the 6 Nations the same way they did to Leinster. It's no coincidence. Would expect Farrell to start culling old and blooding new players this year.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on September 28, 2020, 07:45:34 AM
Saracens are a nemesis for Leinster. Even weakened, they are very strong in the areas where they could get at Leinster. Furlong was a huge loss for that game, and it took Leinster too long to get going.

It there was a 4 team group of those two, Racing and Exeter playing each other home and away for 6 weeks in a row, it would be very tight. There's not much between the best 4 teams in Europe. (You could probably add a couple of other French teams who'd be close enough too)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on September 28, 2020, 03:15:58 PM
Quote from: screenexile on September 27, 2020, 11:54:58 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on September 27, 2020, 10:29:43 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on September 26, 2020, 02:02:44 PM
If the provinces, and Leinster in particular, are a barometer for the national team's fortunes then we can't expect too much success for a while.

The Times had a talking head saying Leinster need to rely less on the acadamy and sign big established names.

Less than a week after the CEO said without twice the bailout the FAI got professional rugby ends next year.

Think that through

It's mad a month ago Leinster we're going for an unbeaten season and had "the best 2 teams in Ireland"

They aren't a basket case after one bad performance against Saracens!!

Also I wouldn't read too much into Leinster's bearing on the Ireland team let's see how Ireland get on for a few games first before panicking.

I agree. They weren't as good as hyped last week and arent as bad as this week. The irish rugby media and fanbase are nuts.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 28, 2020, 07:05:02 PM
Sometimes there is a lot to be said for amateurism

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2020/09/28/exclusive-english-professional-rugby-facing-death-knell-unless/

English professional rugby facing its 'death knell' unless fans return before Christmas, says RPA
Damian Hopley, chief executive of the RPA, said: 'The impact of last Tuesday's announcement is that clubs might not be here by January'
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 01, 2020, 12:15:21 PM
Gordon D'Arcy: If South Africa moves up north, it could all go south
Subscriber only
Once the South Africans move onto Pro14 turf, the game will never be the same again
Wed, Sep 30, 2020, 06:00

Gordon D'Arcy

16
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/gordon-d-arcy-if-south-africa-moves-up-north-it-could-all-go-south-1.4367854

Many of rugby's problems stem from man's inability to sit quietly in a room alone and consider the unintended consequences of South Africa moving to the northern hemisphere.

Presently, I am forced to sit quietly in our walk-in closet-turned-office as an unintended consequence of lockdown with children (part II).

At least the Champions Cup doesn't have "European" in the title. And sure, the Six Nations can be changed to "Seven Nations" in a cinch. Somebody needs to reach out to Jack White from The White Stripes, but you can already hear the theme tune.

The quiet man also needs to weigh up the positives and negatives before we light this fuse. If the overwhelming motivation is money, prepare to witness the bastardisation of a sport I have loved since discarding my hurley for egg-shaped leather at age 12 (shameless plug for the second book in the Gordon's Game series).

Know this: once the South Africans move onto Pro14 turf, the game will never be the same again.

Positives are easy to identify. Leinster will have four ferocious rivals to prepare them for the next Champions Cup quarter-final against a Saracens, a Toulon, a Donnacha Ryan-inspired Racing 92 or even the Blue Bulls at altitude.

It will force Ulster, Munster and Connacht to ratchet up standards to a level they presently cannot attain or they can forget about Champions Cup rugby until they match Springbok with Springbok (Munster are ahead of the game in this regard).

I presume the African franchises will be allowed to qualify for European tournaments via the latest iteration of the old Celtic League. Otherwise, what is the point in bringing them north? I'd make the same argument about the Six Nations as I struggle to see how a club and country split over two hemispheres and two separate seasons would work.

Someone is bound to say "this will make the Challenge Cup more competitive", and while that is probably true, can anybody tell me the results of last weekend's semi-finals? (Answer: Bristol and Toulon square off in the battle of the chequebooks on October 16th).

Second-tier competitions
Nobody cares about second-tier competitions. In 2013 I know we didn't give a damn until we lifted the trophy. It's a medal but that season gets chalked down as a failure to win three Heineken Cups on the bounce.

When the South Africans properly arrive, Irish rugby will be doing very well to get three provinces into the Champions Cup year in, year out. And if the Welsh or Scots get their act together we could conceivably have none.

It won't go that far – Leinster and one other should always find a way into an expanded Euro-African club competition – but how do you think Edinburgh, Glasgow, Scarlets, Cardiff and Ospreys will cope with present and future waves of giant Springboks?

Unintended consequences lean towards Not Very Well. Instead of the intended consequences of a rising tide lifting all boats, many teams will join the Southern Kings at the bottom of the ocean.

The reality of the world we live in makes the South African move north inevitable but – to my mind – it is happening at too rapid a pace.

South African franchises could join Pro16 by next March
Gerry Thornley: South African sides would be a welcome addition to Pro14
SARU votes to assess entering Super Rugby teams into Pro16
We are about to let Bulls into the henhouse. Or is it Sharks in a china shop? The same result is guaranteed.

Rassie Erasmus is thinking bigger than your average director of rugby. The Sharks, Bulls, Stormers and Lions are fully formed Super Rugby outfits that funnel talent directly into the Springboks squad. If Erasmus is eyeing up a continued period of (profitable) world domination, then Europe is the only move.

In reality, it is not really Europe. The "club" landscape is utterly dominated by Ireland, England and France, with also-rans slightly masking it for what it really is. At least two South African franchises will come close to instantly winning a remodelled Pro16. If European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) do not invite them into the Champions and Challenge Cups it will make a mockery of the new Pro16 format as teams will be seeking fourth and fifth spots to qualify for "Europe".

Behemoth
Leinster have the squad to compete, but Munster and Ulster, without their internationals, will struggle to cope with this behemoth rugby nation.

I envisage this setting Scottish rugby back a decade, unless they make a massive investment in their grassroots or flood the Glasgow and Edinburgh squads with, eh, South Africans. They are already watching Finn Russell tearing up Saracens in Racing 92 stripes while Stuart Hogg helps Exeter Chiefs make their first Champions Cup decider. All the best Scots will continue to journey south of the border.

Over in Wales, teenagers like Louis Rees-Zammit are being recruited by English versions of Clongowes Wood and St Michael's Colleges before entering Premiership academies. Perhaps this is the only way. The pandemic has exposed rugby administrators for filibustering to such an extent that the global rugby calendar has become a complete mess.

CVC Capital Partners are not investing hundreds of millions into the Pro14, Premiership and Six Nations as an expression of their undying love for the game. They want to extract annual dividends. Soon they will present a structure to faceless executives that enables them to bundle a broadcast package for Amazon Prime, or whoever wins the tender, that secures their only aim: profit.

Here we are, at the precipice, the point of no return for our 25-year-old professional sport. Once the South Africans enter the Pro14 everyone must jump off the cliff together.

Only the strongest will survive. Right now, that does not look like any of the Welsh teams. Their model has produced a better return than Ireland in both the Six Nations and World Cups, but the Scarlets' 2017 Pro12 title remains an anomaly. I doubt the success achieved under Warren Gatland will continue if Wales's regional sides fall further down the Afro-European pecking order.

What else can South Africa bring to European table?

For starters, sunshine coupled with physicality, visited upon opponents who must brace themselves for a line of charging Marcell Coetzees and CJ Standers. Overnight, the Pro16 will become the most brutal league on the planet. This means more injuries and shorter careers. Ask yourself how much does the Premiership and Top 14 assist or hinder their national sides?

Also, there is a long list of positive doping cases – 57 confirmed suspensions since 2011 – that may open a Pandora's Box on performance-enhancing drugs.

The Arrival will also increase cross-pollination. Squads all over Europe will identify the next Eben Etzebeth and Duane Vermeulen quicker and seek to poach them from the SA franchises. This offers teams like Edinburgh and Ospreys a lifeline in the competitive stakes, by doing to the Bulls and Sharks what Ulster and Munster do to Leinster: scoop up the Joey Carberys and Jordi Murphys who cannot command a starting jersey at home.

That too will have an unintended consequence for national teams.

Virtuous circle
Maybe this will evolve into a virtuous circle. Maybe I have spent too much time sitting alone in our walk-in closet. It's already beginning to feel like one of those Egyptian tombs where, centuries from now, archaeologists will dig my embalmed body from the rubble in Milltown, where they will discover ancient Leinster, Ireland and Lions trinkets.

I really need to get back into the office.

Jokes aside, this feels like it is happening too fast. Consider everything before the unintended consequences floor somebody. The South Africans will, in so many ways, be welcome visitors to the RDS and Thomond Park in the depths of winter, but such a tectonic shift might prove the death knell for Australian rugby.

How would Sanzaar survive without the Springboks? Can the southern hemisphere create a new comp with Japan, Argentina and the Pacific Islands or will they continue to cherry-pick the best islanders – before the English and French academies get to them – and let Japan continue to offer retirement packages for ageing 'Boks and All Blacks?

Rugby needs a rightsizing, no doubt about it, but my concern is the lack of long-term planning.

At least, in the short term, the people of Perth are guaranteed a massive boost from The Rob Kearney Effect.

The Western Force is a great move for Rob, and well earned.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on October 11, 2020, 08:43:39 AM
Australia v New Zealand this morning served up a great game if anyone wants to view it / highlights.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on October 25, 2020, 09:10:43 AM
No mention of yesterdays match here so far. The new boys did well but maybe Italy have moved to a whole new level of shitness. Anyway just a bp win in Paris to guarantee the championship, easy ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on October 25, 2020, 09:28:09 AM
On another note, Sean o'brien has a book out soon where he says:

"And the great thing about rugby, in particular, is that it teaches you about respect. If I had continued playing soccer after 16 or 17, I could have gone the opposite way. I could have been an angry man."

That would be this Sean o'brien...
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.independent.ie/irish-news/obrien-is-punished-for-urinating-on-man-in-pub-38250606.html (https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.independent.ie/irish-news/obrien-is-punished-for-urinating-on-man-in-pub-38250606.html)

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on October 25, 2020, 10:25:48 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 25, 2020, 09:10:43 AM
No mention of yesterdays match here so far. The new boys did well but maybe Italy have moved to a whole new level of shitness. Anyway just a bp win in Paris to guarantee the championship, easy ;D
Italy's days in the 6N have to be numbered. It's discussed annually re. Georgia or someone replacing them, but with chat about South Africa entering the fray it could be the end of the road soon.

Luckily France aren't playing well  ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Farrandeelin on October 25, 2020, 10:32:51 AM
Yeah, how many games have Italy won since they've joined? Less than 10?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 25, 2020, 11:32:22 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on October 25, 2020, 10:25:48 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 25, 2020, 09:10:43 AM
No mention of yesterdays match here so far. The new boys did well but maybe Italy have moved to a whole new level of shitness. Anyway just a bp win in Paris to guarantee the championship, easy ;D
Italy's days in the 6N have to be numbered. It's discussed annually re. Georgia or someone replacing them, but with chat about South Africa entering the fray it could be the end of the road soon.

Luckily France aren't playing well  ;D

Rugby is not in great shape with the Southern Hemisphere unions trína chéile and looking longingly at money bags Europe with their rich TV audiences. The logic of money may not work for the sport if say South Africa join or a global game develops
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on October 25, 2020, 02:33:10 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on October 25, 2020, 09:28:09 AM
On another note, Sean o'brien has a book out soon where he says:

"And the great thing about rugby, in particular, is that it teaches you about respect. If I had continued playing soccer after 16 or 17, I could have gone the opposite way. I could have been an angry man."

That would be this Sean o'brien...
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.independent.ie/irish-news/obrien-is-punished-for-urinating-on-man-in-pub-38250606.html (https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.independent.ie/irish-news/obrien-is-punished-for-urinating-on-man-in-pub-38250606.html)

Sad thing is that bullshit will work in the market its aimed at.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on October 31, 2020, 05:41:14 PM
Italy playing well. Only 5 down at half time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on October 31, 2020, 06:08:08 PM
Ireland will do very well to get four try's tonight!

France looking good
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on October 31, 2020, 06:42:40 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 31, 2020, 06:08:08 PM
Ireland will do very well to get four try's tonight!

France looking good
The try Ireland conceded when going for another try when the clock was red last week has cost them the chance to just need a win tonight
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on October 31, 2020, 06:48:49 PM
Ireland were not to know that at the time. I fully expected England to put 50 or 60 on Italy. We still have a chance tonight.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: delgany on October 31, 2020, 06:55:47 PM
Seven point margin over France will do !
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on October 31, 2020, 07:04:58 PM
I still don't think Ireland will beat France tonight. France are much improved over the team that Ireland beat there 2 years ago, but you never know.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on October 31, 2020, 08:17:26 PM
Horrible bounce
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on October 31, 2020, 08:27:31 PM
Deserved try
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on October 31, 2020, 08:42:54 PM
Stupid tackle! Gave away penalty try ( try with points for conversion, without pressure of taking conversion.) And 10 minutes in the Bin!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sportacus on October 31, 2020, 08:47:51 PM
Does box kicking make any sense when you're a man down?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 31, 2020, 09:02:33 PM
Much as I dislike him, Barnes got both of those decisions right. Keenan was unlikely to be able to gather that so no try whereas Dorris' couldn't have been more blatant.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on October 31, 2020, 09:03:03 PM
Coughing up an 82nd minute try against Italy could yet be costly.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lenny on October 31, 2020, 09:19:55 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 31, 2020, 09:02:33 PM
Much as I dislike him, Barnes got both of those decisions right. Keenan was unlikely to be able to gather that so no try whereas Dorris' couldn't have been more blatant.

Not looking good for Ireland now. At what stage do we just decide we can't win and let France through for the points they need to overtake England.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: delgany on October 31, 2020, 09:22:48 PM
Like right now !
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: APM on October 31, 2020, 09:44:25 PM
How is Stockdale still on the pitch?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on October 31, 2020, 09:45:07 PM
Time to start cheering for France now!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 31, 2020, 09:47:43 PM
The Stockdale at FB experiment hasn't worked... scrum and line out have been horrible the second half.

Things may have been different had Sexton taken the points at the end of the first half but c'est la vie!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: smelmoth on October 31, 2020, 09:54:43 PM
Quote from: lenny on October 31, 2020, 09:19:55 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 31, 2020, 09:02:33 PM
Much as I dislike him, Barnes got both of those decisions right. Keenan was unlikely to be able to gather that so no try whereas Dorris' couldn't have been more blatant.

Not looking good for Ireland now. At what stage do we just decide we can't win and let France through for the points they need to overtake England.

Whenever our self respect expires
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on October 31, 2020, 10:01:37 PM
A shambles.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on October 31, 2020, 10:05:56 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 31, 2020, 10:01:37 PM
A shambles.

I don't think it was. We just aren't very good at rugby. This realisation just won't penetrate the people who matter.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on October 31, 2020, 10:06:48 PM
A lot of Irelands big name players really fluffed it tonight. Stockdale played horrible but hes a top international winger and is a target for teams when playing at full back. I think Ringrose missing this game was a big miss as he is normally a big game player and is pretty robust defensively. Now we really need to be looking towards the next world cup and getting a new 9/10 partnership going. Would love to see Cooney get a good run of competitive games at scrum half and maybe get Carty/Carberry/Byrne playing off him and have Murray and Sexton there to close out games if needed
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on October 31, 2020, 10:09:55 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on October 31, 2020, 10:05:56 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 31, 2020, 10:01:37 PM
A shambles.

I don't think it was. We just aren't very good at rugby. This realisation just won't penetrate the people who matter.

True, Rugby World Cups prove this. There won't be much written in the media. The Soccer lads get a much heavier rap, playing in a worldwide game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on October 31, 2020, 10:13:54 PM
Henshaw got a fine try. Huge amount of mistakes. France didnt do much to win, self inflicted errors.

Rob Kearney was some bit of stuff, looking forward to seeing Lowe come in.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bannside on October 31, 2020, 10:51:27 PM
Cooney player of the year last year. Not even making the bench. No sympathy for them...the Sexton/Murray love in is past its sell by date.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on October 31, 2020, 11:00:18 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on October 31, 2020, 10:09:55 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on October 31, 2020, 10:05:56 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 31, 2020, 10:01:37 PM
A shambles.

I don't think it was. We just aren't very good at rugby. This realisation just won't penetrate the people who matter.

True, Rugby World Cups prove this. There won't be much written in the media. The Soccer lads get a much heavier rap, playing in a worldwide game.

The rugby media are notoriously soft. Kearney refused to be critical of his drinking buddies on the box there. Bad luck my arse. The IRFU accounts released last week make the FAI look flush. Yet nobody is calling the goys out.

They are threatening to pull professional rugby if they don't get a €40m bailout to cover a €30m loss this year. On a turnover of €87m and including a €27m land sale that was swallowed. How are they not under the same pressure the FAI were?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on October 31, 2020, 11:06:51 PM
And we still can't play our national anthem at all matches.  The French laugh at that sort of thing!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 01, 2020, 10:07:36 AM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on October 31, 2020, 11:00:18 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on October 31, 2020, 10:09:55 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on October 31, 2020, 10:05:56 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 31, 2020, 10:01:37 PM
A shambles.

I don't think it was. We just aren't very good at rugby. This realisation just won't penetrate the people who matter.

True, Rugby World Cups prove this. There won't be much written in the media. The Soccer lads get a much heavier rap, playing in a worldwide game.

The rugby media are notoriously soft. Henshaw refused to be critical of his drinking buddies on the box there. Bad luck my arse. The IRFU accounts released last week make the FAI look flush. Yet nobody is calling the goys out.

They are threatening to pull professional rugby if they don't get a €40m bailout to cover a €30m loss this year. On a turnover of €87m and including a €27m land sale that was swallowed. How are they not under the same pressure the FAI were?

Right we get it, you hate GAA and rugby, why bother posting on these threads?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on November 01, 2020, 10:07:44 AM
Quote from: restorepride on October 31, 2020, 11:06:51 PM
And we still can't play our national anthem at all matches.  The French laugh at that sort of thing!
Yawn.
And they don't.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on November 01, 2020, 10:11:36 AM
Given the injuries, I thought Farrell picked the right team and played the right tactics.

But hard to legislate for so many playing so badly on the same day. Wet ball and slippery conditions shouldn't be an excuse for these guys.

If everyone played 7/10, I think we win that game comfortably. But maybe only the starting props could claim to have played to that level. Then disasters at fullback and lineout means a beating.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on November 01, 2020, 11:19:20 AM
Quote from: Hound on November 01, 2020, 10:07:44 AM
Quote from: restorepride on October 31, 2020, 11:06:51 PM
And we still can't play our national anthem at all matches.  The French laugh at that sort of thing!
Yawn.
And they don't.
Oh yes they do!  Yawn all you want but it will always be a issue until we grow a pair. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on November 01, 2020, 11:22:51 AM
I'd say the French or any other nation don't give a shiny shit what national anthem is played.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Helix. on November 01, 2020, 11:49:17 AM
Quote from: Hound on November 01, 2020, 10:11:36 AM
Given the injuries, I thought Farrell picked the right team and played the right tactics.

But hard to legislate for so many playing so badly on the same day. Wet ball and slippery conditions shouldn't be an excuse for these guys.

If everyone played 7/10, I think we win that game comfortably. But maybe only the starting props could claim to have played to that level. Then disasters at fullback and lineout means a beating.

Simple errors killed Ireland. Line outs coughed up too many turnovers and knock ons. France definitely an improved and promising side and didn't have to work too hard for their tries either. Only for their red card vs Scotland France could well have had a grand slam last night.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on November 01, 2020, 12:00:40 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on October 31, 2020, 11:00:18 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on October 31, 2020, 10:09:55 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on October 31, 2020, 10:05:56 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 31, 2020, 10:01:37 PM
A shambles.

I don't think it was. We just aren't very good at rugby. This realisation just won't penetrate the people who matter.

True, Rugby World Cups prove this. There won't be much written in the media. The Soccer lads get a much heavier rap, playing in a worldwide game.

The rugby media are notoriously soft. Henshaw refused to be critical of his drinking buddies on the box there. Bad luck my arse. The IRFU accounts released last week make the FAI look flush. Yet nobody is calling the goys out.

They are threatening to pull professional rugby if they don't get a €40m bailout to cover a €30m loss this year. On a turnover of €87m and including a €27m land sale that was swallowed. How are they not under the same pressure the FAI were?

The rugby are media are not soft on Ireland. The print media journalists don't hold back when criticising the team. Henshaw shouldn't have to answer for the other players.

The IRFU have all their players on professional contracts unlike the FAI/GAA so playing behind closed doors means they are the biggest losers financially due to Covid.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on November 01, 2020, 12:40:55 PM
Quote from: square_ball on November 01, 2020, 11:22:51 AM
I'd say the French or any other nation don't give a shiny shit what national anthem is played.
Balls.  Can you imagine the French changing their anthem for a minority who don't feel French!!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 01, 2020, 03:28:43 PM
Quote from: restorepride on November 01, 2020, 12:40:55 PM
Quote from: square_ball on November 01, 2020, 11:22:51 AM
I'd say the French or any other nation don't give a shiny shit what national anthem is played.
Balls.  Can you imagine the French changing their anthem for a minority who don't feel French!!!!

If your bigger worry is the anthem rather than the rugby then step away and don't bother
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on November 01, 2020, 04:25:20 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 01, 2020, 12:00:40 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on October 31, 2020, 11:00:18 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on October 31, 2020, 10:09:55 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on October 31, 2020, 10:05:56 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 31, 2020, 10:01:37 PM
A shambles.

I don't think it was. We just aren't very good at rugby. This realisation just won't penetrate the people who matter.

True, Rugby World Cups prove this. There won't be much written in the media. The Soccer lads get a much heavier rap, playing in a worldwide game.

The rugby media are notoriously soft. Henshaw refused to be critical of his drinking buddies on the box there. Bad luck my arse. The IRFU accounts released last week make the FAI look flush. Yet nobody is calling the goys out.

They are threatening to pull professional rugby if they don't get a €40m bailout to cover a €30m loss this year. On a turnover of €87m and including a €27m land sale that was swallowed. How are they not under the same pressure the FAI were?

The rugby are media are not soft on Ireland. The print media journalists don't hold back when criticising the team. Henshaw shouldn't have to answer for the other players.

The IRFU have all their players on professional contracts unlike the FAI/GAA so playing behind closed doors means they are the biggest losers financially due to Covid.

Mild criticism of individual players is not asking the hard questions. They are complicit in the culture of delusional over confidence.

I understand the reasons but the inference from the IRFU is between 50% and 100% of turnover is ticketing. Are they doing anything to plug those gaps?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on November 01, 2020, 04:26:28 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 01, 2020, 10:07:36 AM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on October 31, 2020, 11:00:18 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on October 31, 2020, 10:09:55 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on October 31, 2020, 10:05:56 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 31, 2020, 10:01:37 PM
A shambles.

I don't think it was. We just aren't very good at rugby. This realisation just won't penetrate the people who matter.

True, Rugby World Cups prove this. There won't be much written in the media. The Soccer lads get a much heavier rap, playing in a worldwide game.

The rugby media are notoriously soft. Henshaw refused to be critical of his drinking buddies on the box there. Bad luck my arse. The IRFU accounts released last week make the FAI look flush. Yet nobody is calling the goys out.

They are threatening to pull professional rugby if they don't get a €40m bailout to cover a €30m loss this year. On a turnover of €87m and including a €27m land sale that was swallowed. How are they not under the same pressure the FAI were?

Right we get it, you hate GAA and rugby, why bother posting on these threads?

You really are a snowflake with a very odd definition of hate. When you hit puberty and go out into the real wotld you are in for a shock.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 01, 2020, 04:36:39 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 01, 2020, 04:26:28 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 01, 2020, 10:07:36 AM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on October 31, 2020, 11:00:18 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on October 31, 2020, 10:09:55 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on October 31, 2020, 10:05:56 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 31, 2020, 10:01:37 PM
A shambles.

I don't think it was. We just aren't very good at rugby. This realisation just won't penetrate the people who matter.

True, Rugby World Cups prove this. There won't be much written in the media. The Soccer lads get a much heavier rap, playing in a worldwide game.

The rugby media are notoriously soft. Henshaw refused to be critical of his drinking buddies on the box there. Bad luck my arse. The IRFU accounts released last week make the FAI look flush. Yet nobody is calling the goys out.

They are threatening to pull professional rugby if they don't get a €40m bailout to cover a €30m loss this year. On a turnover of €87m and including a €27m land sale that was swallowed. How are they not under the same pressure the FAI were?

Right we get it, you hate GAA and rugby, why bother posting on these threads?

You really are a snowflake with a very odd definition of hate. When you hit puberty and go out into the real wotld you are in for a shock.

Ok. Thanks for warning me about real world
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on November 01, 2020, 05:17:38 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 01, 2020, 04:25:20 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 01, 2020, 12:00:40 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on October 31, 2020, 11:00:18 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on October 31, 2020, 10:09:55 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on October 31, 2020, 10:05:56 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 31, 2020, 10:01:37 PM
A shambles.

I don't think it was. We just aren't very good at rugby. This realisation just won't penetrate the people who matter.

True, Rugby World Cups prove this. There won't be much written in the media. The Soccer lads get a much heavier rap, playing in a worldwide game.

The rugby media are notoriously soft. Henshaw refused to be critical of his drinking buddies on the box there. Bad luck my arse. The IRFU accounts released last week make the FAI look flush. Yet nobody is calling the goys out.

They are threatening to pull professional rugby if they don't get a €40m bailout to cover a €30m loss this year. On a turnover of €87m and including a €27m land sale that was swallowed. How are they not under the same pressure the FAI were?

The rugby are media are not soft on Ireland. The print media journalists don't hold back when criticising the team. Henshaw shouldn't have to answer for the other players.

The IRFU have all their players on professional contracts unlike the FAI/GAA so playing behind closed doors means they are the biggest losers financially due to Covid.

Mild criticism of individual players is not asking the hard questions. They are complicit in the culture of delusional over confidence.

I understand the reasons but the inference from the IRFU is between 50% and 100% of turnover is ticketing. Are they doing anything to plug those gaps?

NO. They're going to declare for bankruptcy. What a stupid question. Of course they are doing their best to reduce costs, maximise income etc. IRFU implemented pay cuts back in March when lockdown was first introduced.Introduced a one off season ticket scheme to try bring in some income in this unique season.

How are the Irish rugby team/players delusional? It was basic errors not lack of ability that cost them victory last night. Getting the basics right is normally something Ireland excel at.

If you don't like rugby just don't read this thread
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on November 01, 2020, 06:45:03 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 01, 2020, 03:28:43 PM
Quote from: restorepride on November 01, 2020, 12:40:55 PM
Quote from: square_ball on November 01, 2020, 11:22:51 AM
I'd say the French or any other nation don't give a shiny shit what national anthem is played.
Balls.  Can you imagine the French changing their anthem for a minority who don't feel French!!!!

If your bigger worry is the anthem rather than the rugby then step away and don't bother
Not on a GAA discussion thread.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on November 01, 2020, 06:58:25 PM
https://www.rte.ie/sport/six-nations/2020/1101/1175270-conway-disappointed-half-time-belief-talk-needed/

Not sure what Conway is on, but he would do well to try and slip in the background and not draw attention to himself after last night.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 6th sam on November 02, 2020, 09:17:47 AM
Where does rugby go from here?

From the outside, IRFU seem to have really nailed the professional game in ireland , they have brilliantly maintained an All-Ireland sport, but in reality we still can't compete in World Cup, and the club game is under pressure.
Covid likely to continue to be a problem given the close contact of the game.
Questionable ethics around targeting vulnerable players eg Sexton.
The serious risks of concussion given the apparent increased amount and force of contacts. The neck risk in the scrum and rucks etc. . Recurrent controversy around anthems , selection and off field behaviour and ethos.
I'm embarrassed to admit that despite the fact that Ireland were in a chance of winning the six nations , I switched channels, in second half,  as I find it increasingly boring. Physicality and technicality have trumped flair.
Despite top notch officiating , VAR etc, and brilliant marketing, Rugby just seems to be getting less exciting and more dangerous . It doesn't seem to have made many inroads outside the traditional rugby base, apart from attracting some elite players through professionalism. The fact that rugby is considered mainly the preserve of those from privileged Rugby school background doesn't help.
As someone who never missed watching Ireland play, I've completely lost interest, like many others I know. These ongoing challenges are bound to be a concern for IRFU , I don't see how it can easily be changed.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on November 02, 2020, 10:49:27 AM
International team is doing fine. Can beat anyone in the world on their day. So of course we can compete at World Cups, just so happened to lost all our quarter-final matches!

Last 9 Six Nations have been split 3 for England, 3 for Wales, 3 for Ireland. That's a fine return.

Rugby is dangerous. Although it's past its peak danger-levels which were a few years ago. Rules have changed to make it safer.

There's no controversy about the anthem within Irish rugby. Not everyone loves the anthem but anyone with a genuine interest in Irish rugby realises it's a fair compromise given the politics.

The provincial game is doing fine. Leinster can compete with anyone. The other 3 are usually a match for any of the Scottish and Welsh teams and can often give the French and English a bellyfull. So long as the IRFU continue to only pick Irish based players, the provinces should continue to be as competitive as they are now. And we'll see how long the money keeps flowing to keep the English and French teams ahead.

The club game is what it is. Not very important other than to those directly involved. They'll plod along. Not too many folding.

It's the third team sport in Ireland. A long way behind GAA and soccer. It's punching at its weight. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 6th sam on November 02, 2020, 03:22:32 PM
Quote from: Hound on November 02, 2020, 10:49:27 AM
International team is doing fine. Can beat anyone in the world on their day. So of course we can compete at World Cups, just so happened to lost all our quarter-final matches!

Last 9 Six Nations have been split 3 for England, 3 for Wales, 3 for Ireland. That's a fine return.

Rugby is dangerous. Although it's past its peak danger-levels which were a few years ago. Rules have changed to make it safer.

There's no controversy about the anthem within Irish rugby. Not everyone loves the anthem but anyone with a genuine interest in Irish rugby realises it's a fair compromise given the politics.

The provincial game is doing fine. Leinster can compete with anyone. The other 3 are usually a match for any of the Scottish and Welsh teams and can often give the French and English a bellyfull. So long as the IRFU continue to only pick Irish based players, the provinces should continue to be as competitive as they are now. And we'll see how long the money keeps flowing to keep the English and French teams ahead.

The club game is what it is. Not very important other than to those directly involved. They'll plod along. Not too many folding.

It's the third team sport in Ireland. A long way behind GAA and soccer. It's punching at its weight.

Fair points all. Just miss the previous excitement around rugby internationals, maybe I'm just getting old😂
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on November 02, 2020, 03:41:24 PM
Think the Irish cycle needs to begin again ahead of the next World Cup in France in three years time.

Some might not make it that far, will Sexton, Healy and O'Mahoney make it for example or will it be a Best type situation when we aren't ruthless enough to move them until it's exposed too late?

Aki is 30 now, his type of play, what will be left in 3 years, Stander something similar? Conor Murray is older, but age might be less of a problem if he can still get around the park.

Carberry/Ringrose highly rated...but it's rare to ever get them both fit at the same time unfortunately. Zebo will probably come back at some stage over the next few years which might be a short term fix for full back if nothing else looks like happening.

Are the players there coming through to replace the above?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 03, 2020, 08:40:42 AM
Conor O'Shea is England Performance Director
Felix Jones has been involved with South Africa since 2019 and won the World Cup with them
There is some good talent coming through

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 03, 2020, 10:31:01 AM

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/gerry-thornley-anticlimactic-ending-to-a-ho-hum-six-nations-1.4398241
The Six Nations, and to be precise its financially-stricken unions and federations, are still exploring the possibility of putting the start of the 2021 version back from early February by a few months. Were, by some miracle, a vaccine to be found and that two or three month delay to facilitate full stadia, it would be worth well over €100 million to the six.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on November 03, 2020, 11:05:54 AM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on November 02, 2020, 03:41:24 PM
Think the Irish cycle needs to begin again ahead of the next World Cup in France in three years time.

Some might not make it that far, will Sexton, Healy and O'Mahoney make it for example or will it be a Best type situation when we aren't ruthless enough to move them until it's exposed too late?

Aki is 30 now, his type of play, what will be left in 3 years, Stander something similar? Conor Murray is older, but age might be less of a problem if he can still get around the park.

Carberry/Ringrose highly rated...but it's rare to ever get them both fit at the same time unfortunately. Zebo will probably come back at some stage over the next few years which might be a short term fix for full back if nothing else looks like happening.

Are the players there coming through to replace the above?
Think Ireland are going back to the 1990s to be honest

Players coming through aren't as good and I wouldn't have much faith in the coaching team

Wales are on the downslide as well - Gatty did some job with them, one of the great coaches

I expect England and France to dominate for the next while
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on November 03, 2020, 11:09:53 AM
Have to admit I do think the French are on the verge of something big. Provided the world is back to what we hope in a few years, full stadiums in France, home world cup. I can only see two teams stopping them in NZ and South Africa.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Taylor on November 03, 2020, 11:18:26 AM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on November 03, 2020, 11:09:53 AM
Have to admit I do think the French are on the verge of something big. Provided the world is back to what we hope in a few years, full stadiums in France, home world cup. I can only see two teams stopping them in NZ and South Africa.

France are a team on the up for sure but the thing with them is they could self implode just as quickly
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on November 03, 2020, 11:22:00 AM
Quote from: Taylor on November 03, 2020, 11:18:26 AM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on November 03, 2020, 11:09:53 AM
Have to admit I do think the French are on the verge of something big. Provided the world is back to what we hope in a few years, full stadiums in France, home world cup. I can only see two teams stopping them in NZ and South Africa.

France are a team on the up for sure but the thing with them is they could self implode just as quickly

That's half the attraction, you just don't know
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on November 03, 2020, 11:37:40 AM
They're a bit like cork hurlers year on year lol.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on November 03, 2020, 11:43:22 AM
Quote from: Taylor on November 03, 2020, 11:18:26 AM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on November 03, 2020, 11:09:53 AM
Have to admit I do think the French are on the verge of something big. Provided the world is back to what we hope in a few years, full stadiums in France, home world cup. I can only see two teams stopping them in NZ and South Africa.

France are a team on the up for sure but the thing with them is they could self implode just as quickly
France have now what they haven't had since 1999 - a really good coaching team

Fabien Galthié is a totemic figure in French rugby, maybe a bit like Didier Deschamps is in French football

The positive effects of his involvement could already be seen last year when he was brought in as assistant
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on November 13, 2020, 11:24:12 PM
Perhaps I  wasn't the only person who was not aware or even cared that Ireland were playing Wales this evening.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on November 13, 2020, 11:37:22 PM
I think it's more to do with Amazon giving the home nation bosses 20 million reasons to care about these few games. I can't imagine there to be too much enthusiasm about them really from supporters.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on November 14, 2020, 08:21:59 AM
Pretty good performance by Ireland.

Gibson-Park is no world beater, but to have a scrum half who consistently passes quick ball, snap-snap-snap, made a big difference.

I didn't think Lowe had as good a season for Leinster as he did last year, but he'd a really good Irish debut. So hungry, really got stuck in, probably our best player in the first half and fully deserved his try at the end.

Our best back row performance in quite some time. Stander is very good at what he does, but he's a total one-trick pony, so the opposition know exactly what he's going to do, which makes it easier to defend. I think Doris-VDF-POM could well be our best combination. Doris won the man of the match and he'd a great game, but POM was just as good. He looked really fresh and fit, and he makes a huge difference to our lineout.

Porter came of age in the international stage, dominant in the scrum. Billy Burns had a good run out too after Sexton got injured in the first half (hamstring I think). Although Burns had to go off for the last 15 mins too due to HIA and Murray played as out half and did absolutely fine, kicked a couple of very good pens.

All of the above has to be heavily caveated due to Wales being cat. It'll be a different story in Twickenham next week!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on November 14, 2020, 09:13:07 AM
We are great when the pressure is off as usual. We actually coughed up points all over the place which is very worrying for Wales. How the hell have they collapsed so much in a year.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2020, 09:29:25 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on November 14, 2020, 09:13:07 AM
We are great when the pressure is off as usual. We actually coughed up points all over the place which is very worrying for Wales. How the hell have they collapsed so much in a year.

New management for Wales possibly the reason.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 6th sam on November 14, 2020, 11:43:54 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2020, 09:29:25 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on November 14, 2020, 09:13:07 AM
We are great when the pressure is off as usual. We actually coughed up points all over the place which is very worrying for Wales. How the hell have they collapsed so much in a year.

New management for Wales possibly the reason.

Couldn't bring myself to watch it. This "autumn series" , Seems a bit contrived .
What are thoughts on the likes of Lowe , playing for Ireland? Can anyone change allegiance , even though they have no Irish blood? Say They just came here to work/play and then declare , presumably because they are not good enough to play for their native country?
The whole essence / motivation of international sport should be patriotism
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on November 14, 2020, 12:11:26 PM
Decent bit of edge to the start of the game last night. Ireland had too much for them, Wales have definitely gone backwards since their Grand Slam year, and really look to be on the slide. Porter seen off his opponent before half time. J G-P definitely had the side moving a lot quicker. Lowe played well and looked delighted with his try. Keenan was caught a couple of times in the second half, though he was a bit isolated. Ireland coughed up a couple of handy penalties, but Wales never really threatened at all.

England next week will be a different story. Sexton probably won't be risked.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LCohen on November 14, 2020, 12:39:34 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 14, 2020, 11:43:54 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2020, 09:29:25 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on November 14, 2020, 09:13:07 AM
We are great when the pressure is off as usual. We actually coughed up points all over the place which is very worrying for Wales. How the hell have they collapsed so much in a year.

New management for Wales possibly the reason.

Couldn't bring myself to watch it. This "autumn series" , Seems a bit contrived .
What are thoughts on the likes of Lowe , playing for Ireland? Can anyone change allegiance , even though they have no Irish blood? Say They just came here to work/play and then declare , presumably because they are not good enough to play for their native country?
The whole essence / motivation of international sport should be patriotism

The autumn series are well established. For the majority of the existence of the game they have been one of the highlights. The format is different this year for obvious reasons.

The residency rules are fair enough in my view. Players qualifying via that route have a lot more skin in the game than granny rule boyos hopping off a plane
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 14, 2020, 01:37:08 PM
Even when well behind, Wales never backed themselves to go for the corner with a free ball in hand. That shows the confidence levels they have.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 6th sam on November 14, 2020, 03:41:41 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 14, 2020, 12:39:34 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 14, 2020, 11:43:54 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2020, 09:29:25 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on November 14, 2020, 09:13:07 AM
We are great when the pressure is off as usual. We actually coughed up points all over the place which is very worrying for Wales. How the hell have they collapsed so much in a year.

New management for Wales possibly the reason.

Couldn't bring myself to watch it. This "autumn series" , Seems a bit contrived .
What are thoughts on the likes of Lowe , playing for Ireland? Can anyone change allegiance , even though they have no Irish blood? Say They just came here to work/play and then declare , presumably because they are not good enough to play for their native country?
The whole essence / motivation of international sport should be patriotism

The autumn series are well established. For the majority of the existence of the game they have been one of the highlights. The format is different this year for obvious reasons.

The residency rules are fair enough in my view. Players qualifying via that route have a lot more skin in the game than granny rule boyos hopping off a plane

Granny rule stretches it a bit , but the Irish diaspora connection is fair enough A new Zealander setting up his life here and playing club rugby is fair enough but getting An international place with no other connection demeans patriotism. It's representative sport, if u haven't got a patriotic connection what's the Point?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: smelmoth on November 14, 2020, 06:53:03 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 14, 2020, 03:41:41 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 14, 2020, 12:39:34 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 14, 2020, 11:43:54 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2020, 09:29:25 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on November 14, 2020, 09:13:07 AM
We are great when the pressure is off as usual. We actually coughed up points all over the place which is very worrying for Wales. How the hell have they collapsed so much in a year.

New management for Wales possibly the reason.

Couldn't bring myself to watch it. This "autumn series" , Seems a bit contrived .
What are thoughts on the likes of Lowe , playing for Ireland? Can anyone change allegiance , even though they have no Irish blood? Say They just came here to work/play and then declare , presumably because they are not good enough to play for their native country?
The whole essence / motivation of international sport should be patriotism

The autumn series are well established. For the majority of the existence of the game they have been one of the highlights. The format is different this year for obvious reasons.

The residency rules are fair enough in my view. Players qualifying via that route have a lot more skin in the game than granny rule boyos hopping off a plane

Granny rule stretches it a bit , but the Irish diaspora connection is fair enough A new Zealander setting up his life here and playing club rugby is fair enough but getting An international place with no other connection demeans patriotism. It's representative sport, if u haven't got a patriotic connection what's the Point?

Ask Brett Cockbain about his qualification to play for Wales. Someone already has.

The vast majority of players of have played soccer for Ireland under the granny rule had no notion of being Irish before the call came
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on November 15, 2020, 12:26:43 PM
Quote from: smelmoth on November 14, 2020, 06:53:03 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 14, 2020, 03:41:41 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 14, 2020, 12:39:34 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 14, 2020, 11:43:54 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2020, 09:29:25 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on November 14, 2020, 09:13:07 AM
We are great when the pressure is off as usual. We actually coughed up points all over the place which is very worrying for Wales. How the hell have they collapsed so much in a year.

New management for Wales possibly the reason.

Couldn't bring myself to watch it. This "autumn series" , Seems a bit contrived .
What are thoughts on the likes of Lowe , playing for Ireland? Can anyone change allegiance , even though they have no Irish blood? Say They just came here to work/play and then declare , presumably because they are not good enough to play for their native country?
The whole essence / motivation of international sport should be patriotism

The autumn series are well established. For the majority of the existence of the game they have been one of the highlights. The format is different this year for obvious reasons.

The residency rules are fair enough in my view. Players qualifying via that route have a lot more skin in the game than granny rule boyos hopping off a plane

Granny rule stretches it a bit , but the Irish diaspora connection is fair enough A new Zealander setting up his life here and playing club rugby is fair enough but getting An international place with no other connection demeans patriotism. It's representative sport, if u haven't got a patriotic connection what's the Point?

Ask Brett Cockbain about his qualification to play for Wales. Someone already has.

The vast majority of players of have played soccer for Ireland under the granny rule had no notion of being Irish before the call came

I don't think thats fair. Most were genuine diaspora. Yes there were a few absolute chancers like Townsend and Morrison but most were fully aware and proud of their Irish heritage.

But they were at least Irish citizens. The egg chasrees aren't even bothering with that requirement
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 6th sam on November 15, 2020, 12:47:24 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 15, 2020, 12:26:43 PM
Quote from: smelmoth on November 14, 2020, 06:53:03 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 14, 2020, 03:41:41 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 14, 2020, 12:39:34 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 14, 2020, 11:43:54 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2020, 09:29:25 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on November 14, 2020, 09:13:07 AM
We are great when the pressure is off as usual. We actually coughed up points all over the place which is very worrying for Wales. How the hell have they collapsed so much in a year.

New management for Wales possibly the reason.

Couldn't bring myself to watch it. This "autumn series" , Seems a bit contrived .
What are thoughts on the likes of Lowe , playing for Ireland? Can anyone change allegiance , even though they have no Irish blood? Say They just came here to work/play and then declare , presumably because they are not good enough to play for their native country?
The whole essence / motivation of international sport should be patriotism

The autumn series are well established. For the majority of the existence of the game they have been one of the highlights. The format is different this year for obvious reasons.

The residency rules are fair enough in my view. Players qualifying via that route have a lot more skin in the game than granny rule boyos hopping off a plane

Granny rule stretches it a bit , but the Irish diaspora connection is fair enough A new Zealander setting up his life here and playing club rugby is fair enough but getting An international place with no other connection demeans patriotism. It's representative sport, if u haven't got a patriotic connection what's the Point?

Ask Brett Cockbain about his qualification to play for Wales. Someone already has.

The vast majority of players of have played soccer for Ireland under the granny rule had no notion of being Irish before the call came

I don't think thats fair. Most were genuine diaspora. Yes there were a few absolute chancers like Townsend and Morrison but most were fully aware and proud of their Irish heritage.

But they were at least Irish citizens. The egg chasrees aren't even bothering with that requirement
Are you serious?
Didn't realise that, so Rugby internationals don't have to be Irish ( or presumably Northern Irish ) citizens? If so, that makes it even more farcical .
Would agree re soccer and the Irish diaspora , most appear to have a genuine affiliation.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on November 15, 2020, 12:48:58 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 15, 2020, 12:26:43 PM
Quote from: smelmoth on November 14, 2020, 06:53:03 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 14, 2020, 03:41:41 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 14, 2020, 12:39:34 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 14, 2020, 11:43:54 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2020, 09:29:25 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on November 14, 2020, 09:13:07 AM
We are great when the pressure is off as usual. We actually coughed up points all over the place which is very worrying for Wales. How the hell have they collapsed so much in a year.

New management for Wales possibly the reason.

Couldn't bring myself to watch it. This "autumn series" , Seems a bit contrived .
What are thoughts on the likes of Lowe , playing for Ireland? Can anyone change allegiance , even though they have no Irish blood? Say They just came here to work/play and then declare , presumably because they are not good enough to play for their native country?
The whole essence / motivation of international sport should be patriotism

The autumn series are well established. For the majority of the existence of the game they have been one of the highlights. The format is different this year for obvious reasons.

The residency rules are fair enough in my view. Players qualifying via that route have a lot more skin in the game than granny rule boyos hopping off a plane

Granny rule stretches it a bit , but the Irish diaspora connection is fair enough A new Zealander setting up his life here and playing club rugby is fair enough but getting An international place with no other connection demeans patriotism. It's representative sport, if u haven't got a patriotic connection what's the Point?

Ask Brett Cockbain about his qualification to play for Wales. Someone already has.

The vast majority of players of have played soccer for Ireland under the granny rule had no notion of being Irish before the call came

I don't think thats fair. Most were genuine diaspora. Yes there were a few absolute chancers like Townsend and Morrison but most were fully aware and proud of their Irish heritage.

But they were at least Irish citizens. The egg chasrees aren't even bothering with that requirement

The foreign imports playing rugby for Ireland spend more time in Ireland than any of their soccer counterparts. They live, work and play here.

They may not be connected to the country by their DNA but there's no doubt players have played for the Ireland soccer team more for the money and their career prospects than any love of the country.

How many players have swapped from N Ire to ROI for the benefit of their career?

Declan Rice was a proud Irishman and footballer until England came calling
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Boycey on November 15, 2020, 01:25:08 PM
The list of 'chancers' in Irish soccer history is a hell of a lot longer than Townsend and Morrison
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LCohen on November 15, 2020, 01:45:11 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 15, 2020, 12:26:43 PM
Quote from: smelmoth on November 14, 2020, 06:53:03 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 14, 2020, 03:41:41 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 14, 2020, 12:39:34 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 14, 2020, 11:43:54 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2020, 09:29:25 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on November 14, 2020, 09:13:07 AM
We are great when the pressure is off as usual. We actually coughed up points all over the place which is very worrying for Wales. How the hell have they collapsed so much in a year.

New management for Wales possibly the reason.

Couldn't bring myself to watch it. This "autumn series" , Seems a bit contrived .
What are thoughts on the likes of Lowe , playing for Ireland? Can anyone change allegiance , even though they have no Irish blood? Say They just came here to work/play and then declare , presumably because they are not good enough to play for their native country?
The whole essence / motivation of international sport should be patriotism

The autumn series are well established. For the majority of the existence of the game they have been one of the highlights. The format is different this year for obvious reasons.

The residency rules are fair enough in my view. Players qualifying via that route have a lot more skin in the game than granny rule boyos hopping off a plane

Granny rule stretches it a bit , but the Irish diaspora connection is fair enough A new Zealander setting up his life here and playing club rugby is fair enough but getting An international place with no other connection demeans patriotism. It's representative sport, if u haven't got a patriotic connection what's the Point?

Ask Brett Cockbain about his qualification to play for Wales. Someone already has.

The vast majority of players of have played soccer for Ireland under the granny rule had no notion of being Irish before the call came

I don't think thats fair. Most were genuine diaspora. Yes there were a few absolute chancers like Townsend and Morrison but most were fully aware and proud of their Irish heritage.

But they were at least Irish citizens. The egg chasrees aren't even bothering with that requirement

Fully aware and proud of their Irish heritage?  What are you basing that on?

How many had Irish passports before the football came?

The rules are not very different. The granny rule entitles someone to an Irish passport. Soccer exploits that quite a lot and at times actively harvests it. The granny rule is rarely used in Rugby. In Ireland anyway. The residency rule is used. Big gamble by a player and they pretty much have to set their life up here. Footballers can fly in and out. The list of chancers is longer than the 2 you list. Very considerably longer. How many of them would have said yes to Ireland if they had to wait 3 or 5 years for their first cap?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: delgany on November 15, 2020, 06:59:06 PM
Rugby players have to be based in Ireland to win a cap , soccar players don't- so residency rule has a greater impact
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 07:54:31 AM
Quote from: delgany on November 15, 2020, 06:59:06 PM
Rugby players have to be based in Ireland to win a cap , soccar players don't- so residency rule has a greater impact

International sport  is representative, you are representing your country, either by birth or diaspora . If a person has a passport and decides that he feels Irish , We can't get into questioning that. However playing for a country on the basis of residency , without a passport seems farcical to me. I can understand how a NZ player just below All black standard , jumps at a contract to come to Europe to play club rugby , and if he's good enough to play international for his new country , it will be of financial benefit, but that doesn't make him Irish. "What makes you Irish , Todd", ....." well to be honest, I couldn't get a contract with Toulouse to make me French"
This is no disrespect to those that choose this path, they're playing within the rules, but it just seems farcical to me.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 09:09:58 AM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 15, 2020, 12:48:58 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 15, 2020, 12:26:43 PM
Quote from: smelmoth on November 14, 2020, 06:53:03 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 14, 2020, 03:41:41 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 14, 2020, 12:39:34 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 14, 2020, 11:43:54 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2020, 09:29:25 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on November 14, 2020, 09:13:07 AM
We are great when the pressure is off as usual. We actually coughed up points all over the place which is very worrying for Wales. How the hell have they collapsed so much in a year.

New management for Wales possibly the reason.

Couldn't bring myself to watch it. This "autumn series" , Seems a bit contrived .
What are thoughts on the likes of Lowe , playing for Ireland? Can anyone change allegiance , even though they have no Irish blood? Say They just came here to work/play and then declare , presumably because they are not good enough to play for their native country?
The whole essence / motivation of international sport should be patriotism

The autumn series are well established. For the majority of the existence of the game they have been one of the highlights. The format is different this year for obvious reasons.

The residency rules are fair enough in my view. Players qualifying via that route have a lot more skin in the game than granny rule boyos hopping off a plane

Granny rule stretches it a bit , but the Irish diaspora connection is fair enough A new Zealander setting up his life here and playing club rugby is fair enough but getting An international place with no other connection demeans patriotism. It's representative sport, if u haven't got a patriotic connection what's the Point?

Ask Brett Cockbain about his qualification to play for Wales. Someone already has.

The vast majority of players of have played soccer for Ireland under the granny rule had no notion of being Irish before the call came

I don't think thats fair. Most were genuine diaspora. Yes there were a few absolute chancers like Townsend and Morrison but most were fully aware and proud of their Irish heritage.

But they were at least Irish citizens. The egg chasrees aren't even bothering with that requirement

The foreign imports playing rugby for Ireland spend more time in Ireland than any of their soccer counterparts. They live, work and play here.

They may not be connected to the country by their DNA but there's no doubt players have played for the Ireland soccer team more for the money and their career prospects than any love of the country.

How many players have swapped from N Ire to ROI for the benefit of their career?

Declan Rice was a proud Irishman and footballer until England came calling

Declan Rice like many has dual affiliation due to family background versus country of birth. He made his decision when he got older.

Players moving from NI to ROI , unfortunately, is hardly for the benefit of the career given the standing of NI compared to ROI. Most Talented youth Players from an "Irish" background in the North fall under the IFA development process. Few could justify asking their parents to run them down to Dublin to join the FAI system. However when they are adult and potentially international standard they make their choice. Surely nobody can argue against that. Does anyone honestly think James McClean chose ROI for career reasons ?,? he has a patriotic affiliation to his country, and punches well above his weight in an Irish jersey.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on November 16, 2020, 09:35:41 AM
I've no doubt James McLean declared for the ROI for personal reasons and as you say no one would question his commitment or passion for the ROI team.

It's the likes of Alex Bruce that people like myself are referencing. He declared for the ROI and when he wasn't getting picked he switched allegiance to NI. For several players switching allegiances between NI/ROI or declaring for a country they weren't born in is simply a business decision they think will benefit their career.

https://www.the42.ie/stephen-mallon-switches-allegiance-to-northern-ireland-5192255-Sep2020/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 09:44:24 AM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 16, 2020, 09:35:41 AM
I've no doubt James McLean declared for the ROI for personal reasons and as you say no one would question his commitment or passion for the ROI team.

It's the likes of Alex Bruce that people like myself are referencing. He declared for the ROI and when he wasn't getting picked he switched allegiance to NI. For several players switching allegiances between NI/ROI or declaring for a country they weren't born in is simply a business decision they think will benefit their career.

https://www.the42.ie/stephen-mallon-switches-allegiance-to-northern-ireland-5192255-Sep2020/

Choosing your international team for football reasons is farcical . and goes against representative patriotism . Just to clarify , dublin7, you're not implying that McClean declared for a country he wasn't born in?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LCohen on November 16, 2020, 03:19:34 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 09:44:24 AM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 16, 2020, 09:35:41 AM
I've no doubt James McLean declared for the ROI for personal reasons and as you say no one would question his commitment or passion for the ROI team.

It's the likes of Alex Bruce that people like myself are referencing. He declared for the ROI and when he wasn't getting picked he switched allegiance to NI. For several players switching allegiances between NI/ROI or declaring for a country they weren't born in is simply a business decision they think will benefit their career.

https://www.the42.ie/stephen-mallon-switches-allegiance-to-northern-ireland-5192255-Sep2020/

Choosing your international team for football reasons is farcical . and goes against representative patriotism . Just to clarify , dublin7, you're not implying that McClean declared for a country he wasn't born in?

I trust you don't follow RoI football then? Or NI? Or Wales? Or Scotland to a degree?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LCohen on November 16, 2020, 03:21:12 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 07:54:31 AM
Quote from: delgany on November 15, 2020, 06:59:06 PM
Rugby players have to be based in Ireland to win a cap , soccar players don't- so residency rule has a greater impact

International sport  is representative, you are representing your country, either by birth or diaspora . If a person has a passport and decides that he feels Irish , We can't get into questioning that. However playing for a country on the basis of residency , without a passport seems farcical to me. I can understand how a NZ player just below All black standard , jumps at a contract to come to Europe to play club rugby , and if he's good enough to play international for his new country , it will be of financial benefit, but that doesn't make him Irish. "What makes you Irish , Todd", ....." well to be honest, I couldn't get a contract with Toulouse to make me French"
This is no disrespect to those that choose this path, they're playing within the rules, but it just seems farcical to me.

You wouldn't have one of those boys who objected to John Barnes playing for England would you? They used to make quite a noise
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 03:36:52 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 16, 2020, 03:21:12 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 07:54:31 AM
Quote from: delgany on November 15, 2020, 06:59:06 PM
Rugby players have to be based in Ireland to win a cap , soccar players don't- so residency rule has a greater impact

International sport  is representative, you are representing your country, either by birth or diaspora . If a person has a passport and decides that he feels Irish , We can't get into questioning that. However playing for a country on the basis of residency , without a passport seems farcical to me. I can understand how a NZ player just below All black standard , jumps at a contract to come to Europe to play club rugby , and if he's good enough to play international for his new country , it will be of financial benefit, but that doesn't make him Irish. "What makes you Irish , Todd", ....." well to be honest, I couldn't get a contract with Toulouse to make me French"
This is no disrespect to those that choose this path, they're playing within the rules, but it just seems farcical to me.

You wouldn't have one of those boys who objected to John Barnes playing for England would you? They used to make quite a noise
No I wouldn't , Barnes moved to England when he was a 12 year old child. He has a clear affiliation to England . Many who questioned Barnes were doing so for racist reasons. Players in their late 20s , moving half way round the world for career development,( and fair play to them) and then changing their international allegiance to a country to which they have no patriotic connection doesn't sit easy with me. Ironically someone like Simon Zebo who makes a career development decision to play overseas , then can't play for his country ( i stand corrected if that is not the case, but that's my understanding of it)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on November 16, 2020, 03:40:42 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 03:36:52 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 16, 2020, 03:21:12 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 07:54:31 AM
Quote from: delgany on November 15, 2020, 06:59:06 PM
Rugby players have to be based in Ireland to win a cap , soccar players don't- so residency rule has a greater impact

International sport  is representative, you are representing your country, either by birth or diaspora . If a person has a passport and decides that he feels Irish , We can't get into questioning that. However playing for a country on the basis of residency , without a passport seems farcical to me. I can understand how a NZ player just below All black standard , jumps at a contract to come to Europe to play club rugby , and if he's good enough to play international for his new country , it will be of financial benefit, but that doesn't make him Irish. "What makes you Irish , Todd", ....." well to be honest, I couldn't get a contract with Toulouse to make me French"
This is no disrespect to those that choose this path, they're playing within the rules, but it just seems farcical to me.

You wouldn't have one of those boys who objected to John Barnes playing for England would you? They used to make quite a noise
No I wouldn't , Barnes moved to England when he was a 12 year old child. He has a clear affiliation to England . Many who questioned Barnes were doing so for racist reasons. Players in their late 20s , moving half way round the world for career development,( and fair play to them) and then changing their international allegiance to a country to which they have no patriotic connection doesn't sit easy with me. Ironically someone like Simon Zebo who makes a career development decision to play overseas , then can't play for his country ( i stand corrected if that is not the case, but that's my understanding of it)
Zebo can play for Ireland.

IRFU choose not to pick him to encourage the best players to stay in Ireland to support the Irish game.

The 3 year residency rule (now a 5 year residency rule) is a global Rugby Union rule, not an Irish rule.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LCohen on November 16, 2020, 03:41:09 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 03:36:52 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 16, 2020, 03:21:12 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 07:54:31 AM
Quote from: delgany on November 15, 2020, 06:59:06 PM
Rugby players have to be based in Ireland to win a cap , soccar players don't- so residency rule has a greater impact

International sport  is representative, you are representing your country, either by birth or diaspora . If a person has a passport and decides that he feels Irish , We can't get into questioning that. However playing for a country on the basis of residency , without a passport seems farcical to me. I can understand how a NZ player just below All black standard , jumps at a contract to come to Europe to play club rugby , and if he's good enough to play international for his new country , it will be of financial benefit, but that doesn't make him Irish. "What makes you Irish , Todd", ....." well to be honest, I couldn't get a contract with Toulouse to make me French"
This is no disrespect to those that choose this path, they're playing within the rules, but it just seems farcical to me.

You wouldn't have one of those boys who objected to John Barnes playing for England would you? They used to make quite a noise
No I wouldn't , Barnes moved to England when he was a 12 year old child. He has a clear affiliation to England . Many who questioned Barnes were doing so for racist reasons. Players in their late 20s , moving half way round the world for career development,( and fair play to them) and then changing their international allegiance to a country to which they have no patriotic connection doesn't sit easy with me. Ironically someone like Simon Zebo who makes a career development decision to play overseas , then can't play for his country ( i stand corrected if that is not the case, but that's my understanding of it)

You are correct. Zebo is not currently eligible for an Irish contract.

You can question the residency as much as you like but there has to be a residency rule. It's a question of where you draw the line. Unquestionably players arriving by that route have demonstrated more commitment that some who has a granny from Mayo and no other connection to Ireland and didn't consider themselves Irish until they bumped in to Maurice Setters
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on November 16, 2020, 03:44:38 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 16, 2020, 03:41:09 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 03:36:52 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 16, 2020, 03:21:12 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 07:54:31 AM
Quote from: delgany on November 15, 2020, 06:59:06 PM
Rugby players have to be based in Ireland to win a cap , soccar players don't- so residency rule has a greater impact

International sport  is representative, you are representing your country, either by birth or diaspora . If a person has a passport and decides that he feels Irish , We can't get into questioning that. However playing for a country on the basis of residency , without a passport seems farcical to me. I can understand how a NZ player just below All black standard , jumps at a contract to come to Europe to play club rugby , and if he's good enough to play international for his new country , it will be of financial benefit, but that doesn't make him Irish. "What makes you Irish , Todd", ....." well to be honest, I couldn't get a contract with Toulouse to make me French"
This is no disrespect to those that choose this path, they're playing within the rules, but it just seems farcical to me.

You wouldn't have one of those boys who objected to John Barnes playing for England would you? They used to make quite a noise
No I wouldn't , Barnes moved to England when he was a 12 year old child. He has a clear affiliation to England . Many who questioned Barnes were doing so for racist reasons. Players in their late 20s , moving half way round the world for career development,( and fair play to them) and then changing their international allegiance to a country to which they have no patriotic connection doesn't sit easy with me. Ironically someone like Simon Zebo who makes a career development decision to play overseas , then can't play for his country ( i stand corrected if that is not the case, but that's my understanding of it)

You are correct. Zebo is not currently eligible for an Irish contract.

You can question the residency as much as you like but there has to be a residency rule. It's a question of where you draw the line. Unquestionably players arriving by that route have demonstrated more commitment that some who has a granny from Mayo and no other connection to Ireland and didn't consider themselves Irish until they bumped in to Maurice Setters
The IRFU could absolutely pick Zebo to play for Ireland.
There is no rule anywhere against it. But there is a policy that they don't pick players who are based overseas. They made an exception for Sexton. Doubtful they'd make a similar exception in the future. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 03:47:35 PM
Quote from: Hound on November 16, 2020, 03:40:42 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 03:36:52 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 16, 2020, 03:21:12 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 07:54:31 AM
Quote from: delgany on November 15, 2020, 06:59:06 PM
Rugby players have to be based in Ireland to win a cap , soccar players don't- so residency rule has a greater impact

International sport  is representative, you are representing your country, either by birth or diaspora . If a person has a passport and decides that he feels Irish , We can't get into questioning that. However playing for a country on the basis of residency , without a passport seems farcical to me. I can understand how a NZ player just below All black standard , jumps at a contract to come to Europe to play club rugby , and if he's good enough to play international for his new country , it will be of financial benefit, but that doesn't make him Irish. "What makes you Irish , Todd", ....." well to be honest, I couldn't get a contract with Toulouse to make me French"
This is no disrespect to those that choose this path, they're playing within the rules, but it just seems farcical to me.

You wouldn't have one of those boys who objected to John Barnes playing for England would you? They used to make quite a noise
No I wouldn't , Barnes moved to England when he was a 12 year old child. He has a clear affiliation to England . Many who questioned Barnes were doing so for racist reasons. Players in their late 20s , moving half way round the world for career development,( and fair play to them) and then changing their international allegiance to a country to which they have no patriotic connection doesn't sit easy with me. Ironically someone like Simon Zebo who makes a career development decision to play overseas , then can't play for his country ( i stand corrected if that is not the case, but that's my understanding of it)
Zebo can play for Ireland.

IRFU choose not to pick him to encourage the best players to stay in Ireland to support the Irish game.

The 3 year residency rule (now a 5 year residency rule) is a global Rugby Union rule, not an Irish rule.
Totally accept that it's an international rule, and I respect the reasons behind IRFU wanting to keep players at home. However, the irony of Irish players being penalised for travelling, whilst non-Irish players effectively take their place , or stifle the development of an up and coming , let's say Ulster player , who can't get into the international set up as a couple of travelling South Africans or Kiwis knock them down the pecking order.
Ps I welcome these travelling players into our club game as it's a "non-representative" professional set up that can welcome anyone regardless of provinciality or nationality. But international representation should be on the basis of a patriotic connection, as opposed to career development . 
Fair play to the likes of Aki and Lowe who give their all in an Irish jersey , and makes us a better team, but the overall benefit of the residency rule for the game has to be critically analysed
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on November 16, 2020, 03:48:54 PM
I'm not a fan of the residency rule. What if Lowe then transfers to an English club is he no longer 'Irish'?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LCohen on November 16, 2020, 03:52:09 PM
Quote from: square_ball on November 16, 2020, 03:48:54 PM
I'm not a fan of the residency rule. What if Lowe then transfers to an English club is he no longer 'Irish'?

No
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LCohen on November 16, 2020, 03:53:46 PM
Quote from: Hound on November 16, 2020, 03:44:38 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 16, 2020, 03:41:09 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 03:36:52 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 16, 2020, 03:21:12 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 07:54:31 AM
Quote from: delgany on November 15, 2020, 06:59:06 PM
Rugby players have to be based in Ireland to win a cap , soccar players don't- so residency rule has a greater impact

International sport  is representative, you are representing your country, either by birth or diaspora . If a person has a passport and decides that he feels Irish , We can't get into questioning that. However playing for a country on the basis of residency , without a passport seems farcical to me. I can understand how a NZ player just below All black standard , jumps at a contract to come to Europe to play club rugby , and if he's good enough to play international for his new country , it will be of financial benefit, but that doesn't make him Irish. "What makes you Irish , Todd", ....." well to be honest, I couldn't get a contract with Toulouse to make me French"
This is no disrespect to those that choose this path, they're playing within the rules, but it just seems farcical to me.

You wouldn't have one of those boys who objected to John Barnes playing for England would you? They used to make quite a noise
No I wouldn't , Barnes moved to England when he was a 12 year old child. He has a clear affiliation to England . Many who questioned Barnes were doing so for racist reasons. Players in their late 20s , moving half way round the world for career development,( and fair play to them) and then changing their international allegiance to a country to which they have no patriotic connection doesn't sit easy with me. Ironically someone like Simon Zebo who makes a career development decision to play overseas , then can't play for his country ( i stand corrected if that is not the case, but that's my understanding of it)

You are correct. Zebo is not currently eligible for an Irish contract.

You can question the residency as much as you like but there has to be a residency rule. It's a question of where you draw the line. Unquestionably players arriving by that route have demonstrated more commitment that some who has a granny from Mayo and no other connection to Ireland and didn't consider themselves Irish until they bumped in to Maurice Setters
The IRFU could absolutely pick Zebo to play for Ireland.
There is no rule anywhere against it. But there is a policy that they don't pick players who are based overseas. They made an exception for Sexton. Doubtful they'd make a similar exception in the future.

My understanding is that they won't enter a contract with a player outside Ireland. The sexton experience will not be repeated
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LCohen on November 16, 2020, 03:56:18 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 03:47:35 PM
Quote from: Hound on November 16, 2020, 03:40:42 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 03:36:52 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 16, 2020, 03:21:12 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 07:54:31 AM
Quote from: delgany on November 15, 2020, 06:59:06 PM
Rugby players have to be based in Ireland to win a cap , soccar players don't- so residency rule has a greater impact

International sport  is representative, you are representing your country, either by birth or diaspora . If a person has a passport and decides that he feels Irish , We can't get into questioning that. However playing for a country on the basis of residency , without a passport seems farcical to me. I can understand how a NZ player just below All black standard , jumps at a contract to come to Europe to play club rugby , and if he's good enough to play international for his new country , it will be of financial benefit, but that doesn't make him Irish. "What makes you Irish , Todd", ....." well to be honest, I couldn't get a contract with Toulouse to make me French"
This is no disrespect to those that choose this path, they're playing within the rules, but it just seems farcical to me.

You wouldn't have one of those boys who objected to John Barnes playing for England would you? They used to make quite a noise
No I wouldn't , Barnes moved to England when he was a 12 year old child. He has a clear affiliation to England . Many who questioned Barnes were doing so for racist reasons. Players in their late 20s , moving half way round the world for career development,( and fair play to them) and then changing their international allegiance to a country to which they have no patriotic connection doesn't sit easy with me. Ironically someone like Simon Zebo who makes a career development decision to play overseas , then can't play for his country ( i stand corrected if that is not the case, but that's my understanding of it)
Zebo can play for Ireland.

IRFU choose not to pick him to encourage the best players to stay in Ireland to support the Irish game.

The 3 year residency rule (now a 5 year residency rule) is a global Rugby Union rule, not an Irish rule.
Totally accept that it's an international rule, and I respect the reasons behind IRFU wanting to keep players at home, but the irony of Irish players being penalised for travelling, whilst non-Irish players effectively take their place , or stifle the development of an up and coming , let's say Ulster player who can't get into the international set up as a couple of travelling South Africans or Kiwis knock them down the pecking order.
Ps I welcome these travelling players into our club game as it's a "non-representative" professional set up that can welcome anyone regardless of provinciality or nationality. But international representation should be on the basis of a patriotic connection, as opposed to career development .

The Brent Cockbain example was mentioned earlier. How are you with it?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on November 16, 2020, 04:00:57 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 03:47:35 PM
Quote from: Hound on November 16, 2020, 03:40:42 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 03:36:52 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 16, 2020, 03:21:12 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 07:54:31 AM
Quote from: delgany on November 15, 2020, 06:59:06 PM
Rugby players have to be based in Ireland to win a cap , soccar players don't- so residency rule has a greater impact

International sport  is representative, you are representing your country, either by birth or diaspora . If a person has a passport and decides that he feels Irish , We can't get into questioning that. However playing for a country on the basis of residency , without a passport seems farcical to me. I can understand how a NZ player just below All black standard , jumps at a contract to come to Europe to play club rugby , and if he's good enough to play international for his new country , it will be of financial benefit, but that doesn't make him Irish. "What makes you Irish , Todd", ....." well to be honest, I couldn't get a contract with Toulouse to make me French"
This is no disrespect to those that choose this path, they're playing within the rules, but it just seems farcical to me.

You wouldn't have one of those boys who objected to John Barnes playing for England would you? They used to make quite a noise
No I wouldn't , Barnes moved to England when he was a 12 year old child. He has a clear affiliation to England . Many who questioned Barnes were doing so for racist reasons. Players in their late 20s , moving half way round the world for career development,( and fair play to them) and then changing their international allegiance to a country to which they have no patriotic connection doesn't sit easy with me. Ironically someone like Simon Zebo who makes a career development decision to play overseas , then can't play for his country ( i stand corrected if that is not the case, but that's my understanding of it)
Zebo can play for Ireland.

IRFU choose not to pick him to encourage the best players to stay in Ireland to support the Irish game.

The 3 year residency rule (now a 5 year residency rule) is a global Rugby Union rule, not an Irish rule.
Totally accept that it's an international rule, and I respect the reasons behind IRFU wanting to keep players at home, but the irony of Irish players being penalised for travelling, whilst non-Irish players effectively take their place , or stifle the development of an up and coming , let's say Ulster player who can't get into the international set up as a couple of travelling South Africans or Kiwis knock them down the pecking order.
Ps I welcome these travelling players into our club game as it's a "non-representative" professional set up that can welcome anyone regardless of provinciality or nationality.

The IRFU are very specific about what players they allowed the provinces sign as project players or non Irish qualified. They have also forced Irish provinces to release foreign players or stopped a province signing them as they felt they could stop the progress of Irish lads.

Leinster are one of the top sides in Europe and is nearly all home grown players. The systems the IRFU have in place help them find the best young players all over the country. The FAI don't have anything even close to the same structures in place. Allowing clubs here to send young lads to the UK at 15/16 and hope the clubs over there can turn them into footballers is their strategy
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on November 16, 2020, 04:02:24 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 16, 2020, 03:53:46 PM
Quote from: Hound on November 16, 2020, 03:44:38 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 16, 2020, 03:41:09 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 03:36:52 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 16, 2020, 03:21:12 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 07:54:31 AM
Quote from: delgany on November 15, 2020, 06:59:06 PM
Rugby players have to be based in Ireland to win a cap , soccar players don't- so residency rule has a greater impact

International sport  is representative, you are representing your country, either by birth or diaspora . If a person has a passport and decides that he feels Irish , We can't get into questioning that. However playing for a country on the basis of residency , without a passport seems farcical to me. I can understand how a NZ player just below All black standard , jumps at a contract to come to Europe to play club rugby , and if he's good enough to play international for his new country , it will be of financial benefit, but that doesn't make him Irish. "What makes you Irish , Todd", ....." well to be honest, I couldn't get a contract with Toulouse to make me French"
This is no disrespect to those that choose this path, they're playing within the rules, but it just seems farcical to me.

You wouldn't have one of those boys who objected to John Barnes playing for England would you? They used to make quite a noise
No I wouldn't , Barnes moved to England when he was a 12 year old child. He has a clear affiliation to England . Many who questioned Barnes were doing so for racist reasons. Players in their late 20s , moving half way round the world for career development,( and fair play to them) and then changing their international allegiance to a country to which they have no patriotic connection doesn't sit easy with me. Ironically someone like Simon Zebo who makes a career development decision to play overseas , then can't play for his country ( i stand corrected if that is not the case, but that's my understanding of it)

You are correct. Zebo is not currently eligible for an Irish contract.

You can question the residency as much as you like but there has to be a residency rule. It's a question of where you draw the line. Unquestionably players arriving by that route have demonstrated more commitment that some who has a granny from Mayo and no other connection to Ireland and didn't consider themselves Irish until they bumped in to Maurice Setters
The IRFU could absolutely pick Zebo to play for Ireland.
There is no rule anywhere against it. But there is a policy that they don't pick players who are based overseas. They made an exception for Sexton. Doubtful they'd make a similar exception in the future.

My understanding is that they won't enter a contract with a player outside Ireland. The sexton experience will not be repeated
That's true, but it's a policy not a rule. Zebo is eligible to play for Ireland, they just won't pick him or anyone else who doesn't play here.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on November 16, 2020, 04:13:01 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 09:44:24 AM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 16, 2020, 09:35:41 AM
I've no doubt James McLean declared for the ROI for personal reasons and as you say no one would question his commitment or passion for the ROI team.

It's the likes of Alex Bruce that people like myself are referencing. He declared for the ROI and when he wasn't getting picked he switched allegiance to NI. For several players switching allegiances between NI/ROI or declaring for a country they weren't born in is simply a business decision they think will benefit their career.

https://www.the42.ie/stephen-mallon-switches-allegiance-to-northern-ireland-5192255-Sep2020/

Choosing your international team for football reasons is farcical . and goes against representative patriotism . Just to clarify , dublin7, you're not implying that McClean declared for a country he wasn't born in?

You criticise foreign rugby players for choosing to play international rugby for Ireland as a career option but don't consider the same applies to soccer? Footballers changing nationality for patriotic reasons are extremely rare and actually funny. How long after becoming first team regulars and premier league footballers do you think Declan Rice and Jack Grealish discovered their English patriotism???

I don't know what your point is regarding James McLean. No one has claimed he declared for Republic of Ireland for financial benefits or career prospects.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 06:01:52 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 16, 2020, 04:13:01 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 09:44:24 AM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 16, 2020, 09:35:41 AM
I've no doubt James McLean declared for the ROI for personal reasons and as you say no one would question his commitment or passion for the ROI team.

It's the likes of Alex Bruce that people like myself are referencing. He declared for the ROI and when he wasn't getting picked he switched allegiance to NI. For several players switching allegiances between NI/ROI or declaring for a country they weren't born in is simply a business decision they think will benefit their career.

https://www.the42.ie/stephen-mallon-switches-allegiance-to-northern-ireland-5192255-Sep2020/

Choosing your international team for football reasons is farcical . and goes against representative patriotism . Just to clarify , dublin7, you're not implying that McClean declared for a country he wasn't born in?

You criticise foreign rugby players for choosing to play international rugby for Ireland as a career option but don't consider the same applies to soccer? Footballers changing nationality for patriotic reasons are extremely rare and actually funny. How long after becoming first team regulars and premier league footballers do you think Declan Rice and Jack Grealish discovered their English patriotism???

I don't know what your point is regarding James McLean. No one has claimed he declared for Republic of Ireland for financial benefits or career prospects.
Really, I'm criticising the rules not the players. Allowing players to choose their nationality for career development ,whether for soccer or rugby , makes a farce of international sport.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LCohen on November 16, 2020, 07:03:02 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 06:01:52 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 16, 2020, 04:13:01 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 09:44:24 AM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 16, 2020, 09:35:41 AM
I've no doubt James McLean declared for the ROI for personal reasons and as you say no one would question his commitment or passion for the ROI team.

It's the likes of Alex Bruce that people like myself are referencing. He declared for the ROI and when he wasn't getting picked he switched allegiance to NI. For several players switching allegiances between NI/ROI or declaring for a country they weren't born in is simply a business decision they think will benefit their career.

https://www.the42.ie/stephen-mallon-switches-allegiance-to-northern-ireland-5192255-Sep2020/

Choosing your international team for football reasons is farcical . and goes against representative patriotism . Just to clarify , dublin7, you're not implying that McClean declared for a country he wasn't born in?

You criticise foreign rugby players for choosing to play international rugby for Ireland as a career option but don't consider the same applies to soccer? Footballers changing nationality for patriotic reasons are extremely rare and actually funny. How long after becoming first team regulars and premier league footballers do you think Declan Rice and Jack Grealish discovered their English patriotism???

I don't know what your point is regarding James McLean. No one has claimed he declared for Republic of Ireland for financial benefits or career prospects.
Really, I'm criticising the rules not the players. Allowing players to choose their nationality for career development ,whether for soccer or rugby , makes a farce of international sport.

Do think that by the standards of what you hold dear in terms of patriotism that the RoI soccer team is now and always has been, a legitimate team? Sure it wouldn't be as Irish as the Rugby team?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 08:18:15 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 16, 2020, 07:03:02 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 06:01:52 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 16, 2020, 04:13:01 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 09:44:24 AM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 16, 2020, 09:35:41 AM
I've no doubt James McLean declared for the ROI for personal reasons and as you say no one would question his commitment or passion for the ROI team.

It's the likes of Alex Bruce that people like myself are referencing. He declared for the ROI and when he wasn't getting picked he switched allegiance to NI. For several players switching allegiances between NI/ROI or declaring for a country they weren't born in is simply a business decision they think will benefit their career.

https://www.the42.ie/stephen-mallon-switches-allegiance-to-northern-ireland-5192255-Sep2020/

Choosing your international team for football reasons is farcical . and goes against representative patriotism . Just to clarify , dublin7, you're not implying that McClean declared for a country he wasn't born in?

You criticise foreign rugby players for choosing to play international rugby for Ireland as a career option but don't consider the same applies to soccer? Footballers changing nationality for patriotic reasons are extremely rare and actually funny. How long after becoming first team regulars and premier league footballers do you think Declan Rice and Jack Grealish discovered their English patriotism???

I don't know what your point is regarding James McLean. No one has claimed he declared for Republic of Ireland for financial benefits or career prospects.
Really, I'm criticising the rules not the players. Allowing players to choose their nationality for career development ,whether for soccer or rugby , makes a farce of international sport.

Do think that by the standards of what you hold dear in terms of patriotism that the RoI soccer team is now and always has been, a legitimate team? Sure it wouldn't be as Irish as the Rugby team?
😂 I don't particularly hold them dear in terms of international soccer and rugby , just trying to get my head around the authenticity of international representative sport.
FAI may be a 26 county organisation but for me the FAI is closest to my 32 county affiliation of the two international soccer bodies on this island. Though I have no affinity to NI i admire how they punch above their weight. By comparison ROI are currently punching below our weight unfortunately. Rugby is 32 county and the IRFU have managed the challenge of remaining an All-Ireland organisation brilliantly
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LCohen on November 16, 2020, 08:24:18 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 08:18:15 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 16, 2020, 07:03:02 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 06:01:52 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 16, 2020, 04:13:01 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 09:44:24 AM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 16, 2020, 09:35:41 AM
I've no doubt James McLean declared for the ROI for personal reasons and as you say no one would question his commitment or passion for the ROI team.

It's the likes of Alex Bruce that people like myself are referencing. He declared for the ROI and when he wasn't getting picked he switched allegiance to NI. For several players switching allegiances between NI/ROI or declaring for a country they weren't born in is simply a business decision they think will benefit their career.

https://www.the42.ie/stephen-mallon-switches-allegiance-to-northern-ireland-5192255-Sep2020/

Choosing your international team for football reasons is farcical . and goes against representative patriotism . Just to clarify , dublin7, you're not implying that McClean declared for a country he wasn't born in?

You criticise foreign rugby players for choosing to play international rugby for Ireland as a career option but don't consider the same applies to soccer? Footballers changing nationality for patriotic reasons are extremely rare and actually funny. How long after becoming first team regulars and premier league footballers do you think Declan Rice and Jack Grealish discovered their English patriotism???

I don't know what your point is regarding James McLean. No one has claimed he declared for Republic of Ireland for financial benefits or career prospects.
Really, I'm criticising the rules not the players. Allowing players to choose their nationality for career development ,whether for soccer or rugby , makes a farce of international sport.

Do think that by the standards of what you hold dear in terms of patriotism that the RoI soccer team is now and always has been, a legitimate team? Sure it wouldn't be as Irish as the Rugby team?
😂 I don't particularly hold them dear in terms of international soccer and rugby , just trying to get my head around the authenticity of international representative sport.
FAI may be a 26 county organisation but for me the FAI is closest to my 32 county affiliation of the two international soccer bodies on this island. Though I have no affinity to NI i admire how they punch above their weight. By comparison ROI are currently punching below our weight unfortunately. Rugby is 32 county and the IRFU have managed the challenge of remaining an All-Ireland organisation brilliantly

How do feel about a significant number of lads playing for RoI with little connection to it and no interest  in it until the offer of international football came along?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 09:17:15 PM
It's fairly clear what I think.
You represent your country for patriotic reasons , that's what should make international sport different. In Club soccer , rugby etc , you can understand players playing for whatever club furthers their career best, any affiliation is a bonus . International representation should be about a patriotic connection. That's why I have no issue with Rice, Grealish and even McIlroy not playing for Ireland, if they don't feel it, what's the point?
Rugby is interesting in that patriotism is for the island of Ireland and the IRFU, and this unity of affiliation sets an example , and not just in sport .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LCohen on November 16, 2020, 09:42:29 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 09:17:15 PM
It's fairly clear what I think.
You represent your country for patriotic reasons , that's what should make international sport different. In Club soccer , rugby etc , you can understand players playing for whatever club furthers their career best, any affiliation is a bonus . International representation should be about a patriotic connection. That's why I have no issue with Rice, Grealish and even McIlroy not playing for Ireland, if they don't feel it, what's the point?
Rugby is interesting in that patriotism is for the island of Ireland and the IRFU, and this unity of affiliation sets an example , and not just in sport .

It's fairly clear that you think that the RoI soccer team is fairly stocked by lads who lads who shouldn't be there. Do you let that one slide or withhold your full throated support?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 11:01:34 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 16, 2020, 09:42:29 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 09:17:15 PM
It's fairly clear what I think.
You represent your country for patriotic reasons , that's what should make international sport different. In Club soccer , rugby etc , you can understand players playing for whatever club furthers their career best, any affiliation is a bonus . International representation should be about a patriotic connection. That's why I have no issue with Rice, Grealish and even McIlroy not playing for Ireland, if they don't feel it, what's the point?
Rugby is interesting in that patriotism is for the island of Ireland and the IRFU, and this unity of affiliation sets an example , and not just in sport .

It's fairly clear that you think that the RoI soccer team is fairly stocked by lads who lads who shouldn't be there. Do you let that one slide or withhold your full throated support?
I support both the rugby and soccer international teams, just questioning the weakness in diluting patriotic affinity .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LCohen on November 17, 2020, 11:52:45 AM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 11:01:34 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 16, 2020, 09:42:29 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 09:17:15 PM
It's fairly clear what I think.
You represent your country for patriotic reasons , that's what should make international sport different. In Club soccer , rugby etc , you can understand players playing for whatever club furthers their career best, any affiliation is a bonus . International representation should be about a patriotic connection. That's why I have no issue with Rice, Grealish and even McIlroy not playing for Ireland, if they don't feel it, what's the point?
Rugby is interesting in that patriotism is for the island of Ireland and the IRFU, and this unity of affiliation sets an example , and not just in sport .

It's fairly clear that you think that the RoI soccer team is fairly stocked by lads who lads who shouldn't be there. Do you let that one slide or withhold your full throated support?
I support both the rugby and soccer international teams, just questioning the weakness in diluting patriotic affinity .

I have no issue with you supporting either/both those teams. It is clear that the need for patriotic attachment has been diluted. And diluted more in the case or RoI soccer team than the Ireland rugby team. My sense of what you have posted is that you seem to have an unequal approach to those facts. It's the inequity that draws my attention
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on November 17, 2020, 12:22:41 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 15, 2020, 01:45:11 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 15, 2020, 12:26:43 PM
Quote from: smelmoth on November 14, 2020, 06:53:03 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 14, 2020, 03:41:41 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 14, 2020, 12:39:34 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 14, 2020, 11:43:54 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2020, 09:29:25 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on November 14, 2020, 09:13:07 AM
We are great when the pressure is off as usual. We actually coughed up points all over the place which is very worrying for Wales. How the hell have they collapsed so much in a year.

New management for Wales possibly the reason.

Couldn't bring myself to watch it. This "autumn series" , Seems a bit contrived .
What are thoughts on the likes of Lowe , playing for Ireland? Can anyone change allegiance , even though they have no Irish blood? Say They just came here to work/play and then declare , presumably because they are not good enough to play for their native country?
The whole essence / motivation of international sport should be patriotism

The autumn series are well established. For the majority of the existence of the game they have been one of the highlights. The format is different this year for obvious reasons.

The residency rules are fair enough in my view. Players qualifying via that route have a lot more skin in the game than granny rule boyos hopping off a plane

Granny rule stretches it a bit , but the Irish diaspora connection is fair enough A new Zealander setting up his life here and playing club rugby is fair enough but getting An international place with no other connection demeans patriotism. It's representative sport, if u haven't got a patriotic connection what's the Point?

Ask Brett Cockbain about his qualification to play for Wales. Someone already has.

The vast majority of players of have played soccer for Ireland under the granny rule had no notion of being Irish before the call came

I don't think thats fair. Most were genuine diaspora. Yes there were a few absolute chancers like Townsend and Morrison but most were fully aware and proud of their Irish heritage.

But they were at least Irish citizens. The egg chasrees aren't even bothering with that requirement

Fully aware and proud of their Irish heritage?  What are you basing that on?

How many had Irish passports before the football came?

The rules are not very different. The granny rule entitles someone to an Irish passport. Soccer exploits that quite a lot and at times actively harvests it. The granny rule is rarely used in Rugby. In Ireland anyway. The residency rule is used. Big gamble by a player and they pretty much have to set their life up here. Footballers can fly in and out. The list of chancers is longer than the 2 you list. Very considerably longer. How many of them would have said yes to Ireland if they had to wait 3 or 5 years for their first cap?

The rules are night and day. One requires Irish citizenship, one doesn't
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on November 17, 2020, 12:26:53 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 16, 2020, 03:53:46 PM
Quote from: Hound on November 16, 2020, 03:44:38 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 16, 2020, 03:41:09 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 03:36:52 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 16, 2020, 03:21:12 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 07:54:31 AM
Quote from: delgany on November 15, 2020, 06:59:06 PM
Rugby players have to be based in Ireland to win a cap , soccar players don't- so residency rule has a greater impact

International sport  is representative, you are representing your country, either by birth or diaspora . If a person has a passport and decides that he feels Irish , We can't get into questioning that. However playing for a country on the basis of residency , without a passport seems farcical to me. I can understand how a NZ player just below All black standard , jumps at a contract to come to Europe to play club rugby , and if he's good enough to play international for his new country , it will be of financial benefit, but that doesn't make him Irish. "What makes you Irish , Todd", ....." well to be honest, I couldn't get a contract with Toulouse to make me French"
This is no disrespect to those that choose this path, they're playing within the rules, but it just seems farcical to me.

You wouldn't have one of those boys who objected to John Barnes playing for England would you? They used to make quite a noise
No I wouldn't , Barnes moved to England when he was a 12 year old child. He has a clear affiliation to England . Many who questioned Barnes were doing so for racist reasons. Players in their late 20s , moving half way round the world for career development,( and fair play to them) and then changing their international allegiance to a country to which they have no patriotic connection doesn't sit easy with me. Ironically someone like Simon Zebo who makes a career development decision to play overseas , then can't play for his country ( i stand corrected if that is not the case, but that's my understanding of it)

You are correct. Zebo is not currently eligible for an Irish contract.

You can question the residency as much as you like but there has to be a residency rule. It's a question of where you draw the line. Unquestionably players arriving by that route have demonstrated more commitment that some who has a granny from Mayo and no other connection to Ireland and didn't consider themselves Irish until they bumped in to Maurice Setters
The IRFU could absolutely pick Zebo to play for Ireland.
There is no rule anywhere against it. But there is a policy that they don't pick players who are based overseas. They made an exception for Sexton. Doubtful they'd make a similar exception in the future.

My understanding is that they won't enter a contract with a player outside Ireland. The sexton experience will not be repeated

To suppress wages at the franchises. And when a player gets a decent contract abroad they have their international contract ripped up.

International contract. Think about that.


Not only are Irish players losing places at franchise level to imports, thats sport, they lose international spots. Thats different..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on November 17, 2020, 12:28:52 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 16, 2020, 04:00:57 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 03:47:35 PM
Quote from: Hound on November 16, 2020, 03:40:42 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 03:36:52 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 16, 2020, 03:21:12 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 07:54:31 AM
Quote from: delgany on November 15, 2020, 06:59:06 PM
Rugby players have to be based in Ireland to win a cap , soccar players don't- so residency rule has a greater impact

International sport  is representative, you are representing your country, either by birth or diaspora . If a person has a passport and decides that he feels Irish , We can't get into questioning that. However playing for a country on the basis of residency , without a passport seems farcical to me. I can understand how a NZ player just below All black standard , jumps at a contract to come to Europe to play club rugby , and if he's good enough to play international for his new country , it will be of financial benefit, but that doesn't make him Irish. "What makes you Irish , Todd", ....." well to be honest, I couldn't get a contract with Toulouse to make me French"
This is no disrespect to those that choose this path, they're playing within the rules, but it just seems farcical to me.

You wouldn't have one of those boys who objected to John Barnes playing for England would you? They used to make quite a noise
No I wouldn't , Barnes moved to England when he was a 12 year old child. He has a clear affiliation to England . Many who questioned Barnes were doing so for racist reasons. Players in their late 20s , moving half way round the world for career development,( and fair play to them) and then changing their international allegiance to a country to which they have no patriotic connection doesn't sit easy with me. Ironically someone like Simon Zebo who makes a career development decision to play overseas , then can't play for his country ( i stand corrected if that is not the case, but that's my understanding of it)
Zebo can play for Ireland.

IRFU choose not to pick him to encourage the best players to stay in Ireland to support the Irish game.

The 3 year residency rule (now a 5 year residency rule) is a global Rugby Union rule, not an Irish rule.
Totally accept that it's an international rule, and I respect the reasons behind IRFU wanting to keep players at home, but the irony of Irish players being penalised for travelling, whilst non-Irish players effectively take their place , or stifle the development of an up and coming , let's say Ulster player who can't get into the international set up as a couple of travelling South Africans or Kiwis knock them down the pecking order.
Ps I welcome these travelling players into our club game as it's a "non-representative" professional set up that can welcome anyone regardless of provinciality or nationality.

The IRFU are very specific about what players they allowed the provinces sign as project players or non Irish qualified. They have also forced Irish provinces to release foreign players or stopped a province signing them as they felt they could stop the progress of Irish lads.

Leinster are one of the top sides in Europe and is nearly all home grown players. The systems the IRFU have in place help them find the best young players all over the country. The FAI don't have anything even close to the same structures in place. Allowing clubs here to send young lads to the UK at 15/16 and hope the clubs over there can turn them into footballers is their strategy

Its not and the change has caused murder. The structures are there, are very good and working. However they cannot stop kids moving over, but less and less do.

But if the FAI insisted that you could only play for Ireland if you were at a LoI club your analogy would hold. They don't think it fair to punish a player moving abroad for more money.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on November 17, 2020, 12:31:53 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 16, 2020, 07:03:02 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 06:01:52 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 16, 2020, 04:13:01 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 09:44:24 AM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 16, 2020, 09:35:41 AM
I've no doubt James McLean declared for the ROI for personal reasons and as you say no one would question his commitment or passion for the ROI team.

It's the likes of Alex Bruce that people like myself are referencing. He declared for the ROI and when he wasn't getting picked he switched allegiance to NI. For several players switching allegiances between NI/ROI or declaring for a country they weren't born in is simply a business decision they think will benefit their career.

https://www.the42.ie/stephen-mallon-switches-allegiance-to-northern-ireland-5192255-Sep2020/

Choosing your international team for football reasons is farcical . and goes against representative patriotism . Just to clarify , dublin7, you're not implying that McClean declared for a country he wasn't born in?

You criticise foreign rugby players for choosing to play international rugby for Ireland as a career option but don't consider the same applies to soccer? Footballers changing nationality for patriotic reasons are extremely rare and actually funny. How long after becoming first team regulars and premier league footballers do you think Declan Rice and Jack Grealish discovered their English patriotism???

I don't know what your point is regarding James McLean. No one has claimed he declared for Republic of Ireland for financial benefits or career prospects.
Really, I'm criticising the rules not the players. Allowing players to choose their nationality for career development ,whether for soccer or rugby , makes a farce of international sport.

Do think that by the standards of what you hold dear in terms of patriotism that the RoI soccer team is now and always has been, a legitimate team? Sure it wouldn't be as Irish as the Rugby team?

The teams v Wales home and away were all Irish born. Wembley was 9, with a switch immediately before the game swinging from 10.

Basic stuff.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LCohen on November 17, 2020, 01:29:13 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 17, 2020, 12:31:53 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 16, 2020, 07:03:02 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 06:01:52 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 16, 2020, 04:13:01 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 09:44:24 AM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 16, 2020, 09:35:41 AM
I've no doubt James McLean declared for the ROI for personal reasons and as you say no one would question his commitment or passion for the ROI team.

It's the likes of Alex Bruce that people like myself are referencing. He declared for the ROI and when he wasn't getting picked he switched allegiance to NI. For several players switching allegiances between NI/ROI or declaring for a country they weren't born in is simply a business decision they think will benefit their career.

https://www.the42.ie/stephen-mallon-switches-allegiance-to-northern-ireland-5192255-Sep2020/

Choosing your international team for football reasons is farcical . and goes against representative patriotism . Just to clarify , dublin7, you're not implying that McClean declared for a country he wasn't born in?

You criticise foreign rugby players for choosing to play international rugby for Ireland as a career option but don't consider the same applies to soccer? Footballers changing nationality for patriotic reasons are extremely rare and actually funny. How long after becoming first team regulars and premier league footballers do you think Declan Rice and Jack Grealish discovered their English patriotism???

I don't know what your point is regarding James McLean. No one has claimed he declared for Republic of Ireland for financial benefits or career prospects.
Really, I'm criticising the rules not the players. Allowing players to choose their nationality for career development ,whether for soccer or rugby , makes a farce of international sport.

Do think that by the standards of what you hold dear in terms of patriotism that the RoI soccer team is now and always has been, a legitimate team? Sure it wouldn't be as Irish as the Rugby team?

The teams v Wales home and away were all Irish born. Wembley was 9, with a switch immediately before the game swinging from 10.

Basic stuff.

And I would expect that trend to continue. It hasn't been the way over the past 30
years but things have changed.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on November 17, 2020, 04:27:49 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 17, 2020, 12:31:53 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 16, 2020, 07:03:02 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 06:01:52 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 16, 2020, 04:13:01 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 09:44:24 AM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 16, 2020, 09:35:41 AM
I've no doubt James McLean declared for the ROI for personal reasons and as you say no one would question his commitment or passion for the ROI team.

It's the likes of Alex Bruce that people like myself are referencing. He declared for the ROI and when he wasn't getting picked he switched allegiance to NI. For several players switching allegiances between NI/ROI or declaring for a country they weren't born in is simply a business decision they think will benefit their career.

https://www.the42.ie/stephen-mallon-switches-allegiance-to-northern-ireland-5192255-Sep2020/

Choosing your international team for football reasons is farcical . and goes against representative patriotism . Just to clarify , dublin7, you're not implying that McClean declared for a country he wasn't born in?

You criticise foreign rugby players for choosing to play international rugby for Ireland as a career option but don't consider the same applies to soccer? Footballers changing nationality for patriotic reasons are extremely rare and actually funny. How long after becoming first team regulars and premier league footballers do you think Declan Rice and Jack Grealish discovered their English patriotism???

I don't know what your point is regarding James McLean. No one has claimed he declared for Republic of Ireland for financial benefits or career prospects.
Really, I'm criticising the rules not the players. Allowing players to choose their nationality for career development ,whether for soccer or rugby , makes a farce of international sport.

Do think that by the standards of what you hold dear in terms of patriotism that the RoI soccer team is now and always has been, a legitimate team? Sure it wouldn't be as Irish as the Rugby team?

The teams v Wales home and away were all Irish born. Wembley was 9, with a switch immediately before the game swinging from 10.

Basic stuff.

That was an interesting statistic. 45 years and 400 games ago since that last happened. For comparisons sake there were 3 non Irish players in the Irish 15 that played Wales on Friday, which would be roughly similar percentage. One of them Quinn Roux has been living and playing in Ireland for the last 8 years, which is alot more time than some Irish footballers have spent here in their lifetime
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 17, 2020, 04:37:31 PM
How England became a bullying bogey team for Ireland
England have won their last three matches against Ireland, scoring over 100 points in the process

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2020/11/17/england-became-bullying-bogey-team-ireland/


Three of Ireland's 49 victories over England came between 2015 and 2018, when a 24-15 triumph emphatically sealed their most recent Grand Slam.

It was not quite a period of dominance to match the four straight wins that were capped off by a 43-13 thrashing at Croke Park in 2007. Still, it seemed as though they had sussed out an old rival.

Since then, three more matches have yielded a messy aggregate score of 113-47 in the favour of Eddie Jones' charges. With that in mind, how have England become a bogey team for Ireland?

Psychology and circumstance
Joe Schmidt was always fairly forthcoming with his tactical musings in press conferences as Ireland head coach.

During the 2019 Six Nations, following an unconvincing win in Rome, he was probably too honest about the lingering effects of a 32-20 loss to England at the start of the tournament over three weeks previously.

"We always talk about going forward," he said. "But sometimes you've got to take a step back, take a deep breath and not panic because I think the players were a bit... I suppose a bit broken by the fall-out from the England game.

Sportsfile
Joe Schmidy arrives at the Aviva Stadium to face England in 2019 CREDIT: Sportsfile
"And then suddenly they start to question themselves."

A remarkable admission, that his players had been psychologically damaged by England, exposed the shockwaves that were still emanating from the Aviva Stadium. Two matches before that game, Ireland had overturned New Zealand.

Even if World Rugby's rankings did not concur, they were planet's form team. England, on the back of a stuttering 2018, would be up against it in Dublin.

Just like Michael Jordan clutching an iPad, Jones appeared to take any praise of Schmidt personally and devised a power-based, "brutal" game-plan that attacked Ireland's traditional strengths.

Sportsfile
England celebrate Henry Slade's second try in Dublin last year CREDIT: Sportsfile
England set out to frustrate their hosts, famed for hogging possession and squeezing opponents, by forcing them to play in awkward areas thanks to a diligent kicking display and disruptive, dogged defence. Mako Vunipola and Mark Wilson amassed 27 tackles each.

Robbie Henshaw and Jacob Stockdale endured uncertain outings in a make-shift back three after the senior member of the trio, Keith Earls, was caught out by a fizzing pass from Owen Farrell that led to Jonny May's second minute try.

Earlier in the build-up, Manu Tuilagi had been unleashed over the top of a lineout and Billy Vunipola had offloaded in midfield. England's big bullies stamped authority early and three more tries followed.

Two were from clever kicks before Jonathan Sexton was intercepted by Henry Slade. Ben Youngs had scurried up to harry Ireland's fly-half, epitomising England's defensive tenacity:


Just over six months later, Ireland travelled to Twickenham for a World Cup warm-up. England had played back-to-back games against Wales on the preceding two weekends. After beating Italy a fortnight previously, Ireland had prioritised fitness training and were promptly dismantled by Tuilagi, Joe Cokanasiga and a new back-row combination of Tom Curry and Sam Underhill.

Warm-up games are usually fractured and pretty low on quality, but fairly even. England plundered 57 points, shattering Ireland's confidence ahead of their trip to Japan.

In this year's Six Nations tie at Twickenham, especially during a fraught first half, the visitors looked as though they were suffering from an inferiority complex. And it would not have heartened Ireland supporters to hear James Lowe speaking about "wound marks" from Saracens' recent win over Leinster, which was based on familiar principles.

Punting and personnel
Like Henshaw before him, Jordan Larmour was targeted and teased out of position nine months ago. England's kicking game is remarkably varied, particularly when George Ford is in tandem with Farrell.

They will have outlets on either side of the breakdown with the ability to pass wide and tempt back-three opponents to creep up flat before clipping, chipping or slipping the ball into pockets of space in behind.

Slade and Elliot Daly are both left-footed, adding another dimension. Individuals such as Jonny May have improved in camp. Then, when you think everything is covered, a curve-ball is thrown... or kicked. And concentration lapses are often costly.

In February, Jonathan Joseph was moved to the wing as a roaming distributor – and maybe to lure Ireland into kicking that way. Ford's try arrived after Youngs had sniped from the base of a ruck and slid through a grubber.

Larmour was isolated in the back-field, with Sexton having pushed up flat. Farrell was on one side of the field, Ford on the other:

England
Sexton back-pedalled and reached the ball first, but spilled:


Saracens probed the same perceived deficiency in Larmour's game. Richard Wigglesworth and Alex Goode kept the pressure on. Powerful forwards such as the Vunipola brothers, Jamie George and Maro Itoje threw their weight around and controlled momentum from there.

There are 10 England players to have started all three of the recent wins over Ireland. Curry, Daly, Farrell, George, Itoje, May, Kyle Sinckler and Youngs are eight of them.

Tuilagi is another, and England will have to find a way to replace his dynamism. They accounted for the absence of Billy Vunipola in February by shifting Courtney Lawes to blindside flanker.

George Kruis is the last to have started all three victories. Clearing rucks and lineout nous are two crucial facets in any contest against Ireland. Charlie Ewels put together a very good exhibition of those traits on Saturday.

Power against predictability
Ford is among the most interesting speakers in the England squad and, in an interview with mentor John Fletcher over lockdown for The Magic Academy podcast, he discussed how teams can rely on "dominant" fly-halves to direct play.

"[Against] a team like Ireland, it's: 'Where's Sexton? Where's Sexton'," he said. "Wherever Sexton is, that's where the ball is going."

Ford suggested that he would want his sides to be less "predictable" than that with, as discussed above, potential first-receivers on either side of rucks. He then offered a window into England's defence:

"In the Six Nations, we put some targets on lads in the opposition – the talisman of the opposition – for the lads to go after to stop the momentum of them."
This fits perfectly with the point made by Dylan Hartley in last week's Telegraph Sport column, that England's aggressive defence thrives when opponents are predictable. In that respect, the lack of an assertive second playmaker, such as Garry Ringrose or Joey Carbery, to complement Sexton has hurt Ireland in games against England. 

Prior to half-time on their last visit to Twickenham, Ireland laboured in possession as they attempted to settle into their 1-3-2-2 shape. England left breakdowns alone and kept 15 tacklers on their feet. Imposing defenders such and Curry, Itoje and Underhill, collared carriers far behind the gain-line and thoroughly enjoyed themselves:


Of course, Sexton's hamstring means Ireland will have to rely on another distributor.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on November 17, 2020, 05:46:12 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 17, 2020, 04:27:49 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 17, 2020, 12:31:53 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 16, 2020, 07:03:02 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 06:01:52 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 16, 2020, 04:13:01 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 09:44:24 AM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 16, 2020, 09:35:41 AM
I've no doubt James McLean declared for the ROI for personal reasons and as you say no one would question his commitment or passion for the ROI team.

It's the likes of Alex Bruce that people like myself are referencing. He declared for the ROI and when he wasn't getting picked he switched allegiance to NI. For several players switching allegiances between NI/ROI or declaring for a country they weren't born in is simply a business decision they think will benefit their career.

https://www.the42.ie/stephen-mallon-switches-allegiance-to-northern-ireland-5192255-Sep2020/

Choosing your international team for football reasons is farcical . and goes against representative patriotism . Just to clarify , dublin7, you're not implying that McClean declared for a country he wasn't born in?

You criticise foreign rugby players for choosing to play international rugby for Ireland as a career option but don't consider the same applies to soccer? Footballers changing nationality for patriotic reasons are extremely rare and actually funny. How long after becoming first team regulars and premier league footballers do you think Declan Rice and Jack Grealish discovered their English patriotism???

I don't know what your point is regarding James McLean. No one has claimed he declared for Republic of Ireland for financial benefits or career prospects.
Really, I'm criticising the rules not the players. Allowing players to choose their nationality for career development ,whether for soccer or rugby , makes a farce of international sport.

Do think that by the standards of what you hold dear in terms of patriotism that the RoI soccer team is now and always has been, a legitimate team? Sure it wouldn't be as Irish as the Rugby team?

The teams v Wales home and away were all Irish born. Wembley was 9, with a switch immediately before the game swinging from 10.

Basic stuff.

That was an interesting statistic. 45 years and 400 games ago since that last happened. For comparisons sake there were 3 non Irish players in the Irish 15 that played Wales on Friday, which would be roughly similar percentage. One of them Quinn Roux has been living and playing in Ireland for the last 8 years, which is alot more time than some Irish footballers have spent here in their lifetime

Rubbish. Which Irish born soccer player spent less than 8 years in Ireland?

The granny rule days are over. Comparisons with rugby make no sense
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on November 17, 2020, 06:32:02 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 17, 2020, 05:46:12 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 17, 2020, 04:27:49 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 17, 2020, 12:31:53 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 16, 2020, 07:03:02 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 06:01:52 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 16, 2020, 04:13:01 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 09:44:24 AM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 16, 2020, 09:35:41 AM
I've no doubt James McLean declared for the ROI for personal reasons and as you say no one would question his commitment or passion for the ROI team.

It's the likes of Alex Bruce that people like myself are referencing. He declared for the ROI and when he wasn't getting picked he switched allegiance to NI. For several players switching allegiances between NI/ROI or declaring for a country they weren't born in is simply a business decision they think will benefit their career.

https://www.the42.ie/stephen-mallon-switches-allegiance-to-northern-ireland-5192255-Sep2020/

Choosing your international team for football reasons is farcical . and goes against representative patriotism . Just to clarify , dublin7, you're not implying that McClean declared for a country he wasn't born in?

You criticise foreign rugby players for choosing to play international rugby for Ireland as a career option but don't consider the same applies to soccer? Footballers changing nationality for patriotic reasons are extremely rare and actually funny. How long after becoming first team regulars and premier league footballers do you think Declan Rice and Jack Grealish discovered their English patriotism???

I don't know what your point is regarding James McLean. No one has claimed he declared for Republic of Ireland for financial benefits or career prospects.
Really, I'm criticising the rules not the players. Allowing players to choose their nationality for career development ,whether for soccer or rugby , makes a farce of international sport.

Do think that by the standards of what you hold dear in terms of patriotism that the RoI soccer team is now and always has been, a legitimate team? Sure it wouldn't be as Irish as the Rugby team?

The teams v Wales home and away were all Irish born. Wembley was 9, with a switch immediately before the game swinging from 10.

Basic stuff.

That was an interesting statistic. 45 years and 400 games ago since that last happened. For comparisons sake there were 3 non Irish players in the Irish 15 that played Wales on Friday, which would be roughly similar percentage. One of them Quinn Roux has been living and playing in Ireland for the last 8 years, which is alot more time than some Irish footballers have spent here in their lifetime

Rubbish. Which Irish born soccer player spent less than 8 years in Ireland?

The granny rule days are over. Comparisons with rugby make no sense

I clearly said Irish footballers. I never mentioned Irish born. Without rehashing the same points you could easily out together a list of former Irish footballers who probably won't set foot in Ireland again unless it's for media work or as a football coach/manager.

Any foreign rugby player who wants to play for Ireland has to commit to living in Ireland and becoming part of the locality. That's a big difference.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on November 17, 2020, 11:16:46 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 17, 2020, 06:32:02 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 17, 2020, 05:46:12 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 17, 2020, 04:27:49 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 17, 2020, 12:31:53 PM
Quote from: LCohen on November 16, 2020, 07:03:02 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 06:01:52 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 16, 2020, 04:13:01 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 16, 2020, 09:44:24 AM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 16, 2020, 09:35:41 AM
I've no doubt James McLean declared for the ROI for personal reasons and as you say no one would question his commitment or passion for the ROI team.

It's the likes of Alex Bruce that people like myself are referencing. He declared for the ROI and when he wasn't getting picked he switched allegiance to NI. For several players switching allegiances between NI/ROI or declaring for a country they weren't born in is simply a business decision they think will benefit their career.

https://www.the42.ie/stephen-mallon-switches-allegiance-to-northern-ireland-5192255-Sep2020/

Choosing your international team for football reasons is farcical . and goes against representative patriotism . Just to clarify , dublin7, you're not implying that McClean declared for a country he wasn't born in?

You criticise foreign rugby players for choosing to play international rugby for Ireland as a career option but don't consider the same applies to soccer? Footballers changing nationality for patriotic reasons are extremely rare and actually funny. How long after becoming first team regulars and premier league footballers do you think Declan Rice and Jack Grealish discovered their English patriotism???

I don't know what your point is regarding James McLean. No one has claimed he declared for Republic of Ireland for financial benefits or career prospects.
Really, I'm criticising the rules not the players. Allowing players to choose their nationality for career development ,whether for soccer or rugby , makes a farce of international sport.

Do think that by the standards of what you hold dear in terms of patriotism that the RoI soccer team is now and always has been, a legitimate team? Sure it wouldn't be as Irish as the Rugby team?

The teams v Wales home and away were all Irish born. Wembley was 9, with a switch immediately before the game swinging from 10.

Basic stuff.

That was an interesting statistic. 45 years and 400 games ago since that last happened. For comparisons sake there were 3 non Irish players in the Irish 15 that played Wales on Friday, which would be roughly similar percentage. One of them Quinn Roux has been living and playing in Ireland for the last 8 years, which is alot more time than some Irish footballers have spent here in their lifetime

Rubbish. Which Irish born soccer player spent less than 8 years in Ireland?

The granny rule days are over. Comparisons with rugby make no sense

I clearly said Irish footballers. I never mentioned Irish born. Without rehashing the same points you could easily out together a list of former Irish footballers who probably won't set foot in Ireland again unless it's for media work or as a football coach/manager.

Any foreign rugby player who wants to play for Ireland has to commit to living in Ireland and becoming part of the locality. That's a big difference.

....former....

Lookit, if you think a Kiwi is more Irish than an Irish citizen because Munster offered them a deal when French or English clubs wouldn't, good for you.

But some of us do have an issue with an Irish representative side becoming a league select
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 18, 2020, 07:55:01 AM
Interesting discussion. Modern Ireland is a different place than 1980s Ireland.

What is Irish identity and nationalism in sport?

Is it 23 players who live and work in the country, integrated into their communities? Is it 23 players who represent 32 counties? Is it 23 players who reflect Ireland's policies of immigration and integration as demonstrated in the offices of working Ireland? Is it 23 players who upon retiring will give back to the game in Ireland and eventually integrate themselves back into working Ireland?

Or is it 14 players who live overseas? Is it the 14 players who represent 26 counties? Is it the 14 players who will retire millionaire's and vast majority will remain overseas giving little back to the game or the communities in Ireland?

I was born and bred on a council estate, I find myself working for an American Corporation in Ireland, managing a team of diverse employees. They are from Egypt, El Salvador, Poland, USA, India, Brazil, Lithuania, Spain. If I am looking for a team to represent modern Ireland and someone I can identify with there is only one winner.




Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 6th sam on November 18, 2020, 12:04:08 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 18, 2020, 07:55:01 AM
Interesting discussion. Modern Ireland is a different place than 1980s Ireland.

What is Irish identity and nationalism in sport?

Is it 23 players who live and work in the country, integrated into their communities? Is it 23 players who represent 32 counties? Is it 23 players who reflect Ireland's policies of immigration and integration as demonstrated in the offices of working Ireland? Is it 23 players who upon retiring will give back to the game in Ireland and eventually integrate themselves back into working Ireland?

Or is it 14 players who live overseas? Is it the 14 players who represent 26 counties? Is it the 14 players who will retire millionaire's and vast majority will remain overseas giving little back to the game or the communities in Ireland?

I was born and bred on a council estate, I find myself working for an American Corporation in Ireland, managing a team of diverse employees. They are from Egypt, El Salvador, Poland, USA, India, Brazil, Lithuania, Spain. If I am looking for a team to represent modern Ireland and someone I can identify with there is only one winner.

Great post.
As long as someone is committed to the cause and has an appropriate passport they should be welcome. If you don't qualify for, or won't commit to an Irish passport ( or British, I imagine in the case of most Ulster rugby players) , then what other criteria make it appropriate for you to represent Ireland ? Whereas I see immigration to Ireland as positive , there has to be some evidence of national commitment to qualify for the international team. Hypothetically if ireland got to rugby World Cup final and were beaten by a Welsh side laced with players with NZ passports, would people be ok with that?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on November 18, 2020, 12:19:45 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 18, 2020, 12:04:08 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 18, 2020, 07:55:01 AM
Interesting discussion. Modern Ireland is a different place than 1980s Ireland.

What is Irish identity and nationalism in sport?

Is it 23 players who live and work in the country, integrated into their communities? Is it 23 players who represent 32 counties? Is it 23 players who reflect Ireland's policies of immigration and integration as demonstrated in the offices of working Ireland? Is it 23 players who upon retiring will give back to the game in Ireland and eventually integrate themselves back into working Ireland?

Or is it 14 players who live overseas? Is it the 14 players who represent 26 counties? Is it the 14 players who will retire millionaire's and vast majority will remain overseas giving little back to the game or the communities in Ireland?

I was born and bred on a council estate, I find myself working for an American Corporation in Ireland, managing a team of diverse employees. They are from Egypt, El Salvador, Poland, USA, India, Brazil, Lithuania, Spain. If I am looking for a team to represent modern Ireland and someone I can identify with there is only one winner.

Great post.
As long as someone is committed to the cause and has an appropriate passport they should be welcome. If you don't qualify for, or won't commit to an Irish passport ( or British, I imagine in the case of most Ulster rugby players) , then what other criteria make it appropriate for you to represent Ireland ? Whereas I see immigration to Ireland as positive , there has to be some evidence of national commitment to qualify for the international team. Hypothetically if ireland got to rugby World Cup final and were beaten by a Welsh side laced with players with NZ passports, would people be ok with that?

Getting beat by Wales is never OK  ;D ;D

The question you're asking is should the IRFU follow the criteria as set out by the IRB or stick with home born players?

When the IRFU went down the route of project players then I think the cat is already out of the bag. I really don't have issues with James Lowe, Stander of Bundee Aki playing for Ireland but I'm not involved in grass roots rugby and probably if I was I may have a different viewpoint.

The Soccer lads are making much of the home born aspect of the current squad but don't be kidding yourselves as if Michael Keane, Declan Rice or Grealish has continued to play for Ireland from their youth days then they'd be welcomed by open arms.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on November 18, 2020, 12:37:16 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on November 18, 2020, 12:19:45 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 18, 2020, 12:04:08 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 18, 2020, 07:55:01 AM
Interesting discussion. Modern Ireland is a different place than 1980s Ireland.

What is Irish identity and nationalism in sport?

Is it 23 players who live and work in the country, integrated into their communities? Is it 23 players who represent 32 counties? Is it 23 players who reflect Ireland's policies of immigration and integration as demonstrated in the offices of working Ireland? Is it 23 players who upon retiring will give back to the game in Ireland and eventually integrate themselves back into working Ireland?

Or is it 14 players who live overseas? Is it the 14 players who represent 26 counties? Is it the 14 players who will retire millionaire's and vast majority will remain overseas giving little back to the game or the communities in Ireland?

I was born and bred on a council estate, I find myself working for an American Corporation in Ireland, managing a team of diverse employees. They are from Egypt, El Salvador, Poland, USA, India, Brazil, Lithuania, Spain. If I am looking for a team to represent modern Ireland and someone I can identify with there is only one winner.

Great post.
As long as someone is committed to the cause and has an appropriate passport they should be welcome. If you don't qualify for, or won't commit to an Irish passport ( or British, I imagine in the case of most Ulster rugby players) , then what other criteria make it appropriate for you to represent Ireland ? Whereas I see immigration to Ireland as positive , there has to be some evidence of national commitment to qualify for the international team. Hypothetically if ireland got to rugby World Cup final and were beaten by a Welsh side laced with players with NZ passports, would people be ok with that?

Getting beat by Wales is never OK  ;D ;D

The question you're asking is should the IRFU follow the criteria as set out by the IRB or stick with home born players?

When the IRFU went down the route of project players then I think the cat is already out of the bag. I really don't have issues with James Lowe, Stander of Bundee Aki playing for Ireland but I'm not involved in grass roots rugby and probably if I was I may have a different viewpoint.

The Soccer lads are making much of the home born aspect of the current squad but don't be kidding yourselves as if Michael Keane, Declan Rice or Grealish has continued to play for Ireland from their youth days then they'd be welcomed by open arms.

It's interesting that James Lowe is in the news at the moment as he made his debut for Ireland at the weekend even though he's a New Zealander and the usual does this guy care about Ireland etc stories appear in the paper.

What none of those journos looked at is the work he does around Dublin for underage and local rugby. All the provincial players have a club side they are affiliated with and when James Lowe arrived he was approached by all the big Dublin clubs like St. Marys, Blackrock etc to represent them but he wasn't interested and told Leinster to pick for a small club for him to work with and he now is affiliated with Clondalkin RFC. He regularly helps out with training the kids, medal presentations etc in the club and is the first Leinster/Irish player to be associated them. He has said in interviews for Leinster that helping out a small club like Clondalkin who wouldn't have the resources of the bigger clubs in the city is an important to him as it's a chance for him to give back to the community
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on November 18, 2020, 01:36:45 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 18, 2020, 12:37:16 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on November 18, 2020, 12:19:45 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 18, 2020, 12:04:08 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 18, 2020, 07:55:01 AM
Interesting discussion. Modern Ireland is a different place than 1980s Ireland.

What is Irish identity and nationalism in sport?

Is it 23 players who live and work in the country, integrated into their communities? Is it 23 players who represent 32 counties? Is it 23 players who reflect Ireland's policies of immigration and integration as demonstrated in the offices of working Ireland? Is it 23 players who upon retiring will give back to the game in Ireland and eventually integrate themselves back into working Ireland?

Or is it 14 players who live overseas? Is it the 14 players who represent 26 counties? Is it the 14 players who will retire millionaire's and vast majority will remain overseas giving little back to the game or the communities in Ireland?

I was born and bred on a council estate, I find myself working for an American Corporation in Ireland, managing a team of diverse employees. They are from Egypt, El Salvador, Poland, USA, India, Brazil, Lithuania, Spain. If I am looking for a team to represent modern Ireland and someone I can identify with there is only one winner.

Great post.
As long as someone is committed to the cause and has an appropriate passport they should be welcome. If you don't qualify for, or won't commit to an Irish passport ( or British, I imagine in the case of most Ulster rugby players) , then what other criteria make it appropriate for you to represent Ireland ? Whereas I see immigration to Ireland as positive , there has to be some evidence of national commitment to qualify for the international team. Hypothetically if ireland got to rugby World Cup final and were beaten by a Welsh side laced with players with NZ passports, would people be ok with that?

Getting beat by Wales is never OK  ;D ;D

The question you're asking is should the IRFU follow the criteria as set out by the IRB or stick with home born players?

When the IRFU went down the route of project players then I think the cat is already out of the bag. I really don't have issues with James Lowe, Stander of Bundee Aki playing for Ireland but I'm not involved in grass roots rugby and probably if I was I may have a different viewpoint.

The Soccer lads are making much of the home born aspect of the current squad but don't be kidding yourselves as if Michael Keane, Declan Rice or Grealish has continued to play for Ireland from their youth days then they'd be welcomed by open arms.

It's interesting that James Lowe is in the news at the moment as he made his debut for Ireland at the weekend even though he's a New Zealander and the usual does this guy care about Ireland etc stories appear in the paper.

What none of those journos looked at is the work he does around Dublin for underage and local rugby. All the provincial players have a club side they are affiliated with and when James Lowe arrived he was approached by all the big Dublin clubs like St. Marys, Blackrock etc to represent them but he wasn't interested and told Leinster to pick for a small club for him to work with and he now is affiliated with Clondalkin RFC. He regularly helps out with training the kids, medal presentations etc in the club and is the first Leinster/Irish player to be associated them. He has said in interviews for Leinster that helping out a small club like Clondalkin who wouldn't have the resources of the bigger clubs in the city is an important to him as it's a chance for him to give back to the community

Good for him.

Doesn't make him Irish though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on November 18, 2020, 02:00:00 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 18, 2020, 01:36:45 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 18, 2020, 12:37:16 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on November 18, 2020, 12:19:45 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 18, 2020, 12:04:08 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 18, 2020, 07:55:01 AM
Interesting discussion. Modern Ireland is a different place than 1980s Ireland.

What is Irish identity and nationalism in sport?

Is it 23 players who live and work in the country, integrated into their communities? Is it 23 players who represent 32 counties? Is it 23 players who reflect Ireland's policies of immigration and integration as demonstrated in the offices of working Ireland? Is it 23 players who upon retiring will give back to the game in Ireland and eventually integrate themselves back into working Ireland?

Or is it 14 players who live overseas? Is it the 14 players who represent 26 counties? Is it the 14 players who will retire millionaire's and vast majority will remain overseas giving little back to the game or the communities in Ireland?

I was born and bred on a council estate, I find myself working for an American Corporation in Ireland, managing a team of diverse employees. They are from Egypt, El Salvador, Poland, USA, India, Brazil, Lithuania, Spain. If I am looking for a team to represent modern Ireland and someone I can identify with there is only one winner.

Great post.
As long as someone is committed to the cause and has an appropriate passport they should be welcome. If you don't qualify for, or won't commit to an Irish passport ( or British, I imagine in the case of most Ulster rugby players) , then what other criteria make it appropriate for you to represent Ireland ? Whereas I see immigration to Ireland as positive , there has to be some evidence of national commitment to qualify for the international team. Hypothetically if ireland got to rugby World Cup final and were beaten by a Welsh side laced with players with NZ passports, would people be ok with that?

Getting beat by Wales is never OK  ;D ;D

The question you're asking is should the IRFU follow the criteria as set out by the IRB or stick with home born players?

When the IRFU went down the route of project players then I think the cat is already out of the bag. I really don't have issues with James Lowe, Stander of Bundee Aki playing for Ireland but I'm not involved in grass roots rugby and probably if I was I may have a different viewpoint.

The Soccer lads are making much of the home born aspect of the current squad but don't be kidding yourselves as if Michael Keane, Declan Rice or Grealish has continued to play for Ireland from their youth days then they'd be welcomed by open arms.

It's interesting that James Lowe is in the news at the moment as he made his debut for Ireland at the weekend even though he's a New Zealander and the usual does this guy care about Ireland etc stories appear in the paper.

What none of those journos looked at is the work he does around Dublin for underage and local rugby. All the provincial players have a club side they are affiliated with and when James Lowe arrived he was approached by all the big Dublin clubs like St. Marys, Blackrock etc to represent them but he wasn't interested and told Leinster to pick for a small club for him to work with and he now is affiliated with Clondalkin RFC. He regularly helps out with training the kids, medal presentations etc in the club and is the first Leinster/Irish player to be associated them. He has said in interviews for Leinster that helping out a small club like Clondalkin who wouldn't have the resources of the bigger clubs in the city is an important to him as it's a chance for him to give back to the community

Good for him.

Doesn't make him Irish though.

No, but it does show playing and living in Ireland for him is not just about benefiting his career. Pity I can't say the same about our most of our football imports.

One of the main reasons there are less players playing for Ireland who were born outside of Ireland is because FIFA have tightened the eligibility rules for players who want to go down this route and not because of any moral decisions made by the FAI and/or Irish managers.

I don't have a problem with Ireland doing this by the way. We are a small country with limited playing resources and have no structures in place to bring players through from schoolboy levels to international standard. It's not so long ago we were trying to get Patrick Bamford to declare for Ireland as a solution to Ireland's forward/goal scoring problems

I do find it hypocritcal though for football fans though to question Irish rugby players "Irishness" given they the tenuous link some of them have with this country before suddenly turning up to wear the green jersey.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 6th sam on November 18, 2020, 03:02:45 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 18, 2020, 02:00:00 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 18, 2020, 01:36:45 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 18, 2020, 12:37:16 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on November 18, 2020, 12:19:45 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 18, 2020, 12:04:08 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 18, 2020, 07:55:01 AM
Interesting discussion. Modern Ireland is a different place than 1980s Ireland.

What is Irish identity and nationalism in sport?

Is it 23 players who live and work in the country, integrated into their communities? Is it 23 players who represent 32 counties? Is it 23 players who reflect Ireland's policies of immigration and integration as demonstrated in the offices of working Ireland? Is it 23 players who upon retiring will give back to the game in Ireland and eventually integrate themselves back into working Ireland?

Or is it 14 players who live overseas? Is it the 14 players who represent 26 counties? Is it the 14 players who will retire millionaire's and vast majority will remain overseas giving little back to the game or the communities in Ireland?

I was born and bred on a council estate, I find myself working for an American Corporation in Ireland, managing a team of diverse employees. They are from Egypt, El Salvador, Poland, USA, India, Brazil, Lithuania, Spain. If I am looking for a team to represent modern Ireland and someone I can identify with there is only one winner.

Great post.
As long as someone is committed to the cause and has an appropriate passport they should be welcome. If you don't qualify for, or won't commit to an Irish passport ( or British, I imagine in the case of most Ulster rugby players) , then what other criteria make it appropriate for you to represent Ireland ? Whereas I see immigration to Ireland as positive , there has to be some evidence of national commitment to qualify for the international team. Hypothetically if ireland got to rugby World Cup final and were beaten by a Welsh side laced with players with NZ passports, would people be ok with that?

Getting beat by Wales is never OK  ;D ;D

The question you're asking is should the IRFU follow the criteria as set out by the IRB or stick with home born players?

When the IRFU went down the route of project players then I think the cat is already out of the bag. I really don't have issues with James Lowe, Stander of Bundee Aki playing for Ireland but I'm not involved in grass roots rugby and probably if I was I may have a different viewpoint.

The Soccer lads are making much of the home born aspect of the current squad but don't be kidding yourselves as if Michael Keane, Declan Rice or Grealish has continued to play for Ireland from their youth days then they'd be welcomed by open arms.

It's interesting that James Lowe is in the news at the moment as he made his debut for Ireland at the weekend even though he's a New Zealander and the usual does this guy care about Ireland etc stories appear in the paper.

What none of those journos looked at is the work he does around Dublin for underage and local rugby. All the provincial players have a club side they are affiliated with and when James Lowe arrived he was approached by all the big Dublin clubs like St. Marys, Blackrock etc to represent them but he wasn't interested and told Leinster to pick for a small club for him to work with and he now is affiliated with Clondalkin RFC. He regularly helps out with training the kids, medal presentations etc in the club and is the first Leinster/Irish player to be associated them. He has said in interviews for Leinster that helping out a small club like Clondalkin who wouldn't have the resources of the bigger clubs in the city is an important to him as it's a chance for him to give back to the community

Good for him.

Doesn't make him Irish though.

No, but it does show playing and living in Ireland for him is not just about benefiting his career. Pity I can't say the same about our most of our football imports.

One of the main reasons there are less players playing for Ireland who were born outside of Ireland is because FIFA have tightened the eligibility rules for players who want to go down this route and not because of any moral decisions made by the FAI and/or Irish managers.

I don't have a problem with Ireland doing this by the way. We are a small country with limited playing resources and have no structures in place to bring players through from schoolboy levels to international standard. It's not so long ago we were trying to get Patrick Bamford to declare for Ireland as a solution to Ireland's forward/goal scoring problems

I do find it hypocritcal though for football fans though to question Irish rugby players "Irishness" given they the tenuous link some of them have with this country before suddenly turning up to wear the green jersey.
I don't know James Lowe and I'm sure he's a great lad. Given that this club association is part of his contract , it doesn't warrant the same respect as say Peter Canavan  voluntarily helping Errigal u10s. Did he choose Clondalkin for an easier ride , ? Less members, lower expectations ? who knows?
I would welcome him coming here to play club rugby, but surely World Rugby needs to legislate for evidence of national affinity for international teams. They already recognise it's an issue by extending eligible residency to 5 years. Btw I'm no cheerleader for Irish soccer, but as a GAA member I see the benefit of affinity and the problems when it's watered down.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 18, 2020, 04:50:25 PM
It's not part of his contract.

If a player becomes an International his "club" though get allocated extra tickets, hence senior clubs in Dublin try to sign up players to their club. Lowe picked Clondalkin as he had requests from fans who were members on the club. He got on well with them in short and is now essentially an ambassador from them. He's a good egg.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ardtole on November 18, 2020, 05:27:06 PM
I don't see it as an issue for the irfu, more a problem more a world rugby problem. To me its an absolutely ridiculous rule, I lived in New York for 4 years, I never felt American, I lived in England and never felt English.

Down the line for example, how would grassroots rugby supporters feel if the next Brian O'Driscoll and Paul O'connor were recruited by Northampton at 17 years of age and represented England at 23/24  whatever the rule is.

Only a matter of time before enough money is thrown at an individual down the line. In my opinion that is what Ireland are doing recruiting the likes of Lowe, Stander etc, its a definite policy to Identity future international players via the provinces, into the national team.

I've no problem with the players individually, fantastic players but I don't think they should be representing Ireland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 6th sam on November 18, 2020, 06:35:59 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 18, 2020, 04:50:25 PM
It's not part of his contract.

If a player becomes an International his "club" though get allocated extra tickets, hence senior clubs in Dublin try to sign up players to their club. Lowe picked Clondalkin as he had requests from fans who were members on the club. He got on well with them in short and is now essentially an ambassador from them. He's a good egg.
I don't doubt he's a good lad, but doesn't make him Irish. Why do players choose particular clubs ? If he is getting paid I've no problem, it's a professional sport
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on November 18, 2020, 08:33:59 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 18, 2020, 02:00:00 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 18, 2020, 01:36:45 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 18, 2020, 12:37:16 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on November 18, 2020, 12:19:45 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 18, 2020, 12:04:08 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 18, 2020, 07:55:01 AM
Interesting discussion. Modern Ireland is a different place than 1980s Ireland.

What is Irish identity and nationalism in sport?

Is it 23 players who live and work in the country, integrated into their communities? Is it 23 players who represent 32 counties? Is it 23 players who reflect Ireland's policies of immigration and integration as demonstrated in the offices of working Ireland? Is it 23 players who upon retiring will give back to the game in Ireland and eventually integrate themselves back into working Ireland?

Or is it 14 players who live overseas? Is it the 14 players who represent 26 counties? Is it the 14 players who will retire millionaire's and vast majority will remain overseas giving little back to the game or the communities in Ireland?

I was born and bred on a council estate, I find myself working for an American Corporation in Ireland, managing a team of diverse employees. They are from Egypt, El Salvador, Poland, USA, India, Brazil, Lithuania, Spain. If I am looking for a team to represent modern Ireland and someone I can identify with there is only one winner.

Great post.
As long as someone is committed to the cause and has an appropriate passport they should be welcome. If you don't qualify for, or won't commit to an Irish passport ( or British, I imagine in the case of most Ulster rugby players) , then what other criteria make it appropriate for you to represent Ireland ? Whereas I see immigration to Ireland as positive , there has to be some evidence of national commitment to qualify for the international team. Hypothetically if ireland got to rugby World Cup final and were beaten by a Welsh side laced with players with NZ passports, would people be ok with that?

Getting beat by Wales is never OK  ;D ;D

The question you're asking is should the IRFU follow the criteria as set out by the IRB or stick with home born players?

When the IRFU went down the route of project players then I think the cat is already out of the bag. I really don't have issues with James Lowe, Stander of Bundee Aki playing for Ireland but I'm not involved in grass roots rugby and probably if I was I may have a different viewpoint.

The Soccer lads are making much of the home born aspect of the current squad but don't be kidding yourselves as if Michael Keane, Declan Rice or Grealish has continued to play for Ireland from their youth days then they'd be welcomed by open arms.

It's interesting that James Lowe is in the news at the moment as he made his debut for Ireland at the weekend even though he's a New Zealander and the usual does this guy care about Ireland etc stories appear in the paper.

What none of those journos looked at is the work he does around Dublin for underage and local rugby. All the provincial players have a club side they are affiliated with and when James Lowe arrived he was approached by all the big Dublin clubs like St. Marys, Blackrock etc to represent them but he wasn't interested and told Leinster to pick for a small club for him to work with and he now is affiliated with Clondalkin RFC. He regularly helps out with training the kids, medal presentations etc in the club and is the first Leinster/Irish player to be associated them. He has said in interviews for Leinster that helping out a small club like Clondalkin who wouldn't have the resources of the bigger clubs in the city is an important to him as it's a chance for him to give back to the community

Good for him.

Doesn't make him Irish though.

No, but it does show playing and living in Ireland for him is not just about benefiting his career. Pity I can't say the same about our most of our football imports.

One of the main reasons there are less players playing for Ireland who were born outside of Ireland is because FIFA have tightened the eligibility rules for players who want to go down this route and not because of any moral decisions made by the FAI and/or Irish managers.

I don't have a problem with Ireland doing this by the way. We are a small country with limited playing resources and have no structures in place to bring players through from schoolboy levels to international standard. It's not so long ago we were trying to get Patrick Bamford to declare for Ireland as a solution to Ireland's forward/goal scoring problems

I do find it hypocritcal though for football fans though to question Irish rugby players "Irishness" given they the tenuous link some of them have with this country before suddenly turning up to wear the green jersey.

Of course its to benefit his career. He isn't here for the food.

Absolute nonsense re tightening of rules. The rules were changed to the granny rule. You are literally making things up.

The 'tenious link' is a passport.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on November 18, 2020, 09:41:10 PM
Shame on James Lowe for wanting bro give something back to Ireland alright. He is nothing like that Irish football patriots Clinton Morrison, Declan Rice and Jack Grealish.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on November 18, 2020, 10:52:28 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 18, 2020, 09:41:10 PM
Shame on James Lowe for wanting bro give something back to Ireland alright. He is nothing like that Irish football patriots Clinton Morrison, Declan Rice and Jack Grealish.

You do understand he has to be aligned to a club?

You do understand Morrison would not happen under Kenny?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on November 19, 2020, 04:10:52 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 18, 2020, 10:52:28 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 18, 2020, 09:41:10 PM
Shame on James Lowe for wanting bro give something back to Ireland alright. He is nothing like that Irish football patriots Clinton Morrison, Declan Rice and Jack Grealish.

You do understand he has to be aligned to a club?

You do understand Morrison would not happen under Kenny?

That's Patrick Bamford bolloxed then. He will be gutted.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on November 19, 2020, 05:30:35 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 18, 2020, 10:52:28 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 18, 2020, 09:41:10 PM
Shame on James Lowe for wanting bro give something back to Ireland alright. He is nothing like that Irish football patriots Clinton Morrison, Declan Rice and Jack Grealish.

You do understand he has to be aligned to a club?

You do understand Morrison would not happen under Kenny?

If a premier league player announced tomorrow he was declaring for Ireland he'd be accepted with open arms. Your profoundly wrong if you think anything else
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on November 20, 2020, 12:27:39 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 19, 2020, 05:30:35 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 18, 2020, 10:52:28 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 18, 2020, 09:41:10 PM
Shame on James Lowe for wanting bro give something back to Ireland alright. He is nothing like that Irish football patriots Clinton Morrison, Declan Rice and Jack Grealish.

You do understand he has to be aligned to a club?

You do understand Morrison would not happen under Kenny?

If a premier league player announced tomorrow he was declaring for Ireland he'd be accepted with open arms. Your profoundly wrong if you think anything else

Probably. But nobody is chasing him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on November 21, 2020, 03:25:57 PM
Horrible first 20mins.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on November 21, 2020, 03:49:08 PM
Lucky it's only 12-0.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on November 21, 2020, 03:59:15 PM
Ross Byrne is playing to deep. By the time the backs get the ball english players are waiting for them or racing up to them.

Line outs are a mess again. Ireland have no answer to England's brute strength
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on November 21, 2020, 04:19:19 PM
4 goals already in the hurling. You'd have to be a masochist to watch Farrell's Irish rugby team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on November 21, 2020, 04:24:14 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 21, 2020, 03:59:15 PM
Ross Byrne is playing to deep. By the time the backs get the ball english players are waiting for them or racing up to them.

Line outs are a mess again. Ireland have no answer to England's brute strength
power and speed are Ireland's Achilles heel always have been.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on November 21, 2020, 04:41:32 PM
Quote from: Estimator on November 21, 2020, 03:25:57 PM
Horrible first 20mins.

Can say that theme continued until I turned off on 70 mins
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on November 21, 2020, 05:17:41 PM
Nice try from Stockdale to at least get a score on the board. England did what they do almost everyone else and used their power and size advantage to grind down Ireland who didn't have an answer.

Line out was a disaster. Several times Ireland got a line out in England's 22 and lost or made a mistake from the line out. Basic errors like that are soul destroying and cost you games

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on November 21, 2020, 05:31:00 PM
Seems like Irelands problem has been that under joe their lineout and maul was so effective that it was always the default option to go for the corner and pass of kicks at goal. Certainly shouldnt be happening now when the lineout has been hit and more than likely miss over the last 24 months. If they had someone like O'Gara on the field they would be taking the kick at goal at all times. I don't get in rugby why teams can spend so long in an opponents half/22 and not just spam drop goals and take points. Surely its the most efficient way to get scores on the board.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dar31 on November 22, 2020, 07:29:50 PM
Ireland are just too predictible we have to pin back a rushing drfence mske them think dink a ball over the top make them hesitate about rushing forward .  Ireland need to get the basics right first at the moment we cant even secure our own possession
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on November 24, 2020, 03:36:44 PM
Quote from: Dar31 on November 22, 2020, 07:29:50 PM
Ireland are just too predictible we have to pin back a rushing drfence mske them think dink a ball over the top make them hesitate about rushing forward .  Ireland need to get the basics right first at the moment we cant even secure our own possession

I don't get running crash ball after crash ball and getting knocked back time and time again by the bigger men. That's playing to Englands strength and the only try we got was when they'd the wit to chip the ball over the England rush defence for Stockdale to get in behind and take the catch.

It only took 75 odd minutes to work that one out FFS.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 24, 2020, 03:58:23 PM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/eddie-jones-and-liverpool-connection-help-england-flip-the-switch-1.4416125

Jones is England's "flick the switch" coach. The 60-year-old Australian concocts scenarios so everyone knows how to score in transition (methods that come straight from the NBA). But it goes further back than training in leafy Teddington. For true knowledge, we must travel north to Merseyside and Liverpool FC's director of research Ian Graham.
"We've divided the coaching team up into three areas: attack, defence and 'flick the switch'," Jones explained. "I'm nominally the flick the switch co-ordinator but all the other coaches do all the work. We have created games that mimic those situations.
"I think I mentioned we had a great meeting with the Liverpool analysis and that's one area we are starting to develop our own database and starting to use some tracking from a company called Sport Ability that is helping us in that area, to measure work off the ball, which is so important in the transitional part of the game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on November 24, 2020, 05:24:14 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on November 24, 2020, 03:36:44 PM
Quote from: Dar31 on November 22, 2020, 07:29:50 PM
Ireland are just too predictible we have to pin back a rushing drfence mske them think dink a ball over the top make them hesitate about rushing forward .  Ireland need to get the basics right first at the moment we cant even secure our own possession

I don't get running crash ball after crash ball and getting knocked back time and time again by the bigger men. That's playing to Englands strength and the only try we got was when they'd the wit to chip the ball over the England rush defence for Stockdale to get in behind and take the catch.

It only took 75 odd minutes to work that one out FFS.

This goes back to Schmidt too though, it was different when Ireland were the hammer, now they are the nail. England are a more physical team and it's not even close - there was a time it wasn't in doubt it was Ireland and you could do that type of basic enough rugby (assuming your set piece is strong, which Ireland's was hideous anyway). I think Rassie Erasmus words should really be stinging to the Irish "They are not softies, they're not like Ireland,"

Shocking day at the office. Assuming the 2021 Six Nations is going ahead. There is a lot of work to be done, Ireland are very much like Wales at the moment, the lowest ebb in many years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 29, 2020, 02:08:42 PM
Joe Schmidt is the jack charlton of Irish rugby. The muck were playing nowadays might be irreversible.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on November 29, 2020, 02:40:37 PM
Just seen there Georgia are ranked higher than Italy in World Rugby?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on November 29, 2020, 04:22:22 PM
Used to be a huge fan of rugby. It's become unwatchable now. That was horrendous viewing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on November 29, 2020, 04:23:21 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 29, 2020, 02:40:37 PM
Just seen there Georgia are ranked higher than Italy in World Rugby?
They rarely play teams above them
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on November 29, 2020, 04:29:29 PM
Quote from: square_ball on November 29, 2020, 04:22:22 PM
Used to be a huge fan of rugby. It's become unwatchable now. That was horrendous viewing.

I'm the same. Professional, error free defensive systems, and sheer physical size has largely sucked the entertainment out of the game. At the highest level it's now as much a battle of concentration as anything else. Chess was never much fun as a spectator sport either.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 6th sam on November 29, 2020, 07:10:44 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on November 29, 2020, 04:29:29 PM
Quote from: square_ball on November 29, 2020, 04:22:22 PM
Used to be a huge fan of rugby. It's become unwatchable now. That was horrendous viewing.

I'm the same. Professional, error free defensive systems, and sheer physical size has largely sucked the entertainment out of the game. At the highest level it's now as much a battle of concentration as anything else. Chess was never much fun as a spectator sport either.

I fear Rugby is in real trouble, where is it going?, players are only going to get bigger, defensive systems only going to improve. Most tries are "through the phases" kn**ker the opposition , then exploit a gap by a speed or strength mismatch.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on November 29, 2020, 07:33:50 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 29, 2020, 07:10:44 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on November 29, 2020, 04:29:29 PM
Quote from: square_ball on November 29, 2020, 04:22:22 PM
Used to be a huge fan of rugby. It's become unwatchable now. That was horrendous viewing.

I'm the same. Professional, error free defensive systems, and sheer physical size has largely sucked the entertainment out of the game. At the highest level it's now as much a battle of concentration as anything else. Chess was never much fun as a spectator sport either.

I wouldn't be surprised if they made the pitch 10 yards wider.

I fear Rugby is in real trouble, where is it going?, players are only going to get bigger, defensive systems only going to improve. Most tries are "through the phases" kn**ker the opposition , then exploit a gap by a speed or strength mismatch.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 29, 2020, 07:46:11 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on November 29, 2020, 04:29:29 PM
Quote from: square_ball on November 29, 2020, 04:22:22 PM
Used to be a huge fan of rugby. It's become unwatchable now. That was horrendous viewing.

I'm the same. Professional, error free defensive systems, and sheer physical size has largely sucked the entertainment out of the game. At the highest level it's now as much a battle of concentration as anything else. Chess was never much fun as a spectator sport either.

Agreed but Rugby was always an ugly game. That spell in the noughties when it was hugely entertaining was on reflection an outlier. Rugby matches for the previous 40 years were shite. Watch any old video of Willie John or Lions tour.

The athletic aspect has really killed the game now though. The variation in physical attributes was always one of rugby's great appeals. A game with a place for the strong, the tall, the quick, the heavy etc. Nowadays it has just morphed into rugby league with contested set-pieces with all the players being more or less the same.

The real irony is that although players are more or less interchangeable in positions now they're no better at the basics of the game than in the amateur era. They are jacks of all trades and the masters of none. Scrum-halfs and centres are better at tackling and counter-rucking than they used to be but poorer at passing. Out-halfs can now tackle and run with the ball but can't kick from the hand. FB's can't attack a broken field. loose forwards can carry and pass but can't counter-ruck. It makes for a very poor spectacle.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on November 29, 2020, 07:54:50 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 29, 2020, 07:46:11 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on November 29, 2020, 04:29:29 PM
Quote from: square_ball on November 29, 2020, 04:22:22 PM
Used to be a huge fan of rugby. It's become unwatchable now. That was horrendous viewing.

I'm the same. Professional, error free defensive systems, and sheer physical size has largely sucked the entertainment out of the game. At the highest level it's now as much a battle of concentration as anything else. Chess was never much fun as a spectator sport either.

Agreed but Rugby was always an ugly game. That spell in the noughties when it was hugely entertaining was on reflection an outlier. Rugby matches for the previous 40 years were shite. Watch any old video of Willie John or Lions tour.

The athletic aspect has really killed the game now though. The variation in physical attributes was always one of rugby's great appeals. A game with a place for the strong, the tall, the quick, the heavy etc. Nowadays it has just morphed into rugby league with contested set-pieces with all the players being more or less the same.

The real irony is that although players are more or less interchangeable in positions now they're no better at the basics of the game than in the amateur era. They are jacks of all trades and the masters of none. Scrum-halfs and centres are better at tackling and counter-rucking than they used to be but poorer at passing. Out-halfs can now tackle and run with the ball but can't kick from the hand. FB's can't attack a broken field. loose forwards can carry and pass but can't counter-ruck. It makes for a very poor spectacle.

It's rugby league with more phases and better goal kickers.

You're probably right about that golden period. A short window when brilliant players stood out, because professional contracts allowed them to give everything to the game.

Then came the giant robots.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 29, 2020, 08:06:04 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on November 29, 2020, 07:54:50 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 29, 2020, 07:46:11 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on November 29, 2020, 04:29:29 PM
Quote from: square_ball on November 29, 2020, 04:22:22 PM
Used to be a huge fan of rugby. It's become unwatchable now. That was horrendous viewing.

I'm the same. Professional, error free defensive systems, and sheer physical size has largely sucked the entertainment out of the game. At the highest level it's now as much a battle of concentration as anything else. Chess was never much fun as a spectator sport either.

Agreed but Rugby was always an ugly game. That spell in the noughties when it was hugely entertaining was on reflection an outlier. Rugby matches for the previous 40 years were shite. Watch any old video of Willie John or Lions tour.

The athletic aspect has really killed the game now though. The variation in physical attributes was always one of rugby's great appeals. A game with a place for the strong, the tall, the quick, the heavy etc. Nowadays it has just morphed into rugby league with contested set-pieces with all the players being more or less the same.

The real irony is that although players are more or less interchangeable in positions now they're no better at the basics of the game than in the amateur era. They are jacks of all trades and the masters of none. Scrum-halfs and centres are better at tackling and counter-rucking than they used to be but poorer at passing. Out-halfs can now tackle and run with the ball but can't kick from the hand. FB's can't attack a broken field. loose forwards can carry and pass but can't counter-ruck. It makes for a very poor spectacle.

It's rugby league with more phases and better goal kickers.

You're probably right about that golden period. A short window when brilliant players stood out, because professional contracts allowed them to give everything to the game.

Then came the giant robots.

I fell in love with rugby in that period of the noughties but it couldn't last at least not with professionalism about. I felt a bit of a sea change during the 2007 WC and Argentina's style of play. Maybe I'm wrong about that but it has sort of felt since that Northern Hemisphere rugby has been dominated by forcing the oppositions to make mitakes rather than creating oppurtunities of your own.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 30, 2020, 08:20:12 AM
Can't anyone else see Farrell not lasting long?

It was sheer madness (and probably the cheap option) to appoint an ex league man as head coach.

Announcing Schmidt's departure and Farrell's appointment pre RWC 2019. Lunacy.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on November 30, 2020, 08:54:38 AM
Is the current Leinster management team a viable option at international level, what about Pat Lam? or the ex Irish international from Ulster.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 30, 2020, 09:05:36 AM
It would be Pat Lam for me.

The elephant in the room is the style of play currently adopted by Leinster. They have moved for expansive play to bosh merchants this past few years which is a real shame as they have the players to implement a running game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: galwayman on November 30, 2020, 09:35:07 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 30, 2020, 08:20:12 AM
Can't anyone else see Farrell not lasting long?

It was sheer madness (and probably the cheap option) to appoint an ex league man as head coach.

Announcing Schmidt's departure and Farrell's appointment pre RWC 2019. Lunacy.
I think at the moment they have no choice but for Farrell to see out his contract as they don't have the money currently to change coach.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on November 30, 2020, 10:17:31 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 30, 2020, 08:20:12 AM
Can't anyone else see Farrell not lasting long?

It was sheer madness (and probably the cheap option) to appoint an ex league man as head coach.

Announcing Schmidt's departure and Farrell's appointment pre RWC 2019. Lunacy.

It's been a fairly poor start under him as head coach alright.

Ireland if we are being honest have been on the wane since 2017/2018 if we are being honest though.

It's been a gradual decline, perhaps helped by some really unfortunate injuries almost rotating to rob Ireland really of a full proper full 15.

Looks like Farrell is going to live and die by Stockdale at Full Back....
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 6th sam on November 30, 2020, 10:21:20 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 30, 2020, 08:20:12 AM
Can't anyone else see Farrell not lasting long?

It was sheer madness (and probably the cheap option) to appoint an ex league man as head coach.

Announcing Schmidt's departure and Farrell's appointment pre RWC 2019. Lunacy.

"Blame the manager" attitude ,let's everyone else off the hook. Farrell like any manager has weaknesses but it won't help the squad development by blaming everything on him
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 30, 2020, 10:28:00 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 30, 2020, 08:20:12 AM
Can't anyone else see Farrell not lasting long?

It was sheer madness (and probably the cheap option) to appoint an ex league man as head coach.

Announcing Schmidt's departure and Farrell's appointment pre RWC 2019. Lunacy.

Farrell is a transition manager. The Grand Slam team flopped at the RWC and the transition kicked off.
Transitions are not about results. They are about transitioning to a better team.   
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on November 30, 2020, 12:38:06 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 30, 2020, 09:05:36 AM
It would be Pat Lam for me.

The elephant in the room is the style of play currently adopted by Leinster. They have moved for expansive play to bosh merchants this past few years which is a real shame as they have the players to implement a running game.
I agree with this, Lam is the stand out candidate - although I wouldn't say no to a return for Gatty, and neither is Mark McCall a slouch

The danger is Wales will move first and get him

The problem with being a transition coach is you have to be totally sure of yourself and be totally willing to offend people, to cut them loose

I don't think Farrell is that, he's hanging onto Sexton because he's afraid that results will be bad

Like, can Sexton make the next World Cup? I don't think so - youth is badly needed in that position

Lam is the sort of coach who in a rugby context can do what Klopp does and hugely improve players, and as a man manager he seems to be top class

The job he did with Connacht was remarkable

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 30, 2020, 12:46:02 PM
Here's a question. Who is Ireland's long term out half after Sexton?? Do we have an International standard out half to replace him?

Ross Byrne has hardly set the world alight anytime he's played and while Burns did fairly well yesterday it was against Georgia.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on November 30, 2020, 01:09:01 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 30, 2020, 12:46:02 PM
Here's a question. Who is Ireland's long term out half after Sexton?? Do we have an International standard out half to replace him?

Ross Byrne has hardly set the world alight anytime he's played and while Burns did fairly well yesterday it was against Georgia.

Is Joey Carberry (if he ever manages to get injury free) an option, talented but seems a bit soft. Or is he just an injury write off. At the moment we have major issues at 7,9,10 & 15. Rob Kearney was in hindsight very uner-rated. Hopefully Dan Leavy can make an impact again, looked a serious bit of stuff in 2018.
Would like to see Pat Lam in, would be a serious change from the up the jumper stuff our rugby league coach has us playing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on November 30, 2020, 01:22:22 PM
Quote from: Rudi on November 30, 2020, 01:09:01 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 30, 2020, 12:46:02 PM
Here's a question. Who is Ireland's long term out half after Sexton?? Do we have an International standard out half to replace him?

Ross Byrne has hardly set the world alight anytime he's played and while Burns did fairly well yesterday it was against Georgia.

Is Joey Carberry (if he ever manages to get injury free) an option, talented but seems a bit soft. Or is he just an injury write off. At the moment we have major issues at 7,9,10 & 15. Rob Kearney was in hindsight very uner-rated. Hopefully Dan Leavy can make an impact again, looked a serious bit of stuff in 2018.
Would like to see Pat Lam in, would be a serious change from the up the jumper stuff our rugby league coach has us playing.

Honestly, he's a write off. You can't build a team around him. You can't even plan for him anymore.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: galwayman on November 30, 2020, 01:31:58 PM
Bringing him to the World Cup was a huge mistake.
Gross negligence on the part of the management and medical staff imo.
That decision could effectively destroy his career.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: whitegoodman on November 30, 2020, 03:25:24 PM
Patrick Jackson
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on November 30, 2020, 03:59:45 PM
Quote from: whitegoodman on November 30, 2020, 03:25:24 PM
Patrick Jackson

Has enough time passed? Don't see anywhere for him but Connacht even then. The uproar would it be worth it?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on November 30, 2020, 04:07:11 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 30, 2020, 12:46:02 PM
Here's a question. Who is Ireland's long term out half after Sexton?? Do we have an International standard out half to replace him?

Ross Byrne has hardly set the world alight anytime he's played and while Burns did fairly well yesterday it was against Georgia.

Carbery was the option, but ever since he went to Munster he has spent more time out injured than being available for selection.

One of the reason's Farrell is sticking with Sexton is because there is no reliable replacement out there for him at the moment. That's why Farrell is rotating the players at out half looking for a solution.

Ross Byrne's younger brother Harry Byrne has got alot of games this year for Leinster at 10 and he is probably going to pass out Ross at Leinster in the next year or so. Ross is the better kicker, but Harry has more pace and vision with the ball in hand so I'd hopefully see him as Ireland's best long term solution
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on November 30, 2020, 09:48:36 PM
Quote from: Rudi on November 30, 2020, 01:09:01 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 30, 2020, 12:46:02 PM
Here's a question. Who is Ireland's long term out half after Sexton?? Do we have an International standard out half to replace him?

Ross Byrne has hardly set the world alight anytime he's played and while Burns did fairly well yesterday it was against Georgia.

Is Joey Carberry (if he ever manages to get injury free) an option, talented but seems a bit soft. Or is he just an injury write off. At the moment we have major issues at 7,9,10 & 15. Rob Kearney was in hindsight very uner-rated. Hopefully Dan Leavy can make an impact again, looked a serious bit of stuff in 2018.
Would like to see Pat Lam in, would be a serious change from the up the jumper stuff our rugby league coach has us playing.

Hooker position is a problem area too, 5 players short.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on November 30, 2020, 10:21:32 PM
Maybe change the shape of the ball?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 30, 2020, 10:32:43 PM
Quote from: restorepride on November 30, 2020, 10:21:32 PM
Maybe change the shape of the ball?

Ireland not much use whatever shape of ball you're talking about!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 30, 2020, 11:02:58 PM
The next 10 is probably Harry Byrne. A quicker and better player than his older brother Ross.

Ben Healy at Munster looks the part and is progressing well.

Such a shame Carbery is wrecked by injury. He could have been a generational type talent.

Not giving either Craig Casey or Harry Bryne a shot v Georgia summed up Farrell for me and convinces me he won't be a success.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 30, 2020, 11:48:47 PM
After typing this I see Glasgow are after Ben Healy. Apparently he has Scottish heritage. Grealish # 2 😂🤢
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 01, 2020, 09:44:12 AM
Around 90 players are out of contract. Covid has held up contract discussions. The IRFU made a loss of EUR 35m in 2020
So more than a few will presumably be dropped.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on December 01, 2020, 11:28:44 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 30, 2020, 11:02:58 PM
The next 10 is probably Harry Byrne. A quicker and better player than his older brother Ross.

Ben Healy at Munster looks the part and is progressing well.

Such a shame Carbery is wrecked by injury. He could have been a generational type talent.

Not giving either Craig Casey or Harry Bryne a shot v Georgia summed up Farrell for me and convinces me he won't be a success.

Craig Casey and Harry Byrne aren't even established at their provinces yet, so it would be a big ask to throw them into international rugby. If either province were to pick their first choice team for the Heineken cup neither would start and Harry Byrne would be struggling to make the bench. 

Andy Farrell has introduced new players to the squad, but fans need to be realistic. At the moment England are just better than Ireland. Only South Africa would beat them at the moment or maybe France on a good day. With Covid causing so much disruption I don't think you can judge Andy Farrell until after the 6 nations next season
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on December 01, 2020, 12:43:27 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on December 01, 2020, 11:28:44 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 30, 2020, 11:02:58 PM
The next 10 is probably Harry Byrne. A quicker and better player than his older brother Ross.

Ben Healy at Munster looks the part and is progressing well.

Such a shame Carbery is wrecked by injury. He could have been a generational type talent.

Not giving either Craig Casey or Harry Bryne a shot v Georgia summed up Farrell for me and convinces me he won't be a success.

Craig Casey and Harry Byrne aren't even established at their provinces yet, so it would be a big ask to throw them into international rugby. If either province were to pick their first choice team for the Heineken cup neither would start and Harry Byrne would be struggling to make the bench. 

Andy Farrell has introduced new players to the squad, but fans need to be realistic. At the moment England are just better than Ireland. Only South Africa would beat them at the moment or maybe France on a good day. With Covid causing so much disruption I don't think you can judge Andy Farrell until after the 6 nations next season

James Ryan played for Ireland before Leinster.

Ex players have called for both to be included and in the case of CC at Munster he's had plenty of game time this season. England started a very inexperienced outside centre against us.

IMO we don't blood players quick enough. Our U20s beat France in the two years they won the U20 world cup. Look at the contrast between the careers of Ntamack and Byrne. Now I know the former is a special talent but he's been given the opportunity. That's all we're asking for here.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 02, 2020, 08:26:41 AM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/gordon-d-arcy-where-is-ireland-s-progress-under-david-nucifora-1.4424826?mode=amp

There are way too many outstanding questions about what Nucifora is doing for Irish rugby's long term future and his refusal to answer them this week should not be accepted by anyone who truly cares about the game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 02, 2020, 09:06:03 AM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/gordon-d-arcy-where-is-ireland-s-progress-under-david-nucifora-1.4424826

Gordon D'Arcy: Where is Ireland's progress under David Nucifora?

Australian's attitude to the press grates with euphoria of 2018 now just a distant memory
about 3 hours ago Updated: about an hour ago

Gordon D'Arcy

Amidst the euphoria of beating the All Blacks in Chicago four years ago, David Nucifora might well have glanced down from Trump Tower at the alchemy Theo Epstein had conjured for The Cubs and thought: 'I can achieve something similar with Irish rugby.'

The World Series is a lofty ambition but over that heady weekend in 2016 anything seemed possible.

Epstein – who also removed 'Curse of the Bambino' hanging over The Boston Red Sox – recently walked away from Chicago, nine years into an executive role that he believes should never exceed a decade.

"It became really clear that we'd be facing some significant long-term decisions this winter, decisions with long-term impacts,'' Epstein explained. "Those types of decisions are really best made by somebody who's going to be here for a long time, not just for one more year. Jed Hoyer clearly is that person.''

The cleanest of transition allows the 46-year-old Epstein to leave a stunning legacy of high performance in baseball.

Six years ago Nucifora arrived on Lansdowne Road, into a position essentially created to suit his expertise as an overseer of the island's professional structures, with a plan to apply to Irish rugby what sort of worked in Australia and New Zealand.

Donnacha Ryan celebrates Ireland's win over the All Blacks in 2016. Photograph: Billy Stickland/Inpho
Donnacha Ryan celebrates Ireland's win over the All Blacks in 2016. Photograph: Billy Stickland/Inpho
There are way too many outstanding questions about what Nucifora is doing for Irish rugby's long term future and his refusal to answer them this week should not be accepted by anyone who truly cares about the game.

Plenty of the issues evident in 2013 are still on the agenda.

What happened to plans to deliver a three-strong depth chart in every position, especially after Ireland were so badly exposed at the 2015 World Cup? Put it another way, why are injury numbers off the charts again?

The Monday press conference after playing Georgia was a strategic decision that backfired spectacularly.

Unbowed, the Sevens programme sounds like Nucifora's solution to almost every problem. Hugo Keenan and Will Connors are the examples he rolled out but that suggests neither player would have come through the ranks regardless.

Alarm bells
What's happening with the club and school scene, David?

Answer: I am too busy running the professional game.

That alone should send alarm bells ringing through the grassroots.

Who has seen last year's World Cup review, David?

Answer: "It was distributed to the people who needed to read it."

Ok, who?

Answer: "People within Irish rugby who were going to benefit from it."

If anyone has laid eyes on this sacred document, drop us an email (we are presuming it exists).

A media strategy that essentially sticks two fingers up at anyone who asks a question Nucifora does not have an answer to is bad business for everyone involved.

Gordon D'Arcy: I know what Joe and Cheika would do. Fix the basics
Gordon D'Arcy: Ireland must be smarter as they stand up to England's bullies
Gordon D'Arcy: Farrell's challenge is getting player buy-in to incremental change
CLICK HERE: Irish Times guide to sport on TV this weekCLICK HERE: Irish Times guide to sport on TV this week
As much as Nucifora's refusal to discuss player contracts with agents is about stark financial realities, it is also a negotiation tool
What about the "performance anxiety" cited as a major issue in Japan (and so obviously still in existence)?

Answer: "It has been addressed."

No detail followed because Nucifora does not believe he is accountable to the Irish public. This is clear as day in his attitude.

What about France 2023, David, how do Ireland avoid being quarter-final cannon fodder yet again?

Answer: "As we get closer to 2023 I'll come back to you and let you know what the score will be in the semi final."

Is the World Cup semi-final still a goal?

Answer: "I'd like to get to the final."

This was delivered with a laugh. Accountability has to matter.

Maro Itoje tackles Andrew Porter during Ireland's defeat to England. Photograph: Billy Stickland/Inpho
Maro Itoje tackles Andrew Porter during Ireland's defeat to England. Photograph: Billy Stickland/Inpho
The Nucifora plan to fill the power vacuum created by foreign players, CJ Stander and Bundee Aki in particular, now the recruitment via residency is over, remains very light on detail. Essentially, he is doubling down on the granny rule coupled with seeping Sevens rugby into GAA heartlands and untapped populations like west Dublin.

How exactly will this be done?

Answer: Introducing Sevens to schools "that don't play rugby as a fixed sport."

The areas and schools that will be targeted remain a mystery.

Maybe 2018 was as good as it is going to get
Nucifora answered the questions he felt like answering perhaps because he does not consider himself answerable to anyone, which begs the question: who in the IRFU does he report to and what are his key performance indicators?

People deserve to know.

Nucifora was hired as the panacea for professional issues beyond the scope of amateur committee men. The turkeys voted for Christmas but, right now, the former Wallaby hooker appears to be causing as many problems as he is solving.

What, for example, does success look like for him?

Maybe 2018 was as good as it is going to get. Maybe the Six Nations Grand Slam is Ireland's world series of baseball because if we judge Nucifora's tenure on World Cups, by his own yardstick, it has been a failure.

All of this makes me very worried for the long term future of Irish rugby as we enter a period where every decision will have a massive impact 10 years from now.

Epstein realised he was not the man to guide The Chicago Cubs out of the pandemic and into the great beyond. The media enquired about Nucifora's plans for the future and he responded by showing everyone how evasive he can be on a Microsoft Teams call.

Contracts
As much as Nucifora's refusal to discuss player contracts with agents is about stark financial realities, it is also a negotiation tool. He is very skilled in this regard and deserves credit for keeping all the players Irish rugby needed – besides Simon Zebo and Donnacha Ryan who both decided to leave but can only be wondering how many caps they left on the table – but, currently, 50 per cent of the country's playing staff have no financial security beyond July.

That's a lot of stressed families at Christmas. It is also half our national squad heading into the 2021 Six Nations feeling like they are playing for their livelihood - never a wise means of motivation – while getting their agents to find viable alternatives abroad. Just in case.

The Ben Healy to Glasgow story is only the start of players reacting to Nucifora's silence. Healy's next contract should not be a negotiation, it must be an investment in his rare talent. Otherwise, the Scots will pull off the granny rule with a young Munster outhalf.

Pandemic or not, Healy needs to be paid to market value.

Ben Healy in action for Munster against Zebre on Monday. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho
Ben Healy in action for Munster against Zebre on Monday. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho
Nucifora either refused to provide a clear plan during Monday's press conference or he doesn't have one. To my mind, the first is equally as troubling as the second.

Where are we going David and are you coming with us?

Some clarity about the IRFU's medium term plans would be a sign of actual leadership. So long as the public is denied access to stadiums the drain on finance will be immense but Nucifora, by denying supporters access to any sort of roadmap, is causing more harm than good.

Under his direction, the union decided to appoint the national coaching team via a continuity plan. Attack coach Mike Catt is the only person who entered the system from abroad and now we have the entire England coaching ticket from 2015 working with Ireland, Munster and Leinster.

Farrell is correct about Twickenham being a 'priceless' experience. Creativity under intense pressure is what great rugby teams are all about
Stuart Lancaster was proved a superb hire by Leo Cullen, who four years ago was the problem child for Nucifora as Pat Lam, Les Kiss and Rassie Erasmus appeared to be improving the other provinces. Nucifora was unable to retain two of the three and he took ruthless action with Les during a coordinated rebuilding process in Ulster.

In theory, coaching continuity makes sense. Doubts are beginning to be raised – Shane Horgan has made some cutting remarks – but there is no need to panic on this front just yet. Andy Farrell's team of coaches will get a pass for the shambolic set piece, scrum and rucking throughout the Autumn Nations Cup if Scotland are overcome.

How many passes does Nucifora get? Four more years could leave Irish rugby in a deeper hole than before he landed.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: yellowcard on December 08, 2020, 05:53:18 PM
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/dec/08/steve-thompson-interview-world-cup-rugby-union-dementia-special-report

This is horrific and I imagine it is only the start of the repercussions for a sport that has way too much emphasis on bulk, size and winning the collisions.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lenny on December 08, 2020, 07:54:07 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on December 08, 2020, 05:53:18 PM
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/dec/08/steve-thompson-interview-world-cup-rugby-union-dementia-special-report

This is horrific and I imagine it is only the start of the repercussions for a sport that has way too much emphasis on bulk, size and winning the collisions.

You'd have to worry for Jonny sexton especially. He's had some number of concussions in the last few years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on December 08, 2020, 08:03:04 PM
The interesting thing about Thompson is that although he would probably only have middle-of-the-road speed and power for a front row in 2020, he was one of the prototypes of the modern player - bringing top class mobility and ball-carrying power to the team regardless of the number on their back.

And the thing is, he would have spent most of his career running into lads who were smaller and lighter; the collisions were nearly always in his favour.

Not like today.

I reckon rugby will be closed for good in 10-15 years; the first wave from Thompson's generation will (rightly) generate a fear of that's to come, and it will become an un-insurable sport or pastime.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 08, 2020, 08:36:52 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on December 08, 2020, 08:03:04 PM
The interesting thing about Thompson is that although he would probably only have middle-of-the-road speed and power for a front row in 2020, he was one of the prototypes of the modern player - bringing top class mobility and ball-carrying power to the team regardless of the number on their back.

And the thing is, he would have spent most of his career running into lads who were smaller and lighter; the collisions were nearly always in his favour.

Not like today.

I reckon rugby will be closed for good in 10-15 years; the first wave from Thompson's generation will (rightly) generate a fear of that's to come, and it will become an un-insurable sport or pastime.
The unions don't have the money for the lawsuits in development.

Earnings lost from mid 40s to  retirement for a father with kids plus  medical costs multiplied by X plus legal fees

The England forwards bring short term gains.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: yellowcard on December 08, 2020, 09:00:33 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on December 08, 2020, 08:03:04 PM
The interesting thing about Thompson is that although he would probably only have middle-of-the-road speed and power for a front row in 2020, he was one of the prototypes of the modern player - bringing top class mobility and ball-carrying power to the team regardless of the number on their back.

And the thing is, he would have spent most of his career running into lads who were smaller and lighter; the collisions were nearly always in his favour.

Not like today.

I reckon rugby will be closed for good in 10-15 years; the first wave from Thompson's generation will (rightly) generate a fear of that's to come, and it will become an un-insurable sport or pastime.

Whilst that sounds extreme it wouldn't surprise me either. I read another interview recently that Paul Kimmage did with Dylan Hartley in which he said that he often struggles to walk in straight lines.

Parents will not be sending their children to play a sport where their long term health is put in jeopardy. Maybe world rugby can do something to lessen the impact but a bit like the Dublin dominance in GAA, it may be too far down the road
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: yellowcard on December 08, 2020, 11:10:59 PM
https://amp.theguardian.com/sport/2020/aug/28/dylan-hartley-rugby-normalises-pain-and-injuries-its-the-reality?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Tweet&__twitter_impression=true

You won't hear too many ex pros speak out about the modern professional game but Hartley has had his say in a recent book. I think the Steve Thompson revelations today should finally force the authorities and rugby media to sit up and highlight the major ongoing issues which have gone largely unspoken for over a decade. Even today I see a lack of commentary from the rugby media for what should be a huge story. There has been as much commentary around the impact from heading a football as there has been around bodily impacts in rugby. Both deserve attention in their own right but the issues in rugby are far more obvious yet have gone largely ignored or glossed over to date.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 09, 2020, 05:29:09 AM
Quote from: yellowcard on December 08, 2020, 09:00:33 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on December 08, 2020, 08:03:04 PM
The interesting thing about Thompson is that although he would probably only have middle-of-the-road speed and power for a front row in 2020, he was one of the prototypes of the modern player - bringing top class mobility and ball-carrying power to the team regardless of the number on their back.

And the thing is, he would have spent most of his career running into lads who were smaller and lighter; the collisions were nearly always in his favour.

Not like today.

I reckon rugby will be closed for good in 10-15 years; the first wave from Thompson's generation will (rightly) generate a fear of that's to come, and it will become an un-insurable sport or pastime.

Whilst that sounds extreme it wouldn't surprise me either. I read another interview recently that Paul Kimmage did with Dylan Hartley in which he said that he often struggles to walk in straight lines.

Parents will not be sending their children to play a sport where their long term health is put in jeopardy. Maybe world rugby can do something to lessen the impact but a bit like the Dublin dominance in GAA, it may be too far down the road

There is more on concussion here http://gaaboard.com/board/index.php?topic=26707.msg1563524#msg1563524


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: oakleaflad on December 14, 2020, 04:53:27 PM
Brave bit away yet but Ireland have been handed a tough WC2023 group, with both South Africa and Scotland included. Mad how far out this is decided.

South Africa
Ireland
Scotland
Asia/Pacific 1
Europe 2

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on December 14, 2020, 06:28:19 PM
With a probably quarter final against either the hosts France or New Zealand. I can't see the quarter final hoodoo being broke this time either.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on December 14, 2020, 07:53:19 PM
England got the best out of that draw. Assuming they qualify from their group. France, New Zealand and South Africa are in the other half of the draw and England would end up facing one of them in the final. England and those 3 will be the best teams but a lot can change in 3 years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on December 14, 2020, 09:12:28 PM
Wales, Fiji and Australia seem to be in the same pool every tournament.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on December 15, 2020, 11:54:36 AM
The French are laughing. All Blacks in the Group Stage. Probably will play them first to kick off the tournament in style.

Can't play them again to the final. Young team with the world at their feet and certainly will not fear either 1 or 2 in Pool C or D in the Quarters.



Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on January 05, 2021, 08:04:05 PM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/55538729  (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/55538729)

Playing friendlies in the middle of a pandemic. Crazy stuff.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Never beat the deeler on January 05, 2021, 08:36:28 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on January 05, 2021, 08:04:05 PM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/55538729  (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/55538729)

Playing friendlies in the middle of a pandemic. Crazy stuff.

(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRG3Yb1z1fWuqjzvyclig0CNbkVI0aOYu4NKw&usqp=CAU)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Franko on January 05, 2021, 08:42:25 PM
It probably is but I agree to an extent.

This started as a glorified piss up which has now been built up into something it's not by years of PR.

It's like assembling the best footballers out of Donegal, Armagh, Monaghan and Tyrone and heading down to play Kerry a few times.

Then, most absurdly, getting excited as hell because you managed to beat them.

Overhyped trash.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on January 05, 2021, 10:52:22 PM
Quote from: Franko on January 05, 2021, 08:42:25 PM
It probably is but I agree to an extent.

This started as a glorified piss up which has now been built up into something it's not by years of PR.

It's like assembling the best footballers out of Donegal, Armagh, Monaghan and Tyrone and heading down to play Kerry a few times.

Then, most absurdly, getting excited as hell because you managed to beat them.

Overhyped trash.

I have never understood how seriously rugby goys take the Lions.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on January 06, 2021, 01:22:40 PM
The last few tests have all been well worth the viewing though.

It sells, it will continue.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Franko on January 06, 2021, 01:29:06 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on January 06, 2021, 01:22:40 PM
The last few tests have all been well worth the viewing though.

It sells, it will continue.

Definitely, it can be good viewing.

But it's exhibition stuff and not something where the result should be taken seriously
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on January 06, 2021, 01:32:40 PM
And the following DVD documentary is usually a mass seller. People love that type of insight, its rare in professional sport and that's what attracts people to the Lions.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on January 06, 2021, 02:00:28 PM
It thrived in the early professional era as it was an attractive, well-paid junket, not just for players but administrators, media and sponsors.

Once players start opting out - which is inevitable if they're getting well paid by clubs  - it will quickly descend into memory.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on January 06, 2021, 02:21:06 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on January 06, 2021, 02:00:28 PM
It thrived in the early professional era as it was an attractive, well-paid junket, not just for players but administrators, media and sponsors.

Once players start opting out - which is inevitable if they're getting well paid by clubs  - it will quickly descend into memory.

There's no question that will be the case but the I can't see how that will happen in the long term. It's too much of a cash cow for all concerned. The Lions get all their commercial and TV money while the home nations get the gates and the exposure it's win win for Rugby. There will always be a place set aside in the Calendar for it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Franko on January 06, 2021, 03:42:10 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on January 06, 2021, 01:32:40 PM
And the following DVD documentary is usually a mass seller. People love that type of insight, its rare in professional sport and that's what attracts people to the Lions.

And that kinda proves my point.

That level of insight/access wouldn't be given to a camera crew for a WC or 6N tournament

Because the result actually matters to the players and teams/management wouldn't want to give away an edge

The lions on the other hand is basically the rugby equivalent of the GAA Allstars tour so they're not particularly bothered

Maybe some of the players use it as a shop window to get themselves a better contract

And no doubt, all involved will give the usual speel to the media to keep the cash cow alive

But anyone getting bothered about the actual results of the games needs their heads looked at
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 10, 2021, 12:10:37 AM
If someone wants to follow and support the lions let them do it. Who is anyone on here to judge.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 17, 2021, 02:53:45 PM
https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2021/0116/1190221-i-would-be-worried-about-rugbys-soul-in-long-term/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on January 23, 2021, 09:32:04 PM
Hard luck Munster
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 23, 2021, 10:53:11 PM
That was garbage. What in under god has happened Leinster. Can't remember last watching them and being excited. Awful dull. Cullen and Lancaster to blame.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on January 24, 2021, 06:40:37 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 23, 2021, 10:53:11 PM
That was garbage. What in under god has happened Leinster. Can't remember last watching them and being excited. Awful dull. Cullen and Lancaster to blame.

Cullen and Lancaster have Leinster playing great rugby over the last few seasons.

Munster's defence and the abilities of the likes of Beirne and O'Mahony in the breakdown meant Leinster had to commit extra bodies to the breakdown to make sure the kept the ball leaving them short of numbers when they tried to spread the play.  3 times Leinster turned the ball over on Munster's try line. They normally get the try in situations like that.

Considering the freezing conditions and weather I thought it was a good game and a proper derby. Real intensity and some bone crunching tackles from both sides
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 24, 2021, 10:55:35 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on January 24, 2021, 06:40:37 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 23, 2021, 10:53:11 PM
That was garbage. What in under god has happened Leinster. Can't remember last watching them and being excited. Awful dull. Cullen and Lancaster to blame.

Cullen and Lancaster have Leinster playing great rugby over the last few seasons.

Munster's defence and the abilities of the likes of Beirne and O'Mahony in the breakdown meant Leinster had to commit extra bodies to the breakdown to make sure the kept the ball leaving them short of numbers when they tried to spread the play.  3 times Leinster turned the ball over on Munster's try line. They normally get the try in situations like that.

Considering the freezing conditions and weather I thought it was a good game and a proper derby. Real intensity and some bone crunching tackles from both sides

Will have to agree to disagree here Dublin7. I cannot remember the last time I watched Leinster play expansive rugby. It's just bosh bosh bosh. Ringrose, Henshaw used as battering rams and Larmour on the periphery of most games. Bar the odd bit of James Lowe magic it's been poor. With far fewer resources both Ulster and Connacht at least have a go.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on January 25, 2021, 07:39:41 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 24, 2021, 10:55:35 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on January 24, 2021, 06:40:37 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 23, 2021, 10:53:11 PM
That was garbage. What in under god has happened Leinster. Can't remember last watching them and being excited. Awful dull. Cullen and Lancaster to blame.

Cullen and Lancaster have Leinster playing great rugby over the last few seasons.

Munster's defence and the abilities of the likes of Beirne and O'Mahony in the breakdown meant Leinster had to commit extra bodies to the breakdown to make sure the kept the ball leaving them short of numbers when they tried to spread the play.  3 times Leinster turned the ball over on Munster's try line. They normally get the try in situations like that.

Considering the freezing conditions and weather I thought it was a good game and a proper derby. Real intensity and some bone crunching tackles from both sides

Will have to agree to disagree here Dublin7. I cannot remember the last time I watched Leinster play expansive rugby. It's just bosh bosh bosh. Ringrose, Henshaw used as battering rams and Larmour on the periphery of most games. Bar the odd bit of James Lowe magic it's been poor. With far fewer resources both Ulster and Connacht at least have a go.
You missed the 70 points in 2 games they scored in the Heineken Cup in December?

And the comparison that Ulster 'have a go' and Leinster don't is the height of nonsense given they just played each other a couple of weeks ago.

Ulster had 4 penalties in kickable range.  Went for goal each time, scored 12 points.
Leinster have 5 penalties in kickable range.  Only went for goal once. Went for the throat the other 4 times. And came away with 4 tries and 24 points on the board and a bonus point win.

Leinster not as good as they have been, but you need to be basing your analysis on more than one game!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on January 25, 2021, 08:55:06 AM
Quote from: Hound on January 25, 2021, 07:39:41 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 24, 2021, 10:55:35 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on January 24, 2021, 06:40:37 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 23, 2021, 10:53:11 PM
That was garbage. What in under god has happened Leinster. Can't remember last watching them and being excited. Awful dull. Cullen and Lancaster to blame.

Cullen and Lancaster have Leinster playing great rugby over the last few seasons.

Munster's defence and the abilities of the likes of Beirne and O'Mahony in the breakdown meant Leinster had to commit extra bodies to the breakdown to make sure the kept the ball leaving them short of numbers when they tried to spread the play.  3 times Leinster turned the ball over on Munster's try line. They normally get the try in situations like that.

Considering the freezing conditions and weather I thought it was a good game and a proper derby. Real intensity and some bone crunching tackles from both sides

Will have to agree to disagree here Dublin7. I cannot remember the last time I watched Leinster play expansive rugby. It's just bosh bosh bosh. Ringrose, Henshaw used as battering rams and Larmour on the periphery of most games. Bar the odd bit of James Lowe magic it's been poor. With far fewer resources both Ulster and Connacht at least have a go.
You missed the 70 points in 2 games they scored in the Heineken Cup in December?

And the comparison that Ulster 'have a go' and Leinster don't is the height of nonsense given they just played each other a couple of weeks ago.

Ulster had 4 penalties in kickable range.  Went for goal each time, scored 12 points.
Leinster have 5 penalties in kickable range.  Only went for goal once. Went for the throat the other 4 times. And came away with 4 tries and 24 points on the board and a bonus point win.

Leinster not as good as they have been, but you need to be basing your analysis on more than one game!!
When you say "went for the throat" do you mean kick to the corner, win the lineout and then bosh your way over the tryline after x number of phases?

That style of play doesn't bother the English when it comes to the 6N's... Need a bit more innovation
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on January 25, 2021, 10:44:18 AM
No Stockdale or Cooney in 6nations squad.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on January 25, 2021, 10:48:56 AM
No Carthy yet Ross Byrne is in.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on January 25, 2021, 10:50:35 AM
Quote from: Estimator on January 25, 2021, 10:44:18 AM
No Stockdale or Cooney in 6nations squad.

Stockdale went off injured a few weeks ago for Ulster and he'll miss at least the start of the 6N.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on January 25, 2021, 12:06:55 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on January 25, 2021, 10:50:35 AM
Quote from: Estimator on January 25, 2021, 10:44:18 AM
No Stockdale or Cooney in 6nations squad.

Stockdale went off injured a few weeks ago for Ulster and he'll miss at least the start of the 6N.
Aware of that, but a few other have been selected despite carrying injuries or been out for some time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: whitegoodman on January 25, 2021, 12:28:55 PM
Its been said before, its harder to get dropped from the Ireland squad than to get into it.

It will be another drab 6 nations campaign where they will bosh it up with Aki in midfield only to be completely out muscled up front by the English and French.  Away to Scotland and Wales this year too so could very easily end up with 1 win from 5.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 25, 2021, 02:14:11 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on January 25, 2021, 10:50:35 AM
Quote from: Estimator on January 25, 2021, 10:44:18 AM
No Stockdale or Cooney in 6nations squad.

Stockdale went off injured a few weeks ago for Ulster and he'll miss at least the start of the 6N.

How Cooney can't get on this squad is beyond me, quality player
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on January 25, 2021, 04:00:39 PM
Quote from: Estimator on January 25, 2021, 12:06:55 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on January 25, 2021, 10:50:35 AM
Quote from: Estimator on January 25, 2021, 10:44:18 AM
No Stockdale or Cooney in 6nations squad.

Stockdale went off injured a few weeks ago for Ulster and he'll miss at least the start of the 6N.
Aware of that, but a few other have been selected despite carrying injuries or been out for some time.
Stockdale, Furlong, Henderson and Lowe are all currently injured.

The latter 3 are expected to be fit for the 6N, hence they are in the squad. Stockdale's knee injury is a bit more serious and he won't be fit for it, so is not included in the squad.

Not really a hard one to work out!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 26, 2021, 11:33:49 AM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/gerry-thornley-without-crowds-matches-are-just-upgraded-training-sessions-1.4467658

As an aside, take your eyes off the action from the vantage point of the press box toward the keyboard and it's quite easy to miss something. It's the sudden increased noise levels that alert you something significant may be about to happen, or has happened. Nor, in the current spectator-free stadia, are there big screens showing replays.
In the heel of the hunt, without supporters, matches are upgraded training sessions, and that's all they can ever be.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 26, 2021, 11:36:27 AM
It looks pretty underwhelming given where England and France are at
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/six-nations-2021-jack-carty-among-the-faces-that-just-don-t-seem-to-fit-1.4467601


Ireland Squad 2021 Six Nations
Backs (17)
Bundee Aki (Connacht), Billy Burns (Ulster), Ross Byrne (Leinster), Craig Casey (Munster), Andrew Conway (Munster), Shane Daly (Munster), Keith Earls (Munster), Chris Farrell (Munster), Jamison Gibson Park (Leinster), Robbie Henshaw (Leinster), Hugo Keenan (Leinster), Jordan Larmour (Leinster), James Lowe (Leinster), Stuart McCloskey (Ulster), Conor Murray (Munster), Garry Ringrose (Leinster), Jonathan Sexton (Leinster) - Captain.
Forwards (19)
Tadhg Beirne (Munster), Will Connors (Leinster), Caelan Doris (Leinster), Ultan Dillane (Connacht), Tadhg Furlong (Leinster), Cian Healy (Leinster), Dave Heffernan (Connacht), Iain Henderson (Ulster), Rob Herring (Ulster), Ronan Kelleher (Leinster), Dave Kilcoyne (Munster), Peter O'Mahony (Munster), Tom O'Toole (Ulster), Andrew Porter (Leinster), Quinn Roux (Connacht), Rhys Ruddock (Leinster), James Ryan (Leinster), CJ Stander (Munster), Josh van der Flier (Leinster).
Fixtures
Wales v IRELAND - Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Sunday, 7th February, 3pm Virgin/BBC
IRELAND v France - Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Sunday, 14th February, 3pm Virgin/ITV
Italy v IRELAND - Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Saturday, 27th February, 2.15pm Virgin/ITV
Scotland v IRELAND - BT Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Sunday, 14th March, 3pm Virgin/BBC
IRELAND v England - Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Saturday, 20th March, 4.45pm Virgin/ITV
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 28, 2021, 08:28:15 AM
https://www.oddschecker.com/rugby-union/six-nations/six-nations-2021/winner

England 2/1
France 5/1
Ireland 11/1
Wales 40/1
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on January 28, 2021, 02:35:52 PM
Why are the Wales odds so long? Have they a bad injury crisis?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on January 28, 2021, 02:45:19 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on January 28, 2021, 02:35:52 PM
Why are the Wales odds so long? Have they a bad injury crisis?

They've been shíte under new management.

Those odds are probably about right depending on where England play France...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: whitegoodman on January 28, 2021, 03:43:56 PM
Ireland will do well to get out of Cardiff with a win.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on January 28, 2021, 04:02:03 PM
Quote from: whitegoodman on January 28, 2021, 03:43:56 PM
Ireland will do well to get out of Cardiff with a win.

Get on the under points for that one.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on January 28, 2021, 05:54:12 PM
Quote from: whitegoodman on January 28, 2021, 03:43:56 PM
Ireland will do well to get out of Cardiff with a win.

Neither side will win set the Championship alight, but I'd say Ireland are probably in better shape than the Welsh. Ireland are also on a 4 game win streak against Wales.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 28, 2021, 06:15:25 PM
The next World Cup, Covid permitting , is in 2023.
England and France would appear to be well on their way.
Ireland do not.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on February 03, 2021, 11:36:41 PM
Josh Adams suspended by Wales for a Covid breach. He's out of the Ireland game on Saturday.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 03, 2021, 11:47:59 PM
Quote from: Estimator on January 28, 2021, 05:54:12 PM
Quote from: whitegoodman on January 28, 2021, 03:43:56 PM
Ireland will do well to get out of Cardiff with a win.

Neither side will win set the Championship alight, but I'd say Ireland are probably in better shape than the Welsh. Ireland are also on a 4 game win streak against Wales.
Only a one game streak if you discount Mickey Mouse friendlies.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on February 03, 2021, 11:55:10 PM
Quote from: Estimator on February 03, 2021, 11:36:41 PM
Josh Adams suspended by Wales for a Covid breach. He's out of the Ireland game on Saturday.
Sunday
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 04, 2021, 09:31:18 AM
Quote from: Estimator on February 03, 2021, 11:36:41 PM
Josh Adams suspended by Wales for a Covid breach. He's out of the Ireland game on Saturday.

Could make a dull game.....even worse.

Ireland might have a chance now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 04, 2021, 10:32:17 AM
Quote from: seafoid on January 28, 2021, 06:15:25 PM
The next World Cup, Covid permitting , is in 2023.
England and France would appear to be well on their way.
Ireland do not.

Wouldn't worry so much about that sure we were sitting in prime position 2 years out from the World Cup the last time and look where that got us.

I think we beat the Welsh they've been pretty awful since Gatland left and I can't see where the improvement comes from. Have seen at least 4 different talking heads on twitter talking up Ireland's chances... nonsense. If you think Ireland will win the 6N you don't have to bet that much on them to make good money at 11/1.

They're very far behind England and France at this stage I wouldn't be expecting miracles!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 04, 2021, 10:41:29 AM
Sexton will be fit to play.

FWIW, Farrell really needs to be developing another international No. 10 unless he seems to be waiting for Carbery to get over his injuries and suddenly be good to go.. Big risk.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: whitegoodman on February 04, 2021, 12:26:11 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 04, 2021, 10:32:17 AM
Quote from: seafoid on January 28, 2021, 06:15:25 PM
The next World Cup, Covid permitting , is in 2023.
England and France would appear to be well on their way.
Ireland do not.

Wouldn't worry so much about that sure we were sitting in prime position 2 years out from the World Cup the last time and look where that got us.

I think we beat the Welsh they've been pretty awful since Gatland left and I can't see where the improvement comes from. Have seen at least 4 different talking heads on twitter talking up Ireland's chances... nonsense. If you think Ireland will win the 6N you don't have to bet that much on them to make good money at 11/1.

They're very far behind England and France at this stage I wouldn't be expecting miracles!

Think they might just get past Wales but think they could struggle in Scotland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: whitegoodman on February 04, 2021, 12:26:44 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 04, 2021, 10:41:29 AM
Sexton will be fit to play.

FWIW, Farrell really needs to be developing another international No. 10 unless he seems to be waiting for Carbery to get over his injuries and suddenly be good to go.. Big risk.



There is a lad over in London that might be able to do a job !
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 04, 2021, 12:31:38 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 04, 2021, 10:41:29 AM
Sexton will be fit to play.

FWIW, Farrell really needs to be developing another international No. 10 unless he seems to be waiting for Carbery to get over his injuries and suddenly be good to go.. Big risk.

Carberry is finished, he's not an option.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 04, 2021, 02:58:00 PM
Playing away to Wales and Scotland.
It could go all pear shaped.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 04, 2021, 03:27:55 PM
Quote from: whitegoodman on February 04, 2021, 12:26:44 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 04, 2021, 10:41:29 AM
Sexton will be fit to play.

FWIW, Farrell really needs to be developing another international No. 10 unless he seems to be waiting for Carbery to get over his injuries and suddenly be good to go.. Big risk.



There is a lad over in London that might be able to do a job !

Party planner?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on February 04, 2021, 03:32:40 PM
For those of you in the US, Peacock TV has the rights to the Six Nations now.

https://www.peacocktv.com/watch/asset/sports/rugby/wales-vs.-ireland/POPUP:2010862
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: whitegoodman on February 04, 2021, 03:51:55 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 04, 2021, 03:27:55 PM
Quote from: whitegoodman on February 04, 2021, 12:26:44 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 04, 2021, 10:41:29 AM
Sexton will be fit to play.

FWIW, Farrell really needs to be developing another international No. 10 unless he seems to be waiting for Carbery to get over his injuries and suddenly be good to go.. Big risk.



There is a lad over in London that might be able to do a job !

Party planner?

lol very good.

In all seriousness he is still the best of the rest out there.  He had an excellent series in South Africa before other events took over.  It will never happen anyway.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 04, 2021, 03:58:36 PM
Not a chance it will happen.

Probably for the good of the thread to leave it at that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on February 04, 2021, 04:07:37 PM
Harry Byrne is supposedly the next big thing out of the Leinster setup - probably worth fast tracking him into the 23 now at this stage and let him find his feet. The likes of Ross Byrne, Billy Burns and Jack Carty are no better than decent and Joey Carberry is looking like unfortunately he is not going to be a viable option going forward. I guess the ideal scenario for the IRFU would have been Jackson and Carberry fighting it out for the 10 jersey instead it's looking like a 38 year old Sexton will be our 10 at the World Cup in 2023.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: whitegoodman on February 04, 2021, 05:00:59 PM
I think you are right on Harry Byrne, he needs fast tracked ahead of his brother at Leinster at least and see what he can do.  Sextons injury record suggests he may not make it to the next world cup and at 38 would you want him to be the starting 10.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 05, 2021, 01:12:17 PM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/wales-v-ireland-hugo-keenan-gets-the-nod-at-fullback-as-andy-farrell-names-team-1.4477010

Ireland: Hugo Keenan, Keith Earls, Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe; Johnny Sexton (capt), Conor Murray; Cian Healy, Rob Herring, Andrew Porter, Tadhg Beirne, James Ryan, Peter O'Mahony, Josh van der Flier, CJ Stander.
Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Dave Kilcoyne, Tadhg Furlong, Iain Henderson, Will Connors, Jamison Gibson-Park, Billy Burns, Jordan Larmour.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 05, 2021, 02:11:23 PM
As strong as they could go really.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 06, 2021, 05:44:24 PM
France in pole position, England currently playing crap, though even with the amount of possession Scotland has, they'll blow it
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 06, 2021, 06:12:49 PM
Scotland doing well.
Could be very open this year.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on February 06, 2021, 06:34:26 PM
Fair play to Scotland
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 06, 2021, 06:37:20 PM
The Scots victorious at Twickenham for the first time in 38 years. I didn't see it coming.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 06, 2021, 06:51:21 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 06, 2021, 06:37:20 PM
The Scots victorious at Twickenham for the first time in 38 years. I didn't see it coming.
Most pundits didn't
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 06, 2021, 07:31:45 PM
Scoreline flatters England as the Jocks dominated them. 5 points up I'd say most people were waiting for the inevitable sucker punch. Definitely opens up the championship now.Would expect England to go and put 50 on Italy next week. If Ireland don't get off to a good start tomorrow they could find themselves finishing this in 4th place!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 06, 2021, 07:40:47 PM
Quote from: seafoid on January 28, 2021, 08:28:15 AM
https://www.oddschecker.com/rugby-union/six-nations/six-nations-2021/winner

England 2/1
France 5/1
Ireland 11/1
Wales 40/1

Today

https://www.oddschecker.com/rugby-union/six-nations/six-nations-2021/winner

France   20/13
Ireland    16/5
England   23/5
Scotland  7/1
Wales 18/1

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 06, 2021, 07:45:13 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 06, 2021, 07:40:47 PM
Quote from: seafoid on January 28, 2021, 08:28:15 AM
https://www.oddschecker.com/rugby-union/six-nations/six-nations-2021/winner

England 2/1
France 5/1
Ireland 11/1
Wales 40/1

Today

https://www.oddschecker.com/rugby-union/six-nations/six-nations-2021/winner

France   20/13
Ireland    16/5
England   23/5
Scotland  7/1
Wales 18/1
No Italy?  :-\

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Orior on February 06, 2021, 09:12:50 PM
Are Wales that bad? Sounds like a banana skin on Sunday.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on February 06, 2021, 09:51:25 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 06, 2021, 07:45:13 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 06, 2021, 07:40:47 PM
Quote from: seafoid on January 28, 2021, 08:28:15 AM
https://www.oddschecker.com/rugby-union/six-nations/six-nations-2021/winner

England 2/1
France 5/1
Ireland 11/1
Wales 40/1


https://www.oddschecker.com/rugby-union/six-nations/six-nations-2021/winner

France   20/13
Ireland    16/5
England   23/5
Scotland  7/1
Wales 18/1
No Italy?  :-\

5000/1 according to the bookies. I thought they would never do odds like that again after Leicester yet here we are.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 07, 2021, 03:22:30 PM
Stupid f**ker he should know a lot better than that!!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on February 07, 2021, 03:22:44 PM
Ridiculous from O'Mahoney! Not gonna get outta here with a win now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on February 07, 2021, 03:23:21 PM
O'Mahony's a f**king eejit. Not the first time he's done that. Knew exactly what he was doing and stood over him afterwards. Couldn't believe Barnes said nothing wrong with it in real time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lenny on February 07, 2021, 03:25:11 PM
Quote from: Estimator on February 07, 2021, 03:22:44 PM
Ridiculous from O'Mahoney! Not gonna get outta here with a win now.

Pathetic, game over.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 07, 2021, 03:26:37 PM
VAR does O Mahony in. It is an opportunity lost for Ireland if we lose today. The championship was wide open after Scotland beat England.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on February 07, 2021, 03:26:57 PM
Quote from: Estimator on February 07, 2021, 03:22:44 PM
Ridiculous from O'Mahoney! Not gonna get outta here with a win now.

More brains in a false face. An overrated dose.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 07, 2021, 03:35:19 PM
What's the punishment for that internally? Not his first time, experienced international and in the opening match hands it to Wales.

Example needed and dump him from the squad
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on February 07, 2021, 03:46:46 PM
Big saviour here is that Wales are shite as well. So we can hold onto that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Orior on February 07, 2021, 03:51:05 PM
(Personal gripe)

Hurry the f*** up Sexton. Good strike by the way.

Fitness will be all important in the second half.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on February 07, 2021, 03:51:23 PM
Lowe has some left leg. The last two scores have come from belting it down the field.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 07, 2021, 03:52:12 PM
We've been very good since losing o'Mahoney to be fair to the lads playing they've been excellent!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Helix. on February 07, 2021, 04:01:00 PM
Henderson has done well since coming on. Ryan a big loss nonetheless. If they can get their own line outs sorted will hopefully tag on a few more scores.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 07, 2021, 04:12:13 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 07, 2021, 03:52:12 PM
We've been very good since losing o'Mahoney to be fair to the lads playing they've been excellent!!
And a try as well..Maybe they just needed thst kick in the hole.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on February 07, 2021, 04:29:33 PM
Wales turning the screw now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on February 07, 2021, 04:33:49 PM
Tiredness and sloppy mistakes. After winning Wales line out, just a shocking kick by was it Earls.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on February 07, 2021, 04:42:44 PM
It's great to have Conor "box kick" Murray in the team. Who needs possession? Just keep booting it away.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: galwayman on February 07, 2021, 04:45:37 PM
Rugby isn't like soccer or gaa. It's rare enough that the team that has a red card gets the win.
It gave them too much to do.
It was always going to take its toll in the second half.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on February 07, 2021, 04:56:35 PM
Just stop kicking the ball away. f**k me its not that difficult.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on February 07, 2021, 04:59:06 PM
There's serious physicality in rugby in comparsion to the gaa.

I'd say that after a rugby game, you'd know you were in a game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on February 07, 2021, 05:02:00 PM
Quote from: marty34 on February 07, 2021, 04:59:06 PM
There's serious physicality in rugby in comparsion to the gaa.

I'd say that after a rugby game, you'd know you were in a game.

True but zero skill level and zero intelligence required based on this
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 07, 2021, 05:06:12 PM
Quote from: marty34 on February 07, 2021, 04:59:06 PM
There's serious physicality in rugby in comparsion to the gaa.

I'd say that after a rugby game, you'd know you were in a game.
Loads of HIAs
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on February 07, 2021, 05:06:43 PM
Billy fookin burns, never get a green jersey again
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 07, 2021, 05:06:58 PM
Ah Billy what have you done 🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on February 07, 2021, 05:07:13 PM
Quote from: Itchy on February 07, 2021, 05:02:00 PM
Quote from: marty34 on February 07, 2021, 04:59:06 PM
There's serious physicality in rugby in comparsion to the gaa.

I'd say that after a rugby game, you'd know you were in a game.

True but zero skill level and zero intelligence required based on this

This game is poor enough quality but rugby's good to watch.

I like the ref. is boss and no slabbering..

I also like the rule that after the 80 mins, the ball is still in play until it goes dead.  Cuts out all the twisting at the end of a game.

GAA should 'borrow' some of these ideas.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on February 07, 2021, 05:08:17 PM
Quote from: Rudi on February 07, 2021, 05:06:43 PM
Billy fookin burns, never get a green jersey again

These things happen.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on February 07, 2021, 05:08:50 PM
Quote from: marty34 on February 07, 2021, 05:07:13 PM
Quote from: Itchy on February 07, 2021, 05:02:00 PM
Quote from: marty34 on February 07, 2021, 04:59:06 PM
There's serious physicality in rugby in comparsion to the gaa.

I'd say that after a rugby game, you'd know you were in a game.

True but zero skill level and zero intelligence required based on this

This game is poor enough quality but rugby's good to watch.

I like the ref. is boss and no slabbering..

I also like the rule that after the 80 mins, the ball is still in play until it goes dead.  Cuts out all the twisting at the end of a game.

GAA should 'borrow' some of these ideas.

The ref has a handy job  everything is within 20 yards of him. That was some woeful shite there. As for the last kick, Holy f**k.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 07, 2021, 05:09:30 PM
How Cooney isn't the second replacement for Sexton is beyond me, more to his game than burns
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on February 07, 2021, 05:09:46 PM
Two dreadful kicks from Burns. Nearly as bad a meltdown as his brother a couple of years ago.

Barnes a f**king muppet there. How was the deliberate knock-on not yellow? Then towards the end after Ringrose was tackled, Welsh player lying in the wrong side of the ball tries to play it and Barnes shouts "no!". Should have been an immediate penalty.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on February 07, 2021, 05:10:08 PM
Quote from: marty34 on February 07, 2021, 05:08:17 PM
Quote from: Rudi on February 07, 2021, 05:06:43 PM
Billy fookin burns, never get a green jersey again

These things happen.

He was shocking full stop
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on February 07, 2021, 05:12:20 PM
Heroic effort from Ireland. Played done quality rugby at times, but mistakes killed them. Earls with 2 bad errors in the space of a couple of minutes cost them the 1sy try and Burns kick at the end. Tadhg Beirne was immense and the best player on the pitch
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tatler Jack on February 07, 2021, 05:15:27 PM
Does Billy get a stipend for his brief appearance or will he be expcted to throw something in to the kitty.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 07, 2021, 05:15:59 PM
Quote from: gallsman on February 07, 2021, 05:09:46 PM
Two dreadful kicks from Burns. Nearly as bad a meltdown as his brother a couple of years ago.

Barnes a f**king muppet there. How was the deliberate knock-on not yellow? Then towards the end after Ringrose was tackled, Welsh player lying in the wrong side of the ball tries to play it and Barnes shouts "no!". Should have been an immediate penalty.

Barnes up to that point I thought was dead on, yellow at the end should have been given, the other one maybe his linesman should have helped him?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on February 07, 2021, 05:17:03 PM
The Irish ran of steam.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on February 07, 2021, 05:19:31 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 07, 2021, 05:15:59 PM
Quote from: gallsman on February 07, 2021, 05:09:46 PM
Two dreadful kicks from Burns. Nearly as bad a meltdown as his brother a couple of years ago.

Barnes a f**king muppet there. How was the deliberate knock-on not yellow? Then towards the end after Ringrose was tackled, Welsh player lying in the wrong side of the ball tries to play it and Barnes shouts "no!". Should have been an immediate penalty.

Barnes up to that point I thought was dead on, yellow at the end should have been given, the other one maybe his linesman should have helped him?

Barnes saw it and because he shouted, the Welsh player pulled his hand away. Given the circumstances, it should have been called as a penalty immediately.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 07, 2021, 05:37:25 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 07, 2021, 05:09:30 PM
How Cooney isn't the second replacement for Sexton is beyond me, more to his game than burns
The third mystery of Fatima
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on February 07, 2021, 05:40:40 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 07, 2021, 05:37:25 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 07, 2021, 05:09:30 PM
How Cooney isn't the second replacement for Sexton is beyond me, more to his game than burns
The third mystery of Fatima

Cooney's best position is scrum half. He's doesn't even play regularly at 10 for Ulster. It would be madness to pick him as a 10 at international level
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on February 07, 2021, 05:43:39 PM
Too many average players in that Irish side. Wales are pretty dire as well and will probably only beat Italy.
I'd imagine we've seen the end of Peter O'Mahoney in an Irish jersey. He was always just on the fringes when others were available he didn't make the side. Thanks Peter but we'll take it from here.
We need another credible option for Murray. He's to one dimensional. Offers nothing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 07, 2021, 05:48:14 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on February 07, 2021, 05:40:40 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 07, 2021, 05:37:25 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 07, 2021, 05:09:30 PM
How Cooney isn't the second replacement for Sexton is beyond me, more to his game than burns
The third mystery of Fatima

Cooney's best position is scrum half. He's doesn't even play regularly at 10 for Ulster. It would be madness to pick him as a 10 at international level

I know, I said he offers more than his kicking, but his kicking is better than Burns..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on February 07, 2021, 05:54:16 PM
Quote from: trailer on February 07, 2021, 05:43:39 PM
Too many average players in that Irish side. Wales are pretty dire as well and will probably only beat Italy.
I'd imagine we've seen the end of Peter O'Mahoney in an Irish jersey. He was always just on the fringes when others were available he didn't make the side. Thanks Peter but we'll take it from here.
We need another credible option for Murray. He's to one dimensional. Offers nothing.
I like gibson parkes in at scrum half. Always seems to raise the intensity when he comes on. Has the same energy as Aaron Smith for the All Blacks. Would like to see him get a start more. Ideally you'd want cooney in there but farrell just doesnt see him as an option
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on February 07, 2021, 06:05:49 PM
Kudos to the rugby chaps, I enjoyed that performance, good intelligent rugby in the first half and a gutsy finish to  retrieve something  at the end. Wales got out of jail.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on February 07, 2021, 06:08:30 PM
Did Wales deserve to win that game? I'm thinking no.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Lar Naparka on February 07, 2021, 06:30:04 PM
By what we saw today, the Italian game is the only one we'll be short odds to win.. :(
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on February 07, 2021, 06:35:47 PM
This all starts with giving Farrell the top job. Will he be a top coach (probably England) definitely yes. But the facts remain. He played very little union rugby. He hasn't had a top job. He's learning on the fly with Ireland. It shows in his team selection and decisions. He got a lot of calls wrong last year but being new and Covid saved him. Ireland should get rid and appoint an experienced top coach as would be appropriate for one the most coveted jobs in world rugby.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 07, 2021, 08:45:44 PM
Quote from: trailer on February 07, 2021, 06:35:47 PM
This all starts with giving Farrell the top job. Will he be a top coach (probably England) definitely yes. But the facts remain. He played very little union rugby. He hasn't had a top job. He's learning on the fly with Ireland. It shows in his team selection and decisions. He got a lot of calls wrong last year but being new and Covid saved him. Ireland should get rid and appoint an experienced top coach as would be appropriate for one the most coveted jobs in world rugby.

If O'Mahoney doesn't go off we win that game fairly handily... Ireland actually played well but individual errors cost the team today's performance is not the one to be judging Farrell on!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: currychip on February 07, 2021, 09:19:23 PM
OMahoney seems to be a bit of a protected species. Probably we all feel positive about him.   A good lad.  Always puts in a decent shift.  Today's performance was def disappointing.  Prob cost Ireland the game.  People should acknowledge this, but nobody says so.  I don't know what he is paid but his performance today isn't professional.  But nobody wants to say so.  It's the biggest factor about today's game buts is not said.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on February 07, 2021, 09:38:17 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 07, 2021, 08:45:44 PM
Quote from: trailer on February 07, 2021, 06:35:47 PM
This all starts with giving Farrell the top job. Will he be a top coach (probably England) definitely yes. But the facts remain. He played very little union rugby. He hasn't had a top job. He's learning on the fly with Ireland. It shows in his team selection and decisions. He got a lot of calls wrong last year but being new and Covid saved him. Ireland should get rid and appoint an experienced top coach as would be appropriate for one the most coveted jobs in world rugby.

If O'Mahoney doesn't go off we win that game fairly handily... Ireland actually played well but individual errors cost the team today's performance is not the one to be judging Farrell on!

I thought so too. Game plan was sound, we moved the ball well. Individual kicking errors (not to mention O'Mahony's brain fart) can't be blamed on Andy Farrell.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on February 07, 2021, 10:38:20 PM
James Lowe was caught out badly for both tries. Both tries were well taken but somewhat fortunate. Earl's was poor, Kennan did ok.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Angelo on February 07, 2021, 10:39:27 PM
This thread is always a funny read.

One million ways to excuse failure.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Silver hill on February 07, 2021, 11:13:48 PM
Farrell  might be out of his depth but you need a bit of luck too as a coach. You also can't legislate for some of the decisions made on the pitch by your players. Silly concession of needless penalties like the 2 for blocking the chaser on a Garryowen; that's just schoolboy stuff. That kick will haunt Burns but so too should the one earlier by sexton (but he won't get the same grief as he's untouchable).
Where Farrell should get some criticism is the one dimensional way Ireland play. We are so predictable from scrum or ruck. It's box kick from Murray or garryowen from sexton. (Legacy of Schmidt). The sad thing is there's a ton of potential with ball in hand from henshaw and Keenan.
Game was gone though once o'mahoney did what he did. Again, not much Farrell can do about that. Still plenty to play for.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 08, 2021, 12:13:36 AM
Quote from: screenexile on February 07, 2021, 05:06:58 PM
Ah Billy what have you done 🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️
Taken the heat off O'Mahony, that's what he's done!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 08, 2021, 08:18:27 AM
The margins are very tight in the 6n except aganst Italy. In 2018 in the first game Ireland were 2 points down with 3 minutes left and they scored a drop goal after 41 phases.
Everything went right
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOjF6rRRHWQ
They ended up winning the Grand Slam.

Yesterday they were 5 points down and nothing worked. O'Mahony has to bear a lot of the responsibility for that.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 08, 2021, 09:33:31 AM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on February 08, 2021, 12:13:36 AM
Quote from: screenexile on February 07, 2021, 05:06:58 PM
Ah Billy what have you done 🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️
Taken the heat off O'Mahony, that's what he's done!

He had to go for it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 08, 2021, 09:39:20 AM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 08, 2021, 09:33:31 AM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on February 08, 2021, 12:13:36 AM
Quote from: screenexile on February 07, 2021, 05:06:58 PM
Ah Billy what have you done 🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️
Taken the heat off O'Mahony, that's what he's done!

He had to go for it.

There's going for it, and there's going for it but making sure you keep it in. 5m would have been brilliant, but you'd take ten and work another penalty as Wales were flapping at this point, they could have given away another one close in. But yes I can't argue that he shouldn't have went for it but like I said before, he's not the second best kicker in my view.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 08, 2021, 09:52:48 AM
Oh he went for it alright.....

It was just something at the end of the game. The red card was the key. Burns should learn from it. Ireland will have a problem going forward if he doesn't because they were never winning this six nations anyway, even though maybe they should be beating Wales at present.....but it's time to look at the next one, then the World Cup really.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: phpearse on February 08, 2021, 10:53:37 AM
How many HIA were in that game and how many more could have been sent for HIA? It is a brutal sport. Players still tackle high.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 08, 2021, 11:06:01 AM
Quote from: phpearse on February 08, 2021, 10:53:37 AM
How many HIA were in that game and how many more could have been sent for HIA? It is a brutal sport. Players still tackle high.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/0/when-will-rugby-season-resume-start-six-nations-games/amp/

Professionals will require a mini pre-season to get fit again once the government lockdown is lifted, in order to build back up not just match fitness but also muscle in key areas such as the neck to ensure set-pieces can be carried out safely.


https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/dec/08/steve-thompson-interview-world-cup-rugby-union-dementia-special-report

He remembers all the gruelling sessions on the scrum machines. "There's so much pressure. They aren't moving, they've got pegs in it, they've got people stood on it, and you drive into it, all that weight coming through." He'd push until the point when his head started to go. "And suddenly, as the pressure comes off, you start getting the light, the little white dots, and you don't know where you are for a few seconds."
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on February 08, 2021, 11:32:25 AM
Question. Could you see Rugby be allowed in 50 years time? As it is now. Honestly I think there comes a point that a massive number of compensation claims start to come down the line and they try to change the game fundamentally or even a government steps in and possibly outlaws it. What are you left with? There is no doubt those hits take their toll and surely if we start to see above average cases of dementia and other neurological problems in ex players then I think it's game over. It's brutal sport and the hits have got a lot worse. Throw in actions such as Peter O'Mahoney's yesterday. He hasn't much regard for player safety, extrapolate that across the amateur game. How many hits like that go unpunished? Rugby like a lot of these contact sports are going to have a rough few years regarding player safety.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 08, 2021, 11:35:07 AM
Boxing and MMA is still going.....why not? Actually there is a bit of a rise in bare knuckle boxing right now in the states. It will be interesting to see just how far that goes.

I can see them restricting certain aspects of youth Rugby in the future though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Louther on February 08, 2021, 11:35:46 AM
Was a good game to watch. Both teams having spells of dominance and lead swapping with them. That spell in second half when Ireland's penalty count just went up, cost them dearly and with 14 men was crucial.

They should have been yellow cards on Wales and would have made a difference you feel.

The intensity of the game was huge, largely imposed by Ireland. If first half lasted another 5 minutes you felt they'd have got another score.

Be men missing this week with HIAs and you do fear for rugby with the speed and strength on show nowadays that it can't maintain these levels without serious consequences now or down the line.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on February 08, 2021, 11:38:53 AM
Quote from: trailer on February 08, 2021, 11:32:25 AM
Question. Could you see Rugby be allowed in 50 years time? As it is now. Honestly I think there comes a point that a massive number of compensation claims start to come down the line and they try to change the game fundamentally or even a government steps in and possibly outlaws it. What are you left with? There is no doubt those hits take their toll and surely if we start to see above average cases of dementia and other neurological problems in ex players then I think it's game over. It's brutal sport and the hits have got a lot worse. Throw in actions such as Peter O'Mahoney's yesterday. He hasn't much regard for player safety, extrapolate that across the amateur game. How many hits like that go unpunished? Rugby like a lot of these contact sports are going to have a rough few years regarding player safety.

At least rugby are dealing with concussion. A player takes a hit to the head and he's straight off.

GAA and soccer don't have anything in place at the moment to deal with. How often do you see players take a big hit to the head and they are allowed play.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on February 08, 2021, 11:49:22 AM
Quote from: dublin7 on February 08, 2021, 11:38:53 AM
Quote from: trailer on February 08, 2021, 11:32:25 AM
Question. Could you see Rugby be allowed in 50 years time? As it is now. Honestly I think there comes a point that a massive number of compensation claims start to come down the line and they try to change the game fundamentally or even a government steps in and possibly outlaws it. What are you left with? There is no doubt those hits take their toll and surely if we start to see above average cases of dementia and other neurological problems in ex players then I think it's game over. It's brutal sport and the hits have got a lot worse. Throw in actions such as Peter O'Mahoney's yesterday. He hasn't much regard for player safety, extrapolate that across the amateur game. How many hits like that go unpunished? Rugby like a lot of these contact sports are going to have a rough few years regarding player safety.

At least rugby are dealing with concussion. A player takes a hit to the head and he's straight off.

GAA and soccer don't have anything in place at the moment to deal with. How often do you see players take a big hit to the head and they are allowed play.

Very true. There's more work to be done, especially in GAA. But there is a definitely a day of reckoning coming for all these sports in regard to player safety and especially head injuries.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on February 08, 2021, 11:51:31 AM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 08, 2021, 11:35:07 AM
Boxing and MMA is still going.....why not? Actually there is a bit of a rise in bare knuckle boxing right now in the states. It will be interesting to see just how far that goes.

I can see them restricting certain aspects of youth Rugby in the future though.

That's true but is MMA only allowed in certain countries and am I right in saying that it is banned in a number of US states?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 6th sam on February 08, 2021, 11:52:18 AM
Quote from: dublin7 on February 08, 2021, 11:38:53 AM
Quote from: trailer on February 08, 2021, 11:32:25 AM
Question. Could you see Rugby be allowed in 50 years time? As it is now. Honestly I think there comes a point that a massive number of compensation claims start to come down the line and they try to change the game fundamentally or even a government steps in and possibly outlaws it. What are you left with? There is no doubt those hits take their toll and surely if we start to see above average cases of dementia and other neurological problems in ex players then I think it's game over. It's brutal sport and the hits have got a lot worse. Throw in actions such as Peter O'Mahoney's yesterday. He hasn't much regard for player safety, extrapolate that across the amateur game. How many hits like that go unpunished? Rugby like a lot of these contact sports are going to have a rough few years regarding player safety.

At least rugby are dealing with concussion. A player takes a hit to the head and he's straight off.

GAA and soccer don't have anything in place at the moment to deal with. How often do you see players take a big hit to the head and they are allowed play.

Not very often, thankfully .
Far less head trauma in Gaelic games,(lighter/less attrition) ,  good medical/physiotherapy back up at top
Levels, and very comprehensive user friendly advice for coaches/players at all other levels, referees focussed on penalising head contact.
The GAA hasn't yet introduced a concussion sub, as there are pros and cons to this, would need to be evidence that it decreases risk.
Much as we all admire o'mahoney for his passion , that strike yesterday was appalling. Chicken wing arm position, ran at speed to hit a man caught in a ruck , extremely dangerous . There were  other episodes of serious head trauma, which makes no sense to continue. Look at the way Sexton is targeted because of his concussion vulnerability: ethically unacceptable.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on February 08, 2021, 11:56:02 AM
Quote from: 6th sam on February 08, 2021, 11:52:18 AM
Quote from: dublin7 on February 08, 2021, 11:38:53 AM
Quote from: trailer on February 08, 2021, 11:32:25 AM
Question. Could you see Rugby be allowed in 50 years time? As it is now. Honestly I think there comes a point that a massive number of compensation claims start to come down the line and they try to change the game fundamentally or even a government steps in and possibly outlaws it. What are you left with? There is no doubt those hits take their toll and surely if we start to see above average cases of dementia and other neurological problems in ex players then I think it's game over. It's brutal sport and the hits have got a lot worse. Throw in actions such as Peter O'Mahoney's yesterday. He hasn't much regard for player safety, extrapolate that across the amateur game. How many hits like that go unpunished? Rugby like a lot of these contact sports are going to have a rough few years regarding player safety.

At least rugby are dealing with concussion. A player takes a hit to the head and he's straight off.

GAA and soccer don't have anything in place at the moment to deal with. How often do you see players take a big hit to the head and they are allowed play.

Not very often, thankfully .
Far less head trauma in Gaelic games,(lighter/less attrition) ,  good medical/physiotherapy back up at top
Levels, and very comprehensive user friendly advice for coaches/players at all other levels, referees focussed on penalising head contact.
The GAA hasn't yet introduced a concussion sub, as there are pros and cons to this, would need to be evidence that it decreases risk.
Much as we all admire o'mahoney for his passion , that strike yesterday was appalling. Chicken wing arm position, ran at speed to hit a man caught in a ruck , extremely dangerous . There were  other episodes of serious head trauma, which makes no sense to continue. Look at the way Sexton is targeted because of his concussion vulnerability: ethically unacceptable.

I have huge issues with what O'Mahoney did. It was a terrible act and he ought to reflect on that. It's simply not a case of letting his team down and getting sent off, it's a case of that he went out to do serious harm to an opponent who was completely unprotected.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 08, 2021, 12:21:33 PM
Quote from: trailer on February 08, 2021, 11:51:31 AM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 08, 2021, 11:35:07 AM
Boxing and MMA is still going.....why not? Actually there is a bit of a rise in bare knuckle boxing right now in the states. It will be interesting to see just how far that goes.

I can see them restricting certain aspects of youth Rugby in the future though.

That's true but is MMA only allowed in certain countries and am I right in saying that it is banned in a number of US states?

I don't think it's banned in any US states now. But there was at a time a problem with New York. But they did that there awhile ago. I can't say I know too much about it - in the crazy old days, there was definitely some bans but it's fairly mainstream now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 08, 2021, 01:13:26 PM
Quote from: trailer on February 08, 2021, 11:32:25 AM
Question. Could you see Rugby be allowed in 50 years time? As it is now. Honestly I think there comes a point that a massive number of compensation claims start to come down the line and they try to change the game fundamentally or even a government steps in and possibly outlaws it. What are you left with? There is no doubt those hits take their toll and surely if we start to see above average cases of dementia and other neurological problems in ex players then I think it's game over. It's brutal sport and the hits have got a lot worse. Throw in actions such as Peter O'Mahoney's yesterday. He hasn't much regard for player safety, extrapolate that across the amateur game. How many hits like that go unpunished? Rugby like a lot of these contact sports are going to have a rough few years regarding player safety.
Rugby will be changed to make it safer after the lawsuits start
The game was ruined by money following professionalism. Players started bulking up and taking stuff.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 08, 2021, 01:25:00 PM
Rugby is doomed in its current guise. It will be uninsurable.

The quickest fix rugby can make is to widen the pitch by 10-15m, thereby realigning the need for agility, and territorial kicking, as much as power.

The second and more important fix is to go over the top in identifying then outlawing any form of performance enhancing drug, then hand out lifetime bans for anyone guilty. A bit of soul searching is required as to how clubs and unions are producing an endless supply of 18 stone tanks.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 08, 2021, 01:55:07 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 08, 2021, 01:25:00 PM
Rugby is doomed in its current guise. It will be uninsurable.

The quickest fix rugby can make is to widen the pitch by 10-15m, thereby realigning the need for agility, and territorial kicking, as much as power.

The second and more important fix is to go over the top in identifying then outlawing any form of performance enhancing drug, then hand out lifetime bans for anyone guilty. A bit of soul searching is required as to how clubs and unions are producing an endless supply of 18 stone tanks.

It's easy to get to 18stone. It's not easy to get to 18stone and move.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 08, 2021, 04:48:09 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on February 08, 2021, 11:38:53 AM
Quote from: trailer on February 08, 2021, 11:32:25 AM
Question. Could you see Rugby be allowed in 50 years time? As it is now. Honestly I think there comes a point that a massive number of compensation claims start to come down the line and they try to change the game fundamentally or even a government steps in and possibly outlaws it. What are you left with? There is no doubt those hits take their toll and surely if we start to see above average cases of dementia and other neurological problems in ex players then I think it's game over. It's brutal sport and the hits have got a lot worse. Throw in actions such as Peter O'Mahoney's yesterday. He hasn't much regard for player safety, extrapolate that across the amateur game. How many hits like that go unpunished? Rugby like a lot of these contact sports are going to have a rough few years regarding player safety.

At least rugby are dealing with concussion. A player takes a hit to the head and he's straight off.

GAA and soccer don't have anything in place at the moment to deal with. How often do you see players take a big hit to the head and they are allowed play.

We don't know how good the HIA process is. Rugby is attritional and generates HIAs more frequently than GAA .Rugby set pieces are more dangerous than sideline cuts.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 08, 2021, 05:01:37 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 08, 2021, 04:48:09 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on February 08, 2021, 11:38:53 AM
Quote from: trailer on February 08, 2021, 11:32:25 AM
Question. Could you see Rugby be allowed in 50 years time? As it is now. Honestly I think there comes a point that a massive number of compensation claims start to come down the line and they try to change the game fundamentally or even a government steps in and possibly outlaws it. What are you left with? There is no doubt those hits take their toll and surely if we start to see above average cases of dementia and other neurological problems in ex players then I think it's game over. It's brutal sport and the hits have got a lot worse. Throw in actions such as Peter O'Mahoney's yesterday. He hasn't much regard for player safety, extrapolate that across the amateur game. How many hits like that go unpunished? Rugby like a lot of these contact sports are going to have a rough few years regarding player safety.

At least rugby are dealing with concussion. A player takes a hit to the head and he's straight off.

GAA and soccer don't have anything in place at the moment to deal with. How often do you see players take a big hit to the head and they are allowed play.

We don't know how good the HIA ptocess is. Rugby is attritional and generates HIAs more frequently than GAA.Rugby set pieces are more dangerous than sideline cuts.

Unless you've taken a sliotar right in the coupon. Happened one of our lads this summer and he'd a proper faceguard fitted yet still ended up with a fractured eye socket.

All sports have their dangers and rugby by its nature with the big hits going in is very high risk as part of its game and within the rules.

Showing O'Mahony was the right thing to do yesterday as much as it pains me ultimately was the reason Ireland lost the game. Maybe that'll send out a clear message that head hits and in particular cheap shots won't be tolerated.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 08, 2021, 06:56:24 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 08, 2021, 05:01:37 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 08, 2021, 04:48:09 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on February 08, 2021, 11:38:53 AM
Quote from: trailer on February 08, 2021, 11:32:25 AM
Question. Could you see Rugby be allowed in 50 years time? As it is now. Honestly I think there comes a point that a massive number of compensation claims start to come down the line and they try to change the game fundamentally or even a government steps in and possibly outlaws it. What are you left with? There is no doubt those hits take their toll and surely if we start to see above average cases of dementia and other neurological problems in ex players then I think it's game over. It's brutal sport and the hits have got a lot worse. Throw in actions such as Peter O'Mahoney's yesterday. He hasn't much regard for player safety, extrapolate that across the amateur game. How many hits like that go unpunished? Rugby like a lot of these contact sports are going to have a rough few years regarding player safety.

At least rugby are dealing with concussion. A player takes a hit to the head and he's straight off.

GAA and soccer don't have anything in place at the moment to deal with. How often do you see players take a big hit to the head and they are allowed play.

We don't know how good the HIA ptocess is. Rugby is attritional and generates HIAs more frequently than GAA.Rugby set pieces are more dangerous than sideline cuts.

Unless you've taken a sliotar right in the coupon. Happened one of our lads this summer and he'd a proper faceguard fitted yet still ended up with a fractured eye socket.

All sports have their dangers and rugby by its nature with the big hits going in is very high risk as part of its game and within the rules.

Showing O'Mahony was the right thing to do yesterday as much as it pains me ultimately was the reason Ireland lost the game. Maybe that'll send out a clear message that head hits and in particular cheap shots won't be tolerated.

What counts is the frequency of dangerous hits. Rugby is off the charts
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lenny on February 08, 2021, 08:13:12 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 08, 2021, 06:56:24 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 08, 2021, 05:01:37 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 08, 2021, 04:48:09 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on February 08, 2021, 11:38:53 AM
Quote from: trailer on February 08, 2021, 11:32:25 AM
Question. Could you see Rugby be allowed in 50 years time? As it is now. Honestly I think there comes a point that a massive number of compensation claims start to come down the line and they try to change the game fundamentally or even a government steps in and possibly outlaws it. What are you left with? There is no doubt those hits take their toll and surely if we start to see above average cases of dementia and other neurological problems in ex players then I think it's game over. It's brutal sport and the hits have got a lot worse. Throw in actions such as Peter O'Mahoney's yesterday. He hasn't much regard for player safety, extrapolate that across the amateur game. How many hits like that go unpunished? Rugby like a lot of these contact sports are going to have a rough few years regarding player safety.

At least rugby are dealing with concussion. A player takes a hit to the head and he's straight off.

GAA and soccer don't have anything in place at the moment to deal with. How often do you see players take a big hit to the head and they are allowed play.

We don't know how good the HIA ptocess is. Rugby is attritional and generates HIAs more frequently than GAA.Rugby set pieces are more dangerous than sideline cuts.

Unless you've taken a sliotar right in the coupon. Happened one of our lads this summer and he'd a proper faceguard fitted yet still ended up with a fractured eye socket.

All sports have their dangers and rugby by its nature with the big hits going in is very high risk as part of its game and within the rules.

Showing O'Mahony was the right thing to do yesterday as much as it pains me ultimately was the reason Ireland lost the game. Maybe that'll send out a clear message that head hits and in particular cheap shots won't be tolerated.

What counts is the frequency of dangerous hits. Rugby is off the charts

Rugby has become really hard to watch. There was an example yesterday which illustrates perfectly what modern rugby has become. Cj stander got the ball and had 10 yards of space ahead of him. He didn't try to run into a gap, he ran hard and straight at the Scotland player nearest to him. Nobody tries to sidestep and evade people any more, they just try to run through them.  The only team worth watching any more are NZ, at least they try to play rugby and open teams up with flair.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on February 08, 2021, 08:20:03 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 08, 2021, 06:56:24 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 08, 2021, 05:01:37 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 08, 2021, 04:48:09 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on February 08, 2021, 11:38:53 AM
Quote from: trailer on February 08, 2021, 11:32:25 AM
Question. Could you see Rugby be allowed in 50 years time? As it is now. Honestly I think there comes a point that a massive number of compensation claims start to come down the line and they try to change the game fundamentally or even a government steps in and possibly outlaws it. What are you left with? There is no doubt those hits take their toll and surely if we start to see above average cases of dementia and other neurological problems in ex players then I think it's game over. It's brutal sport and the hits have got a lot worse. Throw in actions such as Peter O'Mahoney's yesterday. He hasn't much regard for player safety, extrapolate that across the amateur game. How many hits like that go unpunished? Rugby like a lot of these contact sports are going to have a rough few years regarding player safety.

At least rugby are dealing with concussion. A player takes a hit to the head and he's straight off.

GAA and soccer don't have anything in place at the moment to deal with. How often do you see players take a big hit to the head and they are allowed play.

We don't know how good the HIA ptocess is. Rugby is attritional and generates HIAs more frequently than GAA.Rugby set pieces are more dangerous than sideline cuts.

Unless you've taken a sliotar right in the coupon. Happened one of our lads this summer and he'd a proper faceguard fitted yet still ended up with a fractured eye socket.

All sports have their dangers and rugby by its nature with the big hits going in is very high risk as part of its game and within the rules.

Showing O'Mahony was the right thing to do yesterday as much as it pains me ultimately was the reason Ireland lost the game. Maybe that'll send out a clear message that head hits and in particular cheap shots won't be tolerated.

What counts is the frequency of dangerous hits. Rugby is off the charts

What's most dangerous is when a player gets a concussion and carries on and then receives a 2nd blow. It's only a matter of time before something serious happens in soccer and/or GAA as they haven't put anything in place to deal with this during games
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 08, 2021, 09:22:51 PM
Quote from: lenny on February 08, 2021, 08:13:12 PM
The only team worth watching any more are NZ, at least they try to play rugby and open teams up with flair.
England took New Zealand apart 15 months ago, with flair too

Which is hard to believe given how they themselves were taken apart by Scotland on Saturday

France have their mojo back in a big way and will definitely be worth watching over the next few years

Personally I thought the games this weekend were pretty rivetting even if not overly pretty

England v Scotland was a dogfight but the contest and the significance for Scotland was what made it, it was very tense but I couldn't take my eyes off it, it was tremendously enjoyable
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 6th sam on February 08, 2021, 11:14:52 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on February 08, 2021, 08:20:03 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 08, 2021, 06:56:24 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 08, 2021, 05:01:37 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 08, 2021, 04:48:09 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on February 08, 2021, 11:38:53 AM
Quote from: trailer on February 08, 2021, 11:32:25 AM
Question. Could you see Rugby be allowed in 50 years time? As it is now. Honestly I think there comes a point that a massive number of compensation claims start to come down the line and they try to change the game fundamentally or even a government steps in and possibly outlaws it. What are you left with? There is no doubt those hits take their toll and surely if we start to see above average cases of dementia and other neurological problems in ex players then I think it's game over. It's brutal sport and the hits have got a lot worse. Throw in actions such as Peter O'Mahoney's yesterday. He hasn't much regard for player safety, extrapolate that across the amateur game. How many hits like that go unpunished? Rugby like a lot of these contact sports are going to have a rough few years regarding player safety.

At least rugby are dealing with concussion. A player takes a hit to the head and he's straight off.

GAA and soccer don't have anything in place at the moment to deal with. How often do you see players take a big hit to the head and they are allowed play.

We don't know how good the HIA ptocess is. Rugby is attritional and generates HIAs more frequently than GAA.Rugby set pieces are more dangerous than sideline cuts.

Unless you've taken a sliotar right in the coupon. Happened one of our lads this summer and he'd a proper faceguard fitted yet still ended up with a fractured eye socket.

All sports have their dangers and rugby by its nature with the big hits going in is very high risk as part of its game and within the rules.

Showing O'Mahony was the right thing to do yesterday as much as it pains me ultimately was the reason Ireland lost the game. Maybe that'll send out a clear message that head hits and in particular cheap shots won't be tolerated.

What counts is the frequency of dangerous hits. Rugby is off the charts

What's most dangerous is when a player gets a concussion and carries on and then receives a 2nd blow. It's only a matter of time before something serious happens in soccer and/or GAA as they haven't put anything in place to deal with this during games

Concussion is a serious issue and GAA in my view take it seriously . The Jury is out on HIA. Safety must be paramount . The GAA can learn alot from Other sports , in the case of rugby we can learn how not to deal with head injury. What Peter O'Mahoney did yesterday was sickening, the way Johhny sexton is targeted is completely unethical. It's compounded in professional sports as head injuries can compromise a player's livelihood . I don't want to come down hard on omahoney in isolation because he's seems such a genuine lad, but imagine if that assault was on a member of your own family. One of the best Irish players of all time is at particular risk and  may have to retire if he gets further head injuries, and opposition seem to target him. This is where sport crosses the line, and priorities are all wrong
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JimStynes on February 08, 2021, 11:21:08 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 08, 2021, 09:22:51 PM
Quote from: lenny on February 08, 2021, 08:13:12 PM
The only team worth watching any more are NZ, at least they try to play rugby and open teams up with flair.
England took New Zealand apart 15 months ago, with flair too

Which is hard to believe given how they themselves were taken apart by Scotland on Saturday

France have their mojo back in a big way and will definitely be worth watching over the next few years

Personally I thought the games this weekend were pretty rivetting even if not overly pretty

England v Scotland was a dogfight but the contest and the significance for Scotland was what made it, it was very tense but I couldn't take my eyes off it, it was tremendously enjoyable

I always find it strange how much teams can completely lose form from 1 year to the next in rugby.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: quit yo jibbajabba on February 08, 2021, 11:59:32 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on February 08, 2021, 11:21:08 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 08, 2021, 09:22:51 PM
Quote from: lenny on February 08, 2021, 08:13:12 PM
The only team worth watching any more are NZ, at least they try to play rugby and open teams up with flair.
England took New Zealand apart 15 months ago, with flair too

Which is hard to believe given how they themselves were taken apart by Scotland on Saturday

France have their mojo back in a big way and will definitely be worth watching over the next few years

Personally I thought the games this weekend were pretty rivetting even if not overly pretty

England v Scotland was a dogfight but the contest and the significance for Scotland was what made it, it was very tense but I couldn't take my eyes off it, it was tremendously enjoyable

I always find it strange how much teams can completely lose form from 1 year to the next in rugby.

This. Was gona post somethin earlier about this then forgot. Eng a good current example obviously, often seen it with France before, having a poor 6 Nations then going into next one as favourites.

More learned men than me will surely explain
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mouview on February 09, 2021, 12:14:46 AM
Quote from: 6th sam on February 08, 2021, 11:14:52 PM

Concussion is a serious issue and GAA in my view take it seriously . The Jury is out on HIA. Safety must be paramount . The GAA can learn alot from Other sports , in the case of rugby we can learn how not to deal with head injury. What Peter O'Mahoney did yesterday was sickening, the way Johhny sexton is targeted is completely unethical. It's compounded in professional sports as head injuries can compromise a player's livelihood . I don't want to come down hard on omahoney in isolation because he's seems such a genuine lad, but imagine if that assault was on a member of your own family. One of the best Irish players of all time is at particular risk and  may have to retire if he gets further head injuries, and opposition seem to target him. This is where sport crosses the line, and priorities are all wrong

Quote Vinnie Hogan in today's Indo - "He wasn't trying to hurt Francis...." 
Like, really?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on February 09, 2021, 08:15:37 AM
Quote from: dublin7 on February 08, 2021, 08:20:03 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 08, 2021, 06:56:24 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 08, 2021, 05:01:37 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 08, 2021, 04:48:09 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on February 08, 2021, 11:38:53 AM
Quote from: trailer on February 08, 2021, 11:32:25 AM
Question. Could you see Rugby be allowed in 50 years time? As it is now. Honestly I think there comes a point that a massive number of compensation claims start to come down the line and they try to change the game fundamentally or even a government steps in and possibly outlaws it. What are you left with? There is no doubt those hits take their toll and surely if we start to see above average cases of dementia and other neurological problems in ex players then I think it's game over. It's brutal sport and the hits have got a lot worse. Throw in actions such as Peter O'Mahoney's yesterday. He hasn't much regard for player safety, extrapolate that across the amateur game. How many hits like that go unpunished? Rugby like a lot of these contact sports are going to have a rough few years regarding player safety.

At least rugby are dealing with concussion. A player takes a hit to the head and he's straight off.

GAA and soccer don't have anything in place at the moment to deal with. How often do you see players take a big hit to the head and they are allowed play.

We don't know how good the HIA ptocess is. Rugby is attritional and generates HIAs more frequently than GAA.Rugby set pieces are more dangerous than sideline cuts.

Unless you've taken a sliotar right in the coupon. Happened one of our lads this summer and he'd a proper faceguard fitted yet still ended up with a fractured eye socket.

All sports have their dangers and rugby by its nature with the big hits going in is very high risk as part of its game and within the rules.

Showing O'Mahony was the right thing to do yesterday as much as it pains me ultimately was the reason Ireland lost the game. Maybe that'll send out a clear message that head hits and in particular cheap shots won't be tolerated.

What counts is the frequency of dangerous hits. Rugby is off the charts

What's most dangerous is when a player gets a concussion and carries on and then receives a 2nd blow. It's only a matter of time before something serious happens in soccer and/or GAA as they haven't put anything in place to deal with this during games

In soccer and GAA you dont have people targeting your head area to inflict maximum damage like you have in Rugby. Rugby is the problem sport for concussion and that is clear no matter what protocols they use after the fact. Its a game where very big people intentionally run into each other as hard as they can. Not a sport I would encourage a child to play.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 09, 2021, 08:51:07 AM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/owen-doyle-peter-o-mahony-s-act-of-thuggery-deserves-tough-sanction-1.4479181

The day had started badly with the concerning news of Caelan Doris's visit to a concussion specialist in Birmingham. He is only 24. It finished with Johnny Sexton sitting in the stand, having failed another Head Injury Assessment (HIA). Ten years older than Doris, he has taken a hell of a battering over a long career. Ireland may want him back as soon as possible, but it may be more prudent, wiser, not to ask him to put his body or head on the line anymore.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on February 09, 2021, 09:55:03 AM
Quote from: seafoid on February 09, 2021, 08:51:07 AM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/owen-doyle-peter-o-mahony-s-act-of-thuggery-deserves-tough-sanction-1.4479181

The day had started badly with the concerning news of Caelan Doris's visit to a concussion specialist in Birmingham. He is only 24. It finished with Johnny Sexton sitting in the stand, having failed another Head Injury Assessment (HIA). Ten years older than Doris, he has taken a hell of a battering over a long career. Ireland may want him back as soon as possible, but it may be more prudent, wiser, not to ask him to put his body or head on the line anymore.

That's the thing I suppose, we won't know the damage done until these lads are a bit older.

Probably be more cases like the one in England re- court cases.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on February 09, 2021, 10:07:11 AM
Quote from: mouview on February 09, 2021, 12:14:46 AM
Quote from: 6th sam on February 08, 2021, 11:14:52 PM

Concussion is a serious issue and GAA in my view take it seriously . The Jury is out on HIA. Safety must be paramount . The GAA can learn alot from Other sports , in the case of rugby we can learn how not to deal with head injury. What Peter O'Mahoney did yesterday was sickening, the way Johhny sexton is targeted is completely unethical. It's compounded in professional sports as head injuries can compromise a player's livelihood . I don't want to come down hard on omahoney in isolation because he's seems such a genuine lad, but imagine if that assault was on a member of your own family. One of the best Irish players of all time is at particular risk and  may have to retire if he gets further head injuries, and opposition seem to target him. This is where sport crosses the line, and priorities are all wrong

Quote Vinnie Hogan in today's Indo - "He wasn't trying to hurt Francis...." 
Like, really?

Showed blantant disregard for a fellow players health & safety. Francis was anchored in by both sets of forwards making a hit to the head all the worse. O Mahoney should be ashamed of himself. Netheral act, also costing his team the game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 09, 2021, 10:36:49 AM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on February 08, 2021, 11:59:32 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on February 08, 2021, 11:21:08 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 08, 2021, 09:22:51 PM
Quote from: lenny on February 08, 2021, 08:13:12 PM
The only team worth watching any more are NZ, at least they try to play rugby and open teams up with flair.
England took New Zealand apart 15 months ago, with flair too

Which is hard to believe given how they themselves were taken apart by Scotland on Saturday

France have their mojo back in a big way and will definitely be worth watching over the next few years

Personally I thought the games this weekend were pretty rivetting even if not overly pretty

England v Scotland was a dogfight but the contest and the significance for Scotland was what made it, it was very tense but I couldn't take my eyes off it, it was tremendously enjoyable

I always find it strange how much teams can completely lose form from 1 year to the next in rugby.

This. Was gona post somethin earlier about this then forgot. Eng a good current example obviously, often seen it with France before, having a poor 6 Nations then going into next one as favourites.

More learned men than me will surely explain

It's a sport of attrition. Not say like football or Gaelic where you can keep in good nick and that will stand to you. Rugby is contact, constantly. You can't play at that level and avoid it. There is the point where your body peaks and natural testosterone drops and wear and tear becomes more and more a factor. James Haskell played the best international rugby of his career in 2016 but then come the Lions tour in 2017 he basically watched because he was hanging together.

Rugby is full of examples, Dylan Hartley captain of England under Jones - arguably playing the best rugby of his career, just over a year later his body gave way. Gone. Rory Best was at the top of his game arguably 2017 and 2018, come the Rugby World Cup the following year he was past it and ruthlessly exposed at the highest level. Ireland will face that decision again soon with Jonny Sexton.

I would also argue that England and Eddie Jones knows exactly what he is doing, he's no fool. A Six Nations isn't going to further his CV anymore. He's building for the next world cup. It's all about getting there with the right amount of experience and the right age profile. This year is the strange one, because you don't want to start to peak now as it's still 2 years away. You'll see next year a bunch of younger players in the England team as they start to go again - they have the resources to do this. They won't be far away in 2023. Ireland can't really do it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on February 09, 2021, 10:46:04 AM
Quote from: Rudi on February 09, 2021, 10:07:11 AM
Quote from: mouview on February 09, 2021, 12:14:46 AM
Quote from: 6th sam on February 08, 2021, 11:14:52 PM

Concussion is a serious issue and GAA in my view take it seriously . The Jury is out on HIA. Safety must be paramount . The GAA can learn alot from Other sports , in the case of rugby we can learn how not to deal with head injury. What Peter O'Mahoney did yesterday was sickening, the way Johhny sexton is targeted is completely unethical. It's compounded in professional sports as head injuries can compromise a player's livelihood . I don't want to come down hard on omahoney in isolation because he's seems such a genuine lad, but imagine if that assault was on a member of your own family. One of the best Irish players of all time is at particular risk and  may have to retire if he gets further head injuries, and opposition seem to target him. This is where sport crosses the line, and priorities are all wrong

Quote Vinnie Hogan in today's Indo - "He wasn't trying to hurt Francis...." 
Like, really?

Showed blantant disregard for a fellow players health & safety. Francis was anchored in by both sets of forwards making a hit to the head all the worse. O Mahoney should be ashamed of himself. Netheral act, also costing his team the game.

I don't even really care that he let the team down, it's more that he would go out and deliberately do that. To just see an opportunity to seriously hurt someone. Especially with all the talk about head injuries in Rugby and we're already starting to hear of people having serious problems, it's just beyond belief.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on February 09, 2021, 07:41:56 PM
3 game (six nations)  ban for O Mahoney.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 10, 2021, 09:39:19 AM
Quote from: Rudi on February 09, 2021, 07:41:56 PM
3 game (six nations)  ban for O Mahoney.

That's probably the end of his international career. Not the way he would have wanted it to end but a great player over his career
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 10, 2021, 10:37:06 AM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/gordon-d-arcy-the-situation-ireland-find-themselves-in-is-down-to-management-1.4480459An impossible selection awaits for Farrell; stick with Burns despite mounting evidence that he lacks the calmness or accuracy required to soften the cough of a rampant France or switch back to Ross Byrne, again.
If it takes another red card for the team to show up, Antoine Dupont will rip Simon Easterby's defensive system to shreds.
To be relying on graduated return to play protocols this week in order to get Sexton and James Ryan onto the field is not a good look. Some players may need protecting from themselves. Some coaches may need protecting from the players.
I hope this column is shoved down my throat on Sunday. I hope they turn the corner with a famous victory, inspired by No10, but the evidence of the opening 12 minutes indicates a deeper malaise.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on February 10, 2021, 10:48:59 AM
Quote from: seafoid on February 10, 2021, 10:37:06 AM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/gordon-d-arcy-the-situation-ireland-find-themselves-in-is-down-to-management-1.4480459An impossible selection awaits for Farrell; stick with Burns despite mounting evidence that he lacks the calmness or accuracy required to soften the cough of a rampant France or switch back to Ross Byrne, again.
If it takes another red card for the team to show up, Antoine Dupont will rip Simon Easterby's defensive system to shreds.
To be relying on graduated return to play protocols this week in order to get Sexton and James Ryan onto the field is not a good look. Some players may need protecting from themselves. Some coaches may need protecting from the players.
I hope this column is shoved down my throat on Sunday. I hope they turn the corner with a famous victory, inspired by No10, but the evidence of the opening 12 minutes indicates a deeper malaise.

I remember when Paddy Jackson came on the scene he had a pretty terrible debut in the 6Ns. He couldn't kick it between the posts. Then he eventually settled down and looked like a credible option as a replacement at least. Obv things went Pete Tong off the field.
I'd start Burns if Sexton isn't fit. It'll be the making or breaking of him but you'll know after 40mins if he's an international player. It's a shot to nothing no one expects to beat the French anyway.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 10, 2021, 11:24:59 AM
Quote from: trailer on February 10, 2021, 10:48:59 AM
Quote from: seafoid on February 10, 2021, 10:37:06 AM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/gordon-d-arcy-the-situation-ireland-find-themselves-in-is-down-to-management-1.4480459An impossible selection awaits for Farrell; stick with Burns despite mounting evidence that he lacks the calmness or accuracy required to soften the cough of a rampant France or switch back to Ross Byrne, again.
If it takes another red card for the team to show up, Antoine Dupont will rip Simon Easterby's defensive system to shreds.
To be relying on graduated return to play protocols this week in order to get Sexton and James Ryan onto the field is not a good look. Some players may need protecting from themselves. Some coaches may need protecting from the players.
I hope this column is shoved down my throat on Sunday. I hope they turn the corner with a famous victory, inspired by No10, but the evidence of the opening 12 minutes indicates a deeper malaise.

I remember when Paddy Jackson came on the scene he had a pretty terrible debut in the 6Ns. He couldn't kick it between the posts. Then he eventually settled down and looked like a credible option as a replacement at least. Obv things went Pete Tong off the field.
I'd start Burns if Sexton isn't fit. It'll be the making or breaking of him but you'll know after 40mins if he's an international player. It's a shot to nothing no one expects to beat the French anyway.

Burns came over as a direct replacement for Jackson after the latter was sacked.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 10, 2021, 11:32:58 AM
There is a bit of noise now for Paddy Jackson to be considered again, I always knew the day would come the closer Sexton got to the end.

Personally I don't think it's a goer, but if they want to do it......with no gate money really relevant anymore, now is the time (assuming he'll come back and play in Ireland for someone).

Zebo too seems close to returning, definitely an upgrade wherever he fits into the 15.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 10, 2021, 06:39:51 PM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/johnny-sexton-saddened-and-shocked-over-concussion-comments-from-french-medics-1.4481161

Johnny Sexton 'saddened and shocked' over concussion comments from French medics
Dr Jean-François Chermann expresses his regret over comments he made about his former patient
about 3 hours ago

Gerry Thornley






Johnny Sexton has said he is "saddened and shocked" by what he described as the inaccurate reports emanating from the French media concerning the state of his health and questioning whether he should be permitted to play for Ireland against France in this Sunday's Six Nations game at the Aviva Stadium (kick-off 3pm).

Speaking to the French radio station RMC, the neurologist who stood down Sexton for 12 weeks when he was playing with Racing in 2014 due to concussion issues, Dr Jean-François Chermann, told the Paris-based radio station RMC: "I think Johnny Sexton has had around 30 concussions across his entire career."

In light of Sexton being forced off after his head came into contact with the knee of Welsh flanker Justin Tipuric last Sunday in Cardiff, Chermann also said: "The doctor's role is fundamental here, because if there are symptoms, if his tests are disturbed, the doctor must prevent him from playing on Sunday."

On Wednesday, Dr Chermann expressed his regret over his comments.

Jean Chazal, a French neurosurgeon, also told Midi Olympique that he had concerns for Sexton's health in the event of him being picked for this Sunday's game.

"I'm pretty saddened and shocked by the inaccurate reports that were thrown out yesterday, I think it was," Sexton told the media in his weekly captain's briefing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Silver hill on February 10, 2021, 08:06:17 PM
Probably a good time for Sexton to hang them up. His bravery and combative style has resulted in a fair old battering over the past 18 years. A good innings, should get out whilst he still has his health.
I always thought he was overrated as a player and fairly one dimensional. He was never the world class player that the Irish media wanted him to be. More than decent place kicker but missed kicks that Farrell, Wilkinson, carter etc would nail. In particular, the kick to the right of posts v all blacks that would have put us 2 scores up.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Ed Ricketts on February 10, 2021, 08:35:52 PM
Quote from: Silver hill on February 10, 2021, 08:06:17 PM
Probably a good time for Sexton to hang them up. His bravery and combative style has resulted in a fair old battering over the past 18 years. A good innings, should get out whilst he still has his health.
I always thought he was overrated as a player and fairly one dimensional. He was never the world class player that the Irish media wanted him to be. More than decent place kicker but missed kicks that Farrell, Wilkinson, carter etc would nail. In particular, the kick to the right of posts v all blacks that would have put us 2 scores up.

He's a former World Player of the Year, that's the literal definition of world class.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 10, 2021, 08:59:49 PM
https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2021/0210/1196337-three-strategic-errors-which-emerged-from-cardiff/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Silver hill on February 10, 2021, 10:39:23 PM
Quote from: Ed Ricketts on February 10, 2021, 08:35:52 PM
Quote from: Silver hill on February 10, 2021, 08:06:17 PM
Probably a good time for Sexton to hang them up. His bravery and combative style has resulted in a fair old battering over the past 18 years. A good innings, should get out whilst he still has his health.
I always thought he was overrated as a player and fairly one dimensional. He was never the world class player that the Irish media wanted him to be. More than decent place kicker but missed kicks that Farrell, Wilkinson, carter etc would nail. In particular, the kick to the right of posts v all blacks that would have put us 2 scores up.

He's a former World Player of the Year, that's the literal definition of world class.

O'Connell and o'driscoll are our only 2 contenders for a world 15 over the past 20 years. Just my opinion and I've given my thoughts on why I don't think he's at that level.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 10, 2021, 11:00:28 PM
Quote from: Ed Ricketts on February 10, 2021, 08:35:52 PM
Quote from: Silver hill on February 10, 2021, 08:06:17 PM
Probably a good time for Sexton to hang them up. His bravery and combative style has resulted in a fair old battering over the past 18 years. A good innings, should get out whilst he still has his health.
I always thought he was overrated as a player and fairly one dimensional. He was never the world class player that the Irish media wanted him to be. More than decent place kicker but missed kicks that Farrell, Wilkinson, carter etc would nail. In particular, the kick to the right of posts v all blacks that would have put us 2 scores up.

He's a former World Player of the Year, that's the literal definition of world class.
I think his drop goal against France is the greatest drop goal ever scored, all things considered

He richly deserved the world player of the year award in 2018

Undefeated in Lions test series as well including against New Zealand which is the very pinnacle of the game
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on February 10, 2021, 11:10:50 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 10, 2021, 11:00:28 PM
Quote from: Ed Ricketts on February 10, 2021, 08:35:52 PM
Quote from: Silver hill on February 10, 2021, 08:06:17 PM
Probably a good time for Sexton to hang them up. His bravery and combative style has resulted in a fair old battering over the past 18 years. A good innings, should get out whilst he still has his health.
I always thought he was overrated as a player and fairly one dimensional. He was never the world class player that the Irish media wanted him to be. More than decent place kicker but missed kicks that Farrell, Wilkinson, carter etc would nail. In particular, the kick to the right of posts v all blacks that would have put us 2 scores up.

He's a former World Player of the Year, that's the literal definition of world class.
I think his drop goal against France is the greatest drop goal ever scored, all things considered

He richly deserved the world player of the year award in 2018

Undefeated in Lions test series as well including against New Zealand which is the very pinnacle of the game

Sexton in his prime was world class. Not only had he the skills, but he's a leader and sets the tone in the dressing room. When he came back to  Leinster from France he wasn't happy with the standards/performance of the squad and set about raising it
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 11, 2021, 10:55:19 AM
Yeah Sexton isn't everyone's cup of tea, we've all had the O'Gara v Sexton one too. But I don't think you can deny Sexton is world class. One of the truly, very few World Class players Ireland have produced.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 11, 2021, 11:23:02 AM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/dr-barry-o-driscoll-believes-rugby-s-concussion-protocols-not-fit-for-purpose-1.4481327

"The law cases will pour out over the next few years. There are already class action lawsuits in the UK and New Zealand over concussions and still it has made no difference to what they are doing.
"We lowered the tackle and I think that is great – you see what happened to Peter O'Mahony against Wales, but he is very lucky to get only three weeks [matches]. The shoulder to head has to be taken out of the game. The only way to do that is a longer suspension.
"There has to be a couple of other changes brought in as well."
O'Driscoll would start by moving the offside line back 10 metres, an "absolute minimum" of two weeks for return to play protocols and the adoption of Rugby League's 40-20 rule, which gives a team the lineout for a kick inside their own 40-metre line that bounces into touch in the opposition 22.
"The 40-20 rule won't go down well at Twickenham but it promotes the skill element of the game and it forces the defence to take at least one player out of the defensive line. The current offside line is leading to huge trauma at every single play. It also makes the game less attractive.
"We want to make space for runners like  Brian O'Driscoll  to come through again. I would do away with the HIA or at least take the decision out of the team doctor's hands. Or anyone to do with that club or the other side.
"We know from every walk of life that the doctor is subconsciously pressurised to come down with their side. And the player will lie.
"The doctors are compromised. Subconsciously. We need a completely independent doctor, only in every professional game because we are never going to bring this Head Injury Assessment into the amateur or schools rugby, are we?
"In medicine – and this does not reflect on any individual doctor – once the material value becomes the really important thing rather than principles, the relative values become flexible.
"Rugby is a great game," O'Driscoll adds, "but we are going to have to make changes that do not destroy it as a sport. And every player has got to be told exactly what the possibilities and problems are. The NFL got done for $720 million for hiding facts from the players and we, as far as I can see, are not giving the full information to the players."

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 12, 2021, 11:40:58 AM
No Sexton, Murray or Ryan for France.

:o
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: whitegoodman on February 12, 2021, 11:45:39 AM
Yes average enough looking team.  Am surprised they didn't make one or two changes in the back 3.

Sink or swim time for Burns, I hope he does well.  I think they will now regret not picking Cooney.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 12, 2021, 12:01:26 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 12, 2021, 11:40:58 AM
No Sexton, Murray or Ryan for France.

:o
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/billy-burns-set-to-be-named-at-outhalf-with-sexton-ruled-out-1.4483024
Ireland v France (possible): Hugo Keenan; Keith Earls, Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe; Billy Burns, Conor Murray; Cian Healy, Rob Herring, Andrew Porter; Tadhg Beirne, Iain Henderson (capt); Rhys Ruddock, Josh van der Flier, CJ Stander.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 08:54:50 PM
Burns and Gibson-Park at out half and scrum half respectively

You'd have to go back a good while for as uninspiring an Ireland half back combination as that

Back to the early 90s I'd say

Ralph Keyes and Gus Aherne springs to mind

Brian Smith and Rob Saunders too



Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 12, 2021, 09:07:07 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 08:54:50 PM
Burns and Gibson-Park at out half and scrum half respectively

You'd have to go back a good while for as uninspiring an Ireland half back combination as that

Back to the early 90s I'd say

Ralph Keyes and Gus Aherne springs to mind

Brian Smith and Rob Saunders too

They are definitely an uninspiring "Ireland" half back combination even if they aren't an Irish half back combination.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 09:15:09 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 12, 2021, 09:07:07 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 08:54:50 PM
Burns and Gibson-Park at out half and scrum half respectively

You'd have to go back a good while for as uninspiring an Ireland half back combination as that

Back to the early 90s I'd say

Ralph Keyes and Gus Aherne springs to mind

Brian Smith and Rob Saunders too

They are definitely an uninspiring "Ireland" half back combination even if they aren't an Irish half back combination.
More Irish than some of our association football lads over the years
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lenny on February 12, 2021, 09:37:35 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 08:54:50 PM
Burns and Gibson-Park at out half and scrum half respectively

You'd have to go back a good while for as uninspiring an Ireland half back combination as that

Back to the early 90s I'd say

Ralph Keyes and Gus Aherne springs to mind

Brian Smith and Rob Saunders too

They're lacking in experience but sexton and Murray have been living on their reputation for a while IMO.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bannside on February 12, 2021, 10:08:06 PM
John Cooney would be my first choice all day long.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 10:23:32 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 09:15:09 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 12, 2021, 09:07:07 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 08:54:50 PM
Burns and Gibson-Park at out half and scrum half respectively

You'd have to go back a good while for as uninspiring an Ireland half back combination as that

Back to the early 90s I'd say

Ralph Keyes and Gus Aherne springs to mind

Brian Smith and Rob Saunders too

They are definitely an uninspiring "Ireland" half back combination even if they aren't an Irish half back combination.
More Irish than some of our association football lads over the years
Not really.  Rugby can't even play Amhrán na bhFiann at all their games because of their lack of Irishness.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 10:28:45 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 10:23:32 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 09:15:09 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 12, 2021, 09:07:07 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 08:54:50 PM
Burns and Gibson-Park at out half and scrum half respectively

You'd have to go back a good while for as uninspiring an Ireland half back combination as that

Back to the early 90s I'd say

Ralph Keyes and Gus Aherne springs to mind

Brian Smith and Rob Saunders too

They are definitely an uninspiring "Ireland" half back combination even if they aren't an Irish half back combination.
More Irish than some of our association football lads over the years
Not really.  Rugby can't even play Amhrán na bhFiann at all their games because of their lack of Irishness.
The Irish rugby team is a 32 county team

Of any of our international teams, they are the truest representation of Irishness

Amhrán na bhFiann is not the anthem of the 32 counties and it is rightly not played outside Dublin

I don't think it should be played in Dublin either

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 10:38:43 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 10:28:45 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 10:23:32 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 09:15:09 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 12, 2021, 09:07:07 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 08:54:50 PM
Burns and Gibson-Park at out half and scrum half respectively

You'd have to go back a good while for as uninspiring an Ireland half back combination as that

Back to the early 90s I'd say

Ralph Keyes and Gus Aherne springs to mind

Brian Smith and Rob Saunders too

They are definitely an uninspiring "Ireland" half back combination even if they aren't an Irish half back combination.
More Irish than some of our association football lads over the years
Not really.  Rugby can't even play Amhrán na bhFiann at all their games because of their lack of Irishness.
The Irish rugby team is a 32 county team

Of any of our international teams, they are the truest representation of Irishness

Amhrán na bhFiann is not the anthem of the 32 counties and it is rightly not played outside Dublin

I don't think it should be played in Dublin either
What shit.  Ulster rugby players view themselves as British not Irish.  Interesting that Sid should think that GAA members can not play Amhrán na bhFiann in Doire or Ard Mhacha. Racist.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 10:42:57 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 10:38:43 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 10:28:45 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 10:23:32 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 09:15:09 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 12, 2021, 09:07:07 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 08:54:50 PM
Burns and Gibson-Park at out half and scrum half respectively

You'd have to go back a good while for as uninspiring an Ireland half back combination as that

Back to the early 90s I'd say

Ralph Keyes and Gus Aherne springs to mind

Brian Smith and Rob Saunders too

They are definitely an uninspiring "Ireland" half back combination even if they aren't an Irish half back combination.
More Irish than some of our association football lads over the years
Not really.  Rugby can't even play Amhrán na bhFiann at all their games because of their lack of Irishness.
The Irish rugby team is a 32 county team

Of any of our international teams, they are the truest representation of Irishness

Amhrán na bhFiann is not the anthem of the 32 counties and it is rightly not played outside Dublin

I don't think it should be played in Dublin either
What shit.  Ulster rugby players view themselves as British not Irish.  Interesting that Sid should think that GAA members can not play Amhrán na bhFiann in Doire or Ard Mhacha. Racist.
"What shit" is an appropriate enough description of your post

And it's nakedly partitionist and sectarian, rejecting all the diversity of Irishness in favour of a turgid demand for a crushing monoculture



Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 12, 2021, 10:45:07 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 10:38:43 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 10:28:45 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 10:23:32 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 09:15:09 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 12, 2021, 09:07:07 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 08:54:50 PM
Burns and Gibson-Park at out half and scrum half respectively

You'd have to go back a good while for as uninspiring an Ireland half back combination as that

Back to the early 90s I'd say

Ralph Keyes and Gus Aherne springs to mind

Brian Smith and Rob Saunders too

They are definitely an uninspiring "Ireland" half back combination even if they aren't an Irish half back combination.
More Irish than some of our association football lads over the years
Not really.  Rugby can't even play Amhrán na bhFiann at all their games because of their lack of Irishness.
The Irish rugby team is a 32 county team

Of any of our international teams, they are the truest representation of Irishness

Amhrán na bhFiann is not the anthem of the 32 counties and it is rightly not played outside Dublin

I don't think it should be played in Dublin either
What shit.  Ulster rugby players view themselves as British not Irish.  Interesting that Sid should think that GAA members can not play Amhrán na bhFiann in Doire or Ard Mhacha. Racist.

Is Emyvale British?

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 10:46:40 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 12, 2021, 10:45:07 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 10:38:43 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 10:28:45 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 10:23:32 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 09:15:09 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 12, 2021, 09:07:07 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 08:54:50 PM
Burns and Gibson-Park at out half and scrum half respectively

You'd have to go back a good while for as uninspiring an Ireland half back combination as that

Back to the early 90s I'd say

Ralph Keyes and Gus Aherne springs to mind

Brian Smith and Rob Saunders too

They are definitely an uninspiring "Ireland" half back combination even if they aren't an Irish half back combination.
More Irish than some of our association football lads over the years
Not really.  Rugby can't even play Amhrán na bhFiann at all their games because of their lack of Irishness.
The Irish rugby team is a 32 county team

Of any of our international teams, they are the truest representation of Irishness

Amhrán na bhFiann is not the anthem of the 32 counties and it is rightly not played outside Dublin

I don't think it should be played in Dublin either
What shit.  Ulster rugby players view themselves as British not Irish.  Interesting that Sid should think that GAA members can not play Amhrán na bhFiann in Doire or Ard Mhacha. Racist.

Is Emyvale British?
Not is you went to school there.  Do your homework for f**k sake.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: An Watcher on February 12, 2021, 10:52:47 PM
Think Ireland could be in for a real pasting on Sunday. France are 5/2 to win by more than 13.  That'll do me.
As for anthems, that Irelands call is the saddest, lamest excuse for an anthem I've ever heard. Play whatever they want but also Amhrainn ma bhfainn.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 12, 2021, 10:54:53 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 10:46:40 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 12, 2021, 10:45:07 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 10:38:43 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 10:28:45 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 10:23:32 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 09:15:09 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 12, 2021, 09:07:07 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 08:54:50 PM
Burns and Gibson-Park at out half and scrum half respectively

You'd have to go back a good while for as uninspiring an Ireland half back combination as that

Back to the early 90s I'd say

Ralph Keyes and Gus Aherne springs to mind

Brian Smith and Rob Saunders too

They are definitely an uninspiring "Ireland" half back combination even if they aren't an Irish half back combination.
More Irish than some of our association football lads over the years
Not really.  Rugby can't even play Amhrán na bhFiann at all their games because of their lack of Irishness.
The Irish rugby team is a 32 county team

Of any of our international teams, they are the truest representation of Irishness

Amhrán na bhFiann is not the anthem of the 32 counties and it is rightly not played outside Dublin

I don't think it should be played in Dublin either
What shit.  Ulster rugby players view themselves as British not Irish.  Interesting that Sid should think that GAA members can not play Amhrán na bhFiann in Doire or Ard Mhacha. Racist.

Is Emyvale British?
Not is you went to school there.  Do your homework for f**k sake.

Homework? You must have missed the English class.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 10:55:14 PM
Quote from: An Watcher on February 12, 2021, 10:52:47 PM
Think Ireland could be in for a real pasting on Sunday. France are 5/2 to win by more than 13.  That'll do me.
As for anthems, that Irelands call is the saddest, lamest excuse for an anthem I've ever heard. Play whatever they want but also Amhrainn ma bhfainn.
I agree - apparently the Munster players hate Ireland's call!! 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 10:56:58 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 12, 2021, 10:54:53 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 10:46:40 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 12, 2021, 10:45:07 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 10:38:43 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 10:28:45 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 10:23:32 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 09:15:09 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 12, 2021, 09:07:07 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 08:54:50 PM
Burns and Gibson-Park at out half and scrum half respectively

You'd have to go back a good while for as uninspiring an Ireland half back combination as that

Back to the early 90s I'd say

Ralph Keyes and Gus Aherne springs to mind

Brian Smith and Rob Saunders too

They are definitely an uninspiring "Ireland" half back combination even if they aren't an Irish half back combination.
More Irish than some of our association football lads over the years
Not really.  Rugby can't even play Amhrán na bhFiann at all their games because of their lack of Irishness.
The Irish rugby team is a 32 county team

Of any of our international teams, they are the truest representation of Irishness

Amhrán na bhFiann is not the anthem of the 32 counties and it is rightly not played outside Dublin

I don't think it should be played in Dublin either
What shit.  Ulster rugby players view themselves as British not Irish.  Interesting that Sid should think that GAA members can not play Amhrán na bhFiann in Doire or Ard Mhacha. Racist.

Is Emyvale British?
Not is you went to school there.  Do your homework for f**k sake.

Homework? You must have missed the English class.
Typo, as you know. So, where did Tommy go to secondary school? 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 12, 2021, 11:00:48 PM
Typo? Dead on.

Armagh.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 11:05:51 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 12, 2021, 11:00:48 PM
Typo? Dead on.

Armagh.
Exactly - Brit.  I suppose then your Lenny Murphy comment was a typo as well?  Thig liom tú a náiriú más maith leat - le do chlub agus tú ag caint faoi Billy Wright srl.  Not many typos there?  I will be watching your next sectarian typo.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 12, 2021, 11:26:15 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 11:05:51 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 12, 2021, 11:00:48 PM
Typo? Dead on.

Armagh.
Exactly - Brit.  I suppose then your Lenny Murphy comment was a typo as well?  Thig liom tú a náiriú más maith leat - le do chlub agus tú ag caint faoi Billy Wright srl.  Not many typos there?  I will be watching your next sectarian typo.

You called Bowe a Brit and I'm sectarian? Muppet
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 11:47:57 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 12, 2021, 11:26:15 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 11:05:51 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 12, 2021, 11:00:48 PM
Typo? Dead on.

Armagh.
Exactly - Brit.  I suppose then your Lenny Murphy comment was a typo as well?  Thig liom tú a náiriú más maith leat - le do chlub agus tú ag caint faoi Billy Wright srl.  Not many typos there?  I will be watching your next sectarian typo.

You called Bowe a Brit and I'm sectarian? Muppet

You confuse religion and nationality - so actually you are the Muppet! 

No confusion about your post re comparing teachers to a Shankill butcher.  Tell that to your teacher friends in Naomh Gall.  Sean Kelly will be delighted, I'm sure - not!  A post which was correctly deleted by the board.   

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 12, 2021, 11:49:06 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 11:47:57 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 12, 2021, 11:26:15 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 11:05:51 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 12, 2021, 11:00:48 PM
Typo? Dead on.

Armagh.
Exactly - Brit.  I suppose then your Lenny Murphy comment was a typo as well?  Thig liom tú a náiriú más maith leat - le do chlub agus tú ag caint faoi Billy Wright srl.  Not many typos there?  I will be watching your next sectarian typo.

You called Bowe a Brit and I'm sectarian? Muppet

You confuse religion and nationality - so actually you are the Muppet! 

No confusion about your post re comparing teachers to a Shankill butcher.  Tell that to your teacher friends in Naomh Gall.  Sean Kelly will be delighted, I'm sure - not!  A post which was correctly deleted by the board.   

Sorry you're just a bigot then
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 12:04:10 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 11:05:51 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 12, 2021, 11:00:48 PM
Typo? Dead on.

Armagh.
Exactly - Brit.  I suppose then your Lenny Murphy comment was a typo as well?  Thig liom tú a náiriú más maith leat - le do chlub agus tú ag caint faoi Billy Wright srl.  Not many typos there?  I will be watching your next sectarian typo.
Well documented that his preference at that stage was for rugby but was still playing minor football so if he was the Brit you tar him as he'd hardly have bothered with the football. I know plenty of people from Emyvale and who went to school with him and far from a Brit he was.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:12:04 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 12:04:10 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 11:05:51 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 12, 2021, 11:00:48 PM
Typo? Dead on.

Armagh.
Exactly - Brit.  I suppose then your Lenny Murphy comment was a typo as well?  Thig liom tú a náiriú más maith leat - le do chlub agus tú ag caint faoi Billy Wright srl.  Not many typos there?  I will be watching your next sectarian typo.
Well documented that his preference at that stage was for rugby but was still playing minor football so if he was the Brit you tar him as he'd hardly have bothered with the football. I know plenty of people from Emyvale and who went to school with him and far from a Brit he was.
Why did he not go to Secondary School in Monaghan?  Plenty of choices.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 13, 2021, 12:13:00 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:12:04 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 12:04:10 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 11:05:51 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 12, 2021, 11:00:48 PM
Typo? Dead on.

Armagh.
Exactly - Brit.  I suppose then your Lenny Murphy comment was a typo as well?  Thig liom tú a náiriú más maith leat - le do chlub agus tú ag caint faoi Billy Wright srl.  Not many typos there?  I will be watching your next sectarian typo.
Well documented that his preference at that stage was for rugby but was still playing minor football so if he was the Brit you tar him as he'd hardly have bothered with the football. I know plenty of people from Emyvale and who went to school with him and far from a Brit he was.
Why did he not go to Secondary School in Monaghan?  Plenty of choices.

Ask him ffs!!

You are digging a great f**king hole for yourself!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:18:29 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 13, 2021, 12:13:00 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:12:04 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 12:04:10 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 11:05:51 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 12, 2021, 11:00:48 PM
Typo? Dead on.

Armagh.
Exactly - Brit.  I suppose then your Lenny Murphy comment was a typo as well?  Thig liom tú a náiriú más maith leat - le do chlub agus tú ag caint faoi Billy Wright srl.  Not many typos there?  I will be watching your next sectarian typo.
Well documented that his preference at that stage was for rugby but was still playing minor football so if he was the Brit you tar him as he'd hardly have bothered with the football. I know plenty of people from Emyvale and who went to school with him and far from a Brit he was.
Why did he not go to Secondary School in Monaghan?  Plenty of choices.

Ask him ffs!!

You are digging a great f**king hole for yourself!
You brought him into the conversation, you sectarian Belfast tube.  Now that it has backfired, you f**king ask him.  Will he be playing on Sunday? 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 13, 2021, 12:21:55 AM
I know it's half term but stay off the crack lad.

You called the Ulster players Brits, keep up dumb ass
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:27:16 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 10:42:57 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 10:38:43 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 10:28:45 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 10:23:32 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 09:15:09 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 12, 2021, 09:07:07 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 08:54:50 PM
Burns and Gibson-Park at out half and scrum half respectively

You'd have to go back a good while for as uninspiring an Ireland half back combination as that

Back to the early 90s I'd say

Ralph Keyes and Gus Aherne springs to mind

Brian Smith and Rob Saunders too

They are definitely an uninspiring "Ireland" half back combination even if they aren't an Irish half back combination.
More Irish than some of our association football lads over the years
Not really.  Rugby can't even play Amhrán na bhFiann at all their games because of their lack of Irishness.
The Irish rugby team is a 32 county team

Of any of our international teams, they are the truest representation of Irishness

Amhrán na bhFiann is not the anthem of the 32 counties and it is rightly not played outside Dublin

I don't think it should be played in Dublin either
What shit.  Ulster rugby players view themselves as British not Irish.  Interesting that Sid should think that GAA members can not play Amhrán na bhFiann in Doire or Ard Mhacha. Racist.
"What shit" is an appropriate enough description of your post

And it's nakedly partitionist and sectarian, rejecting all the diversity of Irishness in favour of a turgid demand for a crushing monoculture
A crushing monoculture?  Said like a true colonist - British style.  I doubt if you even understand the meaning of sectarian.  Rugby is the essence of partition with 'Ireland's Call'!  More like 'Divided Ireland's Call'! 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 12:33:54 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:12:04 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 12:04:10 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 11:05:51 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 12, 2021, 11:00:48 PM
Typo? Dead on.

Armagh.
Exactly - Brit.  I suppose then your Lenny Murphy comment was a typo as well?  Thig liom tú a náiriú más maith leat - le do chlub agus tú ag caint faoi Billy Wright srl.  Not many typos there?  I will be watching your next sectarian typo.
Well documented that his preference at that stage was for rugby but was still playing minor football so if he was the Brit you tar him as he'd hardly have bothered with the football. I know plenty of people from Emyvale and who went to school with him and far from a Brit he was.
Why did he not go to Secondary School in Monaghan?  Plenty of choices.
You are correct could have attended Sem or Collegiate depending on preference but if wanting a bit of rugby exposure was in the mind of the parents then RSA 25 mins up the road was probably also a good option. I can't imagine wanting to feel like a Brit was high on the agenda. Maybe you know better.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:41:05 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 12:33:54 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:12:04 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 12:04:10 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 11:05:51 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 12, 2021, 11:00:48 PM
Typo? Dead on.

Armagh.
Exactly - Brit.  I suppose then your Lenny Murphy comment was a typo as well?  Thig liom tú a náiriú más maith leat - le do chlub agus tú ag caint faoi Billy Wright srl.  Not many typos there?  I will be watching your next sectarian typo.
Well documented that his preference at that stage was for rugby but was still playing minor football so if he was the Brit you tar him as he'd hardly have bothered with the football. I know plenty of people from Emyvale and who went to school with him and far from a Brit he was.
Why did he not go to Secondary School in Monaghan?  Plenty of choices.
You are correct could have attended Sem or Collegiate depending on preference but if wanting a bit of rugby exposure was in the mind of the parents then RSA 25 mins up the road was probably also a good option. I can't imagine wanting to feel like a Brit was high on the agenda. Maybe you know better.
So, for him, it was a sectarian choice - attend a Protestant school in the UK?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 13, 2021, 12:41:11 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:12:04 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 12:04:10 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 11:05:51 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 12, 2021, 11:00:48 PM
Typo? Dead on.

Armagh.
Exactly - Brit.  I suppose then your Lenny Murphy comment was a typo as well?  Thig liom tú a náiriú más maith leat - le do chlub agus tú ag caint faoi Billy Wright srl.  Not many typos there?  I will be watching your next sectarian typo.
Well documented that his preference at that stage was for rugby but was still playing minor football so if he was the Brit you tar him as he'd hardly have bothered with the football. I know plenty of people from Emyvale and who went to school with him and far from a Brit he was.
Why did he not go to Secondary School in Monaghan?  Plenty of choices.
Do you ask the same question of Mayo lads who went to St. Jarlath's or Tipp lads who went to St. Kieran's or Clare lads who went to Árd Scoil Ris? ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 13, 2021, 12:42:55 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:27:16 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 10:42:57 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 10:38:43 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 10:28:45 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 10:23:32 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 09:15:09 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 12, 2021, 09:07:07 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 08:54:50 PM
Burns and Gibson-Park at out half and scrum half respectively

You'd have to go back a good while for as uninspiring an Ireland half back combination as that

Back to the early 90s I'd say

Ralph Keyes and Gus Aherne springs to mind

Brian Smith and Rob Saunders too

They are definitely an uninspiring "Ireland" half back combination even if they aren't an Irish half back combination.
More Irish than some of our association football lads over the years
Not really.  Rugby can't even play Amhrán na bhFiann at all their games because of their lack of Irishness.
The Irish rugby team is a 32 county team

Of any of our international teams, they are the truest representation of Irishness

Amhrán na bhFiann is not the anthem of the 32 counties and it is rightly not played outside Dublin

I don't think it should be played in Dublin either
What shit.  Ulster rugby players view themselves as British not Irish.  Interesting that Sid should think that GAA members can not play Amhrán na bhFiann in Doire or Ard Mhacha. Racist.
"What shit" is an appropriate enough description of your post

And it's nakedly partitionist and sectarian, rejecting all the diversity of Irishness in favour of a turgid demand for a crushing monoculture
A crushing monoculture?  Said like a true colonist - British style.  I doubt if you even understand the meaning of sectarian.  Rugby is the essence of partition with 'Ireland's Call'!  More like 'Divided Ireland's Call'!
You're the poster complaining about somebody from Monaghan going to school in Armagh!

Looks like you're a true partitionist!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: michaelg on February 13, 2021, 12:43:17 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 10:42:57 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 10:38:43 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 10:28:45 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 10:23:32 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 09:15:09 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 12, 2021, 09:07:07 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 08:54:50 PM
Burns and Gibson-Park at out half and scrum half respectively

You'd have to go back a good while for as uninspiring an Ireland half back combination as that

Back to the early 90s I'd say

Ralph Keyes and Gus Aherne springs to mind

Brian Smith and Rob Saunders too

They are definitely an uninspiring "Ireland" half back combination even if they aren't an Irish half back combination.
More Irish than some of our association football lads over the years
Not really.  Rugby can't even play Amhrán na bhFiann at all their games because of their lack of Irishness.
The Irish rugby team is a 32 county team

Of any of our international teams, they are the truest representation of Irishness

Amhrán na bhFiann is not the anthem of the 32 counties and it is rightly not played outside Dublin

I don't think it should be played in Dublin either
What shit.  Ulster rugby players view themselves as British not Irish.  Interesting that Sid should think that GAA members can not play Amhrán na bhFiann in Doire or Ard Mhacha. Racist.
"What shit" is an appropriate enough description of your post

And it's nakedly partitionist and sectarian, rejecting all the diversity of Irishness in favour of a turgid demand for a crushing monoculture
Interesting how you proclaim the 'diversity of Irishness'  in relation to Ulster Protestants when it suits your argument.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 12:44:18 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:41:05 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 12:33:54 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:12:04 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 12:04:10 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 11:05:51 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 12, 2021, 11:00:48 PM
Typo? Dead on.

Armagh.
Exactly - Brit.  I suppose then your Lenny Murphy comment was a typo as well?  Thig liom tú a náiriú más maith leat - le do chlub agus tú ag caint faoi Billy Wright srl.  Not many typos there?  I will be watching your next sectarian typo.
Well documented that his preference at that stage was for rugby but was still playing minor football so if he was the Brit you tar him as he'd hardly have bothered with the football. I know plenty of people from Emyvale and who went to school with him and far from a Brit he was.
Why did he not go to Secondary School in Monaghan?  Plenty of choices.
You are correct could have attended Sem or Collegiate depending on preference but if wanting a bit of rugby exposure was in the mind of the parents then RSA 25 mins up the road was probably also a good option. I can't imagine wanting to feel like a Brit was high on the agenda. Maybe you know better.
So, for him, it was a sectarian choice - attend a Protestant school in the UK?
Hardly a bastion of loyalism and to this day plenty of Catholic, GAA playing families send their kids to it with no issues. It might seem unbelievable to you but plenty of people can go about their business without worrying about what religion someone is.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:47:14 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 13, 2021, 12:41:11 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:12:04 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 12:04:10 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 11:05:51 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 12, 2021, 11:00:48 PM
Typo? Dead on.

Armagh.
Exactly - Brit.  I suppose then your Lenny Murphy comment was a typo as well?  Thig liom tú a náiriú más maith leat - le do chlub agus tú ag caint faoi Billy Wright srl.  Not many typos there?  I will be watching your next sectarian typo.
Well documented that his preference at that stage was for rugby but was still playing minor football so if he was the Brit you tar him as he'd hardly have bothered with the football. I know plenty of people from Emyvale and who went to school with him and far from a Brit he was.
Why did he not go to Secondary School in Monaghan?  Plenty of choices.
Do you ask the same question of Mayo lads who went to St. Jarlath's or Tipp lads who went to St. Kieran's or Clare lads who went to Árd Scoil Ris? ;D
What Mayo lads have posted on this thread recently?  Or maybe you want to start a darts' thread?  What about Derry lads who were at school in Ard Mhacha?  You wouldn't know much about that, though. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:50:44 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 12:44:18 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:41:05 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 12:33:54 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:12:04 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 12:04:10 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 11:05:51 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 12, 2021, 11:00:48 PM
Typo? Dead on.

Armagh.
Exactly - Brit.  I suppose then your Lenny Murphy comment was a typo as well?  Thig liom tú a náiriú más maith leat - le do chlub agus tú ag caint faoi Billy Wright srl.  Not many typos there?  I will be watching your next sectarian typo.
Well documented that his preference at that stage was for rugby but was still playing minor football so if he was the Brit you tar him as he'd hardly have bothered with the football. I know plenty of people from Emyvale and who went to school with him and far from a Brit he was.
Why did he not go to Secondary School in Monaghan?  Plenty of choices.
You are correct could have attended Sem or Collegiate depending on preference but if wanting a bit of rugby exposure was in the mind of the parents then RSA 25 mins up the road was probably also a good option. I can't imagine wanting to feel like a Brit was high on the agenda. Maybe you know better.
So, for him, it was a sectarian choice - attend a Protestant school in the UK?
Hardly a bastion of loyalism and to this day plenty of Catholic, GAA playing families send their kids to it with no issues. It might seem unbelievable to you but plenty of people can go about their business without worrying about what religion someone is.
Religion?  Couldn't care less!  Up to parents/schools. I never asked what religion Tommy is - don't even know or care.  Maybe you do?   
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 13, 2021, 12:51:44 AM
Quote from: michaelg on February 13, 2021, 12:43:17 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 10:42:57 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 10:38:43 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 10:28:45 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 10:23:32 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 09:15:09 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 12, 2021, 09:07:07 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 12, 2021, 08:54:50 PM
Burns and Gibson-Park at out half and scrum half respectively

You'd have to go back a good while for as uninspiring an Ireland half back combination as that

Back to the early 90s I'd say

Ralph Keyes and Gus Aherne springs to mind

Brian Smith and Rob Saunders too

They are definitely an uninspiring "Ireland" half back combination even if they aren't an Irish half back combination.
More Irish than some of our association football lads over the years
Not really.  Rugby can't even play Amhrán na bhFiann at all their games because of their lack of Irishness.
The Irish rugby team is a 32 county team

Of any of our international teams, they are the truest representation of Irishness

Amhrán na bhFiann is not the anthem of the 32 counties and it is rightly not played outside Dublin

I don't think it should be played in Dublin either
What shit.  Ulster rugby players view themselves as British not Irish.  Interesting that Sid should think that GAA members can not play Amhrán na bhFiann in Doire or Ard Mhacha. Racist.
"What shit" is an appropriate enough description of your post

And it's nakedly partitionist and sectarian, rejecting all the diversity of Irishness in favour of a turgid demand for a crushing monoculture
Interesting how you proclaim the 'diversity of Irishness'  in relation to Ulster Protestants when it suits your argument.
I'm not sure what point you're trying to make - perhaps you might elaborate
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 12:54:02 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:50:44 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 12:44:18 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:41:05 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 12:33:54 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:12:04 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 12:04:10 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 11:05:51 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 12, 2021, 11:00:48 PM
Typo? Dead on.

Armagh.
Exactly - Brit.  I suppose then your Lenny Murphy comment was a typo as well?  Thig liom tú a náiriú más maith leat - le do chlub agus tú ag caint faoi Billy Wright srl.  Not many typos there?  I will be watching your next sectarian typo.
Well documented that his preference at that stage was for rugby but was still playing minor football so if he was the Brit you tar him as he'd hardly have bothered with the football. I know plenty of people from Emyvale and who went to school with him and far from a Brit he was.
Why did he not go to Secondary School in Monaghan?  Plenty of choices.
You are correct could have attended Sem or Collegiate depending on preference but if wanting a bit of rugby exposure was in the mind of the parents then RSA 25 mins up the road was probably also a good option. I can't imagine wanting to feel like a Brit was high on the agenda. Maybe you know better.
So, for him, it was a sectarian choice - attend a Protestant school in the UK?
Hardly a bastion of loyalism and to this day plenty of Catholic, GAA playing families send their kids to it with no issues. It might seem unbelievable to you but plenty of people can go about their business without worrying about what religion someone is.
Religion?  Couldn't care less!  Up to parents/schools. I never asked what religion Tommy is - don't even know or care.  Maybe you do?
The best thing you can do is join Itchy and all the other lads that have an issue with rugby and just not watch it or get involved in it. It's doing you no good worrying about people's motivation for going to school etc. Just stick the Shamrocks and your own wee bubble and you'll be safe enough.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 13, 2021, 12:54:12 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:47:14 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 13, 2021, 12:41:11 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:12:04 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 12:04:10 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 11:05:51 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 12, 2021, 11:00:48 PM
Typo? Dead on.

Armagh.
Exactly - Brit.  I suppose then your Lenny Murphy comment was a typo as well?  Thig liom tú a náiriú más maith leat - le do chlub agus tú ag caint faoi Billy Wright srl.  Not many typos there?  I will be watching your next sectarian typo.
Well documented that his preference at that stage was for rugby but was still playing minor football so if he was the Brit you tar him as he'd hardly have bothered with the football. I know plenty of people from Emyvale and who went to school with him and far from a Brit he was.
Why did he not go to Secondary School in Monaghan?  Plenty of choices.
Do you ask the same question of Mayo lads who went to St. Jarlath's or Tipp lads who went to St. Kieran's or Clare lads who went to Árd Scoil Ris? ;D
What Mayo lads have posted on this thread recently?  Or maybe you want to start a darts' thread?  What about Derry lads who were at school in Ard Mhacha?  You wouldn't know much about that, though.
You didn't answer the question

Hilarious that you're calling others British and complaining about somebody from Monaghan going to school "in the United Kingdom"

Sounds like you should have paid a bit more attention at school yourself  ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:58:49 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 12:54:02 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:50:44 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 12:44:18 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:41:05 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 12:33:54 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:12:04 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 12:04:10 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 11:05:51 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 12, 2021, 11:00:48 PM
Typo? Dead on.

Armagh.
Exactly - Brit.  I suppose then your Lenny Murphy comment was a typo as well?  Thig liom tú a náiriú más maith leat - le do chlub agus tú ag caint faoi Billy Wright srl.  Not many typos there?  I will be watching your next sectarian typo.
Well documented that his preference at that stage was for rugby but was still playing minor football so if he was the Brit you tar him as he'd hardly have bothered with the football. I know plenty of people from Emyvale and who went to school with him and far from a Brit he was.
Why did he not go to Secondary School in Monaghan?  Plenty of choices.
You are correct could have attended Sem or Collegiate depending on preference but if wanting a bit of rugby exposure was in the mind of the parents then RSA 25 mins up the road was probably also a good option. I can't imagine wanting to feel like a Brit was high on the agenda. Maybe you know better.
So, for him, it was a sectarian choice - attend a Protestant school in the UK?
Hardly a bastion of loyalism and to this day plenty of Catholic, GAA playing families send their kids to it with no issues. It might seem unbelievable to you but plenty of people can go about their business without worrying about what religion someone is.
Religion?  Couldn't care less!  Up to parents/schools. I never asked what religion Tommy is - don't even know or care.  Maybe you do?
The best thing you can do is join Itchy and all the other lads that have an issue with rugby and just not watch it or get involved in it. It's doing you no good worrying about people's motivation for going to school etc. Just stick the Shamrocks and your own wee bubble and you'll be safe enough.
The 4 proud provinces of Ireland will be singing Amhrán na bhFiann on Sunday.  Pity you won't - you racist rugby supporter.  You sing God Save the Queen for Tommy and the rest - especially the British captain.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 01:00:33 AM
Anyhow I expect the Catholics, Protestants and Dissenters of the Irish rugby team to get beaten by at least 10 points tomorrow. Encouraging to see Burns in the mix after last weeks balls up and he gets a chance to make amends. Glad Murray has been removed as he isn't tje player he was and Farnell desperately needs to be succession planning.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 01:01:40 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:58:49 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 12:54:02 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:50:44 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 12:44:18 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:41:05 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 12:33:54 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:12:04 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 12:04:10 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 11:05:51 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 12, 2021, 11:00:48 PM
Typo? Dead on.

Armagh.
Exactly - Brit.  I suppose then your Lenny Murphy comment was a typo as well?  Thig liom tú a náiriú más maith leat - le do chlub agus tú ag caint faoi Billy Wright srl.  Not many typos there?  I will be watching your next sectarian typo.
Well documented that his preference at that stage was for rugby but was still playing minor football so if he was the Brit you tar him as he'd hardly have bothered with the football. I know plenty of people from Emyvale and who went to school with him and far from a Brit he was.
Why did he not go to Secondary School in Monaghan?  Plenty of choices.
You are correct could have attended Sem or Collegiate depending on preference but if wanting a bit of rugby exposure was in the mind of the parents then RSA 25 mins up the road was probably also a good option. I can't imagine wanting to feel like a Brit was high on the agenda. Maybe you know better.
So, for him, it was a sectarian choice - attend a Protestant school in the UK?
Hardly a bastion of loyalism and to this day plenty of Catholic, GAA playing families send their kids to it with no issues. It might seem unbelievable to you but plenty of people can go about their business without worrying about what religion someone is.
Religion?  Couldn't care less!  Up to parents/schools. I never asked what religion Tommy is - don't even know or care.  Maybe you do?
The best thing you can do is join Itchy and all the other lads that have an issue with rugby and just not watch it or get involved in it. It's doing you no good worrying about people's motivation for going to school etc. Just stick the Shamrocks and your own wee bubble and you'll be safe enough.
The 4 proud provinces of Ireland will be singing Amhrán na bhFiann on Sunday.  Pity you won't - you racist rugby supporter.  You sing God Save the Queen for Tommy and the rest - especially the British captain.
;D I'll toast The Queen before I go to bed as I do every night.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 01:04:24 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 13, 2021, 12:54:12 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:47:14 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 13, 2021, 12:41:11 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:12:04 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 12:04:10 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 11:05:51 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 12, 2021, 11:00:48 PM
Typo? Dead on.

Armagh.
Exactly - Brit.  I suppose then your Lenny Murphy comment was a typo as well?  Thig liom tú a náiriú más maith leat - le do chlub agus tú ag caint faoi Billy Wright srl.  Not many typos there?  I will be watching your next sectarian typo.
Well documented that his preference at that stage was for rugby but was still playing minor football so if he was the Brit you tar him as he'd hardly have bothered with the football. I know plenty of people from Emyvale and who went to school with him and far from a Brit he was.
Why did he not go to Secondary School in Monaghan?  Plenty of choices.
Do you ask the same question of Mayo lads who went to St. Jarlath's or Tipp lads who went to St. Kieran's or Clare lads who went to Árd Scoil Ris? ;D
What Mayo lads have posted on this thread recently?  Or maybe you want to start a darts' thread?  What about Derry lads who were at school in Ard Mhacha?  You wouldn't know much about that, though.
You didn't answer the question

Hilarious that you're calling others British and complaining about somebody from Monaghan going to school "in the United Kingdom"

Sounds like you should have paid a bit more attention at school yourself  ;D
Looks like a Geography lesson for you!!!   Or maybe more Bullseye shit.  Can't wait to hear the Irish Rugby Captain sing Amhrán na bhFiann on Sunday.  Muineachán, An Cabhán agus Dún na nGall will be so excited.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 01:06:42 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 01:04:24 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 13, 2021, 12:54:12 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:47:14 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 13, 2021, 12:41:11 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:12:04 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 12:04:10 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 11:05:51 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 12, 2021, 11:00:48 PM
Typo? Dead on.

Armagh.
Exactly - Brit.  I suppose then your Lenny Murphy comment was a typo as well?  Thig liom tú a náiriú más maith leat - le do chlub agus tú ag caint faoi Billy Wright srl.  Not many typos there?  I will be watching your next sectarian typo.
Well documented that his preference at that stage was for rugby but was still playing minor football so if he was the Brit you tar him as he'd hardly have bothered with the football. I know plenty of people from Emyvale and who went to school with him and far from a Brit he was.
Why did he not go to Secondary School in Monaghan?  Plenty of choices.
Do you ask the same question of Mayo lads who went to St. Jarlath's or Tipp lads who went to St. Kieran's or Clare lads who went to Árd Scoil Ris? ;D
What Mayo lads have posted on this thread recently?  Or maybe you want to start a darts' thread?  What about Derry lads who were at school in Ard Mhacha?  You wouldn't know much about that, though.
You didn't answer the question

Hilarious that you're calling others British and complaining about somebody from Monaghan going to school "in the United Kingdom"

Sounds like you should have paid a bit more attention at school yourself  ;D
Looks like a Geography lesson for you!!!   Or maybe more Bullseye shit.  Can't wait to hear the Irish Rugby Captain sing Amhrán na bhFiann on Sunday.  Muineachán, An Cabhán agus Dún na nGall will be so excited.
Time for bed boss. You've had enough. Get The Broad Black Brimmer on, stick the earphones in and get to sleep. Tomorrow is another day.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 01:11:29 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 01:01:40 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:58:49 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 12:54:02 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:50:44 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 12:44:18 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:41:05 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 12:33:54 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:12:04 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 12:04:10 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 11:05:51 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 12, 2021, 11:00:48 PM
Typo? Dead on.

Armagh.
Exactly - Brit.  I suppose then your Lenny Murphy comment was a typo as well?  Thig liom tú a náiriú más maith leat - le do chlub agus tú ag caint faoi Billy Wright srl.  Not many typos there?  I will be watching your next sectarian typo.
Well documented that his preference at that stage was for rugby but was still playing minor football so if he was the Brit you tar him as he'd hardly have bothered with the football. I know plenty of people from Emyvale and who went to school with him and far from a Brit he was.
Why did he not go to Secondary School in Monaghan?  Plenty of choices.
You are correct could have attended Sem or Collegiate depending on preference but if wanting a bit of rugby exposure was in the mind of the parents then RSA 25 mins up the road was probably also a good option. I can't imagine wanting to feel like a Brit was high on the agenda. Maybe you know better.
So, for him, it was a sectarian choice - attend a Protestant school in the UK?
Hardly a bastion of loyalism and to this day plenty of Catholic, GAA playing families send their kids to it with no issues. It might seem unbelievable to you but plenty of people can go about their business without worrying about what religion someone is.
Religion?  Couldn't care less!  Up to parents/schools. I never asked what religion Tommy is - don't even know or care.  Maybe you do?
The best thing you can do is join Itchy and all the other lads that have an issue with rugby and just not watch it or get involved in it. It's doing you no good worrying about people's motivation for going to school etc. Just stick the Shamrocks and your own wee bubble and you'll be safe enough.
The 4 proud provinces of Ireland will be singing Amhrán na bhFiann on Sunday.  Pity you won't - you racist rugby supporter.  You sing God Save the Queen for Tommy and the rest - especially the British captain.
;D I'll toast The Queen before I go to bed as I do every night.
Is that Philomena Begley?!  So will Iain Henderson be Irish on Sunday?  Or is he British?  Or worse, is he Northern Irish, a bastard race!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 01:15:41 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 01:11:29 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 01:01:40 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:58:49 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 12:54:02 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:50:44 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 12:44:18 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:41:05 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 12:33:54 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:12:04 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 12:04:10 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 11:05:51 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 12, 2021, 11:00:48 PM
Typo? Dead on.

Armagh.
Exactly - Brit.  I suppose then your Lenny Murphy comment was a typo as well?  Thig liom tú a náiriú más maith leat - le do chlub agus tú ag caint faoi Billy Wright srl.  Not many typos there?  I will be watching your next sectarian typo.
Well documented that his preference at that stage was for rugby but was still playing minor football so if he was the Brit you tar him as he'd hardly have bothered with the football. I know plenty of people from Emyvale and who went to school with him and far from a Brit he was.
Why did he not go to Secondary School in Monaghan?  Plenty of choices.
You are correct could have attended Sem or Collegiate depending on preference but if wanting a bit of rugby exposure was in the mind of the parents then RSA 25 mins up the road was probably also a good option. I can't imagine wanting to feel like a Brit was high on the agenda. Maybe you know better.
So, for him, it was a sectarian choice - attend a Protestant school in the UK?
Hardly a bastion of loyalism and to this day plenty of Catholic, GAA playing families send their kids to it with no issues. It might seem unbelievable to you but plenty of people can go about their business without worrying about what religion someone is.
Religion?  Couldn't care less!  Up to parents/schools. I never asked what religion Tommy is - don't even know or care.  Maybe you do?
The best thing you can do is join Itchy and all the other lads that have an issue with rugby and just not watch it or get involved in it. It's doing you no good worrying about people's motivation for going to school etc. Just stick the Shamrocks and your own wee bubble and you'll be safe enough.
The 4 proud provinces of Ireland will be singing Amhrán na bhFiann on Sunday.  Pity you won't - you racist rugby supporter.  You sing God Save the Queen for Tommy and the rest - especially the British captain.
;D I'll toast The Queen before I go to bed as I do every night.
Is that Philomena Begley?!  So will Iain Henderson be Irish on Sunday?  Or is he British?  Or worse, is he Northern Irish, a bastard race!
Hmmm not sure it will bother me. He is within his rights to claim all 3. What about James Lowe, Josh VDF etc. You appear to save your ire for Ulster players. Chip on your shoulder? Did one of the big rugby boys beat you when you were a wee fella?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 01:18:07 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 01:06:42 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 01:04:24 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 13, 2021, 12:54:12 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:47:14 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 13, 2021, 12:41:11 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:12:04 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 12:04:10 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 11:05:51 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 12, 2021, 11:00:48 PM
Typo? Dead on.

Armagh.
Exactly - Brit.  I suppose then your Lenny Murphy comment was a typo as well?  Thig liom tú a náiriú más maith leat - le do chlub agus tú ag caint faoi Billy Wright srl.  Not many typos there?  I will be watching your next sectarian typo.
Well documented that his preference at that stage was for rugby but was still playing minor football so if he was the Brit you tar him as he'd hardly have bothered with the football. I know plenty of people from Emyvale and who went to school with him and far from a Brit he was.
Why did he not go to Secondary School in Monaghan?  Plenty of choices.
Do you ask the same question of Mayo lads who went to St. Jarlath's or Tipp lads who went to St. Kieran's or Clare lads who went to Árd Scoil Ris? ;D
What Mayo lads have posted on this thread recently?  Or maybe you want to start a darts' thread?  What about Derry lads who were at school in Ard Mhacha?  You wouldn't know much about that, though.
You didn't answer the question

Hilarious that you're calling others British and complaining about somebody from Monaghan going to school "in the United Kingdom"

Sounds like you should have paid a bit more attention at school yourself  ;D
Looks like a Geography lesson for you!!!   Or maybe more Bullseye shit.  Can't wait to hear the Irish Rugby Captain sing Amhrán na bhFiann on Sunday.  Muineachán, An Cabhán agus Dún na nGall will be so excited.
Time for bed boss. You've had enough. Get The Broad Black Brimmer on, stick the earphones in and get to sleep. Tomorrow is another day.
Bedtime for you, a leanbh. Thanks, clearly you don't have any logical argument.  Didn't think you would capitulate so easily.  What the f**k is a Brimmer?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 01:21:51 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 01:15:41 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 01:11:29 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 01:01:40 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:58:49 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 12:54:02 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:50:44 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 12:44:18 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:41:05 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 12:33:54 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 13, 2021, 12:12:04 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 12:04:10 AM
Quote from: restorepride on February 12, 2021, 11:05:51 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 12, 2021, 11:00:48 PM
Typo? Dead on.

Armagh.
Exactly - Brit.  I suppose then your Lenny Murphy comment was a typo as well?  Thig liom tú a náiriú más maith leat - le do chlub agus tú ag caint faoi Billy Wright srl.  Not many typos there?  I will be watching your next sectarian typo.
Well documented that his preference at that stage was for rugby but was still playing minor football so if he was the Brit you tar him as he'd hardly have bothered with the football. I know plenty of people from Emyvale and who went to school with him and far from a Brit he was.
Why did he not go to Secondary School in Monaghan?  Plenty of choices.
You are correct could have attended Sem or Collegiate depending on preference but if wanting a bit of rugby exposure was in the mind of the parents then RSA 25 mins up the road was probably also a good option. I can't imagine wanting to feel like a Brit was high on the agenda. Maybe you know better.
So, for him, it was a sectarian choice - attend a Protestant school in the UK?
Hardly a bastion of loyalism and to this day plenty of Catholic, GAA playing families send their kids to it with no issues. It might seem unbelievable to you but plenty of people can go about their business without worrying about what religion someone is.
Religion?  Couldn't care less!  Up to parents/schools. I never asked what religion Tommy is - don't even know or care.  Maybe you do?
The best thing you can do is join Itchy and all the other lads that have an issue with rugby and just not watch it or get involved in it. It's doing you no good worrying about people's motivation for going to school etc. Just stick the Shamrocks and your own wee bubble and you'll be safe enough.
The 4 proud provinces of Ireland will be singing Amhrán na bhFiann on Sunday.  Pity you won't - you racist rugby supporter.  You sing God Save the Queen for Tommy and the rest - especially the British captain.
;D I'll toast The Queen before I go to bed as I do every night.
Is that Philomena Begley?!  So will Iain Henderson be Irish on Sunday?  Or is he British?  Or worse, is he Northern Irish, a bastard race!
Hmmm not sure it will bother me. He is within his rights to claim all 3. What about James Lowe, Josh VDF etc. You appear to save your ire for Ulster players. Chip on your shoulder? Did one of the big rugby boys beat you when you were a wee fella?
Afraid not - no rugby at our school.  We would have kicked the shite out of them.  So, will Iain Henderson, captain of the Irish team, sing Amhrán na bhFiann on Sunday or not?  Come on, big balls rugby prop, what will it be? 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: smort on February 13, 2021, 03:59:31 AM
You'd think there weren't complicated issues around identity in these parts. You see it here and in the golf thread...
Anyway, don't think iain will have to worry about singing Amhrán na bhFiann, Irelands Call was the only anthem played last week
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: galwayman on February 13, 2021, 08:25:29 AM
Amhrainn na bhFiann is never played for away games anyway.
Only Ireland's Call.
Both are played for home games.
Not sure if it's any different this year without crowds etc.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: general_lee on February 13, 2021, 09:10:38 AM
Who f**king cares? Have we another Angelo in the making?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: DuffleKing on February 13, 2021, 09:34:56 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 01:15:41 AM
Is that Philomena Begley?!  So will Iain Henderson be Irish on Sunday?  Or is he British?  Or worse, is he Northern Irish, a bastard race!
Hmmm not sure it will bother me. He is within his rights to claim all 3. What about James Lowe, Josh VDF etc. You appear to save your ire for Ulster players. Chip on your shoulder? Did one of the big rugby boys beat you when you were a wee fella?
[/quote]

Josh van der Flier!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 13, 2021, 09:40:54 AM
Oh that was fun reading
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 09:52:15 AM
Quote from: DuffleKing on February 13, 2021, 09:34:56 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 01:15:41 AM
Is that Philomena Begley?!  So will Iain Henderson be Irish on Sunday?  Or is he British?  Or worse, is he Northern Irish, a bastard race!
Hmmm not sure it will bother me. He is within his rights to claim all 3. What about James Lowe, Josh VDF etc. You appear to save your ire for Ulster players. Chip on your shoulder? Did one of the big rugby boys beat you when you were a wee fella?

Josh van der Flier!
[/quote] ;D I meant Stander. And you made a quare balls of chopping that quote.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 13, 2021, 02:30:15 PM
Re last week

https://mobile.twitter.com/RTEsport/status/1359579190035689476
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tonto1888 on February 13, 2021, 05:33:36 PM
Who is this restorepride lad and where did he come from?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on February 13, 2021, 05:36:59 PM
Italy bring a lot to the 6 Nations. A lot of points to the team who are playing them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on February 13, 2021, 06:03:18 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on February 13, 2021, 05:36:59 PM
Italy bring a lot to the 6 Nations. A lot of points to the team who are playing them.

They're dire and haven't improved in the 20 years they've been a part of it. Perennial whipping boys. There should be a relegation play off each year against the best next tier nation. Georgia or whoever that is.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: galwayman on February 13, 2021, 06:35:50 PM
Only thing is the same would happen to that team if they managed to beat Italy.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on February 13, 2021, 06:37:38 PM
Quote from: galwayman on February 13, 2021, 06:35:50 PM
Only thing is the same would happen to that team if they managed to beat Italy.

Very true but the threat of relegation might jizz them up a bit. Even the threat that if they keep getting hockeyed they'll be booted out.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 13, 2021, 06:42:45 PM
f**king Scotland, they would mess it up after beating England

Fantastic game of rugby football though

That Rees-Zammit youngster for Wales is a star
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 13, 2021, 07:23:03 PM
Wales are perennial spawny bastards
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: TwoUpTwoDown on February 13, 2021, 07:25:40 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on February 13, 2021, 05:36:59 PM
Italy bring a lot to the 6 Nations. A lot of points to the team who are playing them.

They bring a cracking long weekend. It's a must for any rugby fan. Two or three nights in Rome with great food and drink. I don't want them leaving the 6N any time soon.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on February 13, 2021, 07:28:42 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on February 13, 2021, 07:23:03 PM
Wales are perennial spawny bastards

I still don't think they're a good side. Another red card for their opponents for the opposition (when scotland had a penalty for a shot on goal) was a big turning point
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 13, 2021, 07:31:17 PM
Quote from: TwoUpTwoDown on February 13, 2021, 07:25:40 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on February 13, 2021, 05:36:59 PM
Italy bring a lot to the 6 Nations. A lot of points to the team who are playing them.

They bring a cracking long weekend. It's a must for any rugby fan. Two or three nights in Rome with great food and drink. I don't want them leaving the 6N any time soon.

On my list. Was looking to do it soon but Covid had different ideas!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rich Ricci on February 13, 2021, 07:33:58 PM
Is any contact with the head just automatically a red now? As a very casual rugby fan, when a red was given I thought it was really harsh but most of the commentators didn't seem to think it was too far off the correct decision.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on February 13, 2021, 07:36:44 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 13, 2021, 07:31:17 PM
Quote from: TwoUpTwoDown on February 13, 2021, 07:25:40 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on February 13, 2021, 05:36:59 PM
Italy bring a lot to the 6 Nations. A lot of points to the team who are playing them.

They bring a cracking long weekend. It's a must for any rugby fan. Two or three nights in Rome with great food and drink. I don't want them leaving the 6N any time soon.

On my list. Was looking to do it soon but Covid had different ideas!

I had flights/hotels booked for Rome and Edinburgh this year.  :'( Never been to Rome, but Edinburgh is always a great trip.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on February 13, 2021, 07:38:18 PM
Quote from: Rich Ricci on February 13, 2021, 07:33:58 PM
Is any contact with the head just automatically a red now? As a very casual rugby fan, when a red was given I thought it was really harsh but most of the commentators didn't seem to think it was too far off the correct decision.
Its a red unless there is 'mitigating factors' like a player maybe ducking into the contact or if it looks like the offender has made a genuine attempt to play the ball
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on February 13, 2021, 07:39:05 PM
Quote from: Nanderson on February 13, 2021, 07:38:18 PM
Quote from: Rich Ricci on February 13, 2021, 07:33:58 PM
Is any contact with the head just automatically a red now? As a very casual rugby fan, when a red was given I thought it was really harsh but most of the commentators didn't seem to think it was too far off the correct decision.
Its a red unless there is 'mitigating factors' like a player maybe ducking into the contact or if it looks like the offender has made a genuine attempt to play the ball

I suppose, after last week, it was always going to be a red.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on February 13, 2021, 07:47:00 PM
Quote from: Rich Ricci on February 13, 2021, 07:33:58 PM
Is any contact with the head just automatically a red now? As a very casual rugby fan, when a red was given I thought it was really harsh but most of the commentators didn't seem to think it was too far off the correct decision.

World rugby focusing on player safety so there is pretty much zero tolerance for any hit to the head.

The only thing that might have saved either player the last few weeks is if the player they hit was tackled/moved by someone else into the players path as they went in for the tackle and that caused the hit to the head.

That didn't apply to POM last week and didn't happen today either
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 08:14:15 PM
If the tackler goes in with one arm down by their side they make it easy for the ref to stick his hand in his pocket. I think Fagerson was genuinely going in for a clean out and it certainly looked more genuine than POM's which looked awful, but poor technique has put his team in the shit.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: TwoUpTwoDown on February 13, 2021, 08:45:38 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on February 13, 2021, 07:36:44 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 13, 2021, 07:31:17 PM
Quote from: TwoUpTwoDown on February 13, 2021, 07:25:40 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on February 13, 2021, 05:36:59 PM
Italy bring a lot to the 6 Nations. A lot of points to the team who are playing them.

They bring a cracking long weekend. It's a must for any rugby fan. Two or three nights in Rome with great food and drink. I don't want them leaving the 6N any time soon.

On my list. Was looking to do it soon but Covid had different ideas!

I had flights/hotels booked for Rome and Edinburgh this year.  :'( Never been to Rome, but Edinburgh is always a great trip.

MR2 it is a must. D7 you were taking advantage of the best of the 6nations away days.  That's why this set of fixtures is always my favourite...forget about the championship being supposedly easier, it's the away days. Edinburgh, Rome and Cardiff are musts. Paris is good also, but London is always poor enough imo.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on February 13, 2021, 09:13:40 PM
Quote from: TwoUpTwoDown on February 13, 2021, 08:45:38 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on February 13, 2021, 07:36:44 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 13, 2021, 07:31:17 PM
Quote from: TwoUpTwoDown on February 13, 2021, 07:25:40 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on February 13, 2021, 05:36:59 PM
Italy bring a lot to the 6 Nations. A lot of points to the team who are playing them.

They bring a cracking long weekend. It's a must for any rugby fan. Two or three nights in Rome with great food and drink. I don't want them leaving the 6N any time soon.

On my list. Was looking to do it soon but Covid had different ideas!

I had flights/hotels booked for Rome and Edinburgh this year.  :'( Never been to Rome, but Edinburgh is always a great trip.

MR2 it is a must. D7 you were taking advantage of the best of the 6nations away days.  That's why this set of fixtures is always my favourite...forget about the championship being supposedly easier, it's the away days. Edinburgh, Rome and Cardiff are musts. Paris is good also, but London is always poor enough imo.

+1 I was Twickenham for the grand slam, but I don't like Twickenham. It's a fair trek from the centre of London and I'm not a fan of London.

We've an office in Edinburgh so drinking on match day for this years trip was going on the company card as client entertainment!!

Been there so often I avoid the tourist traps in grassmarket and spend the weekend drinking with the locals. Some great bars/whiskey rooms in Edinburgh and it's a city that should be visited by everyone when we get back to some sort of normality.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 09:54:07 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on February 13, 2021, 09:13:40 PM
Quote from: TwoUpTwoDown on February 13, 2021, 08:45:38 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on February 13, 2021, 07:36:44 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 13, 2021, 07:31:17 PM
Quote from: TwoUpTwoDown on February 13, 2021, 07:25:40 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on February 13, 2021, 05:36:59 PM
Italy bring a lot to the 6 Nations. A lot of points to the team who are playing them.

They bring a cracking long weekend. It's a must for any rugby fan. Two or three nights in Rome with great food and drink. I don't want them leaving the 6N any time soon.

On my list. Was looking to do it soon but Covid had different ideas!

I had flights/hotels booked for Rome and Edinburgh this year.  :'( Never been to Rome, but Edinburgh is always a great trip.

MR2 it is a must. D7 you were taking advantage of the best of the 6nations away days.  That's why this set of fixtures is always my favourite...forget about the championship being supposedly easier, it's the away days. Edinburgh, Rome and Cardiff are musts. Paris is good also, but London is always poor enough imo.

+1 I was Twickenham for the grand slam, but I don't like Twickenham. It's a fair trek from the centre of London and I'm not a fan of London.

We've an office in Edinburgh so drinking on match day for this years trip was going on the company card as client entertainment!!

Been there so often I avoid the tourist traps in grassmarket and spend the weekend drinking with the locals. Some great bars/whiskey rooms in Edinburgh and it's a city that should be visited by everyone when we get back to some sort of normality.
We have a workplace just outside Edinburgh so at one stage I was over about once a month and I would agree that it is a super spot. Serious amount of places for a small city.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 14, 2021, 07:51:08 AM

https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2021/0213/1196942-john-cooney-and-harry-byrne-called-up-to-ireland-squad/

Half-backs John Cooney and Harry Byrne have linked up with the Ireland squad ahead of Sunday's game against France to provide cover after Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton were ruled out with injuries.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 14, 2021, 12:46:02 PM
Has any rugby analyst over the past 10 years ever once raised an eyebrow at Earls' continued inclusion in Ireland teams?

He has now over a decade of 6N action under his belt, and it's almost a long since he did anything of consequence in an Ireland jersey. His try scoring record can be quickly identified as many tries against third tier countries, some tries against second tier countries, next to no tries against top tier countries. And all the while, defensively suspect.

Why has he enjoyed such an easy ride in his career?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lenny on February 14, 2021, 12:48:26 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 14, 2021, 12:46:02 PM
Has any rugby analyst over the past 10 years ever once raised an eyebrow at Earls' continued inclusion in Ireland teams?

He has now over a decade of 6N action under his belt, and it's almost a long since he did anything of consequence in an Ireland jersey. His try scoring record can be quickly identified as many tries against third tier countries, some tries against second tier countries, next to no tries against top tier countries. And all the while, defensively suspect.

Why he he enjoyed such an easy ride in his career?

Totally agree, he just never looks like he's a threat against anybody decent. His kicking is really poor also.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: whitegoodman on February 14, 2021, 02:30:06 PM
100% agree.  He is the wrong side of 30 as well which isn't great for a winger.  Larmour and Stockdale for me on the wings when both fit.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on February 14, 2021, 03:22:18 PM
Rugby boys should bring in a good gaa player to show them how to block down  a ball always been a pet peeve of mine how they try block a kick .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on February 14, 2021, 03:22:23 PM
Ireland playing very well after 20.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 14, 2021, 03:24:36 PM
The talent pool isn't that deep. Rugby needs a feed from the Gaelic Football pool to be consistent.

Most Gah players won't win anything under Rex Dublinus.

Burns misses a penalty. Sexton is concussed.


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 14, 2021, 03:26:57 PM
Quote from: Gmac on February 14, 2021, 03:22:18 PM
Rugby boys should bring in a good gaa player to show them how to block down  a ball always been a pet peeve of mine how they try block a kick .

https://youtu.be/OCCN2ouFp5M

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on February 14, 2021, 03:37:46 PM
Jaysus, after Ireland dominate, France get the try with a man in sin bin. But saw no clear evidence to overturn Lowe's try.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on February 14, 2021, 03:39:39 PM
Quote from: weareros on February 14, 2021, 03:37:46 PM
Jaysus, after Ireland dominate, France get the try with a man in sin bin. But saw no clear evidence to overturn Lowe's try.

They had footage of his right foot going into touch before the grounding.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on February 14, 2021, 03:48:36 PM
Very unlucky to be 7 down. Box kicks and general kicking game working well. Lowe unlucky.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on February 14, 2021, 03:49:06 PM
Quote from: Estimator on February 14, 2021, 03:39:39 PM
Quote from: weareros on February 14, 2021, 03:37:46 PM
Jaysus, after Ireland dominate, France get the try with a man in sin bin. But saw no clear evidence to overturn Lowe's try.

They had footage of his right foot going into touch before the grounding.

Yeah, right foot touched the line but a great effort by Lowe - nearly made it.

Ireland be very disappointed especially with a man up plushaving loads of possession.

All to play for.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 14, 2021, 03:58:20 PM
You wouldn't begrudge France a World Cup. They remind me of Down or Galway. Can be shite for years but when they get a team together they know what to do.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: quit yo jibbajabba on February 14, 2021, 04:00:00 PM
Think alls this Irish teams missin is a couple of French players
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on February 14, 2021, 04:02:10 PM
Look at the French try when they are tackled there's a man on the shoulder of the ball carrier the tackled player gets ball in free hand and flips to player on shoulder they can do 2 things at once , when Irish player breaks and gets tackled he tries to get to ground followed by ruck slower ball and very energy sapping type of game , lack of pace has always been Ireland's problem too .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 14, 2021, 04:05:43 PM
It's not a lack of pace, it's a fear of making mistakes.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 14, 2021, 04:19:17 PM
With these sort of handling errors, Ireland should be sponsored by Kerrygold
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: whitegoodman on February 14, 2021, 04:21:45 PM
Lowe defensively is brutal, couldn't tackle a fish supper
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 14, 2021, 04:24:34 PM
Sensational back play by France

This splendid young French team is one of the few things modern rugby has going for it

Opportunist try for Ireland by Ronan Kelleher

Pure jam but they needed that and then some
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 14, 2021, 04:26:34 PM
That Kelleher try really was the rugby equivalent of Fifteen Acres stuff
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 14, 2021, 04:28:16 PM
Ross Byrne is a very rugby name
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on February 14, 2021, 04:33:47 PM
Looked dead and now back in it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 14, 2021, 04:34:40 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 14, 2021, 04:28:16 PM
Ross Byrne is a very rugby name
If you want real rugby names these days you have to look at Dublin hurling

Ireland incredibly are in with a real chance of winning this now

Maybe not after that shocker of a kick by Lowe
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on February 14, 2021, 04:39:47 PM
Lowe going well, covering every inch of grass honest performance.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: whitegoodman on February 14, 2021, 04:52:45 PM
Quote from: Rudi on February 14, 2021, 04:39:47 PM
Lowe going well, covering every inch of grass honest performance.

He can't f**king defend
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 14, 2021, 04:53:42 PM
What a load of shite lost by 2 points but never once looked like winning that. Pretty poor stuff
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 14, 2021, 04:55:08 PM
Pretty embarrassing the way we were just pushed back by the French defence on that last possession

Very little imagination

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 04:55:30 PM
Burns clearly wasn't given a head assessment before the game.  To mess up one?  But being allowed to mess up 2? 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on February 14, 2021, 04:56:48 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 04:55:30 PM
Burns clearly wasn't given a head assessment before the game.  To mess up one?  But being allowed to mess up 2?

What are you talking about?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 04:58:57 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on February 14, 2021, 04:56:48 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 04:55:30 PM
Burns clearly wasn't given a head assessment before the game.  To mess up one?  But being allowed to mess up 2?

What are you talking about?
You should have watched the game!  He was brutal and another crucial error. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on February 14, 2021, 05:00:13 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 14, 2021, 04:55:08 PM
Pretty embarrassing the way we were just pushed back by the French defence on that last possession

Very little imagination
Players running on fumes at that stage. It was always going to be difficult. Fine margins once again. Lowe scores in first half and it's 8-0 with a conversion to come.

Andy Farrell can't catch a break. More injuries today disrupting the team at the start of the 2nd half had an effect on the team. Lowe gives Ireland do much going forward and with his kicking, but he was poor again defending the 2nf french try today
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 14, 2021, 05:01:17 PM
Played ok really wasn't expecting to be close to France but then they've struggled against us for a while so was always hon got be cagey.

Hard to win those type of games missing your 3 best players just ask Jurgen!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 14, 2021, 05:02:30 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on February 14, 2021, 04:53:42 PM
What a load of shite lost by 2 points but never once looked like winning that. Pretty poor stuff

Ní uasal agus íseal ach thuas seal agus thíos seal
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on February 14, 2021, 05:02:42 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 04:58:57 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on February 14, 2021, 04:56:48 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 04:55:30 PM
Burns clearly wasn't given a head assessment before the game.  To mess up one?  But being allowed to mess up 2?

What are you talking about?
You should have watched the game!  He was brutal and another crucial error.
Go on I'll bite. What crucial error? His missed one kick that he probably should have got, but got the gimme one a few minutes later. He went off injured at the start of the 2nd half with a bang to the head and it was JGP at fault for the 1st french try, not him
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 14, 2021, 05:07:47 PM
You'd miss Rugby After Dark with Bill O'Herlihy, Mick Doyle and Ned van Esbeck, which was a fixture in the early 90s when Ireland were poor

Doyle would f**king rip into the the two Murphys who were coaching Ireland at the time, and have really personal digs at a lot of players, especially Neil Francis and Denis McBride

I'd love to hear what he'd say about Andy Farrell

Ironically Francis is the closest to a Doyle type figure in the press these days

France and Scotland have the best coaching teams in this tournament - Galthie and Townsend are top class

Eddie Jones may have stayed too long, that's debatable, but he's still a formidable coach

Even the Wales guy seems willing to give youngsters their head

But we don't seem to do that at all and I don't think the players are on board with the Farrell set up, the hole thing is so dull

We're looking down the barrel of an old style whitewash - ie. losing to the other Five Nations teams, for the first time since 1998

Pat Lam could be getting a call this summer



Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on February 14, 2021, 05:08:37 PM
No doubt there will be a standing ovation on the Late Late this Friday anyway.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 05:17:54 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on February 14, 2021, 05:02:42 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 04:58:57 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on February 14, 2021, 04:56:48 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 04:55:30 PM
Burns clearly wasn't given a head assessment before the game.  To mess up one?  But being allowed to mess up 2?

What are you talking about?
You should have watched the game!  He was brutal and another crucial error.
Go on I'll bite. What crucial error? His missed one kick that he probably should have got, but got the gimme one a few minutes later. He went off injured at the start of the 2nd half with a bang to the head and it was JGP at fault for the 1st french try, not him
So let's do the Mathematics - Ireland loose by 2 and Billy cacs the pants again and misses a standard penalty at international level.  That is a crucial error.  Would you start him in the next game?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on February 14, 2021, 05:20:37 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 05:17:54 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on February 14, 2021, 05:02:42 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 04:58:57 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on February 14, 2021, 04:56:48 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 04:55:30 PM
Burns clearly wasn't given a head assessment before the game.  To mess up one?  But being allowed to mess up 2?

What are you talking about?
You should have watched the game!  He was brutal and another crucial error.
Go on I'll bite. What crucial error? His missed one kick that he probably should have got, but got the gimme one a few minutes later. He went off injured at the start of the 2nd half with a bang to the head and it was JGP at fault for the 1st french try, not him
So let's do the Mathematics - Ireland loose by 2 and Billy cacs the pants again and misses a standard penalty at international level.  That is a crucial error.  Would you start him in the next game?

That's another one on ignore then.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 05:24:16 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on February 14, 2021, 05:20:37 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 05:17:54 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on February 14, 2021, 05:02:42 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 04:58:57 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on February 14, 2021, 04:56:48 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 04:55:30 PM
Burns clearly wasn't given a head assessment before the game.  To mess up one?  But being allowed to mess up 2?

What are you talking about?
You should have watched the game!  He was brutal and another crucial error.
Go on I'll bite. What crucial error? His missed one kick that he probably should have got, but got the gimme one a few minutes later. He went off injured at the start of the 2nd half with a bang to the head and it was JGP at fault for the 1st french try, not him
So let's do the Mathematics - Ireland loose by 2 and Billy cacs the pants again and misses a standard penalty at international level.  That is a crucial error.  Would you start him in the next game?

That's another one on ignore then.
By all means - but would you start him in the next game?  A reasonable enough question.  Or was the addition challenging?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 05:26:20 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on February 14, 2021, 05:20:37 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 05:17:54 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on February 14, 2021, 05:02:42 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 04:58:57 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on February 14, 2021, 04:56:48 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 04:55:30 PM
Burns clearly wasn't given a head assessment before the game.  To mess up one?  But being allowed to mess up 2?

What are you talking about?
You should have watched the game!  He was brutal and another crucial error.
Go on I'll bite. What crucial error? His missed one kick that he probably should have got, but got the gimme one a few minutes later. He went off injured at the start of the 2nd half with a bang to the head and it was JGP at fault for the 1st french try, not him
So let's do the Mathematics - Ireland loose by 2 and Billy cacs the pants again and misses a standard penalty at international level.  That is a crucial error.  Would you start him in the next game?

That's another one on ignore then.

I thought France missed a handy one too in fairness ...

Though I'm not a huge fan of Burns. Ireland has better kickers
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 05:29:51 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 05:26:20 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on February 14, 2021, 05:20:37 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 05:17:54 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on February 14, 2021, 05:02:42 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 04:58:57 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on February 14, 2021, 04:56:48 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 04:55:30 PM
Burns clearly wasn't given a head assessment before the game.  To mess up one?  But being allowed to mess up 2?

What are you talking about?
You should have watched the game!  He was brutal and another crucial error.
Go on I'll bite. What crucial error? His missed one kick that he probably should have got, but got the gimme one a few minutes later. He went off injured at the start of the 2nd half with a bang to the head and it was JGP at fault for the 1st french try, not him
So let's do the Mathematics - Ireland loose by 2 and Billy cacs the pants again and misses a standard penalty at international level.  That is a crucial error.  Would you start him in the next game?

That's another one on ignore then.

I thought France missed a handy one too in fairness ...

Though I'm not a huge fan of Burns. Ireland has better kickers
At least the French effort was close, hitting the post!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on February 14, 2021, 05:31:49 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 05:26:20 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on February 14, 2021, 05:20:37 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 05:17:54 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on February 14, 2021, 05:02:42 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 04:58:57 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on February 14, 2021, 04:56:48 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 04:55:30 PM
Burns clearly wasn't given a head assessment before the game.  To mess up one?  But being allowed to mess up 2?

What are you talking about?
You should have watched the game!  He was brutal and another crucial error.
Go on I'll bite. What crucial error? His missed one kick that he probably should have got, but got the gimme one a few minutes later. He went off injured at the start of the 2nd half with a bang to the head and it was JGP at fault for the 1st french try, not him
So let's do the Mathematics - Ireland loose by 2 and Billy cacs the pants again and misses a standard penalty at international level.  That is a crucial error.  Would you start him in the next game?

That's another one on ignore then.

I thought France missed a handy one too in fairness ...

Though I'm not a huge fan of Burns. Ireland has better kickers
They did. They missed a conversion as well.

I thought Burns did alright. Losing him, Healy and Henderson together at the start of the 2nd half unsettled the side and we never got any rhythm going like the 1st half. I was disappointed with are options going forward this week. Kept using Henshaw on the crash ball. I'd have expected a bit more imagination and to change it up occasionally.

Ringrose looked dangerous when he got the ball but we didn't use him enough
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 05:32:40 PM
It was wide and a desperate miss from that angle.

But yeah full marks for hitting the post. Had it came down to a draw, that hitting the post would have swayed it...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on February 14, 2021, 05:32:58 PM
Headin for a 5th place finish. Haven't got the Wooden Spoon since '98. From the start of the 6 Nations only Ireland and England haven't been given that particular award. They've Italy away next, which should be a win for the Irish.

Wales have been poor as well, but sitting with two victories.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on February 14, 2021, 05:35:47 PM
There is only one word that can be used for that performance.

Heroic (™Irish Rugby)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 05:35:52 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 05:32:40 PM
It was wide and a desperate miss from that angle.

But yeah full marks for hitting the post. Had it came down to a draw, that hitting the post would have swayed it...
True - didn't realise that rule still applied. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on February 14, 2021, 05:42:31 PM
Quote from: whitegoodman on February 14, 2021, 04:52:45 PM
Quote from: Rudi on February 14, 2021, 04:39:47 PM
Lowe going well, covering every inch of grass honest performance.

He can't f**king defend

That's true, but he did a lot of good territory based kicks & cover catching. Compare him to Earl's who caught 3 balls and did nothing else.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 05:44:30 PM
Quote from: Rudi on February 14, 2021, 05:42:31 PM
Quote from: whitegoodman on February 14, 2021, 04:52:45 PM
Quote from: Rudi on February 14, 2021, 04:39:47 PM
Lowe going well, covering every inch of grass honest performance.

He can't f**king defend

That's true, but he did a lot of good territory based kicks & cover catching. Compare him to Earl's who caught 3 balls and did nothing else.
Totally agree re Earls.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 14, 2021, 05:59:19 PM
I don't see how anybody can look at Ireland under Farrell and say there's a plan, a style of play or any sort of long term thinking there

I just don't see it

Like, who'll be at 9 and 10 at the next World Cup

It won't be Sexton and it's unlikely to be Murray

It definitely won't be Billy Burns and Jamison Gibson Park

And I don't see James Lowe being on the wing

Ireland should move for Pat Lam in the summer I think because England will come calling for him when Eddie Jones goes

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 14, 2021, 06:10:45 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 14, 2021, 05:59:19 PM
I don't see how anybody can look at Ireland under Farrell and say there's a plan, a style of play or any sort of long term thinking there

I just don't see it

Like, who'll be at 9 and 10 at the next World Cup

It won't be Sexton and it's unlikely to be Murray

It definitely won't be Billy Burns and Jamison Gibson Park

And I don't see James Lowe being on the wing

Ireland should move for Pat Lam in the summer I think because England will come calling for him when Eddie Jones goes
I agree about Pat Lam
He knows what he's doing
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on February 14, 2021, 06:13:25 PM
Ireland never really looked as if they were going to score - they couldn't break down the French defence.  Very slow and no real zip about them.

In comparsion, when France attacked, they went fast, hard and with a purpose. 

Ireland's try was lucky enough but they played for 5 mins at the end and never make any yards gains.  France always looked confident in their defence.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 14, 2021, 06:22:49 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 14, 2021, 06:10:45 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 14, 2021, 05:59:19 PM
I don't see how anybody can look at Ireland under Farrell and say there's a plan, a style of play or any sort of long term thinking there

I just don't see it

Like, who'll be at 9 and 10 at the next World Cup

It won't be Sexton and it's unlikely to be Murray

It definitely won't be Billy Burns and Jamison Gibson Park

And I don't see James Lowe being on the wing

Ireland should move for Pat Lam in the summer I think because England will come calling for him when Eddie Jones goes
I agree about Pat Lam
He knows what he's doing
He made a silk purse from a sow's ear with Connacht

As well as knowing his stuff and preferring a very attractive style of rugby, he's an inspiring character, which is a huge part of being a coach I think, he immersed himself into the way of life down here

Gathie and Townsend as well as being good coaches with great playing backgrounds, are both inspiring characters

Farrell comes across as a dull, hapless Minister for Health type, and his coaching background is not confidence-inspiring to say the least

He's producing a duller version of Schmidt's style, without the success and the personal charisma and persuasive abilities that Schmidt had

Connacht is a proven breeding ground for good coaches

Lam is the man





Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on February 14, 2021, 06:51:37 PM
Quote from: Itchy on February 14, 2021, 05:35:47 PM
There is only one word that can be used for that performance.

Heroic (™Irish Rugby)

Brave from the goys (tm)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: whitegoodman on February 14, 2021, 07:16:48 PM
I thought they did alright until the 3 had to go off with head injuries, the two forwards in particular.  Burns kicking out of hand was decent but is still not the answer long term.

If you add Ryan, Doris, Leavy, Murray, Sexton and Stockdale as well as starting Furlong it would make some difference to the team.  However there is still the elephant in the room that they are not creating much in the backline and have no clear succession plan for Sexton and Murray.  How Cooney wasn't starting or at least on the bench today is beyond me.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: currychip on February 14, 2021, 07:18:36 PM
Ireland did OK.  Haven't got the players.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on February 14, 2021, 08:32:23 PM
Quote from: whitegoodman on February 14, 2021, 07:16:48 PM
I thought they did alright until the 3 had to go off with head injuries, the two forwards in particular.  Burns kicking out of hand was decent but is still not the answer long term.

If you add Ryan, Doris, Leavy, Murray, Sexton and Stockdale as well as starting Furlong it would make some difference to the team.  However there is still the elephant in the room that they are not creating much in the backline and have no clear succession plan for Sexton and Murray.  How Cooney wasn't starting or at least on the bench today is beyond me.

As much as I'd like too see Cooney (30) in the squad, at 1year younger than Murray (31), he is not his successor. JGP (almost 29) is not a long term viable option either.

From the starting line up today. Healy, Herring, Ruddock, Stander, Earls, are all 30+. If Sexton, Murray, O'Mahony, Aki (all 30+) were all available they'd be in the starting lineup. Surely at this stage of the World Cup cycle Ireland should be blooding as many younger players as possible.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 14, 2021, 08:45:38 PM
Ní uasal agus íseal ach thuas seal agus thíos seal

15-13

https://youtu.be/QOjF6rRRHWQ
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 14, 2021, 08:47:32 PM
Quote from: Estimator on February 14, 2021, 08:32:23 PM
Quote from: whitegoodman on February 14, 2021, 07:16:48 PM
I thought they did alright until the 3 had to go off with head injuries, the two forwards in particular.  Burns kicking out of hand was decent but is still not the answer long term.

If you add Ryan, Doris, Leavy, Murray, Sexton and Stockdale as well as starting Furlong it would make some difference to the team.  However there is still the elephant in the room that they are not creating much in the backline and have no clear succession plan for Sexton and Murray.  How Cooney wasn't starting or at least on the bench today is beyond me.

As much as I'd like too see Cooney (30) in the squad, at 1year younger than Murray (31), he is not his successor. JGP (almost 29) is not a long term viable option either.

From the starting line up today. Healy, Herring, Ruddock, Stander, Earls, are all 30+. If Sexton, Murray, O'Mahony, Aki (all 30+) were all available they'd be in the starting lineup. Surely at this stage of the World Cup cycle Ireland should be blooding as many younger players as possible.

Nucifora was supposed to be on top of succession planning.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 14, 2021, 08:52:17 PM
Quote from: Estimator on February 14, 2021, 08:32:23 PM
Quote from: whitegoodman on February 14, 2021, 07:16:48 PM
I thought they did alright until the 3 had to go off with head injuries, the two forwards in particular.  Burns kicking out of hand was decent but is still not the answer long term.

If you add Ryan, Doris, Leavy, Murray, Sexton and Stockdale as well as starting Furlong it would make some difference to the team.  However there is still the elephant in the room that they are not creating much in the backline and have no clear succession plan for Sexton and Murray.  How Cooney wasn't starting or at least on the bench today is beyond me.

As much as I'd like too see Cooney (30) in the squad, at 1year younger than Murray (31), he is not his successor. JGP (almost 29) is not a long term viable option either.

From the starting line up today. Healy, Herring, Ruddock, Stander, Earls, are all 30+. If Sexton, Murray, O'Mahony, Aki (all 30+) were all available they'd be in the starting lineup. Surely at this stage of the World Cup cycle Ireland should be blooding as many younger players as possible.
Porter
Furlong
Kelleher
Beirne
Ryan
Henderson
Leavy
Connors
Van der Flier
Doris
Casey
Frawley
Harry Byrne
Larmour
Henshaw
Ringrose
Keenan
Stockdale
Carberry if he can ever get fit again

These are the players in their prime or coming into their prime we need to build around or phase in

There's room for a couple of older heads if they can keep fit and are in form, Murray and O'Mahony would be the most likely, Zebo might be worth another look as regards having in the squad if he comes back to Munster

You need to be bedding in most of the World Cup team by summer 2022 anyway to give yourself a decent 15 month run at it
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 6th sam on February 14, 2021, 09:50:43 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 14, 2021, 08:52:17 PM
Quote from: Estimator on February 14, 2021, 08:32:23 PM
Quote from: whitegoodman on February 14, 2021, 07:16:48 PM
I thought they did alright until the 3 had to go off with head injuries, the two forwards in particular.  Burns kicking out of hand was decent but is still not the answer long term.

If you add Ryan, Doris, Leavy, Murray, Sexton and Stockdale as well as starting Furlong it would make some difference to the team.  However there is still the elephant in the room that they are not creating much in the backline and have no clear succession plan for Sexton and Murray.  How Cooney wasn't starting or at least on the bench today is beyond me.

As much as I'd like too see Cooney (30) in the squad, at 1year younger than Murray (31), he is not his successor. JGP (almost 29) is not a long term viable option either.

From the starting line up today. Healy, Herring, Ruddock, Stander, Earls, are all 30+. If Sexton, Murray, O'Mahony, Aki (all 30+) were all available they'd be in the starting lineup. Surely at this stage of the World Cup cycle Ireland should be blooding as many younger players as possible.
Porter
Furlong
Kelleher
Beirne
Ryan
Henderson
Leavy
Connors
Van der Flier
Doris
Casey
Frawley
Harry Byrne
Larmour
Henshaw
Ringrose
Keenan
Stockdale
Carberry if he can ever get fit again

These are the players in their prime or coming into their prime we need to build around or phase in

There's room for a couple of older heads if they can keep fit and are in form, Murray and O'Mahony would be the most likely, Zebo might be worth another look as regards having in the squad if he comes back to Munster

You need to be bedding in most of the World Cup team by summer 2022 anyway to give yourself a decent 15 month run at it

Where is Rugby going ?
Genuine Head injury concerns, risk is serious, and the necessary disruption to play and selection is unsustainable .
Post Covid financial concerns.
Ireland very old age profile .
Boring play lacking ingenuity or flair
Stlll haven't broken away from classist origins.
And the bizarre irony that Simon Zebo can't play for his country but we have New Zealand South African English and welsh players can. I'm all for the diaspora playing for ireland but this residency rule is ridiculous. This player tourism is ridiculous, player X doesn't think he's going to cut it for NZ and he moves halfway around the world for a job, next thing he's kissing the shamrock badge in the Aviva.
Having been a big rugby fan( and still admiring much about Rugby )
I'm rapidly losing interest and have only watched cameos of recent internationals
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 10:19:46 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on February 14, 2021, 09:50:43 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 14, 2021, 08:52:17 PM
Quote from: Estimator on February 14, 2021, 08:32:23 PM
Quote from: whitegoodman on February 14, 2021, 07:16:48 PM
I thought they did alright until the 3 had to go off with head injuries, the two forwards in particular.  Burns kicking out of hand was decent but is still not the answer long term.

If you add Ryan, Doris, Leavy, Murray, Sexton and Stockdale as well as starting Furlong it would make some difference to the team.  However there is still the elephant in the room that they are not creating much in the backline and have no clear succession plan for Sexton and Murray.  How Cooney wasn't starting or at least on the bench today is beyond me.

As much as I'd like too see Cooney (30) in the squad, at 1year younger than Murray (31), he is not his successor. JGP (almost 29) is not a long term viable option either.

From the starting line up today. Healy, Herring, Ruddock, Stander, Earls, are all 30+. If Sexton, Murray, O'Mahony, Aki (all 30+) were all available they'd be in the starting lineup. Surely at this stage of the World Cup cycle Ireland should be blooding as many younger players as possible.
Porter
Furlong
Kelleher
Beirne
Ryan
Henderson
Leavy
Connors
Van der Flier
Doris
Casey
Frawley
Harry Byrne
Larmour
Henshaw
Ringrose
Keenan
Stockdale
Carberry if he can ever get fit again

These are the players in their prime or coming into their prime we need to build around or phase in

There's room for a couple of older heads if they can keep fit and are in form, Murray and O'Mahony would be the most likely, Zebo might be worth another look as regards having in the squad if he comes back to Munster

You need to be bedding in most of the World Cup team by summer 2022 anyway to give yourself a decent 15 month run at it

Where is Rugby going ?
Genuine Head injury concerns, risk is serious, and the necessary disruption to play and selection is unsustainable .
Post Covid financial concerns.
Ireland very old age profile .
Boring play lacking ingenuity or flair
Stlll haven't broken away from classist origins.
And the bizarre irony that Simon Zebo can't play for his country but we have New Zealand South African English and welsh players can. I'm all for the diaspora playing for ireland but this residency rule is ridiculous. This player tourism is ridiculous, player X doesn't think he's going to cut it for NZ and he moves halfway around the world for a job, next thing he's kissing the shamrock badge in the Aviva.
Having been a big rugby fan( and still admiring much about Rugby )
I'm rapidly losing interest and have only watched cameos of recent internationals
Great spake - I couldn't agree more.  Including a captain today who isn't Irish, didn't even have the courtesy or balls to sing the national anthem of the country he claims to represent.  In his post-match analysis  said "for me personally.." - a complete disconnect as a captain and as an Irish leader.  Soon, parents won't allow children to play - far too dangerous.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 10:22:51 PM
The forum bigot
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 10:32:13 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 10:22:51 PM
The forum bigot
Afraid not. I had a relative murdered by the Shankill butchers and you thought it was ok to compare teachers to Lenny Murphy.  Why don't you make your post again to see what happens?   
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 10:37:43 PM
Oh dear, MR2 has gone all quiet.  No wonder.  Go on, post it again so that the MOD can delete it again. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 10:41:47 PM
Which drinks are you on tonight?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 10:45:39 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 10:41:47 PM
Which drinks are you on tonight?
None actually - want to try your post again? 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 10:47:07 PM
Come on - make Naomh Gall proud of you.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 10:47:27 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 10:45:39 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 10:41:47 PM
Which drinks are you on tonight?
None actually - want to try your post again?

Sure you've already put it up ya muppet
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 10:49:31 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 10:32:13 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 10:22:51 PM
The forum bigot
Afraid not. I had a relative murdered by the Shankill butchers and you thought it was ok to compare teachers to Lenny Murphy.  Why don't you make your post again to see what happens?
Still stand by your comment?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 10:51:01 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 10:49:31 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 10:32:13 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 10:22:51 PM
The forum bigot
Afraid not. I had a relative murdered by the Shankill butchers and you thought it was ok to compare teachers to Lenny Murphy.  Why don't you make your post again to see what happens?
Still stand by your comment?

That you're a bigot? Yes
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 10:52:36 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 10:51:01 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 10:49:31 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 10:32:13 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 10:22:51 PM
The forum bigot
Afraid not. I had a relative murdered by the Shankill butchers and you thought it was ok to compare teachers to Lenny Murphy.  Why don't you make your post again to see what happens?
Still stand by your comment?

That you're a bigot? Yes
I had a relative murdered by the Shankill Butchers, he did live in Belfast.  You think it ok to compare teachers to a Shankill Butcher?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 10:54:13 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 10:52:36 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 10:51:01 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 10:49:31 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 10:32:13 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 10:22:51 PM
The forum bigot
Afraid not. I had a relative murdered by the Shankill butchers and you thought it was ok to compare teachers to Lenny Murphy.  Why don't you make your post again to see what happens?
Still stand by your comment?

That you're a bigot? Yes
I had a relative murdered by the Shankill Butchers, he did live in Belfast.  You think it ok to compare teachers to a Shankill Butcher?

You obviously never got what I was saying. Probably too pissed to understand
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 10:57:08 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 10:54:13 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 10:52:36 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 10:51:01 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 10:49:31 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 10:32:13 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 10:22:51 PM
The forum bigot
Afraid not. I had a relative murdered by the Shankill butchers and you thought it was ok to compare teachers to Lenny Murphy.  Why don't you make your post again to see what happens?
Still stand by your comment?

That you're a bigot? Yes
I had a relative murdered by the Shankill Butchers, he did live in Belfast.  You think it ok to compare teachers to a Shankill Butcher?

You obviously never got what I was saying. Probably too pissed to understand
Doesn't work, I'm afraid, no drink taken.  Explain what you were saying then - I think you owe a murdered relative, throat cut, that at least.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 11:01:13 PM
Just some Evo stick?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 11:02:36 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 11:01:13 PM
Just some Evo stick?
You sick bastard.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 11:04:23 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 11:02:36 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 11:01:13 PM
Just some Evo stick?
You sick bastard.

Go to bed, give yourself a break
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 11:05:59 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 11:04:23 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 11:02:36 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 11:01:13 PM
Just some Evo stick?
You sick bastard.

Go to bed, give yourself a break
Sick bastard - Evo stick for a dead relative.  You need help, you sick bastard.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 11:10:00 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 11:05:59 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 11:04:23 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 11:02:36 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 11:01:13 PM
Just some Evo stick?
You sick bastard.

Go to bed, give yourself a break
Sick bastard - Evo stick for a dead relative.  You need help, you sick bastard.

? You said no drink taken, I said evo stick and now I'm giving evo stick to dead relatives? Are you sure you haven't been drinking?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 11:16:57 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 11:10:00 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 11:05:59 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 11:04:23 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 11:02:36 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 11:01:13 PM
Just some Evo stick?
You sick bastard.

Go to bed, give yourself a break
Sick bastard - Evo stick for a dead relative.  You need help, you sick bastard.

? You said no drink taken, I said evo stick and now I'm giving evo stick to dead relatives? Are you sure you haven't been drinking?
The board got what you meant, 2up2down isn't 2 hard to get.  I told you that the Shankill Butchers killed my relative, the MOD deleted your previous post in that regard and probably will take a good look at this.  On a human level, you are as low as it gets.  Clear for the whole board to judge.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 11:21:56 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 11:16:57 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 11:10:00 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 11:05:59 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 11:04:23 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 11:02:36 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 11:01:13 PM
Just some Evo stick?
You sick bastard.

Go to bed, give yourself a break
Sick bastard - Evo stick for a dead relative.  You need help, you sick bastard.

? You said no drink taken, I said evo stick and now I'm giving evo stick to dead relatives? Are you sure you haven't been drinking?
The board got what you meant, 2up2down isn't 2 hard to get.  I told you that the Shankill Butchers killed my relative, the MOD deleted your previous post in that regard and probably will take a good look at this.  On a human level, you are as low as it gets.  Clear for the whole board to judge.

He deleted your post also

You still don't get the point of the post. But carry on,
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 11:24:10 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 11:21:56 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 11:16:57 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 11:10:00 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 11:05:59 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 11:04:23 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 11:02:36 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 11:01:13 PM
Just some Evo stick?
You sick bastard.

Go to bed, give yourself a break
Sick bastard - Evo stick for a dead relative.  You need help, you sick bastard.

? You said no drink taken, I said evo stick and now I'm giving evo stick to dead relatives? Are you sure you haven't been drinking?
The board got what you meant, 2up2down isn't 2 hard to get.  I told you that the Shankill Butchers killed my relative, the MOD deleted your previous post in that regard and probably will take a good look at this.  On a human level, you are as low as it gets.  Clear for the whole board to judge.

He deleted your post also

You still don't get the point of the post. But carry on,
Explain it - to the board then.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 11:28:43 PM
Come on, explain your post.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 11:30:39 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 11:28:43 PM
Come on, explain your post.

I did, if you can't understand it it then move on. Take it up with the mod
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 11:33:03 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 11:30:39 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 11:28:43 PM
Come on, explain your post.

I did, if you can't understand it it then move on. Take it up with the mod
NO.  The MOD will take it up with YOU.  Come on, explain you comparison of teachers to a Shankill Butcher - again.  The Board would love to hear it - 2up2down and all that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 11:43:30 PM
Oh dear, MR2 has gone to bed!  No wonder Cargin found it so easy.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 11:45:12 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 11:43:30 PM
Oh dear, MR2 has gone to bed!  No wonder Cargin found it so easy.

Can we get a 🤦‍♀️ emoji please
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 11:47:18 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2021, 11:45:12 PM
Quote from: restorepride on February 14, 2021, 11:43:30 PM
Oh dear, MR2 has gone to bed!  No wonder Cargin found it so easy.

Can we get a 🤦‍♀️ emoji please
NO.  Remember - go bás.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 15, 2021, 12:17:48 AM
Quote from: 6th sam on February 14, 2021, 09:50:43 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 14, 2021, 08:52:17 PM
Quote from: Estimator on February 14, 2021, 08:32:23 PM
Quote from: whitegoodman on February 14, 2021, 07:16:48 PM
I thought they did alright until the 3 had to go off with head injuries, the two forwards in particular.  Burns kicking out of hand was decent but is still not the answer long term.

If you add Ryan, Doris, Leavy, Murray, Sexton and Stockdale as well as starting Furlong it would make some difference to the team.  However there is still the elephant in the room that they are not creating much in the backline and have no clear succession plan for Sexton and Murray.  How Cooney wasn't starting or at least on the bench today is beyond me.

As much as I'd like too see Cooney (30) in the squad, at 1year younger than Murray (31), he is not his successor. JGP (almost 29) is not a long term viable option either.

From the starting line up today. Healy, Herring, Ruddock, Stander, Earls, are all 30+. If Sexton, Murray, O'Mahony, Aki (all 30+) were all available they'd be in the starting lineup. Surely at this stage of the World Cup cycle Ireland should be blooding as many younger players as possible.
Porter
Furlong
Kelleher
Beirne
Ryan
Henderson
Leavy
Connors
Van der Flier
Doris
Casey
Frawley
Harry Byrne
Larmour
Henshaw
Ringrose
Keenan
Stockdale
Carberry if he can ever get fit again

These are the players in their prime or coming into their prime we need to build around or phase in

There's room for a couple of older heads if they can keep fit and are in form, Murray and O'Mahony would be the most likely, Zebo might be worth another look as regards having in the squad if he comes back to Munster

You need to be bedding in most of the World Cup team by summer 2022 anyway to give yourself a decent 15 month run at it

Where is Rugby going ?
Genuine Head injury concerns, risk is serious, and the necessary disruption to play and selection is unsustainable .
Post Covid financial concerns.
Ireland very old age profile .
Boring play lacking ingenuity or flair
Stlll haven't broken away from classist origins.
And the bizarre irony that Simon Zebo can't play for his country but we have New Zealand South African English and welsh players can. I'm all for the diaspora playing for ireland but this residency rule is ridiculous. This player tourism is ridiculous, player X doesn't think he's going to cut it for NZ and he moves halfway around the world for a job, next thing he's kissing the shamrock badge in the Aviva.
Having been a big rugby fan( and still admiring much about Rugby )
I'm rapidly losing interest and have only watched cameos of recent internationals
There's absolute logic to not picking non-Irish-based players - it's to protect the competitiveness of the provincial game here and to keep the big stars at home, rather than have them move to England or France

New Zealand do it too

Everybody knows the rules of the game

Player residency rules as regards international teams have been upped to five years

It won't be a major issue going forward and to be honest most of the imports are a cut below anyway, that's why they're here, so Irish players will generally get the nod because we have better players in nearly all positions

Imports rarely last long on the team and those that are there are generally squad players making up the numbers, I expect this will be the case with Lowe because as we saw today he has glaring defensive weaknesses that you can't get away with in international rugby

I've found the first two weekends very interesting, really competitive matches even if the standard sometimes hasn't been great - but the contest makes the game

Think it's definitely apparent we're fifth best at the moment though
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 15, 2021, 12:22:49 AM
This clip is pretty damning for Billy Burns

Throw the ball, for chrisake

https://twitter.com/Murray_Kinsella/status/1361068225228857344
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 6th sam on February 15, 2021, 12:32:09 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 15, 2021, 12:17:48 AM
Quote from: 6th sam on February 14, 2021, 09:50:43 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 14, 2021, 08:52:17 PM
Quote from: Estimator on February 14, 2021, 08:32:23 PM
Quote from: whitegoodman on February 14, 2021, 07:16:48 PM
I thought they did alright until the 3 had to go off with head injuries, the two forwards in particular.  Burns kicking out of hand was decent but is still not the answer long term.

If you add Ryan, Doris, Leavy, Murray, Sexton and Stockdale as well as starting Furlong it would make some difference to the team.  However there is still the elephant in the room that they are not creating much in the backline and have no clear succession plan for Sexton and Murray.  How Cooney wasn't starting or at least on the bench today is beyond me.

As much as I'd like too see Cooney (30) in the squad, at 1year younger than Murray (31), he is not his successor. JGP (almost 29) is not a long term viable option either.

From the starting line up today. Healy, Herring, Ruddock, Stander, Earls, are all 30+. If Sexton, Murray, O'Mahony, Aki (all 30+) were all available they'd be in the starting lineup. Surely at this stage of the World Cup cycle Ireland should be blooding as many younger players as possible.
Porter
Furlong
Kelleher
Beirne
Ryan
Henderson
Leavy
Connors
Van der Flier
Doris
Casey
Frawley
Harry Byrne
Larmour
Henshaw
Ringrose
Keenan
Stockdale
Carberry if he can ever get fit again

These are the players in their prime or coming into their prime we need to build around or phase in

There's room for a couple of older heads if they can keep fit and are in form, Murray and O'Mahony would be the most likely, Zebo might be worth another look as regards having in the squad if he comes back to Munster

You need to be bedding in most of the World Cup team by summer 2022 anyway to give yourself a decent 15 month run at it

Where is Rugby going ?
Genuine Head injury concerns, risk is serious, and the necessary disruption to play and selection is unsustainable .
Post Covid financial concerns.
Ireland very old age profile .
Boring play lacking ingenuity or flair
Stlll haven't broken away from classist origins.
And the bizarre irony that Simon Zebo can't play for his country but we have New Zealand South African English and welsh players can. I'm all for the diaspora playing for ireland but this residency rule is ridiculous. This player tourism is ridiculous, player X doesn't think he's going to cut it for NZ and he moves halfway around the world for a job, next thing he's kissing the shamrock badge in the Aviva.
Having been a big rugby fan( and still admiring much about Rugby )
I'm rapidly losing interest and have only watched cameos of recent internationals
There's absolute logic to not picking non-Irish-based players - it's to protect the competitiveness of the provincial game here and to keep the big stars at home, rather than have them move to England or France

New Zealand do it too

Everybody knows the rules of the game

Player residency rules as regards international teams have been upped to five years

It won't be a major issue going forward and to be honest most of the imports are a cut below anyway, that's why they're here, so Irish players will generally get the nod because we have better players in nearly all positions

Imports rarely last long on the team and those that are there are generally squad players making up the numbers, I expect this will be the case with Lowe because as we saw today he has glaring defensive weaknesses that you can't get away with in international rugby

I've found the first two weekends very interesting, really competitive matches even if the standard sometimes hasn't been great - but the contest makes the game

Think it's definitely apparent we're fifth best at the moment though

Would agree that it makes sense from a mercenary point of view , I just think the international game could go the way of soccer where the international game plays second fiddle to the club game. I actually think that though ireland have lost the two games, they remained competitive in the face severe challenges particularly the  Sending off , and head injury losses. I genuinely don't see where Rugby's going , the head injury risk and disruption is unsustainable. The prevalence of low risk borefests especially involving ireland further undermines the game. Players are just going to have to get even bigger to compete and that increases the risk and drop out rate. Ireland's "glory days" appear to be behind us and it's sad that even at our peak we were always Also-rans at the World Cup
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 15, 2021, 01:04:52 AM
There are people that want to make the Premiership in England a sort of NBA of the game, or perhaps have an England/France duopoly on the club game in the way that the Premier League and La Liga dominate European club football

But the problem with that is that that there just aren't enough people interested in club/provincial rugby - and nobody follows a team outside their own country

Like, nobody in Ireland follows Leicester or Saracens in the way they follow Liverpool or Manchester United, even in England, nobody outside Leicester or its hinterland follows them

There isn't a Barcelona or Real Madrid of rugby, Toulouse would be the closest thing in terms of there being a "big" European club with cachet but it's not comparable at all

The Munster/Leinster thing was/is unique in the world in terms of attracting mass support at club/provincial level and it was also very much of a time and place, their support has dropped off significantly, there's nowhere near the same buzz around them as there was in the 2000s

Rugby is a bit like GAA in that even in the professional era, it is a game very much based on place and identity, international drives the money, and that is why international teams will always be the main show

At club/provincial level, an England/France duopoly would be very bad for the sport - but at the same time the Celtic League is good few notches down from the English and French leagues in terms of competitiveness and general spectacle, and it's been particularly bad for Scotland and Wales as it doesn't capture the imagination there at all - their teams are mostly franchises bar Llanelli Scarlets and Cardiff and supporters don't buy into it

I've sometimes wondered if a European Super League would be a runner but the English and French competitions are big business in and of themselves in those countries, and a European Super League would require a lot of clubs there to be effectively turkeys voting for Christmas

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 15, 2021, 08:03:36 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 15, 2021, 12:22:49 AM
This clip is pretty damning for Billy Burns

Throw the ball, for chrisake

https://twitter.com/Murray_Kinsella/status/1361068225228857344

For Burns or Farrell ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 15, 2021, 08:57:40 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 15, 2021, 12:22:49 AM
This clip is pretty damning for Billy Burns

Throw the ball, for chrisake

https://twitter.com/Murray_Kinsella/status/1361068225228857344

This is not new
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/the-offload-shane-horgan-pulls-no-punches-as-the-podcast-wars-rage-on-1.4422907

Horgan on Second Captains cut through a lot of media pandering when noting the current course of Farrell's Ireland team "is going to be really destructive."
On the Englishman's first year as Ireland head coach, Horgan said: "We are left with somebody who is not an innovative thinker who is implementing a game plan that is out of date...Modern rugby players want detail and a game plan that they can see working...Motivation and aggression by itself is nowhere near good enough."
On Ireland's new attack coach, Horgan pivoted into a laceration of the Ireland outhalf at Twickenham: "Worryingly, and I don't know if this is Mike Catt's coaching or not, but Ross Byrne's positioning from every single phrase was appalling. He is standing deep and not moving one inch forward, just shovelling it on. He left his centres in a really tricky position. He is no threat whatsoever. It was almost as if he was afraid to engage the line."

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 6th sam on February 15, 2021, 09:26:28 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 15, 2021, 01:04:52 AM
There are people that want to make the Premiership in England a sort of NBA of the game, or perhaps have an England/France duopoly on the club game in the way that the Premier League and La Liga dominate European club football

But the problem with that is that that there just aren't enough people interested in club/provincial rugby - and nobody follows a team outside their own country

Like, nobody in Ireland follows Leicester or Saracens in the way they follow Liverpool or Manchester United, even in England, nobody outside Leicester or its hinterland follows them

There isn't a Barcelona or Real Madrid of rugby, Toulouse would be the closest thing in terms of there being a "big" European club with cachet but it's not comparable at all

The Munster/Leinster thing was/is unique in the world in terms of attracting mass support at club/provincial level and it was also very much of a time and place, their support has dropped off significantly, there's nowhere near the same buzz around them as there was in the 2000s

Rugby is a bit like GAA in that even in the professional era, it is a game very much based on place and identity, international drives the money, and that is why international teams will always be the main show

At club/provincial level, an England/France duopoly would be very bad for the sport - but at the same time the Celtic League is good few notches down from the English and French leagues in terms of competitiveness and general spectacle, and it's been particularly bad for Scotland and Wales as it doesn't capture the imagination there at all - their teams are mostly franchises bar Llanelli Scarlets and Cardiff and supporters don't buy into it

I've sometimes wondered if a European Super League would be a runner but the English and French competitions are big business in and of themselves in those countries, and a European Super League would require a lot of clubs there to be effectively turkeys voting for Christmas

Fair summary, difficult road ahead
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on February 15, 2021, 09:48:54 AM
Passing the ball to static attackers is easy to defend against. We have to get attackers at pace beating the first defender, thereby creating space. Pat Lam is the man, those English lads weren't good enough for England, how could they be good enough for us?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 15, 2021, 09:52:42 AM
Quote from: seafoid on February 15, 2021, 08:03:36 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 15, 2021, 12:22:49 AM
This clip is pretty damning for Billy Burns

Throw the ball, for chrisake

https://twitter.com/Murray_Kinsella/status/1361068225228857344

For Burns or Farrell ?

It's hard to know what Ireland's gameplan is if they had one other than crash ball and the odd Garryowen in the hope we catch it or put enough pressure on the opposition that they knock on or make a mess if it.

We don't offload or even attempt to offload in the tackle, the passing amongst the backs is always pretty safe in the hope of a linebreak from Ringrose or Henshaw but you don't see any intelligence in their play.

It was a few French unloads that opened us up at will.

Maybe Farrell doesn't trust the players to have that skillset like Brian Ashton back in the day...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 15, 2021, 10:09:30 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 15, 2021, 09:52:42 AM
Quote from: seafoid on February 15, 2021, 08:03:36 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 15, 2021, 12:22:49 AM
This clip is pretty damning for Billy Burns

Throw the ball, for chrisake

https://twitter.com/Murray_Kinsella/status/1361068225228857344

For Burns or Farrell ?

It's hard to know what Ireland's gameplan is if they had one other than crash ball and the odd Garryowen in the hope we catch it or put enough pressure on the opposition that they knock on or make a mess if it.

We don't offload or even attempt to offload in the tackle, the passing amongst the backs is always pretty safe in the hope of a linebreak from Ringrose or Henshaw but you don't see any intelligence in their play.

It was a few French unloads that opened us up at will.

Maybe Farrell doesn't trust the players to have that skillset like Brian Ashton back in the day...

Farrell doesn't trust the players and the players don't trust him

Funnily enough one of the best Irish tries I can remember was under Brian Ashton - Denis Hickie versus Wales in 1997

Philosophy is everything

Mick Doyle changed things in less than a year, so did Ciaran Fitzgerald, Pat Lam did it with Connacht

Galthie and Townsend have done it with France and Scotland, who were both playing turgid rugby not that long ago

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 15, 2021, 10:21:46 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 15, 2021, 10:09:30 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 15, 2021, 09:52:42 AM
Quote from: seafoid on February 15, 2021, 08:03:36 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 15, 2021, 12:22:49 AM
This clip is pretty damning for Billy Burns

Throw the ball, for chrisake

https://twitter.com/Murray_Kinsella/status/1361068225228857344

For Burns or Farrell ?

It's hard to know what Ireland's gameplan is if they had one other than crash ball and the odd Garryowen in the hope we catch it or put enough pressure on the opposition that they knock on or make a mess if it.

We don't offload or even attempt to offload in the tackle, the passing amongst the backs is always pretty safe in the hope of a linebreak from Ringrose or Henshaw but you don't see any intelligence in their play.

It was a few French unloads that opened us up at will.

Maybe Farrell doesn't trust the players to have that skillset like Brian Ashton back in the day...

Farrell doesn't trust the players and the players don't trust him

Funnily enough one of the best Irish tries I can remember was under Brian Ashton - Denis Hickie versus Wales in 1997

Philosophy is everything

Mick Doyle changed things in less than a year, so did Ciaran Fitzgerald, Pat Lam did it with Connacht

Galthie and Townsend have done it with France and Scotland, who were both playing turgid rugby not that long ago

It's a  difference of culture. Interview with Galthie

https://sport24.lefigaro.fr/rugby/xv-de-france/actualites/le-xv-de-france-se-relance-apres-sept-mois-d-arret-1017144
On vit avec l'imprévu. Des fois, on parle du chaos. Ça fait partie des éléments qu'il faut essayer de maîtriser. 
« Avec les joueurs, on se prépare toujours au plus mauvais des scénarios, à l'entraînement, durant la semaine. Et en fait, la réponse que le staff doit apporter aux joueurs, c'est : n'importe qui, n'importe quand, n'importe où, il faut être prêt. » Vaille que vaille...

"We live with the unexpected. Sometimes we talk about chaos. It's one of the elements we have to try to control. We always prepare the players for the  worst scenarios  during the training sessions. And what the training staff communicate to them is no matter when, no matter where, we have to be ready."

That is a long way from Farrell.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 6th sam on February 15, 2021, 10:22:35 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 15, 2021, 10:09:30 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 15, 2021, 09:52:42 AM
Quote from: seafoid on February 15, 2021, 08:03:36 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 15, 2021, 12:22:49 AM
This clip is pretty damning for Billy Burns

Throw the ball, for chrisake

https://twitter.com/Murray_Kinsella/status/1361068225228857344

For Burns or Farrell ?

It's hard to know what Ireland's gameplan is if they had one other than crash ball and the odd Garryowen in the hope we catch it or put enough pressure on the opposition that they knock on or make a mess if it.

We don't offload or even attempt to offload in the tackle, the passing amongst the backs is always pretty safe in the hope of a linebreak from Ringrose or Henshaw but you don't see any intelligence in their play.

It was a few French unloads that opened us up at will.

Maybe Farrell doesn't trust the players to have that skillset like Brian Ashton back in the day...

Farrell doesn't trust the players and the players don't trust him

Funnily enough one of the best Irish tries I can remember was under Brian Ashton - Denis Hickie versus Wales in 1997

Philosophy is everything

Mick Doyle changed things in less than a year, so did Ciaran Fitzgerald, Pat Lam did it with Connacht

Galthie and Townsend have done it with France and Scotland, who were both playing turgid rugby not that long ago

Irfu have proved imaginative and creative in response to change to professionalism . Now they have a fresh challenge.
To be more competitive on the world stage they need to widen the appeal, player wise and coaching wise. For parents with young children , especially if they are outside the top rugby schools ,  would they want them to play rugby, given the increasing head injury risk?
Combat sports such as boxing , coach heavily on safety /self preservation. Gloves and head protection in training also help. In rugby it's the high velocity high force unpredictable hits with no protection. Crazy stuff. When you have respected role models like Conor Murray defending Peter Omahoneys hit, it exacerbates the problem.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 15, 2021, 10:53:12 AM
Quote from: 6th sam on February 15, 2021, 10:22:35 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 15, 2021, 10:09:30 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 15, 2021, 09:52:42 AM
Quote from: seafoid on February 15, 2021, 08:03:36 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 15, 2021, 12:22:49 AM
This clip is pretty damning for Billy Burns

Throw the ball, for chrisake

https://twitter.com/Murray_Kinsella/status/1361068225228857344

For Burns or Farrell ?

It's hard to know what Ireland's gameplan is if they had one other than crash ball and the odd Garryowen in the hope we catch it or put enough pressure on the opposition that they knock on or make a mess if it.

We don't offload or even attempt to offload in the tackle, the passing amongst the backs is always pretty safe in the hope of a linebreak from Ringrose or Henshaw but you don't see any intelligence in their play.

It was a few French unloads that opened us up at will.

Maybe Farrell doesn't trust the players to have that skillset like Brian Ashton back in the day...

Farrell doesn't trust the players and the players don't trust him

Funnily enough one of the best Irish tries I can remember was under Brian Ashton - Denis Hickie versus Wales in 1997

Philosophy is everything

Mick Doyle changed things in less than a year, so did Ciaran Fitzgerald, Pat Lam did it with Connacht

Galthie and Townsend have done it with France and Scotland, who were both playing turgid rugby not that long ago

Irfu have proved imaginative and creative in response to change to professionalism . Now they have a fresh challenge.
To be more competitive on the world stage they need to widen the appeal, player wise and coaching wise. For parents with young children , especially if they are outside the top rugby schools ,  would they want them to play rugby, given the increasing head injury risk?
Combat sports such as boxing , coach heavily on safety /self preservation. Gloves and head protection in training also help. In rugby it's the high velocity high force unpredictable hits with no protection. Crazy stuff. When you have respected role models like Conor Murray defending Peter Omahoneys hit, it exacerbates the problem.

He was never going to hang a teammate out to dry. At least there's a bit of consistency as the Scottish lad got a red for the same thing on Saturday.

On the Healy/Henderson head clash, scrum caps won't prevent concussion but they would have prevented that..

Time to introduce them on a permanent basis?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: highorlow on February 15, 2021, 11:30:31 AM
[quote]It's hard to know what Ireland's gameplan is if they had one other than crash ball and the odd Garryowen in the hope we catch it or put enough pressure on the opposition that they knock on or make a mess if it.

We don't offload or even attempt to offload in the tackle, the passing amongst the backs is always pretty safe in the hope of a linebreak from Ringrose or Henshaw but you don't see any intelligence in their play.

It was a few French unloads that opened us up at will.

Maybe Farrell doesn't trust the players to have that skillset like Brian Ashton back in the day...
[/quote]

It appears to be a more organised version of the way Munster play lately. It's akin to Munster with better set plays. Against the big teams it will get us "brave defeats" rather than victories. Maybe this is the ambition or enough to keep the likes of Farrell in his job. Farrell needs to be sacked if we don't beat Scotland or England.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 15, 2021, 01:13:48 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on February 15, 2021, 10:22:35 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 15, 2021, 10:09:30 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 15, 2021, 09:52:42 AM
Quote from: seafoid on February 15, 2021, 08:03:36 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 15, 2021, 12:22:49 AM
This clip is pretty damning for Billy Burns

Throw the ball, for chrisake

https://twitter.com/Murray_Kinsella/status/1361068225228857344

For Burns or Farrell ?

It's hard to know what Ireland's gameplan is if they had one other than crash ball and the odd Garryowen in the hope we catch it or put enough pressure on the opposition that they knock on or make a mess if it.

We don't offload or even attempt to offload in the tackle, the passing amongst the backs is always pretty safe in the hope of a linebreak from Ringrose or Henshaw but you don't see any intelligence in their play.

It was a few French unloads that opened us up at will.

Maybe Farrell doesn't trust the players to have that skillset like Brian Ashton back in the day...

Farrell doesn't trust the players and the players don't trust him

Funnily enough one of the best Irish tries I can remember was under Brian Ashton - Denis Hickie versus Wales in 1997

Philosophy is everything

Mick Doyle changed things in less than a year, so did Ciaran Fitzgerald, Pat Lam did it with Connacht

Galthie and Townsend have done it with France and Scotland, who were both playing turgid rugby not that long ago

Irfu have proved imaginative and creative in response to change to professionalism . Now they have a fresh challenge.
To be more competitive on the world stage they need to widen the appeal, player wise and coaching wise. For parents with young children , especially if they are outside the top rugby schools ,  would they want them to play rugby, given the increasing head injury risk?
Combat sports such as boxing , coach heavily on safety /self preservation. Gloves and head protection in training also help. In rugby it's the high velocity high force unpredictable hits with no protection. Crazy stuff. When you have respected role models like Conor Murray defending Peter Omahoneys hit, it exacerbates the problem.
The head injury thing is a general problem rugby has, it's not an IRFU problem

I think the IRFU's role since professionalism is over rated

The reality is they got lucky, they had four ready made franchise teams with a history and a sense of place which the public found attractive - that's the main reason why these teams have been a success

The structure of the professional game here pretty much fell into their lap, they exploited it well but there was no act of genius on the part of administrators, it was luck that the system worked out as it did

Scotland and Wales had to create new franchise teams which the public had no real sense of attachment to - in both, the club game and only the club game was where the attachment lay, they didn't have ready made provinces like Ireland

The reason the game still doesn't spread very much outside of the traditional heartlands is simple - the mainly fee paying schools system

If you look at where Ireland soccer internationals from Dublin have traditionally learned the game, it's on the street, then with local clubs, then they progress to academies like Stella Maris, St. Kevin's, Home Farm, Cherry Orchard or Belvedere, then they get picked up by an English club - there is no barrier other than talent

There's no similar outlet for a working class lad from Dublin to make the grade in rugby, because the academies are the likes of the other Belvedere - Belvedere College, along with Blackrock, St. Michael's, Terenure, St, Mary's etc.

The schools game is the hothouse for developing talent which goes on to play at senior level

And because most of these schools are fee-paying, working class kids are always cut out of it

But the system works in terms of producing players and these schools have massive power so the IRFU are never going to change it

What the IRFU have never done is to produce a genuine alternative pathway for kids from non-rugby heartlands to emerge, you'll always get the odd one from rural areas like Sean O'Brien or Tadhg Furlong, but it simply doesn't happen in Dublin or urban areas

Another problem that is emerging is that younger players in the professional game are not getting enough game time and so develop more slowly, or not to the level that might have been anticipated

Ireland has often benefitted in the Six Nations from being able to spare their players more at provincial level, thus they were fresher, but that advantage did not transfer to the World Cup because the other teams were able to rest players from the previous May

Leinster have so many players now though that they don't know what to do with them

Somebody mentioned Nucifora above and a lot of people seem to be of the view that he hasn't been doing a great job in terms of putting players with the appropriate teams for their development and for the development of the teams themselves

I mentioned the brutal analysis of people like Mick Doyle in a previous post, and one thing that has definitely crept into Irish rugby in a big way is a sort of backslapping, PR-driven, business speak culture, most people sort of bite their lip rather than be honest, in the amateur era and even the early professional era the game was noted for its honesty and sparing no feelings

If most people were honest, they'd surely say they expect Farrell to fall flat on his face


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on February 15, 2021, 01:17:43 PM
As a GAA follower of Rugby why can the national team not match the performances of the provinces?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 15, 2021, 01:41:36 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on February 15, 2021, 01:17:43 PM
As a GAA follower of Rugby why can the national team not match the performances of the provinces?
In the last 20 years they largely have done in the Six Nations, they've generally been top 3 or higher with regular wins over England and France and almost always very competitive, plus regular wins over Southern Hemisphere teams

As I said, a large part of that is down to the freshness advantage in that the provinces can spare players more than club teams in England and France

That advantage goes put the window at World Cups when other teams can give players a long lead in time, the playing field is levelled - and the World Cup is a brutal competition - so Irish players have to deal with more rugby in a short space of time than they're generally used to, whereas English and French players, as well as a lot of Welsh players, are used to it

Ireland are shit since 2019 because Schmidt's low risk game plan was found out by teams who been planning long term rather than short term, namely England in the first game of the 2019 Six Nations - Ireland never recovered from that, followed by Farrell's appointment

2011 was a huge opportunity and they fluffed their lines, that was their real big chance, they were in form, players were fit, everything was going their way, and they still couldn't get it done against Wales - Declan Kidney never recovered from that

In 2015 they put everything into the France game and lost four key players winning that - Sexton, O'Connell, O'Mahony and O'Brien, probably their four best players, and were sitting ducks by the time of the quarter-final against a fresh Argentina team a week later, especially given that they picked Dave Kearney, who made James Lowe's defending yesterday look good

I think part of it is down to mentality, there's a sort of fraud syndrome lurking deep in the DNA of Irish rugby players that tends to rear its head at the worst possible time, a bit like the Scotland football team used to suffer from in the 70s and 80s

Wales have never had that, even the Scots don't seem to suffer from it as much


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Ash Smoker on February 15, 2021, 01:54:53 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on February 15, 2021, 01:17:43 PM
As a GAA follower of Rugby why can the national team not match the performances of the provinces?
The trouble is there are only four provinces and right now only one of them is up to scratch.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on February 15, 2021, 02:23:53 PM
Dan Leavy out for the rest of the season. Another player who has been through the wringer with injuries over the last couple of years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 15, 2021, 02:35:54 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 15, 2021, 01:41:36 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on February 15, 2021, 01:17:43 PM
As a GAA follower of Rugby why can the national team not match the performances of the provinces?
In the last 20 years they largely have done in the Six Nations, they've generally been top 3 or higher with regular wins over England and France and almost always very competitive, plus regular wins over Southern Hemisphere teams

As I said, a large part of that is down to the freshness advantage in that the provinces can spare players more than club teams in England and France

That advantage goes put the window at World Cups when other teams can give players a long lead in time, the playing field is levelled - and the World Cup is a brutal competition - so Irish players have to deal with more rugby in a short space of time than they're generally used to, whereas English and French players, as well as a lot of Welsh players, are used to it

Ireland are shit since 2019 because Schmidt's low risk game plan was found out by teams who been planning long term rather than short term, namely England in the first game of the 2019 Six Nations - Ireland never recovered from that, followed by Farrell's appointment

2011 was a huge opportunity and they fluffed their lines, that was their real big chance, they were in form, players were fit, everything was going their way, and they still couldn't get it done against Wales - Declan Kidney never recovered from that

In 2015 they put everything into the France game and lost four key players winning that - Sexton, O'Connell, O'Mahony and O'Brien, probably their four best players, and were sitting ducks by the time of the quarter-final against a fresh Argentina team a week later, especially given that they picked Dave Kearney, who made James Lowe's defending yesterday look good

I think part of it is down to mentality, there's a sort of fraud syndrome lurking deep in the DNA of Irish rugby players that tends to rear its head at the worst possible time, a bit like the Scotland football team used to suffer from in the 70s and 80s

Wales have never had that, even the Scots don't seem to suffer from it as much
I was bored at work one afternoon during the last RWC and I analysed RWC quarter finals. Wales won 3 of them. They beat us, France and England. Quite impressive.
Scotland won one . Against Samoa. The jammy bastards.
Ireland never got any of the Samoas in the quarter finals

Wales did not qualify for the quarters on 3 occasions. Both Scotland and Ireland did not qualify on 2 occasions. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: whitegoodman on February 15, 2021, 02:54:21 PM
Quote from: Ash Smoker on February 15, 2021, 01:54:53 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on February 15, 2021, 01:17:43 PM
As a GAA follower of Rugby why can the national team not match the performances of the provinces?
The trouble is there are only four provinces and right now only one of them is up to scratch.

At least 3 of the provinces are in the top 5 in the pro 14 which includes Wales and Scotland so they should be beating both of those sides.  I also think that 3 of the provinces would be in the top 6 in England.

That is bad news on Leavy, he was such a brilliant player before the injury.  Stockdale is still on the injured list on the weekly injury update sent out by Ulster so he is probably unavailable for the rest of the championship.  It has gone very quiet re Doris injury as well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 15, 2021, 02:57:09 PM
Quote from: Ash Smoker on February 15, 2021, 01:54:53 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on February 15, 2021, 01:17:43 PM
As a GAA follower of Rugby why can the national team not match the performances of the provinces?
The trouble is there are only four provinces and right now only one of them is up to scratch.

It's not even that, O'Gara was pretty much spot on after the game yesterday. Ireland have some really good players. They just don't have enough of them, what they do have is at least 1 or 2 levels below the better players in the team.

Having a good club set up doesn't necessarily translate into International success and vice versa. The Welsh club set up has been brutal for many years as Sid pointed out, yet they regularly challenge and arguably could have even been in two World Cup Finals in 2019 and 2011 if things went their way, especially in 2011. That was a world cup there for the taking for them. 

Similarly the South Africans club scene is rubbish - you see the ones that play in Pro 14 here recently.

Ireland had a world class team for a period of 2 years, unfortunately the 2 years came in between World Cups. I thought Farrell would be a decent appointment. But it's not working out at the moment, I don't know if sacking him is the right thing either. He was appointed for a World Cup cycle.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: whitegoodman on February 15, 2021, 03:00:03 PM
The reason the welsh have been so good is because they have had a top class coach for so long.  I know they have won their first two games but lets see where they are over the next 18 months.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 15, 2021, 03:29:43 PM
Le Monde said it was a big win for France and amounted to a changing of the guard. It's a pity Gaelic Football can't be like that, instead of a monoculture.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 15, 2021, 03:34:15 PM
Quote from: whitegoodman on February 15, 2021, 03:00:03 PM
The reason the welsh have been so good is because they have had a top class coach for so long.  I know they have won their first two games but lets see where they are over the next 18 months.

Wales are very poor but have been fortunate this yr which they often are. I would expect France to smash them though.
Since the 6 nations have started some 20 yrs ago Ireland over that time have consistently been a much better team and  have a much better win rate over Wales yet Wales over that time have more grand slams and championships. Wales as pointed out also have a much better WC record - they seem to save their performances for when it matters. A lot of that is down to Gatland.
The only thing Ireland have over Wales in recent yrs is a respectable record against the tri-nations while Wales under Gatland have only won twice in 30 odd attempts. Of course many would and probably quite rightly point out those tests count for shit.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on February 15, 2021, 03:40:38 PM
Quote from: whitegoodman on February 15, 2021, 03:00:03 PM
The reason the welsh have been so good is because they have had a top class coach for so long.  I know they have won their first two games but lets see where they are over the next 18 months.

Wales can't believe their luck. They should be battling Italy for the wooden spoon but have got so lucky with two sendings off. Both Ireland and Scotland beat Wales with a full 15.
Farrell needs a win. Can they beat either Scotland or England? Doubtful with the game they're currently playing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 15, 2021, 03:52:18 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on February 15, 2021, 03:34:15 PM
Quote from: whitegoodman on February 15, 2021, 03:00:03 PM
The reason the welsh have been so good is because they have had a top class coach for so long.  I know they have won their first two games but lets see where they are over the next 18 months.

Wales are very poor but have been fortunate this yr which they often are. I would expect France to smash them though.
Since the 6 nations have started some 20 yrs ago Ireland over that time have consistently been a much better team and  have a much better win rate over Wales yet Wales over that time have more grand slams and championships. Wales as pointed out also have a much better WC record - they seem to save their performances for when it matters. A lot of that is down to Gatland.
The only thing Ireland have over Wales in recent yrs is a respectable record against the tri-nations while Wales under Gatland have only won twice in 30 odd attempts. Of course many would and probably quite rightly point out those tests count for shit.

Gatland got a lot of stick, maybe too much. I was never sure of the reasons why, I always found him to be a likeable fella and thought he was always came across very well in the Lions documentaries etc - I know they aren't for all.

His style? Rugby is Rugby, it's a physical game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 15, 2021, 03:54:35 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 15, 2021, 03:52:18 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on February 15, 2021, 03:34:15 PM
Quote from: whitegoodman on February 15, 2021, 03:00:03 PM
The reason the welsh have been so good is because they have had a top class coach for so long.  I know they have won their first two games but lets see where they are over the next 18 months.

Wales are very poor but have been fortunate this yr which they often are. I would expect France to smash them though.
Since the 6 nations have started some 20 yrs ago Ireland over that time have consistently been a much better team and  have a much better win rate over Wales yet Wales over that time have more grand slams and championships. Wales as pointed out also have a much better WC record - they seem to save their performances for when it matters. A lot of that is down to Gatland.
The only thing Ireland have over Wales in recent yrs is a respectable record against the tri-nations while Wales under Gatland have only won twice in 30 odd attempts. Of course many would and probably quite rightly point out those tests count for shit.

Gatland got a lot of stick, maybe too much. I was never sure of the reasons why, I always found him to be a likeable fella and thought he was always came across very well in the Lions documentaries etc - I know they aren't for all.

His style? Rugby is Rugby, it's a physical game.

He knew his stuff did Gatland and he could wind the písh out of the Irish when the need arose.

He called the WC final right much to Eddie Jones ire.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 15, 2021, 04:10:47 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 15, 2021, 03:52:18 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on February 15, 2021, 03:34:15 PM
Quote from: whitegoodman on February 15, 2021, 03:00:03 PM
The reason the welsh have been so good is because they have had a top class coach for so long.  I know they have won their first two games but lets see where they are over the next 18 months.

Wales are very poor but have been fortunate this yr which they often are. I would expect France to smash them though.
Since the 6 nations have started some 20 yrs ago Ireland over that time have consistently been a much better team and  have a much better win rate over Wales yet Wales over that time have more grand slams and championships. Wales as pointed out also have a much better WC record - they seem to save their performances for when it matters. A lot of that is down to Gatland.
The only thing Ireland have over Wales in recent yrs is a respectable record against the tri-nations while Wales under Gatland have only won twice in 30 odd attempts. Of course many would and probably quite rightly point out those tests count for shit.

Gatland got a lot of stick, maybe too much. I was never sure of the reasons why, I always found him to be a likeable fella and thought he was always came across very well in the Lions documentaries etc - I know they aren't for all.

His style? Rugby is Rugby, it's a physical game.
Gatland is a great coach

He showed with Wales that a turnaround can happen in a very short time, he turned a team which went out in the group stage of the 2007 World Cup into Grand Slam winners by the following March

Getting rid of him was the craziest decision in the history of Irish rugby, he had overseen a significant upturn in fortunes including winning 4 out of 5 matches in the 2001 championship including the victory over England at Lansdowne Road that denied the English the Grand Slam, and Ireland were playing a fine style of rugby under him

My recollection is that George Hook was a cheerleader for his sacking





Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 15, 2021, 04:20:11 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 15, 2021, 04:10:47 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 15, 2021, 03:52:18 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on February 15, 2021, 03:34:15 PM
Quote from: whitegoodman on February 15, 2021, 03:00:03 PM
The reason the welsh have been so good is because they have had a top class coach for so long.  I know they have won their first two games but lets see where they are over the next 18 months.

Wales are very poor but have been fortunate this yr which they often are. I would expect France to smash them though.
Since the 6 nations have started some 20 yrs ago Ireland over that time have consistently been a much better team and  have a much better win rate over Wales yet Wales over that time have more grand slams and championships. Wales as pointed out also have a much better WC record - they seem to save their performances for when it matters. A lot of that is down to Gatland.
The only thing Ireland have over Wales in recent yrs is a respectable record against the tri-nations while Wales under Gatland have only won twice in 30 odd attempts. Of course many would and probably quite rightly point out those tests count for shit.

Gatland got a lot of stick, maybe too much. I was never sure of the reasons why, I always found him to be a likeable fella and thought he was always came across very well in the Lions documentaries etc - I know they aren't for all.

His style? Rugby is Rugby, it's a physical game.
Gatland is a great coach

He showed with Wales that a turnaround can happen in a very short time, he turned a team which went out in the group stage of the 2007 World Cup into Grand Slam winners by the following March

Getting rid of him was the craziest decision in the history of Irish rugby, he had overseen a significant upturn in fortunes including winning 4 out of 5 matches in the 2001 championship including the victory over England at Lansdowne Road that denied the English the Grand Slam, and Ireland were playing a fine style of rugby under him

My recollection is that George Hook was a cheerleader for his sacking

And he did it blooding a lot of young players at the time!! Stringer/Hayes/Horgan/ and O'Gara all got their first caps under him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: whitegoodman on February 15, 2021, 04:25:56 PM
Any chance of getting him back ?  I know he is coaching the lions but after that his to do list seems pretty empty.

I actually think Farrell would have been very good under him but that wont happen at this stage.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on February 15, 2021, 04:29:13 PM
Was there not a load of bad blood when he left. I doubt he'd come back unless it was with matches to torch the place?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 15, 2021, 04:31:07 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 15, 2021, 04:20:11 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 15, 2021, 04:10:47 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 15, 2021, 03:52:18 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on February 15, 2021, 03:34:15 PM
Quote from: whitegoodman on February 15, 2021, 03:00:03 PM
The reason the welsh have been so good is because they have had a top class coach for so long.  I know they have won their first two games but lets see where they are over the next 18 months.

Wales are very poor but have been fortunate this yr which they often are. I would expect France to smash them though.
Since the 6 nations have started some 20 yrs ago Ireland over that time have consistently been a much better team and  have a much better win rate over Wales yet Wales over that time have more grand slams and championships. Wales as pointed out also have a much better WC record - they seem to save their performances for when it matters. A lot of that is down to Gatland.
The only thing Ireland have over Wales in recent yrs is a respectable record against the tri-nations while Wales under Gatland have only won twice in 30 odd attempts. Of course many would and probably quite rightly point out those tests count for shit.

Gatland got a lot of stick, maybe too much. I was never sure of the reasons why, I always found him to be a likeable fella and thought he was always came across very well in the Lions documentaries etc - I know they aren't for all.

His style? Rugby is Rugby, it's a physical game.
Gatland is a great coach

He showed with Wales that a turnaround can happen in a very short time, he turned a team which went out in the group stage of the 2007 World Cup into Grand Slam winners by the following March

Getting rid of him was the craziest decision in the history of Irish rugby, he had overseen a significant upturn in fortunes including winning 4 out of 5 matches in the 2001 championship including the victory over England at Lansdowne Road that denied the English the Grand Slam, and Ireland were playing a fine style of rugby under him

My recollection is that George Hook was a cheerleader for his sacking

And he did it blooding a lot of young players at the time!! Stringer/Hayes/Horgan/ and O'Gara all got their first caps under him.
Scotland 2000 was the turning point

Gatland made about eight changes after we were whacked at Twickenham, he brought in a load of Munster players and Shane Horgan, he brought back Mick Galwey and Denis Hickie after they were out in the cold

They were 10-0 down to Scotland and then ran in 44 points in a row

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 15, 2021, 04:36:02 PM
Quote from: trailer on February 15, 2021, 04:29:13 PM
Was there not a load of bad blood when he left. I doubt he'd come back unless it was with matches to torch the place?
My recollection is that it smacked very much of a sort of old boys coup

Gatland was an outsider and O'Sullivan had been imposed upon him as assistant against his will

O'Sullivan was clearly manoeuvring behind the scenes

O'Sullivan was known in some quarters as "The Dagger" even before this

Gatland had the last laugh on him, Wales's victory at Croke Park in 2008 killed off any hopes O'Sullivan had of holding onto his job
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 15, 2021, 04:37:04 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 15, 2021, 04:20:11 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 15, 2021, 04:10:47 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 15, 2021, 03:52:18 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on February 15, 2021, 03:34:15 PM
Quote from: whitegoodman on February 15, 2021, 03:00:03 PM
The reason the welsh have been so good is because they have had a top class coach for so long.  I know they have won their first two games but lets see where they are over the next 18 months.

Wales are very poor but have been fortunate this yr which they often are. I would expect France to smash them though.
Since the 6 nations have started some 20 yrs ago Ireland over that time have consistently been a much better team and  have a much better win rate over Wales yet Wales over that time have more grand slams and championships. Wales as pointed out also have a much better WC record - they seem to save their performances for when it matters. A lot of that is down to Gatland.
The only thing Ireland have over Wales in recent yrs is a respectable record against the tri-nations while Wales under Gatland have only won twice in 30 odd attempts. Of course many would and probably quite rightly point out those tests count for shit.

Gatland got a lot of stick, maybe too much. I was never sure of the reasons why, I always found him to be a likeable fella and thought he was always came across very well in the Lions documentaries etc - I know they aren't for all.

His style? Rugby is Rugby, it's a physical game.
Gatland is a great coach

He showed with Wales that a turnaround can happen in a very short time, he turned a team which went out in the group stage of the 2007 World Cup into Grand Slam winners by the following March

Getting rid of him was the craziest decision in the history of Irish rugby, he had overseen a significant upturn in fortunes including winning 4 out of 5 matches in the 2001 championship including the victory over England at Lansdowne Road that denied the English the Grand Slam, and Ireland were playing a fine style of rugby under him

My recollection is that George Hook was a cheerleader for his sacking

And he did it blooding a lot of young players at the time!! Stringer/Hayes/Horgan/ and O'Gara all got their first caps under him.
Beating France in Paris for the first time in 30 years was like the time Down beat Kerry  in 1991
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 15, 2021, 04:45:15 PM
France moving from the Parc Des Princes to the Stade De France helped Ireland

Ireland couldn't handle the Parc mentally at all, they routinely got destroyed and had a 100% losing record there, and that continued on in 2007 when they lost to Argentina there

Ireland nearly beat France in 1998 which I think was Gatland's first game in charge and Ireland's first game at the Stade De France, they lost by only two points having led for most of the match, then they won there in 2000

The Parc was an absolute graveyard for Irish hopes, Neil Francis used to write about how Irish players were beaten before the game started, their legs were like jelly as they looked at the amphetamined up Frenchmen belting out the Marseillaise

Twickenham never held the same fear - Murrayfield was worse - but Cardiff every two years was the one match Ireland always won
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 15, 2021, 05:13:14 PM
I would think that Neil Francis is a storyteller more than an analyst. There's no harm in that, and sometimes it's more enjoyable.

But the "parc mentality" and the Marseilles weren't the reasons why Ireland managed one win at home vs France in the 80s and 90s. Ireland were beaten before they ran out onto Lansdowne vs the French too. As you'd expect when amateurs take on semi professionals.

Then professionalism tilted the balance.

Sweet nothing to with Parc des Prince.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 15, 2021, 05:20:00 PM
I was driving from Midleton to Dublin during that match and I had to pull in after the second try. It was historic and everyone in the pub acknowledged it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 15, 2021, 06:26:09 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 15, 2021, 05:13:14 PM
I would think that Neil Francis is a storyteller more than an analyst. There's no harm in that, and sometimes it's more enjoyable.

But the "parc mentality" and the Marseilles weren't the reasons why Ireland managed one win at home vs France in the 80s and 90s. Ireland were beaten before they ran out onto Lansdowne vs the French too. As you'd expect when amateurs take on semi professionals.

Then professionalism tilted the balance.

Sweet nothing to with Parc des Prince.
But that would be to dismiss the role of psychology in sport
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 15, 2021, 06:36:08 PM
Not dismissing sports psychology as much as nostalgia.

Sports psychology has a role to play in separating evenly matched teams. But when - in rugby - one team is evidently superior in terms of size, conditioning, speed and handling, then it's only marginally more relevant than if there's a full moon.

See the margin of Ireland's victories against third and fourth tier nations since 2000 as evidence.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on February 15, 2021, 06:37:11 PM
Think this right:
Since the start of the 6 nations Wales have won four Grand Slams. Ireland have two, same as England.
Since the start of the 6 nations, England have appeared in 3 World Cup finals.
Wales and Ireland haven't appeared in one.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 15, 2021, 06:52:35 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 15, 2021, 06:36:08 PM
Not dismissing sports psychology as much as nostalgia.

Sports psychology has a role to play in separating evenly matched teams. But when - in rugby - one team is evidently superior in terms of size, conditioning, speed and handling, then it's only marginally more relevant than if there's a full moon.

See the margin of Ireland's victories against third and fourth tier nations since 2000 as evidence.
Psychology has a role in all sorts of situations, including where the teams are not evenly matched in terms of quality

And the setting for a match and the sort of crowd present can very much affect that

It does seem quite coincidental that an Irish team which in 1998 was as poor as any previous which had been slaughtered in Paris suddenly got within two points of double Grand Slam-wining France when they played in a different stadium to what they were used

Ireland had plenty of good teams between 1974 and 1996 (well, 1985) by the way and pretty much all of them came away from the Parc with their tails between their legs

Ireland got pretty close to beating France several times at home in that barren period - 1985, 1987, 1989, 1991

The Stade De France has always been an inferior home ground for the French rugby team to the Parc and their record there is not that great


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 15, 2021, 08:19:42 PM
It's a heartwarming narrative in many ways.

But it's also romantic folly beyond words to believe that years of conditioning, months of practice drills, weeks of tactical planning and days of mental tuning, can be undone by 10 minutes in the company of large men passionately bellowing a song.

Ireland's change in fortunes were not owed to the coincidence of France moving stadium.

They were owed to 5 years of a large gap being narrowed through professionalism, and the removal of parochial selections by committee. This was highlighted by Ulster having the physical and tactical prowess to beat 3 French teams en route to winning the Heineken. The gap between them, Munster and Leinster was negligible. Then the cherry on top, the arrival of Ireland's greatest ever player as a world force.

No coincidences. Nothing even close to a coincidence. To beat France they had to arrive at somewhere between semi professional and professional levels, and this was eminently achievable through conditioning.


Which is why that day, although a wonderful one in Ireland's sporting history, wasn't a shock. Maybe a pleasant surprise to the disbelievers. But not a shock. Because everyone knew before the ball was kicked that Ireland had a chance. Not because of how the French anthem was delivered, but because the gap had narrowed to nothing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 15, 2021, 08:23:53 PM
OK then, psychology actually has nothing to do with sport after all
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 15, 2021, 08:29:30 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 15, 2021, 08:23:53 PM
OK then, psychology actually has nothing to do with sport after all

No that's not what I said. I said clearly, very clearly, that it is important when teams are evenly matched.

It's written there above. You read it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 15, 2021, 08:37:33 PM
Well between 1973 and 1994, Ireland played England 22 times in the championship

Ireland won 11, England won 11

So Ireland and England were pretty well matched throughout that time - Ireland won 4 times at Twickenham in that time

Yet in that 1973-1994 period, England went to the Parc Des Princes and won 6 times and drew another 1

Ireland had a 100% losing record at the Parc

Tell me again how psychology doesn't come into it

England weren't afraid of going to the Parc, Ireland were

As any Irish rugby fan knows, the Parc Des Princes was a graveyard for Irish hopes

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on February 15, 2021, 08:37:56 PM
Granted I'm not a the Rugby stato you guys might be but I can't remember Ireland beating anyone bar an odd win against Scotland or Wales in Lansdowne. Ireland always lost. Professionalism definitely gave us a better chance.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 15, 2021, 08:40:08 PM
Another weird one is that Wales beat England at home in 1985, 1987, 1989 and 1993

Yet in all of those years they lost at home to Ireland

Cardiff was a graveyard for England, yet Ireland thrived there

Murrayfield was for a long time a bogey for the French, they always seemed to lose there



Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 15, 2021, 08:44:40 PM
Quote from: trailer on February 15, 2021, 08:37:56 PM
Granted I'm not a the Rugby stato you guys might be but I can't remember Ireland beating anyone bar an odd win against Scotland or Wales in Lansdowne. Ireland always lost. Professionalism definitely gave us a better chance.
We didn't beat Scotland from 1988 to 2000, we had one draw against them in 1994

Ireland won every match but one in Cardiff from 1985 to 2003 inclusive - the odd one out being a draw in 1991, then won again in 2007, 2009 and 2013

Wales usually won here though - 1984, 1986, 1988, 1992, 1994, 1998 and 2000, we won in 1990 and 1996

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on February 15, 2021, 08:57:06 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 15, 2021, 08:44:40 PM
Quote from: trailer on February 15, 2021, 08:37:56 PM
Granted I'm not a the Rugby stato you guys might be but I can't remember Ireland beating anyone bar an odd win against Scotland or Wales in Lansdowne. Ireland always lost. Professionalism definitely gave us a better chance.
We didn't beat Scotland from 1988 to 2000, we had one draw against them in 1994

Ireland won every match but one in Cardiff from 1985 to 2003 inclusive - the odd one out being a draw in 1991, then won again in 2007, 2009 and 2013

Wales usually won here though - 1984, 1986, 1988, 1992, 1994, 1998 and 2000, we won in 1990 and 1996

I just seem to remember them getting beat a lot.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 15, 2021, 09:00:07 PM
Quote from: trailer on February 15, 2021, 08:57:06 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 15, 2021, 08:44:40 PM
Quote from: trailer on February 15, 2021, 08:37:56 PM
Granted I'm not a the Rugby stato you guys might be but I can't remember Ireland beating anyone bar an odd win against Scotland or Wales in Lansdowne. Ireland always lost. Professionalism definitely gave us a better chance.
We didn't beat Scotland from 1988 to 2000, we had one draw against them in 1994

Ireland won every match but one in Cardiff from 1985 to 2003 inclusive - the odd one out being a draw in 1991, then won again in 2007, 2009 and 2013

Wales usually won here though - 1984, 1986, 1988, 1992, 1994, 1998 and 2000, we won in 1990 and 1996

I just seem to remember them getting beat a lot.
A good year was avoiding a whitewash

We were only whitewashed twice in the 90s, - 1992 and 1998

Haven't suffered one since, we will this year though, I don't really count Italy, although I wouldn't even say that's a gimme

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 15, 2021, 11:41:58 PM
It's a team sport, and no matter what some teams won't do as well against certain opponents and venues than others. It's a collective and with all the will in the world it's hard to work out why a team can't beat another team at their venue. But tides turn and maybe the professional side of things levelled up things.

You only have to look at the weekend before last when Scotland, for the first time since 83? 1983 haven't won at Twickenham, nuts.

France have a pool of players to pick from that's bigger than England's, with those figures France has underachieved for years, Ireland with their pick, have punched well above theirs in comparison.

We have plenty complaining about Dublins numbers in GAA, France have even more in comparison and that was France's first win in ten years in Dublin.

Those early years before competing with France Ireland didn't suffer massive defeats, they just lost out because the other team played better.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on February 15, 2021, 11:56:17 PM
Ireland lost a lot more than they won when I was young. I mind 1985 I think, triple crown, was amazing at the time, but we rarely beat France until late 90s, they were top dogs
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on February 15, 2021, 11:58:53 PM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/five-nations-facts-1.160161?mode=amp
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 16, 2021, 12:19:20 AM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on February 15, 2021, 11:56:17 PM
Ireland lost a lot more than they won when I was young. I mind 1985 I think, triple crown, was amazing at the time, but we rarely beat France until late 90s, they were top dogs
England were top dogs for most of the 90s and indeed have lorded it over France for the majority of the last 30 years

We beat them in '93 and '94

France came with a very good team in 1997 which went up to the 1999 World Cup

As far as Ireland were concerned though France always seemed a tougher nut to crack than England, there was always more of a mental barrier about beating them, whereas you always felt Ireland had a puncher's chance against England, that on a given day Ireland could turn them over, even in the bad days
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 16, 2021, 09:01:11 AM
Quote from: Estimator on February 15, 2021, 06:37:11 PM
Think this right:
Since the start of the 6 nations Wales have won four Grand Slams. Ireland have two, same as England.
Since the start of the 6 nations, England have appeared in 3 World Cup finals.
Wales and Ireland haven't appeared in one.

Priorities dear boy, priorities.

I think Clive Woodward is a ballbag, but when he took over England he put a huge amount into the end of season tours to NZ and Australia as he wanted his players believing that when the time come in a WC that they could be the NZ's and Australias of the world on their home soil. He was right.

Whereas the Irish treat these games like a chore and lads get run outs over there who never donned the green jersey in their previous career.

Farrell knows he needs a few wins in this 6N if he's to keep his job, the problem with that is, it's near sighted and maybe he'll be making decisions for the here and now rather than the WC in 2023.
If Sexton is fit to play in Rome, he will start and will probably play 60 plus minutes and we'll find out nothing about our other outhalf options.
Italy are far from a given BTW.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on February 16, 2021, 09:21:20 AM
Only country/sport in the world that make documentaries about a friendly win.

Lets face it we are a small nation, GAA is the powerhouse sport across vast swathes of the country so we do well, id never have viewed us as a rugby nation, BOD changed others view of us but we were the worst taem in Europe for long time(longer period than the period where we have been classed as good). Im excluding Italy because they are a relatively recent introduction.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on February 16, 2021, 09:35:39 AM
If you've time, Wiki is v useful for the head to head stats between the teams in the 6 Nations, for example:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_rugby_union_matches_between_England_and_Ireland?wprov=sfla1
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 16, 2021, 09:57:03 AM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on February 16, 2021, 09:21:20 AM
Only country/sport in the world that make documentaries about a friendly win.
Rugby doesn't have friendly internationals

It has Test Matches

So does cricket - nobody would call the Ashes or the Boxing Day test in Melbourne "friendlies"

International football does have friendly matches however, and some of them have been extremely noteworthy

England v Ireland 1949
England v Hungary 1953
England v Argentina 1980
Ireland v Brazil 1987
Ireland v England 1995

To name a few off the top of my head

Three of those at least would make decent subjects for documentary films, if indeed they are not already the subject of them


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 6th sam on February 16, 2021, 10:23:54 AM
What I find amazing is that in Ireland where rugby is a minority sport , a substantial number of players come from a private school background which is a tiny percentage vid the population, yet we can beat England and France and even wales who have much more resources . Fair play to Irfu for getting us punching above our weight, and marketing the game well. But where is Rugby in Ireland actually going, it's not widening its appeal , it's dangerous, elitist , and we are apparently getting worse at it
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on February 16, 2021, 10:28:43 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 16, 2021, 09:57:03 AM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on February 16, 2021, 09:21:20 AM
Only country/sport in the world that make documentaries about a friendly win.
Rugby doesn't have friendly internationals

It has Test Matches

So does cricket - nobody would call the Ashes or the Boxing Day test in Melbourne "friendlies"

International football does have friendly matches however, and some of them have been extremely noteworthy

England v Ireland 1949
England v Hungary 1953
England v Argentina 1980
Ireland v Brazil 1987
Ireland v England 1995

To name a few off the top of my head

Three of those at least would make decent subjects for documentary films, if indeed they are not already the subject of them

No trophies=challenge or friendly to me, just my opinion, cricket isn't a sport really is it? Its more like a day out with scones and tea.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 16, 2021, 10:56:00 AM
Quote from: 6th sam on February 16, 2021, 10:23:54 AM
What I find amazing is that in Ireland where rugby is a minority sport , a substantial number of players come from a private school background which is a tiny percentage vid the population, yet we can beat England and France and even wales who have much more resources . Fair play to Irfu for getting us punching above our weight, and marketing the game well. But where is Rugby in Ireland actually going, it's not widening its appeal , it's dangerous, elitist , and we are apparently getting worse at it

If the GAA doesn't get it's restart right after Covid. And Rugby does....there'll be a swell of GAA players turning to it. With the potential to actually make a few quid. This could be what propels rugby in Ireland. I play a bit of rugby myself and I've already had a few men come to me and ask about getting started when they go back to training as they won't wait for the GAA.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 16, 2021, 11:02:42 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 16, 2021, 09:57:03 AM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on February 16, 2021, 09:21:20 AM
Only country/sport in the world that make documentaries about a friendly win.
Rugby doesn't have friendly internationals

It has Test Matches

So does cricket - nobody would call the Ashes or the Boxing Day test in Melbourne "friendlies"

International football does have friendly matches however, and some of them have been extremely noteworthy

England v Ireland 1949
England v Hungary 1953
England v Argentina 1980
Ireland v Brazil 1987
Ireland v England 1995

To name a few off the top of my head

Three of those at least would make decent subjects for documentary films, if indeed they are not already the subject of them
European countries don't have soccer friendlies any longer. They have the Nations League.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 16, 2021, 11:07:50 AM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 16, 2021, 10:56:00 AM
Quote from: 6th sam on February 16, 2021, 10:23:54 AM
What I find amazing is that in Ireland where rugby is a minority sport , a substantial number of players come from a private school background which is a tiny percentage vid the population, yet we can beat England and France and even wales who have much more resources . Fair play to Irfu for getting us punching above our weight, and marketing the game well. But where is Rugby in Ireland actually going, it's not widening its appeal , it's dangerous, elitist , and we are apparently getting worse at it

If the GAA doesn't get it's restart right after Covid. And Rugby does....there'll be a swell of GAA players turning to it. With the potential to actually make a few quid. This could be what propels rugby in Ireland. I play a bit of rugby myself and I've already had a few men come to me and ask about getting started when they go back to training as they won't wait for the GAA.

utter balls and this is from someone who played a bit of rugby as well.

GAA needs to indeed get it right but at zero cost and risk to public health.

Same as rugby and soccer and every other sport.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Ed Ricketts on February 16, 2021, 11:22:40 AM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 16, 2021, 10:56:00 AM
Quote from: 6th sam on February 16, 2021, 10:23:54 AM
What I find amazing is that in Ireland where rugby is a minority sport , a substantial number of players come from a private school background which is a tiny percentage vid the population, yet we can beat England and France and even wales who have much more resources . Fair play to Irfu for getting us punching above our weight, and marketing the game well. But where is Rugby in Ireland actually going, it's not widening its appeal , it's dangerous, elitist , and we are apparently getting worse at it

If the GAA doesn't get it's restart right after Covid. And Rugby does....there'll be a swell of GAA players turning to it. With the potential to actually make a few quid. This could be what propels rugby in Ireland. I play a bit of rugby myself and I've already had a few men come to me and ask about getting started when they go back to training as they won't wait for the GAA.

No there won't.

There may be a negligible number of kids who play both in some places that swing more towards rugby as a result, but there will not be any large scale switching of focus because of a month or two of differential organisation.

The war for playing resources is fought incrementally over a timescale of decades. There are generations of local tradition and not insignificant cultural barriers to wear down. No one event, not even a pandemic, will prompt a sudden, large scale shift. It's just hyperbolic nonsense to suggest so.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 16, 2021, 11:31:00 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 16, 2021, 11:07:50 AM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 16, 2021, 10:56:00 AM
Quote from: 6th sam on February 16, 2021, 10:23:54 AM
What I find amazing is that in Ireland where rugby is a minority sport , a substantial number of players come from a private school background which is a tiny percentage vid the population, yet we can beat England and France and even wales who have much more resources . Fair play to Irfu for getting us punching above our weight, and marketing the game well. But where is Rugby in Ireland actually going, it's not widening its appeal , it's dangerous, elitist , and we are apparently getting worse at it

If the GAA doesn't get it's restart right after Covid. And Rugby does....there'll be a swell of GAA players turning to it. With the potential to actually make a few quid. This could be what propels rugby in Ireland. I play a bit of rugby myself and I've already had a few men come to me and ask about getting started when they go back to training as they won't wait for the GAA.

utter balls and this is from someone who played a bit of rugby as well.

GAA needs to indeed get it right but at zero cost and risk to public health.

Same as rugby and soccer and every other sport.

If Rugby / Soccer opens for business in May and club GAA shows no sign of doing so.

You know what happens.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on February 16, 2021, 11:41:42 AM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 16, 2021, 11:31:00 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 16, 2021, 11:07:50 AM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 16, 2021, 10:56:00 AM
Quote from: 6th sam on February 16, 2021, 10:23:54 AM
What I find amazing is that in Ireland where rugby is a minority sport , a substantial number of players come from a private school background which is a tiny percentage vid the population, yet we can beat England and France and even wales who have much more resources . Fair play to Irfu for getting us punching above our weight, and marketing the game well. But where is Rugby in Ireland actually going, it's not widening its appeal , it's dangerous, elitist , and we are apparently getting worse at it

If the GAA doesn't get it's restart right after Covid. And Rugby does....there'll be a swell of GAA players turning to it. With the potential to actually make a few quid. This could be what propels rugby in Ireland. I play a bit of rugby myself and I've already had a few men come to me and ask about getting started when they go back to training as they won't wait for the GAA.

utter balls and this is from someone who played a bit of rugby as well.

GAA needs to indeed get it right but at zero cost and risk to public health.

Same as rugby and soccer and every other sport.

If Rugby / Soccer opens for business in May and club GAA shows no sign of doing so.

You know what happens.

Id say we all  have lost big % of 16-19 year olds already as result of COVID, hope to be wrong on this
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Louther on February 16, 2021, 11:50:34 AM
I can't see rugby or soccer been back before GAA. And would struggle to see many been lost across the sports that wouldn't return fairly quick. Rugby so technical, physical and other factors like travel etc, it not be as appealing to many.

The biggest risk to GAA in the 16-19 category is the new age structures and doing away it with u-18 minor. That's totally self inflicted and for life of me I can't see the benefits of it bar some high level elite players nor have I seen many actually talking in favour of it. This change and with covid will certainly risk losing players.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on February 16, 2021, 11:57:53 AM
Quote from: Louther on February 16, 2021, 11:50:34 AM
I can't see rugby or soccer been back before GAA. And would struggle to see many been lost across the sports that wouldn't return fairly quick. Rugby so technical, physical and other factors like travel etc, it not be as appealing to many.

The biggest risk to GAA in the 16-19 category is the new age structures and doing away it with u-18 minor. That's totally self inflicted and for life of me I can't see the benefits of it bar some high level elite players nor have I seen many actually talking in favour of it. This change and with covid will certainly risk losing players.

100%
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: michaelg on February 16, 2021, 12:16:55 PM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on February 16, 2021, 11:41:42 AM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 16, 2021, 11:31:00 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 16, 2021, 11:07:50 AM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 16, 2021, 10:56:00 AM
Quote from: 6th sam on February 16, 2021, 10:23:54 AM
What I find amazing is that in Ireland where rugby is a minority sport , a substantial number of players come from a private school background which is a tiny percentage vid the population, yet we can beat England and France and even wales who have much more resources . Fair play to Irfu for getting us punching above our weight, and marketing the game well. But where is Rugby in Ireland actually going, it's not widening its appeal , it's dangerous, elitist , and we are apparently getting worse at it

If the GAA doesn't get it's restart right after Covid. And Rugby does....there'll be a swell of GAA players turning to it. With the potential to actually make a few quid. This could be what propels rugby in Ireland. I play a bit of rugby myself and I've already had a few men come to me and ask about getting started when they go back to training as they won't wait for the GAA.

utter balls and this is from someone who played a bit of rugby as well.

GAA needs to indeed get it right but at zero cost and risk to public health.

Same as rugby and soccer and every other sport.

If Rugby / Soccer opens for business in May and club GAA shows no sign of doing so.

You know what happens.

Id say we all  have lost big % of 16-19 year olds already as result of COVID, hope to be wrong on this
I fear that participation in amateur sports is going to fall off a cliff post Covid i.e. Not just younger people.  People will  have got out of the habit of playing organised amateur sport and may not return to it.  This is likely to be particularly the case for guys with young families who are often the guys who struggled to get away to play every Saturday or Sunday pre Covid.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 16, 2021, 12:20:34 PM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on February 16, 2021, 10:28:43 AM
No trophies=challenge or friendly to me, just my opinion, cricket isn't a sport really is it? Its more like a day out with scones and tea.
To you

But not to anybody who matters

Cricket is a wonderful sport

To many in Tipperary, hurling is a just a day out with hang sangwidges and tinfoil
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 16, 2021, 12:24:10 PM
Quote from: michaelg on February 16, 2021, 12:16:55 PM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on February 16, 2021, 11:41:42 AM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 16, 2021, 11:31:00 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 16, 2021, 11:07:50 AM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 16, 2021, 10:56:00 AM
Quote from: 6th sam on February 16, 2021, 10:23:54 AM
What I find amazing is that in Ireland where rugby is a minority sport , a substantial number of players come from a private school background which is a tiny percentage vid the population, yet we can beat England and France and even wales who have much more resources . Fair play to Irfu for getting us punching above our weight, and marketing the game well. But where is Rugby in Ireland actually going, it's not widening its appeal , it's dangerous, elitist , and we are apparently getting worse at it

If the GAA doesn't get it's restart right after Covid. And Rugby does....there'll be a swell of GAA players turning to it. With the potential to actually make a few quid. This could be what propels rugby in Ireland. I play a bit of rugby myself and I've already had a few men come to me and ask about getting started when they go back to training as they won't wait for the GAA.

utter balls and this is from someone who played a bit of rugby as well.

GAA needs to indeed get it right but at zero cost and risk to public health.

Same as rugby and soccer and every other sport.

If Rugby / Soccer opens for business in May and club GAA shows no sign of doing so.

You know what happens.

Id say we all  have lost big % of 16-19 year olds already as result of COVID, hope to be wrong on this
I fear that participation in amateur sports is going to fall off a cliff post Covid i.e. Not just younger people.  People will  have got out of the habit of playing organised amateur sport and may not return to it.  This is likely to be particularly the case for guys with young families who are often the guys who struggled to get away to play every Saturday or Sunday pre Covid.

There will also be the social issue....training on a Sunday morning for the GAA or Saturday night out?

I hope I am wrong. But for the GAA I see a disaster on return to play personally.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Louther on February 16, 2021, 12:36:18 PM
Will be many issues post covid for sports to content with, all sports but particularly GAA.

Juvenile level should be least affected. Parents will still see value in the games and physical/social activity, they may be more willing to miss training and games for personal times.

In older age groups and young adults it will be more difficult. There will be a lot feeling release or catch up on social life, parties, travel, holidays, weekends etc and you wouldn't blame them for doing so with no restrictions on place.

It's paramount that the GAA set their stall out and plan strategically for this. The split season offers one way of doing this - a clear planned club and county season would at least offer a clear plan for all. However I have little faith in them doing so and it'll left to the traditional draw to the games and community etc to hold onto players.
When I see a motion going to congress that teams must only appoint one captain for lifting trophies and it doesn't seem to be driven by Covid, then you have to wonder if they have finger on the pulse at all at HQ or higher committee level.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on February 16, 2021, 12:41:58 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 16, 2021, 12:20:34 PM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on February 16, 2021, 10:28:43 AM
No trophies=challenge or friendly to me, just my opinion, cricket isn't a sport really is it? Its more like a day out with scones and tea.
To you

But not to anybody who matters

Cricket is a wonderful sport

To many in Tipperary, hurling is a just a day out with hang sangwidges and tinfoil

Ouch, I matter in my own wee head, that's most important
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 16, 2021, 12:59:33 PM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on February 16, 2021, 11:57:53 AM
Quote from: Louther on February 16, 2021, 11:50:34 AM
I can't see rugby or soccer been back before GAA. And would struggle to see many been lost across the sports that wouldn't return fairly quick. Rugby so technical, physical and other factors like travel etc, it not be as appealing to many.

The biggest risk to GAA in the 16-19 category is the new age structures and doing away it with u-18 minor. That's totally self inflicted and for life of me I can't see the benefits of it bar some high level elite players nor have I seen many actually talking in favour of it. This change and with covid will certainly risk losing players.

100%

I think the logic used by the GAA was dubious in changing the age groups but minor was meant to be pushed out to U19 club wise but for some unknown reason they called U17 minor, club and county meaning kids are inclined to drop off at 17 rather than 18 using the other categories.
Not sure how many counties will be running a full U19 league and championship but we'll wait and see.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on February 16, 2021, 01:00:50 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 16, 2021, 12:59:33 PM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on February 16, 2021, 11:57:53 AM
Quote from: Louther on February 16, 2021, 11:50:34 AM
I can't see rugby or soccer been back before GAA. And would struggle to see many been lost across the sports that wouldn't return fairly quick. Rugby so technical, physical and other factors like travel etc, it not be as appealing to many.

The biggest risk to GAA in the 16-19 category is the new age structures and doing away it with u-18 minor. That's totally self inflicted and for life of me I can't see the benefits of it bar some high level elite players nor have I seen many actually talking in favour of it. This change and with covid will certainly risk losing players.

100%

I think the logic used by the GAA was dubious in changing the age groups but minor was meant to be pushed out to U19 club wise but for some unknown reason they called U17 minor, club and county meaning kids are inclined to drop off at 17 rather than 18 using the other categories.
Not sure how many counties will be running a full U19 league and championship but we'll wait and see.

Football maybe, hurling probably not in Derry anyhow
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 18, 2021, 12:02:47 PM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/rugby-stats-too-often-irish-players-didn-t-look-and-therefore-didn-t-see-1.4487855

Rugby stats: Too often Irish players didn't look and therefore didn't see
Ireland need to encourage players to unscramble the pictures, to look and see

John O'Sullivan




Ireland's changeover from a team governed by detail under Joe Schmidt to a self-prescribed more freewheeling, heads up ethos under Andy Farrell is a journey with plenty of road left to negotiate in terms of the transition process judging by the opening couple of rounds in this season's Six Nations.
The current guidance system, to use a term to describe Ireland's patterns in possession, is vulnerable to two primary types of error, pilot or defects in the original specification. The national team is currently dogged by both which is causing the Irish attack to splutter and malfunction.
Two tries in 160 minutes, one down to a superb piece of individual play by Robbie Henshaw against Wales and Ronan Kelleher's sharp finish following a fortuitous bounce in the French defeat, is hardly a ringing endorsement but identifying the root cause shines a light in several places.
Pressure pushes instinct and habits, good or bad, to the forefront of the decision making process. Opportunity can challenge the individual in a similar way, that if a player doesn't look by inclination, he'll never see or appreciate the chance that's presented.

After 67 seconds of Sunday's game, Rhys Ruddock pinches a French lineout throw and the ball is filtered back to Billy Burns. The French centres, Gael Fickou and Arthur Vincent, are narrow and tight while Garry Ringrose is about eight metres further across the pitch. There is a huge gap between Vincent and left wing Gabin Villiere. The home team is briefly favoured by a five-on-three advantage. It's a pass play all day long.
Burns put up a Garryowen. The general rule of thumb on a turnover is to play not kick, unless there's no one in the back field and it's a winnable foot race. It doesn't matter what stage of the match, a predisposition to kick shouldn't be a default setting, especially for a team that trades on a heads-up philosophy.
Chameleon
No outhalf has the 360-degree vision of a chameleon so there are times when communication is paramount - there is no crowd noise so in theory it should be easier - from those who are better positioned to appreciate the panoramic view.
Soon after, the attacking system suffers a glitch. Keith Earls races in off the blindside wing from a scrum and carries into French outhalf Mathieu Jalibert and another defender. Tadhg Beirne comes round the corner but as France have had to squeeze in defensively, the space and numbers favour Ireland if the home side ignore Beirne and go out the back. They don't, he gets the ball, and France realign.

Later in the game Ringrose meanders across the pitch eating up his teammates' space, when he needed to run straight and commit a defender in what could ultimately have proved a try scoring opportunity. There were also other examples where Irish players posing as potential receivers overran the ball carrier or lacked the necessary animation to suggest they were a viable recipient.

What is perhaps most disappointing is that Ireland relied too much on the system or playbook - Jamison Gibson-Park's box-kick on the French 10 metre line with tighthead Andrew Porter as the main chaser was one glaring example where pre-plan overrides everything. Too often Irish players didn't look and therefore didn't see. Communication is fundamental to overcoming this handicap.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on February 18, 2021, 06:36:18 PM
Caelan Doris out for the foreseeable future because of concussion symptoms.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: whitegoodman on February 18, 2021, 07:59:20 PM
Big worry for the player and Ireland.

I was hoping him and Leavy would have been back for the end of the 6 nations but that's been blown out of the water.  Two top players when fit.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 19, 2021, 07:12:36 AM
Quote from: Estimator on February 18, 2021, 06:36:18 PM
Caelan Doris out for the foreseeable future because of concussion symptoms.
Awful news

I read somewhere that he had 2 concussions last season
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 21, 2021, 10:20:48 AM
Brian O'Driscoll.on the problems at out half.


https://mobile.twitter.com/offtheball/status/1361591142811246594

https://youtu.be/_CcDIdd2ycQ
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 6th sam on February 21, 2021, 10:57:11 AM
Quote from: seafoid on February 19, 2021, 07:12:36 AM
Quote from: Estimator on February 18, 2021, 06:36:18 PM
Caelan Doris out for the foreseeable future because of concussion symptoms.
Awful news

I read somewhere that he had 2 concussions last season

Awful , players invest so much over the years and then the game puts them at so much risk, they have to stop playing . Real challenge for rugby
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on February 22, 2021, 03:54:15 PM
The France v Scotland game in doubt due to Covid.
If it does go ahead, France will be playing with a severely weakened side.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 22, 2021, 03:58:35 PM
Quote from: Estimator on February 22, 2021, 03:54:15 PM
The France v Scotland game in doubt due to Covid.
If it does go ahead, France will be playing with a severely weakened side.
A bit like when they played Ireland in 2000
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 22, 2021, 06:23:04 PM
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2021/02/22/rugbys-next-crisis-jackal-might-have-had-day/

Rugby's next crisis? How the day of the jackal might be over
Three Premiership breakdown gurus have their say on whether the way that players compete for the ball at the breakdown needs to change
ByCharles Richardson22 February 2021 • 7:00am

Zander Fagerson and Peter O'Mahony both received red cards at the ruck in the Six Nations - but were they doomed from the start? CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
The red cards do not cease. Over the past couple of weeks, matches at both international and domestic level have been significantly altered and affected by dismissals for players making contact to the head of opponents, with the most high-profile examples - Peter O'Mahony of Ireland and Zander Fagerson of Scotland - occurring at the breakdown.
Both of these notorious red cards occurred as O'Mahony or Fagerson attempted to shift the jackaler - the defensive man competing for the ball on his feet - away from the contact area. This practice is essential for quick, clean ball. Both of the guilty parties accidentally - crucially, with no intent - caught prone defenders in the head and both were dismissed.
Players, coaches, pundits and fans know that there is zero tolerance on contact to the head - and with good reason. There are livelihoods, brains and lives at stake. The million-dollar question, therefore, with the continual flurry of red cards, with intent no longer part of the equation, with zero tolerance on contact to the head, and with the necessity to generate quick ball, is how much longer the jackal can last in its current guise? Can rugby continue in its current state; can jackaling, the placing of one's head over the ball in order to snaffle it, co-exist with zero tolerance on contact to the head?
Jackaling itself is a skill that, when performed with the greatest success - by those such as David Pocock, George Smith, or Jack Willis among others - is made to look almost like an art form. Pilfering the ball has become such an established part of rugby that many is the player whose main - even solitary - strength would be jackaling.
The predicament, however, is how to legally shift them. When such a premium is placed on the swiftness of ball away from the contact area, and with so many dynamically moving parts at a ruck, with the jackal in its current state, surely there will always be occasional, accidental head contact in a rugby match? It is this quandary that has seen the development of the dreaded 'crocodile roll' technique, the contortionist clean-out that nearly obliterated the knee of England's Jack Willis against Italy.
Nick Easter is in charge of the breakdown and defence at Newcastle Falcons, and he describes the current situation as "very difficult"; Julian Salvi, a fine jackaler in his time with Brumbies, Leicester and Exeter, and now defence coach at the latter, admits "there's no easy way of going about it... a hard one... there's no easy answer"; Matt Everard, Wasps' breakdown specialist, adds that he doesn't "really know what to say about it... it's so tough, it really is".

From l-r: Julian Salvi, defence coach at Exeter; Nick Easter, breakdown coach at Newcastle; Matt Everard breakdown coach at Wasps CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
If three of English rugby's pre-eminent breakdown minds are so non-plussed, then does something need to be done? Is rugby at a crossroads? Easter thinks so.
"It's a bit like speeding," the former England No 8 says. "Everyone speeds, it's just sometimes you get caught every now and again. But it doesn't mean the ones who get caught are the only ones doing it. It's a little bit like that."
The analogy is prescient, but perhaps does not go far enough. It is more akin to being caught travelling at 40mph in a 30mph zone and receiving a lifetime ban from driving. Attacking players are being teased by the candy - that of stray heads around the ball at rucks - and rather than having a slap on the wrist when their fingers delve into the bowl, wrists are being cut off. The punishment, such is the proliferation of jackaling, does not seem appropriate for the often helpless criminal.
"What is the essence of rugby?" Easter adds. "The essence of the game is the contest - fair contest - for possession. O'Mahony and Fagerson's red cards were correct by the letter of the law, and with what we're trying to achieve at the moment.
"But do the laws need to be adjusted or do the current laws need to be enforced? Do we do away with the jackal and just have counter-rucking? Then you go back to the laws of the ruck in terms of heads and shoulders not being allowed to be lower than hips – which is not enforced now whatsoever – and it seems safer; there would be less contact with the head as there would be more space to get under the defensive opponent.
"The ruck is a very dynamic, quick action and at the minute it's not right. Whether that be player welfare or the sanction - and how costly it is. Something like [the O'Mahony/Fagerson incidents] are deemed as foul play, but not deliberate foul play, so maybe they should be sent off for 20 minutes and put on report? And then the ban can be reviewed after that, until we find a way of making the breakdown safer. But it will never be fool-proof.
"It happens so quickly – and they're doing almost everything correctly. Those guys might have hit 10 other rucks in exactly the same way, and in the 11th they have caught someone in the head after a split-second, last-minute movement where there's no chance [of avoidance] whatsoever. Slo-mo replays don't help at all, either. What could those guys have done differently? They couldn't have checked six inches before contact to figure out whether a head was in the way. By that point, they'll have lost the battle and the ball.
"Jackaling can continue as a skill, but you're not going to avoid accidental collisions with the head. Rugby is a collision game. It is the toughest team sport on the body. And there are so many different, varied contact areas. There are multiple physical challenges. We have to look to make it safer, but by retaining that element of the contest."
Often, however, as Salvi explains, when a man is sent off after flying into a ruck from afar, as with O'Mahony and Fagerson, the fault lies with the team-mates who arrived at the ruck beforehand.
"What we've seen [with O'Mahony and Fagerson] is that the initial cleaner has not done his job properly or has been a bit slow, which then gives the jackaler the opportunity to try and pilfer the ball – and the guys who are very good are able to almost ride that first storm," Salvi says. "Then the secondary support – like O'Mahony and Fagerson – are arriving, perhaps not as quickly as they might have liked, and it's an open shot. They're the ones you have to be most wary of, when there has been a three or four second breakdown already and someone comes in to try and resolve the issue that wasn't dealt with initially.
"It is a timing thing. It is easy for me to say, but if Hoggy (Stuart Hogg, Exeter's full-back) had done his initial job a bit better - not that you want your 15 to be at the breakdown that often - then Fagerson probably wouldn't have felt like he would have had to go into the breakdown as hard as he did.
"There is a little bit of sympathy. I have been in that position, too, where I've had to do an extra bit of work because a back hasn't done his job properly, and I'm trying to create clean ball.
"But there has to be a better understanding from players that, when a jackaler has created a three or four second breakdown, rushing in to clear them out five seconds later is probably not going to win you the ball back anyway."
Wasps have produced one of modern-day rugby's most impressive jackalers in the form of Willis. Everard is the man in charge of the breakdown in the West Midlands and, for him, like Salvi, it is all about pace, avoiding these lengthy pile-ups.
"For some context, what we focus on at Wasps is winning the 'race' to the ball [after a player has been tackled]," he says. "It's a race over the ball between the jackaler and the supporting attacker, on both sides of the ball.
"As a supporting attacker, if you win that race over the ball, then you win the cleanout. Where possible as a support player, you want to avoid a contest over the ball that involves removing a threat.
"There are a couple of reasons for that. Firstly, the obvious one, is the speed of the ball. If you arrive quickly and you don't have to clear anyone out, then the ball should be pretty quick; secondly, it preserves energy – arriving quickly and low to the ground, as tiring as that might feel, is far more efficient than actually having to shift a body off the ball; thirdly, it takes the referee out the game in terms of them making holding-on decisions. 'Speed and height', that's what we push so much.
"If they had arrived first then those red cards wouldn't have happened."
One solution, Easter believes, would be to enforce the immediate release of the ball on the floor. If the ball-carrier were to release the ball as soon as they were tackled - as the law dictates - then the duration of the ruck, and therefore the jackal, would be shorter. Rucks would be over and done with by the time the likes of O'Mahony and Fagerson got the cavalry charge up and running. It would result in a quicker game, too.
"When you look at the ruck, you have to look at the tackle law at the moment," Easter says. "Does the ball-carrier release the ball immediately in the tackle when he's felled? The answer, probably, is no. That means the jackaler is in that position for longer, therefore there is a greater risk to his health and well-being.
"But, if the ball-carrier released the ball immediately, and the jackaler got hold of it, they would be in and out of there, and suddenly the clearers would be arriving too late and you get that fluid game and turnover ball back again.
Salvi agrees in theory - "a quick release could do it, it's just about how you manage it" - but highlights that isolated ball-carriers would currently prefer to concede a holding-on penalty than give up the ball to a jackaler. Conceding a penalty, despite the loss of territory, allows defences to regroup and organise themselves; the sense of unknown that comes with conceding a turnover is far less preferable.
This was showcased when New Zealand's Super Rugby Aotearoa began last autumn. There was an almost fanatical emphasis from referees on holding-on penalties, and ball-carriers had far less time to release the ball before they were penalised. Defending jackalers were prioritised over attacking ruckers and, temporarily, chaos ensued as teams attempted to come to terms with the referees' lack of leniency towards the ball-carrier on the ground. Because the referees were so quick on the whistle, however, there were seldom any turnovers - just penalties.
"[In last year's Super Rugby Aotearoa] you did not get much turnover ball," Easter adds. "Turnover ball makes it a much more free-flowing and entertaining game. It is the best ball to attack from as it's against an unstructured defence. These quick holding-on penalties were great from a defensive point of view, but then the game has to stop at the whistle and you have to kick to touch. And then it becomes structured again."
And Easter adds the most damning indictment on the current mess: "I'm just pleased I'm not playing the game at the moment."
When former, recently-retired internationals – who have stuck with the elite game via coaching – consider themselves lucky that they are no longer players, then this is an imbroglio that World Rugby simply cannot ignore.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 22, 2021, 11:15:14 PM
I don't know what jackaling is

I would have a better idea of what a tracker mortgage is
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 23, 2021, 09:01:56 AM
https://www.rugbycoachweekly.net/rugby-drills-and-skills/tackling/the-way-of-the-jackal/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 23, 2021, 09:08:25 AM
I can understand the uproar about Fergusons red card and clear out but O'Mahonys was blatant targeting and there were no mitigations for him at all why is he being absolved in that article??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 23, 2021, 07:33:50 PM
I suppose the ref was technically right to send the 2 players off but I don't like to see games decided by decisions like this. It is a physical mans game after all.

Yellow cards would have sufficed and been a sufficient deterrent to others.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lenny on February 23, 2021, 08:36:01 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 23, 2021, 07:33:50 PM
I suppose the ref was technically right to send the 2 players off but I don't like to see games decided by decisions like this. It is a physical mans game after all.

Yellow cards would have sufficed and been a sufficient deterrent to others.

A rugby match is generally ruined when a player gets a red card, especially early on. There's probably room for another in between card where a player gets 20 minutes in the sinbin.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 24, 2021, 09:48:39 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 23, 2021, 07:33:50 PM
I suppose the ref was technically right to send the 2 players off but I don't like to see games decided by decisions like this. It is a physical mans game after all.

Yellow cards would have sufficed and been a sufficient deterrent to others.

There were a raft of red cards in the English premiership over the weekend for head contacts.

Won't take long for the coaches to change how the players are coached how to clear out without going so high.

The reds are a good thing long term
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tiempo on February 24, 2021, 12:01:17 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 24, 2021, 09:48:39 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 23, 2021, 07:33:50 PM
I suppose the ref was technically right to send the 2 players off but I don't like to see games decided by decisions like this. It is a physical mans game after all.

Yellow cards would have sufficed and been a sufficient deterrent to others.

There were a raft of red cards in the English premiership over the weekend for head contacts.

Won't take long for the coaches to change how the players are coached how to clear out without going so high.

The reds are a good thing long term

Correct, and it would soon sort out the gobby lads in Gaelic and groundball too, would love to see a ref in the self styled best league in the world hand out 6 reds for verbal abuse, guaranteed the week after there wouldn't be a peep
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mouview on February 24, 2021, 12:05:39 PM
https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2021/0224/1198995-former-ireland-prop-gary-halpin-dies-aged-55/

Sudden death seemingly...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 24, 2021, 12:10:58 PM
Halpin will always be remembered for giving the New Zealand team the fingers after scoring the try in the 1995 world cup.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on February 24, 2021, 12:27:22 PM
https://www.rte.ie/news/courts/2021/0210/1196259-sex-abuse/ (https://www.rte.ie/news/courts/2021/0210/1196259-sex-abuse/)

Hard to understand that this was overlooked in the 90s when the Church was in throws of abuse scandals.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 24, 2021, 01:26:53 PM
Quote from: mouview on February 24, 2021, 12:05:39 PM
https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2021/0224/1198995-former-ireland-prop-gary-halpin-dies-aged-55/

Sudden death seemingly...

Former Ireland prop Gary Halpin dies aged 55
Kilkenny native also represented Ireland at hammer throw and is remembered for try against All Blacks
about an hour ago

John O'Sullivan

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/former-ireland-prop-gary-halpin-dies-aged-55-1.4493829

Gary Halpin, who won 11 caps for Ireland, has died aged 55. The Kilkenny-born tighthead prop is best remembered for his try-scoring gesture in a 1995 Rugby World Cup pool match against New Zealand, turning to the All Blacks, he offered a double middle-finger salute.

Gerry Murphy's Ireland team had the temerity to score the first try of the match in 1995, a move straight from the training ground as scrumhalf Michael Bradley tapped a free-kick and gave it to the onrushing Halpin about six metres from the New Zealand line. The tighthead prop thundered through the attempted tackles of Jamie Joseph and Mike Brewer to crash over.

In an interview many years later, Halpin offered some context to his reaction. "(New Zealander hooker) Sean Fitzpatrick had been winding us up, calling us Paddies. And I couldn't really believe I'd actually scored a try.

"It was a rather stupid thing to do, being a teacher and all. And it's kind of embarrassing because I've gone on to meet a lot of those All Blacks since, Zinzan Brooke from my time at Harlequins, his brother Robin, and Jamie Joseph.

"But I dined out on it like a lord. That was when I discovered that South Africans hated the Kiwis more than anyone. I loved telling the story; you'd embellish it a bit every time, just to get bought another beer.

RWC moments: Gary Halpin's try-scoring salute

"I sidestepped Lomu three times in that game, the only problem was he was the one carrying the ball at that stage. It's Sean Fitzpatrick, every time I see him I want to give him the finger. He is a great player and all that. It was a rush of blood to the head. In that competition these guys were sold to us as unstoppable and they proved to be right to that last hurdle."


A free spirit and a great character with a wonderful sense of humour, Halpin represented Blackrock College, Wanderers, Leinster, London Irish and Harlequins during his career.

Educated at Rockwell College, Halpin was a dual international sportsman, playing schools rugby for Ireland while at Rockwell College, before accepting a scholarship to Manhattan College. He won the 35lb weight throw at the 1988 NCAA Division 1 indoor collegiate championships and earned All American status for his throwing on four occasions.

Upon returning to Ireland in 1989, he joined Wanderers, toured North America with the Irish senior squad, and the following year made his debut against England at Twickenham. He won his 11th and final cap of a five-year international career in a 1995 World Cup quarter-final defeat to France.

He spent two decades teaching in England at St George's College, Weybridge and the Oratory School outside Reading. His pupils were intrigued to know that Halpin featured in Jonah Lomu Rugby, Playstation's first ever rugby game.

He admitted: "Interestingly, and the kids showed this to me, one of the hardest things in the game is to try and get me to score a try. They've had various competitions to try and get me over the line. If they manage it, and they had the proof on replay, I gave them a present."

Halpin subsequently returned to Ireland to take up a position as Head of Boarding at Cistercian College, Roscrea. Irish rugby has lost one of its great characters. Sincere condolences to his family and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on February 25, 2021, 11:31:46 AM
15. Hugo Keenan (Leinster/UCD) 8 caps
14. Jordan Larmour (Leinster/St Mary's College) 26 caps
13. Garry Ringrose (Leinster/UCD) 32 caps
12. Robbie Henshaw (Leinster/Buccaneers) 49 caps
11. James Lowe (Leinster) 4 caps
10. Jonathan Sexton (Leinster/St Mary's College) 96 caps CAPTAIN
9. Jamison Gibson Park (Leinster) 7 caps
1. Dave Kilcoyne (Munster/UL Bohemians) 40 caps
2. Ronan Kelleher (Leinster/Lansdowne) 8 caps
3. Tadhg Furlong (Leinster/Clontarf) 46 caps
4. Iain Henderson (Ulster/Academy) 60 caps
5. James Ryan (Leinster/UCD) 33 caps
6. Tadhg Beirne (Munster/Lansdowne) 19 caps
7. Will Connors (Leinster/UCD) 7 caps
8. CJ Stander (Munster/Shannon) 48 caps

Replacements

16. Rob Herring (Ulster/Ballynahinch) 18 caps
17. Cian Healy (Leinster/Clontarf) 106 caps
18. Andrew Porter (Leinster/UCD) 34 caps
19. Ryan Baird (Leinster/Dublin University) uncapped
20. Jack Conan (Leinster/Old Belvedere) 17 caps
21. Craig Casey (Munster/Shannon) uncapped
22. Billy Burns (Ulster) 5 caps
23. Keith Earls (Munster/Young Munster) 90 caps
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 25, 2021, 03:47:51 PM
They must beat Italy
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 25, 2021, 04:09:09 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 25, 2021, 03:47:51 PM
They must beat Italy

With that team, yes. If they'd went with an experimental half back pairing in prep for the WC then you could have lived with a loss.

Beirne is some man for stealing ball. He'll need to do the same in Rome.

Earls had to go, he's offering nothing at the minute.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 25, 2021, 04:14:24 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 25, 2021, 04:09:09 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 25, 2021, 03:47:51 PM
They must beat Italy

With that team, yes. If they'd went with an experimental half back pairing in prep for the WC then you could have lived with a loss.

Beirne is some man for stealing ball. He'll need to do the same in Rome.

Earls had to go, he's offering nothing at the minute.

About 5 years
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 25, 2021, 04:47:59 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on February 25, 2021, 04:14:24 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 25, 2021, 04:09:09 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 25, 2021, 03:47:51 PM
They must beat Italy

With that team, yes. If they'd went with an experimental half back pairing in prep for the WC then you could have lived with a loss.

Beirne is some man for stealing ball. He'll need to do the same in Rome.

Earls had to go, he's offering nothing at the minute.

About 5 years

About 10 years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: whitegoodman on February 25, 2021, 05:08:34 PM
And yet he is still on the bench.

If ever the likes of Shane Daly was going to get game time it would 20 mins away to Italy.  Why not start Casey with the reassurance of having Sexton beside him and if things are going right then bring Park on.  Cooney must have looked at Farrell the wrong way as he is easily the best scrum half in Ireland at the minute.

What did Ruddock do wrong the last day that warranted being dropped completely from the squad ?  On the other hand how many tries does Lowe have to cause for him to get dropped from the squad ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bannside on February 25, 2021, 06:11:18 PM
Cooneys omission the standout for me. Class act who is consistently overlooked.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on February 25, 2021, 07:55:06 PM
Earls has Ireland's second most try's scored , when you think about Irish rugby it's not about flair wingers it's running after box kicks all day .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 25, 2021, 08:06:00 PM
Quote from: Gmac on February 25, 2021, 07:55:06 PM
Earls has Ireland's second most try's scored , when you think about Irish rugby it's not about flair wingers it's running after box kicks all day .

And as mentioned before, this is a statistical anomaly. He has an outstanding scoring record against tier 3 nations, a mediocre scoring record against tier 2 nations, and he has never counted against tier 1 nations. His tryscoring feats are owed more to being somehow continually picked for over a decade in top class Irish teams when they faced cannon fodder.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on February 25, 2021, 08:58:58 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 25, 2021, 08:06:00 PM
Quote from: Gmac on February 25, 2021, 07:55:06 PM
Earls has Ireland's second most try's scored , when you think about Irish rugby it's not about flair wingers it's running after box kicks all day .

And as mentioned before, this is a statistical anomaly. He has an outstanding scoring record against tier 3 nations, a mediocre scoring record against tier 2 nations, and he has never counted against tier 1 nations. His tryscoring feats are owed more to being somehow continually picked for over a decade in top class Irish teams when they faced cannon fodder.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/nov/26/ireland-australia-autumn-internationals-match-report
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on February 25, 2021, 09:17:30 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 25, 2021, 08:06:00 PM
Quote from: Gmac on February 25, 2021, 07:55:06 PM
Earls has Ireland's second most try's scored , when you think about Irish rugby it's not about flair wingers it's running after box kicks all day .

And as mentioned before, this is a statistical anomaly. He has an outstanding scoring record against tier 3 nations, a mediocre scoring record against tier 2 nations, and he has never counted against tier 1 nations. His tryscoring feats are owed more to being somehow continually picked for over a decade in top class Irish teams when they faced cannon fodder.

1/4 of his international tries were against Italy.
11 games v England - 1 try
11 games v France - 1 try
6 games v Australia - 1 try

0 tries v Argentina (4games), New Zealand (6games), South Africa (5games)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 25, 2021, 09:26:28 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on February 25, 2021, 08:58:58 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 25, 2021, 08:06:00 PM
Quote from: Gmac on February 25, 2021, 07:55:06 PM
Earls has Ireland's second most try's scored , when you think about Irish rugby it's not about flair wingers it's running after box kicks all day .

And as mentioned before, this is a statistical anomaly. He has an outstanding scoring record against tier 3 nations, a mediocre scoring record against tier 2 nations, and he has never counted against tier 1 nations. His tryscoring feats are owed more to being somehow continually picked for over a decade in top class Irish teams when they faced cannon fodder.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/nov/26/ireland-australia-autumn-internationals-match-report

Believe it or not, you're adding substance to my point.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 26, 2021, 06:32:19 AM
Quote from: Estimator on February 25, 2021, 09:17:30 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 25, 2021, 08:06:00 PM
Quote from: Gmac on February 25, 2021, 07:55:06 PM
Earls has Ireland's second most try's scored , when you think about Irish rugby it's not about flair wingers it's running after box kicks all day .

And as mentioned before, this is a statistical anomaly. He has an outstanding scoring record against tier 3 nations, a mediocre scoring record against tier 2 nations, and he has never counted against tier 1 nations. His tryscoring feats are owed more to being somehow continually picked for over a decade in top class Irish teams when they faced cannon fodder.

1/4 of his international tries were against Italy.
11 games v England - 1 try
11 games v France - 1 try
6 games v Australia - 1 try

0 tries v Argentina (4games), New Zealand (6games), South Africa (5games)

Wikipedia

Ireland's record try scorer is O'Driscoll, who has 46 tries in his 133 appearances.[5] Keith Earls (32), Tommy Bowe (30), Denis Hickie (29) and Shane Horgan (21) complete the top 5 Irish try scorers.


Who scores the rest of the tries , apartt from.Stockdale ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 26, 2021, 08:35:25 AM
Quote from: seafoid on February 26, 2021, 06:32:19 AM
Quote from: Estimator on February 25, 2021, 09:17:30 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 25, 2021, 08:06:00 PM
Quote from: Gmac on February 25, 2021, 07:55:06 PM
Earls has Ireland's second most try's scored , when you think about Irish rugby it's not about flair wingers it's running after box kicks all day .

And as mentioned before, this is a statistical anomaly. He has an outstanding scoring record against tier 3 nations, a mediocre scoring record against tier 2 nations, and he has never counted against tier 1 nations. His tryscoring feats are owed more to being somehow continually picked for over a decade in top class Irish teams when they faced cannon fodder.

1/4 of his international tries were against Italy.
11 games v England - 1 try
11 games v France - 1 try
6 games v Australia - 1 try

0 tries v Argentina (4games), New Zealand (6games), South Africa (5games)

Wikipedia

Ireland's record try scorer is O'Driscoll, who has 46 tries in his 133 appearances.[5] Keith Earls (32), Tommy Bowe (30), Denis Hickie (29) and Shane Horgan (21) complete the top 5 Irish try scorers.


Who scores the rest of the tries , apartt from.Stockdale ?

Gordon Hamilton scored loads of trys. I've seen them on TV lots of the time.   ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on February 26, 2021, 09:55:55 AM
Aside from those mentioned Dempsey, Murphy, Mullin and Trimble make up the rest of the top 10. Scoring averages are v poor though. Only two players above 0.4 - Hickie (0.47) & Stockdale (0.57).

In comparison with England, their Top 7 are all above 0.5 with the exception of Guscott .46. Only one of their top '11' is below 0.4.

But when you look at the length of their respective international careers.
Irelands top try scorers: 8 have had 10+ years at international rugby.
England top try scorers: only 2 had 10+ years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on February 26, 2021, 10:17:41 AM
Keith Earls has 17 tries against Canada/Fiji/Russia/Romania/Japan/Italy.

You can only play what is in front of you of course, but it's fair to say he's a bit of a stat padder against the weaker tiers.

He had great potential - going on the 2009 Lions tour was an example of that but as an International Rugby finisher, he wouldn't get into most of the Tier 1 squads, let alone teams these days.

He's escaped criticism over the years for being 'steady'. He is a good player...we are similar to Wales I suppose, is he near George North or Josh Adams? Light years away for me and the new kid on the block Rees-Zammit looks the real deal too (with time to tell).
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 26, 2021, 12:40:35 PM
Simon Geoghegan is still easily the best winger Ireland have had in my time watching and the only genuine world class one

Hickie and Horgan next best
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 26, 2021, 02:04:22 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 26, 2021, 12:40:35 PM
Simon Geoghegan is still easily the best winger Ireland have had in my time watching and the only genuine world class one

Hickie and Horgan next best

And what an accent too!

P.S. I loved him too, he was brilliant on a shíte Irish team
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on February 26, 2021, 02:38:51 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 26, 2021, 02:04:22 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 26, 2021, 12:40:35 PM
Simon Geoghegan is still easily the best winger Ireland have had in my time watching and the only genuine world class one

Hickie and Horgan next best

And what an accent too!

P.S. I loved him too, he was brilliant on a shíte Irish team

Imagine he was 10 years later. The goys might have won a WC knockout game
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on February 26, 2021, 02:50:30 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on February 26, 2021, 02:38:51 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 26, 2021, 02:04:22 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 26, 2021, 12:40:35 PM
Simon Geoghegan is still easily the best winger Ireland have had in my time watching and the only genuine world class one

Hickie and Horgan next best

And what an accent too!

P.S. I loved him too, he was brilliant on a shíte Irish team

Imagine he was 10 years later. The goys might have won a WC knockout game

Indeed. The Irish football team wouldn't embarrass themselves or the fans with their performances in the Euros
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 26, 2021, 05:38:49 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on February 26, 2021, 02:50:30 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on February 26, 2021, 02:38:51 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 26, 2021, 02:04:22 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 26, 2021, 12:40:35 PM
Simon Geoghegan is still easily the best winger Ireland have had in my time watching and the only genuine world class one

Hickie and Horgan next best

And what an accent too!

P.S. I loved him too, he was brilliant on a shíte Irish team

Imagine he was 10 years later. The goys might have won a WC knockout game

Indeed. The Irish football team wouldn't embarrass themselves or the fans with their performances in the Euros
The Ireland soccer team have won the same amount of knockout matches at major finals as the rugby team

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tonto1888 on February 26, 2021, 07:23:12 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 26, 2021, 05:38:49 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on February 26, 2021, 02:50:30 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on February 26, 2021, 02:38:51 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 26, 2021, 02:04:22 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 26, 2021, 12:40:35 PM
Simon Geoghegan is still easily the best winger Ireland have had in my time watching and the only genuine world class one

Hickie and Horgan next best

And what an accent too!

P.S. I loved him too, he was brilliant on a shíte Irish team

Imagine he was 10 years later. The goys might have won a WC knockout game

Indeed. The Irish football team wouldn't embarrass themselves or the fans with their performances in the Euros
The Ireland soccer team have won the same amount of knockout matches at major finals as the rugby team

That number being?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on February 27, 2021, 02:28:16 PM
How could the TMO not award that try to Henderson?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 27, 2021, 02:32:25 PM
Maybe the referee did a Paul Carberry and thought the try line was the half way line
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 27, 2021, 02:57:51 PM
I know it's only Italy but those are 2 very well worked tries! A bit of invention and not just smashing over the line from 5m out.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on February 27, 2021, 04:08:15 PM
Earls gets his annual try against Italy!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 27, 2021, 04:08:42 PM
Earls obviously reading the GAA board today!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Helix. on February 27, 2021, 04:16:35 PM
Win is a win Italy are woeful. You'd wonder would Georgia put up a better fight in Six Nations.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 27, 2021, 05:28:31 PM
Quote from: Helix. on February 27, 2021, 04:16:35 PM
Win is a win Italy are woeful. You'd wonder would Georgia put up a better fight in Six Nations.
It's very like the Leinster hurling.  The gap between Kk, Galway, Dublin , Wexford and Laois/Westmeath etc is very wide. Hurling chose promotion and relegation. Rugby didn't.

Italty was much stronger in 2007 as well but didn't kick on

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 27, 2021, 05:55:31 PM
I see the refs are helping Wales out again today. It might not be enough, England are fighting back.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 27, 2021, 06:09:47 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 27, 2021, 05:55:31 PM
I see the refs are helping Wales out again today. It might not be enough, England are fighting back.
That decision for the Liam William's try was peculiar. Even the TMO said the ball wasn't lost forward when it was clear (to me anyway) that it was.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on February 27, 2021, 06:33:30 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 27, 2021, 05:55:31 PM
I see the refs are helping Wales out again today. It might not be enough, England are fighting back.
The two tries certainly were at the refs discretion. But England's discipline has been shockin throughout.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 27, 2021, 06:50:08 PM
Welsh Wizards

The difference in mindset between Wales and Ireland is night and day

Wales are winners
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on February 27, 2021, 07:07:28 PM
They said on BBC Wales never scored 40 points before against England in test rugby.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on February 27, 2021, 07:38:47 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 27, 2021, 06:50:08 PM
Welsh Wizards

The difference in mindset between Wales and Ireland is night and day

Wales are winners

Until next year when they may well finish just above Italy. Consistently inconsistent
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 27, 2021, 07:44:57 PM
Fair play to Wales but I said it before they are lucky b@stards. They have had some incredible decisions gone for them in recent years but fair play they pounce on them and win grand slams. With their mentality we would have double the slams and championships over the last 20 years than we have
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 27, 2021, 07:51:48 PM
England obviously do not care at this stage of the World Cup cycle. Except against Ireland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 6th sam on February 27, 2021, 09:47:22 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 27, 2021, 06:50:08 PM
Welsh Wizards

The difference in mindset between Wales and Ireland is night and day

Wales are winners

Correct me if I'm wrong but Rugby in wales is a working class sport, it remains elitist here. I tried to watch ireland v Italy today, we won basically because we can push harder and smarter than Italy . I also listened to the ITV piece on concussion. "There's none so blind as those that can not see" . Only O'Driscolls uncle made sense. Far too many unnecessary skill-less collisions. Referees are acutely aware of head injury risks and cards are on the increase, players going off for Head injury assessment , on top of VMO ,disrupting an already boring game. Players switching international allegiance as a career move. Genuine question, Where does rugby go from here? 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 27, 2021, 10:24:38 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on February 27, 2021, 07:38:47 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 27, 2021, 06:50:08 PM
Welsh Wizards

The difference in mindset between Wales and Ireland is night and day

Wales are winners

Until next year when they may well finish just above Italy. Consistently inconsistent
They've won four Grand Slams since 2005 to our two

They've reached two semi-finals in the last three World Cups and were only just edge out in both - and also performed very creditably in 2015

The only World Cup in which Ireland came out with their reputation enhanced was 1991
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 27, 2021, 10:34:48 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on February 27, 2021, 09:47:22 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 27, 2021, 06:50:08 PM
Welsh Wizards

The difference in mindset between Wales and Ireland is night and day

Wales are winners

Correct me if I'm wrong but Rugby in wales is a working class sport, it remains elitist here. I tried to watch ireland v Italy today, we won basically because we can push harder and smarter than Italy . I also listened to the ITV piece on concussion. "There's none so blind as those that can not see" . Only O'Driscolls uncle made sense. Far too many unnecessary skill-less collisions. Referees are acutely aware of head injury risks and cards are on the increase, players going off for Head injury assessment , on top of VMO ,disrupting an already boring game. Players switching international allegiance as a career move. Genuine question, Where does rugby go from here?
One thing I've never got about professional era rugby is why lifting is allowed at lineouts

Genuine competition at the lineout was a great feature of the game and it also allowed for tactical variation, because each lineout was maybe 55-45 in favour of the team with the out in, now it's 90-10

Gone are the days of the tactical kicker at out half, a Rob Andrew or an Eric Elwood, who would aim to pin teams back in their own corner from open play, with the knowledge that there was a good chance of stealing possession from the subsequent lineout, which is actually a pity

Gone also is the garryowen

The box kick is a bizarre feature of the modern game, it's like a safety shot in snooker, without the skill

I think this has played into the hands of defences as well - as there a smaller amount of attacking options available, defences are not kept guessing as much

Nevertheless I think this Six Nations has actually been very interesting, with a lot of good contests - Wales upped it in a huge way today and now look in fine fettle, they've uncovered some excellent new players in Sheedy and Rees-Zammit

I've always had a soft spot for the Welsh due to the working class nature of the game there, same with Limerick rugby and by extension Munster, while I appreciate the rugby Leinster have played over many years now I don't really feel much of an emotional connection with the team

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 27, 2021, 10:40:58 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 27, 2021, 10:24:38 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on February 27, 2021, 07:38:47 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 27, 2021, 06:50:08 PM
Welsh Wizards

The difference in mindset between Wales and Ireland is night and day

Wales are winners

Until next year when they may well finish just above Italy. Consistently inconsistent
They've won four Grand Slams since 2005 to our two

They've reached two semi-finals in the last three World Cups and were only just edge out in both - and also performed very creditably in 2015

The only World Cup in which Ireland came out with their reputation enhanced was 1991

I would save the Wales are winners maxims for a day when the ref didn't hand them 14 points they didn't deserve. Today and this years tournament make us think Wales are lucky. The luck continues with France suffering a covid outbreak which could help Wales in the future.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 27, 2021, 10:47:07 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 27, 2021, 10:40:58 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 27, 2021, 10:24:38 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on February 27, 2021, 07:38:47 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 27, 2021, 06:50:08 PM
Welsh Wizards

The difference in mindset between Wales and Ireland is night and day

Wales are winners

Until next year when they may well finish just above Italy. Consistently inconsistent
They've won four Grand Slams since 2005 to our two

They've reached two semi-finals in the last three World Cups and were only just edge out in both - and also performed very creditably in 2015

The only World Cup in which Ireland came out with their reputation enhanced was 1991

I would save the Wales are winners maxims for a day when the ref didn't hand them 14 points they didn't deserve. Today and this years tournament make us think Wales are lucky. The luck continues with France suffering a covid outbreak which could help Wales in the future.
Wales are winners though

It's like tradition in GAA - they believe it's their birthright to win, they've been raised on stories of legends like JPR Williams and Gareth Edwards winning Grand Slams to beat the band and a Welsh dominated Lions team beating New Zealand, whereas Ireland have a history of failure through the decades and nearly always shit their togs when it matters

It's like the difference between Tipperary and Waterford in hurling

Strangely enough the one team we always believed we had a chance against on any given day was England
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Silver hill on February 27, 2021, 10:57:32 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 27, 2021, 10:47:07 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 27, 2021, 10:40:58 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 27, 2021, 10:24:38 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on February 27, 2021, 07:38:47 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on February 27, 2021, 06:50:08 PM
Welsh Wizards

The difference in mindset between Wales and Ireland is night and day

Wales are winners

Not so sure about that Sid. Not sure what age you are but from what I can remember we were always well able to take on Wales and Scotland, home or away. A win in twickenham was a rarity and as for Paris, forget about it!
Ireland had the Indian sign over Wales for a good ten years there. And only for the early red this year, it would have continued

Until next year when they may well finish just above Italy. Consistently inconsistent
They've won four Grand Slams since 2005 to our two

They've reached two semi-finals in the last three World Cups and were only just edge out in both - and also performed very creditably in 2015

The only World Cup in which Ireland came out with their reputation enhanced was 1991

I would save the Wales are winners maxims for a day when the ref didn't hand them 14 points they didn't deserve. Today and this years tournament make us think Wales are lucky. The luck continues with France suffering a covid outbreak which could help Wales in the future.
Wales are winners though

It's like tradition in GAA - they believe it's their birthright to win, they've been raised on stories of legends like JPR Williams and Gareth Edwards winning Grand Slams to beat the band and a Welsh dominated Lions team beating New Zealand, whereas Ireland have a history of failure through the decades and nearly always shit their togs when it matters

It's like the difference between Tipperary and Waterford in hurling

Strangely enough the one team we always believed we had a chance against on any given day was England
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: TwoUpTwoDown on February 28, 2021, 12:04:09 AM
I'm starting to think there is a genuine case for Cooney to make the Lions...nevermind Irish selection. I don't know who the form scrum half is of the "Home Nations".  But from watching him over the past two weeks and he just brings a different dimension to all of his Irish competitors. He also is a big utility option as a functioning 10.

JGP has a bit of zip about him but he's not a good enough footballer. Outside of game management and experience, I wouldn't rank Murray in the top 2 Irish scrum halves any more. What has Cooney done on the Irish management!?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bannside on February 28, 2021, 09:35:06 AM
Surely Andy Farrell must have one eye on the world cup with his selections. Sexton still a fit lad, but will be 36 when world cups comes around. Cooney ticks the same boxes, maybe more as an all round playmaker, and is about 3 or 4 years younger. Can't understand his omission myself.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: TwoUpTwoDown on February 28, 2021, 09:55:57 AM
I could understand the omission of Cooney on age and World Cup planning, but that doesn't seem to be his approach with anyone else. As previously mentioned, his versatility alone should have made him a shoe in for the last one and 2023.

Hard to know who the 10 will be come World Cup. I think it is a major concern for Ireland and probably why the will try and continue with Sexton in some capacity, even as an impact for last 20 option.

A fit Carberry is what everyone will automatically jump to, but I don't think he showed anything overly spectacular as a 10 when he has been fit. That leaves the following, Byrne x2, Carty, JJ, and Burns. Nothing inspiring about that list. There is a lad playing serious ball in West London, but that disgracefully isn't going to happenm
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on February 28, 2021, 12:16:50 PM
Quote from: bannside on February 28, 2021, 09:35:06 AM
Surely Andy Farrell must have one eye on the world cup with his selections. Sexton still a fit lad, but will be 36 when world cups comes around. Cooney ticks the same boxes, maybe more as an all round playmaker, and is about 3 or 4 years younger. Can't understand his omission myself.
Maybe he doesn't, and maybe he's right not to

If Ireland get through a World Cup group containing South Africa and Scotland  - and that looks a 50/50 shot at best - they'll have to play either New Zealand or France (in France) in the quarter-final

Goodnight

Roll on 2027
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Angelo on February 28, 2021, 12:20:03 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on February 16, 2021, 10:23:54 AM
What I find amazing is that in Ireland where rugby is a minority sport , a substantial number of players come from a private school background which is a tiny percentage vid the population, yet we can beat England and France and even wales who have much more resources . Fair play to Irfu for getting us punching above our weight, and marketing the game well. But where is Rugby in Ireland actually going, it's not widening its appeal , it's dangerous, elitist , and we are apparently getting worse at it

Rugby is a minority sport in every country in the world other than New Zealand.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on March 01, 2021, 11:22:38 AM
Much being made of the french ref in the England v Wales game and IMO he did diddle Farrell when he asked him to go speak to his team about all the penalties they were giving away, then walked straight over to the Welsh lad who then asked him if the clock had restarted and the straight away blew his whistle..
You'd be pissed off yourself if that had happened your team.

The knock on that wasn't with LRZ.. I don't know enough of the rules but I'd have thought a knock on can only be blown if the ball hits the deck or is touched by another player.
LRZ obviously miscontrols it forward, as he's running it's falling behind him and then hits his heel and goes forward...

In saying that England did give up penalties for fun after they had the game tied at 24 each, Gengis or whatever he's called doesn't seem the sharpest tool in the box..

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 01, 2021, 11:48:13 AM
Fabien Galthié the French manager left the French bubble to watch his sonplay in an underage match.
https://www.lemonde.fr/sport/article/2021/03/01/rubgy-bernard-laporte-confirme-que-fabien-galthie-a-enfreint-le-protocole-sanitaire_6071535_3242.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on March 04, 2021, 11:31:59 AM
Article from BBC sport
Six Nations 2021: What next for England after defeat against Wales? - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/56254639

The highlights:
This team is finished now. There will be a new team made."
The words of England boss Eddie Jones on 3 November 2019, as he picked through the wreckage of the World Cup final defeat by South Africa.

"I don't think this group can have another World Cup in them," he told the BBC after putting pen to paper in April 2020.

But the starting XV that lost to Wales last weekend included 12 of the 15 that started the World Cup final; if Sam Underhill, Courtney Lawes and Manu Tuilagi had been fit, Jones could have picked the exact same side.

At the World Cup, his reliance on scrum-half Ben Youngs was costly, but come March 2021 other nines are still struggling to get a look in.

Meanwhile, in Jones' whole tenure, only one man has started a Test match at fly-half that wasn't Owen Farrell or George Ford. That was Danny Cipriani in Cape Town in 2018 and he never played for England again.

At number eight, Billy Vunipola wears the shirt whether in form or not. Nathan Hughes, Sam Simmonds and Zach Mercer have all come and gone. Alex Dombrandt has trained with the squad without getting near a cap.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 08, 2021, 12:48:20 PM
Stockdale is back

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVkUvmDQ3HY

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/jacob-stockdale-back-in-ireland-squad-ahead-of-scotland-clash-1.4504200
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 08, 2021, 01:09:44 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 08, 2021, 12:48:20 PM
Stockdale is back

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVkUvmDQ3HY

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/jacob-stockdale-back-in-ireland-squad-ahead-of-scotland-clash-1.4504200


On the wing fine but please not as a full back
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 08, 2021, 01:18:43 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on March 08, 2021, 01:09:44 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 08, 2021, 12:48:20 PM
Stockdale is back

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVkUvmDQ3HY

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/jacob-stockdale-back-in-ireland-squad-ahead-of-scotland-clash-1.4504200


On the wing fine but please not as a full back
We have a decent full back now so the wing would be the place for him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on March 12, 2021, 03:42:52 PM
Ireland: Keenan; Earls, Ringrose, Henshaw, Lowe; Sexton, Gibson-Park; Healy, Herring, Furlong; Henderson, Ryan (capt); Beirne, Connors, Stander.

Replacements: Kelleher, Kilcoyne, Porter, Baird, Conan, Murray, Burns, Larmour.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on March 12, 2021, 06:47:11 PM
Earls got in again, Stockdale must not be back to his best.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on March 12, 2021, 06:55:15 PM
Earls in again. Proof yet again that when management teams demand state of the art performance tracking tools and systems that cost their employers six figures a year, it's a giant f**king waste of money as they'll just pick whoever they like anyway.

Same problem is awash in the GAA too. Money for old rope.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 12, 2021, 08:40:25 PM
Scotland will tell us where they are at.

Gordon D'Arcy :

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/gordon-d-arcy-clarity-must-descend-at-murrayfield-on-farrell-s-ireland-project-1.4505598

"It is hard to put a finger on what is wrong with Ireland at the moment. It could be the players, it could be the coaches, it could be a combination of both, but there is a problem that keeps being explained away as under-performance."
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on March 12, 2021, 09:14:27 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 12, 2021, 08:40:25 PM
Scotland will tell us where they are at.

Gordon D'Arcy :

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/gordon-d-arcy-clarity-must-descend-at-murrayfield-on-farrell-s-ireland-project-1.4505598

"It is hard to put a finger on what is wrong with Ireland at the moment. It could be the players, it could be the coaches, it could be a combination of both, but there is a problem that keeps being explained away as under-performance."
who do Ireland have thats world class and can unlock a defense with his speed or power ?
We don't produce huge men to overpower teams and we don't produce world class speed merchants either so we have to play to a system that gets the best out of our pool of players and it's a pretty boring brand of rugby for the most part . We were the best team in the world in 2018 but I think the brand of rugby we were playing was too attritional and the bodies or spirit broke in some players .
Scotland were unbelievable in 80s and  90s but fell away terribly since .
I expect Ireland to win Sunday by 10.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 12, 2021, 11:26:42 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 12, 2021, 06:55:15 PM
Earls in again. Proof yet again that when management teams demand state of the art performance tracking tools and systems that cost their employers six figures a year, it's a giant f**king waste of money as they'll just pick whoever they like anyway.

Same problem is awash in the GAA too. Money for old rope.
Was thinking about this earlier. A whole raft of the old guard have signed 1 year contracts - Earls, Sexton, Healy, POM (2 years) but you have to wonder when Farrell will throw off the conservatism of Schmidt and start cutting some of these fellas.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on March 13, 2021, 03:01:46 PM
Time to horse Italy out of the 6 nation.

Add nothing but massive points score to the teams they play.

Embarrassing v Wales so far!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on March 13, 2021, 05:23:26 PM
Ireland would've have been going for the maul after that line out, for the second French try. Decent game so far. Much better than the non-contest in Rome.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 13, 2021, 05:36:22 PM
Best game of tournament so far, hopefully France win to set up cracker in Paris next weekend
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on March 13, 2021, 06:30:00 PM
Disappointing end to that. Not sure you could be confident that Itoje got the try.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on March 13, 2021, 06:38:30 PM
I felt it probably was a try but you couldn't tell from looking at the replays.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 13, 2021, 06:41:22 PM
I think it was briefly grounded initially. Would have been delighted to see it not given.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: An Watcher on March 13, 2021, 07:38:44 PM
Think Ronan O'Garas analysis is top notch. Not really sure what he is talking about half the time but I don't think the ones in the studio know either. He seems to be a level above due to his playing days and now coaching experience
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on March 14, 2021, 01:02:34 PM
Quote from: Gmac on March 12, 2021, 09:14:27 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 12, 2021, 08:40:25 PM
Scotland will tell us where they are at.

Gordon D'Arcy :

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/gordon-d-arcy-clarity-must-descend-at-murrayfield-on-farrell-s-ireland-project-1.4505598

"It is hard to put a finger on what is wrong with Ireland at the moment. It could be the players, it could be the coaches, it could be a combination of both, but there is a problem that keeps being explained away as under-performance."
who do Ireland have thats world class and can unlock a defense with his speed or power ?
We don't produce huge men to overpower teams and we don't produce world class speed merchants either so we have to play to a system that gets the best out of our pool of players and it's a pretty boring brand of rugby for the most part . We were the best team in the world in 2018 but I think the brand of rugby we were playing was too attritional and the bodies or spirit broke in some players .
Scotland were unbelievable in 80s and  90s but fell away terribly since .
I expect Ireland to win Sunday by 10.
Wouldn't be totally confident of an Irish victory, nevermind one by 10pts. 66 v 66 in previous head-to-head matches between the two. Scotland will be out with a point to prove after the Welsh defeat. And after the amount of beatings Ireland have given them over the last few years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on March 14, 2021, 01:27:04 PM
Reading Peter O'Reilly in the Sunday Times today, came across as incredibly arrogant about Ireland and very dismissive of Scotland- he could of course be proved right today but I thought it was a terrible piece, definite whiff of delusions of grandeur about where Ireland are actually at.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 14, 2021, 03:35:25 PM
Ireland have no hope when they make brain dead decisions like that. Ringrose should never have been kicking that. Keenan has also had an unbelievably awful 10 mins
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on March 14, 2021, 03:36:26 PM
This is horrible. After watching yesterdays game you'd have to wonder how Ireland got so close to France and how Scotland beat England.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on March 14, 2021, 03:37:15 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on March 14, 2021, 03:35:25 PM
Ireland have no hope when they make brain dead decisions like that. Ringrose should never have been kicking that. Keenan has also had an unbelievably awful 10 mins
JGPs decision making on the Scottish try line was awful as well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on March 14, 2021, 03:40:18 PM
Ragged stuff. Looked like they were going to steamroll a ring rusty Scotland, but Scots have turned screw. For now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on March 14, 2021, 03:45:33 PM
Jamie heaslip is some dose on co commentary
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 14, 2021, 03:53:35 PM
Sexton is the difference compared to the first 2 matches.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on March 14, 2021, 04:18:05 PM
Quote from: Gmac on March 14, 2021, 03:45:33 PM
Jamie heaslip is some dose on co commentary

Where are you watching it. I am watching on peacock. They have rory lawson and Mark Robson
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 14, 2021, 04:26:11 PM
Lowe, Keenan, Gibson park couldn't tackle to save their lives. They need dropping for the England game
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on March 14, 2021, 04:26:24 PM
James Lowe done again. How many tries lost to his missed tackles in this 6 Nations???
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tatler Jack on March 14, 2021, 04:28:24 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on March 14, 2021, 04:26:11 PM
Lowe, Keenan, Gibson park couldn't tackle to save their lives. They need dropping for the England game

Spot on. Lowe is a liability.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 14, 2021, 04:34:59 PM
The lineout is good
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 14, 2021, 04:50:42 PM
Quote from: Gmac on March 14, 2021, 03:45:33 PM
Jamie heaslip is some dose on co commentary
He's a dose full stop. I had to stop following him on social media.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 14, 2021, 04:53:25 PM
I like the way JGP insists on kicking the ball back to Scotland everytime. What was he trying to achieve.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 14, 2021, 04:55:11 PM
FT Scotland 24-27 Ireland
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on March 14, 2021, 05:11:31 PM
Lowe is cat shouldn't be there before Lamour
Did James Ryan get another concussion?
Line out is excellent , if Ireland play like that against England they will get smashed in the tackle and be going backwards all day like the last couple of years , need something different for next day whether they have it is a different question.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 14, 2021, 05:21:53 PM
Ireland should have won that game at a canter only for individual errors and not controlling things at the right time.

Wales have stolen a triple crown probably the worst team to win one in a long time. Not a whole pile between England/Scotland/Ireland/France but France the marginally more consistent side.

Really don't see how Wales can beat France they're not a better team but maybe they can ride this win streak to a Grand Slam but I doubt it especially after the French getting a wake up call yesterday.

It's been a very competitive tournament I enjoyed the 2
Games yesterday and today.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on March 14, 2021, 05:45:27 PM
f**k the box kick chase is all Ireland have. That's it. Terrible to watch.
If Wales win this it will be incredible. A full Irish 15 or Scotland for that matter hump them everyday. They're very ordinary.

Italy should be told to piss off. Completely pointless. Game was over after 10 mins yesterday and BP secured within 30 mins. It's a disgrace the performances they put in and they're making a mockery of the tournament.

France unlucky v England, but I love this French team. Definitely going in the right direction.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Orior on March 14, 2021, 06:26:35 PM
Quote from: trailer on March 14, 2021, 05:45:27 PM
f**k the box kick chase is all Ireland have. That's it. Terrible to watch.
If Wales win this it will be incredible. A full Irish 15 or Scotland for that matter hump them everyday. They're very ordinary.

Italy should be told to piss off. Completely pointless. Game was over after 10 mins yesterday and BP secured within 30 mins. It's a disgrace the performances they put in and they're making a mockery of the tournament.

France unlucky v England, but I love this French team. Definitely going in the right direction.

Yes indeed. Go forward in rugby the ball has to be thrown backwards.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on March 14, 2021, 07:30:39 PM
I'm not sure what league they are trialling this in but the league Rob Kearney is playing in now is doing the 50:22 rule which looks like a good way of rewarding a good kick into the opposition 22 by giving the kicking team the line out ball rather than the defending team
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on March 15, 2021, 09:35:08 AM
Quote from: trailer on March 14, 2021, 05:45:27 PM
f**k the box kick chase is all Ireland have. That's it. Terrible to watch.
If Wales win this it will be incredible. A full Irish 15 or Scotland for that matter hump them everyday. They're very ordinary.

Italy should be told to piss off. Completely pointless. Game was over after 10 mins yesterday and BP secured within 30 mins. It's a disgrace the performances they put in and they're making a mockery of the tournament.

France unlucky v England, but I love this French team. Definitely going in the right direction.

France and England are a bit ahead of the Irish, Welsh and Scots but as the Welsh have proven if they fall short (as England did against  them) then one of the three can get the win, but 9 times out of 10 the English or French will beat the other three.

Ireland are a hard watch all the same. The pack are the strength of the team. lineouts good, a few steals yesterday from them, scrums solid and with Beirne stealing the ball at least 2 or 3 times a game, they give the backs a decent platform.

And then that's where it goes flat.
Box kick, flat passing that's not going to beat any decent defensive team, crash ball, phase after phase after phase. Heck, even the box kicks are now getting blocked down pretty frequently as the world and its dog knows whats coming. Heck even furlong was able to beat two tacklers with a bit of footwork.

The French coach talked about playing in the chaos, Ireland play by numbers, too regimented and terrible at offloading in the tackle.

Predictable stuff.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: pbat on March 15, 2021, 11:59:10 AM
I think Ireland rugby's whole stance on player recruitment is leaving them harder for me to support them like I used to. At the weekend Niall Annett played his 100th game for Worchester Warriors as hooker yet we had Rob Herring from South Africa at number 2 yesterday, Donnacha Ryan and Simon Zebo discarded for going to France yet a blind eye was turned to Sexton. We have James Lowe who to be honest wouldn't get near England, France, Wales or Scotland squads and Billy Burns on the bench who knew he hadn't a hope of getting an England cap.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 15, 2021, 01:03:23 PM
Quote from: pbat on March 15, 2021, 11:59:10 AM
I think Ireland rugby's whole stance on player recruitment is leaving them harder for me to support them like I used to. At the weekend Niall Annett played his 100th game for Worchester Warriors as hooker yet we had Rob Herring from South Africa at number 2 yesterday, Donnacha Ryan and Simon Zebo discarded for going to France yet a blind eye was turned to Sexton. We have James Lowe who to be honest wouldn't get near England, France, Wales or Scotland squads and Billy Burns on the bench who knew he hadn't a hope of getting an England cap.
I agree that its daft not picking the boys playing in England or France. They are doing it to try and protect the provinces but at the expense of the national team? - seems crazy to me. Gareth steenson was one of the top out halves in the premiership for years and never got close to a cap
Some of the foreign lads have been great like stander but James Lowe has been shown up to be very average. Not much point bringing in a whole load of imports who dont actually improve the squad. JGP is another we have plenty of alternatives- maybe not great but certainly not worse than him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on March 15, 2021, 01:07:46 PM
The IRFU are right to want to protect the domestic game

A fair compromise would probably be to allow players over a certain age who are playing abroad to be eligible for the national team

Say 28 or 29
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on March 15, 2021, 01:58:45 PM
Ireland find themselves in the bizarre situation where even after a fairly decent win, we still are a bit down on the whole thing.

I've long thought JGP/Lowe/Aki have been fairly second rate to be honest, add on top of them poor enough domestic born players like Earls....although he wasn't too bad yesterday as it happens.

I don't know why the country persists in going after what are not really much better than what we produce anyway, is Aki that much better than McCloskey or Farrell for example that it kept them from really getting a proper chance over the past few years? (I know Farrell was in France until 2017 odd and pretty much slipped through the gaps).

Of course Ireland doesn't have a massive pick, the Sexton anomaly of being picked whilst abroad leaves a fairly bad taste I suppose. You have Zebo, Ryan and even Paddy Jackson (I know) that would come straight into that starting 15 at the minute. Maybe Zebo v Keenan would be a decent debate for a manager. Jackson v Cooney would be a serious battle too actually. It would be better to have them, but sure we didn't really care too much during 2016 to about 2018 when Ireland were genuinely World Class.

For what its worth, like Sid says they are right to protect the domestic game....but if the question was an Irish man in France or a Kiwi in Dublin (after his time), is that threading on racial grounds? I don't know, I just think Ireland in the spot they are in now from what they were 2 years ago....can only hope Farrell begins to turn the tide really. The problem is, Lowe / JGP will be 30+ by time the World Cup comes, so we've already decided they are getting the 4 year cycle at it.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tonto1888 on March 15, 2021, 02:23:49 PM
Quote from: Nanderson on March 14, 2021, 07:30:39 PM
I'm not sure what league they are trialling this in but the league Rob Kearney is playing in now is doing the 50:22 rule which looks like a good way of rewarding a good kick into the opposition 22 by giving the kicking team the line out ball rather than the defending team

So they have basically taken the 40:20 rule from rugby league
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on March 15, 2021, 02:29:35 PM
I don't thnk you can plan 4 years ahead in rugby as it's such an attritional sport and injures have such a key role. Ireland need the income from finishing high in the 6 nations table so just throwing in a new team and finishing down the table isn't an option.

I think Earls and JGP are unfairly criticised here. JGP's kicking yesterday had Scotland in all sorts of trouble and it was a successful tactic all day. Murray used to be a master of this as well but in recent years for whatever reason his box kicking has been very poor and that's probably why he didn't make it off the bench yesterday. Whatever about the merits of Cooney, Schmidt and now Farrell clearly don't fancy him as he seems a long way from their thoughts. They see him and speak to the provincial coaches regularly so they obvioulsy have their reasons.

The criticism the Irish football team get is bad, but reading some of the papers online today you'd think Ireland lost yesterday. Some of the criticism to me seems way over the top. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on March 15, 2021, 02:32:04 PM
Selection for the England game will be interesting. Will he persist with Lowe + JGP, given their poor performances? It was said in the run up to the game that Farrell was picking a team to beat Scotland, not looking at the future. But the team just about got over the line, and needed Sexton to play the full 80mins.. plus Scotland were playing with a replacement scrum-half in the back row towards the end of the game.

I'd assume that James Ryan will be out after his knock. I'd hope Stockdale returns to the wing in place of Lowe and Murray will probably start over JGP
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 15, 2021, 03:57:27 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on March 15, 2021, 02:29:35 PM
I don't thnk you can plan 4 years ahead in rugby as it's such an attritional sport and injures have such a key role. Ireland need the income from finishing high in the 6 nations table so just throwing in a new team and finishing down the table isn't an option.

I think Earls and JGP are unfairly criticised here. JGP's kicking yesterday had Scotland in all sorts of trouble and it was a successful tactic all day. Murray used to be a master of this as well but in recent years for whatever reason his box kicking has been very poor and that's probably why he didn't make it off the bench yesterday. Whatever about the merits of Cooney, Schmidt and now Farrell clearly don't fancy him as he seems a long way from their thoughts. They see him and speak to the provincial coaches regularly so they obvioulsy have their reasons.

The criticism the Irish football team get is bad, but reading some of the papers online today you'd think Ireland lost yesterday. Some of the criticism to me seems way over the top.

They do try to plan ahead. Paddy Jackson was the chosen replacement for Sexton and they brought Billy Boots over from England wheren that didn't work out. The team hasn't recovered from 2019 when the tactics were found out.  Is it the coaches or the players ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on March 15, 2021, 04:18:50 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 15, 2021, 03:57:27 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on March 15, 2021, 02:29:35 PM
I don't thnk you can plan 4 years ahead in rugby as it's such an attritional sport and injures have such a key role. Ireland need the income from finishing high in the 6 nations table so just throwing in a new team and finishing down the table isn't an option.

I think Earls and JGP are unfairly criticised here. JGP's kicking yesterday had Scotland in all sorts of trouble and it was a successful tactic all day. Murray used to be a master of this as well but in recent years for whatever reason his box kicking has been very poor and that's probably why he didn't make it off the bench yesterday. Whatever about the merits of Cooney, Schmidt and now Farrell clearly don't fancy him as he seems a long way from their thoughts. They see him and speak to the provincial coaches regularly so they obvioulsy have their reasons.

The criticism the Irish football team get is bad, but reading some of the papers online today you'd think Ireland lost yesterday. Some of the criticism to me seems way over the top.

They do try to plan ahead. Paddy Jackson was the chosen replacement for Sexton and they brought Billy Boots over from England wheren that didn't work out. The team hasn't recovered from 2019 when the tactics were found out.  Is it the coaches or the players ?
if I was Ireland I wouldn't try pass the ball around like they have done the last couple games against England I would kick for territory and go for the disruption of the English line out try get penalties and keep game in England's half .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on March 15, 2021, 04:41:04 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 15, 2021, 03:57:27 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on March 15, 2021, 02:29:35 PM
I don't thnk you can plan 4 years ahead in rugby as it's such an attritional sport and injures have such a key role. Ireland need the income from finishing high in the 6 nations table so just throwing in a new team and finishing down the table isn't an option.

I think Earls and JGP are unfairly criticised here. JGP's kicking yesterday had Scotland in all sorts of trouble and it was a successful tactic all day. Murray used to be a master of this as well but in recent years for whatever reason his box kicking has been very poor and that's probably why he didn't make it off the bench yesterday. Whatever about the merits of Cooney, Schmidt and now Farrell clearly don't fancy him as he seems a long way from their thoughts. They see him and speak to the provincial coaches regularly so they obvioulsy have their reasons.

The criticism the Irish football team get is bad, but reading some of the papers online today you'd think Ireland lost yesterday. Some of the criticism to me seems way over the top.

They do try to plan ahead. Paddy Jackson was the chosen replacement for Sexton and they brought Billy Boots over from England wheren that didn't work out. The team hasn't recovered from 2019 when the tactics were found out.  Is it the coaches or the players ?

Joey Carbery was seen as the replacement for Sexton (they'll still hope he will be) that's why he went to Munster. Burns was signed as a replacement for Jackson as he is Irish qualified.

England have a better side than Ireland at the moment. I don't think you can blame anyone for that. That's just the way cycles work in sport. England got caught out by Scotland on the opening weekend with Jones picking players lacking match sharpness and England probably underestimating Scotland, but they looked good on Saturday with the run of games under their belt and it's clearly made a difference

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on March 15, 2021, 08:31:44 PM
James Ryan and Gary Ringrose out of the game this weekend.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 15, 2021, 09:26:18 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on March 15, 2021, 04:41:04 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 15, 2021, 03:57:27 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on March 15, 2021, 02:29:35 PM
I don't thnk you can plan 4 years ahead in rugby as it's such an attritional sport and injures have such a key role. Ireland need the income from finishing high in the 6 nations table so just throwing in a new team and finishing down the table isn't an option.

I think Earls and JGP are unfairly criticised here. JGP's kicking yesterday had Scotland in all sorts of trouble and it was a successful tactic all day. Murray used to be a master of this as well but in recent years for whatever reason his box kicking has been very poor and that's probably why he didn't make it off the bench yesterday. Whatever about the merits of Cooney, Schmidt and now Farrell clearly don't fancy him as he seems a long way from their thoughts. They see him and speak to the provincial coaches regularly so they obvioulsy have their reasons.

The criticism the Irish football team get is bad, but reading some of the papers online today you'd think Ireland lost yesterday. Some of the criticism to me seems way over the top.

They do try to plan ahead. Paddy Jackson was the chosen replacement for Sexton and they brought Billy Boots over from England wheren that didn't work out. The team hasn't recovered from 2019 when the tactics were found out.  Is it the coaches or the players ?

Joey Carbery was seen as the replacement for Sexton (they'll still hope he will be) that's why he went to Munster. Burns was signed as a replacement for Jackson as he is Irish qualified.

England have a better side than Ireland at the moment. I don't think you can blame anyone for that. That's just the way cycles work in sport. England got caught out by Scotland on the opening weekend with Jones picking players lacking match sharpness and England probably underestimating Scotland, but they looked good on Saturday with the run of games under their belt and it's clearly made a difference
Forgot about JC
England have been significantly better than Ireland in the recent past.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on March 15, 2021, 10:47:15 PM
As a sunshine Rugby fan looking from the outside. The following amazes me:

How England and France are not miles ahead?

How Ireland do as well as they do?

How Scotland kept going up to now?

How long more can we put up with Italy?

How the media are excited this week about an England/Ireland game that means nothing?

How every year we have more and more non Irish born playing for Ireland?

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 16, 2021, 10:23:58 AM
Stander retiring at end of this season.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on March 16, 2021, 10:57:45 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 16, 2021, 10:23:58 AM
Stander retiring at end of this season.

That is a blow to the Irish and Munster teams. He is just 30 years old.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 16, 2021, 11:02:16 AM
Not sure it's that big a deal for Ireland to be honest. He slows play down a lot and the forwards are motoring quite a bit at the minute. Not sure he'd be first choice going forward.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on March 16, 2021, 11:21:41 AM
Quote from: From the Bunker on March 15, 2021, 10:47:15 PM
As a sunshine Rugby fan looking from the outside. The following amazes me:

How England and France are not miles ahead?

They are

How Ireland do as well as they do?

They had a golden period of 3 years, unfortunately the year off was the World Cup year. Beating the All Blacks was the reward for all that effort.

How Scotland kept going up to now?

Scotland have some genuinely World Class players, Finn Russel, Stuart Hogg, Sean Maitland, Jonny Gray and Hamish Watson all arguably World Class and likely to be in the Lions Set Up

How long more can we put up with Italy?

I can't answer that one, but I don't think we should give up on them. Maybe another competition involving themselves, Georgia, Russia and Spain/Romania could be a go.

How the media are excited this week about an England/Ireland game that means nothing?

Political backdrop. Without the crowd its useless though....suppose they have to sell the product.

How every year we have more and more non Irish born playing for Ireland?

Think it's just a phase, the next generation of young Ireland players are on the way (I hope)....Baird, Baloucoune when he gets himself back into fitness won't be far away
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 16, 2021, 11:22:12 AM
Quote from: From the Bunker on March 15, 2021, 10:47:15 PM
As a sunshine Rugby fan looking from the outside. The following amazes me:

How England and France are not miles ahead?

How Ireland do as well as they do?

How Scotland kept going up to now?

How long more can we put up with Italy?

How the media are excited this week about an England/Ireland game that means nothing?

How every year we have more and more non Irish born playing for Ireland?
England and France are building up towards the World Cup. You won't see England or France winning the GS the year before and showcasing their tactics to the world.
It's all about getting the panel organised at this stage.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on March 16, 2021, 12:35:09 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 16, 2021, 11:22:12 AM
Quote from: From the Bunker on March 15, 2021, 10:47:15 PM
As a sunshine Rugby fan looking from the outside. The following amazes me:

How England and France are not miles ahead?

How Ireland do as well as they do?

How Scotland kept going up to now?

How long more can we put up with Italy?

How the media are excited this week about an England/Ireland game that means nothing?

How every year we have more and more non Irish born playing for Ireland?
England and France are building up towards the World Cup. You won't see England or France winning the GS the year before and showcasing their tactics to the world.
It's all about getting the panel organised at this stage.

England won a grand slam in 2003 when they won the WC.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 16, 2021, 01:08:13 PM
Quote from: trailer on March 16, 2021, 12:35:09 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 16, 2021, 11:22:12 AM
Quote from: From the Bunker on March 15, 2021, 10:47:15 PM
As a sunshine Rugby fan looking from the outside. The following amazes me:

How England and France are not miles ahead?

How Ireland do as well as they do?

How Scotland kept going up to now?

How long more can we put up with Italy?

How the media are excited this week about an England/Ireland game that means nothing?

How every year we have more and more non Irish born playing for Ireland?
England and France are building up towards the World Cup. You won't see England or France winning the GS the year before and showcasing their tactics to the world.
It's all about getting the panel organised at this stage.

England won a grand slam in 2003 when they won the WC.
That was then. NZ were well off their RWC pace the year Ireland beat them. So were England .
England didn't care about this year's 6N either
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on March 16, 2021, 01:26:37 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 16, 2021, 01:08:13 PM
Quote from: trailer on March 16, 2021, 12:35:09 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 16, 2021, 11:22:12 AM
Quote from: From the Bunker on March 15, 2021, 10:47:15 PM
As a sunshine Rugby fan looking from the outside. The following amazes me:

How England and France are not miles ahead?

How Ireland do as well as they do?

How Scotland kept going up to now?

How long more can we put up with Italy?

How the media are excited this week about an England/Ireland game that means nothing?

How every year we have more and more non Irish born playing for Ireland?
England and France are building up towards the World Cup. You won't see England or France winning the GS the year before and showcasing their tactics to the world.
It's all about getting the panel organised at this stage.

England won a grand slam in 2003 when they won the WC.
That was then. NZ were well off their RWC pace the year Ireland beat them. So were England .
England didn't care about this year's 6N either

England do care about the 6 nations, as do all the other nations competing in it this year. There's meant to be a Lions tour coming up in the summer and that's a tour all the players want to be a part of. Having a good 6 nations campaign is important for alot of them who want to make it on the tour and test team. It was poor management/discipline that cost England against Scotland/Wales this year.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on March 16, 2021, 01:48:27 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on March 16, 2021, 01:26:37 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 16, 2021, 01:08:13 PM
Quote from: trailer on March 16, 2021, 12:35:09 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 16, 2021, 11:22:12 AM
Quote from: From the Bunker on March 15, 2021, 10:47:15 PM
As a sunshine Rugby fan looking from the outside. The following amazes me:

How England and France are not miles ahead?

How Ireland do as well as they do?

How Scotland kept going up to now?

How long more can we put up with Italy?

How the media are excited this week about an England/Ireland game that means nothing?

How every year we have more and more non Irish born playing for Ireland?
England and France are building up towards the World Cup. You won't see England or France winning the GS the year before and showcasing their tactics to the world.
It's all about getting the panel organised at this stage.

England won a grand slam in 2003 when they won the WC.
That was then. NZ were well off their RWC pace the year Ireland beat them. So were England .
England didn't care about this year's 6N either

England do care about the 6 nations, as do all the other nations competing in it this year. There's meant to be a Lions tour coming up in the summer and that's a tour all the players want to be a part of. Having a good 6 nations campaign is important for alot of them who want to make it on the tour and test team. It was poor management/discipline that cost England against Scotland/Wales this year.

There's not a chance any side are going through the motions in a 6N in the year of WC.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on March 16, 2021, 01:52:48 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on March 16, 2021, 10:57:45 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 16, 2021, 10:23:58 AM
Stander retiring at end of this season.

That is a blow to the Irish and Munster teams. He is just 30 years old.

I don't think he's retiring. Wouldn't surprise me if he signs for someone else in a few months. All is not what it seems there.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on March 16, 2021, 03:02:31 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on March 16, 2021, 01:52:48 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on March 16, 2021, 10:57:45 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 16, 2021, 10:23:58 AM
Stander retiring at end of this season.

That is a blow to the Irish and Munster teams. He is just 30 years old.

I don't think he's retiring. Wouldn't surprise me if he signs for someone else in a few months. All is not what it seems there.
he is retiring and I would say it has a lot to do with the way he plays and concussion risks and the fact he is ok now at 30 and wants to get out while he is .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on March 16, 2021, 10:09:56 PM
Quote from: trailer on March 16, 2021, 01:48:27 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on March 16, 2021, 01:26:37 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 16, 2021, 01:08:13 PM
Quote from: trailer on March 16, 2021, 12:35:09 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 16, 2021, 11:22:12 AM
Quote from: From the Bunker on March 15, 2021, 10:47:15 PM
As a sunshine Rugby fan looking from the outside. The following amazes me:

How England and France are not miles ahead?

How Ireland do as well as they do?

How Scotland kept going up to now?

How long more can we put up with Italy?

How the media are excited this week about an England/Ireland game that means nothing?

How every year we have more and more non Irish born playing for Ireland?
England and France are building up towards the World Cup. You won't see England or France winning the GS the year before and showcasing their tactics to the world.
It's all about getting the panel organised at this stage.

England won a grand slam in 2003 when they won the WC.
That was then. NZ were well off their RWC pace the year Ireland beat them. So were England .
England didn't care about this year's 6N either

England do care about the 6 nations, as do all the other nations competing in it this year. There's meant to be a Lions tour coming up in the summer and that's a tour all the players want to be a part of. Having a good 6 nations campaign is important for alot of them who want to make it on the tour and test team. It was poor management/discipline that cost England against Scotland/Wales this year.

There's not a chance any side are going through the motions in a 6N in the year of WC.
France did it in 1999 and they reached the final

England were pretty bad in the championship in 2007 and they reached the World Cup final

I've seen teams pretty much go through the motions in the World Cup group stage and then kick into life

England in 2007

France in 2011

To a lesser extent South Africa in 2019



Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on March 17, 2021, 09:46:33 AM
1987 - World Cup
France went into it as Grand Slam Champions

1991 - World Cup
England went into it as Grand Slam Champions

1995 - World Cup
England went into it as Grand Slam Champions

1999 - World Cup
France won the Grand Slam in '98 + '97

2003 - World Cup
England went into it as Grand Slam Champions

2007 - World Cup
France were 6nations Champions in '06 + '07

2011 - World Cup
France won the Grand Slam in 2010, England went into it as title holders

2015 - World Cup
Ireland were back-to-back title winners.
England won the Grand Slam the following year.

2019 - World Cup
Ireland were Grand Slam winners in 2018
Wales were Grand Slam winners in 2019

If every opinion on this board was taken as truth there would be no proper time to win a Grand Slam or 6 Nations C'ship....

I've read that winning one after a World Cup means nothing as the other side's are already thinking about their next 4yr cycle.

I've read that Ireland's 2009 GS victory meant nothing really as it was mid cycle and other teams were going through the motions.

Now we have teams that don't want to win the Grand Slam or Title in the year before the the World Cup or in a World Cup year.

So that's the 4 year cycle, no right time to win it, because either:
A. Other teams are future planning or
B. Other teams wouldn't be bringing their A game to showcase to the rest of the World.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on March 17, 2021, 09:50:40 AM
Quote from: Estimator on March 17, 2021, 09:46:33 AM
1987 - World Cup
France went into it as Grand Slam Champions

1991 - World Cup
England went into it as Grand Slam Champions

1995 - World Cup
England went into it as Grand Slam Champions

1999 - World Cup
France won the Grand Slam in '98 + '97

2003 - World Cup
England went into it as Grand Slam Champions

2007 - World Cup
France were 6nations Champions in '06 + '07

2011 - World Cup
France won the Grand Slam in 2010, England went into it as title holders

2015 - World Cup
Ireland were back-to-back title winners.
England won the Grand Slam the following year.

2019 - World Cup
Ireland were Grand Slam winners in 2018
Wales were Grand Slam winners in 2019

If every opinion on this board was taken as truth there would be no proper time to win a Grand Slam or 6 Nations C'ship....

I've read that winning one after a World Cup means nothing as the other side's are already thinking about their next 4yr cycle.

I've read that Ireland's 2009 GS victory meant nothing really as it was mid cycle and other teams were going through the motions.

Now we have teams that don't want to win the Grand Slam or Title in the year before the the World Cup or in a World Cup year.

So that's the 4 year cycle, no right time to win it, because either:
A. Other teams are future planning or
B. Other teams wouldn't be bringing their A game to showcase to the rest of the World.

I think the take away is that these professional teams are going out to win every game and every competition. The idea that they're holding something in reserve for a WC is for the birds.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on March 17, 2021, 09:59:54 AM
It's beyond silly.

Players should naturally retire (or be retired) after a WC. So too coaches. Their replacements come in and if they're not up to scratch it'll take a few years to find a balance, swooping potential starters in and out. This tinkering has a roughly equal chance of finally hearing fruit in years 1, 2, 3 or 4.... and not at all.

That it happens sometimes in a WC year really seems to f**k with some people's heads.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 17, 2021, 10:08:08 AM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/gordon-d-arcy-cj-stander-has-been-central-to-all-the-great-days-since-2016-1.4512263

In pro rugby eventually you need to pay the ferryman. The concussion stories, the early onset of dementia, being forced to go under the knife for corrective surgery on a mangled shoulder so you can carry your infant child, needing both hands to stand up from the dinner table, are just some of the issues that pursue rugby players into their forties and beyond.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on March 17, 2021, 06:04:21 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 17, 2021, 10:08:08 AM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/gordon-d-arcy-cj-stander-has-been-central-to-all-the-great-days-since-2016-1.4512263

In pro rugby eventually you need to pay the ferryman. The concussion stories, the early onset of dementia, being forced to go under the knife for corrective surgery on a mangled shoulder so you can carry your infant child, needing both hands to stand up from the dinner table, are just some of the issues that pursue rugby players into their forties and beyond.

If you play sport for a large part of your adult life (not just at professional level) there's a good chance your body will pay the price in later life.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 6th sam on March 17, 2021, 07:08:54 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on March 17, 2021, 06:04:21 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 17, 2021, 10:08:08 AM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/gordon-d-arcy-cj-stander-has-been-central-to-all-the-great-days-since-2016-1.4512263

In pro rugby eventually you need to pay the ferryman. The concussion stories, the early onset of dementia, being forced to go under the knife for corrective surgery on a mangled shoulder so you can carry your infant child, needing both hands to stand up from the dinner table, are just some of the issues that pursue rugby players into their forties and beyond.

If you play sport for a large part of your adult life (not just at professional level) there's a good chance your body will pay the price in later life.

No disrespect but that just isn't true. A very small percentage of sportspeople have significant health issues as a result of their sports participation. On the contrary  Those who don't take part in sport or exercise leave themselves vulnerable to significant health problems: obesity, arthritis , diabetes , blood pressure , heart disease , for starters.

Rugby is almost uniquely a recurrent high impact sport with no protective gear, and minimal rules protection .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 17, 2021, 07:18:08 PM
There's no way that's true there has to be a decent percentage of lads who have played GAA at Adult level for who there are chronic conditions. Anecdotally from my friends this is the case and I'm sure many others are the same story!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 6th sam on March 17, 2021, 08:29:49 PM
Quote from: screenexile on March 17, 2021, 07:18:08 PM
There's no way that's true there has to be a decent percentage of lads who have played GAA at Adult level for who there are chronic conditions. Anecdotally from my friends this is the case and I'm sure many others are the same story!

Again no disrespect, but What do you mean by "chronic conditions" and is there a proven link with them playing "GAA"?

There are well established , accepted, proven connections between inactivity and several chronic conditions eg diabetes , obesity, arthritis , heart disease .

I am not aware of well established, accepted, proven evidence to connect playing GAA per Se, with chronic conditions.

Because of the dangers to physical and mental health , of not playing sport , people need to be responsible about making loose connections without evidence .

An overweight lad , down in the pub spouting about his days playing junior football catching up on him , can not be quantified as "evidence " to discourage sport . Playing "GAA" didn't appear to catch up on Mickey linden who clocked up loads of hours of football into his 50s.


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on March 17, 2021, 08:59:31 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on March 17, 2021, 07:08:54 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on March 17, 2021, 06:04:21 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 17, 2021, 10:08:08 AM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/gordon-d-arcy-cj-stander-has-been-central-to-all-the-great-days-since-2016-1.4512263

In pro rugby eventually you need to pay the ferryman. The concussion stories, the early onset of dementia, being forced to go under the knife for corrective surgery on a mangled shoulder so you can carry your infant child, needing both hands to stand up from the dinner table, are just some of the issues that pursue rugby players into their forties and beyond.

If you play sport for a large part of your adult life (not just at professional level) there's a good chance your body will pay the price in later life.

No disrespect but that just isn't true. A very small percentage of sportspeople have significant health issues as a result of their sports participation. On the contrary  Those who don't take part in sport or exercise leave themselves vulnerable to significant health problems: obesity, arthritis , diabetes , blood pressure , heart disease , for starters.

Rugby is almost uniquely a recurrent high impact sport with no protective gear, and minimal rules protection .

So people don't end up with bad knees,ankles wrists etc through playing sport?

English cricketer Graeme Swann knew it was time to retire when he lost the use of his arm and dropped his baby while holding it and cricket wouldn't be known as a so called high risk sport

I have a teammate who'll need at least one hip replaced before he's 50 from playing hurling and that's only at club level.

If you play sport (especially contact sport) your are pushing your body and parts can break that you'll pay for in later life. I would have thought everyone was aware of this. To say it doesn't happen to people in other sports is just head in the sand stuff
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 6th sam on March 17, 2021, 10:10:12 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on March 17, 2021, 08:59:31 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on March 17, 2021, 07:08:54 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on March 17, 2021, 06:04:21 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 17, 2021, 10:08:08 AM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/gordon-d-arcy-cj-stander-has-been-central-to-all-the-great-days-since-2016-1.4512263

In pro rugby eventually you need to pay the ferryman. The concussion stories, the early onset of dementia, being forced to go under the knife for corrective surgery on a mangled shoulder so you can carry your infant child, needing both hands to stand up from the dinner table, are just some of the issues that pursue rugby players into their forties and beyond.

If you play sport for a large part of your adult life (not just at professional level) there's a good chance your body will pay the price in later life.

No disrespect but that just isn't true. A very small percentage of sportspeople have significant health issues as a result of their sports participation. On the contrary  Those who don't take part in sport or exercise leave themselves vulnerable to significant health problems: obesity, arthritis , diabetes , blood pressure , heart disease , for starters.

Rugby is almost uniquely a recurrent high impact sport with no protective gear, and minimal rules protection .

So people don't end up with bad knees,ankles wrists etc through playing sport?

English cricketer Graeme Swann knew it was time to retire when he lost the use of his arm and dropped his baby while holding it and cricket wouldn't be known as a so called high risk sport

I have a teammate who'll need at least one hip replaced before he's 50 from playing hurling and that's only at club level.

If you play sport (especially contact sport) your are pushing your body and parts can break that you'll pay for in later life. I would have thought everyone was aware of this. To say it doesn't happen to people in other sports is just head in the sand stuff

Please take time to read posts before blindly replying. I'm genuinely looking evidence and will stand corrected if you can prove it ,

Let's break this down:

Obesity is a proven risk factor for diabetes .

Can you prove that your team-mate's arthritis of hip was as a result of his playing hurling? Or Was it because he had a propensity to arthritis and would have developed it any way?

Genuinely not being contrary here. I just have an issue with people making health connections without proof. Especially when it can undermine positive health messages.

People can have sports injury and later develop joint issues , but people who don't exercise are at much more risk of health problems including joint problems.

"Bad knees" can be troublesome for many whether they played sport or not. Neck injuries and post concussion problems are a much more serious matter. Continuing to ignore rugby's recurrent high impact with increasing force and no protection is irresponsible . Head and neck injuries in rugby are a serious matter and comparing it to "bad knees" which could be as a result of any number of causes , is irresponsible.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 17, 2021, 10:54:59 PM
Well in my case I suffered 2 ACL tears on the pitch... the 3rd as a result of wear and tear from playing on... my chronic pain in my knees is a direct result of playing football for 25 odd years!

I'm sure there are numerous other lads here who have the same to say there's not an issue with ex GAA players who played regularly as adults suffering from chronic issues as a result of their playing days is complete head in the sand stuff!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 6th sam on March 18, 2021, 01:11:21 AM
Quote from: screenexile on March 17, 2021, 10:54:59 PM
Well in my case I suffered 2 ACL tears on the pitch... the 3rd as a result of wear and tear from playing on... my chronic pain in my knees is a direct result of playing football for 25 odd years!

I'm sure there are numerous other lads here who have the same to say there's not an issue with ex GAA players who played regularly as adults suffering from chronic issues as a result of their playing days is complete head in the sand stuff!!

Tbf Maybe I'm being misunderstood regarding impact of various injuries.
That's a nightmare for you. I'm just trying to put the impact of various injuries into context and apologies if that seems like I'm underestimating the effect of injuries. ACL is a career threatening injury, though thankfully most people will not develop ongoing chronic conditions from an ACL tear. Massive respect for you with 3 ACL and playing for 25 years .
ACL injury can happen as a result of competitive and recreational sports or even outside sport . And Some people are more prone to it than others . You would  be aware that  Even with rehab it can  recur again , inside or outside GAA . Players are aware of those risks but many chose to play on, presumably because the enjoyment and health benefits of team sport are enormous and you could injure your knee or develop "bad knees" anyway.  The point I'm making, obviously very poorly, is that people know risks of any activity and make choices. The GAA Tbf has done alot of work to reduce injury  eg better pitches better injury prevention exercises, burnout changes , helmets in hurling etc.

Where head injury in rugby is completely different is that a brain injury can have monumental impact outside of the game and  importantly head injury can affect judgement . This is manifest by players determined  to play on after head injuries. Rugby as it stands involves a massive risk of recurrent frequent high force impact to the head.  The brain is arguably the most important organ in the body. Subjecting it to repetitive high force trauma is wrong and Rugby need to protect these players through legislation. Watch "Concussion " and make up your own minds on it. Sport has an enormous positive impact on health, but sadly there can be serious injury and organisations need to minimise risk. Head injury risk trumps any other risk in my opinion because of its life impact and the fact that concussed players sometimes aren't in a position to protect themselves
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on March 18, 2021, 10:18:41 AM
Quote from: 6th sam on March 17, 2021, 10:10:12 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on March 17, 2021, 08:59:31 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on March 17, 2021, 07:08:54 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on March 17, 2021, 06:04:21 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 17, 2021, 10:08:08 AM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/gordon-d-arcy-cj-stander-has-been-central-to-all-the-great-days-since-2016-1.4512263

In pro rugby eventually you need to pay the ferryman. The concussion stories, the early onset of dementia, being forced to go under the knife for corrective surgery on a mangled shoulder so you can carry your infant child, needing both hands to stand up from the dinner table, are just some of the issues that pursue rugby players into their forties and beyond.

If you play sport for a large part of your adult life (not just at professional level) there's a good chance your body will pay the price in later life.

No disrespect but that just isn't true. A very small percentage of sportspeople have significant health issues as a result of their sports participation. On the contrary  Those who don't take part in sport or exercise leave themselves vulnerable to significant health problems: obesity, arthritis , diabetes , blood pressure , heart disease , for starters.

Rugby is almost uniquely a recurrent high impact sport with no protective gear, and minimal rules protection .

So people don't end up with bad knees,ankles wrists etc through playing sport?

English cricketer Graeme Swann knew it was time to retire when he lost the use of his arm and dropped his baby while holding it and cricket wouldn't be known as a so called high risk sport

I have a teammate who'll need at least one hip replaced before he's 50 from playing hurling and that's only at club level.

If you play sport (especially contact sport) your are pushing your body and parts can break that you'll pay for in later life. I would have thought everyone was aware of this. To say it doesn't happen to people in other sports is just head in the sand stuff

Please take time to read posts before blindly replying. I'm genuinely looking evidence and will stand corrected if you can prove it ,

Let's break this down:

Obesity is a proven risk factor for diabetes .

Can you prove that your team-mate's arthritis of hip was as a result of his playing hurling? Or Was it because he had a propensity to arthritis and would have developed it any way?

Genuinely not being contrary here. I just have an issue with people making health connections without proof. Especially when it can undermine positive health messages.

People can have sports injury and later develop joint issues , but people who don't exercise are at much more risk of health problems including joint problems.

"Bad knees" can be troublesome for many whether they played sport or not. Neck injuries and post concussion problems are a much more serious matter. Continuing to ignore rugby's recurrent high impact with increasing force and no protection is irresponsible . Head and neck injuries in rugby are a serious matter and comparing it to "bad knees" which could be as a result of any number of causes , is irresponsible.

The dodgy hips are as a result of all his years playing in goal. That's the medical opinion of the doctor and he was in complete agreement with him. You don't seriously think playing sport for a couple of decades doesn't have a long term effect on your body (excluding preventing obesity)

Rugby officialdom are well aware of player safety and are looking at making the game safe.They are now taking a zero tolerance stance on tackles that hit the head. You only have to look at all the red cards being handed out in recent seasons for tackles to the head and with the mandatory substitutions for players who suffer head injuries they are making progress
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 6th sam on March 18, 2021, 10:45:31 AM
Quote from: dublin7 on March 18, 2021, 10:18:41 AM
Quote from: 6th sam on March 17, 2021, 10:10:12 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on March 17, 2021, 08:59:31 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on March 17, 2021, 07:08:54 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on March 17, 2021, 06:04:21 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 17, 2021, 10:08:08 AM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/gordon-d-arcy-cj-stander-has-been-central-to-all-the-great-days-since-2016-1.4512263

In pro rugby eventually you need to pay the ferryman. The concussion stories, the early onset of dementia, being forced to go under the knife for corrective surgery on a mangled shoulder so you can carry your infant child, needing both hands to stand up from the dinner table, are just some of the issues that pursue rugby players into their forties and beyond.

If you play sport for a large part of your adult life (not just at professional level) there's a good chance your body will pay the price in later life.

No disrespect but that just isn't true. A very small percentage of sportspeople have significant health issues as a result of their sports participation. On the contrary  Those who don't take part in sport or exercise leave themselves vulnerable to significant health problems: obesity, arthritis , diabetes , blood pressure , heart disease , for starters.

Rugby is almost uniquely a recurrent high impact sport with no protective gear, and minimal rules protection .

So people don't end up with bad knees,ankles wrists etc through playing sport?

English cricketer Graeme Swann knew it was time to retire when he lost the use of his arm and dropped his baby while holding it and cricket wouldn't be known as a so called high risk sport

I have a teammate who'll need at least one hip replaced before he's 50 from playing hurling and that's only at club level.

If you play sport (especially contact sport) your are pushing your body and parts can break that you'll pay for in later life. I would have thought everyone was aware of this. To say it doesn't happen to people in other sports is just head in the sand stuff

Please take time to read posts before blindly replying. I'm genuinely looking evidence and will stand corrected if you can prove it ,

Let's break this down:

Obesity is a proven risk factor for diabetes .

Can you prove that your team-mate's arthritis of hip was as a result of his playing hurling? Or Was it because he had a propensity to arthritis and would have developed it any way?

Genuinely not being contrary here. I just have an issue with people making health connections without proof. Especially when it can undermine positive health messages.

People can have sports injury and later develop joint issues , but people who don't exercise are at much more risk of health problems including joint problems.

"Bad knees" can be troublesome for many whether they played sport or not. Neck injuries and post concussion problems are a much more serious matter. Continuing to ignore rugby's recurrent high impact with increasing force and no protection is irresponsible . Head and neck injuries in rugby are a serious matter and comparing it to "bad knees" which could be as a result of any number of causes , is irresponsible.

The dodgy hips are as a result of all his years playing in goal. That's the medical opinion of the doctor and he was in complete agreement with him. You don't seriously think playing sport for a couple of decades doesn't have a long term effect on your body (excluding preventing obesity)

Rugby officialdom are well aware of player safety and are looking at making the game safe.They are now taking a zero tolerance stance on tackles that hit the head. You only have to look at all the red cards being handed out in recent seasons for tackles to the head and with the mandatory substitutions for players who suffer head injuries they are making progress

I respect your opinion , and your mate's tale about his goalkeeping days and his doctor , he obviously has significant problems  but none of us know the specifics including other factors in this hurler's case.

Yes I do seriously think that playing sport for a couple of decades doesn't have a long term effect on the body of the vast majority of people that play. Sport promotes health physical and mental health for individuals and society as a whole. By way of balance , in contrast to your mate's case I know hundreds of people who played sport and have no chronic conditions .
Promoting The view that there are loads of people out there with chronic conditions which are solely attributable to GAA , is dangerous .

Rugby on the other hand involves heavier ( sometimes professional) athletes inviting contact continuously . Regardless of refereeing changes that risk remains unless contact rules are changed completely.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on March 18, 2021, 03:40:57 PM
Out - Healy, Ryan(inj), Connors (inj), JGP, Lowe, Ringrose (inj)
In - Kilcoyne, VdF, Conan, Murray, Stockdale, Aki
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 18, 2021, 06:27:16 PM
IRELAND: Hugo Keenan; Keith Earls, Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki, Jacob Stockdale; Johnny Sexton (capt), Conor Murray; David Kilcoyne, Rob Herring, Tadhg Furlong; Iain Henderson, Tadhg Beirne; CJ Stander, Josh van der Flier, Jack Conan.

Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Cian Healy, Andrew Porter, Ryan Baird, Peter O'Mahony, Jamison Gibson-Park, Billy Burns, Jordan Larmour.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 19, 2021, 08:01:33 PM
Paddy Jackson having a decent season with London Irish not missing much and a far better replacement for Sexton
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on March 19, 2021, 10:10:38 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 19, 2021, 08:01:33 PM
Paddy Jackson having a decent season with London Irish not missing much and a far better replacement for Sexton

But he is not playing in Ireland. Can you imagine the backlash if he was picked. People have long memories.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 19, 2021, 10:15:13 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on March 19, 2021, 10:10:38 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 19, 2021, 08:01:33 PM
Paddy Jackson having a decent season with London Irish not missing much and a far better replacement for Sexton

But he is not playing in Ireland. Can you imagine the backlash if he was picked. People have long memories.

When Sexton played in France was he banned?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on March 19, 2021, 10:20:26 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 19, 2021, 10:15:13 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on March 19, 2021, 10:10:38 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 19, 2021, 08:01:33 PM
Paddy Jackson having a decent season with London Irish not missing much and a far better replacement for Sexton

But he is not playing in Ireland. Can you imagine the backlash if he was picked. People have long memories.

When Sexton played in France was he banned?

Sexton was world class and an exception was made. New Zealand made the same exception for Daniel Carter when he moved to France.

Paddy Jackson is a good player, but nowhere near the standard of the other lads.

There are players of similar ability playing in Ireland in his position
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 19, 2021, 10:24:43 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on March 19, 2021, 10:20:26 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 19, 2021, 10:15:13 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on March 19, 2021, 10:10:38 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 19, 2021, 08:01:33 PM
Paddy Jackson having a decent season with London Irish not missing much and a far better replacement for Sexton

But he is not playing in Ireland. Can you imagine the backlash if he was picked. People have long memories.

When Sexton played in France was he banned?

Sexton was world class and an exception was made. New Zealand made the same exception for Daniel Carter when he moved to France.

Paddy Jackson is a good player, but nowhere near the standard of the other lads.

There are players of similar ability playing in Ireland in his position

Agreed with your first point but Jackson was the number 2 before moving! The rest of your post is rubbish
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on March 19, 2021, 10:46:41 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 19, 2021, 10:24:43 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on March 19, 2021, 10:20:26 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 19, 2021, 10:15:13 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on March 19, 2021, 10:10:38 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 19, 2021, 08:01:33 PM
Paddy Jackson having a decent season with London Irish not missing much and a far better replacement for Sexton

But he is not playing in Ireland. Can you imagine the backlash if he was picked. People have long memories.

When Sexton played in France was he banned?

Sexton was world class and an exception was made. New Zealand made the same exception for Daniel Carter when he moved to France.

Paddy Jackson is a good player, but nowhere near the standard of the other lads.

There are players of similar ability playing in Ireland in his position

Agreed with your first point but Jackson was the number 2 before moving! The rest of your post is rubbish

I don't think even Paddy Jackson's family think he's as good a player as you seem to think. Jackson was number 2, but who was his competition? He certainly was nowhere close to Sexton's level the time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 19, 2021, 10:50:05 PM
I said he was the number 2 behind Sexton! Never believed he was better but a ton better than Carberry and Billy, both of them are standard players.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on March 19, 2021, 11:10:28 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 19, 2021, 10:50:05 PM
I said he was the number 2 behind Sexton! Never believed he was better but a ton better than Carberry and Billy, both of them are standard players.

Paddy Jackson was a player with great promise, but never seemed to take that next step and deliver on it.  He didn't do anything for Perpignan when he played for them and they were happy to let him go to London Irlsh.

He's 29 now so Ireland are better off looking at younger players (playing in Ireland) as a replacement for Sexton
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 20, 2021, 12:30:53 AM
Quote from: dublin7 on March 19, 2021, 11:10:28 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 19, 2021, 10:50:05 PM
I said he was the number 2 behind Sexton! Never believed he was better but a ton better than Carberry and Billy, both of them are standard players.

Paddy Jackson was a player with great promise, but never seemed to take that next step and deliver on it.  He didn't do anything for Perpignan when he played for them and they were happy to let him go to London Irlsh.

He's 29 now so Ireland are better off looking at younger players (playing in Ireland) as a replacement for Sexton

Ok you've put him down and not given me a player for Ireland who's the best replacement. I've said before Jackson was always second fiddle to Sexton, but I've yet to see a better second. So knock yourself out with these other better players
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on March 20, 2021, 12:38:19 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 20, 2021, 12:30:53 AM
Quote from: dublin7 on March 19, 2021, 11:10:28 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 19, 2021, 10:50:05 PM
I said he was the number 2 behind Sexton! Never believed he was better but a ton better than Carberry and Billy, both of them are standard players.

Paddy Jackson was a player with great promise, but never seemed to take that next step and deliver on it.  He didn't do anything for Perpignan when he played for them and they were happy to let him go to London Irlsh.

He's 29 now so Ireland are better off looking at younger players (playing in Ireland) as a replacement for Sexton

Ok you've put him down and not given me a player for Ireland who's the best replacement. I've said before Jackson was always second fiddle to Sexton, but I've yet to see a better second. So knock yourself out with these other better players
Carberry
Harry Byrne
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 20, 2021, 12:50:33 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on March 20, 2021, 12:38:19 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 20, 2021, 12:30:53 AM
Quote from: dublin7 on March 19, 2021, 11:10:28 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 19, 2021, 10:50:05 PM
I said he was the number 2 behind Sexton! Never believed he was better but a ton better than Carberry and Billy, both of them are standard players.

Paddy Jackson was a player with great promise, but never seemed to take that next step and deliver on it.  He didn't do anything for Perpignan when he played for them and they were happy to let him go to London Irlsh.

He's 29 now so Ireland are better off looking at younger players (playing in Ireland) as a replacement for Sexton

Ok you've put him down and not given me a player for Ireland who's the best replacement. I've said before Jackson was always second fiddle to Sexton, but I've yet to see a better second. So knock yourself out with these other better players
Carberry
Harry Byrne
Rubbish
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on March 20, 2021, 01:18:00 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 20, 2021, 12:50:33 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on March 20, 2021, 12:38:19 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 20, 2021, 12:30:53 AM
Quote from: dublin7 on March 19, 2021, 11:10:28 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 19, 2021, 10:50:05 PM
I said he was the number 2 behind Sexton! Never believed he was better but a ton better than Carberry and Billy, both of them are standard players.

Paddy Jackson was a player with great promise, but never seemed to take that next step and deliver on it.  He didn't do anything for Perpignan when he played for them and they were happy to let him go to London Irlsh.

He's 29 now so Ireland are better off looking at younger players (playing in Ireland) as a replacement for Sexton

Ok you've put him down and not given me a player for Ireland who's the best replacement. I've said before Jackson was always second fiddle to Sexton, but I've yet to see a better second. So knock yourself out with these other better players
Carberry
Harry Byrne
Rubbish

Get back to me when Jackson has played in a team which has beaten the All Blacks like Carbery has - at 21
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 20, 2021, 08:08:09 AM
He came on with 20 minutes to go in a 'friendly' in New York ya dope

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on March 20, 2021, 10:27:05 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 20, 2021, 08:08:09 AM
He came on with 20 minutes to go in a 'friendly' in New York ya dope

That was in Chicago and Carbery played in the side that won the grand slam.

Joe Schmidt who knows far more than both of us considered Carbery better as well and chose him ahead of Jackson
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: whitegoodman on March 20, 2021, 11:39:07 AM
When did he pick Carbery ahead of Jackson ?

Jackson was part of the team that won in South Africa for the first time.  Carbery reminds me of Madigan.  As for the saviour that is Harry Byrne, he can't even get on ahead of his brother ffs which says enough.

It's irrelevant anyway as Jackson won't be picked by Ireland again and I don't think he would play even if he was picked.  That doesn't take away from the fact that as of this moment he is the currently the best Irish out half there is including Sexton.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on March 20, 2021, 02:49:47 PM
Quote from: whitegoodman on March 20, 2021, 11:39:07 AM
When did he pick Carbery ahead of Jackson ?

Jackson was part of the team that won in South Africa for the first time.  Carbery reminds me of Madigan.  As for the saviour that is Harry Byrne, he can't even get on ahead of his brother ffs which says enough.

It's irrelevant anyway as Jackson won't be picked by Ireland again and I don't think he would play even if he was picked.  That doesn't take away from the fact that as of this moment he is the currently the best Irish out half there is including Sexton.

Harry Byrne is seen as future no 10. He's only 21 but he based on his limited appearances already for Leinster he looks like a future star. Ross Byrne has played in and won big games for Leinster. He is an excellent kicker, but he doesn't have the pace or vision that his younger brother Harry has and next season I'd expect Harry to pass out Ross in the pecking order at Leinster.

Jack Carthy was looking like the no.2 behind Sexton when Carbery got injured, but his form has collapsed since the world cup.

It is irrelevant anyway. Jackson is 29, playing in England and no Irish province is going to sign him due to the negative publicity it would bring so he won't play for Ireland again.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 20, 2021, 03:51:18 PM
My point was never about Jackson being the future as such, it's just that I don't see a decent replacement at all.

For such a pivotal position Ireland has been lucky for the past few years but seem lacking lately for cover
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 20, 2021, 04:15:50 PM
If Ireland lose today Farrell will come under pressure.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 20, 2021, 04:18:09 PM
England favourites today, Ireland up against it, be a few points either way here
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on March 20, 2021, 04:27:23 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 20, 2021, 04:15:50 PM
If Ireland lose today Farrell will come under pressure.
you think? After next years six nations if things go bad he might be but think he's alright until then .
Not sure about today's game maybe they pull one out of the hat for stander .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 20, 2021, 04:28:41 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 20, 2021, 04:18:09 PM
England favourites today, Ireland up against it, be a few points either way here
Wouldn't be shocked to see England give Ireland a hammering today. James Ryan etc. have been bullied in the last few matches so expect to see Sinckler, Itoje and Genge when he comes on, to give them their fill of it. The pack need to front up in the scrum today and not allow themselves to be dominated or it could be a long shift.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 20, 2021, 04:32:55 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 20, 2021, 04:28:41 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 20, 2021, 04:18:09 PM
England favourites today, Ireland up against it, be a few points either way here
Wouldn't be shocked to see England give Ireland a hammering today. James Ryan etc. have been bullied in the last few matches so expect to see Sinckler, Itoje and Genge when he comes on, to give them their fill of it. The pack need to front up in the scrum today and not allow themselves to be dominated or it could be a long shift.

Irelands tackling was abysmal last day out, Ireland have lost last four games v England so when they run at the Irish they need to stand strong otherwise it'll be five! 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on March 20, 2021, 05:10:11 PM
Ireland England is on NBC in the US in a slight delay
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 20, 2021, 05:11:22 PM
Earls obviously pissed off with the negative remarks on here
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on March 20, 2021, 05:11:38 PM
Earls   :o
That's two tries against England in his career!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: quit yo jibbajabba on March 20, 2021, 05:21:13 PM
Cements his place for another 5yrs to the boards chagrin 😉😃
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 20, 2021, 05:32:53 PM
Superb first half variation/aggression a lot more like it.

England will come strong I'm sure but a great start... especially for a team who were finished!?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tonto1888 on March 20, 2021, 05:32:57 PM
Good first half
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tonto1888 on March 20, 2021, 05:33:19 PM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on March 20, 2021, 05:21:13 PM
Cements his place for another 5yrs to the boards chagrin 😉😃

Good!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on March 20, 2021, 05:38:53 PM
Who is the Ron Burgundy lookalike in the tv3 studio?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: armaghniac on March 20, 2021, 05:56:18 PM
Bollix. That would have been a cracking try.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on March 20, 2021, 06:10:14 PM
Ireland Ireland Ireland!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on March 20, 2021, 06:13:16 PM
Awful decision!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 20, 2021, 06:14:49 PM
So wtf are you not allowed to tackle nose ffs. Rugby has gone to the dogs
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 20, 2021, 06:15:11 PM
Quote from: Estimator on March 20, 2021, 06:13:16 PM
Awful decision!!
Shoulder to head is red card. Easy decision for the ref.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rich Ricci on March 20, 2021, 06:16:13 PM
Stockdale must have thought he was being sent off too for that try.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 20, 2021, 06:17:19 PM
Quote from: Rich Ricci on March 20, 2021, 06:16:13 PM
Stockdale must have thought he was being sent off too for that try.
Terrible defender.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tubberman on March 20, 2021, 06:17:29 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 20, 2021, 06:15:11 PM
Quote from: Estimator on March 20, 2021, 06:13:16 PM
Awful decision!!
Shoulder to head is red card. Easy decision for the ref.

FFS, for such a physical sport it seems incredibly harsh.
I know head injuries are scaring everyone involved in rugby, but a red seems extremely harsh unless there was obvious intent. A yellow would be enough for that
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 20, 2021, 06:22:38 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 20, 2021, 06:15:11 PM
Quote from: Estimator on March 20, 2021, 06:13:16 PM
Awful decision!!
Shoulder to head is red card. Easy decision for the ref.
Shouldet to shouldet is Ireland's call
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 20, 2021, 06:23:10 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 20, 2021, 06:15:11 PM
Quote from: Estimator on March 20, 2021, 06:13:16 PM
Awful decision!!
Shoulder to head is red card. Easy decision for the ref.

The guy ran into him. What was he supposed to do. Drop the shoulder let the guy pass. Rugby in a mess. Of course the big problem is consistency in refereeing. Thank goodness this English team are too poor to take advantage
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on March 20, 2021, 06:23:33 PM
Aki dipped low, bent knees. Billy dipped down. Aside from tackle him, the only other thing he could do was get out of his way and let him through. The thought yellow was plenty.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 20, 2021, 06:23:39 PM
Quote from: Tubberman on March 20, 2021, 06:17:29 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 20, 2021, 06:15:11 PM
Quote from: Estimator on March 20, 2021, 06:13:16 PM
Awful decision!!
Shoulder to head is red card. Easy decision for the ref.

FFS, for such a physical sport it seems incredibly harsh.
I know head injuries are scaring everyone involved in rugby, but a red seems extremely harsh unless there was obvious intent. A yellow would be enough for that
But that's not the framework the refs are given. If you tackle in an upright position you increase the risk of head contact from a shoulder and that is high degree of danger and mandatory red card.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 20, 2021, 06:28:06 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on March 20, 2021, 06:23:10 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 20, 2021, 06:15:11 PM
Quote from: Estimator on March 20, 2021, 06:13:16 PM
Awful decision!!
Shoulder to head is red card. Easy decision for the ref.

The guy ran into him. What was he supposed to do. Drop the shoulder let the guy pass. Rugby in a mess. Of course the big problem is consistency in refereeing. Thank goodness this English team are too poor to take advantage
Look at the process flow the refs are given (Decision making framework for high tackles). I watch Gallagher Premiership rugby and there have been a load of these decisions this season. The Ollie Thorley one a few weeks ago was ridiculous - he tackled in an upright position but it was only momentum of being tackled that whipped the ball carriers head into him. Red card.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 20, 2021, 06:32:58 PM
Well it will be five a side after 80 mins if they ref like that
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on March 20, 2021, 06:34:34 PM
England, Your boys took a hell of a beating!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tiempo on March 20, 2021, 06:38:43 PM
Oireland

Oireland

Oireland
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Silver hill on March 20, 2021, 06:39:19 PM
That's as good as Ireland have played in a long time. Murray and sexton ran the show. Delighted for Farrell. Might silence a few of the snobby d4 journalists who have been looking down their nose at him since he took over. Might be the end of Jones. Their continued concession of penalties has been very costly.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 20, 2021, 06:41:17 PM
Some turnaround for both teams. England must have really fancied their chances after the France match but they were dominated all over the field today. Great to see.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tiempo on March 20, 2021, 06:42:06 PM
Lets face it rugby is shit but in the context of a 32 county socialist republic it has its place, i blame Sinn Fein meself personally
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 20, 2021, 06:42:24 PM
Aki red card thoroughly deserved. Not his first. Everyone knows the rules by now.

Ellis Genge got away with elbowing a defenceless Sexton on the ground under the posts in the last few minutes. Don't know how the TMO didn't see it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Silver hill on March 20, 2021, 06:43:45 PM
Quote from: tiempo on March 20, 2021, 06:42:06 PM
Lets face it rugby is shit but in the context of a 32 county socialist republic it has its place, i blame Sinn Fein meself personally
😂😂😂😂😂
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Silver hill on March 20, 2021, 06:51:34 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 20, 2021, 06:42:24 PM
Aki red card thoroughly deserved. Not his first. Everyone knows the rules by now.

Ellis Genge got away with elbowing a defenceless Sexton on the ground under the posts in the last few minutes. Don't know how the TMO didn't see it.

Jesus I thought it was very harsh. What exactly is he supposed to do with his head in that situation?
Did Ali's head actually make contact with yer man's head?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on March 20, 2021, 06:51:48 PM
Great win for Ireland. I don't know why people are criticising Stockdale for the last England try. England had a 2 on 1 and he had no chance.

Keith Earls unlucky not to have a 2nd try. Amazing finish by him to get the ball down in play. I can't understand the hard time he gets on here.

It's a pity it's the last game of the tournament and they can't carry this performance on to next week. Furlong coming back has made a big difference. He destroyed Vuinipola in the scrum and was brilliant around the pitch

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 20, 2021, 07:02:56 PM
Quote from: Silver hill on March 20, 2021, 06:51:34 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 20, 2021, 06:42:24 PM
Aki red card thoroughly deserved. Not his first. Everyone knows the rules by now.

Ellis Genge got away with elbowing a defenceless Sexton on the ground under the posts in the last few minutes. Don't know how the TMO didn't see it.

Jesus I thought it was very harsh. What exactly is he supposed to do with his head in that situation?
Did Ali's head actually make contact with yer man's head?
(https://i1.wp.com/rugbyandthelaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/High-Tackle-Framework-pic.png?resize=768%2C424)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 20, 2021, 07:09:14 PM
Aki didn't target him but he led with the shoulder and connected. He needed to either square up or get lower. Those are the rules.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on March 20, 2021, 07:12:01 PM
Quote from: Silver hill on March 20, 2021, 06:51:34 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 20, 2021, 06:42:24 PM
Aki red card thoroughly deserved. Not his first. Everyone knows the rules by now.

Ellis Genge got away with elbowing a defenceless Sexton on the ground under the posts in the last few minutes. Don't know how the TMO didn't see it.

Jesus I thought it was very harsh. What exactly is he supposed to do with his head in that situation?
Did Ali's head actually make contact with yer man's head?
thought it was harsh too guy dipped his head and Akis legs were bent and his shoulder was down more of a head to shoulder than shoulder to head , Ireland mixed it up a lot better a few carries by the backs then a few by forwards nice mix and quick ball by Murray and very good on high ball.
Always nice to beat England
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on March 20, 2021, 07:18:16 PM
Emotional interview from Stander there. You can see how much playing for Ireland meant to him with he was close to tears. Great performance from him today and I hope he enjoys his retirement
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on March 20, 2021, 08:26:02 PM
Great performance from Ireland today, half backs impressive. Henshaw excellent, Earl's very good unlucky with second try as Healy didn't knock on.

This Wales_ France game is the best 20 mins I have seen in a long time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 20, 2021, 08:28:43 PM
Quote from: Rudi on March 20, 2021, 08:26:02 PM
Great performance from Ireland today, half backs impressive. Henshaw excellent, Earl's very good unlucky with second try as Healy didn't knock on.

This Wales_ France game is the best 20 mins I have seen in a long time.
Both having a go here - great to see.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on March 20, 2021, 08:59:39 PM
Just seeing the footage on Genge and Sexton now. I'd seen the ref call them over to talk, saying that there was 3mins to go, but missed the actual incident. Doesn't look great.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on March 20, 2021, 09:16:13 PM
I'm all for favouring the attacking side, but that ball had a hand under it. Wales lucky again.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on March 20, 2021, 09:19:29 PM
Wales up by 10 now. It will be the jammiest grand slam in a long time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on March 20, 2021, 09:29:28 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on March 20, 2021, 09:19:29 PM
Wales up by 10 now. It will be the jammiest grand slam in a long time.
Wales have grown steadily throughout this tournament - winners worry about winning and Wales are winners, they have great street smarts

Andrew Trimble talked about Wales having fake confidence after two games but said that fake confidence was in danger of becoming real confidence and real substance and that is exactly what has happened

This is a fantastic game of rugby

Best Six Nations competition in many a year this year
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 20, 2021, 09:30:39 PM
Quote from: Rudi on March 20, 2021, 08:26:02 PM
Great performance from Ireland today, half backs impressive. Henshaw excellent, Earl's very good unlucky with second try as Healy didn't knock on.

This Wales_ France game is the best 20 mins I have seen in a long time.

Healy 100% knocked on.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on March 20, 2021, 09:42:33 PM
Wales have done it again

Another opposition player sent off  ;D

And that's the Grand Slam
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Silver hill on March 20, 2021, 09:46:26 PM
Jesus Christ Wales have carried some luck in this tournament
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 20, 2021, 09:49:14 PM
Quote from: Silver hill on March 20, 2021, 09:46:26 PM
Jesus Christ Wales have carried some luck in this tournament

It's actually ridiculous. French try held up. Wales one wasn't oh and another red card. I seriously hope France can do this but not likely with the Wales ref love in
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Silver hill on March 20, 2021, 09:55:11 PM
The time taken in rugby for a scrum is ridiculous
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 20, 2021, 10:00:12 PM
f**k yeah
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Silver hill on March 20, 2021, 10:00:51 PM
France deserved that. Luck couldn't hold
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on March 20, 2021, 10:01:12 PM
Wales lose the Grand Slam two minutes into injury time!

This match, this match, you won't see better sport all year

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on March 20, 2021, 10:02:05 PM
Delighted for France well deserved,  Wales got what they deserved. Very enjoyable game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rich Ricci on March 20, 2021, 10:07:14 PM
Some guts shown by France there at the end. Many a France team would have folded much earlier. They never gave up and stuck to their style of play and got the reward. Credit to them. Great game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 20, 2021, 10:08:09 PM
Brilliant game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: whitegoodman on March 20, 2021, 10:12:40 PM
I think it's fair to say that taking Italy out of the equation it's been a brilliant tournament.

Imagine a tournament with S Africa replacing Italy.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on March 20, 2021, 10:14:27 PM
People criticising JGP for the kicking the ball deep in the last minute against Scotland seen tonight why he did so. Wales tried to play keep ball, were penalized and it cost them the grand slam.

Crazy finish to a crazy game. Rec and officals did well to keep control of that as it was chaos in The last 10 minutes
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 20, 2021, 10:22:19 PM
That was class!!! Had bet nobody to win Grand Slam so was bouncing round the room at the end just brilliant.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on March 20, 2021, 10:26:15 PM
Pure savagery from Genge on Sexton.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on March 20, 2021, 10:51:18 PM
Quote from: whitegoodman on March 20, 2021, 10:12:40 PM
I think it's fair to say that taking Italy out of the equation it's been a brilliant tournament.

Imagine a tournament with S Africa replacing Italy.
I would much prefer South Africa to stay in their lane, which is the Southern Hemisphere and its championship

Don't like the South African teams being in the Pro 14

Georgia should be given the chance to take Italy's place, should be a play off with the winners of a second tier championship up against the bottom team in the Six Nations, which let's face, is going to be Italy every year for the foreseeable future

This year's Six Nations shows the value of competitive free to air television sport

It also shows the value of having a particular niche in the calendar - the GAA will soon find this out

Of course they're going to go and balls it up now by putting matches behind a paywall
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: whitegoodman on March 20, 2021, 11:15:15 PM
What is the point having Georgia in the tournament?  They might beat Italy 6 out of 10 but will provide little resistance to the other nations similar to Italy.

South Africa will improve the other nations and bring the six nations to another level similar to what it should do for the pro 14.  The pro 14 is basically the Irish inter pros at the minute given the lack of quality in the Welsh and Scottish clubs.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 20, 2021, 11:28:39 PM
Georgia wtf! You'll be looking Romania in next!

Italy just hasn't made by he jump, they should be relegated and just have a 5 nations again
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on March 20, 2021, 11:33:30 PM
With Scotland being the only one of the Home Nations to have a remaining Six Nations fixture, attention will now inevitably turn to the pinnacle of the sport and of sport, the British Lions Tour, and what a fascinating couple of weeks it has been in that regard

This day last week you would not have had many Irish in the shake up for one of the prized Test Match starting spots in South Africa, but several of our boys have now put their hands up in a big way, most notably Robbie Henshaw

Jonny Sexton is now firmly in the frame to start at 10 once again and he may well once again team up with Conor Murray

Tadhg Furlong is a certainty for tight head

James Ryan and Iain Henderson will be in the conversation for second row but I would expect Maro Itoje and the peerless Alun Wyn Jones to get the nod - with Jones as captain

A tremendous Celtic battle awaits for the full-back spot between Stuart Hogg and Liam Williams while despite England's defeat today the claims of Owen Farrell and Elliott Daly with their place kicking prowess will be difficult to overlook

But who could leave out the ever dependable Jonathan Davies

As ever, we should expect a couple of "bolters" from the blue to make it into the squad - Louis Rees Zammit from Wales has stuck his hand up - but will Gatty look even further afield - if GAA doesn't restart, a speedster like Jack McCaffrey could do a job on the wing, Brian Fenton would be a terrific utility back - covering a number of positions is always an advantage - while Con O'Callaghan is made for the crash ball at centre

Gearoid Hegarty would be a monster of a back row forward and coming from Limerick you'd think he surely knows his rugby

I'm very conservative about Covid and fervently pro-restrictions but I feel it would be a great nod to the traditional savagery and attritional nature of ye olde British Lions tours for it to go ahead as normal with full crowds, and with it being a more arduous trip than it usually would be this year, they might as well play the traditional full quota of 25 matches while they're out there, the dirt trackers of the midweek team are just as important to the overall success of a tour

It would be a great tribute to the very first British Lions captain, Robert Seddon, who drowned while leading his men in Australia in 1887

A true survival of the fittest in the harsh, barren colonial lands, as it was always intended to be



Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: quit yo jibbajabba on March 21, 2021, 12:05:36 AM
There was a film i watched one time where the first half was really good then a vampire appeared and it turned into total shite. Pacino was maybe in it. That last post reminded me of that film
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 21, 2021, 12:18:48 AM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on March 21, 2021, 12:05:36 AM
There was a film i watched one time where the first half was really good then a vampire appeared and it turned into total shite. Pacino was maybe in it. That last post reminded me of that film

None of that film above was good at all, it's the type of story that's been thought up while having a shit
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 21, 2021, 12:40:40 AM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on March 21, 2021, 12:05:36 AM
There was a film i watched one time where the first half was really good then a vampire appeared and it turned into total shite. Pacino was maybe in it. That last post reminded me of that film

It was George Clooney!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tonto1888 on March 21, 2021, 07:27:12 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on March 20, 2021, 11:33:30 PM
With Scotland being the only one of the Home Nations to have a remaining Six Nations fixture, attention will now inevitably turn to the pinnacle of the sport and of sport, the British Lions Tour, and what a fascinating couple of weeks it has been in that regard

This day last week you would not have had many Irish in the shake up for one of the prized Test Match starting spots in South Africa, but several of our boys have now put their hands up in a big way, most notably Robbie Henshaw

Jonny Sexton is now firmly in the frame to start at 10 once again and he may well once again team up with Conor Murray

Tadhg Furlong is a certainty for tight head

James Ryan and Iain Henderson will be in the conversation for second row but I would expect Maro Itoje and the peerless Alun Wyn Jones to get the nod - with Jones as captain

A tremendous Celtic battle awaits for the full-back spot between Stuart Hogg and Liam Williams while despite England's defeat today the claims of Owen Farrell and Elliott Daly with their place kicking prowess will be difficult to overlook

But who could leave out the ever dependable Jonathan Davies

As ever, we should expect a couple of "bolters" from the blue to make it into the squad - Louis Rees Zammit from Wales has stuck his hand up - but will Gatty look even further afield - if GAA doesn't restart, a speedster like Jack McCaffrey could do a job on the wing, Brian Fenton would be a terrific utility back - covering a number of positions is always an advantage - while Con O'Callaghan is made for the crash ball at centre

Gearoid Hegarty would be a monster of a back row forward and coming from Limerick you'd think he surely knows his rugby

I'm very conservative about Covid and fervently pro-restrictions but I feel it would be a great nod to the traditional savagery and attritional nature of ye olde British Lions tours for it to go ahead as normal with full crowds, and with it being a more arduous trip than it usually would be this year, they might as well play the traditional full quota of 25 matches while they're out there, the dirt trackers of the midweek team are just as important to the overall success of a tour

It would be a great tribute to the very first British Lions captain, Robert Seddon, who drowned while leading his men in Australia in 1887

A true survival of the fittest in the harsh, barren colonial lands, as it was always intended to be

Did you just call the lions the pinnacle of sport haha? And also, isn't it the British and Irish Lions?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: quit yo jibbajabba on March 21, 2021, 07:41:21 AM
Quote from: screenexile on March 21, 2021, 12:40:40 AM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on March 21, 2021, 12:05:36 AM
There was a film i watched one time where the first half was really good then a vampire appeared and it turned into total shite. Pacino was maybe in it. That last post reminded me of that film

It was George Clooney!!
That one fits perfect too tbh  😃
Devils Advocate? Had to google (twas the devil not a vampire my bad)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Aristo 60 on March 21, 2021, 07:58:47 AM
From Dusk till Dawn
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 21, 2021, 08:30:39 AM
The Six nations have recenttly got into bed with private equity. The IRFU got €50m . There is more TV money with 3 matches per round.

Surely the 6N have the imagination to bring Italy up to scratch. The IRFU had the same issue with Connacht 20 or so years ago. They allowed players from the other provinces to be transferred , similar to the system in English soccer. It worked quite well

Ireland could lend Italy Paddy or Carty.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on March 22, 2021, 09:09:05 AM
Quote from: Aristo 60 on March 21, 2021, 07:58:47 AM
From Dusk till Dawn
Great movie;

(https://i.makeagif.com/media/2-05-2016/2H5kq2.gif)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on March 22, 2021, 09:22:13 AM
well done the goys and the win over England. A few passages of play when we passed the ball and offloaded rather than crash ball all the time and also a bit of ingenuity with the lineout allowing Earls to score a fantastic try had England all at sea. Good to see.

Seeing the English scrum getting pushed up it's own arse and hearing Brian Moore commend it for doing so gives some sort of payback the night the English scrum almost crippled the Ireland one when John Hayes wasn't fit.

Not that I'm complaining but the English teams ability to give away penalties at the most inopportune time all 6N's and then not to correct it as if it is the referees fault for blowing them up for it week in week out staggers into the beyond stupid at this stage. Unless they've someone else in mind Eddie Jones is still safe for another while..

The France/Wales game was a belter and IMO the referee was favouring Wales with his onfield decisions that Wales had a good grounding with the TMO (Barnes) having to prove beyond doubt that it wasn't grounded which he couldn't do. The French red was a red, can't be putting your fingers in and around an eye socket and pulling the lad backwards doing so but I felt the referee should have been showing the yellows to the Welsh for persistent fouling before that and when he finally did the French got the two tries they needed to get the bonus point win.
It would be typical of the French to not get the bonus point win against the Scots this friday night all the same.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on March 22, 2021, 10:06:42 AM
One of the best games you'll ever see France v Wales. Actually felt gutted for the Welsh but they got caught trying to run the clock down. I thought the referee Luke Pearce was probably the man of the match. The game had everything. Typified French rugby, class, style, anarchy with a hint of self destruction.

Well done to Ireland on beating England out the gate, didn't see it coming, thought they might have nicked the game if anything but it was a whitewash. Was glad to see Farrell getting a result, I think he needed it. Were England rubbish or did Ireland just outperform them?

As for South Africa joining the 6N, why would they leave the Rugby Championship? Arguably a better level of competition.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on March 22, 2021, 10:20:29 AM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on March 22, 2021, 10:06:42 AM
One of the best games you'll ever see France v Wales. Actually felt gutted for the Welsh but they got caught trying to run the clock down. I thought the referee Luke Pearce was probably the man of the match. The game had everything. Typified French rugby, class, style, anarchy with a hint of self destruction.

Well done to Ireland on beating England out the gate, didn't see it coming, thought they might have nicked the game if anything but it was a whitewash. Was glad to see Farrell getting a result, I think he needed it. Were England rubbish or did Ireland just outperform them?

As for South Africa joining the 6N, why would they leave the Rugby Championship? Arguably a better level of competition.


$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on March 22, 2021, 12:05:25 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on March 17, 2021, 07:08:54 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on March 17, 2021, 06:04:21 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 17, 2021, 10:08:08 AM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/gordon-d-arcy-cj-stander-has-been-central-to-all-the-great-days-since-2016-1.4512263

In pro rugby eventually you need to pay the ferryman. The concussion stories, the early onset of dementia, being forced to go under the knife for corrective surgery on a mangled shoulder so you can carry your infant child, needing both hands to stand up from the dinner table, are just some of the issues that pursue rugby players into their forties and beyond.

If you play sport for a large part of your adult life (not just at professional level) there's a good chance your body will pay the price in later life.

No disrespect but that just isn't true. A very small percentage of sportspeople have significant health issues as a result of their sports participation. On the contrary  Those who don't take part in sport or exercise leave themselves vulnerable to significant health problems: obesity, arthritis , diabetes , blood pressure , heart disease , for starters.

Rugby is almost uniquely a recurrent high impact sport with no protective gear, and minimal rules protection .
Tell my knees and hands that! I've also other pains and aches relating to my younger sporting days. But would I change it? NO! Fortunately even at the level I played at clubs are more active in injury prevention.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LeoMc on March 22, 2021, 10:31:41 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 20, 2021, 11:28:39 PM
Georgia wtf! You'll be looking Romania in next!

Italy just hasn't made by he jump, they should be relegated and just have a 5 nations again
Bring them both in then relegate 5th and 6th to give 2 divisions of 4. Play each other home and away. 1 up and 1 down.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: An Watcher on March 22, 2021, 10:52:35 PM
An Italian/Romanian/Georgia select team would probably be strong enough but more than likely a non runner? Be interesting though
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 23, 2021, 08:31:34 AM
Georgia are currently ranked 12th, Italy 15th and Romania 18th

https://www.world.rugby/tournaments/rankings/mru#

Italy have been in a slump for a while.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on March 23, 2021, 09:46:33 AM
Italy are an embarrassment and really should be told to get their house in order or expect to be asked to leave. They offer nothing. They never even create an upset.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: oakleaflad on March 23, 2021, 09:55:56 AM
Quote from: seafoid on March 23, 2021, 08:31:34 AM
Georgia are currently ranked 12th, Italy 15th and Romania 18th

https://www.world.rugby/tournaments/rankings/mru#

Italy have been in a slump for a while.
This is a result of Italy losing as they regularly play better opposition and Georgia generally beating the lesser nations, although Romania did catch them relatively recently from memory. Georgia have never beaten Italy. Replacing Italy with Georgia in the 6 Nations in a straight swap would only make things worse as Georgia wouldn't have the same depth as Italy. Results against similarly ranked nations such as Fiji or Japan have also shown in Italy's favor.

The problem is the other 5 Nations are well ahead of both. The likes of Georgia and Italy need to be playing each other and similarly ranked teams more instead of either taking hidings off the Tier 1 nations or beating all the Tier 2 nations. They're in limbo at the moment.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 23, 2021, 10:19:09 AM
Quote from: trailer on March 23, 2021, 09:46:33 AM
Italy are an embarrassment and really should be told to get their house in order or expect to be asked to leave. They offer nothing. They never even create an upset.
Italy should be supported by the other 5. Transfer developing players. And/or experienced players 2 or 3 years off retirement.
A stronger italy would make  the competition more attractive and attract local players to the game.
Where did they get Sergio Parisse from ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on March 23, 2021, 11:04:27 AM
Quote from: seafoid on March 23, 2021, 10:19:09 AM
Quote from: trailer on March 23, 2021, 09:46:33 AM
Italy are an embarrassment and really should be told to get their house in order or expect to be asked to leave. They offer nothing. They never even create an upset.
Italy should be supported by the other 5. Transfer developing players. And/or experienced players 2 or 3 years off retirement.
A stronger italy would make  the competition more attractive and attract local players to the game.
Where did they get Sergio Parisse from ?

Parisse's parents are Italian
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 23, 2021, 11:53:29 AM
Quote from: dublin7 on March 23, 2021, 11:04:27 AM
Quote from: seafoid on March 23, 2021, 10:19:09 AM
Quote from: trailer on March 23, 2021, 09:46:33 AM
Italy are an embarrassment and really should be told to get their house in order or expect to be asked to leave. They offer nothing. They never even create an upset.
Italy should be supported by the other 5. Transfer developing players. And/or experienced players 2 or 3 years off retirement.
A stronger italy would make  the competition more attractive and attract local players to the game.
Where did they get Sergio Parisse from ?

Parisse's parents are Italian
GRMA

There are loads of Italians in Argentina. Could they not find players there?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tiempo on March 23, 2021, 12:38:29 PM
Quote from: An Watcher on March 22, 2021, 10:52:35 PM
An Italian/Romanian/Georgia select team would probably be strong enough but more than likely a non runner? Be interesting though

Rugby truely is shite but yes this could be worth a shot, what have they got to lose

What would they be called? In keeping with the LIONS fad, maybe the Mediterranean Greco's?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on March 23, 2021, 03:06:10 PM
the Lions is like the Ryder Cup of little interest to me. It seems to be a player's thing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: podge on March 23, 2021, 10:06:37 PM
I see your man Ellis Genge has not been cited for the elbowing of Sexton when he was on the ground. I know I am looking through green tinted glasses but how does Aki walk away with a 4 match ban for a genuine tackle attempt versus this Genge chap getting away with it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on March 24, 2021, 12:07:45 AM
Quote from: Applesisapples on March 23, 2021, 03:06:10 PM
the Lions is like the Ryder Cup of little interest to me. It seems to be a player's thing.
how many Irish will get the call ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Mikhail Prokhorov on March 24, 2021, 01:16:33 AM
Quote from: Gmac on March 24, 2021, 12:07:45 AM
Quote from: Applesisapples on March 23, 2021, 03:06:10 PM
the Lions is like the Ryder Cup of little interest to me. It seems to be a player's thing.
how many Irish will get the call ?

probably just mcilroy and lowry,

gmac is not in great form  ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 24, 2021, 08:29:35 AM
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2021/03/23/just-one-england-player-makes-british-irish-lions-test-xv/?li_source=LI&li_medium=liftigniter-rhr
Just one England player makes my British and Irish Lions Test XV - and it is not Maro Itoje

3. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
Cracking options across all four home nations but Furlong was and is a titan. Ignore the showstopping sidesteps, your tighthead is in for one job especially against the South Africans - do not yield. Furlong will not yield.
5. Iain Henderson (Ireland)
What a championship he has had. He is a huge bloke, who does everything. Maul defence, choke tackles, set piece, breakdown work. And he can really play. Of course, you must match South Africa physically, but you must play, and you must handle. I want eight big lumps in my pack, but I want them all comfortable on the ball. Hendy was brutal and subtle every time he played.
6. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
More supermen to choose from. But how do you leave this fella out? You cannot. Huge engine. When England looked to launch a counteroffensive his hands in and around contact were sensational, his breakdown work won a key penalty, and he wins at least one every Test match. He's also a handy lineout option
9. Conor Murray (Ireland)
The pressure was applied by a couple of Welshmen and an Englishman. Tomos Williams missing some games through injury has just dropped him into second place. I love watching Gareth Davies. He makes things happen. Danny Care is in the form of his life away from the spotlight. There is no doubt I have tried to not let my long-held admiration for Murray swing it but when he plays like he did at the weekend you see and have no doubt that if it was a Lions Test he would be able to immediately repeat. The exits from their own half did not allow England, with at least one charge down a game, to get anywhere near him or his secondary kickers. Total control.
10. Johnny Sexton (Ireland)
I know my Scottish friends will be screaming at me. But I could not go for the mercurial Finn Russell. I try to pick people for what they can do rather than for what they cannot but with Russell there is just a fear the rabbits out of the hat might just come back to bite. I cannot see how you can pick the English lads in Eddie's squad. Dan Biggar is the 10 quietly going about his business. Biggar would not let you down in a Lions Test match. Not a chance. But I must pick Sexton. Control, goalkicking, temperament, toughness and leadership.
12. Robbie Henshaw (Ireland)
The best centre of the Championship. Judged purely on the last two months there is no debate. Gatland may look further back and may look for a second playmaker role but Henshaw as a centre has been monstrous for Ireland. I thought Sam Johnson has been top notch when he has played for Scotland. Jonathan Davies was bang on at 12 in Paris on Saturday night. But Henshaw has hardly put a foot wrong. High balls, defending, scoring tries, winning turnovers and dominating gain lines.

the one English player is Tom Curry
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on March 24, 2021, 09:34:35 AM
Duno about only one English player....Jonny May must be a lock for one of the starting winger spots. The Welsh boys will put him under pressure maybe. Stockdale is nowhere near that level right now. Jamie George will probably start at 2 also. Gatland knows and trusts him. Farrell will certainly be there also on same basis.

Would have Beirne much higher up the food chain than Henderson right now, I would be surprised if Henderson gets the call up at all to be honest. 

Hard to argue with the selections at 10, anyone going for Russell, Sexton or Biggar has their point. Probably I would lean towards Biggar personally. The South Africans will most certainly get 'physical'. Russell is probably the best player, but there is a question of trust there. You never know what he could do.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mouview on March 24, 2021, 09:53:23 AM
Think our half-back pairing are being picked on very current form, Murray particularly, that may not endure until next summer. If they weren't good enough in the last WC, it's unlikely they'll be any better against the world champions.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: galwayman on March 24, 2021, 09:57:04 AM
Itoje will walk onto the test Lions team.
Most likely May and Farrell anyway will also make it but Itoje is a cert.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 24, 2021, 10:07:25 AM

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/saliva-test-that-detects-concussion-hailed-as-a-game-changer-1.4518236
Saliva test that detects concussion hailed as a 'game changer'
Non-invasive test shown to be 94% accurate could be in use by next season


Gavin Cummiskey


A "game changer" saliva test to detect concussion has been unveiled by the University of Birmingham in conjunction with England's Rugby Football Union.

The scientific breakthrough, which accurately identifies traumatic brain injury, follows a study of over 1,000 professional male rugby players competing in the English Premiership and Championship, over two seasons between 2017 and 2019.

The saliva test could significantly improve the effectiveness of rugby's return to play protocols as early as next season due to laboratory results, which are 94 per cent accurate, being available within 24 to 36 hours.

Currently, a player must undergo a six-day process to be deemed fit to resume playing after failing an initial head injury assessment (HIA).

"This is a real game changer and provides an invaluable tool for clinicians to diagnose concussion more consistently and accurately," said Prof Antonio Belli, a trauma neurosurgeon and senior author of the research paper published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. "What is really exciting about all of this is we have found a very accurate way of identifying brain trauma but also we have found it in saliva, which is not invasive.

"Everybody, including myself, have been looking in blood for many, many years."

It is anticipated that further research will produce a rapid pitchside test, for all contact sports, that can be used in tandem with rugby's current HIA.

"The next stage would be to make it faster and instantly available to the doctor on the bench," said Prof Belli.

The "salivary concussion test" has already been patented and is being commercialised by Marker Diagnostics, a subsidiary of the biotechnology company Marker AG, to sell as an "over-the-counter test for elite male athletes."

"Although this has started in a sporting setting, the potential ramifications are enormous," said Dr Patrick O'Halloran, a scientist employed by Marker Diagnostics and a matchday medic for Worcester Warriors. "In terms of having this measurable biological signal, it helps us to diagnose the injury, how we can monitor it and potentially even where we can intervene with treatments to try and improve the quality of life for people after this injury."

Further research is planned across two professional men's rugby competitions to enhance the current data. The study also needs to be replicated on women and children before it can be used in amateur and community sport.

"We would envisage the first place that this saliva test might really add value is 24 hours after the elite game," said Dr Simon Kemp, medical director of the RFU. "We want to use it to improve the performance of the head injury assessment.

"If we can validate the biomarker in the community game setting, its biggest potential value would be for people within sport, the military and general population who do not typically get the same clinical assessment as Owen Farrell got on Saturday."

Farrell, the England captain, was removed from last weekend's Six Nations match in Dublin for a HIA after the independent matchday doctor reviewed footage of a collision with Ireland's Iain Henderson. Farrell initially resisted the decision but he did not return to the field.

"I think it is incredibly important to stress," Dr Kemp added, "that we have tested players we know to be concussed, players who are possibly concussed but were not deemed to be concussed, players who had other musculoskeletal injuries and players who played the whole game, so it was a very robust study design."

The research and study was prompted by an informal discussion between Prof Belli and Dr Kemp at the 2016 Berlin international conference on concussion in sport.

Saliva samples were collected pre-season from 1,028 players. They were also collected from 156 of these players at three points during their HIA process; in-game, post-game and 36-48 hours after the suspected brain injury occurred.

The HIA includes a neurological examination, a series of cognitive tests and evaluation of gait and balance to determine if a player has been concussed.

Dr Éanna Falvey, World Rugby's chief medical officer and a former Irish boxing champion, commended the saliva test research ahead of the governing body's welfare symposium later this month.

"This study, its rigour and outcomes demonstrate the value in a targeted, scientific approach and reflects rugby's progressive commitment to player welfare," said Dr Falvey.

The test does not reveal sub-concussive injury despite the current legal action being taken by retired professional rugby players, who are suffering from early onset of dementia, stating, via Rylands Law firm, that World Rugby and the English and Welsh governing bodies had a duty "to take such steps and to devise and implement such rules and regulations as were required in order to remove, reduce or minimise the risks of permanent brain damage as a consequence of the known and foreseeable risk of concussive and sub-concussive injuries."

"We didn't explore that question with this particular study," added Prof Belli. "It is a very good question; rugby, football and other sports, where a player may be exposed to a sub-concussive injury, what would happen to those biomarkers?"
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 24, 2021, 10:17:25 AM
Quote from: mouview on March 24, 2021, 09:53:23 AM
Think our half-back pairing are being picked on very current form, Murray particularly, that may not endure until next summer. If they weren't good enough in the last WC, it's unlikely they'll be any better against the world champions.
The Lions tours is a long way away but the players picked in that article do put an interesting spin on Ireland's 6 Nations experience and how others see it. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on March 24, 2021, 10:32:28 AM
You can't win a Lions test series without a reliable place kicker, especially on the high veldt

The 1989 team had Gavin Hastings
1997 Neil Jenkins
2013 Leigh Halfpenny

They kicked everything

Therefore at least one of Owen Farrell or Elliott Daly will surely make the test team - they made all the difference in 2017

If Alun Wyn Jones wasn't there to be the automatic choice as captain, you'd be looking at Itoje to lead the team

Form is one thing but pedigree counts for a lot too - England have a lot of live contenders for the Test team - it's only 17 months since they beat New Zealand with a complete performance

Henry Slade's absence was keenly felt by them last Saturday, so too Manu Tuilagi, Sam Underhill and Courtney Lawes

Should be some battle for the number 7 jersey - you'd feel confident selecting any of Tom Curry, Justin Tipuric or Hamish Watson that they'd do a very solid job

Centre is fascinating - you've got North, Davies, Henshaw, Ringrose, Slade, Farrell, Tuilagi all in contention

Stuart Hogg and Anthony Watson probably would have been most people's picks for 15 and 14 a few weeks ago but they aren't looking in such a great place now

Nailed on certs for me are Furlong at 3, Itoje and AWJ in the second row, Faletau at 8

I feel that Conor Murray is finally coming into a bit of form at just the right time and is in pole position for scrum half - Gatty trusts him after 2017

With Gatty I think a lot comes down to trust, so Liam Williams, George North, Jonathan Davies, Farrell and Daly are well placed to be major contributors, while the Scottish lads probably aren't









Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 24, 2021, 10:54:14 AM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/gerry-thornley-financial-concerns-mean-it-s-south-africa-or-bust-for-lions-tour-1.4518206

Financial concerns mean it's South Africa or bust for Lions tour
There remains a distinct possibility of the tour being cancelled due to Covid-19 pandemic
about 15 hours ago Updated: about 14 hours ago

Gerry Thornley


A reluctance to underwrite the financial losses of a 'tour' to the UK going ahead without supporters was at the heart of the decision by the British & Irish Lions board to recommit to the scheduled series in South Africa this summer.

In reaffirming their "preference" is for the tour to proceed in South Africa as scheduled, all the Lions board have done is effectively rule out the option of a tour or series taking place in the UK. Basically, now it's South Africa or bust.

There remains a distinct possibility of the tour being cancelled, due to the innumerable difficulties in countering the ever-changing Covid-19 pandemic and the ensuing financial implications should the matches take place behind closed doors.

This much was acknowledged by both parties after their joint statement on Tuesday in which the Lions' board "confirmed its preference to SA Rugby on Monday evening".

"We acknowledge that there is a significant amount of work still to be undertaken to deliver a robust Covid-19 countermeasure plan to ensure a successful, safe and uninterrupted Tour," said Jason Leonard, chairman of the Lions. "SA Rugby will have our full support to help implement this plan."

Mark Alexander, president of the SA Rugby, said they "shared the Lions' desire to see a safe and successful tour" and to that end had been in regular contact with the South African government.

The sports ministry has asked the National Olympic Committee in South Africa to submit one application on behalf of all sports seeking the return of supporters, but this could be a slow process, and there is no indication as yet that Lions supporters will be permitted to travel to South Africa in July and August.

In the event that spectators are not permitted to gain access to the Test matches, Lions supporters who had successfully purchased Test match tickets via the Lions ticket ballot will be refunded.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on March 24, 2021, 11:47:51 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on March 24, 2021, 10:32:28 AM
You can't win a Lions test series without a reliable place kicker, especially on the high veldt

The 1989 team had Gavin Hastings
1997 Neil Jenkins
2013 Leigh Halfpenny

They kicked everything

Therefore at least one of Owen Farrell or Elliott Daly will surely make the test team - they made all the difference in 2017

If Alun Wyn Jones wasn't there to be the automatic choice as captain, you'd be looking at Itoje to lead the team

Form is one thing but pedigree counts for a lot too - England have a lot of live contenders for the Test team - it's only 17 months since they beat New Zealand with a complete performance

Henry Slade's absence was keenly felt by them last Saturday, so too Manu Tuilagi, Sam Underhill and Courtney Lawes

Should be some battle for the number 7 jersey - you'd feel confident selecting any of Tom Curry, Justin Tipuric or Hamish Watson that they'd do a very solid job

Centre is fascinating - you've got North, Davies, Henshaw, Ringrose, Slade, Farrell, Tuilagi all in contention

Stuart Hogg and Anthony Watson probably would have been most people's picks for 15 and 14 a few weeks ago but they aren't looking in such a great place now

Nailed on certs for me are Furlong at 3, Itoje and AWJ in the second row, Faletau at 8

I feel that Conor Murray is finally coming into a bit of form at just the right time and is in pole position for scrum half - Gatty trusts him after 2017

With Gatty I think a lot comes down to trust, so Liam Williams, George North, Jonathan Davies, Farrell and Daly are well placed to be major contributors, while the Scottish lads probably aren't

Some great points, I actually forgot about North moving to the centre. In fairness, he is the perfect build to take on the South Africans. Oddly, despite being World Champions, they are the team best set up for Gatland particular style, especially with the Lions. Assume Farrell will be 12 and take on the Kicking, he's not been at his best recently but with the Saracens fiasco and the year that it is....suppose you can give him that out. He will almost certainly start IMO.

Agree Itoje / AWJ will be the locks. Itoje was there against the All Blacks, he's got the trust....AWJ speaks for himself, he'll probably retire after this tour, a living legend.

#7 will be a good battle, I think you've nailed the 3 contenders too.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: TwoUpTwoDown on March 24, 2021, 06:50:19 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on March 24, 2021, 09:34:35 AM
Duno about only one English player....Jonny May must be a lock for one of the starting winger spots. The Welsh boys will put him under pressure maybe. Stockdale is nowhere near that level right now. Jamie George will probably start at 2 also. Gatland knows and trusts him. Farrell will certainly be there also on same basis.

Would have Beirne much higher up the food chain than Henderson right now, I would be surprised if Henderson gets the call up at all to be honest. 

Hard to argue with the selections at 10, anyone going for Russell, Sexton or Biggar has their point. Probably I would lean towards Biggar personally. The South Africans will most certainly get 'physical'. Russell is probably the best player, but there is a question of trust there. You never know what he could do.



I'm firmly of the belief that Henderson was our player of the Six Nations. He completely bossed it and if he ran out in Blue or Red for his province the media would have said the same. Greenwood even said similar on OTB the other week and it wasn't acknowledged. I feel he is of more importance to us than Ryan atm and would probably start Beirne ahead of the latter. In fact I think Beirne and Henderson are certain to make the tour due to their ability to cover lock and back row. James Ryan doesn't offer that versatility.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 25, 2021, 01:19:26 PM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/pro14/rt%C3%A9-strong-contenders-to-take-over-as-primary-broadcaster-of-pro-14-rugby-1.4519173
Eir issued a statement last week confirming that the current Eir Sport business model was no longer viable and that the company was exploring future options for the service. The closure of licensed premises had "fundamentally changed the commercial model for subscription-based sports broadcasters" with television and content revenue falling from €22 million to €12 million.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on March 26, 2021, 08:17:23 PM
The Jocks really going for this. Got lucky with that try. Wayne Barnes playing another blinder ::)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on March 26, 2021, 08:52:52 PM
France have got a narrow lead at half time. I don't see them getting the 21 points ahead or the 4 tries they need.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on March 26, 2021, 09:44:37 PM
That's why Finn Russell won't be making the Lions squad

A red card for an illegal fend off when attacking the try line, he elbowed the French player in the neck

Mercurial but temperamental

Gatty doesn't like that

Probably kills off a very game Scottish effort

Hooker David Cherry could be a bolter for South Africa however
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 26, 2021, 09:59:57 PM
Why didn't the French guy kick it out wtf. Why do they never save that brain dead shit for us. It's usually Wales that they gift matches to
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on March 26, 2021, 10:01:19 PM
Enjoyed that, Scotland deserved the result. What was Dulin thinking?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on March 26, 2021, 10:02:14 PM
Scotland have done it!

Brice Dulin decided to run Hamish Watson's knock on from deep inside his own 22 with time up, and conceded a penalty

Van der Merwe finishes in the corner after 85 minutes!

Scotland win in Paris for the first time in the 21st century!

What a finish to the championship!

Jamie Ritchie surely Player of the Match

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sid waddell on March 26, 2021, 10:12:38 PM
That was a truly outstanding championship, surely the most exciting ever and a credit to the players of the traditional Five Nations, imagine what it would have been like with crowds

Essential now that it remains free to air and not siloed away on pay television
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 26, 2021, 10:24:57 PM
Some finish. I think there is a lot to be said for no fans! Not sure you'd see as many wins on road with crowds there.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on March 28, 2021, 08:21:31 AM
Comfortable win in the Pro 12 final for Leinster. Conan, Ruddock, McGrath and Henshaw particularly good. Munster's Ireland contingent all below par.

Hopefully Sexton and Ross Byrne's injuries not bad and they'll be ok for next week.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on March 29, 2021, 04:33:29 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on March 26, 2021, 10:02:14 PM
Scotland have done it!

Brice Dulin decided to run Hamish Watson's knock on from deep inside his own 22 with time up, and conceded a penalty

Van der Merwe finishes in the corner after 85 minutes!

Scotland win in Paris for the first time in the 21st century!

What a finish to the championship!

Jamie Ritchie surely Player of the Match

Question. IF France had scored another try and won with a bonus point, would they have won the 6N's?

It's the only thing I can think of as to why Dulin tried to keep the ball alive.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: pbat on March 29, 2021, 04:40:53 PM
No they needed to win by with a bonus point and 20+ points to catch Wales on scoring difference.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on March 29, 2021, 05:30:23 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on March 26, 2021, 10:12:38 PM
That was a truly outstanding championship, surely the most exciting ever and a credit to the players of the traditional Five Nations, imagine what it would have been like with crowds

Essential now that it remains free to air and not siloed away on pay television

Agree wholly. The joy of the 6N (5) is that really on any given day, any of them can rock up and beat the other.

Would have loved to have been at some of those games.....maybe next year.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on April 04, 2021, 02:10:44 PM
Ian McGeechan

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2021/04/04/love-lions-bolter-would-select-summer/

In the backs, I'd look at Racing 92's Simon Zebo, who plays with a joyous freedom and would make a great Lions tourist
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GetOverTheBar on April 14, 2021, 11:02:37 AM
Zebo back to Munster.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on April 14, 2021, 11:35:25 AM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on April 14, 2021, 11:02:37 AM
Zebo back to Munster.

His 'sentence' must have been served then, should we expect Jackson back ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on April 14, 2021, 11:41:13 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 14, 2021, 11:35:25 AM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on April 14, 2021, 11:02:37 AM
Zebo back to Munster.

His 'sentence' must have been served then, should we expect Jackson back ;)

Did Murray get the same sentence?  ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on April 14, 2021, 11:49:01 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on April 14, 2021, 11:41:13 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 14, 2021, 11:35:25 AM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on April 14, 2021, 11:02:37 AM
Zebo back to Munster.

His 'sentence' must have been served then, should we expect Jackson back ;)

Did Murray get the same sentence?  ;)

Anyways, he's still decent hand has had a great few seasons on loan with a top set up in France
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on April 14, 2021, 12:05:29 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 14, 2021, 11:49:01 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on April 14, 2021, 11:41:13 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 14, 2021, 11:35:25 AM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on April 14, 2021, 11:02:37 AM
Zebo back to Munster.

His 'sentence' must have been served then, should we expect Jackson back ;)

Did Murray get the same sentence?  ;)

Anyways, he's still decent hand has had a great few seasons on loan with a top set up in France

Kieran Kingston will be happy;

(https://img.resized.co/balls_ie/eyJkYXRhIjoie1widXJsXCI6XCJodHRwczpcXFwvXFxcL21lZGlhLmJhbGxzLmllXFxcL3VwbG9hZHNcXFwvMjAxN1xcXC8wNVxcXC8xMDE0NTkzOFxcXC84NzQ0MDcuanBnXCIsXCJ3aWR0aFwiOjY0NyxcImhlaWdodFwiOjM0MCxcImRlZmF1bHRcIjpcImh0dHBzOlxcXC9cXFwvY2FjaGUucmVzaXplZC5jb1xcXC9uby1pbWFnZS5wbmdcIixcIm9wdGlvbnNcIjpbXX0iLCJoYXNoIjoiMzQ4YWE2MDNjYmQzNWQ5MDFlYTczYjAzNWViMTFkY2RlODExNmEzZiJ9/i-think-it-s-the-best-sport-in-the-world-simon-zebo-explains-his-love-of-hurling.jpg)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on April 14, 2021, 04:35:30 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on April 14, 2021, 11:41:13 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 14, 2021, 11:35:25 AM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on April 14, 2021, 11:02:37 AM
Zebo back to Munster.

His 'sentence' must have been served then, should we expect Jackson back ;)

Did Murray get the same sentence?  ;)

Instead of a barbeque a spit roast to celebrate his return.  ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on April 15, 2021, 09:30:51 AM
Beibhinn Parsons was described as the kind of player who emerges once every 20 years in the Irish times yesterday.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOfEyFZIjqA
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on May 13, 2021, 10:25:32 AM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/gordon-d-arcy-james-ryan-is-not-getting-the-best-out-of-his-skillset-1.4562401

There are two sides to every coin but what Leinster have been able to do in the Pro14 has masked a bigger problem, which is the quality of rugby being played. With hindsight, we can look back and say this is not a good thing because the standard has regressed with the frequency of quality matches in the league worryingly low.
That's having an effect not just on Leinster, but Munster and Ulster too, when it comes to winning tough European knockout games. It's like 'okay you've hiked Carrauntoohil, now go climb Everest'.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on May 22, 2021, 05:47:41 PM
Ref is absolutely bastardising the game of rugby in this final. Red card was fair but otherwise he is dreaming up infringements all over the place.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on June 20, 2021, 07:10:54 PM
The Irish rugby sevens team qualified for the olympics today. I look forward to seeing them taking part in Tokyo.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on July 03, 2021, 06:50:22 PM
I see the Ireland b team beat japan something the first team couldn't do when it mattered at a world cup as per usual
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on July 30, 2021, 08:01:53 PM
(https://i.ibb.co/PhpPxwD/IMG-20210730-WA0036.jpg)


;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on September 07, 2021, 05:03:49 PM
12 a side auction based franchise rugby anyone?

https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/58476455

Plans have been unveiled for a new 12-a-side rugby competition proposed to take place in England next August. The new tournament, World 12s, is intended to feature 192 of the world's best players, picked via auction to represent eight franchises. World 12s Limited says the competition will take place over three weekends in a round-robin format before knockouts.

"World 12s is a natural evolution for rugby union," said the organisation's chairman, Ian Ritchie. "We feel that this is a game for our changing, fast-paced world that can excite a global fanbase in the way that we have seen with the IPL [Indian Premier League] or most recently The Hundred in cricket."

Ritchie, formerly chief executive of the Rugby Football Union, is joined on World 12's board by former Welsh Rugby Union chairman Gareth Davies and former New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew...

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/the-qa-document-explaining-what-the-new-world-12s-is-all-about/

Q. What is the difference between 12s and 15s?
World 12s will follow the current Laws of 15s, but with a few exciting adaptations:

    12 players in a team – six forwards and six backs
    15-minute halves
    Conversions will be drop goals only
    Only one scrum reset, followed by a free-kick
    Scrum infringements are penalised by a differential penalty (a penalty that cannot be kicked at goal)
    In the knockout stages, if matches are tied at full time, a golden point will decide the winner
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 28, 2021, 07:56:54 AM
https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/i-had-been-a-little-bit-worried-about-some-symptoms-ireland-star-caelan-doris-opens-up-on-concussion-battle-40991507.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on October 28, 2021, 01:35:14 PM
Quote from: seafoid on October 28, 2021, 07:56:54 AM
https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/i-had-been-a-little-bit-worried-about-some-symptoms-ireland-star-caelan-doris-opens-up-on-concussion-battle-40991507.html

"he recently started wearing specialised head protection designed by Galway company N-Pro.
...
"I think most scrum caps are just seen as protecting from cuts and protecting your ears, whereas this new one is actually a medical device.
"It's classified as a medical device and has a fair few studies behind it showing that it reduces the force to the head."

In American football they have been using helmets for many years and they still have a massive concussion and CTE problem.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 28, 2021, 01:49:13 PM
https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2021/1028/1256360-jackman-questions-out-half-succession-plan-gamble/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on October 28, 2021, 03:56:06 PM
Quote from: dec on October 28, 2021, 01:35:14 PM
Quote from: seafoid on October 28, 2021, 07:56:54 AM
https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/i-had-been-a-little-bit-worried-about-some-symptoms-ireland-star-caelan-doris-opens-up-on-concussion-battle-40991507.html

"he recently started wearing specialised head protection designed by Galway company N-Pro.
...
"I think most scrum caps are just seen as protecting from cuts and protecting your ears, whereas this new one is actually a medical device.
"It's classified as a medical device and has a fair few studies behind it showing that it reduces the force to the head."

In American football they have been using helmets for many years and they still have a massive concussion and CTE problem.

I think it was Harlequins in England that fitted everyone's gumshield with a chip that measured impacts during the game and some were off the scale so they did little or no full contact training the following week..

Time to get smart for the better health outcomes of the players themselves.


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on October 28, 2021, 09:49:49 PM
Quote from: dec on September 07, 2021, 05:03:49 PM
12 a side auction based franchise rugby anyone?

https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/58476455

Plans have been unveiled for a new 12-a-side rugby competition proposed to take place in England next August. The new tournament, World 12s, is intended to feature 192 of the world's best players, picked via auction to represent eight franchises. World 12s Limited says the competition will take place over three weekends in a round-robin format before knockouts.

"World 12s is a natural evolution for rugby union," said the organisation's chairman, Ian Ritchie. "We feel that this is a game for our changing, fast-paced world that can excite a global fanbase in the way that we have seen with the IPL [Indian Premier League] or most recently The Hundred in cricket."

Ritchie, formerly chief executive of the Rugby Football Union, is joined on World 12's board by former Welsh Rugby Union chairman Gareth Davies and former New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew...

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/the-qa-document-explaining-what-the-new-world-12s-is-all-about/

Q. What is the difference between 12s and 15s?
World 12s will follow the current Laws of 15s, but with a few exciting adaptations:

    12 players in a team – six forwards and six backs
    15-minute halves
    Conversions will be drop goals only
    Only one scrum reset, followed by a free-kick
    Scrum infringements are penalised by a differential penalty (a penalty that cannot be kicked at goal)
    In the knockout stages, if matches are tied at full time, a golden point will decide the winner

Rugby Twitter was up in arms about this when it was announced a few months ago. "It's not rugby".

They're right, it's not.

But by changing the balance of rugby conditioning away from brute power, and towards athleticism, the concept (with lots of tweaks) might just save the sport from the demise through litigation, that it is hurtling towards.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 28, 2021, 10:07:49 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on October 28, 2021, 09:49:49 PM
Quote from: dec on September 07, 2021, 05:03:49 PM
12 a side auction based franchise rugby anyone?

https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/58476455

Plans have been unveiled for a new 12-a-side rugby competition proposed to take place in England next August. The new tournament, World 12s, is intended to feature 192 of the world's best players, picked via auction to represent eight franchises. World 12s Limited says the competition will take place over three weekends in a round-robin format before knockouts.

"World 12s is a natural evolution for rugby union," said the organisation's chairman, Ian Ritchie. "We feel that this is a game for our changing, fast-paced world that can excite a global fanbase in the way that we have seen with the IPL [Indian Premier League] or most recently The Hundred in cricket."

Ritchie, formerly chief executive of the Rugby Football Union, is joined on World 12's board by former Welsh Rugby Union chairman Gareth Davies and former New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew...

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/the-qa-document-explaining-what-the-new-world-12s-is-all-about/

Q. What is the difference between 12s and 15s?
World 12s will follow the current Laws of 15s, but with a few exciting adaptations:

    12 players in a team – six forwards and six backs
    15-minute halves
    Conversions will be drop goals only
    Only one scrum reset, followed by a free-kick
    Scrum infringements are penalised by a differential penalty (a penalty that cannot be kicked at goal)
    In the knockout stages, if matches are tied at full time, a golden point will decide the winner

Rugby Twitter was up in arms about this when it was announced a few months ago. "It's not rugby".

They're right, it's not.

But by changing the balance of rugby conditioning away from brute power, and towards athleticism, the concept (with lots of tweaks) might just save the sport from the demise through litigation, that it is hurtling towards.

I don't see how it works alongside a packed international and club calendar especially for the likes of England and France... players in those leagues are flogged already an extra competition isn't going to help.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on November 06, 2021, 01:28:57 PM
Playing some mighty heads up rugby today, super off loads. Conway's try a joy to watch. Japan are probably shite all the same.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on November 06, 2021, 02:29:32 PM
Quote from: Rudi on November 06, 2021, 01:28:57 PM
Playing some mighty heads up rugby today, super off loads. Conway's try a joy to watch. Japan are probably shite all the same.

Ireland playing really well men v boys yet meet these guys in a world cup and we shit out pants. Did the same against Argentina for years. Beat them for fun and then choke at world cups.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 06, 2021, 03:49:04 PM
Ireland's November form is never carried over into
World Cups.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 06, 2021, 05:25:20 PM
Plenty of empty seats. Should have slashed the prices to fill the Aviva.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 07, 2021, 07:47:54 AM
Covid probably changed the way people look at big matches
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: michaelg on November 07, 2021, 09:58:15 AM
One Ulsterman in the 23 but 3 Kiwis in the back line - Rugby eligibility rules are a nonsense!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on November 07, 2021, 09:28:25 PM
Quote from: michaelg on November 07, 2021, 09:58:15 AM
One Ulsterman in the 23 but 3 Kiwis in the back line - Rugby eligibility rules are a nonsense!

The Japan captain is South African. He was presenting Sexton with a traditional Samurai sword despite being born in Pretoria and moving to Japan when he was 27.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on November 08, 2021, 12:20:42 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on November 06, 2021, 05:25:20 PM
Plenty of empty seats. Should have slashed the prices to fill the Aviva.

Cheapest ticket €65. For Japan. They deserve their impending bankruptcy
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 08, 2021, 08:30:28 AM
Be sold out next game
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 08, 2021, 09:00:41 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 08, 2021, 08:30:28 AM
Be sold out next game
I bet it won't
#covid
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 08, 2021, 09:15:04 AM
Quote from: seafoid on November 08, 2021, 09:00:41 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 08, 2021, 08:30:28 AM
Be sold out next game
I bet it won't
#covid

Against the All Blacks?? It's guaranteed a sell out lowest ticket price is €125 as well!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on November 08, 2021, 01:18:46 PM
Quote from: michaelg on November 07, 2021, 09:58:15 AM
One Ulsterman in the 23 but 3 Kiwis in the back line - Rugby eligibility rules are a nonsense!

More Aussies in squad than Munstermen.

But their grassroots model is to be followed?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tiempo on November 08, 2021, 01:31:44 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 08, 2021, 01:18:46 PM
Quote from: michaelg on November 07, 2021, 09:58:15 AM
One Ulsterman in the 23 but 3 Kiwis in the back line - Rugby eligibility rules are a nonsense!

More Aussies in squad than Munstermen.

But their grassroots model is to be followed?

A complete joke the eligibility rules

Irish fella with French heritage wants to experience a new setting and is cut out/penalised for making a career/life choice

Irish fella with no French heritage does similar but isn't cut out

Aussies and Kiwi's travel the 7 seas togging out for Ireland

Thoroughly embarrassing and it makes them a hard team to like
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 08, 2021, 01:47:09 PM
The next World Cup is not that far off. Have Ireland improved since the last one ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on November 08, 2021, 02:03:25 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 08, 2021, 01:18:46 PM
Quote from: michaelg on November 07, 2021, 09:58:15 AM
One Ulsterman in the 23 but 3 Kiwis in the back line - Rugby eligibility rules are a nonsense!

More Aussies in squad than Munstermen.

But their grassroots model is to be followed?

Just because you type it doesn't make it true!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on November 08, 2021, 02:20:30 PM
Quote from: tiempo on November 08, 2021, 01:31:44 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 08, 2021, 01:18:46 PM
Quote from: michaelg on November 07, 2021, 09:58:15 AM
One Ulsterman in the 23 but 3 Kiwis in the back line - Rugby eligibility rules are a nonsense!

More Aussies in squad than Munstermen.

But their grassroots model is to be followed?

A complete joke the eligibility rules

Irish fella with French heritage wants to experience a new setting and is cut out/penalised for making a career/life choice

Irish fella with no French heritage does similar but isn't cut out

Aussies and Kiwi's travel the 7 seas togging out for Ireland

Thoroughly embarrassing and it makes them a hard team to like

The rules are a mess and residential eligibility should be 5 yrs or more but you are being very harsh on Irish rugby. Most other countries are at and to a much greater degree. England have been taking the piss for yrs. Ricky flutey as soon as he qualifies for england then goes and plays club rugby in France doesnt even stay in England. Scotand and Wales are full of southern hemisphere lads. NZ and Oz have been taking their pick of the pacific islanders for yrs. It doesnt stop at rugby. Cricket athletics, tennis. Its the world we live in. Even football. Many countries are chancing their arm and their recruitment drives would make jack charlton blush. The republic in that sense have almost become quite insular compared to many.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on November 08, 2021, 03:04:34 PM
Quote from: tiempo on November 08, 2021, 01:31:44 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 08, 2021, 01:18:46 PM
Quote from: michaelg on November 07, 2021, 09:58:15 AM
One Ulsterman in the 23 but 3 Kiwis in the back line - Rugby eligibility rules are a nonsense!

More Aussies in squad than Munstermen.

But their grassroots model is to be followed?

A complete joke the eligibility rules

Irish fella with French heritage wants to experience a new setting and is cut out/penalised for making a career/life choice

Irish fella with no French heritage does similar but isn't cut out

Aussies and Kiwi's travel the 7 seas togging out for Ireland

Thoroughly embarrassing and it makes them a hard team to like
Heritage completely irrelevant.

It's a pretty simple rule. You want to play for Ireland, then you play in Ireland, otherwise rugby in Ireland would become like soccer in Ireland. There was one exception made early on for a very special player. Such an exception is unlikely to be made again. The rule has worked extremely well in keeping the best players in the provinces.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tiempo on November 08, 2021, 03:43:37 PM
Quote from: Hound on November 08, 2021, 03:04:34 PM
Quote from: tiempo on November 08, 2021, 01:31:44 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 08, 2021, 01:18:46 PM
Quote from: michaelg on November 07, 2021, 09:58:15 AM
One Ulsterman in the 23 but 3 Kiwis in the back line - Rugby eligibility rules are a nonsense!

More Aussies in squad than Munstermen.

But their grassroots model is to be followed?

A complete joke the eligibility rules

Irish fella with French heritage wants to experience a new setting and is cut out/penalised for making a career/life choice

Irish fella with no French heritage does similar but isn't cut out

Aussies and Kiwi's travel the 7 seas togging out for Ireland

Thoroughly embarrassing and it makes them a hard team to like
Heritage completely irrelevant.

It's a pretty simple rule. You want to play for Ireland, then you play in Ireland, otherwise rugby in Ireland would become like soccer in Ireland. There was one exception made early on for a very special player. Such an exception is unlikely to be made again. The rule has worked extremely well in keeping the best players in the provinces.

Heritage isn't irrelevant in the context of Zebo's move, its part of the reason he went, not simply to enrich himself and secure his family's future and certainly not to turn his back on Ireland. As you pointed out an exception was made, so its not really a rule at all then if it can be worked around to suit. Covered here and elsewhere many times no doubt.

Hypothetically if Furlong made the same move would the same exception be made? Short answer, yes.

Keeping the best players in the provinces via this method, making them choose a less prosperous day job and the opportunity to grow and evolve in a new setting in order to earn representative honors is piss poor philosophy, the players aren't slaves to the Irish system, well they are if they want to play for Ireland (unless your name is Jonny Sexton).

Ironically players moving if they want and picking up new routines, skills and best practice in a new environment is likely to improve Ireland's chances, but instead the IRFU invest in a global fishing expedition

And yes Eng, NZ, etc. are just as guilty, it pains me to watch Anscombe playing for Wales, a county with a much richer rugby heritage than Ireland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on November 08, 2021, 03:56:35 PM
Quote from: Hound on November 08, 2021, 03:04:34 PM
Quote from: tiempo on November 08, 2021, 01:31:44 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 08, 2021, 01:18:46 PM
Quote from: michaelg on November 07, 2021, 09:58:15 AM
One Ulsterman in the 23 but 3 Kiwis in the back line - Rugby eligibility rules are a nonsense!

More Aussies in squad than Munstermen.

But their grassroots model is to be followed?

A complete joke the eligibility rules

Irish fella with French heritage wants to experience a new setting and is cut out/penalised for making a career/life choice

Irish fella with no French heritage does similar but isn't cut out

Aussies and Kiwi's travel the 7 seas togging out for Ireland

Thoroughly embarrassing and it makes them a hard team to like
Heritage completely irrelevant.

It's a pretty simple rule. You want to play for Ireland, then you play in Ireland, otherwise rugby in Ireland would become like soccer in Ireland. There was one exception made early on for a very special player. Such an exception is unlikely to be made again. The rule has worked extremely well in keeping the best players in the provinces.

Fine. But it's no longer an Irish representative team. It's a league select.

And on the basis the Irish team are contracted and paid it's completely illegal.

This entire structure has one objective. Pay players less than their market vslue.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on November 08, 2021, 04:00:38 PM
Quote from: tiempo on November 08, 2021, 03:43:37 PM
[




Ironically players moving if they want and picking up new routines, skills and best practice in a new environment is likely to improve Ireland's chances, but instead the IRFU invest in a global fishing expedition


This. The IRFU have made a clear and conscious decision to use the national team to supress wages for their provincial sides at the detriment to the national team. Irish players cannot go to the best leagues and improve and still play for Ireland, instead that talent is imported.

It's a farce and with two of the four provinces nearly going under it isn't even working.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on November 08, 2021, 04:06:50 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on November 08, 2021, 02:03:25 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 08, 2021, 01:18:46 PM
Quote from: michaelg on November 07, 2021, 09:58:15 AM
One Ulsterman in the 23 but 3 Kiwis in the back line - Rugby eligibility rules are a nonsense!

More Aussies in squad than Munstermen.

But their grassroots model is to be followed?

Just because you type it doesn't make it true!

Close enough. Not one Munster or Ulster born player started and one Connaught born.

As many NZ born players in squad as Munster born and as many Aussie born as Ulster and Connaught combined.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 08, 2021, 04:10:32 PM
Quote from: Hound on November 08, 2021, 03:04:34 PM
Quote from: tiempo on November 08, 2021, 01:31:44 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 08, 2021, 01:18:46 PM
Quote from: michaelg on November 07, 2021, 09:58:15 AM
One Ulsterman in the 23 but 3 Kiwis in the back line - Rugby eligibility rules are a nonsense!

More Aussies in squad than Munstermen.

But their grassroots model is to be followed?

A complete joke the eligibility rules

Irish fella with French heritage wants to experience a new setting and is cut out/penalised for making a career/life choice

Irish fella with no French heritage does similar but isn't cut out

Aussies and Kiwi's travel the 7 seas togging out for Ireland

Thoroughly embarrassing and it makes them a hard team to like
Heritage completely irrelevant.

It's a pretty simple rule. You want to play for Ireland, then you play in Ireland, otherwise rugby in Ireland would become like soccer in Ireland. There was one exception made early on for a very special player. Such an exception is unlikely to be made again. The rule has worked extremely well in keeping the best players in the provinces.
I think it's time to take another look at the national setup. Leinster's dominance is not good for Ulster and Munster and the Ireland team is pretty mediocre at the moment too.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on November 09, 2021, 03:35:04 PM
Quote from: tiempo on November 08, 2021, 03:43:37 PM
Quote from: Hound on November 08, 2021, 03:04:34 PM
Quote from: tiempo on November 08, 2021, 01:31:44 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 08, 2021, 01:18:46 PM
Quote from: michaelg on November 07, 2021, 09:58:15 AM
One Ulsterman in the 23 but 3 Kiwis in the back line - Rugby eligibility rules are a nonsense!

More Aussies in squad than Munstermen.

But their grassroots model is to be followed?

A complete joke the eligibility rules

Irish fella with French heritage wants to experience a new setting and is cut out/penalised for making a career/life choice

Irish fella with no French heritage does similar but isn't cut out

Aussies and Kiwi's travel the 7 seas togging out for Ireland

Thoroughly embarrassing and it makes them a hard team to like
Heritage completely irrelevant.

It's a pretty simple rule. You want to play for Ireland, then you play in Ireland, otherwise rugby in Ireland would become like soccer in Ireland. There was one exception made early on for a very special player. Such an exception is unlikely to be made again. The rule has worked extremely well in keeping the best players in the provinces.

Heritage isn't irrelevant in the context of Zebo's move, its part of the reason he went, not simply to enrich himself and secure his family's future and certainly not to turn his back on Ireland. As you pointed out an exception was made, so its not really a rule at all then if it can be worked around to suit. Covered here and elsewhere many times no doubt.

Hypothetically if Furlong made the same move would the same exception be made? Short answer, yes.

Keeping the best players in the provinces via this method, making them choose a less prosperous day job and the opportunity to grow and evolve in a new setting in order to earn representative honors is piss poor philosophy, the players aren't slaves to the Irish system, well they are if they want to play for Ireland (unless your name is Jonny Sexton).

Ironically players moving if they want and picking up new routines, skills and best practice in a new environment is likely to improve Ireland's chances, but instead the IRFU invest in a global fishing expedition

And yes Eng, NZ, etc. are just as guilty, it pains me to watch Anscombe playing for Wales, a county with a much richer rugby heritage than Ireland.
Zebo went for money. He would not have gone if Racing offered the same package as Munster. Fair play to him but he knew the downside, he also knew Irish management at the time didn't particularly fancy him.

Keeping the international players in Ireland means revenues for the game are increased, better attendances, better sponsorship, more prizemoney, more TV money. All means we can pay more players a better wage. Yes, some of the very elite can get more money abroad thanks to some billionaire owners, but them earning less here is for the greater good of the overall professional playing pool. And player welfare for those elite players is far better in Ireland than abroad, hence why Furlong turned down the big bucks. He'll lengthen his career by staying in Ireland.

Coaching is pretty good in Ireland. We've had Joe Schmidt, Rassie Erasmus, Stuart Lancaster come over. You could just as easily get stuck with a poor coach abroad. Plus players who do go abroad are  welcomed back with open arms when they return. So always an option for the player who's outside of international contention and this has worked handsomely in the past with the likes of Jennings, Cullen, Reddan, Beirne. Albeit still rare in % terms.

The IRFU have a great system. One the FAI in particular must be very jealous of. "It must be illegal" you'll even hear some soccerheads whinge  ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tiempo on November 09, 2021, 03:50:51 PM
Quote from: Hound on November 09, 2021, 03:35:04 PM
Zebo went for money.

Slinging this around is a tad disingenuous. It was already mentioned he is of French heritage and he clearly stated he wanted to experience the lifestyle. Also playing club rugby is his profession, moving for better remuneration is a career choice made by people the world over. Playing for Ireland is a representative honour and should be reserved for Irish poeple and/or people of Irish heritage, and is being denied to Irish players if they choose to experience a new setting, this is fundamentally flawed and honestly I'd like to see it challenged legally as its utter bollox.

Some exec sitting at HQ telling lads from 18-35 you're to stay put and delay any notion of spending your best years getting some fantastic life experience. All the while they push a "development" angle on overseas lads without a shred of Irish in them who can't get a game for their own county, while also bring in coaches with more than a foot in the opposition camp.

Zebo can't live in France and play for Ireland, but the England captains dad can manage Ireland.

Put it like this. If the Ireland managers job becomes available and its down to 2 candidates, Leo Cullen with a few Celtic league titles under his belt or Ronan O'Gara who has travelled the world to improve his knowledge and understanding of best practice, who are the exec's going to choose? They'll choose O'Gara because of his diverse experience, but they can't extend the same criteria to Irish players. Utter ballix and makes it very hard to support them, and I hate to say that as the fact the team is representing the whole of Ireland and not some partitioned ballix should make it an absolute beacon when it comes to feeling positive about the country.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on November 09, 2021, 04:18:14 PM
Quote from: tiempo on November 09, 2021, 03:50:51 PM
Quote from: Hound on November 09, 2021, 03:35:04 PM
Zebo went for money.

Slinging this around is a tad disingenuous. It was already mentioned he is of French heritage and he clearly stated he wanted to experience the lifestyle. Also playing club rugby is his profession, moving for better remuneration is a career choice made by people the world over. Playing for Ireland is a representative honour and should be reserved for Irish poeple and/or people of Irish heritage, and is being denied to Irish players if they choose to experience a new setting, this is fundamentally flawed and honestly I'd like to see it challenged legally as its utter bollox.

Some exec sitting at HQ telling lads from 18-35 you're to stay put and delay any notion of spending your best years getting some fantastic life experience. All the while they push a "development" angle on overseas lads without a shred of Irish in them who can't get a game for their own county, while also bring in coaches with more than a foot in the opposition camp.

Zebo can't live in France and play for Ireland, but the England captains dad can manage Ireland.

Put it like this. If the Ireland managers job becomes available and its down to 2 candidates, Leo Cullen with a few Celtic league titles under his belt or Ronan O'Gara who has travelled the world to improve his knowledge and understanding of best practice, who are the exec's going to choose? They'll choose O'Gara because of his diverse experience, but they can't extend the same criteria to Irish players. Utter ballix and makes it very hard to support them, and I hate to say that as the fact the team is representing the whole of Ireland and not some partitioned ballix should make it an absolute beacon when it comes to feeling positive about the country.
Well you don't care at all about the game in Ireland. The IRFU do, and that's why they are 100% right with their policy.
Feeling sorry for the Zebos who go off to earn a few extra quid doesn't change that.
Why on earth you'd want to turn Leinster into Shamrock Rovers and Ulster into a Linfield level of team is beyond my comprehension!

Comparing the positions of coaches, who we encourage to go abroad because we don't have a shortage of them, to players shows a complete and utter lack of understanding on your part.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tiempo on November 09, 2021, 04:23:06 PM
Quote from: Hound on November 09, 2021, 04:18:14 PM
Quote from: tiempo on November 09, 2021, 03:50:51 PM
Quote from: Hound on November 09, 2021, 03:35:04 PM
Zebo went for money.

Slinging this around is a tad disingenuous. It was already mentioned he is of French heritage and he clearly stated he wanted to experience the lifestyle. Also playing club rugby is his profession, moving for better remuneration is a career choice made by people the world over. Playing for Ireland is a representative honour and should be reserved for Irish poeple and/or people of Irish heritage, and is being denied to Irish players if they choose to experience a new setting, this is fundamentally flawed and honestly I'd like to see it challenged legally as its utter bollox.

Some exec sitting at HQ telling lads from 18-35 you're to stay put and delay any notion of spending your best years getting some fantastic life experience. All the while they push a "development" angle on overseas lads without a shred of Irish in them who can't get a game for their own county, while also bring in coaches with more than a foot in the opposition camp.

Zebo can't live in France and play for Ireland, but the England captains dad can manage Ireland.

Put it like this. If the Ireland managers job becomes available and its down to 2 candidates, Leo Cullen with a few Celtic league titles under his belt or Ronan O'Gara who has travelled the world to improve his knowledge and understanding of best practice, who are the exec's going to choose? They'll choose O'Gara because of his diverse experience, but they can't extend the same criteria to Irish players. Utter ballix and makes it very hard to support them, and I hate to say that as the fact the team is representing the whole of Ireland and not some partitioned ballix should make it an absolute beacon when it comes to feeling positive about the country.
Well you don't care at all about the game in Ireland. The IRFU do, and that's why they are 100% right with their policy.
Feeling sorry for the Zebos who go off to earn a few extra quid doesn't change that.
Why on earth you'd want to turn Leinster into Shamrock Rovers and Ulster into a Linfield level of team is beyond my comprehension!

Comparing the positions of coaches, who we encourage to go abroad because we don't have a shortage of them, to players shows a complete and utter lack of understanding on your part.

The provinces will always be streets ahead of that clientele. Remind me, how's allowing players to play abroad working out for the Welsh? Pretty sure they've managed to win a WC knockout game if memory serves me. Playing for a club is a professional/career choice, playing for Ireland is a representative honor, try to reconcile that fact with yourself.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on November 09, 2021, 04:36:33 PM
Quote from: tiempo on November 09, 2021, 04:23:06 PM
Quote from: Hound on November 09, 2021, 04:18:14 PM
Quote from: tiempo on November 09, 2021, 03:50:51 PM
Quote from: Hound on November 09, 2021, 03:35:04 PM
Zebo went for money.

Slinging this around is a tad disingenuous. It was already mentioned he is of French heritage and he clearly stated he wanted to experience the lifestyle. Also playing club rugby is his profession, moving for better remuneration is a career choice made by people the world over. Playing for Ireland is a representative honour and should be reserved for Irish poeple and/or people of Irish heritage, and is being denied to Irish players if they choose to experience a new setting, this is fundamentally flawed and honestly I'd like to see it challenged legally as its utter bollox.

Some exec sitting at HQ telling lads from 18-35 you're to stay put and delay any notion of spending your best years getting some fantastic life experience. All the while they push a "development" angle on overseas lads without a shred of Irish in them who can't get a game for their own county, while also bring in coaches with more than a foot in the opposition camp.

Zebo can't live in France and play for Ireland, but the England captains dad can manage Ireland.

Put it like this. If the Ireland managers job becomes available and its down to 2 candidates, Leo Cullen with a few Celtic league titles under his belt or Ronan O'Gara who has travelled the world to improve his knowledge and understanding of best practice, who are the exec's going to choose? They'll choose O'Gara because of his diverse experience, but they can't extend the same criteria to Irish players. Utter ballix and makes it very hard to support them, and I hate to say that as the fact the team is representing the whole of Ireland and not some partitioned ballix should make it an absolute beacon when it comes to feeling positive about the country.
Well you don't care at all about the game in Ireland. The IRFU do, and that's why they are 100% right with their policy.
Feeling sorry for the Zebos who go off to earn a few extra quid doesn't change that.
Why on earth you'd want to turn Leinster into Shamrock Rovers and Ulster into a Linfield level of team is beyond my comprehension!

Comparing the positions of coaches, who we encourage to go abroad because we don't have a shortage of them, to players shows a complete and utter lack of understanding on your part.

The provinces will always be streets ahead of that clientele. Remind me, how's allowing players to play abroad working out for the Welsh? Pretty sure they've managed to win a WC knockout game if memory serves me. Playing for a club is a professional/career choice, playing for Ireland is a representative honor, try to reconcile that fact with yourself.
Good comparison. WRU and SRU teams generally well below the Irish provinces. They really wish they could impose the same restrictions the IRFU do.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Taylor on November 09, 2021, 04:39:43 PM
If you have a rule at least be consistent.

Would love to hear Hounds view on Sexton when he played in France and still played for Ireland?

Sort of blows the IRFU and their strategy out of the water
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on November 09, 2021, 04:50:33 PM
Quote from: Hound on November 09, 2021, 04:18:14 PM
Quote from: tiempo on November 09, 2021, 03:50:51 PM
Quote from: Hound on November 09, 2021, 03:35:04 PM
Zebo went for money.

Slinging this around is a tad disingenuous. It was already mentioned he is of French heritage and he clearly stated he wanted to experience the lifestyle. Also playing club rugby is his profession, moving for better remuneration is a career choice made by people the world over. Playing for Ireland is a representative honour and should be reserved for Irish poeple and/or people of Irish heritage, and is being denied to Irish players if they choose to experience a new setting, this is fundamentally flawed and honestly I'd like to see it challenged legally as its utter bollox.

Some exec sitting at HQ telling lads from 18-35 you're to stay put and delay any notion of spending your best years getting some fantastic life experience. All the while they push a "development" angle on overseas lads without a shred of Irish in them who can't get a game for their own county, while also bring in coaches with more than a foot in the opposition camp.

Zebo can't live in France and play for Ireland, but the England captains dad can manage Ireland.

Put it like this. If the Ireland managers job becomes available and its down to 2 candidates, Leo Cullen with a few Celtic league titles under his belt or Ronan O'Gara who has travelled the world to improve his knowledge and understanding of best practice, who are the exec's going to choose? They'll choose O'Gara because of his diverse experience, but they can't extend the same criteria to Irish players. Utter ballix and makes it very hard to support them, and I hate to say that as the fact the team is representing the whole of Ireland and not some partitioned ballix should make it an absolute beacon when it comes to feeling positive about the country.
Well you don't care at all about the game in Ireland. The IRFU do, and that's why they are 100% right with their policy.
Feeling sorry for the Zebos who go off to earn a few extra quid doesn't change that.
Why on earth you'd want to turn Leinster into Shamrock Rovers and Ulster into a Linfield level of team is beyond my comprehension!

Comparing the positions of coaches, who we encourage to go abroad because we don't have a shortage of them, to players shows a complete and utter lack of understanding on your part.

Nobody is saying that. But using the national team and the sarary that does with to push down wages isn't even working. And it unquestionably weakens the national side. At some point maeket forces have to come into play.

What you are arguing is to improve the LoI or IL you can only play for the national sides if you play domestically. That's fine - it will clearly lift the domestic game. But it will destroy the national sides.

But what it absolutely isn't is a model for other sports to follow.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 09, 2021, 05:33:19 PM
Quote from: Hound on November 09, 2021, 03:35:04 PM
Quote from: tiempo on November 08, 2021, 03:43:37 PM
Quote from: Hound on November 08, 2021, 03:04:34 PM
Quote from: tiempo on November 08, 2021, 01:31:44 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 08, 2021, 01:18:46 PM
Quote from: michaelg on November 07, 2021, 09:58:15 AM
One Ulsterman in the 23 but 3 Kiwis in the back line - Rugby eligibility rules are a nonsense!

More Aussies in squad than Munstermen.

But their grassroots model is to be followed?

A complete joke the eligibility rules

Irish fella with French heritage wants to experience a new setting and is cut out/penalised for making a career/life choice

Irish fella with no French heritage does similar but isn't cut out

Aussies and Kiwi's travel the 7 seas togging out for Ireland

Thoroughly embarrassing and it makes them a hard team to like
Heritage completely irrelevant.

It's a pretty simple rule. You want to play for Ireland, then you play in Ireland, otherwise rugby in Ireland would become like soccer in Ireland. There was one exception made early on for a very special player. Such an exception is unlikely to be made again. The rule has worked extremely well in keeping the best players in the provinces.

Heritage isn't irrelevant in the context of Zebo's move, its part of the reason he went, not simply to enrich himself and secure his family's future and certainly not to turn his back on Ireland. As you pointed out an exception was made, so its not really a rule at all then if it can be worked around to suit. Covered here and elsewhere many times no doubt.

Hypothetically if Furlong made the same move would the same exception be made? Short answer, yes.

Keeping the best players in the provinces via this method, making them choose a less prosperous day job and the opportunity to grow and evolve in a new setting in order to earn representative honors is piss poor philosophy, the players aren't slaves to the Irish system, well they are if they want to play for Ireland (unless your name is Jonny Sexton).

Ironically players moving if they want and picking up new routines, skills and best practice in a new environment is likely to improve Ireland's chances, but instead the IRFU invest in a global fishing expedition

And yes Eng, NZ, etc. are just as guilty, it pains me to watch Anscombe playing for Wales, a county with a much richer rugby heritage than Ireland.
Zebo went for money. He would not have gone if Racing offered the same package as Munster. Fair play to him but he knew the downside, he also knew Irish management at the time didn't particularly fancy him.

Keeping the international players in Ireland means revenues for the game are increased, better attendances, better sponsorship, more prizemoney, more TV money. All means we can pay more players a better wage. Yes, some of the very elite can get more money abroad thanks to some billionaire owners, but them earning less here is for the greater good of the overall professional playing pool. And player welfare for those elite players is far better in Ireland than abroad, hence why Furlong turned down the big bucks. He'll lengthen his career by staying in Ireland.

Coaching is pretty good in Ireland. We've had Joe Schmidt, Rassie Erasmus, Stuart Lancaster come over. You could just as easily get stuck with a poor coach abroad. Plus players who do go abroad are  welcomed back with open arms when they return. So always an option for the player who's outside of international contention and this has worked handsomely in the past with the likes of Jennings, Cullen, Reddan, Beirne. Albeit still rare in % terms.

The IRFU have a great system. One the FAI in particular must be very jealous of. "It must be illegal" you'll even hear some soccerheads whinge  ;D
They don't have a great system. Not any more. The last time an Irish team won the ex Heineken Cup was 2018.
We still haven't won a RWC quarter final.

Justin Marshall after NZ beat Ireland in 2019 :

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/justin-marshall-ireland-s-great-gameplan-became-predictable-1.4066202

"I didn't think they'd evolved," he said. "I think very much like Wales were tactically, they had a great gameplan that they believed in but it is predictable and it gets analysed.
"They have great players that could implement that gameplan, but when you look at Ireland and where they got to, successfully beating the All Blacks, I felt they needed to create something that the rest of the world hadn't seen and they didn't.
"They came out and played the same gameplan they had been playing, the All Blacks came out and analysed it. They've been beaten by it before, and they were aware of what Ireland would bring. and they didn't bring anything different.

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/irish-rugby-must-look-to-gaa-s-top-talent-for-a-brighter-future-1.4056933

"I don't mean any disrespect in saying this but Ireland's experience was not to win [quarter-finals],"
Hansen explained. "Just because you've played for a long time, you might have learned things you don't want to learn or you might have learned nothing along the way."
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: DuffleKing on November 10, 2021, 10:16:07 AM

The narrative this week off the back of the Japan game has been mental in the press. You'd expect the last decade of this nonsense to in some way penetrate the consciousness of journalists and ex players but no, this is a new and world class Ireland suddenly with all the same players and coaching staff that delivered the most recent cycle of hype and underperformance.

That clown Thornley has been confidently predicting a victory over the All Blacks this weekend and there's any number of observers excitedly anticipating a brilliant game and that Ireland will "go close".

What planet are these people on?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on November 10, 2021, 10:46:12 AM
Quote from: DuffleKing on November 10, 2021, 10:16:07 AM

The narrative this week off the back of the Japan game has been mental in the press. You'd expect the last decade of this nonsense to in some way penetrate the consciousness of journalists and ex players but no, this is a new and world class Ireland suddenly with all the same players and coaching staff that delivered the most recent cycle of hype and underperformance.

That clown Thornley has been confidently predicting a victory over the All Blacks this weekend and there's any number of observers excitedly anticipating a brilliant game and that Ireland will "go close".

What planet are these people on?

I've always enjoyed the rugby, but the interest has definitely waned in the last while. 30 phases of making a yard gain mixed with box kicking, and I suppose the sheer brutality of the continuous hits.
Will watch the game at the weekend but I see no way of us getting close to the All Black's tbh.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tiempo on November 10, 2021, 10:54:45 AM
Quote from: Hound on November 09, 2021, 04:36:33 PM
Good comparison. WRU and SRU teams generally well below the Irish provinces. They really wish they could impose the same restrictions the IRFU do.

Again, herein lies the issue with the approach taken. These are professional rugby players being denied representative honours by HQ Exec's who then go fishing to bring lads from overseas with no connection to Ireland with the carrot of representative honours. The whole thing stinks and shows a complete lack of faith in Irish players and respect for the value of the jersey.

For me a big part of the reason there is a ceiling to where Ireland can go (as borne out by their historical underachievement) is that imposing restrictions does not support an organic evolution of the game, culture, coaching and more importantly player skill sets.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tiempo on November 10, 2021, 11:02:34 AM
Quote from: DuffleKing on November 10, 2021, 10:16:07 AM

The narrative this week off the back of the Japan game has been mental in the press. You'd expect the last decade of this nonsense to in some way penetrate the consciousness of journalists and ex players but no, this is a new and world class Ireland suddenly with all the same players and coaching staff that delivered the most recent cycle of hype and underperformance.

That clown Thornley has been confidently predicting a victory over the All Blacks this weekend and there's any number of observers excitedly anticipating a brilliant game and that Ireland will "go close".

What planet are these people on?

Yep, ROG has said its a 50:50 game based on the performance v Japan. Cloud cuckoo land.

Don't get me wrong would be nice to seem them do something but a lot more likely to get wiped.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Wedger on November 10, 2021, 11:11:22 AM
Quote from: DuffleKing on November 10, 2021, 10:16:07 AM
That clown Thornley has been confidently predicting a victory over the All Blacks this weekend and there's any number of observers excitedly anticipating a brilliant game and that Ireland will "go close".

What planet are these people on?
D4 is in mourning at the passing of Sean FitzPatrick, it is Gerry's duty to cheer them up!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on November 10, 2021, 11:28:26 AM
Quote from: tiempo on November 10, 2021, 10:54:45 AM
Quote from: Hound on November 09, 2021, 04:36:33 PM
Good comparison. WRU and SRU teams generally well below the Irish provinces. They really wish they could impose the same restrictions the IRFU do.

Again, herein lies the issue with the approach taken. These are professional rugby players being denied representative honours by HQ Exec's who then go fishing to bring lads from overseas with no connection to Ireland with the carrot of representative honours. The whole thing stinks and shows a complete lack of faith in Irish players and respect for the value of the jersey.

For me a big part of the reason there is a ceiling to where Ireland can go (as borne out by their historical underachievement) is that imposing restrictions does not support an organic evolution of the game, culture, coaching and more importantly player skill sets.

England and NZ apply the same restrictions as the IRFU so it's not just an Irish thing. NZ did make an exception for Dan Carter when he moved to France as even NZ couldn't replace him. The qualifying time has been changed from 3 years to 5 years now to become eligible so why would anyone have a problem with that? That's half your career for most senior players. 

Ireland has a small playing pool to select from compared to England and France.  Also for countries like Wales and NZ rugby is the number one sport compared to |Ireland which is probably third behing GAA and soccer. Bringing international players/ coaches in to Ireland has raised standards in coaching and playing skills throughout the provinces and international sides.   

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tiempo on November 10, 2021, 11:40:58 AM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 10, 2021, 11:28:26 AM
Quote from: tiempo on November 10, 2021, 10:54:45 AM
Quote from: Hound on November 09, 2021, 04:36:33 PM
Good comparison. WRU and SRU teams generally well below the Irish provinces. They really wish they could impose the same restrictions the IRFU do.

Again, herein lies the issue with the approach taken. These are professional rugby players being denied representative honours by HQ Exec's who then go fishing to bring lads from overseas with no connection to Ireland with the carrot of representative honours. The whole thing stinks and shows a complete lack of faith in Irish players and respect for the value of the jersey.

For me a big part of the reason there is a ceiling to where Ireland can go (as borne out by their historical underachievement) is that imposing restrictions does not support an organic evolution of the game, culture, coaching and more importantly player skill sets.

England and NZ apply the same restrictions as the IRFU so it's not just an Irish thing. NZ did make an exception for Dan Carter when he moved to France as even NZ couldn't replace him. The qualifying time has been changed from 3 years to 5 years now to become eligible so why would anyone have a problem with that? That's half your career for most senior players. 

Ireland has a small playing pool to select from compared to England and France.  Also for countries like Wales and NZ rugby is the number one sport compared to |Ireland which is probably third behing GAA and soccer. Bringing international players/ coaches in to Ireland has raised standards in coaching and playing skills throughout the provinces and international sides.

NZ won a WC without Carter, Stephen Donald was their 4th choice fly half who was playing for Bath at the time, mad what you can achieve when you have to put your faith in someone.

At the end of the day Irish lads are being denied the opportunity to play for Ireland based on restrictive criteria while opening the door to non-Irish "talent" coming the other way. Its more a goddamn United Nations team at this stage than a United Ireland, we really don't know where Ireland are at in rugby terms as the team lining out isn't representative of the country.

Maybe the overseas lads should wear their home nation shorts and socks similar to the Barbarians, would make as much sense as other decisions taken.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Denn Forever on November 10, 2021, 11:45:48 AM
Maybe it's been discussed before but haven't seen the designs of thee Irish and Welsh jerseys for this year's game,it is so colour blind fans can follow the games easier.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 10, 2021, 11:53:38 AM
Quote from: Denn Forever on November 10, 2021, 11:45:48 AM
Maybe it's been discussed before but haven't seen the designs of thee Irish and Welsh jerseys for this year's game,it is so colour blind fans can follow the games easier.

I think Ireland will wear that black and maroon machine they wore at the weekend.

There were a lot of haters for it but I think it's not too bad!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on November 10, 2021, 12:06:07 PM
Quote from: tiempo on November 10, 2021, 11:40:58 AM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 10, 2021, 11:28:26 AM
Quote from: tiempo on November 10, 2021, 10:54:45 AM
Quote from: Hound on November 09, 2021, 04:36:33 PM
Good comparison. WRU and SRU teams generally well below the Irish provinces. They really wish they could impose the same restrictions the IRFU do.

Again, herein lies the issue with the approach taken. These are professional rugby players being denied representative honours by HQ Exec's who then go fishing to bring lads from overseas with no connection to Ireland with the carrot of representative honours. The whole thing stinks and shows a complete lack of faith in Irish players and respect for the value of the jersey.

For me a big part of the reason there is a ceiling to where Ireland can go (as borne out by their historical underachievement) is that imposing restrictions does not support an organic evolution of the game, culture, coaching and more importantly player skill sets.

England and NZ apply the same restrictions as the IRFU so it's not just an Irish thing. NZ did make an exception for Dan Carter when he moved to France as even NZ couldn't replace him. The qualifying time has been changed from 3 years to 5 years now to become eligible so why would anyone have a problem with that? That's half your career for most senior players. 

Ireland has a small playing pool to select from compared to England and France.  Also for countries like Wales and NZ rugby is the number one sport compared to |Ireland which is probably third behing GAA and soccer. Bringing international players/ coaches in to Ireland has raised standards in coaching and playing skills throughout the provinces and international sides.

NZ won a WC without Carter, Stephen Donald was their 4th choice fly half who was playing for Bath at the time, mad what you can achieve when you have to put your faith in someone.

At the end of the day Irish lads are being denied the opportunity to play for Ireland based on restrictive criteria while opening the door to non-Irish "talent" coming the other way. Its more a goddamn United Nations team at this stage than a United Ireland, we really don't know where Ireland are at in rugby terms as the team lining out isn't representative of the country.

Maybe the overseas lads should wear their home nation shorts and socks similar to the Barbarians, would make as much sense as other decisions taken.

NZ picked Carter for that world cup and unfortunately for them he got injured mid tournament. Donald had signed for Bath making him ineligible for selection, but NZ were desperate so they changed the rules. He only played in one game (the final) There's no way NZ win that tournament if they had to rely on him the whole tournament. Strange how he never played for them again if they had so much faith in him.

Irish lads are competing for a jersey and if they're good enough they'll get picked. Betters players improve standards of the team and training and any sensible player would look at his teammates (especially international ones) to see what he could learn from them to make them better players. These same international players all live in Ireland and play here every week as well. It's not like they fly in and out of Ireland for a few times every year for the odd international
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on November 10, 2021, 02:02:50 PM
"We're stars at getting it right between cycles but never right on the cycle that matters, so that will have to be something that has to be reviewed but maybe the fact that (the performance against) Japan went much better than anticipated, you go extremely strong for New Zealand and then see where you are.


ROG bang on the money again..

Who gives a flying f**k for the Autumn internationals if they fill their togs come WC2023...

Is Sexton going to be the one and only No10 come 2023? Give the others a crack as we'll need a back up if not a starter come the time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 10, 2021, 02:52:49 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on November 10, 2021, 02:02:50 PM
"We're stars at getting it right between cycles but never right on the cycle that matters, so that will have to be something that has to be reviewed but maybe the fact that (the performance against) Japan went much better than anticipated, you go extremely strong for New Zealand and then see where you are.


ROG bang on the money again..

Who gives a flying f**k for the Autumn internationals if they fill their togs come WC2023...

Is Sexton going to be the one and only No10 come 2023? Give the others a crack as we'll need a back up if not a starter come the time.
Can't have just 1 #10 in a RWC. You need 3 players in each position given the injuries
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 10, 2021, 03:42:20 PM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/ronan-o-gara-gives-ireland-a-50-50-chance-against-all-blacks-1.4723963

I think it's a difficult game (to call) because I think Ireland will test them. I think Ireland are a very intelligent team now. You could see Paul's straps all over that team last weekend," he said in reference to Paul O'Connell.
"I just think it's hard to know what Ireland are going to do off lineout strikes at the minute, whether they're going to drive it, whether peel it with Kelleher, peel it with the 8, peel it with the 9. There are so many derivatives of how they can attack New Zealand, and their ruck seems to be very good, but the massive shift was, I suppose, people running very good lines and running into holes as opposed to running into bodies.
"So for me, it's a very 50/50 game. I think if Ireland get ahead, they could be very hard to catch because Ireland are so disciplined as well," he said, before admitting that if a team "gets one kick-exit wrong or you get one miss-kick poorly placed" against New Zealand they suffer. "I mean, for example, Will Jordan is an absolute freak. Brilliant going forward but would have his deficiencies going back - no doubt about it.
"I think what was so refreshing last weekend was Ireland's ability just to have a go. We haven't seen that in a long, long time and I think that has re-energised or re-awoken so many of us who love watching the Irish rugby team."
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on November 10, 2021, 05:22:49 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 10, 2021, 11:28:26 AM
Quote from: tiempo on November 10, 2021, 10:54:45 AM
Quote from: Hound on November 09, 2021, 04:36:33 PM
Good comparison. WRU and SRU teams generally well below the Irish provinces. They really wish they could impose the same restrictions the IRFU do.

Again, herein lies the issue with the approach taken. These are professional rugby players being denied representative honours by HQ Exec's who then go fishing to bring lads from overseas with no connection to Ireland with the carrot of representative honours. The whole thing stinks and shows a complete lack of faith in Irish players and respect for the value of the jersey.

For me a big part of the reason there is a ceiling to where Ireland can go (as borne out by their historical underachievement) is that imposing restrictions does not support an organic evolution of the game, culture, coaching and more importantly player skill sets.

England and NZ apply the same restrictions as the IRFU so it's not just an Irish thing. NZ did make an exception for Dan Carter when he moved to France as even NZ couldn't replace him. The qualifying time has been changed from 3 years to 5 years now to become eligible so why would anyone have a problem with that? That's half your career for most senior players. 

Ireland has a small playing pool to select from compared to England and France.  Also for countries like Wales and NZ rugby is the number one sport compared to |Ireland which is probably third behing GAA and soccer. Bringing international players/ coaches in to Ireland has raised standards in coaching and playing skills throughout the provinces and international sides.

Because they aren't Irish. They aren't even citizens.

The point is the IRFU see development gaps in terms of potential players and buy in foreigners to plug those gaps - the famous South Africans at boarding school. Thats fine at club level but not international teams.

Why break your arses with a youth structure if you can just buy a 23 year old pro from NZ? And more importantly what happens if those pro's aren't better than what you have?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on November 11, 2021, 06:21:27 AM
Quote from: JoG2 on November 10, 2021, 10:46:12 AM
Quote from: DuffleKing on November 10, 2021, 10:16:07 AM

The narrative this week off the back of the Japan game has been mental in the press. You'd expect the last decade of this nonsense to in some way penetrate the consciousness of journalists and ex players but no, this is a new and world class Ireland suddenly with all the same players and coaching staff that delivered the most recent cycle of hype and underperformance.

That clown Thornley has been confidently predicting a victory over the All Blacks this weekend and there's any number of observers excitedly anticipating a brilliant game and that Ireland will "go close".

What planet are these people on?

I've always enjoyed the rugby, but the interest has definitely waned in the last while. 30 phases of making a yard gain mixed with box kicking, and I suppose the sheer brutality of the continuous hits.
Will watch the game at the weekend but I see no way of us getting close to the All Black's tbh.
The change at 8 and 9 is a massive change to how we play. We now have lads who's first plan is to pass, rather than always smash into an opponent or kick the ball away. Conan and GibsonPark were both excellent against Japan and the main reason why the backs saw so much more ball than usual. However, massive question mark about whether they could repeat that against NZ. Bookies have a 10 point handicap, I'd be surprised if NZ don't win by more than that, but hopefully be an entertaining game
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 13, 2021, 03:33:48 PM
Think yellow is fair there wasn't that bad!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 13, 2021, 03:46:38 PM
Did the New Zealand sub hooker call Sexton a mouthy c*** to the ref?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 13, 2021, 03:55:09 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on November 13, 2021, 03:46:38 PM
Did the New Zealand sub hooker call Sexton a mouthy c*** to the ref?

Yeah and he was 100% right!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 13, 2021, 03:57:56 PM
That was f**king terrible play!! Totally switched off 🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on November 13, 2021, 04:02:08 PM
Good game. But Ireland should have taken the 6 points on offer from penalties. NZ go down pitch and  get two easy scores.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: HiMucker on November 13, 2021, 04:09:55 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on November 13, 2021, 03:46:38 PM
Did the New Zealand sub hooker call Sexton a mouthy c*** to the ref?
I think he said "mouthy one". Have to give him the benefit of the doubt lol
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 13, 2021, 04:11:02 PM
Quote from: weareros on November 13, 2021, 04:02:08 PM
Good game. But Ireland should have taken the 6 points on offer from penalties. NZ go down pitch and  get two easy scores.

Yeah they've given away 9 points and butchered at least 2 good try opportunities.

It's strange they're treating NZ differently to other teams and it's costing them. Totally dominant in possession and territory and 5 points down isn't good enough they should be 5-10 ahead in any other game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on November 13, 2021, 04:31:46 PM
Ireland playing really well, only team in it. Ref performance is strange.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Square Ball on November 13, 2021, 04:36:46 PM
Some game so far
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on November 13, 2021, 04:39:52 PM
Quote from: Square Ball on November 13, 2021, 04:36:46 PM
Some game so far

Mighty from Ireland
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 13, 2021, 04:49:21 PM
Ireland leading but left 9 behind in scorable penalties and unlucky with a try. New Zealand have alot of guys I am unfamiliar with.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 13, 2021, 05:15:07 PM
If only Autumn internationals were the the World Cup we'd be champions!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on November 13, 2021, 05:16:41 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on November 13, 2021, 04:49:21 PM
Ireland leading but left 9 behind in scorable penalties and unlucky with a try. New Zealand have alot of guys I am unfamiliar with.

They should have went for that last penalty in the first half, they didn't go for the first couple as they went for the jugular and never let up. What an incredible performance, didn't see that coming
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on November 13, 2021, 05:21:36 PM
Glad Ireland got the result that their performance deserved. Would have took a good performance considering they actually really went for the game. Seems like Farrell is copying Jim McGuinness in spending the 1st year or so working on the defence system and then from year 2 letting the guys at it in their attacking play
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: podge on November 13, 2021, 05:26:48 PM
Good captaincy from Sexton all day although a couple of missed conversions nearly came back to haunt. Strange decision from whitelock to
take 3 points with 8mins when they were 6 down and had us on the rack.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on November 13, 2021, 05:27:07 PM
Tense in the end but Ireland brutalised them for much of that game. That said, the way NZ can create a try out of nothing is something else. Lowe fortunately made that tackle on half way line - especially as he often misses those. He had a great game today in fairness.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tiempo on November 13, 2021, 05:28:25 PM
If Carlsburg did international friendlies
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 13, 2021, 05:31:07 PM
It should have been more comfortable than the scoreline suggests the team was utterly dominant!

They need to back that up with the a 6N win now!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 13, 2021, 05:34:22 PM
Some shite being talked on RTE.

Yes it was a good performance and result but NZ are obviously tired after a long season and Ireland took full advantage of that but let's not pretend you're playing NZ at their peak!

If they can get a result in NZ next summer then you could start talking the way they are at the minute!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 13, 2021, 05:39:10 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 13, 2021, 05:34:22 PM
Some shite being talked on RTE.

Yes it was a good performance and result but NZ are obviously tired after a long season and Ireland took full advantage of that but let's not pretend you're playing NZ at their peak!

If they can get a result in NZ next summer then you could start talking the way they are at the minute!!
Yes. I was at the last win in 2018 and there was similar euphoria back then, if not more as the first win at home, but it all proved to be a hollow victory when they went on and got humped at the WC. All Blacks weren't great but to be fair Ireland didn't give them many chances to get going.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 13, 2021, 05:43:55 PM
Enjoy the occasion. New Zealand are never easily beat and if it wasn't for O Mahonys turnover at the end the result could have gone the other way. It wasn't vintage New Zealand but Ireland were at the top of their game and deserved the result.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sportacus on November 13, 2021, 05:48:36 PM
I don't know much about rugby tactics and patterns of play, but Ireland are very dynamic and enjoyable to watch.  None of the old static and lateral stuff which sometimes was a problem.  Maybe someone can explain.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on November 13, 2021, 05:52:50 PM
That was class.

Rugby ain't totally fucked just yet.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on November 13, 2021, 06:21:40 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 13, 2021, 05:34:22 PM
Some shite being talked on RTE.


Did you hear that dope pre game? We need to beat NZ to justify our WC favourites tag... I cannot believe they are still at this.

Great win against an out of sorts All Blacks, but it won't be like that when it matters
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on November 13, 2021, 06:36:54 PM
A very good performance I don't think the 9 point winning margin did it justice. One would believe the World Cup is Irelands to lose by listening to the RTÉ coverage, have been here before and they need to settle down on the hype.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on November 13, 2021, 06:39:37 PM
Best team in the world at peaking when nobody gives 2 shites
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tonto1888 on November 13, 2021, 06:40:59 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on November 13, 2021, 05:48:36 PM
I don't know much about rugby tactics and patterns of play, but Ireland are very dynamic and enjoyable to watch.  None of the old static and lateral stuff which sometimes was a problem.  Maybe someone can explain.

Helps when they have a RL man in charge
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on November 13, 2021, 06:57:06 PM
It's a friendly.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: quit yo jibbajabba on November 13, 2021, 06:59:02 PM
2or3 more new zealanders and i think we could win the next WC!! Thats me back on the hype train anyway choo chooooo 😃

Decent entertainment tbf
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: brokencrossbar1 on November 13, 2021, 07:02:52 PM
Bandwagon open again?  Good stuff!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on November 13, 2021, 07:06:19 PM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on November 13, 2021, 06:39:37 PM
Best team in the world at peaking when nobody gives 2 shites

I hear what your saying, still better than losing. I can remember Ireland giving spirited performances against NZ in the past & still getting thumped by 30 odd points. Lads like Paul O Connell & BOD never were on teams that beat them. The followers of rugby in this country tend to be wannabe posh bell ends, however I really enjoyed that game this evening, lifted my spirits, even if NZ were under cooked. I was nervous enough watching it, although I didn't start spitting on my hands every 10 seconds ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on November 13, 2021, 07:07:29 PM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on November 13, 2021, 06:39:37 PM
Best team in the world at peaking when nobody gives 2 shites
That has traditionally been New Zealand.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on November 13, 2021, 07:12:07 PM
Noticeabl thate all the Rugby team made some effort of singing Amhran na Bhfiann. A lot of the Irish soccer team stand there like its alien to them, and not just the English born players, Shane Duffy, Matt Doherty should go and learn the words.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on November 13, 2021, 07:24:54 PM
New Zealand have waned somewhat as a rugby force. But their rugby culture is to win every game and not let lesser teams get any easy change.
It would be the Tipperary hurling mindset but with a far greater ability to deliver on it.

A decade ago, the idea of an Ireland team beating them was a distant possibility. When Ireland fell short in 2013 it felt like a once in a generation chance to record a maiden win was blown.
To beat NZ threes times since then is a huge step up.

The "it's only a friendly" lark has been done to death and the volume of it seems proportional to how low the Irish soccer team are in the rankings.

Scotland haven never beaten NZ and Wales haven't beaten them since 1953. I'm sure they'd grab with both hands a win against them in a mickey mouse friendly.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tonto1888 on November 13, 2021, 07:30:35 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on November 13, 2021, 07:07:29 PM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on November 13, 2021, 06:39:37 PM
Best team in the world at peaking when nobody gives 2 shites
That has traditionally been New Zealand.

Apart from them they are winning world cups
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 13, 2021, 07:46:01 PM
Would have one time meant a great deal to me to see Ireland beat the all blacks but the cancers at the heart of rugby just make this feel like a very empty occasion. It's cheapened in a lot of ways but at the core is the money and pure financial interest that now dominate the game.

The fact that more New Zealander's than Munster and ulstermen combined beat NZ today is a sad indictment of pro rugby. Likewise now that the kiwis have found a way to sell off the commercial rights of the haka can it really stir any emotions other than at best apathy or more appropriately embarrassment?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on November 13, 2021, 07:53:06 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 13, 2021, 07:12:07 PM
Noticeabl thate all the Rugby team made some effort of singing Amhran na Bhfiann. A lot of the Irish soccer team stand there like its alien to them, and not just the English born players, Shane Duffy, Matt Doherty should go and learn the words.

I know the words of the Irish Anthem in English and Irish. I have plenty of friends who don't have a notion of the lyrics, but who I'd see take great pride in supporting the Irish Jersey in different codes. We don't go to the Aviva to see how good these lads are at singing.

I'd have no issue with Shane Duffy singing the Anthem, he more than puts in a solid shift anytime he puts on the Irish Jersey! That's what really matters!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 13, 2021, 07:59:45 PM
Played well and should have won by more, but that's not a inch on the New Zealand teams 2011-15. Take on the all blacks having a drink during the week would say they don't take these games as serious as yesteryear, they barely seem to play England at all these days.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on November 13, 2021, 08:04:36 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 13, 2021, 07:53:06 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 13, 2021, 07:12:07 PM
Noticeabl thate all the Rugby team made some effort of singing Amhran na Bhfiann. A lot of the Irish soccer team stand there like its alien to them, and not just the English born players, Shane Duffy, Matt Doherty should go and learn the words.

I know the words of the Irish Anthem in English and Irish. I have plenty of friends who don't have a notion of the lyrics, but who I'd see take great pride in supporting the Irish Jersey in different codes. We don't go to the Aviva to see how good these lads are at singing.

I'd have no issue with Shane Duffy singing the Anthem, he more than puts in a solid shift anytime he puts on the Irish Jersey! That's what really matters!

I was watching the game from the TV so was hard to miss it with the camera going by each player. Of course Duffy puts in a shift, doesn't mean he couldn't try and sing...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on November 13, 2021, 08:06:31 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 13, 2021, 07:46:01 PM
Would have one time meant a great deal to me to see Ireland beat the all blacks but the cancers at the heart of rugby just make this feel like a very empty occasion. It's cheapened in a lot of ways but at the core is the money and pure financial interest that now dominate the game.

The fact that more New Zealander's than Munster and ulstermen combined beat NZ today is a sad indictment of pro rugby. Likewise now that the kiwis have found a way to sell off the commercial rights of the haka can it really stir any emotions other than at best apathy or more appropriately embarrassment?

What a bitter and stupid post. Seriously. Did you even watch the game?

James Lowe who was born in NZ but who has been playing/living in Ireland for years was brilliant for Ireland today. Anyone who actually watched the game couldn't question his passion and will to win in an Ireland jersey today.

The Irish football team under Charlton was full of players who weren't born in Ireland and rarely set foot in this country yet these players are deservedly respected and admired for what they did in an Ireland shirt.

It seems different rules apply to the rugby team. Maybe it's a class thing. I genuinely can't understand the bitterness some people have when the Irish rugby team are successful. You might not like the sport but as an Irish person surely you'd say well done and not complain about their victories
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 13, 2021, 08:35:24 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on November 13, 2021, 06:57:06 PM
It's a friendly.

It'll be like getting excited beating Luxembourg, as that at this point is a friendly
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on November 13, 2021, 08:40:03 PM
Don't like this Soccer National team v Rugby National team comparisons. People making irrelevant comparisons and trying to pigeon hole both groups. Both have their merits and their faults. But in the main can offer great entertainment, great pride and are in decent role models to our youth. Both have encouraged female participation and forced this exposure to MSM. Because of the size of our nation and the huge hold Gaelic Games have both have to look outside the norm for players that will make both codes competitive.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on November 13, 2021, 08:57:08 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 13, 2021, 08:06:31 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 13, 2021, 07:46:01 PM
Would have one time meant a great deal to me to see Ireland beat the all blacks but the cancers at the heart of rugby just make this feel like a very empty occasion. It's cheapened in a lot of ways but at the core is the money and pure financial interest that now dominate the game.

The fact that more New Zealander's than Munster and ulstermen combined beat NZ today is a sad indictment of pro rugby. Likewise now that the kiwis have found a way to sell off the commercial rights of the haka can it really stir any emotions other than at best apathy or more appropriately embarrassment?

What a bitter and stupid post. Seriously. Did you even watch the game?

James Lowe who was born in NZ but who has been playing/living in Ireland for years was brilliant for Ireland today. Anyone who actually watched the game couldn't question his passion and will to win in an Ireland jersey today.

The Irish football team under Charlton was full of players who weren't born in Ireland and rarely set foot in this country yet these players are deservedly respected and admired for what they did in an Ireland shirt.

It seems different rules apply to the rugby team. Maybe it's a class thing. I genuinely can't understand the bitterness some people have when the Irish rugby team are successful. You might not like the sport but as an Irish person surely you'd say well done and not complain about their victories

In fairness it does give the Country a lift , but James Lowe came to Leinster in 2017 with the aim of getting into the Irish team once he was eligible in 3 years. Bundee Aki was never in Ireland before he came to Connacht ,but is a warrior for Ireland.

The new 5 year residency rule will make it tougher, the Provinces will be looking at 17 or 18 years old for the Academy.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on November 13, 2021, 09:05:20 PM
Fair enough, but the Irish football team will pick a lad who has never set foot in Ireland, never gave a shit about Ireland, but he couldn't get a game for England and he has an Irish granny/grandad so all of a sudden he's Irish.

At least the rugby lads have to commit to playing in Ireland, living in Ireland and to play for the Irish rugby team they have to make themselves part of Irish society for 3 years (now it's 5)

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on November 13, 2021, 09:37:36 PM
Quote from: Rudi on November 13, 2021, 07:06:19 PM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on November 13, 2021, 06:39:37 PM
Best team in the world at peaking when nobody gives 2 shites

I hear what your saying, still better than losing. I can remember Ireland giving spirited performances against NZ in the past & still getting thumped by 30 odd points. Lads like Paul O Connell & BOD never were on teams that beat them. The followers of rugby in this country tend to be wannabe posh bell ends, however I really enjoyed that game this evening, lifted my spirits, even if NZ were under cooked. I was nervous enough watching it, although I didn't start spitting on my hands every 10 seconds ;D

Enjoyed it myself , but it is just a challenge match
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on November 13, 2021, 09:41:34 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 13, 2021, 07:12:07 PM
Noticeabl thate all the Rugby team made some effort of singing Amhran na Bhfiann. A lot of the Irish soccer team stand there like its alien to them, and not just the English born players, Shane Duffy, Matt Doherty should go and learn the words.

Very few from north know national anthem , i learnt it at Gaeltacht or id never have got opportunity. Didn't Hart get someone in to teach Tyrone team? No way McClean knows it , he thick as 2 planks , he's probably singing broad black brimmer or something instead
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Olly on November 13, 2021, 09:48:33 PM
Great win over New Zealand. Them Kiwi bastards treated the Maoris badly. I cheered through the roof during the first touchdown for Ireland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on November 13, 2021, 09:58:08 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 13, 2021, 08:35:24 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on November 13, 2021, 06:57:06 PM
It's a friendly.

It'll be like getting excited beating Luxembourg, as that at this point is a friendly

Actually forgot they played portagal as us Derry wans like to call them. Once they were out lost interest
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: pbat on November 13, 2021, 09:58:19 PM
Since I was a kid I dreamt of being an All Black, that's just a very Kiwi thing to do.'I gave up that dream, I wasn't quite good enough when I was at my best almost. To be able to come over here and put in a performance against the best team in the world, they're the standard bearers, words can't describe it.

'To hear my native country's national anthem, to stand in front of the Haka, it's a childhood dream.

Lowe put a great shift in alright but his quote above sums up what these lads are thinking when they arrive. Surely we should be nurturing young lads at 18 or 19 for every position than using mercenaries. Then Zebo and others go to France for a few quid and are exiled.

And against the soccer argument there weren't good Irish born players missing out on squads or tournaments ahead of the Granny Lads so they were necessary at the time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 13, 2021, 10:00:39 PM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on November 13, 2021, 09:41:34 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 13, 2021, 07:12:07 PM
Noticeabl thate all the Rugby team made some effort of singing Amhran na Bhfiann. A lot of the Irish soccer team stand there like its alien to them, and not just the English born players, Shane Duffy, Matt Doherty should go and learn the words.

Very few from north know national anthem , i learnt it at Gaeltacht or id never have got opportunity. Didn't Hart get someone in to teach Tyrone team? No way McClean knows it , he thick as 2 planks , he's probably singing broad black brimmer or something instead
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on November 13, 2021, 09:41:34 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 13, 2021, 07:12:07 PM
Noticeabl thate all the Rugby team made some effort of singing Amhran na Bhfiann. A lot of the Irish soccer team stand there like its alien to them, and not just the English born players, Shane Duffy, Matt Doherty should go and learn the words.

Very few from north know national anthem , i learnt it at Gaeltacht or id never have got opportunity. Didn't Hart get someone in to teach Tyrone team? No way McClean knows it , he thick as 2 planks , he's probably singing broad black brimmer or something instead
It's the unofficial anthem (but not for long).
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on November 13, 2021, 10:01:30 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on November 13, 2021, 10:00:39 PM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on November 13, 2021, 09:41:34 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 13, 2021, 07:12:07 PM
Noticeabl thate all the Rugby team made some effort of singing Amhran na Bhfiann. A lot of the Irish soccer team stand there like its alien to them, and not just the English born players, Shane Duffy, Matt Doherty should go and learn the words.

Very few from north know national anthem , i learnt it at Gaeltacht or id never have got opportunity. Didn't Hart get someone in to teach Tyrone team? No way McClean knows it , he thick as 2 planks , he's probably singing broad black brimmer or something instead
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on November 13, 2021, 09:41:34 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 13, 2021, 07:12:07 PM
Noticeabl thate all the Rugby team made some effort of singing Amhran na Bhfiann. A lot of the Irish soccer team stand there like its alien to them, and not just the English born players, Shane Duffy, Matt Doherty should go and learn the words.

Very few from north know national anthem , i learnt it at Gaeltacht or id never have got opportunity. Didn't Hart get someone in to teach Tyrone team? No way McClean knows it , he thick as 2 planks , he's probably singing broad black brimmer or something instead
It's the unofficial anthem (but not for long).

Ah very good 🙂🙂
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on November 13, 2021, 10:07:20 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on November 13, 2021, 10:00:39 PM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on November 13, 2021, 09:41:34 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 13, 2021, 07:12:07 PM
Noticeabl thate all the Rugby team made some effort of singing Amhran na Bhfiann. A lot of the Irish soccer team stand there like its alien to them, and not just the English born players, Shane Duffy, Matt Doherty should go and learn the words.

Very few from north know national anthem , i learnt it at Gaeltacht or id never have got opportunity. Didn't Hart get someone in to teach Tyrone team? No way McClean knows it , he thick as 2 planks , he's probably singing broad black brimmer or something instead
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on November 13, 2021, 09:41:34 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 13, 2021, 07:12:07 PM
Noticeabl thate all the Rugby team made some effort of singing Amhran na Bhfiann. A lot of the Irish soccer team stand there like its alien to them, and not just the English born players, Shane Duffy, Matt Doherty should go and learn the words.

Very few from north know national anthem , i learnt it at Gaeltacht or id never have got opportunity. Didn't Hart get someone in to teach Tyrone team? No way McClean knows it , he thick as 2 planks , he's probably singing broad black brimmer or something instead
It's the unofficial anthem (but not for long).

Gold!   ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on November 13, 2021, 10:12:20 PM
Quote from: pbat on November 13, 2021, 09:58:19 PM
Since I was a kid I dreamt of being an All Black, that's just a very Kiwi thing to do.'I gave up that dream, I wasn't quite good enough when I was at my best almost. To be able to come over here and put in a performance against the best team in the world, they're the standard bearers, words can't describe it.

'To hear my native country's national anthem, to stand in front of the Haka, it's a childhood dream.

Lowe put a great shift in alright but his quote above sums up what these lads are thinking when they arrive. Surely we should be nurturing young lads at 18 or 19 for every position than using mercenaries. Then Zebo and others go to France for a few quid and are exiled.

And against the soccer argument there weren't good Irish born players missing out on squads or tournaments ahead of the Granny Lads so they were necessary at the time.

Hoe do you know there weren't Irish born lads missing out for the soccer team? If anything that makes it worse. We are shit so we'll pick a load of lads who couldn't give a shit about Ireland just to make us better.

You're happy and would encourage plastic paddies to wear the Ireland soccer shirt, but any non Irish lad who lives in Ireland, plays in Ireland shouldn't be near an international rugby shirt?

It's bullshit hypocrisy like this that I can't understand. Do you think Callum Robinson grew up dreaming of playing for England or Ireland? He couldn't get a game for England so he declared for Ireland and he's done great for us. Fair play to him and when I watch him play for Ireland I'll support him like all the other lads and won't worry about what country the lad was born in
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on November 13, 2021, 11:23:00 PM
Lads, the teams for both codes are a bit of a farce here. Today will be completely forgot about when Argentina knock us out at the QF stage in 2 years time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Mikhail Prokhorov on November 14, 2021, 01:00:49 AM
rugby is a farce of a game in general, never mind who is playing, only the kicker has an ounce of skill

employing mercenaries and calling it a victory is ridiculous

as stated, we will get pummeled at the world cup again, look at what nz did 2 years ago when it actually mattered, it was a massacre  8)

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on November 14, 2021, 03:47:34 AM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 13, 2021, 08:06:31 PM.

The Irish football team under Charlton was full of players who weren't born in Ireland and rarely set foot in this country yet these players are deservedly respected and admired for what they did in an Ireland shirt.

It seems different rules apply to the rugby team. Maybe it's a class thing. I genuinely can't understand the bitterness some people have when the Irish rugby team are successful. You might not like the sport but as an Irish person surely you'd say well done and not complain about their victories

They were at least Irish citizens. And the Charlton tactic was roundly criticised at the time especially by genuine soccer folk.

You must be able to see peoples issue with the national side becoming a paid league select?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Look-Up! on November 14, 2021, 07:13:52 AM
Is there anything stopping qualifying players changing to their country of birth under the right circumstances?

E.g if the like of Lowe found himself back in NZ next year playing professional rugby and deemed good enough for AB's, could he switch?

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on November 14, 2021, 09:19:05 AM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 13, 2021, 08:06:31 PM
Quote from: trileacman on November 13, 2021, 07:46:01 PM
Would have one time meant a great deal to me to see Ireland beat the all blacks but the cancers at the heart of rugby just make this feel like a very empty occasion. It's cheapened in a lot of ways but at the core is the money and pure financial interest that now dominate the game.

The fact that more New Zealander's than Munster and ulstermen combined beat NZ today is a sad indictment of pro rugby. Likewise now that the kiwis have found a way to sell off the commercial rights of the haka can it really stir any emotions other than at best apathy or more appropriately embarrassment?

What a bitter and stupid post. Seriously. Did you even watch the game?

James Lowe who was born in NZ but who has been playing/living in Ireland for years was brilliant for Ireland today. Anyone who actually watched the game couldn't question his passion and will to win in an Ireland jersey today.

The Irish football team under Charlton was full of players who weren't born in Ireland and rarely set foot in this country yet these players are deservedly respected and admired for what they did in an Ireland shirt.

It seems different rules apply to the rugby team. Maybe it's a class thing. I genuinely can't understand the bitterness some people have when the Irish rugby team are successful. You might not like the sport but as an Irish person surely you'd say well done and not complain about their victories

I heard the same argument made about how CJ Stander was an Irishman, look at his passion, fight for the jersey, etc. Yet the moment he stopped getting paid to play rugby he returned to the country of his birth. Let's face it he was a South African playing rugby for Ireland, that's a matter of fact.

So when you've a team peppered with New Zealander's besting a team of New Zealander's it's hard to stir up much sense of national pride. It would appear that national teams like so much else have been reduced to a mere franchise. Something to commercialise and sell. More fool you if your willing to buy it but sorry I'm not.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2021, 09:25:40 AM
Did you follow big Jacks team and get carried away with all the English born men who played for Ireland? Just in case you didn't know, these players were not born in Ireland, these are just the English born players

John Aldridge
Harry Arter
Phil Babb
Leon Best
Keith Branagan
Gary Breen
Shay Brennan
Alex Bruce
Paul Butler
John Byrne
Lee Carsley
Tony Cascarino
Jeff Chandler
Cyrus Christie
Ciaran Clark
James Collins
David Connolly
Simon Cox
Ronan Curtis
Liam Daish
Rory Delap
John Dempsey
Terry Donovan
Rob Elliot
Mickey Evans
Curtis Fleming
Caleb Folan
Kevin Foley
Tony Galvin
Jon Goodman
Tony Grealish
Paul Green
Austin Hayes
Ron Healey
Scott Hogan
Matt Holland
Chris Hughton
Will Keane
Mick Kearns
Alan Kelly, Jr.
David Kelly
Mark Kelly
Mick Kennedy
Paddy Kenny
Richard Keogh
Alan Kernaghan
Dean Kiely
Kevin Kilbane
Liam Lawrence
Mark Lawrenson
Jon Macken
Sean Maguire
Terry Mancini
Jason McAteer
Mick McCarthy
Jim McDonagh
David McGoldrick
Eddie McGoldrick
Paul McGrath
Alan McLoughlin
Stephen McPhail
Mike Milligan
Chris Morris
Clinton Morrison
Jerry Murphy
Aiden O'Brien
Andy O'Brien
Brendan O'Callaghan
Kevin O'Callaghan
Joe O'Cearuill
Sean O'Driscoll
Kelham O'Hanlon
Kieran O'Hara
Eamonn O'Keefe
David O'Leary
Alex Pearce
Gerry Peyton
Terry Phelan
Anthony Pilkington
Darren Potter
Steven Reid
Declan Rice
Callum Robinson
Michael Robinson
Martin Rowlands
John Sheridan
Sean St Ledger
Peter Thomas
Andy Townsend
Gary Waddock
Mickey Walsh
Jonathan Walters
Keiren Westwood
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: quit yo jibbajabba on November 14, 2021, 09:35:32 AM
Would any of the 3 New Zealand guys have Irish parents MR2? Ah we could argue all day some will buy into it some wont.

Im away to see how Eoin Morgans gettin on these days

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2021, 09:39:52 AM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on November 14, 2021, 09:35:32 AM
Would any of the 3 New Zealand guys have Irish parents MR2? Ah we could argue all day some will buy into it some wont.

Im away to see how Eoin Morgans gettin on these days

I've no issues with it in the slightest. The players were born in England and like a lot of players have done in the past, when the English teams called they would op for the England team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 6th sam on November 14, 2021, 10:20:41 AM
What a nightmare scenario for Irish rugby . They put in perhaps their best performance in history and their hero comes up with a totally embarrassing car crash interview . More NZ players than ulster/Munster/ Connacht if I'm not mistaken 🤦🏻‍♂️
Simon Zebo a generational star , wasn't allowed to play for his country because he made a decision to leave these shores for work.
A diaspora player, or Irish born player playing for London Irish can't play.
Iconic teams like Ulster and Munster, aren't developing their academy players as they can't get a place on a team loaded with travelling professionals"

And some are Countering this farcical situation by insulting diaspora players who play for Irish soccer team. There are loads of diaspora players in England brought up in families who are proudly Irish. Given that we lost many of our best people to emigration, we should welcome their offspring if they want to play for ireland . That's different to a Cj Stander who fulfils his professional obligation with distinction , for his irfu employers, then takes his money and runs back to his real country ( and fair play to him).
Ireland is now a professional club team with residency being the only criteria both to qualify and to be blocked from playing.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2021, 10:30:05 AM
Jack Grealish, both grandparents were Irish, in fact he played hurling and football as a kid, capped under age for Ireland, England came calling, now he's the proudest English man you'll get!

When it suits, these players will play for whoever gives them the most exposure. If you think differently that's fine, granted there are some lads in that list while born in England spent their lives in Ireland
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on November 14, 2021, 10:30:45 AM
Overseas players playing at the last WC:

Scotland: 14
Australia: 12
Wales : 8
Italy: 8
England: 6
France : 6
Ireland: 5
New Zealand: 4

I'm glad the rule is being pushed from 3 years to 5 years. I wouldn't have enough emotional attachment to the game to let it annoy me but it doesn't sit comfortably either.
In saying that, what a game yesterday and every single player put in an almighty shift. I was near hoarse at the end of it
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on November 14, 2021, 11:28:55 AM
The anti Irish racism on display to defend rugby is sickening
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on November 14, 2021, 11:37:45 AM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 14, 2021, 11:28:55 AM
The anti Irish racism on display to defend rugby is sickening

As sickening as these type of shock jock posts?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tonto1888 on November 14, 2021, 12:53:44 PM
Quote from: Look-Up! on November 14, 2021, 07:13:52 AM
Is there anything stopping qualifying players changing to their country of birth under the right circumstances?

E.g if the like of Lowe found himself back in NZ next year playing professional rugby and deemed good enough for AB's, could he switch?

He would have to not play for Ireland for 5 years I think. I believe there's a new rule
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Look-Up! on November 14, 2021, 01:49:22 PM
Quote from: tonto1888 on November 14, 2021, 12:53:44 PM
Quote from: Look-Up! on November 14, 2021, 07:13:52 AM
Is there anything stopping qualifying players changing to their country of birth under the right circumstances?

E.g if the like of Lowe found himself back in NZ next year playing professional rugby and deemed good enough for AB's, could he switch?

He would have to not play for Ireland for 5 years I think. I believe there's a new rule
Ok thanks Tonto. No jumping ship so at least.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 14, 2021, 02:00:52 PM
Sure England been the biggest offenders for yrs and look at how many teams and players they can pick on. They hover up any S Africans. Islanders. New Zealanders where they can. So it's hard to believe we complain about  some, New Zealanders and S Africans who done nothing but improve the Irish team. We be crying alot more with a full out Irish team get beat all the time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: yellowcard on November 14, 2021, 02:17:06 PM
It's a ludicrous rule but teams will exploit it to the maximum whilst it still exists. Players with absolutely no genealogical link to the country, just simply living and getting paid to play professionally there. It's an issue for rugby itself to solve but I don't see it changing anytime soon since there are so few countries who play the game at the highest level.

Imagine the outcry if the GAA brought in such a rule at intercounty level.   
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Ed Ricketts on November 14, 2021, 02:29:49 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 14, 2021, 10:20:41 AM
Simon Zebo a generational star

And this here is the point at which the discussion jumped the shark.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 14, 2021, 02:33:43 PM
Great to see Doris doing so well. He had a difficult year last year.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on November 14, 2021, 02:34:25 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on November 14, 2021, 02:17:06 PM
It's a ludicrous rule but teams will exploit it to the maximum whilst it still exists. Players with absolutely no genealogical link to the country, just simply living and getting paid to play professionally there. It's an issue for rugby itself to solve but I don't see it changing anytime soon since there are so few countries who play the game at the highest level.

Imagine the outcry if the GAA brought in such a rule at intercounty level.   

But it is there?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on November 14, 2021, 02:57:26 PM
Some achievement for Leinster rugby to have 11 players who came through their academy start the Test match where the All Blacks were so comprehensively beaten. 

Thankfully the great policy of the IRFU keeps all those players in Ireland, and gives Leinster a genuine chance of being champions of Europe again.

Good to see experienced mighty men O'Mahony and Earls make important contributions off the bench.

In the last year or two Leinster haven't been dominating the Irish underage teams in the way they were 3-5 years ago, some exciting talent going to break through from the other provinces in the coming years.

Hopefully we'll see some experimentation with the line up for the Argies. Carberry will definitely be at 10, I'd love to see Casey at 9, but probably only fair to give Murray the start.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Mikhail Prokhorov on November 14, 2021, 03:18:47 PM
cannot compare irish soccer players brought up in england from irish families with the rugby situation.

if the soccer side start turning out brasil, argentina etc rejects then you could argue that it's the same  ::)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: yellowcard on November 14, 2021, 03:49:49 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 14, 2021, 02:34:25 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on November 14, 2021, 02:17:06 PM
It's a ludicrous rule but teams will exploit it to the maximum whilst it still exists. Players with absolutely no genealogical link to the country, just simply living and getting paid to play professionally there. It's an issue for rugby itself to solve but I don't see it changing anytime soon since there are so few countries who play the game at the highest level.

Imagine the outcry if the GAA brought in such a rule at intercounty level.   

But it is there?

Maybe you're right, Seanie Johnson instantly springs to mind!

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on November 14, 2021, 04:09:32 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on November 14, 2021, 03:49:49 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 14, 2021, 02:34:25 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on November 14, 2021, 02:17:06 PM
It's a ludicrous rule but teams will exploit it to the maximum whilst it still exists. Players with absolutely no genealogical link to the country, just simply living and getting paid to play professionally there. It's an issue for rugby itself to solve but I don't see it changing anytime soon since there are so few countries who play the game at the highest level.

Imagine the outcry if the GAA brought in such a rule at intercounty level.   

But it is there?

Maybe you're right, Seanie Johnson instantly springs to mind!

No Sean Johnston was never a resident of Kildare.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2021, 04:22:00 PM
Quote from: Mikhail Prokhorov on November 14, 2021, 03:18:47 PM
cannot compare irish soccer players brought up in england from irish families with the rugby situation.

if the soccer side start turning out brasil, argentina etc rejects then you could argue that it's the same  ::)

So Grealish, who hurled and played Gaelic football as a youngster, even played for Ireland youth soccer, those brought up in Irish families in England? Are they the ones you're talking about?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: quit yo jibbajabba on November 14, 2021, 04:37:01 PM
Grealish was born in england brought up in england even played his gaa in england, so no, i dont think thats what hes on about at all mr2
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on November 14, 2021, 05:41:47 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2021, 04:22:00 PM
Quote from: Mikhail Prokhorov on November 14, 2021, 03:18:47 PM
cannot compare irish soccer players brought up in england from irish families with the rugby situation.

if the soccer side start turning out brasil, argentina etc rejects then you could argue that it's the same  ::)

So Grealish, who hurled and played Gaelic football as a youngster, even played for Ireland youth soccer, those brought up in Irish families in England? Are they the ones you're talking about?

What's yoir point here? He is diaspora, clearly has two national identities. He was happy to develop as part of the Irish youth setup but unfortunately the commercial reality hit and was driven home by his agent who regrets another player in Bale sticking with Wales. You win some you lose some.

It's ludicrous and racist to label kids born in England or Scotland to Irish parents who chose to play for Ireland as 'plastics'.  Outrageous and on a GAA board?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2021, 05:49:12 PM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on November 14, 2021, 04:37:01 PM
Grealish was born in england brought up in england even played his gaa in england, so no, i dont think thats what hes on about at all mr2

I'd a list up, all of them born in England, like Grealish, I personally don't see the difference, if any of those players were given the opportunity to play for England, would they have chosen Ireland?

He said about Brazilian or Argentine rejects, big jacks team was a English b team, or English rejects  ;)

If the rule is there then fine, use it, but stop complaining when people use it to their advantage or feel ones use of a rule is better than someone else's.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 6th sam on November 14, 2021, 05:51:28 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 14, 2021, 05:41:47 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2021, 04:22:00 PM
Quote from: Mikhail Prokhorov on November 14, 2021, 03:18:47 PM
cannot compare irish soccer players brought up in england from irish families with the rugby situation.

if the soccer side start turning out brasil, argentina etc rejects then you could argue that it's the same  ::)

So Grealish, who hurled and played Gaelic football as a youngster, even played for Ireland youth soccer, those brought up in Irish families in England? Are they the ones you're talking about?

What's yoir point here? He is diaspora, clearly has two national identities. He was happy to develop as part of the Irish youth setup but unfortunately the commercial reality hit and was driven home by his agent who regrets another player in Bale sticking with Wales. You win some you lose some.

It's ludicrous and racist to label kids born in England or Scotland to Irish parents who chose to play for Ireland as 'plastics'.  Outrageous and on a GAA board?

Loads of people born in England perceive themselves as Irish. James Lowe evidently doesn't perceive himself as Irish . Rugby will finish as a sport if it continues to shoot itself in the foot. New Zealand, pacific islands and arguably Wales are the only countries where it's the major sport. If rugby is trying to compete for hearts and minds in other countries, it's going to have to regain some credibility. James Lowe is a great player and good luck to him in availing of the rules , but his interview yesterday exposing the farce that international rugby has become. Genuinely embarrassing
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: quit yo jibbajabba on November 14, 2021, 05:54:03 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2021, 05:49:12 PM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on November 14, 2021, 04:37:01 PM
Grealish was born in england brought up in england even played his gaa in england, so no, i dont think thats what hes on about at all mr2

I'd a list up, all of them born in England, like Grealish, I personally don't see the difference, if any of those players were given the opportunity to play for England, would they have chosen Ireland?

He said about Brazilian or Argentine rejects, big jacks team was a English b team, or English rejects  ;)

If the rule is there then fine, use it, but stop complaining when people use it to their advantage or feel ones use of a rule is better than someone else's.

The difference is night and day. But if you cant see it or dont want to we'll leave it there, ive seen you in action before 😃😉
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on November 14, 2021, 05:55:58 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 14, 2021, 05:51:28 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 14, 2021, 05:41:47 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2021, 04:22:00 PM
Quote from: Mikhail Prokhorov on November 14, 2021, 03:18:47 PM
cannot compare irish soccer players brought up in england from irish families with the rugby situation.

if the soccer side start turning out brasil, argentina etc rejects then you could argue that it's the same  ::)

So Grealish, who hurled and played Gaelic football as a youngster, even played for Ireland youth soccer, those brought up in Irish families in England? Are they the ones you're talking about?

What's yoir point here? He is diaspora, clearly has two national identities. He was happy to develop as part of the Irish youth setup but unfortunately the commercial reality hit and was driven home by his agent who regrets another player in Bale sticking with Wales. You win some you lose some.

It's ludicrous and racist to label kids born in England or Scotland to Irish parents who chose to play for Ireland as 'plastics'.  Outrageous and on a GAA board?

Loads of people born in England perceive themselves as Irish. James Lowe evidently doesn't perceive himself as Irish . Rugby will finish as a sport if it continues to shoot itself in the foot. New Zealand, pacific islands and arguably Wales are the only countries where it's the major sport.

Eh, this isn't a new thing and rugby has managed to survive
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2021, 05:56:31 PM
Declan rice
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on November 14, 2021, 05:59:30 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on November 14, 2021, 05:55:58 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on November 14, 2021, 05:51:28 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 14, 2021, 05:41:47 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2021, 04:22:00 PM
Quote from: Mikhail Prokhorov on November 14, 2021, 03:18:47 PM
cannot compare irish soccer players brought up in england from irish families with the rugby situation.

if the soccer side start turning out brasil, argentina etc rejects then you could argue that it's the same  ::)

So Grealish, who hurled and played Gaelic football as a youngster, even played for Ireland youth soccer, those brought up in Irish families in England? Are they the ones you're talking about?

What's yoir point here? He is diaspora, clearly has two national identities. He was happy to develop as part of the Irish youth setup but unfortunately the commercial reality hit and was driven home by his agent who regrets another player in Bale sticking with Wales. You win some you lose some.

It's ludicrous and racist to label kids born in England or Scotland to Irish parents who chose to play for Ireland as 'plastics'.  Outrageous and on a GAA board?

Loads of people born in England perceive themselves as Irish. James Lowe evidently doesn't perceive himself as Irish . Rugby will finish as a sport if it continues to shoot itself in the foot. New Zealand, pacific islands and arguably Wales are the only countries where it's the major sport.

Eh, this isn't a new thing and rugby has managed to survive

It's a new thing here and is rugby improving on the pitch and thriving off it as a result?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on November 14, 2021, 06:00:59 PM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on November 14, 2021, 05:54:03 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2021, 05:49:12 PM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on November 14, 2021, 04:37:01 PM
Grealish was born in england brought up in england even played his gaa in england, so no, i dont think thats what hes on about at all mr2

I'd a list up, all of them born in England, like Grealish, I personally don't see the difference, if any of those players were given the opportunity to play for England, would they have chosen Ireland?

He said about Brazilian or Argentine rejects, big jacks team was a English b team, or English rejects  ;)

If the rule is there then fine, use it, but stop complaining when people use it to their advantage or feel ones use of a rule is better than someone else's.

The difference is night and day. But if you cant see it or dont want to we'll leave it there, ive seen you in action before 😃😉

It's just anti soccer bigotry. It's just quare to see a Gael use rugby as a positive example to abuse soccer.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on November 14, 2021, 06:06:26 PM
Quote from: Itchy on November 14, 2021, 04:09:32 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on November 14, 2021, 03:49:49 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 14, 2021, 02:34:25 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on November 14, 2021, 02:17:06 PM
It's a ludicrous rule but teams will exploit it to the maximum whilst it still exists. Players with absolutely no genealogical link to the country, just simply living and getting paid to play professionally there. It's an issue for rugby itself to solve but I don't see it changing anytime soon since there are so few countries who play the game at the highest level.

Imagine the outcry if the GAA brought in such a rule at intercounty level.   

But it is there?

Maybe you're right, Seanie Johnson instantly springs to mind!

No Sean Johnston was never a resident of Kildare.

Larry Tompkins, Shay Fahy, Karl O'Dwyer, Padraig Brogan, Martin Carney, Sean Lowry, Dan O'Neill (1957), Owen Mulligan, John Meyler, Tomas Tierney, Brian Murphy,
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2021, 06:08:35 PM
Let's get it straight from the start, soccer is way down my list of sports, rugby just as far down, I'd rather watch athletes over those sports btw.

It's the rules you are complaining about, if the rules allow non Irish born players to play for Ireland then so be it, having Irish grandparents makes it feel better for some I suppose, but if the country of their birth asked them to play they will pick England over Ireland every time, Rice and Grealish being the two obvious recent ones.

But I'm a racist for saying it!? Balloon

Change the rules and move on
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on November 14, 2021, 06:12:36 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2021, 06:08:35 PM
Let's get it straight from the start, soccer is way down my list of sports, rugby just as far down, I'd rather watch athletes over those sports btw.

It's the rules you are complaining about, if the rules allow non Irish born players to play for Ireland then so be it, having Irish grandparents makes it feel better for some I suppose, but if the country of their birth asked them to play they will pick England over Ireland every time, Rice and Grealish being the two obvious recent ones.

But I'm a racist for saying it!? Balloon

Change the rules and move on

Because of the size of our nation and the huge hold Gaelic Games have, both have to look outside the norm for players that will make both codes competitive on an international stage and keep us relevant.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2021, 06:21:38 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 14, 2021, 06:12:36 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2021, 06:08:35 PM
Let's get it straight from the start, soccer is way down my list of sports, rugby just as far down, I'd rather watch athletes over those sports btw.

It's the rules you are complaining about, if the rules allow non Irish born players to play for Ireland then so be it, having Irish grandparents makes it feel better for some I suppose, but if the country of their birth asked them to play they will pick England over Ireland every time, Rice and Grealish being the two obvious recent ones.

But I'm a racist for saying it!? Balloon

Change the rules and move on

Because of the size of our nation and the huge hold Gaelic Games have, both have to look outside the norm for players that will make both codes competitive on an international stage and keep us relevant.

And that's fine, but at a professional level, these players chose to suit themselves, not who their grandma's are!

If you have a rule to play only Irish players in any sport you'll have players home grown and invested to playing for their country.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on November 14, 2021, 06:33:26 PM
Congrats Ireland. Another HUGE Autumn challenge game victory.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on November 14, 2021, 06:42:08 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2021, 06:21:38 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 14, 2021, 06:12:36 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2021, 06:08:35 PM
Let's get it straight from the start, soccer is way down my list of sports, rugby just as far down, I'd rather watch athletes over those sports btw.

It's the rules you are complaining about, if the rules allow non Irish born players to play for Ireland then so be it, having Irish grandparents makes it feel better for some I suppose, but if the country of their birth asked them to play they will pick England over Ireland every time, Rice and Grealish being the two obvious recent ones.

But I'm a racist for saying it!? Balloon

Change the rules and move on

Because of the size of our nation and the huge hold Gaelic Games have, both have to look outside the norm for players that will make both codes competitive on an international stage and keep us relevant.

And that's fine, but at a professional level, these players chose to suit themselves, not who their grandma's are!

If you have a rule to play only Irish players in any sport you'll have players home grown and invested to playing for their country.

The problem is you won't have enough players of a decent standard.

Soccer Countries like Denmark. Uruguay, Norway, Croatia with small populations like Ireland don't have a major sport like GAA to contend with.

Quote from: Itchy on November 14, 2021, 06:33:26 PM
Congrats Ireland. Another HUGE Autumn challenge game victory.

You are late to the party with that one!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on November 14, 2021, 07:00:55 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 14, 2021, 06:42:08 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2021, 06:21:38 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 14, 2021, 06:12:36 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2021, 06:08:35 PM
Let's get it straight from the start, soccer is way down my list of sports, rugby just as far down, I'd rather watch athletes over those sports btw.

It's the rules you are complaining about, if the rules allow non Irish born players to play for Ireland then so be it, having Irish grandparents makes it feel better for some I suppose, but if the country of their birth asked them to play they will pick England over Ireland every time, Rice and Grealish being the two obvious recent ones.

But I'm a racist for saying it!? Balloon

Change the rules and move on

Because of the size of our nation and the huge hold Gaelic Games have, both have to look outside the norm for players that will make both codes competitive on an international stage and keep us relevant.

And that's fine, but at a professional level, these players chose to suit themselves, not who their grandma's are!

If you have a rule to play only Irish players in any sport you'll have players home grown and invested to playing for their country.

The problem is you won't have enough players of a decent standard.

Soccer Countries like Denmark. Uruguay, Norway, Croatia with small populations like Ireland don't have a major sport like GAA to contend with.

Quote from: Itchy on November 14, 2021, 06:33:26 PM
Congrats Ireland. Another HUGE Autumn challenge game victory.

You are late to the party with that one!

I was all day trying think of a word to describe it  I didn't want to use Heroes as the Irish Indo has that copyrighted so I just went for tried and trusted "huge" but cleverly used block capitals to stress the hugeness
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on November 14, 2021, 07:03:46 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 14, 2021, 06:42:08 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2021, 06:21:38 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 14, 2021, 06:12:36 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2021, 06:08:35 PM
Let's get it straight from the start, soccer is way down my list of sports, rugby just as far down, I'd rather watch athletes over those sports btw.

It's the rules you are complaining about, if the rules allow non Irish born players to play for Ireland then so be it, having Irish grandparents makes it feel better for some I suppose, but if the country of their birth asked them to play they will pick England over Ireland every time, Rice and Grealish being the two obvious recent ones.

But I'm a racist for saying it!? Balloon

Change the rules and move on

Because of the size of our nation and the huge hold Gaelic Games have, both have to look outside the norm for players that will make both codes competitive on an international stage and keep us relevant.

And that's fine, but at a professional level, these players chose to suit themselves, not who their grandma's are!

If you have a rule to play only Irish players in any sport you'll have players home grown and invested to playing for their country.

The problem is you won't have enough players of a decent standard.

Soccer Countries like Denmark. Uruguay, Norway, Croatia with small populations like Ireland don't have a major sport like GAA to contend with.

Quote from: Itchy on November 14, 2021, 06:33:26 PM
Congrats Ireland. Another HUGE Autumn challenge game victory.

You are late to the party with that one!

The nordics have ice hockey and the rest basketball
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on November 14, 2021, 07:05:54 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2021, 06:08:35 PM
Let's get it straight from the start, soccer is way down my list of sports, rugby just as far down, I'd rather watch athletes over those sports btw.

It's the rules you are complaining about, if the rules allow non Irish born players to play for Ireland then so be it, having Irish grandparents makes it feel better for some I suppose, but if the country of their birth asked them to play they will pick England over Ireland every time, Rice and Grealish being the two obvious recent ones.

But I'm a racist for saying it!? Balloon

Change the rules and move on

The reference to 'plastic' paddies is racist. End of.

Do you think if Lowe or Aki got a sniff of an all black shirt it would be any different?

If you can't see the difference you are deliberately playing the thick.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2021, 07:09:14 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 14, 2021, 07:05:54 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2021, 06:08:35 PM
Let's get it straight from the start, soccer is way down my list of sports, rugby just as far down, I'd rather watch athletes over those sports btw.

It's the rules you are complaining about, if the rules allow non Irish born players to play for Ireland then so be it, having Irish grandparents makes it feel better for some I suppose, but if the country of their birth asked them to play they will pick England over Ireland every time, Rice and Grealish being the two obvious recent ones.

But I'm a racist for saying it!? Balloon

Change the rules and move on

The reference to 'plastic' paddies is racist. End of.

Do you think if Lowe or Aki got a sniff of an all black shirt it would be any different?

If you can't see the difference you are deliberately playing the thick.

You're the only one using the term plastic paddy but knock yourself out
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on November 14, 2021, 09:09:49 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2021, 07:09:14 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on November 14, 2021, 07:05:54 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2021, 06:08:35 PM
Let's get it straight from the start, soccer is way down my list of sports, rugby just as far down, I'd rather watch athletes over those sports btw.

It's the rules you are complaining about, if the rules allow non Irish born players to play for Ireland then so be it, having Irish grandparents makes it feel better for some I suppose, but if the country of their birth asked them to play they will pick England over Ireland every time, Rice and Grealish being the two obvious recent ones.

But I'm a racist for saying it!? Balloon

Change the rules and move on

The reference to 'plastic' paddies is racist. End of.

Do you think if Lowe or Aki got a sniff of an all black shirt it would be any different?

If you can't see the difference you are deliberately playing the thick.

You're the only one using the term plastic paddy but knock yourself out
Re read the thread
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2021, 09:25:42 PM
You've piled in after 3 of my posts and used racists bigotry and plastic paddy!! Get a f**king grip
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GAABoardMod5 on November 14, 2021, 10:52:41 PM
MR2 and BB2 sowing the seeds of a feud...I prefer to nip these things early, rather than await the full blown thing and issue bans.

I'll ask both of you to refrain from engaging the other for a few days. 

Thanks.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on November 15, 2021, 01:36:03 AM
Quote from: GAABoardMod5 on November 14, 2021, 10:52:41 PM
MR2 and BB2 sowing the seeds of a feud...I prefer to nip these things early, rather than await the full blown thing and issue bans.

I'll ask both of you to refrain from engaging the other for a few days. 

Thanks.

There is no feud. I called out racist terminology in general. He assumed I was referring to him. That reaction is his problem.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on November 15, 2021, 07:07:08 AM
https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2021/1115/1259932-joe-biden-rugby/

Ah come on
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 15, 2021, 10:21:18 AM
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2021/11/14/complete-performance-ever-ireland-blacks-could-not-handle/

That was the most complete performance ever from Ireland - the All Blacks could not handle their dynamism
Where England showed promise against Australia, Ireland laid down a marker for the Six Nations with their victory over New Zealand
SIR IAN MCGEECHAN14 November 2021 • 8:05am

Tadhg Beirne salutes Ireland's fans at the Aviva Stadium CREDIT: REUTERS
What a fascinating day of rugby, a triptych of Northern Hemisphere versus Southern Hemisphere encounters which all came down to who can control the contact area and dictate the tempo.
We learned so much about all three Six Nations sides. Ireland were immense, an absolute revelation, while Scotland were profoundly disappointing, and I'll come onto them later.
But I want to start with an England side whose tactical approach is fast evolving. The contact area in cross-hemisphere matches is generally decisive and despite intermittent and frustrating lapses of patience which led to penalties that allowed an outmuscled Australia to stay in the game, England generally controlled the contact area, which allowed them to dictate the tempo and structure of the game. In turn that gave us a glimpse into how Eddie Jones sees this England side's shape ahead of the next World Cup.
Up front, England continued to inject tempo by using their forwards as the first-up ball-carriers, varying it nicely and using Maro Itoje, Courtney Lawes, Jamie George, Tom Curry and Sam Underhill at various stages. The forwards were clearly encouraged to offload and there was great variety in their approach, and in particular the use of two out runners, which is a marked tactical development.
The way in which England tried to use their forwards was particularly clear at lineouts. Their use of six-man lineouts meant that they always had a forward available for ball-carrying in midfield. Often the playmaker would have a choice of a forward on one shoulder and Manu Tuilagi on the other, having come off his wing with a view to making ground up the middle of the park. Fielding Tuilagi on the wing was an astute use of a player who specialises in physically dominating opponents, while also allowing Eddie to include both Owen Farrell and Marcus Smith in his side.
The way that England tried to engineer scenarios where they had the choice of unleashing either a big forward or the hard-running Tuilagi at the Australian midfield was a Rugby League tactic modified for Union. That was just one of the ways in which Eddie's new attack coach, the former League centre Martin Gleeson, made his presence felt.
Another was the use of Farrell as first receiver, with Smith playing off him and directing play in the back field. This worked really well, especially as the Australians were trying to target Smith – it gave him added time, space and creative latitude.
It bore fruit on several occasions, most notably when Smith worked Freddie Steward into space for his try. Of all Eddie's selections, Steward was the most successful. He was rightly declared man of the match for a defensively imperious performance in which he was also a potent threat in attack.
I expect the big fullback to be playing next week against South Africa, but it will be interesting to see if there are changes elsewhere. I'm not convinced by Curry at No 8 and prefer his contribution from openside. Alex Dombrant adds something extra, especially in his ball-carrying either in heavy traffic or in midfield, and would help counteract the Springboks' physicality.
Australia offered so little consistent threat in attack that they never looked like scoring a try, but the Springboks will provide a much bigger challenge. Nevertheless, the win over the Wallabies provided a welcome glimpse into England's direction of travel.
If England are still a work in progress, Ireland are the real deal. Against New Zealand they were absolutely superb and produced the most complete performance I have ever seen from an Ireland side (and yes, that includes their two previous wins over the All Blacks). They showed an astonishing level of accuracy and maturity in contact, and every player who took the ball not only did so at pace but was actually accelerating onto the ball.
Andy Farrell is fortunate that the bedrock of his team is made up of Leinster players who are together week-in, week-out, allowing the Ireland coach to create a gameplan that is a far more innovative and dynamic approach than we've seen from them for many years.
The maturity in their game is reflected in the mix of patience and intensity that they bring, especially up front. Their ball-carriers were never greedy or tried to eke out every available inch from each carry, instead prioritising body angle into contact and ball placement. The ball would be placed back half a metre, giving the supporting player the maximum chance of clearing out potential jackallers, the key to successful ball retention.
In a team that is less dynamic, this approach can create slow, ponderous ball, but Ireland played at such tempo and with such ambition that they recycled dizzyingly quickly.
The resulting front-foot ball allowed the impressive Jamison Gibson-Park at scrum-half to play at a high tempo, and with ball-carriers of the quality of Tagdh Furlong and Caelan Doris, Ireland were making five to ten yards with every carry. With their tight five gaining parity at the set-piece, their domination of the contact area from beginning to end was the bedrock of this stunning win.
New Zealand were on the back foot for about 80 per cent of this game, with Ireland's ball-carriers running at space with a man on each shoulder, meaning that the Kiwis were unable to line up a big hit to slow Ireland's momentum. The All Blacks will always conjure a score or two, but this was as complete a performance against them as I've seen for many years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 15, 2021, 10:28:57 AM
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2021/11/15/andy-farrell-englands-world-cup-fall-guy-2015-now-looks-like/?li_source=LI&li_medium=liftigniter-rhr

Ireland's starting front row last Saturday of Andrew Porter (now playing at loosehead and arguably doing it better than anyone else in the world right now), Ronan Kelleher and Tadhg Furlong are all under 30. As are locks Iain Henderson and James Ryan. And back row Caelan Doris, Josh van der Flier and Jack Conan.Behind the scrum, the way in which players such as Hugo Keenan, Jamison Gibson-Park and James Lowe have bedded in, playing with a confidence and accuracy that belies their experience, suggests that Farrell is striking the right balance between coaching his players and trusting them to express themselves.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on November 15, 2021, 01:27:58 PM
Our-rugby-heroes-served-us-up-a-banquet-to-savour

https://www.independent.ie/opinion/editorial/our-rugby-heroes-served-us-up-a-banquet-to-savour-41051597.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on November 15, 2021, 01:33:02 PM
Quote from: Itchy on November 15, 2021, 01:27:58 PM
Our-rugby-heroes-served-us-up-a-banquet-to-savour

https://www.independent.ie/opinion/editorial/our-rugby-heroes-served-us-up-a-banquet-to-savour-41051597.html

Christ.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on November 15, 2021, 02:46:45 PM
Sexton out

https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/59292633

Ireland captain Johnny Sexton has been ruled out of action for up to six weeks after being forced off injured during Saturday's 29-20 win over New Zealand.

Fly-half Sexton twisted an ankle and a knee against the All Blacks in Dublin and will miss his country's final autumn international against Argentina.

The 36-year-old Leinster player will remain with Andy Farrell's squad this week as they prepare to face the Pumas.

Connacht's Jack Carty has been added to the group ahead of Sunday's game.

"Captain Johnny Sexton twisted a knee and ankle against New Zealand at the weekend which will rule him out of action for between four to six weeks," read a statement from the Irish Rugby Football Union...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 15, 2021, 02:55:30 PM
Quote from: dec on November 15, 2021, 02:46:45 PM
Sexton out

https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/59292633

Ireland captain Johnny Sexton has been ruled out of action for up to six weeks after being forced off injured during Saturday's 29-20 win over New Zealand.

Fly-half Sexton twisted an ankle and a knee against the All Blacks in Dublin and will miss his country's final autumn international against Argentina.

The 36-year-old Leinster player will remain with Andy Farrell's squad this week as they prepare to face the Pumas.

Connacht's Jack Carty has been added to the group ahead of Sunday's game.

"Captain Johnny Sexton twisted a knee and ankle against New Zealand at the weekend which will rule him out of action for between four to six weeks," read a statement from the Irish Rugby Football Union...
No harm really. The understudies all need more game time
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on November 15, 2021, 03:21:11 PM
I'd imagine the plan was to start Carberry this week anyway and probably to give Harry Byrne some time off the bench, so more Leinster's loss than Ireland's.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on November 15, 2021, 03:25:27 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on November 15, 2021, 01:33:02 PM
Quote from: Itchy on November 15, 2021, 01:27:58 PM
Our-rugby-heroes-served-us-up-a-banquet-to-savour

https://www.independent.ie/opinion/editorial/our-rugby-heroes-served-us-up-a-banquet-to-savour-41051597.html

Christ.

Some statement for Rugby's version of the McKenna Cup.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on November 15, 2021, 05:18:24 PM
Quote from: Itchy on November 15, 2021, 03:25:27 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on November 15, 2021, 01:33:02 PM
Quote from: Itchy on November 15, 2021, 01:27:58 PM
Our-rugby-heroes-served-us-up-a-banquet-to-savour

https://www.independent.ie/opinion/editorial/our-rugby-heroes-served-us-up-a-banquet-to-savour-41051597.html

Christ.

Some statement for Rugby's version of the McKenna Cup.

They never learn.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on November 15, 2021, 10:10:03 PM
It's gas that some people here think a rugby Test Match is somehow equivalent to a soccer friendly or GAA challenge match.
Why would you post on a thread about something you know nothing about when all you achieve is to highlight your complete ignorance?!

Just because rugby (and cricket, which is similar) Test Matches are meaningless to you, because you lack the basic comprehension to understand the sport, does not mean they are meaningless!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on November 15, 2021, 10:18:03 PM
It has more prestige ,but New Zealand were on the beer during the week. They had played 14 International since June while Ireland had played 4. They were coming to Europe on.a bit of a wind down.

Ireland beat the All Blacks in 16 and 18.and flopped where it mattered against Japan at the WC.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 15, 2021, 11:26:48 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 15, 2021, 10:18:03 PM
It has more prestige ,but New Zealand were on the beer during the week. They had played 14 International since June while Ireland had played 4. They were coming to Europe on.a bit of a wind down.

Ireland beat the All Blacks in 16 and 18.and flopped where it mattered against Japan at the WC.

I don't think anyone on here is disputing any of that. Doesn't change the fact Ireland played well why can't anyone say that without getting jumped on?

Ultimately it won't matter unless we get a 6N out of it and a Semi Final at the next World Cup but we played well and it bodes well for the 6 Nations after Christmas song old stuff.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 15, 2021, 11:30:58 PM
I'm just looking forward to the easy excuses for hitting the pub!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 16, 2021, 06:47:14 AM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 15, 2021, 10:18:03 PM
It has more prestige ,but New Zealand were on the beer during the week. They had played 14 International since June while Ireland had played 4. They were coming to Europe on.a bit of a wind down.

Ireland beat the All Blacks in 16 and 18.and flopped where it mattered against Japan at the WC.
The reason they were beaten at the RWC was because they were predictable. They need to work on this for next time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on November 16, 2021, 07:00:52 AM
Quote from: Hound on November 15, 2021, 10:10:03 PM
It's gas that some people here think a rugby Test Match is somehow equivalent to a soccer friendly or GAA challenge match.
Why would you post on a thread about something you know nothing about when all you achieve is to highlight your complete ignorance?!

Just because rugby (and cricket, which is similar) Test Matches are meaningless to you, because you lack the basic comprehension to understand the sport, does not mean they are meaningless!

I've never heard a proper explanation of the difference beyond "they just are"
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 16, 2021, 07:30:29 AM
Quote from: RedHand88 on November 16, 2021, 07:00:52 AM
Quote from: Hound on November 15, 2021, 10:10:03 PM
It's gas that some people here think a rugby Test Match is somehow equivalent to a soccer friendly or GAA challenge match.
Why would you post on a thread about something you know nothing about when all you achieve is to highlight your complete ignorance?!

Just because rugby (and cricket, which is similar) Test Matches are meaningless to you, because you lack the basic comprehension to understand the sport, does not mean they are meaningless!

I've never heard a proper explanation of the difference beyond "they just are"

I think there is rankings and this helps with World Cup seedlings? I could be talking complete shit (not first time ;D )
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Redhand Santa on November 16, 2021, 07:50:37 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 16, 2021, 07:30:29 AM
Quote from: RedHand88 on November 16, 2021, 07:00:52 AM
Quote from: Hound on November 15, 2021, 10:10:03 PM
It's gas that some people here think a rugby Test Match is somehow equivalent to a soccer friendly or GAA challenge match.
Why would you post on a thread about something you know nothing about when all you achieve is to highlight your complete ignorance?!

Just because rugby (and cricket, which is similar) Test Matches are meaningless to you, because you lack the basic comprehension to understand the sport, does not mean they are meaningless!

I've never heard a proper explanation of the difference beyond "they just are"

I think there is rankings and this helps with World Cup seedlings? I could be talking complete shit (not first time ;D )

Is that not the case in soccer too though? And Ireland have did well in these tests before but it hasn't really effected their performance at the world cups no matter how they've been seeded. In soccer you could argue that getting a higher ranking is actually more important as it effects your group for qualification (which unlike rugby is actually very difficult).
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 16, 2021, 07:54:38 AM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/gerry-thornley-beating-the-all-blacks-feeling-can-never-be-taken-for-granted-1.4729608
Farrell and Mike Catt have gradually unleashed a freer attacking game, and a new breed of dynamic young Test match animals up front have helped this team reach previously unexplored parameters. They're clearly loving it and it's fun to watch, but it's not without carefully developed structures and even a little of the old pragmatism.

A tactic in 2013 was to rein in the offloads and not push passes for fear of risking intercepts. Interestingly, amid all the brilliance of the performance, there were only two offloads last Saturday compared to the 18 against Japan. Ireland didn't force things, keeping turnovers to a minimum and not coughing up any intercepts against the intercept kings, or much in the way of opportunities off turnovers. An example was the way Sexton pulled the ball back into his grasp rather than risk an intercept by Will Jordan and taking ball into contact when suffering his knee and ankle injury.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 16, 2021, 07:56:51 AM
Quote from: Redhand Santa on November 16, 2021, 07:50:37 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 16, 2021, 07:30:29 AM
Quote from: RedHand88 on November 16, 2021, 07:00:52 AM
Quote from: Hound on November 15, 2021, 10:10:03 PM
It's gas that some people here think a rugby Test Match is somehow equivalent to a soccer friendly or GAA challenge match.
Why would you post on a thread about something you know nothing about when all you achieve is to highlight your complete ignorance?!

Just because rugby (and cricket, which is similar) Test Matches are meaningless to you, because you lack the basic comprehension to understand the sport, does not mean they are meaningless!

I've never heard a proper explanation of the difference beyond "they just are"

I think there is rankings and this helps with World Cup seedlings? I could be talking complete shit (not first time ;D )

Is that not the case in soccer too though? And Ireland have did well in these tests before but it hasn't really effected their performance at the world cups no matter how they've been seeded. In soccer you could argue that getting a higher ranking is actually more important as it effects your group for qualification (which unlike rugby is actually very difficult).
2019 probably wasn't the worst RWC flop. 2007 was dreadful. 2011 was bad as well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on November 16, 2021, 08:10:01 AM
Quote from: RedHand88 on November 16, 2021, 07:00:52 AM
Quote from: Hound on November 15, 2021, 10:10:03 PM
It's gas that some people here think a rugby Test Match is somehow equivalent to a soccer friendly or GAA challenge match.
Why would you post on a thread about something you know nothing about when all you achieve is to highlight your complete ignorance?!

Just because rugby (and cricket, which is similar) Test Matches are meaningless to you, because you lack the basic comprehension to understand the sport, does not mean they are meaningless!

I've never heard a proper explanation of the difference beyond "they just are"

Me either. I get that its one of the best teams in the world etc and it was a fine performance. BUT - there are no trophies, no medals, the team wasnt crowned as champions of anything. Calling it a "test" match (whatever that is supposed to mean) doesn't change those facts no matter what any of the D4 brigade tell you. Do the English or French spend as much time blowing about winning these glorified challenge games as in Ireland?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on November 16, 2021, 08:17:18 AM
The english do yes. I don't know about the french.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on November 16, 2021, 08:18:22 AM
Quote from: screenexile on November 15, 2021, 11:26:48 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 15, 2021, 10:18:03 PM
It has more prestige ,but New Zealand were on the beer during the week. They had played 14 International since June while Ireland had played 4. They were coming to Europe on.a bit of a wind down.

Ireland beat the All Blacks in 16 and 18.and flopped where it mattered against Japan at the WC.

I don't think anyone on here is disputing any of that. Doesn't change the fact Ireland played well why can't anyone say that without getting jumped on?

Ultimately it won't matter unless we get a 6N out of it and a Semi Final at the next World Cup but we played well and it bodes well for the 6 Nations after Christmas song old stuff.

Ireland did play very well.no doubt. They dominated the game.

After the 2018 test against NZ Ireland were being tipped to win the WC. Johnny Sexton will be 38.by the time of the next WC. Will he be still around or should they be planning with a.new 10?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on November 16, 2021, 08:23:10 AM
Quote from: seafoid on November 16, 2021, 06:47:14 AM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 15, 2021, 10:18:03 PM
It has more prestige ,but New Zealand were on the beer during the week. They had played 14 International since June while Ireland had played 4. They were coming to Europe on.a bit of a wind down.

Ireland beat the All Blacks in 16 and 18.and flopped where it mattered against Japan at the WC.
The reason they were beaten at the RWC was because they were predictable. They need to work on this for next time.

Hence showing your hand this far out from a WC may be not the wisest thing to do, but no one goes out not to give it their all and hence why I think Saturdays performance was pleasing in that not only did Ireland dominate the ball in a way they've never done against any AB side, they weren't hanging on and if anything the 9 point win didn't tell the true tale of the dominance Ireland had.

One thing of concern is Irelands inability to come away with points when camped on the try line. The AB defence was superb but there's only so much crashing over the line you can do before accepting it's futile and a bit more width out back could have helped. Lowe's try came from sucking in AB defenders only for a few quick passes out the back putting Lowe in space to finish in the other corner.
More of that please.

O'Mahoney is a penalty giving away machine but he's on that edge that McCaw used to inhabit and must be a pain for the opposition, Farrell has found he's the man for the last 10 minutes. Beirne also better coming in fresh rather than starting and although I think he's better than Henderson in the round, Henderson can hammer away for 50 odd minutes before introducing Beirne..

Nice to see Doris going so well after all his concussion woes.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on November 16, 2021, 08:25:27 AM
Quote from: Itchy on November 16, 2021, 08:10:01 AM
Quote from: RedHand88 on November 16, 2021, 07:00:52 AM
Quote from: Hound on November 15, 2021, 10:10:03 PM
It's gas that some people here think a rugby Test Match is somehow equivalent to a soccer friendly or GAA challenge match.
Why would you post on a thread about something you know nothing about when all you achieve is to highlight your complete ignorance?!

Just because rugby (and cricket, which is similar) Test Matches are meaningless to you, because you lack the basic comprehension to understand the sport, does not mean they are meaningless!

I've never heard a proper explanation of the difference beyond "they just are"

Me either. I get that its one of the best teams in the world etc and it was a fine performance. BUT - there are no trophies, no medals, the team wasnt crowned as champions of anything. Calling it a "test" match (whatever that is supposed to mean) doesn't change those facts no matter what any of the D4 brigade tell you. Do the English or French spend as much time blowing about winning these glorified challenge games as in Ireland?

Do rugby supporters on here spend as much time talking about rugby than you pair?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 16, 2021, 10:04:54 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on November 16, 2021, 08:23:10 AM
Quote from: seafoid on November 16, 2021, 06:47:14 AM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 15, 2021, 10:18:03 PM
It has more prestige ,but New Zealand were on the beer during the week. They had played 14 International since June while Ireland had played 4. They were coming to Europe on.a bit of a wind down.

Ireland beat the All Blacks in 16 and 18.and flopped where it mattered against Japan at the WC.
The reason they were beaten at the RWC was because they were predictable. They need to work on this for next time.

Hence showing your hand this far out from a WC may be not the wisest thing to do, but no one goes out not to give it their all and hence why I think Saturdays performance was pleasing in that not only did Ireland dominate the ball in a way they've never done against any AB side, they weren't hanging on and if anything the 9 point win didn't tell the true tale of the dominance Ireland had.

One thing of concern is Irelands inability to come away with points when camped on the try line. The AB defence was superb but there's only so much crashing over the line you can do before accepting it's futile and a bit more width out back could have helped. Lowe's try came from sucking in AB defenders only for a few quick passes out the back putting Lowe in space to finish in the other corner.
More of that please.

O'Mahoney is a penalty giving away machine but he's on that edge that McCaw used to inhabit and must be a pain for the opposition, Farrell has found he's the man for the last 10 minutes. Beirne also better coming in fresh rather than starting and although I think he's better than Henderson in the round, Henderson can hammer away for 50 odd minutes before introducing Beirne..

Nice to see Doris going so well after all his concussion woes.
They need to get more out of incursions into the AB 22.
The AB 2013 vintage  were very like Kilkenny of the time . They were inside Ireland's head. Everyone knew they were going to win. Same as 2012 hurling final.
Now is different. What Ireland learn from now until the RWC is what will count.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: NAG1 on November 16, 2021, 10:44:55 AM
Quote from: seafoid on November 16, 2021, 10:04:54 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on November 16, 2021, 08:23:10 AM
Quote from: seafoid on November 16, 2021, 06:47:14 AM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 15, 2021, 10:18:03 PM
It has more prestige ,but New Zealand were on the beer during the week. They had played 14 International since June while Ireland had played 4. They were coming to Europe on.a bit of a wind down.

Ireland beat the All Blacks in 16 and 18.and flopped where it mattered against Japan at the WC.
The reason they were beaten at the RWC was because they were predictable. They need to work on this for next time.

Hence showing your hand this far out from a WC may be not the wisest thing to do, but no one goes out not to give it their all and hence why I think Saturdays performance was pleasing in that not only did Ireland dominate the ball in a way they've never done against any AB side, they weren't hanging on and if anything the 9 point win didn't tell the true tale of the dominance Ireland had.

One thing of concern is Irelands inability to come away with points when camped on the try line. The AB defence was superb but there's only so much crashing over the line you can do before accepting it's futile and a bit more width out back could have helped. Lowe's try came from sucking in AB defenders only for a few quick passes out the back putting Lowe in space to finish in the other corner.
More of that please.

O'Mahoney is a penalty giving away machine but he's on that edge that McCaw used to inhabit and must be a pain for the opposition, Farrell has found he's the man for the last 10 minutes. Beirne also better coming in fresh rather than starting and although I think he's better than Henderson in the round, Henderson can hammer away for 50 odd minutes before introducing Beirne..

Nice to see Doris going so well after all his concussion woes.
They need to get more out of incursions into the AB 22.
The AB 2013 vintage  were very like Kilkenny of the time . They were inside Ireland's head. Everyone knew they were going to win. Same as 2012 hurling final.
Now is different. What Ireland learn from now until the RWC is what will count.

No it won't exactly the same thing will happen again, they will get to the world cup and without the comfort of playing at home will do what they have done before. When the level goes up at WC time they just can't live with it.
AB been on a majorly long tour and the freshness of the Irish team showed through clearly.

Great win in a friendly game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 16, 2021, 10:58:52 AM
I've a good friend who has played at Ulster level, he's chairman of a Belfast club, his son was on under 17 Ulster squads, he's got a fair knowledge of the game and what it represents.

In terms of competition the World cup followed by the six nations,  they are the main tournaments to judge the international team, but by the same token the Autumn internationals are very big in the rugby calendar as they give the international teams a chance to play the southern hemisphere teams and give them an indication of where they are at.

Some will call in a friendly, when they step out on to that pitch it doesn't look friendly at all
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Don Cockburn on November 16, 2021, 11:17:17 AM
The downside of professionalism is that New Zealand come up too often nowadays.
Years ago it was a hallmark occasion for the All Blacks to come on tour and play in Ireland.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on November 16, 2021, 11:54:44 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 16, 2021, 10:58:52 AM
I've a good friend who has played at Ulster level, he's chairman of a Belfast club, his son was on under 17 Ulster squads, he's got a fair knowledge of the game and what it represents.

In terms of competition the World cup followed by the six nations,  they are the main tournaments to judge the international team, but by the same token the Autumn internationals are very big in the rugby calendar as they give the international teams a chance to play the southern hemisphere teams and give them an indication of where they are at.

Some will call in a friendly, when they step out on to that pitch it doesn't look friendly at all

The three tests down in NZ in the summer will be interesting. If Ireland can put a performance or two in there then that'll mean more to me TBH
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 16, 2021, 11:57:11 AM
Quote from: Don Cockburn on November 16, 2021, 11:17:17 AM
The downside of professionalism is that New Zealand come up too often nowadays.
Years ago it was a hallmark occasion for the All Blacks to come on tour and play in Ireland.
The money in rugby union is in the Northern Hemisphere.
NZ wouldn't be fluirseach
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 16, 2021, 11:58:36 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on November 16, 2021, 11:54:44 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 16, 2021, 10:58:52 AM
I've a good friend who has played at Ulster level, he's chairman of a Belfast club, his son was on under 17 Ulster squads, he's got a fair knowledge of the game and what it represents.

In terms of competition the World cup followed by the six nations,  they are the main tournaments to judge the international team, but by the same token the Autumn internationals are very big in the rugby calendar as they give the international teams a chance to play the southern hemisphere teams and give them an indication of where they are at.

Some will call in a friendly, when they step out on to that pitch it doesn't look friendly at all

The three tests down in NZ in the summer will be interesting. If Ireland can put a performance or two in there then that'll mean more to me TBH

Definitely! Go down there after a long season and beat them on their own patch is a much bigger victory than the one on Saturday.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tiempo on November 16, 2021, 11:59:28 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on November 16, 2021, 11:54:44 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 16, 2021, 10:58:52 AM
I've a good friend who has played at Ulster level, he's chairman of a Belfast club, his son was on under 17 Ulster squads, he's got a fair knowledge of the game and what it represents.

In terms of competition the World cup followed by the six nations,  they are the main tournaments to judge the international team, but by the same token the Autumn internationals are very big in the rugby calendar as they give the international teams a chance to play the southern hemisphere teams and give them an indication of where they are at.

Some will call in a friendly, when they step out on to that pitch it doesn't look friendly at all

The three tests down in NZ in the summer will be interesting. If Ireland can put a performance or two in there then that'll mean more to me TBH

They'll get smashed to bits at the end of a grueling 6 nations and long domestic season, same as who NZ were vulnerable at the weekend, Ireland a long way off beating NZ in a WC
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 16, 2021, 12:22:45 PM
Quote from: tiempo on November 16, 2021, 11:59:28 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on November 16, 2021, 11:54:44 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 16, 2021, 10:58:52 AM
I've a good friend who has played at Ulster level, he's chairman of a Belfast club, his son was on under 17 Ulster squads, he's got a fair knowledge of the game and what it represents.

In terms of competition the World cup followed by the six nations,  they are the main tournaments to judge the international team, but by the same token the Autumn internationals are very big in the rugby calendar as they give the international teams a chance to play the southern hemisphere teams and give them an indication of where they are at.

Some will call in a friendly, when they step out on to that pitch it doesn't look friendly at all
NZ have 50%more registered players
https://lastwordonsports.com/rugby/2020/07/14/top-20-rugby-union-countries-registered-players/

The three tests down in NZ in the summer will be interesting. If Ireland can put a performance or two in there then that'll mean more to me TBH

They'll get smashed to bits at the end of a grueling 6 nations and long domestic season, same as who NZ were vulnerable at the weekend, Ireland a long way off beating NZ in a WC
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 18, 2021, 11:49:10 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azXJwJEA4B8
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on November 19, 2021, 02:36:01 PM
Ireland team to play Argentina.
4 Changes -
Out: Aki, Conway, Sexton, JGP
In: Baloucoune, Henshaw, Carbery, Murray

Ireland: Keenan; Baloucoune, Ringrose, Henshaw, Lowe; Carbery, Murray; Porter, Kelleher, Furlong, Henderson, Ryan; Doris, van der Flier, Conan.

Replacements: Sheehan, Healy, O'Toole, Beirne, O'Mahony, Casey, Byrne, Earls.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on November 19, 2021, 07:12:47 PM
Over the past three weeks following his death in a road accident, it was made clearer that former Ireland secondrow Davy Tweed was much more than the bigoted museum piece most of us believed him to be.

The former international rugby player, who opened his short, late career in a Five Nations match against France in 1995 and also played with Ireland in that year's World Cup, was once the demonstration model for rugby as a sport that could cross divides.

We give you Tweedy, a divisive and graceless promoter of a certain kind of Loyalism. In the neutral space of sport he was the oversized cartoon character, who sold his bigotry as a kind of cultural asset. So, they put him in the deplorable box and marked it "Larger than life".

Most of the Irish rugby players from the North did not bring their politics across the Border and most of the southern players did not bring their politics into the changing room. Tweed did. Stamped on his arse apparently.

But much like the Orange Parade that peacefully takes place in Donegal's Rossnowlagh each year, the giant secondrow posed no threat. Dublin was a million July marches from Ballymena and Tweed was given a pass to peacefully roam.

But sport does love a fresh face and the oldest-ever Irish debutant at 35 years old had quite a ring. Such a personal tragedy it must have been then that the late call-up to his only Rugby World Cup had the misfortune to be timed for South Africa in 1995, a year after Apartheid ended.

A country that knew how to properly segregate, he would have enjoyed such a rich cultural gain had the tournament come a decade earlier as a lad in his 20s.

What people didn't know was that while the then proud DUP man was scrumming down in the green of Ireland and the white of Ulster, his violating girls between the age of eight and 11 years old had already taken off.

Learn more

He would also demonstrate a revulsion for the mass-goers at Harryville's Our Lady's church, where he became a key figure in a particularly nasty piece of sectarian conflict.

In 2013, his "larger than lifeness" would catch up with him but not his shamelessness. Sentenced to eight years for a catalogue of child abuse, he smiled and waved in Downpatrick Crown Court. The big man he was.

Indecent assault

Bound for Maghaberry prison, the conviction details were 13 counts of abuse including indecent assault and gross indecency with a child. Victim impacts, which were detailed in court, disclosed that one of the girls involved had attempted suicide.

As his political career in the DUP and then the Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) were taking a hit along with his personal freedoms, from a safe distance Tweed's wife Margaret found voice to recount the profoundly violent presence he had been during their 23-year relationship.

In the two decades they spent together before the church-going Christian left their home in 2007 after the allegations of sexual assault first arose, she suffered sustained beatings and was threatened with loyalist paramilitary violence.

"The beatings started from the year dot," she said. "He would beat me black and blue."

When he died three weeks ago, the politicians took their cue and spoke of a community man.

North Antrim MP Ian Paisley said: "To his family I send my condolences and heartfelt prayers at what must be an unimaginably heartbreaking time for them."

Maybe ask Margaret.

Leader of the TUV, the party that characterised Irish as a "leprechaun language" on its website, Jim Allister said: "Davy, a larger than life character, was widely known across North Antrim and further afield. I wish to express my deepest sympathy to his grieving family at this very difficult time."

Maybe ask Victoria.

DUP MLA Mervyn Storey described Mr Tweed as "a larger-than-life character" adding: "I have known Davy and his family most of my life and cannot begin to imagine the sorrow his family have been plunged into."

Maybe ask Catherine Alexandra.

Not for the first time, the suits couldn't read the room. The unimaginable sorrow, not entirely, his grieving family, not really. Two of his daughters, Victoria and Catherine Alexandra waived their right to anonymity and revealed that their father had also been sexually and physically assaulting them from as far back as when they were six years old.

Victoria, the second youngest of his four children, went to the police and made a statement but did not feel strong enough to follow through to court. When Tweed went to prison she applied for a visit so she could ask him questions. He turned her down.

The sorrow and grief were there alright, but only when the case was quashed on a technicality after Tweed walked after four years in prison. She made that perfectly clear.

"It was over the tiniest legal loophole not because he was innocent," she said.

Rugby is a legacy game and one that stands for values. We know that because we were told so in 2018 when the governing body put out a statement.

"The Irish Rugby Football Union and Ulster Rugby acknowledge our responsibility and commitment to the core values of the game – respect, inclusivity and integrity." And the committed Christian should not be denied that.

Davy Tweed: Secondrow. Four caps. Paedophile. Wife beater. Bigot.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: quit yo jibbajabba on November 19, 2021, 07:37:11 PM
When your wains call you the Tweedophile i think its fair to say things havent went well
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on November 20, 2021, 06:55:20 AM
Quote from: Estimator on November 19, 2021, 02:36:01 PM
Ireland team to play Argentina.
4 Changes -
Out: Aki, Conway, Sexton, JGP
In: Baloucoune, Henshaw, Carbery, Murray

Ireland: Keenan; Baloucoune, Ringrose, Henshaw, Lowe; Carbery, Murray; Porter, Kelleher, Furlong, Henderson, Ryan; Doris, van der Flier, Conan.

Replacements: Sheehan, Healy, O'Toole, Beirne, O'Mahony, Casey, Byrne, Earls.
Jeez, I thought there was going to be wholesale changes. Sorry now that I put a tenner on the argies at 5/1 😝

Hopefully Baloucoune goes well, seems to be an exciting prospect. From Enniskillen I see.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 20, 2021, 08:16:51 AM
Quote from: Hound on November 20, 2021, 06:55:20 AM
Quote from: Estimator on November 19, 2021, 02:36:01 PM
Ireland team to play Argentina.
4 Changes -
Out: Aki, Conway, Sexton, JGP
In: Baloucoune, Henshaw, Carbery, Murray

Ireland: Keenan; Baloucoune, Ringrose, Henshaw, Lowe; Carbery, Murray; Porter, Kelleher, Furlong, Henderson, Ryan; Doris, van der Flier, Conan.

Replacements: Sheehan, Healy, O'Toole, Beirne, O'Mahony, Casey, Byrne, Earls.
Jeez, I thought there was going to be wholesale changes. Sorry now that I put a tenner on the argies at 5/1 😝

Hopefully Baloucoune goes well, seems to be an exciting prospect. From Enniskillen I see.

Argentina will give Ireland all they want, there's key changes there and the euphoria of last week ply the energy that's be drained both physically and mentally will be present, the handicap price of +13 is fantastic value!

I'd couple of rugby combination bets up last week, but the bookies are so close with their predictions on these handicap scores
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on November 20, 2021, 10:54:37 AM
Quote from: Hound on November 20, 2021, 06:55:20 AM
Quote from: Estimator on November 19, 2021, 02:36:01 PM
Ireland team to play Argentina.
4 Changes -
Out: Aki, Conway, Sexton, JGP
In: Baloucoune, Henshaw, Carbery, Murray

Ireland: Keenan; Baloucoune, Ringrose, Henshaw, Lowe; Carbery, Murray; Porter, Kelleher, Furlong, Henderson, Ryan; Doris, van der Flier, Conan.

Replacements: Sheehan, Healy, O'Toole, Beirne, O'Mahony, Casey, Byrne, Earls.
Jeez, I thought there was going to be wholesale changes. Sorry now that I put a tenner on the argies at 5/1 😝

Hopefully Baloucoune goes well, seems to be an exciting prospect. From Enniskillen I see.

Argies? At least give them their proper nationality. You know well where that name originated from.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 20, 2021, 08:16:10 PM
Some atmosphere at this friendly
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 20, 2021, 09:10:48 PM
3 cracking games of Rugby today the celebrations by England and Wales were way worse than ours last week and their performances much worse!! Both were very lucky to win I thought.

France we're out of this world in the first half but look to be tiring it's set up for a good finish!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 20, 2021, 09:46:15 PM
Always loved the French flare back in the day but they they also had a folding nature to their game if it wasn't going their way..

Hopefully Ireland give it a great show tomorrow
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on November 20, 2021, 10:05:22 PM
Enjoyable game Nthmack swung it with move from inside the French dead ball line. French flair & brute physicality is alive & well. They will be difficult to beat in the years to come, a change of coach can do wonders.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on November 20, 2021, 10:46:50 PM
Jesus, who's going to win the World Cup now???
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 20, 2021, 11:25:27 PM
Quote from: Itchy on November 20, 2021, 10:46:50 PM
Jesus, who's going to win the World Cup now???

You can't call it sure 2 years before the last World Cup South Africa were a total disaster and were able to come together and win it.

There's a lot of time to go between now and then. The 6 Nations looks ultra competitive with Ireland France and England seemingly on a different level to last season.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 21, 2021, 05:11:15 AM
NZ having a bit of a mare at the moment.
I think they needed the money from this tour because there was none last year due to Covid but they are obviously knackered. 

At the end of the day England are the only 6N team to win the RWC and that will be 20 years ago in 2023.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 21, 2021, 11:06:36 AM
NZ will have a new manager come world cup, Foster was always the boards choice but not supporters
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on November 21, 2021, 06:00:55 PM
Tots amazeballs guys
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 21, 2021, 06:06:58 PM
53-7 to Ireland over Argentina. 53 points on the bounce after Argentina scored first. That doesn't tell the whole story as Argentina butchered a number of scoring opportunities in between.

Still Irelands results and performances two years out from a world cup are better than they were this time 4 years ago. Now the trick is to bring our top performance at the world cup like The teams we just beat Argentina, Japan and New Zealand have managed.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dublin7 on November 21, 2021, 11:12:24 PM
Quote from: Itchy on November 21, 2021, 06:00:55 PM
Tots amazeballs guys

Glad you you enjoyed and have started to appreciate how good rugby can be. To think you used you mock people for following rugby and now you're a fan yourself. You've clearly seen all the Ireland games in November given your obsession with the team. I hope you enjoyed the games
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Orior on November 22, 2021, 01:38:47 AM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 21, 2021, 11:12:24 PM
Quote from: Itchy on November 21, 2021, 06:00:55 PM
Tots amazeballs guys

Glad you you enjoyed and have started to appreciate how good rugby can be. To think you used you mock people for following rugby and now you're a fan yourself. You've clearly seen all the Ireland games in November given your obsession with the team. I hope you enjoyed the games

Now that Ireland beat New Zealand I can't wait for the Lions to play NZ. Or would be more appropriate for the Lions to play Ireland?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 22, 2021, 07:46:24 AM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/gerry-thornley-forlorn-ryan-cuts-a-shadow-across-ireland-s-autumn-series-1.4734882Farrell also cited a read and tackle by Carbery as a prime example of Ireland's defence.

"You guys have been asking questions about what's the most pleasing part of our game over the last couple of weeks and, 100 per cent, in our eyes it would be our defence. That typified it today.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on November 22, 2021, 09:35:53 AM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 21, 2021, 11:12:24 PM
Quote from: Itchy on November 21, 2021, 06:00:55 PM
Tots amazeballs guys

Glad you you enjoyed and have started to appreciate how good rugby can be. To think you used you mock people for following rugby and now you're a fan yourself. You've clearly seen all the Ireland games in November given your obsession with the team. I hope you enjoyed the games

Absolutely, amazing performances. Reminds of the time Tyrone won 45 McKenna Cup finals in a row and the incredible joy it brought to everyone.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 22, 2021, 09:57:07 AM
Quote from: Itchy on November 22, 2021, 09:35:53 AM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 21, 2021, 11:12:24 PM
Quote from: Itchy on November 21, 2021, 06:00:55 PM
Tots amazeballs guys

Glad you you enjoyed and have started to appreciate how good rugby can be. To think you used you mock people for following rugby and now you're a fan yourself. You've clearly seen all the Ireland games in November given your obsession with the team. I hope you enjoyed the games

Absolutely, amazing performances. Reminds of the time Tyrone won 45 McKenna Cup finals in a row and the incredible joy it brought to everyone.

By winning the 45 in a row they also won national leagues Ulster and a few All Irelands, its a about form though in rugby, you need to bring that form to the big stages, 6 Nations and World cup, doing well in the Autumn internationals against the best of the SH teams is all well and good and no easy feat. Transferring that form or maintaining it is the key.

Though in terms of international games its better than beating Luxembourg in saccer
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on November 22, 2021, 10:26:58 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 22, 2021, 09:57:07 AM
Quote from: Itchy on November 22, 2021, 09:35:53 AM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 21, 2021, 11:12:24 PM
Quote from: Itchy on November 21, 2021, 06:00:55 PM
Tots amazeballs guys

Glad you you enjoyed and have started to appreciate how good rugby can be. To think you used you mock people for following rugby and now you're a fan yourself. You've clearly seen all the Ireland games in November given your obsession with the team. I hope you enjoyed the games

Absolutely, amazing performances. Reminds of the time Tyrone won 45 McKenna Cup finals in a row and the incredible joy it brought to everyone.

By winning the 45 in a row they also won national leagues Ulster and a few All Irelands, its a about form though in rugby, you need to bring that form to the big stages, 6 Nations and World cup, doing well in the Autumn internationals against the best of the SH teams is all well and good and no easy feat. Transferring that form or maintaining it is the key.

Though in terms of international games its better than beating Luxembourg in saccer

Is it? The Republic got 3 points for beating Luxembourg in soccer. Tyrone got to take the McKenna Cup home and put in a nice cabinet in Healy Park. Apart from being crowned World Cup Contenders by the media, getting loads of slaps on the back what did the Ireland Rugby team win in the last 2 weeks? But I do concede the performances of the rugby team was tots tots Amazeballs.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 22, 2021, 10:33:46 AM
Quote from: Itchy on November 22, 2021, 10:26:58 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 22, 2021, 09:57:07 AM
Quote from: Itchy on November 22, 2021, 09:35:53 AM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 21, 2021, 11:12:24 PM
Quote from: Itchy on November 21, 2021, 06:00:55 PM
Tots amazeballs guys

Glad you you enjoyed and have started to appreciate how good rugby can be. To think you used you mock people for following rugby and now you're a fan yourself. You've clearly seen all the Ireland games in November given your obsession with the team. I hope you enjoyed the games

Absolutely, amazing performances. Reminds of the time Tyrone won 45 McKenna Cup finals in a row and the incredible joy it brought to everyone.

By winning the 45 in a row they also won national leagues Ulster and a few All Irelands, its a about form though in rugby, you need to bring that form to the big stages, 6 Nations and World cup, doing well in the Autumn internationals against the best of the SH teams is all well and good and no easy feat. Transferring that form or maintaining it is the key.

Though in terms of international games its better than beating Luxembourg in saccer

Is it? The Republic got 3 points for beating Luxembourg in soccer. Tyrone got to take the McKenna Cup home and put in a nice cabinet in Healy Park. Apart from being crowned World Cup Contenders by the media, getting loads of slaps on the back what did the Ireland Rugby team win in the last 2 weeks? But I do concede the performances of the rugby team was tots tots Amazeballs.

Got 3 points for beating Luxembourg, two bald men fighting over a comb would have been a better description. Both teams finished on 9 points which is where the team is at
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 22, 2021, 10:47:48 AM
Quote from: Orior on November 22, 2021, 01:38:47 AM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 21, 2021, 11:12:24 PM
Quote from: Itchy on November 21, 2021, 06:00:55 PM
Tots amazeballs guys

Glad you you enjoyed and have started to appreciate how good rugby can be. To think you used you mock people for following rugby and now you're a fan yourself. You've clearly seen all the Ireland games in November given your obsession with the team. I hope you enjoyed the games

Now that Ireland beat New Zealand I can't wait for the Lions to play NZ. Or would be more appropriate for the Lions to play Ireland?
Now that Ireland have beaten the all Blacks they should take on the Ryder Cup
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on November 22, 2021, 11:41:57 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 22, 2021, 10:33:46 AM
Quote from: Itchy on November 22, 2021, 10:26:58 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 22, 2021, 09:57:07 AM
Quote from: Itchy on November 22, 2021, 09:35:53 AM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 21, 2021, 11:12:24 PM
Quote from: Itchy on November 21, 2021, 06:00:55 PM
Tots amazeballs guys

Glad you you enjoyed and have started to appreciate how good rugby can be. To think you used you mock people for following rugby and now you're a fan yourself. You've clearly seen all the Ireland games in November given your obsession with the team. I hope you enjoyed the games

Absolutely, amazing performances. Reminds of the time Tyrone won 45 McKenna Cup finals in a row and the incredible joy it brought to everyone.

By winning the 45 in a row they also won national leagues Ulster and a few All Irelands, its a about form though in rugby, you need to bring that form to the big stages, 6 Nations and World cup, doing well in the Autumn internationals against the best of the SH teams is all well and good and no easy feat. Transferring that form or maintaining it is the key.

Though in terms of international games its better than beating Luxembourg in saccer

Is it? The Republic got 3 points for beating Luxembourg in soccer. Tyrone got to take the McKenna Cup home and put in a nice cabinet in Healy Park. Apart from being crowned World Cup Contenders by the media, getting loads of slaps on the back what did the Ireland Rugby team win in the last 2 weeks? But I do concede the performances of the rugby team was tots tots Amazeballs.

Got 3 points for beating Luxembourg, two bald men fighting over a comb would have been a better description. Both teams finished on 9 points which is where the team is at

When two bald men fight over a comb, at least one of them has a comb at the end.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 22, 2021, 11:45:29 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on November 21, 2021, 06:06:58 PM
53-7 to Ireland over Argentina. 53 points on the bounce after Argentina scored first. That doesn't tell the whole story as Argentina butchered a number of scoring opportunities in between.

Still Irelands results and performances two years out from a world cup are better than they were this time 4 years ago. Now the trick is to bring our top performance at the world cup like The teams we just beat Argentina, Japan and New Zealand have managed.
Argentina have been on tour for 2 years due to Covid. The union can't afford to pay for families to join so they haven't seen their families for 2 years .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOuz9aCWb80
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on November 23, 2021, 11:19:04 AM
Does the manner the French beat the All Blacks take a bit of the shine off Irelands win against them?

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Franko on November 23, 2021, 11:21:40 AM
Quote from: Itchy on November 22, 2021, 10:26:58 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 22, 2021, 09:57:07 AM
Quote from: Itchy on November 22, 2021, 09:35:53 AM
Quote from: dublin7 on November 21, 2021, 11:12:24 PM
Quote from: Itchy on November 21, 2021, 06:00:55 PM
Tots amazeballs guys

Glad you you enjoyed and have started to appreciate how good rugby can be. To think you used you mock people for following rugby and now you're a fan yourself. You've clearly seen all the Ireland games in November given your obsession with the team. I hope you enjoyed the games

Absolutely, amazing performances. Reminds of the time Tyrone won 45 McKenna Cup finals in a row and the incredible joy it brought to everyone.

By winning the 45 in a row they also won national leagues Ulster and a few All Irelands, its a about form though in rugby, you need to bring that form to the big stages, 6 Nations and World cup, doing well in the Autumn internationals against the best of the SH teams is all well and good and no easy feat. Transferring that form or maintaining it is the key.

Though in terms of international games its better than beating Luxembourg in saccer

Is it? The Republic got 3 points for beating Luxembourg in soccer. Tyrone got to take the McKenna Cup home and put in a nice cabinet in Healy Park. Apart from being crowned World Cup Contenders by the media, getting loads of slaps on the back what did the Ireland Rugby team win in the last 2 weeks? But I do concede the performances of the rugby team was tots tots Amazeballs.

;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 23, 2021, 12:09:35 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on November 23, 2021, 11:19:04 AM
Does the manner the French beat the All Blacks take a bit of the shine off Irelands win against them?

Yeah definitely.

The All Blacks looked like a team too long on the road but it can hopefully stop lads getting too carried away like they did last time!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Franko on November 23, 2021, 12:43:25 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 23, 2021, 12:09:35 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on November 23, 2021, 11:19:04 AM
Does the manner the French beat the All Blacks take a bit of the shine off Irelands win against them?

Yeah definitely.

The All Blacks looked like a team too long on the road but it can hopefully stop lads getting too carried away like they did last time!

Judging by that Indo article, that ship has long since sailed.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 23, 2021, 12:44:11 PM
Quote from: Franko on November 23, 2021, 12:43:25 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 23, 2021, 12:09:35 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on November 23, 2021, 11:19:04 AM
Does the manner the French beat the All Blacks take a bit of the shine off Irelands win against them?

Yeah definitely.

The All Blacks looked like a team too long on the road but it can hopefully stop lads getting too carried away like they did last time!

Judging by that Indo article, that ship has long since sailed.

I meant the players more so than Gerry Thornley!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Mikhail Prokhorov on November 24, 2021, 03:37:46 PM
rugby players can now represent 2 countries  ???
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lenny on November 24, 2021, 03:42:26 PM
Quote from: Mikhail Prokhorov on November 24, 2021, 03:37:46 PM
rugby players can now represent 2 countries  ???

Not in the same match though? Same season?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on November 24, 2021, 04:00:14 PM
If they haven't played for their original country in three years
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: smort on November 24, 2021, 04:04:28 PM
and have a blood connection to the new country
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GiveItToTheShooters on November 24, 2021, 05:16:09 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 24, 2021, 03:42:26 PM
Quote from: Mikhail Prokhorov on November 24, 2021, 03:37:46 PM
rugby players can now represent 2 countries  ???

Not in the same match though? Same season?
Same match ;D aye you can change teams at half time now. Sexton going into the England changing room for the 6 nations this year ;D clown
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lenny on November 24, 2021, 06:35:26 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on November 24, 2021, 05:16:09 PM
Quote from: lenny on November 24, 2021, 03:42:26 PM
Quote from: Mikhail Prokhorov on November 24, 2021, 03:37:46 PM
rugby players can now represent 2 countries  ???

Not in the same match though? Same season?
Same match ;D aye you can change teams at half time now. Sexton going into the England changing room for the 6 nations this year ;D clown

😂😂thanks for that important clarification.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 28, 2021, 04:48:55 PM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/life-is-hardly-worth-living-study-reveals-extent-of-rugby-s-mental-health-crisis-1.4737602A new study by the UK rugby health project at Durham University has shown that professional rugby players are more likely to have mental health issues in retirement than athletes in non-contact sports, and that those who suffered multiple concussions during their playing career are at even greater risk of depression, anxiety, sleep and anger issues.

The study suggests a strong association between head trauma and mental health in both codes of rugby, and provides evidence of what many people working in the field already believe to be true: rugby has a mental health crisis.

The study, which is entirely independent of the governing bodies of each code, found that players who reported suffering from three or more concussions during their professional careers scored significantly worse for psychological signs of depression and anxiety and for sleep disruption.

Around half the players who reported suffering five or more concussions were suffering with symptoms of depression, and two-thirds of them with covert anger and irritability. The study found no difference in the levels of alcohol consumption between the retired rugby players and the other athletes, which means that can be discounted as an explanation for these findings.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tiempo on November 28, 2021, 06:39:36 PM
A few cautionary tales, Steve Thompson England WC winner 2003 is suffering v badly and the WWE wrestler Chris Benoit. Look those cases up and its fair to say head trauma is a total game changer and it really begs the question by rugby boxing and mma arent banned. Easy to admire all the top athletes in all those codes and i appreciate they arent going away but the price some will pay is huge and its likely going to come into sharper focus in years to come
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 30, 2021, 11:04:46 AM
That's some shitshow down in South Africa for Munster 10 lads have to stay behind for 10 days?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on November 30, 2021, 03:19:40 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 30, 2021, 11:04:46 AM
That's some shitshow down in South Africa for Munster 10 lads have to stay behind for 10 days?


It's ok though, gives them a chance to visit family.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rosnarun on November 30, 2021, 03:25:02 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 23, 2021, 12:44:11 PM
Quote from: Franko on November 23, 2021, 12:43:25 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 23, 2021, 12:09:35 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on November 23, 2021, 11:19:04 AM
Does the manner the French beat the All Blacks take a bit of the shine off Irelands win against them?

Yeah definitely.

The All Blacks looked like a team too long on the road but it can hopefully stop lads getting too carried away like they did last time!

Judging by that Indo article, that ship has long since sailed.

I meant the players more so than Gerry Thornley!

nope IRFUs eating the all blacks was there Greatest  victory Every and they should be handed the world cup now

Tossers
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on December 06, 2021, 11:21:20 PM
They were discussing Rugby's new eligibility rules on RTE earlier. The Pacific Islanders like Figi, Somoa should benefit

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRwOri8bwZ0&t=124s

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on January 23, 2022, 09:59:57 PM
Are all 4 Irish teams in the same half of the draw ffs?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on January 24, 2022, 06:44:21 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on January 23, 2022, 09:59:57 PM
Are all 4 Irish teams in the same half of the draw ffs?
Nothing wrong with that. Munster v Ulster in the quarter-final will be a great occasion, although both will do very well to get there.
Similarly a semi Leinster/Connacht v Munster/Ulster should be a cracker.

Finals between 2 teams from the same nation tend to be a let down (in both rugby and soccer). Bigger occasion to win a European Rugby Cup final against either a French or English team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 24, 2022, 09:28:06 AM
Quote from: Hound on January 24, 2022, 06:44:21 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on January 23, 2022, 09:59:57 PM
Are all 4 Irish teams in the same half of the draw ffs?
Nothing wrong with that. Munster v Ulster in the quarter-final will be a great occasion, although both will do very well to get there.
Similarly a semi Leinster/Connacht v Munster/Ulster should be a cracker.

Finals between 2 teams from the same nation tend to be a let down (in both rugby and soccer). Bigger occasion to win a European Rugby Cup final against either a French or English team.
This one wasn't

https://youtu.be/uHMQC4CmKc8

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on January 28, 2022, 08:35:11 PM
For those of you in the US the 6 nations is on Peacock ($5/month for the ad supported version)

https://www.peacocktv.com/watch/sports-rugby-six-nations-hub

It also has the Champions Cup
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gawa316 on January 28, 2022, 08:45:43 PM
Quote from: dec on January 28, 2022, 08:35:11 PM
For those of you in the US the 6 nations is on Peacock ($5/month for the ad supported version)

https://www.peacocktv.com/watch/sports-rugby-six-nations-hub

It also has the Champions Cup

Happy days!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 03, 2022, 08:32:05 AM
Do the numbers of foreign players on 6N teams level up the competition or is there another reason for it ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 03, 2022, 01:17:29 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 03, 2022, 08:32:05 AM
Do the numbers of foreign players on 6N teams level up the competition or is there another reason for it ?
Sure they're all Irish on the Ireland team (even Mack Hansen  ;)).
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 04, 2022, 01:19:02 PM
Hopefully they can bring their November form

https://youtu.be/azXJwJEA4B8
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 04, 2022, 01:24:19 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 04, 2022, 01:19:02 PM
Hopefully they can bring their November form

https://youtu.be/azXJwJEA4B8

Sexton starting tomorrow and hopefully it goes well, but if we don't end up with a seasoned 2nd choice No10 after this 6N's then we're not learning anything from our failed 6N-World Cup cycle.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 04, 2022, 02:14:00 PM
Mack of the Oughterard Hansens gets his debut

https://mobile.twitter.com/TheLooseH/status/1489350796055654401
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 04, 2022, 02:16:56 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 04, 2022, 02:14:00 PM
Mack of the Oughterard Hansens gets his debut

https://mobile.twitter.com/TheLooseH/status/1489350796055654401
He absolutely butchered the first try in that video.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 04, 2022, 05:55:30 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 04, 2022, 01:24:19 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 04, 2022, 01:19:02 PM
Hopefully they can bring their November form

https://youtu.be/azXJwJEA4B8

Sexton starting tomorrow and hopefully it goes well, but if we don't end up with a seasoned 2nd choice No10 after this 6N's then we're not learning anything from our failed 6N-World Cup cycle.
The problem last time was predictability.  If this is addressed we might do OK.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 04, 2022, 06:17:07 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 04, 2022, 05:55:30 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 04, 2022, 01:24:19 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 04, 2022, 01:19:02 PM
Hopefully they can bring their November form

https://youtu.be/azXJwJEA4B8

Sexton starting tomorrow and hopefully it goes well, but if we don't end up with a seasoned 2nd choice No10 after this 6N's then we're not learning anything from our failed 6N-World Cup cycle.
The problem last time was predictability.  If this is addressed we might do OK.
Weather not looking great. Could be plenty of handling errors and pens.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 05, 2022, 07:33:42 AM
I think there are only 4 survivors today from the 2018 Grand Slam team - Aki, Ryan,Sexton and Furlong
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 05, 2022, 07:37:23 AM
U20s destroyed Wales. Hard to know if Ireland are very good or Wales abysmal. Would possibly lean to the latter as I've read they are really struggling to produce players these days.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 05, 2022, 02:19:06 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 05, 2022, 07:37:23 AM
U20s destroyed Wales. Hard to know if Ireland are very good or Wales abysmal. Would possibly lean to the latter as I've read they are really struggling to produce players these days.

They are struggling for players which is crazy seeing how popular the sport is in Wales and how successful they have been over the last 10 years
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 05, 2022, 02:59:03 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on February 05, 2022, 02:19:06 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 05, 2022, 07:37:23 AM
U20s destroyed Wales. Hard to know if Ireland are very good or Wales abysmal. Would possibly lean to the latter as I've read they are really struggling to produce players these days.

They are struggling for players which is crazy seeing how popular the sport is in Wales and how successful they have been over the last 10 years
Regions are in the doldrums. Welsh domestic rugby is in a sorry state (despite having a couple of high profile wins). They need to consolidate the team (Ospreys and Scarlets) and re-build.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 05, 2022, 03:07:21 PM
Ireland totally dominant but not reflected on the scoreboard the 2 missed penalties were bad and should definitely have gotten at least another try!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 05, 2022, 03:17:03 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 05, 2022, 03:07:21 PM
Ireland totally dominant but not reflected on the scoreboard the 2 missed penalties were bad and should definitely have gotten at least another try!

They should be out of sight. Let's hope no silly mistakes let Wales back in
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 05, 2022, 03:27:02 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on February 05, 2022, 03:17:03 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 05, 2022, 03:07:21 PM
Ireland totally dominant but not reflected on the scoreboard the 2 missed penalties were bad and should definitely have gotten at least another try!

They should be out of sight. Let's hope no silly mistakes let Wales back in
Don't think Wales could capitalise on a mistake. They are very lacklustre.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 05, 2022, 03:30:52 PM
As entertainment this match is dire.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: armaghniac on February 05, 2022, 03:31:53 PM
That's a dirty shoulder on Sexton.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tubberman on February 05, 2022, 03:34:06 PM
Hugh Cahill on RTE is a dose though. Far too partisan and willing to be outraged, like his radio counterpart Michael Corcoran, except Cahills accent is even more annoying.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 05, 2022, 03:34:22 PM
Yeah that's more like it!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 05, 2022, 03:41:45 PM
Quote from: Tubberman on February 05, 2022, 03:34:06 PM
Hugh Cahill on RTE is a dose though. Far too partisan and willing to be outraged, like his radio counterpart Michael Corcoran, except Cahills accent is even more annoying.
In "excuses for wales" mode now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 05, 2022, 03:47:17 PM
Wales are trína chéile.
Ireland doing better in the second half. Some lovely passing
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 05, 2022, 03:49:32 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 05, 2022, 03:41:45 PM
Quote from: Tubberman on February 05, 2022, 03:34:06 PM
Hugh Cahill on RTE is a dose though. Far too partisan and willing to be outraged, like his radio counterpart Michael Corcoran, except Cahills accent is even more annoying.
In "excuses for wales" mode now.

They are missing a lot of big names to be fair... they are gonna struggle over the next few years though if last night is anything to go by!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 05, 2022, 04:03:12 PM
Jesus what a mistake!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 05, 2022, 05:35:43 PM
England totally dominant in the first half but not showing up on the scoreboard. It is looking like Scotlands day. 10-6 up at halftime.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 07, 2022, 08:43:20 AM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/six-nations-andy-farrell-finding-treasure-in-pool-of-uncapped-irish-talent-1.4795194

Hansen, with just nine games with Connacht, managed to do what Hugo Keenan did less than 18 months ago, which was to look like he had played international rugby all his life.
Hansen also accomplished what James Lowe was able to do. He brought his character with him onto the field and the crowd could see it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Ghost on February 07, 2022, 09:44:13 AM
Next weekends game against France should hopefully be a humdinger. Arguably the two form teams in International Rugby at the moment. France were mediocre enough for long parts against Italy but finished strongly and you'd expect them to bring that sort of form into next week's game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 07, 2022, 09:49:23 AM
Quote from: Ghost on February 07, 2022, 09:44:13 AM
Next weekends game against France should hopefully be a humdinger. Arguably the two form teams in International Rugby at the moment. France were mediocre enough for long parts against Italy but finished strongly and you'd expect them to bring that sort of form into next week's game.
I know it's a bit early but people already calling it a Championship decider. ::)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 07, 2022, 09:55:10 AM
Quote from: seafoid on February 07, 2022, 08:43:20 AM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/six-nations-andy-farrell-finding-treasure-in-pool-of-uncapped-irish-talent-1.4795194

Hansen, with just nine games with Connacht, managed to do what Hugo Keenan did less than 18 months ago, which was to look like he had played international rugby all his life.
Hansen also accomplished what James Lowe was able to do. He brought his character with him onto the field and the crowd could see it.

I wouldn't be getting all giddy yet. Wales offered next to nothing in attack, the French game will tell us where Mack is in terms of international rugby.

Promising start all the same.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dag Dog on February 07, 2022, 10:05:03 AM
Quote from: Tubberman on February 05, 2022, 03:34:06 PM
Hugh Cahill on RTE is a dose though. Far too partisan and willing to be outraged, like his radio counterpart Michael Corcoran, except Cahills accent is even more annoying.
He sounds like Ryan Tubridy!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dag Dog on February 07, 2022, 10:06:33 AM
Quote from: screenexile on February 05, 2022, 03:49:32 PM
Quote from: trileacman on February 05, 2022, 03:41:45 PM
Quote from: Tubberman on February 05, 2022, 03:34:06 PM
Hugh Cahill on RTE is a dose though. Far too partisan and willing to be outraged, like his radio counterpart Michael Corcoran, except Cahills accent is even more annoying.
In "excuses for wales" mode now.

They are missing a lot of big names to be fair... they are gonna struggle over the next few years though if last night is anything to go by!!
It's hard to feel sorry for Wales. Their fans are woeful to have to listen to.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on February 10, 2022, 11:21:13 AM
Sexton not in the squad for the French game.

Ireland: Keenan; Conway, Ringrose, Aki, Hansen; Carbery, Gibson-Park; Porter, Kelleher, Furlong; Beirne, Ryan (c); Doris, van der Flier, Conan.

Replacements: Sheehan, Healy, Bealham, Henderson, O'Mahony, Murray, Carty, Henshaw.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 10, 2022, 11:51:43 AM
Quote from: Estimator on February 10, 2022, 11:21:13 AM
Sexton not in the squad for the French game.

Ireland: Keenan; Conway, Ringrose, Aki, Hansen; Carbery, Gibson-Park; Porter, Kelleher, Furlong; Beirne, Ryan (c); Doris, van der Flier, Conan.

Replacements: Sheehan, Healy, Bealham, Henderson, O'Mahony, Murray, Carty, Henshaw.

Now we'll see how we stack up at Out half with Carbery and back up Carty getting a go in a high profile game.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Ghost on February 10, 2022, 12:38:33 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 10, 2022, 11:51:43 AM
Quote from: Estimator on February 10, 2022, 11:21:13 AM
Sexton not in the squad for the French game.

Ireland: Keenan; Conway, Ringrose, Aki, Hansen; Carbery, Gibson-Park; Porter, Kelleher, Furlong; Beirne, Ryan (c); Doris, van der Flier, Conan.

Replacements: Sheehan, Healy, Bealham, Henderson, O'Mahony, Murray, Carty, Henshaw.

Now we'll see how we stack up at Out half with Carbery and back up Carty getting a go in a high profile game.

Could be a blessing in disguise. Sexton is clearly Irelands best option but how long can he go on? Them lads need as much big game experience as possible before the next world Cup.

Glad JGP keeps his spot, they tend to go for Murray when Sexton not available.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 10, 2022, 12:44:44 PM
They are building up to the RWC.
France away is probably the toughest challenge in this 6N
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 10, 2022, 02:07:30 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 10, 2022, 12:44:44 PM
They are building up to the RWC.
France away is probably the toughest challenge in this 6N

Starting Carbery was forced upon Farrell, I'd agree with you if he did give Carbery/Carty/Byrne/Burns game time when Sexton is fit, and yes IMO it's a blessing in disguise as games won't get much tougher than France in Paris and something for both teams to play for.

A big chance for Carbery to show his worth and I hope he comes good.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 10, 2022, 02:19:19 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 10, 2022, 02:07:30 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 10, 2022, 12:44:44 PM
They are building up to the RWC.
France away is probably the toughest challenge in this 6N

Starting Carbery was forced upon Farrell, I'd agree with you if he did give Carbery/Carty/Byrne/Burns game time when Sexton is fit, and yes IMO it's a blessing in disguise as games won't get much tougher than France in Paris and something for both teams to play for.

A big chance for Carbery to show his worth and I hope he comes good.
I read on twitter that Sexton has a hamstring problem. In any case they need cover for all of the positions
No harm.to.tweak the Leinster vs the rest balance.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 11, 2022, 12:03:22 PM
I didn't know that Tadhg Beirne's mother was Brenda Hyland who won the Rose of Tralee in 1983.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Helix. on February 11, 2022, 11:48:43 PM
Great win for the 20s at the death. Hopefully a good start to the weekend.

England 20s losing 6-0 to Italy a turn up for the books too.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on February 12, 2022, 04:55:24 PM
Some start. 10 down and then Never saw a try the like of that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 12, 2022, 05:19:02 PM
Not looking great here to be honest
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 12, 2022, 05:29:26 PM
That half time score flatters us big time
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on February 12, 2022, 05:34:37 PM
French errors have kept Ireland just about in touch but will need something serious to get back in game. Ireland have  been error ridden too but French made more when they were close to scoring.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on February 12, 2022, 05:34:44 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 10, 2022, 12:44:44 PM
They are building up to the RWC.
France away is probably the toughest challenge in this 6N

Is this a parody?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: An Watcher on February 12, 2022, 05:38:59 PM
Is thr ref being tough on ireland?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on February 12, 2022, 05:47:44 PM
Time to bring Carty on.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on February 12, 2022, 05:50:36 PM
Spoke to soon.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on February 12, 2022, 05:54:34 PM
French defending shit when Irish go at them. Hope we can keep it up.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on February 12, 2022, 06:02:44 PM
It's funny how Home and Away makes such a big difference in Rugby, I fancy Ireland to beat France in Dublin. Sexton missing a big difference.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 12, 2022, 06:12:30 PM
Quote from: weareros on February 12, 2022, 05:47:44 PM
Time to bring Carty on.
Hon the Rossies
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 12, 2022, 06:13:49 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on February 12, 2022, 06:02:44 PM
It's funny how Home and Away makes such a big difference in Rugby, I fancy Ireland to beat France in Dublin. Sexton missing a big difference.
It takes an exceptional Irish team to win in Paris.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on February 12, 2022, 06:34:53 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 12, 2022, 06:12:30 PM
Quote from: weareros on February 12, 2022, 05:47:44 PM
Time to bring Carty on.
Hon the Rossies

Shocker of a pass. Threw the last chance away.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on February 12, 2022, 06:36:31 PM
Poor game management in the end, but a courageous performance. Strange decision by referee not to give a penalty advantage to Ireland in the last quarter. 3 tries to 2.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on February 12, 2022, 06:37:46 PM
Ryan made poor choices as captain.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 12, 2022, 06:37:52 PM
Far far too many handling errors. Big mistake not going to the corner with that penalty on 73mins. The garyowen with the clock about to go red was ridiculously stupid but hey it seems to be the Irish tactic for a decade now to just kick possession away
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 12, 2022, 06:38:58 PM
Should have kicked for the corner instead of taking the 3 points with the last penalty. We never got another good chance. Still a good performance from Ireland in the second half.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on February 12, 2022, 06:42:56 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on February 12, 2022, 06:37:52 PM
Far far too many handling errors. Big mistake not going to the corner with that penalty on 73mins. The garyowen with the clock about to go red was ridiculously stupid but hey it seems to be the Irish tactic for a decade now to just kick possession away

I know very little about Rugby tactics, but that seemed a crazy decision.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 12, 2022, 07:27:45 PM
Quote from: weareros on February 12, 2022, 06:34:53 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 12, 2022, 06:12:30 PM
Quote from: weareros on February 12, 2022, 05:47:44 PM
Time to bring Carty on.
Hon the Rossies

Shocker of a pass. Threw the last chance away.
What a load of shite that was. Needed a cool head on the ball at that stage. If they had gone through the phases I would have no doubt France would have given away a pen. Kick to the corner, maul, try and conversion. Simple  :)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 12, 2022, 09:46:49 PM
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2022/02/12/france-v-ireland-live-score-six-nations-2022-latest-updates/

Ireland are amassing a squad capable of challenging the world's best, and increasingly have the game to go with the grunt. Carbery has shown himself capable, not only of standing in for Sexton, but offering Ireland something different, something more instinctive. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on February 12, 2022, 10:27:40 PM
In reality the Best result for Ireland don't need all the hype and pressure again a season before wc
Building a good squad and a nice style of play , peaking next October is the key for this team and management
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 13, 2022, 12:26:04 AM
Questioned the not kicking into touch rather than taking the 3 points to my well knowledgeable  rugby friend today, he said 3 points and a chance to kick another 3  points was better considering Ireland's poor line outs during the game, up on till late on in the second half France were more disciplined and not giving up penalties, but more pressure provided Ireland with a chance to not not lose.

It's easy to say kick to corner but they were not convincing during the game, it would have been a complete steal had Ireland won
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2022, 12:29:16 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 13, 2022, 12:26:04 AM
Questioned the not kicking into touch rather than taking the 3 points to my well knowledgeable  rugby friend today, he said 3 points and a chance to kick another 3  points was better considering Ireland's poor line outs during the game, up on till late on in the second half France were more disciplined and not giving up penalties, but more pressure provided Ireland with a chance to not not lose.

It's easy to say kick to corner but they were not convincing during the game, it would have been a complete steal had Ireland won
Another pen would have given them a draw. It was the wrong decision. 3 points or no points probably irrelevant - line-out maul is in the DNA of this Ireland team for the last 10 years so it should have been the option. Risk vs reward it was the wrong decision but it didn't lose them the match. There were other poor decisions in the last 10.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 13, 2022, 12:39:37 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2022, 12:29:16 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 13, 2022, 12:26:04 AM
Questioned the not kicking into touch rather than taking the 3 points to my well knowledgeable  rugby friend today, he said 3 points and a chance to kick another 3  points was better considering Ireland's poor line outs during the game, up on till late on in the second half France were more disciplined and not giving up penalties, but more pressure provided Ireland with a chance to not not lose.

It's easy to say kick to corner but they were not convincing during the game, it would have been a complete steal had Ireland won
Another pen would have given them a draw. It was the wrong decision. 3 points or no points probably irrelevant - line-out maul is in the DNA of this Ireland team for the last 10 years so it should have been the option. Risk vs reward it was the wrong decision but it didn't lose them the match. There were other poor decisions in the last 10.

I asked the question because I thought go to the corner, his view was that they'd been so poor that the chance to draw was better than losing, now the championship will be France's.

But as you say from what I seen (30 minutes onwards) Ireland didn't deserve to win
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2022, 12:44:17 AM
Funnily enough I had the same chat with the young fella last week as they had a match and they had a relatively straightforward penalty to put them relatively safe with 10 mins left but they went to the corner. I asked do the teachers or the kickers chose and apparently the kicker didn't even know the score  ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on February 13, 2022, 07:57:58 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 13, 2022, 12:39:37 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2022, 12:29:16 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 13, 2022, 12:26:04 AM
Questioned the not kicking into touch rather than taking the 3 points to my well knowledgeable  rugby friend today, he said 3 points and a chance to kick another 3  points was better considering Ireland's poor line outs during the game, up on till late on in the second half France were more disciplined and not giving up penalties, but more pressure provided Ireland with a chance to not not lose.

It's easy to say kick to corner but they were not convincing during the game, it would have been a complete steal had Ireland won
Another pen would have given them a draw. It was the wrong decision. 3 points or no points probably irrelevant - line-out maul is in the DNA of this Ireland team for the last 10 years so it should have been the option. Risk vs reward it was the wrong decision but it didn't lose them the match. There were other poor decisions in the last 10.

I asked the question because I thought go to the corner, his view was that they'd been so poor that the chance to draw was better than losing, now the championship will be France's.

But as you say from what I seen (30 minutes onwards) Ireland didn't deserve to win

They scored two second half tries from kicks to the corner. Think they bottled it after they lost the one off the Beirne kick.

Good game, one Ireland could, but probably shouldn't have won.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 14, 2022, 08:40:08 AM
Time to put Conor Murray out to pasture. Offers nothing from the bench!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tiempo on February 14, 2022, 09:04:12 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 14, 2022, 08:40:08 AM
Time to put Conor Murray out to pasture. Offers nothing from the bench!

Personally i think he should be starting, he is Irish after all

Is there anything to be said for a third anthem for the Antipodean cohort?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 14, 2022, 09:14:52 AM
Quote from: tiempo on February 14, 2022, 09:04:12 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 14, 2022, 08:40:08 AM
Time to put Conor Murray out to pasture. Offers nothing from the bench!

Personally i think he should be starting, he is Irish after all

Is there anything to be said for a third anthem for the Antipodean cohort?

I'd start Casey or Doak over him he's that poor.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2022, 09:19:49 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 14, 2022, 09:14:52 AM
Quote from: tiempo on February 14, 2022, 09:04:12 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 14, 2022, 08:40:08 AM
Time to put Conor Murray out to pasture. Offers nothing from the bench!

Personally i think he should be starting, he is Irish after all

Is there anything to be said for a third anthem for the Antipodean cohort?

I'd start Casey or Doak over him he's that poor.

On Doak's current form he'd be an upgrade based on Murray's age and and form
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 14, 2022, 09:33:56 AM
Yep Doak is the long term Irish 9 for me. Think Casey's progress has stalled a bit. Doak serious off the tee as well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 14, 2022, 11:08:01 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 14, 2022, 08:40:08 AM
Time to put Conor Murray out to pasture. Offers nothing from the bench!

Feckin box kicking all the time.... Does my head in and I don't think we ever gained possession back from one of them...

As for the game itself, it was looking dire for most of the first half, France were bossing everything and only for the opportunistic try from Hansen to steal in over two French lads it was curtains..

Credit where it's due though, Ireland fought their way back into it only for unforced errors, knock ons and the odd attacking lineout going astray would have had France under even more pressure than they did.
Yes, taking the three points from the penalty rather than going for the corner did seem to be a different mentality than what we've seen recently from them and irrespective of who's captain that should be an ingrained culture within the group which evidently isn't the case. Ryan carrying the can for that one but he may have been right to take the three and then garner possession from the restart and build from there, a big ask all the same but then this;;

Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on February 12, 2022, 06:37:52 PM
Far far too many handling errors. Big mistake not going to the corner with that penalty on 73mins. The garyowen with the clock about to go red was ridiculously stupid but hey it seems to be the Irish tactic for a decade now to just kick possession away

That was indeed the height of stupidity, couldn't believe it.

Losing point garnered and France not getting the 4 trys still keeps Ireland in contention if France have a slip up in Twickenham.

Plus the French might be a bit more concerned if the two meet again the the WC come the time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dag Dog on February 14, 2022, 12:25:36 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 14, 2022, 11:08:01 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 14, 2022, 08:40:08 AM
Time to put Conor Murray out to pasture. Offers nothing from the bench!

Feckin box kicking all the time.... Does my head in and I don't think we ever gained possession back from one of them...

As for the game itself, it was looking dire for most of the first half, France were bossing everything and only for the opportunistic try from Hansen to steal in over two French lads it was curtains..

Credit where it's due though, Ireland fought their way back into it only for unforced errors, knock ons and the odd attacking lineout going astray would have had France under even more pressure than they did.
Yes, taking the three points from the penalty rather than going for the corner did seem to be a different mentality than what we've seen recently from them and irrespective of who's captain that should be an ingrained culture within the group which evidently isn't the case. Ryan carrying the can for that one but he may have been right to take the three and then garner possession from the restart and build from there, a big ask all the same but then this;;

Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on February 12, 2022, 06:37:52 PM
Far far too many handling errors. Big mistake not going to the corner with that penalty on 73mins. The garyowen with the clock about to go red was ridiculously stupid but hey it seems to be the Irish tactic for a decade now to just kick possession away

That was indeed the height of stupidity, couldn't believe it.

Losing point garnered and France not getting the 4 trys still keeps Ireland in contention if France have a slip up in Twickenham.

Plus the French might be a bit more concerned if the two meet again the the WC come the time.

England play France in Paris, so less chance of the French slipping up.
Though it is still possible.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 17, 2022, 12:17:05 PM
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2022/02/17/south-africa-look-join-six-nations-could-expense-italy/

South Africa look to join Six Nations - and it could be at the expense of Italy
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 17, 2022, 01:47:47 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 17, 2022, 12:17:05 PM
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2022/02/17/south-africa-look-join-six-nations-could-expense-italy/

South Africa look to join Six Nations - and it could be at the expense of Italy
It is proving deeply unpopular from the reaction I have seen online.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 17, 2022, 02:34:48 PM
The Six Nations sold a 14.3 per cent stake in the Six Nations to CVC  last year for a cost of £365 million. CVC is Private Equity.

The All Blacks did a similar deal with an outfit called silver Lake.
There will probably be lots of change.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 25, 2022, 03:19:23 PM
Carbery gets a start even with a fit Sexton, IMO the right decision with the WC in mind.

Lowry also gets the nod, good to see new blood in there.

Ireland: 15 Michael Lowry, 14 Mack Hansen, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 James Lowe, 10 Joey Carbery, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Caelan Doris, 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Peter O'Mahony (c), 5 Ryan Baird, 4 Tadhg Beirne, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Dan Sheehan, 1 Andrew Porter
Replacements: 16 Rob Herring, 17 Dave Kilcoyne, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Kieran Treadwell, 20 Jack Conan, 21 Craig Casey, 22 Johnny Sexton, 23 James Hume
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 25, 2022, 03:32:03 PM
I'd say they're resting Sexton for Twickenham. That's a good 15 and nice to see Lowry starting. Gibson-Park isn't the long-term answer at 9 imo.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on February 25, 2022, 03:52:50 PM
I wasn't familiar with Craig Casey, is he really 5'5"
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 25, 2022, 04:03:40 PM
Quote from: dec on February 25, 2022, 03:52:50 PM
I wasn't familiar with Craig Casey, is he really 5'5"
Probably is about that. Lowry can't be much more than 5'6" or 7". Hasn't held them back.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 25, 2022, 07:35:29 PM
Casey is only 5 foot 5 inches but he is still a good rubgy player.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 27, 2022, 03:49:38 PM
Bullshit there didn't like the red card and the 13 men thing is stupid.

I know it was meant to be easy but this has completely destroyed the atmosphere!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on February 27, 2022, 03:51:54 PM
Rugby has some ridiculous rules, has reduced Ireland v Italy to a pointless game as a contest.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 27, 2022, 06:26:23 PM
Was out watching it and this rule is brought into protect players in the scrum. As for the red card I was looking at a yellow. The red was too much, ruined it for both teams and audience

Ireland did what they needed to do.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 27, 2022, 09:24:59 PM
Red cards for O Mahony and a Scotch player both against Wales destroyed last years championship as well. There was no need for a red card today but the rules don't leave the refs with any option but to send players off.

It is a physical mans game and needs to be reffed as such. It is not the chess world championship.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 27, 2022, 10:15:17 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 27, 2022, 09:24:59 PM
Red cards for O Mahony and a Scotch player both against Wales destroyed last years championship as well. There was no need for a red card today but the rules don't leave the refs with any option but to send players off.

It is a physical mans game and needs to be reffed as such. It is not the chess world championship.
Agreed.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on February 27, 2022, 10:23:02 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 27, 2022, 10:15:17 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on February 27, 2022, 09:24:59 PM
Red cards for O Mahony and a Scotch player both against Wales destroyed last years championship as well. There was no need for a red card today but the rules don't leave the refs with any option but to send players off.

It is a physical mans game and needs to be reffed as such. It is not the chess world championship.
Agreed.
every second  decision in rugby in northern hemisphere rugby goes to the Tmo but watch a game of Southern Hemisphere rugby and they barely use them, much more free flowing and way easier watch
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 27, 2022, 11:33:31 PM
The difference in my mind is that in the northern hemisphere they're all too aware that the lawsuits are coming, so they're trying to get in front.

I've said multiple times on rugby threads that the professional game is fucked. Insurance will kill it. But while we have the game, referees really should be allowed to interpret the difference between the potential outcome and the actual outcome.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 28, 2022, 01:17:54 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 27, 2022, 11:33:31 PM
The difference in my mind is that in the northern hemisphere they're all too aware that the lawsuits are coming, so they're trying to get in front.

I've said multiple times on rugby threads that the professional game is fucked. Insurance will kill it. But while we have the game, referees really should be allowed to interpret the difference between the potential outcome and the actual outcome.
In the northern hemisphere the national teams play 5 matches in the 6N. If they are pro they train more and are bigger but is it really justifiable?  Amateurs might play a more sustainable game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tiempo on February 28, 2022, 01:44:05 PM
Amateur level is just as brutal pound for pound, right down to social level, lads cross the white line mainly for a tear up, which is fine, but the risks aren't going away any time soon unless its recodified to something not resembling rugby as we know it
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 28, 2022, 02:02:18 PM
The IRFU make around 5 million per full house in the 6N. That won't cover many class action dementia claims.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 28, 2022, 03:21:50 PM
"The laws dictated that the Azzurri would have to then bring on a front rower for what would be uncontested scrums and, in doing so, lose yet another player from elsewhere on the field. Off went their winger Pierre Bruno and they were down to 13 men."

I've saw this quoted in several media outlets, but can I get clarification...

I understand the need to replace a front rower with a front rower even if there's little danger to a "untrained" person in an uncontested scrum but they're not down to 13, they've 14 on the field, but three of those are props...

Is that not the way it played out?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 28, 2022, 04:57:51 PM
Basically the new law is to prevent the team who has had a man sent off from getting an advantage from an uncontested scrum so they are further penalised by nominating an additional player to leave the field. But it totally kills the match is the bit they missed!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 28, 2022, 05:04:09 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 28, 2022, 04:57:51 PM
Basically the new law is to prevent the team who has had a man sent off from getting an advantage from an uncontested scrum so they are further penalised by nominating an additional player to leave the field. But it totally kills the match is the bit they missed!

The centre I think it was left to be replaced by a prop, so they still had 14 on the field, not 13 as is being reported.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on February 28, 2022, 08:08:01 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 28, 2022, 05:04:09 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 28, 2022, 04:57:51 PM
Basically the new law is to prevent the team who has had a man sent off from getting an advantage from an uncontested scrum so they are further penalised by nominating an additional player to leave the field. But it totally kills the match is the bit they missed!

The centre I think it was left to be replaced by a prop, so they still had 14 on the field, not 13 as is being reported.
Their no8 also had to go off, in addition to the back, Bruno. So they were down to 13.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 28, 2022, 09:06:18 PM
Quote from: Hound on February 28, 2022, 08:08:01 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 28, 2022, 05:04:09 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 28, 2022, 04:57:51 PM
Basically the new law is to prevent the team who has had a man sent off from getting an advantage from an uncontested scrum so they are further penalised by nominating an additional player to leave the field. But it totally kills the match is the bit they missed!

The centre I think it was left to be replaced by a prop, so they still had 14 on the field, not 13 as is being reported.
Their no8 also had to go off, in addition to the back, Bruno. So they were down to 13.

Then that is a balls of a law, suffice to remove one back for the prop, but a back row as well!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Keyser soze on March 01, 2022, 09:22:04 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 28, 2022, 05:04:09 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 28, 2022, 04:57:51 PM
Basically the new law is to prevent the team who has had a man sent off from getting an advantage from an uncontested scrum so they are further penalised by nominating an additional player to leave the field. But it totally kills the match is the bit they missed!

The centre I think it was left to be replaced by a prop, so they still had 14 on the field, not 13 as is being reported.

Holy f**k
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on March 01, 2022, 02:33:31 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 28, 2022, 03:21:50 PM
"The laws dictated that the Azzurri would have to then bring on a front rower for what would be uncontested scrums and, in doing so, lose yet another player from elsewhere on the field. Off went their winger Pierre Bruno and they were down to 13 men."

I've saw this quoted in several media outlets, but can I get clarification...

I understand the need to replace a front rower with a front rower even if there's little danger to a "untrained" person in an uncontested scrum but they're not down to 13, they've 14 on the field, but three of those are props...

Is that not the way it played out?

As well as replacing the back with a front row player, they also lost an additional player as a punishment for causing uncontested scrums
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on March 01, 2022, 04:47:21 PM
Quote from: dec on March 01, 2022, 02:33:31 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 28, 2022, 03:21:50 PM
"The laws dictated that the Azzurri would have to then bring on a front rower for what would be uncontested scrums and, in doing so, lose yet another player from elsewhere on the field. Off went their winger Pierre Bruno and they were down to 13 men."

I've saw this quoted in several media outlets, but can I get clarification...

I understand the need to replace a front rower with a front rower even if there's little danger to a "untrained" person in an uncontested scrum but they're not down to 13, they've 14 on the field, but three of those are props...

Is that not the way it played out?

As well as replacing the back with a front row player, they also lost an additional player as a punishment for causing uncontested scrums

I get that now, but having one hooker injured and then another red carded probably wasn't thought through when they were coming up with this rule.

I can see why they felt the need to do something to prevent teams getting hammered in the scrum trying to get to a position where they'd be uncontested all the same and take advantage of it, they certainly made sure that was never a goer..

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 01, 2022, 09:46:06 PM
They'll need to bring an extra hooker next time
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on March 11, 2022, 01:07:18 PM
Teams for tomorrows game. Might be a late change for the English as Itoje could be ruled out with illness.
Ireland going with tried and tested once again.


Ireland: 15-Keenan, 14-Conway, 13-Ringrose, 12-Aki, 11-Lowe, 10-Sexton (capt), 9-Gibson Park; 1-Healy, 2-Sheehan, 3-Furlong, 4-Beirne, 5-Ryan, 6-O'Mahony, 7-Van der Flier, 8-Doris

Replacements: 16-Herring, 17-Kilcoyne, 18-Bealham, 19-Henderson, 20-Conan, 21-Murray, 22-Carbery, 23-Henshaw




England: 15-Steward, 14-Malins, 13-Slade, 12-Marchant, 11-Nowell, 10-Smith, 9-Randall; 1-Genge, 2-George, 3-Sinckler, 4-Itoje, 5-Ewels, 6-Lawes (capt), 7-Curry, 8-Simmonds

Replacements: 16-Blamire, 17-Marler, 18-Stuart, 19-Launchbury, 20-Dombrandt, 21-Youngs, 22-Ford, 23-Daly

Ireland: 15-Keenan, 14-Conway, 13-Ringrose, 12-Aki, 11-Lowe, 10-Sexton (capt), 9-Gibson Park; 1-Healy, 2-Sheehan, 3-Furlong, 4-Beirne, 5-Ryan, 6-O'Mahony, 7-Van der Flier, 8-Doris

Replacements: 16-Herring, 17-Kilcoyne, 18-Bealham, 19-Henderson, 20-Conan, 21-Murray, 22-Carbery, 23-Henshaw
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 11, 2022, 02:39:27 PM
Itoje would be a serious miss for England if he fails to make it. Great player and an absolute pain in the arse for Ireland over the years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 11, 2022, 02:51:29 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 11, 2022, 02:39:27 PM
Itoje would be a serious miss for England if he fails to make it. Great player and an absolute pain in the arse for Ireland over the years.

He's a big pain in the arse, has cleaned up his fouling also.  Both teams similar this year in form behind France, think it's a very winnable game!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on March 11, 2022, 03:41:33 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 11, 2022, 02:51:29 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 11, 2022, 02:39:27 PM
Itoje would be a serious miss for England if he fails to make it. Great player and an absolute pain in the arse for Ireland over the years.

He's a big pain in the arse, has cleaned up his fouling also.  Both teams similar this year in form behind France, think it's a very winnable game!

Mack Hansen must be injured I presume.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 11, 2022, 09:15:32 PM
Wales should be winning here. France looking very ordinary tonight
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on March 11, 2022, 09:41:24 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on March 11, 2022, 09:15:32 PM
Wales should be winning here. France looking very ordinary tonight

Serious amount of errors from both teams.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 11, 2022, 09:49:56 PM
The number of games Wales have stolen in recent yrs is unreal. The time you need them to win and they butcher chance after chance. They should have won comfortably. France were crap in that second half
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on March 11, 2022, 09:56:36 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on March 11, 2022, 09:49:56 PM
The number of games Wales have stolen in recent yrs is unreal. The time you need them to win and they butcher chance after chance. They should have won comfortably. France were crap in that second half

France completely malfunctioned in the second half. Wales should've had at least a couple of tries.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on March 12, 2022, 12:18:07 PM
Quote from: Estimator on March 11, 2022, 09:56:36 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on March 11, 2022, 09:49:56 PM
The number of games Wales have stolen in recent yrs is unreal. The time you need them to win and they butcher chance after chance. They should have won comfortably. France were crap in that second half

France completely malfunctioned in the second half. Wales should've had at least a couple of tries.

their attacking was poor from the French but their defence was sound so every yard gained by the Welsh was hard one.

In saying that the Welsh left a try behind them in the second half and that could have changed the French outlook as I thought they kicked too much and that suited the Welsh.

France with the ball in hand are a different beast, not sure why they didn't go that route more often..


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on March 12, 2022, 05:01:59 PM
Great to see Cian  Healy back starting for a guy who looked finished 4 years ago
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 12, 2022, 05:05:09 PM
Ireland passing f**king shocking. Trying to over do it with the extra man
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 12, 2022, 05:21:39 PM
Ireland front row getting hammered
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 12, 2022, 05:23:58 PM
7 penalties given away, shocking, should been out of sight here, playing poorly.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on March 12, 2022, 05:24:27 PM
Ref making up for sending off
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 12, 2022, 05:24:32 PM
Ireland have been awful
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on March 12, 2022, 05:26:13 PM
Looked like we were going to stream roll them after the sending off, but now even getting outsung in stands on the day Pete St John passed away. The Fields should be blasting from lungs.But would expect to pull away in second half.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 12, 2022, 05:35:48 PM
Henderson playing it on the ground in front of the posts, Ireland been very poor.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 12, 2022, 05:52:37 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 12, 2022, 05:35:48 PM
Henderson playing it on the ground in front of the posts, Ireland been very poor.

Henderson having a nightmare
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 12, 2022, 05:57:14 PM
Poor. Sending off has left England no option but to fight for every yard which is doing them no harm.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 12, 2022, 06:01:53 PM
Front row been shocking, Have had their asses handed to them. Ireland should been drilling in a try there.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: quit yo jibbajabba on March 12, 2022, 06:03:25 PM
Jesus that celebratin after every f**king decision wouldnt be long annoyin ye. Comin into the gaa rightly too
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 12, 2022, 06:05:34 PM
Big difference playing all blacks on a Autumn tour when they on winedown and a critical 6 nations game against England. When the last time a international team didn't beat a 14 man team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 12, 2022, 06:07:16 PM
Get that Henderson man off, brutal.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 12, 2022, 06:07:53 PM
Feels like the PSG game the other night only 1 team in it!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 12, 2022, 06:09:52 PM
Needs to empty the bench because so many of the lads playing have been a disgrace today
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on March 12, 2022, 06:10:33 PM
Ireland taking a lot of punishment under the high kicks.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 12, 2022, 06:11:03 PM
It's getting embarrassing now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Ghost on March 12, 2022, 06:11:37 PM
Win or lose this has been a monumental effort from England's scrum.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 12, 2022, 06:12:00 PM
Nah, remembers me more of Tyrone against Derry 95, way ahead. Men up and calfed it. Sexton gone missing, front row hammered. Line out shocking, should been winning this gane by 20pts when 15 6 up.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: galwayman on March 12, 2022, 06:12:51 PM
Every knock on is essentially a penalty to England given how shambolic the scrum is.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Farrandeelin on March 12, 2022, 06:14:01 PM
Only started watching the last 10 minutes or so...terrible stuff from Ireland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 12, 2022, 06:14:38 PM
Quote from: Ghost on March 12, 2022, 06:11:37 PM
Win or lose this has been a monumental effort from England's scrum.

They are wheeling the scrum  not pushing straight but ref doesnt care
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 12, 2022, 06:15:37 PM
f**k me, spread it wide
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 12, 2022, 06:16:58 PM
Offside all day long
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 12, 2022, 06:18:38 PM
2m from the line and we going for a goal, says it all.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 12, 2022, 06:22:38 PM
More brain farts from conway. You couldnt make it up
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 12, 2022, 06:24:07 PM
Watching Ireland 30yrs, am sure their were days they had many a hammering, but I never seen a game they should won easy after the man send off. So many mistakes and men playing poor and hiding, Keenan and Park the only guys playing anything.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 12, 2022, 06:26:03 PM
That fumble sums up the match
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 12, 2022, 06:27:30 PM
f**k me at long last
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 12, 2022, 06:28:18 PM
Bench starting to make a difference
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 12, 2022, 06:31:57 PM
Worst BP victory ever ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 12, 2022, 06:32:29 PM
Win's a win and with a bonus point and at Twickenham dunno what the problem is lads!!!

Healy not good enough anymore but a lot of lads struggled today. Fair play to England they brought some intensity to the game with 14 men!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 12, 2022, 06:32:40 PM
Should be winning that game by 20pts with a extra man.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: quit yo jibbajabba on March 12, 2022, 06:37:38 PM
Not a huge fan nowadays but by fcuk ye never tire o batin them basturts

*sips heineken*
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on March 12, 2022, 06:56:54 PM
Poor display from Ireland, really can't handle expectation at all, hence the reason we fill the togs come WC.
Whilst I do think the referee was generous to England since the red card, especially in the scrum, the poor handling and decision making had given England a chance they shouldn't have had.

That said a bonus points win is as good a result as you could want ..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 12, 2022, 07:18:15 PM
VERY flattering scoreline for Ireland and harsh on England. Hosed all day long in the scrum.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on March 12, 2022, 07:19:44 PM
Think Irekand could win this world Cup if the other teams only have 14 players.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on March 12, 2022, 07:51:42 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 12, 2022, 07:18:15 PM
VERY flattering scoreline for Ireland and harsh on England. Hosed all day long in the scrum.
Surely England were just swinging around the scrum all gane? They definitively weren't pushing straight
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 12, 2022, 07:56:26 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on March 12, 2022, 07:51:42 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 12, 2022, 07:18:15 PM
VERY flattering scoreline for Ireland and harsh on England. Hosed all day long in the scrum.
Surely England were just swinging around the scrum all gane? They definitively weren't pushing straight
They were ran through more than once. Rightly or wrongly loads of refs favour the team doing the shoving.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on March 12, 2022, 08:20:21 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on March 12, 2022, 07:51:42 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 12, 2022, 07:18:15 PM
VERY flattering scoreline for Ireland and harsh on England. Hosed all day long in the scrum.
Surely England were just swinging around the scrum all gane? They definitively weren't pushing straight

Exactly, ref seemed like he was trying to even things up after the justified sending off. How many times were England offside, completely unpunished.
4 tries to zero never threatened the try line, just got scrum penalties. Thought Henshaw, Conan & Murray did very well when introduced. Healy, Beirne, Henderson, O Mahoney, Aki, Ringrose pretty anonymous. Otjoe & Genge had huge games for England.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 12, 2022, 09:05:37 PM
Henderson has a lot of miles on the clock and as well as the mistakes appeared gassed early in the second half.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on March 12, 2022, 09:29:56 PM
Good times for irish rugby compared to the late 80s early 90s when we could hardly win a game. The u20s have 4 from 4 & face bottom Scotland at home to win the grand slam.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on March 12, 2022, 10:19:32 PM
Quote from: Rudi on March 12, 2022, 09:29:56 PM
Good times for irish rugby compared to the late 80s early 90s when we could hardly win a game. The u20s have 4 from 4 & face bottom Scotland at home to win the grand slam.
absolutely beating England by 17 points in twickenham even with 14 is a great result, got a bit messy trying to offload from bad positions and panicking a bit in attack. Scrum was a mess but Porter should help and England looked to be wheeling it illegally,Sheehan looks great .2023 wc is where it's at for Ireland though they have to get to semi final 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 13, 2022, 07:44:27 AM
Quote from: Rudi on March 12, 2022, 09:29:56 PM
Good times for irish rugby compared to the late 80s early 90s when we could hardly win a game. The u20s have 4 from 4 & face bottom Scotland at home to win the grand slam.


In the 14 seasons between 1986 and 1999, Ireland won 12, drew two and lost 42 matches, and were never remotely title contenders

They had a great team in 1973 however.

https://youtu.be/hwcpVNFdSBs
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 14, 2022, 08:06:52 AM
France look like they will be ready for the Rugby World Cup.
England have work to do .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on March 14, 2022, 08:09:25 AM
Ready now is not ready for the World Cup. As we know all too well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 14, 2022, 08:48:17 AM
Quote from: Hound on March 14, 2022, 08:09:25 AM
Ready now is not ready for the World Cup. As we know all too well.
Not sure if that applies to pack weights. France are huge
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 14, 2022, 11:09:52 AM
A Triple Crown is always welcome.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on March 14, 2022, 11:46:54 AM
Quote from: seafoid on March 14, 2022, 11:09:52 AM
A Triple Crown is always welcome.

If France and England draw, have Ireland a chance of stealing in with a bonus point victory over the Scots?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on March 14, 2022, 12:05:03 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on March 14, 2022, 11:46:54 AM
Quote from: seafoid on March 14, 2022, 11:09:52 AM
A Triple Crown is always welcome.

If France and England draw, have Ireland a chance of stealing in with a bonus point victory over the Scots?

They can win outright without a bonus point if England / France draw.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Never beat the deeler on March 14, 2022, 01:51:39 PM
Quote from: Rudi on March 14, 2022, 12:05:03 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on March 14, 2022, 11:46:54 AM
Quote from: seafoid on March 14, 2022, 11:09:52 AM
A Triple Crown is always welcome.

If France and England draw, have Ireland a chance of stealing in with a bonus point victory over the Scots?

They can win outright without a bonus point if England / France draw.

Yes, that's what that last try gave them. Also, if England win, any win against the Scots will be enough
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 14, 2022, 01:54:05 PM
I'll be putting my money on a French win by at least 9 points.. Even though for large parts Ireland were rubbish, England haven't been great
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 14, 2022, 01:59:50 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 14, 2022, 01:54:05 PM
I'll be putting my money on a French win by at least 9 points.. Even though for large parts Ireland were rubbish, England haven't been great
Yes for all their gallant defence against a misfiring Ireland team, they scored zero tries. Having said that France didn't look amazing against Wales but crucially they didn't go all "France" and hit the self-destruct button when the going got tough.

On another note, I'd recommend "Slammed" on BBC - excellent 3 parter on Wales rugby team from 1998-2008 and all the politics that went along with it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 14, 2022, 02:53:18 PM
There will be no pressure on England.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 14, 2022, 03:43:36 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 14, 2022, 02:53:18 PM
There will be no pressure on England.
They'll likely finish 4th if they lose so plenty of pressure on Eddie Jones I'd say. They'll not roll over.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on March 14, 2022, 07:11:32 PM
Remember 2007 Ireland slaughtered the English in croke  park ? well England made it to the wc final that year and we were absolutely brutal in the wc,  England normally get the World Cup preparations right us on  The other hand not so much.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on March 14, 2022, 08:07:45 PM
Hard to see how England can score enough to beat France on Saturday. Only 7 tries scored and 5 of them against Italy. Only one each against Scotland and Wales.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 15, 2022, 07:58:20 AM
Quote from: Gmac on March 14, 2022, 07:11:32 PM
Remember 2007 Ireland slaughtered the English in croke  park ? well England made it to the wc final that year and we were absolutely brutal in the wc,  England normally get the World Cup preparations right us on  The other hand not so much.
In 2015 they didn't get past the pool stage.
That's why Farrell and Lancaster are working for the IRFU now.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on March 15, 2022, 10:28:39 AM
Quote from: seafoid on March 15, 2022, 07:58:20 AM
Quote from: Gmac on March 14, 2022, 07:11:32 PM
Remember 2007 Ireland slaughtered the English in croke  park ? well England made it to the wc final that year and we were absolutely brutal in the wc,  England normally get the World Cup preparations right us on  The other hand not so much.
In 2015 they didn't get past the pool stage.
That's why Farrell and Lancaster are working for the IRFU now.

And on their home turf..

I'd have the same concerns in relation to WC readiness and want to see more of Carbery at this level for the very reason we seem to go to WC's with too many players past their peak and being reliant on them, thinking Cian Healey, possibly Furlong, Beirne, Murray, Mahony etc etc, hard to age some of those lads in all fairness.

There's a bit of cover for most of those but not to the levels we think.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 15, 2022, 11:23:16 AM
I don't think Healy and O'Mahony would be up to it for another WC.

I think Murray would be fine as an impact sub and Furlong and Beirne are still top level players. At this stage Henderson is only fit for that role as well he was out there too long on Saturday.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: NAG1 on March 15, 2022, 11:26:42 AM
Quote from: screenexile on March 15, 2022, 11:23:16 AM
I don't think Healy and O'Mahony would be up to it for another WC.

I think Murray would be fine as an impact sub and Furlong and Beirne are still top level players. At this stage Henderson is only fit for that role as well he was out there too long on Saturday.

Which if any of those forwards are able to play the full game at international level now, 1-8 could nearly be replaced in any game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 15, 2022, 11:38:49 AM
Quote from: NAG1 on March 15, 2022, 11:26:42 AM
Quote from: screenexile on March 15, 2022, 11:23:16 AM
I don't think Healy and O'Mahony would be up to it for another WC.

I think Murray would be fine as an impact sub and Furlong and Beirne are still top level players. At this stage Henderson is only fit for that role as well he was out there too long on Saturday.

Which if any of those forwards are able to play the full game at international level now, 1-8 could nearly be replaced in any game.

Probably fair but I don't think you're getting 60mins out of O'Mahony/Henderson/Healy and that should really be a minimum requirement given the injuries you get at a WC tournament.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 15, 2022, 01:33:44 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 14, 2022, 01:59:50 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 14, 2022, 01:54:05 PM
I'll be putting my money on a French win by at least 9 points.. Even though for large parts Ireland were rubbish, England haven't been great
Yes for all their gallant defence against a misfiring Ireland team, they scored zero tries. Having said that France didn't look amazing against Wales but crucially they didn't go all "France" and hit the self-destruct button when the going got tough.

On another note, I'd recommend "Slammed" on BBC - excellent 3 parter on Wales rugby team from 1998-2008 and all the politics that went along with it.

Just watched slammed. Thanks for the heads up. Great show although i felt frustrated watching it and reminding myself that an ok welsh team yo yo between grand slams and near wooden spoon seasons but O Sullivans Ireland team for the best part of a decade were consistently very good but didnt win a single championship nevermind a slam
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 15, 2022, 01:52:03 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on March 15, 2022, 01:33:44 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 14, 2022, 01:59:50 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 14, 2022, 01:54:05 PM
I'll be putting my money on a French win by at least 9 points.. Even though for large parts Ireland were rubbish, England haven't been great
Yes for all their gallant defence against a misfiring Ireland team, they scored zero tries. Having said that France didn't look amazing against Wales but crucially they didn't go all "France" and hit the self-destruct button when the going got tough.

On another note, I'd recommend "Slammed" on BBC - excellent 3 parter on Wales rugby team from 1998-2008 and all the politics that went along with it.

Just watched slammed. Thanks for the heads up. Great show although i felt frustrated watching it and reminding myself that an ok welsh team yo yo between grand slams and near wooden spoon seasons but O Sullivans Ireland team for the best part of a decade were consistently very good but didnt win a single championship nevermind a slam
They didn't have the full 15 of the required standard. That took the injection of the Aki element.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 15, 2022, 02:37:18 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 15, 2022, 01:52:03 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on March 15, 2022, 01:33:44 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 14, 2022, 01:59:50 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 14, 2022, 01:54:05 PM
I'll be putting my money on a French win by at least 9 points.. Even though for large parts Ireland were rubbish, England haven't been great
Yes for all their gallant defence against a misfiring Ireland team, they scored zero tries. Having said that France didn't look amazing against Wales but crucially they didn't go all "France" and hit the self-destruct button when the going got tough.

On another note, I'd recommend "Slammed" on BBC - excellent 3 parter on Wales rugby team from 1998-2008 and all the politics that went along with it.


They didn't have the full 15 of the required standard. That took the injection of the Aki element.

They were still unlucky though not to at least win a championship as they were arguably a  better team than Wales and yet had nothing to show for it. Maybe choked a little when it mattered, they certainly gave France far too much respect during those yrs as they had a great record against the English but a terrible one against France
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 15, 2022, 03:08:42 PM
Just to highlight how Wales yo yo, here is an up to date all time 6 nations table

ENGLAND W77 D2 L35    7 Championships
Ireland     W75 D3 L36    4 Championships
France      W72 D2 L40    5 Championships
Wales        W63 D3 L48   6 Championships
Scotland    W36 D3 L75
Italy          W12 D1 L101
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 15, 2022, 03:17:13 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on March 15, 2022, 02:37:18 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 15, 2022, 01:52:03 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on March 15, 2022, 01:33:44 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 14, 2022, 01:59:50 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 14, 2022, 01:54:05 PM
I'll be putting my money on a French win by at least 9 points.. Even though for large parts Ireland were rubbish, England haven't been great
Yes for all their gallant defence against a misfiring Ireland team, they scored zero tries. Having said that France didn't look amazing against Wales but crucially they didn't go all "France" and hit the self-destruct button when the going got tough.

On another note, I'd recommend "Slammed" on BBC - excellent 3 parter on Wales rugby team from 1998-2008 and all the politics that went along with it.


They didn't have the full 15 of the required standard. That took the injection of the Aki element.

They were still unlucky though not to at least win a championship as they were arguably a  better team than Wales and yet had nothing to show for it. Maybe choked a little when it mattered, they certainly gave France far too much respect during those yrs as they had a great record against the English but a terrible one against France
Could argue that the programme showed that the yo yo-ing was due to management whereas a very similar set of players, under the right management, were able to hold their own against anyone and win championships. To seafoids point maybe Ireland had the management but just didn't have the depth of quality Wales had around the same time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 15, 2022, 03:32:26 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 15, 2022, 03:17:13 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on March 15, 2022, 02:37:18 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 15, 2022, 01:52:03 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on March 15, 2022, 01:33:44 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 14, 2022, 01:59:50 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 14, 2022, 01:54:05 PM
I'll be putting my money on a French win by at least 9 points.. Even though for large parts Ireland were rubbish, England haven't been great
Yes for all their gallant defence against a misfiring Ireland team, they scored zero tries. Having said that France didn't look amazing against Wales but crucially they didn't go all "France" and hit the self-destruct button when the going got tough.

On another note, I'd recommend "Slammed" on BBC - excellent 3 parter on Wales rugby team from 1998-2008 and all the politics that went along with it.


They didn't have the full 15 of the required standard. That took the injection of the Aki element.

They were still unlucky though not to at least win a championship as they were arguably a  better team than Wales and yet had nothing to show for it. Maybe choked a little when it mattered, they certainly gave France far too much respect during those yrs as they had a great record against the English but a terrible one against France
Could argue that the programme showed that the yo yo-ing was due to management whereas a very similar set of players, under the right management, were able to hold their own against anyone and win championships. To seafoids point maybe Ireland had the management but just didn't have the depth of quality Wales had around the same time.
psychology as well
Between 00 and 08 Ireland didn't win a 6 nations
After the 2009 Grand Slam Ireland won 4 6 nations.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 19, 2022, 03:33:10 PM
Ffs that Italian guy completely butchered a 2-1. The greed or lack of awareness was unreal. Wales then score
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dire Ear on March 19, 2022, 04:52:23 PM
Wales 21-22 Italy
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on March 19, 2022, 05:54:49 PM
I don't follow the oval ball so closely these days, but Gibson Park's willingness to go off script makes for a much more entertaining fayre than Murray's "box kick them to death" approach. Yeah it seems to mean more mistakes. But it has to be harder for the serious opponents to stop.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 19, 2022, 06:05:24 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 19, 2022, 05:54:49 PM
I don't follow the oval ball so closely these days, but Gibson Park's willingness to go off script makes for a much more entertaining fayre than Murray's "box kick them to death" approach. Yeah it seems to mean more mistakes. But it has to be harder for the serious opponents to stop.

We had maybe one season were the box kicks worked and the wingers were competing for them but for the next umpteen years it was just us giving possession away cheaply
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 19, 2022, 06:10:37 PM
We not too hot on it again today, got then pinned in but should tried a few shots at goal on our penalties. Went to the corner a few times and haven't scored and been held up in the tackle a few times.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 19, 2022, 06:15:25 PM
I know rubgy players are big guys in the gym all the time but the build on Aki is unreal, I seen many a power lifter not build like that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GiveItToTheShooters on March 19, 2022, 07:01:10 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 19, 2022, 06:10:37 PM
We not too hot on it again today, got then pinned in but should tried a few shots at goal on our penalties. Went to the corner a few times and haven't scored and been held up in the tackle a few times.
Definitely shouldn't have.
We needed the bonus point.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on March 19, 2022, 07:47:14 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on March 19, 2022, 07:01:10 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 19, 2022, 06:10:37 PM
We not too hot on it again today, got then pinned in but should tried a few shots at goal on our penalties. Went to the corner a few times and haven't scored and been held up in the tackle a few times.
Definitely shouldn't have.
We needed the bonus point.

Yes today was as much about getting the Bonus point as it was about the win.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: An Watcher on March 19, 2022, 07:53:56 PM
Did ireland really need the bonus point?  Without it they'd still be 2 points ahead?  England win, France maybe get a losing bonus point, happy days??  Maybe I'm missing something
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 19, 2022, 08:01:48 PM
First time looking England to win, what's wrong with me ahhh!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on March 19, 2022, 08:02:56 PM
Quote from: An Watcher on March 19, 2022, 07:53:56 PM
Did ireland really need the bonus point?  Without it they'd still be 2 points ahead?  England win, France maybe get a losing bonus point, happy days??  Maybe I'm missing something
In the unlikely event of a France draw + bonus point, that would overhaul a 2 point difference.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on March 19, 2022, 08:03:31 PM
C'mon the bit of the scoreboard that is not beside the word France
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lenny on March 19, 2022, 08:06:51 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 19, 2022, 08:01:48 PM
First time looking England to win, what's wrong with me ahhh!

I still want France to stuff them even though it'll cost us the championship. It's win win though because if England do it we have the consolation of the championship.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 19, 2022, 08:15:12 PM
England get done at the breakdown here ffs
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on March 19, 2022, 08:23:46 PM
England have no interest in winning this game. That is already obvious
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 19, 2022, 08:28:39 PM
Quote from: Solo_run on March 19, 2022, 08:23:46 PM
England have no interest in winning this game. That is already obvious

If they lose this then they seriously need to think about getting rid of jones
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on March 19, 2022, 08:31:24 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on March 19, 2022, 08:28:39 PM
Quote from: Solo_run on March 19, 2022, 08:23:46 PM
England have no interest in winning this game. That is already obvious

If they lose this then they seriously need to think about getting rid of jones

He is only there now for the pay. If they changed manager now England would be serious contenders for the world cup. They always have that intense first season with new managers and it takes teams a while to figure them out.

They should keep Jones  8)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 19, 2022, 08:46:56 PM
France are a serious outfit I don't think many teams could live with them the kind of mood they're in this evening!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on March 19, 2022, 08:48:20 PM
To the surprise of nobody the English are doing Ireland no favours
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 19, 2022, 08:54:00 PM
Quote from: screenexile on March 19, 2022, 08:46:56 PM
France are a serious outfit I don't think many teams could live with them the kind of mood they're in this evening!

England giving them a free ride at the breakdown to be honest. Also is a Shaun Edwards team ever onside it was the same when he was with Wales with the rush defense it's offside all match.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 19, 2022, 09:28:33 PM
All over now, might as well look the French to tr**p it into them now, ah away from the dark side again lol.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on March 19, 2022, 09:31:48 PM
Bad news is we won't be winning the 6N

We always have a good year, win the 6N and then go to s**t in a world cup year.

Good news England won't be winning anything.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on March 19, 2022, 09:50:04 PM
Quote from: Solo_run on March 19, 2022, 09:31:48 PM
Bad news is we won't be winning the 6N

We always have a good year, win the 6N and then go to s**t in a world cup year.
Always?
In 2 out of the 9 World Cups have Ireland gone as 6 nation champions or the previous year's 6 nation champions.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Solo_run on March 19, 2022, 09:55:28 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on March 19, 2022, 09:50:04 PM
Quote from: Solo_run on March 19, 2022, 09:31:48 PM
Bad news is we won't be winning the 6N

We always have a good year, win the 6N and then go to s**t in a world cup year.
Always?
In 2 out of the 9 World Cups have Ireland gone as 6 nation champions or the previous year's 6 nation champions.
well based on recent form. It's good to still have that talent and the desire to be successful. Hopefully more too come in the following year and right what went wrong this year
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on March 21, 2022, 09:45:06 AM
Quote from: Solo_run on March 19, 2022, 09:55:28 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on March 19, 2022, 09:50:04 PM
Quote from: Solo_run on March 19, 2022, 09:31:48 PM
Bad news is we won't be winning the 6N

We always have a good year, win the 6N and then go to s**t in a world cup year.
Always?
In 2 out of the 9 World Cups have Ireland gone as 6 nation champions or the previous year's 6 nation champions.
well based on recent form. It's good to still have that talent and the desire to be successful. Hopefully more too come in the following year and right what went wrong this year

Ireland U20's claimed the grandslam over the weekend also, so in terms of player development they're getting something right, just need to get a few more Dan Sheehan types through to make an impact come the WC rather than hoping for the best from Healy O'Mahony and Sexton...



Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 21, 2022, 10:09:34 AM
Traffic cone Welsh defending for Italy's winning try

https://mobile.twitter.com/ek_rugby1/status/1505241458047352834?s=21

reminded me of Mugsy's goal

https://youtu.be/O3G1bwD0ao0
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on March 21, 2022, 09:23:09 PM
In the current world ranking the top 4 are South Africa, France, New Zealand and Ireland

Ireland are in the same group as SA in the world cup and in the Q/F will have to face a team from the NZ/France group. Another Q/F loss looms. Having the draw so far out based on January 2020 rankings is nuts.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Never beat the deeler on March 21, 2022, 11:55:31 PM
Saw on Twitter that Devin Toner is hanging up the size 22s at the end of the season.

Did wonder that he said he was calling it now to avoid any distractions come the end. I would have thought it would cause the exact opposite. Remember O'Driscoll basically had a farewell world tour after he announced his retirement?!

Anyway, a solid pro who started out as a bit of a one trick pony, but worked hard to improve on a lot of aspects of his game. Will retire as Leinster's record appearance holder
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on March 22, 2022, 07:43:05 AM
Is the under 14 Gaa team picture of him real?? He was bigger than most men at that age if so.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on March 22, 2022, 08:28:56 AM
Quote from: imtommygunn on March 22, 2022, 07:43:05 AM
Is the under 14 Gaa team picture of him real?? He was bigger than most men at that age if so.

Saw that, looked like a grown man even then..  ;D

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ExffpGgWQAIY4RE?format=jpg&name=small)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 22, 2022, 10:15:03 AM
Be looking to see the birth cert before that game lol, manager probably still had to take birth cert to games.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Ghost on April 05, 2022, 02:34:26 PM
Dan Leavy retired today. Such a shame. A magnificent talent who had no luck at all with injuries.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on April 05, 2022, 07:21:55 PM
Quote from: Ghost on April 05, 2022, 02:34:26 PM
Dan Leavy retired today. Such a shame. A magnificent talent who had no luck at all with injuries.
Poor fella. I remember him doing his knee in a match against Ulster. Very good player but obviously the joint is knackered and he can do no more.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on April 05, 2022, 09:32:29 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on April 05, 2022, 07:21:55 PM
Quote from: Ghost on April 05, 2022, 02:34:26 PM
Dan Leavy retired today. Such a shame. A magnificent talent who had no luck at all with injuries.
Poor fella. I remember him doing his knee in a match against Ulster. Very good player but obviously the joint is knackered and he can do no more.

Pity he was amazing the year we won the grand slam. Nailed on lion at the time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on April 16, 2022, 09:54:52 PM
Ulster should never of lost that over 2 legs. Yer man o Toole ffs. Some dodgy reffing near the end at the break down
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on April 16, 2022, 10:05:58 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on April 16, 2022, 09:54:52 PM
Ulster should never of lost that over 2 legs. Yer man o Toole ffs. Some dodgy reffing near the end at the break down

A red card all day though a yellow card for other.. Toulouse were better in the end
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on April 17, 2022, 01:36:57 AM
Disappointing end to a game that was well within their grasp. Toulouse weren't firing on all cylinders so it was the perfect opportunity. Also, it amazes me when people go to these matches and stand about getting tanked up and don't watch a single minute of the match - just go to the pub!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on April 17, 2022, 01:47:31 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on April 17, 2022, 01:36:57 AM
Disappointing end to a game that was well within their grasp. Toulouse weren't firing on all cylinders so it was the perfect opportunity. Also, it amazes me when people go to these matches and stand about getting tanked up and don't watch a single minute of the match - just go to the pub!


Where you at it then  ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on May 28, 2022, 06:50:30 PM
Some bottle job by Leinster. Gifted la Rochelle a try around 60mins played still leading though and played 10 of the last 20 mins with a man up and still lost.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on May 28, 2022, 06:52:35 PM
Beaten in the end by a silly rule. 90 seconds to take a kick and no restart :-\
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: straightred on May 28, 2022, 06:53:43 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on May 28, 2022, 06:50:30 PM
Some bottle job by Leinster. Gifted la Rochelle a try around 60mins played still leading though and played 10 of the last 20 mins with a man up and still lost.
To be fair La Rochelle won it with relentless pressure. Barnes bottled it by not giving at least 1 yellow to Leinster too
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: An Watcher on May 28, 2022, 06:54:25 PM
Wouldn't know alot about the ruggers but from watching that I think the best team won today?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on May 28, 2022, 06:55:44 PM
Rugby could learn from American football and stop the clock being run down like that on a feckin conversion.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on May 28, 2022, 07:05:23 PM
Quote from: weareros on May 28, 2022, 06:55:44 PM
Rugby could learn from American football and stop the clock being run down like that on a feckin conversion.

Leinster would have done the exact same if they were in that position.

Leinster, for all their trophies, seem to fail at certain times, when they are favourites.

In fairness, the heat was tough on them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on June 05, 2022, 03:21:41 PM
https://www.rte.ie/sport/united-rugby-championship/2022/0604/1303018-it-looks-like-the-munster-players-have-checked-out/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on June 11, 2022, 04:00:24 PM
Must be Irelands poorest Club showing for a long time.

Ulster the Mayo of Rugby!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on June 11, 2022, 04:07:30 PM
I thought Jim neilly was going to have a heart attack- then cry at the end
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on June 11, 2022, 07:04:54 PM
When you retreat and are physically fucked there was only one winner here..

The South African teams have breathed new life into this cake walk for Leinster

Thought the kick at the end was over the post which is a wide in GAA
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on June 11, 2022, 07:43:39 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 11, 2022, 07:04:54 PM
When you retreat and are physically fucked there was only one winner here..

The South African teams have breathed new life into this cake walk for Leinster

Thought the kick at the end was over the post which is a wide in GAA
Ulster a bit unlucky, gave it all they had.

I thought the same initially re ball over post, but another angle behind the goal was pretty clear that it was inside the post.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on June 11, 2022, 08:12:33 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 11, 2022, 07:04:54 PM
When you retreat and are physically fucked there was only one winner here..

The South African teams have breathed new life into this cake walk for Leinster

Thought the kick at the end was over the post which is a wide in GAA
There were a couple of angles where it looked like a Níl but there is a fairly conclusive angle showing a Tá. The RSA teams haven't been great over the past few years but their showing this year and appearance in future European Cups must be a pre-cursor for the national squad joining the 6 Nations.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: keep her low this half on June 11, 2022, 09:23:14 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 11, 2022, 08:12:33 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 11, 2022, 07:04:54 PM
When you retreat and are physically fucked there was only one winner here..

The South African teams have breathed new life into this cake walk for Leinster

Thought the kick at the end was over the post which is a wide in GAA
There were a couple of angles where it looked like a Níl but there is a fairly conclusive angle showing a Tá. The RSA teams haven't been great over the past few years but their showing this year and appearance in future European Cups must be a pre-cursor for the national squad joining the 6 Nations.
would they leave the 4 nations? Which brings you on better playing Scotland or Australia?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on June 12, 2022, 08:18:20 AM
Quote from: keep her low this half on June 11, 2022, 09:23:14 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 11, 2022, 08:12:33 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 11, 2022, 07:04:54 PM
When you retreat and are physically fucked there was only one winner here..

The South African teams have breathed new life into this cake walk for Leinster

Thought the kick at the end was over the post which is a wide in GAA
There were a couple of angles where it looked like a Níl but there is a fairly conclusive angle showing a Tá. The RSA teams haven't been great over the past few years but their showing this year and appearance in future European Cups must be a pre-cursor for the national squad joining the 6 Nations.
would they leave the 4 nations? Which brings you on better playing Scotland or Australia?
They have aligned their club game with the N. hemisphere; the national game following suit must be inevitable in the next 5 years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on June 12, 2022, 12:10:16 PM
Leinster have 12 first choice players on the Irish team per RTÉ.  Perhaps the IRFU have been a bit too flúirseach with the.The gap between them and the other 3 is wide. Maybe as long as Leinster were winning it was OK.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on June 28, 2022, 09:51:58 PM
What did Rory Best say about Kevin Winters et al that had him start writing cheques?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Saffrongael on June 28, 2022, 10:52:21 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 28, 2022, 09:51:58 PM
What did Rory Best say about Kevin Winters et al that had him start writing cheques?

Think it was along the lines of he felt used or a pawn by Jackson's legal team, he attended the trial but wasn't called and some saw it as support for Jackson. Fellas like Winters can't get enough money it seems.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on June 28, 2022, 11:29:09 PM
Would best point of view on this not been correct as coming out for u man was doing him any favours at the time and the defence had requested him. So you can be sued these days for stating  what's seems to be fact.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Aaron Boone on June 29, 2022, 12:25:55 AM
Rural farmer Rory wouldn't be used to this craic. And nor would he have "substantial damages" ready to go.
Lots of victims with the Jackson case.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tiempo on June 29, 2022, 10:29:24 AM
40 men set sail to play 5 challenge games in 5 weeks and the hype is building
Hon the gouyys #teamofmainlyusandafewringersforthecraic
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on June 29, 2022, 10:55:42 AM
Quote from: tiempo on June 29, 2022, 10:29:24 AM
40 men set sail to play 5 challenge games in 5 weeks and the hype is building
Hon the gouyys #teamofmainlyusandafewringersforthecraic

That was a rude awakening!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on June 29, 2022, 11:00:33 AM
Bit of a reality check
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on June 29, 2022, 11:39:04 AM
Quote from: seafoid on June 29, 2022, 11:00:33 AM
Bit of a reality check

At the risk of repeating ourselves, it shouldn't be.

But it was telling that the goys in the Irish Times ran a 'we do really well for our size considering people play other sports' article this week. They know they are going to get crushed down there
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on June 29, 2022, 12:09:16 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on June 29, 2022, 11:39:04 AM
Quote from: seafoid on June 29, 2022, 11:00:33 AM
Bit of a reality check

At the risk of repeating ourselves, it shouldn't be.

But it was telling that the goys in the Irish Times ran a 'we do really well for our size considering people play other sports' article this week. They know they are going to get crushed down there

Keith Wood on OTB, at the end of an "incredibly long Season" blah blah blah, but we congratulate ourselves when we beat other teams who evidently don't play incredibly long seasons!

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on June 29, 2022, 01:05:27 PM
It's all about psychological preparation for the World Cup. NZ are a bit fragile after losing 3 times last year and want the upper hand.
Ireland want to be able to win a qf.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on July 01, 2022, 01:52:00 AM
Quote from: Saffrongael on June 28, 2022, 10:52:21 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 28, 2022, 09:51:58 PM
What did Rory Best say about Kevin Winters et al that had him start writing cheques?

Think it was along the lines of he felt used or a pawn by Jackson's legal team, he attended the trial but wasn't called and some saw it as support for Jackson. Fellas like Winters can't get enough money it seems.
At least Rory's honor and dignity was renewed with his comments when he answered the questions honestly in that OTB interview. He is the only victor in this particular drama, money cannot buy that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on July 01, 2022, 10:47:29 AM
New, Zealand as always have a very good set of players, this time however, they got the wrong management team in place, Baxter not the man, and that cost them world Cup. A series win over Ireland will keep him on, a loss which be better for NZ in the long run, would get rid of him
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on July 01, 2022, 12:05:48 PM
They aren't very settled. they are very skilful.
Now might be the time to get them at home
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on July 02, 2022, 08:16:13 AM
Good start. First try on the board.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on July 02, 2022, 08:38:53 AM
Ireland looking lively.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on July 02, 2022, 08:42:03 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on July 02, 2022, 08:38:53 AM
Ireland looking lively.
Not any more. Poor from Ireland in a decent attacking position.
Those to slips from Sexton and Ringrose will prove very costly.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on July 02, 2022, 08:45:03 AM
Quote from: Estimator on July 02, 2022, 08:42:03 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on July 02, 2022, 08:38:53 AM
Ireland looking lively.
Not any more. Poor from Ireland in a decent attacking position.
Those to slips from Sexton and Ringrose will prove very costly.
Ringrose has fucked 2 now. He has been passing like he's wearing boxing gloves.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on July 02, 2022, 08:50:49 AM
Game over.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on July 02, 2022, 08:51:03 AM
Wheels well and truly off now  ::)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gael80 on July 02, 2022, 09:07:24 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on July 02, 2022, 08:51:03 AM
Wheels well and truly off now  ::)

I hope I'm wrong but we'll find the wheels will stay off now for the next 16 months with a few positve games here and there. Rugby is a strange sport in most prepare to peak in WC year with a lot of transition the other years.. That is when Irish Rugby always gets found out; the international team isn't as strong as many would have us believe which is the reason we struggle at WC's when it's the one time all teams are in peak condition.

Our success tends to come the two years post WC, sometimes third year which puts the media into a frenzy but as we get closer to the WC and the WC itself the reality of where we really are shows.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on July 02, 2022, 09:17:40 AM
Very few have won test series in NZ, South Africa about the height of it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on July 02, 2022, 09:25:25 AM
Wow!!

NZ are back...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on July 02, 2022, 09:34:34 AM
Quote from: screenexile on July 02, 2022, 09:25:25 AM
Wow!!

NZ are back...
Csrbery needs this.

I think this tour is a great idea.  It's  not about winning. It's about finding out where the gaps are and working  on them in the run up to the RWC
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on July 02, 2022, 09:35:15 AM
Jesus butchered 2 tries here!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on July 02, 2022, 09:52:28 AM
Well a non contest in the end but doesn't help when you gift the all blacks about 3 tries
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on July 02, 2022, 10:37:42 AM
Senior hurling

https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2022/0702/1308039-new-zealand-v-ireland-updates/

63 That is Sheehan's final act as he is replaced by Dave Heffernan.

65: Heffernan's night could be over already. He gets smashed in the tackle on his first carry and looks unsteady on his feet


67 Heffernan has picked up a knock and cannot continue. Sheehan returns after a brief break and immediately concedes another penalty in front of his posts.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on July 02, 2022, 11:57:46 AM
On a good day, on home turf, Ireland playing well can have realistic ambitions of beating NZ, if the tourists don't fully perform. Touring in the Southern Hemisphere is two steps up.
It's also a good barometer for how the team might perform in a WC.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on July 02, 2022, 12:57:55 PM
Turned the England game off after they went 11-9 up. Thought they'd easily walk away with it with a man advantage for the entire second half... They're getting hammered now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on July 02, 2022, 01:00:04 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on July 02, 2022, 11:57:46 AM
On a good day, on home turf, Ireland playing well can have realistic ambitions of beating NZ, if the tourists don't fully perform. Touring in the Southern Hemisphere is two steps up.
It's also a good barometer for how the team might perform in a WC.
It's the equivalent of a hurling or football challenge match. The only thing that matters for Ireland is winning a QF
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Scarlet on July 02, 2022, 01:52:49 PM
Lads the fact that they are so hell-bent on winning every tour and glorified challenge game means that Johnny Sexton is being flogged. Like the fella is going to be in bits by the time he is 60. It's something that doesn't get spoken about enough and you would worry for him.

Even from a sports perspective other lads who may or may not be up to it are never really given serious minutes.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on July 02, 2022, 02:02:22 PM
Quote from: seafoid on July 02, 2022, 01:00:04 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on July 02, 2022, 11:57:46 AM
On a good day, on home turf, Ireland playing well can have realistic ambitions of beating NZ, if the tourists don't fully perform. Touring in the Southern Hemisphere is two steps up.
It's also a good barometer for how the team might perform in a WC.
It's the equivalent of a hurling or football challenge match. The only thing that matters for Ireland is winning a QF
They'll only win a QF with a lucky draw though. Most times they'll be up against someone better.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on July 02, 2022, 02:02:36 PM
Who was over New Zealand the day, Baxter or Scmidt
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on July 02, 2022, 03:49:08 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on July 02, 2022, 02:02:22 PM
Quote from: seafoid on July 02, 2022, 01:00:04 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on July 02, 2022, 11:57:46 AM
On a good day, on home turf, Ireland playing well can have realistic ambitions of beating NZ, if the tourists don't fully perform. Touring in the Southern Hemisphere is two steps up.
It's also a good barometer for how the team might perform in a WC.
It's the equivalent of a hurling or football challenge match. The only thing that matters for Ireland is winning a QF
They'll only win a QF with a lucky draw though. Most times they'll be up against someone better.
Scotland got Samoa once to get to the semi. Ireland never had such poxy luck.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on July 02, 2022, 06:04:25 PM
Quote from: seafoid on July 02, 2022, 10:37:42 AM
Senior hurling

https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2022/0702/1308039-new-zealand-v-ireland-updates/

63 That is Sheehan's final act as he is replaced by Dave Heffernan.

65: Heffernan's night could be over already. He gets smashed in the tackle on his first carry and looks unsteady on his feet


67 Heffernan has picked up a knock and cannot continue. Sheehan returns after a brief break and immediately concedes another penalty in front of his posts.
welcome to Eden park , first carry he got thought he would steamroller someone and that was it for him , harsh lessons learned in NZ
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Ghost on July 09, 2022, 08:54:43 AM
Ireland definitely guilty of overplaying it here. Would 3 points not have been a decent option a few times?

All Black's winger lucky not to see red too.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on July 09, 2022, 09:01:47 AM
Jesus Christ Ireland what is going on??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on July 09, 2022, 09:06:56 AM
Absolutely abysmal.

Yes the first yellow should have been red. Yes it should have been a penalty try. But even accounting for that we should still be out of sight. Inability to convert man advantage and territorial dominance is shocking.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on July 09, 2022, 09:11:38 AM
Quote from: gallsman on July 09, 2022, 09:06:56 AM
Absolutely abysmal.

Yes the first yellow should have been red. Yes it should have been a penalty try. But even accounting for that we should still be out of sight. Inability to convert man advantage and territorial dominance is shocking.

Need to make the possession and dominance pay against The All Blacks.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on July 09, 2022, 09:38:12 AM
Shocking pass from Lowe. Porter is a beast
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on July 09, 2022, 09:44:44 AM
What a tap tackle, stuff going Irelands way
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on July 09, 2022, 09:56:49 AM
Jesus if I wasn't watching the game and took a look in here I'd be thinking Ireland were getting a trimming.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on July 09, 2022, 10:20:24 AM
The bucket list is down to one- winning a RWC quarter final
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tubberman on July 09, 2022, 10:23:40 AM
Quote from: gallsman on July 09, 2022, 09:06:56 AM
Absolutely abysmal.

Yes the first yellow should have been red. Yes it should have been a penalty try. But even accounting for that we should still be out of sight. Inability to convert man advantage and territorial dominance is shocking.

An abysmal historic 11 point win by Ireland over NZ in NZ.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on July 09, 2022, 10:25:42 AM
Quote from: Tubberman on July 09, 2022, 10:23:40 AM
Quote from: gallsman on July 09, 2022, 09:06:56 AM
Absolutely abysmal.

Yes the first yellow should have been red. Yes it should have been a penalty try. But even accounting for that we should still be out of sight. Inability to convert man advantage and territorial dominance is shocking.

An abysmal historic 11 point win by Ireland over NZ in NZ.
Heads must roll.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Mikhail Prokhorov on July 09, 2022, 10:53:37 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on July 09, 2022, 10:25:42 AM
Quote from: Tubberman on July 09, 2022, 10:23:40 AM
Quote from: gallsman on July 09, 2022, 09:06:56 AM
Absolutely abysmal.

Yes the first yellow should have been red. Yes it should have been a penalty try. But even accounting for that we should still be out of sight. Inability to convert man advantage and territorial dominance is shocking.

An abysmal historic 11 point win by Ireland over NZ in NZ.
Heads must roll.
the bar is so low in rugby that this is big news  ::)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on July 09, 2022, 11:12:22 AM
Quote from: Tubberman on July 09, 2022, 10:23:40 AM
Quote from: gallsman on July 09, 2022, 09:06:56 AM
Absolutely abysmal.

Yes the first yellow should have been red. Yes it should have been a penalty try. But even accounting for that we should still be out of sight. Inability to convert man advantage and territorial dominance is shocking.

An abysmal historic 11 point win by Ireland over NZ in NZ.

Congratulations on your post an hour and fifteen minutes after halftime

Quote from: Tony Baloney on July 09, 2022, 10:25:42 AM
Quote from: Tubberman on July 09, 2022, 10:23:40 AM

Heads must roll.

Take the win for sure, and acknowledge the historical significance of it briefly, but don't let anyone kid you that that was a good performance. NZ were absolutely brutal and yet again we struggled with numerical superiority. A few good performances for sure, but we should have beaten them by 30.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on July 09, 2022, 11:40:15 AM
We should have won by 30 some butchered chances but I will take that result all day long. Since beating the all blacks in Chicago there is no longer a fear factor and 4 wins from 7 is some return and we would have won another couple before Chicago if it wasn't for Nigel Owens
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on July 09, 2022, 11:49:02 AM
England currently stuffing Australia  :(
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on July 09, 2022, 11:51:23 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on July 09, 2022, 11:49:02 AM
England currently stuffing Australia  :(
[/quote

Annihilating them all over the field.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 09, 2022, 12:49:36 PM
Quote from: gallsman on July 09, 2022, 11:51:23 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on July 09, 2022, 11:49:02 AM
England currently stuffing Australia  :(
[/quote

Annihilating them all over the field.

England will lose this one
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on July 09, 2022, 01:16:38 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3_zT3CZe4k
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on July 12, 2022, 09:56:54 AM
Good win against the NZ Maoris. 2 all in the series

https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2022/0712/1309697-maori-all-blacks-v-ireland-xv-updates/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on July 16, 2022, 08:47:15 AM
Wowser
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on July 16, 2022, 08:51:32 AM
As good as Ireland have been, for the last 20 mins especially,  NZ have been shambolic. 22-3 at ht.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Helix. on July 16, 2022, 08:53:14 AM
As bad an All Blacks first half performance in a long time. So many handling errors. Hopefully Ireland hold on in 2nd half. Taking their chances so far  :)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on July 16, 2022, 09:29:45 AM
2 tries for NZ. 17-22
This is senior hurling.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on July 16, 2022, 09:32:56 AM
Very poor second half so far when we needed to just slow things downl
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Helix. on July 16, 2022, 10:00:44 AM
Peaking a year early again but a great win!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Square Ball on July 16, 2022, 10:02:17 AM
Quote from: Helix. on July 16, 2022, 10:00:44 AM
Peaking a year early again but a great win!
Maybe more to come?  but what a win
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on July 16, 2022, 10:03:05 AM
Great win, some confidence boost. A big year ahead to be managed
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on July 16, 2022, 10:05:59 AM
Amazing stuff. It reminds me of when Cavan beat Tyrone in the McKenna Cup earlier this year and proclaimed ourselves favourites for Sam.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on July 16, 2022, 10:06:11 AM
Stunning Irish performance. Didn't collapse when the ABs hit their purple patch or when Porter was in the bin.

The defence the final quarter was exceptional. I thought Ardie Savea might win it for the ABs by himself the way he was playing (and you could see how much they missed him last week) but Beirne put in a shift to match him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 16, 2022, 10:08:07 AM
From start to finish there was a belief that they could actually win that series
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dougal Maguire on July 16, 2022, 10:09:59 AM
Great win, but unfortunately it looks as if yet again we've peaked a year before the World Cup. Hopefully I'm wrong.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gael80 on July 16, 2022, 10:10:32 AM
Quote from: Helix. on July 16, 2022, 10:00:44 AM
Peaking a year early again but a great win!

Winning a series in New Zealand is an achievement in itself, fair play to them. I wouldn't get carried away though in terms of the WC, you could clearly see NZ ability in that second half, they peak in WC years and will put that type of performance in for 80 minutes when it really counts.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on July 16, 2022, 10:12:41 AM
Great result, hopefully more to come
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on July 16, 2022, 10:14:15 AM
Quote from: Gael80 on July 16, 2022, 10:10:32 AM
Quote from: Helix. on July 16, 2022, 10:00:44 AM
Peaking a year early again but a great win!

Winning a series in New Zealand is an achievement in itself, fair play to them. I wouldn't get carried away though in terms of the WC, you could clearly see NZ ability in that second half, they peak in WC years and will put that type of performance in for 80 minutes when it really counts.

Wouldn't get carried away,!! this is Irish Rugby man. Already been declared the greatest 1st half of rugby by any irish rugby team all over social media. Never learn.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on July 16, 2022, 10:15:27 AM
Yawn
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 16, 2022, 10:16:12 AM
Some begrudging c***ts on here... enjoy the f**king win ya gurning pricks...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ONeill on July 16, 2022, 10:22:07 AM
Haha!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on July 16, 2022, 10:23:18 AM
A day I thought I would never see. Ireland winning a test series in New Zealand against the all blacks.  :D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on July 16, 2022, 10:30:00 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 16, 2022, 10:16:12 AM
Some begrudging c***ts on here... enjoy the f**king win ya gurning pricks...

Have no interest in irish rugby and find it mostly an irrelevance.  However it does amuse me to check in here to see the hype and how desperate some are to cling to some "historic" win which means absolutely zero in terms of winning of silverware. Its very funny.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on July 16, 2022, 10:31:39 AM
Celebrate this victory for what is, a huge stand alone achievement, the begrudgers can store up the bile in the hope they can regurgitate it in Autumn 23
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on July 16, 2022, 10:35:16 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on July 16, 2022, 10:31:39 AM
Celebrate this victory for what is, a huge stand alone achievement, the begrudgers can store up the bile in the hope they can regurgitate it in Autumn 23

What's happening in Aug 23? I'll never be able to store my bile that long.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gael80 on July 16, 2022, 10:41:36 AM
Quote from: Itchy on July 16, 2022, 10:14:15 AM
Quote from: Gael80 on July 16, 2022, 10:10:32 AM
Quote from: Helix. on July 16, 2022, 10:00:44 AM
Peaking a year early again but a great win!

Winning a series in New Zealand is an achievement in itself, fair play to them. I wouldn't get carried away though in terms of the WC, you could clearly see NZ ability in that second half, they peak in WC years and will put that type of performance in for 80 minutes when it really counts.

Wouldn't get carried away,!! this is Irish Rugby man. Already been declared the greatest 1st half of rugby by any irish rugby team all over social media. Never learn.

I'd like nothing more than Ireland to maintain this and have a great World Cup. But I have learnt, I've got myself excited on the chances of an Irish team going into every WC, since 2007, on the back of a media/social media frenzy 😄

Today is a great achievement but in reality we'll likely struggle again when every test nation is in peak condition, I won't get fooled by the media again but hopefully this time they'll surprise us 🙂
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 16, 2022, 10:43:01 AM
Quote from: Itchy on July 16, 2022, 10:30:00 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 16, 2022, 10:16:12 AM
Some begrudging c***ts on here... enjoy the f**king win ya gurning pricks...

Have no interest in irish rugby and find it mostly an irrelevance.  However it does amuse me to check in here to see the hype and how desperate some are to cling to some "historic" win which means absolutely zero in terms of winning of silverware. Its very funny.

And Cavan shit the bed at Croke, been a good year
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on July 16, 2022, 10:45:20 AM
It was a friendly.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on July 16, 2022, 10:46:35 AM
Need to wrap sexton in cotton wool for a year
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: snoopdog on July 16, 2022, 10:49:33 AM
A massive friendly win.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on July 16, 2022, 10:52:55 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 16, 2022, 10:43:01 AM
Quote from: Itchy on July 16, 2022, 10:30:00 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 16, 2022, 10:16:12 AM
Some begrudging c***ts on here... enjoy the f**king win ya gurning pricks...

Have no interest in irish rugby and find it mostly an irrelevance.  However it does amuse me to check in here to see the hype and how desperate some are to cling to some "historic" win which means absolutely zero in terms of winning of silverware. Its very funny.

And Cavan shit the bed at Croke, been a good year

They did and no doubt Ireland rugby will do the same again when it matters. Listen, I know being from Antrim you are desperate to cling to these big wins but look at history, it's repeating again.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on July 16, 2022, 10:55:29 AM
I would equate it with United celebrating winning the Bangkok Challenge Cup or whatever it was called. We all know it will mean nothing when the real football starts.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 16, 2022, 10:57:44 AM
Quote from: Itchy on July 16, 2022, 10:52:55 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 16, 2022, 10:43:01 AM
Quote from: Itchy on July 16, 2022, 10:30:00 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 16, 2022, 10:16:12 AM
Some begrudging c***ts on here... enjoy the f**king win ya gurning pricks...

Have no interest in irish rugby and find it mostly an irrelevance.  However it does amuse me to check in here to see the hype and how desperate some are to cling to some "historic" win which means absolutely zero in terms of winning of silverware. Its very funny.

And Cavan shit the bed at Croke, been a good year

They did and no doubt Ireland rugby will do the same again when it matters. Listen, I know being from Antrim you are desperate to cling to these big wins but look at history, it's repeating again.

We'd a great win at Croker this year, whereas Cavan shit their pants
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on July 16, 2022, 10:59:50 AM
Super win and fantastic to win the test series. Some phenomenal performances, Sam Cane was distraught.

If we keep everyone fit, and play to the best of our ability, we've still only have a 50% chance (at best) of winning the World Cup quarter-final - given the draw. And no injuries come the World Cup would be unlikely! So we should just enjoy this win and see what comes.

Anyone who calls test rugby series or test cricket series "friendlies" just don't understand the sports. But congrats for coming on a thread you know nothing about and highlighting your absolute ignorance!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Mikhail Prokhorov on July 16, 2022, 11:04:53 AM
Quote from: RedHand88 on July 16, 2022, 10:55:29 AM
I would equate it with United celebrating winning the Bangkok Challenge Cup or whatever it was called. We all know it will mean nothing when the real football starts.

if soccer was only played in 10 countries, this would be a good analogy
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on July 16, 2022, 11:05:29 AM
Quote from: Hound on July 16, 2022, 10:59:50 AM
Super win and fantastic to win the test series. Some phenomenal performances, Sam Cane was distraught.

If we keep everyone fit, and play to the best of our ability, we've still only have a 50% chance (at best) of winning the World Cup quarter-final - given the draw. And no injuries come the World Cup would be unlikely! So we should just enjoy this win and see what comes.

Anyone who calls test rugby series or test cricket series "friendlies" just don't understand the sports. But congrats for coming on a thread you know nothing about and highlighting your absolute ignorance!

I hear this over and over and over again yet I've never heard any rugby fan explain the difference.
Ireland beating Scotland in the Nations League was a bigger achievement. At least it was a competitive game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on July 16, 2022, 11:09:27 AM
It's like Riscommom winning the league. Sher it's only the league. NZ are trína chéile. They need Michael Bond.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 16, 2022, 11:09:48 AM
Suppose it's like winning the FA cup and hiring a bus to parade it
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on July 16, 2022, 11:12:34 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 16, 2022, 11:09:48 AM
Suppose it's like winning the FA cup and hiring a bus to parade it

It is absolutely nothing like the FA Cup.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gael80 on July 16, 2022, 11:27:46 AM
Quote from: Hound on July 16, 2022, 10:59:50 AM
Super win and fantastic to win the test series. Some phenomenal performances, Sam Cane was distraught.

If we keep everyone fit, and play to the best of our ability, we've still only have a 50% chance (at best) of winning the World Cup quarter-final - given the draw. And no injuries come the World Cup would be unlikely! So we should just enjoy this win and see what comes.

Anyone who calls test rugby series or test cricket series "friendlies" just don't understand the sports. But congrats for coming on a thread you know nothing about and highlighting your absolute ignorance!

Rugby test series are important and lucrative but not the end of the world if you win or lose them. It reminds me of the old pre christmas national league when a county celebrated a big league win against one of the best teams in the country, and talked it up as significant progress, when in reality both teams were at completly different levels of preparation and focus. Irish rugby for whatever reason peak very early which gives a false ranking which is shown up when it really counts.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on July 16, 2022, 11:31:21 AM
Quote from: Gael80 on July 16, 2022, 11:27:46 AM
Quote from: Hound on July 16, 2022, 10:59:50 AM
Super win and fantastic to win the test series. Some phenomenal performances, Sam Cane was distraught.

If we keep everyone fit, and play to the best of our ability, we've still only have a 50% chance (at best) of winning the World Cup quarter-final - given the draw. And no injuries come the World Cup would be unlikely! So we should just enjoy this win and see what comes.

Anyone who calls test rugby series or test cricket series "friendlies" just don't understand the sports. But congrats for coming on a thread you know nothing about and highlighting your absolute ignorance!

Rugby test series are important and lucrative but not the end of the world if you win or lose them. It reminds me of the old pre christmas national league when a county celebrated a big league win against one of the best teams in the country, and talked it up as significant progrees, when in reality the both teams were at completly different level of preparation and focus.
Yeah and Ireland were on an end of Season tour, NZ preparing for the Rugby Championship v South Africa, so even bigger kudos to Ireland for winning.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on July 16, 2022, 12:36:58 PM
A lot of the "only a friendly" lads seem to get very rattled about something they supposedly have no interest in.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on July 16, 2022, 12:47:16 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on July 16, 2022, 12:36:58 PM
A lot of the "only a friendly" lads seem to get very rattled about something they supposedly have no interest in.

John Duggan from Off The Ball called today "the biggest achievement in Irish sport since Italia 90".

If that doesn't trigger you then I don't know what to say.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on July 16, 2022, 12:55:47 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on July 16, 2022, 12:47:16 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on July 16, 2022, 12:36:58 PM
A lot of the "only a friendly" lads seem to get very rattled about something they supposedly have no interest in.

John Duggan from Off The Ball called today "the biggest achievement in Irish sport since Italia 90".

If that doesn't trigger you then I don't know what to say.
Yep, and for a supposedly sports mad nation that apparently punches above our weight it's damning that getting to a WC quarter final 32 years ago is still seen as a pinnacle.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on July 16, 2022, 01:27:37 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on July 16, 2022, 11:05:29 AM
Quote from: Hound on July 16, 2022, 10:59:50 AM
Super win and fantastic to win the test series. Some phenomenal performances, Sam Cane was distraught.

If we keep everyone fit, and play to the best of our ability, we've still only have a 50% chance (at best) of winning the World Cup quarter-final - given the draw. And no injuries come the World Cup would be unlikely! So we should just enjoy this win and see what comes.

Anyone who calls test rugby series or test cricket series "friendlies" just don't understand the sports. But congrats for coming on a thread you know nothing about and highlighting your absolute ignorance!

I hear this over and over and over again yet I've never heard any rugby fan explain the difference.
Ireland beating Scotland in the Nations League was a bigger achievement. At least it was a competitive game.
You judge everything by the rules of one sport?

The best team in English soccer is the one who wins the league, not the knockout competition. Therefore the best team in Gaelic is the one that wins the league, not the knockout competition. Your comment is equally ridiculous to that comment

Eoin Morgan captained England cricket team to win a World Cup. Yet he's not good enough to play test cricket, which has no league or knockout element at all (or barely anyway), but is still regarded by many as the most prestigious form of the game.

Test rugby is very important part of the game, and not at all like a soccer friendly. And if that annoys people, then they should ignore the thread and ignore people basking in the glory of defeating the All Blacks in their own backyard.  The NZ players and crowd were sick as dogs, that'll give you an idea of how important this was. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on July 16, 2022, 01:41:21 PM
England just about hold on to beat Australia. Didn't see it all but seemed to be a bit below NZ-Ire standard wise
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gael80 on July 16, 2022, 01:45:34 PM
Quote from: Hound on July 16, 2022, 01:41:21 PM
England just about hold on to beat Australia. Didn't see it all but seemed to be a bit below NZ-Ire standard wise

Decent enough game, England better side though and deserved to win. I'd agree the quality appeared below the NZ Ireland game. England brought eight uncapped players on the tour and through one reason or another left nine players who have been in the squad at home, Jones said he used the tour to look at wider options, so you'd imagine England will become stronger and more settled over the next six months as they head into WC year.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on July 16, 2022, 01:54:13 PM
It's a yes and a no for me.

The initial importance of test rugby was determined by the lack of a higher honour in the game.

Rugby world cups have grown in stature so much that their importance absolutely trumps test rugby. Teams, players and managers often therefore have no choice but to save their their ideas and their health for the higher honours.

It's still an achievement to beat NZ in a series, and one that should be celebrated. But it's not the same thing it once was.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on July 16, 2022, 02:07:22 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on July 16, 2022, 01:54:13 PM
It's a yes and a no for me.

The initial importance of test rugby was determined by the lack of a higher honour in the game.

Rugby world cups have grown in stature so much that their importance absolutely trumps test rugby. Teams, players and managers often therefore have no choice but to save their their ideas and their health for the higher honours.

It's still an achievement to beat NZ in a series, and one that should be celebrated. But it's not the same thing it once was.

Put it in this context... how many Test Series have NZ ever lost at home??

That will put it into context for you sad cases who seem happy to slate your own countrymen!!

Jesus even MacKenna is giving them credit FFS!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Mikhail Prokhorov on July 16, 2022, 02:20:34 PM
Quote from: screenexile on July 16, 2022, 02:07:22 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on July 16, 2022, 01:54:13 PM
It's a yes and a no for me.

The initial importance of test rugby was determined by the lack of a higher honour in the game.

Rugby world cups have grown in stature so much that their importance absolutely trumps test rugby. Teams, players and managers often therefore have no choice but to save their their ideas and their health for the higher honours.

It's still an achievement to beat NZ in a series, and one that should be celebrated. But it's not the same thing it once was.

Put it in this context... how many Test Series have NZ ever lost at home??

That will put it into context for you sad cases who seem happy to slate your own countrymen!!

Jesus even MacKenna is giving them credit FFS!!

countrymen? it's mostly mercenaries who moved here to play for money

rugby lost it's soul when they went pro
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on July 16, 2022, 02:31:41 PM
Quote from: screenexile on July 16, 2022, 02:07:22 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on July 16, 2022, 01:54:13 PM
It's a yes and a no for me.

The initial importance of test rugby was determined by the lack of a higher honour in the game.

Rugby world cups have grown in stature so much that their importance absolutely trumps test rugby. Teams, players and managers often therefore have no choice but to save their their ideas and their health for the higher honours.

It's still an achievement to beat NZ in a series, and one that should be celebrated. But it's not the same thing it once was.

Put it in this context... how many Test Series have NZ ever lost at home??

That will put it into context for you sad cases who seem happy to slate your own countrymen!!

Jesus even MacKenna is giving them credit FFS!!

I'm not slating anyone.

Test rugby is comparable to the FA cup. Once upon a time it was right up there with the most prestigious of honours. Then there was a transition period where the old pros and the marketing people tried to convince everyone it still held that honour. But over the course of a few generations it has become accepted upon its new perch: something you want to win, something to celebrate, but not career defining stuff for anyone, and not even season defining stuff for elite teams.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on July 16, 2022, 02:51:15 PM
Teams to win series in New Zealand:
1937 South Africa
1971 B&I Lions
1986 Australia
1994 France
2022 Ireland

Consecutive New Zealand home losses:
1937 v South Africa,
1949 v Australia,
1994 v France,
1998 v South Africa/Australia,
2022 v Ireland
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 6th sam on July 16, 2022, 03:25:33 PM
Quote from: Estimator on July 16, 2022, 02:51:15 PM
Teams to win series in New Zealand:
1937 South Africa
1971 B&I Lions
1986 Australia
1994 France
2022 Ireland

Consecutive New Zealand home losses:
1937 v South Africa,
1949 v Australia,
1994 v France,
1998 v South Africa/Australia,
2022 v Ireland

Monumental result .

Can ireland maintain this for World Cup ?
That aside , the achievement stands in its own right as historic.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on July 16, 2022, 03:40:35 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on July 16, 2022, 03:25:33 PM
Quote from: Estimator on July 16, 2022, 02:51:15 PM
Teams to win series in New Zealand:
1937 South Africa
1971 B&I Lions
1986 Australia
1994 France
2022 Ireland

Consecutive New Zealand home losses:
1937 v South Africa,
1949 v Australia,
1994 v France,
1998 v South Africa/Australia,
2022 v Ireland

Monumental result .

Can ireland maintain this for World Cup ?
That aside , the achievement stands in its own right as historic.

Have no doubt the Irish players and management would swap these two wins against New Zealand for a good World cup whereby they reach the latter stages of it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on July 16, 2022, 04:27:20 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on July 16, 2022, 03:40:35 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on July 16, 2022, 03:25:33 PM
Quote from: Estimator on July 16, 2022, 02:51:15 PM
Teams to win series in New Zealand:
1937 South Africa
1971 B&I Lions
1986 Australia
1994 France
2022 Ireland

Consecutive New Zealand home losses:
1937 v South Africa,
1949 v Australia,
1994 v France,
1998 v South Africa/Australia,
2022 v Ireland

Monumental result .

Can ireland maintain this for World Cup ?
That aside , the achievement stands in its own right as historic.

Have no doubt the Irish players and management would swap these two wins against New Zealand for a good World cup whereby they reach the latter stages of it.
Now, probably yes, but in 20 or 30 years time this team will likely still be being eulogised & a World Cup semi appearance in 2023 might be a quiz question and nothing more.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Scarlet on July 16, 2022, 06:50:37 PM
That was an awesome display and we genuinely rattled the Kiwis on their home turf. I'd say there will be a massive inquest there now and they will get their shit together come the next WC.

You can 100% admire and appreciate what Ireland did over the past month without going OTT. I think that anyone who doesn't jump on the hype train can be labelled a begrudger but the rugby media and fraternity can be a total pain to the point of taking away the good of following the team.

There was debate over what you would prefer...winning the series of making a WC semi-final and many preferred the series win. You can only play the games ahead of you, but we need to build on this.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on July 16, 2022, 06:51:35 PM
Quote from: Hound on July 16, 2022, 01:41:21 PM
England just about hold on to beat Australia. Didn't see it all but seemed to be a bit below NZ-Ire standard wise

Have England declared  that win as their greatest since 1966, I hope so the begrudging cnuts
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: quit yo jibbajabba on July 16, 2022, 07:09:04 PM
Quote from: Itchy on July 16, 2022, 06:51:35 PM
Quote from: Hound on July 16, 2022, 01:41:21 PM
England just about hold on to beat Australia. Didn't see it all but seemed to be a bit below NZ-Ire standard wise

Have England declared  that win as their greatest since 1966, I hope so the begrudging cnuts

Ewan?! That you?!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on July 16, 2022, 07:32:10 PM
Quote from: Captain Scarlet on July 16, 2022, 06:50:37 PM
That was an awesome display and we genuinely rattled the Kiwis on their home turf. I'd say there will be a massive inquest there now and they will get their shit together come the next WC.

You can 100% admire and appreciate what Ireland did over the past month without going OTT. I think that anyone who doesn't jump on the hype train can be labelled a begrudger but the rugby media and fraternity can be a total pain to the point of taking away the good of following the team.

There was debate over what you would prefer...winning the series of making a WC semi-final and many preferred the series win. You can only play the games ahead of you, but we need to build on this.
Who was having this debate?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: pbat on July 16, 2022, 07:38:07 PM
If New Zealand are beat in the two rugby championship games in SA coming up Foster will be out on his ear and Joe Schmidt in.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Scarlet on July 16, 2022, 07:38:19 PM
Brian O'Driscoll on Off The Ball and then a few more on Twitter. A few sports journos were on about it.
I'm in a couple of WhatsApp groups with lads who'd be more into rugby and they all said a series win over WC.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: nrico2006 on July 16, 2022, 09:20:50 PM
Surely the world cup trumps a test win.

How many foreigners started today?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 16, 2022, 09:23:33 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on July 16, 2022, 09:20:50 PM
Surely the world cup trumps a test win.

How many foreigners started today?

Are we talking rugby or soccer?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: pbat on July 16, 2022, 09:35:10 PM
Lowe, Aki, Gibson-Park, Treadwell, Hanson and Bealham I think, Carberry born in New Zealand but moved here at 7 so wouldn't count him as "foreign"
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: quit yo jibbajabba on July 16, 2022, 10:01:29 PM
But apart from those 7?!


😃
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: J70 on July 16, 2022, 10:12:25 PM
Not a rugby enthusiast so not very knowledgeable, but have Ireland not been riding high a few times now in the lead up to a World Cup, only to flop completely once the real stuff begins?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on July 16, 2022, 10:15:51 PM
Quote from: J70 on July 16, 2022, 10:12:25 PM
Not a rugby enthusiast so not very knowledgeable, but have Ireland not been riding high a few times now in the lead up to a World Cup, only to flop completely once the real stuff begins?

Nail. Head. On it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on July 16, 2022, 10:16:41 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on July 16, 2022, 09:20:50 PM
Surely the world cup trumps a test win.

How many foreigners started today?

9 different nationalities between the 2 teams today.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: nrico2006 on July 16, 2022, 10:18:42 PM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on July 16, 2022, 10:01:29 PM
But apart from those 7?!


😃

Gees, didn't think there were that many. Thought maybe 2 at most. Poor enough.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 16, 2022, 10:23:02 PM
English
John Aldridge
Harry Arter
Phil Babb
Leon Best
Keith Branagan
Gary Breen
Shay Brennan
Alex Bruce
Paul Butler
John Byrne
Lee Carsley
Tony Cascarino
Jeff Chandler
Cyrus Christie
Ciaran Clark
James Collins
David Connolly
Simon Cox
Josh Cullen
Ronan Curtis
Liam Daish
Rory Delap
John Dempsey
Terry Donovan
Rob Elliot
Mickey Evans
Curtis Fleming
Caleb Folan
Kevin Foley
Tony Galvin
Jon Goodman
Tony Grealish
Paul Green
CJ Hamilton
Austin Hayes
Ron Healey
Scott Hogan
Matt Holland
Chris Hughton
Will Keane
Mick Kearns
Alan Kelly, Jr.
David Kelly
Mark Kelly
Mick Kennedy
Paddy Kenny
Richard Keogh
Alan Kernaghan
Dean Kiely
Kevin Kilbane
Liam Lawrence
Mark Lawrenson
Jon Macken
Sean Maguire
Terry Mancini
Jason McAteer
Mick McCarthy
Jim McDonagh
David McGoldrick
Eddie McGoldrick
Paul McGrath
Alan McLoughlin
Stephen McPhail
Mike Milligan
Chris Morris
Clinton Morrison
Jerry Murphy
Aiden O'Brien
Andy O'Brien
Brendan O'Callaghan
Kevin O'Callaghan
Joe O'Cearuill
Sean O'Driscoll
Kelham O'Hanlon
Kieran O'Hara
Eamonn O'Keefe
David O'Leary
Alex Pearce
Gerry Peyton
Terry Phelan
Anthony Pilkington
Darren Potter
Steven Reid
Declan Rice
Callum Robinson
Michael Robinson
Martin Rowlands
John Sheridan
Sean St Ledger
Peter Thomas
Andy Townsend
Gary Waddock
Mickey Walsh
Jonathan Walters
Keiren Westwood

NI
Shane Duffy
Darron Gibson
James McClean
Eunan O'Kane
Marc Wilson

Scots
Owen Coyle
Tommy Coyne
Charlie Gallagher
Ray Houghton
James McCarthy
Aiden McGeady
Bernie Slaven

Kevin Sheedy from wales  ;D







Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on July 16, 2022, 10:25:23 PM
NI...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on July 16, 2022, 10:32:47 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 16, 2022, 10:25:23 PM
NI...

I know.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on July 16, 2022, 10:40:21 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 16, 2022, 10:23:02 PM
English
John Aldridge
Harry Arter
Phil Babb
Leon Best
Keith Branagan
Gary Breen
Shay Brennan
Alex Bruce
Paul Butler
John Byrne
Lee Carsley
Tony Cascarino
Jeff Chandler
Cyrus Christie
Ciaran Clark
James Collins
David Connolly
Simon Cox
Josh Cullen
Ronan Curtis
Liam Daish
Rory Delap
John Dempsey
Terry Donovan
Rob Elliot
Mickey Evans
Curtis Fleming
Caleb Folan
Kevin Foley
Tony Galvin
Jon Goodman
Tony Grealish
Paul Green
CJ Hamilton
Austin Hayes
Ron Healey
Scott Hogan
Matt Holland
Chris Hughton
Will Keane
Mick Kearns
Alan Kelly, Jr.
David Kelly
Mark Kelly
Mick Kennedy
Paddy Kenny
Richard Keogh
Alan Kernaghan
Dean Kiely
Kevin Kilbane
Liam Lawrence
Mark Lawrenson
Jon Macken
Sean Maguire
Terry Mancini
Jason McAteer
Mick McCarthy
Jim McDonagh
David McGoldrick
Eddie McGoldrick
Paul McGrath
Alan McLoughlin
Stephen McPhail
Mike Milligan
Chris Morris
Clinton Morrison
Jerry Murphy
Aiden O'Brien
Andy O'Brien
Brendan O'Callaghan
Kevin O'Callaghan
Joe O'Cearuill
Sean O'Driscoll
Kelham O'Hanlon
Kieran O'Hara
Eamonn O'Keefe
David O'Leary
Alex Pearce
Gerry Peyton
Terry Phelan
Anthony Pilkington
Darren Potter
Steven Reid
Declan Rice
Callum Robinson
Michael Robinson
Martin Rowlands
John Sheridan
Sean St Ledger
Peter Thomas
Andy Townsend
Gary Waddock
Mickey Walsh
Jonathan Walters
Keiren Westwood

NI
Shane Duffy
Darron Gibson
James McClean
Eunan O'Kane
Marc Wilson

Scots
Owen Coyle
Tommy Coyne
Charlie Gallagher
Ray Houghton
James McCarthy
Aiden McGeady
Bernie Slaven

Kevin Sheedy from wales  ;D

Whataboutery

Milltown Row2
Jamie Bryson
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 16, 2022, 10:41:14 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on July 16, 2022, 10:32:47 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 16, 2022, 10:25:23 PM
NI...

I know.

Just a copy and paste job but sure I'm glad the soccer lads are happy with the English welsh and Scot's lads
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: quit yo jibbajabba on July 16, 2022, 10:44:10 PM
If theres an alternative stance to take MR2 (NI) is yer man 😉😂
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on July 16, 2022, 10:49:44 PM
Quote from: pbat on July 16, 2022, 09:35:10 PM
Lowe, Aki, Gibson-Park, Treadwell, Hanson and Bealham I think, Carberry born in New Zealand but moved here at 7 so wouldn't count him as "foreign"

Never mind the fact that Carberry's parents are Irish.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: quit yo jibbajabba on July 16, 2022, 10:51:38 PM
Quote from: gallsman on July 16, 2022, 10:49:44 PM
Quote from: pbat on July 16, 2022, 09:35:10 PM
Lowe, Aki, Gibson-Park, Treadwell, Hanson and Bealham I think, Carberry born in New Zealand but moved here at 7 so wouldn't count him as "foreign"

Never mind the fact that Carberry's parents are Irish.

*as well as a fair few on the football list no doubt but that wont stop MR2 (NI)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 16, 2022, 10:53:46 PM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on July 16, 2022, 10:51:38 PM
Quote from: gallsman on July 16, 2022, 10:49:44 PM
Quote from: pbat on July 16, 2022, 09:35:10 PM
Lowe, Aki, Gibson-Park, Treadwell, Hanson and Bealham I think, Carberry born in New Zealand but moved here at 7 so wouldn't count him as "foreign"

Never mind the fact that Carberry's parents are Irish.

*as well as a fair few on the football list no doubt but that wont stop MR2 (NI)

:D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Mikhail Prokhorov on July 16, 2022, 11:11:08 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on July 16, 2022, 10:32:47 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 16, 2022, 10:25:23 PM
NI...

I know.

not surprising in fairness  ;D

soccer is not comparable to rugby as the fai don't pay players

why don't we just hire 8 other south africans & kiwis, finally make a wc final, celebrate and be done with it
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 16, 2022, 11:12:39 PM
Both garrison sports so completely comparable
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on July 16, 2022, 11:54:45 PM
Cascarino should never have played for the Republic FFS!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 12:08:17 AM
The rules are there. While big Tony took the piss (and admitted it) if the opportunity is there to use players from other countries the angst or annoyance should be directed at why this is allowed to happen
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on July 17, 2022, 12:19:57 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 12:08:17 AM
The rules are there. While big Tony took the piss (and admitted it) if the opportunity is there to use players from other countries the angst or annoyance should be directed at why this is allowed to happen

Cascarino was fine to play for Ireland though? Adoption is not an issue and an adopted person is treated the very same as a blood relative when it comes to nationality
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Mikhail Prokhorov on July 17, 2022, 12:31:24 AM
Quote from: screenexile on July 16, 2022, 11:54:45 PM
Cascarino should never have played for the Republic FFS!

Ireland  ::)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 12:33:34 AM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on July 17, 2022, 12:19:57 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 12:08:17 AM
The rules are there. While big Tony took the piss (and admitted it) if the opportunity is there to use players from other countries the angst or annoyance should be directed at why this is allowed to happen

Cascarino was fine to play for Ireland though? Adoption is not an issue and an adopted person is treated the very same as a blood relative when it comes to nationality

I said the rules are there, it was Tony that said he shouldn't have.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: onefineday on July 17, 2022, 12:35:15 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 12:08:17 AM
The rules are there. While big Tony took the piss (and admitted it) if the opportunity is there to use players from other countries the angst or annoyance should be directed at why this is allowed to happen
How did he take the piss?
He was eligible for an Irish passport and to play for Ireland, the whole shock revelation about his mother's adoption was to generate headlines and sell books.
The whole point of the legal process of adoption is to confer the same rights to an adopted child as to biological children.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: pbat on July 17, 2022, 01:21:38 AM
My bigger concern is how the hell he got 89 caps???
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Turf on July 17, 2022, 06:51:10 AM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on July 16, 2022, 10:51:38 PM
Quote from: gallsman on July 16, 2022, 10:49:44 PM
Quote from: pbat on July 16, 2022, 09:35:10 PM
Lowe, Aki, Gibson-Park, Treadwell, Hanson and Bealham I think, Carberry born in New Zealand but moved here at 7 so wouldn't count him as "foreign"

Never mind the fact that Carberry's parents are Irish.

*as well as a fair few on the football list no doubt but that wont stop MR2 (NI)
I would have thought most of the football list have Irish heritage, as in a parent, grandparent etc that was Irish. Are the rugby lads the same? It's a genuine question as I don't really follow much rugby.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Ghost on July 17, 2022, 07:34:26 AM
Quote from: Turf on July 17, 2022, 06:51:10 AM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on July 16, 2022, 10:51:38 PM
Quote from: gallsman on July 16, 2022, 10:49:44 PM
Quote from: pbat on July 16, 2022, 09:35:10 PM
Lowe, Aki, Gibson-Park, Treadwell, Hanson and Bealham I think, Carberry born in New Zealand but moved here at 7 so wouldn't count him as "foreign"

Never mind the fact that Carberry's parents are Irish.

*as well as a fair few on the football list no doubt but that wont stop MR2 (NI)
I would have thought most of the football list have Irish heritage, as in a parent, grandparent etc that was Irish. Are the rugby lads the same? It's a genuine question as I don't really follow much rugby.

As far as I know in recent years CJ Stander, Aki, Lowe, Gibson Park and Kleyn have all qualified to play for Ireland through the residency rule...Rob Herring could be another, not certain on him and there's probably others I've missed but the likes.of carberry, bealham, hanson and Treadwell all have a parent/grandparent as you say.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rufus T Firefly on July 17, 2022, 08:45:33 AM
Wonderful sporting occasion yesterday and a huge result, which was evidenced by the range of conflicting and raw emotions from so many of the participants - players and management. Despite now being number one in the world, the chances of us becoming World Champions are remote. However we can comfort ourselves in the knowledge that when it comes to the begrudgery World Cup, we are almost certain to retain our crown.

I note also the references being made by the begrudgers to how many foreign born players featured for us yesterday. This issue has been going on in rugby for decades, long before Ireland got in on the act, with Australia and New Zealand in particular taking the best talent from the Pacific Islands. That talent helped them become world leaders (as evidenced by 5 World Cup triumphs) which of course the begrudgers used to highlight the poverty of our own talent in not getting beyond a World Cup quarter-final.

A famous win yesterday and victory in the series, but ironically - as this thread shows - the Irish rugby team just cannot win. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on July 17, 2022, 08:58:22 AM
Why is the pool stages for the rugby world cup always done 3 years before the draw. Would it not be a better indication of where teams are placed to just do it a year before once they know who all has qualified. To get a good draw for the pool stages you need to peak the year after a world cup which seems strange (and obviously peak at the world cup too)

At the minute in the rankings pool A has france ranked 2nd in the world and new zealand 4th. pool b has ireland ranked 1 and south africa 3. so at least 2 of the top 4 will go out at the quarter stages
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on July 17, 2022, 09:22:49 AM
Quote from: Ghost on July 17, 2022, 07:34:26 AM
Quote from: Turf on July 17, 2022, 06:51:10 AM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on July 16, 2022, 10:51:38 PM
Quote from: gallsman on July 16, 2022, 10:49:44 PM
Quote from: pbat on July 16, 2022, 09:35:10 PM
Lowe, Aki, Gibson-Park, Treadwell, Hanson and Bealham I think, Carberry born in New Zealand but moved here at 7 so wouldn't count him as "foreign"

Never mind the fact that Carberry's parents are Irish.

*as well as a fair few on the football list no doubt but that wont stop MR2 (NI)
I would have thought most of the football list have Irish heritage, as in a parent, grandparent etc that was Irish. Are the rugby lads the same? It's a genuine question as I don't really follow much rugby.

As far as I know in recent years CJ Stander, Aki, Lowe, Gibson Park and Kleyn have all qualified to play for Ireland through the residency rule...Rob Herring could be another, not certain on him and there's probably others I've missed but the likes.of carberry, bealham, hanson and Treadwell all have a parent/grandparent as you say.
Based on yesterday, Ireland have a very good development system. It's a pity about Leinster
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on July 17, 2022, 09:23:45 AM
Meanwhile Ryan Jones, 41, 3 grand slams, has early onset dementia.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Eire90 on July 17, 2022, 09:44:32 AM
Quote from: Hound on July 16, 2022, 01:27:37 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on July 16, 2022, 11:05:29 AM
Quote from: Hound on July 16, 2022, 10:59:50 AM
Super win and fantastic to win the test series. Some phenomenal performances, Sam Cane was distraught.

If we keep everyone fit, and play to the best of our ability, we've still only have a 50% chance (at best) of winning the World Cup quarter-final - given the draw. And no injuries come the World Cup would be unlikely! So we should just enjoy this win and see what comes.

Anyone who calls test rugby series or test cricket series "friendlies" just don't understand the sports. But congrats for coming on a thread you know nothing about and highlighting your absolute ignorance!

I hear this over and over and over again yet I've never heard any rugby fan explain the difference.
Ireland beating Scotland in the Nations League was a bigger achievement. At least it was a competitive game.
You judge everything by the rules of one sport?

The best team in English soccer is the one who wins the league, not the knockout competition. Therefore the best team in Gaelic is the one that wins the league, not the knockout competition. Your comment is equally ridiculous to that comment

Eoin Morgan captained England cricket team to win a World Cup. Yet he's not good enough to play test cricket, which has no league or knockout element at all (or barely anyway), but is still regarded by many as the most prestigious form of the game.

Test rugby is very important part of the game, and not at all like a soccer friendly. And if that annoys people, then they should ignore the thread and ignore people basking in the glory of defeating the All Blacks in their own backyard.  The NZ players and crowd were sick as dogs, that'll give you an idea of how important this was.

test cricket now has a world test championship and teams that finished 1st and 2nd play in a championship test
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Newbridge Exile on July 17, 2022, 09:48:55 AM
Quote from: Ghost on July 17, 2022, 07:34:26 AM
Quote from: Turf on July 17, 2022, 06:51:10 AM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on July 16, 2022, 10:51:38 PM
Quote from: gallsman on July 16, 2022, 10:49:44 PM
Quote from: pbat on July 16, 2022, 09:35:10 PM
Lowe, Aki, Gibson-Park, Treadwell, Hanson and Bealham I think, Carberry born in New Zealand but moved here at 7 so wouldn't count him as "foreign"

Never mind the fact that Carberry's parents are Irish.

*as well as a fair few on the football list no doubt but that wont stop MR2 (NI)
I would have thought most of the football list have Irish heritage, as in a parent, grandparent etc that was Irish. Are the rugby lads the same? It's a genuine question as I don't really follow much rugby.

As far as I know in recent years CJ Stander, Aki, Lowe, Gibson Park and Kleyn have all qualified to play for Ireland through the residency rule...Rob Herring could be another, not certain on him and there's probably others I've missed but the likes.of carberry, bealham, hanson and Treadwell all have a parent/grandparent as you say.
Jared Payne and Quinn Roux also qualified under the residency rule in recent times
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on July 17, 2022, 10:15:38 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 16, 2022, 10:41:14 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on July 16, 2022, 10:32:47 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 16, 2022, 10:25:23 PM
NI...

I know.

Just a copy and paste job but sure I'm glad the soccer lads are happy with the English welsh and Scot's lads

Do I not recall Charltons policy being deeply unpopular, hence it was ditched.

Also your list had Irish citizenship. The goys don't even bother.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on July 17, 2022, 10:16:35 AM
The Crossmaglen teams that won multiple titles hoovered up talent from surrounding clubs for years, I'd be fairly certain they are not unique in GAA circles, every sport loves a blow in.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on July 17, 2022, 10:18:08 AM
Quote from: Turf on July 17, 2022, 06:51:10 AM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on July 16, 2022, 10:51:38 PM
Quote from: gallsman on July 16, 2022, 10:49:44 PM
Quote from: pbat on July 16, 2022, 09:35:10 PM
Lowe, Aki, Gibson-Park, Treadwell, Hanson and Bealham I think, Carberry born in New Zealand but moved here at 7 so wouldn't count him as "foreign"

Never mind the fact that Carberry's parents are Irish.

*as well as a fair few on the football list no doubt but that wont stop MR2 (NI)
I would have thought most of the football list have Irish heritage, as in a parent, grandparent etc that was Irish. Are the rugby lads the same? It's a genuine question as I don't really follow much rugby.

The rugby players sign for a provincial franchise and if are good enough the IRFU will hire them to play for Ireland. Heritage irrelevant
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 10:19:19 AM
It's either allowed or not, if it's within the rules then why are people so bothered?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on July 17, 2022, 10:20:42 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on July 17, 2022, 10:16:35 AM
The Crossmaglen teams that won multiple titles hoovered up talent from surrounding clubs for years, I'd be fairly certain they are not unique in GAA circles, every sport loves a blow in.

Agreed. A certain Dublin club won plenty doing the same. However said ayers are perfectly eligible to play for their new clubs. Irish citizens are eligible to play soccer for Ireland. Then we have rugby employing non Irish citizens to play for Ireland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on July 17, 2022, 10:22:25 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 10:19:19 AM
It's either allowed or not, if it's within the rules then why are people so bothered?

It's not 'bothered' per say.

I would just prefer if tbe IRFU called the national side the league select it is and got in with it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 10:29:24 AM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on July 17, 2022, 10:22:25 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 10:19:19 AM
It's either allowed or not, if it's within the rules then why are people so bothered?

It's not 'bothered' per say.

I would just prefer if tbe IRFU called the national side the league select it is and got in with it.

As someone said already other nations were doing it long before the IRFU ...

there's probably not a national team in any sport that hasn't someone playing for a country they weren't born in or had a granny that was born there.

Grealish and Rice are two examples of players when given the opportunity picked them best team
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on July 17, 2022, 10:44:35 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 10:29:24 AM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on July 17, 2022, 10:22:25 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 10:19:19 AM
It's either allowed or not, if it's within the rules then why are people so bothered?

It's not 'bothered' per say.

I would just prefer if tbe IRFU called the national side the league select it is and got in with it.

As someone said already other nations were doing it long before the IRFU ...

there's probably not a national team in any sport that hasn't someone playing for a country they weren't born in or had a granny that was born there.

Grealish and Rice are two examples of players when given the opportunity picked them best team

So international rugby should be repranded. The point holds - these are employees of the IRFU, not national teamrepresentatives. This is, as you well know, very different to diaspora citizens playing for an international side.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 10:51:38 AM
Do the Irish soccer National team pay players to play for their country? The English are paid £2000 grand an appearance which from 2008 they have given to charities
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on July 17, 2022, 10:55:49 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 10:51:38 AM
Do the Irish soccer National team pay players to play for their country? The English are paid £2000 grand an appearance which from 2008 they have given to charities

Every international soccer player is entitled to a union negotiared per diem. Nearly every player doesn't take it. But it is't £2m a game. I understand it's around €2,000.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 10:57:09 AM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on July 17, 2022, 10:55:49 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 10:51:38 AM
Do the Irish soccer National team pay players to play for their country? The English are paid £2000 grand an appearance which from 2008 they have given to charities

Every international soccer player is entitled to a union negotiared per diem. Nearly every player doesn't take it. But it is't £2m a game. I understand it's around €2,000.

So they are paid? Employed for the day of the game? Right
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on July 17, 2022, 11:08:20 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 10:57:09 AM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on July 17, 2022, 10:55:49 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 10:51:38 AM
Do the Irish soccer National team pay players to play for their country? The English are paid £2000 grand an appearance which from 2008 they have given to charities

Every international soccer player is entitled to a union negotiared per diem. Nearly every player doesn't take it. But it is't £2m a game. I understand it's around €2,000.

So they are paid? Employed for the day of the game? Right

In the same way intercounty players are...

If you want to go to these lengths to make some pointless comparison that's your problem. The rest of us can tell the difference between a grant, a per diem and a contracted employee.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 11:22:15 AM
I didn't go out if my way at all, one's complaining players from outside playing for National teams, if it's within the rules it's within the rules... you're the one looking to make things different..

If you're not interested in the sport why comment on it?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: quit yo jibbajabba on July 17, 2022, 11:28:26 AM
On MR2NIs gravestone - "He loved an argument so he did"

Dafuq has countries payin players got to do with anythin
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on July 17, 2022, 11:29:08 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 11:22:15 AM
I didn't go out if my way at all, one's complaining players from outside playing for National teams, if it's within the rules it's within the rules... you're the one looking to make things different..

If you're not interested in the sport why comment on it?

I am interested in the sport...

There is 'outside' and there is 'outside'.

If you can't make a distinction between moving to a new parish and changing clubs and actively scouring South Africa for teenagers to play in tbe Irish team in 5 plus years time, then good luck.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on July 17, 2022, 11:31:29 AM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on July 17, 2022, 11:28:26 AM
On MR2NIs gravestone - "He loved an argument so he did"

Dafuq has countries payin players got to do with anythin

He is saying employees of the IRFU being the only people who can play rugby for Ireland is the exact same as a standard per diem all soccer International players get.

I'm sure in his head there is some form of coherent point, but it isn't appearing on my screen.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 11:33:58 AM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on July 17, 2022, 11:28:26 AM
On MR2NIs gravestone - "He loved an argument so he did"

Dafuq has countries payin players got to do with anythin

I've no idea why bb2 brought paying into but apparently it's a big thing, but the soccer lads only get a grant  :o

As for scouring for players, big jack didn't do that!!

I'll not be having a gravestone  ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Scarlet on July 17, 2022, 11:57:32 AM
I think that rugby and the media leave no room to simply admire the players without feeling the need to ram HISTORIC TEST down your throat. If you don't buy into the mania you are clearly a begrudger but we will ignore the fact that it is a minority sport punching way above it's weight in terms of coverage.

Most people never felt the weight of an oval ball but will happily jump on the bandwagon and enjoy a day out when things are going well. I'm all for celebrating the team but even I get annoyed with some of the hyperbole.

It's OK to admit that rugby is a niche sport in most countries and it's also OK to say we are really good at that sport.



Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: yellowcard on July 17, 2022, 12:41:20 PM
Quote from: Captain Scarlet on July 17, 2022, 11:57:32 AM
I think that rugby and the media leave no room to simply admire the players without feeling the need to ram HISTORIC TEST down your throat. If you don't buy into the mania you are clearly a begrudger but we will ignore the fact that it is a minority sport punching way above it's weight in terms of coverage.

Most people never felt the weight of an oval ball but will happily jump on the bandwagon and enjoy a day out when things are going well. I'm all for celebrating the team but even I get annoyed with some of the hyperbole.

It's OK to admit that rugby is a niche sport in most countries and it's also OK to say we are really good at that sport.

Agree 100%, I read an article in the Sunday Indo saying that it was Irelands greatest ever sporting achievement. It was a great result but the biggest problem is the overreaction afterwards. There is a disconnect for a lot of people with rugby as a sport. Let's be honest, it's not the most attractive sport to watch as it doesn't lend itself to much skill and is mostly about brute force and ignorance. Personally speaking I'd want them to do well but I can't say I'm ever really bothered if they don't win either.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on July 17, 2022, 12:42:10 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 11:33:58 AM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on July 17, 2022, 11:28:26 AM
On MR2NIs gravestone - "He loved an argument so he did"

Dafuq has countries payin players got to do with anythin

I've no idea why bb2 brought paying into but apparently it's a big thing, but the soccer lads only get a grant  :o

As for scouring for players, big jack didn't do that!!

I'll not be having a gravestone  ;D

Sigh.

You don't play rugby for Ireland if you are one of the 15 best Irish rugby players anymore. You play rugby for Ireland if you happen to be employed by the IRFU at one of their franchise teams. And you get paid €45k if selected.

Big Jack is dead mate. Soccer has moved on.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on July 17, 2022, 02:10:18 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on July 17, 2022, 12:19:57 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 12:08:17 AM
The rules are there. While big Tony took the piss (and admitted it) if the opportunity is there to use players from other countries the angst or annoyance should be directed at why this is allowed to happen

Cascarino was fine to play for Ireland though? Adoption is not an issue and an adopted person is treated the very same as a blood relative when it comes to nationality
Don't mind these stormont nordies talking bull about things based either on ignorance or intentional misrepresentation. With a 100% certainty Cas was always entitled to Irish citizenry and when he was capped for Ireland he was fully eligible to play.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Mikhail Prokhorov on July 17, 2022, 02:22:18 PM
Quote from: Main Street on July 17, 2022, 02:10:18 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on July 17, 2022, 12:19:57 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 12:08:17 AM
The rules are there. While big Tony took the piss (and admitted it) if the opportunity is there to use players from other countries the angst or annoyance should be directed at why this is allowed to happen

Cascarino was fine to play for Ireland though? Adoption is not an issue and an adopted person is treated the very same as a blood relative when it comes to nationality
Don't mind these stormont nordies talking bull about things based either on ignorance or intentional misrepresentation. With a 100% certainty Cas was always entitled to Irish citizenry and when he was capped for Ireland he was fully eligible to play.
in fairness they do get their information from foreign state media
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on July 17, 2022, 03:43:46 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 12:08:17 AM
The rules are there. While big Tony took the piss (and admitted it) if the opportunity is there to use players from other countries the angst or annoyance should be directed at why this is allowed to happen

Cascarino was perfectly eligible to play for Ireland. Cascarino also had a book to flog and needed a hook. The feebleminded fell for said hook.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 05:48:49 PM
So you don't accept the rules? If the rules suit you you're happy if not you'll argue?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on July 17, 2022, 09:26:50 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on July 17, 2022, 12:41:20 PM
Quote from: Captain Scarlet on July 17, 2022, 11:57:32 AM
I think that rugby and the media leave no room to simply admire the players without feeling the need to ram HISTORIC TEST down your throat. If you don't buy into the mania you are clearly a begrudger but we will ignore the fact that it is a minority sport punching way above it's weight in terms of coverage.

Most people never felt the weight of an oval ball but will happily jump on the bandwagon and enjoy a day out when things are going well. I'm all for celebrating the team but even I get annoyed with some of the hyperbole.

It's OK to admit that rugby is a niche sport in most countries and it's also OK to say we are really good at that sport.

Agree 100%, I read an article in the Sunday Indo saying that it was Irelands greatest ever sporting achievement. It was a great result but the biggest problem is the overreaction afterwards. There is a disconnect for a lot of people with rugby as a sport. Let's be honest, it's not the most attractive sport to watch as it doesn't lend itself to much skill and is mostly about brute force and ignorance. Personally speaking I'd want them to do well but I can't say I'm ever really bothered if they don't win either.
Can you send the link to the article saying it was Ireland's greatest ever sporting achievement please.

I presume this was one individual's opinion, rather than you gong down baile brigin's route of stating a bald faced lie (why anyone interacts with BB when he has been caught out so many times with his blatant lies is beyond me).
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on July 17, 2022, 09:40:30 PM
Quote from: Hound on July 17, 2022, 09:26:50 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on July 17, 2022, 12:41:20 PM
Quote from: Captain Scarlet on July 17, 2022, 11:57:32 AM
I think that rugby and the media leave no room to simply admire the players without feeling the need to ram HISTORIC TEST down your throat. If you don't buy into the mania you are clearly a begrudger but we will ignore the fact that it is a minority sport punching way above it's weight in terms of coverage.

Most people never felt the weight of an oval ball but will happily jump on the bandwagon and enjoy a day out when things are going well. I'm all for celebrating the team but even I get annoyed with some of the hyperbole.

It's OK to admit that rugby is a niche sport in most countries and it's also OK to say we are really good at that sport.

Agree 100%, I read an article in the Sunday Indo saying that it was Irelands greatest ever sporting achievement. It was a great result but the biggest problem is the overreaction afterwards. There is a disconnect for a lot of people with rugby as a sport. Let's be honest, it's not the most attractive sport to watch as it doesn't lend itself to much skill and is mostly about brute force and ignorance. Personally speaking I'd want them to do well but I can't say I'm ever really bothered if they don't win either.
Can you send the link to the article saying it was Ireland's greatest ever sporting achievement please.

I presume this was one individual's opinion, rather than you gong down baile brigin's route of stating a bald faced lie (why anyone interacts with BB when he has been caught out so many times with his blatant lies is beyond me).

https://twitter.com/FitzChain/status/1548693016176648194?t=6GhCEtehC-axK3PglfE3pA&s=19
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 09:46:56 PM
So one persons view on it.. thanks  ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on July 17, 2022, 09:50:49 PM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FX38i97WAAUQxGQ?format=jpg&name=small)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on July 17, 2022, 09:54:19 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 09:46:56 PM
So one persons view on it.. thanks  ;D

We're you expecting an article joint written by 10 people?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on July 17, 2022, 10:03:16 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 09:46:56 PM
So one persons view on it.. thanks  ;D
Who suggested otherwise?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on July 17, 2022, 10:04:27 PM
Quote from: Itchy on July 17, 2022, 09:54:19 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 09:46:56 PM
So one persons view on it.. thanks  ;D

We're you expecting an article joint written by 10 people?

I don't think he is playing with a full deck
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 10:07:47 PM
Quote from: Itchy on July 17, 2022, 09:54:19 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 09:46:56 PM
So one persons view on it.. thanks  ;D

We're you expecting an article joint written by 10 people?

Well if it was plenty of creditable sports journos you'd look at it, but if someone like you who doesn't even know the rules of GAA says something then I'll not worry about it..

It was a sporting first for Ireland, take it for what it is. The best team (ranked one) is beaten over 3 games
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on July 17, 2022, 10:25:49 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 10:07:47 PM
Quote from: Itchy on July 17, 2022, 09:54:19 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 09:46:56 PM
So one persons view on it.. thanks  ;D

We're you expecting an article joint written by 10 people?

Well if it was plenty of creditable sports journos you'd look at it, but if someone like you who doesn't even know the rules of GAA says something then I'll not worry about it..

It was a sporting first for Ireland, take it for what it is. The best team (ranked one) is beaten over 3 games

Nope.

In tbe context of a conversation about the press losing the run of themselves an article describing the tour win as Ireland's best ever sporting result was mentioned. You seemed to disbelieve this and when shown up are complaining it's only one article. You would give anadin a headache
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Scarlet on July 17, 2022, 10:31:20 PM
https://twitter.com/IndoSport/status/1548758819999813641?s=20&t=7r_WDsbuyFIK38ciW6kD6Q
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 10:38:12 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on July 17, 2022, 10:25:49 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 10:07:47 PM
Quote from: Itchy on July 17, 2022, 09:54:19 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 09:46:56 PM
So one persons view on it.. thanks  ;D

We're you expecting an article joint written by 10 people?

Well if it was plenty of creditable sports journos you'd look at it, but if someone like you who doesn't even know the rules of GAA says something then I'll not worry about it..

It was a sporting first for Ireland, take it for what it is. The best team (ranked one) is beaten over 3 games

Nope.

In tbe context of a conversation about the press losing the run of themselves an article describing the tour win as Ireland's best ever sporting result was mentioned. You seemed to disbelieve this and when shown up are complaining it's only one article. You would give anadin a headache

I personally couldn't care less, today at Croke park watching our National sport will always be the best Irish sporting moments
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on July 17, 2022, 10:52:29 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 10:38:12 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on July 17, 2022, 10:25:49 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 10:07:47 PM
Quote from: Itchy on July 17, 2022, 09:54:19 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 09:46:56 PM
So one persons view on it.. thanks  ;D

We're you expecting an article joint written by 10 people?

Well if it was plenty of creditable sports journos you'd look at it, but if someone like you who doesn't even know the rules of GAA says something then I'll not worry about it..

It was a sporting first for Ireland, take it for what it is. The best team (ranked one) is beaten over 3 games

Nope.

In tbe context of a conversation about the press losing the run of themselves an article describing the tour win as Ireland's best ever sporting result was mentioned. You seemed to disbelieve this and when shown up are complaining it's only one article. You would give anadin a headache

I personally couldn't care less, today at Croke park watching our National sport will always be the best Irish sporting moments

You aren't coming across as someone who couldn't care less
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 11:28:58 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on July 17, 2022, 10:52:29 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 10:38:12 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on July 17, 2022, 10:25:49 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 10:07:47 PM
Quote from: Itchy on July 17, 2022, 09:54:19 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 09:46:56 PM
So one persons view on it.. thanks  ;D

We're you expecting an article joint written by 10 people?

Well if it was plenty of creditable sports journos you'd look at it, but if someone like you who doesn't even know the rules of GAA says something then I'll not worry about it..

It was a sporting first for Ireland, take it for what it is. The best team (ranked one) is beaten over 3 games

Nope.

In tbe context of a conversation about the press losing the run of themselves an article describing the tour win as Ireland's best ever sporting result was mentioned. You seemed to disbelieve this and when shown up are complaining it's only one article. You would give anadin a headache

I personally couldn't care less, today at Croke park watching our National sport will always be the best Irish sporting moments

You aren't coming across as someone who couldn't care less

I'm debating you're complaining, you're claiming one sport has reason to pick no birth players over another and want them to change their rules..... wise up. If it's within the rules it's within the rules ya ejjit
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on July 17, 2022, 11:39:10 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 11:28:58 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on July 17, 2022, 10:52:29 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 10:38:12 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on July 17, 2022, 10:25:49 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 10:07:47 PM
Quote from: Itchy on July 17, 2022, 09:54:19 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 09:46:56 PM
So one persons view on it.. thanks  ;D

We're you expecting an article joint written by 10 people?

Well if it was plenty of creditable sports journos you'd look at it, but if someone like you who doesn't even know the rules of GAA says something then I'll not worry about it..

It was a sporting first for Ireland, take it for what it is. The best team (ranked one) is beaten over 3 games

Nope.

In tbe context of a conversation about the press losing the run of themselves an article describing the tour win as Ireland's best ever sporting result was mentioned. You seemed to disbelieve this and when shown up are complaining it's only one article. You would give anadin a headache

I personally couldn't care less, today at Croke park watching our National sport will always be the best Irish sporting moments

You aren't coming across as someone who couldn't care less

I'm debating you're complaining, you're claiming one sport has reason to pick no birth players over another and want them to change their rules..... wise up. If it's within the rules it's within the rules ya ejjit

That's quite the strawman. As in you are arguing something nobody said.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on July 18, 2022, 11:06:33 AM
Well done Ireland Rugby in winning somewhere that only a few other nations have managed to do so.

Credit where it's due.

Haven't had a chance to watch it back..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Truth hurts on July 18, 2022, 11:25:24 AM
Well done to Ireland on winning two friendlies with cherries on top. I really don't get this test crap in Rugby.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on July 18, 2022, 11:31:57 AM
Quote from: Truth hurts on July 18, 2022, 11:25:24 AM
Well done to Ireland on winning two friendlies with cherries on top. I really don't get this test crap in Rugby.

As a fellow Down man, I think we'd take any sort of win, friendly or otherwise at the moment.

;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tonto1888 on July 18, 2022, 04:19:44 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on July 17, 2022, 10:25:49 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 10:07:47 PM
Quote from: Itchy on July 17, 2022, 09:54:19 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 09:46:56 PM
So one persons view on it.. thanks  ;D

We're you expecting an article joint written by 10 people?

Well if it was plenty of creditable sports journos you'd look at it, but if someone like you who doesn't even know the rules of GAA says something then I'll not worry about it..

It was a sporting first for Ireland, take it for what it is. The best team (ranked one) is beaten over 3 games

Nope.

In tbe context of a conversation about the press losing the run of themselves an article describing the tour win as Ireland's best ever sporting result was mentioned. You seemed to disbelieve this and when shown up are complaining it's only one article. You would give anadin a headache

it was hardly Ireland's best ever sporting result
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: delgany on July 18, 2022, 05:24:16 PM
Quote from: tonto1888 on July 18, 2022, 04:19:44 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on July 17, 2022, 10:25:49 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 10:07:47 PM
Quote from: Itchy on July 17, 2022, 09:54:19 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 09:46:56 PM
So one persons view on it.. thanks  ;D

We're you expecting an article joint written by 10 people?

Well if it was plenty of creditable sports journos you'd look at it, but if someone like you who doesn't even know the rules of GAA says something then I'll not worry about it..

It was a sporting first for Ireland, take it for what it is. The best team (ranked one) is beaten over 3 games

Nope.

In tbe context of a conversation about the press losing the run of themselves an article describing the tour win as Ireland's best ever sporting result was mentioned. You seemed to disbelieve this and when shown up are complaining it's only one article. You would give anadin a headache

it was hardly Ireland's best ever sporting result

Surely, in the hierarchy of Rugby's Roll of honour- It
Would be
1. World Cup Winners
2. SIX nations - grand slam
3. Triple Crown
4. Test Victory ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on July 18, 2022, 05:55:45 PM
Quote from: delgany on July 18, 2022, 05:24:16 PM
Quote from: tonto1888 on July 18, 2022, 04:19:44 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on July 17, 2022, 10:25:49 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 10:07:47 PM
Quote from: Itchy on July 17, 2022, 09:54:19 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 09:46:56 PM
So one persons view on it.. thanks  ;D

We're you expecting an article joint written by 10 people?

Well if it was plenty of creditable sports journos you'd look at it, but if someone like you who doesn't even know the rules of GAA says something then I'll not worry about it..

It was a sporting first for Ireland, take it for what it is. The best team (ranked one) is beaten over 3 games

Nope.

In tbe context of a conversation about the press losing the run of themselves an article describing the tour win as Ireland's best ever sporting result was mentioned. You seemed to disbelieve this and when shown up are complaining it's only one article. You would give anadin a headache

it was hardly Ireland's best ever sporting result

Surely, in the hierarchy of Rugby's Roll of honour- It
Would be
1. World Cup Winners
2. SIX nations - grand slam
3. Triple Crown
4. Test Victory ?

How plenty would see it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on July 18, 2022, 08:38:52 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on July 18, 2022, 05:55:45 PM
Quote from: delgany on July 18, 2022, 05:24:16 PM
Quote from: tonto1888 on July 18, 2022, 04:19:44 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on July 17, 2022, 10:25:49 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 10:07:47 PM
Quote from: Itchy on July 17, 2022, 09:54:19 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 09:46:56 PM
So one persons view on it.. thanks  ;D

We're you expecting an article joint written by 10 people?

Well if it was plenty of creditable sports journos you'd look at it, but if someone like you who doesn't even know the rules of GAA says something then I'll not worry about it..

It was a sporting first for Ireland, take it for what it is. The best team (ranked one) is beaten over 3 games

Nope.

In tbe context of a conversation about the press losing the run of themselves an article describing the tour win as Ireland's best ever sporting result was mentioned. You seemed to disbelieve this and when shown up are complaining it's only one article. You would give anadin a headache

it was hardly Ireland's best ever sporting result

Surely, in the hierarchy of Rugby's Roll of honour- It
Would be
1. World Cup Winners
2. SIX nations - grand slam
3. Triple Crown
4. Test Victory ?

How plenty would see it.

Yeah but the Rugby lads... y'know the ones who have been involved in the game all their lives and played it at the top level... are saying it's Irelands best ever achievement!

As lads who only started following Rugby in the early 2000s do we just ignore their opinion and pretend we know better?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on July 18, 2022, 10:12:19 PM
Quote from: screenexile on July 18, 2022, 08:38:52 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on July 18, 2022, 05:55:45 PM
Quote from: delgany on July 18, 2022, 05:24:16 PM
Quote from: tonto1888 on July 18, 2022, 04:19:44 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on July 17, 2022, 10:25:49 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 10:07:47 PM
Quote from: Itchy on July 17, 2022, 09:54:19 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 09:46:56 PM
So one persons view on it.. thanks  ;D

We're you expecting an article joint written by 10 people?

Well if it was plenty of creditable sports journos you'd look at it, but if someone like you who doesn't even know the rules of GAA says something then I'll not worry about it..

It was a sporting first for Ireland, take it for what it is. The best team (ranked one) is beaten over 3 games

Nope.

In tbe context of a conversation about the press losing the run of themselves an article describing the tour win as Ireland's best ever sporting result was mentioned. You seemed to disbelieve this and when shown up are complaining it's only one article. You would give anadin a headache

it was hardly Ireland's best ever sporting result

Surely, in the hierarchy of Rugby's Roll of honour- It
Would be
1. World Cup Winners
2. SIX nations - grand slam
3. Triple Crown
4. Test Victory ?

How plenty would see it.

Yeah but the Rugby lads... y'know the ones who have been involved in the game all their lives and played it at the top level... are saying it's Irelands best ever achievement!

As lads who only started following Rugby in the early 2000s do we just ignore their opinion and pretend we know better?

But they have form talking shite.

Remember when they beat the AB's in Chicago. That was Ireland's best ever result in any sport. The soccer lads beat Germany the next day. It wasn't even the best Irish result of the week
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on July 18, 2022, 11:53:55 PM
Here's Keith Wood's take on it...

https://twitter.com/offtheball/status/1549139446171303946?s=21&t=LeriF6wIvjPvkxwMFNwqZQ
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on July 19, 2022, 09:26:12 AM
Only 3 countries had previously won a test series in nz plus the lions once.
Anyone who played a test match against nz would probably not call it a friendly.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tiempo on July 19, 2022, 10:03:37 AM
Quote from: screenexile on July 18, 2022, 11:53:55 PM
Here's Keith Wood's take on it...

https://twitter.com/offtheball/status/1549139446171303946?s=21&t=LeriF6wIvjPvkxwMFNwqZQ

Sure wat in da fuq would that ganch know?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on July 19, 2022, 10:09:34 AM
Quote from: Gmac on July 19, 2022, 09:26:12 AM
Only 3 countries had previously won a test series in nz plus the lions once.
Anyone who played a test match against nz would probably not call it a friendly.

Don't get me started on that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tiempo on July 19, 2022, 10:26:14 AM
Tell you what though, the NZ press gang going in on the players and management, them hoors would need to get off their high horse and learn how to take a beating
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 19, 2022, 10:38:52 AM
Quote from: tiempo on July 19, 2022, 10:26:14 AM
Tell you what though, the NZ press gang going in on the players and management, them hoors would need to get off their high horse and learn how to take a beating

Sure it was only a friendly beating at the three sell out games, barely any coverage considering it was a friendly and you'd really have to do an internet search just to get the results...

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on July 19, 2022, 11:05:06 AM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on July 18, 2022, 10:12:19 PM
Quote from: screenexile on July 18, 2022, 08:38:52 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on July 18, 2022, 05:55:45 PM
Quote from: delgany on July 18, 2022, 05:24:16 PM
Quote from: tonto1888 on July 18, 2022, 04:19:44 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on July 17, 2022, 10:25:49 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 10:07:47 PM
Quote from: Itchy on July 17, 2022, 09:54:19 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 09:46:56 PM
So one persons view on it.. thanks  ;D

We're you expecting an article joint written by 10 people?

Well if it was plenty of creditable sports journos you'd look at it, but if someone like you who doesn't even know the rules of GAA says something then I'll not worry about it..

It was a sporting first for Ireland, take it for what it is. The best team (ranked one) is beaten over 3 games

Nope.

In tbe context of a conversation about the press losing the run of themselves an article describing the tour win as Ireland's best ever sporting result was mentioned. You seemed to disbelieve this and when shown up are complaining it's only one article. You would give anadin a headache

it was hardly Ireland's best ever sporting result

Surely, in the hierarchy of Rugby's Roll of honour- It
Would be
1. World Cup Winners
2. SIX nations - grand slam
3. Triple Crown
4. Test Victory ?

How plenty would see it.

Yeah but the Rugby lads... y'know the ones who have been involved in the game all their lives and played it at the top level... are saying it's Irelands best ever achievement!

As lads who only started following Rugby in the early 2000s do we just ignore their opinion and pretend we know better?

But they have form talking shite.

Remember when they beat the AB's in Chicago. That was Ireland's best ever result in any sport. The soccer lads beat Germany the next day. It wasn't even the best Irish result of the week

I mean, the soccer match you're on about was 14 months before the rugby, but why let small details like facts get in the way.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Mikhail Prokhorov on July 19, 2022, 11:14:08 AM
Quote from: gallsman on July 19, 2022, 11:05:06 AM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on July 18, 2022, 10:12:19 PM
Quote from: screenexile on July 18, 2022, 08:38:52 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on July 18, 2022, 05:55:45 PM
Quote from: delgany on July 18, 2022, 05:24:16 PM
Quote from: tonto1888 on July 18, 2022, 04:19:44 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on July 17, 2022, 10:25:49 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 10:07:47 PM
Quote from: Itchy on July 17, 2022, 09:54:19 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2022, 09:46:56 PM
So one persons view on it.. thanks  ;D

We're you expecting an article joint written by 10 people?

Well if it was plenty of creditable sports journos you'd look at it, but if someone like you who doesn't even know the rules of GAA says something then I'll not worry about it..

It was a sporting first for Ireland, take it for what it is. The best team (ranked one) is beaten over 3 games

Nope.

In tbe context of a conversation about the press losing the run of themselves an article describing the tour win as Ireland's best ever sporting result was mentioned. You seemed to disbelieve this and when shown up are complaining it's only one article. You would give anadin a headache

it was hardly Ireland's best ever sporting result

Surely, in the hierarchy of Rugby's Roll of honour- It
Would be
1. World Cup Winners
2. SIX nations - grand slam
3. Triple Crown
4. Test Victory ?

How plenty would see it.

Yeah but the Rugby lads... y'know the ones who have been involved in the game all their lives and played it at the top level... are saying it's Irelands best ever achievement!

As lads who only started following Rugby in the early 2000s do we just ignore their opinion and pretend we know better?

But they have form talking shite.

Remember when they beat the AB's in Chicago. That was Ireland's best ever result in any sport. The soccer lads beat Germany the next day. It wasn't even the best Irish result of the week

I mean, the soccer match you're on about was 14 months before the rugby, but why let small details like facts get in the way.

it was austria we beat in the soccer that week, in vienna too, not quite germany but definitely more of an achievement that the chicago win
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on July 19, 2022, 11:24:41 AM
He confused a win over Austria in the early stages of WC qualifying with a win over the reigning World Champions thanks to one of the most iconic goals ever to guarantee at least a playoff place for the Euros that actually happened more than a year previously? Hmmm.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tiempo on July 19, 2022, 11:31:51 AM
Quote from: gallsman on July 19, 2022, 11:24:41 AM
He confused a win over Austria in the early stages of WC qualifying with a win over the reigning World Champions thanks to one of the most iconic goals ever to guarantee at least a playoff place for the Euros that actually happened more than a year previously? Hmmm.

Bit much no?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on July 19, 2022, 11:37:52 AM
Should have been "One of the most iconic Irish goals".
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Ash Smoker on July 19, 2022, 11:54:13 AM
Or more like a typical Irish goal. Long boot from the keeper.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tiempo on July 19, 2022, 12:00:18 PM
Quote from: Ash Smoker on July 19, 2022, 11:54:13 AM
Or more like a typical Irish goal. Long boot from the keeper.

It was some hoof to be fair
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: nrico2006 on July 19, 2022, 10:36:07 PM
Never got the Lions overreaction too anytime they win. How is it a big deal for a combination side to beat a team that most of the individual countries beat and where a few, if not all of these countries, may be ranked higher than the lions opposition.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Franko on July 19, 2022, 10:58:03 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on July 19, 2022, 10:36:07 PM
Never got the Lions overreaction too anytime they win. How is it a big deal for a combination side to beat a team that most of the individual countries beat and where a few, if not all of these countries, may be ranked higher than the lions opposition.

I can understand the reaction to the Irish victory

Except for the twats calling it the 'greatest ever achievement in Irish sport'

They've lost the run of themselves a bit

The Lions however!

A hyper-marketed load of shite

A rugby version of the All-Stars tour

It started as a piss-up for the lads - until someone realised they could squeeze a few quid out of it because gullible fools could be talked into believing it was a great competition
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on July 19, 2022, 11:41:05 PM
When I was a kid I enjoyed the lions tours but it was back in the eighties and nineties when none of the four 'home' teams were any good and zero chance of winning away in Oz or NZ. These days though Eng and Ireland are winning series on their own. Australian rugby is in a bad way to the extent you would almost back Scotland to beat them. I do think lions tours are becoming pretty pointless other than a jolly for the lads and money for the suits.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on July 20, 2022, 12:04:09 AM
Professionalism has been much better for Northern Hemisphere rugby than Southern. All the big money is in England & France but the other European nations are benefiting from proximity.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: onefineday on July 20, 2022, 01:38:42 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on July 20, 2022, 12:04:09 AM
Professionalism has been much better for Northern Hemisphere rugby than Southern. All the big money is in England & France but the other European nations are benefiting from proximity.
Maybe partly because it levelled the playing field somewhat.
But you are right, England and France are huge countries compared to NZ and Oz and the money available is on a different level to what can be generated down under.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on July 20, 2022, 09:47:54 AM
Quote from: Franko on July 19, 2022, 10:58:03 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on July 19, 2022, 10:36:07 PM
Never got the Lions overreaction too anytime they win. How is it a big deal for a combination side to beat a team that most of the individual countries beat and where a few, if not all of these countries, may be ranked higher than the lions opposition.

I can understand the reaction to the Irish victory

Except for the twats calling it the 'greatest ever achievement in Irish sport'

They've lost the run of themselves a bit

The Lions however!

A hyper-marketed load of shite

A rugby version of the All-Stars tour

It started as a piss-up for the lads - until someone realised they could squeeze a few quid out of it because gullible fools could be talked into believing it was a great competition
i have been at an all stars tour game a few years ago and to say that was a load of shite would insult shite , but the second test between SA and the lions in 2009 for example was an unbelievable physical contest and a great a game and would be anything but a friendly match , the hyperbole that surrounds the lions I don't care for but the games themselves are normally pretty good.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tiempo on July 20, 2022, 11:14:30 AM
Quote from: onefineday on July 20, 2022, 01:38:42 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on July 20, 2022, 12:04:09 AM
Professionalism has been much better for Northern Hemisphere rugby than Southern. All the big money is in England & France but the other European nations are benefiting from proximity.
Maybe partly because it levelled the playing field somewhat.
But you are right, England and France are huge countries compared to NZ and Oz and the money available is on a different level to what can be generated down under.

It certainly did because prior to professionalism NZ, SA, Aus were pro's in all but name, whereas the NH were a lot more aligned with the amateur ethos
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Franko on July 20, 2022, 11:34:16 AM
Quote from: Gmac on July 20, 2022, 09:47:54 AM
Quote from: Franko on July 19, 2022, 10:58:03 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on July 19, 2022, 10:36:07 PM
Never got the Lions overreaction too anytime they win. How is it a big deal for a combination side to beat a team that most of the individual countries beat and where a few, if not all of these countries, may be ranked higher than the lions opposition.

I can understand the reaction to the Irish victory

Except for the twats calling it the 'greatest ever achievement in Irish sport'

They've lost the run of themselves a bit

The Lions however!

A hyper-marketed load of shite

A rugby version of the All-Stars tour

It started as a piss-up for the lads - until someone realised they could squeeze a few quid out of it because gullible fools could be talked into believing it was a great competition
i have been at an all stars tour game a few years ago and to say that was a load of shite would insult shite , but the second test between SA and the lions in 2009 for example was an unbelievable physical contest and a great a game and would be anything but a friendly match , the hyperbole that surrounds the lions I don't care for but the games themselves are normally pretty good.

100% - I didn't say the games were not enjoyable as a stand alone spectacle - they generally are

But so are the Kilmacud 7's

Getting agitated about the result and celebrating a victory as a great sporting achievement is a bit silly
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on July 20, 2022, 01:35:21 PM
Quote from: Franko on July 19, 2022, 10:58:03 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on July 19, 2022, 10:36:07 PM
Never got the Lions overreaction too anytime they win. How is it a big deal for a combination side to beat a team that most of the individual countries beat and where a few, if not all of these countries, may be ranked higher than the lions opposition.

I can understand the reaction to the Irish victory

Except for the twats calling it the 'greatest ever achievement in Irish sport'

They've lost the run of themselves a bit

The Lions however!

A hyper-marketed load of shite

A rugby version of the All-Stars tour

It started as a piss-up for the lads - until someone realised they could squeeze a few quid out of it because gullible fools could be talked into believing it was a great competition

That's the greatest post off all time Franko.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 20, 2022, 01:42:19 PM
Quote from: Franko on July 20, 2022, 11:34:16 AM
Quote from: Gmac on July 20, 2022, 09:47:54 AM
Quote from: Franko on July 19, 2022, 10:58:03 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on July 19, 2022, 10:36:07 PM
Never got the Lions overreaction too anytime they win. How is it a big deal for a combination side to beat a team that most of the individual countries beat and where a few, if not all of these countries, may be ranked higher than the lions opposition.

I can understand the reaction to the Irish victory

Except for the twats calling it the 'greatest ever achievement in Irish sport'

They've lost the run of themselves a bit

The Lions however!

A hyper-marketed load of shite

A rugby version of the All-Stars tour

It started as a piss-up for the lads - until someone realised they could squeeze a few quid out of it because gullible fools could be talked into believing it was a great competition
i have been at an all stars tour game a few years ago and to say that was a load of shite would insult shite , but the second test between SA and the lions in 2009 for example was an unbelievable physical contest and a great a game and would be anything but a friendly match , the hyperbole that surrounds the lions I don't care for but the games themselves are normally pretty good.

100% - I didn't say the games were not enjoyable as a stand alone spectacle - they generally are

But so are the Kilmacud 7's

Getting agitated about the result and celebrating a victory as a great sporting achievement is a bit silly

Is it ok to celebrate the National team wins, regardless of the 'competition' or sport and whoever hyperbole's it just ignore that based on how you see it?

As for Kilmacuds that's a brilliant competition ( when ya win it ;) )
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on July 20, 2022, 05:04:25 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 20, 2022, 01:42:19 PM
Quote from: Franko on July 20, 2022, 11:34:16 AM
Quote from: Gmac on July 20, 2022, 09:47:54 AM
Quote from: Franko on July 19, 2022, 10:58:03 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on July 19, 2022, 10:36:07 PM
Never got the Lions overreaction too anytime they win. How is it a big deal for a combination side to beat a team that most of the individual countries beat and where a few, if not all of these countries, may be ranked higher than the lions opposition.

I can understand the reaction to the Irish victory

Except for the twats calling it the 'greatest ever achievement in Irish sport'

They've lost the run of themselves a bit

The Lions however!

A hyper-marketed load of shite

A rugby version of the All-Stars tour

It started as a piss-up for the lads - until someone realised they could squeeze a few quid out of it because gullible fools could be talked into believing it was a great competition
i have been at an all stars tour game a few years ago and to say that was a load of shite would insult shite , but the second test between SA and the lions in 2009 for example was an unbelievable physical contest and a great a game and would be anything but a friendly match , the hyperbole that surrounds the lions I don't care for but the games themselves are normally pretty good.

100% - I didn't say the games were not enjoyable as a stand alone spectacle - they generally are

But so are the Kilmacud 7's

Getting agitated about the result and celebrating a victory as a great sporting achievement is a bit silly

Is it ok to celebrate the National team wins, regardless of the 'competition' or sport and whoever hyperbole's it just ignore that based on how you see it?

As for Kilmacuds that's a brilliant competition ( when ya win it ;) )

Of course.

But when did taking the piss out of the goys become forbidden?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Franko on July 20, 2022, 05:50:37 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 20, 2022, 01:42:19 PM
Quote from: Franko on July 20, 2022, 11:34:16 AM
Quote from: Gmac on July 20, 2022, 09:47:54 AM
Quote from: Franko on July 19, 2022, 10:58:03 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on July 19, 2022, 10:36:07 PM
Never got the Lions overreaction too anytime they win. How is it a big deal for a combination side to beat a team that most of the individual countries beat and where a few, if not all of these countries, may be ranked higher than the lions opposition.

I can understand the reaction to the Irish victory

Except for the twats calling it the 'greatest ever achievement in Irish sport'

They've lost the run of themselves a bit

The Lions however!

A hyper-marketed load of shite

A rugby version of the All-Stars tour

It started as a piss-up for the lads - until someone realised they could squeeze a few quid out of it because gullible fools could be talked into believing it was a great competition
i have been at an all stars tour game a few years ago and to say that was a load of shite would insult shite , but the second test between SA and the lions in 2009 for example was an unbelievable physical contest and a great a game and would be anything but a friendly match , the hyperbole that surrounds the lions I don't care for but the games themselves are normally pretty good.

100% - I didn't say the games were not enjoyable as a stand alone spectacle - they generally are

But so are the Kilmacud 7's

Getting agitated about the result and celebrating a victory as a great sporting achievement is a bit silly

Is it ok to celebrate the National team wins, regardless of the 'competition' or sport and whoever hyperbole's it just ignore that based on how you see it?

As for Kilmacuds that's a brilliant competition ( when ya win it ;) )

Where did I say you couldn't celebrate national wins?

If you read back, you'll see me clearly stating that I understand people celebrating the Irish team's result

I was delighted with it too, but stopped short demanding a national holiday be declared  ::)

Kilmacud 7's is indeed a great competition - but there's not a single player in the GAA that starts a season with a target of a Kilmacud 7's win

Because it's a makey-uppy bit of fun, that is really only taken seriously when you're actually on the pitch

And unlike they D4 goys' marketing dep't - the GAA haven't managed to convince us that this contrived bit of extra-curricular fun should be considered a serious sporting competition
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 20, 2022, 06:05:28 PM
I just asked is it ok to celebrate? If it is then I agree with most of your points..

Some people love the rugby and that's evident by the amount of sell out tickets at the Aviva for their games, hell Ravenhill gets a big gate every week, so there's plenty of people interested in how well they have done and with the rankings (since this friendly) has placed them number one it's made it even better..

Agree on the Lions trips

Hyperbole stuff for any sport can be cringy, hopefully not a false dawn but my money is on France at home anyways...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on July 20, 2022, 08:09:30 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 20, 2022, 06:05:28 PM
I just asked is it ok to celebrate? If it is then I agree with most of your points..

Some people love the rugby and that's evident by the amount of sell out tickets at the Aviva for their games, hell Ravenhill gets a big gate every week, so there's plenty of people interested in how well they have done and with the rankings (since this friendly) has placed them number one it's made it even better..

Agree on the Lions trips

Hyperbole stuff for any sport can be cringy, hopefully not a false dawn but my money is on France at home anyways...

When you start talking about rankings though...  It's a bit contrived when that's the best bit about a win.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Franko on July 20, 2022, 11:00:04 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 20, 2022, 06:05:28 PM
I just asked is it ok to celebrate? If it is then I agree with most of your points..

Some people love the rugby and that's evident by the amount of sell out tickets at the Aviva for their games, hell Ravenhill gets a big gate every week, so there's plenty of people interested in how well they have done and with the rankings (since this friendly) has placed them number one it's made it even better..

Agree on the Lions trips

Hyperbole stuff for any sport can be cringy, hopefully not a false dawn but my money is on France at home anyways...

OK.

Yes.

You are allowed to celebrate

Hope that clears up any confusion  ::)

Chrisht
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 20, 2022, 11:10:37 PM
Quote from: Franko on July 20, 2022, 11:00:04 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 20, 2022, 06:05:28 PM
I just asked is it ok to celebrate? If it is then I agree with most of your points..

Some people love the rugby and that's evident by the amount of sell out tickets at the Aviva for their games, hell Ravenhill gets a big gate every week, so there's plenty of people interested in how well they have done and with the rankings (since this friendly) has placed them number one it's made it even better..

Agree on the Lions trips

Hyperbole stuff for any sport can be cringy, hopefully not a false dawn but my money is on France at home anyways...

OK.

Yes.

You are allowed to celebrate

Hope that clears up any confusion  ::)

Chrisht

Keep your knickers on next time  ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Franko on July 20, 2022, 11:13:39 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 20, 2022, 11:10:37 PM
Quote from: Franko on July 20, 2022, 11:00:04 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 20, 2022, 06:05:28 PM
I just asked is it ok to celebrate? If it is then I agree with most of your points..

Some people love the rugby and that's evident by the amount of sell out tickets at the Aviva for their games, hell Ravenhill gets a big gate every week, so there's plenty of people interested in how well they have done and with the rankings (since this friendly) has placed them number one it's made it even better..

Agree on the Lions trips

Hyperbole stuff for any sport can be cringy, hopefully not a false dawn but my money is on France at home anyways...

OK.

Yes.

You are allowed to celebrate

Hope that clears up any confusion  ::)

Chrisht

Keep your knickers on next time  ;D

It was the sort of question a child would ask

So I addressed you accordingly

8)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 20, 2022, 11:15:37 PM
Quote from: Franko on July 20, 2022, 11:13:39 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 20, 2022, 11:10:37 PM
Quote from: Franko on July 20, 2022, 11:00:04 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 20, 2022, 06:05:28 PM
I just asked is it ok to celebrate? If it is then I agree with most of your points..

Some people love the rugby and that's evident by the amount of sell out tickets at the Aviva for their games, hell Ravenhill gets a big gate every week, so there's plenty of people interested in how well they have done and with the rankings (since this friendly) has placed them number one it's made it even better..

Agree on the Lions trips

Hyperbole stuff for any sport can be cringy, hopefully not a false dawn but my money is on France at home anyways...

OK.

Yes.

You are allowed to celebrate

Hope that clears up any confusion  ::)

Chrisht

Keep your knickers on next time  ;D

It was the sort of question a child would ask

So I addressed you accordingly

8)

That's great I'm so put in my place with those responses. Will sleep well tonight
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Franko on July 20, 2022, 11:25:02 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 20, 2022, 11:15:37 PM
Quote from: Franko on July 20, 2022, 11:13:39 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 20, 2022, 11:10:37 PM
Quote from: Franko on July 20, 2022, 11:00:04 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 20, 2022, 06:05:28 PM
I just asked is it ok to celebrate? If it is then I agree with most of your points..

Some people love the rugby and that's evident by the amount of sell out tickets at the Aviva for their games, hell Ravenhill gets a big gate every week, so there's plenty of people interested in how well they have done and with the rankings (since this friendly) has placed them number one it's made it even better..

Agree on the Lions trips

Hyperbole stuff for any sport can be cringy, hopefully not a false dawn but my money is on France at home anyways...

OK.

Yes.

You are allowed to celebrate

Hope that clears up any confusion  ::)

Chrisht

Keep your knickers on next time  ;D

It was the sort of question a child would ask

So I addressed you accordingly

8)

That's great I'm so put in my place with those responses. Will sleep well tonight

I don't think it's the gah board that's gonna put you to sleep tonight!

Things will seem clearer in the morning
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 20, 2022, 11:51:56 PM
Yes, your points are valid and important to my life..  yawn
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Franko on July 20, 2022, 11:56:24 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 20, 2022, 11:51:56 PM
Yes, your points are valid and important to my life..  yawn

;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on July 22, 2022, 05:49:42 PM
The record didn't last long. Sligo beating Motherwell is clearly the best ever thing to happen in Irish sport
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 22, 2022, 05:54:03 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on July 22, 2022, 05:49:42 PM
The record didn't last long. Sligo beating Motherwell is clearly the best ever thing to happen in Irish sport

Shit Irish soccer team beats shit Scottish team... when is the open air bus?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on July 22, 2022, 05:57:29 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 22, 2022, 05:54:03 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on July 22, 2022, 05:49:42 PM
The record didn't last long. Sligo beating Motherwell is clearly the best ever thing to happen in Irish sport

Shit Irish soccer team beats shit Scottish team... when is the open air bus?

It was at least a competive game...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 22, 2022, 06:08:48 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on July 22, 2022, 05:57:29 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 22, 2022, 05:54:03 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on July 22, 2022, 05:49:42 PM
The record didn't last long. Sligo beating Motherwell is clearly the best ever thing to happen in Irish sport

Shit Irish soccer team beats shit Scottish team... when is the open air bus?

It was at least a competive game...

Was it? Didn't see it, seen Linfield won also that's probably bigger again
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on July 22, 2022, 08:09:24 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 22, 2022, 06:08:48 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on July 22, 2022, 05:57:29 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 22, 2022, 05:54:03 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on July 22, 2022, 05:49:42 PM
The record didn't last long. Sligo beating Motherwell is clearly the best ever thing to happen in Irish sport

Shit Irish soccer team beats shit Scottish team... when is the open air bus?

It was at least a competive game...

Was it? Didn't see it, seen Linfield won also that's probably bigger again

Now you see how silly you sound
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on July 23, 2022, 09:24:46 PM
Nz analysis

https://youtu.be/3WQHVD3n9AU
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on August 06, 2022, 05:55:24 PM
New Zealand going from bad to sh%te.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on August 06, 2022, 06:00:10 PM
Never seen a NZ team take such a physical pummelling, SA playing with a ferocious intensity, will be very hard stopped in France next year. Fosters days as NZ head coach are surely numbered now. 19.3 with minutes to go.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on August 06, 2022, 06:08:52 PM
Always a great game to watch, one of the biggest rivalries in sport, and they go again next Saturday, excellent.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on August 06, 2022, 06:20:26 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on August 06, 2022, 06:00:10 PM
Never seen a NZ team take such a physical pummelling, SA playing with a ferocious intensity, will be very hard stopped in France next year. Fosters days as NZ head coach are surely numbered now. 19.3 with minutes to go.
serious lack of power in kiwi team
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on August 07, 2022, 09:03:31 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on August 06, 2022, 06:00:10 PM
Never seen a NZ team take such a physical pummelling, SA playing with a ferocious intensity, will be very hard stopped in France next year. Fosters days as NZ head coach are surely numbered now. 19.3 with minutes to go.

A win next weekend might save him but any sort of loss and he's gone.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on August 07, 2022, 09:50:43 AM
They have never sacked a head coach at this stage of a world cup cycle.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on August 07, 2022, 10:19:34 AM
https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2022/0804/1313922-irfu-to-offer-43-pro-contracts-to-female-players/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on August 13, 2022, 04:52:09 PM
All NZ so far today, hugely under pressure captain Cane nabbing a try to boot. 15.0 approaching ht.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on August 13, 2022, 09:55:56 PM
Jesus, the Ozzies are in much worse shape than the All Black's, beat 41-17 in Argentina
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on August 13, 2022, 09:59:41 PM
Injury time try, 48-17
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on August 13, 2022, 10:47:54 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on August 13, 2022, 04:52:09 PM
All NZ so far today, hugely under pressure captain Cane nabbing a try to boot. 15.0 approaching ht.
Didn't see a minute of any matches today! That should be a stay of execution for Foster.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on August 17, 2022, 06:24:54 PM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2022/08/17/rugby-player-gets-eight-match-ban-for-sticking-fingers-up-the-backside-of-an-opponent/

Could have stuck this in the wtf thread. Disgusting _ heard of a fella who does it on the gaa pitch too thinks it's great craic. Perhaps being put on a  sex offenders list would change his mind.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on August 25, 2022, 01:45:48 AM
Friendly v SA in November in PUC.

Queue the outrage and pretence the GAA have a choice in hosting or not.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on August 25, 2022, 08:53:44 AM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on August 25, 2022, 01:45:48 AM
Friendly v SA in November in PUC.

Queue the outrage and pretence the GAA have a choice in hosting or not.

Not the first time rugby has been played at Gaelic grounds.. non story, be a bigger annoyance by some if they win the 'friendly' though
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on August 25, 2022, 10:11:48 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on August 25, 2022, 08:53:44 AM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on August 25, 2022, 01:45:48 AM
Friendly v SA in November in PUC.

Queue the outrage and pretence the GAA have a choice in hosting or not.

Not the first time rugby has been played at Gaelic grounds.. non story, be a bigger annoyance by some if they win the 'friendly' though

Could you describe Munster v South Africa XV as any different? It's as serious as Soccer Aid.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on August 25, 2022, 10:23:09 AM
Quote from: RedHand88 on August 25, 2022, 10:11:48 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on August 25, 2022, 08:53:44 AM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on August 25, 2022, 01:45:48 AM
Friendly v SA in November in PUC.

Queue the outrage and pretence the GAA have a choice in hosting or not.

Not the first time rugby has been played at Gaelic grounds.. non story, be a bigger annoyance by some if they win the 'friendly' though

Could you describe Munster v South Africa XV as any different? It's as serious as Soccer Aid.

will it not be one of those midweek games where the touring team give the rest of the squad a bit of a run out like Ireland subs playing the NZ Maoiri's?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on August 25, 2022, 04:43:53 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on August 25, 2022, 10:23:09 AM
Quote from: RedHand88 on August 25, 2022, 10:11:48 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on August 25, 2022, 08:53:44 AM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on August 25, 2022, 01:45:48 AM
Friendly v SA in November in PUC.

Queue the outrage and pretence the GAA have a choice in hosting or not.

Not the first time rugby has been played at Gaelic grounds.. non story, be a bigger annoyance by some if they win the 'friendly' though

Could you describe Munster v South Africa XV as any different? It's as serious as Soccer Aid.

will it not be one of those midweek games where the touring team give the rest of the squad a bit of a run out like Ireland subs playing the NZ Maoiri's?
I don't think it's even the SA side touring. An intermediate side
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on August 25, 2022, 04:45:20 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on August 25, 2022, 08:53:44 AM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on August 25, 2022, 01:45:48 AM
Friendly v SA in November in PUC.

Queue the outrage and pretence the GAA have a choice in hosting or not.

Not the first time rugby has been played at Gaelic grounds.. non story, be a bigger annoyance by some if they win the 'friendly' though

I think the story that CP will meet to decide on allowing it is interesting. The T&C's of that 30m mean they have to, which is why it's been announced ahead of said meeting
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on August 25, 2022, 04:55:37 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on August 25, 2022, 04:45:20 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on August 25, 2022, 08:53:44 AM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on August 25, 2022, 01:45:48 AM
Friendly v SA in November in PUC.

Queue the outrage and pretence the GAA have a choice in hosting or not.

Not the first time rugby has been played at Gaelic grounds.. non story, be a bigger annoyance by some if they win the 'friendly' though

I think the story that CP will meet to decide on allowing it is interesting. The T&C's of that 30m mean they have to, which is why it's been announced ahead of said meeting

CP won't like being "bounced" into this decision and whoever is running the Cork stadium will know that in their own time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on August 25, 2022, 05:30:28 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on August 25, 2022, 04:55:37 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on August 25, 2022, 04:45:20 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on August 25, 2022, 08:53:44 AM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on August 25, 2022, 01:45:48 AM
Friendly v SA in November in PUC.

Queue the outrage and pretence the GAA have a choice in hosting or not.

Not the first time rugby has been played at Gaelic grounds.. non story, be a bigger annoyance by some if they win the 'friendly' though

I think the story that CP will meet to decide on allowing it is interesting. The T&C's of that 30m mean they have to, which is why it's been announced ahead of said meeting

CP won't like being "bounced" into this decision and whoever is running the Cork stadium will know that in their own time.

They are the ones having meetings to 'allow' it after it's been announced. Rule 42 doesn't cover PUC so why the pretence?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on August 27, 2022, 10:37:44 AM
Huge win for the Argies in NZ and well deserved.

Will hopefully temper a bit of the enthusiasm after Irelands series win... the All Blacks are not in a good place!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on August 27, 2022, 10:38:30 AM
NZ 18 Argentina 25. Probably time to downgrade Ireland's World Cup chances. Australia tanked SA 25-17 (score flatters SA) as well. World Cup form & betting is a minefield atm.  NZ coach mightn't survive this one, altho they go again next weekend.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on August 27, 2022, 10:39:34 AM
Quote from: screenexile on August 27, 2022, 10:37:44 AM
Huge win for the Argies in NZ and well deserved.

Will hopefully temper a bit of the enthusiasm after Irelands series win... the All Blacks are not in a good place!!

It takes a bit of a shine of the Irish results which as you say may not be a bad thing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on August 27, 2022, 03:57:21 PM
https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2022/0827/1319090-gaa-green-light-munster-s-africa-at-pairc-ui-chaoimh/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: pbat on September 10, 2022, 10:08:18 PM
Sum win to beat South Africa in Cape Town to make a first ever world cup semi final for the mens 7s team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on September 10, 2022, 10:22:46 PM
A really good performance from Ireland who dominated more than the scoreline indicated.(14-24). McNulty and Conroy are class.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on September 11, 2022, 08:32:23 PM
Ireland secured the bronze medal at the world 7s championships today.  That is pretty impressive when you consider New Zealand and Fiji are nearly untouchable at the event. We gave New Zealand a god rattle in the semis.

A similar effort at the olympics in 2 years would net us a bronze.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 14, 2022, 05:47:34 PM
https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2022/0914/1323398-jackman-emerging-ireland-tour-a-terrible-idea/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Harold Disgracey on September 15, 2022, 12:58:32 PM
That Australia New Zealand game was mental!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 29, 2022, 08:58:27 PM
https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2022/0929/1326135-ex-irish-rugby-players-to-sue-irfu-in-concussion-case/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on October 12, 2022, 04:56:48 PM
Wasps have gone into administration...

What next for the English game?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on October 12, 2022, 07:26:02 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on October 12, 2022, 04:56:48 PM
Wasps have gone into administration...

What next for the English game?
The Gallacher Premiership is a fantastic product, there are absolutely belters of matches every week, but they are simply spending more money than they are taking in. The sums are very simple.

Even watching top 4 teams playing each other over the past few weeks it's clear the crowds are patchy at best. As a product it is looking less and less viable.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 12, 2022, 09:20:30 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on October 12, 2022, 04:56:48 PM
Wasps have gone into administration...

What next for the English game?
following financial problems for Worcester which are likely to lead to relegation.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on October 13, 2022, 03:02:06 PM
Quote from: seafoid on October 12, 2022, 09:20:30 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on October 12, 2022, 04:56:48 PM
Wasps have gone into administration...

What next for the English game?
following financial problems for Worcester which are likely to lead to relegation.

See that, but Wasps are one of the big spenders in England, if they can't ride it out with their sugar daddy then what hope have the rest?

If anything it proves that having a salary cap is a check and balance that is definitely needed
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 13, 2022, 03:27:14 PM
Salary caps and similar budgets. US sport is way ahead on this. The soccer premiership is an oligopoly .
Competition should be the focus but usually is not
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 15, 2022, 03:31:57 PM
35 million in debt, English Rubgy gonna fall flat on its face trying to keep up with the high spending French league. Simply don't have the TV money to march salaries as there seems to be more at gaa championship games, a amateur sport.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Truth hurts on October 26, 2022, 02:08:04 PM
Does anyone know why there is not an all_Ireland senior schools cup competition for all the senior winners like the Hogan cup
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Silver hill on October 26, 2022, 03:43:40 PM
Quote from: Truth hurts on October 26, 2022, 02:08:04 PM
Does anyone know why there is not an all_Ireland senior schools cup competition for all the senior winners like the Hogan cup

.....I'd say old Chap, it's because nothing can quite surpass a Leinster Schools Cup medal in Irish rugby.🙄
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on October 26, 2022, 07:38:24 PM
The big Leinster schools would win it every year.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on October 26, 2022, 08:16:45 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on October 26, 2022, 07:38:24 PM
The big Leinster schools would win it every year.

A bit like letting the Kerry intermediate and Junior Champions into the Munster and AI series.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on November 04, 2022, 02:05:41 PM
Team vs South Africa

Hugo Keenan;
Robert Baloucoune, Garry Ringrose, Stuart McCloskey, Mack Hansen;
Johnny Sexton (capt), Conor Murray;
Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong;
Tadhg Beirne, James Ryan;
Peter O'Mahony, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris

Replacements: Rob Herring, Cian Healy, Finlay Bealham, Kieran Treadwell, Jack Conan, Jamison Gibson Park, Joey Carbery, Jimmy O'Brien
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Scarlet on November 05, 2022, 08:06:38 AM
Chatting to a mate last night who would be an ex club rugby player and always follows Leinster and Ireland

Just saying how the big hype band wagon is kinda gone. He was saying the day trippers who only care about the corporate sess have pushed out some fans.

Like there are lots of seats empty around restarts with lads just supping at the bar. And then it's a non stop flow of people up and down.



Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on November 05, 2022, 09:11:00 AM
With it moved to Amazon Prime you'd hardly know the Autumn Internationals were on
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 5times5times on November 05, 2022, 10:08:45 AM
Anyone know the best place to get away tickets? Would love a weekend in Cardiff or Rome
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on November 05, 2022, 01:39:17 PM
Quote from: 5times5times on November 05, 2022, 10:08:45 AM
Anyone know the best place to get away tickets? Would love a weekend in Cardiff or Rome

You'd need to remortgage the house to pay for the flights. We've looked a few years and it's just not justifiable
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 05, 2022, 04:29:08 PM
Good game between ABs and Wales.

Not sure about Wales last try but they're sticking with them!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on November 05, 2022, 05:32:46 PM
The Irish jerseys are hideous.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: quit yo jibbajabba on November 05, 2022, 05:47:57 PM
Hope ire are bate purely for wearin those jerseys

Startin to sound like Ewan arent i?

😃
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Turf on November 05, 2022, 06:57:23 PM
Two proud Irishmen with the tries  ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on November 05, 2022, 07:00:46 PM
Quote from: Turf on November 05, 2022, 06:57:23 PM
Two proud Irishmen with the tries  ;D

You might not have made such a clown of yourself if you'd got your facts right

Some 2nd half so far
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on November 05, 2022, 07:01:39 PM
I flicked over to virgin media 2 to see what the score was in the challenge game with South Africa, what sort of ridiculous tops are they wearing. Anyway back ton rte2 for some competitive sport.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: galwayman on November 05, 2022, 07:02:45 PM
Quote from: Turf on November 05, 2022, 06:57:23 PM
Two proud Irishmen with the tries  ;D
You do realise that Josh Van der Flier is Irish born and bred?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Turf on November 05, 2022, 07:04:40 PM
Quote from: galwayman on November 05, 2022, 07:02:45 PM
Quote from: Turf on November 05, 2022, 06:57:23 PM
Two proud Irishmen with the tries  ;D
You do realise that Josh Van der Flier is Irish born and bred?
Yes. It was a joke about the 2nd try scorer, hence me saying two try scorers, knowing full well only one was born here, Jeez tough crowd  ::) (yes I know his ma is from cork btw)
Probably sounded funnier in my head to be fair... I've had a few pints.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 05, 2022, 07:22:13 PM
These water breaks are a pain in the hole.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 05, 2022, 08:03:20 PM
Farnell has done a good job

https://youtu.be/3WQHVD3n9AU&t=127s
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 05, 2022, 08:31:51 PM
A well deserved win for Ireland. I thought the South African fly half Willemse had a nightmare kicking the ball and they never took him off.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: pjm on November 05, 2022, 09:16:39 PM
Great to see the unionists celebrating 19-16
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on November 05, 2022, 09:19:42 PM
Didn't think it was a great spectacle
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 05, 2022, 09:27:10 PM
Wallabies giving the French a good go here.

Neither team was at their best earlier but good to see Ireland grind out a win. Poor McCloskey can't buy a bit of luck- looked worthy of his place until he was injured.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 05, 2022, 09:33:57 PM
The problem any team playing South Africa is their games are muck. Crash, bosh, make yards, repeat, then garryowen as high as possible to try retain possession, playing bcks for them must be depressing,
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 05, 2022, 11:35:10 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on November 05, 2022, 09:33:57 PM
The problem any team playing South Africa is their games are muck. Crash, bosh, make yards, repeat, then garryowen as high as possible to try retain possession, playing bcks for them must be depressing,

Big statement by Ireland I thought starting Murray and McCloskey to effectively take the Springboks on at their own game.

We did and still beat them which should be a great fillip for the WC we need to be able to mix the game up and have a couple of different gameplans.

Not getting carried away though a year is a long time!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 06, 2022, 07:44:27 AM
Quote from: screenexile on November 05, 2022, 11:35:10 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on November 05, 2022, 09:33:57 PM
The problem any team playing South Africa is their games are muck. Crash, bosh, make yards, repeat, then garryowen as high as possible to try retain possession, playing bcks for them must be depressing,

Big statement by Ireland I thought starting Murray and McCloskey to effectively take the Springboks on at their own game.

We did and still beat them which should be a great fillip for the WC we need to be able to mix the game up and have a couple of different gameplans.

Not getting carried away though a year is a long time!
Not getting carried in Derry must be difficult. If there a Catch Yourselves On Office in local government up there ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on November 06, 2022, 07:33:17 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 05, 2022, 11:35:10 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on November 05, 2022, 09:33:57 PM
The problem any team playing South Africa is their games are muck. Crash, bosh, make yards, repeat, then garryowen as high as possible to try retain possession, playing bcks for them must be depressing,

Big statement by Ireland I thought starting Murray and McCloskey to effectively take the Springboks on at their own game.

We did and still beat them which should be a great fillip for the WC we need to be able to mix the game up and have a couple of different gameplans.

Not getting carried away though a year is a long time!

Murray's gone lads, Gibson Park made Ireland tick when he came on. Great career all the same for the lad.


SA are as someone else said, bosh. bosh, bosh till you're banjaxed so Ireland held on (not so sure about some of the scrummaging decisions that went Irelands way, but we'll take them before Wayne Barnes appears again) and played the more expansive rugby so well done for that.

Will it matter a whole pile come the WC, who knows, but Ireland shouldn't fear them and SA may have to come up with something else rather than crash ball after crash ball and try to get those backs some ball earlier.


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 06, 2022, 07:55:19 PM
Murray got his century.
Gibson Park's vision to create the space to break the SA line and make the second try was superb.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on November 06, 2022, 08:18:26 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 06, 2022, 07:55:19 PM
Murray got his century.
Gibson Park's vision to create the space to break the SA line and make the second try was superb.
thats how murray got hurt too in fairness but park is way ahead of him at this stage and don't know how many scrum halves they bring to World Cup but he will do well to stay in top 2
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: An Watcher on November 06, 2022, 10:01:05 PM
Not too clued into the rugby but am I right in saying while Gibson Park is ahead Murray offers more physical presence, experience and is a better kicker.  Areas which could prove invaluable in a major tournament.  Not for one moment suggesting Murray should be number one but definitely number two?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 06, 2022, 10:41:16 PM
Quote from: Gmac on November 06, 2022, 08:18:26 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 06, 2022, 07:55:19 PM
Murray got his century.
Gibson Park's vision to create the space to break the SA line and make the second try was superb.
thats how murray got hurt too in fairness but park is way ahead of him at this stage and don't know how many scrum halves they bring to World Cup but he will do well to stay in top 2
33 player squads this time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 06, 2022, 10:52:35 PM
Quote from: An Watcher on November 06, 2022, 10:01:05 PM
Not too clued into the rugby but am I right in saying while Gibson Park is ahead Murray offers more physical presence, experience and is a better kicker.  Areas which could prove invaluable in a major tournament.  Not for one moment suggesting Murray should be number one but definitely number two?

100%

That's why Murray started yesterday!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gawa316 on November 07, 2022, 06:14:27 AM
Who would be pushing Murray for that second spot?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 07, 2022, 08:48:40 AM
Quote from: gawa316 on November 07, 2022, 06:14:27 AM
Who would be pushing Murray for that second spot?
Casey seems to be the preferred option. Below that you would have had Cooney, Marmion, McGrath.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on November 07, 2022, 09:45:18 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on November 07, 2022, 08:48:40 AM
Quote from: gawa316 on November 07, 2022, 06:14:27 AM
Who would be pushing Murray for that second spot?
Casey seems to be the preferred option. Below that you would have had Cooney, Marmion, McGrath.
It'll be interesting to see if Casey becomes confirmed first choice at Munster over the next few months. It looked like it was about to happen but then he picked up an injury so still hard to know how that will go.

I expect/hope Casey will play v Fiji and be sub v the Aussies. But there'll be 3 brought to the World Cup, and there's probably a case of horses for courses in determining when Casey should be sub versus Murray.

Doak seems to be ahead of the other 3 mentioned.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 07, 2022, 10:19:40 AM
Would agree about Doak - seems to have played well in the "Emerging" series. The other 3 have had their chance by now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 08, 2022, 10:45:28 AM
https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2022/1107/1333774-ferris-critical-of-latest-erasmus-social-media-post/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on November 08, 2022, 10:55:03 AM
Could be worse and be England.

Wee Eddie will get the toe after the WC if not before as they're poor considering the players at their disposal.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 08, 2022, 07:20:02 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on November 08, 2022, 10:55:03 AM
Could be worse and be England.

Wee Eddie will get the toe after the WC if not before as they're poor considering the players at their disposal.
I think the WC is him finished with England anyway but if they don't get to the semis it will definitely be a failed experiment since the last one, especially as you say given the player group He has.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on November 09, 2022, 07:33:40 AM
Probably Wales, possibly Australia will be the opponents for England in the World Cup QF. England will be in the semis
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: toby47 on November 09, 2022, 09:12:15 AM
Any idea where i could get 2 x tickets to the Australia game? Hens teeth are they?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on November 10, 2022, 06:12:17 PM
Anywhere showing the Munster SA game tonight?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on November 10, 2022, 06:19:36 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on November 10, 2022, 06:12:17 PM
Anywhere showing the Munster SA game tonight?

This game will be shown live on Virgin Media Two and the Virgin Media Player. The game begins at 7.30pm, however coverage on the Virgin Media channel will commence at 6.30pm.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on November 10, 2022, 06:22:33 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 10, 2022, 06:19:36 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on November 10, 2022, 06:12:17 PM
Anywhere showing the Munster SA game tonight?

This game will be shown live on Virgin Media Two and the Virgin Media Player. The game begins at 7.30pm, however coverage on the Virgin Media channel will commence at 6.30pm.

Balls, anywhere for us nordies
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 10, 2022, 06:47:51 PM
Playing in Porky Corky is a big event but Munster are weaker than they have been for some time.  Did the rot start with van Graan or with Rassie who was presumably learning his video trade on the side.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 10, 2022, 08:23:28 PM
Munster doing well
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on November 10, 2022, 09:35:01 PM
Was that a good result or was that a weak SA line-up?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 10, 2022, 10:04:57 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 10, 2022, 09:35:01 PM
Was that a good result or was that a weak SA line-up?

A bit of both I'd say.

Munster have been shocking all year and while not the Test team the SA lads are no dozers and by all accounts it's been Mumsyers best performance of the year. It's a pity it doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things but it looked alike a great occasion!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 10, 2022, 10:11:23 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 10, 2022, 10:04:57 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on November 10, 2022, 09:35:01 PM
Was that a good result or was that a weak SA line-up?

A bit of both I'd say.

Munster have been shocking all year and while not the Test team the SA lads are no dozers and by all accounts it's been Mumsyers best performance of the year. It's a pity it doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things but it looked alike a great occasion!
Over 40,000 fans helped
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mrdeeds on November 10, 2022, 11:08:27 PM
One of the best interviews ever after it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 10, 2022, 11:17:47 PM
Quote from: mrdeeds on November 10, 2022, 11:08:27 PM
One of the best interviews ever after it.
Aye didn't quit after the first f-bomb!   ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Eire90 on November 11, 2022, 04:38:20 AM
i get virgin on freeview  but im about a mile from the border so maybe thats why.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 11, 2022, 08:43:20 AM
Quote from: mrdeeds on November 10, 2022, 11:08:27 PM
One of the best interviews ever after it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRdgcUzDh80
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 11, 2022, 08:51:55 AM
Ticket prices ranged from €20 in the terraces to between €30 and €50 for  the stands. It was sold out so over 41,000 punters. Well over €1m.
What sort of cut would Cork GAA get ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mrdeeds on November 11, 2022, 10:41:58 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on November 10, 2022, 11:17:47 PM
Quote from: mrdeeds on November 10, 2022, 11:08:27 PM
One of the best interviews ever after it.
Aye didn't quit after the first f-bomb!   ;D

No apologies after which was great.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on November 11, 2022, 11:25:04 AM
Will there be a play written or do we need to wait a few decades for the attendance to rise to 100's of thousands and the legend grows legs?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 11, 2022, 11:42:32 AM
OTB answered my question. Cork County Board get EUR 150K
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTUhnIY3oRM
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on November 11, 2022, 11:41:13 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 11, 2022, 08:51:55 AM
Ticket prices ranged from €20 in the terraces to between €30 and €50 for  the stands. It was sold out so over 41,000 punters. Well over €1m.
What sort of cut would Cork GAA get ?
125k I heard
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: shyted on November 12, 2022, 12:23:59 PM
Great to see the Red Roses fall at the final hurdle .Jesus they wud sicken ye they tried to bulldoze ewerybody into submission absolutely horrible hoors to watch and even worse to listen to.SILVER FERNS ABU
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on November 12, 2022, 01:24:21 PM
It kind of takes the test out of a test match when one team has not forwards.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 12, 2022, 09:47:57 PM
This is a proper game of Rugby serious hitting both teams digging very deep here.

France definitely seem to have lost their softness. They've no problem digging games out now and look to be favourites for the WC!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on November 12, 2022, 09:55:17 PM
Serious game. Both red cards absolutely correct calls but f**k me Barnes had some shockers there tonight
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 12, 2022, 10:19:26 PM
Ladies game this morning a classic, nothing better seeing a professional, heavier, better conditioned team get beat by amateurs. Zero imagination in passing, just up your Jumper rubgy, a female version of South Africa. Black Ferns wouldn't been in the position they were, if they had contested England's line out which they only did in the last 20mins.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 12, 2022, 10:22:36 PM
And England beat in extra time in the Rugby league semi to a drop kick in extra time, though game should been wrapped up in normal time. Sorta a super Saturday in reverse for English fans. Serious heavy hitting in that game and last night game, some fitness level required.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 12, 2022, 10:40:21 PM
In the rugby league England beat Samoa 60 points to 6 in the group stage. Now they are out of the tournament at home. How could this have happened?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 12, 2022, 10:43:37 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 12, 2022, 09:47:57 PM
This is a proper game of Rugby serious hitting both teams digging very deep here.

France definitely seem to have lost their softness. They've no problem digging games out now and look to be favourites for the WC!
Probably the primary aim of Shaun Edwards was to tackle this.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on November 12, 2022, 11:05:34 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on November 12, 2022, 10:40:21 PM
In the rugby league England beat Samoa 60 points to 6 in the group stage. Now they are out of the tournament at home. How could this have happened?

Samoa's players were just off the plane and England shat the bed.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 12, 2022, 11:27:38 PM
The New Zealand, Australia game last nite was one of the great games, The kiwis left it behind them I fear.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 15, 2022, 09:47:28 PM
https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2022/1114/1336103-wallabies-coach-mckellar-hansen-one-that-got-away/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tonto1888 on November 16, 2022, 09:40:12 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on November 12, 2022, 11:27:38 PM
The New Zealand, Australia game last nite was one of the great games, The kiwis left it behind them I fear.

The Rugby League game? Absolutely fantastic game. Thought the Kiwis could hold on
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on November 19, 2022, 07:24:09 PM
The all blacks of the past would never have collapsed like that. Fair play to England they looked buried with 10 mins to go.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on November 19, 2022, 07:33:38 PM
Ref massively helped England out there though. Nothing wrong with Beauden Barrett's tackle and contest on a Smith that he was binned for and then zero evidence of grounding for the first try. England have absolutely no guile about them whatsoever. Haven't seen anything from Smith in an s England shirt to justify the hype.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 19, 2022, 07:39:28 PM
Strange game that England match. The young scrum half will do well to come back from that horror show.

NZ very impressive to start and then lost their rhythm and let England back into it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 19, 2022, 07:40:12 PM
Quote from: gallsman on November 19, 2022, 07:33:38 PM
Ref massively helped England out there though. Nothing wrong with Beauden Barrett's tackle and contest on a Smith that he was binned for and then zero evidence of grounding for the first try. England have absolutely no guile about them whatsoever. Haven't seen anything from Smith in an s England shirt to justify the hype.

I thought the yellow was the right call Barret made the tackle and didn't separate to go back on the ball.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on November 19, 2022, 07:59:43 PM
I thought he released without making a massive show of it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on November 19, 2022, 08:45:58 PM
Brutal game , worst I've seen in a while .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 19, 2022, 09:25:11 PM
Both defences well on top here.

I know they're saying the young lad is playing well but he's only solid and doesn't offer the variation you'd have with Sexton or Carbery.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 19, 2022, 09:30:11 PM
50mins gone and easily the worst game of rugby I can ever remember, centre pairing not as good as Aki and Henshaw, poor without Sexton, and can't get possession. Very poor.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on November 19, 2022, 09:32:13 PM
Horrific. A bad game of rugby is the pitts!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 19, 2022, 09:39:29 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on November 19, 2022, 09:32:13 PM
Horrific. A bad game of rugby is the pitts!
Pure pish. Sometimes defensive arm wrestles are entertaining but this isn't one of those - both teams toothless.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ONeill on November 19, 2022, 09:46:46 PM
Dunno what it is but I love these games. Probably growing up studying the George Graham offside system did it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 19, 2022, 09:52:00 PM
That looked held up.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on November 19, 2022, 09:57:03 PM
Some of the brain dead penalties ffs. That try was all from that idiot being on the wrong side for no reason
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on November 19, 2022, 10:09:47 PM
Good to win a game without playing well!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mrdeeds on November 19, 2022, 10:17:04 PM
Rugby games are way too long. Clock stopped all the time now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 19, 2022, 10:21:25 PM
Complacency from Ireland and losing Sexton before kick off are the reasons for the poor performance. 40% of the viewers in the survey before the match thought Ireland would win the world cup next year. This performance should reduce that 40% in the next survey.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on November 19, 2022, 10:47:39 PM
Quote from: gallsman on November 19, 2022, 07:59:43 PM
I thought he released without making a massive show of it.

Watched the replays. Tackles him, gets to his feet, releases and goes for the ball again. Bullshit yellow.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 19, 2022, 11:22:35 PM
Quote from: ONeill on November 19, 2022, 09:46:46 PM
Dunno what it is but I love these games. Probably growing up studying the George Graham offside system did it.
The "Boring Boring" Arsenal era will do that to you.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on November 19, 2022, 11:37:15 PM
Awful match
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on November 20, 2022, 12:47:02 AM
Quote from: gallsman on November 19, 2022, 10:47:39 PM
Quote from: gallsman on November 19, 2022, 07:59:43 PM
I thought he released without making a massive show of it.

Watched the replays. Tackles him, gets to his feet, releases and goes for the ball again. Bullshit yellow.

England actually scored the try right there and then. Its not like he killed the try scoring opportunity. I don't understand why he needed to be yellow carded.

In the rugby league earlier on. The star Aussie winger Addo Carr deliberately knocked the ball on to prevent a Samoan try. That looks like a yellow card and penalty try in my rugby union brain. But no in league it is allowed and applauded, Addo Carr was jumping up and down in celebration.

I think all this means I need to read up more on the rules of these games.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 20, 2022, 05:55:31 AM
In the 2019 RWC Ireland could only play one style.  They were blindsided by Japan. The point of the November matches was to expose the group to different styles and get data. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on November 20, 2022, 10:34:56 PM
VdF named World Player of the Year.

Terrific achievement but the endless disrespect of Ardie Saves is astonishing. Wasn't even nominated and didn't make the team of the year.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on November 20, 2022, 11:32:20 PM
Ardie a great player but not a no. 8 not big enough, better, at 7,
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 21, 2022, 08:47:05 AM
Quote from: gallsman on November 20, 2022, 10:34:56 PM
VdF named World Player of the Year.

Terrific achievement but the endless disrespect of Ardie Saves is astonishing. Wasn't even nominated and didn't make the team of the year.
Great achievement for the Irish team reflected in this reward.
Only Keith Wood and Sexton have previously won this award for the green Jersey.
O'Driscoll was good enough to win but he didn't have the team to match.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on November 21, 2022, 08:55:23 AM
Quote from: seafoid on November 20, 2022, 05:55:31 AM
In the 2019 RWC Ireland could only play one style.  They were blindsided by Japan. The point of the November matches was to expose the group to different styles and get data.

A win is a win, but Ireland are probably in a healthy position within the camp as they know they'd a few poor enough performances in these Autumn Internationals so expectations have been dampened in the media which is a good thing.

Out half depth or more importantly quality of the depth is still an issue, Carbery sadly is every bit as fragile as Sexton, so is there any real point of continuing with him as second choice come the 6N's?

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on November 21, 2022, 10:44:46 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on November 21, 2022, 08:55:23 AM
Quote from: seafoid on November 20, 2022, 05:55:31 AM
In the 2019 RWC Ireland could only play one style.  They were blindsided by Japan. The point of the November matches was to expose the group to different styles and get data.

A win is a win, but Ireland are probably in a healthy position within the camp as they know they'd a few poor enough performances in these Autumn Internationals so expectations have been dampened in the media which is a good thing.

Out half depth or more importantly quality of the depth is still an issue, Carbery sadly is every bit as fragile as Sexton, so is there any real point of continuing with him as second choice come the 6N's?
The aim of exposing more players to game time was achieved. This will probably be the most thorough preparation for a RWC by Ireland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on December 05, 2022, 07:45:21 PM
Eddie Jones is gone mate!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on December 05, 2022, 07:53:00 PM
I am glad Eddie Jones is gone. I thought England did well getting to the world cup final with him last time.

Who are they going to get in to replace him?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on December 05, 2022, 08:02:47 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on December 05, 2022, 07:53:00 PM
I am glad Eddie Jones is gone. I thought England did well getting to the world cup final with him last time.

Who are they going to get in to replace him?

Apparently Borthwick is back having been forwards coach under Jones for England and Japan in the last 2 World Cups!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 05, 2022, 08:26:17 PM
Quote from: screenexile on December 05, 2022, 07:45:21 PM
Eddie Jones is gone mate!!
Not yet

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/england-eddie-jones-rugby-news-28654729
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dag Dog on December 05, 2022, 10:17:15 PM
There is a danger that England will improve if Jones goes. They are on the easier side of the World Cup draw too!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on December 05, 2022, 10:40:21 PM
Quote from: screenexile on December 05, 2022, 08:02:47 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on December 05, 2022, 07:53:00 PM
I am glad Eddie Jones is gone. I thought England did well getting to the world cup final with him last time.

Who are they going to get in to replace him?

Apparently Borthwick is back having been forwards coach under Jones for England and Japan in the last 2 World Cups!
Not sure Borthwick is what they need! They've shown they can score when the shackles are off but when they play conservatively they can be beaten by just about anyone. Borthwick is a good man for conservative play, mauling and scrummaging all day but expansive play is what their fans want to see.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on December 06, 2022, 12:14:23 AM
They be sniffing for Farrell, they had sense they be looking at Robinson from New Zealand.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 06, 2022, 12:46:00 PM
Interesting week with both Wales and England changing head coach due to performance issues and very late in the RWC cycle. Ireland are in a good place by comparison.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on December 06, 2022, 02:01:02 PM
Quote from: seafoid on December 06, 2022, 12:46:00 PM
Interesting week with both Wales and England changing head coach due to performance issues and very late in the RWC cycle. Ireland are in a good place by comparison.

South Africa did the same the year before the last World Cup and won it!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: BrotherMore6592 on December 09, 2022, 01:35:58 AM
Ireland will eventually break their duck and get to the quarter finals this time then fill the togs. Blue scour all down the legs
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bannside on December 09, 2022, 08:32:10 AM
You sound like a right barrell of laughs!  This team has worked its way to no 1 rating in the world, no matter what happens at the World Cup you have to admit that's some achievement.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 09, 2022, 09:22:59 AM
Quote from: bannside on December 09, 2022, 08:32:10 AM
You sound like a right barrell of laughs!  This team has worked its way to no 1 rating in the world, no matter what happens at the World Cup you have to admit that's some achievement.
They are not afraid of anyone, can play against any style and have a strong panel .
The lads hanging out of Etzebeth in the recent match against Sith Ifrika would be a good example.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on December 09, 2022, 09:26:04 AM
Quote from: bannside on December 09, 2022, 08:32:10 AM
You sound like a right barrell of laughs!  This team has worked its way to no 1 rating in the world, no matter what happens at the World Cup you have to admit that's some achievement.

It certainly is but until we get a good run in a WC there will always be an "underachieved" moniker hanging over this team as the talent is obviously there, it's just that we make a mess of world cups.

Feck the upcoming 6N's, work at getting greater strength in depth in key positions, outhalf being one of them, decide who the No2 and No3 outhalf is going to be and give them serious gametime. Sexton needs to be wrapped in cotton wool at this stage anyway.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on December 09, 2022, 09:37:50 PM
Dont think Ireland put in a big push in the 6 nations, probably lose e a couple of games. Need sort out one of wingers, back row back up, get that bollix Henderson fit for off the bench. What happy if Sexton gets injured, how good the bck up under pressure. Still think Ireland can break previous let downs and win the world cup.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: An Watcher on December 10, 2022, 07:11:49 AM
Honestly think ireland are winning nothing at the world cup.  The draw has just screwed them over bigtime.  Hope I'm wrong but just too difficult
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on December 10, 2022, 07:43:11 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on December 09, 2022, 09:37:50 PM
Dont think Ireland put in a big push in the 6 nations, probably lose e a couple of games. Need sort out one of wingers, back row back up, get that bollix Henderson fit for off the bench. What happy if Sexton gets injured, how good the bck up under pressure. Still think Ireland can break previous let downs and win the world cup.
I think a qf win would be massive. Wales never got to the final. Neither did Scotland. France lost 3
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on December 10, 2022, 08:31:46 AM
Quote from: An Watcher on December 10, 2022, 07:11:49 AM
Honestly think ireland are winning nothing at the world cup.  The draw has just screwed them over bigtime.  Hope I'm wrong but just too difficult
Yep, the draw is a disaster. 2 of the current best 4 teams in the world won't make the semi finals. Then whoever comes through that side and makes the final will have had 3 monster matches and will likely play an England team who have coasted to the final and just need one big performance to win it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on January 01, 2023, 11:01:05 PM
Jaysus, who would have thought the posh boys from D4 would go full RA today by playing Oh Ah up the Ra across the Tannoy system. I wonder will they get dragged through the tv screens like the soccer girls did and made to a public apology? Or will the D4 media quietly sweep it under the carpet?

https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/leinster-rugby-apologise-for-playing-up-the-ra-song-at-rds-after-win-over-connacht-42256846.html
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: smelmoth on January 01, 2023, 11:27:39 PM
Quote from: Itchy on January 01, 2023, 11:01:05 PM
Jaysus, who would have thought the posh boys from D4 would go full RA today by playing Oh Ah up the Ra across the Tannoy system. I wonder will they get dragged through the tv screens like the soccer girls did and made to a public apology? Or will the D4 media quietly sweep it under the carpet?

https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/leinster-rugby-apologise-for-playing-up-the-ra-song-at-rds-after-win-over-connacht-42256846.html

Leinster on the front foot with the apology. Will probably save them the FAI embarrassment.

Also hearing that Leinster are taking steps to establish how the feck-up happened in the first place
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on January 01, 2023, 11:44:36 PM
Quote from: smelmoth on January 01, 2023, 11:27:39 PM
Quote from: Itchy on January 01, 2023, 11:01:05 PM
Jaysus, who would have thought the posh boys from D4 would go full RA today by playing Oh Ah up the Ra across the Tannoy system. I wonder will they get dragged through the tv screens like the soccer girls did and made to a public apology? Or will the D4 media quietly sweep it under the carpet?

https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/leinster-rugby-apologise-for-playing-up-the-ra-song-at-rds-after-win-over-connacht-42256846.html

Leinster on the front foot with the apology. Will probably save them the FAI embarrassment.

Also hearing that Leinster are taking steps to establish how the feck-up happened in the first place

They'll be saved by their accents. In Dublin it's all about class.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: smelmoth on January 01, 2023, 11:48:45 PM
Quote from: Itchy on January 01, 2023, 11:44:36 PM
Quote from: smelmoth on January 01, 2023, 11:27:39 PM
Quote from: Itchy on January 01, 2023, 11:01:05 PM
Jaysus, who would have thought the posh boys from D4 would go full RA today by playing Oh Ah up the Ra across the Tannoy system. I wonder will they get dragged through the tv screens like the soccer girls did and made to a public apology? Or will the D4 media quietly sweep it under the carpet?

https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/leinster-rugby-apologise-for-playing-up-the-ra-song-at-rds-after-win-over-connacht-42256846.html

Leinster on the front foot with the apology. Will probably save them the FAI embarrassment.

Also hearing that Leinster are taking steps to establish how the feck-up happened in the first place

They'll be saved by their accents. In Dublin it's all about class.

But you wouldn't dispute the fact that Leinster were on the front foot to apologise.

Time will tell if anyone directly involved in Leinster were involved in this calamity. And if they were then further action should be expected
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on January 01, 2023, 11:52:26 PM
I couldn't give a f**k about the song. It's a harmless song. What I am commenting on is the difference of the venom that will be directed at the upper class D4s versus the working class ladies soccer players. We all saw how RTE and broadsheets knocked a week of bullshit out of it, let's see do the rugger boys get the same treatment.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: smelmoth on January 01, 2023, 11:57:48 PM
Quote from: Itchy on January 01, 2023, 11:52:26 PM
I couldn't give a f**k about the song. It's a harmless song. What I am commenting on is the difference of the venom that will be directed at the upper class D4s versus the working class ladies soccer players. We all saw how RTE and broadsheets knocked a week of bullshit out of it, let's see do the rugger boys get the same treatment.
At this stage nobody is clear that this happening has anything to do with Leinster. But it did happen on their watch and they have been in the front foot in apologising for that. No doubt that there should be further investigation and we can react to that.

Totally different to the ladies football team. And not because of accents or addresses
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on January 02, 2023, 12:05:13 AM
Quote from: Duine Inteacht Eile on January 01, 2023, 11:57:31 PM
Obviously, whoever played this song on the tannoy should lose their job, at the very least. However, I expect all CCTV footage to be explored and anyone found to be singing along should also lose their job.

Lose their job, nothing short of being publicly hung, drawn and quartered in public with Joe Duffy as MC should be good enough.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tonto1888 on January 02, 2023, 07:22:56 AM
The replies here just show what itchy was talking about is a real thing
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on January 02, 2023, 08:14:14 AM
It is a totally different situation to the ladies team unless it was Johnny Sexton or someone that put it on the PA system? Itchy is comparing apples and oranges.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 02, 2023, 09:17:51 AM
Quote from: square_ball on January 02, 2023, 08:14:14 AM
It is a totally different situation to the ladies team unless it was Johnny Sexton or someone that put it on the PA system? Itchy is comparing apples and oranges.

It depends on what Jim McAllister has to say about it at the end of the day. Whether or not something is a unionist narcissist injury cannot be decided by  a Taig.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on January 02, 2023, 09:37:15 AM
Quote from: square_ball on January 02, 2023, 08:14:14 AM
It is a totally different situation to the ladies team unless it was Johnny Sexton or someone that put it on the PA system? Itchy is comparing apples and oranges.

Wrong. The Leinster team were already caught singing this song on a plane long before the girls on soccer team did. This is 2nd time it's been played on the tannoy system. Like I said it doesn't bother me who sings it as it's just a song but girls with working class accents and posh boys with D4 accents won't get the same treatment.

https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/watch-delighted-leinster-players-singing-16335270
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 02, 2023, 10:06:48 AM
Good win for Munster yesterday

https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2023/0101/1344368-healy-scores-last-gasp-winner-as-munster-stun-ulster/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Cyril Farrell fan on January 02, 2023, 04:08:48 PM
A lot of people who were defending the soccer girls now want the Leinster lads to be in hot water for a song they weren't singing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on January 02, 2023, 04:23:39 PM
Quote from: Cyril Farrell fan on January 02, 2023, 04:08:48 PM
A lot of people who were defending the soccer girls now want the Leinster lads to be in hot water for a song they weren't singing.

Not true, they are just pointing out the hypocrisy of the two reactions.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 02, 2023, 04:57:09 PM
Quote from: Itchy on January 02, 2023, 04:23:39 PM
Quote from: Cyril Farrell fan on January 02, 2023, 04:08:48 PM
A lot of people who were defending the soccer girls now want the Leinster lads to be in hot water for a song they weren't singing.

Not true, they are just pointing out the hypocrisy of the two reactions.

Think you need to have like for like, the rugby lads on the plane are not actually heard singing up the ra, unless they have and it's been deleted I've yet to hear them. The tannoy and the supporters singing it is not the same..

Either way if some group made up a song which had,  oh a up the UVF it would receive the same attention in national teams were singing it
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on January 02, 2023, 05:27:03 PM
So if ulster Rugby were singing the Billy Boys song but weren't recorded singing the words "up to our necks in Fenian blood" that would be grand. But if another team were caught singing that line they should be hammered. Who you trying to kid?It's totally like for like, just total classism at play.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on January 03, 2023, 12:20:16 PM
Anyway...bored shitless with the hooha about this song. To get back on point, why is Healy out of favour at Munster, looks a great 10.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 03, 2023, 01:13:18 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on January 03, 2023, 12:20:16 PM
Anyway...bored shitless with the hooha about this song. To get back on point, why is Healy out of favour at Munster, looks a great 10.

Perhaps he's already decided on joining Scotland? Qualifies through mother and they've tried to poach him before. You wouldn't blame him. Cooney could be playing for Scotland in RWC too!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on January 03, 2023, 01:23:15 PM
Scotland with only 2 Professional teams, Glasgow and Edinburgh work off a very small player pool. Not that Ireland is huge, but they should have more then 2 teams to bring though more players.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 03, 2023, 02:00:22 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on January 03, 2023, 01:23:15 PM
Scotland with only 2 Professional teams, Glasgow and Edinburgh work off a very small player pool. Not that Ireland is huge, but they should have more then 2 teams to bring though more players.
I don't think the SRU is s fluirseach as the IRFU.
Scotland is currently weak and the country struggled to make the change to professionalism. Maybe soccer has all the money.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on January 03, 2023, 02:05:29 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on January 03, 2023, 01:23:15 PM
Scotland with only 2 Professional teams, Glasgow and Edinburgh work off a very small player pool. Not that Ireland is huge, but they should have more then 2 teams to bring though more players.

They had a 3rd professional team (Borders) a while back. I think its the stronghold of Scottish rugby but couldn't be sustained financially.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on January 03, 2023, 02:24:33 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 03, 2023, 02:05:29 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on January 03, 2023, 01:23:15 PM
Scotland with only 2 Professional teams, Glasgow and Edinburgh work off a very small player pool. Not that Ireland is huge, but they should have more then 2 teams to bring though more players.

They had a 3rd professional team (Borders) a while back. I think its the stronghold of Scottish rugby but couldn't be sustained financially.

The SRU aren't so precious about their players playing in other jurisdictions like England and France so aren't shelling out big salaries for Hogg Russell and Co.

They've got themselves pretty competitive at international level and well capable of beating anyone on their day.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 03, 2023, 02:35:26 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on January 03, 2023, 02:24:33 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 03, 2023, 02:05:29 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on January 03, 2023, 01:23:15 PM
Scotland with only 2 Professional teams, Glasgow and Edinburgh work off a very small player pool. Not that Ireland is huge, but they should have more then 2 teams to bring though more players.

They had a 3rd professional team (Borders) a while back. I think its the stronghold of Scottish rugby but couldn't be sustained financially.

The SRU aren't so precious about their players playing in other jurisdictions like England and France so aren't shelling out big salaries for Hogg Russell and Co.

They've got themselves pretty competitive at international level and well capable of beating anyone on their day.
SRU income is slightly less than GBP 60m https://scottishrugby.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/SRFS2122.pdf

whereas IRFU is EUR 79m
https://www.statista.com/statistics/580297/irfu-total-annual-income-ireland/#:~:text=This%20statistic%20depicts%20the%20total%20annual%20income%20of,income%20of%20approximately%2079.24%20million%20euros%20was%20generated.
and sterling is worth SFA vs the EUR these days at 1.1 or whatever.
Murrayfield capacity probably compares unfavourably to Lansdowne Road.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on January 03, 2023, 03:33:06 PM
Murrayfield has a bigger Capacity then the Aviva (Lansdowne)  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murrayfield_Stadium
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 03, 2023, 03:38:26 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on January 03, 2023, 03:33:06 PM
Murrayfield has a bigger Capacity then the Aviva (Lansdowne)  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murrayfield_Stadium
How would it compare revenue wise for a 6N international ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on January 03, 2023, 04:32:49 PM
They generally sell out for the 6 Nations game.  A 67 K sell compared to nearly 52k in Dublin.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 04, 2023, 08:36:03 AM
Murrayfield was last redeveloped in 93/94 for 50 million.

The Aviva was finished in 2010 at a cost of 410 million  and is designed for revenue maximisation.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aviva_Stadium
"The stadium is a bowl shape with four tiers on three sides of the ground; the lower and upper tiers are for general access, the second and third levels feed the second tier for premium tickets and the fourth tier for corporate boxes."
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on January 04, 2023, 12:04:03 PM
It's a few years since I was at Murrayfield but it was a bit tired then.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: oakleaflad on January 04, 2023, 02:42:48 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 03, 2023, 01:13:18 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on January 03, 2023, 12:20:16 PM
Anyway...bored shitless with the hooha about this song. To get back on point, why is Healy out of favour at Munster, looks a great 10.

Perhaps he's already decided on joining Scotland? Qualifies through mother and they've tried to poach him before. You wouldn't blame him. Cooney could be playing for Scotland in RWC too!
Confirmed Healy is going to Edinburgh at the end of the season.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 04, 2023, 09:38:58 PM
Quote from: oakleaflad on January 04, 2023, 02:42:48 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on January 03, 2023, 01:13:18 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on January 03, 2023, 12:20:16 PM
Anyway...bored shitless with the hooha about this song. To get back on point, why is Healy out of favour at Munster, looks a great 10.

Perhaps he's already decided on joining Scotland? Qualifies through mother and they've tried to poach him before. You wouldn't blame him. Cooney could be playing for Scotland in RWC too!
Confirmed Healy is going to Edinburgh at the end of the season.
Hard to blame him
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 14, 2023, 03:28:29 PM
Munster off to a good start versus Northampton
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on January 16, 2023, 12:49:45 AM
Eddie's gone back home!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 16, 2023, 08:32:56 AM
England, Wales and Australia all changing manager so close to the RWC
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 17, 2023, 03:34:07 PM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2023/01/17/wales-name-their-squad-for-2023-six-nations-championship/

Ben Healy is one of four uncapped players included in Gregor Townsend's Scotland's squad for the Six Nations.

The 23-year-old Munster outhalf, who will join Edinburgh in the summer, qualifies for Scotland through his mother and will provide back-up for Finn Russell at number 10.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on January 17, 2023, 11:06:43 PM
Dave Ewers to Ulster is great business.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 19, 2023, 04:03:59 PM
Joey Carbery dropped

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2023/01/19/joey-carbery-facing-something-of-a-crossroads-after-omission-from-irish-squad/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Scarlet on January 19, 2023, 04:07:08 PM
What's the feeling on the beer debate?

https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/time-to-ban-the-booze-at-aviva-1.4839373

I know from going to games that it is just an excuse for a sess, but if you take away the badwagon the rugby community in Ireland is not that big, so what do they do?

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tc_manchester on January 19, 2023, 04:51:45 PM
Quote from: Captain Scarlet on January 19, 2023, 04:07:08 PM
What's the feeling on the beer debate?

https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/time-to-ban-the-booze-at-aviva-1.4839373

I know from going to games that it is just an excuse for a sess, but if you take away the badwagon the rugby community in Ireland is not that big, so what do they do?

i'm a bandwagonner. Rugby similiar to motor racing is a game better watched on TV than at the ground since you need to be on the halfway line to actually have a half of a chance to see what is going on. At least 3/4 of the time I end up watching the big screen to see what's happening. Given the cost of the tickets you need a bit of drink in order to make it an enjoyable day.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on January 19, 2023, 05:47:51 PM
Quote from: Captain Scarlet on January 19, 2023, 04:07:08 PM
What's the feeling on the beer debate?

https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/time-to-ban-the-booze-at-aviva-1.4839373

I know from going to games that it is just an excuse for a sess, but if you take away the badwagon the rugby community in Ireland is not that big, so what do they do?

Not sure if you're serious or not. Beer or no beer the place will be jammed as it has been for decades Inc many many many barren years
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Scarlet on January 19, 2023, 05:50:35 PM
But if you read those comments there seems to be a thing whereby the daytrippers are a hindrance when they are a lot of the people filling the place.
Like if you go to the games there is a high percentage who barely watch 20 minutes at times. But, then that is an issue of the corporate seats and they could be filled by people who actually cared easily.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on January 19, 2023, 06:06:19 PM
Quote from: Captain Scarlet on January 19, 2023, 05:50:35 PM
But if you read those comments there seems to be a thing whereby the daytrippers are a hindrance when they are a lot of the people filling the place.
Like if you go to the games there is a high percentage who barely watch 20 minutes at times. But, then that is an issue of the corporate seats and they could be filled by people who actually cared easily.

Plenty of corporate seats alright. All big stadia will have 'day rippers' and a fair percentage of them. Not sure where they would all be getting their tickets from. We've built up contacts over many years and at least half of our travelling group of 10 give or take are all members of 2 local teams.

On the corporate side of things, and this is soccer not rugby... Took thousands of corporate ticket holders 15 mins to return to their prime seats for the 2nd half of the World Cup final, incredible!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 19, 2023, 06:08:27 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1zXDKWkBp0
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LC on January 19, 2023, 07:51:19 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on January 19, 2023, 05:47:51 PM
Quote from: Captain Scarlet on January 19, 2023, 04:07:08 PM
What's the feeling on the beer debate?

https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/time-to-ban-the-booze-at-aviva-1.4839373

I know from going to games that it is just an excuse for a sess, but if you take away the badwagon the rugby community in Ireland is not that big, so what do they do?

Not sure if you're serious or not. Beer or no beer the place will be jammed as it has been for decades Inc many many many barren years

100% agree re the above yet gets a disproportional amount of coverage in the press.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 22, 2023, 06:00:24 PM
Bundee Aki was left out of the Connacht team that played in Newcastle. They didn't need him was the message. Except that Connacht lost.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on January 22, 2023, 06:27:03 PM
They mightnt need him but I fair say Ireland do.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on January 25, 2023, 09:26:39 AM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/64378657

Cooney might be playing for Scotland by the end of the 6 Nations.

Thought he definitely should have had more game time for Ireland a few years ago, when he was excelling at Ulster, but it didn't happen for him.

Not close to getting a look in now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on January 31, 2023, 04:45:01 PM
Wales team for Saturday's game

Wales:

Halfpenny;
Adams, North, Hawkins, Dyer;
Biggar, T Williams;
G Thomas, Owens (capt), Francis,
Beard, Alun Wyn Jones,
Morgan, Tipuric, Faletau.

Replacements: Baldwin, Carre, Lewis, Jenkins, Reffell, Webb, O Williams, Cuthbert.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on January 31, 2023, 05:57:42 PM
Playing Wales in Cardiff. Opening game of the 6 nations. Warren Gatland back. What could go wrong?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on January 31, 2023, 06:14:24 PM
Quote from: dec on January 31, 2023, 04:45:01 PM
Wales team for Saturday's game

Wales:

Halfpenny;
Adams, North, Hawkins, Dyer;
Biggar, T Williams;
G Thomas, Owens (capt), Francis,
Beard, Alun Wyn Jones,
Morgan, Tipuric, Faletau.

Replacements: Baldwin, Carre, Lewis, Jenkins, Reffell, Webb, O Williams, Cuthbert.
that team looks like a blast from the past
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 31, 2023, 06:42:04 PM
Ireland haven't won in Cardiff since 2013
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on January 31, 2023, 09:34:23 PM
Rees Zammit is out with an ankle injury which helps the Irish cause.

I can see us winning this one for a first win in Cardiff in 10 years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on January 31, 2023, 11:06:20 PM
Quote from: Gmac on January 31, 2023, 06:14:24 PM
Quote from: dec on January 31, 2023, 04:45:01 PM
Wales team for Saturday's game

Wales:

Halfpenny;
Adams, North, Hawkins, Dyer;
Biggar, T Williams;
G Thomas, Owens (capt), Francis,
Beard, Alun Wyn Jones,
Morgan, Tipuric, Faletau.

Replacements: Baldwin, Carre, Lewis, Jenkins, Reffell, Webb, O Williams, Cuthbert.
that team looks like a blast from the past

Jesus the average age of that team must be close to 30!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 01, 2023, 08:10:22 AM
Quote from: dec on January 31, 2023, 04:45:01 PM
Wales team for Saturday's game

Wales:

Halfpenny;
Adams, North, Hawkins, Dyer;
Biggar, T Williams;
G Thomas, Owens (capt), Francis,
Beard, Alun Wyn Jones,
Morgan, Tipuric, Faletau.

Replacements: Baldwin, Carre, Lewis, Jenkins, Reffell, Webb, O Williams, Cuthbert.

Is Gatland back managing them?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 01, 2023, 08:33:58 AM
If we don't beat that outfit by 10-15 I'll be disappointed.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: BrotherMore6592 on February 01, 2023, 10:17:12 AM
Quote from: Captain Scarlet on January 19, 2023, 04:07:08 PM
What's the feeling on the beer debate?

https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/time-to-ban-the-booze-at-aviva-1.4839373

I know from going to games that it is just an excuse for a sess, but if you take away the badwagon the rugby community in Ireland is not that big, so what do they do?
As someone who has tried very hard to get into the sport after marrying into a rugby following family, I think I speak for the majority of GAA and soccer fans in Ireland that we can see why rugby gets a disproportionate amount of coverage in the media.

It's boring lads, plain and simple. There's the odd good game (I'm not defending soccer as I'm a GAA man) but it's a hard watch.

It's the 1st of February today and there's barely a word about anyone "looking forward to the 6 nations" or at the water cooler in offices across the country (apart from D4).

If it was the week of the premier league starting in august or the all Ireland championship first round it would be hopping.

Is it any wonder the beer is needed. When you're in round Dublin on an aviva match day for the rugby I've rarely seen anything other than a session even from South Africans and all opposition supporters who've travelled in.

Maybe if Ireland were to win the World Cup things would change but I don't think so. The excitement isn't there, there's about 5/6 decent teams in the world , very small competition.

Bit like the AFL and NFL, if you're struggling to sleep switch them on
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 01, 2023, 10:18:05 AM
Quote from: BrotherMore6592 on February 01, 2023, 10:17:12 AM
Quote from: Captain Scarlet on January 19, 2023, 04:07:08 PM
What's the feeling on the beer debate?

https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/time-to-ban-the-booze-at-aviva-1.4839373

I know from going to games that it is just an excuse for a sess, but if you take away the badwagon the rugby community in Ireland is not that big, so what do they do?
As someone who has tried very hard to get into the sport after marrying into a rugby following family, I think I speak for the majority of GAA and soccer fans in Ireland that we can see why rugby gets a disproportionate amount of coverage in the media.

It's boring lads, plain and simple. There's the odd good game (I'm not defending soccer as I'm a GAA man) but it's a hard watch.

It's the 1st of February today and there's barely a word about anyone "looking forward to the 6 nations" or at the water cooler in offices across the country (apart from D4).

If it was the week of the premier league starting in august or the all Ireland championship first round it would be hopping.

Is it any wonder the beer is needed. When you're in round Dublin on an aviva match day for the rugby I've rarely seen anything other than a session even from South Africans and all opposition supporters who've travelled in.

Maybe if Ireland were to win the World Cup things would change but I don't think so. The excitement isn't there, there's about 5/6 decent teams in the world , very small competition.

Bit like the AFL and NFL, if you're struggling to sleep switch them on

No harm to ye but slide on. We don't care!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 01, 2023, 11:00:41 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 01, 2023, 10:18:05 AM
Quote from: BrotherMore6592 on February 01, 2023, 10:17:12 AM
Quote from: Captain Scarlet on January 19, 2023, 04:07:08 PM
What's the feeling on the beer debate?

https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/time-to-ban-the-booze-at-aviva-1.4839373

I know from going to games that it is just an excuse for a sess, but if you take away the badwagon the rugby community in Ireland is not that big, so what do they do?
As someone who has tried very hard to get into the sport after marrying into a rugby following family, I think I speak for the majority of GAA and soccer fans in Ireland that we can see why rugby gets a disproportionate amount of coverage in the media.

It's boring lads, plain and simple. There's the odd good game (I'm not defending soccer as I'm a GAA man) but it's a hard watch.

It's the 1st of February today and there's barely a word about anyone "looking forward to the 6 nations" or at the water cooler in offices across the country (apart from D4).

If it was the week of the premier league starting in august or the all Ireland championship first round it would be hopping.

Is it any wonder the beer is needed. When you're in round Dublin on an aviva match day for the rugby I've rarely seen anything other than a session even from South Africans and all opposition supporters who've travelled in.

Maybe if Ireland were to win the World Cup things would change but I don't think so. The excitement isn't there, there's about 5/6 decent teams in the world , very small competition.

Bit like the AFL and NFL, if you're struggling to sleep switch them on

No harm to ye but slide on. We don't care!

I've the dates at the local with the lads for the next few weekends, great days out and afternoon drinks with burgers and shouting at the big screen!! What's not to like?

If you want boring look at Chelsea
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 01, 2023, 11:54:54 AM
Quote from: BrotherMore6592 on February 01, 2023, 10:17:12 AM
Quote from: Captain Scarlet on January 19, 2023, 04:07:08 PM
What's the feeling on the beer debate?

https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/time-to-ban-the-booze-at-aviva-1.4839373

I know from going to games that it is just an excuse for a sess, but if you take away the badwagon the rugby community in Ireland is not that big, so what do they do?
As someone who has tried very hard to get into the sport after marrying into a rugby following family, I think I speak for the majority of GAA and soccer fans in Ireland that we can see why rugby gets a disproportionate amount of coverage in the media.

It's boring lads, plain and simple. There's the odd good game (I'm not defending soccer as I'm a GAA man) but it's a hard watch.

It's the 1st of February today and there's barely a word about anyone "looking forward to the 6 nations" or at the water cooler in offices across the country (apart from D4).

If it was the week of the premier league starting in august or the all Ireland championship first round it would be hopping.

Is it any wonder the beer is needed. When you're in round Dublin on an aviva match day for the rugby I've rarely seen anything other than a session even from South Africans and all opposition supporters who've travelled in.

Maybe if Ireland were to win the World Cup things would change but I don't think so. The excitement isn't there, there's about 5/6 decent teams in the world , very small competition.

Bit like the AFL and NFL, if you're struggling to sleep switch them on

Try and get a ticket for Ireland v England or Ireland v France and see how you get on!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: BrotherMore6592 on February 01, 2023, 12:23:39 PM
Even if the tickets were available they're seriously out of reach for the average person. Crazy prices for an autumn international never mind a six nations game.

I do agree with Milltown Row though it's good craic for pints in a pub. So removing the beer from the aviva would more than likely harm the numbers
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 01, 2023, 01:20:34 PM
6 Nations, Premier League and latter stages of GAA championship are all tough going for the average person!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 01, 2023, 03:17:53 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 01, 2023, 08:33:58 AM
If we don't beat that outfit by 10-15 I'll be disappointed.
Gatland has a massive job to get Wales right for the World Cup.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on February 01, 2023, 03:30:21 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 01, 2023, 03:17:53 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 01, 2023, 08:33:58 AM
If we don't beat that outfit by 10-15 I'll be disappointed.
Gatland has a massive job to get Wales right for the World Cup.
Gatland doesn't look to be team building for the future, looks like its all about this year.
Ken Owens capt at 36, AWJ second row 37
Another 6 >30's in the starting line-up
With 4 more in the replacements.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 01, 2023, 03:36:14 PM
He has to start including some younger players but  in some positions such as full back they don't have anybody .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 01, 2023, 03:53:54 PM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2023/02/01/six-nations-2023-mike-gibson-hails-johnny-sextons-vital-role-in-irelands-rise-to-worlds-best/
"We have beaten New Zealand five times in the last eight meetings, which is astonishing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 01, 2023, 06:00:16 PM
Quote from: Estimator on February 01, 2023, 03:30:21 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 01, 2023, 03:17:53 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 01, 2023, 08:33:58 AM
If we don't beat that outfit by 10-15 I'll be disappointed.
Gatland has a massive job to get Wales right for the World Cup.
Gatland doesn't look to be team building for the future, looks like its all about this year.
Ken Owens capt at 36, AWJ second row 37
Another 6 >30's in the starting line-up
With 4 more in the replacements.

It's a little startling for me that Wales are able to call on so many test match healthy professionals in their 30s.

Maybe the game isn't quite the health hazard  I've lately presumed it to be.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 01, 2023, 07:25:33 PM
On paper Ireland should walk it with a bonus point however Wales have a habit over the years of being rather shit and still winning championships and grand slams.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on February 02, 2023, 07:05:57 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 01, 2023, 06:00:16 PM
Maybe the game isn't quite the health hazard  I've lately presumed it to be.

Ever see George North play rugby?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: smelmoth on February 02, 2023, 11:40:14 AM
Quote from: BrotherMore6592 on February 01, 2023, 10:17:12 AM

...... I think I speak for the majority of GAA and soccer fans in Ireland that we can see why rugby gets a disproportionate amount of coverage in the media.

It's the 1st of February today and there's barely a word about anyone "looking forward to the 6 nations" or at the water cooler in offices across the country (apart from D4).

Not sure if you are complaining of too much or too little rugby coverage but it would be fair to say that if we were currently ranked No1 in soccer that there would be a fair bit of coverage of soccer in the mouth of a major tournament

Commercial organisations will put out coverage people are interested in. There is obviously an interest in rugby
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on February 02, 2023, 02:00:32 PM
No Furlong for Ireland, and Halfpenny is out for Wales with Liam Williams replacing him.
Massive impact on the Ireland team, not so much for the Welsh.

Ireland: Keenan; Hansen, Ringrose, McCloskey, Lowe; Sexton, Gibson-Park; Porter, Sheehan, Bealham; Beirne, Ryan; O'Mahony, Van der Flier, Doris.

Replacements: Herring, Healy, O'Toole, Henderson, Conan, Murray, Byrne, Aki.

Wales: L Williams; Adams, North, Hawkins, Dyer; Biggar, T Williams; G Thomas, Owens (capt), Francis, Beard, Alun Wyn Jones, Morgan, Tipuric, Faletau.

Replacements: Baldwin, Carre, Lewis, Jenkins, Reffell, Webb, O Williams, Cuthbert.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on February 04, 2023, 01:37:16 PM
Gibson Park out Murray in
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on February 04, 2023, 02:04:11 PM
Quote from: dec on February 04, 2023, 01:37:16 PM
Gibson Park out Murray in
hopefully murray can keep the game moving fast like park does , lots of box kicks ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on February 04, 2023, 02:13:07 PM
His box kicking would drive you up the wall!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 04, 2023, 02:50:59 PM
Fairly ruthless stuff here... great to see!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 04, 2023, 03:14:18 PM
Doris is some operator. He could have been the x factor for the Mayo footballers.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on February 04, 2023, 03:32:06 PM
Excellent first half, been very poor since the restart.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 04, 2023, 03:34:55 PM
Very poor so far Williams lay down there too!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on February 04, 2023, 03:37:50 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 04, 2023, 03:34:55 PM
Very poor so far Williams lay down there too!!!
Thought it was v silly from Henderson.
Shouldn't be at that. Poor discipline.
Really should have a BP at this stage
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 04, 2023, 03:49:43 PM
Not a whole lot in that yellow but we need it Ireland have been well outplayed this half so far!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on February 04, 2023, 03:52:41 PM
This is desperate stuff from Ireland in the second half.
Lucky Wales are down to 14 men at the minute.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 04, 2023, 03:58:12 PM
Ireland haven't scored since the 27th minute.
France will be noting.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on February 04, 2023, 04:02:50 PM
All the hard work was done after 15 mins. Ireland had no need to keep that pressure up. Sat back and worked defensively. Wales with a massive amount of possession and territory in 2nd half with nothing to really show for it
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Scarlet on February 04, 2023, 04:14:27 PM
Martin Johnson saying on the BBC if you win it inside 25 minutes take that and move on. But, they were very flat in the second half.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on February 04, 2023, 04:20:54 PM
What's going on with stockdale ? If they had him in 2019 form and henshaw back in center find a better replacement for porter than Healy I think they could give World Cup a serious rattle
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on February 04, 2023, 05:16:36 PM
Van Der Merwe  :o
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: HiMucker on February 04, 2023, 05:49:03 PM
Unbelievable try!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on February 04, 2023, 08:38:30 PM
Game was over first 25mins, but if that was the old, 2015 New Zealand team they put 50+ points  Wales.Took the foot of the gas, then couldn't pick it up again.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 04, 2023, 09:29:08 PM
Got what they could, win bonus point and haven't won there in 10 years.. they did what they needed to do
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on February 05, 2023, 07:28:33 AM
Wales are desperate altogether. Ireland should've won by 40+
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 05, 2023, 11:20:35 AM
Quote from: trailer on February 05, 2023, 07:28:33 AM
Wales are desperate altogether. Ireland should've won by 40+
Wales are like Meath or Kildare. They are missing a generation.
Scotland are like Armagh.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 06, 2023, 08:17:44 AM
Quote from: seafoid on February 05, 2023, 11:20:35 AM
Quote from: trailer on February 05, 2023, 07:28:33 AM
Wales are desperate altogether. Ireland should've won by 40+
Wales are like Meath or Kildare. They are missing a generation.
Scotland are like Armagh.

Gatland is trying to squeeze every last drop out of this generation and I think it's a bridge too far.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 06, 2023, 08:37:45 AM
England are a bit disorganised but will improve.
Wales are trina cheile and could lose to Italy.
Scotland are handy
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on February 06, 2023, 10:11:22 AM
Quote from: seafoid on February 05, 2023, 11:20:35 AM
Quote from: trailer on February 05, 2023, 07:28:33 AM
Wales are desperate altogether. Ireland should've won by 40+
Wales are like Meath or Kildare. They are missing a generation.
Scotland are like Armagh.

Hateful c***ts?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dougal Maguire on February 06, 2023, 10:14:58 AM
As an Armagh person it gives me great satisfaction to know that we annoy you that much
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on February 06, 2023, 10:22:21 AM
Quote from: Dougal Maguire on February 06, 2023, 10:14:58 AM
As an Armagh person it gives me great satisfaction to know that we annoy you that much

LOL!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 5times5times on February 06, 2023, 11:06:31 AM
Has anyone checked on Rob Kearney since his episode with disco biscuits live on tele?

How was he allowed to be put in front of the camera??? :o :o :o
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 06, 2023, 03:46:27 PM
https://www.rte.ie/sport/six-nations/2023/0206/1354062-furlong-healy-and-gibson-park-ruled-out-of-france-game/

Ireland trio Tadhg Furlong, Cian Healy and Jamison Gibson-Park ruled out of France game
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on February 06, 2023, 10:24:41 PM
Do that mean 20 box kicks from Murray? Park spreads the game out a whole lot better. Murray takes too long to get the ball out from the scum.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on February 07, 2023, 09:07:38 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on February 06, 2023, 10:24:41 PM
Do that mean 20 box kicks from Murray? Park spreads the game out a whole lot better. Murray takes too long to get the ball out from the scum.
Casey is a better option.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 07, 2023, 09:23:29 AM
Quote from: Applesisapples on February 07, 2023, 09:07:38 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on February 06, 2023, 10:24:41 PM
Do that mean 20 box kicks from Murray? Park spreads the game out a whole lot better. Murray takes too long to get the ball out from the scum.
Casey is a better option.
Murray has more experience and took it handy with the box kicks on Saturday


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 07, 2023, 09:42:11 AM
Italy beat Wales last year thus ending a 36 game losing streak and are definitely an improving team

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FPCXqe2RuE
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 07, 2023, 10:21:09 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on February 06, 2023, 10:24:41 PM
Do that mean 20 box kicks from Murray? Park spreads the game out a whole lot better. Murray takes too long to get the ball out from the scum.

Better starting with Casey to see what he's really like against Dupont. It's a big step up, but we'll need a backup for the WC and Murray isn't going to be enough.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 07, 2023, 11:23:45 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 07, 2023, 10:21:09 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on February 06, 2023, 10:24:41 PM
Do that mean 20 box kicks from Murray? Park spreads the game out a whole lot better. Murray takes too long to get the ball out from the scum.

Better starting with Casey to see what he's really like against Dupont. It's a big step up, but we'll need a backup for the WC and Murray isn't going to be enough.
Not against France imo. Dupont is world class.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HaRmde7go4
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 08, 2023, 07:28:29 AM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2023/02/07/argument-for-eight-nations-will-grow-if-rugby-gospel-wants-to-be-spread/the Italians are gathering momentum under their impressive young captain, Michele Lamaro. His was the first appointment made by the head coach, Kieran Crowley, when he took charge in November 2021, the idea being to look forward rather than endlessly backwards. "There had been so much negativity around their results, and the players feel that," said Crowley.

Crowley's other main focus has been to encourage his squad to enjoy their rugby more, hence the "attack, attack" style that is increasingly their default setting. "We needed to find a way to play and we had to find an identity," the New Zealander said last year. "By an identity I mean we had to be known for the way we play and what we bring to the table. If you do that consistently, you get some credibility and respect. That's been our driving force. If you get better and better at what you do, the results will come your way."


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on February 09, 2023, 12:27:48 PM
Gatland has changed tack for the Scotland game, out go the over 30s - AWJ, Tipuric and Faletau. First two out of the squad completely.
In - Dafydd Jenkins (21), Tommy Reffell (23) and Christ Tshiunza (21)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 09, 2023, 02:25:27 PM
Ireland: Keenan; Hansen, Ringrose, McCloskey, Lowe; Sexton (capt), Murray; Porter, Herring, Bealham; Ryan, Beirne; O'Mahony, van der Flier, Doris

Matt Williams

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0NId2U7WMc
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on February 10, 2023, 09:50:30 PM
Good win for the U20s. Looked really dominant in the first half but let France back into it. Had to come back to win it a few times.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: pbat on February 10, 2023, 10:07:02 PM
Great win, rode their luck at times. After the U20 six nations I promote that lad Prendergast to the senior squad and bring him to the world cup
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on February 11, 2023, 03:28:13 AM
Quick starts have  been a key part  of Irelands games lately and a great bonus for any team to have and something teams of all codes search for .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Newbridge Exile on February 11, 2023, 07:35:55 AM
Any recommendations on pubs close to the aviva to grab a few pints before the game?( We Are on the red route /Bath Road entrance )
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on February 11, 2023, 09:43:40 AM
Quote from: Newbridge Exile on February 11, 2023, 07:35:55 AM
Any recommendations on pubs close to the aviva to grab a few pints before the game?( We Are on the red route /Bath Road entrance )

All pubs will be lively of course, Searsons great for a stout, sip it outside, good atmosphere. 10/12 mins dander then to Bath Avenue
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 11, 2023, 11:18:58 AM
Quote from: JoG2 on February 11, 2023, 09:43:40 AM
Quote from: Newbridge Exile on February 11, 2023, 07:35:55 AM
Any recommendations on pubs close to the aviva to grab a few pints before the game?( We Are on the red route /Bath Road entrance )

All pubs will be lively of course, Searsons great for a stout, sip it outside, good atmosphere. 10/12 mins dander then to Bath Avenue
Searsons a good option. It'll be busy but big enough to cope. The crowds in places like Slatterys nearer the ground are just silly.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on February 11, 2023, 02:35:54 PM
As good a try as that looks, it's slack as f**k from the Irish, about 3/4 missed tackles plus the heavies couldn't get bck to straighten the defensive line.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on February 11, 2023, 02:40:36 PM
Good game, millimetres in that try.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 11, 2023, 02:40:43 PM
Some game of rugby.

Looks like both sides have been working on attack more than defence this week.

Though Murray can take his f**king box kicks and f**k off.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Square Ball on February 11, 2023, 02:41:01 PM
Some try, some game
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mrdeeds on February 11, 2023, 02:41:09 PM
Angle later showed foot touched ground?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on February 11, 2023, 02:43:34 PM
Connor Murray WTF
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on February 11, 2023, 02:45:16 PM
Some great entertainment here.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on February 11, 2023, 02:45:30 PM
Wayne Barnes with a bullshit call.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on February 11, 2023, 02:46:20 PM
Total bottle job on the Red there by the Referee!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on February 11, 2023, 02:46:40 PM
Barnes f**k sake
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 11, 2023, 02:48:01 PM
Wise up lads.

The prop forward didn't have time to get down. He's 6' 3" and had less than a yard of space to react.

Barnes showing more sense and the RTE commentators couldn't be any more biased if they tried.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on February 11, 2023, 02:48:57 PM
That's the most obvious shoulder to head hit with no attempt to bind.standing full up, I seen many a red for less. Barnes is a shocking ref.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on February 11, 2023, 02:50:56 PM
Wobbler watch the replay he a couple of m's away sizi g him up, not half a yard. It's a Plain as day red card under the current rules.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 11, 2023, 02:52:59 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on February 11, 2023, 02:50:56 PM
Wobbler watch the replay he a couple of m's away sizi g him up, not half a yard. It's a Plain as day red card under the current rules.

Watch the replay in real-time and you won't even be able to count to 1 from the pass being thrown to the impact.

Unrealistic expectations, and if the roles were reversed you'd surely claim innocence on your good countryman's behalf.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gerrykeegan on February 11, 2023, 02:56:31 PM
Itv commentary says Red also. Touch judge looked shocked when he said yellow. Barnes is brutal
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on February 11, 2023, 03:01:46 PM
Du pont saves a try, Ireland unlucky. Barnes costing us.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on February 11, 2023, 03:02:47 PM
(https://scontent.fdub7-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/329228787_858341515227183_7677330016731874127_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=2c4854&_nc_ohc=_bpyAjB4AD0AX-27sOp&_nc_ht=scontent.fdub7-1.fna&oh=00_AfDRF9LuvSxZseP2kLJJtP7MN9QlkWGhOgYLpvuSibMAWw&oe=63ECFA78)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on February 11, 2023, 03:03:27 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 11, 2023, 02:52:59 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on February 11, 2023, 02:50:56 PM
Wobbler watch the replay he a couple of m's away sizi g him up, not half a yard. It's a Plain as day red card under the current rules.

Watch the replay in real-time and you won't even be able to count to 1 from the pass being thrown to the impact.

Unrealistic expectations, and if the roles were reversed you'd surely claim innocence on your good countryman's behalf.

;D.. Red all day long, a simple a call as Barnes will have to make all afternoon

Great game so far
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 11, 2023, 03:06:24 PM
Rugby's shite lads!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 11, 2023, 03:07:23 PM
Good entertainment there! It's a red for me.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on February 11, 2023, 03:16:43 PM
Barnes ignoring so much stuff. He's a terrible ref

France sealing off the breakdown not letting Ireland compete
Pinged Ireland for not rolling away when player had both his legs held so he couldn't move
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Ghost on February 11, 2023, 03:31:49 PM
Hard to picture Sexton's body holding up for the duration of a world cup. Man's crippled.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on February 11, 2023, 03:33:16 PM
He had a few heavy hits on him, 2of which were late.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on February 11, 2023, 03:34:19 PM
Is there more French there than Irish. Need a try to shut them  up. Some booing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on February 11, 2023, 03:44:29 PM
Bad mistake by scrum half there, he just had touch the padding and it been a try, French had move to the right for the pass leving no one at the post, or has the rule changed.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on February 11, 2023, 03:48:20 PM
Case alot quicker passing than Murray
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 11, 2023, 04:03:22 PM
Subs making a difference.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on February 11, 2023, 04:04:17 PM
Tom o Toole impressive,  Ireland outstanding.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on February 11, 2023, 04:07:12 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 11, 2023, 04:03:22 PM
Subs making a difference.

Every single one of them has made a serious impression on the game
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on February 11, 2023, 04:09:07 PM
So this Irish Team is the team they say it is after all, with about 3 starters missing. So it's good to know there cover. Where that lad O'Toole come from, serious player!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 11, 2023, 04:10:45 PM
That was a serious performance!!!! Built up as 1st v 2nd in the world and Ireland met itbhead on and came through... fair play they deserved it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GaillimhIarthair on February 11, 2023, 04:17:42 PM
That was a proper rugby match.  Ireland starting to walk the talk.  Seem to be building strength in depth also.  Might finally do something of note at the WC later in the year.  For now though, in a great position in the 6N!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bannside on February 11, 2023, 04:22:32 PM
Without Tadgh Furling and Gibson Park, both nailed on starters too...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on February 11, 2023, 04:27:35 PM
Henshaw would been seen as a starter too.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on February 11, 2023, 04:38:50 PM
Cracking game, Ireland great value for that win. French back row were kept anonymous. Definite ref card and Lowe was definitely in touch. Thought Bealham was outstanding. Hands for the Keenan try were superb.

One potential concern is the inabilty to close out from short range. Doris and Porter seem to be the only ones really able to drive over the line and there were a good few points left out there today.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tubberman on February 11, 2023, 04:42:50 PM
Lowe's boot tickled the blades of grass, but if he had touched the ground, his foot would have changed trajectory. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on February 11, 2023, 04:43:19 PM
Good to see Farrell throwing casey and byrne into the melting pot. Probably the toughest challenge they could face before heading to the world cup
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on February 11, 2023, 04:54:18 PM
Quote from: Tubberman on February 11, 2023, 04:42:50 PM
Lowe's boot tickled the blades of grass, but if he had touched the ground, his foot would have changed trajectory.

His toe dragged across the ground, that's in touch.. Because it was given originally it was going to be impossible to overturn but he was in touch.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tubberman on February 11, 2023, 05:00:42 PM
Quote from: gallsman on February 11, 2023, 04:54:18 PM
Quote from: Tubberman on February 11, 2023, 04:42:50 PM
Lowe's boot tickled the blades of grass, but if he had touched the ground, his foot would have changed trajectory.

His toe dragged across the ground, that's in touch.. Because it was given originally it was going to be impossible to overturn but he was in touch.

Why would it have been impossible to overturn? that happens all the time
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on February 11, 2023, 05:09:29 PM
Quote from: Tubberman on February 11, 2023, 05:00:42 PM
Quote from: gallsman on February 11, 2023, 04:54:18 PM
Quote from: Tubberman on February 11, 2023, 04:42:50 PM
Lowe's boot tickled the blades of grass, but if he had touched the ground, his foot would have changed trajectory.

His toe dragged across the ground, that's in touch.. Because it was given originally it was going to be impossible to overturn but he was in touch.

Why would it have been impossible to overturn? that happens all the time

Because it was razor thin. In those circumstances, it's almost never overturned as the question asked is "is there any reason not to award the try?" so they look for cast iron evidence of the ref having got it wrong.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 11, 2023, 05:27:01 PM
Quote from: gallsman on February 11, 2023, 05:09:29 PM
Quote from: Tubberman on February 11, 2023, 05:00:42 PM
Quote from: gallsman on February 11, 2023, 04:54:18 PM
Quote from: Tubberman on February 11, 2023, 04:42:50 PM
Lowe's boot tickled the blades of grass, but if he had touched the ground, his foot would have changed trajectory.

His toe dragged across the ground, that's in touch.. Because it was given originally it was going to be impossible to overturn but he was in touch.

Why would it have been impossible to overturn? that happens all the time

Because it was razor thin. In those circumstances, it's almost never overturned as the question asked is "is there any reason not to award the try?" so they look for cast iron evidence of the ref having got it wrong.

Is the rule touching the grass or touching the ground??

He may have touched the grass but definitely not the ground I can't see how you're so sure about it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gold on February 11, 2023, 05:57:32 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on February 11, 2023, 03:48:20 PM
Casey alot quicker passing than Murray

Absolutely he was

Murray is so slow plus  greedy ...went for 3 tries himself when didn't have the power too

A d don't me tion his box kicking....
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on February 11, 2023, 06:14:18 PM
I watched the lowe try 4/5 times, still not sure if he touched the grass or not.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 11, 2023, 06:20:32 PM
Lowe's toe skimmed the turf:
https://twitter.com/i/status/1624419178709909504

Even more blatant, Ringrose threw a very forward pass to him:
https://twitter.com/i/status/1624418745556013059
Look at the grass stripe where Ringrose threw vs where Lowe received it.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 11, 2023, 06:24:32 PM
Quote from: Ghost on February 11, 2023, 03:31:49 PM
Hard to picture Sexton's body holding up for the duration of a world cup. Man's crippled.
Sexton should be rested for some of the group games. Maybe even rested for the South Africa game and instead Ireland target beating Scotland to secure 2nd place.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 11, 2023, 06:27:39 PM
That was a great win on the face of it but the world cup is a different matter. Ireland have some top players to come back in, Furlong and Sheehan in the front row and Gibson Park and Henshaw in the backs.

The world cup is what counts this year but I won't turn my nose up at a grand slam.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on February 11, 2023, 06:31:10 PM
Wales gettin destroyed again this week.
Didn't work with the old men against Ireland, hasn't work with the young ones against Scotland.

Ireland v Scotland at Murrayfield for the Grand Slam!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 11, 2023, 06:35:39 PM
Quote from: Estimator on February 11, 2023, 06:31:10 PM
Wales gettin destroyed again this week.
Didn't work with the old men against Ireland, hasn't work with the young ones against Scotland.

Ireland v Scotland at Murrayfield for the Grand Slam!!

Wales are a disgrace we should have thumped them by more. Gatland I'm sure regretting his return.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: An Watcher on February 11, 2023, 06:36:02 PM
France will have too much for the scots
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Newbridge Exile on February 11, 2023, 06:37:56 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 11, 2023, 11:18:58 AM
Quote from: JoG2 on February 11, 2023, 09:43:40 AM
Quote from: Newbridge Exile on February 11, 2023, 07:35:55 AM
Any recommendations on pubs close to the aviva to grab a few pints before the game?( We Are on the red route /Bath Road entrance )

All pubs will be lively of course, Searsons great for a stout, sip it outside, good atmosphere. 10/12 mins dander then to Bath Avenue
Searsons a good option. It'll be busy but big enough to cope. The crowds in places like Slatterys nearer the ground are just silly.
Thanks For the suggestion , ended up meeting friends in The Crowes Pub which was a bit of a dander back to the red route but wasn't too busy it was a hell of a game
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on February 11, 2023, 06:38:56 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 11, 2023, 05:27:01 PM
Quote from: gallsman on February 11, 2023, 05:09:29 PM
Quote from: Tubberman on February 11, 2023, 05:00:42 PM
Quote from: gallsman on February 11, 2023, 04:54:18 PM
Quote from: Tubberman on February 11, 2023, 04:42:50 PM
Lowe's boot tickled the blades of grass, but if he had touched the ground, his foot would have changed trajectory.

His toe dragged across the ground, that's in touch.. Because it was given originally it was going to be impossible to overturn but he was in touch.

Why would it have been impossible to overturn? that happens all the time

Because it was razor thin. In those circumstances, it's almost never overturned as the question asked is "is there any reason not to award the try?" so they look for cast iron evidence of the ref having got it wrong.

Is the rule touching the grass or touching the ground??

He may have touched the grass but definitely not the ground I can't see how you're so sure about it.

Check Leinster's Instagram.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on February 11, 2023, 06:40:45 PM
They say you should never go back. Thank god Warren Gatland did! It's great watching him suffer.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on February 11, 2023, 07:37:50 PM
Lowe was in touch, foot did touch ground. Definite game of mm. TM0 should have called it.
Ireland have a hell of a world cup group. World champions & ever improving Scots.
World rugby really need to look at seeding world cup groups, based on rankings after November internationals,  year prior to world cup, instead of 3 years prior to World cup.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: An Watcher on February 11, 2023, 07:53:23 PM
Especially when you look at sine if the other groups.  Aus, Wales, Fiji.  Eng, Jap, Argentina. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 11, 2023, 10:00:04 PM
Good win even if some calls did go Ireland's way.

I'd be happy enough going into the WC with Casey and Ross Byrne as back up to Gibson Park and Sexton.

Casey surely now jumps Murray in the pecking order, his introduction wrestled the game back in Irelands favour
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 11, 2023, 10:00:28 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on February 11, 2023, 06:35:39 PM
Quote from: Estimator on February 11, 2023, 06:31:10 PM
Wales gettin destroyed again this week.
Didn't work with the old men against Ireland, hasn't work with the young ones against Scotland.

Ireland v Scotland at Murrayfield for the Grand Slam!!

Wales are a disgrace we should have thumped them by more. Gatland I'm sure regretting his return.
Dumping Pivac doesn't seem to have been a good idea. There is no Gatty bounce
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 12, 2023, 10:31:29 AM
When is Murray and POM gona get put out to pasture. Game bypassed both yesterday! Casey excellent when introduced.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 12, 2023, 10:41:22 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on February 12, 2023, 10:31:29 AM
When is Murray and POM gona get put out to pasture. Game bypassed both yesterday! Casey excellent when introduced.
Not until after the World Cup presumably
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: An Watcher on February 12, 2023, 11:03:40 AM
Not alot of clue about the rugby n get where you're coming from about Murray but POM, really?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Scarlet on February 12, 2023, 12:01:48 PM
That was a serious game! If it went on another 10 minutes Ireland would be the ones still driving on. The subs all made serious impacts and Ireland actually really delivered against a good side.

I know there is lots of talk of the NZ tests but this was championship rugby where both sides are at the same point in their seasons. The other tests always have variables.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 12, 2023, 03:38:09 PM
Quote from: An Watcher on February 12, 2023, 11:03:40 AM
Not alot of clue about the rugby n get where you're coming from about Murray but POM, really?

POM hasn't the physical attributes to compete v France, Saffas, England going ful tilt. Which they will in RWC
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 14, 2023, 03:12:23 PM
This is interesting
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVuejPKBncs&t=4830s
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on February 15, 2023, 01:38:34 PM
Atonio cited and misses the rest of France's 6 nations campaign
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on February 15, 2023, 01:53:16 PM
He can go to tackle school and get back for their final match against Wales.

Wheel be more interesting is to see if Barnes gets stood down.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 15, 2023, 04:50:11 PM
Interesting comment from Keith Wood on France's big men

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h23anx8xZEg&t=3990s
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 15, 2023, 06:54:22 PM
Ireland get punished for Atonios foul on an Irish player.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Keyser soze on February 16, 2023, 09:52:09 AM
Is there no sanction for Barnes for not red carding the player at the time?

I have zero doubts that this been an Irish player he would have had the red out straight away. it was clear from the conversation with TMO that he was striving to make a case to not send this player off despite it clearly being a red under the guidelines. He has never given Ireland fair play the w**ker.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Cavan19 on February 16, 2023, 11:19:44 AM
Quote from: Keyser soze on February 16, 2023, 09:52:09 AM
Is there no sanction for Barnes for not red carding the player at the time?

I have zero doubts that this been an Irish player he would have had the red out straight away. it was clear from the conversation with TMO that he was striving to make a case to not send this player off despite it clearly being a red under the guidelines. He has never given Ireland fair play the w**ker.

Even the touch judge who was beside him when he said it was going to be yellow had a look of confusion on his face.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on February 16, 2023, 12:38:16 PM
Beirne out for up to 12wks with the injury picked up against France.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on February 16, 2023, 12:45:21 PM
Quote from: Estimator on February 16, 2023, 12:38:16 PM
Beirne out for up to 12wks with the injury picked up against France.

An enforced break for Beirne perhaps no bad thing with a view to the WC. Looked a bit tired in the autumn and so far this year after the heroics of the the NZ tests. Plenty of capacity within the squad to see out the 6N.

Huge blow for Munster though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on February 16, 2023, 02:52:06 PM
Quote from: Cavan19 on February 16, 2023, 11:19:44 AM
Quote from: Keyser soze on February 16, 2023, 09:52:09 AM
Is there no sanction for Barnes for not red carding the player at the time?

I have zero doubts that this been an Irish player he would have had the red out straight away. it was clear from the conversation with TMO that he was striving to make a case to not send this player off despite it clearly being a red under the guidelines. He has never given Ireland fair play the w**ker.

Even the touch judge who was beside him when he said it was going to be yellow had a look of confusion on his face.
Yeah he definitely thought Barnes was wrong.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 17, 2023, 11:56:28 AM
Wales summon historic press conference amid talk of players striking during Six Nations
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grgBI17s4Ks
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 21, 2023, 02:59:01 PM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2023/02/21/wales-cancel-team-announcement-amid-strike-threat-ahead-of-england-fixture/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on February 22, 2023, 12:04:25 AM
If they weren't going to turn up, you think they supporters know early with tickets got and likely accommodation in place.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 22, 2023, 09:07:20 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on February 22, 2023, 12:04:25 AM
If they weren't going to turn up, you think they supporters know early with tickets got and likely accommodation in place.
It's brinksmanship
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on February 22, 2023, 11:35:35 PM
Looks like the wales players climbed down. They could soon regret it, only a fool makes threats he can't carry out.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 22, 2023, 11:58:59 PM
It doesn't look like a climbdown

https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/64718572
Warren Gatland's players return on Thursday for his team announcement after a scheduled Wednesday off.

During it, the players and WRU chiefs agreed to amend a rule that stopped players who had moved outside the country and not won 60 caps from playing for Wales again.

Players based outside Wales will now be free to play for the country if they have won 25 caps or more.

Players and agents will also have the option of a fixed contract or a fixed and variable deal instead of the previous offer of 80% salary as basic pay with 20% made up in bonuses.

On Tuesday, head coach Gatland had said he was confident the matter would be resolved despite delaying naming his side and cancelling a scheduled training session.

Had the game been called off it would have cost the WRU almost £10m.

The Wales players were also seeking Wales Rugby Players' Association (WRPA) representation at Professional Rugby Board (PRB) meetings.

PRB chairman Malcolm Wall stated the players' demand for that voice on the committee that oversees professional rugby in Wales will be accepted with WRPA Gareth Lewis attending all PRB meetings with immediate effect.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Armagh18 on February 25, 2023, 02:21:25 PM
Some start. Could put up some score here if we want
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 25, 2023, 02:31:04 PM
Italy playing very well. Ross Byrne needs to put smart on things.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 25, 2023, 02:43:13 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on February 25, 2023, 02:21:25 PM
Some start. Could put up some score here if we want

Crazy game so far
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 25, 2023, 03:07:39 PM
Ireland all over the place, some great rugby followed by some desperate stuff
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on February 25, 2023, 03:20:11 PM
Was in Dublin Airport on Thursday afternoon, the Irish rugby team walked by me, could sense the confidence off them, a little bit of complacency crept in today against Italy?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on February 25, 2023, 03:22:09 PM
Doris quiet at 6
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 25, 2023, 03:36:22 PM
Crowley has done a great job with Italy
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: podge on February 25, 2023, 03:37:42 PM
Have I got green glasses on or is the ref actually killing is here?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 25, 2023, 03:38:21 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on February 25, 2023, 03:20:11 PM
Was in Dublin Airport on Thursday afternoon, the Irish rugby team walked by me, could sense the confidence off them, a little bit of complacency crept in today against Italy?

Some lazy rugby. Van deflier gifted Italy a penalty when we were camped on their line. Have a penalty advantage so many times and then not doing anything. McCloskey a lucky boy a couple of high tackles. And only now giving away more penalties off the ball ffs
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 25, 2023, 03:38:56 PM
Quote from: podge on February 25, 2023, 03:37:42 PM
Have I got green glasses on or is the ref actually killing is here?

No Ireland are very indisciplined seem leaderless
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on February 25, 2023, 03:39:56 PM
As poor a bonus point performance that I've seen.
Very sloppy. Not doing anything to quiet this Italian crowd.
Can only hope that the Italians tire in the last 20mins.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 25, 2023, 03:40:33 PM
Quote from: Estimator on February 25, 2023, 03:39:56 PM
As poor a bonus point performance that I've seen.
Very sloppy. Not doing anything to quiet this Italian crowd.
Can only hope that the Italians tire in the last 20mins.
. Should have been out of sight before half time
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on February 25, 2023, 03:54:06 PM
Murray's first kick doesn't go to touch. Sets up Italian kick, Ireland get it back, Murray throws a horrible pass to Baird, Italian scrum and try opportunity. Surely his time is up.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on February 25, 2023, 04:00:29 PM
Comfortable now but made heavy weather of it. I have a slight fear Ireland won't even make it out of group stages at WC. The Scotland game will tell a tale  or two.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 25, 2023, 04:03:53 PM
Quote from: Estimator on February 25, 2023, 03:54:06 PM
Murray's first kick doesn't go to touch. Sets up Italian kick, Ireland get it back, Murray throws a horrible pass to Baird, Italian scrum and try opportunity. Surely his time is up.

Maybe but Casey hardly put his hand up, had an absolute stinker
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 25, 2023, 04:11:22 PM
Quote from: weareros on February 25, 2023, 04:00:29 PM
Comfortable now but made heavy weather of it. I have a slight fear Ireland won't even make it out of group stages at WC. The Scotland game will tell a tale  or two.

Yeah the open top bus parade might be on hold after that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on February 25, 2023, 04:13:53 PM
Again played for about 25 mins then stopped, and then as usual couldn't pick it up again.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on February 25, 2023, 04:15:03 PM
Hansen was hilarious there lol 😂
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 25, 2023, 04:17:39 PM
Big plus side is we didn't do that against an in form Scottish team or the English. A wake up call for those games
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: podge on February 25, 2023, 04:19:42 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on February 25, 2023, 04:03:53 PM
Quote from: Estimator on February 25, 2023, 03:54:06 PM
Murray's first kick doesn't go to touch. Sets up Italian kick, Ireland get it back, Murray throws a horrible pass to Baird, Italian scrum and try opportunity. Surely his time is up.

Maybe but Casey hardly put his hand up, had an absolute stinker

Murray was instrumental over several phases in the lead up to the try that closed the game out .  People are v quick to run him down but there's several teams that would love to have him as an option!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 25, 2023, 04:25:20 PM
That match is better than hammering Italy. Farrell will make them work next week.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on February 25, 2023, 04:38:59 PM
Quote from: podge on February 25, 2023, 04:19:42 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on February 25, 2023, 04:03:53 PM
Quote from: Estimator on February 25, 2023, 03:54:06 PM
Murray's first kick doesn't go to touch. Sets up Italian kick, Ireland get it back, Murray throws a horrible pass to Baird, Italian scrum and try opportunity. Surely his time is up.

Maybe but Casey hardly put his hand up, had an absolute stinker

Murray was instrumental over several phases in the lead up to the try that closed the game out .  People are v quick to run him down but there's several teams that would love to have him as an option!
murray is the back up , sexton is still the main man , kelleher might be number 3 hooker
Conan gone off the boil completely, ireland struggle with fast teams especially when game is disjointed
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 26, 2023, 10:38:15 AM
How Many Ireland Players are "World Class"?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1VxqS4OKN8
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 26, 2023, 04:15:29 PM
The score can stay as it is now. A french win but no bonus points will suit as fine
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 26, 2023, 05:12:58 PM
Some game, was end to end and Scotland will give Ireland their fill of it
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: toby47 on February 27, 2023, 03:59:11 PM
Anyone lucky enough to get tickets to the ENgland game? I heard they are going for big money with the possibility of a grandslam.

I have been promised two..although I'm not counting my chickens untill they are in my hand. Just hoping i'm not let down!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 27, 2023, 08:01:50 PM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2023/02/27/six-nations-johnny-sexton-among-those-to-be-back-in-ireland-training-after-injury/

The knee injury sustained by Finlay Bealham in the first half in Rome has ruled him out of the remainder of the tournament. The Connacht prop had started every match in the Six Nations to date in Tadhg Furlong's absence.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on February 28, 2023, 01:16:53 PM
Big loss. He'd been excellent. O'Toole has looked good in the loose, gonna have to see about the scrum now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Never beat the deeler on February 28, 2023, 11:02:19 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 27, 2023, 08:01:50 PM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2023/02/27/six-nations-johnny-sexton-among-those-to-be-back-in-ireland-training-after-injury/

The knee injury sustained by Finlay Bealham in the first half in Rome has ruled him out of the remainder of the tournament. The Connacht prop had started every match in the Six Nations to date in Tadhg Furlong's absence.

Terrible for Bealham. Has been waiting a long time for a chance like this, and was taking his chance very well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 10, 2023, 03:25:45 PM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2023/03/10/scotland-v-ireland-tadhg-furlong-returns-to-ireland-team-as-andy-farrell-makes-six-changes/
Andy Farrell has made six changes to the Irish starting XV for Sunday's crunch Guinness Six Nations game against Scotland at Murrayfield (kick-off 3pm), with Tadhg Furlong returning at tight-head for his first game since early December.

Garry Ringrose, Johnny Sexton, Conor Murray, Dan Sheehan and Peter O'Mahony are all restored as well, with Bundee Aki and Caelan Doris each reverting to their more familiar positions of inside centre and number '8′ respectively.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on March 10, 2023, 07:41:14 PM
A big game on Sunday against the Scots with the grand slam on the line. However with the world cup coming up later in the year against the Scots again, should Ireland be taking it easy against the Scots, not showing our full hand or game plan for the world cup?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 10, 2023, 07:41:55 PM
Ireland very good, U-20's past couple of yrs, the increase in shear size past few yrs very evident. Alot of them be test made in 2/3 years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 10, 2023, 07:42:45 PM
No there a Grand, Slam to be won, a game 6 months later not matter tactic wise.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 10, 2023, 07:47:28 PM
Massacre in the U-20 by the 30min mark.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 10, 2023, 08:54:29 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on March 10, 2023, 07:41:14 PM
A big game on Sunday against the Scots with the grand slam on the line. However with the world cup coming up later in the year against the Scots again, should Ireland be taking it easy against the Scots, not showing our full hand or game plan for the world cup?
We must have a few plans. Like the France match, fast line speed to kn**ker the huge men of the opposition, but something different for Scotland and something else for England.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 10, 2023, 09:13:57 PM
f**k me 82-7. Same score tomorrow please ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 11, 2023, 02:37:22 AM
I'm normally a fan of playing at 100% until the whistle as a mark of professional and will never be able to understand American outrage at the concept of "running up the score" but for the last conversion, the ref pointed out the time to Lynch at about 79.50, clearly saying something along the lines of 'if you take your time, I can blow it up" and lynch made sure to kick it being the 80 mins were up. Felt a tad harsh!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on March 11, 2023, 08:45:25 AM
Regarding the U20's in rugby and GAA.

I presume there'd be no U20's playing for Ireland last night and then be on the senior planel today?

Or are there U20's on the senior panel currently and they just play with the senior squad all the time?

Anybody know?

I know it's professional etc. and different from the GAA but was wondering how do rugby do it?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 11, 2023, 11:45:03 AM
Lads don't come through to about 23 or so
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Denn Forever on March 11, 2023, 12:49:51 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 11, 2023, 11:45:03 AM
Lads don't come through to about 23 or so


If you watch premiership rugby in ITV 4, there always seem to 18/i9 lan'tds playing.

Wasn't Jonny Wilkinson only 17 when he started?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 11, 2023, 02:49:07 PM
Italy butchering this  ffs
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 11, 2023, 03:08:56 PM
Why couldn't Italy have played like this against us. Back to the indisciplined rabble of old
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on March 11, 2023, 04:22:19 PM
Quote from: Denn Forever on March 11, 2023, 12:49:51 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 11, 2023, 11:45:03 AM
Lads don't come through to about 23 or so


If you watch premiership rugby in ITV 4, there always seem to 18/i9 lan'tds playing.

Wasn't Jonny Wilkinson only 17 when he started?
Marcus Smith the same for his club. Think he was called up by Eddie Jones when he was playing  U20s
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on March 11, 2023, 04:25:03 PM
Quote from: Estimator on March 11, 2023, 04:22:19 PM
Quote from: Denn Forever on March 11, 2023, 12:49:51 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 11, 2023, 11:45:03 AM
Lads don't come through to about 23 or so


If you watch premiership rugby in ITV 4, there always seem to 18/i9 lan'tds playing.

Wasn't Jonny Wilkinson only 17 when he started?
Marcus Smith the same for his club. Think he was called up by Eddie Jones when he was playing  U20s
rare for u20 in the pack,  backs is way more likely
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 11, 2023, 05:09:41 PM
Irish provisional rugby a fair step up than English club rugby with 1 or 2 exceptions
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on March 11, 2023, 06:26:16 PM
This England v France match is most enjoyable.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on March 11, 2023, 06:31:41 PM
10-53. Borthwick in a spot of bother.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 11, 2023, 06:34:18 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on March 11, 2023, 06:31:41 PM
10-53. Borthwick in a spot of bother.
Dealing with Eddie's legacy; hasn't had a chance to make his mark etc. They were outplayed all over the park.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: armaghniac on March 11, 2023, 06:38:28 PM
Jaysus, the French went through the English as if they were not there.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 11, 2023, 06:39:48 PM
Quote from: armaghniac on March 11, 2023, 06:38:28 PM
Jaysus, the French went through the English as if they were not there.

Hopefully the same thing happens next Saturday!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: HiMucker on March 11, 2023, 06:46:42 PM
Anyone else think that Johnny Wilkinson just talks philosophical dung?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 11, 2023, 06:58:02 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 11, 2023, 06:34:18 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on March 11, 2023, 06:31:41 PM
10-53. Borthwick in a spot of bother.
Dealing with Eddie's legacy; hasn't had a chance to make his mark etc. They were outplayed all over the park.

Or maybe Eddie did a good job with limited players. As great as it is watching England get smashed it means Ireland now can't afford a slip up
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on March 11, 2023, 07:10:03 PM
Quote from: HiMucker on March 11, 2023, 06:46:42 PM
Anyone else think that Johnny Wilkinson just talks philosophical dung?

He'd send an insomniac to sleep. Great player of course but he talks absolute bollox the majority of the time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 11, 2023, 08:35:42 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on March 11, 2023, 06:58:02 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 11, 2023, 06:34:18 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on March 11, 2023, 06:31:41 PM
10-53. Borthwick in a spot of bother.
Dealing with Eddie's legacy; hasn't had a chance to make his mark etc. They were outplayed all over the park.

Or maybe Eddie did a good job with limited players. As great as it is watching England get smashed it means Ireland now can't afford a slip up

They won't slip up against England based on that performance so just need to beat Scotland
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: armaghniac on March 11, 2023, 09:14:00 PM
Thon Dupont chap for France that kicks the ball would do rightly on a gaelic team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on March 11, 2023, 10:12:20 PM
Quote from: armaghniac on March 11, 2023, 09:14:00 PM
Thon Dupont chap for France that kicks the ball would do rightly on a gaelic team.

Ramos ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: armaghniac on March 11, 2023, 10:27:32 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on March 11, 2023, 10:12:20 PM
Quote from: armaghniac on March 11, 2023, 09:14:00 PM
Thon Dupont chap for France that kicks the ball would do rightly on a gaelic team.

Ramos ?

Not the place kicker, this lad
https://twitter.com/ek_rugby/status/1634603121568632833
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on March 12, 2023, 09:22:59 AM
England gave up. If I was a fan I'd be pissed. Awful performance. Borthwick do well to see the year out.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on March 12, 2023, 09:32:37 AM
The England no8 was a disgrace for that try from the cross field kick. Bruno Fernandes would have been proud of that effort.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on March 12, 2023, 03:00:30 PM
Scots can fairly sing their anthem.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on March 12, 2023, 03:05:54 PM
Another afternoon of Murray and his super box kicks again ::)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Armagh18 on March 12, 2023, 03:08:18 PM
Try disallowed because they used a different ball for lineout. f**k this sport has some daft rules!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 12, 2023, 03:10:25 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on March 12, 2023, 03:08:18 PM
Try disallowed because they used a different ball for lineout. f**k this sport has some daft rules!

If Ireland took the lineout then fine but it was Scotland ffs so a bit of common sense that try should stand. Note well when Wales did it all those yrs ago it fucked us over and they get away with it. A bit worried about the ref already
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on March 12, 2023, 03:10:51 PM
Silly rule, twas Scotlands problem.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 12, 2023, 03:25:01 PM
Yep the ref is shit blind to high tackle in front of him, he must be trying to outdo Wayne Barnes for shitness
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 12, 2023, 03:30:24 PM
Dropping like flies and the jocks well up for this!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on March 12, 2023, 03:30:32 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on March 12, 2023, 03:25:01 PM
Yep the ref is shit blind to high tackle in front of him, he must be trying to outdo Wayne Barnes for shitness

I would be worried about this referee,  Sexton taken out right in front of him without the ball. 3 players gone already.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Brick Tamlin on March 12, 2023, 03:54:00 PM
Murrayfield stadium announcer needs taken out and shot.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Helix. on March 12, 2023, 03:54:31 PM
Hogg very lucky not to get a yellow. Dropping Luke flies but good battling all the same. Will go to the wire!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on March 12, 2023, 04:12:06 PM
VdF taking the lineouts! And Kelleher off now!!
Sexton has been caught a couple of times in the tackle.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 12, 2023, 04:15:52 PM
Quote from: Estimator on March 12, 2023, 04:12:06 PM
VdF taking the lineouts! And Kelleher off now!!
Sexton has been caught a couple of times in the tackle.
Both hookers gone plus 2 others.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 12, 2023, 04:22:40 PM
James Lowe scores a try
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 12, 2023, 04:28:08 PM
Jack Conan with another
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 12, 2023, 04:36:26 PM
Park so much quicker getting rid of the ball, Hansen Irelands best man.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 12, 2023, 04:41:24 PM
Ringrose sparked out!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on March 12, 2023, 04:42:39 PM
Get Henshaw back.. lose Ringrose...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 12, 2023, 04:51:53 PM
That's been a seriously impressive performance from Ireland given the players they've lost and the adversity faced.

Then we go and butcher that 🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on March 12, 2023, 04:59:22 PM
At least 30 points the better team. Gave Scotland no space to operate. Butchered a few chances. Very good side. Mack Hansen some talent. Hope Ringrose ok.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on March 12, 2023, 05:50:08 PM
Need to pull Keith Wood and Rory Best into the training squad for next week.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: HiMucker on March 12, 2023, 05:55:48 PM
Quote from: Estimator on March 12, 2023, 03:05:54 PM
Another afternoon of Murray and his super box kicks again ::)
Always seems to be plenty of hate for Murrays box kicks, but surely this is a tactic approved by management or am I missing something?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on March 12, 2023, 06:05:54 PM
Quote from: HiMucker on March 12, 2023, 05:55:48 PM
Quote from: Estimator on March 12, 2023, 03:05:54 PM
Another afternoon of Murray and his super box kicks again ::)
Always seems to be plenty of hate for Murrays box kicks, but surely this is a tactic approved by management or am I missing something?

It's not that he's doing it, it's how poor they are.
No chance of contesting any of them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on March 12, 2023, 06:07:18 PM
One thing ive always wondered is why the flag on the try line is considered out if you touch it?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: armaghniac on March 12, 2023, 06:25:13 PM
Quote from: Nanderson on March 12, 2023, 06:07:18 PM
One thing ive always wondered is why the flag on the try line is considered out if you touch it?

Anything on the side line is out, is it not?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on March 12, 2023, 06:32:24 PM
Quote from: armaghniac on March 12, 2023, 06:25:13 PM
Quote from: Nanderson on March 12, 2023, 06:07:18 PM
One thing ive always wondered is why the flag on the try line is considered out if you touch it?

Anything on the side line is out, is it not?
Yea the line is out but even if you touch the top or middle it counts as out even if your feet are still well in play
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Orior on March 12, 2023, 06:39:23 PM
Increased motivation for the English next week - beat Ireland and prevent them winning the triple crown, the six nations, anglo-ireland agreement, brexit, its coming home, bono & geldoff, the DUP, Eamon Holmes, Roy Keane and so on and so forth.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 12, 2023, 06:42:29 PM
Quote from: Estimator on March 12, 2023, 05:50:08 PM
Need to pull Keith Wood and Rory Best into the training squad for next week.
Very good
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on March 12, 2023, 06:47:03 PM
Quote from: Estimator on March 12, 2023, 06:05:54 PM
Quote from: HiMucker on March 12, 2023, 05:55:48 PM
Quote from: Estimator on March 12, 2023, 03:05:54 PM
Another afternoon of Murray and his super box kicks again ::)
Always seems to be plenty of hate for Murrays box kicks, but surely this is a tactic approved by management or am I missing something?

It's not that he's doing it, it's how poor they are.
No chance of contesting any of them.
Plus Murray's powder puff box kick  handed the ball back to scotland and directly led to their try.
How is it that Park is 2nd fiddle to Murray?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on March 12, 2023, 07:00:09 PM
The one good thing about all the injuries is it might help guard against over confidence against England. I think England are a good team who just haven't got their act together yet. They are always strong up front where the game is decided.

On the plus side for Ireland Furlong and Gibson Park are back and that is a big help for Ireland. Gibson Park to start regardless of who is available. It really should be a grand slam for Ireland but you never know.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on March 12, 2023, 07:02:24 PM
Quote from: Main Street on March 12, 2023, 06:47:03 PM
Quote from: Estimator on March 12, 2023, 06:05:54 PM
Quote from: HiMucker on March 12, 2023, 05:55:48 PM
Quote from: Estimator on March 12, 2023, 03:05:54 PM
Another afternoon of Murray and his super box kicks again ::)
Always seems to be plenty of hate for Murrays box kicks, but surely this is a tactic approved by management or am I missing something?

It's not that he's doing it, it's how poor they are.
No chance of contesting any of them.
Plus Murray's powder puff box kick  handed the ball back to scotland and directly led to their try.
How is it that Park is 2nd fiddle to Murray?

Injury to Gibson Park.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 12, 2023, 07:22:20 PM
Ireland win by 20+, that England team been bad for 2/3yrs now, and have went down at the rate of knots.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on March 12, 2023, 08:21:02 PM
Watch England go after sexton next weekend. They will make it ultra physical
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 12, 2023, 08:38:10 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on March 12, 2023, 08:21:02 PM
Watch England go after sexton next weekend. They will make it ultra physical

It couldn't get much more physical than today. It was brutal
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on March 12, 2023, 08:58:01 PM
A great win. The sort of performance World Cup winners put together
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: An Watcher on March 12, 2023, 10:54:55 PM
This weekends matches make an even bigger joke of the world cup groups.  The winner of the group containing Eng, Jap and Arg more than likely playing Wales for a place in the semi final.  Meanwhile, two of Ireland, SA, NZ and France getting eliminated and Scot potentially not even reaching the quarters.  Joke
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on March 12, 2023, 11:33:53 PM
Quote from: An Watcher on March 12, 2023, 10:54:55 PM
This weekends matches make an even bigger joke of the world cup groups.  The winner of the group containing Eng, Jap and Arg more than likely playing Wales for a place in the semi final.  Meanwhile, two of Ireland, SA, NZ and France getting eliminated and Scot potentially not even reaching the quarters.  Joke

There's flaws in the WC system no doubt. But here. Soccer has an almost egalitarian qualifying and seeding system for its WCs and it routinely throws up groups of death, and  produces both subjectively and clearly easier and tougher paths to the final.

Short of an entirely objective AI, fed with all the data on form, talent and injury reports intervening the week before a finals to split everyone fairly, no perfect system is possible. Such an AI doesn't exist. And even if it was possible, coaches and teams would then game that AI to the point that we would end up not much different to what's currently ordained.

——

It's a bit like the early years of the All Ireland qualifiers. One year the media would leap on the back door as not providing stiff enough  competition for a team that follows that route to the last 4, to be suitably prepared for the level needed. The next year the same pundits would then tell you that teams coming out of the back door were better prepared for same challenge, by virtue of having played more games.

People see what they want to see. Championships though, they rarely produce an undeserved winner.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on March 13, 2023, 01:04:46 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 12, 2023, 11:33:53 PM
Quote from: An Watcher on March 12, 2023, 10:54:55 PM
This weekends matches make an even bigger joke of the world cup groups.  The winner of the group containing Eng, Jap and Arg more than likely playing Wales for a place in the semi final.  Meanwhile, two of Ireland, SA, NZ and France getting eliminated and Scot potentially not even reaching the quarters.  Joke

There's flaws in the WC system no doubt. But here. Soccer has an almost egalitarian qualifying and seeding system for its WCs and it routinely throws up groups of death, and  produces both subjectively and clearly easier and tougher paths to the final.

Short of an entirely objective AI, fed with all the data on form, talent and injury reports intervening the week before a finals to split everyone fairly, no perfect system is possible. Such an AI doesn't exist. And even if it was possible, coaches and teams would then game that AI to the point that we would end up not much different to what's currently ordained.
This will be the last World Cup where the groups are set so far in advance.
It is often the case that the 9th ranked team is as good as the 4th ranked team. The Groups of Death are bound to occur.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 13, 2023, 04:00:17 PM
Tom English on the Irish team

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbY0Ebe_Fts&t=4908s
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 14, 2023, 08:27:40 PM
This is class

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yer1HLP5C0
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 18, 2023, 03:56:50 PM
It's the same every year when you watch France Wales. Whichever team you need to win that year to help Ireland they dont ffs
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 18, 2023, 04:00:33 PM
Ireland are 1/10 today... if they don't beat England that would be a calamity of huge proportions

They'll be nervous for first few minutes
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 18, 2023, 05:24:55 PM
Calamity on the cards. Ireland struggling against the rush defense
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 18, 2023, 05:40:31 PM
England have conceded 7 penalties.  Last one creates a try for Ireland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Blowitupref on March 18, 2023, 05:49:52 PM
Harsh red for the English lad but a huge boost to Irelands chances of winning now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 18, 2023, 05:51:14 PM
Quote from: Blowitupref on March 18, 2023, 05:49:52 PM
Harsh red for the English lad but a huge boost to Irelands chances of winning now.
Very harsh but ref explained the framework.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Helix. on March 18, 2023, 05:53:29 PM
Butchering a good few chances but should open up in the 2nd half. Hopefully Keenan is ok after the hit.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 18, 2023, 06:15:54 PM
England not playing great, we just playing terrible.!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 18, 2023, 06:17:33 PM
It was a harsh red but it was a red all day long. Ireland have been shocking just as well England down to 14
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 18, 2023, 06:17:38 PM
Red ain't harsh, lad turned his shoulder into him, zero tackle position at all.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 18, 2023, 06:18:09 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 18, 2023, 06:15:54 PM
England not playing great, we just playing terrible.!
They'll be called bottlers if they don't win this second half.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 18, 2023, 06:20:20 PM
Need take a couple of 3pts to settle them, 2 England penalties put them ahead. Very concerning for the world cup, any high pressure game which they expected to win well, they perform poorly.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 18, 2023, 06:20:56 PM
It's a massive choke so far
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 18, 2023, 06:23:29 PM
Not going well but you'd expect us to finish well as we have in all the other games. This first 50 mins have been very poor and would be a worry for the WC!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 18, 2023, 06:23:35 PM
Throw to the f**king front, grind up front and try win a few scorable penalties
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on March 18, 2023, 06:29:27 PM
You'd think Joe Schmidt is back managing today, kickity kick kick
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 18, 2023, 06:31:17 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 18, 2023, 06:23:35 PM
Throw to the f**king front, grind up front and try win a few scorable penalties

You would think but getting sicked into kicking contests. They have the extra man let the English tackle and tackle until they are worn out
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 18, 2023, 06:47:26 PM
That's a bad try to give away, they mauled it on from 20m out, terrible.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 18, 2023, 06:55:49 PM
Late salvo wins the day, the hammering England got against France probably meant England upped their game and Ireland maybe took it for granted.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Cunny Funt on March 18, 2023, 07:00:14 PM
Well done to the lads. First time to win it on Irish soil?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mrdeeds on March 18, 2023, 07:00:53 PM
Quote from: Cunny Funt on March 18, 2023, 07:00:14 PM
Well done to the lads. First time to win it on Irish soil?

Does Belfast count?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on March 18, 2023, 07:02:22 PM
Fierce tough battle that will stand to them. A great 6 nations, 26 points, can't ask for more (as you can't get more!)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sportacus on March 18, 2023, 07:34:44 PM
To win a Grand Slam with that France team knocking around is a great achievement.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: podge on March 18, 2023, 07:42:42 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 18, 2023, 06:20:20 PM
Need take a couple of 3pts to settle them, 2 England penalties put them ahead. Very concerning for the world cup, any high pressure game which they expected to win well, they perform poorly.


What a strange comment.  France and Scotland games weren't high pressure?  This was the first average performance for a long time
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 18, 2023, 07:49:08 PM
They play well in games were they expected serious opposition, Ue: France, South Africa, New Zealand. But on teams they expected to clock they don't play anywhere near to their potential.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 18, 2023, 08:20:20 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on March 18, 2023, 07:02:22 PM
Fierce tough battle that will stand to them. A great 6 nations, 26 points, can't ask for more (as you can't get more!)

27. Max available is 28 as GS winners are given 3 extra points to ensure they can't be overtaken via bonus points by a team with a loss. We didn't get the BP against Scotland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on March 18, 2023, 09:01:28 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on March 18, 2023, 07:02:22 PM
Fierce tough battle that will stand to them. A great 6 nations, 26 points, can't ask for more (as you can't get more!)
Could have got 28
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 18, 2023, 10:35:41 PM
Ireland in the end win as 1/10 favourites that's that! Brilliant night at friends enjoying the craic, indifferent type of game.

Nothing wrong with being 'put in your place' type game
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on March 19, 2023, 01:01:24 PM
I had a feeling England would bounce back after the French game, but they still were not good enough to stop Ireland. Sheehan was great for the first try that changed the game. He is one of the best hookers in the world.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: grounded on March 19, 2023, 07:07:10 PM
Well done to the U20's. Fantastic result and great hope for the future.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 20, 2023, 07:41:02 AM
The U20s are a serious team. Them and France way ahead of the pack just like the senior tournament.

Lots of English whinging about the Steward red card at the minute, saying he was trying to get out of the tackle etc. Honestly have no idea what he was trying to do, but whatever it was it was visit reckless and dangerous. Turned into him with the elbow braced. Clear red.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on March 20, 2023, 08:06:26 AM
Quote from: gallsman on March 20, 2023, 07:41:02 AM
The U20s are a serious team. Them and France way ahead of the pack just like the senior tournament.

Lots of English whinging about the Steward red card at the minute, saying he was trying to get out of the tackle etc. Honestly have no idea what he was trying to do, but whatever it was it was visit reckless and dangerous. Turned into him with the elbow braced. Clear red.

Turned his shoulder into the man who was on his way down, no mitigation for him, straight red all day long. If he'd been front on them maybe, but he wasn't for whatever reason I couldn't understand from Clive Woodward....

Ireland were jittery, no doubt, England were fired up, possibly too fired up after such an abject performance the last time out, and whilst winning the collisions were overstepping the mark and being penalised for it. Scrums have always baffled me, but Ireland were pinged twice for the scrum wheeling when it looked like they'd the upper hand.
Ireland had just that bit more to offer with the ball in hand and that's what got them over the line against this very basic England team even if there were more errors than normal.

Pressure game for Ireland and they ended up winning with the BP, but bigger battles lies ahead in France.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on March 20, 2023, 11:54:42 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on March 20, 2023, 08:06:26 AM
Quote from: gallsman on March 20, 2023, 07:41:02 AM
The U20s are a serious team. Them and France way ahead of the pack just like the senior tournament.

Lots of English whinging about the Steward red card at the minute, saying he was trying to get out of the tackle etc. Honestly have no idea what he was trying to do, but whatever it was it was visit reckless and dangerous. Turned into him with the elbow braced. Clear red.

Turned his shoulder into the man who was on his way down, no mitigation for him, straight red all day long. If he'd been front on them maybe, but he wasn't for whatever reason I couldn't understand from Clive Woodward....

Ireland were jittery, no doubt, England were fired up, possibly too fired up after such an abject performance the last time out, and whilst winning the collisions were overstepping the mark and being penalised for it. Scrums have always baffled me, but Ireland were pinged twice for the scrum wheeling when it looked like they'd the upper hand.
Ireland had just that bit more to offer with the ball in hand and that's what got them over the line against this very basic England team even if there were more errors than normal.

Pressure game for Ireland and they ended up winning with the BP, but bigger battles lies ahead in France.
I've watched a lot of rugby this year, that from Steward would be a red all day long in either Europe or URC. Steward knew what he was doing. English pundits playing to the masses.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 20, 2023, 12:49:49 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on March 20, 2023, 11:54:42 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on March 20, 2023, 08:06:26 AM
Quote from: gallsman on March 20, 2023, 07:41:02 AM
The U20s are a serious team. Them and France way ahead of the pack just like the senior tournament.

Lots of English whinging about the Steward red card at the minute, saying he was trying to get out of the tackle etc. Honestly have no idea what he was trying to do, but whatever it was it was visit reckless and dangerous. Turned into him with the elbow braced. Clear red.

Turned his shoulder into the man who was on his way down, no mitigation for him, straight red all day long. If he'd been front on them maybe, but he wasn't for whatever reason I couldn't understand from Clive Woodward....

Ireland were jittery, no doubt, England were fired up, possibly too fired up after such an abject performance the last time out, and whilst winning the collisions were overstepping the mark and being penalised for it. Scrums have always baffled me, but Ireland were pinged twice for the scrum wheeling when it looked like they'd the upper hand.
Ireland had just that bit more to offer with the ball in hand and that's what got them over the line against this very basic England team even if there were more errors than normal.

Pressure game for Ireland and they ended up winning with the BP, but bigger battles lies ahead in France.
I've watched a lot of rugby this year, that from Steward would be a red all day long in either Europe or URC. Steward knew what he was doing. English pundits playing to the masses.

Bundee aki got red carded in the same fixture a couple of yrs ago a tackle that no-one would have looked at until recently. These cards are harsh but they are red under current rules end of story. I don't know why  the pundits are still making a big deal of it. A much bigger injustice was the farce last week were Ireland were penalised and lost a try and a player through injury all from a Scottish mistake. That rule needs changing asap to allow that try to stand and only penalise the team that offends with the wrong ball lineout if they take advantage aka Wales all those yrs ago who got away with murder that day
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 20, 2023, 04:50:52 PM
Sinead O'Carroll was on OTB yesterday and she said that The Scotland match was like a World Cup qf match with loads of injuries and the pressure that that brings. She said the England match was like a World Cup semi final. I thought it was an interesting comparison.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on March 20, 2023, 04:58:55 PM
If the World Cup games play out according to the rankings, 6th and 7th ranked England and Australia will make the semi finals, 5th ranked Scotland will not make it out of the group.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: nrico2006 on March 20, 2023, 06:23:42 PM
Red as per the modern super woke health and safety rules, but shouldn't have been a red.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 20, 2023, 07:31:29 PM
If you're Irish it's a red if you're not it's a rugby incident and play on.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 20, 2023, 08:01:50 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on March 18, 2023, 07:34:44 PM
To win a Grand Slam with that France team knocking around is a great achievement.
France were favourites at the  start of the tournament
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 20, 2023, 08:27:42 PM
Ireland got alot of lads coming down the line if injury doesn't curtail. 3 grand slams at U-20 level in the past 5yrs.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gawa316 on March 20, 2023, 08:46:12 PM
When will the Prendergast fella be able to step up?

A couple of years of Byrne and then Prendergast?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 20, 2023, 09:07:20 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on March 20, 2023, 06:23:42 PM
Red as per the modern super woke health and safety rules, but shouldn't have been a red.

Health and safety is "woke" ffs. Have you ever heard such f**king nonsense or idiocy.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on March 21, 2023, 08:27:24 AM
Quote from: gallsman on March 20, 2023, 09:07:20 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on March 20, 2023, 06:23:42 PM
Red as per the modern super woke health and safety rules, but shouldn't have been a red.

Health and safety is "woke" ffs. Have you ever heard such f**king nonsense or idiocy.

Wait till the claims pile up for the early onset of dementia and the payouts that follow, is that being super woke?

https://twitter.com/i/status/1635749284355211264 (https://twitter.com/i/status/1635749284355211264)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 21, 2023, 08:48:50 AM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/gordon-d-arcy-cj-stander-has-been-central-to-all-the-great-days-since-2016-1.4512263

In pro rugby eventually you need to pay the ferryman. The concussion stories, the early onset of dementia, being forced to go under the knife for corrective surgery on a mangled shoulder so you can carry your infant child, needing both hands to stand up from the dinner table, are just some of the issues that pursue rugby players into their forties and beyond.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on March 21, 2023, 12:38:33 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on March 21, 2023, 08:27:24 AM
Quote from: gallsman on March 20, 2023, 09:07:20 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on March 20, 2023, 06:23:42 PM
Red as per the modern super woke health and safety rules, but shouldn't have been a red.

Health and safety is "woke" ffs. Have you ever heard such f**king nonsense or idiocy.

Wait till the claims pile up for the early onset of dementia and the payouts that follow, is that being super woke?

https://twitter.com/i/status/1635749284355211264 (https://twitter.com/i/status/1635749284355211264)

You look at your man Steve Thompson who was a world cup winner in 2003 and what has happened with him. Horrific so people need protected.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on March 21, 2023, 01:04:15 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on March 21, 2023, 12:38:33 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on March 21, 2023, 08:27:24 AM
Quote from: gallsman on March 20, 2023, 09:07:20 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on March 20, 2023, 06:23:42 PM
Red as per the modern super woke health and safety rules, but shouldn't have been a red.

Health and safety is "woke" ffs. Have you ever heard such f**king nonsense or idiocy.

Wait till the claims pile up for the early onset of dementia and the payouts that follow, is that being super woke?

https://twitter.com/i/status/1635749284355211264 (https://twitter.com/i/status/1635749284355211264)

You look at your man Steve Thompson who was a world cup winner in 2003 and what has happened with him. Horrific so people need protected.

Addressing one of collisions as being the problem isn't going to solve anything by itself though.

It's the sheer volume of collisions with oversized humans, over a lengthy period of time, that really brings the house down.

Rugby needs to find ways to reduce the size of players (wider pitches, thorough to the point of zero tolerance drug testing), and to reduce the volume of games any player can be involved in.

Game will be gone for good within 2 generations if it doesn't.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on March 21, 2023, 01:11:30 PM
American football has a massive problem with long term brain damage. But I suspect as long as the money is there, players will be willing to take the risks.

https://www.bumc.bu.edu/busm/2023/02/06/researchers-find-cte-in-345-of-376-former-nfl-players-studied/
"The Boston University CTE Center (https://www.bu.edu/cte/) announced today that they have now diagnosed 345 former NFL players with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) out of 376 former players studied (91.7 percent).""For comparison, a 2018 Boston University study of 164 brains of men and women donated to the Framingham Heart Study found that only 1 of 164 (0.6 percent) had CTE. The lone CTE case was a former college football player. The extremely low population rate of CTE is in line with similar studies from brain banks in Austria, Australia and Brazil."
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 21, 2023, 04:12:47 PM
http://www.nybooks.com/articles/2016/02/11/the-collision-sport-on-trial/

"Iron Mike" Webster was a Hall of Fame center who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, won four Super Bowl rings, and died in 2002 at age fifty. By then he was a broken man who lived in a pickup truck, estranged from his family, shocking himself with a Taser and attaching his teeth with superglue. It was his brain tissue that Dr. Bennet Omalu—the main character in Concussion—examined at the Allegheny County Coroner's Office in Pittsburgh, leading to the discovery of CTE.

Chris Borland was an inside linebacker who played one brilliant season for the San Francisco 49ers, then retired in March 2015 at age twenty-four after studying the potential long-term effects the game might have on his brain. "I want to be seventy-five and healthy if possible," he told Rebecca Carpenter in her documentary. One magazine labeled him "the most dangerous man in football."

No scene in the dramatization Concussion can match the agony of watching John Hilton, who played tight end in the NFL from 1964 to 1974, lose his train of thought, his eyes watering, a look of sheer desperation washing over him, as he tries to explain his mental condition; or the pain on the face of the wife of Mike Pyle, a center for the 1963 champion Chicago Bears, as she tells Carpenter, "One day you wake up and think, I don't have a husband anymore. He's sitting next to me, but..." The current estimates are that nearly 30 percent of all NFL players will suffer some form of dementia over the next sixty-five years. Most players, unlike Borland, will still say it is worth the risk. But David Hovda, the head of UCLA's Brain Injury Research Center, explained to Carpenter, "Brain injury does not happen to one person. It happens to an entire family."
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 21, 2023, 06:15:21 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 21, 2023, 01:04:15 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on March 21, 2023, 12:38:33 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on March 21, 2023, 08:27:24 AM
Quote from: gallsman on March 20, 2023, 09:07:20 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on March 20, 2023, 06:23:42 PM
Red as per the modern super woke health and safety rules, but shouldn't have been a red.

Health and safety is "woke" ffs. Have you ever heard such f**king nonsense or idiocy.

Wait till the claims pile up for the early onset of dementia and the payouts that follow, is that being super woke?

https://twitter.com/i/status/1635749284355211264 (https://twitter.com/i/status/1635749284355211264)

You look at your man Steve Thompson who was a world cup winner in 2003 and what has happened with him. Horrific so people need protected.

Addressing one of collisions as being the problem isn't going to solve anything by itself though.

It's the sheer volume of collisions with oversized humans, over a lengthy period of time, that really brings the house down.

Rugby needs to find ways to reduce the size of players (wider pitches, thorough to the point of zero tolerance drug testing), and to reduce the volume of games any player can be involved in.

Game will be gone for good within 2 generations if it doesn't.

None of which has anything to do with "wokeness".
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on March 22, 2023, 10:34:50 AM
Steward free to play again.

"Having reviewed all the evidence, the Committee decided that: (i) head contact with an opposing player had occurred; (ii) there had been an act of foul play in breach of Law 9.11 in that the Player had been reckless in his actions and in his upright positioning as he approached and came into highly dangerous contact with the other player; and (iii) there were sufficient mitigating factors including the late change in the dynamics and positioning of the opposing player which should have resulted in the issue of a yellow card rather than a red card."
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: nrico2006 on March 22, 2023, 10:39:18 AM
So it wasn't a red after all.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 22, 2023, 11:13:19 AM
Find that ruling infuriating tbh. Rugby player picks up rugby ball is not something players can't anticipate, so completely disagree that Keenan's action mitigates things.

The cries from the English have been about how he was trying to get out of the tackle and out of Keenan's way. He turned his shoulder and jumped into him, hitting him square in the head with his elbow. How is there any evidence he was trying to get out of his way?!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on March 22, 2023, 11:39:42 AM
Quote from: gallsman on March 22, 2023, 11:13:19 AM
Find that ruling infuriating tbh. Rugby player picks up rugby ball is not something players can't anticipate, so completely disagree that Keenan's action mitigates things.

The cries from the English have been about how he was trying to get out of the tackle and out of Keenan's way. He turned his shoulder and jumped into him, hitting him square in the head with his elbow. How is there any evidence he was trying to get out of his way?!
Nail on the head, no pun intended! Keen failed his HIA, players need protected.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 22, 2023, 11:50:29 AM
Most analysts agreed it was not a red card.
https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2023/0320/1364351-jackman-steward-red-card-wasnt-even-a-penalty/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 22, 2023, 03:25:12 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 22, 2023, 11:50:29 AM
Most analysts agreed it was not a red card.
https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2023/0320/1364351-jackman-steward-red-card-wasnt-even-a-penalty/
Keith Wood also said not even a pen. Bloody biased Irish legend that he is.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on March 23, 2023, 10:26:20 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 22, 2023, 11:13:19 AM
Find that ruling infuriating tbh. Rugby player picks up rugby ball is not something players can't anticipate, so completely disagree that Keenan's action mitigates things.

The cries from the English have been about how he was trying to get out of the tackle and out of Keenan's way. He turned his shoulder and jumped into him, hitting him square in the head with his elbow. How is there any evidence he was trying to get out of his way?!

Completely wrong reading of it. If the oval ball had bounced away from Keenan and to steward then Keenan would have been red carded. The bounce of the ball literally decided which of them was going to have a head collision.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 28, 2023, 12:27:13 PM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2023/03/28/john-muldoon-returns-to-connacht-to-take-up-coaching-role/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on April 03, 2023, 05:15:59 PM
Bad weekend for Ulster and Munster who are way behind Leinster. Is this what the IRFU want?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Scarlet on April 03, 2023, 05:40:43 PM
I'd ask what do the IRFU overall...

This is something from the Abglo Celt in Cavan. It's a response to an otginal artcile that was slated by #TeamOfUs bandwagon heads.

https://www.anglocelt.ie/2023/03/30/emerging-from-the-scrum-battered-but-not-broken/?fbclid=IwAR10MU0wYW3nOcrd1YS16bBO5c5-ilwjcdptx02JFrFcAWGf_czoW3m--OM

Lads at local club level will be honest and say it's not in good shape as the Mens National Team is the focus. Look at the state of the Women's Team now too.

Once the sess heads are filling the stands all is well...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on April 03, 2023, 08:37:07 PM
GRMA . Re the women the IRFU were the last union to get organised.
Leinster's dominance is not good. Especially if they lose another final.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on April 03, 2023, 08:39:39 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMCb-KxTM4k
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on April 03, 2023, 10:18:00 PM
Apart from Leinster, Irish rugby, club wise, is poor at the minute.

Munster  haven't won a cup in a long time, Ulster the same.  Connacht are punching above their weight and won the league a few ago under Lam, iirc, which was some achievement.  A while back Bundee Aki couldn't make the Connacht team but was on the Irish panel.

National team papeeing over the cracks.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on April 03, 2023, 10:20:30 PM
Quote from: marty34 on April 03, 2023, 10:18:00 PM
Apart from Leinster, Irish rugby, club wise, is poor at the minute.

Munster  haven't won a cup in a long time, Ulster the same.  Connacht are punching above their weight and won the league a few ago under Lam, iirc, which was some achievement.  A while back Bundee Aki couldn't make the Connacht team but was on the Irish panel.

National team papeeing over the cracks.

Would it perhaps be a little overexpectant to think Ireland should be doing better than this at club level?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on April 03, 2023, 10:29:05 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on April 03, 2023, 10:20:30 PM
Quote from: marty34 on April 03, 2023, 10:18:00 PM
Apart from Leinster, Irish rugby, club wise, is poor at the minute.

Munster  haven't won a cup in a long time, Ulster the same.  Connacht are punching above their weight and won the league a few ago under Lam, iirc, which was some achievement.  A while back Bundee Aki couldn't make the Connacht team but was on the Irish panel.

National team papeeing over the cracks.

Would it perhaps be a little overexpectant to think Ireland should be doing better than this at club level?

I'd like to think so, especially Munster.

They should be at the top table, reaching semi-finals on a regular basi I'd have thought.

In saying that, some of the top French teams, traditionally, are now in the Challenge Cup with the likes of Connacht. Some big hitters, who are normally in the top competition, have dropped off.

Maybe that's a changing of the guard?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on April 03, 2023, 10:35:53 PM
Munster simply took their eye off the ball at underage and weren't getting the players through. This is evident from their low numbers in Irish underage teams. In fairness there does appear to be an upturn this past few years which hopefully bodes well for both club and country.

We've won back to back grand slams at u20 and 3 in the last 4 years which is superb. For me the likes of Murray, O'Mahony etc should be let go post RWC and those younger players fast tracked. The French do it. Why can't we.

Sam Prendergast looks the most natural 10 I've seen in a long time
Uncanny resemblance to Sexton. However he'll have to join the queue at Leinster. Personally I'd like that bluffer Billy Burns sent back to England and Ulster to sign Prendergast!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on April 03, 2023, 10:53:15 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 03, 2023, 10:35:53 PM
Munster simply took their eye off the ball at underage and weren't getting the players through. This is evident from their low numbers in Irish underage teams. In fairness there does appear to be an upturn this past few years which hopefully bodes well for both club and country.

We've won back to back grand slams at u20 and 3 in the last 4 years which is superb. For me the likes of Murray, O'Mahony etc should be let go post RWC and those younger players fast tracked. The French do it. Why can't we.

Sam Prendergast looks the most natural 10 I've seen in a long time
Uncanny resemblance to Sexton. However he'll have to join the queue at Leinster. Personally I'd like that bluffer Billy Burns sent back to England and Ulster to sign Prendergast!

I wonder would Limerick hurling have taken the gloss off Munster this past 5 or 6 years?

Would more young lads be inclined to play hurling now, instead of the ruggers in Limerick?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on April 04, 2023, 06:41:55 AM
Aw I don't think so. Think McManus pumped serious money into underage structures within Limerick and a freak crop of players came along - bit like Dublin under Gavin.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on April 04, 2023, 08:58:32 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 03, 2023, 10:35:53 PM
Munster simply took their eye off the ball at underage and weren't getting the players through. This is evident from their low numbers in Irish underage teams. In fairness there does appear to be an upturn this past few years which hopefully bodes well for both club and country.

We've won back to back grand slams at u20 and 3 in the last 4 years which is superb. For me the likes of Murray, O'Mahony etc should be let go post RWC and those younger players fast tracked. The French do it. Why can't we.

Sam Prendergast looks the most natural 10 I've seen in a long time
Uncanny resemblance to Sexton. However he'll have to join the queue at Leinster. Personally I'd like that bluffer Billy Burns sent back to England and Ulster to sign Prendergast!
Underage is one part but there is zero competition at the interpro level because one team is so far ahead. Leinster can only play 15 at a time. The IRFU needs to start thinking differently and balance the scales . Ulster haven't won anything since 2006. Munster since 2011. The system doesn't even work for Leinster.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on April 04, 2023, 09:10:00 AM
Quote from: seafoid on April 04, 2023, 08:58:32 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 03, 2023, 10:35:53 PM
Munster simply took their eye off the ball at underage and weren't getting the players through. This is evident from their low numbers in Irish underage teams. In fairness there does appear to be an upturn this past few years which hopefully bodes well for both club and country.

We've won back to back grand slams at u20 and 3 in the last 4 years which is superb. For me the likes of Murray, O'Mahony etc should be let go post RWC and those younger players fast tracked. The French do it. Why can't we.

Sam Prendergast looks the most natural 10 I've seen in a long time
Uncanny resemblance to Sexton. However he'll have to join the queue at Leinster. Personally I'd like that bluffer Billy Burns sent back to England and Ulster to sign Prendergast!
Underage is one part but there is zero competition at the interpro level because one team is so far ahead. Leinster can only play 15 at a time. The IRFU needs to start thinking differently and balance the scales . Ulster haven't won anything since 2006. Munster since 2011. The system doesn't even work for Leinster.

You could say it is working for Leinster.

They're always at the top of the European tree, in semi-finals and finals.

Maybe to do with money also, I'm not sure.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on April 04, 2023, 10:03:21 AM
The elephant in the room (for want of a better expression) is Leinster has approx 8-10 private schools with full time coaches. This doesn't cost the IRFU a penny and the result is a production line of ready made professionals.

In New Zealand they've a draft system where they plug gaps and weaknesses in the provincial teams with the top academy players. That's done to an extent in Ireland now with other provinces picking up lads who don't make the Leinster academy.

Not easy getting lads to leave Dublin mind. The system is working well for the IRFU, just needs a few tweaks.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on April 04, 2023, 03:48:46 PM
Leinster also had stability

https://www.rte.ie/sport/united-rugby-championship/2022/0927/1325742-leinsters-future-is-uncertain-after-years-of-stability/

The changes at the province since Cullen took charge in 2015 have been incremental; Stuart Lancaster's arrival in 2016, Felipe Contepomi coming on board in 2018 after Girvan Dempsey's departure, and John Fogarty's promotion to the national team seeing Robin McBryde join in 2019.
During his seven-year tenure, he's seen multiple head coaches and directors of rugby come and go across the other three provinces. At Munster it was Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber, followed by Johann van Graan and Stephen Larkham, with the high-profile departure of Jerry Flannery and Felix Jones in between

This was 6 months ago
https://www.rte.ie/sport/united-rugby-championship/2022/1010/1328358-jackman-munster-are-a-province-in-turmoil/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on April 05, 2023, 03:56:18 PM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2023/04/05/gordon-darcy-concentration-of-leinster-players-within-irish-system-a-cause-for-concern/

We are spoiled by the fact that we have a fantastic group of players and an excellent coaching set-up across the system. But the concentration of players from Leinster is alarming.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on April 07, 2023, 05:47:26 PM
Is attendence down to 27, 000 this evening for Leinster game?

I think I read that somewhere...because of short turn around?

Why would that be?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on April 07, 2023, 09:11:48 PM
Yes the upper decks of the stands are empty.

Leinster are down to 14 men here and 7 points ahead.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on April 07, 2023, 10:11:43 PM
Craig Doyle is f**king unbearable.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on April 07, 2023, 10:58:38 PM
Strong showing by Leinster. Only got going when they went down to 14.

Surely they'll not slip up again.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on April 07, 2023, 11:11:32 PM
Quote from: marty34 on April 07, 2023, 05:47:26 PM
Is attendence down to 27, 000 this evening for Leinster game?

I think I read that somewhere...because of short turn around?

Why would that be?
They only played Ulster last Sat so I'd say the guts of a 30k attendance wasn't bad in the time available.

Very professional 2nd half there this evening. Leicester have some good players but not enough strength in depth to trouble Leonster over the 80. Tougher fixtures ahead against Toulouse (probably).
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on April 08, 2023, 10:07:38 AM
Quote from: seafoid on April 05, 2023, 03:56:18 PM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2023/04/05/gordon-darcy-concentration-of-leinster-players-within-irish-system-a-cause-for-concern/

We are spoiled by the fact that we have a fantastic group of players and an excellent coaching set-up across the system. But the concentration of players from Leinster is alarming.
So why are we signing South Africans to play for the national team?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on April 08, 2023, 10:13:13 AM
Leicester coach Wigglesworth giving off apart the money Leinster have/spend compared to them. What planet is he on!

Yes you can point to the private schools system but not like Leicester are poor relations. Biggest club in England and regularly poach players from other clubs on big salaries including Pollard at 10.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on April 08, 2023, 01:16:52 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 08, 2023, 10:13:13 AM
Leicester coach Wigglesworth giving off apart the money Leinster have/spend compared to them. What planet is he on!

Yes you can point to the private schools system but not like Leicester are poor relations. Biggest club in England and regularly poach players from other clubs on big salaries including Pollard at 10.

Club v association owned franchise. I can see his point.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on April 08, 2023, 02:23:15 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on April 08, 2023, 01:16:52 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 08, 2023, 10:13:13 AM
Leicester coach Wigglesworth giving off apart the money Leinster have/spend compared to them. What planet is he on!

Yes you can point to the private schools system but not like Leicester are poor relations. Biggest club in England and regularly poach players from other clubs on big salaries including Pollard at 10.

Club v association owned franchise. I can see his point.

Well what do they want. The English clubs chose to move away from the RFU - more control and autonomy (profits). Plus their player pool is vast - biggest club in England!!! Leinster are the best run club in Europe (from an Ulster supporter).
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on April 09, 2023, 05:14:14 PM
Austin Healy is one of the biggest embarrassments around in the sports commentary world.

La Rochelle defence is terrifying. Exeter are good but thick it should still end up as a rematch of last year's final.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on April 09, 2023, 10:04:53 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 08, 2023, 02:23:15 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on April 08, 2023, 01:16:52 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 08, 2023, 10:13:13 AM
Leicester coach Wigglesworth giving off apart the money Leinster have/spend compared to them. What planet is he on!

Yes you can point to the private schools system but not like Leicester are poor relations. Biggest club in England and regularly poach players from other clubs on big salaries including Pollard at 10.

Club v association owned franchise. I can see his point.

Well what do they want. The English clubs chose to move away from the RFU - more control and autonomy (profits). Plus their player pool is vast - biggest club in England!!! Leinster are the best run club in Europe (from an Ulster supporter).

Leinster aren't a club. They are a franchise.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on April 09, 2023, 10:15:24 PM
Right whatever
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GiveItToTheShooters on April 10, 2023, 01:00:57 AM
Leinster is a club, as are the rest of them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on April 10, 2023, 08:15:55 PM
The IRFU got the transition to the professional game bang on, Scotland and Wales trying to replicate, English club game running running on fumes.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on April 10, 2023, 09:30:00 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on April 10, 2023, 08:15:55 PM
The IRFU got the transition to the professional game bang on, Scotland and Wales trying to replicate, English club game running running on fumes.
The English club game is fucked in its current format. They simply cannot generate enough revenue to be self-sustaining so they are heavily reliant on sugar daddies. Not exactly a stable platform. Having said that they have soccer ball basically overlapping the rugby season so as well as significant structural issues there is a lot of competition to get bums on seats.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on April 11, 2023, 10:28:15 AM
Good underage structures make all the difference, what would Ulster be if all Catholic schools played rugby instead if relying on a basis of 6/7 Belfast based private schools.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on April 11, 2023, 12:08:50 PM
They are making inroads (nationalist areas) but more through clubs than schools. Rainey and Armagh two examples. One of our lads has been selected for Ulster u16s recently. Ulster Rugby could have a serious resource on their hands if the set up was right. To play GAA nowadays you have to be built like a middle distance runner. There's loads of athletic lads who are a bit too big for GAA but perfect physique for rugby.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on April 11, 2023, 12:28:55 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on April 10, 2023, 01:00:57 AM
Leinster is a club, as are the rest of them.

It's not though. The IRFU own 4 teams and use their other hat to tie down intenational players. Leinster wasn't set up like clubs were. It may have been the right approach but they aren't comparable to actual clubs
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on April 11, 2023, 12:55:17 PM
Well how can an ex Saracens player (franchise) have the gall to complain!!

Leinster by right have the biggest budget. They've the most centrally contracted players from the 4 provinces, thus freeing up money to sign top overseas players/project players. Until Munster and Ulster (unlikely) get the finger out this will only continue. Perhaps a draft system is the only way - Leinster won't like it you'd imagine.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on April 11, 2023, 01:57:50 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 11, 2023, 12:55:17 PM
Well how can an ex Saracens player (franchise) have the gall to complain!!

Leinster by right have the biggest budget. They've the most centrally contracted players from the 4 provinces, thus freeing up money to sign top overseas players/project players. Until Munster and Ulster (unlikely) get the finger out this will only continue. Perhaps a draft system is the only way - Leinster won't like it you'd imagine.
Leinster have the biggest machine. They have the most internationals and they produce the largest quantity of young players. They will have the biggest concussion bills as well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on April 11, 2023, 03:17:00 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on April 11, 2023, 12:28:55 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on April 10, 2023, 01:00:57 AM
Leinster is a club, as are the rest of them.

It's not though. The IRFU own 4 teams and use their other hat to tie down intenational players. Leinster wasn't set up like clubs were. It may have been the right approach but they aren't comparable to actual clubs

Ok Terenure and Cork con should be in the champions cup next year that should be interesting against Toulouse , Saracens etc. They would do well to keep them under 100 points
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GiveItToTheShooters on April 11, 2023, 03:34:04 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on April 11, 2023, 12:28:55 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on April 10, 2023, 01:00:57 AM
Leinster is a club, as are the rest of them.

It's not though. The IRFU own 4 teams and use their other hat to tie down intenational players. Leinster wasn't set up like clubs were. It may have been the right approach but they aren't comparable to actual clubs
It is a club, we're not in America here😂 They don't "own" them they just partly fund them as they come under the IRFU umbrella, but sure that's no different to any of the clubs in England either. They largely have the autonomy to manage themselves and their own province.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on April 11, 2023, 08:52:56 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on April 11, 2023, 03:17:00 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on April 11, 2023, 12:28:55 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on April 10, 2023, 01:00:57 AM
Leinster is a club, as are the rest of them.

It's not though. The IRFU own 4 teams and use their other hat to tie down intenational players. Leinster wasn't set up like clubs were. It may have been the right approach but they aren't comparable to actual clubs

Ok Terenure and Cork con should be in the champions cup next year that should be interesting against Toulouse , Saracens etc. They would do well to keep them under 100 points
Scotland, Wales , Ireland , South africa , Australia and New Zealand all chose to go down the road of conglomerate teams either  when rugby went professional or later.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on April 14, 2023, 09:42:15 PM
Prendergast starting tomorrow for Leinster in South Africa. A spot in France surely still too much of a stretch but he's special.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on April 14, 2023, 10:03:27 PM
Carbery isn't in the Munster squad. Is his World Cup over?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gmac on April 14, 2023, 11:32:28 PM
Quote from: seafoid on April 14, 2023, 10:03:27 PM
Carbery isn't in the Munster squad. Is his World Cup over?
munster should try him at fullback ,  ireland need a back up plan if Keenan ever gets injured too
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on April 15, 2023, 11:47:59 AM
I think his World Cup hopes are fading fast. I am not convinced at all by Ross Byrne and I know it's stating the obvious but our hopes are totally dependent on Sexton staying fit for the 2 big group games and then the 1/4 final.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on April 15, 2023, 08:34:25 PM
A famous win for Munster
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2023/04/15/impressive-munster-beat-stormers-in-bruising-encounter-in-south-africa/
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on April 15, 2023, 08:55:32 PM
Quote from: seafoid on April 15, 2023, 08:34:25 PM
A famous win for Munster
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2023/04/15/impressive-munster-beat-stormers-in-bruising-encounter-in-south-africa/

Yeah, hung in there alright and took their chances.

A great win.

Not many teams go there and win.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Scarlet on April 18, 2023, 05:07:47 PM
There's an odd thing now with the women's team. The players and former players/ pundits are saying they are sick of talking about the controversy and want to talk about the rugby itself.

Then when it's pointed that they doing very badly the fallback is the lack of prep and losing players to the 7s. So, which one is it? The team is poor at the minute but as it's a women's team they get softball questions and analysis.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on April 18, 2023, 11:13:18 PM
France and England are fully professional teams so I can understand them losing to them. However they got walloped by Italy at the weekend. What is the excuse for that?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on April 19, 2023, 11:14:33 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on April 18, 2023, 11:13:18 PM
France and England are fully professional teams so I can understand them losing to them. However they got walloped by Italy at the weekend. What is the excuse for that?
Same as Chelsea last night. Disorganisation

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on April 19, 2023, 05:59:21 PM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2023/04/19/joey-carberys-role-in-question-as-munster-go-for-champions-cup-spot/

In the ongoing Irish rugby obsession with the outhalf position, the question has, not for the first time this year, spun around to whither the talented Joey Carbery.
Munster did not have the 27-year-old on the bench last weekend for their high-octane, characterful win over Stormers, which secured a place in the United Rugby Championship (URC) playoffs. Qualification for next season's Champions Cup is still to be secured against the Sharks this weekend.
Munster preferred Jack Crowley and Ben Healy off the bench to their now third-pick 10, who made his international debut in Ireland's historic win over the All Blacks in Chicago in November 2016.
In January during the Six Nations Championship, Carbery, with more than his fair share of injury setbacks in his career, was omitted from Ireland's 37-man Six Nations squad. That hurt, and watching now from outside the tent in Munster will be even more wounding.
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"Yeah, absolutely it has been very tough for him, very tough," says Munster attack coach Mike Prendergast. "He has taken it as well as he can in terms of being a professional and getting on with his job. Even at training and meetings he's still speaking in a positive manner, which is a really good sign of the type of the guy he is.
"It has been really tough for him. But look, we select teams from week to week and this is what we feel. What we said last week and obviously the discussion we will have going into the game again and his name will obviously be back in there.
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"We'll see how we are going to set up from an attack point of view this weekend and see what 10 we start with and what 10 goes on to the bench."
Carbery brings a wealth of experience to the position and has been capped 37 times. But form, not history, is currency and the player's confidence is not just a national rugby question but, closer to home, an issue that Munster need to try to solve for their own welfare and that of their outhalf.
Healy is leaving for Edinburgh at the end of the season, with Gregor Townsend and Scotland his chosen future, yet last week Munster could not see beyond him as back up to Crowley.

Cold and tactical is how professional rugby operates. But Munster is not entirely devoid of less ruthless instincts and looking out for players in all their needs seems the sensible approach.
"Yeah, it's one of those ones," says Prendergast. "I'd be the type of coach and the rest of the staff would be very much inclined in terms of a familial perspective and they'd be there for him as well. Look, it has been a tough couple of months. There's part of the season we've got to go and Joey will be part of that as well.
"Yep, huge talent. That doesn't go away. He has opportunities. Obviously, we play this weekend. We got to see what happens there. Naturally, if we progress there will be more games behind that. How he trains, his reaction and as I've said he's reacted as I guessed he would, a good bloke, a good pro, a good guy. We will bring all that into conversation and see what we'll do next".
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on April 20, 2023, 09:38:43 AM
Craig Doyle simply refuses to stop angering me:

https://youtu.be/gdVp2UYZHug
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on April 22, 2023, 04:37:19 PM
Leinster reserves getting one hell of a beating in South Africa. They were perfect up to this.

The Ladies only losing 48 - 0 is a good result.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on April 23, 2023, 04:23:09 PM
Quote from: gallsman on April 20, 2023, 09:38:43 AM
Craig Doyle simply refuses to stop angering me:

https://youtu.be/gdVp2UYZHug
I listen to the Big Jim podcast every week but haven't been able to bring myself to tackle this one. I just knew there would be some OTT shit about the all-Ireland element of the team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on April 23, 2023, 10:44:00 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on April 23, 2023, 04:23:09 PM
Quote from: gallsman on April 20, 2023, 09:38:43 AM
Craig Doyle simply refuses to stop angering me:

https://youtu.be/gdVp2UYZHug
I listen to the Big Jim podcast every week but haven't been able to bring myself to tackle this one. I just knew there would be some OTT shit about the all-Ireland element of the team.

I have listened to Hamilton on another podcast the last couple of months as I was keen to say what others were saying about the Irish team. He's an absolute moron. Andy Goode is as bad, if not worse. Lads lads lads shitetalk. Embarrassing for lads their age. Goode never stops talking about going to Coppers ffs.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on April 23, 2023, 10:55:52 PM
Quote from: gallsman on April 23, 2023, 10:44:00 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on April 23, 2023, 04:23:09 PM
Quote from: gallsman on April 20, 2023, 09:38:43 AM
Craig Doyle simply refuses to stop angering me:

https://youtu.be/gdVp2UYZHug
I listen to the Big Jim podcast every week but haven't been able to bring myself to tackle this one. I just knew there would be some OTT shit about the all-Ireland element of the team.

I have listened to Hamilton on another podcast the last couple of months as I was keen to say what others were saying about the Irish team. He's an absolute moron. Andy Goode is as bad, if not worse. Lads lads lads shitetalk. Embarrassing for lads their age. Goode never stops talking about going to Coppers ffs.
Goode is excellent when he sticks to the game and believe it or not the juvenile stuff is about 10% of what it was before they got the Spotify contract.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on May 01, 2023, 02:34:38 PM
This will be Leinsters first Champions Cup final in Ireland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on May 01, 2023, 02:37:04 PM
Quote from: dec on May 01, 2023, 02:34:38 PM
This will be Leinsters first Champions Cup final in Ireland.

Need to win this one - can't slip up again this year.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on May 01, 2023, 07:39:09 PM
Quote from: marty34 on May 01, 2023, 02:37:04 PM
Quote from: dec on May 01, 2023, 02:34:38 PM
This will be Leinsters first Champions Cup final in Ireland.

Need to win this one - can't slip up again this year.
La Rochelle beat Leinster the last two years and are a better team this year.  But Leinster are better this year too. Could come down to what injuries occur in the next 2 weeks.
Toulouse self imploded, La Rochelle won't.

Loved O'Gara's Interview on BT after their win over Exeter. He probably said less than he usually does, but the 3 English dudes interviewing him (Dallaglio, Healy and the other huge fooker who's name escapes me) were hanging on his every word and clearly think he's awesome.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on May 01, 2023, 08:27:37 PM
Bayfield. Dallaglio and ROG would certainly have been on Lions tours together so I'm sure they know the type of character he is.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on May 13, 2023, 07:30:05 PM
Munster beat Leinster in the second semi of the URC.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on May 13, 2023, 07:31:33 PM
Quote from: seafoid on May 13, 2023, 07:30:05 PM
Munster beat Leinster Leinster reserves in the second semi of the URC.

Fixed that
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on May 13, 2023, 07:33:16 PM
Very entertaining game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on May 13, 2023, 07:34:07 PM
Quote from: Rudi on May 13, 2023, 07:33:16 PM
Very entertaining game.

Was some finish
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: BrotherMore6592 on May 13, 2023, 07:43:33 PM
Quote from: seafoid on May 13, 2023, 07:30:05 PM
Munster beat Leinster in the second semi of the URC.

Many thanks for update
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on May 13, 2023, 07:58:24 PM
Great game. Fully deserved win for Munster. The rivalry was getting like Dubs v Meath. Too easy. This livens it up, gives the red supporters something to crow about. Need both teams to have victories to have a proper rivalry. The next Leinster victory will mean more because of this.

I'm a big Leinster supporter, but I applauded Crowley's winning kick. Delighted for him.  And great for POM to get the big win, but he was still the one to say, this is great, but they need the medal, they need to win the final. This is a positive result for Ireland's World Cup aspirations and neither helps nor hinders Leinster's first team playing La Rochelle next week. La Rochelle  also lost today, but it was also their second team. Very much a 50/50 game next week and La Rochelle seem to be Leinster's kryptonite.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on May 13, 2023, 08:23:23 PM
Quote from: Hound on May 13, 2023, 07:58:24 PM
Great game. Fully deserved win for Munster. The rivalry was getting like Dubs v Meath. Too easy. This livens it up, gives the red supporters something to crow about. Need both teams to have victories to have a proper rivalry. The next Leinster victory will mean more because of this.

I'm a big Leinster supporter, but I applauded Crowley's winning kick. Delighted for him.  And great for POM to get the big win, but he was still the one to say, this is great, but they need the medal, they need to win the final. This is a positive result for Ireland's World Cup aspirations and neither helps nor hinders Leinster's first team playing La Rochelle next week. La Rochelle  also lost today, but it was also their second team. Very much a 50/50 game next week and La Rochelle seem to be Leinster's kryptonite.

Steady on Munster have just beaten Leinster reserves. Leinster are miles ahead of Munster at the minute. Only thing it confirmed this evening was that Munster are the 2nd best team in Ireland and not Leinster 2nd XV.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on May 13, 2023, 08:32:56 PM
Quote from: square_ball on May 13, 2023, 08:23:23 PM
Quote from: Hound on May 13, 2023, 07:58:24 PM
Great game. Fully deserved win for Munster. The rivalry was getting like Dubs v Meath. Too easy. This livens it up, gives the red supporters something to crow about. Need both teams to have victories to have a proper rivalry. The next Leinster victory will mean more because of this.

I'm a big Leinster supporter, but I applauded Crowley's winning kick. Delighted for him.  And great for POM to get the big win, but he was still the one to say, this is great, but they need the medal, they need to win the final. This is a positive result for Ireland's World Cup aspirations and neither helps nor hinders Leinster's first team playing La Rochelle next week. La Rochelle  also lost today, but it was also their second team. Very much a 50/50 game next week and La Rochelle seem to be Leinster's kryptonite.

Steady on Munster have just beaten Leinster reserves. Leinster are miles ahead of Munster at the minute. Only thing it confirmed this evening was that Munster are the 2nd best team in Ireland and not Leinster 2nd XV.
I didn't say any different!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on May 13, 2023, 08:57:49 PM
Quote from: square_ball on May 13, 2023, 08:23:23 PM
Quote from: Hound on May 13, 2023, 07:58:24 PM
Great game. Fully deserved win for Munster. The rivalry was getting like Dubs v Meath. Too easy. This livens it up, gives the red supporters something to crow about. Need both teams to have victories to have a proper rivalry. The next Leinster victory will mean more because of this.

I'm a big Leinster supporter, but I applauded Crowley's winning kick. Delighted for him.  And great for POM to get the big win, but he was still the one to say, this is great, but they need the medal, they need to win the final. This is a positive result for Ireland's World Cup aspirations and neither helps nor hinders Leinster's first team playing La Rochelle next week. La Rochelle  also lost today, but it was also their second team. Very much a 50/50 game next week and La Rochelle seem to be Leinster's kryptonite.

Steady on Munster have just beaten Leinster reserves. Leinster are miles ahead of Munster at the minute. Only thing it confirmed this evening was that Munster are the 2nd best team in Ireland and not Leinster 2nd XV.

Good point.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: David McKeown on May 13, 2023, 09:02:03 PM
I'm very annoyed that as a Leinster fan living in the North (long story) I couldn't make it today and I could watch the game on TV. RTE has it blocked out in the North URC Live wasn't showing it.  BBC NI weren't showing it even online.

Not great.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on May 13, 2023, 09:04:21 PM
Quote from: David McKeown on May 13, 2023, 09:02:03 PM
I'm very annoyed that as a Leinster fan living in the North (long story) I couldn't make it today and I could watch the game on TV. RTE has it blocked out in the North URC Live wasn't showing it.  BBC NI weren't showing it even online.

Not great.

Get the 'box' David  ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: David McKeown on May 13, 2023, 09:11:27 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 13, 2023, 09:04:21 PM
Quote from: David McKeown on May 13, 2023, 09:02:03 PM
I'm very annoyed that as a Leinster fan living in the North (long story) I couldn't make it today and I could watch the game on TV. RTE has it blocked out in the North URC Live wasn't showing it.  BBC NI weren't showing it even online.

Not great.

Get the 'box' David  ;)

Yes there are ways round these things but it's the same with a lot of GAA this year I really shouldn't have to.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Aaron Boone on May 13, 2023, 09:26:12 PM
Quote from: David McKeown on May 13, 2023, 09:11:27 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 13, 2023, 09:04:21 PM
Quote from: David McKeown on May 13, 2023, 09:02:03 PM
I'm very annoyed that as a Leinster fan living in the North (long story) I couldn't make it today and I could watch the game on TV. RTE has it blocked out in the North URC Live wasn't showing it.  BBC NI weren't showing it even online.

Not great.

Get the 'box' David  ;)

Yes there are ways round these things but it's the same with a lot of GAA this year I really shouldn't have to.

Apparently getting the 'box' now is quite a secretive process. Meet a guy at the back of a pub etc.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on May 13, 2023, 11:15:48 PM
I didn't see the whole game as I watched Clare v Waterford on gaago. So to me the deciding factor was Ryan Bairds brilliant individual try being disallowed for a knock on by Leinster. Very unlucky, the ball just grazed his hand from O Mahonys tap down.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: BrotherMore6592 on May 14, 2023, 02:06:12 AM
Quote from: David McKeown on May 13, 2023, 09:11:27 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 13, 2023, 09:04:21 PM
Quote from: David McKeown on May 13, 2023, 09:02:03 PM
I'm very annoyed that as a Leinster fan living in the North (long story) I couldn't make it today and I could watch the game on TV. RTE has it blocked out in the North URC Live wasn't showing it.  BBC NI weren't showing it even online.

Not great.

Get the 'box' David  ;)

Yes there are ways round these things but it's the same with a lot of GAA this year I really shouldn't have to.

Very easy fix get a decent tv man

Same situation re: location and we watched no prob. We've the virgin media channels etc every morning for Ireland AM. No firestick needed if that's not your jam
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: podge on May 20, 2023, 06:22:13 PM
The English analysts on sky can't hide their anti-Leinster feelings here.   Austin Healy can't be listened to..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on May 20, 2023, 06:23:11 PM
Only one team in it, Leinster very poor
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on May 20, 2023, 06:40:05 PM
Leinster haven't the cajones for it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on May 20, 2023, 06:41:51 PM
Two missed conversions the difference
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on May 20, 2023, 06:45:26 PM
Quote from: dec on May 20, 2023, 06:41:51 PM
Two missed conversions the difference

One missed conversion... but Leinster just couldn't stop the momentum juggernaut that La Rochelle brought this second half
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on May 20, 2023, 06:46:15 PM
Sexton been playing, they wrapped that game up, didnt stand up, up front, gotta be a worry for the Heavy French, South Africa packs.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on May 20, 2023, 06:48:53 PM
Discipline let them down also.. you can't be at that
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on May 20, 2023, 06:54:08 PM
When Sexton goes, Ireland could drop bck into the pack. It be the world cup or nothing
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on May 20, 2023, 06:54:18 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 20, 2023, 06:48:53 PM
Discipline let them down also.. you can't be at that
Aye that red fucked them. You'd think they'd have taken at least 3 pts out of that attack if he hadn't knocked yer man out. Panic obviously setting in at that stage so close to the line. I wonder who their sports psychologist is as they might be looking for a new one!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on May 20, 2023, 07:02:52 PM
After getting off to such a good start as well only to be disappinted in the end. They lost James Ryan after half an hour as well. Furlong was also off very early, he normally stays on until near the end. Without those quality players Leinster lacked the control and leadership they normally have.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on May 20, 2023, 08:10:12 PM
Furlong wasn't fit, they got out of him all he had.

Terrible, calamitous result for Leinster. They were absolutely dominated for the final 68 mins of that game. La Rochelle let themselves get stuck in a hole and just bullied their way out of it. Thoroughly deserved
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on May 20, 2023, 10:00:42 PM
Can we get O'Gara in for the WC??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Champion The Wonder Horse on May 20, 2023, 10:17:46 PM
Only saw the second half, but that was intense from both teams.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: BrotherMore6592 on May 20, 2023, 10:59:39 PM
Completely filled the togs again.

It must be a disease among Irish rugby teams, chokers.

Don't do it when it really matters.

Alas, there'll be a pat on the back and a well done in dads Ballsbridge veranda in the morning
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on May 21, 2023, 11:56:55 AM
Sexton had been playing we wouldn't be having this conversion, needed to spread the play out, never happened. Losing Ryan was a lose, plus Furlong not fit, meant the front row struggled.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on May 22, 2023, 01:53:19 PM
When Leinster dominate the Irish team with 11 or 12 players , certain people insist there is no problem.
But when the World Cup is imminent and La Rochelle out think Leinster, there  is a problem.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: highorlow on May 22, 2023, 02:40:13 PM
QuoteWhen Sexton goes, Ireland could drop bck into the pack. It be the world cup or nothing

You mustn't have seen our u'20's the last few years? The future is brighter than ever, in fact I'd chance putting young Prendergast on the plane for the World Cup, I'd have more faith in him than Byrne. He looks like a future Sexton and possibly a better version, if that's possible.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on May 22, 2023, 02:51:36 PM
That's twice in a row. Disapoointing by Leinster after being well ahead.

End up with nothing this year.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on May 22, 2023, 02:57:54 PM
Hammered off the face of the earth for the last 55 minutes. Ryan, Furlong, Sexton & Sheehan were big losses. Some of the French players were unnatural monsters. Replacement No 3 for Leinster was not up to it. Leinster were about 10 Meters from the French line under the posts with 3 minutes or so left, drop goal territory surely?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on May 23, 2023, 04:47:45 PM
What Leinster 'bottling' the Champions Cup final means for New Zealand rugby | The Breakdown

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8AlzrL6KKA
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Subbie on May 25, 2023, 01:18:41 AM
I thought the goys were supposed to be the number 1 ranked team in the world ?

I suppose as long as Gerry Thornley gets the chance to wheel out his best cut & paste pre World Cup puff pieces about Leinster's Ireland's "ferocious intensity" and "exemplary culture" and "frightening front row" full of " winners DNA" then we can rinse and repeat the past 6 world cups where we have been Autumn & Spring World number 1's that get treated as a proper teams plaything come the 1/4 final stage
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on May 25, 2023, 07:21:38 AM
Quote from: The Subbie on May 25, 2023, 01:18:41 AM
I thought the goys were supposed to be the number 1 ranked team in the world ?

I suppose as long as Gerry Thornley gets the chance to wheel out his best cut & paste pre World Cup puff pieces about Leinster's Ireland's "ferocious intensity" and "exemplary culture" and "frightening front row" full of " winners DNA" then we can rinse and repeat the past 6 world cups where we have been Autumn & Spring World number 1's that get treated as a proper teams plaything come the 1/4 final stage
In the 2022 6N France leveraged the power of its huge men and hammered Ireland. That was in Paris. Ireland had no answer.
In the 2023 6N Ireland relied on accuracy and moving the ball quickly to isolate and kn**ker them and most were substituted from 40 minutes on. Plus Ireland didn't have any significant injuries,
The 6N is socialist compared to the Champions Cup. The money is spread around pretty fairly.
The Champions Cup is about who has the most money.  La Rochelle had a much better bench. And they used the power.
Leinster now are like Clann na nGael, the Roscommon team who lost serial all Ireland club finals.

They still only have 2 more titles than Munster
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on May 26, 2023, 01:51:23 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFT8aYTCO4M
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on June 06, 2023, 07:43:00 PM
London Irish suspended from all competition for next season.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on June 06, 2023, 07:51:01 PM
3rd English club banjaxed. The pro game is in difficulty
Even if the top tier is reduced to 10.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on June 06, 2023, 08:39:36 PM
Quote from: seafoid on June 06, 2023, 07:51:01 PM
3rd English club banjaxed. The pro game is in difficulty
Even if the top tier is reduced to 10.
Irish were fcuked as they rent the ground and have no tangible asset to attract a bidder that could use the ground for money spinners outside of game time.

With no centralised contracts and lack of sufficient income at the gates or from TV the English game is over reliant on sugar daddies. Even they have bottoms to their pockets.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on June 06, 2023, 08:41:33 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 06, 2023, 07:43:00 PM
London Irish suspended from all competition for next season.

Paddy (leading a scorer in league?) will be back?  ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: smelmoth on June 07, 2023, 07:03:26 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 06, 2023, 08:41:33 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 06, 2023, 07:43:00 PM
London Irish suspended from all competition for next season.

Paddy (leading a scorer in league?) will be back?  ;)

Even without London Irish I guess Paddy will always be an exile
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on June 15, 2023, 09:02:00 AM
Johnny Sexton could end up missing the world cup as he now faces a 24 week ban for intimidating the referee after the european cup final.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on June 18, 2023, 08:51:53 AM
The ignominy, roysh

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2023/06/17/ronan-ogara-denied-as-toulouse-beat-la-rochelle-in-top-14-final/
Leinster had been hoping that La Rochelle would beat Toulouse in the French Top 14 final on Saturday because they would have joined Ronan O'Gara's European champions, URC winners Munster and English Premiership champions Saracens as Tier One seeds for next season's Champions Cup. Instead it is Tier Two as Toulouse claim the spot.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on June 18, 2023, 10:09:58 AM
Fabulous last gasp try by Ntamack to win the title for Toulouse. Not long after he made a really basic error when kicking to the corner but hitting it dead. But an amazing finish to the match, fantastic way to win, sickening way to lose.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 18, 2023, 10:17:02 AM
Quote from: Hound on June 18, 2023, 10:09:58 AM
Fabulous last gasp try by Ntamack to win the title for Toulouse. Not long after he made a really basic error when kicking to the corner but hitting it dead. But an amazing finish to the match, fantastic way to win, sickening way to lose.

Who missed the tackle on him in midfield? Was it a front rower? You forget at times he has that in his locker with Dupont getting all the focus at international level.

ROG will be sick.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on June 18, 2023, 10:25:29 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 18, 2023, 10:17:02 AM
Quote from: Hound on June 18, 2023, 10:09:58 AM
Fabulous last gasp try by Ntamack to win the title for Toulouse. Not long after he made a really basic error when kicking to the corner but hitting it dead. But an amazing finish to the match, fantastic way to win, sickening way to lose.

Who missed the tackle on him in midfield? Was it a front rower? You forget at times he has that in his locker with Dupont getting all the focus at international level.

ROG will be sick.
Video here
https://twitter.com/PBendon/status/1670173312217935872

RoG is fairly philosophical. You win matches by 1 point and you lose matches by 1 point
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on June 21, 2023, 07:47:11 PM
Champions Cup and the impact of Leinster losing to Munster and La Rochelle.

POOL 1: Saracens, Union Bordeaux Begles, Bulls, Bristol Bears, Connacht, Lyon

POOL 2: Toulouse, Cardiff, Bath, Racing 92, Harlequins, Ulster

POOL 3: Munster, Aviron Bayonnais, Glasgow, Exeter Chiefs, RC Toulon, Northampton

POOL 4: La Rochelle, Stade Francais, Leicester Tigers, DHL Stormers, Leinster, Sale Sharks
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on June 23, 2023, 02:18:29 PM
https://www.ruck.co.uk/one-of-20-former-ireland-star-cleared-to-play-for-south-africa-at-the-world-cup/

Kieran Treadwell in the Irish squad, chosen over Kleyn. Huge mistake in my opinion. Kleyn one of the best players playing in Ireland at the moment. Treadwell is just a token northern protestant on the squad.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wolfetones on June 23, 2023, 02:47:50 PM
Quote from: Rudi on June 23, 2023, 02:18:29 PM
https://www.ruck.co.uk/one-of-20-former-ireland-star-cleared-to-play-for-south-africa-at-the-world-cup/

Kieran Treadwell in the Irish squad, chosen over Kleyn. Huge mistake in my opinion. Kleyn one of the best players playing in Ireland at the moment. Treadwell is just a token northern protestant on the squad.

The same Kieran Treadwell who was born and raised in London?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on June 25, 2023, 08:15:25 PM
We settle for token English man lol
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on July 02, 2023, 05:22:17 PM
Twitter complaining about a group of drunk and coked up Irish international players running amock at the Hozier gig.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on July 09, 2023, 06:54:05 PM
Ireland under 20s have qualified for the world cup final at under 20 level after a convincing 31-12 victory over hosts South Africa today in the semi final.

England are currently beating overwhelming favourites for the tournament France 24-14 at half time of the other semi final.

If England can hold on against France I would really fancy Ireland to win the final.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gawa316 on July 09, 2023, 08:34:08 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on July 09, 2023, 06:54:05 PM
Ireland under 20s have qualified for the world cup final at under 20 level after a convincing 31-12 victory over hosts South Africa today in the semi final.

England are currently beating overwhelming favourites for the tournament France 24-14 at half time of the other semi final.

If England can hold on against France I would really fancy Ireland to win the final.

France win convincingly in the end...we beat them by 2 in February...going to be an interesting one
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on July 14, 2023, 07:12:31 PM
France turning this into a rout.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 14, 2023, 07:24:09 PM
Quote from: gallsman on July 14, 2023, 07:12:31 PM
France turning this into a rout.


There's certainly a difference in the quality...Ireland did well first half but the loss of player to a yellow made things extremely difficult
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on July 14, 2023, 07:26:19 PM
French 8 head and shoulders above everyone else on the pitch.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on July 14, 2023, 07:30:47 PM
Big gulf in class, in skill and physicality. Thought it would be closer. Great achievement all the same in getting there under some very sad circumstances.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gawa316 on July 14, 2023, 07:45:23 PM
Any of these bucks a chance of a world cup call up?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on July 14, 2023, 10:08:17 PM
French No. 5 is 6 ft 5" and over 22 stone.  Big unit.

Tualigi - nephew of the English lads.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on July 14, 2023, 10:20:09 PM
No I don't think so. (a chance of a world cup call up)

The last time Ireland were in the final of this competition Ireland got stuffed by England. They didn't start the game well either like they did today. However Ireland have done a lot better out of players from that final graduating to the senior team than England have. Ireland got James Ryan, Hugo Keenan and Andrew Porter on this years grand slam team and Stockdale starring on the 2018 grand slam team. England got no notable players from a winning effort in that 2016 game played in England.

From todays game Ireland could have the half backs Gunne and Prendergast coming through and centre Devine in the backs. Up front hooker Gus MacArthy or in the back row Munster men Gleeson and Quinn look good.

The French on the other hand while obviously very talented will face a tougher path to make it to the top. In the post match analysis Alan Quinlan was saying the French scrum half could make the French team. He ignored the fact that France have Dupont at scrum half who won't be dropped for a rookie any time soon.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on July 14, 2023, 10:26:52 PM
Didn't see it. Much Ulster representation? McNabney start?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on July 16, 2023, 12:18:01 AM
McNabney started. Irvine came on in tge second half in the second row.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on July 16, 2023, 10:07:44 AM
An interesting thing about the tournament was how mediocre NZ and Aus were. Ireland probably the best team in it, apart from France, but a distance behind France.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on July 16, 2023, 10:13:03 AM
Third in a row.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on July 17, 2023, 02:38:24 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 15, 2023, 09:02:00 AM
Johnny Sexton could end up missing the world cup as he now faces a 24 week ban for intimidating the referee after the european cup final.

So Johnny ends up getting a 3 game ban which rules him out of the 3 warm up games for the world cup. No real harm done as he has tonnes of experience.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: keep her low this half on July 17, 2023, 03:28:26 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on July 17, 2023, 02:38:24 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 15, 2023, 09:02:00 AM
Johnny Sexton could end up missing the world cup as he now faces a 24 week ban for intimidating the referee after the european cup final.

So Johnny ends up getting a 3 game ban which rules him out of the 3 warm up games for the world cup. No real harm done as he has tonnes of experience.

He is a somewhat lucky boy, Rugby really has no time for backchat to the ref, unlike the GAA or soccer
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on July 17, 2023, 04:50:38 PM
Quote from: keep her low this half on July 17, 2023, 03:28:26 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on July 17, 2023, 02:38:24 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 15, 2023, 09:02:00 AM
Johnny Sexton could end up missing the world cup as he now faces a 24 week ban for intimidating the referee after the european cup final.

So Johnny ends up getting a 3 game ban which rules him out of the 3 warm up games for the world cup. No real harm done as he has tonnes of experience.

He is a somewhat lucky boy, Rugby really has no time for backchat to the ref, unlike the GAA or soccer

And he wasn't even playing, giving lip to the ref well after the game was over!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on August 01, 2023, 10:49:37 AM
All Blacks looking like they are going to walk the World Cup.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on August 01, 2023, 11:04:05 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on July 17, 2023, 04:50:38 PM
Quote from: keep her low this half on July 17, 2023, 03:28:26 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on July 17, 2023, 02:38:24 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 15, 2023, 09:02:00 AM
Johnny Sexton could end up missing the world cup as he now faces a 24 week ban for intimidating the referee after the european cup final.

So Johnny ends up getting a 3 game ban which rules him out of the 3 warm up games for the world cup. No real harm done as he has tonnes of experience.

He is a somewhat lucky boy, Rugby really has no time for backchat to the ref, unlike the GAA or soccer

And he wasn't even playing, giving lip to the ref well after the game was over!!!

I'd say it was just a warning, pre World Cup.

They should have banned him for the first game which would have definately cut it out during the World Cup.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on August 05, 2023, 10:07:09 PM
A wins a win but that wasn't great. I know it was almost a B team but no fringe players sticking their hand up.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sportacus on August 05, 2023, 10:09:58 PM
I watched NZ and Australia today.  They were fairly throwing it around.  Can't see Ireland reaching those levels of pace and quick hands. Mind you I was geoblocked for the Ireland game - the usual bullshit.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on August 05, 2023, 10:42:56 PM
Stockdale is just a bit clueless as a rugby player

Multiple times he had a player free beside him today but took the ball into contact.

He also reminded everyone of his poor tackling for Italy's first try
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on August 06, 2023, 03:40:18 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on August 05, 2023, 10:42:56 PM
Stockdale is just a bit clueless as a rugby player

Multiple times he had a player free beside him today but took the ball into contact.

He also reminded everyone of his poor tackling for Italy's first try

He had two hands on a lad half his size and still got stiff armed. Embarrassing try to give up and suspect that'll be that in terms of him contending for a spot.

That said, your man Pani who scored it looks absolutely electric.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on August 12, 2023, 07:15:22 PM
3 England players in the bin:

Genge for an infringement in the scrum,
Steward for an awful challenge, on Adams, in the air and
Farrell, proving once again that he can't tackle - shoulder to head.

Edit: Farrell's card upgraded to red. Could miss the start of the World Cup.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on August 12, 2023, 07:47:29 PM
Don't know how Steward's wasn't red. Blatant.

Farrell will miss the Argentina game for sure. Good enough for the ****!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on August 12, 2023, 07:49:02 PM
Quote from: gallsman on August 12, 2023, 07:47:29 PM
Don't know how Steward's wasn't red. Blatant.

Farrell will miss the Argentina game for sure. Good enough for the ****!

What station is this on?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on August 12, 2023, 08:47:05 PM
Prime. France v Scotland on now
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on August 12, 2023, 09:47:03 PM
That RWC Group  is not going to be soft to get out of, Scotland are looking pretty pretty good in the warm ups.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Cyril Farrell fan on August 12, 2023, 10:37:37 PM
Quote from: Estimator on August 12, 2023, 07:15:22 PM
Farrell, proving once again that he can't tackle - shoulder to head.
Can't tackle? Or just a thug who tries to take opponents out with cheap head shots?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on August 12, 2023, 10:49:30 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on August 12, 2023, 09:47:03 PM
That RWC Group  is not going to be soft to get out of, Scotland are looking pretty pretty good in the warm ups.

Last week was barely even a French B team. They looked good in the 6N as well until we played them. If we can't beat then in the group we've no business there at all
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on August 12, 2023, 11:09:36 PM
French full squad 2nite tho. Could be Ireland  & Scotland comes out of that group, SA picking up injuries.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on August 13, 2023, 08:02:37 AM
Quote from: Cyril Farrell fan on August 12, 2023, 10:37:37 PM
Quote from: Estimator on August 12, 2023, 07:15:22 PM
Farrell, proving once again that he can't tackle - shoulder to head.
Can't tackle? Or just a thug who tries to take opponents out with cheap head shots?

Seems to have a history of head/late hits.

Good chance he could miss start of World Cup.

He's experienced enough now to know better...you'd think.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on August 13, 2023, 10:08:23 AM
Entry point for Farrell will be 6 games. Can't go to tackle school and with his history there will be very little justifiable mitigation. Could end up serving the whole lot which would mean missing the entire group stage. At that point they have to question whether they bring him at all.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Never beat the deeler on August 14, 2023, 12:19:13 AM
I think the biggest shock from the Farrell red card was learning that it's his first red card for England
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on August 14, 2023, 10:54:14 AM
Romaine Ntamack out of the world cup with an ACL injury. Big blow for France as him and Dupont are dynamite together
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Wedger on August 14, 2023, 11:26:06 AM
Quote from: Nanderson on August 14, 2023, 10:54:14 AM
Romaine Ntamack out of the world cup with an ACL injury. Big blow for France as him and Dupont are dynamite together
A huge loss. Whoever tops Ireland's group will have it slightly better in the quarters.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on August 14, 2023, 11:57:56 AM
Quote from: Nanderson on August 14, 2023, 10:54:14 AM
Romaine Ntamack out of the world cup with an ACL injury. Big blow for France as him and Dupont are dynamite together

I know you can't read a whole pile into these warm up games but Scotland's offloading game caused the French big issues as they couldn't use their power in close quarters and those big men were moved about a lot, creating gaps.

Scotland will give Ireland their fill of it in the WC..

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on August 14, 2023, 08:52:59 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on August 14, 2023, 11:57:56 AM
Quote from: Nanderson on August 14, 2023, 10:54:14 AM
Romaine Ntamack out of the world cup with an ACL injury. Big blow for France as him and Dupont are dynamite together

I know you can't read a whole pile into these warm up games but Scotland's offloading game caused the French big issues as they couldn't use their power in close quarters and those big men were moved about a lot, creating gaps.

Scotland will give Ireland their fill of it in the WC..
Scotland a much better team than England or Wales at this moment. Draw is a disaster for both Ireland and Scotland. Hopefully some of the lower seeds can give Wales and England a beating
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dag Dog on August 15, 2023, 01:41:15 PM
Farrell in the clear. The rugby CCCC is as lenient as the GAA one for letting fellas off the hook.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on August 15, 2023, 02:22:26 PM
Quote from: Dag Dog on August 15, 2023, 01:41:15 PM
Farrell in the clear. The rugby CCCC is as lenient as the GAA one for letting fellas off the hook.
[/quote

That's a joke!]
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on August 15, 2023, 04:47:25 PM
Absolute disgrace.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on August 15, 2023, 04:59:34 PM
I don't understand how this happened... he must have a good lawyer!!

Yes George moved the Welsh lad in the direction of Farrell but he didn't even try to lower himself, he readied himself for the shoulder hit and pushed it through. Ridiculous decision especially given previous form.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on August 15, 2023, 05:01:47 PM
Quote from: screenexile on August 15, 2023, 04:59:34 PM
I don't understand how this happened... he must have a good lawyer!!

Yes George moved the Welsh lad in the direction of Farrell but he didn't even try to lower himself, he readied himself for the shoulder hit and pushed it through. Ridiculous decision especially given previous form.

Right arm tucked in for the shoulder charge, no attempt to wrap with it at all..

World Rugby filled the togs on this one.
Edit, it was 6Nations Rugby who made this decision, big pressure being put on world rugby to review it and indeed from quite a few English rugby journalists and pundits
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dag Dog on August 15, 2023, 06:04:33 PM
Supposedly they want all the big players to play at the World Cup so they're being super lenient.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on August 15, 2023, 06:29:11 PM
Quote from: screenexile on August 15, 2023, 04:59:34 PM
I don't understand how this happened... he must have a good lawyer!!

Yes George moved the Welsh lad in the direction of Farrell but he didn't even try to lower himself, he readied himself for the shoulder hit and pushed it through. Ridiculous decision especially given previous form.

George didn't move him at all, that's the direction he was going.

They have made a complete balls of this, as "always illegal" actions are not entitled to mitigation under their own protocols, and a shoulder to the head meets that definition. Despite the attempt to claim it doesn't, it has natively undermined the bunker system.

Saw it pointed out that with Basham heading towards the touch line, the natural shoulder to tackle correctly with was the left. Instead Farrell goes with the right and drives upwards.

A really retrograde step and terrible precedent to set.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on August 17, 2023, 12:51:53 PM
World Rugby involved now.
Appealing the original decision.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on August 17, 2023, 02:49:37 PM
Think I'm more surprised that they've appealed than him getting off in the first place.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: NAG1 on August 17, 2023, 02:51:07 PM
It will be some sort of fudge in the end, will give him a game ban or something.

The RWC will need as many high profile players as they can to help promote the tournament and like it or not he is high profile.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on August 17, 2023, 02:59:32 PM
I don't think they can do that. If the "no mitigation for always illegal acts" time is applied, I think the entry point is 6 weeks, non negotiable. No tackle school, no leniency for a clean record as he doesn't have one. He might get a week off for conduct following the incident but if the appeal standards he'll almost certainly miss the Argentina game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on August 19, 2023, 06:02:25 PM
Good try by Bundee Aki but mostly dirty diesel play from both teams so far, as you'd expect in warm up.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: galwayman on August 19, 2023, 06:11:29 PM
Ross Byrne not exactly taking his chance today so far.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on August 19, 2023, 06:17:00 PM
12-3 at HT. Second try just before half time well worked too.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on August 19, 2023, 06:28:12 PM
Dan Sheehan is off injured but it didn't look too serious. I don't care about the result of this game, I only care about injuries.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on August 19, 2023, 06:40:38 PM
The worst game I have seen in a very long time involving Ireland. Referee is awful too.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on August 21, 2023, 11:23:12 AM
Quote from: Rudi on August 19, 2023, 06:40:38 PM
The worst game I have seen in a very long time involving Ireland. Referee is awful too.

Ireland weren't great, particularly the lineout so POC has much to do there, but how god awful bad are England?

They're a raggle taggle outfit who seem to have been thrown together for an end of season tour!
Not that I'm complaining  ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on August 21, 2023, 11:32:53 AM
Looks like Eddie Jones wasn't doing too bad with England after all ;D. England and Wales at a similar level and South Africa just smashed Wales at the weekend.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: NAG1 on August 21, 2023, 11:58:24 AM
Probably fair to say the standard has dropped across the board in recent seasons.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on August 21, 2023, 12:17:44 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on August 21, 2023, 11:23:12 AM
Quote from: Rudi on August 19, 2023, 06:40:38 PM
The worst game I have seen in a very long time involving Ireland. Referee is awful too.

Ireland weren't great, particularly the lineout so POC has much to do there, but how god awful bad are England?

They're a raggle taggle outfit who seem to have been thrown together for an end of season tour!
Not that I'm complaining  ;D
Line-out has been hit and miss over the last few years. They'll not win much without nailing their set pieces.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on August 22, 2023, 08:01:28 AM
Didn't watch the game, as unlike Autumn tests v the southern hemisphere sides, this was a genuine friendly! So match fitness was important, but they had to be careful to give nothing away to World Cup opposing managers in terms of their set pieces and patterns, so I wouldn't read much into the Ireland performance
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on August 22, 2023, 08:46:21 PM
Took them a while, but Farrell will miss two games at the World Cup. Argentina and Japan.
4 game ban in total, with the Ireland and Fiji also included.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on August 25, 2023, 09:21:23 PM
All blacks getting hammered
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on August 25, 2023, 09:23:13 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on August 25, 2023, 09:21:23 PM
All blacks getting hammered
South Africa laying down a lot of markers.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on August 25, 2023, 09:58:56 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on August 25, 2023, 09:23:13 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on August 25, 2023, 09:21:23 PM
All blacks getting hammered
South Africa laying down a lot of markers.

All fun and games at this stage.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: grounded on August 25, 2023, 11:01:01 PM
New Zealand still outright favourites 12/5 with South Africa 4/1. Its hard to explain after watching that, but there you go.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on August 25, 2023, 11:26:20 PM
Quote from: grounded on August 25, 2023, 11:01:01 PM
New Zealand still outright favourites 12/5 with South Africa 4/1. Its hard to explain after watching that, but there you go.

It's called tradition.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on August 26, 2023, 02:23:40 AM
Quote from: From the Bunker on August 25, 2023, 11:26:20 PM
Quote from: grounded on August 25, 2023, 11:01:01 PM
New Zealand still outright favourites 12/5 with South Africa 4/1. Its hard to explain after watching that, but there you go.

It's called tradition.
12/5 includes a reasonable amount of uncertainty.
Ireland v SA should be a cracker. The draw is insane.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on August 26, 2023, 11:36:51 AM
Stuart Hogg Scotlands outstanding fullback has retired over the summer. I missed it when it was announced. This should help Ireland when the two sides meet in the world cup.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on August 26, 2023, 01:30:22 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on August 26, 2023, 11:36:51 AM
Stuart Hogg Scotlands outstanding fullback has retired over the summer. I missed it when it was announced. This should help Ireland when the two sides meet in the world cup.
Sadly it was injury related. A great player.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on August 26, 2023, 04:37:48 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on August 21, 2023, 11:23:12 AM
Quote from: Rudi on August 19, 2023, 06:40:38 PM
The worst game I have seen in a very long time involving Ireland. Referee is awful too.

Ireland weren't great, particularly the lineout so POC has much to do there, but how god awful bad are England?

They're a raggle taggle outfit who seem to have been thrown together for an end of season tour!
Not that I'm complaining  ;D
I think I was being too kind on England....
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on August 26, 2023, 04:43:35 PM
How much pressure will there be on Farrell if Ireland can't beat France /NZ in the quarters?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: An Watcher on August 26, 2023, 05:01:43 PM
None
Different if they don't qualify for the quarter finals.  Then there'll be pressure.  Ireland will surely be underdogs against either of those teams
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on August 26, 2023, 05:03:13 PM
England are a mess but with the ridiculous draw will likely go further than Ireland
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on August 26, 2023, 05:40:03 PM
England beaten by Fiji.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on August 26, 2023, 07:43:15 PM
Would read next to noting into recent results, the World Cup will show where teams are really at, including Ireland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on August 26, 2023, 08:00:27 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on August 26, 2023, 07:43:15 PM
Would read next to noting into recent results, the World Cup will show where teams are really at, including Ireland.
Not necessarily  in the group stages
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on August 26, 2023, 08:09:54 PM
Looked a bad injury for Healy. Hopefully won't ruin his WC.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on August 26, 2023, 08:10:08 PM
World cup over for Cian Healy. Big loss.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on August 26, 2023, 08:11:41 PM
Healy looked to be in bother going off there. Loughman on for him now.
Stockdale needs to have a big game to make the squad. Hasn't been involved in this game so far.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on August 26, 2023, 08:15:12 PM
Numerous handling errors and Barnes forgot completely about a knock on advantage there.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on August 26, 2023, 08:22:49 PM
Line out all over the shop.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on August 26, 2023, 08:22:55 PM
Lineout a mess. Stewart won't be anywhere near the plane. Nice own try there if such a thing exists. Ffs
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on August 26, 2023, 08:24:56 PM
Entertaining for the errors on both sides. 7-7.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on August 26, 2023, 08:27:44 PM
It must never rain in Ireland the way seem not to cope with it
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on August 26, 2023, 08:28:24 PM
In those conditions I wouldn't be surprised to see someone get a bad knock. Could be an expensive run out.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on August 26, 2023, 08:32:00 PM
A bit like the Italy friendly the fringe players just not putting their hands up
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on August 26, 2023, 09:00:22 PM
Good try.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on August 26, 2023, 09:14:01 PM
Set piece transformation.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on August 26, 2023, 09:17:21 PM
These friendlies are worse than pre season
NZ getting stuffed by SA and England getting beat by Fiji and us struggling here
Means f**k all,
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on August 26, 2023, 09:21:55 PM
Ireland are bringing 3x cover for the 3 front rowers to the RWC. 2x for the rest of the scrum. It must be aligned with the highest concussion risk.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: galwayman on August 26, 2023, 09:22:44 PM
Quote from: Rudi on August 26, 2023, 09:14:01 PM
Set piece transformation.
Ryan, Herring & O Mahoney have made a huge difference
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on August 26, 2023, 09:32:44 PM
Entertaining second half even if a warm up.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on August 26, 2023, 09:33:49 PM
I wonder how much Samoa get per match for warm up games.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on August 26, 2023, 10:06:49 PM
Herring came on and steadied the lineout and scrum
Yer man Stewart had a mare. Stockdale lovely chip through for the Murray try and then a few minutes later showed us all again that he can't tackle. The number of handling errors is a real worry  rain or not. A real lack of commitment, not chasing kicks which you understand in a friendly but the boys borderline for the squad should be busting a gut. The one positive is that Samoa look like trouble for England
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Champion The Wonder Horse on August 26, 2023, 10:11:24 PM
That was muck. Herring motm.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on August 27, 2023, 06:50:11 AM
Healy might be injured for the RWC
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on August 27, 2023, 07:14:47 AM
Healy looks to be badly hurt with very little time before the world cup starts. The squad is announced today.

Injuries happen though and there were always likely to be injuries in the buildup to the world cup. So if Healy is the only player we are missing. We are not doing too bad.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on August 27, 2023, 04:57:56 PM
No Healy
No Stockdale
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on August 27, 2023, 05:11:03 PM
Gutting for Healy. Not surprising re. Stockdale.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on August 27, 2023, 05:17:15 PM
There are going to be replacements for banjaxed players.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on August 27, 2023, 09:08:57 PM
Can't take a chance on players with a possible long term injury.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on August 28, 2023, 06:20:18 AM
There are going to be loads of injuries needing replacements if he recovers.  He has had one scan. Ringrose,Henderson, Sheehan, Kelleher and Doris were all injured in ONE match against Scotland in the 6 Nations. The RWC will be carnage.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ClubScene13 on August 28, 2023, 09:33:11 AM
Quote from: marty34 on August 28, 2023, 09:00:22 AM
Is it not a bit mad that NZ played France at the week-end and they then play them again on Sept 8th in the World Cup?

Ok, so they hammered them, which is strange enough but to be playing them again in 2 weeks in a World Cup opener is a bit crazy to me.

What gave you that idea? They played South Africa at Twickenham, France played Australia
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on August 28, 2023, 09:53:24 AM
Quote from: ClubScene13 on August 28, 2023, 09:33:11 AM
Quote from: marty34 on August 28, 2023, 09:00:22 AM
Is it not a bit mad that NZ played France at the week-end and they then play them again on Sept 8th in the World Cup?

Ok, so they hammered them, which is strange enough but to be playing them again in 2 weeks in a World Cup opener is a bit crazy to me.

What gave you that idea? They played South Africa at Twickenham, France played Australia

My mistake - thought it was France. Me bad.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on August 28, 2023, 10:00:37 AM
When do we win this world cup lads?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on August 28, 2023, 10:33:04 AM
Quote from: Itchy on August 28, 2023, 10:00:37 AM
When do we win this world cup lads?

If they don't win it with this team they won't win it ever
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on August 28, 2023, 10:41:11 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on August 28, 2023, 10:33:04 AM
Quote from: Itchy on August 28, 2023, 10:00:37 AM
When do we win this world cup lads?

If they don't win it with this team they won't win it ever

We are in the wrong half of the draw with all the big guns. If the Ireland of last summer and this yrs 6 nation's turns up then we have a real chance. Unfortunately history doesn't bode well. We have gone into previous world cups looking good and then shit our pants against the likes of Argentina and Japan teams we normally smash for fun
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on August 28, 2023, 10:51:34 AM
Bookies have us as fourth favourites, behind NZ, France and South Africa. So expectation is that we will exit at the QF stage.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on August 28, 2023, 11:03:15 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on August 28, 2023, 10:41:11 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on August 28, 2023, 10:33:04 AM
Quote from: Itchy on August 28, 2023, 10:00:37 AM
When do we win this world cup lads?

If they don't win it with this team they won't win it ever

We are in the wrong half of the draw with all the big guns. If the Ireland of last summer and this yrs 6 nation's turns up then we have a real chance. Unfortunately history doesn't bode well. We have gone into previous world cups looking good and then shit our pants against the likes of Argentina and Japan teams we normally smash for fun

The draw is a pile of shite. World Rugby need to sort this for future WCs.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lenny on August 28, 2023, 11:30:12 AM
Quote from: Hound on August 28, 2023, 10:51:34 AM
Bookies have us as fourth favourites, behind NZ, France and South Africa. So expectation is that we will exit at the QF stage.

All 4 favourites in one half of the draw. Complete joke. What a tournament it could've been with those 4 in the semifinals.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on August 28, 2023, 11:40:42 AM
Draw made even worse when you see how poor England, Wales and Eddie Jones Aussies are at the moment. But one of them will be in the final. Anything then could happen against a tired team emerging from much stronger half. Ireland first have to navigate a group with SA and Scotland. Nothing guaranteed there.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on August 28, 2023, 12:27:10 PM
This is very unlike Rugby folk, getting the excuses in early. Should you not wait for the inevitable quarter final collapse first?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on August 28, 2023, 12:45:57 PM
Quote from: Itchy on August 28, 2023, 12:27:10 PM
This is very unlike Rugby folk, getting the excuses in early. Should you not wait for the inevitable quarter final collapse first?
Channelling your inner Ewan there Itchy.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on August 28, 2023, 01:45:00 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on August 28, 2023, 12:45:57 PM
Quote from: Itchy on August 28, 2023, 12:27:10 PM
This is very unlike Rugby folk, getting the excuses in early. Should you not wait for the inevitable quarter final collapse first?
Channelling your inner Ewan there Itchy.

The 'Trailer' of the rugby thread
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: theticklemister on August 28, 2023, 02:15:17 PM
Quote from: Itchy on August 28, 2023, 10:00:37 AM
When do we win this world cup lads?

If we don't win it this year, we will win it next year
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on August 28, 2023, 02:16:56 PM
Quote from: trailer on August 28, 2023, 11:03:15 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on August 28, 2023, 10:41:11 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on August 28, 2023, 10:33:04 AM
Quote from: Itchy on August 28, 2023, 10:00:37 AM
When do we win this world cup lads?

If they don't win it with this team they won't win it ever

We are in the wrong half of the draw with all the big guns. If the Ireland of last summer and this yrs 6 nation's turns up then we have a real chance. Unfortunately history doesn't bode well. We have gone into previous world cups looking good and then shit our pants against the likes of Argentina and Japan teams we normally smash for fun

The draw is a pile of shite. World Rugby need to sort this for future WCs.
The draw was the last  thing Ireland needed.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on August 28, 2023, 03:21:06 PM
I know rugby is an intense physical game, and players require recovery time. But a World Cup that runs from Sept 8th to October 28th is over the top. Especially given that there's 5 or 6 teams at most capable of winning it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on August 28, 2023, 03:26:27 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on August 28, 2023, 01:45:00 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on August 28, 2023, 12:45:57 PM
Quote from: Itchy on August 28, 2023, 12:27:10 PM
This is very unlike Rugby folk, getting the excuses in early. Should you not wait for the inevitable quarter final collapse first?
Channelling your inner Ewan there Itchy.

The 'Trailer' of the rugby thread

Not fair, I am all about inclusivity. I think its great that there is a place big useless donkeys and posh boys can play sport.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on August 28, 2023, 06:23:06 PM
Quote from: Itchy on August 28, 2023, 03:26:27 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on August 28, 2023, 01:45:00 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on August 28, 2023, 12:45:57 PM
Quote from: Itchy on August 28, 2023, 12:27:10 PM
This is very unlike Rugby folk, getting the excuses in early. Should you not wait for the inevitable quarter final collapse first?
Channelling your inner Ewan there Itchy.

The 'Trailer' of the rugby thread

Not fair, I am all about inclusivity. I think its great that there is a place big useless donkeys and posh boys can play sport.

You'd be in some shape if ya mentioned that to one of them  ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on August 29, 2023, 07:24:08 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on August 28, 2023, 06:23:06 PM
Quote from: Itchy on August 28, 2023, 03:26:27 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on August 28, 2023, 01:45:00 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on August 28, 2023, 12:45:57 PM
Quote from: Itchy on August 28, 2023, 12:27:10 PM
This is very unlike Rugby folk, getting the excuses in early. Should you not wait for the inevitable quarter final collapse first?
Channelling your inner Ewan there Itchy.

The 'Trailer' of the rugby thread

Not fair, I am all about inclusivity. I think its great that there is a place big useless donkeys and posh boys can play sport.

You'd be in some shape if ya mentioned that to one of them  ;D

Now why would I do such a thing. That would be like climbing into a cage in the zoo with a Grizzly Bear and telling him he lacks the ball skills in his feet to play a real field game. He wouldn't understand and then he'd bate the shite out of me
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Scarlet on August 29, 2023, 09:17:00 AM
For years we hear about the conveyor belt but Sexton, Murray, Earls and Co are still big parts of the set-up.

Will it go off a cliff after the World Cup?

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Joeythelips on August 29, 2023, 09:54:36 AM
Just arrived on this thread and notice the draw. Jesus if Ireland want to win the wold cup it looks like they will need 2 squads of players.

South Africa (holders, who just smashed the All Blacks) and Scotland in the group.
Get out the group and face France or All Blacks in quarter finals.
Most likely Australia in semis
South Africa/All Blacks/France in final. 
Good luck with that
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on August 29, 2023, 11:35:30 AM
As far as i know draw was made in December 2020.

Nearly 3 years ago.........

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on August 29, 2023, 12:06:03 PM
Quote from: Captain Scarlet on August 29, 2023, 09:17:00 AM
For years we hear about the conveyor belt but Sexton, Murray, Earls and Co are still big parts of the set-up.

Will it go off a cliff after the World Cup?
Murray and Earls are more backup now. Sexton has been known to be retiring so there has been planning. I heard on RTE that there were 19 changes since 2019 so a lot of change has happened already.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Scarlet on August 29, 2023, 04:04:30 PM
Is it fair to say a lot of those lads coming in are not nailing down chances so it's a churn?

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on August 30, 2023, 07:34:31 AM
Quote from: Captain Scarlet on August 29, 2023, 04:04:30 PM
Is it fair to say a lot of those lads coming in are not nailing down chances so it's a churn?
Nope, that doesn't make sense.

This is probably the best team we've ever had and definitely the best World Cup squad we've ever had.
The bookies say the best four teams in the world are quite a bit ahead of the rest, and most followers of rugby would agree.
Ireland are one of those 4, but ranked by the oddsmakers as 4th favourites, very slightly behind the other 3.
Can the 4th best team win the World Cup? Yes.
Is it likely? No.
While it's our best squad, we've more depth in some positions than others. Injuries/suspensions are likely to have a bigger adverse impact on us that the other 3 contenders.

We're very close to France. When we play it is the home team that are marginal favourites.
We're no longer afraid of New Zealand. Most of our players have won more than they've lost against them. But a World Cup quarter-final would be a different beast. Barring injuries we're evenly matched, but NZ would have the edge in having that inner belief that NZ always win these type of games.
Ireland play South Africa in the group stages. Another 50/50, but I wouldn't pay a huge amount of attention to the result. Like Kerry v Mayo this year, it's a game both teams will want to win, but everyone will know that while a win should certainly be advantageous, it's not do or die. It will be slightly below 100%.
I don't think we can beat South Africa in a true knockout game. In the unlikely scenario of Ireland winning the World Cup, in my view it would require one of France/NZ taking out the Boks in the quarter final.

We're likely to be edged out in the quarter-final. That won't be a failure. That will be meeting expectations given the draw. A failure would be a hammering, or losing to Scotland in the group stages. Scotland are much better than England or Wales, and probably at the same level as Australia, so should not be underestimated- but we should have too much for them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: An Watcher on August 30, 2023, 07:59:45 AM
Although unlikely to happen I do think there would be merit playing a second string against South Africa.  Its a marathon, not a sprint and considering the draw we have we coukd focus on Scotland and NZ/France in the quarters.
What will probably happen us we'll get beat up against South Africa win or lose and get beat by SA/France in the quarters as a result
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on August 30, 2023, 09:00:53 AM
Quote from: Hound on August 30, 2023, 07:34:31 AM
Quote from: Captain Scarlet on August 29, 2023, 04:04:30 PM
Is it fair to say a lot of those lads coming in are not nailing down chances so it's a churn?
Nope, that doesn't make sense.

This is probably the best team we've ever had and definitely the best World Cup squad we've ever had.
The bookies say the best four teams in the world are quite a bit ahead of the rest, and most followers of rugby would agree.
Ireland are one of those 4, but ranked by the oddsmakers as 4th favourites, very slightly behind the other 3.
Can the 4th best team win the World Cup? Yes.
Is it likely? No.
While it's our best squad, we've more depth in some positions than others. Injuries/suspensions are likely to have a bigger adverse impact on us that the other 3 contenders.

We're very close to France. When we play it is the home team that are marginal favourites.
We're no longer afraid of New Zealand. Most of our players have won more than they've lost against them. But a World Cup quarter-final would be a different beast. Barring injuries we're evenly matched, but NZ would have the edge in having that inner belief that NZ always win these type of games.
Ireland play South Africa in the group stages. Another 50/50, but I wouldn't pay a huge amount of attention to the result. Like Kerry v Mayo this year, it's a game both teams will want to win, but everyone will know that while a win should certainly be advantageous, it's not do or die. It will be slightly below 100%.
I don't think we can beat South Africa in a true knockout game. In the unlikely scenario of Ireland winning the World Cup, in my view it would require one of France/NZ taking out the Boks in the quarter final.

We're likely to be edged out in the quarter-final. That won't be a failure. That will be meeting expectations given the draw. A failure would be a hammering, or losing to Scotland in the group stages. Scotland are much better than England or Wales, and probably at the same level as Australia, so should not be underestimated- but we should have too much for them.

Ireland have a shitty draw which means in the group stages they'll almost certainly need to beat Scotland to keep the second spot if we don't beat SA first.

Then either NZ or the hosts in a quarterfinal..

It'll be hard not to pick up a few injuries along the way and then you could be down to the walking wounded in a QF.

Groups C and D are a mile weaker
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Joeythelips on August 30, 2023, 09:03:19 AM
Quote from: From the Bunker on August 29, 2023, 11:35:30 AM
As far as i know draw was made in December 2020.

Nearly 3 years ago.........

Wow, that explains why it is so lob sided. Argentina for example will never get a better opportunity of making a World cup final. In a group with a poor England side (by their standards), top that and most likely play a beatable Welsh side in quarters, before they face one of the big guns (most likely NZ or South Africa) in semis.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Keyser soze on August 30, 2023, 09:21:58 AM
In summary, what's needed for Ireland to win the Rugby World Cup is to not have to play any good teams before the final.

Their record against lower ranked teams in previous WCs means they'd inevitably win it if the draw had been kinder. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Joeythelips on August 30, 2023, 09:28:33 AM
A good article about ranking sides in the World cup. Hard to argue with it too much:

1. France

In the eyes of many experts, France are the front-runners to become the second Northern Hemisphere side ever to be crowned world champions after England's victory 20 years ago.

There were plenty of signs in 2019 of what the French could be capable of in the long run, and in the four years between World Cups they have developed into a formidable opponent. With former Wales coach Shaun Edwards in charge of their defence, France now have the discipline which has previously been missing, and are a very difficult side to beat who are comfortable soaking up pressure.

France have a pack which can go toe to toe with any side in the world while their attack is as potent as its ever been. Fabien Galthie's side only need a small amount of possession to cut any side in the world to shreds.
They also have world class players littered throughout their side, including generational talent Antoine Dupont. La Rochelle No 8 Gregory Alldritt, centre Gael Fickou, wing Damian Penaud, and props Cyrill Baille are among the best in their positions in the world.

The loss of star outside-half Romain Ntamack is a huge blow although Bordeaux playmaker Mathieu Jallibert is no mug. It will be interesting to see how France cope with the enormous pressure on their shoulders but as far as we are concerned they are the favourites.

2. South Africa

The Springboks arguably have a stronger squad now than the one who were crowned world champions four years ago.

There is no side in the world who can match the raw power and the physicality of the Springboks, who are capable of battering anyone into submission. Their scrum is a destructive weapon with their driving lineout almost unstoppable, while the likes of Eben Etzebeth, Steven Kitshoff, Malcolm Marx, and Syia Kolisi would be contenders for a world XV.

They also have plenty of firepower behind the scrum although they have lost influential outside-half Handre Pollard, and the world's best outside centre Lukanyo Am to injury. There's still tons of stardust though with the mercurial Mannie Libbok pulling the strings at number 10, while the likes of Cheslin Kolbe, Makazolo Mapimpi, Willie Le Roux, and Canan Moodie are able to cut any side in the world to shreds.

A Frances versus South Africa final is a real possibility.

3. Ireland

Officially Ireland are the world's best side, and it's hard to disagree with the rankings given they recently won a Six Nations Grand Slam, and won an historic first test series against the All Blacks in New Zealand last summer.

Ireland have been fancied before past World Cups only to fall flat on their faces at the actual tournament but this is the best side ever to have left the Emerald Isle. Andy Farrell has taken Ireland's game to another level, building on the superb work done by Joe Schmidt.

They have an extremely physical pack of forwards littered with ball carriers, a strong set-piece while they are arguably the best exponents of breakdown play in the world. Unlike South Africa their game is extremely layered, with their attacking game very intricate.

Ireland have so much control from half-back with Jamison Gibson-Park and Johnny Sexton, while upfront Tadhg Furlong, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Beirne, and Josh van der Flier are world class players. The problem Ireland have is they rely so heavily on Sexton at number 10, and as former Dragons coach Bernard Jackman recently said, if the Leinster playmaker gets injured it cuts his sides chances of lifting the Webb-Ellis Cup by 20%.

4. New Zealand

Some bookmakers have New Zealand down as favourites but they aren't invincible as they once were. The All Blacks have recovered from a poor 2022 to win the Rugby Championship but a 35-7 hiding by South Africa at Twickenham last weekend was a reminder they are far from unbeatable.

Having said that, at their best the All Blacks are among the best sides in the world, and if they bring their A game stand a good chance of winning their fourth World Cup. New forwards coach Jason Ryan has transformed their pack, although they do tend to struggle against the bigger sides.

But if the All Blacks win quick front foot ball they have the best attacking game in the world with the likes of Beauden Barrett, Will Jordan and Mark Telea capable of running riot, while No 8 Ardie Savea is a phenomenal player. The key for them is winning front foot ball, and if they can do that then they can unlock any defence in the world.

5. Scotland

Scotland are the most improved side in world rugby with Gregor Towsend having done a tremendous job in turning around their fortunes.

The Scots may not have the best pack in the world, although they often hold their own, but their attacking game is a sight to behold. With the likes of the mercurial Finn Russell and giant wing Duhan van der Merwe in their ranks Scotland have plenty of tries in them, and often score up to 30 points a game.

Despite their obvious qualities they have struggled to turn great performances into winning results although that is slowly changing. The big problem Scotland have is they have been drawn in the same pool as Ireland, South Africa, and a very dangerous Tonga side.

Only a fool would totally discount Scotland's chances of causing an upset but despite how good they have become, Ireland and South Africa are just a little bit better. Still, there's plenty of quality and attacking prowess in this Scotland side, and they certainly won't die wondering.

6. Argentina

The Pumas have made huge strides since joining the Rugby Championship. Over the last four years Argentina have beaten New Zealand (twice), South Africa, Australia, England, Scotland, and Wales.

Put simply, they are no mugs and on their day are capable of beating any side in the world. The biggest obstacle to their progression has been the Jaguares leaving Super Rugby, leaving their best players plying their trades all around the world, making it very difficult to get any sort of cohesion or continuity.

What Argentina are is a very difficult side to play, and they have a set of forwards who can match any side physically while there is a lot of finishing prowess out wide. Ironically, their biggest Achilles heel is their scrum but they do have arguably the world's best goal kicker in Emilano Boffelli.

Given they have ended up on the so-called right side of the draw, Argentina have every chance of reaching what would be their third World Cup semi-final.

7. Australia

The Wallabies have lost all five test matches since Eddie Jones took over from Dave Rennie this season but they aren't as bad a side as their results suggest.

Australia always have at least one big result in them at every World Cup, and have an abundance of talent throughout their squad. Their performances have been getting better each game, and one senses they just need the one big result to get things going in their favour.

One thing they have got is a dominant scrum while their forwards are more dominant than they are given credit for with the likes of gigantic La Rochelle lock Will Skelton, prop Taniela Tupou, openside Fraser McReight, and blindside Tom Hooper all top end forwards. They have been creating plenty of opportunities with things not quite sticking but that is not far off changing.

Could still be the dark horse at the World Cup with there being so much growth in their game.

8. England

I can already hear the screams of derision at ranking England higher than Fiji given they were beaten by the Pacific Islanders at Twickenham last weekend.

England are in disarray but they do have the tools to fix this problem. What Steve Borthwick has got is a strong pack of forwards, albeit not as strong as the likes of South Africa, France and Ireland, along with some quality players behind the scrum.

For all his issues, Owen Farrell is a world class player while George Ford is a real smart operator. Remember the 2007 World Cup where England got annihilated by the Springboks in the pool stages but ended up making the final?

I'm not saying that will happen this time but they've got the cattle to patch up their current issues, and at the very least make the knockout stages.

9. Wales

It has not been a pleasant two years for Wales to say the least, with the men in red having lost home tests to Italy and Georgia, respectively.

Since Warren Gatland returned to the helm, replacing Wayne Pivac, he has faced a race against time to get Wales into a place where they can be competitive at the World Cup. Gatland has pushed his side to the limit in brutal training camps over the summer which the New Zealander hopes will pay dividends this autumn.

Wales have some quality players in Louis Rees-Zammit, Dan Biggar, Liam Williams, Dewi Lake, Will Rowlands and Jac Morgan but they have fundamental issues at the set-piece, while their physicality in the front five hasn't been where it needs to be.

But Gatland has a tremendous track record at getting Wales to raise their game at the World Cup, and if they can beat a very dangerous Fiji side first up then anything is possible.

Rest of the pack

10. Fiji

Over the past fortnight Fiji have proven they can compete with the best of sides having performed admirably in defeat against France, and beaten England at Twickenham.

Make no bones about it, this will be the best prepared Fiji side ever to arrive at a World Cup. Fiji's devastating brilliance in broken field is no secret but this side is very comfortable playing a structured game.

Historically, their weaknesses has been the scrum and their game management but that is not the case this time with young outside-half Caleb Muntz a very capable all-round player who can play conservatively and loosely. They also have some serious talent in Edinburgh No 8 Viliame Mata, centre Semi Radradra along with wings Josua Tuisova and Selestino Ravutaumada.

11. Samoa

Samoa are no mugs, and should have beaten Ireland last weekend. The Pacific Islanders, who are coached by former London Irish centre Seilala Mapusua, are extremely physical while their scrum took Ireland to the cleaners last weekend.

They have a host of former All Blacks such as outside-half Lima Sopoaga, prop Charlie Faumuina, and Bristol Bears loose forward Steven Luatua. Having been drawn in the same pool as Argentina, England, and Japan they are up against it in terms of making the knockout stages but don't rule them out causing at least one upset.

12. Italy

Italy are the annual whipping boys of the Six Nations but have gradually been improving the level of their performances, even beating both Wales and Australia over the past 18 months.

The Azzurri have a capable pack of forwards who can give any opposition a bloody nose, while they are more dangerous than they've ever been behind the scrum, with Montpellier playmaker Paolo Garbisi and Toulouse star Ange Capuozzo one of the deadliest broken field runners in the world game.

They are unlikely to trouble either France or New Zealand in their pool.

13. Tonga

Tonga haven't exactly pulled up any trees in terms of results but on paper they have a very capable squad. They have benefited more than anyone else from the change in eligibility criteria, and have a host of former All Blacks and Wallabies in their squad.

The likes of Malakai Fekitoa, George Moala, Vaea Fifita, Charles Piutau, Adam Coleman, and Sam Lousi are top end players and would get into the starting sides of many tier one nations. They have been drawn in the pool of death alongside South Africa, Scotland, and Ireland so progressing to the quarter-finals is probably out of the equation but don't rule Tonga out from causing at least one upset.

14. Japan

The Brave Blossoms turned the rugby world upside down with their phenomenal victory over South Africa in 2015, which will rightly go down as one of the greatest upsets in the history of sport. Under Jamie Joseph they then went on to reach the quarter-finals for the first time four years ago, beating both Ireland and Scotland.

But they have struggled badly of late, and lack the forward power to make an impact in France. It is very unlikely they will be able to repeat their past exploits this time around.

15. Georgia

Georgia have dominated the second tier of European rugby and are pushing hard to join the Six Nations although that door remains firmly shut for now.

The Lelos have underlined their credentials with a stunning victory over Wales in Cardiff last November, and have a pack of forwards which can make life very uncomfortable for most sides. Their problem is they lack the cutting edge behind the scrum to be able to transfer their forward dominance into points.

16. Romania

Romania are keen to make an impact in France and have appointed former Scotland head coach Vern Cotter as a consultant. The Romanian's will be physical up-front but have they got the guile behind the scrum to make an impact?

Their key player is centre Taylor Gontineac who is part of Clermont Auvergne's system.

17. Portugal

A last-gasp penalty against the United States last year fired Portugal into their second World Cup. Portugal are coached by former France centre Patrice Lagisquet and have a number of players who ply their trade as professionals in France.

Their standout player is wing Rodrigo Marta who plays for Dax in the PRO D2, and is the top try scorer in Portugal's history.

18. Uruguay

Uruguay are regulars at the Rugby World Cup but have failed to make much of an impact. This time they have been drawn in a pool including New Zealand, France, Italy, and Namibia so reaching the last eight is virtually impossible.

By far their most accomplished player is Castres scrum-half Santiago Arata who has been likened in style to Antoine Dupont.

19. Namibia

This isn't the first World Cup Namibia have participated in but they have yet to win a game at rugby's showpiece event. This time they have plenty of experienced heads in their pack including Bayonne hooker Torsten van Jaarsveld, Johan Deysel and JC Greyling, Their best chance of claiming a result is bound to come against Uruguay.

20. Chile

Chile qualified for their first World Cup with after they overturned a 20-point deficit in the first leg of their World Cup qualifier to eventually beat the USA 52-51 on aggregate.

They are coached by Pablo Lemoine who appeared in two World Cup's as a player for Uruguay. Their key player could be outside-half Rodrigo Fernandez who received the award for men's try of the year after a tremendous individual score against the USA.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: An Watcher on August 30, 2023, 10:56:08 AM
Focus on the Scotland game.  Play reserves v South Africa and try and be as fresh as possible for france/nz
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Scarlet on August 30, 2023, 11:08:32 AM
Unlike other years we seem to be going in kinda wary. Like the hype is being managed.

IF Sexton is even 90% and others stay in decent shape we shouldn't fear anyone.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: An Watcher on August 30, 2023, 11:53:55 AM
I enjoy looking at the permutations so:

Semi final 1

A1  Fr/NZ
B2  SA/Ireland
C2  Wales/Fiji
D1  Eng/Arg/Jap

Semi final 2

A2  Fr/NZ
B1 SA/Ireland
C1 Australia
D2 Eng/Arg/Jap

Granted my major assumptions here are that Australia will win their group and Scotland will be eliminated.  It doesn't always work out like this but that's where we are.

On this basis, forget about SA, go for second spot and take our chances against either Fr/NZ.  A semi final without Australia would be better.  Makes the first game even more important as I'd prefer NZ than France


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on August 30, 2023, 12:14:54 PM
Quote from: An Watcher on August 30, 2023, 10:56:08 AM
Focus on the Scotland game.  Play reserves v South Africa and try and be as fresh as possible for france/nz
And banjax the reserves
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: An Watcher on August 30, 2023, 03:06:32 PM
Yep, if one side is going to get banjaxed then better the reserves than the first teamers
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on August 30, 2023, 03:17:13 PM
Ireland will know if France or New Zealand will win group, as that is first game. I suspect France will win. Ireland therefore need to beat SA and Scotland to win group. It sounds crazy to want to meet NZ ahead of France but France are at home and ahead of NZ on current form. Throwing the game against SA is not on. Scotland on current form could well beat Ireland too and send us home at group stages. It's a tough path but we've had easy paths and blew it. The fact we have a path that will ensure no complacency could be the best thing for this Irish team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on August 30, 2023, 03:18:19 PM
If Scotland beat South Africa then that might throw a massive spanner in the works. Was it 2015 in the final group game when France and Ireland battered each other to avoid NZ on the QF and it was all a waste of time as NZ then smashed the wrecked French team and our grand prize was to be so badly broken that we couldn't lay a glove on an ordinary Argentina.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on August 30, 2023, 05:17:20 PM
Every RWC has gone arseways.
What went wrong in 99, 03, 07 ? I think 11 was too much gym work.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 5times5times on August 30, 2023, 06:03:23 PM
Tickets for Scotland game in Paris.... how scarce/expensive are we talking?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: An Watcher on August 30, 2023, 06:16:44 PM
Would you still get tickets for ireland Romania in bordeaux?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 5times5times on August 30, 2023, 06:37:06 PM
Quote from: An Watcher on August 30, 2023, 06:16:44 PM
Would you still get tickets for ireland Romania in bordeaux?

Seen 3 tickets on official site 30mins ago. ~50 yoyos
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: An Watcher on August 31, 2023, 06:48:44 PM
How's Argentinas form heading into this tournament?  They've got a great draw and if they can heat England could be facing a quarter final against Wales or fiji
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on August 31, 2023, 06:57:20 PM
Quote from: An Watcher on August 31, 2023, 06:48:44 PM
How's Argentinas form heading into this tournament?  They've got a great draw and if they can heat England could be facing a quarter final against Wales or fiji
This was upthread

6. Argentina

The Pumas have made huge strides since joining the Rugby Championship. Over the last four years Argentina have beaten New Zealand (twice), South Africa, Australia, England, Scotland, and Wales.

Put simply, they are no mugs and on their day are capable of beating any side in the world. The biggest obstacle to their progression has been the Jaguares leaving Super Rugby, leaving their best players plying their trades all around the world, making it very difficult to get any sort of cohesion or continuity.

What Argentina are is a very difficult side to play, and they have a set of forwards who can match any side physically while there is a lot of finishing prowess out wide. Ironically, their biggest Achilles heel is their scrum but they do have arguably the world's best goal kicker in Emilano Boffelli.

Given they have ended up on the so-called right side of the draw, Argentina have every chance of reaching what would be their third World Cup semi-final.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: An Watcher on August 31, 2023, 08:14:08 PM
Cheers seafood.  Thinking more about recent results and performances.  Would they be capable of beating a poor enough English side
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on August 31, 2023, 08:17:45 PM
Quote from: An Watcher on August 31, 2023, 08:14:08 PM
Cheers seafood.  Thinking more about recent results and performances.  Would they be capable of beating a poor enough English side
If things click I would assume so. NZ will improve, Wales might but England are poor
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Joeythelips on September 01, 2023, 09:32:02 AM
Quote from: An Watcher on August 31, 2023, 06:48:44 PM
How's Argentinas form heading into this tournament?  They've got a great draw and if they can heat England could be facing a quarter final against Wales or fiji

They have every chance of reaching a semi final, in fact they would be the best of the so called outsiders to win it if you fancied a punt.

They are in Group D with England, Samoa, Japan and Chile, all of whom they are more than capable of beating.

Top that group and they play 2nd place in in Group C which contains Australia, Wales & Fiji in the quarter finals. Again more than capable of beating all 3.

If they reach the semi finals they will face one of the big hitters of South Africa/All Blacks/France/Ireland, whoever it is will have just had serious matches to get through and might have taken a bit out of them and a similar story if they were to reach the final.

Lets remember they are used to playing the big hitters. Just back in July the beat Australia in Sydney and only lost by 1 point to South Africa in Johannesburg so on that form its seems odd that they would be bigger odds than a struggling England side.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gawa316 on September 07, 2023, 04:20:50 PM
Ireland team to face Romania: Keenan; Earls, Ringrose, Aki, Lowe; Sexton (capt), Gibson-Park; Porter, Herring, Furlong; McCarthy, Ryan; Beirne, O'Mahony, Doris.

Replacements: Kelleher, Loughman, O'Toole, Henderson, Van der Flier, Murray, Crowley, Henshaw.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on September 07, 2023, 04:29:57 PM
For those of you in the US, all the World Cup games are on Peacock TV (which also gets you a lot of Premier League and Six Nations games as well)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gawa316 on September 07, 2023, 04:31:19 PM
Quote from: dec on September 07, 2023, 04:29:57 PM
For those of you in the US, all the World Cup games are on Peacock TV (which also gets you a lot of Premier League and Six Nations games as well)

Noticed that...happy days. Will be linked into the MIL's account!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: yellowcard on September 07, 2023, 04:36:00 PM
The draw looks very lopsided with the best 4 sides all in the same 2 groups. I think they will either exit to NZ or France in the quarters or go all the way to the final. It might actually be best to finish as runners up in the pool depending on tomorrows result between NZ and France. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Keyser soze on September 07, 2023, 04:39:40 PM
Has form been a good predictor in any previous world cups?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Joeythelips on September 08, 2023, 10:18:23 AM
Quote from: Keyser soze on September 07, 2023, 04:39:40 PM
Has form been a good predictor in any previous world cups?

It certainly has not been a good predictor when it comes to Ireland, you could probably argue we have been the most underperforming side in World cups, hopefully this year we buck the trend and at least get to a semi final.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/66656941 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/66656941)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on September 08, 2023, 11:37:55 AM
Quote from: Joeythelips on September 08, 2023, 10:18:23 AM
Quote from: Keyser soze on September 07, 2023, 04:39:40 PM
Has form been a good predictor in any previous world cups?

It certainly has not been a good predictor when it comes to Ireland, you could probably argue we have been the most underperforming side in World cups, hopefully this year we buck the trend and at least get to a semi final.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/66656941 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/66656941)

Ireland have been handed a really shitty draw this world cup and a lot will depend who's still standing player wise after the SA and Scotland games, their last two games in the group. Even Tonga can't be taken lightly.

Then if we do survive that it's looking like France or NZ in a quarter-final.

You would struggle to come up with a harder group to be in.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 08, 2023, 11:38:08 AM
I watched the post match interview with the French manager after the 6 match again. Unfortunately it is in French only He had loads of questions about why they lost. He said they had to replace all the big forwards after 55-60 minutes because they were knackered. We have an excellent coach in Farrell, who planned this, to run rings around the motherfuckers and mitigate their game influence. Ireland are also very disciplined. The whole squad. this is also strategic. Plus we have a rugby league defence .  All of this is underestimated I think.

Also when we have a good team we never give up. This one of my favourite sports videos. It is nothing short of inspirational.  We need that in the qf. In France this is called le drop.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOjF6rRRHWQ

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on September 08, 2023, 11:43:49 AM
Quote from: seafoid on September 08, 2023, 11:38:08 AM
I watched the post match interview with the French manager after the 6 match again. Unfortunately it is in French only He had loads of questions about why they lost. He said they had to replace all the big forwards after 55-60 minutes because they were knackered. We have an excellent coach in Farrell, who planned this, to run rings around the motherfuckers and mitigate their game influence. Ireland are also very disciplined. The whole squad. this is also strategic. Plus we have a rugby league defence .  All of this is underestimated I think.

Also when we have a good team we never give up. This one of my favourite sports videos. It is nothing short of inspirational.  We need that in the qf. In France this is called le drop.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOjF6rRRHWQ

Is this not the reason the South Africans are going with the 7-1 bench split? a whole new pack coming in on 50 odd minutes?

Also, I see a lot of complaints about SA slowing the game down to allow their pack a chance to recover from the very thing you talked about. It will be interesting to see how this timewasting is refereed in the coming weeks.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 08, 2023, 12:21:50 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on September 08, 2023, 11:43:49 AM
Quote from: seafoid on September 08, 2023, 11:38:08 AM
I watched the post match interview with the French manager after the 6 match again. Unfortunately it is in French only He had loads of questions about why they lost. He said they had to replace all the big forwards after 55-60 minutes because they were knackered. We have an excellent coach in Farrell, who planned this, to run rings around the motherfuckers and mitigate their game influence. Ireland are also very disciplined. The whole squad. this is also strategic. Plus we have a rugby league defence .  All of this is underestimated I think.

Also when we have a good team we never give up. This one of my favourite sports videos. It is nothing short of inspirational.  We need that in the qf. In France this is called le drop.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOjF6rRRHWQ
%0 mins

Is this not the reason the South Africans are going with the 7-1 bench split? a whole new pack coming in on 50 odd minutes?

Also, I see a lot of complaints about SA slowing the game down to allow their pack a chance to recover from the very thing you talked about. It will be interesting to see how this timewasting is refereed in the coming weeks.
50 mins leaves a lot of time for one of the backs to get injured and replaced by a fatty .I think it's too risky for a World Cup. I think in that match SA wanted to annihilate NZ and NZ didn't care. They were themselves 3 months ago.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on September 08, 2023, 01:16:55 PM
Whether you like rugby or not, that's a tasty opener coming up, and if we get out of our group we meet one of them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: shark on September 08, 2023, 01:34:24 PM
Quote from: weareros on September 08, 2023, 01:16:55 PM
Whether you like rugby or not, that's a tasty opener coming up, and if we get out of our group we meet one of them.

I'm looking forward to watching it. But does the result really matter?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Joeythelips on September 08, 2023, 01:45:37 PM
Quote from: shark on September 08, 2023, 01:34:24 PM
Quote from: weareros on September 08, 2023, 01:16:55 PM
Whether you like rugby or not, that's a tasty opener coming up, and if we get out of our group we meet one of them.

I'm looking forward to watching it. But does the result really matter?

Id imagine both will want to lay down a marker but agree there could be a bit of shadow boxing also given it would not be much of a shock if they end up meeting in the final. It should help Ireland that NZ play France (so should know potential quarter final opponents depending on group position if they qualify) and South Africa play Scotland before Irelands first real test against the South Africans.

I think France will be very hard to beat on home turf but given the draw I could see Argentina doing very well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 08, 2023, 02:00:20 PM
Quote from: Joeythelips on September 08, 2023, 01:45:37 PM
Quote from: shark on September 08, 2023, 01:34:24 PM
Quote from: weareros on September 08, 2023, 01:16:55 PM
Whether you like rugby or not, that's a tasty opener coming up, and if we get out of our group we meet one of them.

I'm looking forward to watching it. But does the result really matter?

Id imagine both will want to lay down a marker but agree there could be a bit of shadow boxing also given it would not be much of a shock if they end up meeting in the final. It should help Ireland that NZ play France (so should know potential quarter final opponents depending on group position if they qualify) and South Africa play Scotland before Irelands first real test against the South Africans.

I think France will be very hard to beat on home turf but given the draw I could see Argentina doing very well.
The best result would be if they battered each other and at least 3 injuries per side.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on September 08, 2023, 08:22:00 PM
Good start for All-Blacks.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 08, 2023, 08:26:35 PM
There lads on the all-black team I don't know, there was a time I could named the team and the bench.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on September 08, 2023, 08:48:10 PM
Definitely not 6 Nations Rugby weather conditions. Playing rugby in 30 degrees can't be fun. Hope it cools down for Ireland's big matches.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on September 08, 2023, 09:11:34 PM
A bit of a strange match. We haven't seen anything from Dupont so far. That has to change.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on September 08, 2023, 09:22:04 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on September 08, 2023, 08:26:35 PM
There lads on the all-black team I don't know, there was a time I could named the team and the bench.

Mark Telea making a name for himself. Two great tries.
French not too happy though - looked a forward pass.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on September 08, 2023, 09:41:38 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on September 08, 2023, 09:11:34 PM
A bit of a strange match. We haven't seen anything from Dupont so far. That has to change.

Thought with the fast start it could have been an open entertaining game.

It's an arm wrestle but hard to take your eyes off it in enjoying it. Fancy France on the balance of play but NZ could conjure something out of nothing!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on September 08, 2023, 09:42:38 PM
French on top now after Penaud try.

Blanco has piled on the pounds in retirement.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 08, 2023, 09:44:00 PM
I think we better than the two of them, but that France heavy pack def a problem, Heavy packs give us issues before.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on September 08, 2023, 09:49:07 PM
Not that impressed with NZat all.  Very early but France should be out of sight.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 08, 2023, 10:05:31 PM
Well they should sacked their manager last year. NZ a pale shadow of there 2015 team. Rugby sorta sent back to relying on a big heavy pack team like England in 2003 or South Africa last world cup.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Eire90 on September 08, 2023, 10:06:05 PM
if you are Ireland you rather play NZ on that performance.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on September 08, 2023, 10:07:46 PM
Well the game answered the question: who do you want to meet in the 1/4 final, France or New Zealand? So winning the group is the priority.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 08, 2023, 10:09:43 PM
Quote from: Eire90 on September 08, 2023, 10:06:05 PM
if you are Ireland you rather play NZ on that performance.
It's the round robin stage. Maybe Mayo have just beaten Kerry.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on September 08, 2023, 10:10:55 PM
Dupont did nothing for France but France were still well on top for most of the second half.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 08, 2023, 10:19:10 PM
South Africa be stronger than either. U wouldn't want a beating session with them, then take on a heavy France pack. That's the worse New Zealand team I seen player wise since 1991.Plus very poor manager who wouldn't go last year when they were so poor, think they lost more games in about 2 years than the horrible 98 season.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: An Watcher on September 08, 2023, 10:34:51 PM
I really think it's too big of an ask for ireland to beat SA, then Scotland a week later and then NZ a week after that.  They'll be beat up while NZ will just canter through their next 3 games
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: meatsy86 on September 08, 2023, 10:40:50 PM
2 week gap between Sprinboks and Scotland game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: An Watcher on September 08, 2023, 10:43:32 PM
That's a good help. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on September 08, 2023, 10:53:10 PM
That's the first pool game NZ have ever lost at the World Cup.  Crazy consistency. 31 wins in a row.

Very poor tonight.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on September 08, 2023, 11:48:27 PM
Quote from: seafoid on September 08, 2023, 10:09:43 PM
Quote from: Eire90 on September 08, 2023, 10:06:05 PM
if you are Ireland you rather play NZ on that performance.
It's the round robin stage. Maybe Mayo have just beaten Kerry.

Are you saying New Zealand will lose the final?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on September 08, 2023, 11:55:47 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on September 08, 2023, 11:48:27 PM
Quote from: seafoid on September 08, 2023, 10:09:43 PM
Quote from: Eire90 on September 08, 2023, 10:06:05 PM
if you are Ireland you rather play NZ on that performance.
It's the round robin stage. Maybe Mayo have just beaten Kerry.

Are you saying New Zealand will lose the final?

I think in rugby terms New Zealand are Kerry, South Africa are the Dubs. The Aussies are Tyrone and France are Mayo (always coming up short). England are Armagh (won it once in recent memory in fairness). Ireland are the Rossies. Can take out a big team in an early round but can't get past a 1/4 final.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on September 09, 2023, 12:10:15 AM
Quote from: weareros on September 08, 2023, 11:55:47 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on September 08, 2023, 11:48:27 PM
Quote from: seafoid on September 08, 2023, 10:09:43 PM
Quote from: Eire90 on September 08, 2023, 10:06:05 PM
if you are Ireland you rather play NZ on that performance.
It's the round robin stage. Maybe Mayo have just beaten Kerry.

Are you saying New Zealand will lose the final?

I think in rugby terms New Zealand are Kerry, South Africa are the Dubs. The Aussies are Tyrone and France are Mayo (always coming up short). England are Armagh (won it once in recent memory in fairness). Ireland are the Rossies. Can take out a big team in an early round but can't get past a 1/4 final.

Seafoid is looking his phone back  ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on September 09, 2023, 12:35:56 AM
 ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: PAULD123 on September 09, 2023, 10:44:58 AM
Quote from: weareros on September 08, 2023, 11:55:47 PM
I think in rugby terms New Zealand are Kerry, South Africa are the Dubs. The Aussies are Tyrone and France are Mayo (always coming up short). England are Armagh (won it once in recent memory in fairness). Ireland are the Rossies. Can take out a big team in an early round but can't get past a 1/4 final.

I think that's really funny because it's not far off accurate. made me smile today
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: PAULD123 on September 09, 2023, 11:28:54 AM
I wouldn't get sucked into the hype about France. This post may sound like I am a New Zealand fan, I'm not, don't really like them at all. I just think that France weren't as impressive in analysis as emotion perhaps made people feel on the night.

They were dysfunctional for a lot of the game without N'Tamack. No fluidity at all, resorting to their standard kicking game a lot, but without the intelligence of N'Tamack. Jailibert is a genius player but didn't impose himself for most of the game bevuase he doesn't play the way France play, DuPont was clearly in charge and that limited French attack because it is either long kicks or short inside passes. Their defence was extremally Narrow and exposed easily by Telea when New Zealand had the sense to release him.

France were dominant and deserved to win, the better team yes, but look at the opposition. New Zealand stuttered because of Mo'Unga, if Barrett was 10 I think he would have controlled their possession better. But the biggest thing was discipline. New Zealand gave away 7 kickable penalties and France took 5 of them. If you give away 15 points to the opposition you are not gong to have an easy night. France didn't create a lot for the first 50 minutes of the game, New Zealand's appalling discipline handed them the authority.

Incidentally the last try should never have stood. France turned the ball over before Jalibert's kick. In the turnover Vincent crystal-clear knocks the ball forward on the ground. It literally goes round his body before he gathers it and offers it back to his team. Even the Try itself - Jaminet does not have control of the ball in the air and it brushes off Mo'Unga's head before gathering it. That's a knock on and it should have been checked.

Now that try aside, France already had the game won. France deserved to win and are a really good team but I think the All-Blacks made them look better by poor discipline threw the game away. Take away the penalties and France aren't in a position to open up for the Final flourish.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on September 09, 2023, 01:19:49 PM
This game coming up will be tough in the conditions I think.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: armaghniac on September 09, 2023, 02:35:48 PM
Did someone screw up the script at the start?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 09, 2023, 02:37:14 PM
5-0
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 09, 2023, 02:38:51 PM
Quick response
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 09, 2023, 04:00:49 PM
47-8
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on September 09, 2023, 04:12:29 PM
Time to crack open the Hoino.
Seriously awful nonsense having a month of these type of games.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on September 09, 2023, 04:16:07 PM
Rugby needs 20 teams at a World Cup about as much as I want kneecapped.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 09, 2023, 04:20:01 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on September 09, 2023, 04:16:07 PM
Rugby needs 20 teams at a World Cup about as much as I want kneecapped.
Rugby needs a Tailteann or Joe Mac Cup
It's like Galway vs Leitrim
75-8
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on September 09, 2023, 04:24:27 PM
Point a minute
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Blowitupref on September 09, 2023, 04:32:09 PM
Romania previous games, lost 57-7 to Italy and lost 56-6 to Georgia
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on September 09, 2023, 04:33:16 PM
Quote from: seafoid on September 09, 2023, 04:20:01 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on September 09, 2023, 04:16:07 PM
Rugby needs 20 teams at a World Cup about as much as I want kneecapped.
Rugby needs a Tailteann or Joe Mac Cup
It's like Galway vs Leitrim
75-8


It would be better to drop back down to 16. Tournament would be 2 weeks shorter. 3 group games and no bye week. Add an 8 team tournament along side it with the winners qualifying for the next world cup.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: armaghniac on September 09, 2023, 04:38:49 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on September 09, 2023, 04:16:07 PM
Rugby needs 20 teams at a World Cup about as much as I want kneecapped.

Yes, but a lot of people probably support both propositions all the same.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 09, 2023, 04:40:17 PM
What different this game than lowly ranked Down kick the crap out of Laois in the fball.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on September 09, 2023, 04:42:14 PM
Virgin Media One struggling to sell any part of that fiasco with their post-match.

Peter O'Mahoney done the PR stuff collecting POTM (There is probably a problem with calling it MOTM anymore) trying his best to talk up Romania.



Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 09, 2023, 04:47:26 PM
It's the first world cup where we got players in multi positions. Full bck bck up the only position abit weak. The understudy to Sexton looks a great player but very inexperienced at this stage of his career.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on September 09, 2023, 05:29:15 PM
Thought Aki was the best player on pitch
Bodes well for SA game
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on September 09, 2023, 06:27:04 PM
I heard the Romanian economy has gone into recession as a result of that match (source: Jamie Heaslip)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LC on September 09, 2023, 06:55:21 PM
Quote from: Itchy on September 09, 2023, 06:27:04 PM
I heard the Romanian economy has gone into recession as a result of that match (source: Jamie Heaslip)

:D :D

His statement earlier today was as stupid as one of the other rugby guys said a few years back that rugby in Ireland was the peoples game or something like that.

The D4 brigade sometimes suffer from a combination of their head up their asses / living in a bubble.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on September 09, 2023, 07:04:55 PM
This game coming up will be something else! Argentina will be going all guns blazing!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on September 09, 2023, 07:55:33 PM
I wonder what way England v Argentina will go. It is hard to say but the losers should still get second in this group.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on September 09, 2023, 07:57:09 PM
Hoping for blood and thunder
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on September 09, 2023, 07:59:14 PM
The anthems need to go tA f**k!!! It's brutal and I'm not interested in the back story either
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on September 09, 2023, 08:02:33 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on September 09, 2023, 07:59:14 PM
The anthems need to go tA f**k!!! It's brutal and I'm not interested in the back story either
Murdering them! La Marseillaise ruined last night
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Eire90 on September 09, 2023, 08:05:32 PM
there actually talks of expanding to 24
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on September 09, 2023, 08:05:59 PM
Quote from: LC on September 09, 2023, 06:55:21 PM
Quote from: Itchy on September 09, 2023, 06:27:04 PM
I heard the Romanian economy has gone into recession as a result of that match (source: Jamie Heaslip)

:D :D

His statement earlier today was as stupid as one of the other rugby guys said a few years back that rugby in Ireland was the peoples game or something like that.

The D4 brigade sometimes suffer from a combination of their head up their asses / living in a bubble.

https://x.com/refcomeon/status/1700436502524633488?s=46&t=zgzuYWfgC5dD3Y5jl1Xd6A (https://x.com/refcomeon/status/1700436502524633488?s=46&t=zgzuYWfgC5dD3Y5jl1Xd6A)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 09, 2023, 08:13:00 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on September 09, 2023, 08:05:59 PM
Quote from: LC on September 09, 2023, 06:55:21 PM
Quote from: Itchy on September 09, 2023, 06:27:04 PM
I heard the Romanian economy has gone into recession as a result of that match (source: Jamie Heaslip)

:D :D

His statement earlier today was as stupid as one of the other rugby guys said a few years back that rugby in Ireland was the peoples game or something like that.

The D4 brigade sometimes suffer from a combination of their head up their asses / living in a bubble.

https://x.com/refcomeon/status/1700436502524633488?s=46&t=zgzuYWfgC5dD3Y5jl1Xd6A (https://x.com/refcomeon/status/1700436502524633488?s=46&t=zgzuYWfgC5dD3Y5jl1Xd6A)
Was he drunk?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on September 09, 2023, 08:20:09 PM
 Christ, it's like getting stuck listening to a drunk Southsider in the Shelbourne.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on September 09, 2023, 08:20:40 PM
Tom Curry just got a ridiculous red card. The Argentine flew into him causing a clash of heads. It wasn't even a yellow imho.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on September 09, 2023, 08:22:39 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on September 09, 2023, 08:20:40 PM
Tom Curry just got a ridiculous red card. The Argentine flew into him causing a clash of heads. It wasn't even a yellow imho.

Rugby's rule makers have attempting to clamp down on accidents for a decade. Understandably so given the insurance claims incoming. But they don't seems to understand what accidents are.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 09, 2023, 08:23:21 PM
Well pat, u need read the new rule book,
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on September 09, 2023, 08:24:32 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on September 09, 2023, 08:20:40 PM
Tom Curry just got a ridiculous red card. The Argentine flew into him causing a clash of heads. It wasn't even a yellow imho.

I thought it very harsh myself. Head injuries are getting like the trans debate, people afraid to open their mouths about it. Be interesting to see what happens the Argentine yellow, his looked much worse - intent wise.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 09, 2023, 08:25:25 PM
Curry could have waited to the player came down, he didn't and ended up with a high enough tackle with his head hitting the other player. By the updated rules, that's a red. And we see plenty of them this world cup. I think players should be wearing well padded scrum caps, it might lessen some impacts but concussions are on the way upwards as the heavier players have got faster.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on September 09, 2023, 08:28:56 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on September 09, 2023, 08:25:25 PM
Curry coukd have waited to the player came down, he didn't and ended up with a high enough tackle with his head hitting the other player. By the updated rules, that's a red. And we see plenty of them this world cup. I think players should be wearing well padded scrum caps, it might lessen some impacts but concussions are on the way upwards as the heavier players have got faster.

If Curry was a preprogrammed robot I'd agree with you
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on September 09, 2023, 08:38:18 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on September 09, 2023, 08:20:40 PM
Tom Curry just got a ridiculous red card. The Argentine flew into him causing a clash of heads. It wasn't even a yellow imho.

What you mean is the Argentine played the ball in the air and, as he landed, a fully upright Curry headbutted him. Lack of intent is completely irrelevant.

Clear as day red.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on September 09, 2023, 08:48:46 PM
This is v clever and v controlled by England. The big bastards.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 09, 2023, 08:49:15 PM
How bad are Argentina, cause that English team is crap.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on September 09, 2023, 08:49:23 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on September 09, 2023, 08:24:32 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on September 09, 2023, 08:20:40 PM
Tom Curry just got a ridiculous red card. The Argentine flew into him causing a clash of heads. It wasn't even a yellow imho.

I thought it very harsh myself. Head injuries are getting like the trans debate, people afraid to open their mouths about it. Be interesting to see what happens the Argentine yellow, his looked much worse - intent wise.

What on earth is this absolute w**k supposed to mean?  Who is being silenced when it comes to head injuries in rugby?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on September 09, 2023, 09:01:08 PM
Quote from: gallsman on September 09, 2023, 08:49:23 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on September 09, 2023, 08:24:32 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on September 09, 2023, 08:20:40 PM
Tom Curry just got a ridiculous red card. The Argentine flew into him causing a clash of heads. It wasn't even a yellow imho.

I thought it very harsh myself. Head injuries are getting like the trans debate, people afraid to open their mouths about it. Be interesting to see what happens the Argentine yellow, his looked much worse - intent wise.

What on earth is this absolute w**k supposed to mean?  Who is being silenced when it comes to head injuries in rugby?

I think his general point is along the lines of:

Should anyone graze heads with a ball carrier, then rugby's laws will always rule against the defender, regardless of context, timings or intent. And they do so through the catch all concept of duty of care. Which basically means the ball carrier can do whatever he likes and a collision is never his fault.

And his actual point is that:

If you try to challenge this duty of care argument at all then the internet hates you. Which is wrong.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on September 09, 2023, 09:16:31 PM
Argentina are pure shite, they won't get a better opportunity to beat England at a world cup and they are bottling it so far
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Onthe40 on September 09, 2023, 09:18:50 PM
They are absolutely awful.. mistake after mistake
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on September 09, 2023, 09:21:26 PM
Dreadful. Just the sort of galvanising result that England will be able to build on as well given they should walk the rest of the pool.

That said, England have played excellent 14 man rugby, all things considered. Keeping it quite simple, not being overly ambitious in terms of being expansive, taking the points when they're on offer.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on September 09, 2023, 09:23:44 PM
Outstanding performance from Courtney Lawes.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 09, 2023, 09:24:52 PM
That England team can't do expansive, drop kicks and penalties is all they offer, shockingly one dimensional, with a bunch of long done old props in Cole and Marler.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on September 09, 2023, 09:26:45 PM
Playing in the Rugby Championship has not done much for Argentina. Very poorly coached too.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on September 09, 2023, 09:27:02 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on September 09, 2023, 09:24:52 PM
That England team can't do expansive, drop kicks and penalties is all they offer, shockingly one dimensional, with a bunch of long done old props in Cole and Marler.

For a man down they are comfortable without having to be expansive
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on September 09, 2023, 09:28:44 PM
Quote from: weareros on September 09, 2023, 09:26:45 PM
Playing in the Rugby Championship has not done much for Argentina. Very poorly coached too.

They're not usually this bad looks like the occasion has gotten to them crazy amount of schoolboy errors!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on September 09, 2023, 09:30:58 PM
You would think Argentina had 14 not England. The penalty count is beyond a joke
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 09, 2023, 09:36:22 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on September 09, 2023, 09:30:58 PM
You would think Argentina had 14 not England. The penalty count is beyond a joke
Wexford had a man sent off in the 95 final and beat Limerick. Eamon Scallan
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: galwayman on September 09, 2023, 09:39:36 PM
Hard to believe how shite Argentina have been with an extra man for pretty much the whole game.
They haven't even looked like scoring.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on September 09, 2023, 09:43:39 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on September 09, 2023, 09:30:58 PM
You would think Argentina had 14 not England. The penalty count is beyond a joke

Very poorly managed team and lacking direction on the field also.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 09, 2023, 09:44:11 PM
Quote from: gallsman on September 09, 2023, 09:21:26 PM
Dreadful. Just the sort of galvanising result that England will be able to build on as well given they should walk the rest of the pool.

That said, England have played excellent 14 man rugby, all things considered. Keeping it quite simple, not being overly ambitious in terms of being expansive, taking the points when they're on offer.
Argentina have been very generous. The media treatment of this match is very different to what it would be if it was a soccer match.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: quit yo jibbajabba on September 09, 2023, 09:44:23 PM
Tuned in hoping to see an England trouncing. Disappointed.

Apols if already discussed but how shite have the anthems been?

Finally are Ire Fra NZ And SA in same half yes? So other half has Eng Arg Wal and Sco? So based on this a decent shout for Sco Eng in the final or Eng if Scots get eliminated?

I've rambled...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on September 09, 2023, 09:47:46 PM
This performance is probably worse than Romania's!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on September 09, 2023, 09:49:02 PM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on September 09, 2023, 09:44:23 PM
Tuned in hoping to see an England trouncing. Disappointed.

Apols if already discussed but how shite have the anthems been?

Finally are Ire Fra NZ And SA in same half yes? So other half has Eng Arg Wal and Sco? So based on this a decent shout for Sco Eng in the final or Eng if Scots get eliminated?

I've rambled...

Scots are in our group!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on September 09, 2023, 09:49:29 PM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on September 09, 2023, 09:44:23 PM
Tuned in hoping to see an England trouncing. Disappointed.

Apols if already discussed but how shite have the anthems been?

Finally are Ire Fra NZ And SA in same half yes? So other half has Eng Arg Wal and Sco? So based on this a decent shout for Sco Eng in the final or Eng if Scots get eliminated?

I've rambled...

The top 5 are all on one side. Ireland,SA, NZ, France, Scotland. 3 of those will be out after 1/4 final.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on September 09, 2023, 09:53:07 PM
What a chance for Argentina to get the Falklands back and they've blown it
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on September 09, 2023, 09:53:22 PM
Quote from: weareros on September 09, 2023, 09:49:29 PM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on September 09, 2023, 09:44:23 PM
Tuned in hoping to see an England trouncing. Disappointed.

Apols if already discussed but how shite have the anthems been?

Finally are Ire Fra NZ And SA in same half yes? So other half has Eng Arg Wal and Sco? So based on this a decent shout for Sco Eng in the final or Eng if Scots get eliminated?

I've rambled...

The top 5 are all on one side. Ireland,SA, NZ, France, Scotland. 3 of those will be out after 1/4 final.

This match shows what a farce the draw is. Argentina are still likely going to the QF despite one of the most spineless inept displays you have ever seen yet sco, ire or SA are going home early. Why all those times we met Argentina at a world cup they played like France yet when England play them they are worse than a pub team
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on September 09, 2023, 09:57:43 PM
Argentina warmed up for this tournament by playing Spain, England warmed up by losing to Fiji. this result shows which team had the better approach to warm up games.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on September 09, 2023, 10:00:43 PM
Shocking performance from Argentina.
Useless from start to finish. 
17pt victory for England without worrying the try line at any point in the game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on September 09, 2023, 10:03:28 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on September 09, 2023, 09:57:43 PM
Argentina warmed up for this tournament by playing Spain, England warmed up by losing to Fiji. this result shows which team had the better approach to warm up games.
Argentina were playing NZ, Australia & SA in the Rugby Championship only a month or 2 ago. It could be tricky for the Southern hemisphere teams managing that
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 09, 2023, 10:22:14 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on September 09, 2023, 09:53:22 PM
Quote from: weareros on September 09, 2023, 09:49:29 PM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on September 09, 2023, 09:44:23 PM
Tuned in hoping to see an England trouncing. Disappointed.

Apols if already discussed but how shite have the anthems been?

Finally are Ire Fra NZ And SA in same half yes? So other half has Eng Arg Wal and Sco? So based on this a decent shout for Sco Eng in the final or Eng if Scots get eliminated?

I've rambled...



The top 5 are all on one side. Ireland,SA, NZ, France, Scotland. 3 of those will be out after 1/4 final.

This match shows what a farce the draw is. Argentina are still likely going to the QF despite one of the most spineless inept displays you have ever seen yet sco, ire or SA are going home early. Why all those times we met Argentina at a world cup they played like France yet when England play them they are worse than a pub team
It's a timing issue. Scotland have reached one semi. They beat Samoa in the QF. I think Wales have reached 2 semis. On qf was against us. We had a lot of mi adh apart from all the malfunctions. We never got Samoa in the quarters.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGl0CjMYRxY
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: quit yo jibbajabba on September 09, 2023, 11:01:38 PM
Quote from: screenexile on September 09, 2023, 09:49:02 PM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on September 09, 2023, 09:44:23 PM
Tuned in hoping to see an England trouncing. Disappointed.

Apols if already discussed but how shite have the anthems been?

Finally are Ire Fra NZ And SA in same half yes? So other half has Eng Arg Wal and Sco? So based on this a decent shout for Sco Eng in the final or Eng if Scots get eliminated?

I've rambled...

Scots are in our group!!

Aye sorry lol thought there was some way they'd up in other half. Stupid. So basically after Tonite and seeing how poor arg were eng are in the final barring a collapse yes?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on September 09, 2023, 11:15:17 PM
Argentina very poor tonight.

After beating strong teams this year, they were very disappointing.  Especially as England went a man down after 2 mins.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on September 09, 2023, 11:17:42 PM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on September 09, 2023, 11:01:38 PM
Quote from: screenexile on September 09, 2023, 09:49:02 PM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on September 09, 2023, 09:44:23 PM
Tuned in hoping to see an England trouncing. Disappointed.

Apols if already discussed but how shite have the anthems been?

Finally are Ire Fra NZ And SA in same half yes? So other half has Eng Arg Wal and Sco? So based on this a decent shout for Sco Eng in the final or Eng if Scots get eliminated?

I've rambled...

Scots are in our group!!

Aye sorry lol thought there was some way they'd up in other half. Stupid. So basically after Tonite and seeing how poor arg were eng are in the final barring a collapse yes?

"The 2023 draw was made back in December 2020, just over a year on from the tournament in Japan, with seedings decided on what the world rankings were at the start of 2020. At that time, the new World Champions South Africa topped the standings, followed by New Zealand, England and then reigning Grand Slam champions Wales in fourth place to make up the top seeds.

However, more than three years on, the top teams in the world look significantly different, with Ireland and South Africa now topping the pile. France and the All Blacks are still in the mix, ranking third and fourth respectively, but England have slipped to eighth in the world while Wales have come close to falling out of the top 10.

All in all, the decision to hold the draw so far out from the start of the tournament itself has left the competition lopsided, with one side loaded with highly-ranked teams while the other lacks any team from inside the world's top five."


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on September 09, 2023, 11:32:47 PM
Thankfully the early draw problem will be fixed for the next World Cup. Presuming that RSA and Ireland go through from Group B, it's particularly harsh on Scotland as they've been playing a really nice brand of rugby recently.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on September 10, 2023, 08:18:20 AM
Quote from: gallsman on September 09, 2023, 08:38:18 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on September 09, 2023, 08:20:40 PM
Tom Curry just got a ridiculous red card. The Argentine flew into him causing a clash of heads. It wasn't even a yellow imho.

What you mean is the Argentine played the ball in the air and, as he landed, a fully upright Curry headbutted him. Lack of intent is completely irrelevant.

Clear as day red.

That should be a warning for all the other teams now.

No team, at professional level, in World Cup, should be making attempted tackles like this.

It'll be a red under the new rules.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on September 10, 2023, 08:21:35 AM
Quote from: marty34 on September 09, 2023, 11:15:17 PM
Argentina very poor tonight.

After beating strong teams this year, they were very disappointing.  Especially as England went a man down after 2 mins.
Every competitive game against decent opposition that the Argies play, they are underdogs. They were going into this game as even money, slight favs with some. After 3 mins they became hot favs. They knew they had to win, but forced everything.  Couldn't handle the expectation. Countlesss errors.

People use 'bottled' too often when it just happens the opposition are better on the day. But this was 100% a bottle job. All England did was keep it simple and take points when available. And that was enough against a team that was shooting themselves in the foot continuously.

As for Ireland, it was job done. Sexton very impressive. Bundee great. And plenty to improve on. Earls can't start any more though, hopefully that's the last we see of the great man.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 10, 2023, 09:35:29 AM
Quote from: marty34 on September 09, 2023, 11:15:17 PM
Argentina very poor tonight.

After beating strong teams this year, they were very disappointing.  Especially as England went a man down after 2 mins.
It's discipline or nothing in this tournament
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Ash Smoker on September 10, 2023, 09:59:11 AM
This tournament will break all records for red cards. England coped very well at 14 though. They kept it tight and picked off the points.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on September 10, 2023, 03:21:07 PM
Quote from: Ash Smoker on September 10, 2023, 09:59:11 AM
This tournament will break all records for red cards. England coped very well at 14 though. They kept it tight and picked off the points.

They were helped by an error strewn Argentina who knocked on so many balls it wasn't funny.
England have given Borthwick a problem as Ford was exemplary, kicked everything from all over the pitch.
Farrells suspension might be a blessing in disguise.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on September 10, 2023, 04:01:40 PM
Yellow/Red issue Japan v Chile. Stuart Barnes shared the tweet saying worrying inconsistencies. If a red had been awarded for this I'd have switched off.

https://twitter.com/TightFive_Rugby/status/1700845187902079343?t=c1JQYmQv25V95h1NClmAQQ&s=19
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Mikhail Prokhorov on September 10, 2023, 04:32:11 PM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on September 09, 2023, 09:44:23 PM
Tuned in hoping to see an England trouncing. Disappointed.

Apols if already discussed but how shite have the anthems been?

Finally are Ire Fra NZ And SA in same half yes? So other half has Eng Arg Wal and Sco? So based on this a decent shout for Sco Eng in the final or Eng if Scots get eliminated?

I've rambled...

no anthem for the Irish  ???
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on September 10, 2023, 05:14:09 PM
Big scrap red card and 3 match bans for all ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on September 10, 2023, 05:49:57 PM
Theres the issue with these head on head collisions. Curry rightly punished last night and a springboks player wrongly not even looked at by the tmo and game plays on. No consistency
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on September 10, 2023, 06:08:05 PM
Lovely try there by South Africa. Big bruising team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on September 10, 2023, 06:11:54 PM
It's a difficult watch because I was unsure what's the best result for Ireland. Looks like SA have it but will see. Hoping for no bonus points
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on September 10, 2023, 06:43:50 PM
Scotland were very disappointing there I thought they were better  but the boks just did what they normally do and Scotland couldn't match them.

That'll hit Scotland hard they'll need to beat us to stay in it but I wouldn't be too worried based on that. The Boks look like they'll be a tough proposition!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on September 10, 2023, 06:54:14 PM
South Africa strong all over - except place-kicking. Looked a bit dodgy there apart from one nice left footed conversion from de Klerk.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: The Boy Wonder on September 10, 2023, 07:38:25 PM
I'm wondering which is the more cringeworthy
- Bertie Ahern's cupboard ad for newspaper
- Paul O'Connell's Kevin the Carrot ad for Aldi ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on September 10, 2023, 08:16:34 PM
This has potential to be a good game great start!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on September 10, 2023, 09:32:37 PM
Great game Wales should have a man in the bin at this stage!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on September 10, 2023, 09:36:50 PM
Quote from: screenexile on September 10, 2023, 09:32:37 PM
Great game Wales should have a man in the bin at this stage!

Fiji have fumbled the ball twice going over the line ffs. A bit more  maturity and better discipline and they would be winning
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on September 10, 2023, 09:38:19 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on September 10, 2023, 09:36:50 PM
Quote from: screenexile on September 10, 2023, 09:32:37 PM
Great game Wales should have a man in the bin at this stage!

Fiji have fumbled the ball twice going over the line ffs. A bit more  maturity and better discipline and they would be winning

Yeah definitely. Can't believe he's given Fiji that yellow and Wales are offside for fun defending the try line and nothing!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on September 10, 2023, 09:49:40 PM
Yeah ref was poor he should have binned a Welsh player during that phase because they were just spoiling/ infringing over and over again. Fiji will be kicking themselves here that Welsh team ain't great
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Mourne Red on September 10, 2023, 10:02:56 PM
What a game.. Usually Rugby bores me but the southern hemisphere teams always allow for a good game
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on September 10, 2023, 10:03:14 PM
Wales are a poxy shower. Undeserved win.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: lenny on September 10, 2023, 10:04:14 PM
Quote from: screenexile on September 10, 2023, 09:38:19 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on September 10, 2023, 09:36:50 PM
Quote from: screenexile on September 10, 2023, 09:32:37 PM
Great game Wales should have a man in the bin at this stage!

Fiji have fumbled the ball twice going over the line ffs. A bit more  maturity and better discipline and they would be winning

Yeah definitely. Can't believe he's given Fiji that yellow and Wales are offside for fun defending the try line and nothing!

The better team lost. Most of the decisions went the way of Wales also.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on September 10, 2023, 10:04:41 PM
Ref didn't help but Fiji fairly messed that up they should have won that. 2 dropped balls over the line, the double movement and then the drop at the end. They had loads of chances to win.

Class game!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on September 10, 2023, 10:04:45 PM
That last pass summed up Fiji ffs how did he drop that it was like an open goal. Wales forever spawny bastards at the world cup. They are so shit and will probably still stumble into a SF.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: An Watcher on September 10, 2023, 10:23:16 PM
Quarter final line up more or less sorted after one weekend
Eng v Wales, Aust v Arg, Fr v Ire/SA, Ire/SA v NZ

Japan or Scotland could do something but that's more or less it
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: burdizzo on September 10, 2023, 10:33:33 PM
Wow, so that drop at the end more or less banjaxes Fiji's chances. Hate to be him!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on September 10, 2023, 10:46:22 PM
Quote from: burdizzo on September 10, 2023, 10:33:33 PM
Wow, so that drop at the end more or less banjaxes Fiji's chances. Hate to be him!

It was a very poor drop as he had so much time to receive it, he was probably already celebrating the try in his head
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on September 10, 2023, 10:55:00 PM
Quote from: burdizzo on September 10, 2023, 10:33:33 PM
Wow, so that drop at the end more or less banjaxes Fiji's chances. Hate to be him!

They still have a chance if they can beat the Aussies and it's far from impossible!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on September 10, 2023, 11:53:32 PM
He had eyes on the line instead of securing the ball.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on September 11, 2023, 12:17:15 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on September 10, 2023, 06:11:54 PM
It's a difficult watch because I was unsure what's the best result for Ireland. Looks like SA have it but will see. Hoping for no bonus points

You got your wish. No losing bonus point for Scotland or 4 try bonus for South Africa. That could end up helping Ireland qualify or top the group
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on September 11, 2023, 08:55:32 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on September 11, 2023, 12:17:15 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on September 10, 2023, 06:11:54 PM
It's a difficult watch because I was unsure what's the best result for Ireland. Looks like SA have it but will see. Hoping for no bonus points

You got your wish. No losing bonus point for Scotland or 4 try bonus for South Africa. That could end up helping Ireland qualify or top the group

Two things of note, the Scottish scrum did reasonably well against that SA scrum, won a few penalties from them so maybe they aren't the be all and end all in that department although Ireland will need to be rock solid when it comes to that aspect in a months time.
The other is that Finn Russell causes Scotland a lot of issues, he's reckless at times and for every one wonder pass that comes off, four to five are wild and dangerous in terms of losing possession.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on September 11, 2023, 09:25:30 AM
Finn Russel is unpredictable but you would still pick him. He made some good tackles when other Scots were missing. The scrum in the second half was nearly all SA. The main thing I took from the match was both teams were not as good as they have been esp Scotland, a very flat performance, so fingers crossed for the Ireland matches.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 5times5times on September 11, 2023, 11:14:31 AM
any tickets going for SA game? That RWC ticket site is the worst creation known to man.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Scarlet on September 11, 2023, 03:16:27 PM
Not sure if this is of interest but I'll throw it up if anyone younger kids want something to watch.
Monaghan RFC visit - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c19j2ulS1I8
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Joeythelips on September 11, 2023, 08:41:23 PM
Quote from: Hound on September 10, 2023, 08:21:35 AM
Quote from: marty34 on September 09, 2023, 11:15:17 PM
Argentina very poor tonight.

After beating strong teams this year, they were very disappointing.  Especially as England went a man down after 2 mins.
Every competitive game against decent opposition that the Argies play, they are underdogs. They were going into this game as even money, slight favs with some. After 3 mins they became hot favs. They knew they had to win, but forced everything.  Couldn't handle the expectation. Countlesss errors.

People use 'bottled' too often when it just happens the opposition are better on the day. But this was 100% a bottle job. All England did was keep it simple and take points when available. And that was enough against a team that was shooting themselves in the foot continuously.

As for Ireland, it was job done. Sexton very impressive. Bundee great. And plenty to improve on. Earls can't start any more though, hopefully that's the last we see of the great man.

100%.
Given the games against South Africa and Australia in particular this summer, I genuinely thought Argentina could do something special this tournament given the side of the draw they were on. But as you say they are use to playing with freedom as they are always underdogs. It was like they forgot how to play rugby against England.
Im not sure on the stats but I believe the average points conceded when you have a player in sin bin (10 mins) is something like 7 points, Argentina played almost 70 mins with and extra player and scored 3 points. They could not string 3 passes together and gave away penalty after penalty, it was shocking. I get England played well but if they go down a man for that long against a France or NZ it would be a cricket score.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 12, 2023, 08:07:53 AM
After the first round of games, and I know maybe it doesn't mean anything , but so far so good for Ireland. France and SA have work to do and NZ look disorganised.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on September 12, 2023, 08:19:39 AM
Quote from: seafoid on September 12, 2023, 08:07:53 AM
After the first round of games, and I know maybe it doesn't mean anything , but so far so good for Ireland. France and SA have work to do and NZ look disorganised.

Ireland played nobody and while get an easy start to the competition, their two by far hardest games are their last two.

France are OK, neutered a hotly fancied NZ, who do have a lot to do but will still qualify.

SA have a win under their belts against a banana skin opponent, so even if they do get beat by Ireland they should be OK.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 12, 2023, 10:06:58 AM
A suspected gang rape of an Irish woman in Bordeaux

https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/rugby-world-cup-three-men-27694572
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 12, 2023, 10:11:17 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on September 12, 2023, 08:19:39 AM
Quote from: seafoid on September 12, 2023, 08:07:53 AM
After the first round of games, and I know maybe it doesn't mean anything , but so far so good for Ireland. France and SA have work to do and NZ look disorganised.

Ireland played nobody and while get an easy start to the competition, their two by far hardest games are their last two.

France are OK, neutered a hotly fancied NZ, who do have a lot to do but will still qualify.

SA have a win under their belts against a banana skin opponent, so even if they do get beat by Ireland they should be OK.
Romania doesn't matter. What counts is what Ireland learnt since 2019. S&C, discipline, quality of subs etc. So far there is no outstanding team.
NZ are probably focused on the knockout stage.
If Ireland do get beaten in the qf it will be because the other team was clearly better. Not because Ireland didn't learn anything.
If you are beaten like that you can't argue. But if you do the learnings you have a higher chance of winning.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 12, 2023, 11:10:57 AM
This NZ the worst team they had in 30yrs, and lost alot of games in 2yrs, they were hotly fancied by very little.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Joeythelips on September 12, 2023, 11:12:59 AM
Quote from: seafoid on September 12, 2023, 10:11:17 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on September 12, 2023, 08:19:39 AM
Quote from: seafoid on September 12, 2023, 08:07:53 AM
After the first round of games, and I know maybe it doesn't mean anything , but so far so good for Ireland. France and SA have work to do and NZ look disorganised.

Ireland played nobody and while get an easy start to the competition, their two by far hardest games are their last two.

France are OK, neutered a hotly fancied NZ, who do have a lot to do but will still qualify.

SA have a win under their belts against a banana skin opponent, so even if they do get beat by Ireland they should be OK.
Romania doesn't matter. What counts is what Ireland learnt since 2019. S&C, discipline, quality of subs etc. So far there is no outstanding team.
NZ are probably focused on the knockout stage.
If Ireland do get beaten in the qf it will be because the other team was clearly better. Not because Ireland didn't learn anything.
If you are beaten like that you can't argue. But if you do the learnings you have a higher chance of winning.

Surely France are the outstanding team, I get it was not knockout but they came back twice against All Blacks and by the end were totally dominant of the Southern Hemisphere champions. That was best match so far with Wales v Fiji a close second. South Africa did what they do best and ground out a result which would have been easier if their kicker could do his job.

Obviously a long way to go but France are the big winners so far, they can rotate comfortably and still top the group and prepare for runners up in our group.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: NAG1 on September 12, 2023, 11:20:41 AM
The next few weeks looking at the fixtures is pretty much a wash out in terms of competitive games.

This is the weakness of the tournament where you can go nearly a full round of fixtures without any real jeopardy.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 12, 2023, 02:30:44 PM
Quote from: NAG1 on September 12, 2023, 11:20:41 AM
The next few weeks looking at the fixtures is pretty much a wash out in terms of competitive games.

This is the weakness of the tournament where you can go nearly a full round of fixtures without any real jeopardy.
Rugby even for walkover games has injury jeopardy which banjaxed Ireland at the RWC several times
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gawa316 on September 12, 2023, 03:17:36 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on September 12, 2023, 02:49:58 PM
Ulster Club Senior draw 23

Prelim 4/5  November

Fermanagh v Down

Q/Fs 11/12 November

(B) Derry v Antrim (Celtic Park)
(C) Cavan v Donegal (Breffni)
(D) Tyrone v Armagh (Omagh)
(E) Monaghan v Ferm/Down (In Newry if Down win, Clones if Ferm win prelim)


S/Fs 25/26 Nov

B V C
D V E

Final 9/10 December

Robert Baloucoune to get a run out for Fermanagh?!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on September 12, 2023, 03:59:34 PM
Fermanagh would take any help going
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 12, 2023, 05:25:15 PM
If Ireland could beat SA they could possibly have the 3 big Southern Hemisphere sides between them and the trophy. That would be some going.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on September 14, 2023, 09:20:13 PM
France 13 Uruguay 12 after 54 minutes

France 20 Uruguay 12 after 55 minutes. For a moment I thought an upset was on the cards.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 14, 2023, 09:38:29 PM
France are very poor, how many starters there? South Africa look a stronger team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on September 14, 2023, 09:44:18 PM
It is pretty much a second string french team. At this rate Uruguay will nearly beat New Zealand.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on September 14, 2023, 09:52:59 PM
I think tonight shows why Farrell has gone for a strong team, France being made to look ridiculous.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 15, 2023, 10:16:24 AM
They said on TV there was 8 starters there for the French.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on September 15, 2023, 10:27:23 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on September 15, 2023, 10:16:24 AM
They said on TV there was 8 starters there for the French.
.

Of the starting 15, Jolonch, Woki and Moefana might start a crunch tie.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Joeythelips on September 15, 2023, 10:29:16 AM
France made 12 changes to the side who beat New Zealand, its like a Premier league side playing a minnow in the League cup in that they make wholesale changes knowing they will win anyway. You will see it if you look back on previous Wold Cup winners where they rotate and win with a poor performance. I would read nothing into it, France still favourites as it stands for me.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on September 15, 2023, 12:00:25 PM
Quote from: Joeythelips on September 15, 2023, 10:29:16 AM
France made 12 changes to the side who beat New Zealand, its like a Premier league side playing a minnow in the League cup in that they make wholesale changes knowing they will win anyway. You will see it if you look back on previous Wold Cup winners where they rotate and win with a poor performance. I would read nothing into it, France still favourites as it stands for me.

I'd still have France favourites but Uruguay fairly destroyed the spread of 58pts predicted. It was a fairly enjoyable game too. France without Dupont are well down the pecking order!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on September 15, 2023, 02:17:47 PM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F6DnkobXMAAxbdV?format=webp&name=small)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 15, 2023, 08:54:37 PM
McKenzie a better 10 than the all-Blacks current one. Hope Foster doesn't see that, to it's too late.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on September 16, 2023, 07:37:07 AM
McKenzie was playing Namibia, you can't read too much into it.

He's what gets classically described as "mercurial". He's been the Second Coming since he was about 15 and has never really secured first choice status. The fact Because Barrett is around hasn't helped him lock down 10 and Jordie has been in his way at 15. Mo'unga is quality too.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 16, 2023, 11:33:39 AM
the RWC has been going since 95 and there hasn't been any change in terms of the top teams (10)  and the rest. It looks very like hurling, with Fiji and Romania  like Laois and Antrim and Namibia etc in the Christy Ring.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on September 16, 2023, 07:54:25 PM
I know I said it before the Romanian game but this one really should be a tough assignment. I think we will win but the big worry for me is injuries against a big physical Tonga team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on September 16, 2023, 07:56:02 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on September 16, 2023, 07:54:25 PM
I know I said it before the Romanian game but this one really should be a tough assignment. I think we will win but the big worry for me is injuries against a big physical Tonga team.
Just saying to the missus there that I think playing Sexton could be crazy against these big hitters.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on September 16, 2023, 08:14:52 PM
Ireland making hard work of this already
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on September 16, 2023, 08:17:13 PM
Twas a lovely little dance there from Tonga at the start but since there's no point for the dance would they not be better practicing not fouling?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 16, 2023, 08:39:37 PM
Murray kicks too much and is too slow passing it. I like to see what the Mascot like!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tatler Jack on September 16, 2023, 08:47:56 PM
Some try by Hansen
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on September 16, 2023, 08:54:59 PM
We all know, as we are reminded every day, that Ireland have the most professional set up imaginable and Farrell is the greatest coach of all.

But why in holy f**k he's sent out his first team to get smashed by 20 stone men in a pointless game that Connacht would win with bonus points, I'll never know.

This decision is the start of the end for Ireland's World Cup hopes.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on September 16, 2023, 09:17:30 PM
Johnny off
Sensible
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 16, 2023, 09:37:12 PM
Game of constant penalties
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on September 16, 2023, 09:54:47 PM
This strong team was going to go like this:

A win, good performance and no injuries and the media will be saying Farrell got his game plan right.

A tight win, dodgy performance and a good few injuries and Farrell would be toast.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 16, 2023, 10:16:07 PM
Ireland played rightly but the game had no flow, constant penalties both ways with only 1 yellow card in the game, first World Cup I seen where Ireland looks to have a very good back line.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on September 17, 2023, 12:09:03 AM
Another convincing performance from Ireland with the bonus point secured early. The rte crew were pleased with the performance and I was too. I now think we will beat South Africa.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on September 17, 2023, 11:35:26 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on September 16, 2023, 09:37:12 PM
Game of constant penalties

Ireland were renowned for not giving penalties away and avoiding yellow cards and as much as I think Barnes is hard on Ireland most were warranted.

Bunde Aki was goosed there, should have been giving more ball to the fresher Henshaw

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on September 17, 2023, 01:46:12 PM
Being Irish and the usually distain we as Irish have for anyone being full of themselves, I find it really hard during this World Cup to get solidly behind the team.

The exaggeration of Irelands position as a force in Rugby, the back slapping, the constant talking up.
To be fair - bar a minority, the team themselves carry themselves well.

That said hopefully we win the damn thing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on September 17, 2023, 02:08:40 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on September 17, 2023, 01:46:12 PM
Being Irish and the usually distain we as Irish have for anyone being full of themselves, I find it really hard during this World Cup to get solidly behind the team.

The exaggeration of Irelands position as a force in Rugby, the back slapping, the constant talking up.
To be fair - bar a minority, the team themselves carry themselves well.

That said hopefully we win the damn thing.


You mean stuff like this.

https://x.com/haribaldijones/status/1703033093680988525?s=46&t=zgzuYWfgC5dD3Y5jl1Xd6A (https://x.com/haribaldijones/status/1703033093680988525?s=46&t=zgzuYWfgC5dD3Y5jl1Xd6A)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on September 17, 2023, 02:15:19 PM
This is gonna be a 100 pointer. Waste of time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on September 17, 2023, 04:24:23 PM
I see Gatland wants a 24 team RWC.

It won't be entertaining. It won't be fair. It won't be enjoyable.

The only impact it would have on the outcome of the competition is in giving top players a further opportunity to get injured.

Aye let's do that Warren.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on September 17, 2023, 05:06:46 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on September 17, 2023, 04:24:23 PM
I see Gatland wants a 24 team RWC.

It won't be entertaining. It won't be fair. It won't be enjoyable.

The only impact it would have on the outcome of the competition is in giving top players a further opportunity to get injured.

Aye let's do that Warren.
World Rugby want a system that guarantees participation by USA and Canada as they're desperate to make inroads in N. America, especially with a RWC coming up in the US.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: An Watcher on September 17, 2023, 07:49:48 PM
Wales could be in a spot of bother after the fiji win?  Yes, beat Australia and they win the group.  Lose and they coukd be going home
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on September 17, 2023, 08:06:43 PM
Wales deserve to go home they have been w**k. I fear that yet again they could find themselves in a semi after doing next to nothing. Makes a mockery of Ireland's QF issues over the yrs
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 17, 2023, 08:18:10 PM
Denying Australia a point for been within 7 could bite them in the end Australia a better team than Wales though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 17, 2023, 08:29:47 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on September 17, 2023, 08:06:43 PM
Wales deserve to go home they have been w**k. I fear that yet again they could find themselves in a semi after doing next to nothing. Makes a mockery of Ireland's QF issues over the yrs
They were one of Ireland's QF issues at least once , in 2011.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on September 17, 2023, 08:55:25 PM
Japan are giving England a good game. England only lead 13-9 at half time.

It makes you wonder why Argentina couldn't give 14 man England a game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on September 17, 2023, 09:24:32 PM
Two forward passes in that English try.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on September 17, 2023, 09:29:19 PM
Not sure how Japan are actually losing this ffs
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on September 17, 2023, 09:31:14 PM
So far this world cup has been shite. Mistake after mistake, balls spilled, poor scrums & very basic mistakes by particularly Trier 2 countries. Very hard to watch. Poor game management by tier 2 sides. Japan should be winning this game, but basic handling & game management costing them. Pure frustration.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: An Watcher on September 17, 2023, 09:44:45 PM
I agree, there was one good game on the opening weekend and one this weekend.  Both involved fiji.  They're no great shakes but are putting it up to higher ranked rugby nations.  Funny watching the commentary trying to say how fantastic its been. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on September 17, 2023, 09:55:46 PM
So Wales can top the group and knock Australia out in their next game?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: An Watcher on September 17, 2023, 09:57:29 PM
Yep, but if Australia beat them by more than 7, they could finish 3rd and be on the plane home
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on September 18, 2023, 08:06:55 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on September 17, 2023, 09:29:19 PM
Not sure how Japan are actually losing this ffs

England are lucky AF...

first try Japanese lads knocks the ball forward on his own try line. Second try England butcher yet another phase of passes, comes off the intended recipients arms, hits Marler on the big forehead, goes forward from that and falls at the feet of Laws to saunter over from 6 metres out.

I can't see how Farrell gets back into this team as a number 10, Ford is their only shining light.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on September 19, 2023, 08:57:57 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on September 18, 2023, 08:06:55 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on September 17, 2023, 09:29:19 PMNot sure how Japan are actually losing this ffs

England are lucky AF...

first try Japanese lads knocks the ball forward on his own try line. Second try England butcher yet another phase of passes, comes off the intended recipients arms, hits Marler on the big forehead, goes forward from that and falls at the feet of Laws to saunter over from 6 metres out.

I can't see how Farrell gets back into this team as a number 10, Ford is their only shining light.


They can't kick it away for the entire campaign. Farrell can and has played at 12 but they'll have to go Farrell 10, Manu 12 at some point.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on September 20, 2023, 01:27:24 PM
So South Africa have gone with 7 forwards and 1 back on the bench, and their warm up hammering of New Zealand was clearly prep for this game. Have Ireland the players to withstand 7 new big fresh bullocks replacing 7 that have already left it all on the pitch. Some have criticised this tactic as against the spirit of the game (Matt Williams), but it is within the rules and they are playing to their panel strengths. The experts say it is vital for Ireland to take a good lead and force them into an expansive game. It's a very intriguing game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on September 20, 2023, 01:39:58 PM
Quote from: weareros on September 20, 2023, 01:27:24 PMSo South Africa have gone with 7 forwards and 1 back on the bench, and their warm up hammering of New Zealand was clearly prep for this game. Have Ireland the players to withstand 7 new big fresh bullocks replacing 7 that have already left it all on the pitch. Some have criticised this tactic as against the spirit of the game (Matt Williams), but it is within the rules and they are playing to their panel strengths. The experts say it is vital for Ireland to take a good lead and force them into an expansive game. It's a very intriguing game.
Not sure what approach Farrell takes. Go fully loaded and try to win the mental battle for any future matchup in the knockout stages or play the long game and hold some starters back to avoid potential injury for later games.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Mad Mentor on September 20, 2023, 08:04:07 PM
There seems to be an awful lot of forward passes going unpunished.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on September 20, 2023, 08:31:21 PM
Quote from: weareros on September 20, 2023, 01:27:24 PMSo South Africa have gone with 7 forwards and 1 back on the bench, and their warm up hammering of New Zealand was clearly prep for this game. Have Ireland the players to withstand 7 new big fresh bullocks replacing 7 that have already left it all on the pitch. Some have criticised this tactic as against the spirit of the game (Matt Williams), but it is within the rules and they are playing to their panel strengths. The experts say it is vital for Ireland to take a good lead and force them into an expansive game. It's a very intriguing game.
Its high risk, high reward for South Africa only having 1 back on the bench in the form of a scrum half. What happens if their kicker gets injured or a centre/winger/full back they'll be screwed.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 21, 2023, 08:06:49 AM
Quote from: weareros on September 20, 2023, 01:27:24 PMSo South Africa have gone with 7 forwards and 1 back on the bench, and their warm up hammering of New Zealand was clearly prep for this game. Have Ireland the players to withstand 7 new big fresh bullocks replacing 7 that have already left it all on the pitch. Some have criticised this tactic as against the spirit of the game (Matt Williams), but it is within the rules and they are playing to their panel strengths. The experts say it is vital for Ireland to take a good lead and force them into an expansive game. It's a very intriguing game.
It's gamemanship. Could they not take out one of the backs ?
South Africa might win on the scrums but lose on the open play. It's a pretty risky strategy imo.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on September 21, 2023, 08:15:00 AM
Quote from: seafoid on September 21, 2023, 08:06:49 AM
Quote from: weareros on September 20, 2023, 01:27:24 PMSo South Africa have gone with 7 forwards and 1 back on the bench, and their warm up hammering of New Zealand was clearly prep for this game. Have Ireland the players to withstand 7 new big fresh bullocks replacing 7 that have already left it all on the pitch. Some have criticised this tactic as against the spirit of the game (Matt Williams), but it is within the rules and they are playing to their panel strengths. The experts say it is vital for Ireland to take a good lead and force them into an expansive game. It's a very intriguing game.
It's gamemanship. Could they not take out one of the backs ?
South Africa might win on the scrums but lose on the open play. It's a pretty risky strategy imo.

SA are going for the power game, no shock there.

They'll want to pound the Irish scrum to pieces and double down on that with the introduction of the bomb squad.

Ireland want to run the ballax out of these big men, as few as scrums as possible, keep moving the point of attack etc etc and wait for the tired legs to leave gaps.

If Ireland are still in the game with 15 minutes to go, I think they'll run over a few tries in that period.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 21, 2023, 10:52:26 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on September 21, 2023, 08:15:00 AM
Quote from: seafoid on September 21, 2023, 08:06:49 AM
Quote from: weareros on September 20, 2023, 01:27:24 PMSo South Africa have gone with 7 forwards and 1 back on the bench, and their warm up hammering of New Zealand was clearly prep for this game. Have Ireland the players to withstand 7 new big fresh bullocks replacing 7 that have already left it all on the pitch. Some have criticised this tactic as against the spirit of the game (Matt Williams), but it is within the rules and they are playing to their panel strengths. The experts say it is vital for Ireland to take a good lead and force them into an expansive game. It's a very intriguing game.
It's gamemanship. Could they not take out one of the backs ?
South Africa might win on the scrums but lose on the open play. It's a pretty risky strategy imo.

SA are going for the power game, no shock there.

They'll want to pound the Irish scrum to pieces and double down on that with the introduction of the bomb squad.

Ireland want to run the ballax out of these big men, as few as scrums as possible, keep moving the point of attack etc etc and wait for the tired legs to leave gaps.

If Ireland are still in the game with 15 minutes to go, I think they'll run over a few tries in that period.
Same as the French match.
It's very Rassie Erasmus. I hope it blows up on him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on September 21, 2023, 09:03:28 PM
Dupont is just a tad good at the ole rugby isn't he
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on September 21, 2023, 10:13:11 PM
Bit mad that the French brought out the A Team in the second half. Dupont looked like he had a fractured cheekbone.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on September 21, 2023, 10:25:57 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on September 21, 2023, 10:13:11 PMBit mad that the French brought out the A Team in the second half. Dupont looked like he had a fractured cheekbone.
Yea looked exactly like the injury that broke my cheekbone in the past. He looked visibly upset coming off and France may rue playing their full squad tonight as they essentially have the group win in the bag
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on September 21, 2023, 10:31:10 PM
Quote from: Nanderson on September 21, 2023, 10:25:57 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on September 21, 2023, 10:13:11 PMBit mad that the French brought out the A Team in the second half. Dupont looked like he had a fractured cheekbone.
Yea looked exactly like the injury that broke my cheekbone in the past. He looked visibly upset coming off and France may rue playing their full squad tonight as they essentially have the group win in the bag
Could he come back after 4 weeks in a protective mask for the semis?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on September 22, 2023, 08:18:32 AM
Quote from: Nanderson on September 21, 2023, 10:25:57 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on September 21, 2023, 10:13:11 PMBit mad that the French brought out the A Team in the second half. Dupont looked like he had a fractured cheekbone.
Yea looked exactly like the injury that broke my cheekbone in the past. He looked visibly upset coming off and France may rue playing their full squad tonight as they essentially have the group win in the bag

Yeah its a catch 22 situation. Players need game time to stay sharp but at the same time you need to save them from injuries like Dupont seems to have suffered. I see talk this morning they reckon it could be a 4-6 week injury. On the lower scale he could be back for the semi final if they get there. Its also a bonus that the semi final should be a fairly straightforward match for whatever 2 teams come from the NZ/SA/Fr/Ire quarter finals.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on September 22, 2023, 08:53:04 AM
France should get to the Final without Dupont, some depth of squad to pick from but he's so good in those tight situations and can pick a pass or create something from nothing.

Hopefully he's fit and ready for the final as that would be a huge loss for the neutrals
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on September 22, 2023, 09:09:57 AM
Looking forward to Saturday night's game, but with lots of reservations. It's not a WC Final nor anything like it but the hype will be huge, defeat will not be terminal, victory while sweet could ultimately be phyric if the cost is too great. A hard game to get the balance right for with the ultimate goal still a long way off. A week off after gives us some wiggle toom I suppose.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on September 22, 2023, 09:20:54 AM
34.5 points is the average gap between the teams so far in this WC.

Personally I'd just be happy to watch a close game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on September 22, 2023, 09:51:53 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on September 22, 2023, 08:53:04 AMFrance should get to the Final without Dupont, some depth of squad to pick from but he's so good in those tight situations and can pick a pass or create something from nothing.

Hopefully he's fit and ready for the final as that would be a huge loss for the neutrals

France will face Ireland (hopefully get over the Scots irrespective of this weekends game) or SA in a quarter final, both would fancy a real cut at a full strength French team so Dupont might be a big blow to them for that game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: NAG1 on September 22, 2023, 10:34:04 AM
Early prognosis for Dupont is 4-6 weeks to the semi-final if they can get there.
So I would imagine they will be exploring every avenue to get him back on the pitch.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on September 22, 2023, 02:31:49 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on September 21, 2023, 10:31:10 PM
Quote from: Nanderson on September 21, 2023, 10:25:57 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on September 21, 2023, 10:13:11 PMBit mad that the French brought out the A Team in the second half. Dupont looked like he had a fractured cheekbone.
Yea looked exactly like the injury that broke my cheekbone in the past. He looked visibly upset coming off and France may rue playing their full squad tonight as they essentially have the group win in the bag
Could he come back after 4 weeks in a protective mask for the semis?

I see soccer players wearing those masks but I don't know how effective one of those masks would be in a game of rugby   
where there is more physical contact.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: NormPeterson on September 22, 2023, 03:00:16 PM
Many of the people watching the rugby world cup are the same types who complain about GAA bandwagoners watching the All Ireland football championship. So tell me, are all you Irish rugby fans involved in local grassroots rugby? Sure you shouldn't be watching the Ireland international team if you don't go out and coach your local u-10s by your own logic.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: OgraAnDun on September 22, 2023, 04:06:49 PM
Quote from: NormPeterson on September 22, 2023, 03:00:16 PMMany of the people watching the rugby world cup are the same types who complain about GAA bandwagoners watching the All Ireland football championship. So tell me, are all you Irish rugby fans involved in local grassroots rugby? Sure you shouldn't be watching the Ireland international team if you don't go out and coach your local u-10s by your own logic.

As long as the U10 rugby coaches get tickets ahead of the bandwagonners, then what's the issue?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on September 22, 2023, 05:44:15 PM
Quote from: NormPeterson on September 22, 2023, 03:00:16 PMMany of the people watching the rugby world cup are the same types who complain about GAA bandwagoners watching the All Ireland football championship. So tell me, are all you Irish rugby fans involved in local grassroots rugby? Sure you shouldn't be watching the Ireland international team if you don't go out and coach your local u-10s by your own logic.

Watching it on tv? Or heading to the Aviva to watch your country play? So only soccer coaches should watch the Irish soccer team... sure only actual boxers and boxing coaches should watch Katie Taylor... f**k me!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 22, 2023, 06:00:03 PM
I was watching some analysis on TV3 that included Andrew Trimble who studied theology at Belfast Bible college and is a devout whatever class of Prosedant he is  and it's so weird the difference between how comfortable people like him are in the South compared to the bullshit that the DUP spout-- I know rugby is a class thing but still. The closer the connections between the North and South the easier the transition will be. I think rugby could teach the rest of the country a lot about this.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on September 22, 2023, 07:19:22 PM
Quote from: seafoid on September 22, 2023, 06:00:03 PMI was watching some analysis on TV3 that included Andrew Trimble who studied theology at Belfast Bible college and is a devout whatever class of Prosedant he is  and it's so weird the difference between how comfortable people like him are in the South compared to the bullshit that the DUP spout-- I know rugby is a class thing but still. The closer the connections between the North and South the easier the transition will be. I think rugby could teach the rest of the country a lot about this.
Middle-class "small U" Prod so I'm sure he'd be more at home with middle-class Catholics playing rugby than someone from a loyalist housing estate. In Ireland we like to pretend that class isn't "a thing".
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on September 22, 2023, 07:32:28 PM
Quote from: NormPeterson on September 22, 2023, 03:00:16 PMMany of the people watching the rugby world cup are the same types who complain about GAA bandwagoners watching the All Ireland football championship. So tell me, are all you Irish rugby fans involved in local grassroots rugby? Sure you shouldn't be watching the Ireland international team if you don't go out and coach your local u-10s by your own logic.
It's hardly unreasonable for sports fans to watch the best in a given sport. Loads watch the Olympics but wouldn't go to the Mary Peters track in Belfast, the football World Cup without watching their local team. It's not that odd.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on September 22, 2023, 10:58:00 PM
Interesting conversation on class within rugby.
I was told that in Cork city that hurling was the upper class sport, not rugby and Limerick is something similar.
Dublin is very different though, much like Belfast.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on September 23, 2023, 08:26:59 AM
There's class and religion in it in Belfast though. (Religion less so than their used to be mind you.)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 23, 2023, 10:04:29 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on September 22, 2023, 07:19:22 PM
Quote from: seafoid on September 22, 2023, 06:00:03 PMI was watching some analysis on TV3 that included Andrew Trimble who studied theology at Belfast Bible college and is a devout whatever class of Prosedant he is  and it's so weird the difference between how comfortable people like him are in the South compared to the bullshit that the DUP spout-- I know rugby is a class thing but still. The closer the connections between the North and South the easier the transition will be. I think rugby could teach the rest of the country a lot about this.
Middle-class "small U" Prod so I'm sure he'd be more at home with middle-class Catholics playing rugby than someone from a loyalist housing estate. In Ireland we like to pretend that class isn't "a thing".

It's more than class. Trimble knows he is safe in dublin and that nobody cares where he is from. He isn't treated like that because he is middle class.
It's not inherent that working class Prods in the North of Ireland despise the South. We are not a threat to anybody in the North and nobody cares what religion loyalists  have. They have a category error. 
N

 It wasn't inherent in 1910 that the Dublin merchant class were Unionist. The DUP needs a political base. If that model collapses anything could happen . At the end of the day it's all the same country. I cannot imagine the all Ireland without the Derry or Tyrone wans.

My wife is a blow in from the continent . She had heard about the North  from the news growing up and it was all about violence and whatever. One time we were driving up to a B&B in Co Down.She had never been further north than Sligo.  We crossed the border near Newry and there was a sign that said "welcome to Northern Ireland" and after a few minutes she said said that the landscape  and he houses looked very like Ireland. Just fancy that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Ghost on September 23, 2023, 10:45:07 AM
Anybody got any sites to stream the match on the phone later tonight? Don't think the hotel we're in here is going to be showing it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on September 23, 2023, 11:01:44 AM
itv player will be, if available
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on September 23, 2023, 11:02:37 AM
Quote from: seafoid on September 23, 2023, 10:04:29 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on September 22, 2023, 07:19:22 PM
Quote from: seafoid on September 22, 2023, 06:00:03 PMI was watching some analysis on TV3 that included Andrew Trimble who studied theology at Belfast Bible college and is a devout whatever class of Prosedant he is  and it's so weird the difference between how comfortable people like him are in the South compared to the bullshit that the DUP spout-- I know rugby is a class thing but still. The closer the connections between the North and South the easier the transition will be. I think rugby could teach the rest of the country a lot about this.
Middle-class "small U" Prod so I'm sure he'd be more at home with middle-class Catholics playing rugby than someone from a loyalist housing estate. In Ireland we like to pretend that class isn't "a thing".

It's more than class. Trimble knows he is safe in dublin and that nobody cares where he is from. He isn't treated like that because he is middle class.
It's not inherent that working class Prods in the North of Ireland despise the South. We are not a threat to anybody in the North and nobody cares what religion loyalists  have. They have a category error. 
N

 It wasn't inherent in 1910 that the Dublin merchant class were Unionist. The DUP needs a political base. If that model collapses anything could happen . At the end of the day it's all the same country. I cannot imagine the all Ireland without the Derry or Tyrone wans.

My wife is a blow in from the continent . She had heard about the North  from the news growing up and it was all about violence and whatever. One time we were driving up to a B&B in Co Down.She had never been further north than Sligo.  We crossed the border near Newry and there was a sign that said "welcome to Northern Ireland" and after a few minutes she said said that the landscape  and he houses looked very like Ireland. Just fancy that.

Is she English?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on September 23, 2023, 11:33:08 AM
You might laugh but I heard a Unionist one make the case for partition and the two states being different countries because "the countrysides look different".
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 23, 2023, 05:02:27 PM
With France down there starting fly half and scrum Half, finishing 2nd here actually looking at a better option than taking on the All-Black's.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on September 23, 2023, 05:02:52 PM
First decent game of world cup England v Chile. Entertainment at last & Chile having a go.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on September 23, 2023, 07:41:55 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on September 23, 2023, 05:02:27 PMWith France down there starting fly half and scrum Half, finishing 2nd here actually looking at a better option than taking on the All-Black's.

Agreed. I can't beleive Irish people saying it would be better if we take on the all blacks in the quarter final. France are a top side but down their number one choice half backs they give Ireland a good opportunity.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 23, 2023, 07:54:33 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on September 23, 2023, 11:02:37 AM
Quote from: seafoid on September 23, 2023, 10:04:29 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on September 22, 2023, 07:19:22 PM
Quote from: seafoid on September 22, 2023, 06:00:03 PMI was watching some analysis on TV3 that included Andrew Trimble who studied theology at Belfast Bible college and is a devout whatever class of Prosedant he is  and it's so weird the difference between how comfortable people like him are in the South compared to the bullshit that the DUP spout-- I know rugby is a class thing but still. The closer the connections between the North and South the easier the transition will be. I think rugby could teach the rest of the country a lot about this.
Middle-class "small U" Prod so I'm sure he'd be more at home with middle-class Catholics playing rugby than someone from a loyalist housing estate. In Ireland we like to pretend that class isn't "a thing".

It's more than class. Trimble knows he is safe in dublin and that nobody cares where he is from. He isn't treated like that because he is middle class.
It's not inherent that working class Prods in the North of Ireland despise the South. We are not a threat to anybody in the North and nobody cares what religion loyalists  have. They have a category error. 
N

 It wasn't inherent in 1910 that the Dublin merchant class were Unionist. The DUP needs a political base. If that model collapses anything could happen . At the end of the day it's all the same country. I cannot imagine the all Ireland without the Derry or Tyrone wans.

My wife is a blow in from the continent . She had heard about the North  from the news growing up and it was all about violence and whatever. One time we were driving up to a B&B in Co Down.She had never been further north than Sligo.  We crossed the border near Newry and there was a sign that said "welcome to Northern Ireland" and after a few minutes she said said that the landscape  and he houses looked very like Ireland. Just fancy that.

Is she English?
No
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 23, 2023, 07:57:01 PM
What's the point in Irelands call, when lads like Henderson refuse to sing it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 23, 2023, 07:57:23 PM
Shoulder to shoulder. Ireland is calling for unification.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on September 23, 2023, 08:07:42 PM
Irish attacking Line out = 3pts for South Africa
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 23, 2023, 08:08:25 PM
Poor start to lose 3 line outs, we normally so good in that area,
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on September 23, 2023, 08:10:35 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on September 23, 2023, 08:08:25 PMPoor start to lose 2 line outs
Now its 3
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 23, 2023, 08:13:11 PM
4, that's shockingly poor. Is it him or Sheenan the normal starter at Hooker?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on September 23, 2023, 08:13:57 PM
At last!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 23, 2023, 08:16:24 PM
Should scored there, Ireland making alot of mistakes here.4 line outs lost, 2 scrum penalties 2 bad knock ons, poor,
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on September 23, 2023, 08:17:59 PM
Mistake after mistake!!
Line out, scrum and knock ons.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 23, 2023, 08:24:53 PM
Your man that bad at hooker you nearly sub him before half time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 23, 2023, 08:38:28 PM
Ireland doing better now
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 23, 2023, 08:39:00 PM
Hansen try
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 23, 2023, 08:40:46 PM
High risk, high reward, even though we playing poor.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on September 23, 2023, 08:42:27 PM
Bundee, lowe & Hansen excellent.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on September 23, 2023, 08:43:33 PM
Yeah, not playing well at line outs but surviving.

That's what it's about, then taking your chance when they come.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on September 23, 2023, 08:49:12 PM
Nervy, intense. Lot of mistakes. That said, we look the more creative team if we can withstand the onslaught of next seven forwards.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on September 23, 2023, 08:50:55 PM
Enjoyed that, real rugby. Not a backwards step. South Africa look rattled.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on September 23, 2023, 08:56:22 PM
No gap in the lineout, surely the referee needs to step in.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on September 23, 2023, 09:01:11 PM
Wonderfully intense sporting occasion.

Ireland would seem to have a little more subtlety and variety with ball in hand. SA would seem to be better at laying defensive traps.

Could go either way though I can't help wondering if SA's ploy of 7-forwards is related to a lack of genuine big game players among the backs in their squad.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: smort on September 23, 2023, 09:01:51 PM
Unbelievable half of rugby
Different level to anything seen in the tournament so far
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 23, 2023, 09:06:54 PM
If Ireland line out was functioning we be well in control.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 23, 2023, 09:09:42 PM
Ireland doing abit of man handling there.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on September 23, 2023, 09:15:33 PM
I don't have a clue what a forward pass is..........
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 23, 2023, 09:16:26 PM
Looked like a obstruction on Hansen there.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 23, 2023, 09:20:09 PM
Go for the posts!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 23, 2023, 09:21:12 PM
Both teams wreck themselves for the quarters,
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: smort on September 23, 2023, 09:24:02 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on September 23, 2023, 09:21:12 PMBoth teams wreck themselves fir the quarters,

👆
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on September 23, 2023, 09:28:54 PM
We are lucky they are poor at placekicking.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 23, 2023, 09:31:21 PM
Quote from: smort on September 23, 2023, 09:24:02 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on September 23, 2023, 09:21:12 PMBoth teams wreck themselves fir the quarters,

👆
Happened in 2015. France and Ireland beat each other to a pulp. NZ hammered France and Argentina beat us
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 23, 2023, 09:32:49 PM
Lowe with a couple of wobbly decisions
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 23, 2023, 09:33:47 PM
Sheehan way better at the line outs than Kelleher
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 23, 2023, 09:44:46 PM
The crowd noise at the soccer was a choir of primary school girls and at the rugby its a sea of men..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: armaghniac on September 23, 2023, 09:48:49 PM
Quote from: seafoid on September 23, 2023, 09:44:46 PMThe crowd noise at the soccer was a choir of primary school girls and at the rugby its a sea of men..

I was coming across the toll bridge when the crowd was coming out, I have never quite seen such a female proportion in a sports event at the Aviva, it was more like some concerts.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on September 23, 2023, 09:49:49 PM
Huge win.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 23, 2023, 09:51:48 PM
Big win playing poor, SA misses a few pot shots, Need go with Sheehan from the start, better thrower. Had we the line out under control we been fit to give the backs more ball. A def over enflated bomb squad. Can they afford to rest players for Scotland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: smort on September 23, 2023, 09:54:17 PM
Some atmosphere at the end there
I'd say farrell and sexton will keep the lid on things
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on September 23, 2023, 10:03:03 PM
Quote from: weareros on September 23, 2023, 09:28:54 PMWe are lucky they are poor at placekicking.
If they want to win they'll have to play Pollard in the big games
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on September 23, 2023, 10:03:55 PM
Good win, I'm surprised we held out to be honest, on another day we lose that. It's only a step and with the All Black's likely waiting we'll hardly get carried away.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on September 23, 2023, 10:04:13 PM
It's a psychological blow for SA after the run they've been on. Big big arm wrestle this evening. SA going nowhere without a goal kicker. Playing the Tier 2 nations you get away with it by scoring try after try but not against the best when every point counts.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on September 23, 2023, 10:10:09 PM
Two weeks rest to the Jocks.
Huge result - no injuries, no cards.
A reliable kitchen kicker for the South Africans and it might have been a different story.
Having a fully fit Sheehan for the next few weeks will be huge for the line out.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on September 23, 2023, 10:15:30 PM
Think I'm ready for the bandwagon.

Might dig out my Irish jerseys circa 2010.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 23, 2023, 10:16:02 PM
Mack Hansen, the prize that keeps giving lol 😂
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 23, 2023, 10:18:12 PM
Pollard hasn't been there in ages, bit late to bring him up to starter
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: podge on September 23, 2023, 10:31:16 PM
Quote from: smort on September 23, 2023, 09:24:02 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on September 23, 2023, 09:21:12 PMBoth teams wreck themselves fir the quarters,

👆

Rubbish.  It's 3 weeks to the quarter final
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: quit yo jibbajabba on September 23, 2023, 10:34:46 PM
Unashamedly a bandwagoner but I'm now fully on board!! Let's do this goiys 😎🤣
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on September 23, 2023, 10:35:15 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on September 23, 2023, 10:15:30 PMThink I'm ready for the bandwagon.

Might dig out my Irish jerseys circa 2010.
Plenty of room. All aboard!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ONeill on September 23, 2023, 10:48:18 PM
How good are NZ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on September 23, 2023, 10:55:26 PM
Quote from: ONeill on September 23, 2023, 10:48:18 PMHow good are NZ?
Not at their best but they are still the All Blacks and certainly have the skill and players to pummel any team. South Africa pummeled them pre tournament in London but they beat them comfortably in the The rugby championship so you never know
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on September 23, 2023, 11:46:09 PM
A great night for ireland, that was a fabulous result. Lots of mistakes by both sides doesn't take away from the result for Ireland.

It is still unclear whether or not Ireland would be better off facing the French instead of the all blacks. At least we won't be taking for granted whoever we face in the quarter finals.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 24, 2023, 12:29:14 AM
Quote from: ONeill on September 23, 2023, 10:48:18 PMHow good are NZ?
They seem to be on a similar trajectory to Tyrone
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 24, 2023, 12:29:51 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhF39WfK4wI
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 24, 2023, 12:43:57 AM
Worse NZ team since 1998, bad manager, but even a poor All Black team can turn up on the day and turn us over, still a no. Of good players there,
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on September 24, 2023, 07:47:27 AM
The line out was poor, in the first half, especially early on.

Now I'm no expert but what was the issue? Was it the lad throwing it or was it the lads mistiming their jumps....or a bit of both.

You'd think the lad should be able to throw the ball correctly. Is it a difficult thing to do? Just, to me, seems a simple enough and regular skill.

He seemed to go long for a few at the start and overcooked it.  Would he not have been better to just keep it simple and go short and not overcomplicate it by throwing it further?

Rugby heads will correct me I'm sure.  :D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 24, 2023, 09:12:41 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on September 23, 2023, 10:04:13 PMIt's a psychological blow for SA after the run they've been on. Big big arm wrestle this evening. SA going nowhere without a goal kicker. Playing the Tier 2 nations you get away with it by scoring try after try but not against the best when every point counts.
It's a kick in the balls for Erasmus. He effectively left Pollard the goalkicker out in favour of Kleyn.
The 7+1 failed because they couldn't kick snow off a rope.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on September 24, 2023, 10:01:21 AM
Quote from: marty34 on September 24, 2023, 07:47:27 AMThe line out was poor, in the first half, especially early on.

Now I'm no expert but what was the issue? Was it the lad throwing it or was it the lads mistiming their jumps....or a bit of both.

You'd think the lad should be able to throw the ball correctly. Is it a difficult thing to do? Just, to me, seems a simple enough and regular skill.

He seemed to go long for a few at the start and overcooked it.  Would he not have been better to just keep it simple and go short and not overcomplicate it by throwing it further?

Rugby heads will correct me I'm sure.  :D
One of the best teams in the world targeting it with ferocious intensity certainly a factor.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on September 24, 2023, 10:28:34 AM
Loving the SF arseholes having a meltdown about Zombie being played at full time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on September 24, 2023, 10:34:06 AM
Combination of thrower, lifters and jumper. If any of those are slightly wrong then the line out goes to shite. Usually the poor hooker gets the blame though. Etzebeth was putting serious pressure on. Glad to see him going off.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Eire90 on September 24, 2023, 11:29:38 AM
why are sinn fein moaning over a song whats controversial about zombie
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on September 24, 2023, 11:47:20 AM
The Down hurling manager seems particularly upset by it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: burdizzo on September 24, 2023, 11:55:58 AM
Quote from: marty34 on September 24, 2023, 07:47:27 AMThe line out was poor, in the first half, especially early on.

Now I'm no expert but what was the issue? Was it the lad throwing it or was it the lads mistiming their jumps....or a bit of both.

You'd think the lad should be able to throw the ball correctly. Is it a difficult thing to do? Just, to me, seems a simple enough and regular skill.

He seemed to go long for a few at the start and overcooked it.  Would he not have been better to just keep it simple and go short and not overcomplicate it by throwing it further?

Rugby heads will correct me I'm sure.  :D

Not an expert by any means - and didn't even watch the game last night - but seemingly going short in the lineout limits the attacking options once the ball is secured.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on September 24, 2023, 11:58:04 AM
Quote from: Eire90 on September 24, 2023, 11:29:38 AMwhy are sinn fein moaning over a song whats controversial about zombie

I think the issue is the lyrics imply that nationalist oppression is "in your head" and is no excuse for violence.
Personally I don't care either way, there are far worse things about rugby that irk me.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: quit yo jibbajabba on September 24, 2023, 12:00:06 PM
Think the song is to do with the Warrington bomb where 2 young people died?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on September 24, 2023, 12:08:02 PM
Quote from: square_ball on September 24, 2023, 11:47:20 AMThe Down hurling manager seems particularly upset by it.
Poor him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 24, 2023, 12:34:06 PM
I didn't think Zombie was the right song either. Celebrate would have been better
https://youtu.be/n3oQgAFBfWU?si=29xi1t7PUZwf9S-p
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on September 24, 2023, 12:42:49 PM
Sinn Féin's online army are flat out
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: podge on September 24, 2023, 12:43:20 PM
Were Ireland slightly fortunate at the end when the ref blew it up rather quickly and had the ref been on the other side of maul he would have seen that the Boks had managed to get the ball back?  Or was it an issue that the Springboks didn't get the ball to the ground ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LeoMc on September 24, 2023, 12:44:36 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on September 24, 2023, 11:58:04 AM
Quote from: Eire90 on September 24, 2023, 11:29:38 AMwhy are sinn fein moaning over a song whats controversial about zombie

I think the issue is the lyrics imply that nationalist oppression is "in your head" and is no excuse for violence.
Personally I don't care either way, there are far worse things about rugby that irk me.

I don't think they were claiming the oppression was in our heads. It was the belief that they were representing Ireland was in the head of the zombies who would blow up children.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LeoMc on September 24, 2023, 12:45:43 PM
Quote from: seafoid on September 24, 2023, 12:34:06 PMI didn't think Zombie was the right song either. Celebrate would have been better
https://youtu.be/n3oQgAFBfWU?si=29xi1t7PUZwf9S-p


This party's over, I'm going home is not the right message either.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Saffrongael on September 24, 2023, 12:52:25 PM
Quote from: square_ball on September 24, 2023, 11:47:20 AMThe Down hurling manager seems particularly upset by it.

Sheehan seems like a total tool
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on September 24, 2023, 01:40:20 PM
They should give the Zombie whingeing a rest. Besides Dolores was a talented young woman and her music is clearly lucky. Look at the Limerick hurlers. I think the soccer supporters should now consider singing Linger. So long as Kenny doesn't think they mean him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 24, 2023, 01:44:27 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on September 24, 2023, 12:45:43 PM
Quote from: seafoid on September 24, 2023, 12:34:06 PMI didn't think Zombie was the right song either. Celebrate would have been better
https://youtu.be/n3oQgAFBfWU?si=29xi1t7PUZwf9S-p


This party's over, I'm going home is not the right message either.
It wouldn't have triggered anyone politically.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on September 24, 2023, 01:48:00 PM
Quote from: weareros on September 24, 2023, 01:40:20 PMThey should give the Zombie whingeing a rest. Besides Dolores was a talented young woman and her music is clearly lucky. Look at the Limerick hurlers. I think the soccer supporters should now consider singing Linger. So long as Kenny doesn't think they mean him.

 ;D  ;D  ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on September 24, 2023, 04:13:33 PM
SA power play wasn't enough last night and that'll make the rest of the WC sit up and take note.
Yes, they missed their kicks albeit their try came from a kick for points that came off the post and Ireland were slow to respond.
Ireland showed bags of resilience and a little bit of guile for the try but were poor by their usual standard at lineout and handling so not all happy clappy with a dangerous Scotland team in two weeks time to get over
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on September 24, 2023, 04:49:28 PM
The whining from SA about 11 points missed. 2 kicks from inside their own half, one of which hit the post, that lead directly to a 5 pointer. The try had a pass that was 5M forward, but apparently not forward. The lineout 1M apart rule was never policed. SA should have got a penalty towards the end of the game that wasn't given. Cian Healy is a huge loss, as Porter has to play at least 75mins per game, as Kilcoyne is a huge weak link. Bundee playing the rugby of his life.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on September 24, 2023, 05:15:09 PM
After the game against Scotland, it was clear SA are weak on placekicking. But they went for more kicks on penalties - two low percentage ones - whereas Ireland gave up kickable penalties going for line outs (which didn't work).

Tonga giving the Scots a game so far.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on September 24, 2023, 07:21:38 PM
Quote from: Rudi on September 24, 2023, 04:49:28 PMThe whining from SA about 11 points missed. 2 kicks from inside their own half, one of which hit the post, that lead directly to a 5 pointer. The try had a pass that was 5M forward, but apparently not forward. The lineout 1M apart rule was never policed. SA should have got a penalty towards the end of the game that wasn't given. Cian Healy is a huge loss, as Porter has to play at least 75mins per game, as Kilcoyne is a huge weak link. Bundee playing the rugby of his life.
I was reading the rules on a forward pass and as long as it comes out of the passers hands backwards the momentum of someone running forward can still cause the ball t drift forward. Seems to me like its very hard to ref and tbh they are probably just guessing what way it came out of the passers hands by the speed that they are running at.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on September 24, 2023, 08:22:32 PM
Quote from: Nanderson on September 24, 2023, 07:21:38 PM
Quote from: Rudi on September 24, 2023, 04:49:28 PMThe whining from SA about 11 points missed. 2 kicks from inside their own half, one of which hit the post, that lead directly to a 5 pointer. The try had a pass that was 5M forward, but apparently not forward. The lineout 1M apart rule was never policed. SA should have got a penalty towards the end of the game that wasn't given. Cian Healy is a huge loss, as Porter has to play at least 75mins per game, as Kilcoyne is a huge weak link. Bundee playing the rugby of his life.
I was reading the rules on a forward pass and as long as it comes out of the passers hands backwards the momentum of someone running forward can still cause the ball t drift forward. Seems to me like its very hard to ref and tbh they are probably just guessing what way it came out of the passers hands by the speed that they are running at.
Relative velocity. They'll look at the players hands as they release the ball to see if angling forward or backwards.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 24, 2023, 09:13:54 PM
That's the worse Australia team I ever seen, cause Wales are no great shakes.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on September 24, 2023, 09:17:46 PM
Aussies are a shambles. Wales kicking has been flawless and two nice tries.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on September 24, 2023, 09:24:56 PM
Eddie Jones brought the B team, left the better lads at home.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on September 24, 2023, 09:33:43 PM
Won't get many if any better chances to win the World cup than this. Australia,New Zealand the worst they have been in living memory,England average the defending champions beaten yesterday or be it are still in the competition. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on September 24, 2023, 09:46:42 PM
Is there any point in the British and Irish Lions going to tour Australia in 2025 if this is what they could be up against. Safer taking a load of young players if thats the case
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 25, 2023, 12:14:24 AM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on September 24, 2023, 09:33:43 PMWon't get many if any better chances to win the World cup than this. Australia,New Zealand the worst they have been in living memory,England average the defending champions beaten yesterday or be it are still in the competition. 
How many RWC's did NZ win between 1991 and 2007?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 25, 2023, 12:27:23 AM
None, but all better teams than now, 95, 99, 07, all way better than this team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on September 25, 2023, 10:40:43 AM
The last play of the Ireland V SA game, how was a penalty not given against Tadhg Beirne? Also SA got the ball out of the maul / ruck & ref gave a penalty to Ireland. Seems very harsh on SA.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on September 25, 2023, 11:02:09 AM
Quote from: Rudi on September 25, 2023, 10:40:43 AMThe last play of the Ireland V SA game, how was a penalty not given against Tadhg Beirne? Also SA got the ball out of the maul / ruck & ref gave a penalty to Ireland. Seems very harsh on SA.
He didn't give a penalty to Ireland. He gave them a scrum for holding the maul up for long enough.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on September 25, 2023, 11:16:34 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on September 24, 2023, 08:22:32 PM
Quote from: Nanderson on September 24, 2023, 07:21:38 PM
Quote from: Rudi on September 24, 2023, 04:49:28 PMThe whining from SA about 11 points missed. 2 kicks from inside their own half, one of which hit the post, that lead directly to a 5 pointer. The try had a pass that was 5M forward, but apparently not forward. The lineout 1M apart rule was never policed. SA should have got a penalty towards the end of the game that wasn't given. Cian Healy is a huge loss, as Porter has to play at least 75mins per game, as Kilcoyne is a huge weak link. Bundee playing the rugby of his life.
I was reading the rules on a forward pass and as long as it comes out of the passers hands backwards the momentum of someone running forward can still cause the ball t drift forward. Seems to me like its very hard to ref and tbh they are probably just guessing what way it came out of the passers hands by the speed that they are running at.
Relative velocity. They'll look at the players hands as they release the ball to see if angling forward or backwards.
From the passers hand, the ball landed about 5m forward into the hands of the try scorer. I say draw a line on a paused screen to determine whether it's a forward pass or not, allowing for some discretion, but 5m. is taking the pish.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 25, 2023, 11:17:10 AM
Ireland has 4 Grand Slams in over a century . Scotland has 3. England, France and Wales are way ahead. $
Ireland has 25 wooden spoons. Scotland has 18.
Ireland has been in zero RWC semi finals, Scotland 1 ..
In GAA terms, Ireland would be the equivalent of Kildare
#2InjuredSwans

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsD9k82uAjo
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dag Dog on September 25, 2023, 12:17:22 PM
Quote from: seafoid on September 25, 2023, 11:17:10 AMIreland has 4 Grand Slams in over a century . Scotland has 3. England, France and Wales are way ahead. $
Ireland has 25 wooden spoons. Scotland has 18.
Ireland has been in zero RWC semi finals, Scotland 1 ..
In GAA terms, Ireland would be the equivalent of Kildare
#2InjuredSwans

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsD9k82uAjo
Professional era is a different ball game though. Before that, Ireland were a complete joke shop.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on September 25, 2023, 12:33:02 PM
Quote from: seafoid on September 25, 2023, 11:17:10 AMIreland has 4 Grand Slams in over a century . Scotland has 3. England, France and Wales are way ahead. $
Ireland has 25 wooden spoons. Scotland has 18.
Ireland has been in zero RWC semi finals, Scotland 1 ..
In GAA terms, Ireland would be the equivalent of Kildare
#2InjuredSwans

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsD9k82uAjo

In the last 10 6N's, Ireland have won 4 of them, is that not more relevant than your stats?

Lies, damned lies, and statistics
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 25, 2023, 01:02:18 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on September 25, 2023, 12:33:02 PM
Quote from: seafoid on September 25, 2023, 11:17:10 AMIreland has 4 Grand Slams in over a century . Scotland has 3. England, France and Wales are way ahead. $
Ireland has 25 wooden spoons. Scotland has 18.
Ireland has been in zero RWC semi finals, Scotland 1 ..
In GAA terms, Ireland would be the equivalent of Kildare
#2InjuredSwans

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsD9k82uAjo

In the last 10 6N's, Ireland have won 4 of them, is that not more relevant than your stats?

Lies, damned lies, and statistics
I don't think so. If antrim or Laois got to the hurling final, the excitement level would be off the charts.
But to count they would have to win it.      The hurling  elite very similar to the rugby elite. Same number of teams, same number of top elite teams (3) same gap to second tier, small catchment area (Ireland/globals) .  The losing mentality is psychological and Ireland have never been able to get past the QF because of it. Winning the RWC would be the equivalent of Antrim or Laois winning the hurling by beating a op elite team in the final imo.

For Galway it wasn't enough to win in 1980. They had to beat Kilkenny and Tipp in the final to be respected. Ireland is not respected in France, for example,when it comes to the RWC. The absolute top would be being the first of France and Ireland to win the shaggin trophy.

the progress since Brian O'Driscoll's 3 tries in Paris is amazing but it isn't enough.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: David McKeown on September 25, 2023, 04:02:46 PM
Quote from: Nanderson on September 24, 2023, 07:21:38 PM
Quote from: Rudi on September 24, 2023, 04:49:28 PMThe whining from SA about 11 points missed. 2 kicks from inside their own half, one of which hit the post, that lead directly to a 5 pointer. The try had a pass that was 5M forward, but apparently not forward. The lineout 1M apart rule was never policed. SA should have got a penalty towards the end of the game that wasn't given. Cian Healy is a huge loss, as Porter has to play at least 75mins per game, as Kilcoyne is a huge weak link. Bundee playing the rugby of his life.
I was reading the rules on a forward pass and as long as it comes out of the passers hands backwards the momentum of someone running forward can still cause the ball t drift forward. Seems to me like its very hard to ref and tbh they are probably just guessing what way it came out of the passers hands by the speed that they are running at.

Was there not a clear issue of crossing on the SA try?

Also I thought the ref blew the final maul too early and then tried to justify it by saying there was also a knock on although I wasnt watching ITV or RTE just some highlights so it may not have been the ref I was listening too.

Could all be for nothing too.  Still need 2 points to guarantee progress and if we don't get at least that there's a very good chance of elimination   
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on September 25, 2023, 04:38:17 PM
Quote from: David McKeown on September 25, 2023, 04:02:46 PM
Quote from: Nanderson on September 24, 2023, 07:21:38 PM
Quote from: Rudi on September 24, 2023, 04:49:28 PMThe whining from SA about 11 points missed. 2 kicks from inside their own half, one of which hit the post, that lead directly to a 5 pointer. The try had a pass that was 5M forward, but apparently not forward. The lineout 1M apart rule was never policed. SA should have got a penalty towards the end of the game that wasn't given. Cian Healy is a huge loss, as Porter has to play at least 75mins per game, as Kilcoyne is a huge weak link. Bundee playing the rugby of his life.
I was reading the rules on a forward pass and as long as it comes out of the passers hands backwards the momentum of someone running forward can still cause the ball t drift forward. Seems to me like its very hard to ref and tbh they are probably just guessing what way it came out of the passers hands by the speed that they are running at.

Was there not a clear issue of crossing on the SA try?

Also I thought the ref blew the final maul too early and then tried to justify it by saying there was also a knock on although I wasnt watching ITV or RTE just some highlights so it may not have been the ref I was listening too.

Could all be for nothing too.  Still need 2 points to guarantee progress and if we don't get at least that there's a very good chance of elimination   

Exactly this, Scotland have been sticky enough for this Ireland team in the past?

Is there a way for Ireland to lose that game and still be in the top 2, bonus points and all that malarkey?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: David McKeown on September 25, 2023, 04:53:32 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on September 25, 2023, 04:38:17 PM
Quote from: David McKeown on September 25, 2023, 04:02:46 PM
Quote from: Nanderson on September 24, 2023, 07:21:38 PM
Quote from: Rudi on September 24, 2023, 04:49:28 PMThe whining from SA about 11 points missed. 2 kicks from inside their own half, one of which hit the post, that lead directly to a 5 pointer. The try had a pass that was 5M forward, but apparently not forward. The lineout 1M apart rule was never policed. SA should have got a penalty towards the end of the game that wasn't given. Cian Healy is a huge loss, as Porter has to play at least 75mins per game, as Kilcoyne is a huge weak link. Bundee playing the rugby of his life.
I was reading the rules on a forward pass and as long as it comes out of the passers hands backwards the momentum of someone running forward can still cause the ball t drift forward. Seems to me like its very hard to ref and tbh they are probably just guessing what way it came out of the passers hands by the speed that they are running at.

Was there not a clear issue of crossing on the SA try?

Also I thought the ref blew the final maul too early and then tried to justify it by saying there was also a knock on although I wasnt watching ITV or RTE just some highlights so it may not have been the ref I was listening too.

Could all be for nothing too.  Still need 2 points to guarantee progress and if we don't get at least that there's a very good chance of elimination   

Exactly this, Scotland have been sticky enough for this Ireland team in the past?

Is there a way for Ireland to lose that game and still be in the top 2, bonus points and all that malarkey?

Yes if Ireland lose by less than 7 and neither team score 4 tries then Ireland top the group.
If Ireland loose by more than 7 and score more than 4 tries and Scotland don't score 4 tries Ireland top the group.
If Ireland loose by more than 7 and both teams score 4 tries then it will come down to score difference to determine the top places.  If Ireland have the best points differential then Ireland and South Africa are through in that order. If South Africa have the best differential then SA and Scotland are through.  If Scotland top it then Scotland and Ireland are through.

There are plenty of other permutations.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on September 25, 2023, 06:00:22 PM
Lose*
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Cunny Funt on September 25, 2023, 06:42:31 PM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on September 24, 2023, 12:00:06 PMThink the song is to do with the Warrington bomb where 2 young people died?

Yes it's about the Warrington bomb attack in March 1993 where young children out shopping buying Mother's Day cards were killed by IRA bombs planted cast iron dustbins outside the local Boots,McDonalds and Argos. 


A pity Dolores O'Riordan is no longer with us talented singer and song writer.

Quote"this song is our cry against man's inhumanity to man, inhumanity to child".

QuoteI found it very easy to write lyrics when I was younger because I had no inhibitions – they just came pouring out. I find as I get older it's more difficult: you develop fears and you go, 'What will people think of this?' But it's important not to think too much about what people will think, because then you'll never write!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: David McKeown on September 25, 2023, 08:17:03 PM
Quote from: square_ball on September 25, 2023, 06:00:22 PMLose*

Thanks I'm heavily dyslexic so I find that really helpful and not at all condescending
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 25, 2023, 08:53:06 PM
See Ole McKenna over the moon about Ireland beating SA, hard believe that lad was a good writer one time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 25, 2023, 10:58:36 PM
We can't confirm about NZ yet but australia are already out. So that may just leave the Saffers
On the other hand the hoors might win both quarters.

We could alternatively have an all 6N semi final line up.  The likelihood of only a second 6N victor must be rising at this stage.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Joeythelips on September 26, 2023, 10:04:32 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on September 25, 2023, 08:53:06 PMSee Ole McKenna over the moon about Ireland beating SA, hard believe that lad was a good writer one time.

I seen his tweets where is almost giddy with excitement that Ireland will get knocked out in QF stage. Strange.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on September 26, 2023, 10:11:55 AM
Quote from: trailer on September 24, 2023, 12:42:49 PMSinn Féin's online army are flat out
Don't sweat it, SF have gobshite followers just like every other party. Saw a clip from Shane Byrne, some times a good tune is just a good tune and 99% of people do not think of the meaning, same with up the ra. We get so worked upper songs ffs. They are just that and like most things in life everybody's taste is different.
Zombie is a good tune written as a reaction to Warrington which lets face it was reprehensible. What it does though IMO is expose the hypocrisy of the Good Ra/Bad Ra brigade in its reference to 1916. But you know pop stars are just that they often write stuff that doesn't stand up to the great poets and that is fie. It's a good tune.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on September 26, 2023, 10:30:53 AM
Quote from: Applesisapples on September 26, 2023, 10:11:55 AM
Quote from: trailer on September 24, 2023, 12:42:49 PMSinn Féin's online army are flat out
Don't sweat it, SF have gobshite followers just like every other party. Saw a clip from Shane Byrne, some times a good tune is just a good tune and 99% of people do not think of the meaning, same with up the ra. We get so worked upper songs ffs. They are just that and like most things in life everybody's taste is different.
Zombie is a good tune written as a reaction to Warrington which lets face it was reprehensible. What it does though IMO is expose the hypocrisy of the Good Ra/Bad Ra brigade in its reference to 1916. But you know pop stars are just that they often write stuff that doesn't stand up to the great poets and that is fie. It's a good tune.

What? How? I don't get ya.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Eire90 on September 26, 2023, 10:41:15 AM
is sinn fein not a bunch of politically obsessed middle classers these days that probably talk about poltics while at a bar at 10pm saturday night
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on September 26, 2023, 12:21:58 PM
Quote from: trailer on September 26, 2023, 10:30:53 AM
Quote from: Applesisapples on September 26, 2023, 10:11:55 AM
Quote from: trailer on September 24, 2023, 12:42:49 PMSinn Féin's online army are flat out
Don't sweat it, SF have gobshite followers just like every other party. Saw a clip from Shane Byrne, some times a good tune is just a good tune and 99% of people do not think of the meaning, same with up the ra. We get so worked upper songs ffs. They are just that and like most things in life everybody's taste is different.
Zombie is a good tune written as a reaction to Warrington which lets face it was reprehensible. What it does though IMO is expose the hypocrisy of the Good Ra/Bad Ra brigade in its reference to 1916. But you know pop stars are just that they often write stuff that doesn't stand up to the great poets and that is fie. It's a good tune.

What? How? I don't get ya.
It has a go, same old thing as 1916, ie no difference.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on September 26, 2023, 01:12:33 PM
Quote from: Eire90 on September 26, 2023, 10:41:15 AMis sinn fein not a bunch of politically obsessed middle classers these days that probably talk about poltics while at a bar at 10pm saturday night

Quote from: Eire90 on September 26, 2023, 10:41:15 AMis sinn fein not a bunch of politically obsessed middle classers these days that probably talk about poltics while at a bar at 10pm saturday night

I think to an extent yes, depends on the area. Could say the same for any party though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Franko on September 26, 2023, 01:45:22 PM
Quote from: seafoid on September 25, 2023, 01:02:18 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on September 25, 2023, 12:33:02 PM
Quote from: seafoid on September 25, 2023, 11:17:10 AMIreland has 4 Grand Slams in over a century . Scotland has 3. England, France and Wales are way ahead. $
Ireland has 25 wooden spoons. Scotland has 18.
Ireland has been in zero RWC semi finals, Scotland 1 ..
In GAA terms, Ireland would be the equivalent of Kildare
#2InjuredSwans

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsD9k82uAjo

In the last 10 6N's, Ireland have won 4 of them, is that not more relevant than your stats?

Lies, damned lies, and statistics
I don't think so. If antrim or Laois got to the hurling final, the excitement level would be off the charts.
But to count they would have to win it.      The hurling  elite very similar to the rugby elite. Same number of teams, same number of top elite teams (3) same gap to second tier, small catchment area (Ireland/globals) .  The losing mentality is psychological and Ireland have never been able to get past the QF because of it. Winning the RWC would be the equivalent of Antrim or Laois winning the hurling by beating a op elite team in the final imo.

For Galway it wasn't enough to win in 1980. They had to beat Kilkenny and Tipp in the final to be respected. Ireland is not respected in France, for example,when it comes to the RWC. The absolute top would be being the first of France and Ireland to win the shaggin trophy.

the progress since Brian O'Driscoll's 3 tries in Paris is amazing but it isn't enough.

I see where you're coming from here but the bold bit is nonsense.

It would only be similar had Antrim or Laois won 4/10 of the preceding Leinster Championships (some at a relative canter) and a maybe couple of National League titles.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 26, 2023, 02:44:02 PM
Quote from: Franko on September 26, 2023, 01:45:22 PM
Quote from: seafoid on September 25, 2023, 01:02:18 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on September 25, 2023, 12:33:02 PM
Quote from: seafoid on September 25, 2023, 11:17:10 AMIreland has 4 Grand Slams in over a century . Scotland has 3. England, France and Wales are way ahead. $
Ireland has 25 wooden spoons. Scotland has 18.
Ireland has been in zero RWC semi finals, Scotland 1 ..
In GAA terms, Ireland would be the equivalent of Kildare
#2InjuredSwans

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsD9k82uAjo

In the last 10 6N's, Ireland have won 4 of them, is that not more relevant than your stats?

Lies, damned lies, and statistics
I don't think so. If antrim or Laois got to the hurling final, the excitement level would be off the charts.
But to count they would have to win it.      The hurling  elite very similar to the rugby elite. Same number of teams, same number of top elite teams (3) same gap to second tier, small catchment area (Ireland/globals) .  The losing mentality is psychological and Ireland have never been able to get past the QF because of it. Winning the RWC would be the equivalent of Antrim or Laois winning the hurling by beating a op elite team in the final imo.

For Galway it wasn't enough to win in 1980. They had to beat Kilkenny and Tipp in the final to be respected. Ireland is not respected in France, for example,when it comes to the RWC. The absolute top would be being the first of France and Ireland to win the shaggin trophy.

the progress since Brian O'Driscoll's 3 tries in Paris is amazing but it isn't enough.

I see where you're coming from here but the bold bit is nonsense.

It would only be similar had Antrim or Laois won 4/10 of the preceding Leinster Championships (some at a relative canter) and a maybe couple of National League titles.
You are very hard work, Franko. Read the next line
They would need to lose a few finals before winning one.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 26, 2023, 02:47:55 PM
Gatty has done a fabulous job with Wales, considering how abject they were in the 6 nations.
He is some manager.
Of course it would be highly ironic if Wales got to the semis and the Grand Slam winners didn't.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Joeythelips on September 26, 2023, 03:33:42 PM
Im living in Wales and they would fully believe they can beat either Ireland or the All Blacks if they get over Argentina of course. Ireland showed against SA that they are one of the big teams in this tournament, if they show up and play to their potential there is no reason they cannot win it out. I would not be at all surprised if we end up with a SA v Ireland final. I think the Dupont injury is huge and SA would really fancy turning them over.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on September 26, 2023, 03:52:54 PM
Quote from: Joeythelips on September 26, 2023, 03:33:42 PMIm living in Wales and they would fully believe they can beat either Ireland or the All Blacks if they get over Argentina of course.
Wales haven't beaten NZ in 70 years, so you'd have to admire their optimism.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 26, 2023, 05:21:19 PM
The Lions, backboned by Welsh plyers with 6 Irish players including Gibson and Willie John , won the tour series in NZ in 1971


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiJChmhe9A4&t=2740s
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on September 26, 2023, 08:04:56 PM
The games this weekend are all fairly uninteresting. Ireland, England, Wales and France all have the weekend off.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Eire90 on September 27, 2023, 10:35:47 AM
should they have done 3 teams qualify with group winners getting directly into the quarters it would extend the competition by a week tho. I think doing that would be better than expanding to 24 teams.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 27, 2023, 01:04:05 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awnadiqE-uI
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: David McKeown on September 27, 2023, 02:37:35 PM
RTE suggest if there's a three way tie then the lowest points difference is excluded and then head to head decides the other place but I don't think that's correct.  I think it's points difference to decide top spot then head to head to separate second and third.

https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby-world-cup/2023/0927/1407583-pool-permutations-what-ireland-need-to-do-to-qualify/

The RTE way would be better for Ireland but as I say I don't think it's right.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on September 27, 2023, 03:31:02 PM
The way I see it, if Ireland lose to Scotland without securing a bonus point, we are definitely out. As SA will be on 15, Scotland will be on a minimum of 14 with a win over Ireland, we'd be on 14 - and go out in a head to head. But if all 3 finished on 15, we'd be out too on head to head (as 1st indeed in points difference and you'd expect SA to do enough against Tonga to get the top spot).
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on September 27, 2023, 04:00:03 PM
If they are all on 15 then Ireland are through the points difference should be far better than Scotland'sand will be similar to South Africa's Fingers crossed they get off to a strong start and that will be the end of it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on September 27, 2023, 04:28:03 PM
If all three end up on the same points, points difference is used to decide the group winner. H2H is then used to decide 2nd and 3rd between the other two.

A crazy way of doing things but that's how it is.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: David McKeown on September 27, 2023, 04:53:32 PM
Quote from: gallsman on September 27, 2023, 04:28:03 PMIf all three end up on the same points, points difference is used to decide the group winner. H2H is then used to decide 2nd and 3rd between the other two.

A crazy way of doing things but that's how it is.

Yeah that's how I understand the tiebreakers work but RTE don't seem to agree
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on September 27, 2023, 08:30:04 PM
Quote from: David McKeown on September 27, 2023, 04:53:32 PM
Quote from: gallsman on September 27, 2023, 04:28:03 PMIf all three end up on the same points, points difference is used to decide the group winner. H2H is then used to decide 2nd and 3rd between the other two.

A crazy way of doing things but that's how it is.

Yeah that's how I understand the tiebreakers work but RTE don't seem to agree
The ranking of tied teams in the pool stage is determined as follows:
The winner of the Match in which the two tied Teams have played each other shall be the higher ranked.
The Team which has the best difference between points scored for and points scored against in all its pool Matches shall be the higher ranked.
The Team which has the best difference between tries scored for and tries scored against in all its pool Matches shall be the higher ranked.
The Team which has scored most points in all its pool Matches shall be the higher ranked.
The Team which has scored most tries in all its pool Matches shall be the higher ranked.

Should the tie be unresolved at the conclusion of steps 1 through 5, the rankings as per the updated. Official World Rugby World Rankings on October 9, 2023 will determine the higher ranked Team. See the official World Rugby Rankings.

For clarification, in the case of a tie between three or more Teams at the end of the pool phase, once the highest ranked Team has been determined following the above criteria, to determine the next higher ranked Team the process would repeat, starting at the first criterion.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 27, 2023, 09:41:12 PM
If Ireland have amy intentions of winning a world cup, they go out and put Scotland to the sword in no u certain terms the way South Africa or the All - Black's would.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LeoMc on September 27, 2023, 11:06:22 PM
Quote from: Nanderson on September 27, 2023, 08:30:04 PM
Quote from: David McKeown on September 27, 2023, 04:53:32 PM
Quote from: gallsman on September 27, 2023, 04:28:03 PMIf all three end up on the same points, points difference is used to decide the group winner. H2H is then used to decide 2nd and 3rd between the other two.

A crazy way of doing things but that's how it is.

Yeah that's how I understand the tiebreakers work but RTE don't seem to agree
The ranking of tied teams in the pool stage is determined as follows:
The winner of the Match in which the two tied Teams have played each other shall be the higher ranked.
The Team which has the best difference between points scored for and points scored against in all its pool Matches shall be the higher ranked.
The Team which has the best difference between tries scored for and tries scored against in all its pool Matches shall be the higher ranked.
The Team which has scored most points in all its pool Matches shall be the higher ranked.
The Team which has scored most tries in all its pool Matches shall be the higher ranked.

Should the tie be unresolved at the conclusion of steps 1 through 5, the rankings as per the updated. Official World Rugby World Rankings on October 9, 2023 will determine the higher ranked Team. See the official World Rugby Rankings.

For clarification, in the case of a tie between three or more Teams at the end of the pool phase, once the highest ranked Team has been determined following the above criteria, to determine the next higher ranked Team the process would repeat, starting at the first criterion.

From this, assuming Scotland beat Ireland all 3 are level after the first criterion and score difference decides first place, then it goes back to the result between the other 2, so you are both right and RTE is wrong.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 28, 2023, 12:36:08 AM
If Ireland lose to Scotland do they not have to play Kerry in a preliminary quarter final the following Tuesday in le Velodome Fitzgeralde in Strasbourg  ?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 28, 2023, 06:04:33 AM
https://youtu.be/ixwLbpK8pFE
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on September 28, 2023, 08:08:35 AM

IRELAND 3 3 0 0 154 32 +122 21 2        14
SOUTH AFRICA 3 2 0 1 102 16 +86 15 2    10
SCOTLAND 2 1 0 1 48 35 +13 7 1          5


SA will finish with 15 points after this weekend and Scotland will in all likeliness be on 10 going into the last game vrs Ireland.

These are the games that have historically been the games that Ireland have shít the nest in at World Cups and Scotland are not a bad team at all.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on September 28, 2023, 08:51:33 AM
If they don't beat Scotland then they have no business being talked about as challengers, SA beat Scotland well enough, that should be the line of form. If you are not performing to that then the manager has not selected the best team or the team is not motivated enough to win, or just lack serious confidence, that is something the management needs sorting.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on September 28, 2023, 08:58:28 AM
Tbh, I can't see any scenario in which we don't beat Scotland with a winning BP. Two weeks off and Farrell might make a couple of changes but it'll be 80/90% a first choice team.

The whole spiel about the top 5 teams in the world being on one side of the draw has kind of missed the fact that Scotland are much closer to the 4/5 teams below them than the 4 above them.

If Ireland can't close out a group like this with the form they're in then, frankly, we don't have any business in a QF against NZ or France, regardless of the result against the Springboks.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on September 28, 2023, 08:59:12 AM
So have we went from we're going to win the world cup to we're going out?? You would think so reading here...

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on September 28, 2023, 09:20:34 AM
Quote from: imtommygunn on September 28, 2023, 08:59:12 AMSo have we went from we're going to win the world cup to we're going out?? You would think so reading here...



Don't think anyone genuinely believes the Scots can bother us. Historically Irish sports teams don't deal too well with being front runners.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on September 28, 2023, 09:27:28 AM
There's no excuse for Ireland not winning this world cup. They are the best team. They are the best prepared team. They have won 25 games in a row.

They are peak New Zealand. Get your table booked for the final and book Monday the 16th off.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Joeythelips on September 28, 2023, 10:15:17 AM
Ireland showed against SA that they are certainly in the running to win the WC, but they also showed plenty of weakness in that game. Lineouts were an obvious issue and certain players did not perform to usual levels but still to come through such an intense game and have a break before next challenge is a big bonus.

We can only take it one game at a time though given the draw, beat Scots and we face All Blacks in QF. They may not be the best AB team ever but they will fully believe they can beat Ireland and any chinks in our armour will be exposed. If we do get over them we most likely face a Welsh team on an upward curve since 6 nations. Again they would fancy themselves against Ireland, get over that and its most likely the French on home turf or SA again in final.

Can Ireland win it? of course.

Will they? No one can say for sure, they will need to play their best in each game and a sprinkle of good fortune. Its great for a small country such as ours (for arguably its 3rd most popular sport) to be in with a shout of being world champions.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on September 28, 2023, 10:20:13 AM
I would like to think we'll beat Scotland - though not a given - but I'd be very (pleasantly) surprised if we won the world cup. I think it's too big a stretch.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 28, 2023, 12:08:05 PM
Ireland's advantages

Management
Squad depth
Accuracy
Sexton

Possible pitfalls

Injuries
SH nations improve significantly for playoffs
Psychology

Scenarios

France beat Sa, Ireland beat NZ - turns into 6N
SA beat France , Ireland beat NZ .Final meeting, pressure
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Joeythelips on September 28, 2023, 12:14:06 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on September 28, 2023, 10:20:13 AMI would like to think we'll beat Scotland - though not a given - but I'd be very (pleasantly) surprised if we won the world cup. I think it's too big a stretch.

Why too big a stretch? We are number one ranked team in the world currently having won our last 25 games and just beat the holders and one of the favourites in toughest game of the competition so far despite our lineout being a disaster. I get our WC record in knockout is a disaster but we are entitled to be a bit optimistic surely.

We have Scotland up next, tricky game but Ireland should be beating them.
Then we have All Blacks. Can they beat us, of course they can. Can we beat them, absolutely. No one should be surprised with either outcome.
If we do win its Wales or Argentina. Again a tricky fixture but if we can beat SA and All Blacks by that stage no reason we cant beat either of those.  Then its a final most likely against France or SA. Again a massive game but we have beaten both in the recent past so again for me if we have made it that far its a 50/50 game.

Seriously tough route, granted but this is a World Cup and you have to beat the best to win it, same applies to the teams we face.

The All Blacks game will be massive given the narrative of Ireland never having won a knockout game and the All Blacks will bring their A game so any drop off from Ireland and we will be packing our bags but if Ireland play to form they have every chance of winning.

Again I get its tough to win it but I cannot say it would be a huge surprise if they did go all the way.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: John Martin on September 28, 2023, 12:39:55 PM
We haven't won our last 25 games.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on September 28, 2023, 01:29:12 PM
We have won the last 16 and 28 of the last 30, so still pretty good
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 28, 2023, 01:43:09 PM
Joe Schmidt is involved with NZ. Adding some spice
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on September 28, 2023, 01:58:46 PM
If Ireland don't win this World Cup it will be up there with NZ not winning in 07.
It will be Kerry losing to Offaly in 82
It's Loserpool losing to Wimbledon in the 86 cup final and City losing to Wigan in whatever year.

They are the best team and I cannot see them being beaten. There is a coolness to them. They are relaxed. Confident but not cocky. Assured.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on September 28, 2023, 02:06:33 PM
Rugby is a game that takes its toll. Route to world cup likely includes South Africa (already beaten in a draining game), Scotland, New Zealand, Wales, France or SA again. Generally you could expect a top team to be removed in the other half. If Ireland are to win, that will not be the case. Will have to beat 5 of Top 6 ranked teams (by the time we meet Wales, they will have taken 6th spot from England). It's a tall order. Arragh we'll win the whole feckin thing no bother.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: shawshank on September 28, 2023, 02:57:15 PM
Quote from: weareros on September 28, 2023, 02:06:33 PMRugby is a game that takes its toll. Route to world cup likely includes South Africa (already beaten in a draining game), Scotland, New Zealand, Wales, France or SA again. Generally you could expect a top team to be removed in the other half. If Ireland are to win, that will not be the case. Will have to beat 5 of Top 6 ranked teams (by the time we meet Wales, they will have taken 6th spot from England). It's a tall order. Arragh we'll win the whole feckin thing no bother.

Thats fair enough but all the other teams have a similar path, no easy routes for anyone, Ireland are as well placed as the rest to cope.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on September 28, 2023, 03:11:31 PM
IF we get as far as Wales in the semi finals that is a much softer game than the rest tbh. Then the other side would probably get England who in the grand scheme of things are also probably soft enough.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on September 28, 2023, 03:39:29 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on September 28, 2023, 01:29:12 PMWe have won the last 16 and 28 of the last 30, so still pretty good

A win against Scotland and in the QF will bring them alongside the AllBlacks and England for most consecutive wins for a Tier One nation.

Ireland ended both of their winning runs!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 29, 2023, 12:23:40 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on September 28, 2023, 01:29:12 PMWe have won the last 16 and 28 of the last 30, so still pretty good
Galway hammered the cats in the 2012 Leinster final
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rb52kJeCzoA
Kilkenny won the final in a replay. Finals are very different to earlier matches. Your style gets examined in detail and you need Plans B and C and the psychology has to be spot on.

SA have won 3 RWCs. They know how to win rugby finals. Leinster do not.
I would be very cagey.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Denn Forever on September 29, 2023, 01:21:47 PM
I know it  was against Samoa, could Australia be a sneaky outside bet?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on September 29, 2023, 01:35:50 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9wM925VL3g&pp=ygUaaXJpc2ggY29tZWRpYW4gZWRkaWUgam9uZXM%3D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on September 29, 2023, 01:47:47 PM
Quote from: Denn Forever on September 29, 2023, 01:21:47 PMI know it  was against Samoa, could Australia be a sneaky outside bet?

Huh? Japan?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 29, 2023, 03:12:59 PM
https://www.oddschecker.com/rugby-union/rugby-world-cup
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on September 29, 2023, 09:41:26 PM
Italy are piss poor, but off loading & hands from NZ are fantastic. Very few mistakes coupled with an excellent set piece, going to very difficult for Ireland to live with.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 29, 2023, 09:46:04 PM
Ireland beat them up front,
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on September 29, 2023, 09:53:22 PM
I can't see Ireland beating the all blacks after a tough game against Scotland. What happened the last time Ireland played New Zealand in the quarter finals.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bannside on September 29, 2023, 09:59:32 PM
You're a real glass full type I'd say.

I think we will beat Scotland and the All Black's no matter a jot what happened 4 years ago.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Eire90 on September 30, 2023, 01:16:48 AM
there needs to be relegation/promotion from 6 nations  a best of 3 series between the last 6 nations team and the winner of the euro championship thing if you lose 2 times u deserve relegation.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Eire90 on September 30, 2023, 01:17:26 AM
will  ireland be resting players against scotland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on September 30, 2023, 07:37:24 AM
Quote from: Eire90 on September 30, 2023, 01:17:26 AMwill  ireland be resting players against scotland.
[/quot
Quote from: Eire90 on September 30, 2023, 01:16:48 AMthere needs to be relegation/promotion from 6 nations  a best of 3 series between the last 6 nations team and the winner of the euro championship thing if you lose 2 times u deserve relegation.

There should be relegation as Italy have been muck apart from the occasional match. Unfortunately don't think Georgia offer much more. The reason why there isn't relegation is the fear of Wales for example having one of their off seasons and ending up playing Belgium and Poland for a season or 2. It would financially ruin them
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on September 30, 2023, 07:53:54 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on September 30, 2023, 07:37:24 AM
Quote from: Eire90 on September 30, 2023, 01:17:26 AMwill  ireland be resting players against scotland.
[/quot
Quote from: Eire90 on September 30, 2023, 01:16:48 AMthere needs to be relegation/promotion from 6 nations  a best of 3 series between the last 6 nations team and the winner of the euro championship thing if you lose 2 times u deserve relegation.

There should be relegation as Italy have been muck apart from the occasional match. Unfortunately don't think Georgia offer much more. The reason why there isn't relegation is the fear of Wales for example having one of their off seasons and ending up playing Belgium and Poland for a season or 2. It would financially ruin them

Pathetic performance from Italy. The experiment in the 6nations needs to be put out of his misery. 5nations or invite SA.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on September 30, 2023, 11:57:29 AM
QuoteThere should be relegation as Italy have been muck apart from the occasional match. Unfortunately don't think Georgia offer much more. The reason why there isn't relegation is the fear of Wales for example having one of their off seasons and ending up playing Belgium and Poland for a season or 2. It would financially ruin them

See this is my issue with rugby. Its an elitist top heavy sport that doesn't broaden its horizons beyond the top teams. If a relegation/ promotion existed in the six nations think what it could do for the likes of Germany. There is no reason why France can produce a world beating side but not Germany or Spain.
If Wales are not good enough then they are not good enough, tough. You can't be so protectionist about the six countries.
Bolton Wanderers and Bury were not good enough. Brentford and Brighton took their place and are flying.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on September 30, 2023, 12:01:38 PM
Tbh not entirely dissimilar from hurling in that regard.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on September 30, 2023, 02:22:35 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on September 30, 2023, 11:57:29 AM
QuoteThere should be relegation as Italy have been muck apart from the occasional match. Unfortunately don't think Georgia offer much more. The reason why there isn't relegation is the fear of Wales for example having one of their off seasons and ending up playing Belgium and Poland for a season or 2. It would financially ruin them

See this is my issue with rugby. Its an elitist top heavy sport that doesn't broaden its horizons beyond the top teams. If a relegation/ promotion existed in the six nations think what it could do for the likes of Germany. There is no reason why France can produce a world beating side but not Germany or Spain.
If Wales are not good enough then they are not good enough, tough. You can't be so protectionist about the six countries.
Bolton Wanderers and Bury were not good enough. Brentford and Brighton took their place and are flying.

Such tripe.

There's a hundred years of rugby culture, tradition and structures in France.

Rugby in Spain and Germany has roughly the same reach as Gaelic Football.

There is no fixing that chasm.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on September 30, 2023, 02:49:58 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on September 30, 2023, 02:22:35 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on September 30, 2023, 11:57:29 AM
QuoteThere should be relegation as Italy have been muck apart from the occasional match. Unfortunately don't think Georgia offer much more. The reason why there isn't relegation is the fear of Wales for example having one of their off seasons and ending up playing Belgium and Poland for a season or 2. It would financially ruin them

See this is my issue with rugby. Its an elitist top heavy sport that doesn't broaden its horizons beyond the top teams. If a relegation/ promotion existed in the six nations think what it could do for the likes of Germany. There is no reason why France can produce a world beating side but not Germany or Spain.
If Wales are not good enough then they are not good enough, tough. You can't be so protectionist about the six countries.
Bolton Wanderers and Bury were not good enough. Brentford and Brighton took their place and are flying.

Such tripe.

There's a hundred years of rugby culture, tradition and structures in France.

Rugby in Spain and Germany has roughly the same reach as Gaelic Football.

There is no fixing that chasm.

You are missing my point. There is zero interest in fixing the chasm.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on September 30, 2023, 03:04:12 PM
I think you're missing mine too.

There is zero way to close that chasm. It's just not possible.

The interest levels of established nations isn't a factor.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 30, 2023, 04:55:53 PM
Can you fix it in hurling, in a 100 years of trying, can't even fix teams that dropped away like Antrim, Offaly.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on September 30, 2023, 07:27:37 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on September 30, 2023, 02:22:35 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on September 30, 2023, 11:57:29 AM
QuoteThere should be relegation as Italy have been muck apart from the occasional match. Unfortunately don't think Georgia offer much more. The reason why there isn't relegation is the fear of Wales for example having one of their off seasons and ending up playing Belgium and Poland for a season or 2. It would financially ruin them

See this is my issue with rugby. Its an elitist top heavy sport that doesn't broaden its horizons beyond the top teams. If a relegation/ promotion existed in the six nations think what it could do for the likes of Germany. There is no reason why France can produce a world beating side but not Germany or Spain.
If Wales are not good enough then they are not good enough, tough. You can't be so protectionist about the six countries.
Bolton Wanderers and Bury were not good enough. Brentford and Brighton took their place and are flying.

Such tripe.

There's a hundred years of rugby culture, tradition and structures in France.

Rugby in Spain and Germany has roughly the same reach as Gaelic Football.

There is no fixing that chasm.
The French rugby stronghold is in the South west around Toulouse which historically was very independent of Paris and is known for its past of Cathars and Huguenots who said f**k you to the centre of power until they were crushed. Rugby fell on fertile ground
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on September 30, 2023, 09:49:40 PM
There some very poor teams at the world cup, beatings on a power wth the Rugby league world cup last year. Some teams are so hard to judge as they are poor, semi professional for a fair few, some these teams concede maybe 30pts in the last 20mins.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on September 30, 2023, 09:58:32 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on September 30, 2023, 09:49:40 PMThere some very poor teams at the world cup, beatings on a power wth the Rugby league world cup last year. Some teams are so hard to judge as they are poor, semi professional for a fair few, some these teams concede maybe 30pts in the last 20mins.
Aye there is no entertainment in these Tier 1 vs Tier 2 matches. Very lopsided. Don't see how expanding the competition helps address the imbalance.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 01, 2023, 02:37:37 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on September 30, 2023, 09:49:40 PMThere some very poor teams at the world cup, beatings on a power wth the Rugby league world cup last year. Some teams are so hard to judge as they are poor, semi professional for a fair few, some these teams concede maybe 30pts in the last 20mins.
The RWC is all about money. More teams means more games means longer tournament means more money
In 1987 profit was $18m compared to $150 m in 2015.

https://www.euronews.com/2023/09/23/rugby-world-cup-the-business-of-the-game

A 12 Sam Maguire and 12 Tailteann model would work with say 3 up 3 down for a bit of spice.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Eire90 on October 01, 2023, 08:10:38 PM
i dont think they should expand number of teams but they should bring a preliminary quarter finals 2nds v 3rds it would also mean winning the group is a bigger incentive as you get a rest week and a bye to quarters.Tier 2 teams may have a chance of getting 3rd in group
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on October 01, 2023, 11:09:57 PM
Quote from: Eire90 on October 01, 2023, 08:10:38 PMi dont think they should expand number of teams but they should bring a preliminary quarter finals 2nds v 3rds it would also mean winning the group is a bigger incentive as you get a rest week and a bye to quarters.Tier 2 teams may have a chance of getting 3rd in group

The basic conundrum.

What is the actual point in having a tier 2 side progressing?

The odds of them eventually getting beaten by 50+ points would be less than evens.

The odds of them causing a shock against a tier 1 team would be closer to 100/1.

There will never be, in any of our lifetimes, a rugby nation emerge from tier 2 to tier 1.

That's the fundamental reality of the sport.

The World Cup up to now has been a lead balloon. It might be generating money at the minute but those revenues will drop unless it finds a way to deliver a more entertaining product.

That means fewer teams.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 01, 2023, 11:30:16 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on October 01, 2023, 11:09:57 PM
Quote from: Eire90 on October 01, 2023, 08:10:38 PMi dont think they should expand number of teams but they should bring a preliminary quarter finals 2nds v 3rds it would also mean winning the group is a bigger incentive as you get a rest week and a bye to quarters.Tier 2 teams may have a chance of getting 3rd in group

The basic conundrum.

What is the actual point in having a tier 2 side progressing?

The odds of them eventually getting beaten by 50+ points would be less than evens.

The odds of them causing a shock against a tier 1 team would be closer to 100/1.

There will never be, in any of our lifetimes, a rugby nation emerge from tier 2 to tier 1.

That's the fundamental reality of the sport.

The World Cup up to now has been a lead balloon. It might be generating money at the minute but those revenues will drop unless it finds a way to deliver a more entertaining product.

That means fewer teams.

I wouldn't say never. It's about what they consider to be important. They could make it important.
Rugby in this regard is really similar to hurling
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 02, 2023, 08:49:32 AM

Rugby and hurling have very strong similarities

Attractive sports uncorrelated with soccer
Extremely technical, so much harder to pick up than soccer at local club level
Geographically  constricted
Current structures not optimised
Large gap between top 9/10 and next level
Power struggles between incumbents and visionaries
Complacency
Highest prizes shared by a small number of teams

The issue for rugby/hurling is the power of the Tier 1 teams versus the potential of a more level playing field in terms of earning power/competition quality .

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on October 02, 2023, 09:09:37 AM
Seafood please take this on board.

When you talk about power struggles and highest prizes and lack of structures all being issues... you are completely missing the real issue.

The only possible way for more teams to reach tier 1 in hurling / rugby is for the current tier 1 sides to unilaterally agree to stop progressing, and indeed to step back for a while to allow the other lads to catch up.
 
This is not going to happen during any of our lifetimes in either sport.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: David McKeown on October 02, 2023, 10:17:24 AM
All a bit clearer now.

If Ireland score 4 tries next week then they are through as long as they either win, draw or lose by anything other than 8-20 points.

If they don't score 4 tries then they are through if they draw, win or lose by less than 5 points. Or less than 7 with Scotland not scoring 4 tries.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 02, 2023, 10:30:15 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on October 02, 2023, 09:09:37 AMSeafood please take this on board.

When you talk about power struggles and highest prizes and lack of structures all being issues... you are completely missing the real issue.

The only possible way for more teams to reach tier 1 in hurling / rugby is for the current tier 1 sides to unilaterally agree to stop progressing, and indeed to step back for a while to allow the other lads to catch up.
 
This is not going to happen during any of our lifetimes in either sport.



Wobbler, we are talking about the same thing. Kilkenny and Tipp do not care about Antrim and Laois. NZ and Sa do not care about Georgia. There is no incentive for either to change.

Can you leave in our lifetimes out of it ?


All elite sports, to a greater or lesser extent, have been financialised. This means that money goes to the winners and Scraps or nothing go to the rest. The RWC is financialised. Income in 1987 was 18m and in 2019 was over 350m . The 6 nations is financialised. The 6 nations share the Tv money more or less equally. Portugal and Georgia fall behind because of this.



The teams that get the money operate at a higher level and leave the losers behind. This is Ireland compared to Romania or Dublin compared to Down or Real Madrid compared to Shamrock Rovers . The IRFU like the money. Of course they do. It funds a lot of rent seeking behaviour in South County Dublin and Belfast.  Why would they be interested in sharing it ? there is no incentive to share.
This is the economic system. why are 3 South African clubs playing in the URC? Because of the money . Why is World Rugby looking at a world league? Because of the money. NZ want to play the 6N teams regularly. There is no money in Fiji or Samoa. 

The currency in rugby is money. In hurling it is money plus stickwork.
The state of say Laois hurlers and Georgia rugby is ultimately political.

When the money is taken out of sport things are going to be very different.

In the previous system Mayo, Cavan and Roscommon won 10 all Irelands in the space of 20 years and Steaua Bucharest and Red Star Belgrade won the Champions League.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on October 02, 2023, 07:14:26 PM
The best attempt at breaking into a 'new' market by any sports is soccer in the USA, it looks like its eventually gaining a genuine foothold after numerous attempts going back to the 70s, but it's still far from being the top dog. The US has the obvious attraction of mucho money & a huge population - Portugal, Romania, Georgia and most other T2 nations have neither. I'd say the IRB would much rather see Germany make a real fist of it more than the more established T2 sides. But as has mentioned numerous times, culture is hugely important, Italy can't make the final push to be a Top T1 side because soccer rules the roost.

I don't see any genuine change coming in Rugby tbh, maybe Italy produce a once in a generation side that can win a 6 Nations title to get some genuine momentum but highly unlikely. Introducing D1 & D2 6 nations with the jeopardy of relegation / promotion has to be worth an experiment but won't happen either.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on October 05, 2023, 02:46:30 PM
Irish team for Saturday:

Changes from the SA match -
Henderson in for Ryan
Sheehan in for Kelleher.
McCloskey and Conan - on the bench

Ireland: Keenan; M Hansen, Ringrose, Aki, Lowe; Sexton (capt), Gibson-Park; Porter, Sheehan, Furlong; Beirne, Henderson; O'Mahony, Van der Flier, Doris.

Replacements: Kelleher, Kilcoyne, Bealham, Ryan, Conan, Murray, Crowley, McCloskey
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on October 05, 2023, 03:51:27 PM
Quote from: Estimator on October 05, 2023, 02:46:30 PMIrish team for Saturday:

Changes from the SA match -
Henderson in for Ryan
Sheehan in for Kelleher.
McCloskey and Conan - on the bench

Ireland: Keenan; M Hansen, Ringrose, Aki, Lowe; Sexton (capt), Gibson-Park; Porter, Sheehan, Furlong; Beirne, Henderson; O'Mahony, Van der Flier, Doris.

Replacements: Kelleher, Kilcoyne, Bealham, Ryan, Conan, Murray, Crowley, McCloskey

Henshaw is slightly off form, but looks to be blighted by injury as well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on October 05, 2023, 04:26:36 PM
Henshaw out for a few weeks with a hamstring injury. They are going to wait and see whether to replace him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: An Watcher on October 05, 2023, 04:50:02 PM
McCloskey a good replacement to bring in if required? 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 05, 2023, 07:41:13 PM
Quote from: An Watcher on October 05, 2023, 04:50:02 PMMcCloskey a good replacement to bring in if required? 

To bang against the Scots who have never been able to match the top teams' physicality the last 20 odd years? Absolutely.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on October 05, 2023, 08:29:00 PM
Why is Ryan on the bench? Has he picked up a knock.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on October 05, 2023, 08:32:01 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on October 05, 2023, 08:29:00 PMWhy is Ryan on the bench? Has he picked up a knock.
Wrist injury in RSA match.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 05, 2023, 09:59:55 PM
All-Blacks be going into the quarter untested, hard judge against bad teams, never looked in it against France, their back 3 is exceptional but not great under the high ball.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on October 05, 2023, 10:20:22 PM
Not that i care, or that any of the Top tier countries care about a new nation emerging in the game. Just like No one in the Top Tier in Hurling cares. Who wants another country to worry about.

That said the USA (and Canada) if strong would offer big money tours.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: burdizzo on October 05, 2023, 10:54:04 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 05, 2023, 09:59:55 PMAll-Blacks be going into the quarter untested, hard judge against bad teams, never looked in it against France, their back 3 is exceptional but not great under the high ball.

I'm no expert, for sure - but I thought that McKenzie lad looked pretty good in the last two games, yet the commentators reckoned he'd be lucky to get a place on the bench?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 05, 2023, 11:52:54 PM
McKenzie a lad I be glad if he was on the bench, he's very good.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on October 06, 2023, 08:24:10 PM
11th in the world ranked Italy look like they are going to have a long night.

You'd wonder what the TV audience in Italy is for this game?

The French Fans are not enhancing their reputation this evening.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 06, 2023, 09:06:14 PM
French supporters coming across as blinkered plus unlikable to boot, there a quarter final to detest, them and, South Africa supporters both you like an put in their place .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 06, 2023, 09:32:31 PM
Another Wash out, been the worst world cup in a long time, need be big stuff from quarters on. That nearly the worst Italian team at any World Cup,
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dire Ear on October 07, 2023, 04:24:59 PM
Score predictions ??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on October 07, 2023, 04:31:22 PM
Quote from: Dire Ear on October 07, 2023, 04:24:59 PMScore predictions ??
33-7 to Ireland. 3 early tries within 15 minutes to settle the nerves
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on October 07, 2023, 05:23:22 PM
Great game here. Lovely second try by Samoa.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on October 07, 2023, 05:46:56 PM
Jamie Heaslip is an atrocious pundit. He's quite reminiscent of Sean Cavanagh in the role.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 07, 2023, 07:42:15 PM
Quote from: Dire Ear on October 07, 2023, 04:24:59 PMScore predictions ??

Minimum 20 point win.

For me a win alone isn't enough. Have to look dominant ahead of NZ and show everyone we're every bit the contenders we've looked to date. Anything less and I'd fear the ABs would put 50 on us next week.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Square Ball on October 07, 2023, 07:43:44 PM
Ireland by 10
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 07, 2023, 07:44:49 PM
That England Team crap, a 20pts hammering in a semi, awaits them,
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Olly on October 07, 2023, 07:52:00 PM
Scotland 22 Ireland 12
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 07, 2023, 08:04:39 PM
Tus maith
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 07, 2023, 08:41:45 PM
3tries in 4 visits to the 22, playing of limited possession but cutting apart Scotland. Scotland playing too open and should took the 2 early scorable penalties when it was only 5 nil.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on October 07, 2023, 08:43:10 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 07, 2023, 08:41:45 PM3tries in 4 visits to the 22, playing of limited possession but cutting apart Scotland. Scotland playing too open and should took the 2 early scorable penalties when it was only 5 nil.
scotland need the tries though which probably clouds their judgement. i'd be sure ireland would have took the kick at goal in that scenario
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 07, 2023, 08:46:27 PM
Fiercely professional performance so far... still a bit to go though the Jocks will get a purple patch!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on October 07, 2023, 08:48:04 PM
Scots started well but gassed after 20 mins. Getting trimmed now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 07, 2023, 08:50:59 PM
The difference compared to 2019 is enormous.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Square Ball on October 07, 2023, 08:51:56 PM
A lot less stressful than I though it was going to be....
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on October 07, 2023, 08:53:00 PM
Worrying about Hansen.

Earls likely to start on the wing in the knockout stages if Hansen is out. Earls probably the greatest fraud of a player in Ireland's history. Luke Fitzgerald would have outranked him but he'd the decency to get hurt and retire early.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on October 07, 2023, 08:54:00 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on October 07, 2023, 08:53:00 PMWorrying about Hansen.

Earls likely to start on the wing in the knockout stages if Hansen is out. Earls probably the greatest fraud of a player in Ireland's history. Luke Fitzgerald would have outranked him but he'd the decency to get hurt and retire early.
he passed his HIA but i'd say there was no point risking him once the 2nd try went over and Farrell knew that
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on October 07, 2023, 09:10:58 PM
Is the 4 try bonus point putting Ireland through already regardless of what happens.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on October 07, 2023, 09:12:03 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on October 07, 2023, 09:10:58 PMIs the 4 try bonus point putting Ireland through already regardless of what happens.
no
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 07, 2023, 09:13:39 PM
Quote from: Nanderson on October 07, 2023, 09:12:03 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on October 07, 2023, 09:10:58 PMIs the 4 try bonus point putting Ireland through already regardless of what happens.
no

Has anyone checked on Ewan??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 07, 2023, 09:27:08 PM
That Lad Crowley going to be a clinker!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on October 07, 2023, 09:58:26 PM
NEVER. IN. DOUBT
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on October 07, 2023, 09:59:04 PM
Thank god nobody listened to the Cancel Culture and ZOMBIE is being played through the PA.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ONeill on October 07, 2023, 10:02:11 PM
Yeah, I think it's important that Zombie is played through the PA. Should push Ireland on.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on October 07, 2023, 10:05:02 PM
Wild Rover now
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on October 07, 2023, 10:59:17 PM
Ireland have picked up a few knocks in this game but hopefully none are too serious.

I thought this was going to be a really competitive game but Scotland couldn't lay a glove on Ireland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 08, 2023, 07:10:11 AM
Scotland are improving but they haven't done the work that Ireland have over the last 4 years.


After Ireland bate France in the 6N to set up the Grand Slam, Farrell and Sexton were asked if they were happy with the performance . They said it wasn't good enough. This Irish team is very different to any previous Irish team, even Schmidt's. This clip is really interesting.


https://youtu.be/g-gPEa4PH6M&t=580s
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on October 08, 2023, 09:25:42 AM
I was on the world ranking site. If Ireland lost that match they could have dropped to 4th. WTF. Win 16 in a row lose one and drop to 4th. That seems a daft system.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tonto1888 on October 08, 2023, 10:10:35 AM
Another quarter final loss incoming
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on October 08, 2023, 10:33:49 AM
Brilliant performance & great to beat the wettest of wet pussies. Scotland are a dreadful nation of bluster.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on October 08, 2023, 11:06:39 AM
Quote from: tonto1888 on October 08, 2023, 10:10:35 AMAnother quarter final loss incoming

You'd expect so. New Zealand is a proud Rugby nation. As a Rugby nation this is what they live and die for. Bar pockets of strongholds here or there, Rugby in this country is supported like Boxing in the Olympics.

Hopefully they do it. As a Mayo man, I understand the constant failure being thrown in their face.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 08, 2023, 12:19:27 PM
Ireland can slow the ABs down they can win. Ireland are more accurate.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on October 08, 2023, 12:26:15 PM
That was some try from Japan against Argentina
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on October 08, 2023, 12:31:19 PM
That's a lovely looking alternate Argentina top
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 08, 2023, 12:45:56 PM
Turning into a cracker here. Some glorious tries.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tonto1888 on October 08, 2023, 05:41:35 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on October 08, 2023, 11:06:39 AM
Quote from: tonto1888 on October 08, 2023, 10:10:35 AMAnother quarter final loss incoming

You'd expect so. New Zealand is a proud Rugby nation. As a Rugby nation this is what they live and die for. Bar pockets of strongholds here or there, Rugby in this country is supported like Boxing in the Olympics.

Hopefully they do it. As a Mayo man, I understand the constant failure being thrown in their face.

I genuinely want them to win but we have been here before. I've built my hopes up before only to have them dashed.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 08, 2023, 07:38:02 PM
Ireland by 10+
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on October 08, 2023, 07:44:56 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 08, 2023, 07:38:02 PMIreland by 10+

Agreed... Best team in the world, and will win this tournament
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 08, 2023, 07:47:03 PM
Quote from: tonto1888 on October 08, 2023, 05:41:35 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on October 08, 2023, 11:06:39 AM
Quote from: tonto1888 on October 08, 2023, 10:10:35 AMAnother quarter final loss incoming

You'd expect so. New Zealand is a proud Rugby nation. As a Rugby nation this is what they live and die for. Bar pockets of strongholds here or there, Rugby in this country is supported like Boxing in the Olympics.

Hopefully they do it. As a Mayo man, I understand the constant failure being thrown in their face.

I genuinely want them to win but we have been here before. I've built my hopes up before only to have them dashed.
Watch a few episodes of the breakdown. It's very good NZ analysis. The ABs are not firing on all cylinders
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyiAu1hzifw
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on October 08, 2023, 09:16:59 PM
Eddie Jones not gone just yet. Portugal playing some great stuff.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on October 08, 2023, 09:53:07 PM
Super win for Portugal,  winger 11 was outstanding. Much more to offer than Italy.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Square Ball on October 08, 2023, 09:56:26 PM
Enjoyable game that, will Jones be away in the morning and heading to Japan
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on October 08, 2023, 10:08:36 PM
Quote from: Rudi on October 08, 2023, 09:53:07 PMSuper win for Portugal,  winger 11 was outstanding. Much more to offer than Italy.
Italy should start worrying. Portugal have been playing a really nice brand of rugby and should have had 2 wins. Unfortunately no automatic qualification either.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: burdizzo on October 08, 2023, 10:23:01 PM
Italy had a tougher group, I'd say. But still - yes, very demoralising for Italy.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Eire90 on October 08, 2023, 10:25:13 PM
Portugal have played good this tournament never beat by more than 20 points and win and a draw against teams rated higher than them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on October 08, 2023, 11:09:01 PM
Italy have been in the Six Nations since 2000 and are as far away as ever from the top teams. They need to bring in a Promotion and relegation into it, and let a Country like Portugal or Georgia compete.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on October 08, 2023, 11:13:38 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on October 08, 2023, 11:09:01 PMItaly have been in the Six Nations since 2000 and are as far away as ever from the top teams. They need to bring in a Promotion and relegation into it, and let a Country like Portugal or Georgia compete.

Yep. Let's replace a dog to kick with a cat to kick.

That'll help.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: burdizzo on October 08, 2023, 11:25:39 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on October 08, 2023, 11:13:38 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on October 08, 2023, 11:09:01 PMItaly have been in the Six Nations since 2000 and are as far away as ever from the top teams. They need to bring in a Promotion and relegation into it, and let a Country like Portugal or Georgia compete.

Yep. Let's replace a dog to kick with a cat to kick.

That'll help.

Yeah. I've a feeling it was a good bit more than 20 years from when they were let in before France became competitive in the old Five Nations. Now look at them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Eire90 on October 08, 2023, 11:26:49 PM
scrap the 6 nations for a 8 team european championship every two years maybe.Bottom two teams in each group playoff for relegation to be replaced by a team winning a 2nd tier competition.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Eire90 on October 08, 2023, 11:29:46 PM
Quote from: Eire90 on October 08, 2023, 11:26:49 PMscrap the 6 nations for a 8 team european championship every two years maybe.Bottom two teams in each group playoff for relegation to be replaced by a team winning a 2nd tier competition or you could play it every year rotating who plays at home  group winners get home advantage in semis final could be neutral it would only require 5 weeks of play.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on October 08, 2023, 11:54:36 PM
Quote from: burdizzo on October 08, 2023, 11:25:39 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on October 08, 2023, 11:13:38 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on October 08, 2023, 11:09:01 PMItaly have been in the Six Nations since 2000 and are as far away as ever from the top teams. They need to bring in a Promotion and relegation into it, and let a Country like Portugal or Georgia compete.

Yep. Let's replace a dog to kick with a cat to kick.

That'll help.

Yeah. I've a feeling it was a good bit more than 20 years from when they were let in before France became competitive in the old Five Nations. Now look at them.

Hardly the same thing. Rugby wasn't in a professional era.
Quote from: thewobbler on October 08, 2023, 11:13:38 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on October 08, 2023, 11:09:01 PMItaly have been in the Six Nations since 2000 and are as far away as ever from the top teams. They need to bring in a Promotion and relegation into it, and let a Country like Portugal or Georgia compete.

Yep. Let's replace a dog to kick with a cat to kick.

That'll help.

Ah yeah. So just leave it be so. . Italy for the wodden spoon for another 20 odds years
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on October 08, 2023, 11:54:49 PM
Quote from: Eire90 on October 08, 2023, 11:26:49 PMscrap the 6 nations for a 8 team european championship every two years maybe.Bottom two teams in each group playoff for relegation to be replaced by a team winning a 2nd tier competition.
Yep. Let's take a competition that everyone looks forward to each year because it's competitive, meaningful, entertaining and has a ball of tradition underpinning it all... and replace it with something that can only be worse.

That'll help.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on October 08, 2023, 11:55:38 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on October 08, 2023, 11:54:36 PM
Quote from: burdizzo on October 08, 2023, 11:25:39 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on October 08, 2023, 11:13:38 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on October 08, 2023, 11:09:01 PMItaly have been in the Six Nations since 2000 and are as far away as ever from the top teams. They need to bring in a Promotion and relegation into it, and let a Country like Portugal or Georgia compete.

Yep. Let's replace a dog to kick with a cat to kick.

That'll help.

Yeah. I've a feeling it was a good bit more than 20 years from when they were let in before France became competitive in the old Five Nations. Now look at them.

Hardly the same thing. Rugby wasn't in a professional era.
Quote from: thewobbler on October 08, 2023, 11:13:38 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on October 08, 2023, 11:09:01 PMItaly have been in the Six Nations since 2000 and are as far away as ever from the top teams. They need to bring in a Promotion and relegation into it, and let a Country like Portugal or Georgia compete.

Yep. Let's replace a dog to kick with a cat to kick.

That'll help.

Ah yeah. So just leave it be so. . Italy for the wodden spoon for another 20 odds years

The problem is that Italy aren't good enough.

The solution is NOT to replace them with worse again.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on October 09, 2023, 12:05:14 AM
It's not up to the other 5 Nations to improve them (Italy) either. Sport is about everyman for himself. Italy has become like a welcome training game in the middle of the 6 Nations. A chance to experiment with formations and tactics. And a chance every second year for Rugby fans to head to Rome for a piss up weekend in the spring.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 09, 2023, 06:25:01 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on October 08, 2023, 11:54:49 PM
Quote from: Eire90 on October 08, 2023, 11:26:49 PMscrap the 6 nations for a 8 team european championship every two years maybe.Bottom two teams in each group playoff for relegation to be replaced by a team winning a 2nd tier competition.
Yep. Let's take a competition that everyone looks forward to each year because it's competitive, meaningful, entertaining and has a ball of tradition underpinning it all... and replace it with something that can only be worse.

That'll help.
[/quote ]the Northern Hemisphere of rugby has far more money than the Southern because of the 6N. If it ain't broke don't fix it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on October 09, 2023, 10:03:24 AM
Ireland's performance on Saturday night was that of champions in waiting.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Joeythelips on October 09, 2023, 10:13:40 AM
Quote from: trailer on October 09, 2023, 10:03:24 AMIreland's performance on Saturday night was that of champions in waiting.


Can Ireland win the world cup?
of course, they have shown they are more than good enough when at their best.

Will they win it?
F**k knows given they need to win 3 massive knockout games to do just that.
A huge game up next against All Blacks, the fact remains Ireland have never won a knockout game in a world cup so lots of pressure against an All Blacks side who are experts at exposing any chinks in the armour. McKenzie has been one of the best players I have seen at this world cup (albeit against weaker opposition) and he cant even get in the side.
Get over that massive hurdle and will most likely have to tackle a Welsh team on an upward curve, like the Scottish game Ireland would be expected to beat them but it would be a tricky fixture.
Then the final most likely against a French side with home advantage. Hopefully it is Ireland v France as they have been the 2 best sides and would make for a great final. Ireland would have to produce their absolute best rugby for 80 mins to beat them imo.
Still a long way to go and no real point of looking past the next hurdle. Fingers crossed.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on October 09, 2023, 11:20:04 AM
Quote from: Joeythelips on October 09, 2023, 10:13:40 AM
Quote from: trailer on October 09, 2023, 10:03:24 AMIreland's performance on Saturday night was that of champions in waiting.


Can Ireland win the world cup?
of course, they have shown they are more than good enough when at their best.

Will they win it?
F**k knows given they need to win 3 massive knockout games to do just that.
A huge game up next against All Blacks, the fact remains Ireland have never won a knockout game in a world cup so lots of pressure against an All Blacks side who are experts at exposing any chinks in the armour. McKenzie has been one of the best players I have seen at this world cup (albeit against weaker opposition) and he cant even get in the side.
Get over that massive hurdle and will most likely have to tackle a Welsh team on an upward curve, like the Scottish game Ireland would be expected to beat them but it would be a tricky fixture.
Then the final most likely against a French side with home advantage. Hopefully it is Ireland v France as they have been the 2 best sides and would make for a great final. Ireland would have to produce their absolute best rugby for 80 mins to beat them imo.
Still a long way to go and no real point of looking past the next hurdle. Fingers crossed.

The NZ game is one where Ireland need to keep it very tight, should have the upperhand in the scrum, but you'd fear for Ireland if NZ get a load of ball and start stringing the phases together, but Irelands defence has been strong v SA and for most of the Scotland game barring the two breakaway tries.
Ardie Savea will need some watching but not something beyond this current Irish team.

Need Tadgh, Hansen, Lowe, Ryan and Henshaw fit again though
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on October 09, 2023, 11:32:21 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on October 09, 2023, 11:20:04 AM
Quote from: Joeythelips on October 09, 2023, 10:13:40 AM
Quote from: trailer on October 09, 2023, 10:03:24 AMIreland's performance on Saturday night was that of champions in waiting.


Can Ireland win the world cup?
of course, they have shown they are more than good enough when at their best.

Will they win it?
F**k knows given they need to win 3 massive knockout games to do just that.
A huge game up next against All Blacks, the fact remains Ireland have never won a knockout game in a world cup so lots of pressure against an All Blacks side who are experts at exposing any chinks in the armour. McKenzie has been one of the best players I have seen at this world cup (albeit against weaker opposition) and he cant even get in the side.
Get over that massive hurdle and will most likely have to tackle a Welsh team on an upward curve, like the Scottish game Ireland would be expected to beat them but it would be a tricky fixture.
Then the final most likely against a French side with home advantage. Hopefully it is Ireland v France as they have been the 2 best sides and would make for a great final. Ireland would have to produce their absolute best rugby for 80 mins to beat them imo.
Still a long way to go and no real point of looking past the next hurdle. Fingers crossed.

The NZ game is one where Ireland need to keep it very tight, should have the upperhand in the scrum, but you'd fear for Ireland if NZ get a load of ball and start stringing the phases together, but Irelands defence has been strong v SA and for most of the Scotland game barring the two breakaway tries.
Ardie Savea will need some watching but not something beyond this current Irish team.

Need Tadgh, Hansen, Lowe, Ryan and Henshaw fit again though

Tight my arse. Ireland thrive in chaos. The madder and more unpredictable the play the better Ireland are. Once they win this world cup they will be talked about as one of the all time great sides and quite possibly the greatest.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on October 09, 2023, 04:52:15 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on October 08, 2023, 11:55:38 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on October 08, 2023, 11:54:36 PM
Quote from: burdizzo on October 08, 2023, 11:25:39 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on October 08, 2023, 11:13:38 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on October 08, 2023, 11:09:01 PMItaly have been in the Six Nations since 2000 and are as far away as ever from the top teams. They need to bring in a Promotion and relegation into it, and let a Country like Portugal or Georgia compete.

Yep. Let's replace a dog to kick with a cat to kick.

That'll help.

Yeah. I've a feeling it was a good bit more than 20 years from when they were let in before France became competitive in the old Five Nations. Now look at them.

Hardly the same thing. Rugby wasn't in a professional era.
Quote from: thewobbler on October 08, 2023, 11:13:38 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on October 08, 2023, 11:09:01 PMItaly have been in the Six Nations since 2000 and are as far away as ever from the top teams. They need to bring in a Promotion and relegation into it, and let a Country like Portugal or Georgia compete.

Yep. Let's replace a dog to kick with a cat to kick.

That'll help.

Ah yeah. So just leave it be so. . Italy for the wodden spoon for another 20 odds years

The problem is that Italy aren't good enough.

The solution is NOT to replace them with worse again.

Obviously they aren't good enough that's why they are being discussed.

But either put it back to 5 Nations or give Portugal or Georgia 5 years to compete in it and then review it.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on October 09, 2023, 05:12:04 PM
Quote from: trailer on October 09, 2023, 11:32:21 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on October 09, 2023, 11:20:04 AM
Quote from: Joeythelips on October 09, 2023, 10:13:40 AM
Quote from: trailer on October 09, 2023, 10:03:24 AMIreland's performance on Saturday night was that of champions in waiting.


Can Ireland win the world cup?
of course, they have shown they are more than good enough when at their best.

Will they win it?
F**k knows given they need to win 3 massive knockout games to do just that.
A huge game up next against All Blacks, the fact remains Ireland have never won a knockout game in a world cup so lots of pressure against an All Blacks side who are experts at exposing any chinks in the armour. McKenzie has been one of the best players I have seen at this world cup (albeit against weaker opposition) and he cant even get in the side.
Get over that massive hurdle and will most likely have to tackle a Welsh team on an upward curve, like the Scottish game Ireland would be expected to beat them but it would be a tricky fixture.
Then the final most likely against a French side with home advantage. Hopefully it is Ireland v France as they have been the 2 best sides and would make for a great final. Ireland would have to produce their absolute best rugby for 80 mins to beat them imo.
Still a long way to go and no real point of looking past the next hurdle. Fingers crossed.

The NZ game is one where Ireland need to keep it very tight, should have the upperhand in the scrum, but you'd fear for Ireland if NZ get a load of ball and start stringing the phases together, but Irelands defence has been strong v SA and for most of the Scotland game barring the two breakaway tries.
Ardie Savea will need some watching but not something beyond this current Irish team.

Need Tadgh, Hansen, Lowe, Ryan and Henshaw fit again though

Tight my arse. Ireland thrive in chaos. The madder and more unpredictable the play the better Ireland are. Once they win this world cup they will be talked about as one of the all time great sides and quite possibly the greatest.


Let's not get carried away.

Great chance to win a World Cup - through a tough group and tough knock-out series but let's not over-cook it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on October 09, 2023, 05:14:19 PM
With NZ, although poor by their standards, you never know.

They always have a performance in them and are so unpredictable.

Depends what NZ turns up but Ireland are favourites after their controlled performances so far.  The two week break after the SA game seems to have done them the world of good.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 09, 2023, 06:50:16 PM
ROG was interviewed on the breakdown and he tipped France to win
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 10, 2023, 12:03:18 PM
Every single Irish RWC exit

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4O_qDxHQnsg
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on October 10, 2023, 02:46:04 PM
There's every chance we'll depart at the QF stage again but it'll hardly be because we choke, it's going to be a 50/50 game, bit of luck required.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on October 10, 2023, 02:53:48 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on October 10, 2023, 02:46:04 PMThere's every chance we'll depart at the QF stage again but it'll hardly be because we choke, it's going to be a 50/50 game, bit of luck required.

Absolutely, some hooers on here with a semi already at the prospect of a q/f exit

Still think we'll win the thing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 10, 2023, 02:55:54 PM
France - South Africa is going to be a belter
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on October 10, 2023, 03:32:00 PM
If Ireland lose, the usual tropes will be about them being perennial bottlers, chokers, posh boys, overhyped, blah blah.

While Ireland have never made it to the last 4, for most of the WC history Ireland haven't been one of the world's top 4 sides anyway. The big 3 SH teams, England & France would always have been better.

2007 was the first time they could have had some expectations of going deep in the tournament, but they peaked 6 months too early.

2011 vs. Wales was a chance missed when Gatland brilliantly nullified Ireland's vaunted backrow threat.
Added to that, Declan Kidney lost his nerve and brought ROG back ahead of Sexton with predictable results.

2015 being nearer full strength they would have taken Argentina, but Schmidt-ball, pick and crash rugby was too attritional.
2019 was something similar. They way the Japanese ran Ireland ragged and Ireland were unable to cope with higher tempo rugby.

In recent times, when Ireland have had the better quality, they've been outfoxed by nations who do tournament rugby better.
NZ had similar travails for years. Invariably the best rugby team around, but kept getting dunked in WCs.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ClubScene13 on October 10, 2023, 03:47:25 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on October 10, 2023, 03:32:00 PMIf Ireland lose, the usual tropes will be about them being perennial bottlers, chokers, posh boys, overhyped, blah blah.

While Ireland have never made it to the last 4, for most of the WC history Ireland haven't been one of the world's top 4 sides anyway. The big 3 SH teams, England & France would always have been better.

2007 was the first time they could have had some expectations of going deep in the tournament, but they peaked 6 months too early.

2011 vs. Wales was a chance missed when Gatland brilliantly nullified Ireland's vaunted backrow threat.
Added to that, Declan Kidney lost his nerve and brought ROG back ahead of Sexton with predictable results.

2015 being nearer full strength they would have taken Argentina, but Schmidt-ball, pick and crash rugby was too attritional.
2019 was something similar. They way the Japanese ran Ireland ragged and Ireland were unable to cope with higher tempo rugby.

In recent times, when Ireland have had the better quality, they've been outfoxed by nations who do tournament rugby better.
NZ had similar travails for years. Invariably the best rugby team around, but kept getting dunked in WCs.




I wouldn't agree that England have been expected to do much better than Ireland in world cups the last 10 years? They have turned up and produced time and time again where Ireland have faltered. Getting smacked in 2019 only for England to go and beat NZ comfortably enough was particularly jarring
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on October 10, 2023, 03:59:09 PM
Quote from: ClubScene13 on October 10, 2023, 03:47:25 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on October 10, 2023, 03:32:00 PMIf Ireland lose, the usual tropes will be about them being perennial bottlers, chokers, posh boys, overhyped, blah blah.

While Ireland have never made it to the last 4, for most of the WC history Ireland haven't been one of the world's top 4 sides anyway. The big 3 SH teams, England & France would always have been better.

2007 was the first time they could have had some expectations of going deep in the tournament, but they peaked 6 months too early.

2011 vs. Wales was a chance missed when Gatland brilliantly nullified Ireland's vaunted backrow threat.
Added to that, Declan Kidney lost his nerve and brought ROG back ahead of Sexton with predictable results.

2015 being nearer full strength they would have taken Argentina, but Schmidt-ball, pick and crash rugby was too attritional.
2019 was something similar. They way the Japanese ran Ireland ragged and Ireland were unable to cope with higher tempo rugby.

In recent times, when Ireland have had the better quality, they've been outfoxed by nations who do tournament rugby better.
NZ had similar travails for years. Invariably the best rugby team around, but kept getting dunked in WCs.




I wouldn't agree that England have been expected to do much better than Ireland in world cups the last 10 years? They have turned up and produced time and time again where Ireland have faltered. Getting smacked in 2019 only for England to go and beat NZ comfortably enough was particularly jarring

Only in recent years though. From 1987 up to 2007 England went into the tournament more fancied than Ireland.
It's only from 2007 and onwards that Ireland could be thought to be not making their mark at the WC.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 10, 2023, 04:23:40 PM
Barnes the referee for Saturday ffs.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on October 10, 2023, 04:34:43 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 10, 2023, 04:23:40 PMBarnes the referee for Saturday ffs.

Barnes far from the worst!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on October 10, 2023, 05:19:49 PM
Barnes has relaxed in recent years and has improved as a ref.
In his early days he was quite officious. He loved giving unexpected penalties for obscure reasons to show he was the smartest man in the stadium when it came to the laws.

Ireland often suffered against him more than others, but not so much nowadays.
Also, he still gets a ton of abuse from NZ people over missing a forward pass that caused them to get knocked out by France in the 2007 WC.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 10, 2023, 09:35:04 PM
I think that it will be a massive test of character but that , injuries permitting, we have the best chance of beating NZ in knockout competition. Concentration, adaptability, accuracy, physicality and management are all at a very high level.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on October 11, 2023, 08:43:02 AM
Ireland can't lose every QF ever. They have to win one and what better time to do that when you are the best team in the world against one of the great rugby nations.

Ireland comfortably - 10+
This is as close to a sure thing you can get. Get the house on it.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on October 11, 2023, 08:58:16 AM
Ireland -1 handicap so I'm not sure trailer as a business man that you can think that Ireland are -10..

The bookies are very rarely wrong and I can see this game being a 1 point win either way or a draw. Let the experts give the advice, just enjoy the game
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on October 11, 2023, 09:24:10 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 11, 2023, 08:58:16 AMLet the experts give the advice

What an utterly bizarre comment on a discussion board of all places. Crazy.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on October 11, 2023, 09:27:17 AM
Quote from: trailer on October 11, 2023, 09:24:10 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 11, 2023, 08:58:16 AMLet the experts give the advice

What an utterly bizarre comment on a discussion board of all places. Crazy.

Ok tell me way they are going to win by -10 ..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on October 11, 2023, 09:49:50 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 11, 2023, 09:27:17 AM
Quote from: trailer on October 11, 2023, 09:24:10 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 11, 2023, 08:58:16 AMLet the experts give the advice

What an utterly bizarre comment on a discussion board of all places. Crazy.

Ok tell me way they are going to win by -10 ..

Really?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on October 11, 2023, 09:58:06 AM
Quote from: trailer on October 11, 2023, 09:49:50 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 11, 2023, 09:27:17 AM
Quote from: trailer on October 11, 2023, 09:24:10 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 11, 2023, 08:58:16 AMLet the experts give the advice

What an utterly bizarre comment on a discussion board of all places. Crazy.

Ok tell me way they are going to win by -10 ..

Really?

Yeah, I'd like to know the ins and outs of it, you seem to have a lot of knowledge of the game..

I sincerely hope you are not basing it on Ireland being ranked no.1 and if that is it I'd be very disappointed lol
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on October 11, 2023, 10:30:03 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 11, 2023, 09:58:06 AM
Quote from: trailer on October 11, 2023, 09:49:50 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 11, 2023, 09:27:17 AM
Quote from: trailer on October 11, 2023, 09:24:10 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 11, 2023, 08:58:16 AMLet the experts give the advice

What an utterly bizarre comment on a discussion board of all places. Crazy.

Ok tell me way they are going to win by -10 ..

Really?

Yeah, I'd like to know the ins and outs of it, you seem to have a lot of knowledge of the game..

I sincerely hope you are not basing it on Ireland being ranked no.1 and if that is it I'd be very disappointed lol

You want me to give you a complete breakdown of a 80 min game of rugby on a GAA discussion board because I opined that Ireland would win by at least 10 points?

Being No.1 is a key f**king metric. They're the best team in the world. Like what more do Ireland have to do to go in as favourites?
They beaten NZ in NZ in the last test series they played them in... their smallest win being by 10 points!
They have completed a Grand Slam in the 6N
They've beaten South Africa already in this competition.
Everything points to an Ireland win, it is crazy not to be ultra confident about this team.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on October 11, 2023, 10:47:05 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 11, 2023, 08:58:16 AMIreland -1 handicap so I'm not sure trailer as a business man that you can think that Ireland are -10..

The bookies are very rarely wrong and I can see this game being a 1 point win either way or a draw. Let the experts give the advice, just enjoy the game

This isn't a soccer game... How often does a rugby game end in a 1 point margin? I agree with Trailer, Ireland are a better team than NZ and will win by 7 - 12 points. And go on and win the WC.. A serious team, the best we've had
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Armagh18 on October 11, 2023, 10:58:43 AM
Quote from: trailer on October 11, 2023, 10:30:03 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 11, 2023, 09:58:06 AM
Quote from: trailer on October 11, 2023, 09:49:50 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 11, 2023, 09:27:17 AM
Quote from: trailer on October 11, 2023, 09:24:10 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 11, 2023, 08:58:16 AMLet the experts give the advice

What an utterly bizarre comment on a discussion board of all places. Crazy.

Ok tell me way they are going to win by -10 ..

Really?

Yeah, I'd like to know the ins and outs of it, you seem to have a lot of knowledge of the game..

I sincerely hope you are not basing it on Ireland being ranked no.1 and if that is it I'd be very disappointed lol

You want me to give you a complete breakdown of a 80 min game of rugby on a GAA discussion board because I opined that Ireland would win by at least 10 points?

Being No.1 is a key f**king metric. They're the best team in the world. Like what more do Ireland have to do to go in as favourites?
They beaten NZ in NZ in the last test series they played them in... their smallest win being by 10 points!
They have completed a Grand Slam in the 6N
They've beaten South Africa already in this competition.
Everything points to an Ireland win, it is crazy not to be ultra confident about this team.


Probably slight favourites but we can take nothing for granted. World rankings mean feck all though. Sure if Scotland had beat us we'd have dropped down a few places
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on October 11, 2023, 11:06:43 AM
Quote from: Armagh18 on October 11, 2023, 10:58:43 AM
Quote from: trailer on October 11, 2023, 10:30:03 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 11, 2023, 09:58:06 AM
Quote from: trailer on October 11, 2023, 09:49:50 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 11, 2023, 09:27:17 AM
Quote from: trailer on October 11, 2023, 09:24:10 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 11, 2023, 08:58:16 AMLet the experts give the advice

What an utterly bizarre comment on a discussion board of all places. Crazy.

Ok tell me way they are going to win by -10 ..

Really?

Yeah, I'd like to know the ins and outs of it, you seem to have a lot of knowledge of the game..

I sincerely hope you are not basing it on Ireland being ranked no.1 and if that is it I'd be very disappointed lol

You want me to give you a complete breakdown of a 80 min game of rugby on a GAA discussion board because I opined that Ireland would win by at least 10 points?

Being No.1 is a key f**king metric. They're the best team in the world. Like what more do Ireland have to do to go in as favourites?
They beaten NZ in NZ in the last test series they played them in... their smallest win being by 10 points!
They have completed a Grand Slam in the 6N
They've beaten South Africa already in this competition.
Everything points to an Ireland win, it is crazy not to be ultra confident about this team.


Probably slight favourites but we can take nothing for granted. World rankings mean feck all though. Sure if Scotland had beat us we'd have dropped down a few places

THEY DIDN'T!! We humped them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Armagh18 on October 11, 2023, 11:17:40 AM
Quote from: trailer on October 11, 2023, 11:06:43 AM
Quote from: Armagh18 on October 11, 2023, 10:58:43 AM
Quote from: trailer on October 11, 2023, 10:30:03 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 11, 2023, 09:58:06 AM
Quote from: trailer on October 11, 2023, 09:49:50 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 11, 2023, 09:27:17 AM
Quote from: trailer on October 11, 2023, 09:24:10 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 11, 2023, 08:58:16 AMLet the experts give the advice

What an utterly bizarre comment on a discussion board of all places. Crazy.

Ok tell me way they are going to win by -10 ..

Really?

Yeah, I'd like to know the ins and outs of it, you seem to have a lot of knowledge of the game..

I sincerely hope you are not basing it on Ireland being ranked no.1 and if that is it I'd be very disappointed lol

You want me to give you a complete breakdown of a 80 min game of rugby on a GAA discussion board because I opined that Ireland would win by at least 10 points?

Being No.1 is a key f**king metric. They're the best team in the world. Like what more do Ireland have to do to go in as favourites?
They beaten NZ in NZ in the last test series they played them in... their smallest win being by 10 points!
They have completed a Grand Slam in the 6N
They've beaten South Africa already in this competition.
Everything points to an Ireland win, it is crazy not to be ultra confident about this team.


Probably slight favourites but we can take nothing for granted. World rankings mean feck all though. Sure if Scotland had beat us we'd have dropped down a few places

THEY DIDN'T!! We humped them.
Just shows how stupid the rankings are. Anyway not sure why I'm biting when we all know you're on the wind up lol
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Armagh18 on October 11, 2023, 11:18:00 AM
What's the latest on the injuries?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on October 11, 2023, 12:29:40 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on October 11, 2023, 11:18:00 AMWhat's the latest on the injuries?

Hansen passed his HIA and slight calf issue and is good, so too Lowe who's eye injury has cleared up.

Ryan misses out and didn't make the matchday squad, Henshaw evidently hasn't recovered from his hamstring injury but there must be hope he'll be good for a semi-final as no replacement has been sought.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 11, 2023, 12:36:56 PM
Harsh on McCloskey but Saturday showed we need a little bit more versatility in the back line. Can't end up with Ringrose and JGP on the wings.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Joeythelips on October 11, 2023, 01:39:12 PM
Ireland have every right to be confident, history may indicate that the AllBlacks will turn us over given we have never won a knockout game in the world cup but records like that are there to be broken.

Anyone who says Ireland will definitely win is mad given the opposition and anyone who says we will definitely be beaten is also mad as we are ranked No 1 in the world for a reason. It is very hard game to call but Ireland on form are rightly favourites. Fingers crossed.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Pub Bore on October 11, 2023, 01:44:57 PM
The ABs will be well up for this and they have kind of flown under the radar since losing to France.  I think it'll be close but they don't look good enough to beat Ireland.  Ireland by 5.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 11, 2023, 02:03:47 PM
Beating NZ in a knockout match at the RWC is going to be several dimensions more complex  than winning the 6N but Farrell has been preparing for this for a very long time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXLcZNQzOtg
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on October 11, 2023, 03:59:41 PM
Lowe and Hansen make the team but Ryan is out. Looking forward to this now. Too close to call imho.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on October 11, 2023, 04:07:56 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on October 11, 2023, 03:59:41 PMLowe and Hansen make the team but Ryan is out. Looking forward to this now. Too close to call imho.

I like Henderson, especially for the lineout where I think he's marginally better that Ryan.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 11, 2023, 04:30:58 PM
Quote from: trailer on October 11, 2023, 04:07:56 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on October 11, 2023, 03:59:41 PMLowe and Hansen make the team but Ryan is out. Looking forward to this now. Too close to call imho.

I like Henderson, especially for the lineout where I think he's marginally better that Ryan.
Henderson's extra few yards towards the end of the phases made le drop against France possible in 2018.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPIe80zR250

It's great to have the 4 provinces represented in the team as well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 11, 2023, 04:52:40 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPY5xZpGM8k
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 11, 2023, 06:43:30 PM
I think we kick the shit out of them. Not often I ever say that against New Zealand, but again you a red card away from a total game changer.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 11, 2023, 07:23:12 PM
If there's a red, it'll more likely be for the All Blacks. Ireland's discipline in general and specifically in the tackle has been the best in the world by a mile the last few years. Ali's transformation in this regard a prime example. Could always be relied upon for a shoulder to the jaw but gets properly low these days.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 12, 2023, 05:24:30 PM
De Groot and Lomax both start for NZ, no McKenzie.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on October 12, 2023, 06:46:33 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 12, 2023, 05:24:30 PMDe Groot and Lomax both start for NZ, no McKenzie.

McKenzies on the bench. On the plus side for Ireland winger Telea has been dropped for disciplinary reasons.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on October 12, 2023, 09:54:34 PM
Heading to Paris next weekend. Have no tickets so anyone know where would be the best place to stay. Apparently there is a fan park down in Place de la Concorde and another up in St Denis near the ground. Montmartre a good place to stay?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on October 13, 2023, 09:56:32 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on October 12, 2023, 09:54:34 PMHeading to Paris next weekend. Have no tickets so anyone know where would be the best place to stay. Apparently there is a fan park down in Place de la Concorde and another up in St Denis near the ground. Montmartre a good place to stay?

Confident about this weekend then lol!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on October 13, 2023, 11:34:14 AM
How is McCluskey not in that team? Even on the bench.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on October 13, 2023, 12:12:52 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on October 13, 2023, 11:34:14 AMHow is McCluskey not in that team? Even on the bench.

Because Aki is playing better than him at 12 and you can't carry someone on the bench that can only play one position against the All Blacks.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 13, 2023, 12:31:38 PM

When Beauden Barrett played GAA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uyoZkH3LDQ
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 13, 2023, 01:52:06 PM
Aki has been one of the top two or three performers of the entire tournament ffs, idea that anyone else would be in there ahead of him is crazy. McCloskey's D can be suspect as well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on October 13, 2023, 06:08:59 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 13, 2023, 09:56:32 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on October 12, 2023, 09:54:34 PMHeading to Paris next weekend. Have no tickets so anyone know where would be the best place to stay. Apparently there is a fan park down in Place de la Concorde and another up in St Denis near the ground. Montmartre a good place to stay?

Confident about this weekend then lol!
Confident that the prices of everything will go nuts after they (hopefully) beat the All Blacks. All Blacks v Wales would be good too  ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on October 13, 2023, 06:21:14 PM
I like McCloskey myself but whoever was going to be on the bench this weekend has to be able to cover Hansen. I'm just gad it ain't Earls.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: WT4E on October 13, 2023, 11:08:21 PM
New Zealand goin to beat us aren't they?

Wonder what they saying in the NZ media
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ONeill on October 13, 2023, 11:24:24 PM
Predictions:

Ireland 22 NZ 21
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: WT4E on October 13, 2023, 11:25:33 PM
I just hope our new Zealand players play better than there new Zealand players
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Armagh18 on October 14, 2023, 12:21:56 AM
Quote from: WT4E on October 13, 2023, 11:25:33 PMI just hope our new Zealand players play better than there new Zealand players

sure if they were any good at all they'd have been playing for NZ ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 12:29:42 AM
Never seen as many nervous lads, what you worried about!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on October 14, 2023, 12:47:30 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 12:29:42 AMNever seem as many nervous lads, what you worried about!

Naturally we are all worried about a potential moment in history all going pear-shaped.
Any person with green blood in his veins would naturally be concerned.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: WT4E on October 14, 2023, 07:46:26 AM
Quote from: Armagh18 on October 14, 2023, 12:21:56 AM
Quote from: WT4E on October 13, 2023, 11:25:33 PMI just hope our new Zealand players play better than there new Zealand players

sure if they were any good at all they'd have been playing for NZ ;)

I'll be supporting and happy if they win but I just can't get behind it in as big way as I ever thought I would as the amount of players brought in taints it for me.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Armagh18 on October 14, 2023, 08:16:59 AM
Quote from: WT4E on October 14, 2023, 07:46:26 AM
Quote from: Armagh18 on October 14, 2023, 12:21:56 AM
Quote from: WT4E on October 13, 2023, 11:25:33 PMI just hope our new Zealand players play better than there new Zealand players

sure if they were any good at all they'd have been playing for NZ ;)

I'll be supporting and happy if they win but I just can't get behind it in as big way as I ever thought I would as the amount of players brought in taints it for me.
Fair enough, but look at any decent soccer team we've had, plenty of lads with Irish grannies etc on them. Did you feel the same?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on October 14, 2023, 08:18:28 AM
Quote from: WT4E on October 14, 2023, 07:46:26 AM
Quote from: Armagh18 on October 14, 2023, 12:21:56 AM
Quote from: WT4E on October 13, 2023, 11:25:33 PMI just hope our new Zealand players play better than there new Zealand players

sure if they were any good at all they'd have been playing for NZ ;)

I'll be supporting and happy if they win but I just can't get behind it in as big way as I ever thought I would as the amount of players brought in taints it for me.

This isn't a new concept, historically we've always had overseas players, all countries do.
What about Germany 88,Italia 90 etc... Same, tainted?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ardtole on October 14, 2023, 09:12:21 AM
There is a huge difference between someone who has Irish parents or grandparents and a player qualifying because he lived in the country for 3 years. Personally, I think its a bizarre rule, it does devalue the competition to a degree, but all countries are benefitting from it.

It's only a matter of time before the Saudis hear about it, they might win the next world cup if they get their act together.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Armagh18 on October 14, 2023, 09:18:39 AM
Quote from: ardtole on October 14, 2023, 09:12:21 AMThere is a huge difference between someone who has Irish parents or grandparents and a player qualifying because he lived in the country for 3 years. Personally, I think its a bizarre rule, it does devalue the competition to a degree, but all countries are benefitting from it.

It's only a matter of time before the Saudis hear about it, they might win the next world cup if they get their act together.


Fair enough. But whos more Irish, someone that had a granny from here but has never set foot in Ireland and are only playing because lets face it England didn't want them, or someone from South Africa/NZ who have spent years here and are raising families etc here.  Probably right about the Saudi's lol!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on October 14, 2023, 09:25:37 AM
The rule is across the board! All teams are doing it. It's a level playing field

If only the soccer lads could play with a bitta heart they'd not be getting duffed in their own back yard by Greece
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on October 14, 2023, 12:32:27 PM
Ireland were hehind the curve in recruitment, NZ & Australia were fond of various Pacific islanders for years b4 the rest caught on.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on October 14, 2023, 12:48:02 PM
Win tonight and high possibility of at least reaching the World Cup final, lose and it's yet another year that promising group hasn't made it past the Quarter final. Tonight is the moment of truth.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bannside on October 14, 2023, 01:16:00 PM
Obviously Captain.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: quit yo jibbajabba on October 14, 2023, 01:29:49 PM
Username stacks up 😉
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on October 14, 2023, 04:13:35 PM
Numbers falling off the Welsh lads jerseys, wtf.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on October 14, 2023, 04:28:25 PM
I can't make Ireland favourites for this quarter final. I think New Zealand by 3 points.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 14, 2023, 04:48:25 PM
Lavanini is such a reliable moron.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on October 14, 2023, 04:57:23 PM
Good end to Wales Pumas. We've a game hopefully now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Blowitupref on October 14, 2023, 04:58:47 PM
Some amount of errors in this match. Wales could have been 13-0 in front and only leading 10-6 at half time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Armagh18 on October 14, 2023, 05:17:17 PM
Some nerves now. If we turn up we win. If we shit the bed we lose. Simple as. Ability is there; are the balls
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on October 14, 2023, 05:44:33 PM
Pulsating second half here.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 14, 2023, 05:50:03 PM
Incredible try saving tackle in the corner.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Blowitupref on October 14, 2023, 05:54:45 PM
Argentina into the semi final, we know how Wales feel having been knocked out by Argentina at this stage in the past.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on October 14, 2023, 05:55:39 PM
You know, for all of the hot air, blather and annoyance about the draw being lopsided, should Ireland win tonight they'll never get an easier  semi final than the one ahead. They could rest players for that and still win handsomely.

Swings and roundabouts. Who'd a thunk it?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on October 14, 2023, 05:55:59 PM
Deserved for Argentina. Best team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 05:58:27 PM
Wales wee good for 20mins, but offer very little rest of the game, I think they a bad team. Hard to judge the Argies saying England handed them their asses with a man less.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 14, 2023, 06:06:08 PM
Wales' soft group hid how bang average they are, regardless of some minor improvements under Gatland. Should have lost to Fiji, beat a dreadful Australia. A few of them like LRZ believe their own hype a bit much.

Argentina have recovered well from their embarrassing opener against England but whoever wins tonight will have no excuses for but making the final.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gael80 on October 14, 2023, 06:09:52 PM
First example of managing the schedule and planning performance for when it really counts.

Wales were over confident whilst it looks like Argentina had this weekend planned well in advance. I fear we could see a similar outcome later.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: clarshack on October 14, 2023, 08:16:32 PM
Bad start already.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on October 14, 2023, 08:17:00 PM
Warra start
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Blowitupref on October 14, 2023, 08:19:22 PM
Sloppy, nervy start by Ireland so far. It gets worse, a try for New Zealand.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on October 14, 2023, 08:21:31 PM
For all the rugby heads, this is the difference between challenge games and championship.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Armagh18 on October 14, 2023, 08:21:49 PM
Mayo start the rugby?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 14, 2023, 08:23:12 PM
Too many penalties conceded.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: clarshack on October 14, 2023, 08:23:31 PM
Bloody hell it's going to be an humiliation at this rate.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: armaghniac on October 14, 2023, 08:25:39 PM
Quote from: clarshack on October 14, 2023, 08:23:31 PMBloody hell it's going to be an humiliation at this rate.
(https://images.nightcafe.studio/jobs/PkyVSUEawDEfV5F71mQX/PkyVSUEawDEfV5F71mQX--1--fs0mw.jpg)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: clarshack on October 14, 2023, 08:26:15 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 14, 2023, 08:21:31 PMFor all the rugby heads, this is the difference between challenge games and championship.

Must be like when an inter county team like Armagh or Derry feels like they are going well and then they meet a traditional powerhouse like Kerry who maybe aren't going well going into the 1/4 Final and get tanked.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on October 14, 2023, 08:27:03 PM
They will never ever ever learn.... late late show next week?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Blowitupref on October 14, 2023, 08:31:10 PM
Try for Ireland, finally playing to their capabilities now. 13-10.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: clarshack on October 14, 2023, 08:32:20 PM
Fair play have clawed it back.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Blowitupref on October 14, 2023, 08:36:17 PM
Try for New Zealand, all came from a poor irish line out.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on October 14, 2023, 08:37:37 PM
Ireland rugby are like Clonoe.  They thought they had the whole thing won.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Blowitupref on October 14, 2023, 08:43:47 PM
Another try for Ireland just before half time. Ireland 17 New Zealand 18. All to play for 2nd half.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mrdeeds on October 14, 2023, 08:44:59 PM
Four tries all scored by New Zealanders.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Armagh18 on October 14, 2023, 08:45:55 PM
Some game tbf
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: clarshack on October 14, 2023, 08:46:07 PM
Only 1 point in it at half time would have taken that at 13-0.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: grounded on October 14, 2023, 08:47:02 PM
Feck this, can't watch.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on October 14, 2023, 08:48:41 PM
Great game for a neutral. NZ have done their homework and possess natural skill that makes them a threat whenever they have possession in our half. Plus unlike SA, will punish penalties.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on October 14, 2023, 08:51:44 PM
Cracking game, Ireland slow to start but in the game, Ireland can only improve but New Zealand can score at any visit
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on October 14, 2023, 08:52:29 PM
Quote from: mrdeeds on October 14, 2023, 08:44:59 PMFour tries all scored by New Zealanders.
Quote from: mrdeeds on October 14, 2023, 08:44:59 PMFour tries all scored by New Zealanders.

I wonder could we swap few Irish lads for few new Zealand lads for 2nd half
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 08:54:39 PM
Ireland scoring at most visits too, Sexton should went for 3 at the very first penalty at 6:0,Line out is not going well, Ref allowing NZ to close the gap to much on the throw. After asking for a 2m spacing the first couple of throws, Ryan better in the air than Henderson.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 08:57:00 PM
This game couldn't be good for the nerves, pucked my ringer out there.Not even a drink taken.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on October 14, 2023, 08:58:28 PM
I think we may have inflicted a key psychological blow on New Zealand coming back from 13-0 down and scoring before half time. Time will tell if it is enough
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 09:00:00 PM
Ireland very nervy first 20mins, more mistakes there than normally in a whole game, Line out nerds to buck up 2nd Half.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Blowitupref on October 14, 2023, 09:13:41 PM
Try for New Zealand, that was them at their best.   25-17 they are in front now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 09:17:16 PM
Losing the game at the breakdown, how come the ref ensured no seperation for the NZ line out but not previous
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 09:21:45 PM
Doubt that it, you can miss that!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Square Ball on October 14, 2023, 09:24:29 PM
Panic set in
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 09:27:25 PM
Need a score this half.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 09:28:39 PM
Massive score there. Man down now again too.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Blowitupref on October 14, 2023, 09:29:00 PM
Try Ireland, back to a one point game again. New Zealand down to 14 for another ten minutes.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 09:31:38 PM
It go down as one of the great world cup games but we mightnt come out on the right side. Sexton miss might be massive.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 09:33:58 PM
NZ equally up with a very poor miss there too.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Blowitupref on October 14, 2023, 09:34:41 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 09:31:38 PMIt go down as one of the great world cup games but we mightnt come out on the right side. Sexton miss might be massive.
New Zealand now miss one they normally nail.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 09:34:58 PM
Conor Murray, ahhh!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on October 14, 2023, 09:36:10 PM
silly penalties in scrum costing us. Porter should have been hooked after the 2nd
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 09:38:44 PM
G that poor, keep eyes on the ball, nobody near you.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on October 14, 2023, 09:41:38 PM
Looks like another 1/4 hoodoo.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 09:43:43 PM
Didn't bottle it, gave away too many penalties, Barrett wasn't under the last maul it been a try and the lead.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: jcpen on October 14, 2023, 09:48:04 PM
Big difference beating New Zealand in a few friendly games and beating them in the World Cup.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 09:50:37 PM
Some dicks on here, you think they were glad they were beat.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Blowitupref on October 14, 2023, 09:50:48 PM
Ah well Quarter final heart break continues for us.  to be fair the best team won on the night.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on October 14, 2023, 09:51:21 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 09:50:37 PMSome dicks on here, you think they were glad they were beat.

We are.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: clarshack on October 14, 2023, 09:52:09 PM
Hard to beat a traditional team in any sport.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 5times5times on October 14, 2023, 09:52:27 PM
Bottlers the whole lot of them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on October 14, 2023, 09:53:06 PM
Brilliant performance by Ireland,  the breakdown won it for New Zealand, there defence was excellent. The better team won, Jordie Barrett held up Kelleher over the line. Fantastic game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 14, 2023, 09:53:25 PM
Ah well. That's that. A few dips in form right at the wrong time.

New Zealand defence unreal. The three Barretts unreal all night.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 09:55:41 PM
Too many scrum penalties, misfunctioning line out first half, Ireland still played well enough. The holding up over the line the difference.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on October 14, 2023, 09:55:55 PM
Had a man advantage for 20 minutes so got what we deserved. Beaten by a more skillful team who always looked dangerous in attack, even if a pale shadow of past All-Black teams. Poor by Ireland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: J70 on October 14, 2023, 09:56:08 PM
I'm far from a rugby expert, but no disgrace or embarrassment in that defeat for me. Ferocious effort from NZ, but Ireland matched them, just made a few more mistakes than the All Blacks.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Harold Disgracey on October 14, 2023, 09:56:53 PM
Well done New Zealand, we weren't at it tonight and they were, as usual Wayne Barnes was Wayne Barnes.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: markl121 on October 14, 2023, 09:56:57 PM
Class
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 14, 2023, 09:58:02 PM
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on October 14, 2023, 09:56:53 PMWell done New Zealand, we weren't at it tonight and they were, as usual Wayne Barnes was Wayne Barnes.

Barnes was fine. Ireland can have no external complaints or excuses.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AustinPowers on October 14, 2023, 09:58:31 PM
Thank feck for that!

Now we'll finally get  a bit of peace.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: clarshack on October 14, 2023, 09:59:34 PM
Between the soccer and rugby world cups it's another glorious failure tbh.

When is the International Rules back?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on October 14, 2023, 10:00:30 PM
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on October 14, 2023, 09:56:53 PMWell done New Zealand, we weren't at it tonight and they were, as usual Wayne Barnes was Wayne Barnes.
I don't have any gripe with Barnes for once. Although I would have liked more space for our line outs compared to theirs but I thought he was generous in a few breakdowns for Ireland where New Zealand looked to have hands over the ball but he allowed a fraction more of a second to allow Ireland to support the ruck.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on October 14, 2023, 10:01:02 PM
If you get wiped at scrum and under big pressure on your line out you'll struggle to beat the best. Only themselves to blame and the if only/hard luck bullshit doesn't cut it and I'd say it's same for the players. They blew it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 10:01:17 PM
Couldn't understand Barnes letting them close the line out gap but was ensuring the gap was there for NZ, Ireland made plenty of mistakes but the game was there for the winning, sometimes you wonder, when a man under you, you don't go down short of the line, as you be held up when you push over. Unfortunately that was the difference.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on October 14, 2023, 10:05:57 PM
Ireland lost that, New Zealand took advantage job done..

Backed New Zealand +3.... Easy money
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Ghost on October 14, 2023, 10:07:18 PM
I'm no rugby expert and feel free to tell me I'm completely wrong but at some stage should Crowley not have been coming on for Sexton there? I know how key Sexton has been to the success of this team but there were stages during the 2nd half there were he looked completely knackered, was receiving the ball from the scrum half more or less standing still and just passing it on swiftly, never looked to inject any pace with it going forward at all.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 10:08:19 PM
Too many lads glad Ireland lost, can't understand that attitude. Better u stick on the GAA thread.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on October 14, 2023, 10:11:37 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 10:01:17 PMCouldn't understand Barnes letting them close the line out gap but was ensuring the gap was there for NZ, Ireland made plenty of mistakes but the game was there for the winning, sometimes you wonder, when a man under you, you don't go down short of the line, as you be held up when you push over. Unfortunately that was the difference.

You might not like to hear this but I think NZ would've got another try or penalty if they needed to. They were the better team. The time for Ireland to leave the hype behind and get to their 1st semi was tonight and they weren't good enough to do it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on October 14, 2023, 10:12:13 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on October 14, 2023, 04:28:25 PMI can't make Ireland favourites for this quarter final. I think New Zealand by 3 points.

Who predicted a 4 point win for New Zealand to beat my prediction.

We would have beat Argentina, Wales ,England or Fiji in a quarter final if we had to but I couldn't see us beat France or South Africa in the knock outs.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gael80 on October 14, 2023, 10:12:40 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 10:08:19 PMToo many lads glad Ireland lost, can't understand that attitude. Better u stick on the GAA thread.

I'm very disappointed but it's ok to say this happens every four years. It's like counties winning National Leagues and challenge games and then are left embarassed when teams are focused. There is a lot of great rugby to enjoy but we're unlikely to ever reach a WC semi final and the media should stop embarassing us with their over confidence.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 10:13:13 PM
Yeah Itchy, and you seem to take abit of glee about that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dag Dog on October 14, 2023, 10:13:48 PM
Quote from: Gael80 on October 14, 2023, 10:12:40 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 10:08:19 PMToo many lads glad Ireland lost, can't understand that attitude. Better u stick on the GAA thread.

I'm very disappointed but it's ok to say this happens every four years. It's like counties winning National Leagues and challenge games and then are left embarassed when teams are focused. There is a lot of great rugby to enjoy but we're unlikely to ever reach a WC semi final.

It's down to the draw. Ireland would beat Wales or Argentina pulling up in a quarter.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gael80 on October 14, 2023, 10:14:58 PM
Quote from: Dag Dog on October 14, 2023, 10:13:48 PM
Quote from: Gael80 on October 14, 2023, 10:12:40 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 10:08:19 PMToo many lads glad Ireland lost, can't understand that attitude. Better u stick on the GAA thread.

I'm very disappointed but it's ok to say this happens every four years. It's like counties winning National Leagues and challenge games and then are left embarassed when teams are focused. There is a lot of great rugby to enjoy but we're unlikely to ever reach a WC semi final.

It's down to the draw. Ireland would beat Wales or Argentina pulling up in a quarter.

There is the over confidence again. I don't understand it when we look at our record. The reality is we're not strong enough to compete when every Tier 1 team is focused at the same time. We'll be ok in the 6 Nations and test series between WC's which are enjoyable games to watch.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trueblue1234 on October 14, 2023, 10:15:18 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 10:08:19 PMToo many lads glad Ireland lost, can't understand that attitude. Better u stick on the GAA thread.

Have to agree. I'm far from a rugby fan, but just find it bizarre to not be cheering for your country in a sport. Even worse again to be gloating like a kid in the playground when they get beat. Takes all sorts I suppose.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dag Dog on October 14, 2023, 10:17:37 PM
Quote from: Gael80 on October 14, 2023, 10:14:58 PM
Quote from: Dag Dog on October 14, 2023, 10:13:48 PM
Quote from: Gael80 on October 14, 2023, 10:12:40 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 10:08:19 PMToo many lads glad Ireland lost, can't understand that attitude. Better u stick on the GAA thread.

I'm very disappointed but it's ok to say this happens every four years. It's like counties winning National Leagues and challenge games and then are left embarassed when teams are focused. There is a lot of great rugby to enjoy but we're unlikely to ever reach a WC semi final.

It's down to the draw. Ireland would beat Wales or Argentina pulling up in a quarter.

There is the over confidence again. I don't understand when we look at our record.
Both of them are very average and NZ will beat Argentina easily in the semi.
You'll make yourself a few quid if you fancy the Pumas to do something.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dag Dog on October 14, 2023, 10:17:57 PM
Quote from: trueblue1234 on October 14, 2023, 10:15:18 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 10:08:19 PMToo many lads glad Ireland lost, can't understand that attitude. Better u stick on the GAA thread.

Have to agree. I'm far from a rugby fan, but just find it bizarre to not be cheering for your country in a sport. Even worse again to be gloating like a kid in the playground when they get beat. Takes all sorts I suppose.

A lot of Irish soccer fans are getting more bitter towards rugby as ROI team gets worse.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gael80 on October 14, 2023, 10:19:42 PM
Quote from: Dag Dog on October 14, 2023, 10:17:37 PM
Quote from: Gael80 on October 14, 2023, 10:14:58 PM
Quote from: Dag Dog on October 14, 2023, 10:13:48 PM
Quote from: Gael80 on October 14, 2023, 10:12:40 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 10:08:19 PMToo many lads glad Ireland lost, can't understand that attitude. Better u stick on the GAA thread.

I'm very disappointed but it's ok to say this happens every four years. It's like counties winning National Leagues and challenge games and then are left embarassed when teams are focused. There is a lot of great rugby to enjoy but we're unlikely to ever reach a WC semi final.

It's down to the draw. Ireland would beat Wales or Argentina pulling up in a quarter.

There is the over confidence again. I don't understand when we look at our record.
Both of them are very average and NZ will beat Argentina easily in the semi.
You'll make yourself a few quid if you fancy the Pumas to do something.



I agree NZ will beat Argentina but I'm just not convinced we would beat Argentina or Wales in a knock out WC game. We're very average ourselves at this level despite the hype.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on October 14, 2023, 10:21:05 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on October 14, 2023, 10:12:13 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on October 14, 2023, 04:28:25 PMI can't make Ireland favourites for this quarter final. I think New Zealand by 3 points.

Who predicted a 4 point win for New Zealand to beat my prediction.

We would have beat Argentina, Wales ,England or Fiji in a quarter final if we had to but I couldn't see us beat France or South Africa in the knock outs.

Paddy power had Ireland -1 this morning... obviously the mad Irish though easy money backed it.. odds went to New Zealand +3! Evens ... I'll have some of that..

Trailor talking about Ireland 10 pints win!!! w**ker
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on October 14, 2023, 10:21:53 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 10:13:13 PMYeah Itchy, and you seem to take abit of glee about that.

I wanted Ireland to win but I'm not invested in rugby and I'll have forgotten all about it tomorrow. Rugby is a big marketing con, played by f**k all countries. They've the best marketing machine in sport. Tonight was Ireland's chance to prove it was the best and not just hype and they didn't. They remind me of Armagh but I suppose Ireland has won the occasional 6 nations.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 10:23:57 PM
I have a fair idea you wouldn't know the basic rules.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Harold Disgracey on October 14, 2023, 10:24:15 PM
On the bright side we'll not have to listing any more of that zombie and Ireland's call shite.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AustinPowers on October 14, 2023, 10:25:01 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 10:08:19 PMToo many lads glad Ireland lost, can't understand that attitude. Better u stick on the GAA thread.

Can't understand lads getting upset  over a  game of throw ball.  It's a  ridiculous  sport.

Now at last  we'll get a break  from  this nonsense. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on October 14, 2023, 10:28:05 PM
Quote from: trueblue1234 on October 14, 2023, 10:15:18 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 10:08:19 PMToo many lads glad Ireland lost, can't understand that attitude. Better u stick on the GAA thread.

Have to agree. I'm far from a rugby fan, but just find it bizarre to not be cheering for your country in a sport. Even worse again to be gloating like a kid in the playground when they get beat. Takes all sorts I suppose.

Ill tell you why. There is no sporting team on planet earth whos fans blow as much smoke up their own holes as Ireland rugby - The DVD of the friendly win over NZ, the god awful anthem, being told to shush in a pub because the man on the TV is kicking a ball and I might put him off from 500mile away, the list goes on.
I can already see tomorrows headline in the Sindo about how a gang of jolly green giants from a distant galaxy put up a heroic effort. New Zealand will be laughing at Ireland fans and media talking up their chances of winning the whole thing.
Closer to home, I doubt its even in the top 10 sports played/followed at a local level in Ireland yet its consistently marketed as "rugby country".
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on October 14, 2023, 10:29:22 PM
France to win this tournament I think. Only Ireland could have stopped them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on October 14, 2023, 10:29:35 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 10:23:57 PMI have a fair idea you wouldn't know the basic rules.

You've to throw the ball backwards and if you knock it forward you've to ram your head in and around the bollicks of you team mates and push like f**k. So there, I do know the basics!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hereiam on October 14, 2023, 10:30:38 PM
How any Irish man can get behind a national team that that plays that shite song instead of its national anthem is beyond me.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ONeill on October 14, 2023, 10:32:28 PM
Stupid colonial sport anyway.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Onthe40 on October 14, 2023, 10:33:08 PM
Fek fek fek.. can't believe it
Mistakes mistakes mistakes
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on October 14, 2023, 10:33:32 PM
Quote from: Gael80 on October 14, 2023, 10:19:42 PM
Quote from: Dag Dog on October 14, 2023, 10:17:37 PM
Quote from: Gael80 on October 14, 2023, 10:14:58 PM
Quote from: Dag Dog on October 14, 2023, 10:13:48 PM
Quote from: Gael80 on October 14, 2023, 10:12:40 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 10:08:19 PMToo many lads glad Ireland lost, can't understand that attitude. Better u stick on the GAA thread.

I'm very disappointed but it's ok to say this happens every four years. It's like counties winning National Leagues and challenge games and then are left embarassed when teams are focused. There is a lot of great rugby to enjoy but we're unlikely to ever reach a WC semi final.

It's down to the draw. Ireland would beat Wales or Argentina pulling up in a quarter.

There is the over confidence again. I don't understand when we look at our record.
Both of them are very average and NZ will beat Argentina easily in the semi.
You'll make yourself a few quid if you fancy the Pumas to do something.



I agree NZ will beat Argentina but I'm just not convinced we would beat Argentina or Wales in a knock out WC game. We're very average ourselves at this level despite the hype.
[/quot
Quote from: Gael80 on October 14, 2023, 10:19:42 PM
Quote from: Dag Dog on October 14, 2023, 10:17:37 PM
Quote from: Gael80 on October 14, 2023, 10:14:58 PM
Quote from: Dag Dog on October 14, 2023, 10:13:48 PM
Quote from: Gael80 on October 14, 2023, 10:12:40 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 10:08:19 PMToo many lads glad Ireland lost, can't understand that attitude. Better u stick on the GAA thread.

I'm very disappointed but it's ok to say this happens every four years. It's like counties winning National Leagues and challenge games and then are left embarassed when teams are focused. There is a lot of great rugby to enjoy but we're unlikely to ever reach a WC semi final.

It's down to the draw. Ireland would beat Wales or Argentina pulling up in a quarter.

There is the over confidence again. I don't understand when we look at our record.
Both of them are very average and NZ will beat Argentina easily in the semi.
You'll make yourself a few quid if you fancy the Pumas to do something.



I agree NZ will beat Argentina but I'm just not convinced we would beat Argentina or Wales in a knock out WC game. We're very average ourselves at this level despite the hype.

We are very good at this level at the moment. We would easily beat Argentina or wales in a quarter or semi final.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on October 14, 2023, 10:34:51 PM
I'm properly sad.

Ireland were good tonight. Better than in any previous QF.

Not quite good enough. But. I don't even know what but. Small margins
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: J70 on October 14, 2023, 10:36:44 PM
Quote from: Hereiam on October 14, 2023, 10:30:38 PMHow any Irish man can get behind a national team that that plays that shite song instead of its national anthem is beyond me.

Seriously?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gael80 on October 14, 2023, 10:37:14 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on October 14, 2023, 10:33:32 PM
Quote from: Gael80 on October 14, 2023, 10:19:42 PM
Quote from: Dag Dog on October 14, 2023, 10:17:37 PM
Quote from: Gael80 on October 14, 2023, 10:14:58 PM
Quote from: Dag Dog on October 14, 2023, 10:13:48 PM
Quote from: Gael80 on October 14, 2023, 10:12:40 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 10:08:19 PMToo many lads glad Ireland lost, can't understand that attitude. Better u stick on the GAA thread.

I'm very disappointed but it's ok to say this happens every four years. It's like counties winning National Leagues and challenge games and then are left embarassed when teams are focused. There is a lot of great rugby to enjoy but we're unlikely to ever reach a WC semi final.

It's down to the draw. Ireland would beat Wales or Argentina pulling up in a quarter.

There is the over confidence again. I don't understand when we look at our record.
Both of them are very average and NZ will beat Argentina easily in the semi.
You'll make yourself a few quid if you fancy the Pumas to do something.



I agree NZ will beat Argentina but I'm just not convinced we would beat Argentina or Wales in a knock out WC game. We're very average ourselves at this level despite the hype.
[/quot
Quote from: Gael80 on October 14, 2023, 10:19:42 PM
Quote from: Dag Dog on October 14, 2023, 10:17:37 PM
Quote from: Gael80 on October 14, 2023, 10:14:58 PM
Quote from: Dag Dog on October 14, 2023, 10:13:48 PM
Quote from: Gael80 on October 14, 2023, 10:12:40 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 10:08:19 PMToo many lads glad Ireland lost, can't understand that attitude. Better u stick on the GAA thread.

I'm very disappointed but it's ok to say this happens every four years. It's like counties winning National Leagues and challenge games and then are left embarassed when teams are focused. There is a lot of great rugby to enjoy but we're unlikely to ever reach a WC semi final.

It's down to the draw. Ireland would beat Wales or Argentina pulling up in a quarter.

There is the over confidence again. I don't understand when we look at our record.
Both of them are very average and NZ will beat Argentina easily in the semi.
You'll make yourself a few quid if you fancy the Pumas to do something.



I agree NZ will beat Argentina but I'm just not convinced we would beat Argentina or Wales in a knock out WC game. We're very average ourselves at this level despite the hype.

We are very good at this level at the moment. We would easily beat Argentina or wales in a quarter or semi final.


I'm not so sure. Very good teams win QF's with an extra man over 20 minutes. You might be correct but until an Irish team proves it I think it's fair to say we're not at the required level to win knock out WC games.

We have to remember this is one of the weakest NZ teams ever, with a man down twice and still managed to beat us.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Aaron Boone on October 14, 2023, 10:37:26 PM
The warning sings were there with NZ 10-0 up in first quarter.

Ireland desperately needed a good start and didn't get it.

Ireland weren't ahead the whole match. That matches the recent prior quarter final defeats.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on October 14, 2023, 10:41:56 PM
Garrison shite. Where is Jack Charlton when you need him?!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on October 14, 2023, 10:48:42 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on October 14, 2023, 10:41:56 PMGarrison shite. Where is Jack Charlton when you need him?!

He died
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on October 14, 2023, 10:50:31 PM
As time goes by after the defeat, the feeling dawns on you that we left that one behind us.

I don't know if the same opportunity will present itself to win the tournament in 4 years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trueblue1234 on October 14, 2023, 10:54:56 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on October 14, 2023, 10:28:05 PM
Quote from: trueblue1234 on October 14, 2023, 10:15:18 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 10:08:19 PMToo many lads glad Ireland lost, can't understand that attitude. Better u stick on the GAA thread.

Have to agree. I'm far from a rugby fan, but just find it bizarre to not be cheering for your country in a sport. Even worse again to be gloating like a kid in the playground when they get beat. Takes all sorts I suppose.

Ill tell you why. There is no sporting team on planet earth whos fans blow as much smoke up their own holes as Ireland rugby - The DVD of the friendly win over NZ, the god awful anthem, being told to shush in a pub because the man on the TV is kicking a ball and I might put him off from 500mile away, the list goes on.
I can already see tomorrows headline in the Sindo about how a gang of jolly green giants from a distant galaxy put up a heroic effort. New Zealand will be laughing at Ireland fans and media talking up their chances of winning the whole thing.
Closer to home, I doubt its even in the top 10 sports played/followed at a local level in Ireland yet its consistently marketed as "rugby country".

Yeah they should be more like GAA fans and moan and berate everything about the sport. Call for more rule changes at every turn about because it's becoming an abomination to watch. That'll help things.
Fans of a sport team, big up their team. Can't be at that, we'll have to drag the back to earth here.
It's easily avoided ffs unless you actually go get the Sindo and check out their headlines tomorrow to make sure. Also pop your head into a thread about the sport as well, just so you can make sure they've all been brought down with a bump!!

😂 Barely watch it myself but ffs it's not hard to avoid.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sportacus on October 14, 2023, 10:55:52 PM
The only World Cup we'll ever win is for begrudgery.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on October 14, 2023, 10:59:44 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on October 14, 2023, 10:50:31 PMAs time goes by after the defeat, the feeling dawns on you that we left that one behind us.

I don't know if the same opportunity will present itself to win the tournament in 4 years.
The draw was a cnut. Wales v Argentina and England v Fiji on the other side. Fucked over before even playing the All Blacks. HOWEVER the All Blacks came into this with a point to prove and they were fantastic in defence. Although close enough it was always Ireland playing catchup. There will be a massive changing of the guard by the next World Cup and I can't see the next generation matching this one.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on October 14, 2023, 11:01:45 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on October 14, 2023, 10:55:52 PMThe only World Cup we'll ever win is for begrudgery.

It's in your head
In your head
Zombie
Zombie
Zom bie bie bie
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on October 14, 2023, 11:04:22 PM
Our scrum let us down, our lineout in the first half let us down. NZ breakdown was better, their defence & attack was better. They got a fortunate break with bounce of ball from Barrett kick for first try. Jodie Barrett excellent positioning 3 minutes over his own line.
NZ were better, but we died with our boots on. The future looks good.
Hopefully some day I will see either an Irish team winning a world cup or Roscommon winning an All ireland. My money is on the rugby bucks.
Hope keeps you alive, I had a chit time of it lately & these rugby boys have kept me somewhat sane. As I've said they died with their boots on, what more can we ask for.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sportacus on October 14, 2023, 11:07:03 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 14, 2023, 11:01:45 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on October 14, 2023, 10:55:52 PMThe only World Cup we'll ever win is for begrudgery.

It's in your head
In your head
Zombie
Zombie
Zom bie bie bie
But you did want Ireland to win, right?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on October 14, 2023, 11:08:40 PM
In hindsight, we should have taken the easy 3 points for our final penalty. We'd still have exact same time left but only need a drop goal to win it instead of a try. NZ's discipline was remarkable not to give away a penalty in all those phases in our final drive.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on October 14, 2023, 11:09:34 PM
Quote from: trueblue1234 on October 14, 2023, 10:54:56 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on October 14, 2023, 10:28:05 PM
Quote from: trueblue1234 on October 14, 2023, 10:15:18 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 10:08:19 PMToo many lads glad Ireland lost, can't understand that attitude. Better u stick on the GAA thread.

Have to agree. I'm far from a rugby fan, but just find it bizarre to not be cheering for your country in a sport. Even worse again to be gloating like a kid in the playground when they get beat. Takes all sorts I suppose.

Ill tell you why. There is no sporting team on planet earth whos fans blow as much smoke up their own holes as Ireland rugby - The DVD of the friendly win over NZ, the god awful anthem, being told to shush in a pub because the man on the TV is kicking a ball and I might put him off from 500mile away, the list goes on.
I can already see tomorrows headline in the Sindo about how a gang of jolly green giants from a distant galaxy put up a heroic effort. New Zealand will be laughing at Ireland fans and media talking up their chances of winning the whole thing.
Closer to home, I doubt its even in the top 10 sports played/followed at a local level in Ireland yet its consistently marketed as "rugby country".

Yeah they should be more like GAA fans and moan and berate everything about the sport. Call for more rule changes at every turn about because it's becoming an abomination to watch. That'll help things.
Fans of a sport team, big up their team. Can't be at that, we'll have to drag the back to earth here.
It's easily avoided ffs unless you actually go get the Sindo and check out their headlines tomorrow to make sure. Also pop your head into a thread about the sport as well, just so you can make sure they've all been brought down with a bump!!

😂 Barely watch it myself but ffs it's not hard to avoid.

Vincent Hogan the sports journalist has just tweeted that they are "one of the greatest teams Irish sport has ever produced".

Do people really not see how silly this sounds?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on October 14, 2023, 11:14:23 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on October 14, 2023, 11:09:34 PM
Quote from: trueblue1234 on October 14, 2023, 10:54:56 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on October 14, 2023, 10:28:05 PM
Quote from: trueblue1234 on October 14, 2023, 10:15:18 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 10:08:19 PMToo many lads glad Ireland lost, can't understand that attitude. Better u stick on the GAA thread.

Have to agree. I'm far from a rugby fan, but just find it bizarre to not be cheering for your country in a sport. Even worse again to be gloating like a kid in the playground when they get beat. Takes all sorts I suppose.

Ill tell you why. There is no sporting team on planet earth whos fans blow as much smoke up their own holes as Ireland rugby - The DVD of the friendly win over NZ, the god awful anthem, being told to shush in a pub because the man on the TV is kicking a ball and I might put him off from 500mile away, the list goes on.
I can already see tomorrows headline in the Sindo about how a gang of jolly green giants from a distant galaxy put up a heroic effort. New Zealand will be laughing at Ireland fans and media talking up their chances of winning the whole thing.
Closer to home, I doubt its even in the top 10 sports played/followed at a local level in Ireland yet its consistently marketed as "rugby country".

Yeah they should be more like GAA fans and moan and berate everything about the sport. Call for more rule changes at every turn about because it's becoming an abomination to watch. That'll help things.
Fans of a sport team, big up their team. Can't be at that, we'll have to drag the back to earth here.
It's easily avoided ffs unless you actually go get the Sindo and check out their headlines tomorrow to make sure. Also pop your head into a thread about the sport as well, just so you can make sure they've all been brought down with a bump!!

😂 Barely watch it myself but ffs it's not hard to avoid.

Vincent Hogan the sports journalist has just tweeted that they are "one of the greatest teams Irish sport has ever produced".

Do people really not see how silly this sounds?
Throw up a list of your Irish teams that seriously challenged in a major tournament.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on October 14, 2023, 11:15:04 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on October 14, 2023, 11:07:03 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 14, 2023, 11:01:45 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on October 14, 2023, 10:55:52 PMThe only World Cup we'll ever win is for begrudgery.

It's in your head
In your head
Zombie
Zombie
Zom bie bie bie
But you did want Ireland to win, right?

Of course.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on October 14, 2023, 11:17:21 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on October 14, 2023, 11:14:23 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on October 14, 2023, 11:09:34 PM
Quote from: trueblue1234 on October 14, 2023, 10:54:56 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on October 14, 2023, 10:28:05 PM
Quote from: trueblue1234 on October 14, 2023, 10:15:18 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 10:08:19 PMToo many lads glad Ireland lost, can't understand that attitude. Better u stick on the GAA thread.

Have to agree. I'm far from a rugby fan, but just find it bizarre to not be cheering for your country in a sport. Even worse again to be gloating like a kid in the playground when they get beat. Takes all sorts I suppose.

Ill tell you why. There is no sporting team on planet earth whos fans blow as much smoke up their own holes as Ireland rugby - The DVD of the friendly win over NZ, the god awful anthem, being told to shush in a pub because the man on the TV is kicking a ball and I might put him off from 500mile away, the list goes on.
I can already see tomorrows headline in the Sindo about how a gang of jolly green giants from a distant galaxy put up a heroic effort. New Zealand will be laughing at Ireland fans and media talking up their chances of winning the whole thing.
Closer to home, I doubt its even in the top 10 sports played/followed at a local level in Ireland yet its consistently marketed as "rugby country".

Yeah they should be more like GAA fans and moan and berate everything about the sport. Call for more rule changes at every turn about because it's becoming an abomination to watch. That'll help things.
Fans of a sport team, big up their team. Can't be at that, we'll have to drag the back to earth here.
It's easily avoided ffs unless you actually go get the Sindo and check out their headlines tomorrow to make sure. Also pop your head into a thread about the sport as well, just so you can make sure they've all been brought down with a bump!!

😂 Barely watch it myself but ffs it's not hard to avoid.

Vincent Hogan the sports journalist has just tweeted that they are "one of the greatest teams Irish sport has ever produced".

Do people really not see how silly this sounds?
Throw up a list of your Irish teams that seriously challenged in a major tournament.

Italia 90 did as well as this team. Well no they won a knockout game so did arguably better.
The cricket team in 2007 did better too considering.
The O Donovan rowers at Rio 2016
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on October 14, 2023, 11:19:29 PM
Throughts


* I'm legitimately disappointed Ireland lost
* We had a extra man for 20 minutes.
* The National media made it insufferable the last couple of weeks with hype
* New Zealand are a Rugby Nation - they live and breath the game
* It is very difficult to beat tradition, know how and hunger.
* Are we still number one in the world?
* We were cursed with this World-Cup draw. But so were NZ, France and South Africa.
* Four Years is a long time
* Will Farrell stay on?

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on October 14, 2023, 11:21:28 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on October 14, 2023, 11:19:29 PMThroughts


* I'm legitimately disappointed Ireland lost
* We had a extra man for 20 minutes.
* The National media made it insufferable the last couple of weeks with hype
* New Zealand are a Rugby Nation - they live and breath the game
* It is very difficult to beat tradition, know how and hunger.
* Are we still number one in the world?
* We were cursed with this World-Cup draw. But so were NZ, France and South Africa.
* Four Years is a long time
* Will Farrell stay on?



Farrell seems like a top manager, isn't it probable he'll be going to manage his own country soon?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LeoMc on October 14, 2023, 11:24:28 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 14, 2023, 11:21:28 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on October 14, 2023, 11:19:29 PMThroughts


* I'm legitimately disappointed Ireland lost
* We had a extra man for 20 minutes.
* The National media made it insufferable the last couple of weeks with hype
* New Zealand are a Rugby Nation - they live and breath the game
* It is very difficult to beat tradition, know how and hunger.
* Are we still number one in the world?
* We were cursed with this World-Cup draw. But so were NZ, France and South Africa.
* Four Years is a long time
* Will Farrell stay on?



Farrell seems like a top manager, isn't it probable he'll be going to manage his own country soon?

His own Country could come under the radar and with a bit of luck reach a final or win it.

Then the begrudgers on here will know all about hype.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on October 14, 2023, 11:29:49 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on October 14, 2023, 11:24:28 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 14, 2023, 11:21:28 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on October 14, 2023, 11:19:29 PMThroughts


* I'm legitimately disappointed Ireland lost
* We had a extra man for 20 minutes.
* The National media made it insufferable the last couple of weeks with hype
* New Zealand are a Rugby Nation - they live and breath the game
* It is very difficult to beat tradition, know how and hunger.
* Are we still number one in the world?
* We were cursed with this World-Cup draw. But so were NZ, France and South Africa.
* Four Years is a long time
* Will Farrell stay on?



Farrell seems like a top manager, isn't it probable he'll be going to manage his own country soon?

His own Country could come under the radar and with a bit of luck reach a final or win it.

Then the begrudgers on here will know all about hype.

Lad, if you get to the world cup final and win it you've earned your hype. If you've never won a knock out game on the other hand...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 14, 2023, 11:31:14 PM
Ireland's back row, such an important platform for recent successes, was comprehensively outplayed tonight. Doris looked nervous, O'Mahony didn't really figure at all and was surprised it was VdF that came off instead of him.

Ardie Savea is an unstoppable force of nature, Frizzell made some huge hits and Sam Cane had his best and most important match in years. Can't imagine POM had anything smart to mouth at him this time.

Future is still bright though. McCarthy was excellent when he came on. Baird only going to get better. Coombes got plenty left.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 14, 2023, 11:35:11 PM
Farrell is under contract for another two years at least. Unless he is determined to manage Owen, who is clearly on the wane, he might decide to steer clear of English rugby for a good while yet. It's a basket case.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: podge on October 14, 2023, 11:55:44 PM
People will be quick to kick these lads when they are down. In truth we were very very close tonight and whilst the outcome is ultimately the same, this was very different to previous quarter final defeats.

I am a GAA man to the core but every part of me wanted us to win tonight. There's lads in here feckin delighted we lost.

 FFS, grasp sport, of any sort, for what it is, a galvanising force for good in society .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 11:59:49 PM
Half the lads commenting had very little to say before this match.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mrdeeds on October 15, 2023, 12:40:53 AM
The soccer team has won more knockout games? They compete against the whole world.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on October 15, 2023, 01:01:42 AM
The disappointment tonight for me was right up there with the Henry hand ball.  We will break the QF hoodoo in the future but we won't get a better chance to win the whole thing
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: armaghniac on October 15, 2023, 01:05:18 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 15, 2023, 01:01:42 AMThe disappointment tonight for me was right up there with the Henry hand ball.  We will break the QF hoodoo in the future but we won't get a better chance to win the whole thing

They would likely have beaten Wales or Argentina, the draw put a huge game in the QF.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 15, 2023, 01:15:39 AM
We don't know if we had a better chance, the 2 teams on the other side of the draw are well capably of beating New Zealand and us too. It is the end, for some in this team, playing Hanson injured was a mistake, the other lad O'brien played well, The drop off in performance of the Ulster wingers past 2 years left no great option for replacements out wide, Stockdale fell off a cliff from what he was. Game was lost in the pack which was our strongest area, No Healy to replace Porter when he was been pinged. Ryan not starting a miss too, as Henderson starts to puff around 55mins. Furlong been of the pace since the NZ tour.Aki,And the full back were great for Ireland the night, but Retallick and the NZ back row outplayed their opposite numbers. I feel NZ will not do that to South Africa or France. Time will tell.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 15, 2023, 01:21:11 AM
Hansen was, as always, one of our brightest sparks up to the point he went off.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on October 15, 2023, 01:25:36 AM
Quote from: mrdeeds on October 15, 2023, 12:40:53 AMThe soccer team has won more knockout games? They compete against the whole world.

Have they? In world Cups? I can't think of any? (I'd have Soccer ahead of Rugby as a sport preference, by the way!)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Eire90 on October 15, 2023, 01:33:49 AM
They have not won any knockout games and that includes a prelim qf in 1999 against argentina.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on October 15, 2023, 01:38:14 AM
Quote from: Eire90 on October 15, 2023, 01:33:49 AMThey have not won any knockout games and that includes a prelim qf in 1999 against argentina.

I'm talking about the Soccer lads.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on October 15, 2023, 02:01:06 AM
Will be plenty of regrets by the players after that defeat against what was a very beatable New Zealand team.
Just another result and exit added to the list that's getting longer and will it be any different in 2027 in Australia? Eight World Cup Quarter final defeats,once lost a play off before the Quarter final and once didn't get past the group stage. That's consistent and the last match in each World cup the Irish scoring was between 10 and 24 points. 

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 15, 2023, 02:13:30 AM
Difference is we played underperformed in all those games, 3 been against Argentina, the night we played rightly, had we scored the try 6/7mins from the end, might been a difference story, we needed to be the team with the early lead, first time I ever seen NZ kick for goal so much, normally they try put in it in the corner.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 15, 2023, 02:49:59 AM
We played well, miles better than we ever have in any previous QF, but make no mistake, we underperformed in certain areas and positions compared to our current exceptional standards. The morons will of course bang on about it being a bottle job etc, and it certainly wasn't that. New Zealand were excellent, especially at the breakdown, but the game was there to be won. No point pretending otherwise.

Mistakes that we'd never make, panic setting in early etc. We can rue the opportunity that Jordie Barret saved all we want but equally Smith had a clean intercept and was gone other than for slipping. That came from JGP pushing things too much with 30 mins left in the game.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Eire90 on October 15, 2023, 02:55:19 AM
i hope argentina win it but i think france will.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Blowitupref on October 15, 2023, 06:59:53 AM
1991 against Australia remains the most fine margin exit. Performed and pipped at the post and Australia went on to win that World Cup. Will that current New Zealand side go on to win it out now? I think the winner of France or South Africa will likely beat them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on October 15, 2023, 07:18:02 AM
Quote from: From the Bunker on October 15, 2023, 01:25:36 AM
Quote from: mrdeeds on October 15, 2023, 12:40:53 AMThe soccer team has won more knockout games? They compete against the whole world.

Have they? In world Cups? I can't think of any? (I'd have Soccer ahead of Rugby as a sport preference, by the way!)

Second round v Romania 1990
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gael80 on October 15, 2023, 07:37:14 AM
Quote from: gallsman on October 15, 2023, 02:49:59 AMWe played well, miles better than we ever have in any previous QF, but make no mistake, we underperformed in certain areas and positions compared to our current exceptional standards. The morons will of course bang on about it being a bottle job etc, and it certainly wasn't that. New Zealand were excellent, especially at the breakdown, but the game was there to be won. No point pretending otherwise.

Mistakes that we'd never make, panic setting in early etc. We can rue the opportunity that Jordie Barret saved all we want but equally Smith had a clean intercept and was gone other than for slipping. That came from JGP pushing things too much with 30 mins left in the game.



It's fine margins at elite level sport. I wouldn't blame the players but after the relentless overconfidence from Irish rugby, we can't blame the rugby world from saying we bottled it.

Listening to rugby journalists this morning it's basically what they're saying when you factor where NZ and Ireland were this year. I'd like to see Irish rugby become humble, it might help the team to progress.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 15, 2023, 07:46:35 AM
What overconfidence? All week long the analysis has been that the game was 50/50, Ireland marginal favourites if you had to choose.

They bottled nothing. Nobody in the rugby world is saying we bottled it. That appears to be the exclusive preserve of twats in the internet. They responded to every NZ try with one of their own. At the end of the day one top level rugby side lost a close match to another one which, because of the nature of the particular match, is absolutely gutting.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gael80 on October 15, 2023, 07:56:15 AM
Quote from: gallsman on October 15, 2023, 07:46:35 AMWhat overconfidence? All week long the analysis has been that the game was 50/50, Ireland marginal favourites if you had to choose.

They bottled nothing. Nobody in the rugby world is saying we bottled it. That appears to be the exclusive preserve of twats in the internet. They responded to every NZ try with one of their own. At the end of the day one top level rugby side lost a close match to another one which, because of the nature of the particular match, is absolutely gutting.

I think if you listen carefully to what came out of NZ, Ireland's overconfidence and celebrations post series win focused NZ.

Beating SA was a great win but the post match narrative about that resulting in an easier QF was laughable. I don't blame the players for that, more Irish rugby in general.

I agree there was some last minute analysis about the game being 50/50 but the overconfidence was still there and from a nation yet to win a knock out game or back up the confidence.

We can't complain now about the post match analysis. I agree it is gutting but we've been here before and it is very consistent.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: burdizzo on October 15, 2023, 08:22:17 AM
Well, Gerry Thornley has Ireland winning at 5-10 points!

Ireland were on the back foot all match, and it would have been a travesty had they stolen it at the end. But they didn't bottle it; just beaten by a slightly better performance from NZ.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 15, 2023, 08:47:21 AM
Very little talk of the match here. It was a great game and could have gone either way I'd say it's one of the best test matches in a long time.

All the talk of arrogance is mad there's no way the players were arrogant it was more the D4 heads that got carried away the players have carried themselves very well the past few weeks but it wasn't meant to be.

NZ had their homework done and performed to a high level which was enough to just about beat us. There was very little in it.

Anyone who thought it was going to be a cakewalk is an idiot as NZ had won something like 8/9 of their last QFs and Ireland 0. It was always going to be a big ask.


The draw is the draw and while we've had hard luck this time it's up to us to make the draw go in our favour. NZ in a QF is as bad as it can get but there's no point complaining you'd have to beat them at some stage.

There is every possibility NZ go on to win this thing and whoever does win it will not be beating NZ by a cricket score. Talk of this being the worst NZ team ever is complete bullshit they'll cruise the Semi and give France or South Africa a massive game in the final.

There's no shame in the loss last night it just looks so bad because we've never won a QF. I find it hard to see the team in a better position to win the tournament ever again as this was our best team ever but we'll just have to see how we go next time out and hope we get a more favourable draw to get to the semis.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 15, 2023, 09:13:32 AM
Quote from: burdizzo on October 15, 2023, 08:22:17 AMWell, Gerry Thornley has Ireland winning at 5-10 points!

Ireland were on the back foot all match, and it would have been a travesty had they stolen it at the end. But they didn't bottle it; just beaten by a slightly better performance from NZ.

5-10 points was not overconfidence. Within that bracket you can have a one score game ffs.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 15, 2023, 09:14:29 AM
Quote from: screenexile on October 15, 2023, 08:47:21 AMVery little talk of the match here. It was a great game and could have gone either way I'd say it's one of the best test matches in a long time.

You proceed to say absolutely nothing about the match whatsoever.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 15, 2023, 09:19:30 AM
In 2019 after NZ hammered Ireland Steve Hansen went into the dressing room and told the players that they might have had experience of losing matches at the RWC but that didn't mean they had necessarily learnt anything in the process. They have learnt a lot under Farrell. Unfortunately there is still more to learn. We are in a much better place than 2019. In GAA terms I would say yesterday was equivalent to Tyrone in the 95 football final or Galway in the 2015 hurling final.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on October 15, 2023, 09:49:17 AM
Quote from: RedHand88 on October 15, 2023, 07:18:02 AM
Quote from: From the Bunker on October 15, 2023, 01:25:36 AM
Quote from: mrdeeds on October 15, 2023, 12:40:53 AMThe soccer team has won more knockout games? They compete against the whole world.

Have they? In world Cups? I can't think of any? (I'd have Soccer ahead of Rugby as a sport preference, by the way!)

Second round v Romania 1990

Didn't win the match it was a draw
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on October 15, 2023, 09:54:58 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 15, 2023, 09:49:17 AM
Quote from: RedHand88 on October 15, 2023, 07:18:02 AM
Quote from: From the Bunker on October 15, 2023, 01:25:36 AM
Quote from: mrdeeds on October 15, 2023, 12:40:53 AMThe soccer team has won more knockout games? They compete against the whole world.

Have they? In world Cups? I can't think of any? (I'd have Soccer ahead of Rugby as a sport preference, by the way!)

Second round v Romania 1990

Didn't win the match it was a draw

Who went through?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: jcpen on October 15, 2023, 09:58:17 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 15, 2023, 09:49:17 AM
Quote from: RedHand88 on October 15, 2023, 07:18:02 AM
Quote from: From the Bunker on October 15, 2023, 01:25:36 AM
Quote from: mrdeeds on October 15, 2023, 12:40:53 AMThe soccer team has won more knockout games? They compete against the whole world.

Have they? In world Cups? I can't think of any? (I'd have Soccer ahead of Rugby as a sport preference, by the way!)

Second round v Romania 1990

Didn't win the match it was a draw
So Argentina aren't World Champions then?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Armagh18 on October 15, 2023, 10:19:19 AM
Quote from: jcpen on October 15, 2023, 09:58:17 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 15, 2023, 09:49:17 AM
Quote from: RedHand88 on October 15, 2023, 07:18:02 AM
Quote from: From the Bunker on October 15, 2023, 01:25:36 AM
Quote from: mrdeeds on October 15, 2023, 12:40:53 AMThe soccer team has won more knockout games? They compete against the whole world.

Have they? In world Cups? I can't think of any? (I'd have Soccer ahead of Rugby as a sport preference, by the way!)

Second round v Romania 1990

Didn't win the match it was a draw
So Argentina aren't World Champions then?
And Derry didn't win Ulster ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 15, 2023, 10:27:41 AM
Quote from: Itchy on October 14, 2023, 10:01:02 PMIf you get wiped at scrum and under big pressure on your line out you'll struggle to beat the best. Only themselves to blame and the if only/hard luck bullshit doesn't cut it and I'd say it's same for the players. They blew it.
They weren't accurate enough. Decision making at key moments also let them down.
They have to learn from this.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Armagh18 on October 15, 2023, 10:37:47 AM
Shame for Sexton, deserved to get further on once in his career. Bundee Aki is an animal of a man.

No expert but one of NZ's tries looked to have forward pass just before it, first one I think?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on October 15, 2023, 10:43:45 AM
Quote from: Armagh18 on October 15, 2023, 10:37:47 AMShame for Sexton, deserved to get further on once in his career. Bundee Aki is an animal of a man.

No expert but one of NZ's tries looked to have forward pass just before it, first one I think?
Yea I was surprised it wasn't checked because he passed if from his chest rather than a traditional rugby pass
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 15, 2023, 11:06:09 AM
Those passes happen twenty times a game at this world cup. Scrutinise some of Ireland's short offloads more closely and you'll find plenty of them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on October 15, 2023, 11:22:36 AM
Quote from: seafoid on October 15, 2023, 10:27:41 AM
Quote from: Itchy on October 14, 2023, 10:01:02 PMIf you get wiped at scrum and under big pressure on your line out you'll struggle to beat the best. Only themselves to blame and the if only/hard luck bullshit doesn't cut it and I'd say it's same for the players. They blew it.
They weren't accurate enough. Decision making at key moments also let them down.
They have to learn from this.

They won't.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 15, 2023, 11:30:51 AM
Some of you lads need go back to the soccer thread which I notice some comment regularly on, not that we any great shakes there at the minute.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Shamrock Shore on October 15, 2023, 11:51:36 AM
Well, that's that.

Our Princess Di moment - without any deaths.

Move on. Nothing to see here.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyssam5 on October 15, 2023, 12:03:26 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on October 14, 2023, 11:14:23 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on October 14, 2023, 11:09:34 PM
Quote from: trueblue1234 on October 14, 2023, 10:54:56 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on October 14, 2023, 10:28:05 PM
Quote from: trueblue1234 on October 14, 2023, 10:15:18 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 10:08:19 PMToo many lads glad Ireland lost, can't understand that attitude. Better u stick on the GAA thread.

Have to agree. I'm far from a rugby fan, but just find it bizarre to not be cheering for your country in a sport. Even worse again to be gloating like a kid in the playground when they get beat. Takes all sorts I suppose.

Ill tell you why. There is no sporting team on planet earth whos fans blow as much smoke up their own holes as Ireland rugby - The DVD of the friendly win over NZ, the god awful anthem, being told to shush in a pub because the man on the TV is kicking a ball and I might put him off from 500mile away, the list goes on.
I can already see tomorrows headline in the Sindo about how a gang of jolly green giants from a distant galaxy put up a heroic effort. New Zealand will be laughing at Ireland fans and media talking up their chances of winning the whole thing.
Closer to home, I doubt its even in the top 10 sports played/followed at a local level in Ireland yet its consistently marketed as "rugby country".

Yeah they should be more like GAA fans and moan and berate everything about the sport. Call for more rule changes at every turn about because it's becoming an abomination to watch. That'll help things.
Fans of a sport team, big up their team. Can't be at that, we'll have to drag the back to earth here.
It's easily avoided ffs unless you actually go get the Sindo and check out their headlines tomorrow to make sure. Also pop your head into a thread about the sport as well, just so you can make sure they've all been brought down with a bump!!

😂 Barely watch it myself but ffs it's not hard to avoid.

Vincent Hogan the sports journalist has just tweeted that they are "one of the greatest teams Irish sport has ever produced".

Do people really not see how silly this sounds?
Throw up a list of your Irish teams that seriously challenged in a major tournament.

did this team 'seriously challenge'? they talked about it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bannside on October 15, 2023, 12:17:55 PM
Yes, they seriously challenged. How on earth can you disagree with that.

Inches from an almost certain world cup final, and inches from a new record of 18 test wins in a row.

Begrudgers will begrudge, as a rule I do my best to avoid people like that.

Hard luck Ireland Rugby, you have given us some memories these last few years. No doubt you will be back.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on October 15, 2023, 12:18:47 PM
South Africa would have beaten Ireland in the group stages had they a reliable kicker. Pollard is back now.
Playing the French instead of nz wouldn't have been any easier though

Terrible start last night to be 13 pts behind. The 2 kiwi's Aki and Gibson Park brought Ireland back into the game. Hugh turnover by Barret in the second half for what looked a certain try.
Argentina while they had a kinder draw, into their 3rd world cup semi
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: AustinPowers on October 15, 2023, 12:20:47 PM
Quote from: Shamrock Shore on October 15, 2023, 11:51:36 AMWell, that's that.

Our Princess Di moment - without any deaths.

Move on. Nothing to see here.

Do you think  Prince Charles had something to do  with last night then?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Scarlet on October 15, 2023, 12:26:44 PM
The lads on telly were saying NZ were at 100% but they didn't need to be at that level.
Ireland seemed to have no real creativity in the middle and then we seemed to be pushing out the wings and then we tried to force kicks. Hansen, Lowe and the Sexton one in the 2nd half that was NEVER coming off are good examples.

We just seemed to be plodding over and back with a wall of black in front of us. Sexton was poor overall I thought and wasn't playing as flat as normal and he just seemed to be shipping it on one.

Then we were beaten in the line-out at the start too and fecked up a few try-scoring positions. We didn't seem to be able to deal with helter skelter as much as the All Blacks who were able for our system and then struck when they did.

I see some of the player ratings and they are very generous to some of our lads. We didn't deserve to win it at all. I'll always say that the international series are pointless as there are teams at different stages of their season. BUT when it comes to the World Cup where everyone is aiming to be at 100% we never get it right.

For the record I was roaring them on last night, but we can't go talking about heroism and effort at this level from a team that allegedly was above that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Pub Bore on October 15, 2023, 12:29:11 PM
NZ by 4 was a fair result.  They were slightly the better team. Small point, but part of me did worry seeing players carrying babies around the pitch after the Scotland game like Ireland had won something.  Other point, I thought Barnes reffed it well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 15, 2023, 12:35:09 PM
Quote from: Shamrock Shore on October 15, 2023, 11:51:36 AMWell, that's that.

Our Princess Di moment - without any deaths.

Move on. Nothing to see here.
The circus has now moved on to Clonguish v Killoe in the interplanetary championship this afternoon.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyssam5 on October 15, 2023, 12:43:56 PM
Quote from: bannside on October 15, 2023, 12:17:55 PMYes, they seriously challenged. How on earth can you disagree with that.

Inches from an almost certain world cup final, and inches from a new record of 18 test wins in a row.

Begrudgers will begrudge, as a rule I do my best to avoid people like that.

Hard luck Ireland Rugby, you have given us some memories these last few years. No doubt you will be back.

They were 'almost certain' to beat Argentina last time they got knocked out by them too I think.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on October 15, 2023, 01:23:08 PM
Quote from: tyssam5 on October 15, 2023, 12:43:56 PM
Quote from: bannside on October 15, 2023, 12:17:55 PMYes, they seriously challenged. How on earth can you disagree with that.

Inches from an almost certain world cup final, and inches from a new record of 18 test wins in a row.

Begrudgers will begrudge, as a rule I do my best to avoid people like that.

Hard luck Ireland Rugby, you have given us some memories these last few years. No doubt you will be back.

They were 'almost certain' to beat Argentina last time they got knocked out by them too I think.

You're definitely misremembering there in an effort to get a dig in. They weren't almost certain to win that quarter final in 2015 in the slightest. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 15, 2023, 01:23:57 PM
Especially as they were shy both O'Connell and O'Brien.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on October 15, 2023, 01:31:52 PM
Quote from: square_ball on October 15, 2023, 01:23:08 PM
Quote from: tyssam5 on October 15, 2023, 12:43:56 PM
Quote from: bannside on October 15, 2023, 12:17:55 PMYes, they seriously challenged. How on earth can you disagree with that.

Inches from an almost certain world cup final, and inches from a new record of 18 test wins in a row.

Begrudgers will begrudge, as a rule I do my best to avoid people like that.

Hard luck Ireland Rugby, you have given us some memories these last few years. No doubt you will be back.

They were 'almost certain' to beat Argentina last time they got knocked out by them too I think.

You're definitely misremembering there in an effort to get a dig in. They weren't almost certain to win that quarter final in 2015 in the slightest. 

There were tears of joy after the final pool game  win against France because it meant they got Argentina instead of New Zealand in the quarter. They expected to win.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trueblue1234 on October 15, 2023, 01:34:33 PM
Posters trying hard to justify their begrudgary.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on October 15, 2023, 01:50:06 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on October 15, 2023, 01:31:52 PM
Quote from: square_ball on October 15, 2023, 01:23:08 PM
Quote from: tyssam5 on October 15, 2023, 12:43:56 PM
Quote from: bannside on October 15, 2023, 12:17:55 PMYes, they seriously challenged. How on earth can you disagree with that.

Inches from an almost certain world cup final, and inches from a new record of 18 test wins in a row.

Begrudgers will begrudge, as a rule I do my best to avoid people like that.

Hard luck Ireland Rugby, you have given us some memories these last few years. No doubt you will be back.

They were 'almost certain' to beat Argentina last time they got knocked out by them too I think.

You're definitely misremembering there in an effort to get a dig in. They weren't almost certain to win that quarter final in 2015 in the slightest. 

There were tears of joy after the final pool game  win against France because it meant they got Argentina instead of New Zealand in the quarter. They expected to win.

Genuinely the first time that I've heard that there were tears of joy that they got Argentina instead of France. Madigan was the only one I remember in tears who else was there? And he makes no mention of it here about the QF draw https://www.sportsjoe.ie/amp/rugby/ian-madigan-reveals-why-he-cried-at-the-end-of-irelands-victory-over-france-43956

And I'd imagine the Irish team at the time definitely didn't go into that game just expecting victory or they were almost certain of winning when they were without O'Connell, Sexton, O'Brien, O'Mahoney and Payne.


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on October 15, 2023, 02:01:02 PM
Quote from: Captain Scarlet on October 15, 2023, 12:26:44 PMFor the record I was roaring them on last night, but we can't go talking about heroism and effort at this level from a team that allegedly was above that.


That is it in a nutshell. We are disappointed, but plámásing it off as heroic in a game we marginally expected to win.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on October 15, 2023, 02:47:37 PM
The line out and scrum was poor . Paul O'Connell escaping any criticism or scrutiny as far as I can see so far but that's the 2nd game the line out in particular has been poor. Got away with it against SA but not last night.

Also Sexton was blowing hard after the hour mark. It would have been a brave to call him ashore and probably showed how the coaches viewed the drop off from him to Crowley. No choice but to give one of the back up 10s a full 6 nations as a starter to see how they shape up.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on October 15, 2023, 03:09:24 PM
Quote from: square_ball on October 15, 2023, 02:47:37 PMThe line out and scrum was poor . Paul O'Connell escaping any criticism or scrutiny as far as I can see so far but that's the 2nd game the line out in particular has been poor. Got away with it against SA but not last night.

Also Sexton was blowing hard after the hour mark. It would have been a brave to call him ashore and probably showed how the coaches viewed the drop off from him to Crowley. No choice but to give one of the back up 10s a full 6 nations as a starter to see how they shape up.
I don't understand how they dont pick Ross Byrne to close out those games. He's good at game management and plays regularly with Leinster
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 15, 2023, 03:22:54 PM
Henderson probably making the calls for the line out and he was off the pace last night, Ryan abit loss, The main issue was, NZ closing the gap, the ref walk down the middle of a few NZ throws to ensure correct gap, didnt do it once on the, Ireland throw.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on October 15, 2023, 03:39:09 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 15, 2023, 11:30:51 AMSome of you lads need go back to the soccer thread which I notice some comment regularly on, not that we any great shakes there at the minute.

It sounds like you want silence on the thread?

The violence causes silence as wb yeats once said or some other brilliant poet
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sportacus on October 15, 2023, 03:52:39 PM
There were some big mistakes like the Doris knock on and our players had a slight look of panic on their faces I'm afraid.  Plus they tried to force it after halftime, kicking it away a couple of times. Line out and scrum not right either.  They didn't seem to handle the pressure well overall and were out on their feet at the end.  Ryan and Henshaw would've been handy.  Maybe winning all the time in a strange way did them no favours for last nights circumstances.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on October 15, 2023, 05:00:40 PM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F8bjKqWWwAA4SkM?format=jpg&name=small)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on October 15, 2023, 05:26:17 PM
England hitting their groove at the right time, only a fool would write them off. Tournament football gives the opportunity to iron out kinks and build momentum, they're certainly benefitting (as did NZ). Curry is a walking liability tho.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on October 15, 2023, 05:32:13 PM
I've gave England the kiss of death  ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on October 15, 2023, 06:13:09 PM
So England in the Sf after struggling to beat Samoa and then Fiji ffs. I hope SA or fr wollop them
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on October 15, 2023, 06:17:29 PM
Fiji a country with a population of 936,375 and who lost to Portugal. Go close enough.


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 15, 2023, 06:37:39 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on October 15, 2023, 05:26:17 PMEngland hitting their groove at the right time, only a fool would write them off. Tournament football gives the opportunity to iron out kinks and build momentum, they're certainly benefitting (as did NZ). Curry is a walking liability tho.

There was an upright challenge from curry just before the first Fijian try that I can't believe wasn't looked at. He'd given away two penalties in the five mins before it as well. He's a disaster.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on October 15, 2023, 06:40:30 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on October 15, 2023, 10:37:47 AMShame for Sexton, deserved to get further on once in his career. Bundee Aki is an animal of a man.

No expert but one of NZ's tries looked to have forward pass just before it, first one I think?

Before the ref awards the try he looks to his linesman for help. The linesman gives a thumbs up for the try even though he wasn't in a good position to judge as he was nearly taken out by a player. It was a forward pass.

The other thing from the ref that annoyed me was that he allowed the all blacks to close the gap in the line out but didn't allow Ireland do the same.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 15, 2023, 07:26:11 PM
That a bad, England team, theyvtaje a pasting in the semi.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gael80 on October 15, 2023, 07:43:28 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 15, 2023, 07:26:11 PMThat a bad, England team, theyvtaje a pasting in the semi.

It's possible but despite any problems England have leading into WC's they always know how to win knock out games, so it wouldn't surprise me if they win the SF or at least get very close to doing so.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on October 15, 2023, 07:51:13 PM
England certainly wouldn't fear France, they'll be hoping they come through 2nite.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on October 15, 2023, 08:04:45 PM
Blitzkrieg
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 15, 2023, 08:22:05 PM
Pace of this game like last nite, the other 2 quarters at a snails pace in comparison, set plays all over the place though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on October 15, 2023, 08:24:35 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 15, 2023, 08:22:05 PMPace of this game like last nite, the other 2 semis at a snails pace in comparison
Ireland need to learn (and i know its hard to learn) how to play this chaos rugby when things just open up in front of you and you have to go off script. This is what teams like New Zealand, France and Fiji for example thrive on
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 15, 2023, 08:27:23 PM
Actually Chaos rubgy gets you beat, France way too open here.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 15, 2023, 08:28:11 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 15, 2023, 08:27:23 PMActually Chaos rubgy gets you beat, France way too open here.

Class game of rugby so far!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on October 15, 2023, 08:28:47 PM
Tries go leor.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 15, 2023, 08:32:07 PM
That hooker for France is some player.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 15, 2023, 08:32:49 PM
That last one looks short.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: quit yo jibbajabba on October 15, 2023, 08:33:51 PM
This one could go down in history. Keep er goin lads 😃
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Blowitupref on October 15, 2023, 08:34:00 PM
Some half of rugby, France 19 South Africa 19 the latest score are we looking at the winner of the this match to go on and win the World Cup?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 15, 2023, 08:36:11 PM
The team that settles down and starts kicking for position will win, the open rugby looks great but it's the set piece which wins rugby games.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on October 15, 2023, 08:46:38 PM
Etzebeth could be sweating it there
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: burdizzo on October 15, 2023, 08:47:33 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on October 15, 2023, 07:51:13 PMEngland certainly wouldn't fear France, they'll be hoping they come through 2nite.

Oooh. They should.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tonto1888 on October 15, 2023, 08:49:03 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on October 15, 2023, 08:46:38 PMEtzebeth could be sweating it there
Think he'll be ok. Yellow enough
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 15, 2023, 08:51:02 PM
Half kilt himself
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 15, 2023, 08:52:56 PM
I can't understand why people think England just gonna turn it on in the semi final, reality is they are a very poor team and have been for over 2yrs, who relies on penalty kicking for scores, either these 2 teams would f**king toast them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 15, 2023, 08:55:02 PM
Their were a top 4 who could win the World Cup unfortunately all meeting in the quarters not semi, the gap to the rest is fairly large.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on October 15, 2023, 09:02:35 PM
England's problem isn't lack of talent, its been mismanagement. Agree there is (or possibly was) a 'Big 4' and then the rest, but England are capable of a big performance imo.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 15, 2023, 09:05:12 PM
That's nearly changes for the sake of changes! Way too early.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 15, 2023, 09:27:19 PM
More suffocating game this half which was the way I thought the whole game would go, 1 score in 20mins
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 15, 2023, 09:30:37 PM
France taking too big risks with long wide out passes
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on October 15, 2023, 09:30:44 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 15, 2023, 09:27:19 PMMore suffocating game this half which was the way I thought the whole game would go, 1 score in 20mins
Think the nerves have kicked in now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 15, 2023, 09:37:11 PM
The difference there, was the Irish one was held up last night.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 15, 2023, 09:38:42 PM
France not getting the rub of the green there.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Blowitupref on October 15, 2023, 09:38:52 PM
South Africa with their noses in front 29 to 25. Debatable call there.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on October 15, 2023, 09:39:11 PM
Intriguing half all the same.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on October 15, 2023, 09:52:27 PM
Higher quality match than last night and I think both would have beaten Ireland in a knock out tie. The wannabe DJ blazing out music needs to be given the boot into touch.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tonto1888 on October 15, 2023, 09:54:46 PM
Great game
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on October 15, 2023, 09:54:58 PM
Ireland wouldn't beat either of those teams in knock out game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: armaghniac on October 15, 2023, 09:55:33 PM
It will be easier to get tickets in France now.
Are Ireland still the best team in the Northern Hemisphere?

Quote from: Captain Obvious on October 15, 2023, 09:52:27 PMHigher quality match than last night and I think both would have beaten Ireland in a knock out tie. The wannabe DJ blazing out music needs to be given the boot into touch.

Pretty strange time to play music!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on October 15, 2023, 09:56:01 PM
Had the french fella held onto that ball at the end after making up those yards the drop goal would have been on. Fine margins
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 15, 2023, 09:56:29 PM
Like I said they little among the top 4, The SA try over the line won them the game, the hold up on the line cost ours. I say France be sicker than us, saying they were at home. That was the real 2 semis.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on October 15, 2023, 09:56:36 PM
The RWC would be a wonderful tournament if they capped it at 12 teams.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on October 15, 2023, 09:56:40 PM
Quote from: armaghniac on October 15, 2023, 09:55:33 PMIt will be easier to get tickets in France now.
Are Ireland still the best team in the Northern Hemisphere?

Quote from: Captain Obvious on October 15, 2023, 09:52:27 PMHigher quality match than last night and I think both would have beaten Ireland in a knock out tie. The wannabe DJ blazing out music needs to be given the boot into touch.

Pretty strange time to play music!
yes
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on October 15, 2023, 09:57:22 PM
Be surprised now if South Africa don't go all the way. Just have the power all over the field.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LeoMc on October 15, 2023, 09:58:57 PM
From watching the 2 semifinals (in all but name) I don't think New Zealand will be able to live with South Africa.
Those 2 games were a level above the Wal/Arg and Eng/Fij games.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on October 15, 2023, 09:59:28 PM
TMO has been yapping in loads of matches but nothing for that Kwagga Smith turnover which led to the winning pen.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 15, 2023, 10:00:57 PM
NZ are fit to contest the break down, SA a heavier team, we see come the final. France died with their boots on there.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 15, 2023, 10:01:47 PM
Itchy and, Gael agreeing, suprise suprise there.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 15, 2023, 10:20:09 PM
The 2pt block down from the conversion, which is the first I seen, the big difference in the end.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on October 15, 2023, 10:27:39 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 15, 2023, 10:01:47 PMItchy and, Gael agreeing, suprise suprise there.

All sensible people agree with me. Look could you imagine the crying if Ireland won yesterday and SA beat the shite out of them in the final? It was better this way.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on October 15, 2023, 10:37:35 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 15, 2023, 10:20:09 PMThe 2pt block down from the conversion, which is the first I seen, the big difference in the end.

Yea it proved to be the difference. In such a big game it was a very novel thing to happen. Kolbe was electric throughout.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tyssam5 on October 15, 2023, 10:53:06 PM
Quote from: square_ball on October 15, 2023, 01:23:08 PM
Quote from: tyssam5 on October 15, 2023, 12:43:56 PM
Quote from: bannside on October 15, 2023, 12:17:55 PMYes, they seriously challenged. How on earth can you disagree with that.

Inches from an almost certain world cup final, and inches from a new record of 18 test wins in a row.

Begrudgers will begrudge, as a rule I do my best to avoid people like that.

Hard luck Ireland Rugby, you have given us some memories these last few years. No doubt you will be back.

They were 'almost certain' to beat Argentina last time they got knocked out by them too I think.

You're definitely misremembering there in an effort to get a dig in. They weren't almost certain to win that quarter final in 2015 in the slightest. 

Checked

"Ireland go into the game against Argentina as odds-on 4/7 favourites with online betting site Bet365."

4/7 - maybe not almost certain depending on what kind of better you are, but strong favs. I will grant you that the the odds this year might have been even tighter had they beaten NZ. But the point is that talking about how easy hypothetical semi-final might have been when you are constant quarter final losers is what's wrong about Irish rugby.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: burdizzo on October 15, 2023, 11:09:25 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on October 15, 2023, 09:58:57 PMFrom watching the 2 semifinals (in all but name) I don't think New Zealand will be able to live with South Africa.
Those 2 games were a level above the Wal/Arg and Eng/Fij games.

I agree. But still, the top four teams, and only 5 points separating them!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tonto1888 on October 15, 2023, 11:16:27 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 15, 2023, 09:56:29 PMLike I said they little among the top 4, The SA try over the line won them the game, the hold up on the line cost ours. I say France be sicker than us, saying they were at home. That was the real 2 semis.

Charging down the conversion maybe won them the game
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on October 15, 2023, 11:21:26 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 15, 2023, 10:27:39 PMLook could you imagine the crying if Ireland won yesterday and SA beat the shite out of them in the final? It was better this way.
Better to lose a final and know there was only one team better than you than fail to get past the last eight stage again.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on October 16, 2023, 06:20:56 AM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on October 15, 2023, 11:21:26 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 15, 2023, 10:27:39 PMLook could you imagine the crying if Ireland won yesterday and SA beat the shite out of them in the final? It was better this way.
Better to lose a final and know there was only one team better than you than fail to get past the last eight stage again.

And why would South Africa beat the shite out of Ireland in the final? Did we not beat them in the group stages?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 16, 2023, 07:49:20 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on October 16, 2023, 06:20:56 AM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on October 15, 2023, 11:21:26 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 15, 2023, 10:27:39 PMLook could you imagine the crying if Ireland won yesterday and SA beat the shite out of them in the final? It was better this way.
Better to lose a final and know there was only one team better than you than fail to get past the last eight stage again.

And why would South Africa beat the shite out of Ireland in the final? Did we not beat them in the group stages?
Because they know how to deal wtth pressure in knockout matches. We obviously do not.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 16, 2023, 08:07:16 AM
Unless England have been faking the last year it will be an all Southern Hemisphere final, probably SA v NZ.
The Southern Hemisphere teams are much better in this competition than the 6 N teams.
Here is the win vs losses in RWC finals situation followed by win ratio by country

New Zealand  3-1  75%
South Africa 3-0  100%
Australia    2-2  50%
England      1-3  25%
France       0-3   0%

Scotland, Ireland, Wales and Italy have never reached a final. Neither have Argentina.

The overall record is

Northern Hemisphere 1-6 16%
Southern Hemisphere 8-1 84%

The Southern hempiphere teams dominate the RWC but the Northern Hemisphere teams dominate the money in rugby.
Ultimately that is  more important for the alickadoos in the IRFU
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 16, 2023, 08:38:33 AM
It's 2 countries where its their national sport, Ireland Rugby about the 4th sport and that's only cause golf and Horse racing doesn't count
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on October 16, 2023, 09:04:36 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 15, 2023, 09:56:29 PMLike I said they little among the top 4, The SA try over the line won them the game, the hold up on the line cost ours. I say France be sicker than us, saying they were at home. That was the real 2 semis.

The bounce of a ball....

That's all the Ireland/NZ game came down to..

Beauden Barrett put a fantastic kick behind the Ireland defence and it sat up nicely for himself to take it full on, resulted in the first NZ try, Ireland go crossfield only for it to bounce high into the air and off Sheehans fingers, catch that and he's in.

That's sport though and as much as it's disappointing for the Irish lads any of the top four can beat each other on a given night as we witnessed last night as well, favourites France succumb to SA who Ireland beat, France walloped NZ in their section.

England and the Argies are a level below that and they'll find that out next weekend.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Pub Bore on October 16, 2023, 09:41:44 AM
Superb game of rugby from start to finish last night.  Fine margins at this level as the cliche goes.  Charged down conversion (Kolbe must have started on the 22!) proved significant.  SA must be favourites but NZ are cute hoors.  The standard in the other two quarters looked well below the two big ones.  If SA play the way they did last night they'll put 40 points on Eng.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Maroon Manc on October 16, 2023, 09:50:03 AM
How many of the team will be around in 4 years time? Seems like so many of them are in their 30's already
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 16, 2023, 10:15:38 AM

The RWC is even less competitive than elite hurling.
There are 9 decent teams but only 5 have played in the final since 1987.
Only 4 have won the tournament since 1987
Only 2 have won it since 2007.

Senior hurling has 2 sub championships. Munster and Leinster.
They both provide winners regularly. The RWC has 2 sub championships. There is a severe
imbalance between the N Hemisphere and S Hemisphere.

The RWC has been a 2 horse race since 2007. SA and  NZ. 

SA vs NZ is like Kilkenny vs Tipp. Australia would be Cork. Australia are shite. Last win was 99.
The RWC is like Kilkenny or Tipp every year since 2007. They can beat everyone else.
All the time. 
It doesn't matter how the groups are arranged.
Straight knockout would make more sense. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on October 16, 2023, 10:16:29 AM
Disappointed for Ireland but this was a lot different from all the other 1/4 final defeats. They played some scintillating Rugby and on another day they win. Wasn't to be but we can be extremely proud of this team and what they have achieved.

Ireland V NZ and SA V France had the feeling of the actual semi finals.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tonto1888 on October 16, 2023, 10:34:55 AM
Quote from: trailer on October 16, 2023, 10:16:29 AMDisappointed for Ireland but this was a lot different from all the other 1/4 final defeats. They played some scintillating Rugby and on another day they win. Wasn't to be but we can be extremely proud of this team and what they have achieved.

Ireland V NZ and SA V France had the feeling of the actual semi finals.

should have been the semi finals. World rugby need to change how they organise the WC. Doing the draw 3 years out is a joke
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on October 16, 2023, 10:51:17 AM
Possible 2027

Porter (????)
Sheehan (Kelleher)
Furlong (oToole) (????)
Ryan (Edogbo)
McCarthy (Ahern)
Baird (???)
Van Der Flier (Hodnett)
Dorris (Coombes)
Casey (Gibson Park)
Prendergast (Crowley
Hanson
Henshaw (Aki 37)
Ringrose (???)
Balcooune
Keenan
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 16, 2023, 11:05:51 AM
People Complaining about rugby competitiveness, look at Gaelic football, maybe 3 serious competive team in 15+ years, Hurling about the same
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on October 16, 2023, 12:14:26 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on October 16, 2023, 09:04:36 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 15, 2023, 09:56:29 PMLike I said they little among the top 4, The SA try over the line won them the game, the hold up on the line cost ours. I say France be sicker than us, saying they were at home. That was the real 2 semis.

The bounce of a ball....

That's all the Ireland/NZ game came down to..

Beauden Barrett put a fantastic kick behind the Ireland defence and it sat up nicely for himself to take it full on, resulted in the first NZ try, Ireland go crossfield only for it to bounce high into the air and off Sheehans fingers, catch that and he's in.

That's sport though and as much as it's disappointing for the Irish lads any of the top four can beat each other on a given night as we witnessed last night as well, favourites France succumb to SA who Ireland beat, France walloped NZ in their section.

England and the Argies are a level below that and they'll find that out next weekend.


:-X
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on October 16, 2023, 02:13:57 PM
I'm not from the Rugby community, GAA to the core. I do however enjoy the game and follow the provinces in the URC & Heineken Cup, thanks mainly to the TV coverage. It is better than the soccer shit. You have to admire how the IRFU has developed rugby structures given that at best it is the third sport in the country. It also gives us all an International team to cheer which unlike soccer everyone can support. I have been following Sexton's career from his chubby faced debut for Leinster and admire his longevity and tenacity. Sad to see him end his career like this, but that's sport. The team let no one down and lost one match that would have graced any final in any year. Hopefully the next generation of players can deliver. It is a fact that they have over delivered from a small base.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on October 16, 2023, 02:24:59 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on October 16, 2023, 02:13:57 PMI'm not from the Rugby community, GAA to the core. I do however enjoy the game and follow the provinces in the URC & Heineken Cup, thanks mainly to the TV coverage. It is better than the soccer shit. You have to admire how the IRFU has developed rugby structures given that at best it is the third sport in the country. It also gives us all an International team to cheer which unlike soccer everyone can support. I have been following Sexton's career from his chubby faced debut for Leinster and admire his longevity and tenacity. Sad to see him end his career like this, but that's sport. The team let no one down and lost one match that would have graced any final in any year. Hopefully the next generation of players can deliver. It is a fact that they have over delivered from a small base.

The provinces have thrived but the local club game hasn't and is on it's knees with participation numbers well down from before professionalism. A warning for the GAA and those who want more and more professionalism. You'll have a better game at elite level but the club could suffer.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on October 16, 2023, 04:47:58 PM
Courtesy of Ewan McKenna....

Rugby World Cup Semi-Final Appearances.

New Zealand 9
Australia 6
England 6
France 6
South Africa 6
Argentina 3
Wales 3
Scotland 1
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Joeythelips on October 16, 2023, 05:20:27 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on October 16, 2023, 04:47:58 PMCourtesy of Ewan McKenna....

Rugby World Cup Semi-Final Appearances.

New Zealand 9
Australia 6
England 6
France 6
South Africa 6
Argentina 3
Wales 3
Scotland 1

I don't know or get this McKenna fella on Twitter (or X as its now known), he seems to get off on the Irish Rugby team failing. Odd to say the least.
Let's be honest, the only reason Ireland did not make a semi final this year was the fact the draw was made 3 years ago. The NZ v Ireland and France v SA games were a level above the other quarter finals. The semi finals will be a massive anti climax after those two epic matches but at least we get a top final.
SA and NZ seem to fully have a winning culture, nothing seems to phase them when the stakes are at their highest. Ireland and France are both fantastic sides who gave it everything and still ended up losing out. NZ dropped one of their best players for the game over a protocol breach and moved on like it was nothing, the team and jersey is far more then one individual.
Imagine the uproar if we dropped a top player for a big match for some protocol breach? The public and media would lose their minds. The All Blacks just got one with it just as they did with the 2 yellow cards. When is the last time you saw a side call a scrum penalty in their own 22? or someone actually block down a conversion? SA do both in the biggest match of the year. Incredible team. Should be some final
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 16, 2023, 06:02:33 PM
Yeah, you think they woukd dropped Lomu, Carter, McCaw if they were around.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on October 16, 2023, 06:14:58 PM
I wonder will there be much improvement in Australia by 2027. They are hosting the tournament so have time to get their act together. Lions tour Australia in 2025.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on October 16, 2023, 06:36:59 PM
Hard to believe New Zealand game v France was on the 8th of September.

Six weeks later they played Ireland.

In between they hammered Uruguay, Namibia and Italy by 70ish points.




Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 16, 2023, 06:47:37 PM
I don't think you can link this loss to the previous flops. There was a qualitative difference if key moments could be cited as changing points.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on October 16, 2023, 07:17:16 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on October 16, 2023, 04:47:58 PMCourtesy of Ewan McKenna....

Rugby World Cup Semi-Final Appearances.

New Zealand 9
Australia 6
England 6
France 6
South Africa 6
Argentina 3
Wales 3
Scotland 1

Impressive when you consider Ireland is zero. Scotland with a poor record in the World cup also.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 16, 2023, 07:20:10 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on October 16, 2023, 07:17:16 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on October 16, 2023, 04:47:58 PMCourtesy of Ewan McKenna....

Rugby World Cup Semi-Final Appearances.

New Zealand 9
Australia 6
England 6
France 6
South Africa 6
Argentina 3
Wales 3
Scotland 1

Impressive when you consider Ireland is zero. Scotland with a poor record in the World cup also.
Between them France and England have 12 semi final appearances and one title.
6N failure is at every level. It's not just us
Scotland won a qf against Samoa . Jammy bastards
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 16, 2023, 08:07:08 PM
If you go to page 16 in this strategy doc, the goal was a semi or better in 2019/23 and 2 or more European club titles. 6N results were good but the other 2 were not

https://d19fc3vd0ojo3m.cloudfront.net/irfu/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/19161726/IRFU_Strategic_Plan_2018-2023.pdf
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on October 16, 2023, 08:17:55 PM
The footballers are showing the rugby lads how it's done tonight.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: J70 on October 16, 2023, 08:22:54 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on October 16, 2023, 08:17:55 PMThe footballers are showing the rugby lads how it's done tonight.

 ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on October 16, 2023, 08:25:28 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on October 16, 2023, 08:17:55 PMThe footballers are showing the rugby lads how it's done tonight.

A new contract awaits Kenny on this epic performance.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Joeythelips on October 17, 2023, 09:39:58 AM
The football team certainly does put things into perspective. I know people say we should not celebrate failure but we just witnessed a great Irish rugby team beat South Africa, hammer Scotland and just be pipped at the post by the All Blacks in a World Cup. They have been playing unbelievable rugby for the past couple of years. Then we look at our football team and lets be honest its a sad joke.
Could you imagine an Irish football team getting to a World Cup only to lose out at knockout stages, it literally would be beyond our wildest dreams given our recent history.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Redhand Santa on October 17, 2023, 10:04:29 AM
You have to remember there is only about 8/9 countries that actually treat rugby seriously. And even within that only a couple would have it as their number one sport. So no matter what spin is put on it it is still unbelievable that a so called top team has never won a knock out game at the world cup.

People are reading a lot into the fact it was New Zealand who beat them. But it's probably one of the worst New Zealand teams ever to enter a world cup. In typical Irish rugby fashion everyone is focusing on the great group stages and then glossing over the loss because New Zealand are a top nation. But they then ignore the group stages were New Zealand were comfortably beaten by France.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on October 17, 2023, 10:30:26 AM
Quote from: Joeythelips on October 17, 2023, 09:39:58 AMThe football team certainly does put things into perspective. I know people say we should not celebrate failure but we just witnessed a great Irish rugby team beat South Africa, hammer Scotland and just be pipped at the post by the All Blacks in a World Cup. They have been playing unbelievable rugby for the past couple of years. Then we look at our football team and lets be honest its a sad joke.
Could you imagine an Irish football team getting to a World Cup only to lose out at knockout stages, it literally would be beyond our wildest dreams given our recent history.

You are comparing apples with oranges though. They are 2 completely different sports.
One has a global following with any number of professional international teams. How many professional international rugby teams are there?
 The fact that Ireland can't get past the last 8 is damning, and that they needed Kiwis to even get that far. But until people wake up and realise they are failing on the biggest stage over and over and stop heaping bucketloads of superlatives on them then nothing will change.
Football fans are not shy of calling a spade a spade when it comes to the team or management.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JimStynes on October 17, 2023, 10:50:40 AM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on October 16, 2023, 07:17:16 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on October 16, 2023, 04:47:58 PMCourtesy of Ewan McKenna....

Rugby World Cup Semi-Final Appearances.

New Zealand 9
Australia 6
England 6
France 6
South Africa 6
Argentina 3
Wales 3
Scotland 1

Impressive when you consider Ireland is zero. Scotland with a poor record in the World cup also.

Why are Scotland so shite at sport nowadays?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on October 17, 2023, 10:52:44 AM
They just qualified in the soccer.

Very similar to us - too many sports.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on October 17, 2023, 11:07:37 AM
Quote from: Redhand Santa on October 17, 2023, 10:04:29 AMYou have to remember there is only about 8/9 countries that actually treat rugby seriously. And even within that only a couple would have it as their number one sport. So no matter what spin is put on it it is still unbelievable that a so called top team has never won a knock out game at the world cup.

People are reading a lot into the fact it was New Zealand who beat them. But it's probably one of the worst New Zealand teams ever to enter a world cup. In typical Irish rugby fashion everyone is focusing on the great group stages and then glossing over the loss because New Zealand are a top nation. But they then ignore the group stages were New Zealand were comfortably beaten by France.
One of the worst NZ teams ever?? Lazy ass reporting on a team who have ridiculously high standards more like,(Rugby Championship results in Summer 2023 - NZ beat South Africa 35-20, Argentina 12-41, Australia 7-38) They're a bit like England in that they've a huge talent pool that's largely been mismanaged. As I've said before tournament football gives teams the chances to iron out issues & build momentum. Ireland came out the wrong side of a 50/50 game, nothing more to it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on October 17, 2023, 12:17:19 PM
Another something that continues to puzzle me about rugby, well Irish rugby anyhow.

How is it that players who are past their peak are not phased out in time for a World Cup? Why is it that Ireland always rock up to a World Cup carrying a handful of players clearly on a swan song? And then expect them to play 6 times in 7 weeks?

Surely the professional game should be above this sentimentality?

How can players in their prime pick up big match experience if continually being blocked out by those past their prime?

——-

I make it that these players will all be 34+ by the time the next RWC rolls around... ie they'll not be fit for a game per week kind of schedule.

Kilcoyne, Bealham, Furlong, Herring, Henderson, Beirne, Conan, Van Der Flier, Gibson Park, Aki, Henshaw, McCloskey, Lowe.

Some big names in there, some very big names. But surely Farrell's first job from now is to start phasing them out until there's at most 2-3 left for 2027.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on October 17, 2023, 12:46:04 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on October 17, 2023, 10:30:26 AM
Quote from: Joeythelips on October 17, 2023, 09:39:58 AMThe football team certainly does put things into perspective. I know people say we should not celebrate failure but we just witnessed a great Irish rugby team beat South Africa, hammer Scotland and just be pipped at the post by the All Blacks in a World Cup. They have been playing unbelievable rugby for the past couple of years. Then we look at our football team and lets be honest its a sad joke.
Could you imagine an Irish football team getting to a World Cup only to lose out at knockout stages, it literally would be beyond our wildest dreams given our recent history.

You are comparing apples with oranges though. They are 2 completely different sports.
One has a global following with any number of professional international teams. How many professional international rugby teams are there?
 The fact that Ireland can't get past the last 8 is damning, and that they needed Kiwis to even get that far. But until people wake up and realise they are failing on the biggest stage over and over and stop heaping bucketloads of superlatives on them then nothing will change.
Football fans are not shy of calling a spade a spade when it comes to the team or management.

The last line is nonsense. For some bizarre reason many fans and most of the Irish football journalists have been backing Kenny as if he was the second coming. Any rational person would have seen it was going horribly wrong very very early on. Some here have taken about 2 yrs extra for it all to finally sink in.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Armagh18 on October 17, 2023, 02:12:31 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on October 17, 2023, 10:30:26 AM
Quote from: Joeythelips on October 17, 2023, 09:39:58 AMThe football team certainly does put things into perspective. I know people say we should not celebrate failure but we just witnessed a great Irish rugby team beat South Africa, hammer Scotland and just be pipped at the post by the All Blacks in a World Cup. They have been playing unbelievable rugby for the past couple of years. Then we look at our football team and lets be honest its a sad joke.
Could you imagine an Irish football team getting to a World Cup only to lose out at knockout stages, it literally would be beyond our wildest dreams given our recent history.

You are comparing apples with oranges though. They are 2 completely different sports.
One has a global following with any number of professional international teams. How many professional international rugby teams are there?
 The fact that Ireland can't get past the last 8 is damning, and that they needed Kiwis to even get that far. But until people wake up and realise they are failing on the biggest stage over and over and stop heaping bucketloads of superlatives on them then nothing will change.
Football fans are not shy of calling a spade a spade when it comes to the team or management.
We're also a country with a tiny population who have at least 3 other sports vastly more popular than rugby. It's a real shame we couldn't get to a semi final at least with this team but we'll get there eventually. Kiwis live and breathe rugby.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on October 17, 2023, 02:20:02 PM
This year was different. The last number of years have been a capitulation - this was not. The draw was horrendous - Argentina and England are in the semis and we are very clearly better than either.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: markl121 on October 17, 2023, 02:25:41 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 17, 2023, 12:46:04 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on October 17, 2023, 10:30:26 AM
Quote from: Joeythelips on October 17, 2023, 09:39:58 AMThe football team certainly does put things into perspective. I know people say we should not celebrate failure but we just witnessed a great Irish rugby team beat South Africa, hammer Scotland and just be pipped at the post by the All Blacks in a World Cup. They have been playing unbelievable rugby for the past couple of years. Then we look at our football team and lets be honest its a sad joke.
Could you imagine an Irish football team getting to a World Cup only to lose out at knockout stages, it literally would be beyond our wildest dreams given our recent history.

You are comparing apples with oranges though. They are 2 completely different sports.
One has a global following with any number of professional international teams. How many professional international rugby teams are there?
 The fact that Ireland can't get past the last 8 is damning, and that they needed Kiwis to even get that far. But until people wake up and realise they are failing on the biggest stage over and over and stop heaping bucketloads of superlatives on them then nothing will change.
Football fans are not shy of calling a spade a spade when it comes to the team or management.

The last line is nonsense. For some bizarre reason many fans and most of the Irish football journalists have been backing Kenny as if he was the second coming. Any rational person would have seen it was going horribly wrong very very early on. Some here have taken about 2 yrs extra for it all to finally sink in.
ah come on, anyone I know who follows the team have realised Kenny is nowhere near good enough. every result over the last few years and been texted around the WhatsApp groups "well is this the final straw?" its mad he has got so far.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Look-Up! on October 17, 2023, 03:03:05 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on October 17, 2023, 02:20:02 PMThis year was different. The last number of years have been a capitulation - this was not. The draw was horrendous - Argentina and England are in the semis and we are very clearly better than either.
Have to agree with that. We were very poor last few WCs after going in with plenty of hype, but our bubbles were well and truly burst with little ceremony.

This year we put in 2 heroic performances against SA and NZ. Agonisingly close, 36 phases against NZ on our final play. That's a standard we were never at before. We were brilliant against Scotland too in what was a pressure game. Put the Scots in the English or Welsh groups and I think they'd be in a SF. France, best team in the world for me, are out after QF. They not too happy with ref over it. Very small margins but you cannot say we didn't perform. 

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 17, 2023, 04:03:59 PM
There was one stage where Sexton had  the option of 3 points but went for the corner. He also missed a penalty. Either would have got us within a drop goal. Leaving it to the end at 4 points behind was just too much.
NZ were also lucky.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Franko on October 17, 2023, 04:10:57 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 15, 2023, 02:49:59 AMWe played well, miles better than we ever have in any previous QF, but make no mistake, we underperformed in certain areas and positions compared to our current exceptional standards. The morons will of course bang on about it being a bottle job etc, and it certainly wasn't that. New Zealand were excellent, especially at the breakdown, but the game was there to be won. No point pretending otherwise.

Mistakes that we'd never make, panic setting in early etc. We can rue the opportunity that Jordie Barret saved all we want but equally Smith had a clean intercept and was gone other than for slipping. That came from JGP pushing things too much with 30 mins left in the game.



These statements are almost the definition of a bottle job

When the real pressure came on, we fell apart, we panicked, we failed regularly to execute the basics, we made a string of unforced errors

Granted it wasn't the implosion of previous years, but it was still a bottle job
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dag Dog on October 17, 2023, 04:14:35 PM
Quote from: markl121 on October 17, 2023, 02:25:41 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 17, 2023, 12:46:04 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on October 17, 2023, 10:30:26 AM
Quote from: Joeythelips on October 17, 2023, 09:39:58 AMThe football team certainly does put things into perspective. I know people say we should not celebrate failure but we just witnessed a great Irish rugby team beat South Africa, hammer Scotland and just be pipped at the post by the All Blacks in a World Cup. They have been playing unbelievable rugby for the past couple of years. Then we look at our football team and lets be honest its a sad joke.
Could you imagine an Irish football team getting to a World Cup only to lose out at knockout stages, it literally would be beyond our wildest dreams given our recent history.

You are comparing apples with oranges though. They are 2 completely different sports.
One has a global following with any number of professional international teams. How many professional international rugby teams are there?
 The fact that Ireland can't get past the last 8 is damning, and that they needed Kiwis to even get that far. But until people wake up and realise they are failing on the biggest stage over and over and stop heaping bucketloads of superlatives on them then nothing will change.
Football fans are not shy of calling a spade a spade when it comes to the team or management.

The last line is nonsense. For some bizarre reason many fans and most of the Irish football journalists have been backing Kenny as if he was the second coming. Any rational person would have seen it was going horribly wrong very very early on. Some here have taken about 2 yrs extra for it all to finally sink in.
ah come on, anyone I know who follows the team have realised Kenny is nowhere near good enough. every result over the last few years and been texted around the WhatsApp groups "well is this the final straw?" its mad he has got so far.

Most journalists who write about the Irish national team are League of Ireland journos the rest of the time.
Kenny is seen as LOI gene pool manager and they don't want to put the knife into someone from that stable.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 17, 2023, 04:36:14 PM
Quote from: Franko on October 17, 2023, 04:10:57 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 15, 2023, 02:49:59 AMWe played well, miles better than we ever have in any previous QF, but make no mistake, we underperformed in certain areas and positions compared to our current exceptional standards. The morons will of course bang on about it being a bottle job etc, and it certainly wasn't that. New Zealand were excellent, especially at the breakdown, but the game was there to be won. No point pretending otherwise.

Mistakes that we'd never make, panic setting in early etc. We can rue the opportunity that Jordie Barret saved all we want but equally Smith had a clean intercept and was gone other than for slipping. That came from JGP pushing things too much with 30 mins left in the game.



These statements are almost the definition of a bottle job

When the real pressure came on, we fell apart, we panicked, we failed regularly to execute the basics, we made a string of unforced errors

Granted it wasn't the implosion of previous years, but it was still a bottle job
A bottle job would have meant no fight back, no Irish tries, no 30 phases at the end.
The match could have gone either way. The antithesis of a bottle job.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Scarlet on October 17, 2023, 05:23:57 PM
I am in a few WhatsApp groups with lads who know more than me about rugby and I asked is it blasphemy to say anything bad about Sexton. He was not good on the day at all.
We were being ate alive in line-outs and we kicked for corners. He missed the kick and then that stupid chip to no one at a crucial time.
30 phases at the end of just shipping it to the man beisde you who is standing still isn't worth a shite.

As I keep saying, I was gutted but Christ you are allowed call out these things. Normally we would have done this. For the past two years we were getting that right.

Well we didn't because we were under pressure and there were some very silly mistakes. Botha from SA was on talking about Porter and not having to attack the scrum when he was getting pinged. Just settle a bit.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: burdizzo on October 17, 2023, 06:35:50 PM
No, Sexton wasn't good. What was the wattsapp lads say re. the blasphemy question? Gerry Thornley gushing all over Sexton, as ever, in The Irish Times. Almost embarrassing. He also had a pop at the ref. - again, as usual - but I didn't think Barnes was bad.

I think both of France and SA would have beaten Ireland the way they played the following night.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Franko on October 17, 2023, 07:45:18 PM
Quote from: seafoid on October 17, 2023, 04:36:14 PM
Quote from: Franko on October 17, 2023, 04:10:57 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 15, 2023, 02:49:59 AMWe played well, miles better than we ever have in any previous QF, but make no mistake, we underperformed in certain areas and positions compared to our current exceptional standards. The morons will of course bang on about it being a bottle job etc, and it certainly wasn't that. New Zealand were excellent, especially at the breakdown, but the game was there to be won. No point pretending otherwise.

Mistakes that we'd never make, panic setting in early etc. We can rue the opportunity that Jordie Barret saved all we want but equally Smith had a clean intercept and was gone other than for slipping. That came from JGP pushing things too much with 30 mins left in the game.



These statements are almost the definition of a bottle job

When the real pressure came on, we fell apart, we panicked, we failed regularly to execute the basics, we made a string of unforced errors

Granted it wasn't the implosion of previous years, but it was still a bottle job
A bottle job would have meant no fight back, no Irish tries, no 30 phases at the end.
The match could have gone either way. The antithesis of a bottle job.

There are degrees of everything.

This was at the other end of the scale from the humiliations we have received in other years

But make no mistake - it's still on the scale
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on October 17, 2023, 08:50:11 PM
Bottle job? A ridiculous take
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Franko on October 17, 2023, 10:41:26 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on October 17, 2023, 08:50:11 PMBottle job? A ridiculous take

A thoroughly evidenced point
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Armagh18 on October 18, 2023, 02:09:37 AM
You'd want to be seriously bitter to go to suxh serious lengths to explain why that was a bottle job. Sickening defeat against a country that doesn't do much else except chase sheep and play rugby. We'll get past a quarter final eventually.

Is it at a stage yet where there is a Mayo like curse on Irish rugby?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: galwayman on October 18, 2023, 03:19:55 AM
Quote from: burdizzo on October 17, 2023, 06:35:50 PMNo, Sexton wasn't good. What was the wattsapp lads say re. the blasphemy question? Gerry Thornley gushing all over Sexton, as ever, in The Irish Times. Almost embarrassing. He also had a pop at the ref. - again, as usual - but I didn't think Barnes was bad.

I think both of France and SA would have beaten Ireland the way they played the following night.
Thornley sickens my hole the way that he is a complete and utter cheerleader for the Irish rugby team.
Listening to The Left Wing podcast every day during the World Cup Ruadhri O Connor was the same - constantly talking the team
Up. Giving endless reasons why they'd beat the All Blacks. I read an article somewhere - where it was stated that there was a perception that people outside of Ireland were glad that the ABs won that game because of the quote "nauseating arrogance" of the Irish media.
And I say all this as someone who is a big fan of the team and was gutted they lost.
But some of the media coverage was cringey to say the least.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 18, 2023, 06:48:18 AM
I've heard plenty from Ruaidhri O'Connor during this tournament and that's absolute balls. Explaining why Ireland were, justifiably, favourites is not the same as saying "they would beat the all blacks" ffs.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Franko on October 18, 2023, 08:30:52 AM
Quote from: Armagh18 on October 18, 2023, 02:09:37 AMYou'd want to be seriously bitter to go to suxh serious lengths to explain why that was a bottle job. Sickening defeat against a country that doesn't do much else except chase sheep and play rugby. We'll get past a quarter final eventually.

Is it at a stage yet where there is a Mayo like curse on Irish rugby?

 ;D  ;D

Such lengths

I've typed six sentences and posted them on an internet forum

Like some of your peers, it would maybe be a good idea to dial down the hyperbole a few notches
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on October 18, 2023, 08:35:51 AM
Agreed, a bit of respect for the 'bottling scale' wouldn't go amiss  8)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Taylor on October 18, 2023, 08:46:56 AM
Farrell was far too loyal towards Sexton v NZ.
He was clearly shattered but with the game in the melting pot he was kept on - for the last 20 mins everything was very flat from him.

Nonetheless the game was there to be won but for the hold up by Barrett.

Dress it up any way you want with a shit draw etc but the harsh reality is we are out at the quarter final stage again.
Very disappointing for such a talented group
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on October 18, 2023, 10:23:37 AM
New Zealand had a shitter draw. They are probably going to the final.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on October 18, 2023, 10:45:55 AM
Quote from: RedHand88 on October 18, 2023, 10:23:37 AMNew Zealand had a shitter draw. They are probably going to the final.

I think the draw was made up of how they faired in the last World Cup, if that doesn't change then Ireland will be in the same shitty side of the draw the next day.

France could be seen as the biggest bottlers seeing they were hosts and tournament favs ..

Though Ireland losing one game against the 3 times champions in a close game I wouldn't be too hard on them
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on October 18, 2023, 11:25:07 AM
Quote from: imtommygunn on October 17, 2023, 02:20:02 PMThis year was different. The last number of years have been a capitulation - this was not. The draw was horrendous - Argentina and England are in the semis and we are very clearly better than either.
100%
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on October 18, 2023, 11:27:40 AM
Quote from: Franko on October 17, 2023, 04:10:57 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 15, 2023, 02:49:59 AMWe played well, miles better than we ever have in any previous QF, but make no mistake, we underperformed in certain areas and positions compared to our current exceptional standards. The morons will of course bang on about it being a bottle job etc, and it certainly wasn't that. New Zealand were excellent, especially at the breakdown, but the game was there to be won. No point pretending otherwise.

Mistakes that we'd never make, panic setting in early etc. We can rue the opportunity that Jordie Barret saved all we want but equally Smith had a clean intercept and was gone other than for slipping. That came from JGP pushing things too much with 30 mins left in the game.



These statements are almost the definition of a bottle job

When the real pressure came on, we fell apart, we panicked, we failed regularly to execute the basics, we made a string of unforced errors

Granted it wasn't the implosion of previous years, but it was still a bottle job
Grossly unfair, anyone who has played sport at any level should understand that players make mistakes and wrong decisions under pressure. They don't set out to do it and to label them as bottlers is bullshit.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on October 18, 2023, 11:31:51 AM
Quote from: burdizzo on October 17, 2023, 06:35:50 PMNo, Sexton wasn't good. What was the wattsapp lads say re. the blasphemy question? Gerry Thornley gushing all over Sexton, as ever, in The Irish Times. Almost embarrassing. He also had a pop at the ref. - again, as usual - but I didn't think Barnes was bad.

I think both of France and SA would have beaten Ireland the way they played the following night.
Sexton undoubtedly an all time great, I'm not a rugby expert but imo the mistake was having Crowley on the bench, he doesn't have enough experience to manage a game at that level. Ross Byrne has performed well for Leicester and Ireland in pressure situations, had he been on the bench he would have been on. I think Farrell gambled on Sexton getting Ireland to the point were Crowley could see it out.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 18, 2023, 11:45:45 AM
The game wasn't there to be managed, it had to be won. Byrne is not the man for that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LeoMc on October 18, 2023, 11:48:13 AM
Quote from: gallsman on October 18, 2023, 11:45:45 AMThe game wasn't there to be managed, it had to be won. Byrne is not the man for that.

Who do we have could do that?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on October 18, 2023, 12:01:59 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on October 18, 2023, 11:48:13 AM
Quote from: gallsman on October 18, 2023, 11:45:45 AMThe game wasn't there to be managed, it had to be won. Byrne is not the man for that.

Who do we have could do that?
I bow to your superior rugby knowledge, but in my humble opinion Byrne would have been a better option in the last 10 minute than either Crowley or an obviously exhausted 38 yo Sexton. But as I say only my opinion.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: WT4E on October 18, 2023, 12:31:18 PM
Quote from: trueblue1234 on October 14, 2023, 10:15:18 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 10:08:19 PMToo many lads glad Ireland lost, can't understand that attitude. Better u stick on the GAA thread.

Have to agree. I'm far from a rugby fan, but just find it bizarre to not be cheering for your country in a sport. Even worse again to be gloating like a kid in the playground when they get beat. Takes all sorts I suppose.

DEATH TAXES AND IRELAND BEING KNOCKED OUT IN THE QUARTERS
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tonto1888 on October 18, 2023, 01:23:57 PM
Quote from: WT4E on October 18, 2023, 12:31:18 PM
Quote from: trueblue1234 on October 14, 2023, 10:15:18 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 10:08:19 PMToo many lads glad Ireland lost, can't understand that attitude. Better u stick on the GAA thread.

Have to agree. I'm far from a rugby fan, but just find it bizarre to not be cheering for your country in a sport. Even worse again to be gloating like a kid in the playground when they get beat. Takes all sorts I suppose.

DEATH TAXES AND IRELAND BEING KNOCKED OUT IN THE QUARTERS

are you in my family WhatsApp group????
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Franko on October 18, 2023, 01:43:39 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on October 18, 2023, 11:27:40 AM
Quote from: Franko on October 17, 2023, 04:10:57 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 15, 2023, 02:49:59 AMWe played well, miles better than we ever have in any previous QF, but make no mistake, we underperformed in certain areas and positions compared to our current exceptional standards. The morons will of course bang on about it being a bottle job etc, and it certainly wasn't that. New Zealand were excellent, especially at the breakdown, but the game was there to be won. No point pretending otherwise.

Mistakes that we'd never make, panic setting in early etc. We can rue the opportunity that Jordie Barret saved all we want but equally Smith had a clean intercept and was gone other than for slipping. That came from JGP pushing things too much with 30 mins left in the game.



These statements are almost the definition of a bottle job

When the real pressure came on, we fell apart, we panicked, we failed regularly to execute the basics, we made a string of unforced errors

Granted it wasn't the implosion of previous years, but it was still a bottle job
Grossly unfair, anyone who has played sport at any level should understand that players make mistakes and wrong decisions under pressure. They don't set out to do it and to label them as bottlers is bullshit.

They do indeed and you are correct - nobody sets out to do this

Both these points are irrelevant though

What's relevant is that Ireland made more mistakes and poor decisions under pressure than the All Blacks

Ireland (as in the Irish Rugby fraternity) could pat ourselves on the back or we could look at this coldly and try to come up with some sort of a plan to fix it

I don't see what's to be gained by the former, but it seems to be the Irish way
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tiempo on October 18, 2023, 02:46:29 PM
Andy Farrell looked fairly contented after the match
Look overseas players and an ENG manager were brought in to do a job
Their job was to look interested and lift wages
They did a good job
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 18, 2023, 02:51:36 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on October 18, 2023, 11:48:13 AM
Quote from: gallsman on October 18, 2023, 11:45:45 AMThe game wasn't there to be managed, it had to be won. Byrne is not the man for that.

Who do we have could do that?

Realistically, nobody. The lack of a successor to Sexton has been Ireland's biggest concern for the last two WC cycles. Crowley has more about him than Byrne in terms of a bit of out half magic, but obviously has a lot still to prove. Prendergast is the big hope and I imagine he'll be getting fast tracked into the international setup ASAP.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: WT4E on October 18, 2023, 04:19:58 PM
Quote from: tonto1888 on October 18, 2023, 01:23:57 PM
Quote from: WT4E on October 18, 2023, 12:31:18 PM
Quote from: trueblue1234 on October 14, 2023, 10:15:18 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 14, 2023, 10:08:19 PMToo many lads glad Ireland lost, can't understand that attitude. Better u stick on the GAA thread.

Have to agree. I'm far from a rugby fan, but just find it bizarre to not be cheering for your country in a sport. Even worse again to be gloating like a kid in the playground when they get beat. Takes all sorts I suppose.

DEATH TAXES AND IRELAND BEING KNOCKED OUT IN THE QUARTERS

are you in my family WhatsApp group????

The best damn whatsapp family group about!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on October 18, 2023, 05:13:00 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 18, 2023, 10:45:55 AM
Quote from: RedHand88 on October 18, 2023, 10:23:37 AMNew Zealand had a shitter draw. They are probably going to the final.

I think the draw was made up of how they faired in the last World Cup, if that doesn't change then Ireland will be in the same shitty side of the draw the next day.

France could be seen as the biggest bottlers seeing they were hosts and tournament favs ..

Though Ireland losing one game against the 3 times champions in a close game I wouldn't be too hard on them
The draw is based on world rankings at the time of the draw so South Africa were ranked 1 in the world, Ireland 5th and Scotland 9th respectively. When the world cup started Ireland were 1, South Africa 2 and Scotland 5 in the world so a lot had changed in 2 and half years. If the draw were to take place a week prior to the world cup Ireland would have been drawn at worst in a group with Scotland, Australia and then 2 tier 2 nations
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Lamh Dhearg Alba on October 18, 2023, 10:42:19 PM
Quote from: seafoid on October 16, 2023, 07:20:10 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on October 16, 2023, 07:17:16 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on October 16, 2023, 04:47:58 PMCourtesy of Ewan McKenna....

Rugby World Cup Semi-Final Appearances.

New Zealand 9
Australia 6
England 6
France 6
South Africa 6
Argentina 3
Wales 3
Scotland 1

Impressive when you consider Ireland is zero. Scotland with a poor record in the World cup also.
Between them France and England have 12 semi final appearances and one title.
6N failure is at every level. It's not just us
Scotland won a qf against Samoa . Jammy bastards

That Scotland team in 1991 were a brilliant side. They had won the GS the year before then pushed the All Blacks very close in a series over there. Western Samoa were a very capable team too, they knocked Wales and Argentina out at the group stage and lost narrowly to Australia. Wasn't an easy QF at all at the time. Scotland then lost 12-6 in the semi after missing a penalty right in front of the posts at a key time. Probably won't ever get a better chance at winning the whole thing. Should have made another semi in 2015 though, robbed by a horrendous last minute refereeing decision against the Wallabies. I'm not convinced Scotland really underachieve in rugby to be honest, people turn out for the internationals but if you dig deeper the thing is built on sand and while there are some good home grown players they rely a lot on imports too. Even when the football team was shite for years and rugby team was doing OK the support for the teams can't be compared at all.

As for Ireland you probably don't care, but on the point mentioned here about perceived arrogance around Irish rugby I certainly picked up on plenty people in Scotland who felt that way and weren't bothered that Ireland lost to the All Blacks, when traditionally they would have been solidly behind Ireland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 19, 2023, 09:01:57 AM
The idea of the Scots being upset over perceived Irish arrogance is utterly hilarious.

There's a distinct difference between belief in ability and arrogance. Nobody in the Ireland team was going out saying they already had Scotland beaten. Equally, it had been forever since they lost to Scotland, so the idea that they weren't allowed to be confident is nonsense. I called a 20 pt win on this thread because anyone able to look at it objectively could see that Ireland are a miles better side than them. Ireland as a nation don't do confidence particularly well, and almost never arrogance.

Also, if you want to talk about the misplaced arrogance of gobshites, only one team in the last few years had Stuart f**king Hogg playing for them, and it wasn't Ireland.

As for them not being bothered about Ireland losing to the ABs, I'd expect them, like pretty much everyone else, to not give the slightest f**k once their own team was out. I'd have loved to see Fiji or Argentina win it, but I'll not care in the slightest when they don't
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on October 19, 2023, 09:50:54 AM
Yes there is a lot of nonsense being spouted. Confidence is no bad thing something that has been lacking in Irish teams for years. The kiwis were obviously rattled by that home series defeat as they really enjoyed that win with quite a few of them acting like knobs afterwards. Sam Canes WhatsApp chat sounded like he was about 13 ffs.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 19, 2023, 09:53:50 AM
Didn't see it, but after his performance and the abuse he took after the series last year, Cane more than entitled to feel smug. I imagine he couldn't care less about the two losses at home now whereas O'Mahony will likely be feeling Saturday's loss to one extent or another for the rest of his life.

He who laughs last etc.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Lamh Dhearg Alba on October 19, 2023, 02:55:19 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 19, 2023, 09:01:57 AMThe idea of the Scots being upset over perceived Irish arrogance is utterly hilarious.

There's a distinct difference between belief in ability and arrogance. Nobody in the Ireland team was going out saying they already had Scotland beaten. Equally, it had been forever since they lost to Scotland, so the idea that they weren't allowed to be confident is nonsense. I called a 20 pt win on this thread because anyone able to look at it objectively could see that Ireland are a miles better side than them. Ireland as a nation don't do confidence particularly well, and almost never arrogance.

Also, if you want to talk about the misplaced arrogance of gobshites, only one team in the last few years had Stuart f**king Hogg playing for them, and it wasn't Ireland.

As for them not being bothered about Ireland losing to the ABs, I'd expect them, like pretty much everyone else, to not give the slightest f**k once their own team was out. I'd have loved to see Fiji or Argentina win it, but I'll not care in the slightest when they don't

I don't think the perceived arrogance was down to Ireland expecting to beat Scotland. As you say Ireland were quite entitled to feel extremely confident about beating Scotland for the simple reasons that they have better players, better coaches and a long winning run against the Scots. Scotland under Townsend consistently talk a good game yet deliver very little and their performance against Ireland was laughably bad.

However there is without doubt a feeling (way beyond Scotland, I just used that example since I live there) that there is a arrogance around this Irish team when they haven't delivered on the very biggest stage. NZ or Springbok arrogance at least has something to back it up. Now perhaps that's down to Ireland not doing confidence well as you suggest and coming across badly (funnily enough I think that might be the case with the aforementioned Hogg who I believe is actually a rather sensitive and misunderstood individual), perhaps it's down to jealously from other nations - after all people don't always like seeing perennial underdogs stepping forward and becoming big guns, or perhaps it's something else altogether. Ireland don't have to care but you don't have to look too far to see it exists.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on October 19, 2023, 04:21:15 PM
URC back this weekend, interesting to see who lines out for the various provinces. Obviously anyone with time at the WC will be rested, but will those who didn't play a minute be available?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on October 19, 2023, 06:27:55 PM
Quote from: Lamh Dhearg Alba on October 19, 2023, 02:55:19 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 19, 2023, 09:01:57 AMThe idea of the Scots being upset over perceived Irish arrogance is utterly hilarious.

There's a distinct difference between belief in ability and arrogance. Nobody in the Ireland team was going out saying they already had Scotland beaten. Equally, it had been forever since they lost to Scotland, so the idea that they weren't allowed to be confident is nonsense. I called a 20 pt win on this thread because anyone able to look at it objectively could see that Ireland are a miles better side than them. Ireland as a nation don't do confidence particularly well, and almost never arrogance.

Also, if you want to talk about the misplaced arrogance of gobshites, only one team in the last few years had Stuart f**king Hogg playing for them, and it wasn't Ireland.

As for them not being bothered about Ireland losing to the ABs, I'd expect them, like pretty much everyone else, to not give the slightest f**k once their own team was out. I'd have loved to see Fiji or Argentina win it, but I'll not care in the slightest when they don't

I don't think the perceived arrogance was down to Ireland expecting to beat Scotland. As you say Ireland were quite entitled to feel extremely confident about beating Scotland for the simple reasons that they have better players, better coaches and a long winning run against the Scots. Scotland under Townsend consistently talk a good game yet deliver very little and their performance against Ireland was laughably bad.

However there is without doubt a feeling (way beyond Scotland, I just used that example since I live there) that there is a arrogance around this Irish team when they haven't delivered on the very biggest stage. NZ or Springbok arrogance at least has something to back it up. Now perhaps that's down to Ireland not doing confidence well as you suggest and coming across badly (funnily enough I think that might be the case with the aforementioned Hogg who I believe is actually a rather sensitive and misunderstood individual), perhaps it's down to jealously from other nations - after all people don't always like seeing perennial underdogs stepping forward and becoming big guns, or perhaps it's something else altogether. Ireland don't have to care but you don't have to look too far to see it exists.
Just take that emboldened bit, expand on that theme and you have more or less the answer. Eng/Scot/Welsh accusations of Irish arrogance are just a thin disguise for jealousy or sour grapes. The next one is Barnes (or name any ref) is humping Ireland's opposition.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on October 20, 2023, 09:13:37 AM
Quote from: Applesisapples on October 19, 2023, 04:21:15 PMURC back this weekend, interesting to see who lines out for the various provinces. Obviously anyone with time at the WC will be rested, but will those who didn't play a minute be available?

I'd say most of the squad whether they had much gametime or not in France will be allowed to holiday with their families for a few weeks.

In relation to the new look Ireland and if Farrell stays, does he start blending in the younger lads/goys in the autumn internationals and 2024 6N's with an eye on the 2027 WC even if it does mean Ireland drop down the rankings?

Sexton, Earls are gone, O'Mahony probably as well, Furlong is 30 now, Henderson, VDF, Beirne similar, probably a few years in them but probably going to a WC with a lot of the pack mid 30's mightn't be wise.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on October 20, 2023, 09:35:59 AM
Eddie Jones gave a perfect illustration on how not to manage a transition with Australia, next RWC is 4 years away so no need to panic just yet. I'd be happy to see Farrell commit for another 4 years, I see one of his sons has started at Blackrock so maybe that is his intention but I would imagine taking England would appeal to him. Borthwick's future could depend on Saturday night's game, keep it tight (& paper over the cracks) and he likely stays, if South Africa do a number on them there'll be calls for wholesale change.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 20, 2023, 09:39:02 AM
Dunno what he does, but he absolutely should. We've had a couple of very, very good U20s teams the last couple of years. Going to be crucial to get them on board. I guess a lot depends on what happens at the provincial level too. Prendergast for a couple of games at the end of last season. Some of the fringe international players will definitely have to be much closer to the matchday 23 come the 6N. Coombes etc.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Armagh18 on October 20, 2023, 10:42:18 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on October 20, 2023, 09:13:37 AM
Quote from: Applesisapples on October 19, 2023, 04:21:15 PMURC back this weekend, interesting to see who lines out for the various provinces. Obviously anyone with time at the WC will be rested, but will those who didn't play a minute be available?

I'd say most of the squad whether they had much gametime or not in France will be allowed to holiday with their families for a few weeks.

In relation to the new look Ireland and if Farrell stays, does he start blending in the younger lads/goys in the autumn internationals and 2024 6N's with an eye on the 2027 WC even if it does mean Ireland drop down the rankings?

Sexton, Earls are gone, O'Mahony probably as well, Furlong is 30 now, Henderson, VDF, Beirne similar, probably a few years in them but probably going to a WC with a lot of the pack mid 30's mightn't be wise.
Our draw in the last world cup there showed that it is probably a good idea to be as high in the rankings as possible for when the seedings are made!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on October 20, 2023, 11:10:20 AM
It's essential to remain in the top 4. The rankings though seem a bit of a joke. Ireland put together one of the longest winning streaks on record lose a single match and suddenly drop to third whereas NZ have had a rather ropey record in the last 12 mths have moved to second  ::).

Just saw the o Mahoney comment from gallsman. The big difference was O'Mahoney was given it during the game, the sledging and gamesmanship that goes on in every scrum is unreal but that's how it goes but as soon as the final whistle blows that should be the end of it but the kiwi boys decided to lay the boot in
'oi f*ckwit another 4 yrs'
'Enjoy the retirement'
Great to send the cnuts home'

Etc etc

I used to like NZ. I hope the wankers get smashed
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Armagh18 on October 20, 2023, 11:19:13 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 20, 2023, 11:10:20 AMIt's essential to remain in the top 4. The rankings though seem a bit of a joke. Ireland put together one of the longest winning streaks on record lose a single match and suddenly drop to third whereas NZ have had a rather ropey record in the last 12 mths have moved to second  ::).

Just saw the o Mahoney comment from gallsman. The big difference was O'Mahoney was given it during the game, the sledging and gamesmanship that goes on in every scrum is unreal but that's how it goes but as soon as the final whistle blows that should be the end of it but the kiwi boys decided to lay the boot in
'oi f*ckwit another 4 yrs'
'Enjoy the retirement'
Great to send the cnuts home'

Etc etc

I used to like NZ. I hope the wankers get smashed

Did they say that? Jesus not a likeable team left!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 20, 2023, 11:20:50 AM

He didn't put the boot in though. He had private conversations with friends that were leaked by gobshites. Cane got his revenge. Perfectly entitled to revel in it.

You reckon nobody on the Ireland team has ever said anything in what they thought was closed company after a game ffs?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on October 20, 2023, 11:24:19 AM
The top 2 were said on the field at the end of the game
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 20, 2023, 11:28:04 AM
The Ioane comment my understanding came after Sexton was yapping about something at the end.

Lads looking for reasons to be offended or insulted are really scraping the bottom of the barrel. It's professional sport. Suck it up. There's nothing to see there.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on October 20, 2023, 11:34:21 AM
Sexton was yapping because he was told not to miss the plane home tomorrow and enjoy the retirement, but everyone assumed it was because he was a sore loser. Nothing worse than being a bad winner. NZ deserved to win but win graciously and move on don't be dicks about it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on October 20, 2023, 11:38:05 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 20, 2023, 11:34:21 AMSexton was yapping because he was told not to miss the plane home tomorrow and enjoy the retirement, but everyone assumed it was because he was a sore loser. Nothing worse than being a bad winner. NZ deserved to win but win graciously and move on don't be dicks about it.

Ach sure it was great craic when O'Mahoney was calling Cane a "shit McCaw" but don't say a word to offend our lads...

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on October 20, 2023, 11:40:58 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 20, 2023, 11:10:20 AMIt's essential to remain in the top 4. The rankings though seem a bit of a joke. Ireland put together one of the longest winning streaks on record lose a single match and suddenly drop to third whereas NZ have had a rather ropey record in the last 12 mths have moved to second  ::).

Just saw the o Mahoney comment from gallsman. The big difference was O'Mahoney was given it during the game, the sledging and gamesmanship that goes on in every scrum is unreal but that's how it goes but as soon as the final whistle blows that should be the end of it but the kiwi boys decided to lay the boot in
'oi f*ckwit another 4 yrs'
'Enjoy the retirement'
Great to send the cnuts home'

Etc etc

I used to like NZ. I hope the wankers get smashed

Same here
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on October 20, 2023, 12:11:09 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on October 20, 2023, 11:38:05 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 20, 2023, 11:34:21 AMSexton was yapping because he was told not to miss the plane home tomorrow and enjoy the retirement, but everyone assumed it was because he was a sore loser. Nothing worse than being a bad winner. NZ deserved to win but win graciously and move on don't be dicks about it.

Ach sure it was great craic when O'Mahoney was calling Cane a "shit McCaw" but don't say a word to offend our lads...



That was during the game as I mentioned above so completely different. Sure look at the Scotland v Ireland match, they were having a right rumble and at the final whistle it was all forgotten about
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Armagh18 on October 20, 2023, 12:15:10 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 20, 2023, 12:11:09 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on October 20, 2023, 11:38:05 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 20, 2023, 11:34:21 AMSexton was yapping because he was told not to miss the plane home tomorrow and enjoy the retirement, but everyone assumed it was because he was a sore loser. Nothing worse than being a bad winner. NZ deserved to win but win graciously and move on don't be dicks about it.

Ach sure it was great craic when O'Mahoney was calling Cane a "shit McCaw" but don't say a word to offend our lads...



That was during the game as I mentioned above so completely different. Sure look at the Scotland v Ireland match, they were having a right rumble and at the final whistle it was all forgotten about
Yeah for me sledging (within reason now not to Kilcoo lengths) is grand during the game but no matter the sport you shake your mans hand at the final whistle and wish him well.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Cavan19 on October 20, 2023, 12:26:41 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on October 20, 2023, 11:38:05 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 20, 2023, 11:34:21 AMSexton was yapping because he was told not to miss the plane home tomorrow and enjoy the retirement, but everyone assumed it was because he was a sore loser. Nothing worse than being a bad winner. NZ deserved to win but win graciously and move on don't be dicks about it.

Ach sure it was great craic when O'Mahoney was calling Cane a "shit McCaw" but don't say a word to offend our lads...



Exactly when the shoe is on the other foot it is great craic.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Joeythelips on October 20, 2023, 02:54:08 PM
Aussies and NZ sledging is the norm, its not something I like personally but its common place. Watch any GAA match nowadays (especially one involving Tyrone) and you see players winding opponents up. Who cares anyway, its all BS, do your talking on the pitch. Cane certainly did that against Ireland in fairness to him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 20, 2023, 03:10:52 PM
I don't understand or accept that O'Mahony abusing Cane to his face is more acceptable because it was "during the game" than Cane having a bit of a laugh about his redemption with his mates.

Live by the sword, die by the sword etc.

To be perfectly honest, I don't give a f**k about either of them. O'Mahony was fine last year, same for Cane this year.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 20, 2023, 08:40:33 PM
Fact is Cane is a shit McCaw, not the biggest insult, most people would be, compared to McCaw.NZ supporters rattled his cage about that more than anyone else.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 20, 2023, 08:41:27 PM
Argies all the possession but can't put it on the board, They blow out by 60mins and NZ score a few late tries.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 20, 2023, 08:48:02 PM
The actual semi was last week based on this, but we already knew that!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 20, 2023, 09:08:39 PM
This could get ugly on the score board.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Blowitupref on October 20, 2023, 09:15:15 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 20, 2023, 09:08:39 PMThis could get ugly on the score board.
Already is, at least Wales avoided this trimming.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on October 20, 2023, 09:17:09 PM
Cracking semi final, really close ;D. I'm hoping for a similar cricket score tomorrow
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on October 20, 2023, 09:32:52 PM
PA making an announcement there during play! Just shows how dead an event this is.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dag Dog on October 20, 2023, 09:34:33 PM
Last week's game were the WC semi finals. This is a challenge match.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 20, 2023, 09:39:30 PM
World Cup have a look at their seedings abit closer to the next tournament, probably 2yrs out this time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on October 20, 2023, 09:44:24 PM
This match is shades of the New Zealand performance and easy win over Ireland in the Quarter final in 2019 and that New Zealand team went on to lose their next game. Can history repeat itself? 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 20, 2023, 09:49:39 PM
Greedy bollix, Jordan would got 4 to level with Lomu there.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on October 20, 2023, 09:57:21 PM
Argentina's consolation is that they get to win Real World Cups!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 20, 2023, 10:02:37 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 20, 2023, 09:49:39 PMGreedy bollix, Jordan would got 4 to level with Lomu there.

8 equals Lomu AND Habana, which nobody on RTE appeared to know about.

Donal Lenihan needs put out to pasture. He realised that Mo'unga, rather than Barrett, was goal kicking on his fourth one and reckoned he must have taken that one after Barrett took a knock to the head.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: burdizzo on October 20, 2023, 10:21:20 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 20, 2023, 10:02:37 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 20, 2023, 09:49:39 PMGreedy bollix, Jordan would got 4 to level with Lomu there.

8 equals Lomu AND Habana, which nobody on RTE appeared to know about.

Donal Lenihan needs put out to pasture. He realised that Mo'unga, rather than Barrett, was goal kicking on his fourth one and reckoned he must have taken that one after Barrett took a knock to the head.

In fairness, I took it that he was saying it was a reason why they didn't change kickers. Mo'unga was quite poor on them, though. McKenzie would've slotted all the ones he missed.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on October 20, 2023, 10:28:38 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 20, 2023, 09:17:09 PMCracking semi final, really close ;D. I'm hoping for a similar cricket score tomorrow

Drico had to check himself on ITV  ;D .

He alluded to the semi final tomorrow night being similar but then realised his audience .

Hope SA put 50 on England
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on October 20, 2023, 11:10:25 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on October 20, 2023, 10:28:38 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 20, 2023, 09:17:09 PMCracking semi final, really close ;D. I'm hoping for a similar cricket score tomorrow

Drico had to check himself on ITV  ;D .

He alluded to the semi final tomorrow night being similar but then realised his audience .

Hope SA put 50 on England

Sure England are the only team undefeated and running SA scared !!

Was listening today on radio! By Christ they actually believe
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tonto1888 on October 21, 2023, 08:49:56 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 20, 2023, 08:40:33 PMFact is Cane is a shit McCaw, not the biggest insult, most people would be, compared to McCaw.NZ supporters rattled his cage about that more than anyone else.

And the fact is it is gonna be another 4 years, at least. Also OMahoney has retired and he may as well enjoy it
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gael80 on October 21, 2023, 09:22:04 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 20, 2023, 11:10:25 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on October 20, 2023, 10:28:38 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 20, 2023, 09:17:09 PMCracking semi final, really close ;D. I'm hoping for a similar cricket score tomorrow

Drico had to check himself on ITV  ;D .

He alluded to the semi final tomorrow night being similar but then realised his audience .

Hope SA put 50 on England

Sure England are the only team undefeated and running SA scared !!

Was listening today on radio! By Christ they actually believe

It would be a shock if they win. However I wouldn't rule them out. England have a very good WC record and are unlucky not to have more than one title.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on October 21, 2023, 09:35:47 AM
Quote from: Gael80 on October 21, 2023, 09:22:04 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 20, 2023, 11:10:25 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on October 20, 2023, 10:28:38 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 20, 2023, 09:17:09 PMCracking semi final, really close ;D. I'm hoping for a similar cricket score tomorrow

Drico had to check himself on ITV  ;D .

He alluded to the semi final tomorrow night being similar but then realised his audience .

Hope SA put 50 on England

Sure England are the only team undefeated and running SA scared !!

Was listening today on radio! By Christ they actually believe

It would be a shock if they win. However I wouldn't rule them out. England have a very good WC record and are unlucky not to have more than one title.

They are 5/1... I'd be shocked if they are close to 8 points of SA

England will take every kicking opportunity, that's their best opportunity to stay in the game..

SA have played two different styles during this tournament, so are well able to mix it up, grandstand performance or arm wrestle and grind out a win.

New Zealand sitting pretty though, players taken off early last night and not pushed at all in that game..
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ClubScene13 on October 21, 2023, 12:13:51 PM
England have no right to be anywhere close to South Africa tonight but I wouldn't rule it out. They have a horrible nack of winning World Cup games they have no business winning. Hopefully not the case tonight but their record is impeccable in the biggest tournament.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on October 21, 2023, 12:50:21 PM
Quote from: Gael80 on October 21, 2023, 09:22:04 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 20, 2023, 11:10:25 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on October 20, 2023, 10:28:38 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 20, 2023, 09:17:09 PMCracking semi final, really close ;D. I'm hoping for a similar cricket score tomorrow

Drico had to check himself on ITV  ;D .

He alluded to the semi final tomorrow night being similar but then realised his audience .

Hope SA put 50 on England

Sure England are the only team undefeated and running SA scared !!

Was listening today on radio! By Christ they actually believe

It would be a shock if they win. However I wouldn't rule them out. England have a very good WC record and are unlucky not to have more than one title.

England will get hockeyed today, they're a very poor side compared to teams of old
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on October 21, 2023, 01:48:22 PM
Not sure why anyone would think today's match is a formality.

South Africa's game is almost entirely about forward dominance. England have a strong and experienced pack, and a top class kicking game, and not much of the game will not be played in their final third.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 21, 2023, 02:49:36 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on October 21, 2023, 01:48:22 PMNot sure why anyone would think today's match is a formality.

South Africa's game is almost entirely about forward dominance. England have a strong and experienced pack, and a top class kicking game, and not much of the game will not be played in their final third.

That's simply not true.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on October 21, 2023, 03:29:09 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 21, 2023, 02:49:36 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on October 21, 2023, 01:48:22 PMNot sure why anyone would think today's match is a formality.

South Africa's game is almost entirely about forward dominance. England have a strong and experienced pack, and a top class kicking game, and not much of the game will not be played in their final third.

That's simply not true.

I thought they changed it up a bit in their game's recently
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on October 21, 2023, 04:53:27 PM
My gut feeling is England have to be really excellent to get within 10 points. Don't think they'll be found wanting up front but SA have too much pace & power everywhere else
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on October 21, 2023, 05:25:04 PM
England have a knack of overachieving in World Cups. In 2007 they nearly won the final, only months after Ireland beat them 43–13 in Croke Park.

SA should have enough for them. England's best weapon is bosh and the South Africans are not going to be beaten at their own game.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Blowitupref on October 21, 2023, 08:12:20 PM
Bright start for England, 6-0 ahead 10 mins played.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on October 21, 2023, 08:20:12 PM
This ref is a melter.

He'd be perfect for a Kilcoo match.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on October 21, 2023, 08:20:52 PM
England bossing it up front so far. Stop/start will suit England
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on October 21, 2023, 08:21:46 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on October 21, 2023, 08:20:12 PMThis ref is a melter.

He'd be perfect for a Kilcoo match.
I found it strange they'd pick a New Zealender for this semi final
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 21, 2023, 08:33:34 PM
England like junior football, drag you down to their standard, offer nothing except taking penalty kicks. In saying that, SA do not take the easy point when on offer, too cocky.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 21, 2023, 08:35:18 PM
No way should a NZ ref been doing this game!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on October 21, 2023, 08:37:26 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 21, 2023, 08:35:18 PMNo way should a NZ ref been doing this game!

He's not being biased though. He's just trying too hard to make decisions
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gael80 on October 21, 2023, 08:46:42 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on October 21, 2023, 05:25:04 PMEngland have a knack of overachieving in World Cups. In 2007 they nearly won the final, only months after Ireland beat them 43–13 in Croke Park.

SA should have enough for them. England's best weapon is bosh and the South Africans are not going to be beaten at their own game.



I think they probably underachieve outside of the WC. The clubs hold all the power in English rugby and this holds them back internationally. The only period they have months with their players is around and during a WC. It's no coincidence they always do well at the WC. I think they're going to win this evening as well, they've been excellent.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Blowitupref on October 21, 2023, 08:48:04 PM
Half time England 12-6 ahead, they are playing with a point to prove thus far in this game after getting wrote off by most.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on October 21, 2023, 08:49:24 PM
Quote from: Gael80 on October 21, 2023, 08:46:42 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on October 21, 2023, 05:25:04 PMEngland have a knack of overachieving in World Cups. In 2007 they nearly won the final, only months after Ireland beat them 43–13 in Croke Park.

SA should have enough for them. England's best weapon is bosh and the South Africans are not going to be beaten at their own game.



I think they probably underachieve outside of the WC. The clubs hold all the power in English rugby and this holds them back internationally. The only period they have months with their players is around and during a WC. It's no coincidence they always do well at the WC. I think they're going to win this evening as well, they've been excellent.
Think i heard commentator say they've been in collective training together since July
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on October 21, 2023, 08:49:38 PM
Whilst I still expect SA to push on and win.... surely if there's a lesson for this in Ireland it's to stop taking the group games so seriously. To win a WC you're going to have to beat at least 2 major nations in 3 weeks. Being as fresh as you can for those games is more important than the order in which they come.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on October 21, 2023, 08:51:46 PM
An exhibition of game management from England, ferocious & disciplined physicality (apart from Farrell costing 3pts), there were white jerseys flying in there at every breakdown.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on October 21, 2023, 08:57:11 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on October 21, 2023, 08:49:38 PMWhilst I still expect SA to push on and win.... surely if there's a lesson for this in Ireland it's to stop taking the group games so seriously. To win a WC you're going to have to beat at least 2 major nations in 3 weeks. Being as fresh as you can for those games is more important than the order in which they come.
Doesn't help when your group doesn't allow you to take a game easy like New Zealand and England could. After the opening game New Zealand basically had 3 games to practice anything they wanted as they were foregone conclusions. South Africa had a weeks break before having to play France. Ireland couldn't really afford to take their foot off the gas in any of their games because it looked like it may have came down to how well you did against the weaker nations in the group.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ClubScene13 on October 21, 2023, 08:57:45 PM
Typical England in a World Cup
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gael80 on October 21, 2023, 09:00:42 PM
Quote from: Nanderson on October 21, 2023, 08:49:24 PM
Quote from: Gael80 on October 21, 2023, 08:46:42 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on October 21, 2023, 05:25:04 PMEngland have a knack of overachieving in World Cups. In 2007 they nearly won the final, only months after Ireland beat them 43–13 in Croke Park.

SA should have enough for them. England's best weapon is bosh and the South Africans are not going to be beaten at their own game.



I think they probably underachieve outside of the WC. The clubs hold all the power in English rugby and this holds them back internationally. The only period they have months with their players is around and during a WC. It's no coincidence they always do well at the WC. I think they're going to win this evening as well, they've been excellent.
Think i heard commentator say they've been in collective training together since July

Yes July is probably accurate. I think the Irish central contracts system gives us a massive advantage and results in us getting carried away.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on October 21, 2023, 09:02:22 PM
England should be further ahead. They have me worried.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 21, 2023, 09:05:38 PM
Luck of the draw, we had been coming from their group. SA a mile of the pace of the last few games. That France game was abit of a killer.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on October 21, 2023, 09:07:15 PM
Quote from: Nanderson on October 21, 2023, 08:57:11 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on October 21, 2023, 08:49:38 PMWhilst I still expect SA to push on and win.... surely if there's a lesson for this in Ireland it's to stop taking the group games so seriously. To win a WC you're going to have to beat at least 2 major nations in 3 weeks. Being as fresh as you can for those games is more important than the order in which they come.
Doesn't help when your group doesn't allow you to take a game easy like New Zealand and England could. After the opening game New Zealand basically had 3 games to practice anything they wanted as they were foregone conclusions. South Africa had a weeks break before having to play France. Ireland couldn't really afford to take their foot off the gas in any of their games because it looked like it may have came down to how well you did against the weaker nations in the group.

Or...

1. Target the Scotland match, full intensity.

2. Accept that bonus point wins against Romania and Tonga are inevitable and it doesn't have to be done with a first team and by halftime.

3. Don't worry about the SA match.

This way they still end up playing either France or NZ in a quarter final. Except much fresher.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Armagh18 on October 21, 2023, 09:09:06 PM
Should we be worried
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ONeill on October 21, 2023, 09:14:29 PM
Looks like last Sat's game was the final.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on October 21, 2023, 09:17:49 PM
Quote from: ONeill on October 21, 2023, 09:14:29 PMLooks like last Sat's game was the final.

Or maybe this is the final.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 21, 2023, 09:18:07 PM
"Puke Rugby"

Not surprising England the Tyrone of Rugby.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: galwayman on October 21, 2023, 09:20:43 PM
South Africa don't look like getting back into this
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on October 21, 2023, 09:21:28 PM
Beating South Africa in a group stage game looking less impressive by the minute
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 21, 2023, 09:23:05 PM
f**k that's a bad team. Ahead by 9, haven't even tried to form one play out wide, SA made many mistakes tonight that they didn't a week ago. All-Blacks cut the f**k outta them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on October 21, 2023, 09:24:54 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 21, 2023, 09:23:05 PMf**k that's a bad team. Ahead by 9, haven't even tried to form one play out wide, SA made many mistakes tonight that they didn't a week ago. All-Blacks cut the f**k outta them.

Nah they won't. The all blacks are poor. England have every chance of winning the world cup now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on October 21, 2023, 09:26:06 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on October 21, 2023, 09:24:54 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 21, 2023, 09:23:05 PMf**k that's a bad team. Ahead by 9, haven't even tried to form one play out wide, SA made many mistakes tonight that they didn't a week ago. All-Blacks cut the f**k outta them.

Nah they won't. The all blacks are poor. England have every chance of winning the world cup now.
How are the all blacks poor?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 21, 2023, 09:26:30 PM
How? They can't even form 1play out wide, NZ will cut the life outta them out wide. SA kick the ball await to try get over the gain line, NZ run it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on October 21, 2023, 09:26:43 PM
This would be twice the bottle job that last saturdays was if the result stays the same
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on October 21, 2023, 09:28:30 PM
Quote from: Nanderson on October 21, 2023, 09:26:06 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on October 21, 2023, 09:24:54 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 21, 2023, 09:23:05 PMf**k that's a bad team. Ahead by 9, haven't even tried to form one play out wide, SA made many mistakes tonight that they didn't a week ago. All-Blacks cut the f**k outta them.

Nah they won't. The all blacks are poor. England have every chance of winning the world cup now.
How are the all blacks poor?

This is the worst all blacks team in a long time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on October 21, 2023, 09:29:19 PM
Quote from: Gael80 on October 21, 2023, 09:26:47 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on October 21, 2023, 09:24:54 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 21, 2023, 09:23:05 PMf**k that's a bad team. Ahead by 9, haven't even tried to form one play out wide, SA made many mistakes tonight that they didn't a week ago. All-Blacks cut the f**k outta them.

Nah they won't. The all blacks are poor. England have every chance of winning the world cup now.

I agree. NZ are not a good team and are certainly weaker than four years ago. England were comfortable against them then and I think they'll beat them again.
What is being weaker than 4 years ago got to do with this tournament. England weren't a kick of the arse off being the best team in the world 4 years ago so was understandable they'd be competitive against them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Onthe40 on October 21, 2023, 09:32:19 PM
England have got every break going.. they are horrible to watch .. zero expansion
Commentary says it all" England are better without the ball"

But they won't care in 20 mins if score stays the same
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on October 21, 2023, 09:33:17 PM
Why the NZ apathy here?

NZ are a bloody good team. They might not have Carter and McCaw but they're exceptional at the breakdown and their basic skills are top class.

England (if they get there) won't beat them because they'll be up against a side who are more adept, more versatile, more clinical.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on October 21, 2023, 09:34:58 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on October 21, 2023, 09:28:30 PM
Quote from: Nanderson on October 21, 2023, 09:26:06 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on October 21, 2023, 09:24:54 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 21, 2023, 09:23:05 PMf**k that's a bad team. Ahead by 9, haven't even tried to form one play out wide, SA made many mistakes tonight that they didn't a week ago. All-Blacks cut the f**k outta them.

Nah they won't. The all blacks are poor. England have every chance of winning the world cup now.
How are the all blacks poor?

This is the worst all blacks team in a long time.
In their last 18 games they've won 15 of them. Its not like this is a team thats not winning games. They still won the super rugby championships at a canter this year
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on October 21, 2023, 09:37:29 PM
ABs breezed through yesterday. Didn't even bother bringing Barrett back on after the yellow card.
Whoever wins this arm wrestle will certainly feel it next week, just as the South Africans are this week.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Blowitupref on October 21, 2023, 09:41:20 PM
15-13 to England makes for a very interesting finish.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Blowitupref on October 21, 2023, 09:51:56 PM
South Africa hit the front 16-15 They have got on top in scrum. One minute to play as England seek a score.

16-15 it finishes, better to win a semi final that way or via a cake walk like last night?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 21, 2023, 09:53:59 PM
Now, we know what daylight robbery looks like!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on October 21, 2023, 09:54:30 PM
and breathe....

ITV commentators were scoffing at South Africa making early changes labeling them as panicking. Every single one of them contributed to getting SA over the line
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on October 21, 2023, 09:54:57 PM
Won it on ability to manufacture penalties from scrums.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 21, 2023, 09:55:26 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on October 21, 2023, 09:28:30 PM
Quote from: Nanderson on October 21, 2023, 09:26:06 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on October 21, 2023, 09:24:54 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 21, 2023, 09:23:05 PMf**k that's a bad team. Ahead by 9, haven't even tried to form one play out wide, SA made many mistakes tonight that they didn't a week ago. All-Blacks cut the f**k outta them.

Nah they won't. The all blacks are poor. England have every chance of winning the world cup now.
How are the all blacks poor?

This is the worst all blacks team in a long time.

Based on what?? Clearly anything that's happened before the World Cup means very little and they've done what they have to in getting to the Final. They will more than likely win it too!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Armagh18 on October 21, 2023, 09:55:31 PM
Quote from: Blowitupref on October 21, 2023, 09:51:56 PMSouth Africa hit the front 16-15 They have got on top in scrum. One minute to play as England seek a score.

16-15 it finishes, better to win a semi final that way or via a cake walk like last night?
Cake walk. Take more than a week to be right after that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Armagh18 on October 21, 2023, 09:55:53 PM
Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 21, 2023, 09:59:26 PM
Pollard MOTM Jesus that's ridiculous!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 21, 2023, 09:59:42 PM
SA didn't deserve that, they were very poor, play like that nxt week, it's lights out,
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on October 21, 2023, 09:59:55 PM
Quote from: screenexile on October 21, 2023, 09:55:26 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on October 21, 2023, 09:28:30 PM
Quote from: Nanderson on October 21, 2023, 09:26:06 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on October 21, 2023, 09:24:54 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 21, 2023, 09:23:05 PMf**k that's a bad team. Ahead by 9, haven't even tried to form one play out wide, SA made many mistakes tonight that they didn't a week ago. All-Blacks cut the f**k outta them.

Nah they won't. The all blacks are poor. England have every chance of winning the world cup now.
How are the all blacks poor?

This is the worst all blacks team in a long time.

Based on what?? Clearly anything that's happened before the World Cup means very little and they've done what they have to in getting to the Final. They will more than likely win it too!
It's backdoor Ireland bashing, they're shit yet still beat Ireland etc....
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rory on October 21, 2023, 10:01:10 PM
NZ must be clear favourites now. South Africa's tank well and truly emptied, and lots of personnel decisions to be made on who starts next week
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on October 21, 2023, 10:04:22 PM
South Africa got out of jail, England's game management was superb throughout bar Farrell's mouthing which has cost them in the end.

The classico final won't be as cagey, before 2nite I thought SA would win outright fairly handily, not so sure now, they've been through some fierce hard games whereas NZ will be so much fresher.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on October 21, 2023, 10:07:43 PM
I know he was recovering from an injury but the decision to almost leave Pollard at home for the whole tournament would have had south africa probably out last week
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on October 21, 2023, 10:08:46 PM
Quote from: weareros on October 21, 2023, 09:54:57 PMWon it on ability to manufacture penalties from scrums.

I can remember games when that worked in Englands favour. They can't complain now it has gone against them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 21, 2023, 10:09:46 PM
Ireland had done that, they been classed as flaky! England got a old team,
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 21, 2023, 10:10:04 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 21, 2023, 09:53:59 PMNow, we know what daylight robbery looks like!

What? England did well but crumpled. SA increasingly on top the last 25 mins and dominant up front.

Thought O'Keefe rode them SA a bit at times. There was a tackle on Kolbe from May that I'm shocked they didn't take another look at it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on October 21, 2023, 10:13:00 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 21, 2023, 10:10:04 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 21, 2023, 09:53:59 PMNow, we know what daylight robbery looks like!

What? England did well but crumpled. SA increasingly on top the last 25 mins and dominant up front.

Thought O'Keefe rode them SA a bit at times. There was a tackle on Kolbe from May that I'm shocked they didn't take another look at it.
in the air?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on October 21, 2023, 10:14:16 PM
Quote from: Nanderson on October 21, 2023, 10:07:43 PMI know he was recovering from an injury but the decision to almost leave Pollard at home for the whole tournament would have had south africa probably out last week

They would have beaten Ireland in the pools had he been available
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 21, 2023, 10:16:10 PM
Quote from: Nanderson on October 21, 2023, 10:13:00 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 21, 2023, 10:10:04 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 21, 2023, 09:53:59 PMNow, we know what daylight robbery looks like!

What? England did well but crumpled. SA increasingly on top the last 25 mins and dominant up front.

Thought O'Keefe rode them SA a bit at times. There was a tackle on Kolbe from May that I'm shocked they didn't take another look at it.
in the air?

No Kolbe had ball in hand down the left sideline and May hit him while nearly fully vertical. Might have been fine but Kolbe hit the deck and it wasn't even looked at. ITV commentary even muttered something about it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 21, 2023, 10:16:54 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on October 21, 2023, 10:14:16 PM
Quote from: Nanderson on October 21, 2023, 10:07:43 PMI know he was recovering from an injury but the decision to almost leave Pollard at home for the whole tournament would have had south africa probably out last week

They would have beaten Ireland in the pools had he been available

Are people still trotting out this line?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on October 21, 2023, 10:18:19 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 21, 2023, 10:16:10 PM
Quote from: Nanderson on October 21, 2023, 10:13:00 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 21, 2023, 10:10:04 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 21, 2023, 09:53:59 PMNow, we know what daylight robbery looks like!

What? England did well but crumpled. SA increasingly on top the last 25 mins and dominant up front.

Thought O'Keefe rode them SA a bit at times. There was a tackle on Kolbe from May that I'm shocked they didn't take another look at it.
in the air?

No Kolbe had ball in hand down the left sideline and May hit him while nearly fully vertical. Might have been fine but Kolbe hit the deck and it wasn't even looked at. ITV commentary even muttered something about it.
AFAIK TMO checks everything like that so i'd imagine it was checked off camera
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on October 21, 2023, 10:24:49 PM
That kick from Pollard was as good as I've seen. Considering the conditions and circumstances it was unbelievable.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on October 21, 2023, 10:30:23 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 21, 2023, 10:16:54 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on October 21, 2023, 10:14:16 PM
Quote from: Nanderson on October 21, 2023, 10:07:43 PMI know he was recovering from an injury but the decision to almost leave Pollard at home for the whole tournament would have had south africa probably out last week

They would have beaten Ireland in the pools had he been available

Are people still trotting out this line?

What's the issue with it? They missed 3 or 4 kicks and changed kickers during the Ireland game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on October 21, 2023, 10:32:58 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on October 20, 2023, 10:28:38 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 20, 2023, 09:17:09 PMCracking semi final, really close ;D. I'm hoping for a similar cricket score tomorrow

Drico had to check himself on ITV  ;D .

He alluded to the semi final tomorrow night being similar but then realised his audience .

Hope SA put 50 on England

I think this type of defeat is worse.  ;D  ;D  ;D

68 plus kicks from the hand, you wouldn't see that in Gaelic football FFS

Awful game to watch, did any team string more than a few phases of play together?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 21, 2023, 10:46:21 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on October 21, 2023, 10:30:23 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 21, 2023, 10:16:54 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on October 21, 2023, 10:14:16 PM
Quote from: Nanderson on October 21, 2023, 10:07:43 PMI know he was recovering from an injury but the decision to almost leave Pollard at home for the whole tournament would have had south africa probably out last week

They would have beaten Ireland in the pools had he been available

Are people still trotting out this line?

What's the issue with it? They missed 3 or 4 kicks and changed kickers during the Ireland game.

Because it's like saying that if Sheehan had been playing the Ireland lineout wouldn't have been destroyed in the first half and we'd have scored more tries. Or that if we'd decided to take shots at goal we'd have tacked on more points. It's nothing but ifs, buts and maybes.

One of the missed penalties actually gave them the field position from which they scored their try.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 21, 2023, 10:48:38 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on October 21, 2023, 10:32:58 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on October 20, 2023, 10:28:38 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 20, 2023, 09:17:09 PMCracking semi final, really close ;D. I'm hoping for a similar cricket score tomorrow

Drico had to check himself on ITV  ;D .

He alluded to the semi final tomorrow night being similar but then realised his audience .

Hope SA put 50 on England

I think this type of defeat is worse.  ;D  ;D  ;D

68 plus kicks from the hand, you wouldn't see that in Gaelic football FFS

Awful game to watch, did any team string more than a few phases of play together?

Really? I found it fascinating and enthralling! Conditions made silky rugby nearly impossible. The George lineout was crazy and there was chance of a break with the advantage where Pollard tried to fling it wide and it just slipped out of his hands completely the wrong way.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 21, 2023, 11:11:19 PM
The standard tonight was appalling, can't put it any other way.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on October 21, 2023, 11:30:58 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 21, 2023, 11:11:19 PMThe standard tonight was appalling, can't put it any other way.

Wasn't great and SA had to find a way to win, they did.. England had a plan and it nearly worked. They broke up play, they were time wasting at times too.

Winning ugly or flamboyant, they've done both.. New Zealand would have preferred England, but be interesting to see how SA approach this final.

Their aul hands pulled them out of a hole tonight
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Armagh18 on October 21, 2023, 11:51:03 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 21, 2023, 11:11:19 PMThe standard tonight was appalling, can't put it any other way.
Not sure what standard you can really have in that weather. It was a whole lot closer than last nights shite, plenty of drama and the English got their hearts broke. 10/10
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on October 22, 2023, 12:00:02 AM
The English wingers and fullback spent the night chasing kicks and it nearly worked. The centres had the ball in their hands a few times at best, SA weren't much better.
Close game and interesting but won't go down as a classic other than Pollard's kick at the end .

Game won, SA move on, England lick their wounds.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on October 22, 2023, 12:46:50 AM
Two different semi-finals.

I enjoyed the 2nd one better.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 22, 2023, 08:00:52 AM
We were very unlucky. We could have been there . A bit like Donegal in 2011.  It's a pity there isn't another competition next year.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on October 22, 2023, 10:54:31 AM
Quote from: seafoid on October 22, 2023, 08:00:52 AMWe were very unlucky. We could have been there . A bit like Donegal in 2011.  It's a pity there isn't another competition next year.

Could Johnny have held out for another year?  ::)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on October 22, 2023, 11:15:22 AM
An alleged racist comment to Tom Curry by the South African hooker,Mbonambi

Potentially missing the final?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Armagh18 on October 22, 2023, 11:16:54 AM
Quote from: rodney trotter on October 22, 2023, 11:15:22 AMAn alleged racist comment to Tom Curry by the South African hooker,Mbobambi

Potentially missing the final?
Was it caught on camera?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: burdizzo on October 22, 2023, 11:26:34 AM
Quote from: Armagh18 on October 22, 2023, 11:16:54 AM
Quote from: rodney trotter on October 22, 2023, 11:15:22 AMAn alleged racist comment to Tom Curry by the South African hooker,Mbobambi

Potentially missing the final?
Was it caught on camera?

Ha ha! Surely it'd have to be caught on mic.?! Anyway, how can you be racist to white people!? And what's Tom Curry doing playing that card?!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on October 22, 2023, 11:27:36 AM
Quote from: rodney trotter on October 22, 2023, 11:15:22 AMAn alleged racist comment to Tom Curry by the South African hooker,Mbonambi

Potentially missing the final?

Did he call him a Honkey? Or white man? He was brutal looking coming off the pitch! Took some abuse in the games
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on October 22, 2023, 11:30:00 AM
Doesn't seem to be audible evidence 

https://www.google.ie/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwi6gp7HuImCAxWuQkEAHajUBq8QvOMEKAB6BAg6EAE&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.planetrugby.com%2Fnews%2Fspringboks-hooker-bongi-mbonambi-accused-of-racist-slur-during-rugby-world-cup-semi-final&usg=AOvVaw0uQ4Jl7SQRd5-ESH0M6MLT&opi=89978449
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Mikhail Prokhorov on October 22, 2023, 12:07:30 PM
Quote from: seafoid on October 22, 2023, 08:00:52 AMWe were very unlucky. We could have been there . A bit like Donegal in 2011.  It's a pity there isn't another competition next year.

hahaha delusional fantasy  ???

rugby consists of 3 proper international games (qf, sf and final) every 4 years and Ireland in 40 years have never managed to win even one of those

luck is the residue of design
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on October 22, 2023, 12:12:53 PM
Quote from: Mikhail Prokhorov on October 22, 2023, 12:07:30 PM
Quote from: seafoid on October 22, 2023, 08:00:52 AMWe were very unlucky. We could have been there . A bit like Donegal in 2011.  It's a pity there isn't another competition next year.

hahaha delusional fantasy  ???

rugby consists of 3 proper international games (qf, sf and final) every 4 years and Ireland in 40 years have never managed to win even one of those

luck is the residue of design

Same could be said about soccer, no games matter until the knockout stages..

Sporting body's should just choose 8 teams every other year and save us a fortune in preparing teams or watching

 ::)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GiveItToTheShooters on October 22, 2023, 02:52:30 PM
Quote from: burdizzo on October 22, 2023, 11:26:34 AM
Quote from: Armagh18 on October 22, 2023, 11:16:54 AM
Quote from: rodney trotter on October 22, 2023, 11:15:22 AMAn alleged racist comment to Tom Curry by the South African hooker,Mbobambi

Potentially missing the final?
Was it caught on camera?

Ha ha! Surely it'd have to be caught on mic.?! Anyway, how can you be racist to white people!? And what's Tom Curry doing playing that card?!
The same way you can be racist towards black people.
If the SA player was allegedly racially abused, would he be "playing that card" also?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 22, 2023, 03:25:10 PM
Probably called him a shit Richard Hill, on top of it!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on October 22, 2023, 04:25:15 PM
I'm sure the ginger nut gets some abuse for SA!

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on October 22, 2023, 04:28:56 PM
Taking this definition at its word, then, would suggest that it is possible for a person of any race to experience racism if someone treats them badly for this reason – even white people.

But this definition of racism leaves out one crucial element: The power structures that uphold and perpetuate racism.

Racism doesn't exist in a vacuum. It exists within a hierarchical structure with power at its core. Racism only works because one group has power and other groups do not.

And it is white people who – historically, and in the West at least – hold the power when it comes to racial divides, thanks to centuries of Eurocentric beliefs and structures that continue to privilege and centre whiteness.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 22, 2023, 04:33:55 PM
If you call someone a bad name, with a colour reference in front of it, which is the offensive term, the colour or the actually word. Curry technically White, the other word, I fair gather he probably is too!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on October 22, 2023, 06:11:44 PM
A lengthy ban is the only option if he is found guilty. Absolutely no place for that.

Though I see "white side" in Afrikaans is very similar to the alleged slur.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 22, 2023, 06:53:18 PM
Yes it is indeed!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on October 22, 2023, 07:34:30 PM
Taking this definition at its word, then, would suggest that it is possible for a person of any race to experience racism if someone treats them badly for this reason – even white people.

But this definition of racism leaves out one crucial element: The power structures that uphold and perpetuate racism.

Racism doesn't exist in a vacuum. It exists within a hierarchical structure with power at its core. Racism only works because one group has power and other groups do not.

And it is white people who – historically, and in the West at least – hold the power when it comes to racial divides, thanks to centuries of Eurocentric beliefs and structures that continue to privilege and centre whiteness.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: burdizzo on October 22, 2023, 07:47:35 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 22, 2023, 07:34:30 PMTaking this definition at its word, then, would suggest that it is possible for a person of any race to experience racism if someone treats them badly for this reason – even white people.

But this definition of racism leaves out one crucial element: The power structures that uphold and perpetuate racism.

Racism doesn't exist in a vacuum. It exists within a hierarchical structure with power at its core. Racism only works because one group has power and other groups do not.

And it is white people who – historically, and in the West at least – hold the power when it comes to racial divides, thanks to centuries of Eurocentric beliefs and structures that continue to privilege and centre whiteness.

Uh, this is your second time posting this exact same thing. Not get enough reaction the first time?!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on October 22, 2023, 08:14:38 PM
Quote from: burdizzo on October 22, 2023, 07:47:35 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 22, 2023, 07:34:30 PMTaking this definition at its word, then, would suggest that it is possible for a person of any race to experience racism if someone treats them badly for this reason – even white people.

But this definition of racism leaves out one crucial element: The power structures that uphold and perpetuate racism.

Racism doesn't exist in a vacuum. It exists within a hierarchical structure with power at its core. Racism only works because one group has power and other groups do not.

And it is white people who – historically, and in the West at least – hold the power when it comes to racial divides, thanks to centuries of Eurocentric beliefs and structures that continue to privilege and centre whiteness.

Uh, this is your second time posting this exact same thing. Not get enough reaction the first time?!

Seems not, this is from a black journalist writer podcast Twitter her point is simple. Should be simple enough to understand I'd thought
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Armagh18 on October 22, 2023, 10:48:59 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on October 22, 2023, 06:11:44 PMA lengthy ban is the only option if he is found guilty. Absolutely no place for that.

Though I see "white side" in Afrikaans is very similar to the alleged slur.
I seen that as well. Sounds more likely of an explanation to me.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: burdizzo on October 22, 2023, 11:08:41 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on October 22, 2023, 10:48:59 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on October 22, 2023, 06:11:44 PMA lengthy ban is the only option if he is found guilty. Absolutely no place for that.

Though I see "white side" in Afrikaans is very similar to the alleged slur.
I seen that as well. Sounds more likely of an explanation to me.

Why would you call someone 'white side'?! Obviously, England play in white, but why would you say that to Curry?
Anyway, who cares.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LeoMc on October 23, 2023, 09:22:39 AM
Quote from: burdizzo on October 22, 2023, 11:08:41 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on October 22, 2023, 10:48:59 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on October 22, 2023, 06:11:44 PMA lengthy ban is the only option if he is found guilty. Absolutely no place for that.

Though I see "white side" in Afrikaans is very similar to the alleged slur.
I seen that as well. Sounds more likely of an explanation to me.

Why would you call someone 'white side'?! Obviously, England play in white, but why would you say that to Curry?
Anyway, who cares.

If you are speaking in Afrikaans and want to indicate the ball came out on Englands side, the white side you might say Wit Kaant.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: burdizzo on October 23, 2023, 10:33:10 AM
Quote from: LeoMc on October 23, 2023, 09:22:39 AM
Quote from: burdizzo on October 22, 2023, 11:08:41 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on October 22, 2023, 10:48:59 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on October 22, 2023, 06:11:44 PMA lengthy ban is the only option if he is found guilty. Absolutely no place for that.

Though I see "white side" in Afrikaans is very similar to the alleged slur.
I seen that as well. Sounds more likely of an explanation to me.




Why would you call someone 'white side'?! Obviously, England play in white, but why would you say that to Curry?
Anyway, who cares.

If you are speaking in Afrikaans and want to indicate the ball came out on Englands side, the white side you might say Wit Kaant.

Yeah, and that lad would speak Afrikaans as his first language?! Seems he hasn't been cited, in any case.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 23, 2023, 12:00:14 PM
I don't know the specifics of whether Mbonambi speaks Afrikaans or not, but you're revealing you don't have the slightest clue about it as a language and who it's spoken by. It has long since moved on from being a language of Dutch farmers.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Armagh18 on October 23, 2023, 12:48:57 PM
Quote from: burdizzo on October 23, 2023, 10:33:10 AM
Quote from: LeoMc on October 23, 2023, 09:22:39 AM
Quote from: burdizzo on October 22, 2023, 11:08:41 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on October 22, 2023, 10:48:59 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on October 22, 2023, 06:11:44 PMA lengthy ban is the only option if he is found guilty. Absolutely no place for that.

Though I see "white side" in Afrikaans is very similar to the alleged slur.
I seen that as well. Sounds more likely of an explanation to me.




Why would you call someone 'white side'?! Obviously, England play in white, but why would you say that to Curry?
Anyway, who cares.

If you are speaking in Afrikaans and want to indicate the ball came out on Englands side, the white side you might say Wit Kaant.

Yeah, and that lad would speak Afrikaans as his first language?! Seems he hasn't been cited, in any case.
He probably does, yes
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tonto1888 on October 23, 2023, 12:59:03 PM
I don't think curry was trying anything cute. I'd say it was a genuine case of misunderstanding
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Mikhail Prokhorov on October 24, 2023, 01:33:29 PM
24 teams now at the rugby world cup, jesus wept, more glorified training games
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Blowitupref on October 27, 2023, 08:21:01 PM
England looking to win this 3rd place contest as early as possible. Not a big surprise after England's competitive semi final performance and Argentina off the back of a heavy defeat.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 27, 2023, 08:42:12 PM
Thought they might actually have been about to blow for a forward pass there but they can't be at that.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 27, 2023, 09:05:37 PM
Santi Carreras has been magical this tournament.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 27, 2023, 09:55:00 PM
Say what you want about Farrell, but he's undeniably a hard bastard. Has taken some absolutely massive shots tonight.

Quote from: gallsman on October 27, 2023, 09:05:37 PMSanti Carreras has been magical this tournament.

Mateo ain't too shabby either.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on October 27, 2023, 09:58:32 PM
Argies had their chances there. Couple of unlucky nudges off their own boot in possession.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on October 27, 2023, 10:01:38 PM
Bad call not going into the corner
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: burdizzo on October 27, 2023, 10:03:12 PM
You'd have expected him to get it, though - no?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on October 27, 2023, 10:15:45 PM
Quote from: burdizzo on October 27, 2023, 10:03:12 PMYou'd have expected him to get it, though - no?
Sanchez obviously fancied it as a more viable option than the corner. It's the right decision if it goes over!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on October 27, 2023, 10:25:09 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on October 27, 2023, 10:15:45 PM
Quote from: burdizzo on October 27, 2023, 10:03:12 PMYou'd have expected him to get it, though - no?
Sanchez obviously fancied it as a more viable option than the corner. It's the right decision if it goes over!

It would only have got them extra time at best. Whereas the try might have won it for them
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on October 27, 2023, 10:48:41 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on October 27, 2023, 10:25:09 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on October 27, 2023, 10:15:45 PM
Quote from: burdizzo on October 27, 2023, 10:03:12 PMYou'd have expected him to get it, though - no?
Sanchez obviously fancied it as a more viable option than the corner. It's the right decision if it goes over!

It would only have got them extra time at best. Whereas the try might have won it for them

I don't get the 3/4th place play-off.  A bit mad.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on October 27, 2023, 11:06:43 PM
Quote from: marty34 on October 27, 2023, 10:48:41 PMI don't get the 3/4th place play-off.  A bit mad.

It's a bit of a joke, given the skewed draw. Have to say it is probably a bit painful for both teams having to have to hang out in France for another week.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: ONeill on October 27, 2023, 11:19:08 PM
I'd say if Ireland were playing there'd be plenty of traction about finishing 3rd.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on October 28, 2023, 12:12:18 AM
Quote from: marty34 on October 27, 2023, 10:48:41 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on October 27, 2023, 10:25:09 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on October 27, 2023, 10:15:45 PM
Quote from: burdizzo on October 27, 2023, 10:03:12 PMYou'd have expected him to get it, though - no?
Sanchez obviously fancied it as a more viable option than the corner. It's the right decision if it goes over!

It would only have got them extra time at best. Whereas the try might have won it for them

I don't get the 3/4th place play-off.  A bit mad.

3rd place cup is like something you'd have at development level. Both England and Argentina were out and should be at home by now than hanging around for another week to play that game.


Quote from: ONeill on October 27, 2023, 11:19:08 PMI'd say if Ireland were playing there'd be plenty of traction about finishing 3rd.

Yes mostly from pundits and the national media. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 28, 2023, 09:49:51 AM
Rugby is not in great shape imo.

They didn't develop their sport. It's the same teams every time in the endgame.

The sport is too dangerous. Players from the final 20 years ago now have CTE and will die early. Players
now are heavier. Crashing into opposing forwards head first is insane for anyone with a family. Who will those soldiers be 20 years from now? O'Mahony? Henderson? Sexton? Nobody knows.

There are too many alickadoos feeding off the money trough

Neither NZ nor SA have the funds to cope with future concussion litigation


https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/people/2023/04/15/rugby-mothers-say-if-they-oppose-their-child-playing-the-game-they-are-threatened-with-divorce/
Prof Doherty believes that rugby is not safe in its current form

"But my whole scientific hypothesis on this has been and is now: if you take concussion... it is a strange term. For us as doctors, it is synonymous with mild traumatic brain injury. And when you say that, it changes the nature of the discussion"

 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 28, 2023, 10:08:07 AM
Quote from: From the Bunker on October 27, 2023, 11:06:43 PM
Quote from: marty34 on October 27, 2023, 10:48:41 PMI don't get the 3/4th place play-off.  A bit mad.

It's a bit of a joke, given the skewed draw. Have to say it is probably a bit painful for both teams having to have to hang out in France for another week.

It is a load of balls but seemed to mean plenty to the players and it was an entertaining game. I'd say they poached it from FIFA but soccer teams couldn't give a monkeys about it.

Refereeing very poor again not sure how the forward pass wasn't checked nor Mateos forearm smash into the prone Argie after the try.

Cheika seemed annoyed about the refereeing after the match but then that seems to be the case these days when so much is open to interpretation the losers always have a gripe especially if it's a tight game.

I'd say Irelands World Cup was better than Englands if you're looking at performance level but England made the Semis and we didn't so that's all that will be noted in the history books.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on October 28, 2023, 11:40:13 AM
Quote from: marty34 on October 27, 2023, 10:48:41 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on October 27, 2023, 10:25:09 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on October 27, 2023, 10:15:45 PM
Quote from: burdizzo on October 27, 2023, 10:03:12 PMYou'd have expected him to get it, though - no?
Sanchez obviously fancied it as a more viable option than the corner. It's the right decision if it goes over!

It would only have got them extra time at best. Whereas the try might have won it for them

I don't get the 3/4th place play-off.  A bit mad.

Arundell, the future of English Rugby played 60 plus minutes last night out on the wing, didn't touch the ball once.

England kicking the leather off the ball again but they win, just about even though one of the Argentina tries was a forward pass all day long.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Blowitupref on October 28, 2023, 07:25:56 PM
Pre match odds. New Zealand 8/11 South Africa 5/4

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on October 28, 2023, 07:46:34 PM
I will tip New Zealand for this but the weather will help South Africa.

New Zealand to win by 5.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on October 28, 2023, 07:48:04 PM
Think SA will prevail, just
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on October 28, 2023, 08:02:04 PM
NZ will win at a canter.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Blowitupref on October 28, 2023, 08:02:44 PM
South Africa 3 World cup finals before today and won them all.

Four World cup finals for New Zealand 3 wins, the one loss was against South Africa.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on October 28, 2023, 08:07:38 PM
Lucky that wasn't a leg breaker.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 28, 2023, 08:08:25 PM
Christ, that didn't even look a foul, say he fell on his leg, looked beside it to be honest. If that ends up a red card, you may forget about it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 28, 2023, 08:15:13 PM
A f**king stop start game, South Africa don't bring alot to their game their with all their kicking and relying on the other team not catching it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on October 28, 2023, 08:25:57 PM
Hand speed of the AB there superb
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 28, 2023, 08:36:46 PM
Christ, wish France had made the final. South Africa haven't played in a decent final yet, game very poor.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 28, 2023, 08:38:07 PM
That was a red earlier in the tournament.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on October 28, 2023, 08:38:22 PM
Rugby has lost the plot.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on October 28, 2023, 08:39:24 PM
1st half certainly being played on south africas terms
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 28, 2023, 08:42:36 PM
Will Jordan touched the ball once, SA disrupted well inside the breakdown, not helped by a few yellow cards,awful game compared to NZ v Ireland, SA v France 1st Half.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 28, 2023, 08:44:32 PM
SA 7m from the line and they go for a kick not a line out, sums up their mentality.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 28, 2023, 08:45:52 PM
That red should be the game over now, damp squib, all round.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on October 28, 2023, 08:46:02 PM
A history maker to be the first player sent off in a World cup final. Can have little complaints about the upgrade to red. South Africa have played this game on their own terms thus far.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 28, 2023, 08:47:34 PM
England be kicking themselves, this shit is their bread and butter.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on October 28, 2023, 08:47:44 PM
Cane gone cant say I'm sorry. Played one decent game v Ireland. No way NZ can win now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 28, 2023, 08:49:07 PM
Ireland and, France be sicker than most with this display of Rugby
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on October 28, 2023, 08:51:30 PM
Brilliant tackle by Ardense played the ball not the man.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on October 28, 2023, 08:53:48 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 28, 2023, 08:45:52 PMThat red should be the game over now, damp squib, all round.

At the moment it looks like game over unless SOuth Africa pick up a red card or two themselves.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on October 28, 2023, 08:55:58 PM
The first New Zealand yellow card was a yellow card. It was wreckless rather than deliberate so it stays a yellow.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 28, 2023, 09:00:04 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 28, 2023, 08:44:32 PMSA 7m from the line and they go for a kick not a line out, sums up their mentality.

"Win the World Cup"

Decent mentality to be fair.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on October 28, 2023, 09:01:37 PM
Not SA's fault NZ are self sabotaging.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on October 28, 2023, 09:02:44 PM
All Blacks might hold them at bay for 20 or 25 mins but ultimately SA will strangle them and win handily. Hope not though and the ABs keep us guessing right to the end.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on October 28, 2023, 09:05:32 PM
Rugby doing the inverse of GAA.

Referees in GAA play within the rules insofar as possible in the earlier stages, and then let it go for the final.

Rugby determined to make the game holier than thou in the final.

Such a way to treat the best players in the world
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Brendan on October 28, 2023, 09:11:13 PM
O'Driscoll gives in to the poppy police  :-X
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on October 28, 2023, 09:15:35 PM
Think that should level at 14 each if rules of game are followed.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 28, 2023, 09:15:58 PM
Still can't see how the glancing blow on the NZ player by SA in the first half when he was not bend was not a red, what is the difference with that one, to Canes. Don't know how the SA lock didn't pick up a yellow for his fore arm smash on Cane either.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on October 28, 2023, 09:16:12 PM
Kicking & chase from SA outstanding.  NZ cant handle it at all. In saying that SA need to get some scores. Both captains now gone?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 28, 2023, 09:17:41 PM
That one only a yellow, SA 6 was bending going into the tackle even though he took the head of him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on October 28, 2023, 09:24:40 PM
game on

edit: or not
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on October 28, 2023, 09:24:58 PM
Strange decision not to take handy points.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Blowitupref on October 28, 2023, 09:25:20 PM
A knock on it seems and won't count.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 28, 2023, 09:27:57 PM
NZ have now chosen not to take 2 kickable shots at goal which levelled the game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on October 28, 2023, 09:29:31 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 28, 2023, 09:27:57 PMNZ have now chosen not to take 2 kickable shots at goal which levelled the game.
they are all apart of the same attack so they'd only get 3 points
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on October 28, 2023, 09:30:49 PM
Physicality of Eben Etzebeth
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on October 28, 2023, 09:32:32 PM
Try for New Zealand and a one point lead for the boks
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on October 28, 2023, 09:33:11 PM
New Zealand benefitting from an ill disciplined South Africa team
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 28, 2023, 09:34:01 PM
Suprised NZ not all over the SA line out, SA back up hooker can't throw worth a damn
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on October 28, 2023, 09:38:22 PM
Huge advantage for NZ in lineout. Retallick having a great game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 28, 2023, 09:44:21 PM
A Drop kick gonna win this game
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on October 28, 2023, 09:45:54 PM
Has Beauden Barrett lost some of that blistering pace he once had. Doesn't seem to be trying to break the line as often
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 28, 2023, 09:47:07 PM
Pat Spillane must love all this kicking, may be great in Gaelic, not so great to watch in Rugby
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 28, 2023, 09:47:19 PM
Because of apartheid the Boks were banned from the first RWC in NZ in 87. Currently the balance of power in RWC is SA 3 NZ 3  but it could have been 4-2 without apartheid.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on October 28, 2023, 09:51:35 PM
14 on 14. 7 minutes to go
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Blowitupref on October 28, 2023, 09:53:10 PM
New Zealand miss the chance to hit the front. remain 12-11 behind and it will be 14 v 14 for the final 7 minutes.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 28, 2023, 09:55:33 PM
Too far out, easier shots early on, should went for tge line and line out, to try a drop goal.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on October 28, 2023, 09:57:05 PM
South Africa wins 3 knockout games by a single point?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 28, 2023, 09:57:47 PM
NZ all on top 2nd half with 14men, but not putting it on the board. SA haven't scored in the 2nd Half
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on October 28, 2023, 10:01:27 PM
silly from new zealand just needed to secure the ball there after south africa stupidly kick it back to them, then work the ball back to the middle for drop goal attempt
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Blowitupref on October 28, 2023, 10:03:50 PM
Four World cup finals and four wins for South Africa.  New Zealand's kryptonite in World Cup finals is South Africa.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 28, 2023, 10:05:37 PM
only one team beat them all tournament
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 28, 2023, 10:06:30 PM
They may have won but I still don't think they the best team in the Tournament. I still think France and Ireland are better than them. Cane red card the difference. SA didn't score in the 2nd Half against 14 men.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on October 28, 2023, 10:06:59 PM
Thought that was class. Some wanna watch 33-32 games but there's more drama in that today
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gael80 on October 28, 2023, 10:07:06 PM
SA deserved to win it. They forgot about the tough draw and went and won the WC.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on October 28, 2023, 10:07:17 PM
It was a poor final. I was hoping for better.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 28, 2023, 10:07:51 PM
Deserved? I think they poor enough, France be kicking themselves.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on October 28, 2023, 10:08:19 PM
Thought the best team lost that final. But had their chances.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on October 28, 2023, 10:08:40 PM
New Zealand nullified south africas power play and the bomb squad scrum and south africa wiped out new zealands fast counter and wide play.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 28, 2023, 10:08:54 PM
Probably the worse final since 1991, Imagine England had this lot beat.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gael80 on October 28, 2023, 10:10:42 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 28, 2023, 10:07:51 PMDeserved? I think they poor enough, France be kicking themselves.

I think they were tired. It was a punishing schedule for SA. Great teams find a way though.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on October 28, 2023, 10:11:11 PM
And the south africa manager wanted to leave Pollard at home...
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on October 28, 2023, 10:11:41 PM
Not a great tournament overall. 3 games stand out.
SA v France
NZ v Ireland
SA v Ireland

Portugal only decent outsiders.

Former Irish fullback very popular with SA players.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on October 28, 2023, 10:12:21 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 28, 2023, 10:08:54 PMProbably the worse final since 1991, Imagine England had this lot beat.
You'd be safer watching Laois v Kildare playing out a 2.20 to 2.19 game that nobody gives a f**k about
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on October 28, 2023, 10:12:48 PM
Two best sides in the World of rugby for the last 16 years. A bruising encounter decided on fine margins.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: An Watcher on October 28, 2023, 10:14:27 PM
Yep, overall a disappointing tournament that owes much to the draw than anything. 
Can't 8magine an expanded version will improve much.  More dead rubbers
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 28, 2023, 10:15:54 PM
Benny, the standard was poor shite. Compared to previous finals! Shouldnt be oh the occasion!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on October 28, 2023, 10:19:03 PM
I loved it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Blowitupref on October 28, 2023, 10:33:59 PM
The South Africa management team almost as big in numbers as Dublin footballers management or Limerick hurlers.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 28, 2023, 10:36:20 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 28, 2023, 10:06:30 PMThey may have won but I still don't think they the best team in the Tournament. I still think France and Ireland are better than them. Cane red card the difference. SA didn't score in the 2nd Half against 14 men.

Doesn't matter at the end of the day I guess.

Don't think Ireland or NZ, as good as the game was, could have come close to the level both SA and France were at in theirs.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: burdizzo on October 28, 2023, 10:41:31 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 28, 2023, 10:36:20 PMDon't think Ireland or NZ, as good as the game was, could have come close to the level both SA and France were at in theirs.

Definitely not. However, don't understand why McKenzie wasn't on earlier, esp. when their conversion kicker was so poor. He'd have nailed that one, whatever about the one Barret missed.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 28, 2023, 11:03:23 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 28, 2023, 10:15:54 PMBenny, the standard was poor shite. Compared to previous finals! Shouldnt be oh the occasion!!

What finals have you been watching?

2019 - Wipeout
2015 - Wipeout, albeit with a hint of a comeback
2011 - Shite
2007 - Shite
2003 - Decent
1999 - Wipeout

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on October 29, 2023, 01:21:26 AM
Forgot about how crap 2011 was in all honestly, but the actual standard of play was very poor closeness of the final aside.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 29, 2023, 07:53:49 AM
It was tense because the prize for SA was the Fergie one- to knock NZ off their f%%%ing perch. So now it is 4-3.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: marty34 on October 29, 2023, 09:10:35 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 28, 2023, 10:15:54 PMBenny, the standard was poor shite. Compared to previous finals! Shouldnt be oh the occasion!!

They don't play to entertain us.
 
It's a final.

All about winning, nothing more or nothing less.

Some games are high scoring, others are low scoring. Like any sport.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on October 29, 2023, 09:54:10 AM
Eddie Jones gone from the Aussies! I'm shocked... SHOCKED I tell you!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: rodney trotter on October 29, 2023, 11:31:02 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 28, 2023, 10:15:54 PMBenny, the standard was poor shite. Compared to previous finals! Shouldnt be oh the occasion!!

It pissed rain before the game. There was lots of mistakes but exciting all the same. NZ played a good chunk of the game with 14 men

Some crazy drop goal attempts from South Africa
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on October 29, 2023, 11:36:19 AM
Forgot they weren't on the highveld/they didn't have Francois Steyn's boot on them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 29, 2023, 01:49:27 PM
Quote from: marty34 on October 29, 2023, 09:10:35 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 28, 2023, 10:15:54 PMBenny, the standard was poor shite. Compared to previous finals! Shouldnt be oh the occasion!!

They don't play to entertain us.
 
It's a final.

All about winning, nothing more or nothing less.

Some games are high scoring, others are low scoring. Like any sport.
In GAA and soccer, semis are often more interesting than finals
In this RWC the quarters were more interesting
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on October 29, 2023, 02:39:19 PM
All the money is in the 6N. Felix Jones is going to England. Nienaber is going to Leinster.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on October 29, 2023, 09:55:46 PM
World Rugby Awards.. Farrell gets coach of the year. The team of the year features 5 Irish, 5 French, 4 ABs and 1 South African.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on October 29, 2023, 10:00:23 PM
Quote from: Estimator on October 29, 2023, 09:55:46 PMWorld Rugby Awards.. Farrell gets coach of the year. The team of the year features 5 Irish, 5 French, 4 ABs and 1 South African.

The rugby voting alickadoos are some joke. They'd put an RTE backslapping dinner to shame.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Rudi on October 29, 2023, 10:09:00 PM
Tadhg Furlong best tighthead in the world this year. Not even close. A shadow of his former self.
Ringrose a class act, but not best 13 in the world this year.

Savea deserving of player of the year.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on November 10, 2023, 09:06:20 PM
Is that 3G surface at Ravenhill a first for pro rugby?? Don't think I'd fancy that if I was playing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 10, 2023, 10:29:39 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on November 10, 2023, 09:06:20 PMIs that 3G surface at Ravenhill a first for pro rugby?? Don't think I'd fancy that if I was playing.
Connacht amd several premiership clubs in England have it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on January 09, 2024, 07:35:50 AM
Joey Carbery is leaving Munster at the end of the season

https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2024/0108/1425423-carbery-to-leave-munster-and-ireland-in-the-summer/

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dag Dog on January 09, 2024, 10:39:07 AM
Quote from: seafoid on January 09, 2024, 07:35:50 AMJoey Carbery is leaving Munster at the end of the season

https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2024/0108/1425423-carbery-to-leave-munster-and-ireland-in-the-summer/
He's made from glass.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on January 09, 2024, 12:02:31 PM
Quote from: Dag Dog on January 09, 2024, 10:39:07 AM
Quote from: seafoid on January 09, 2024, 07:35:50 AMJoey Carbery is leaving Munster at the end of the season

https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2024/0108/1425423-carbery-to-leave-munster-and-ireland-in-the-summer/
He's made from glass.

Talented enough lad, just didn't work out for him with injuries etc etc.

I'd JJ Hanrahan in the same bracket, boy wonder through U20's and all that, but never really cut through at senior international level.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Estimator on January 31, 2024, 03:33:31 PM
Ireland:
H Keenan; C Nash, R Henshaw, B Aki, J Lowe; J Crowley, J Gibson-Park; A Porter, D Sheehan, T Furlong; J McCarthy, T Beirne; P O'Mahony (capt), J van def Flier, C Doris.

Replacements: R Kelleher, C Healy, F Bealham, J Ryan, R Baird, J Conan, C Murray, C Frawley.

6/2 split on the bench as well, with zero from Ulster in the 23!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on January 31, 2024, 11:36:35 PM
Quote from: Estimator on January 31, 2024, 03:33:31 PMIreland:
H Keenan; C Nash, R Henshaw, B Aki, J Lowe; J Crowley, J Gibson-Park; A Porter, D Sheehan, T Furlong; J McCarthy, T Beirne; P O'Mahony (capt), J van def Flier, C Doris.

Replacements: R Kelleher, C Healy, F Bealham, J Ryan, R Baird, J Conan, C Murray, C Frawley.

6/2 split on the bench as well, with zero from Ulster in the 23!

Harsh enough on McCloskey and Henderson!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on January 31, 2024, 11:48:58 PM
Quote from: screenexile on January 31, 2024, 11:36:35 PM
Quote from: Estimator on January 31, 2024, 03:33:31 PMIreland:
H Keenan; C Nash, R Henshaw, B Aki, J Lowe; J Crowley, J Gibson-Park; A Porter, D Sheehan, T Furlong; J McCarthy, T Beirne; P O'Mahony (capt), J van def Flier, C Doris.

Replacements: R Kelleher, C Healy, F Bealham, J Ryan, R Baird, J Conan, C Murray, C Frawley.

6/2 split on the bench as well, with zero from Ulster in the 23!

Harsh enough on McCloskey and Henderson!!
Too many miles on the clock for Henderson and Aki was one of the best performers at the World Cup. It's the start of a new World Cup cycle so he has to start phasing boys out and getting new blood in.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on January 31, 2024, 11:52:11 PM
Looks like planning for the next World Cup, will be next season's problem.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on February 01, 2024, 01:05:17 AM
Only need plan for a world cup from 2yrs out.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 01, 2024, 07:34:39 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on February 01, 2024, 01:05:17 AMOnly need plan for a world cup from 2yrs out.

Not when the majority of your current squad will be over 34 at the next RWC.

That's when you've got to start things earlier.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: shark on February 01, 2024, 09:08:50 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 01, 2024, 07:34:39 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on February 01, 2024, 01:05:17 AMOnly need plan for a world cup from 2yrs out.

Not when the majority of your current squad will be over 34 at the next RWC.

That's when you've got to start things earlier.

This time 4 years ago it looked like hooker was going to be a problem spot with Best retiring. By the time the WC came around we had 2 excellent hookers. 4 years is a hell of a long time. Incremental changes will work just fine.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 01, 2024, 09:18:26 AM
Quote from: shark on February 01, 2024, 09:08:50 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 01, 2024, 07:34:39 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on February 01, 2024, 01:05:17 AMOnly need plan for a world cup from 2yrs out.

Not when the majority of your current squad will be over 34 at the next RWC.

That's when you've got to start things earlier.

This time 4 years ago it looked like hooker was going to be a problem spot with Best retiring. By the time the WC came around we had 2 excellent hookers. 4 years is a hell of a long time. Incremental changes will work just fine.

That's kind of my point.

Irish rugby people convince themselves that anybody who delivers 5-6 solid performances in a row is irreplaceable.

Which is why we continually arrive at world cups with players who are past their best, and absolutely no confidence in the players who might need to step in their shoes.

As a result, the World Cup becomes a swansong for all too many careers rather than the pinnacle thereof.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on February 02, 2024, 08:12:18 PM
France: Thomas Ramos; Damian Penaud, Gael Fickou, Jonathan Danty, Yoram Moefana; Matthieu Jalibert, Maxime Lucu; Cyril Baille, Peato Mauvaka, Uini Atonio; Paul Gabrillagues, Paul Willemse; Francois Cros, Charles Ollivon, Gregory Alldritt (capt).
Replacements: Julien Marchand, Reda Wardi, Dorian Aldegheri, Posolo Tuilagi, Cameron Woki, Paul Boudehent, Nolann Le Garrec, Louis Bielle-Biarrey.

Ireland: Hugo Keenan; Calvin Nash, Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki, James Lowe; Jack Crowley, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong; Joe McCarthy, Tadhg Beirne, Peter O'Mahony (capt), Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris.
Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Cian Healy, Finlay Bealham, James Ryan, Ryan Baird, Jack Conan, Conor Murray, Ciarán Frawley.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: quit yo jibbajabba on February 02, 2024, 08:35:23 PM
Deffo winning next WC 😜
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 02, 2024, 08:39:03 PM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on February 02, 2024, 08:35:23 PMDeffo winning next WC 😜
Not until *we* beat South Africa in an Autumn international 2 years out.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: OakLeaf on February 02, 2024, 08:40:16 PM
Willemse should have been Red carded the first time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on February 02, 2024, 08:51:16 PM
Lots of ill-discipline from Ireland allowing the French to build momentum in the last 5 minutes of this half. The French and New Zealand are probably the teams that don't mind being down to 14 men because their style of play isn't as structured
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 02, 2024, 08:52:06 PM
How are we not about 25 points up. Playing really well but some poor game management
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 02, 2024, 08:52:14 PM
Crowleys missed kick in front of the posts could yet prove to be crucial.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 02, 2024, 08:53:16 PM
Some nice passing play from Crowley but most things he has kicked have turned to shit
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on February 02, 2024, 08:55:10 PM
Ireland should have another 10pts on the board.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Blowitupref on February 02, 2024, 09:04:16 PM
Barry's tea in the Irish dressing room, I guess the French tea isn't the best.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on February 02, 2024, 09:12:31 PM
That lad McCarthy abit of a bruiser!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 02, 2024, 09:23:27 PM
Again letting France back in this from nowhere all from a clumsy contact in the air
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on February 02, 2024, 09:24:14 PM
Referee is going to have to be mighty strong for the rest of this game. The French Crowd are reffing it ATM.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on February 02, 2024, 09:24:38 PM
Bit of a homer here the ref. France should had a possible penalty against them in the first half and couldn't get a replay to show from french tv, this one here they couldn't play enough replays.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Silver hill on February 02, 2024, 09:25:28 PM
Big swing there. Joke of a decision to reverse the penalty then how can the touch judge see any grounding for the French try.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on February 02, 2024, 09:27:08 PM
The air contact was more from his own man, didn't think it should been reversed himself.listened to the crowd.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on February 02, 2024, 09:33:15 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on February 02, 2024, 09:27:08 PMThe air contact was more from his own man, didn't think it should been reversed himself.listened to the crowd.
Yea i thought it was more the French player hitting into the back of Crowley that put him into the french 13
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on February 02, 2024, 09:40:37 PM
And suddenly another fly half arises.Ireland been very lucky going from O'Gara,Sexton and how this lad.only 1 mistake from a shot in front of the posts.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on February 02, 2024, 09:43:45 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on February 02, 2024, 09:40:37 PMAnd suddenly another fly half arises.Ireland been very lucky going from O'Hara,Sexton and how this lad.only 1 mistake from a shot in front of the posts.
and the real man in waiting is Sam Pendregast.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Blowitupref on February 02, 2024, 09:55:02 PM
 Good night's work. Biggest ever score and margin of victory in France. .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 02, 2024, 09:56:47 PM
I wasn't expecting that to be honest. Apart from a few brain farts Ireland were excellent
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on February 02, 2024, 09:59:48 PM
McCarthy's a bit special.

A few years older and more experienced than Tuilagi but only one young lock out there looked like a star.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: sans pessimism on February 02, 2024, 10:03:37 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on February 02, 2024, 08:53:16 PMSome nice passing play from Crowley but most things he has kicked have turned to shit
more pints for this lad🙄
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: OakLeaf on February 02, 2024, 10:12:47 PM
What performances by Crowley and McCarthy. Lowe is something else. Great performance all round.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on February 02, 2024, 10:13:47 PM
Thought Lowe was every bit as deserving as MOTM as well. He was absolutely everywhere and is in terrific form at the minute.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 02, 2024, 10:17:28 PM
Quote from: gallsman on February 02, 2024, 10:13:47 PMThought Lowe was every bit as deserving as MOTM as well. He was absolutely everywhere and is in terrific form at the minute.
That left boot cannon is some weapon to get you out of trouble on your own try line.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on February 02, 2024, 10:26:11 PM
That was an enjoyable game, apart from a few minutes before ht Ireland were in control. But and it is a big but, I don't remember France being this poor in France against Ireland.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 02, 2024, 10:37:08 PM
Ireland bound to be huge favourites now with only England away on 10th March it's hard to see us getting beat at the Aviva.

Great performance but isn't that only 1 defeat in 18 games? I suppose one defeat (as difficult as it was in a WCQF) in 18 doesn't make you a bad team overnight!

France were very poor they've got problems without Dupont!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 02, 2024, 11:23:59 PM
France play England at home final game I think, they won't allow England to win 6 nations at their home game..

Wales could be a spanner in the works for all teams
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: An Watcher on February 03, 2024, 07:59:17 AM
I'd be very surprised if England get anywhere near France.  They're not a good team and taking farrell out of the equation only makes them worse
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 03, 2024, 09:59:06 AM
Quote from: An Watcher on February 03, 2024, 07:59:17 AMI'd be very surprised if England get anywhere near France.  They're not a good team and taking farrell out of the equation only makes them worse
A bold statement considering the number of changes they are going through. Nobody knows how good they are.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Armagh18 on February 03, 2024, 10:14:20 AM
Ireland probably win every game between now and the next world cup then bottle it when it counts.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on February 03, 2024, 10:21:05 AM
Serious performance away in France.

World Cup draw next week  ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on February 03, 2024, 11:01:57 AM
Quote from: Armagh18 on February 03, 2024, 10:14:20 AMIreland probably win every game between now and the next world cup then bottle it when it counts.

Haven't bottled a game in over 4 years. Think they'll be grand.

Endlessly losing penalty shootouts though. That might be considered bottling it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Armagh18 on February 03, 2024, 12:24:09 PM
Quote from: gallsman on February 03, 2024, 11:01:57 AM
Quote from: Armagh18 on February 03, 2024, 10:14:20 AMIreland probably win every game between now and the next world cup then bottle it when it counts.

Haven't bottled a game in over 4 years. Think they'll be grand.

Endlessly losing penalty shootouts though. That might be considered bottling it.
That NZ game was a bottle job.

You'll get no argument from me on the penalties lol
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 03, 2024, 12:50:48 PM
Quote from: sans pessimism on February 02, 2024, 10:03:37 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on February 02, 2024, 08:53:16 PMSome nice passing play from Crowley but most things he has kicked have turned to shit
more pints for this lad🙄

2 great conversions in the second half after that comment and generally a good performance but his kicking from hand was turd
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on February 03, 2024, 03:56:54 PM
He only improve,  takes 2 years to bed in at this level.Some great kicks from the side after missing an absolute sitter.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 03, 2024, 05:36:30 PM
Wales are fucked... wooden spoon contenders at this stage at least Italy showed something earlier.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 03, 2024, 05:41:27 PM
Italy were good but they are so frustrating to watch. Should have won earlier.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 03, 2024, 06:14:05 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 03, 2024, 05:36:30 PMWales are fucked... wooden spoon contenders at this stage at least Italy showed something earlier.
Looks like they got the hairdryer from Gats at halftime.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 03, 2024, 06:15:12 PM
Can't find the delete button for above 😳

Hon Wales!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 03, 2024, 06:21:12 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 03, 2024, 06:15:12 PMCan't find the delete button for above 😳

Hon Wales!!
👀
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Dag Dog on February 03, 2024, 06:22:19 PM
Scotland and Wales are both useless though!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 03, 2024, 06:23:22 PM
Incredible stuff. Scotland all over the place. No Scot with the sense to slow it all down after that first Welsh try.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 03, 2024, 06:24:28 PM
That's why Conor Murray is so good at the end of the game has a great ability to grind down the clock
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 04, 2024, 12:15:44 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on February 03, 2024, 03:56:54 PMHe only improve,  takes 2 years to bed in at this level.Some great kicks from the side after missing an absolute sitter.

2 years, huh? To play in the same position he's played in his whole life?

You're mad in the head.

———

Players over 30 years of age in each team's matchday 23 this weekend-

Ireland: 13
France: 8
Scotland: 7
England: 7
Italy: 3
Wales: 1

Everyone else has started planning their 4 year cycle.

Not Ireland though.

Let's make the same mistake every four years forever.

———
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 05, 2024, 10:46:15 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 04, 2024, 12:15:44 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on February 03, 2024, 03:56:54 PMHe only improve,  takes 2 years to bed in at this level.Some great kicks from the side after missing an absolute sitter.

2 years, huh? To play in the same position he's played in his whole life?

You're mad in the head.

———

Players over 30 years of age in each team's matchday 23 this weekend-

Ireland: 13
France: 8
Scotland: 7
England: 7
Italy: 3
Wales: 1

Everyone else has started planning their 4 year cycle.

Not Ireland though.

Let's make the same mistake every four years forever.

———


I was about to say something similar.

The win on Friday night was good (but not great) and we'll maybe pick up another Grand slam which there aren't too many of them for Ireland but how many of those lads will be there for the WC in 2027?

I'm OK with that at the minute, but there needs to be more young lads exposed to this level of rugby this season and in the coming seasons to ensure they're well bedded in in time for the next WC.



Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 05, 2024, 11:50:19 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 05, 2024, 10:46:15 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 04, 2024, 12:15:44 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on February 03, 2024, 03:56:54 PMHe only improve,  takes 2 years to bed in at this level.Some great kicks from the side after missing an absolute sitter.

2 years, huh? To play in the same position he's played in his whole life?

You're mad in the head.

———

Players over 30 years of age in each team's matchday 23 this weekend-

Ireland: 13
France: 8
Scotland: 7
England: 7
Italy: 3
Wales: 1

Everyone else has started planning their 4 year cycle.

Not Ireland though.

Let's make the same mistake every four years forever.

———


I was about to say something similar.

The win on Friday night was good (but not great) and we'll maybe pick up another Grand slam which there aren't too many of them for Ireland but how many of those lads will be there for the WC in 2027?

I'm OK with that at the minute, but there needs to be more young lads exposed to this level of rugby this season and in the coming seasons to ensure they're well bedded in in time for the next WC.





Ireland have only won 4, well off France with 10, Wales have 12 and England 13.. Let them win a few of those. This World cup was Irelands best shot with a good squad, but failed in a tight game. There was no shame losing that game to New Zealand

The Six Nations is a decent standard of competition, winning is a good habit to get into
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: 5times5times on February 05, 2024, 12:59:35 PM
This 4 years malarkey grinds my gears... How the F does it take a professional rugby player this long to "acclimatize" to RWC-type-rugby?

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on February 05, 2024, 01:22:45 PM
Quote from: 5times5times on February 05, 2024, 12:59:35 PMThis 4 years malarkey grinds my gears... How the F does it take a professional rugby player this long to "acclimatize" to RWC-type-rugby?



It doesn't. Think Farrell knows exactly what he's doing. Better to maintain a standard and keep winning, while introducing newer, younger players gradually than throw everything in the bin the day after a world cup exit. A bad 6N can set you back quite a bit. Look at all the moaning about Farrell in 2020. Then look at the squad for that tournament versus what went to the WC.

There's plenty of work going on undoubtedly in the background. Look at Prendergast being brought in to train anyway, even if he's not ready yet. The real buildup doesn't start until after the Lions.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gael80 on February 05, 2024, 01:38:53 PM
Quote from: 5times5times on February 05, 2024, 12:59:35 PMThis 4 years malarkey grinds my gears... How the F does it take a professional rugby player this long to "acclimatize" to RWC-type-rugby?



It is a bizarre system. France don't look focused and it'll be interesting to see their results throughout the tournament. England, I believe had seven uncapped players brought into their squad and Farrell is already gone.


The 6 nations is a great tournament though and the IRFU benefit commercially from Ireland's success.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on February 05, 2024, 01:54:11 PM
New Zealand put together a team in less than 18months.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on February 05, 2024, 02:10:17 PM
Four years is along time in the career of a player at the beginning or at the end of their careers.

The 6 Nations is there to be won every year and should be when ever we have a chance.

The only caveat is World Cup year. All preparation that year should be geared toward that tournament. Peaking at the right time, tending to injuries, avoiding injuries, etc. If this mean having an average 6N, then so be it that year. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on February 05, 2024, 03:01:52 PM
All time 6 nations table

https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.redd.it%2Fhv7z014ir2pa1.png
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Mikhail Prokhorov on February 05, 2024, 03:08:52 PM
Quote from: dec on February 05, 2024, 03:01:52 PMAll time 6 nations table

https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.redd.it%2Fhv7z014ir2pa1.png

 ;D ffs this is like the soccer heads who think it only started in 1992
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 05, 2024, 09:13:13 PM
My take.

It shouldn't take 4 years to build a team. It shouldn't take even close to that amount of time.

But Ireland has spent the past 20 years getting it wrong, every time.

And it always starts out the same way, with the game plan and leadership being built around 6-8 players now in the autumn of their careers, and for who all logic dictates will be unable to endure the physical demands of a RWC four years from now.

Then watch as the media make the autumnal warriors into their new darlings, pundits begin to describe them as irreplaceable figures, and coaches convince themselves that their defensive plan requires, above all else, experience for it to work.

By year 3, some of these players are reduced to bench spots, yet they turn up dutifully for every international game, putting in the hefty 20 minute cameos their bodies are still capable of, and booking their spots on the plane. That they no longer have 80 minutes in them seems to become irrelevant. That they would be thoroughly incapable of playing 3 games in 3 weeks should a starter get hurt, seems to become irrelevant. That they've spent years blocking the path of players who might still have 80 mins in them is overlooked. Indeed it's actually celebrated that the team of us stays together through thick and thin, before their inglorious departure. RTE then put on hour long documentaries that show them playing peak rugby from 8 years previous.

Then it starts over again.


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 05, 2024, 09:15:44 PM
(Or in summary, why in holy f**k is Conor Murray still playing for Ireland now when his performances have been below par for 5 years)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on February 06, 2024, 01:18:46 AM
Ireland have had 2 very strong U-20 teams over the past 3 yrs and this year's team is strong. There be enough there come 4 yrs time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on February 10, 2024, 04:38:11 PM
Scotland probably robbed of a try and the death there but agree that there was no conclusive evidence that it was grounded. No last day grand slam decider, albeit that would have required the Scots not to shit themselves for two more straight matches after today.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Armagh18 on February 10, 2024, 04:39:02 PM
Far from a rugby expert but seemed like a try should have been given there.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 10, 2024, 05:14:07 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on February 10, 2024, 04:39:02 PMFar from a rugby expert but seemed like a try should have been given there.

Once the ref said it was held up you needed to see the bottom of the ball on the ground. Anything else had doubt so that was that.

Scotland shit themselves again.

This game here is interesting!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 10, 2024, 05:17:00 PM
Just because it had to land on the line, they couldn't see it with the multiple plays..

It's like when the full back in the first league game of the year gobs the full forward behind the referees back, as he's no umpires with him.

You know what happened but can do feck all about it
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on February 10, 2024, 06:16:15 PM
Jez, I definitely don't know what a forward pass is anymore?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: manfromdelmonte on February 10, 2024, 06:38:11 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on February 10, 2024, 06:16:15 PMJez, I definitely don't know what a forward pass is anymore?
more kicking in rugby than Gaelic football
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on February 10, 2024, 06:45:08 PM
If Ireland don't win this Grand Slam it'll be a massive failure. England/Scotland and Wales are shite!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 10, 2024, 07:12:19 PM
Quote from: screenexile on February 10, 2024, 06:45:08 PMIf Ireland don't win this Grand Slam it'll be a massive failure. England/Scotland and Wales are shite!
After the first 5 games it's hard to find a scenario where they don't win it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: An Watcher on February 10, 2024, 07:26:42 PM
They were shite in the world cup as well but got favourable draws.  Semi final aside when England almost pulled off a massive shock
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on February 10, 2024, 07:34:34 PM
Winning away in Twickenham will always be a challenge. Felix Jones has transformed their defence already.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on February 10, 2024, 08:01:42 PM
There will be a game where questions will be asked of Ireland. We may get a dodgy red, Get a ref who will give us nothing,  you might get a team just up for it on the day, injury to a key player, a day we just don't turn up, momentum of a team we play on the day, etc. You just never know. Scotland can do anything. England will target us and the French as teams to knock off of their perch.

We'll see how we go against Italy tomorrow.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on February 10, 2024, 08:31:48 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on February 10, 2024, 08:01:42 PMThere will be a game where questions will be asked of Ireland. We may get a dodgy red, Get a ref who will give us nothing,  you might get a team just up for it on the day, injury to a key player, a day we just don't turn up, momentum of a team we play on the day, etc. You just never know. Scotland can do anything. England will target us and the French as teams to knock off of their perch.

We'll see how we go against Italy tomorrow.


No they can't ffs. How can this narrative still have legs?! They were pumped last year in Murrayfield, they were beaten out the gate in Paris. They're not within an ass's roar of Ireland. Anything less than a comfortable bonus point victory would be a humiliation.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on February 10, 2024, 09:09:45 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 10, 2024, 05:17:00 PMJust because it had to land on the line, they couldn't see it with the multiple plays..

It's like when the full back in the first league game of the year gobs the full forward behind the referees back, as he's no umpires with him.

You know what happened but can do feck all about it
If the ref had said he couldn't tell for sure either way instead of his no try call, would it have been a different exercise for the video ref? Although it couldn't be seen that the ball was resting on the ground, there was a 95% certainty that there was nothing between the ball and ground.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 10, 2024, 09:10:30 PM
Was out today so just watched the matches. 4 poor teams today. Ireland won't get a better shot at retaining a grand slam
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 10, 2024, 09:14:54 PM
This being held up over the line makes such a difference. The attacking team have to be a bit smarter over half chances. Back in the day fail to score they get 5m scrum and another go, now the defense get to boot it back up to the half way line.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on February 10, 2024, 09:17:50 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on February 10, 2024, 09:10:30 PMWas out today so just watched the matches. 4 poor teams today. Ireland won't get a better shot at retaining a grand slam

Low hanging fruit for the Irish team alright.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on February 10, 2024, 09:25:24 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on February 10, 2024, 09:14:54 PMThis being held up over the line makes such a difference. The attacking team have to be a bit smarter over half chances. Back in the day fail to score they get 5m scrum and another go, now the defense get to boot it back up to the half way line.
I felt they rushed it and went for broke on a half chance when they could have held on a bit and  worked a better option.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on February 10, 2024, 09:33:06 PM
Quote from: Main Street on February 10, 2024, 09:25:24 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on February 10, 2024, 09:14:54 PMThis being held up over the line makes such a difference. The attacking team have to be a bit smarter over half chances. Back in the day fail to score they get 5m scrum and another go, now the defense get to boot it back up to the half way line.
I felt they rushed it and went for broke on a half chance when they could have held on a bit and  worked a better option.

Teams need more patience. No better example than kelleher going alone against NZ. We had a man up and with a bit more time would have scored. Scotland are unlucky but no sympathy for them. That kicking tennis they were doing was a painful watch
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 10, 2024, 10:23:15 PM
Quote from: Main Street on February 10, 2024, 09:09:45 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 10, 2024, 05:17:00 PMJust because it had to land on the line, they couldn't see it with the multiple plays..

It's like when the full back in the first league game of the year gobs the full forward behind the referees back, as he's no umpires with him.

You know what happened but can do feck all about it
If the ref had said he couldn't tell for sure either way instead of his no try call, would it have been a different exercise for the video ref? Although it couldn't be seen that the ball was resting on the ground, there was a 95% certainty that there was nothing between the ball and ground.

All about how the ref worded that at the start.

Had ref said, try, and tell me different then it would have been a try I think, but he said it was held up.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 10, 2024, 10:43:43 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on February 10, 2024, 09:14:54 PMThis being held up over the line makes such a difference. The attacking team have to be a bit smarter over half chances. Back in the day fail to score they get 5m scrum and another go, now the defense get to boot it back up to the half way line.
100%. We were talking about this at the young fellas game earlier. The chance of being held up is huge when the defending team are camped on their line as they know what is coming.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on February 11, 2024, 07:36:09 AM
As soon as Russell made the tackle and they turned it over I texted the lads to say they were going to get held up as they initially looked very ragged. They did very well to get a bit of control and shape back. Very unlucky.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Ghost on February 11, 2024, 04:09:53 PM
Sh*t song but loved the wee lad singing Ireland's Call. Class.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Denn Forever on February 11, 2024, 04:54:42 PM
Quote from: Ghost on February 11, 2024, 04:09:53 PMSh*t song but loved the wee lad singing Ireland's Call. Class.

He was good.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on February 11, 2024, 05:21:55 PM
The 'Yawn, filler game' of the six nations is over for another year.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on February 11, 2024, 05:38:35 PM
How bad are England at the moment when they only beat that Italy side by 3 points and conceded 24 against them?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 11, 2024, 06:33:38 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on February 11, 2024, 05:38:35 PMHow bad are England at the moment when they only beat that Italy side by 3 points and conceded 24 against them?

You want Italy towards the end of the competition when they are totally fucked and depleted through injury.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on February 11, 2024, 06:46:37 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 11, 2024, 06:33:38 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on February 11, 2024, 05:38:35 PMHow bad are England at the moment when they only beat that Italy side by 3 points and conceded 24 against them?

You want Italy towards the end of the competition when they are totally fucked and depleted through injury.

Yes their spirit by that stage is low also from the defeats.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on February 11, 2024, 06:50:01 PM
There has been a losing bonus point awarded in all the games that didn't involve Ireland. A losing bonus point was never really on in either of Ireland's games.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Ghost on February 11, 2024, 06:52:25 PM
Only watched the first half today and a bit of the 2nd but having watched the France game and what I saw today it begs the question why Crowley wasn't an option to replace an out of gas sexton against the all blacks
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: galwayman on February 11, 2024, 09:30:36 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on February 11, 2024, 05:38:35 PMHow bad are England at the moment when they only beat that Italy side by 3 points and conceded 24 against them?
They're still the type of dogged forward oriented team that can make life very difficult for Ireland at Twickenham - their performance against South Africa in the World Cup semi final showed what they could be capable of on a given day. They don't have the quality to sustain it over a full series of games but very much they are the one team capable of one huge performance.
Can't see Wales or Scotland troubling Ireland at home so Twickers is the big one
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on February 11, 2024, 11:35:03 PM
Ireland put 15pts on them Twickenham or not@
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Never beat the deeler on February 11, 2024, 11:55:13 PM
Quote from: dec on February 11, 2024, 06:50:01 PMThere has been a losing bonus point awarded in all the games that didn't involve Ireland. A losing bonus point was never really on in either of Ireland's games.

And Wales v Scotland is the only 4try bonus point except for Ireland's 2
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 12, 2024, 10:08:04 AM
Ireland are in a very good place
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 12, 2024, 01:39:48 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 12, 2024, 10:08:04 AMIreland are in a very good place

Problem is that they're the only ones who value this place.

Everyone else has eyes further ahead.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 12, 2024, 01:55:40 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 12, 2024, 01:39:48 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 12, 2024, 10:08:04 AMIreland are in a very good place

Problem is that they're the only ones who value this place.

Everyone else has eyes further ahead.

In the world cup, Ireland got bate by the better team on the day, very unlucky and Ireland could be no.1 in the rankings at the next world cup and still meet a team who could beat them on the day.

There isn't much between New Zealand France South Africa and Ireland at the minute so when they play each other its a 50/50 game

Binning anyone over a certain age now will not mean Ireland will be a better team for it, cause if your are a team with youth and getting hammered in most games then it won't actually do much for the confidence.

Bleed in players slowly and bring them up to speed with the requirements at that level.

Ireland will do well to hold on to the manager, as he's brought about a different animal to the previous managers albeit we can't get past the first knock out stage! 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gael80 on February 12, 2024, 02:19:57 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 12, 2024, 01:55:40 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 12, 2024, 01:39:48 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 12, 2024, 10:08:04 AMIreland are in a very good place

Problem is that they're the only ones who value this place.

Everyone else has eyes further ahead.

In the world cup, Ireland got bate by the better team on the day, very unlucky and Ireland could be no.1 in the rankings at the next world cup and still meet a team who could beat them on the day.

There isn't much between New Zealand France South Africa and Ireland at the minute so when they play each other its a 50/50 game

Binning anyone over a certain age now will not mean Ireland will be a better team for it, cause if your are a team with youth and getting hammered in most games then it won't actually do much for the confidence.

Bleed in players slowly and bring them up to speed with the requirements at that level.

Ireland will do well to hold on to the manager, as he's brought about a different animal to the previous managers albeit we can't get past the first knock out stage! 

Ireland will likely win three of the next four 6 Nations adding a few grand slams.

In reality we know Ireland will also lose a close QF at the next WC.

It's a similar pattern and very good for Irish rugby, both from a sporting and commerical context to build the hype over a four year period.

It's not appropriate to suddenly bin players over a certain age but it's fair to question why some players in their mid 20's, clearly good enough now weren't realistic options going into a tough group at the WC.

We'll enjoy the success but other teams will catch up again as we get closer and into the next WC.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 12, 2024, 02:27:02 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 12, 2024, 01:55:40 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 12, 2024, 01:39:48 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 12, 2024, 10:08:04 AMIreland are in a very good place

Problem is that they're the only ones who value this place.

Everyone else has eyes further ahead.

In the world cup, Ireland got bate by the better team on the day, very unlucky and Ireland could be no.1 in the rankings at the next world cup and still meet a team who could beat them on the day.

There isn't much between New Zealand France South Africa and Ireland at the minute so when they play each other its a 50/50 game

Binning anyone over a certain age now will not mean Ireland will be a better team for it, cause if your are a team with youth and getting hammered in most games then it won't actually do much for the confidence.

Bleed in players slowly and bring them up to speed with the requirements at that level.

Ireland will do well to hold on to the manager, as he's brought about a different animal to the previous managers albeit we can't get past the first knock out stage! 

Honestly this is pretty much all on the money.

Except.... Ireland ended up in a situation last year whereby they've brought no back up no.10, no back up full-back, their back up scrum half was past it 5 years ago, and the replacement utility back in Keith Earls was never honestly good enough to play international rugby, let alone at centre or full back.... But he had to be taken along as his experience was worth more to the side than untested potential.

Just test the potential in advance this time around lads.  That's all I'm asking.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on February 12, 2024, 02:31:02 PM
Keith Earls wasn't good enough to play international rugby. Have a word with yourself ffs.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 12, 2024, 02:48:51 PM
Quote from: gallsman on February 12, 2024, 02:31:02 PMKeith Earls wasn't good enough to play international rugby. Have a word with yourself ffs.

You're inadvertently highlighting the biggest problem with Irish rugby.

Earls was a flat track bully, who spent his entire career padding his statistics by scoring braces of tries in routs against tier 2 and tier 3 nations. And invariably he contributed nothing in the major games.

And Irish rugby's problem? Instead of identifying this weakness and solving it over a four year cycle, the media start making documentaries about his service to his country and the fans lap it up like a Christmas dinner.

If the goal is to win a 6N match against Italy then Earls was a perfectly competent international player. Beyond that, he was not good enough.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on February 12, 2024, 04:04:51 PM
Was there not 3 new starts (or relatively new) for the France game in McCarthy, Crowley and Nash? Any team that transitions successfully replaces no more than 2 or 3 players per season, seems pretty textbook to me tbh.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on February 12, 2024, 08:01:22 PM
Quote from: Ghost on February 11, 2024, 04:09:53 PMSh*t song but loved the wee lad singing Ireland's Call. Class.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXJIglpcVBc
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on February 12, 2024, 08:31:26 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on February 12, 2024, 04:04:51 PMWas there not 3 new starts (or relatively new) for the France game in McCarthy, Crowley and Nash? Any team that transitions successfully replaces no more than 2 or 3 players per season, seems pretty textbook to me tbh.

That's probably the way it will go. The likes of Furlong, Lowe, Gibson Park, Aki will all be 35+ at the next World Cup so you'd think they'll be next in line to be replaced in the next year or two. Obviously they are all good enough at this stage to be in the starting line up.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on February 24, 2024, 07:46:44 PM
A straight forward win today with the bonus point secured in the end. The grand slam really does look on. I think only complacency can stop us.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on February 24, 2024, 08:25:54 PM
Clock them up when u can,we all remember the times we won f**k all for so many years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 24, 2024, 08:44:03 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on February 24, 2024, 08:25:54 PMClock them up when u can,we all remember the times we won f**k all for so many years.

Most of all, gloss over them  after a RWC QF defeat.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on February 25, 2024, 04:53:24 PM
How unlucky for Italy. A kick at goal to win a 6 nations game against France in France for the first time in their history. Ball falls off the tee with 15 seconds on shot clock meeaning the ball had to be reset and rushed and the ball comes off the post
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 25, 2024, 05:11:29 PM
Quote from: Nanderson on February 25, 2024, 04:53:24 PMHow unlucky for Italy. A kick at goal to win a 6 nations game against France in France for the first time in their history. Ball falls off the tee with 15 seconds on shot clock meeaning the ball had to be reset and rushed and the ball comes off the post
That ball wouldn't fall off the tee if correctly set. I remember one of their previous coaches saying they were going nowhere until they were more professional around nailing the fine details. It cost them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on February 25, 2024, 09:00:49 PM
It's claimed that French players encroached upon the kicker therefore the ref should awarded another penalty.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: toby47 on February 27, 2024, 09:21:14 AM
Is Jack Crowley better atm, then Johnny Sexton when he first broke on to the team?

Obviously Sexton grew to a monster of a player. But who was best when first breaking onto the team?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: HiMucker on February 27, 2024, 10:27:46 AM
In my own head from memory I think Crowley is definitely better than Sexton was at the same point in his career.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 27, 2024, 10:36:28 AM
This is difficult to measure.

ROG had to spend 3-4 years pushing a resurgent David Humphreys out of the team before making the jersey his own.

Sexton had to spend 3-4 years pushing a dogged ROG out of the team before making the jersey his own.

By accident as much as anything else, Crowley has been given a clear run at the no.10 shirt just as he's about to hit his peak years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Walter Cronc on February 27, 2024, 10:39:22 AM
Very hard to judge. Sexton was a late developer for sure. That probably helped him play on for so long! I just have a lingering fear Crowley hasn't the steely kicking ability to guide us beyond a WC 1/4 final. Longer term he's maybe a 12? Inside centre could be an issue in the next couple of years although Gavin in the U20s looks very good.

I also think we have a generational talent coming along in Sam Prendergast and no doubt the Munster led media will be pushing for Jack to stay in the 10 role as long as possible!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on February 27, 2024, 11:37:32 AM
Sexton was always good to miss a handy kick at goal or fail to find touch with a penalty early in his career. Crowley is doing rightly.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on February 27, 2024, 01:30:35 PM
Quote from: gallsman on February 27, 2024, 11:37:32 AMSexton was always good to miss a handy kick at goal or fail to find touch with a penalty early in his career. Crowley is doing rightly.

Sextons biggest strength was also his weakness. He took the ball right up into contact to release other players, break the line, and got mullered over the years for it, his body took some batterings in the process.

Crowley is still learning but he needs to make the odd break or attempt the odd break to keep the opposition on their toes.
Don't get too one dimensional.

Kicking was good on Saturday but the pressure was off early on as it never looked like Wales could win that game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: square_ball on February 27, 2024, 01:41:46 PM
Quote from: HiMucker on February 27, 2024, 10:27:46 AMIn my own head from memory I think Crowley is definitely better than Sexton was at the same point in his career.

While Sexton was a late bloomer, at 24 (same age as Crowley) he was the starting 10 in Leinsters first European Cup win and as said above ROG was very much the established 10 for Ireland. I do like Crowley though think he has good potential. He is much better than the other contenders at 10. The Irish pack are an absolute dream to play behind at the minute though in fairness. It has allowed him to ease into the position a wee bit more than if Ireland weren't so dominant.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 28, 2024, 01:25:49 PM
Sexton's big break came when Felipe Contepomi pulled up injured in the '09 HC semi in Croke Park. After that he was in the driving seat and in fairness to him, he saw Leinster over the line for their first Heineken.

Dislodging ROG wasn't the only challenge Sexton - he was the better player and ROG's poor big tournament record meant he needed to be put out to grass anyway.
The Munster PR machine was at full throttle in this era, and they really hated the idea of their 'ligind' being usurped by some pup who yelled in ROG's face. That created the noise and sense of 'big debate' about the 10 jersey, when there really shouldn't have been any.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on February 28, 2024, 01:30:44 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on February 28, 2024, 01:25:49 PMSexton's big break came when Felipe Contepomi pulled up injured in the '09 HC semi in Croke Park. After that he was in the driving seat and in fairness to him, he saw Leinster over the line for their first Heineken.

Dislodging ROG wasn't the only challenge Sexton - he was the better player and ROG's poor big tournament record meant he needed to be put out to grass anyway.
The Munster PR machine was at full throttle in this era, and they really hated the idea of their 'ligind' being usurped by some pup who yelled in ROG's face. That created the noise and sense of 'big debate' about the 10 jersey, when there really shouldn't have been any.


Lol fully agree with your assessment on ROG vs Sexton.

O'Gara wasn't as good as Humphreys, in just about every aspect of play, and both were a good few steps behind Sexton. The the media dined out on both stories for a few years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on February 28, 2024, 01:53:54 PM
It's a great way of manufacturing publicity though - Blur vs. Oasis.
Others fed it though. RTE with their camera cuts to the 10 on the bench after a kick gets missed or nailed.

The problem was that the debate lingered far too long.
And it surely contributed to Kidney losing his nerve and restoring ROG to 10 during the 2011 WC and Ireland invariably crashing out.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on February 28, 2024, 02:11:39 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on February 28, 2024, 01:30:44 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on February 28, 2024, 01:25:49 PMSexton's big break came when Felipe Contepomi pulled up injured in the '09 HC semi in Croke Park. After that he was in the driving seat and in fairness to him, he saw Leinster over the line for their first Heineken.

Dislodging ROG wasn't the only challenge Sexton - he was the better player and ROG's poor big tournament record meant he needed to be put out to grass anyway.
The Munster PR machine was at full throttle in this era, and they really hated the idea of their 'ligind' being usurped by some pup who yelled in ROG's face. That created the noise and sense of 'big debate' about the 10 jersey, when there really shouldn't have been any.


Lol fully agree with your assessment on ROG vs Sexton.

O'Gara wasn't as good as Humphreys, in just about every aspect of play, and both were a good few steps behind Sexton. The the media dined out on both stories for a few years.
To be fair he yelled incite a few faces at half time in  that game.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 06, 2024, 09:13:41 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpIcMRZTrOg
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 06, 2024, 09:24:36 PM
I'd say Porter will be in for a rough ride in the scrum this weekend. England will be after scrum pens for the get go.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 09, 2024, 10:35:27 AM
Good finish to the u20s match last night although the ref was fairly generous with that last advantage! Some big units on both teams
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 09, 2024, 02:29:59 PM
Scotland well on top but thought Italy could have had a couple of calls before both tries.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 09, 2024, 02:42:47 PM
Gardner is absolutely riding the Italians.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 09, 2024, 03:24:16 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 06, 2024, 09:24:36 PMI'd say Porter will be in for a rough ride in the scrum this weekend. England will be after scrum pens for the get go.

I know the rugby press love to fawn over the team but some of the commentary this week has been ridicilous.

"Irish rugby fans need to embrace arrogance - it'll make hammering England on Saturday that much more fun"

What the f**k is that??



Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 09, 2024, 03:46:37 PM
Who said that?!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 09, 2024, 03:53:09 PM
Some Indo twat!!

https://x.com/indosport/status/1766245010171629817?s=46&t=phQ2HHkWD0UVsLqr_FKpag

FORZA ITALIA!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 09, 2024, 03:53:56 PM
Scotland in trouble
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 09, 2024, 03:59:08 PM
How many replays does a ref need, they worse than var, nearly looking a reason to bin a man.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on March 09, 2024, 04:06:20 PM
That was class. Sometimes I wonder is it really that Ireland are better or just that everyone else is worse. But delighted for Italy.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 09, 2024, 04:07:09 PM

Clear forward pass before the deliberate knock on. Two forward passes in the final attack.

When will we hear the end of this narrative about Scotland. VdM is a donkey.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: armaghniac on March 09, 2024, 04:10:35 PM
Forza i azzurri, niente cucchiaio di legno quest'anno!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 09, 2024, 04:12:02 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 09, 2024, 04:07:09 PMClear forward pass before the deliberate knock on. Two forward passes in the final attack.

When will we hear the end of this narrative about Scotland. VdM is a donkey.

Scotland massively over hyped they're poor!! The Wales second half was proof of how bad they can be.

Italy have to take a lot of positives from this but need to kick on next year.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on March 09, 2024, 04:22:10 PM
Quote from: screenexile on March 09, 2024, 03:24:16 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 06, 2024, 09:24:36 PMI'd say Porter will be in for a rough ride in the scrum this weekend. England will be after scrum pens for the get go.

I know the rugby press love to fawn over the team but some of the commentary this week has been ridicilous.

"Irish rugby fans need to embrace arrogance - it'll make hammering England on Saturday that much more fun"

What the f**k is that??





I hope England hammer them.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on March 09, 2024, 04:31:27 PM
Italy winning, not sure if that means they have improved or this years Six Nations has been so mediocre.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 09, 2024, 04:37:46 PM
Poor old Scotland!  ;D

Italy have definitely improved.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 09, 2024, 04:53:10 PM
Badly caught there Nash goes for the smash and ends up hurting himself then Crowley tried to go too high.

Should set it up for a good game though!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on March 09, 2024, 04:58:53 PM
Quote from: screenexile on March 09, 2024, 04:53:10 PMBadly caught there Nash goes for the smash and ends up hurting himself then Crowley tried to go too high.

Should set it up for a good game though!


England are up for this.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 09, 2024, 05:12:21 PM
Hope this not the Irish arrogance that clown was on about. We not at the races.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 09, 2024, 05:15:07 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 09, 2024, 05:12:21 PMHope this not the Irish aggorance thst clown was on about. We not at the races.
Every commentator said in the run up to this that if England attacked the ruck and worked at speed they'd be in with a chance and that's how it is playing out.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on March 09, 2024, 05:26:52 PM
Leading having played poorly. Was that David McSavage in the crowd?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thebuzz on March 09, 2024, 05:40:10 PM
Couldn't get watching this. Have Ireland scored 4 penalties?

The year England won the World Cup I think every score was a penalty.

I don't know much about rugby but I always thought it was better to take every scoring chance instead of kicking to the corner to go for a try?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 09, 2024, 06:07:03 PM
All that c**k up from going too long at the line out! Ended up in a try. O'Mahony didn't need lie on the ball either.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 09, 2024, 06:12:31 PM
We've been brutal! Lineout poor too many missed tackles now playing a scrum half at wing and then O'Mahoneys yellow!

England have brought intensity and aggression but of course they were going to.

We'll see what we're made of now can we get it done with men down and not playing well??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 09, 2024, 06:15:15 PM
Who the replacement hooker, he's brutal throwing the ball.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 09, 2024, 06:15:56 PM
It needed England to be really good and us to be shit for a good game and that's exactly what has happened.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 09, 2024, 06:22:36 PM
Not sure why Connor Murray the back up scrum half. He been poor a few yrs now and to slow passing the ball, his box kicking  only a benefit with big wingers to contest.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 09, 2024, 06:23:41 PM
At least Lowe turned up the day.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 09, 2024, 06:35:20 PM
Christ there 2 penalties give away, Ireland had the ball with 2 and half minutes to go, can't understand why they didn't grind the clock.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Blowitupref on March 09, 2024, 06:35:34 PM
Beaten will be big regrets but the performance wasn't good enough.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 09, 2024, 06:35:49 PM
Deserved win for England. Ireland were very poor throughout with ball in hand and gave away some shocking penalties.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 09, 2024, 06:37:03 PM
Pretty pathetic, right bottle job, that England team got thumped by Scotland who just got beaten by Italy. We really do keep believing the hype. That twit heaslip said we would win with 13 men ffs
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on March 09, 2024, 06:37:13 PM
Riddle me this,  why kick the ball back to England with only a minute and a half left?

Yes, I know they were inside their own 20 metre line, but surely play out a few phases and then boot it out
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: pbat on March 09, 2024, 06:37:35 PM
Moronic stuff. Another bottle job.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on March 09, 2024, 06:37:50 PM
Beautiful.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 09, 2024, 06:37:55 PM
6-2 split also looks rather foolish all of a sudden
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 09, 2024, 06:37:59 PM
The fly half missing them 2 points for the Lowe try conversion big miss, on hindsight!Lowe should tried find touch with his clearance  kick too.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 09, 2024, 06:39:58 PM
Am not sure why a Irish supporter say beautiful,  until I realise its a Tyrone man.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 09, 2024, 06:40:35 PM
What also annoys me is over the yrs a far more limited Welsh team kept getting the job done and won grand slams when they had a sniff, we have bottled about twice as many as we have won since the 6 nations started
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: markl121 on March 09, 2024, 06:41:09 PM
Maybe not be embracing that arrogance after all
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Truthsayer on March 09, 2024, 06:43:45 PM
Am no rugby expert but why kick the ball away when you can hold possession for the last minute?.. run the aul clock down 🤷
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 09, 2024, 06:44:02 PM
Murray best days long behind him, just too slow with the pass and just kicks away possession all the time, we not South Africa with massive wingers to contest balls. Back up hooker can't throw  great. And the sub split should been 5/3.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on March 09, 2024, 06:44:08 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on March 09, 2024, 06:37:50 PMBeautiful.
West Brit
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: markl121 on March 09, 2024, 06:44:31 PM
Quote from: Truthsayer on March 09, 2024, 06:43:45 PMAm no rugby expert but why kick the ball away when you can hold possession for the last minute?.. run the aul clock down 🤷�♂️
I genuinely never understand why this always happens. Surely run another couple of phases to run clock down
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: dec on March 09, 2024, 06:44:51 PM
Quote from: Truthsayer on March 09, 2024, 06:43:45 PMAm no rugby expert but why kick the ball away when you can hold possession for the last minute?.. run the aul clock down 🤷�♂️
Up the jumper was the better option than kicking it away
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Captain Obvious on March 09, 2024, 06:45:33 PM
Complacency a killer, made average England team look good today. Defeats like that shows why the Irish rugby team struggle to make any impact in the knock out stages of the World cup.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 09, 2024, 06:47:09 PM
We have blood up to 4 players next year, Subs impact way below the starters. Aki a massive man for Ireland, don't know what they do when he goes.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 09, 2024, 06:47:53 PM
Really struggle to understand how a team playing poorly that comes back to lead from deficits twice can be accused of bottling anything.

A lot of twats in the world I guess.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 09, 2024, 06:51:10 PM
England lucky not to get a red card but need look at again. Had Sexton been there, I think we would won,Ireland flyhalf Crowley didn't control the game well and his kicking wasn't great to spread England out abit.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on March 09, 2024, 06:51:56 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 09, 2024, 06:35:20 PMChrist there 2 penalties give away, Ireland had the ball with 2 and half minutes to go, can't understand why they didn't grind the clock.

90 secs left and Conor Murray does a 'Conor Murray'. Needs his P45. England unrecognisable there for most of that game. Very impressive, and we were well below par. Some contest
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: podge on March 09, 2024, 06:54:32 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on March 09, 2024, 06:51:56 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 09, 2024, 06:35:20 PMChrist there 2 penalties give away, Ireland had the ball with 2 and half minutes to go, can't understand why they didn't grind the clock.

90 secs left and Conor Murray does a 'Conor Murray'. Needs his P45. England unrecognisable there for most of that game. Very impressive, and we were well below par. Some contest

A game riddled with poor errors.  England fully deserving of it .

Man of the match to Jamie Heaslip.  He loaded their guns. 

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 09, 2024, 06:58:49 PM
Quote from: podge on March 09, 2024, 06:54:32 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on March 09, 2024, 06:51:56 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 09, 2024, 06:35:20 PMChrist there 2 penalties give away, Ireland had the ball with 2 and half minutes to go, can't understand why they didn't grind the clock.

90 secs left and Conor Murray does a 'Conor Murray'. Needs his P45. England unrecognisable there for most of that game. Very impressive, and we were well below par. Some contest

A game riddled with poor errors.  England fully deserving of it .

Man of the match to Jamie Heaslip.  He loaded their guns. 


[/quot
Quote from: podge on March 09, 2024, 06:54:32 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on March 09, 2024, 06:51:56 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 09, 2024, 06:35:20 PMChrist there 2 penalties give away, Ireland had the ball with 2 and half minutes to go, can't understand why they didn't grind the clock.

90 secs left and Conor Murray does a 'Conor Murray'. Needs his P45. England unrecognisable there for most of that game. Very impressive, and we were well below par. Some contest

A game riddled with poor errors.  England fully deserving of it .

Man of the match to Jamie Heaslip.  He loaded their guns. 



Heaslip should have any future microphone taken off him and shoved up his hole. That sort of trash talk should be left to the Aussies. It's childish and just pumps up the opposition.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on March 09, 2024, 07:02:08 PM
Quote from: podge on March 09, 2024, 06:54:32 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on March 09, 2024, 06:51:56 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 09, 2024, 06:35:20 PMChrist there 2 penalties give away, Ireland had the ball with 2 and half minutes to go, can't understand why they didn't grind the clock.

90 secs left and Conor Murray does a 'Conor Murray'. Needs his P45. England unrecognisable there for most of that game. Very impressive, and we were well below par. Some contest

A game riddled with poor errors.  England fully deserving of it .

Man of the match to Jamie Heaslip.  He loaded their guns. 



Regardless, the game was lost with that one Murray decision.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on March 09, 2024, 06:45:33 PMComplacency a killer, made average England team look good today. Defeats like that shows why the Irish rugby team struggle to make any impact in the knock out stages of the World cup.

This complacency malarkey.. So a team starts a game complacent (even away to England), have a poor start, go behind etc, does the complacency remain for the entire game or can a team shake it off? Or just have an off day?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Armagh18 on March 09, 2024, 07:02:27 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on March 09, 2024, 06:45:33 PMComplacency a killer, made average England team look good today. Defeats like that shows why the Irish rugby team struggle to make any impact in the knock out stages of the World cup.
No good under pressure usual story.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 09, 2024, 07:03:53 PM
O'Mahony lucky he got his contract a few weeks ago I think and the 6-2 worked against them this time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Aaron Boone on March 09, 2024, 07:24:26 PM
Should be another Championship next week with the home win. 

Not to be sniffed at historically. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on March 09, 2024, 07:28:20 PM
A valuable lesson for Ireland.
It's not that Ireland were complacent, they just need to better handle the underdog throwing everything at them.

I was thinking all week that this was a role reversal.
For a couple of decades when England were clearly the better team, Ireland would go at them like wolves. Making up for the lack of quality with sheer effort.

England nearly did the same to South Africa in October, but the difference was the Saffers squeaked it over the line.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 09, 2024, 07:31:21 PM
No, not at all, England been poor enough all year but always picked it up against us, Normally we be the same but over half the team weren't firing and subs poor. Reality is. when u reading shit like Derek Foley in the Irish Star talking about Grand slams 2 matches out, says alot about the general mentality of the Irish/Dublin Press. Arrogrant f**kers, but hearing that shit all the time. Seeps down into the Irish set up.The all too common term, best team in the world, used all too often by the Dublin press.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Sportacus on March 09, 2024, 08:02:23 PM
Missed a couple of conversions, lost a couple of important lineouts and never hit the heights. A recipe for being pipped at the post.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 09, 2024, 08:03:20 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 09, 2024, 07:31:21 PMNo, not at all, England been poor enough all year but always picked it up against us, Normally we be the same but over half the team weren't firing and subs poor. Reality is. when u reading shit like Derek Foley in the Irish Star talking about Grand slams 2 matches out, says alot about the general mentality of the Irish/Dublin Press. Arrogrant f**kers, but hearing that shit all the time. Seeps down into the Irish set up.The all too common term, best team in the world, used all too often by the Dublin press.

Absolutely zero evidence of this.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gael80 on March 09, 2024, 08:13:10 PM
Disappointing result but it's not surprising. Massive disrespect to England all week, talking about record winning margins etc.

6 Nation team are in transition except Ireland but when England focused and I suspect targeted this game Ireland fell short again. Irish rugby is in a good place, but this Number 1 in the World, winning WC's, guaranteed grand slams and winning margins etc is embarassing.

The reality is Ireland are not as good as the hype suggests.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on March 09, 2024, 08:27:07 PM
England played well above the level expected from them and Ireland played well below the level expected from them and it still took a last minute drop kick to win it for England. It's probably the toughest place to go to and get a result against a team that didn't really have anything to lose. Some of the kicks from Crowley weren't up to the standard he has set in first 3 games but Ford also wasn't too hot either for England. Throw in a couple of HIA substitutions for your in form winger and his replacement it was always going to impact their game plan.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 09, 2024, 08:30:43 PM
Oh I think they are good enough, but there seems to be a awful dose of over confidence. Until they put in a few yrs of not folding in a tight key game the jury always be out on them.In this game here, Ireland were poor but still in a position to win. What the f**k was Connor Murray thinking. Mr Box kick for years and we get f**k all out of it. Not blame players, but seriously, look no further than him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Itchy on March 09, 2024, 08:39:47 PM
Will have to put the DVD on hold now ffs
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on March 09, 2024, 08:51:45 PM
Positives:

1. In all aspects and senses, being able to compete with England at rugby is a marvellous achievement for Ireland. A statistical anomaly.

2. The defeat might usher the Irish mgt into considering that when push comes to shove, having a squad falling down with old timers who've always fallen a little short when it matters, may not be more effective than making room for some fresh legs who only want to make their mark.

3. RTE won't make a documentary next year interviewing the great and the good of Irish rugby about a grand slam.

Negatives.

1. England won.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on March 09, 2024, 08:57:06 PM
Quote from: Gael80 on March 09, 2024, 08:13:10 PMDisappointing result but it's not surprising. Massive disrespect to England all week, talking about record winning margins etc.

6 Nation team are in transition except Ireland but when England focused and I suspect targeted this game Ireland fell short again. Irish rugby is in a good place, but this Number 1 in the World, winning WC's, guaranteed grand slams and winning margins etc is embarassing.

The reality is Ireland are not as good as the hype suggests.

Hype from who though, journalists / media? Just ignore it, they've column inches to fill. I'd say a good most of our big GAA WhatsApp group thought this game would go to the wire, some thought England would sneak it.
Ireland are and have been for a while one of the top 3 teams in the world, they are a very good team. Very good teams lose sometimes, that's the drama of sport
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on March 09, 2024, 08:58:53 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on March 09, 2024, 08:56:41 PMRugby baffles me.
We are a small nation and only a tiny percentage of our population are involved in rugby , often from a relatively privileged background . Despite this we are "the best team in the world".
Let's be honest , rugby is a minority sport, it carries a high risk of serious injury, including due unbelievable cynical  play. It's boring and one dimensional , especially this going through the phases garbage .

Tbf it is very well marketed, especially here , where the Dublin media ( many rugby school educated ) hype it up to an unbelievable extent.

This test match nonsense is an example of this hype . We never produce in the WC and  we've only won a handful of grand slams, yet apparently we're the best team
In the world . Catch a grip🤦🏻.


Having watched every Irish international for years, I hardly watch it anymore including today's nail biter against the "auld enemy "

You do realise rankings and form is fluid?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Champion The Wonder Horse on March 09, 2024, 08:59:41 PM
Better team won, but why gift possession back to England with 90 seconds left?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 09, 2024, 09:06:43 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 09, 2024, 08:51:45 PMPositives:

1. In all aspects and senses, being able to compete with England at rugby is a marvellous achievement for Ireland. A statistical anomaly.

2. The defeat might usher the Irish mgt into considering that when push comes to shove, having a squad falling down with old timers who've always fallen a little short when it matters, may not be more effective than making room for some fresh legs who only want to make their mark.

3. RTE won't make a documentary next year interviewing the great and the good of Irish rugby about a grand slam.

Negatives.

1. England won.
It's not an anomaly. If the GAA ran the 6N, England and France would win everything
Competition is important to the alicadoos so the TV money is spread equally among the 6 unions.
Italy beating Scotland was helped by this policy.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on March 09, 2024, 09:16:17 PM
Quote from: Champion The Wonder Horse on March 09, 2024, 08:59:41 PMBetter team won, but why gift possession back to England with 90 seconds left?
I doubt Ireland had enough power and energy to ruck and recycle it in their own 22 for 90 seconds. England had already been bossing them for a while physically.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Truthsayer on March 09, 2024, 09:46:09 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on March 09, 2024, 09:16:17 PM
Quote from: Champion The Wonder Horse on March 09, 2024, 08:59:41 PMBetter team won, but why gift possession back to England with 90 seconds left?
I doubt Ireland had enough power and energy to ruck and recycle it in their own 22 for 90 seconds. England had already been bossing them for a while physically.

Wouldn't be a ruck, would be a maul with ball in hand... is a difference. Bad decision
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 09, 2024, 10:32:22 PM
Piss easy to do for 90 seconds, Munster been doing it for years
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: galwayman on March 09, 2024, 10:38:48 PM
Quote from: Champion The Wonder Horse on March 09, 2024, 08:59:41 PMBetter team won, but why gift possession back to England with 90 seconds left?
My thoughts were the same at the time.
Ireland usually keep the ball much better than they did today. Albeit they are not usually dominated physically to the extent they were today either.
But it was asking for trouble giving possession back to England given how physically dominant they were - conceding a penalty was always a big possibility and it came to pass.
England were the better side on the day
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 09, 2024, 10:41:56 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 09, 2024, 10:32:22 PMPiss easy to do for 90 seconds, Munster been doing it for years

Piss easy is an over simplification!

It's difficult to keep that ball for 90 seconds in your own half when the other team are in the ascendancy. Having said that the call should have been to hold on to it. Who was Captain at that stage?

POMs yellow was sheer stupidity from someone so experience and epitomised the day!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Bord na Mona man on March 09, 2024, 11:15:07 PM
Quote from: Truthsayer on March 09, 2024, 09:46:09 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on March 09, 2024, 09:16:17 PM
Quote from: Champion The Wonder Horse on March 09, 2024, 08:59:41 PMBetter team won, but why gift possession back to England with 90 seconds left?
I doubt Ireland had enough power and energy to ruck and recycle it in their own 22 for 90 seconds. England had already been bossing them for a while physically.

Wouldn't be a ruck, would be a maul with ball in hand... is a difference. Bad decision
Mauling is even harder to do for that long. At least in a series rucks you get breathers.

Anyway, once England know you can't or won't kick the ball away, they can push practically everybody up to the gain line.   Chances are Ireland would have lost possession or infringed.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Truthsayer on March 09, 2024, 11:24:37 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on March 09, 2024, 11:15:07 PM
Quote from: Truthsayer on March 09, 2024, 09:46:09 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on March 09, 2024, 09:16:17 PM
Quote from: Champion The Wonder Horse on March 09, 2024, 08:59:41 PMBetter team won, but why gift possession back to England with 90 seconds left?
I doubt Ireland had enough power and energy to ruck and recycle it in their own 22 for 90 seconds. England had already been bossing them for a while physically.

Wouldn't be a ruck, would be a maul with ball in hand... is a difference. Bad decision
Mauling is even harder to do for that long. At least in a series rucks you get breathers.

Anyway, once England know you can't or won't kick the ball away, they can push practically everybody up to the gain line.   Chances are Ireland would have lost possession or infringed.


The decision led to defeat... anything else is hypothetical tho when he kicked it, I immediately thought, "wat the hell he do that for?!!"
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: burdizzo on March 09, 2024, 11:48:46 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on March 09, 2024, 08:02:23 PMMissed a couple of conversions, lost a couple of important lineouts and never hit the heights. A recipe for being pipped at the post.

England, I think, missed way more off the tee, no? Also, what's wrong w/ y'r man, Farrell, that he's not playing?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Main Street on March 09, 2024, 11:59:55 PM
Quote from: Truthsayer on March 09, 2024, 11:24:37 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on March 09, 2024, 11:15:07 PM
Quote from: Truthsayer on March 09, 2024, 09:46:09 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on March 09, 2024, 09:16:17 PM
Quote from: Champion The Wonder Horse on March 09, 2024, 08:59:41 PMBetter team won, but why gift possession back to England with 90 seconds left?
I doubt Ireland had enough power and energy to ruck and recycle it in their own 22 for 90 seconds. England had already been bossing them for a while physically.

Wouldn't be a ruck, would be a maul with ball in hand... is a difference. Bad decision
Mauling is even harder to do for that long. At least in a series rucks you get breathers.

Anyway, once England know you can't or won't kick the ball away, they can push practically everybody up to the gain line.  Chances are Ireland would have lost possession or infringed.


The decision led to defeat... anything else is hypothetical tho when he kicked it, I immediately thought, "wat the hell he do that for?!!"
I walked out of room saying that little f'ecker is just going to kick away possession and England are  going to lay siege until they score. It was a brainless choice by Connor Murray



Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on March 10, 2024, 12:23:34 AM
Quote from: burdizzo on March 09, 2024, 11:48:46 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on March 09, 2024, 08:02:23 PMMissed a couple of conversions, lost a couple of important lineouts and never hit the heights. A recipe for being pipped at the post.

England, I think, missed way more off the tee, no? Also, what's wrong w/ y'r man, Farrell, that he's not playing?

Owen Farrell is playing in France now which means England won't pick him.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: mrdeeds on March 10, 2024, 12:49:40 AM
Who actually cares
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: burdizzo on March 10, 2024, 08:32:14 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on March 10, 2024, 12:23:34 AM
Quote from: burdizzo on March 09, 2024, 11:48:46 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on March 09, 2024, 08:02:23 PMMissed a couple of conversions, lost a couple of important lineouts and never hit the heights. A recipe for being pipped at the post.

England, I think, missed way more off the tee, no? Also, what's wrong w/ y'r man, Farrell, that he's not playing?

Owen Farrell is playing in France now which means England won't pick him.

I see. Are they the only ones with such a policy? Ireland used to do it a bit, too, but not when it came to Johnny Sexton?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: GaillimhIarthair on March 10, 2024, 09:26:18 AM
Disappointing performance from Ireland but England thoroughly deserved to win that match yesterday.  Ireland did awful well to put themselves into a winning position late on but a couple of poor decisions cost them dearly.  Not sure O'Mahoney is captain material either, doesn't impress in that role at all.

One positive out of it is that a couple of Irish journalists and pundits will be eating large helpings of humble pie this morning.  Their bravado at times would sicken most people. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Armagh18 on March 10, 2024, 09:36:04 AM
Quote from: 6th sam on March 10, 2024, 09:32:16 AMWhilst on one level, I admire how the IRFU have embraced the professional game , let's consider these facts. Our 3 best players weren't good enough to play for NZ . Even rugby aficionados would say the game is boring and difficult to watch, the enjoyment is in having a few beers and cheering on the green jersey. It's a highly dangerous and often cynical game cf targeting Sexton's head.
It's incredibly over hyped in Ireland by Dublin (rugby schooled)media  . Overseas  players with no apparent Irish connection are coming here as a career move and are taking jerseys from potential home grown talent .
We are brilliant at winning stand alone "test matches " many of dubious significance, but when it comes down to the "clutch" in the really big games eg WC or England in Twickers, we fall short. Could this be because most of our players are either overseas mercenaries ( I accept that appears harsh on great characters who have contributed enormously) or private school privileged?

Fair play to the IRFU for making the most of the rules to get a strong team on the field, and hyping us as "the best team in the world" but Rugby clubs are struggling and Irish players aren't developing . It may seem great to be appearing to be at the top table , but in reality we're really only there because we're playing ringers, and we're still only getting the crumbs . Harsh maybe but that's reality.
Yeah at the end of the day its the posh boys sport, nice to see them do well but won't be losing too much sleep over them not. One good thing is that its an actual all ireland team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 10, 2024, 09:55:25 AM
Quote from: 6th sam on March 10, 2024, 09:32:16 AMCould this be because most of our players are either overseas mercenaries ( I accept that appears harsh on great characters who have contributed enormously) or private school privileged?

No

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on March 10, 2024, 10:27:11 AM
Quote from: Armagh18 on March 10, 2024, 09:36:04 AM
Quote from: 6th sam on March 10, 2024, 09:32:16 AMWhilst on one level, I admire how the IRFU have embraced the professional game , let's consider these facts. Our 3 best players weren't good enough to play for NZ . Even rugby aficionados would say the game is boring and difficult to watch, the enjoyment is in having a few beers and cheering on the green jersey. It's a highly dangerous and often cynical game cf targeting Sexton's head.
It's incredibly over hyped in Ireland by Dublin (rugby schooled)media  . Overseas  players with no apparent Irish connection are coming here as a career move and are taking jerseys from potential home grown talent .
We are brilliant at winning stand alone "test matches " many of dubious significance, but when it comes down to the "clutch" in the really big games eg WC or England in Twickers, we fall short. Could this be because most of our players are either overseas mercenaries ( I accept that appears harsh on great characters who have contributed enormously) or private school privileged?

Fair play to the IRFU for making the most of the rules to get a strong team on the field, and hyping us as "the best team in the world" but Rugby clubs are struggling and Irish players aren't developing . It may seem great to be appearing to be at the top table , but in reality we're really only there because we're playing ringers, and we're still only getting the crumbs . Harsh maybe but that's reality.
Yeah at the end of the day its the posh boys sport, nice to see them do well but won't be losing too much sleep over them not. One good thing is that its an actual all ireland team.

Christ these posts are so Irish... We're good at something on an international level, very very good in fact. So, let's pick holes in it or find ways to bring the team down to earth. The reality is 6th Sam is full of dung. Can he name 1 team not playing overseas players? ... By his logic, well....
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 10, 2024, 10:33:44 AM
Plenty of good old Irish begrudgery and shoulder chippery on display. Never change lads!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gael80 on March 10, 2024, 10:41:25 AM
Quote from: JoG2 on March 10, 2024, 10:27:11 AM
Quote from: Armagh18 on March 10, 2024, 09:36:04 AM
Quote from: 6th sam on March 10, 2024, 09:32:16 AMWhilst on one level, I admire how the IRFU have embraced the professional game , let's consider these facts. Our 3 best players weren't good enough to play for NZ . Even rugby aficionados would say the game is boring and difficult to watch, the enjoyment is in having a few beers and cheering on the green jersey. It's a highly dangerous and often cynical game cf targeting Sexton's head.
It's incredibly over hyped in Ireland by Dublin (rugby schooled)media  . Overseas  players with no apparent Irish connection are coming here as a career move and are taking jerseys from potential home grown talent .
We are brilliant at winning stand alone "test matches " many of dubious significance, but when it comes down to the "clutch" in the really big games eg WC or England in Twickers, we fall short. Could this be because most of our players are either overseas mercenaries ( I accept that appears harsh on great characters who have contributed enormously) or private school privileged?

Fair play to the IRFU for making the most of the rules to get a strong team on the field, and hyping us as "the best team in the world" but Rugby clubs are struggling and Irish players aren't developing . It may seem great to be appearing to be at the top table , but in reality we're really only there because we're playing ringers, and we're still only getting the crumbs . Harsh maybe but that's reality.
Yeah at the end of the day its the posh boys sport, nice to see them do well but won't be losing too much sleep over them not. One good thing is that its an actual all ireland team.

Christ these posts are so Irish... We're good at something on an international level, very very good in fact. So, let's pick holes in it or find ways to bring the team down to earth. The reality is 6th Sam is full of dung. Can he name 1 team not playing overseas players? ... By his logic, well....

To be honest 'bringing the team down to earth' or more to the point bringing Irish rugby down isn't a bad thing. Twice in 6 months they've fell short when the pressure was on or the opposition focused.

We're good at rugby and a championship next week is welcome. This arrogance though across Irish rugby is embarassing and people calling it out are only speaking facts. Enjoy the wins but stop with the arrogance. We're competitive but not far ahead of every other team.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 10, 2024, 10:42:34 AM
Game management failed. The injury to Calvin Nash was really important. They had to keep a forward in reserve- timing it was difficult. Then O'Mahony got sin binned- it wasn't one thing . It was the combination of a few. It was a great match .
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 10, 2024, 11:12:43 AM
Some dung on here! First off, why would the begrudgers even watch a game that they have contempt for in the first place!

And secondly, England were head and shoulders the better team

Ireland got a few things wrong yesterday but could have come away with a win by playing no where near as good as they have been.

Scotland will undoubtedly be well up for the match regardless of the championship, getting bate by Italy will have left a real bad taste in the mouth, be interesting to see how they recover from that defeat.

Winning the championship is all that matters, the grand slam is a bonus

And hopefully Lowry doesn't shit the nest at the Arnold Palmer Invitational  ;)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on March 10, 2024, 11:43:33 AM
There's no begrudger like a GAA begrudger! Especially the 'the best team in the world' muppets. Nobody in rugby circles has called Ireland the best team in the world in the build up to, or during, this Six Nations.

When Aston Villa beat Man City earlier in the season, and played them off the park, nobody suggested Villa are a better team than City, but they were better on the day. We are better than England, we'll finish well ahead of them in the championship, they played very well, we were quite poor, and yet they still only grabbed their fully deserved win by a whisker.

Bit of pressure on now to go beat the Scots, who will also have a lot to prove. Which is good for the 6N, because the 3 previous games had probably been too easy. Extraordinary that if things go well next week, there's a chance Ireland will end up with a 90+ points difference and every other team could have a negative points difference.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tonto1888 on March 10, 2024, 11:45:30 AM
Always disappointing when Ireland lose. Can't understand why some people seem to enjoy it. That said, I'd rather watch NRL when it comes to rugby
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 10, 2024, 12:18:23 PM
Nobody look at the French team over the years.They have the biggest pick and been playing out of towners for years. England were the biggest offender also but somehow Aki and Co the reason why Irish Rubgy clubs are floundering. Right!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 10, 2024, 01:06:56 PM
6 forwards and 2 backs works until it doesn't.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Armagh18 on March 10, 2024, 01:25:49 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on March 10, 2024, 01:04:05 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 10, 2024, 11:12:43 AMSome dung on here! First off, why would the begrudgers even watch a game that they have contempt for in the first place!

And secondly, England were head and shoulders the better team

Ireland got a few things wrong yesterday but could have come away with a win by playing no where near as good as they have been.

Scotland will undoubtedly be well up for the match regardless of the championship, getting bate by Italy will have left a real bad taste in the mouth, be interesting to see how they recover from that defeat.

Winning the championship is all that matters, the grand slam is a bonus

And hopefully Lowry doesn't shit the nest at the Arnold Palmer Invitational  ;)


Who is begrudger?
I watch it because I'm patriotic and want to see my team win.
Same way as I want to see The Irish win at  Cheltenham , McIlroy or Lowry win, Conlon or frampton win.
However that doesn't mean I can't explore reasons for defeat, or constructively criticise.
I've complimented IRFU on how they've made the most of flawed rules, and how they've got their PR right.
Rather than counter my posts by calling them dung , can you actually try and explain how NZers such as Lowe, and private schoolers , can be as hungry for Irish success as others .  Though this may be uncomfortable for some to admit , it's not begrudgery, it's honesty .

I think a major turn-off for me was Lowe's interview after beating NZ in Dublin a few years ago, when he basically was in awe of his home country ( and fair play to him) , and playing for us was second best . Despite all this , he's one of our better players?? International affinity should not be diluted in any sport in my opinion. People on here might not like that, and call it dung but if they actually reflect it's a very fair point .
Agreed.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 10, 2024, 01:35:28 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 10, 2024, 10:33:44 AMPlenty of good old Irish begrudgery and shoulder chippery on display. Never change lads!

When directed at rugby, it usually comes from Celtic fans or GAA people from that occupied six. They don't like rugby because at the elite level it's played by posh boys and prods.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on March 10, 2024, 02:11:21 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 10, 2024, 01:35:28 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 10, 2024, 10:33:44 AMPlenty of good old Irish begrudgery and shoulder chippery on display. Never change lads!

When directed at rugby, it usually comes from Celtic fans or GAA people from that occupied six. They don't like rugby because at the elite level it's played by posh boys and prods.

Nothing to do with prods so pull the other one. Soccer is mostly played by prods here and it's one of my favourite sports.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Pub Bore on March 10, 2024, 02:11:52 PM
No complaints, England were the better team and deserved to win, probably by more than 1 point.  Ireland never really got going mostly because Eng didn't let them.  England won most of the physical battles.  A lot made of Murray's decision to kick near the end, maybe he thought the forwards were fcuked and might give away a pen trying to stick it up their jumper?  A poor kick, though, and he wasn't good after he came on. O' Mahony was poor too, and put the tin hat on it with a brainless yellow.

Fair play to Italy, should have bate France and could have bate England.  Their U20s are having a great 6N too.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 10, 2024, 02:51:20 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on March 10, 2024, 02:11:21 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 10, 2024, 01:35:28 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 10, 2024, 10:33:44 AMPlenty of good old Irish begrudgery and shoulder chippery on display. Never change lads!

When directed at rugby, it usually comes from Celtic fans or GAA people from that occupied six. They don't like rugby because at the elite level it's played by posh boys and prods.

Nothing to do with prods so pull the other one. Soccer is mostly played by prods here and it's one of my favourite sports.
Just the poshos then?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: RedHand88 on March 10, 2024, 03:23:52 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 10, 2024, 02:51:20 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on March 10, 2024, 02:11:21 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 10, 2024, 01:35:28 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 10, 2024, 10:33:44 AMPlenty of good old Irish begrudgery and shoulder chippery on display. Never change lads!

When directed at rugby, it usually comes from Celtic fans or GAA people from that occupied six. They don't like rugby because at the elite level it's played by posh boys and prods.

Nothing to do with prods so pull the other one. Soccer is mostly played by prods here and it's one of my favourite sports.
Just the poshos then?

Me disliking it is nothing to do with the fact that it's mostly protestants that play it. I do not care what religion plays it.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 10, 2024, 03:32:02 PM
This Wales France game is great
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on March 10, 2024, 04:05:50 PM
Should that not have been a double movement for last Welsh try?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: nrico2006 on March 10, 2024, 04:30:48 PM
Residency etc. shouldn't be allowed in rugby. Although not perfect, something similar to footballs qualification rules should be applied.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: weareros on March 10, 2024, 04:36:54 PM
Strong finish by the French. They have that bit of class that makes rugby fun to watch.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 10, 2024, 04:37:57 PM
Did you support Big Jack during those glory years for the Irish team (well not entirely Irish)

International teams in all sports are using outsiders, providing its within the rules then that's ok.

These players come to Ireland and play for Irish clubs, have or start families, their kids go to Irish schools and they put down roots here, in Ireland.


They play with pride and put as much effort into it than paddy Joe from Offaly.

What him (Lowe) being one of Irelands better players has got to do with your point I've no idea. Sexton was Irelands better player for nearly a decade. O'Driscoll the decade before that and so on.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tonto1888 on March 10, 2024, 05:28:42 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 10, 2024, 01:35:28 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 10, 2024, 10:33:44 AMPlenty of good old Irish begrudgery and shoulder chippery on display. Never change lads!

When directed at rugby, it usually comes from Celtic fans or GAA people from that occupied six. They don't like rugby because at the elite level it's played by posh boys and prods.

Or maybe they don't like it because it's a boring sport that comes with so much media nonsense??
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 10, 2024, 05:45:29 PM
Boring,? U watch much soccer?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on March 10, 2024, 06:07:41 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on March 10, 2024, 01:25:49 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on March 10, 2024, 01:04:05 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 10, 2024, 11:12:43 AMSome dung on here! First off, why would the begrudgers even watch a game that they have contempt for in the first place!

And secondly, England were head and shoulders the better team

Ireland got a few things wrong yesterday but could have come away with a win by playing no where near as good as they have been.

Scotland will undoubtedly be well up for the match regardless of the championship, getting bate by Italy will have left a real bad taste in the mouth, be interesting to see how they recover from that defeat.

Winning the championship is all that matters, the grand slam is a bonus

And hopefully Lowry doesn't shit the nest at the Arnold Palmer Invitational  ;)


Who is begrudger?
I watch it because I'm patriotic and want to see my team win.
Same way as I want to see The Irish win at  Cheltenham , McIlroy or Lowry win, Conlon or frampton win.
However that doesn't mean I can't explore reasons for defeat, or constructively criticise.
I've complimented IRFU on how they've made the most of flawed rules, and how they've got their PR right.
Rather than counter my posts by calling them dung , can you actually try and explain how NZers such as Lowe, and private schoolers , can be as hungry for Irish success as others .  Though this may be uncomfortable for some to admit , it's not begrudgery, it's honesty .

I think a major turn-off for me was Lowe's interview after beating NZ in Dublin a few years ago, when he basically was in awe of his home country ( and fair play to him) , and playing for us was second best . Despite all this , he's one of our better players?? International affinity should not be diluted in any sport in my opinion. People on here might not like that, and call it dung but if they actually reflect it's a very fair point .
Agreed.

I'm assuming you boys tut tutted your way through Italia 90 and USA 94 etc (age depending of course)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on March 10, 2024, 06:13:34 PM
Conor Murray kicked the ball away. Why? O'Mahoney lost his discipline and took a cheap yellow. Crowley isn't a great kicker.  Two huge moments that cost Ireland. Interesting to see how it's reported in the Munster v Leinster media.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tonto1888 on March 10, 2024, 06:56:24 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on March 10, 2024, 06:24:57 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 10, 2024, 04:37:57 PMDid you support Big Jack during those glory years for the Irish team (well not entirely Irish)

International teams in all sports are using outsiders, providing its within the rules then that's ok.

These players come to Ireland and play for Irish clubs, have or start families, their kids go to Irish schools and they put down roots here, in Ireland.


They play with pride and put as much effort into it than paddy Joe from Offaly.

What him being one of Irelands better players has got to do with your point I've no idea. Sexton was Irelands better player for nearly a decade. O'Driscoll the decade before that and so on.

Since u asked. With the exception of carcarino's alleged dodgy Irish connection, all Jack's team were Irish. Ray Houghton is amongst many Glaswegians with a strong sense of irishness because many of their ancestors had to go from Donegal to Scotland or starve . Kevin kilbane and mick McCarthy are examples of people born in the North of England who consider themselves Irish. Kilbane though he has a Yorkshire accent, famously rejected the chance to play for England

Irish Rugby exiled Simon Zebo because he wanted to go to France , yet availed of james Lowe , a clearly proud NZer, with no Irish connection , to effectively take Zebo's place.

I question the authenticity of that , and I'm a celtic supporting , GAA begrudger talking dung . 😂😂😂 .
Gallsman ( presumably a GAA himself) inexplicably drags in sectarianism, when one of my main complaints is that lads at state schools in the north are being deprived of opportunities for Ulster and ireland due to elite rugby tourism .
I'll admit, as I've experience of it, that I've no time for the nonsense around the privileged private school culture in Leinster .

Ultimately the IRFU much like jack Charlton , gathered the best possible team together within the rules. Jack Charlton tapped into the diaspora which in my view is more authentically Irish than Rugby tourism. Soccer is clearly the most popular Sport in the world . Rugby isn't even in the top 3 sports in Ireland . Do I like the fact that rugby is given an elevated status by the Dublin media , No. Do I like that Ulster is poorly represented in the Irish team , No. Do I like the deliberate targetting of concussion vulnerable players, No. Do I like the privileged culture of private education , No. Do I think proud NZers should represent Ireland ahead of an Irishman , No. do I support ireland , yes.


I'd like those that call that begrudgery to explain how they feel about the points above .

Posters on here regularly complain about boring play in Gaelic football, about  Dublin GAA's privileged position , or about Shane Walsh's transfer to kilmacud, or about Irish Soccer's woes , but we dare to criticise the sacred cow/darling of the media , that is Rugby , and we're talking dung. I find that hilarious tbh

Excellent post
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LC on March 10, 2024, 07:06:43 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on March 10, 2024, 09:32:16 AMWhilst on one level, I admire how the IRFU have embraced the professional game , let's consider these facts. Our 3 best players weren't good enough to play for NZ . Even rugby aficionados would say the game is boring and difficult to watch, the enjoyment is in having a few beers and cheering on the green jersey. It's a highly dangerous and often cynical game cf targeting Sexton's head.
It's incredibly over hyped in Ireland by Dublin (rugby schooled)media . Overseas  players with no apparent Irish connection are coming here as a career move and are taking jerseys from potential home grown talent .
We are brilliant at winning stand alone "test matches " many of dubious significance, but when it comes down to the "clutch" in the really big games eg WC or England in Twickers, we fall short. Could this be because most of our players are either overseas mercenaries ( I accept that appears harsh on great characters who have contributed enormously) or private school privileged?

Fair play to the IRFU for making the most of the rules to get a strong team on the field, and hyping us as "the best team in the world" but Rugby clubs are struggling and Irish players aren't developing . It may seem great to be appearing to be at the top table , but in reality we're really only there because we're playing ringers, and we're still only getting the crumbs . Harsh maybe but that's reality.

+1

Fair play to Pat Spillane post last years World Cup calling bullsh@t on Johnny Sextons retirement statement (no doubt prepared by some PR Agency). We lost but we won, what a load of tosh.

Could you imagine a manager of even a Junior B team standing up at the club convention saying guys don't worry I know we got knocked out at the semi-final championship but deep down I believe we won.

He would be laughed out of the room and rightfully so.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on March 10, 2024, 07:42:26 PM
For the life of me I can't understand why people get heated because certain journalists talk up a certain team / sportsperson. And then almost want the team / sportsperson to fail to, well rub it up the journalist/s..? Switch off and don't read the articles
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on March 10, 2024, 08:18:01 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on March 10, 2024, 06:24:57 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 10, 2024, 04:37:57 PMDid you support Big Jack during those glory years for the Irish team (well not entirely Irish)

International teams in all sports are using outsiders, providing its within the rules then that's ok.

These players come to Ireland and play for Irish clubs, have or start families, their kids go to Irish schools and they put down roots here, in Ireland.


They play with pride and put as much effort into it than paddy Joe from Offaly.

What him being one of Irelands better players has got to do with your point I've no idea. Sexton was Irelands better player for nearly a decade. O'Driscoll the decade before that and so on.

Since u asked. With the exception of carcarino's alleged dodgy Irish connection, all Jack's team were Irish. Ray Houghton is amongst many Glaswegians with a strong sense of irishness because many of their ancestors had to go from Donegal to Scotland or starve . Kevin kilbane and mick McCarthy are examples of people born in the North of England who consider themselves Irish. Kilbane though he has a Yorkshire accent, famously rejected the chance to play for England

Irish Rugby exiled Simon Zebo because he wanted to go to France , yet availed of james Lowe , a clearly proud NZer, with no Irish connection , to effectively take Zebo's place.

I question the authenticity of that , and I'm a celtic supporting , GAA begrudger talking dung . 😂😂😂 .
Gallsman ( presumably a GAA himself) inexplicably drags in sectarianism, when one of my main complaints is that lads at state schools in the north are being deprived of opportunities for Ulster and ireland due to elite rugby tourism .
I'll admit, as I've experience of it, that I've no time for the nonsense around the privileged private school culture in Leinster .

Ultimately the IRFU much like jack Charlton , gathered the best possible team together within the rules. Jack Charlton tapped into the diaspora which in my view is more authentically Irish than Rugby tourism. Soccer is clearly the most popular Sport in the world . Rugby isn't even in the top 3 sports in Ireland . Do I like the fact that rugby is given an elevated status by the Dublin media , No. Do I like that Ulster is poorly represented in the Irish team , No. Do I like the deliberate targetting of concussion vulnerable players, No. Do I like the privileged culture of private education , No. Do I think proud NZers should represent Ireland ahead of an Irishman , No. do I support ireland , yes.


I'd like those that call that begrudgery to explain how they feel about the points above .

Posters on here regularly complain about boring play in Gaelic football, about  Dublin GAA's privileged position , or about Shane Walsh's transfer to kilmacud, or about Irish Soccer's woes , but we dare to criticise the sacred cow/darling of the media , that is Rugby , and we're talking dung. I find that hilarious tbh
Kevin Kilbane is a complete spoofer,  but I agree he has always seen himself as Irish. But can you please elaborate on how he 'famously' turned down England? (Given he would never have been anywhere near a senior England team had he been truly English)

Andy Townsend and John Aldridge are two players who never let Ireland down, always gave 100%. But would undoubtedly have chosen England had we not nabbed them before they became top players in the top division.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: nrico2006 on March 10, 2024, 08:26:21 PM
Quote from: Hound on March 10, 2024, 08:18:01 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on March 10, 2024, 06:24:57 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 10, 2024, 04:37:57 PMDid you support Big Jack during those glory years for the Irish team (well not entirely Irish)

International teams in all sports are using outsiders, providing its within the rules then that's ok.

These players come to Ireland and play for Irish clubs, have or start families, their kids go to Irish schools and they put down roots here, in Ireland.


They play with pride and put as much effort into it than paddy Joe from Offaly.

What him being one of Irelands better players has got to do with your point I've no idea. Sexton was Irelands better player for nearly a decade. O'Driscoll the decade before that and so on.

Since u asked. With the exception of carcarino's alleged dodgy Irish connection, all Jack's team were Irish. Ray Houghton is amongst many Glaswegians with a strong sense of irishness because many of their ancestors had to go from Donegal to Scotland or starve . Kevin kilbane and mick McCarthy are examples of people born in the North of England who consider themselves Irish. Kilbane though he has a Yorkshire accent, famously rejected the chance to play for England

Irish Rugby exiled Simon Zebo because he wanted to go to France , yet availed of james Lowe , a clearly proud NZer, with no Irish connection , to effectively take Zebo's place.

I question the authenticity of that , and I'm a celtic supporting , GAA begrudger talking dung . 😂😂😂 .
Gallsman ( presumably a GAA himself) inexplicably drags in sectarianism, when one of my main complaints is that lads at state schools in the north are being deprived of opportunities for Ulster and ireland due to elite rugby tourism .
I'll admit, as I've experience of it, that I've no time for the nonsense around the privileged private school culture in Leinster .

Ultimately the IRFU much like jack Charlton , gathered the best possible team together within the rules. Jack Charlton tapped into the diaspora which in my view is more authentically Irish than Rugby tourism. Soccer is clearly the most popular Sport in the world . Rugby isn't even in the top 3 sports in Ireland . Do I like the fact that rugby is given an elevated status by the Dublin media , No. Do I like that Ulster is poorly represented in the Irish team , No. Do I like the deliberate targetting of concussion vulnerable players, No. Do I like the privileged culture of private education , No. Do I think proud NZers should represent Ireland ahead of an Irishman , No. do I support ireland , yes.


I'd like those that call that begrudgery to explain how they feel about the points above .

Posters on here regularly complain about boring play in Gaelic football, about  Dublin GAA's privileged position , or about Shane Walsh's transfer to kilmacud, or about Irish Soccer's woes , but we dare to criticise the sacred cow/darling of the media , that is Rugby , and we're talking dung. I find that hilarious tbh
Kevin Kilbane is a complete spoofer,  but I agree he has always seen himself as Irish. But can you please elaborate on how he 'famously' turned down England? (Given he would never have been anywhere near a senior England team had he been truly English)

Andy Townsend and John Aldridge are two players who never let Ireland down, always gave 100%. But would undoubtedly have chosen England had we not nabbed them before they became top players in the top division.

I doubt any player born in England would pick Ireland over England.

Kilbane has always referenced turning England down at under-age, which is convenient as its never going to be something that can easily be proved/disproved.

What doesn't make sense is why he wasn't being picked for Ireland youth teams at the time. If he was getting called up for England, he surely would have been on the corresponding Ireland teams.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hound on March 10, 2024, 08:37:39 PM
Quote from: 6th sam on March 10, 2024, 08:18:42 PMBecause it's not a "certain team" ,it's my team, my country. I don't want to see them lose , and hit the roof when james Lowe scored the try to put us in front, but I'm not afraid to be honest about rugby's many deficiencies. RTE and the Dublin 4 media, hype rugby up disproportionately and without question. That isn't good for rugby and it's not good for Irish sport .
We didn't deliver in the WC again. We had a chance to partly rectify that with back to back grand slams but couldn't deliver against the "auld enemy " when it counted.
Its a cliché but sport is a "game of inches". And when u have to find those inches you need hungry warriors on the pitch . It's an indictment that the 3 hungriest looking Irish players yesterday were NZers. Unpalatable but a reasonable opinion?
We lost in the WC, because NZ were a small fraction better than us. Nobody with any intelligence could deny that the best 4 teams in that competition were SAF, NZ, France and Ireland. Even though only two of them got to the semis. We have failed at previous world cups, but we didn't underperform at this one. Played really well and lost to a team a little bit better on the day. Mistakes were made of course, as happens to every team in every game, but overall we performed.
Correlating it to completely different Ireland teams actually underperforming at prior world cups is an absolute nonsense.

No team has ever won back to back grand slams in Six Nations history. Not a single one. There have been very good England, France and Wales teams who have won grand slams and were thought to be favourites to do 2 in a row. None have. Because it's hard. Two championships in a row will be impressive, but only if they do it. The Scots hate us and certainly won't lie down.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 10, 2024, 08:55:03 PM
Didn't deliver in the World cup,look that's the problem, the part time supporter not knowing the real layout of the land in Rugby. France was the most heavy favoured team to win on home Ground, then South Africa, followed by Ireland and New Zealand.The top 4 ,there was very little between them and that showed in games. Had Ireland actually been playing at home like France, then they would have been the favourites. The only people saying we were favourites is the Dublin media and people who knew f**k all about Rugby.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 10, 2024, 09:02:18 PM
England got beat by Scotland the other week, Scotland got murdered against us in The world cup. I fair say we were well ahead England at the time with Sexton on board.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on March 10, 2024, 10:49:07 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 10, 2024, 08:55:03 PMDidn't deliver in the World cup,look that's the problem, the part time supporter not knowing the real layout of the land in Rugby. France was the most heavy favoured team to win on home Ground, then South Africa, followed by Ireland and New Zealand.The top 4 ,there was very little between them and that showed in games. Had Ireland actually been playing at home like France, then they would have been the favourites. The only people saying we were favourites is the Dublin media and people who knew f**k all about Rugby.

Ah you're fully bought in. Fair play to you.

The layout of the land is that Ireland has a unique advantage in international rugby whereby our international team absolutely trumps the needs of club rugby.

It provides us a genuine advantage in that our players our better rested and more closely coached for the international game.

But 20 odd years on we haven't come close to realising this advantage. We use it to build focused teams instead of competitive squads.

As a policy it leaves Ireland as sitting ducks. No matter how well drilled Ireland become - and by God are we well drilled - everyone knows what's coming.

And unless we find a couple of unplayable types like  O'Driscoll at once, then it counts against us.

——

On this note. Murray should have been retired from Ireland duty a decade ago.

By accident or design - and honestly I still don't know which - the predominant feature of his game has been shite box kicking. Nobody else does this at this level. Because it's shite, pointless rugby, unless it comes as a surprise.


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 10, 2024, 10:53:19 PM
Not bought in, know that other countries above us have bigger picks, Ireland only pick from 4 provincial teams, or 2 and 2 halfs giving the limited no u get from Ulster/Connacht. France have a top 14, England alot more teams Also. Both South Africa and New Zealand big pick as its their national sport. Ireland only advantage is its well run.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on March 10, 2024, 11:28:47 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 10, 2024, 10:53:19 PMNot bought in, know that other countries above us have bigger picks, Ireland only pick from 4 provincial teams, or 2 and 2 halfs giving the limited no u get from Ulster/Connacht. France have a top 14, England alot more teams Also. Both South Africa and New Zealand big pick as its their national sport. Ireland only advantage is its well run.

Believe it or not, you're mostly echoing my point.

England, SA, France, NZ. They don't have first call on their players all year round. Which means they're more likely to experiment with players and playing styles in reaction to what's available.

Ireland don't do this, ever, when playing a tier 1 nation. It's a case of playing the tried and tested, and when they inevitably win more battles than they lose in years 1-4, then those players become both undroppable and predictable.

Meanwhile, after 4 weeks of a pre RWC camp, and 4 weeks of groups stages in an RWC, the big teams have found 8 weeks to finally lock in on something. And at the same time likely have a few outliers and game changers hanging around their squad. All Ireland has at this point is tired legs in their first XV, and a second XV who know they're second choice and play like second choice


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on March 10, 2024, 11:33:46 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 10, 2024, 10:49:07 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 10, 2024, 08:55:03 PMDidn't deliver in the World cup,look that's the problem, the part time supporter not knowing the real layout of the land in Rugby. France was the most heavy favoured team to win on home Ground, then South Africa, followed by Ireland and New Zealand.The top 4 ,there was very little between them and that showed in games. Had Ireland actually been playing at home like France, then they would have been the favourites. The only people saying we were favourites is the Dublin media and people who knew f**k all about Rugby.

Ah you're fully bought in. Fair play to you.

The layout of the land is that Ireland has a unique advantage in international rugby whereby our international team absolutely trumps the needs of club rugby.

It provides us a genuine advantage in that our players our better rested and more closely coached for the international game.

But 20 odd years on we haven't come close to realising this advantage. We use it to build focused teams instead of competitive squads.

As a policy it leaves Ireland as sitting ducks. No matter how well drilled Ireland become - and by God are we well drilled - everyone knows what's coming.

And unless we find a couple of unplayable types like  O'Driscoll at once, then it counts against us.

——

On this note. Murray should have been retired from Ireland duty a decade ago.

By accident or design - and honestly I still don't know which - the predominant feature of his game has been shite box kicking. Nobody else does this at this level. Because it's shite, pointless rugby, unless it comes as a surprise.




Yes, we've 4 club teams to pick from, how we haven't realised the advantage of having these players well rested and drilled against the other big hitters with a much bigger pick I'll never know too. Bigger pick = a much better chance of generational talents coming to the fore. Ireland's play is vastly different than under JS. The other top teams, you don't know what to expect playing wise or is it an on the day surprise?

Agree on Murray
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tonto1888 on March 11, 2024, 07:33:59 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 10, 2024, 05:45:29 PMBoring,? U watch much soccer?

yes. It is boring but less boring than rugby union
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trileacman on March 11, 2024, 11:21:04 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 10, 2024, 10:49:07 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 10, 2024, 08:55:03 PMDidn't deliver in the World cup,look that's the problem, the part time supporter not knowing the real layout of the land in Rugby. France was the most heavy favoured team to win on home Ground, then South Africa, followed by Ireland and New Zealand.The top 4 ,there was very little between them and that showed in games. Had Ireland actually been playing at home like France, then they would have been the favourites. The only people saying we were favourites is the Dublin media and people who knew f**k all about Rugby.

Ah you're fully bought in. Fair play to you.

The layout of the land is that Ireland has a unique advantage in international rugby whereby our international team absolutely trumps the needs of club rugby.

It provides us a genuine advantage in that our players our better rested and more closely coached for the international game.

But 20 odd years on we haven't come close to realising this advantage. We use it to build focused teams instead of competitive squads.

As a policy it leaves Ireland as sitting ducks. No matter how well drilled Ireland become - and by God are we well drilled - everyone knows what's coming.

And unless we find a couple of unplayable types like  O'Driscoll at once, then it counts against us.

——

On this note. Murray should have been retired from Ireland duty a decade ago.

By accident or design - and honestly I still don't know which - the predominant feature of his game has been shite box kicking. Nobody else does this at this level. Because it's shite, pointless rugby, unless it comes as a surprise.


Don't think this is true at all. Before the professional era Ireland were behind both Scotland and Wales in terms of success. We were miles behind England. Now at club level and international level we are blitzing all 3 of those sides. The idea that we are sacrificing club rugby to boost the national team is simply not supported by the facts.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on March 11, 2024, 12:04:43 PM
Quote from: trileacman on March 11, 2024, 11:21:04 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 10, 2024, 10:49:07 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 10, 2024, 08:55:03 PMDidn't deliver in the World cup,look that's the problem, the part time supporter not knowing the real layout of the land in Rugby. France was the most heavy favoured team to win on home Ground, then South Africa, followed by Ireland and New Zealand.The top 4 ,there was very little between them and that showed in games. Had Ireland actually been playing at home like France, then they would have been the favourites. The only people saying we were favourites is the Dublin media and people who knew f**k all about Rugby.

Ah you're fully bought in. Fair play to you.

The layout of the land is that Ireland has a unique advantage in international rugby whereby our international team absolutely trumps the needs of club rugby.

It provides us a genuine advantage in that our players our better rested and more closely coached for the international game.

But 20 odd years on we haven't come close to realising this advantage. We use it to build focused teams instead of competitive squads.

As a policy it leaves Ireland as sitting ducks. No matter how well drilled Ireland become - and by God are we well drilled - everyone knows what's coming.

And unless we find a couple of unplayable types like  O'Driscoll at once, then it counts against us.

——

On this note. Murray should have been retired from Ireland duty a decade ago.

By accident or design - and honestly I still don't know which - the predominant feature of his game has been shite box kicking. Nobody else does this at this level. Because it's shite, pointless rugby, unless it comes as a surprise.


Don't think this is true at all. Before the professional era Ireland were behind both Scotland and Wales in terms of success. We were miles behind England. Now at club level and international level we are blitzing all 3 of those sides. The idea that we are sacrificing club rugby to boost the national team is simply not supported by the facts.

This is true at professional club level where they have 4 teams.
The Amateur game is dead.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 11, 2024, 01:06:19 PM
Quote from: trailer on March 11, 2024, 12:04:43 PM
Quote from: trileacman on March 11, 2024, 11:21:04 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 10, 2024, 10:49:07 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 10, 2024, 08:55:03 PMDidn't deliver in the World cup,look that's the problem, the part time supporter not knowing the real layout of the land in Rugby. France was the most heavy favoured team to win on home Ground, then South Africa, followed by Ireland and New Zealand.The top 4 ,there was very little between them and that showed in games. Had Ireland actually been playing at home like France, then they would have been the favourites. The only people saying we were favourites is the Dublin media and people who knew f**k all about Rugby.

Ah you're fully bought in. Fair play to you.

The layout of the land is that Ireland has a unique advantage in international rugby whereby our international team absolutely trumps the needs of club rugby.

It provides us a genuine advantage in that our players our better rested and more closely coached for the international game.

But 20 odd years on we haven't come close to realising this advantage. We use it to build focused teams instead of competitive squads.

As a policy it leaves Ireland as sitting ducks. No matter how well drilled Ireland become - and by God are we well drilled - everyone knows what's coming.

And unless we find a couple of unplayable types like  O'Driscoll at once, then it counts against us.

——

On this note. Murray should have been retired from Ireland duty a decade ago.

By accident or design - and honestly I still don't know which - the predominant feature of his game has been shite box kicking. Nobody else does this at this level. Because it's shite, pointless rugby, unless it comes as a surprise.


Don't think this is true at all. Before the professional era Ireland were behind both Scotland and Wales in terms of success. We were miles behind England. Now at club level and international level we are blitzing all 3 of those sides. The idea that we are sacrificing club rugby to boost the national team is simply not supported by the facts.

This is true at professional club level where they have 4 teams.
The Amateur game is dead.
It's not dead but the supporter base isn't there to get it off life support. I go to City of Armagh home matches when I can and their AIL 1A matches are "relatively" well supported, but even that's in the hundreds (official capacity is 1000).
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on March 11, 2024, 01:09:04 PM
All this chatter reminds me a bit of Armagh fans in the 2000s thinking Ulster Championships were getting worth less and less because we were winning them regularly but not winning more AIs. Now 6 Nations titles seem a less valuable currency - why is that? Some of those blaming the Dublin media for being arrogant gobshites are guilty of something pretty similar by decrying 6N titles because we haven't won a World Cup.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: yellowcard on March 11, 2024, 01:23:36 PM
Quote from: tonto1888 on March 11, 2024, 07:33:59 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 10, 2024, 05:45:29 PMBoring,? U watch much soccer?

yes. It is boring but less boring than rugby union

Rugby is a game based primarily on physical strength and brute force. There can't be many sports where the level of technical skill required is much lesser than rugby. Massive amounts of hype, sponsorship and clever marketing shouldn't cover up that fact. The reality is that for an awful lot of supporters it's just about the big occasion rather than the actual game itself. Otherwise the game would be flourishing at club level. I'd say the majority of people tuning in for the big internationals watch very little, if any rugby in between.

Soccer can be boring but the balance is much more towards technical ability rather than physical attributes.

   
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: trailer on March 11, 2024, 01:42:18 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 11, 2024, 01:06:19 PM
Quote from: trailer on March 11, 2024, 12:04:43 PM
Quote from: trileacman on March 11, 2024, 11:21:04 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 10, 2024, 10:49:07 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 10, 2024, 08:55:03 PMDidn't deliver in the World cup,look that's the problem, the part time supporter not knowing the real layout of the land in Rugby. France was the most heavy favoured team to win on home Ground, then South Africa, followed by Ireland and New Zealand.The top 4 ,there was very little between them and that showed in games. Had Ireland actually been playing at home like France, then they would have been the favourites. The only people saying we were favourites is the Dublin media and people who knew f**k all about Rugby.

Ah you're fully bought in. Fair play to you.

The layout of the land is that Ireland has a unique advantage in international rugby whereby our international team absolutely trumps the needs of club rugby.

It provides us a genuine advantage in that our players our better rested and more closely coached for the international game.

But 20 odd years on we haven't come close to realising this advantage. We use it to build focused teams instead of competitive squads.

As a policy it leaves Ireland as sitting ducks. No matter how well drilled Ireland become - and by God are we well drilled - everyone knows what's coming.

And unless we find a couple of unplayable types like  O'Driscoll at once, then it counts against us.

——

On this note. Murray should have been retired from Ireland duty a decade ago.

By accident or design - and honestly I still don't know which - the predominant feature of his game has been shite box kicking. Nobody else does this at this level. Because it's shite, pointless rugby, unless it comes as a surprise.


Don't think this is true at all. Before the professional era Ireland were behind both Scotland and Wales in terms of success. We were miles behind England. Now at club level and international level we are blitzing all 3 of those sides. The idea that we are sacrificing club rugby to boost the national team is simply not supported by the facts.

This is true at professional club level where they have 4 teams.
The Amateur game is dead.
It's not dead but the supporter base isn't there to get it off life support. I go to City of Armagh home matches when I can and their AIL 1A matches are "relatively" well supported, but even that's in the hundreds (official capacity is 1000).

Used to go with my Dad and watch Dungannon years ago. Would have been a few thousand at them games. Now you'd be lucky to get 150.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Ed Ricketts on March 11, 2024, 05:01:07 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on March 11, 2024, 01:23:36 PM
Quote from: tonto1888 on March 11, 2024, 07:33:59 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 10, 2024, 05:45:29 PMBoring,? U watch much soccer?

yes. It is boring but less boring than rugby union

Rugby is a game based primarily on physical strength and brute force. There can't be many sports where the level of technical skill required is much lesser than rugby. Massive amounts of hype, sponsorship and clever marketing shouldn't cover up that fact. The reality is that for an awful lot of supporters it's just about the big occasion rather than the actual game itself. Otherwise the game would be flourishing at club level. I'd say the majority of people tuning in for the big internationals watch very little, if any rugby in between.

Soccer can be boring but the balance is much more towards technical ability rather than physical attributes.

Is that phenomenon really unique to rugby in Ireland? What percentage of Irish soccer viewers are making their way to Oriel, the Brandywell, or the Showgrounds of a Friday evening?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on March 11, 2024, 05:10:43 PM
Quote from: Ed Ricketts on March 11, 2024, 05:01:07 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on March 11, 2024, 01:23:36 PM
Quote from: tonto1888 on March 11, 2024, 07:33:59 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 10, 2024, 05:45:29 PMBoring,? U watch much soccer?

yes. It is boring but less boring than rugby union

Rugby is a game based primarily on physical strength and brute force. There can't be many sports where the level of technical skill required is much lesser than rugby. Massive amounts of hype, sponsorship and clever marketing shouldn't cover up that fact. The reality is that for an awful lot of supporters it's just about the big occasion rather than the actual game itself. Otherwise the game would be flourishing at club level. I'd say the majority of people tuning in for the big internationals watch very little, if any rugby in between.

Soccer can be boring but the balance is much more towards technical ability rather than physical attributes.

Is that phenomenon really unique to rugby in Ireland? What percentage of Irish soccer viewers are making their way to Oriel, the Brandywell, or the Showgrounds of a Friday evening?

There was over 3,500 in attendance at the Showgrounds on Saturday. A decent crowd! People from all over the north west in local soccer club jackets, jerseys etc. Soccer is growing a phenomenal level. And attendances in the domestic game are up year on year. 

Mayo FC is up and running and it is hoped they will play in the League of Ireland in years to come.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: yellowcard on March 11, 2024, 06:40:09 PM
Quote from: Ed Ricketts on March 11, 2024, 05:01:07 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on March 11, 2024, 01:23:36 PM
Quote from: tonto1888 on March 11, 2024, 07:33:59 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 10, 2024, 05:45:29 PMBoring,? U watch much soccer?

yes. It is boring but less boring than rugby union

Rugby is a game based primarily on physical strength and brute force. There can't be many sports where the level of technical skill required is much lesser than rugby. Massive amounts of hype, sponsorship and clever marketing shouldn't cover up that fact. The reality is that for an awful lot of supporters it's just about the big occasion rather than the actual game itself. Otherwise the game would be flourishing at club level. I'd say the majority of people tuning in for the big internationals watch very little, if any rugby in between.

Soccer can be boring but the balance is much more towards technical ability rather than physical attributes.

Is that phenomenon really unique to rugby in Ireland? What percentage of Irish soccer viewers are making their way to Oriel, the Brandywell, or the Showgrounds of a Friday evening?

The League of Ireland is in a much better place than it has been in a long time. Attendances are up across the board and it is much more authentic than what you see in the big League across the water. No doubt there are plenty who just follow the big English sides but as a proportion I'd say there are significantly more LOI match going fans following the Irish soccer side than AIL fans following Irish rugby.   

https://www.extratime.com/articles/32963/loi-attendances-2024---growing-pains-in-the-league-of-irelands-increase-in-popularity/

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on March 11, 2024, 06:43:54 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on March 11, 2024, 06:40:09 PM
Quote from: Ed Ricketts on March 11, 2024, 05:01:07 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on March 11, 2024, 01:23:36 PM
Quote from: tonto1888 on March 11, 2024, 07:33:59 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 10, 2024, 05:45:29 PMBoring,? U watch much soccer?

yes. It is boring but less boring than rugby union

Rugby is a game based primarily on physical strength and brute force. There can't be many sports where the level of technical skill required is much lesser than rugby. Massive amounts of hype, sponsorship and clever marketing shouldn't cover up that fact. The reality is that for an awful lot of supporters it's just about the big occasion rather than the actual game itself. Otherwise the game would be flourishing at club level. I'd say the majority of people tuning in for the big internationals watch very little, if any rugby in between.

Soccer can be boring but the balance is much more towards technical ability rather than physical attributes.

Is that phenomenon really unique to rugby in Ireland? What percentage of Irish soccer viewers are making their way to Oriel, the Brandywell, or the Showgrounds of a Friday evening?

The League of Ireland is in a much better place than it has been in a long time. Attendances are up across the board and it is much more authentic than what you see in the big League across the water. No doubt there are plenty who just follow the big English sides but as a proportion I'd say there are significantly more LOI match going fans following the Irish soccer side than AIL fans following Irish rugby.   

https://www.extratime.com/articles/32963/loi-attendances-2024---growing-pains-in-the-league-of-irelands-increase-in-popularity/



Yes, paid professional soccer players / clubs. Do the 4 professional rugby clubs pull in bigger crowds the the entire LOI combined?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: yellowcard on March 11, 2024, 06:53:19 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on March 11, 2024, 06:43:54 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on March 11, 2024, 06:40:09 PM
Quote from: Ed Ricketts on March 11, 2024, 05:01:07 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on March 11, 2024, 01:23:36 PM
Quote from: tonto1888 on March 11, 2024, 07:33:59 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 10, 2024, 05:45:29 PMBoring,? U watch much soccer?

yes. It is boring but less boring than rugby union

Rugby is a game based primarily on physical strength and brute force. There can't be many sports where the level of technical skill required is much lesser than rugby. Massive amounts of hype, sponsorship and clever marketing shouldn't cover up that fact. The reality is that for an awful lot of supporters it's just about the big occasion rather than the actual game itself. Otherwise the game would be flourishing at club level. I'd say the majority of people tuning in for the big internationals watch very little, if any rugby in between.

Soccer can be boring but the balance is much more towards technical ability rather than physical attributes.

Is that phenomenon really unique to rugby in Ireland? What percentage of Irish soccer viewers are making their way to Oriel, the Brandywell, or the Showgrounds of a Friday evening?

The League of Ireland is in a much better place than it has been in a long time. Attendances are up across the board and it is much more authentic than what you see in the big League across the water. No doubt there are plenty who just follow the big English sides but as a proportion I'd say there are significantly more LOI match going fans following the Irish soccer side than AIL fans following Irish rugby.   

https://www.extratime.com/articles/32963/loi-attendances-2024---growing-pains-in-the-league-of-irelands-increase-in-popularity/



Yes, paid professional soccer players / clubs. Do the 4 professional rugby clubs pull in bigger crowds the the entire LOI combined?

Not sure but I would imagine the soccer would have more over the course of a season but I can't be sure. But then you're not exactly comparing like with like. One is mostly based on a domestic league with smaller regional teams while the other is based on 4 larger provinces and which has an international dimension to it. Also factor in that the number of games in rugby are likely to be significantly less over the course of a season than soccer. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 11, 2024, 08:19:45 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on March 11, 2024, 01:23:36 PM
Quote from: tonto1888 on March 11, 2024, 07:33:59 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 10, 2024, 05:45:29 PMBoring,? U watch much soccer?

yes. It is boring but less boring than rugby union

Rugby is a game based primarily on physical strength and brute force. There can't be many sports where the level of technical skill required is much lesser than rugby. Massive amounts of hype, sponsorship and clever marketing shouldn't cover up that fact. The reality is that for an awful lot of supporters it's just about the big occasion rather than the actual game itself. Otherwise the game would be flourishing at club level. I'd say the majority of people tuning in for the big internationals watch very little, if any rugby in between.

Soccer can be boring but the balance is much more towards technical ability rather than physical attributes.

   
That's the forwards. Rugby back play is about space and motion. Same as GAA or soccer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiJChmhe9A4&t=2845s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWr9Oz-cnzI


Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: yellowcard on March 11, 2024, 09:21:18 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 11, 2024, 08:19:45 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on March 11, 2024, 01:23:36 PM
Quote from: tonto1888 on March 11, 2024, 07:33:59 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 10, 2024, 05:45:29 PMBoring,? U watch much soccer?

yes. It is boring but less boring than rugby union

Rugby is a game based primarily on physical strength and brute force. There can't be many sports where the level of technical skill required is much lesser than rugby. Massive amounts of hype, sponsorship and clever marketing shouldn't cover up that fact. The reality is that for an awful lot of supporters it's just about the big occasion rather than the actual game itself. Otherwise the game would be flourishing at club level. I'd say the majority of people tuning in for the big internationals watch very little, if any rugby in between.

Soccer can be boring but the balance is much more towards technical ability rather than physical attributes.

   
That's the forwards. Rugby back play is about space and motion. Same as GAA or soccer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiJChmhe9A4&t=2845s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWr9Oz-cnzI




There is very little that I see in a game of rugby that has the wow factor unless you are into heavy collisions and big tackles which I accept that some people do want to see.

But purely from a technical skill level, the sport does not require a great deal and that also includes the backs barring the rare exception like O'Driscoll. Most top level centres now are 15 stone and built like tanks.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on March 11, 2024, 09:47:44 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on March 11, 2024, 06:43:54 PMYes, paid professional soccer players / clubs. Do the 4 professional rugby clubs pull in bigger crowds the the entire LOI combined?

To measure like with like you'd have to exclude Ulster!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on March 11, 2024, 10:48:50 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on March 11, 2024, 09:47:44 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on March 11, 2024, 06:43:54 PMYes, paid professional soccer players / clubs. Do the 4 professional rugby clubs pull in bigger crowds the the entire LOI combined?

To measure like with like you'd have to exclude Ulster!

Why?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: snoopdog on March 11, 2024, 10:54:39 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on March 11, 2024, 10:48:50 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on March 11, 2024, 09:47:44 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on March 11, 2024, 06:43:54 PMYes, paid professional soccer players / clubs. Do the 4 professional rugby clubs pull in bigger crowds the the entire LOI combined?

To measure like with like you'd have to exclude Ulster!

34.5k attended all LOI games on opening weekend of the season. That's both divisions.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 11, 2024, 11:26:14 PM
Wonder what the attendance is for a full round of Gaelic football and Hurling over a weekend.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 11, 2024, 11:51:04 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 11, 2024, 11:26:14 PMWonder what the attendance is for a full round of Gaelic football and Hurling over a weekend.

There were 12k in Derry for the Dubs!
Quote from: JoG2 on March 11, 2024, 10:48:50 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on March 11, 2024, 09:47:44 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on March 11, 2024, 06:43:54 PMYes, paid professional soccer players / clubs. Do the 4 professional rugby clubs pull in bigger crowds the the entire LOI combined?

To measure like with like you'd have to exclude Ulster!

Why?

Only one LOI team out of 10 is in Ulster?

Do you combine it with the Irish Premiership attendances?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Ed Ricketts on March 12, 2024, 12:48:29 AM
Quote from: yellowcard on March 11, 2024, 06:40:09 PM
Quote from: Ed Ricketts on March 11, 2024, 05:01:07 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on March 11, 2024, 01:23:36 PM
Quote from: tonto1888 on March 11, 2024, 07:33:59 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 10, 2024, 05:45:29 PMBoring,? U watch much soccer?

yes. It is boring but less boring than rugby union

Rugby is a game based primarily on physical strength and brute force. There can't be many sports where the level of technical skill required is much lesser than rugby. Massive amounts of hype, sponsorship and clever marketing shouldn't cover up that fact. The reality is that for an awful lot of supporters it's just about the big occasion rather than the actual game itself. Otherwise the game would be flourishing at club level. I'd say the majority of people tuning in for the big internationals watch very little, if any rugby in between.

Soccer can be boring but the balance is much more towards technical ability rather than physical attributes.

Is that phenomenon really unique to rugby in Ireland? What percentage of Irish soccer viewers are making their way to Oriel, the Brandywell, or the Showgrounds of a Friday evening?

The League of Ireland is in a much better place than it has been in a long time. Attendances are up across the board and it is much more authentic than what you see in the big League across the water. No doubt there are plenty who just follow the big English sides but as a proportion I'd say there are significantly more LOI match going fans following the Irish soccer side than AIL fans following Irish rugby.   

https://www.extratime.com/articles/32963/loi-attendances-2024---growing-pains-in-the-league-of-irelands-increase-in-popularity/


Why compare with the AIL? The URC is the league competition for Irish rugby clubs.

Average ROI soccer international home attendance 2023: 42,000
Average total LOI round attendance 2023: 22,000
Drop off = 48%

Average Ireland rugby international home attendance 2023: 49,500
Average total URC round attendance for Irish clubs (- Ulster) 22/23: 37,500
Drop off = 24%

Both sports could do a better job attracting event junkies to lower profile club games, but there's clearly a very strong appetite for watching rugby in Ireland beyond the heavily marketed national side.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on March 12, 2024, 09:01:55 AM
Quote from: screenexile on March 11, 2024, 11:51:04 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 11, 2024, 11:26:14 PMWonder what the attendance is for a full round of Gaelic football and Hurling over a weekend.

There were 12k in Derry for the Dubs!
Quote from: JoG2 on March 11, 2024, 10:48:50 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on March 11, 2024, 09:47:44 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on March 11, 2024, 06:43:54 PMYes, paid professional soccer players / clubs. Do the 4 professional rugby clubs pull in bigger crowds the the entire LOI combined?

To measure like with like you'd have to exclude Ulster!

Why?

Only one LOI team out of 10 is in Ulster?

Do you combine it with the Irish Premiership attendances?

There's 2 actually, still don't know why you'd leave out Ulster
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tonto1888 on March 12, 2024, 09:13:19 AM
Quote from: JoG2 on March 12, 2024, 09:01:55 AM
Quote from: screenexile on March 11, 2024, 11:51:04 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 11, 2024, 11:26:14 PMWonder what the attendance is for a full round of Gaelic football and Hurling over a weekend.

There were 12k in Derry for the Dubs!
Quote from: JoG2 on March 11, 2024, 10:48:50 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on March 11, 2024, 09:47:44 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on March 11, 2024, 06:43:54 PMYes, paid professional soccer players / clubs. Do the 4 professional rugby clubs pull in bigger crowds the the entire LOI combined?

To measure like with like you'd have to exclude Ulster!

Why?

Only one LOI team out of 10 is in Ulster?

Do you combine it with the Irish Premiership attendances?

There's 2 actually, still don't know why you'd leave out Ulster

Derry and who else?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on March 12, 2024, 09:21:00 AM
Quote from: tonto1888 on March 12, 2024, 09:13:19 AM
Quote from: JoG2 on March 12, 2024, 09:01:55 AM
Quote from: screenexile on March 11, 2024, 11:51:04 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 11, 2024, 11:26:14 PMWonder what the attendance is for a full round of Gaelic football and Hurling over a weekend.

There were 12k in Derry for the Dubs!
Quote from: JoG2 on March 11, 2024, 10:48:50 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on March 11, 2024, 09:47:44 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on March 11, 2024, 06:43:54 PMYes, paid professional soccer players / clubs. Do the 4 professional rugby clubs pull in bigger crowds the the entire LOI combined?

To measure like with like you'd have to exclude Ulster!

Why?

Only one LOI team out of 10 is in Ulster?

Do you combine it with the Irish Premiership attendances?

There's 2 actually, still don't know why you'd leave out Ulster

Derry and who else?

Ah, premier. Div 1 not in the LOI?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: An Watcher on March 12, 2024, 10:05:29 AM
How could you forget about the mighty Harps of Ballybofey
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: tonto1888 on March 12, 2024, 10:39:11 AM
Quote from: JoG2 on March 12, 2024, 09:21:00 AM
Quote from: tonto1888 on March 12, 2024, 09:13:19 AM
Quote from: JoG2 on March 12, 2024, 09:01:55 AM
Quote from: screenexile on March 11, 2024, 11:51:04 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 11, 2024, 11:26:14 PMWonder what the attendance is for a full round of Gaelic football and Hurling over a weekend.

There were 12k in Derry for the Dubs!
Quote from: JoG2 on March 11, 2024, 10:48:50 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on March 11, 2024, 09:47:44 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on March 11, 2024, 06:43:54 PMYes, paid professional soccer players / clubs. Do the 4 professional rugby clubs pull in bigger crowds the the entire LOI combined?

To measure like with like you'd have to exclude Ulster!

Why?

Only one LOI team out of 10 is in Ulster?

Do you combine it with the Irish Premiership attendances?

There's 2 actually, still don't know why you'd leave out Ulster

Derry and who else?

Ah, premier. Div 1 not in the LOI?

hah, no offence intended. Was a genuine question as I am not familiar with the LOI set up whatsoever
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 15, 2024, 09:54:57 PM
U20s win with a BP after a poor first half against Scotland but all to no avail as England come back from 21-5 down to win 45-31 away to France. If France had even tried to defend they'd have won comfortably. Terribly shoddy performance.

Ireland are now 14-1-0 in the last three years.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Nanderson on March 15, 2024, 10:11:47 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 15, 2024, 09:54:57 PMU20s win with a BP after a poor first half against Scotland but all to no avail as England come back from 21-5 down to win 45-31 away to France. If France had even tried to defend they'd have won comfortably. Terribly shoddy performance.

Ireland are now 14-1-0 in the last three years.
France were very sloppy towards the end and butchered good possession deep in England territory.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 15, 2024, 10:26:17 PM
From the moment they conceded the final try they must have cocked up no less than six really solid attacking platforms with 30m of the English line.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 16, 2024, 11:04:36 AM
Quote from: gallsman on March 15, 2024, 10:26:17 PMFrom the moment they conceded the final try they must have cocked up no less than six really solid attacking platforms with 30m of the English line.
Ireland never controlled the match. They weren't accurate enough. England imposed their terms.
That is what makes the 6N such a great competition. Competition
A Grand Slam is valued because it is so hard to win.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 16, 2024, 12:57:26 PM
Dunno what the f**k you're talking about, but the above comment was in relation to the France-England U20s game last night.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on March 16, 2024, 02:39:11 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 16, 2024, 12:57:26 PMDunno what the f**k you're talking about, but the above comment was in relation to the France-England U20s game last night.

:).. Was waiting for the reply
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on March 16, 2024, 03:24:04 PM
I'm delighted for Italy. Genuinely I am.

But would it be wrong to suggest their sudden competitiveness owes at least as much to the other nations not taking this year's 6N as seriously?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 16, 2024, 04:10:33 PM
Wales cheering trying not to get the wooden spoon, Italy had roasted their ass then stopped last 10mins when 17pts up.Shouldnt have give away that try in Injury time.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on March 16, 2024, 04:28:03 PM
Delighted for Warren Gatland!  ;D
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 16, 2024, 05:25:30 PM
Fairly bad miss in front of the posts there
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 16, 2024, 05:27:18 PM
When rugby is bad it's very bad!!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 16, 2024, 05:34:44 PM
Scotland defensive line is very disciplined. The England players could have more to play for this evening than they expected.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 16, 2024, 05:48:56 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 16, 2024, 05:34:44 PMScotland defensive line is very disciplined. The England players could have more to play for this evening than they expected.

You'd hope we can get the to tire and we get properly ahead towards the end of the game!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 16, 2024, 06:01:42 PM
Watching Virgin here and Quinlan said it was a try but I didn't think he had control when the ball h it the ground. They should have given the penalty for head contact though!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 16, 2024, 06:18:32 PM
Ireland pale shadow without Sexton, should try clock a few 3pters, not gun for a try every time . Some amount of knock ons
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 16, 2024, 06:27:36 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 16, 2024, 06:18:32 PMIreland pale shadow without Sexton, should try clock a few 3pters, not gun fir a try every time . Some amount of knock ons

I don't like that at all... I can remember 10+ years ago ones on here saying Sexton was a downgrade on O'Gara give the lad a chance FFS!!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 16, 2024, 06:37:46 PM
Hes young, well mid 20's but can't control the game, Ireland are ahead here, but haven't been great, way too many mistakes.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 16, 2024, 06:43:46 PM
Scrum?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 16, 2024, 06:45:34 PM
Ireland doing what they should done last week!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Blowitupref on March 16, 2024, 06:45:45 PM
Got the win after a nervy finish.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 16, 2024, 06:51:25 PM
Two poor performances in a row now. Very different feeling ahead of the SA tour now.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on March 16, 2024, 07:11:51 PM
Well done Ireland, 6N titles are not to be sniffed at. I think it was Phil Matthews there made a great point, the WC was an incredible disappointment for Ireland& France, France are only coming out of mourning now, Ireland managed the disappointment better & won the championship from a similar position. They've also started the transition while winning a title. I'd imagine that's the end of Murray & O'Mahoney.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Gael80 on March 16, 2024, 07:22:21 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on March 16, 2024, 07:11:51 PMWell done Ireland, 6N titles are not to be sniffed at. I think it was Phil Matthews there made a great point, the WC was an incredible disappointment for Ireland& France, France are only coming out of mourning now, Ireland managed the disappointment better & won the championship from a similar position. They've also started the transition while winning a title. I'd imagine that's the end of Murray & O'Mahoney.

I agree to an extent and delighted to win the championship. However Irish rugby does need to be modest and accept we're at best competitive to take the pressure off.

It was interesting to hear BOD say it's the fourth sport in Ireland and I didn't sense the same arrogance this week.

We can't forgot the Irish system is like a club scene, France wouldn't have spent the same time together post WC so I'm not sure we can compare the two.

This year was a free hit and the next three 6N prior to the WC will be a lot stronger; France and England will certainly be stronger.

Well done Ireland though, deserved to win the championship.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 16, 2024, 07:30:30 PM
We are starting transition, but what Ireland done at the end of the game was excately what they should done last week.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: bennydorano on March 16, 2024, 07:39:10 PM
Quote from: Gael80 on March 16, 2024, 07:22:21 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on March 16, 2024, 07:11:51 PMWell done Ireland, 6N titles are not to be sniffed at. I think it was Phil Matthews there made a great point, the WC was an incredible disappointment for Ireland& France, France are only coming out of mourning now, Ireland managed the disappointment better & won the championship from a similar position. They've also started the transition while winning a title. I'd imagine that's the end of Murray & O'Mahoney.

I agree to an extent and delighted to win the championship. However Irish rugby does need to be modest and accept we're at best competitive to take the pressure off.

It was interesting to hear BOD say it's the fourth sport in Ireland and I didn't sense the same arrogance this week.

We can't forgot the Irish system is like a club scene, France wouldn't have spent the same time together post WC so I'm not sure we can compare the two.

This year was a free hit and the next three 6N prior to the WC will be a lot stronger; France and England will certainly be stronger.

Well done Ireland though, deserved to win the championship.
It's really only a few high profile journalists/ media people who make the 'arrogant' comments - but then social media takes off in response in all directions and the noise is all amplifying the initial few comments - there's not wholesale arrogance imo, it's more just the nature of gobshitery on twitter.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 16, 2024, 07:59:28 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on March 16, 2024, 07:39:10 PM
Quote from: Gael80 on March 16, 2024, 07:22:21 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on March 16, 2024, 07:11:51 PMWell done Ireland, 6N titles are not to be sniffed at. I think it was Phil Matthews there made a great point, the WC was an incredible disappointment for Ireland& France, France are only coming out of mourning now, Ireland managed the disappointment better & won the championship from a similar position. They've also started the transition while winning a title. I'd imagine that's the end of Murray & O'Mahoney.

I agree to an extent and delighted to win the championship. However Irish rugby does need to be modest and accept we're at best competitive to take the pressure off.

It was interesting to hear BOD say it's the fourth sport in Ireland and I didn't sense the same arrogance this week.

We can't forgot the Irish system is like a club scene, France wouldn't have spent the same time together post WC so I'm not sure we can compare the two.

This year was a free hit and the next three 6N prior to the WC will be a lot stronger; France and England will certainly be stronger.

Well done Ireland though, deserved to win the championship.
It's really only a few high profile journalists/ media people who make the 'arrogant' comments - but then social media takes off in response in all directions and the noise is all amplifying the initial few comments - there's not wholesale arrogance imo, it's more just the nature of gobshitery on twitter.
Agree with that Benny. Heaslip etc. made tits of themselves but nobody I know who follows the game thought England would be a pushover. That's old news now. Be interesting to see who returns for the Autumn series and beyond.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 16, 2024, 09:26:06 PM
Terrific game here to close out the championship. England following up last week with plenty of powerful play up front and France showing that they're still going to be a force to be reckoned with once Dupont is back.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Wildweasel74 on March 16, 2024, 09:43:15 PM
Both teams way too loose, makes for a great game but falls short against a team like South Africa
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 16, 2024, 09:50:16 PM
Probably. Both those performances tonight though might well have beaten Ireland today.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 16, 2024, 10:02:08 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 16, 2024, 09:50:16 PMProbably. Both those performances tonight though might well have beaten Ireland today.
I'd say so. When the French can match defence to their jouer, like they did a couple of years ago, they'll be a force again soon.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: LeoMc on March 17, 2024, 09:15:15 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 16, 2024, 04:10:33 PMWales cheering trying not to get the wooden spoon, Italy had roasted their ass then stopped last 10mins when 17pts up.Shouldnt have give away that try in Injury time.

Wales didn't have their mind on the game, their princess is missing.

Stolen from Twitter.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on March 18, 2024, 07:11:55 PM
Did not know this competition existed. Would be great if this got a bit more exposure.


(https://scontent.fdub5-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/433861371_840558941449447_8199116232185627658_n.jpg?stp=cp6_dst-jpg_p526x296&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5f2048&_nc_ohc=QbHTyRb5kV4AX-R7qPS&_nc_ht=scontent.fdub5-2.fna&cb_e2o_trans=q&oh=00_AfCrHqi6ryno9a_3C6-xMXdntt29-9EqZzLBslGCtRnP9A&oe=65FCB18B)
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 18, 2024, 08:10:38 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on March 18, 2024, 07:11:55 PMDid not know this competition existed. Would be great if this got a bit more exposure.


(https://scontent.fdub5-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/433861371_840558941449447_8199116232185627658_n.jpg?stp=cp6_dst-jpg_p526x296&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5f2048&_nc_ohc=QbHTyRb5kV4AX-R7qPS&_nc_ht=scontent.fdub5-2.fna&cb_e2o_trans=q&oh=00_AfCrHqi6ryno9a_3C6-xMXdntt29-9EqZzLBslGCtRnP9A&oe=65FCB18B)
It's the Joe McDonagh rugby championshio
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 18, 2024, 08:20:49 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on March 18, 2024, 07:11:55 PMDid not know this competition existed. Would be great if this got a bit more exposure.


The failure to implement promotion and relegation from the 6N will always limit the growth of the sport in this part of the world. Georgia famously won away in Wales as part of the autumn internationals a couple of years ago.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: From the Bunker on March 18, 2024, 09:29:22 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 18, 2024, 08:20:49 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on March 18, 2024, 07:11:55 PMDid not know this competition existed. Would be great if this got a bit more exposure.


The failure to implement promotion and relegation from the 6N will always limit the growth of the sport in this part of the world. Georgia famously won away in Wales as part of the autumn internationals a couple of years ago.

Imagine if there was a promotion play-off between Wales and Georgia this year and Georgia won!
The first problem would be - there would be no Triple Crown.
Even if Wales evolved into total sh*te there is no way they could be kicked out of the 6N.

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: screenexile on March 18, 2024, 09:43:53 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on March 18, 2024, 09:29:22 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 18, 2024, 08:20:49 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on March 18, 2024, 07:11:55 PMDid not know this competition existed. Would be great if this got a bit more exposure.


The failure to implement promotion and relegation from the 6N will always limit the growth of the sport in this part of the world. Georgia famously won away in Wales as part of the autumn internationals a couple of years ago.

Imagine if there was a promotion play-off between Wales and Georgia this year and Georgia won!
The first problem would be - there would be no Triple Crown.
Even if Wales evolved into total sh*te there is no way they could be kicked out of the 6N.



Wales/Italy/Scotland won't sign up to it as the loss of money for being relegated would probably be colossal.

There would have to be a guarantee of a certain percentage of the big cash for relegated teams but it'd be turkeys voting for Christmas why would they risk it?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 18, 2024, 09:49:33 PM
Quote from: screenexile on March 18, 2024, 09:43:53 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on March 18, 2024, 09:29:22 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 18, 2024, 08:20:49 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on March 18, 2024, 07:11:55 PMDid not know this competition existed. Would be great if this got a bit more exposure.


The failure to implement promotion and relegation from the 6N will always limit the growth of the sport in this part of the world. Georgia famously won away in Wales as part of the autumn internationals a couple of years ago.

Imagine if there was a promotion play-off between Wales and Georgia this year and Georgia won!
The first problem would be - there would be no Triple Crown.
Even if Wales evolved into total sh*te there is no way they could be kicked out of the 6N.



Wales/Italy/Scotland won't sign up to it as the loss of money for being relegated would probably be colossal.

There would have to be a guarantee of a certain percentage of the big cash for relegated teams but it'd be turkeys voting for Christmas why would they risk it?
Wales would be buried with the loss of 6N revenue. They're already on their last legs at club level. You'd probably need 2 groups of 4 (including South Africa and Georgia) to make something work for everyone.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on March 18, 2024, 10:10:23 PM
The 6N isn't a European championship. It's a private members competition. And an extremely successful one at that.

What could any of its members possibly gain from changing things up? I can't think is a single thing.

This concept of it growing the game is nonsense. Sports do not grow in popularity by providing a showcase for mismatches.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Armagh18 on March 18, 2024, 10:12:18 PM
Some form of jeopardy do no harm. Italy have been woeful for years but seem to have got the finger out this year. Be a kick in the hole for all teams if nothing else.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on March 18, 2024, 10:25:43 PM
It wouldn't be a kick in the hole. It would be a giant waste of everyone's time.

Had Wales been relegated at the weekend, they'd spend next season winning every game in the "b" by 80-100 points, whilst Georgia would suffer similar deficits in each of their "a" games. Italy's focus for that season would change from one of improvement to one in which having everyone fit and ready for Georgia is the key to their season.

Then the following season, when relegated, Italian rugby changes forever. Without 6N cash guaranteed, they have to cut costs everywhere.

So by the time they return to the A, they're further than ever away from the standard. And with absolutely no possibility of getting close ever again. 
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on March 18, 2024, 11:49:30 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 18, 2024, 10:10:23 PMThe 6N isn't a European championship. It's a private members competition. And an extremely successful one at that.

What could any of its members possibly gain from changing things up? I can't think is a single thing.

This concept of it growing the game is nonsense. Sports do not grow in popularity by providing a showcase for mismatches.

Like the Euro / WC qualifiers or the old All Ireland series?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: thewobbler on March 19, 2024, 07:47:36 AM
Quote from: JoG2 on March 18, 2024, 11:49:30 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on March 18, 2024, 10:10:23 PMThe 6N isn't a European championship. It's a private members competition. And an extremely successful one at that.

What could any of its members possibly gain from changing things up? I can't think is a single thing.

This concept of it growing the game is nonsense. Sports do not grow in popularity by providing a showcase for mismatches.

Like the Euro / WC qualifiers or the old All Ireland series?

Seeded qualifiers were brought in to help ensure that the actual Finals stages of the WC and Euros remained competitive. The number of teams involved in the finals has expanded only as competition for those places improved. RWC could learn a lot from this.

Not sure what you mean about the old AI series. But I do know that in terms of public interest, tv coverage and attendance levels, the sport was reaching a nadir until the Ulster sides started to become competitive late 80s, early 90s. Which has nothing to do with a change of format or increased exposure to hidings

Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Applesisapples on March 19, 2024, 08:50:19 AM
Christ you would think that Irish teams of all codes are winning internationally recognised competitions year in year out to read some of the commentary on here. Can we not just enjoy the fact that at international level in Rugby we are in with a shout. The only other sport we come close in is boxing.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on March 19, 2024, 09:05:28 AM
Quote from: Applesisapples on March 19, 2024, 08:50:19 AMChrist you would think that Irish teams of all codes are winning internationally recognised competitions year in year out to read some of the commentary on here. Can we not just enjoy the fact that at international level in Rugby we are in with a shout. The only other sport we come close in is boxing.

O'Driscoll is right, rugby is fourth choice sport in Ireland, in the 00's I think he said Ireland only won 7 games for the whole decade, so enjoy it while it lasts.

John Barclay also mentioned that England has more registered referee's than Scotland has actual registered players.


6N championship won, new lads bled into the team so the Summer tours and Autumn internationals there's plenty of opportunity to bleed more lads into this environment.

Wales went full bore with almost a new team and they ended up with the wooden spoon.

England will be needing new front rows before the next 6N's, let alone a WC.

We're not in the worst of positions.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 19, 2024, 09:17:18 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on March 19, 2024, 09:05:28 AMin the 00's I think he said Ireland only won 7 games for the whole decade, so enjoy it while it lasts.

Definitely not right. Sure the 'slam in 09 was 5 of them alone.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: imtommygunn on March 19, 2024, 09:28:44 AM
I would have thought it was probably 90s. I think Ireland won about 7 games the whole of my childhood  :o
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: gallsman on March 19, 2024, 09:37:09 AM
Would make more sense. A few wooden spoons and usually one win a year sounds about right.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: johnnycool on March 19, 2024, 09:39:35 AM
Quote from: gallsman on March 19, 2024, 09:37:09 AMWould make more sense. A few wooden spoons and usually one win a year sounds about right.

That's what he said  :o
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JoG2 on March 19, 2024, 10:35:52 AM
Quote from: gallsman on March 19, 2024, 09:37:09 AMWould make more sense. A few wooden spoons and usually one win a year sounds about right.

Think we top the all time wooden spoon table
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: JPGJOHNNYG on March 19, 2024, 11:46:55 AM
Just had a look on Wikipedia it was the nineties, we won just 8 games in 10 yrs. I remember it well we were garbage. We couldn't beat France or Scotland would have an occasional win over England and then beat Wales in Cardiff but Lose to them in Dublin. Changed times.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: seafoid on March 19, 2024, 02:14:47 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on March 19, 2024, 11:46:55 AMJust had a look on Wikipedia it was the nineties, we won just 8 games in 10 yrs. I remember it well we were garbage. We couldn't beat France or Scotland would have an occasional win over England and then beat Wales in Cardiff but Lose to them in Dublin. Changed times.

Keith Wood on rugby then, following some patronising from Justin Marshall
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37dubmz-wQw&t=277s
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Capt Pat on April 13, 2024, 07:52:46 PM
That was a top performance from Leinster today. 40-13 against the champions La Rochelle. They are talking about the semi final being in Croke Park.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on April 13, 2024, 09:03:00 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on April 13, 2024, 07:52:46 PMThat was a top performance from Leinster today. 40-13 against the champions La Rochelle. They are talking about the semi final being in Croke Park.

Casement not available?
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on April 14, 2024, 12:11:36 AM
If they're gonna use all of CP I'd get tickets for that. Saints very useful this season.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on April 14, 2024, 12:28:51 AM
Northampton blew them away..

Have watched them a lot this year, quality team but beat an under strength team today

But home advantage and how Leinster are playing they should come through that..

I'll be at a stag that weekend, something to watch on the sun!
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Tony Baloney on April 14, 2024, 12:36:54 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 14, 2024, 12:28:51 AMNorthampton blew them away..

Have watched them a lot this year, quality team but beat an under strength team today

But home advantage and how Leinster are playing they should come through that..

I'll be at a stag that weekend, something to watch on the sun!
Saints have been been a great go forward team but since Lee Radford joining they've finally got a defence to match. You'd expect Leinster to win alright but Saints will fear no team this year.
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Hoof Hearted on April 14, 2024, 11:23:39 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on April 14, 2024, 12:36:54 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 14, 2024, 12:28:51 AMNorthampton blew them away..

Have watched them a lot this year, quality team but beat an under strength team today

But home advantage and how Leinster are playing they should come through that..

I'll be at a stag that weekend, something to watch on the sun!
Saints have been been a great go forward team but since Lee Radford joining they've finally got a defence to match. You'd expect Leinster to win alright but Saints will fear no team this year.

Brings back memories of the 2011 final in Cardiff, which I was at
Hammered first half, then that sexton inspired comeback
Great day
Title: Re: The IRISH RUGBY thread
Post by: Milltown Row2 on April 14, 2024, 04:32:07 PM
Toulouse are purring along nicely..

If the meet Leinster in the final you'll pay good money to watch that game
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